Lower School Newsletter Autumn Term 2021
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LOWER SCHOOL<br />
<strong>Newsletter</strong><br />
<strong>Autumn</strong> <strong>Term</strong> <strong>2021</strong><br />
Interview with...<br />
Mr Gillespie, Headmaster<br />
William and Mustafa, First Form<br />
Welcome<br />
On Wednesday 3 November, William and Mustafa interviewed the<br />
Headmaster, Mr Gillespie, in his office at the <strong>School</strong><br />
Our first question was: ‘What would<br />
be your number one piece of advice for<br />
thriving at St Albans <strong>School</strong>?’ Mr Gillespie<br />
explained that we need to get stuck in and<br />
make the most of all the opportunities that<br />
are on offer and give everything a go. When<br />
he was at Bedford Modern <strong>School</strong>, he sang<br />
in the <strong>School</strong> choir. If this had not been<br />
mandatory, he would never have taken part,<br />
but found it a beneficial experience. Mr<br />
Gillespie also played the French horn!<br />
When we asked the Headmaster what cocurricular<br />
activities he would have chosen<br />
if he was in the <strong>Lower</strong> <strong>School</strong>, he explained<br />
how much he would have enjoyed Fun Fit<br />
Friday where you can participate in a wide<br />
range of sports. He would have divided his<br />
time between sport and music. Mr Gillespie<br />
would have liked Computer Science, noting<br />
that computers had only just been invented<br />
when he was at school!<br />
Surprisingly, Mr Gillespie thought about<br />
joining the army. However, he followed in<br />
his parents’ footsteps by taking up teaching.<br />
He taught French and German, which were<br />
also his favourite subjects. He was inspired<br />
by teachers that had a passion for their<br />
subject and an interest in him as a person.<br />
Although, he slightly preferred French if he<br />
had to make a choice. Mr Gillespie never<br />
planned on being a headmaster but has no<br />
regrets about his life choices. The army’s<br />
loss is St Albans <strong>School</strong>’s gain.<br />
In terms of figures in public life who Mr<br />
Gillespie finds inspirational, it is those<br />
who model the values he aspires to - the<br />
Queen for her service to the nation, Nelson<br />
Mandela for his tenacity and resilience and<br />
Archbishop Desmond Tutu (who he once<br />
had the privilege of meeting). He doesn’t<br />
really support a football team, but one of<br />
his sons supports Chelsea. So, Mr Gillespie<br />
tends to keep up with Chelsea results to see<br />
what mood his son might be in.<br />
With masks being reintroduced, we asked<br />
Mr Gillespie what positive impacts the<br />
pandemic has had on the <strong>School</strong>. In his<br />
view, we have come to appreciate even more<br />
the importance of human relationships - the<br />
little and many social interactions every<br />
day which before COVID we took for<br />
granted. His greatest motivation is leading<br />
a happy school and making the most of<br />
the opportunity to serve other people in<br />
fulfilling that role. It’s about looking after<br />
everyone in our school and follows our<br />
motto, non nobis nati.<br />
Welcome to the <strong>Autumn</strong> <strong>Term</strong> <strong>Lower</strong><br />
<strong>School</strong> <strong>Newsletter</strong>. I am so proud that<br />
in spite of the changing nature of the<br />
world outside, life has been as busy as<br />
ever for all members of the <strong>Lower</strong> <strong>School</strong><br />
community. In the past 12 weeks, new<br />
friendships have been forged, existing<br />
friendships have been rekindled, Joseph<br />
songs have been performed, the tale of<br />
Arabian Nights has been remodelled for<br />
younger minds, <strong>Lower</strong> <strong>School</strong> PSHEE<br />
Assemblies have been delivered, the<br />
Choir has sung with gusto, individual<br />
form Assemblies have been presented,<br />
<strong>School</strong> Council meetings have discussed<br />
fresh ideas, the Green Council have<br />
initiated Meat-free Mondays, Rugby<br />
matches have been won and lost, Hockey<br />
matches played, Debates have been<br />
held, Classics myths acted, Warhammer<br />
Games played, Lego built, the Orchard<br />
has seen games of football, Manhunt,<br />
deep conversations have been shared,<br />
Chess matches have been sweated<br />
over, individual successes have been<br />
applauded, trumpets have been blown,<br />
guitars have been strummed, drums<br />
have been played and as the backdrop to<br />
all these events there has been laughter,<br />
smiles and adventure! I hope you enjoy<br />
reading these accounts and special<br />
thanks to the editing fairy Rijkje for her<br />
flair and to Iris for her photos.<br />
Happy reading!<br />
Mrs Victoria Ginsburg<br />
Deputy Head of <strong>Lower</strong> <strong>School</strong>
LS NEWSLETTER AUTUMN TERM <strong>2021</strong><br />
AUTUMN TERM <strong>2021</strong> LS NEWSLETTER<br />
Interview with the<br />
Head of <strong>School</strong><br />
Interview with the<br />
Head of Catering<br />
A Day in the Life of...<br />
I had the pleasure of interviewing<br />
the Head of <strong>School</strong>, Robert Heaney<br />
and asked him some questions<br />
about what it is like being the Head<br />
of <strong>School</strong>.<br />
Firstly, I asked him about what he<br />
would change in the <strong>School</strong>; he<br />
responded that he would not like<br />
to change anything but rather to be<br />
able to adapt back to pre-pandemic<br />
social life of students with co-curricular activities and be able<br />
to meet with other years by the time he leaves the <strong>School</strong>.<br />
The second question I asked him was how he felt, and what<br />
it was like being the Head of <strong>School</strong> in this first half term. He<br />
responded that it was very stressful starting with all the events<br />
he had to organise and attend but most importantly, about<br />
adapting to the public speaking aspect of the role which shows<br />
that speeches are only part of his role, and how he enjoys<br />
having a more widespread role in the <strong>School</strong>.<br />
The third question that was asked was what message he wished<br />
to convey to the <strong>Lower</strong> <strong>School</strong> and the type of advice he<br />
would give. He responded to this by saying that he hoped that<br />
everyone was settling in, especially after the unpredictability of<br />
last year and for the students to have fun and make memories<br />
with their friends as their time at St Albans <strong>School</strong> will fly by<br />
and soon, they will find themselves in their final year of school.<br />
The fourth question I asked was if he thought he was a<br />
good Head of <strong>School</strong> and how he felt that he was doing in<br />
his role. He answered that he can't say whether he is a good<br />
Head of <strong>School</strong> as it isn't his judgement. But he said that his<br />
communication skills and leadership are his best asset to the<br />
role and advises us to listen to the messages in his speeches.<br />
The final question I asked was why he wanted to be the Head of<br />
<strong>School</strong> and what drove him to apply. His final answer was that<br />
his brother was the Head of <strong>School</strong> previously and he always<br />
wanted to be like his brother because he admired him. He also<br />
has a desire to make a good name for himself in the <strong>School</strong><br />
throughout his journey. Overall, his message was that his wish<br />
has become his reality and it is possible for anyone to be the<br />
Head of <strong>School</strong> if they want to be.<br />
Neeam, Second Form<br />
For pupils and teaching staff, we may not consider the work and<br />
planning that goes into one day’s worth of food and feeding the<br />
entire school. I was fortunate enough to be able to interview the<br />
Head of Catering, Mr Agnelo Louis, to look at his background in<br />
food and catering and to see how he and his team manage to feed<br />
all of us every single day.<br />
Firstly, I asked him how he got into the catering industry. He<br />
replied, “I started my catering career unknowingly in 2005. I<br />
took a part time job at Costa Coffee to support myself financially<br />
as I studied. I enjoyed what I was doing and decided to pursue<br />
it as a full-time career. Since then, I have worked for Café Nero,<br />
YO! Sushi, JP Morgan, Cancer Research UK, The University of<br />
Law, Computacenter, The University of Bedfordshire and now St<br />
Albans <strong>School</strong>.”<br />
Then I asked him what he enjoyed about his job. He responded,<br />
“Food! A big part of my job revolves around food. I am<br />
constantly looking for new ideas and trying to implement current<br />
food trends into our catering such as plant-based dishes, vegan<br />
and other popular food trends. It’s a challenging but enjoyable<br />
experience.”<br />
Next, I asked about the planning that goes into one day’s<br />
worth of meals for all the pupils and teachers? He said, “We<br />
write our menus months in advance, keeping in mind current<br />
seasonal vegetables to incorporate into the menu. It takes a<br />
week, sometimes a bit more, to order ingredients and have them<br />
delivered to our kitchen. One day’s worth of meals takes about a<br />
week, a week of planning and a day of preparing. We cook food<br />
fresh on the day.”<br />
I then asked him how the catering staff decide on the menu. He<br />
said, “Our head chef, Gavin, produces the menu and I review it<br />
and make tweaks if necessary. We work to a three-week menu<br />
cycle, which changes every season. We also try to have themed<br />
days at least once a week, like Bonfire night on 5 November.”<br />
Finally, I asked him what gave him an interest in food. He replied,<br />
"There are so many different cuisines and so many variations of<br />
those cuisines available these days to try. St Albans street market<br />
is a good example of this. There is so much to explore.”<br />
I am grateful to have the answers to these questions and now<br />
understand the amount of work that goes into one day’s worth of<br />
food preparation at St Albans <strong>School</strong>.<br />
Daniyal, Second Form<br />
Bursting with a mixture of emotions, starting<br />
First Form was big for me. New school, new<br />
teachers, new friends and now I even had to<br />
remember where to get off my coach. I knew<br />
no one- it was all new!<br />
It was exciting, but I had lots of worries.<br />
Although, one thing I didn’t have to worry about was lockdowns,<br />
bubbles or wearing masks in class. So, I did count us lucky!<br />
Being a First Former can be challenging. My day starts much earlier,<br />
making sure I don’t miss my coach. Walking around the <strong>School</strong> to<br />
get to different lessons is completely new and it is very easy to get<br />
lost. Everyone is kind and helps you find your way. It's a good idea<br />
to leave enough time, as running never ends well!<br />
It wasn’t too hard to make friends, we all got to know each other<br />
quite quickly. As a First Former, everyone wants to try out all the<br />
fun clubs. A lot of subjects we learn are new to us and they are fun.<br />
The teachers are very helpful.<br />
Getting a Teacher’s Commendation is very exciting and a goal<br />
to work towards. If you get six TC’s you get a Headmaster’s<br />
Commendation which is great. Homework is substantially more<br />
than at primary school. It does feel a bit overwhelming some days<br />
but ‘Learning to Learn’ helps us to be more efficient. Lots of tests<br />
which make you strive and feel extremely proud when you ace it.<br />
Finishing off my first half term with a HC was very satisfying.<br />
Ethan, First Form<br />
I arrive at the bus stop at 07:15am and get onto<br />
the big, bright yellow coach, where I talk and<br />
have fun with my friends on the way to school.<br />
We arrive at 8:20am and I make my way to my<br />
form room in the math block. The form tutor<br />
arrives at 8:30am. We then have assembly or<br />
Abbey until 9:15am. After this, our lessons start.<br />
This year, we get to sit in new classrooms, learn<br />
new different, exciting things and even meet new teachers.<br />
At 11:00am we have break. This is a time to have snacks and have fun<br />
with your friends, as well as cool off from the first two lessons. After<br />
this we get back to lessons and then, at 12:10pm, we have lunch. We<br />
exit the refectory at 12:40pm after an amazing lunch and continue<br />
with our lessons. When 1:30pm comes around, we all go to the<br />
Orchard and runabout, playing football, rugby or just chasing each<br />
other in the leaves. This is half an hour of time to get fresh air and<br />
have fun.<br />
Football Club, Tuesday I do Science Club at lunchtime then after<br />
<strong>School</strong>, I enjoy Chamber Quartet and String Quartet, Wednesday is<br />
Rugby Training, Thursday I go to Swimming Squad and finally on<br />
Friday, I relax in the pool for some Fun Swimming. At 6pm, I finish<br />
my club and make my way back to the unmistakable St Albans<br />
<strong>School</strong> coaches. At 7pm, we arrive at my stop, and I head back<br />
home.<br />
I arrive home at 7:30pm and have dinner. Then it is time for,<br />
unfortunately, homework. Once I finish with my homework, I<br />
shower and go to bed to charge up for the next day.<br />
Nikolaj, Second Form<br />
MODERN TIMES<br />
At first, I was afraid<br />
But, how could I be brave?<br />
I entered through the gate<br />
Then they gave me a handshake<br />
Still shivering, I walked forward<br />
Thinking of the awkward<br />
Meeting new people<br />
Was I too feeble?<br />
They toured me around<br />
While I frowned<br />
Why was I frowning, I did not know?<br />
As my knowledge began to grow<br />
When my mood changed<br />
It began to rain<br />
But I stayed hopeful<br />
Because I did not want to be moanful<br />
I met a few teachers<br />
Spotting some interesting features<br />
This put a smile on my face<br />
As I began to race<br />
Then I walked out of the <strong>School</strong> gate with pride In Modern Times<br />
And from then I was a St Albans <strong>School</strong> pupil<br />
There were tough times last year, with online<br />
learning and getting used to wearing masks<br />
everywhere but that’s just <strong>School</strong> and you have<br />
do what you’ve been told. Also, the teachers<br />
are fantastic so if you have a problem, go and<br />
ask them.<br />
What does that old phrase say: ‘You reap what<br />
you sow’. Meaning that whatever you put in<br />
you will get something out of it. It will work. So have a brilliant<br />
year in the First Form.<br />
After a day full of lessons, I look forward to the club that<br />
I have next. From such a wide selection to choose from,<br />
it’s quite hard not to choose one for each day, whether it<br />
be during lunch break or after school. On Monday I have<br />
Rishabh, Second Form
LS NEWSLETTER AUTUMN TERM <strong>2021</strong><br />
AUTUMN TERM <strong>2021</strong> LS NEWSLETTER<br />
PSHEE<br />
Interview with Dr Gray, Head of PSHEE<br />
PSHEE is a very important subject that teaches us<br />
the skills and attributes we need to manage our<br />
lives. PSHEE is not simply a subject but something<br />
we learn life lessons from. The subject takes a step<br />
away from the academic side of school and teaches<br />
us about health and safety, and generally prepares<br />
us for the future. Here is my interview with Dr<br />
Gray, the head of PSHEE:<br />
Why did you decide to do PSHEE?<br />
I've always been interested in PSHEE: I used to run lots of<br />
youth groups, I saw the need for young people to understand<br />
drugs, alcohol and relationships.<br />
What is PSHEE about?<br />
I think that PSHEE is about teaching students how to live<br />
their life, not just for now, but in the future, preparing them<br />
for future life. I think PSHEE should be incorporated more<br />
into the <strong>School</strong>'s curriculum.<br />
Why do we learn PSHEE?<br />
Well, I think it helps us build character, it helps us understand<br />
the world around us and ourselves. It also helps us to make<br />
wise choices.<br />
Do you think PSHEE is the most important subject?<br />
I don't think PSHEE is an academic subject, but it teaches us a<br />
different set of skills that will help us in our future careers and<br />
studies, so I think it is very important.<br />
From this, I think that we can tell how important a subject<br />
PSHEE is. It is something that we all can learn from and is<br />
something that will undoubtedly help us in our lives.<br />
The day started with us gathering in the Hall ready to learn<br />
about some new study techniques. A very experienced<br />
lady from a company called Positively You was in charge of<br />
helping us with learning strategies. She introduced herself<br />
and told us that she had been working for Positively You for<br />
Second Form PSHEE Day<br />
20 years. As we got settled, the presenter explained to us how<br />
important it is to revise in the right way otherwise you will get<br />
overwhelmed and that makes for pointless revision.<br />
We were shown several techniques to help us remember<br />
crucial information that can also be fun. We were shown<br />
ways to revise by including the right and left side of the<br />
brain. The right side responds to colour and is responsible for<br />
daydreaming and more creative aspects, the left side responds<br />
to words and helps us to read and write. As I said before, this<br />
can make revision both thorough and exciting. These methods<br />
can help you to remember facts and information for a long<br />
time instead of just for a test.<br />
After break, we learned a bit about goals and targets. The<br />
speaker explained that you need to know what you are<br />
working towards. We were told that it can be far in the future<br />
such as a particular career you want to have or getting a<br />
certain score on your next test. We were told that our goals<br />
need to be specific and have a time limit.<br />
Personally, I found this extremely helpful, and I think in the<br />
future I will be able to incorporate these techniques into my<br />
revision and will start making goal maps, so I have a clear idea<br />
of what I want to achieve.<br />
Daniyal, Second Form<br />
Zaid, Second Form<br />
First Form PSHEE Day<br />
Prizegiving<br />
Alex, Second Form<br />
PSHEE Day for First Formers started very early, a few days<br />
after the students had settled at the <strong>School</strong>. Cheerfully, the<br />
new Albanians thronged into the assembly room (having<br />
no regular lessons) to begin one of the most fun filled and<br />
informative of days. The students learned everything in fun<br />
activities and sat down in the Hall to listen to presentations by<br />
specific teachers. These presentations depicted what we would<br />
be doing in our new life as Albanians and what would be<br />
expected of us during our time at the <strong>School</strong>.<br />
Furthermore, we got to participate in fun activities on PSHEE<br />
Day, which helped us learn useful life skills. Ecstatically,<br />
after break and lunch on that day, we poured into the Hall,<br />
eager to absorb the wisdom, as well as anticipating the<br />
exciting activities the teachers had prepared for us. Some<br />
of the activities gave us the opportunity to cook our own<br />
scrumptious dishes. In one of the activities, the students used<br />
bottles and pans to make music. Everyone had the time of<br />
their lives! For me, the most enjoyable part was being allowed<br />
to make the loudest noises we could, on school property and<br />
get away with it, whilst the teachers cheered us on! We had<br />
a ball. Moreover, we also learned about crucial CPR which<br />
could help us to save people in emergencies.<br />
Gratefully, PSHEE Day has helped us fit into the <strong>School</strong> and<br />
has taught us some core information, as well as skills that<br />
could help us in the future. The day was an informative, fun<br />
day where we made memories that we will remember for a<br />
long time. Whoever thinks that learning isn’t fun, well they<br />
haven’t been to St Albans <strong>School</strong>!<br />
Matthew, First Form<br />
The experience of Prizegiving, in the Abbey, was one which<br />
has been a defining feature of this year. For this event, I was<br />
very lucky to be given an opportunity to give a speech about<br />
the importance of <strong>School</strong> values, which I took with both<br />
hands because an opportunity such as this may not come<br />
around again. Before this event, I hoped that my preparation<br />
would be sufficient, because speeches are not always my<br />
forte, especially without enough practice. Thinking about it<br />
now, I can say that I am quite happy with how the delivery<br />
of my speech turned out although, by the time I arrived at<br />
Prizegiving, it was very nerve-racking for me, especially as<br />
I waited during the Headmaster’s speech. Much of what I<br />
thought during that time was about the audience’s reception<br />
to my speech that I was about to give, but looking back now,<br />
I think there was not much to worry about, as there was a<br />
full range of students in all years who would go on to give<br />
fantastic speeches after me. Giving the speech, however, was<br />
something I shall not forget because it has helped to better<br />
myself as a pupil – in progressing my public speaking and<br />
giving me more to draw on during future performances. The<br />
experience will continue to be a special one from my time<br />
here, and though in time much of the audience will probably<br />
remember little about me, the event will be something that I<br />
will keep close to me as I continue my journey through the<br />
<strong>School</strong>.
LS NEWSLETTER AUTUMN TERM <strong>2021</strong><br />
AUTUMN TERM <strong>2021</strong> LS NEWSLETTER<br />
Art Club<br />
I enjoy Art Club as it has freedom but also guidance. I have<br />
a passion for nature watching and photography, and Art<br />
Club allows me to incorporate some of my pleasures into the<br />
artwork I do. At Art Club there is a wide variety of media you<br />
can work in, and this makes every session enjoyable. Recently<br />
I have been on a holiday to RSBP Minsmere in Suffolk, which<br />
has made me appreciate how Art can change your view of the<br />
world and can bring you great pleasure. Whilst I was looking<br />
for wildlife to photograph, I saw some incredible creatures<br />
such as the very apparent red deer, the elusive reed dwelling<br />
bittern and a pair of hobbies, who were doing aerial acrobats<br />
Liam, First Form<br />
Chess Club<br />
Chess Club takes<br />
place on a Monday<br />
and Wednesday<br />
lunchtime. The<br />
Monday session is for<br />
the more experienced<br />
and competitive<br />
players, whereas the<br />
Wednesday session<br />
is for players who<br />
want to learn and have fun. You can choose whether to play a<br />
match, or you can ask someone for tips with your strategies.<br />
On average, we are able to play two matches per session so<br />
not only is it a place where you can socialise and meet other<br />
people, it is also a great place to improve your chess abilities<br />
whilst also having fun. Chess Club accepts anyone no matter<br />
what their level of skill is. It has helped me develop strategies<br />
and techniques.<br />
Erind, Second Form<br />
Co-Curricular Clubs<br />
Fun Fit Friday<br />
Fun Fit Friday takes place after school on a Friday. There are a<br />
range of different sports for you to try out such as swimming,<br />
badminton, table tennis and rock climbing. It is an amazing<br />
opportunity to hang out with your friends and relax.<br />
During Swimming, we play underwater games and have<br />
swimming races. Underwater volleyball is particularly fun,<br />
especially when you dive forward to hit the ball. We also<br />
practise diving and perform gigantic jumps. Landing in the<br />
water is very refreshing. It is extremely fun!<br />
It is also a good way to compete with your friends in some<br />
of the sports. Table Tennis is a good activity for this. Some of<br />
the teachers stay late and participate in the sports with us. We<br />
have a great time and it is an amazing and fun experience. I<br />
choose to attend every week, so I never miss out.<br />
Ethan, First Form<br />
The <strong>Lower</strong> <strong>School</strong> Hub<br />
The <strong>Lower</strong> <strong>School</strong> Hub is a place to relax and have fun away<br />
from the busy school day. Everyone from the <strong>Lower</strong> <strong>School</strong><br />
is welcome to pop in and have fun. There are a variety of<br />
board games that you can play such as Monopoly Deal and<br />
Battleships.<br />
The Hub takes place at lunch time on a Monday. You can pop<br />
along to have a break from the noise and chat of your form<br />
room and instead spend some time quietly playing a game or<br />
designing some Jenga constructions. When you arrive, the<br />
atmosphere is welcoming and unjudgmental. You can talk to<br />
boys from other forms, and as a bonus you can also play your<br />
own music as long as it’s not too loud.<br />
I have personally found it a useful tool for making new<br />
friends in the <strong>Lower</strong> <strong>School</strong>. I have made friends with a First<br />
Former, as I remember how I felt when I was new and how I<br />
appreciated other boys talking to me and helping me to settle<br />
into a new environment. It is a great place to connect with<br />
people who you wouldn’t connect with normally and just have<br />
fun.<br />
Neeam, Second Form<br />
Brass Ensemble<br />
Every Tuesday at 1:30pm, students from the <strong>Lower</strong> <strong>School</strong><br />
who play a brass instrument can go to the Brass Ensemble. It<br />
is run by Mr Bentley, and currently there are four members:<br />
two trumpets, one cornet (me) and a euphonium. We<br />
are keen for anyone who plays a brass instrument and is<br />
interested in playing in an ensemble to join us. We meet up<br />
in the Hall, so if you want to join, email Mr Bentley and then<br />
come along!<br />
We play a large variety of pieces, from slow and peaceful<br />
pieces like the main theme from Titanic to happier pieces like<br />
Super Trouper. They are all very fun to play and are not too<br />
hard either. Everyone is very friendly, and it doesn’t matter if<br />
you make mistakes. So come to <strong>Lower</strong> <strong>School</strong> Brass Ensemble,<br />
every Tuesday at 1:30pm in the Hall.<br />
Nicholas, Second Form<br />
Drama Club<br />
This club is brilliant because it is just so relaxed. Don’t get me<br />
wrong, sometimes it is utterly chaotic, but a lot of the time<br />
it’s just joking around and having a laugh. Yes, there’s the<br />
parts you don’t want to do, like learning a script or getting<br />
an accent right, but if you work hard enough, you really<br />
do get rewarded. Last year, the First Form all watched our<br />
performance from their form rooms, and it was strangely<br />
satisfying to see that people were actually enjoying and<br />
laughing at it when you had put all of that hard work into it.<br />
When I was self-isolating, I felt as if I missed all my clubs,<br />
but in particular this one, and I am grateful to carry on with<br />
it now. This year Mr. Wass and Mrs. Drucker are running the<br />
club and they are doing just as good of a job as any movie<br />
director. You even get a day off school to rehearse and to<br />
film, so it’s a win-win! You don’t really need to be any good at<br />
Drama, because you will learn and become even better at it.<br />
James, Second Form<br />
Debating Society<br />
Debating Society is a co-curricular club running from 1:15pm<br />
to 1:50pm on a Tuesday in the BLR. This club is a great<br />
opportunity to express your opinions and use many persuasive<br />
skills that could be helpful in other subjects. It can also be a<br />
great time to learn new facts that you never knew before.<br />
Debating Society covers many topics which you might find<br />
interesting. These include; "Who would make a better leader<br />
a man or a woman? Should English be spoken nationally?<br />
Should we deactivate our nuclear weapons or not?" If you are<br />
not sure which side you should vote for, there is always the<br />
choice to abstain. The Society is a great way to teach you how<br />
to present and articulate your words and how to express your<br />
opinions in persuasive ways.<br />
Mustafa, First Form<br />
Orchestra<br />
Orchestra is not only a great activity but it includes the entire<br />
<strong>School</strong> from First Form to Sixth Form. This means that there<br />
are many different skill levels, which helps you to improve<br />
your playing of an instrument. There are two groups in this<br />
club, string group, (violin, cello and a lot of others) and brass<br />
group (trumpets, saxophones, oboes and many others). On<br />
top of that, there is a percussion group which accompany the<br />
brass and strings sections! I am in the Second Form and play<br />
the trumpet. I have found Orchestra great fun and an amazing<br />
learning experience. So far, we have played quite a few pieces<br />
together. The last half-term was quite hard, due to Covid,<br />
however that didn’t stop us from having a great time! All the<br />
older boys are very friendly and kind, helping with anything<br />
you’re struggling with, and if you haven’t already, you can<br />
find loads of people who play the same instrument as you.<br />
We also play in concerts and events throughout the year, for<br />
other people to come and watch. Overall, Orchestra is a very<br />
exciting, fun learning experience for any instrument that you<br />
play!<br />
Stanley, Second Form<br />
Warhammer Club<br />
I had no knowledge a hobby such as Warhammer existed.<br />
My interest was piqued when Mr Wass exhibited some of the<br />
figures used to replicate fantasy battle scenes. Immediately I<br />
was intrigued.<br />
Warhammer is described as a popular miniature board war<br />
game, often accompanied by an extensive book of rules<br />
that is used during a battle. There are many versions of the<br />
games with different rules, themes, and miniature figures,<br />
all with their own unique play style. It’s based on creativity,<br />
strategy, and a vivid imagination. Meticulous precision is<br />
required when painting, moulding, cutting, and assembling<br />
the miniature figures, then placing them in the designated<br />
spots ready for battle to commence! It’s enjoyed by adults and<br />
children alike. All over the world there are specialised groups<br />
exclusively for Warhammer enthusiasts.<br />
I really enjoy attending the club every Monday. Everyone has<br />
their own figures and scenery to work on. Sometimes, we<br />
work as a group, cutting out pieces and sanding them. I find<br />
this procedure very therapeutic.<br />
Once completed, the real game begins, and it’s time to play.<br />
It can get very competitive with even the teachers joining in!<br />
We once observed a very interesting match between Mr Wass<br />
and Mr Phillips, the latter who became victor! We’ve even had<br />
completed scenes displayed inside the D&T building for all to<br />
admire!<br />
Ismael, Second Form
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AUTUMN TERM <strong>2021</strong><br />
Football is one of the co-curricular sports that you can play<br />
after school and most people chose football in my year, so I<br />
assumed that it was quite a popular sport. Football is played<br />
on one of the many big football pitches at Woollams. I find<br />
football a very fun and enjoyable sport and it is an exciting<br />
co-curricular activity to try after school with friends. We<br />
play matches every week and we also do some drills, which<br />
everyone finds fun. The teachers for football after school are<br />
very motivated and dedicated to make football entertaining<br />
for everyone who plays. Although this year we sadly could not<br />
play the last two weeks of football, I enjoyed every moment of<br />
it with my friends.<br />
Hockey is a co-curricular club and also a games option. At<br />
the start of every Hockey session, we do stretches and warmup<br />
drills. I have found it quite fun because the teachers are<br />
Pre-season rugby training gave many of the First Form an<br />
opportunity to visit the <strong>School</strong> site for the first time since the<br />
entrance exam. Every Tuesday and Wednesday morning, we<br />
were able to meet new people and learn how to play Rugby.<br />
The first three weeks were at school, and the final week was at<br />
Woollams. The pitches were amazing!<br />
Within our year group, before we touched a Rugby ball, we<br />
played some classic games to help with our speed and fitness.<br />
These included Ultimate Tag, Stuck in the Mud, Rugby,<br />
Netball and Bulldog. However, without a doubt the Pancake<br />
The swim team has performed phenomenally for the <strong>School</strong><br />
this half-term. Although we didn’t qualify for the relay<br />
competition, all the swimmers in the team have showed great<br />
signs of improvement. I think that with a bit more training<br />
and preparation, we could become an extremely promising<br />
group. This year so far, every swimmer has given it their all<br />
and everyone is proud of their performance. I hope that in<br />
the coming few galas, we will improve our placing. Thanks to<br />
our coach, Mr Odgers, we have been able to train efficiently<br />
and effectively so that when it comes to competition time, we<br />
perform outstandingly. I think that if I were to pick the most<br />
impressive swimmer this half-term, I couldn’t because they<br />
Sports Clubs<br />
Football and Hockey<br />
friendly, and they help us when we struggle. The teachers<br />
give clear demonstrations, and they also explain clearly what<br />
we are going to do. We are very lucky to have Sixth Formers<br />
helping us and by watching them play, we have learnt a lot<br />
of new strategies and skills. They have also taught us tactics<br />
and very useful information to use in real life matches against<br />
other schools. Hockey is played at Woollams. There is a cage<br />
that includes a big pitch with six goals for Hockey on an Astro<br />
Turf pitch; the pitches are very smooth and easily accessible<br />
when dribbling around the hockey field.<br />
I have really enjoyed representing the <strong>School</strong> in both these<br />
sports and I would recommend them to new boys starting St<br />
Albans <strong>School</strong>, as a way to make new friends, learn new skills<br />
and feel part of the <strong>School</strong> community.<br />
Ivan, Second Form<br />
Pre-Season Rugby<br />
Swim Team<br />
game was the best. Pre-Season Rugby Training was brilliant<br />
as an introduction to playing Rugby, and meeting my new<br />
teammates and school friends, which meant I was comfortable<br />
on the first day of school.<br />
William, First Form<br />
I love Rugby because unlike just about every other team sport,<br />
Rugby is about all players having the same opportunity to run<br />
with the ball, pass the ball, and play defence. It's very difficult<br />
to dominate even a game with only one really good player.<br />
This year I wanted to achieve the A-team in Rugby. I am very<br />
enthusiastic about the sport, so when I heard that pre-season<br />
Rugby was on, I took the opportunity to participate. I found<br />
that pre-season was not only balanced training for each stage,<br />
but also a catch-up and the opportunity to see your friends<br />
before the start of the new school year. It also provided the<br />
opportunity to play some friendly fixtures and increased my<br />
familiarity with Rugby and contact.<br />
So far, I have played three matches with the A-team against<br />
Stamford, Bedford Modern and Robert Clack <strong>School</strong>, and it<br />
has made me love Rugby even more.<br />
Jasper, Second Form<br />
have all performed equally well. I am sure that every single<br />
swimmer on the team has been happy with their performance<br />
so far and will strive to be better in the coming school year.<br />
Although we did not place very high in our first gala, we will<br />
be prepared for the next. With more time and experience, our<br />
team can become a contender in the swimming league.<br />
Samuel, Second Form<br />
Only people who haven’t tried the wonderful language of<br />
Latin can ever say this isn't great to learn, fun to write in and<br />
intellectually astounding. I myself have tried this ancient language<br />
and recognized so many different etymologies, or word origins.<br />
The joy of finding out the English word ‘venue’ comes from ‘veno’,<br />
meaning ‘I walk’ is immense – it is incredible to finally know<br />
where words come from. An ambulance might amble up the<br />
street, or you might claim the clamorous people were exclaiming<br />
things. You might say learning a dead language is ridiculous, but<br />
that’s Latin for ‘laugh’. Even people who don’t like Latin can’t help<br />
speaking it!<br />
The grammar rules are simple to remember, and people who<br />
know French, Spanish or Italian will find this an excellent way<br />
to practice their skills and Latin is known, thanks to a US study,<br />
known to increase your grade in Maths, English, Science, etc.<br />
Over 60% of words in the English dictionary come from an<br />
Ancient Greek or Latin word - usually Latin.<br />
"I hope that even if you remember not a single word of mine, you<br />
remember those of Seneca, another of those old Romans I met<br />
AUTUMN TERM <strong>2021</strong><br />
Latin Lessons at St Albans <strong>School</strong><br />
On Thursday 14 October, the First Form performed Joseph and<br />
the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The First Form performed<br />
on their own as the Second Form were affected by multiple<br />
positive Covid Tests.<br />
The performance itself went amazingly and everybody involved<br />
had a great time. It was fantastic that the performance went<br />
ahead, as many in the last few years have not due to the<br />
pandemic.<br />
The practice and effort that everyone put into this was<br />
astonishing and definitely something that everyone will<br />
continue to put into future performances.<br />
We did not have long to practice, which meant that it would<br />
be really hard for most people to remember all of the words.<br />
However, there was a solution around this, practise! This is<br />
something that everybody did a lot of and definitely just before<br />
LS NEWSLETTER<br />
when I fled down the Classics corridor, in retreat from career<br />
ladders, in search of ancient wisdom," quoted JK Rowling after<br />
receiving her honorary degree.<br />
As you can see, there is no reason not to love Latin. The teachers<br />
are great, and the language is engrossing - from Latin grossus<br />
meaning large in Latin. We get grocer - someone who sells large<br />
amounts of things - and French gros, meaning large from it. The<br />
word is related to grease.<br />
I end with some Latin<br />
words: ico 'vale' ad omnes<br />
homines qui in futuro<br />
Latinorum amatores<br />
erunt. spero te bene esse.<br />
In other words, bye!<br />
Parth, First Form<br />
First Form Performance of<br />
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat<br />
the performance as we went through the whole thing a few<br />
times.<br />
Just before the actual performance we were treated with<br />
sausages and chips and then a film of some of the actors from<br />
various different Joseph performances, singing what we were<br />
about to sing. After this, everyone was really excited and ready<br />
to do their best.<br />
When we went in and took our positions, we didn’t realise how<br />
many people were watching us until we heard how loud it was<br />
at the end when they clapped.<br />
It was an amazing experience that would have never happened<br />
if it wasn’t for all of the adults involved who organised it.<br />
Daniel, First Form
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AUTUMN TERM <strong>2021</strong><br />
Personal Achievements<br />
Boxing League<br />
I attend a boxing league for<br />
teenagers from the ages of 11<br />
(of a certain height and body<br />
weight) to 15. We compete in<br />
different matches against other<br />
participants. The matches are<br />
four rounds long with each<br />
round consisting of about two<br />
and a half minutes; however<br />
sometimes the rounds can<br />
be even longer than this. The<br />
training is brutal and gets very<br />
tiring however if you are able to persevere with it can help<br />
you to keep fit which will help you to win the matches.<br />
I train with my personal trainer at a gym near where I live.<br />
We do not only do boxing, but we also do cardio work which<br />
helps mid-match because it improves the circulation in the<br />
body. At the end of each round, both participants go to their<br />
designated corners for about a minute where their trainer will<br />
give them tips and encouragement for the next round. Then<br />
we drink some water and wait for the bell that rings to starts<br />
the next round.<br />
Christos, Second Form<br />
Karate Blackbelt<br />
On the 13th of November <strong>2021</strong>, I took my blackbelt grading.<br />
It was a three-hour examination on my own, in front of 9 of<br />
the highest senseis in the association, ESKA. ESKA stands<br />
for the English Shotokan Karate Association. Shotokan is<br />
the style of karate that we practise. I had to demonstrate the<br />
basics, which are the fundamentals of karate, kumite, and<br />
sparring, which is a set of controlled fights<br />
and 3 katas, which are a pattern of moves,<br />
purely for demonstration that show control,<br />
timing, and speed. I also had to pass an<br />
exam for which I learnt karate terminology,<br />
in Japanese, and also explanations of<br />
techniques. I then had to talk about my<br />
achievements and my trophies. Thankfully,<br />
I passed so all my hours of teaching,<br />
practising and learning were worth it.<br />
Oliver, Second Form<br />
My Bar Mitzvah<br />
To a Jewish person a Bar<br />
Mitzvah is a huge milestone<br />
that marks the end of<br />
childhood in the religion<br />
and gives the person<br />
independence on their path<br />
of faith. This also means<br />
that after your Bar Mitzvah<br />
you have to fast on certain<br />
Jewish holy days. It is meant<br />
to be a great honour and is<br />
one of the most important<br />
events in a Jewish person’s<br />
life. When I was studying for<br />
my Bar Mitzvah, I had to learn how to read Hebrew so that I<br />
could lead a service in this language and sing my piece from<br />
the Torah (the Jewish holy book). It took a lot of practice as I<br />
had to attend a zoom lesson every Monday and Thursday for<br />
the entirety of year seven and practise for thirty minutes on<br />
most days during the <strong>School</strong> holidays. As it got closer to the<br />
event, though I was invited into the synagogue on Thursdays<br />
to perform on the bimah (a raised platform) what I had been<br />
practising, it was a bit scary but something I knew I had to do<br />
to get the necessary skills to do it on the big day. When the<br />
day finally came, I did my piece almost perfectly in front of<br />
my grandparents, their friends, a few of my uncles, aunties,<br />
a friend, as well as a few members of the congregation.<br />
Afterwards I was able to relax and have a nice lunch with my<br />
family to mark the beginning of my Jewish adulthood.<br />
Sam, Second Form<br />
St Albans <strong>School</strong><br />
Abbey Gateway, St Albans, AL3 4HB<br />
www.st-albans.herts.sch.uk