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HOUSE REPORTS
Gresham
Juniors However, Hale was only half a point behind, Knowledge but redeemed ourselves in House
so we had to have a strong Spring Term Chef coming out on top, showing that
This year, Gresham has certainly had its
which meant Swimming, with Gresham not Gresham has some budding cooks, even if
ups and downs, highs and lows, however
being renowned for their prowess in the they do lack in general knowledge. Despite all
as usual the Gresham members have
water. Out of eight competitions Gresham of our very best efforts the term ended with
remained enthusiastic and supportive,
came first in one – well done Lower 2 boys. Gresham still in third place but are we
right down from the new starters in Form
They also romped to victory in the Rugby disheartened – no! It just means the only way
1 to the dedicated Greshamites of Lower 4,
and the Form 1 and Lower 3 boys came first for Gresham is up and with such fabulous and
who week in, week out have been working
in their rugby matches too. Form 1 girls enthusiastic team members the Kemp House
tirelessly to gain those elusive merits and
showed their dedication by winning the shield will surely be ours again very soon.
distinctions.
Gymnastics competition with Funmi Morgan Miss Catherine Page
Seniors
Gresham began the year under the coming first in the individual event, closely
determined leadership of Jack Roberts and followed by Deyna Grimshaw. The Lower 2
Philippa Nicholls, who made a concerted girls managed second place, as did the Lower
effort with the Sports Captains to organise We would like to thank all the Gresham
3 girls in Hockey. With Alastair Cockrem and
the Upper Junior Hockey and Rugby teams. students and staff who have made our
Hannah Lingard leading the way for
Unfortunately things did not go according to year as Heads of House completely
Gresham in House Music it was not
plan and Miss Page’s ‘big wins’ fell special and great fun. The fantastic
surprising that we came first in submitting
spectacularly short with Gresham coming support and enthusiasm of all the
the most audition cards and eventually
third in all the Upper Junior events except members of this House ensures that
coming second overall. However the efforts
the Boys B Rugby where a rather unexpected Gresham’s competitive and community
in Music were not enough to keep us in
win was pulled out of the bag. This new- spirit continues to thrive, and it has been
second place so down we dropped at the end
found success amongst the Upper Junior an honour and joy to lead this House.
of the second term.
boys did not however last for long when The year started with the biggest sporting
Once again the Lower 2 boys showed that it
another third position was achieved in the event of the calendar – the winter House
really was their year by coming first in House
Cross Country. Not wishing to remain Sports Day. Gresham put out over 13 teams
Cricket and House Athletics. The Middle
downhearted, the troops were rallied in a range of sports from table tennis to
Junior boys also showed their fighting spirit
downstairs with the Middle and Lower football. We had a varied array of results but
by winning their Cricket and Athletics too.
Junior boys certainly proving their worth in gained first place in the boys’ badminton,
Well Done to Ollie Orchard and James
their Cross Country runs with the Middle girls’ squash and table tennis competitions.
Boardman for organising such strong and
Junior, Lower 2 and Form 1 boys all bringing The Upper 4’s did particularly well,
fiercely competitive teams and for keeping
Gresham to victory in their events and achieving the highly sought after first place
the House spirit flowing. Again a great team
giving Gresham a much needed points boost in both the hockey and rugby. The senior
effort was to be seen in Rounders with Form
towards regaining the Kemp House shield. hockey team was less fortunate and after a
1 girls bringing home another win and
Tired with either winning or losing, second gruelling match against Whittington was
likewise in the Tennis with the Middle
place was given in House Art; special
Juniors coming joint first with Hale.
mention here must be given to Celine
Unfortunately we only managed a
O’Donovan and Evelyn Frewin for being
third place in the General
placed first and second overall winners
amongst all three Houses. Celine came first
in the Upper 3/Lower 4 Textile category and
Evelyn was first in the Form 1/Lower 2
Illustrated Poem category – the theme being
‘Under the Sea’. Gresham again came
second in the Autumn Term Merits and
Distinctions total meaning the term ended
with Gresham House in second place.
Hooray!
112 | HOUSE REPORTS ASHTEADIAN MAGAZINE 2008-2009
placed third. However the boys’ rugby team the audience with ‘Lean on Me’, Gresham’s achieved second place in the hurdles and
attained an amazing second place with only first a cappella choir conducted by Christina third in the long jump. Hannah Davies gave
eight players on the field due to injuries. Jerrum. We also won numerous awards with a spectacular performance, yet again,
The next event was the dreaded cross Jason Porter winning the Elgar Cup for the winning the 100m, 200m and high jump
country running which is always difficult to most promising woodwind player, Ellen making her the Victrix Ludorum for the
organise; for some reason the boys don’t Timothy won the award for the best string senior girls. The senior boys were slightly
seem to enjoy sprinting and jogging around player and our infamous jazz band repeated less fortunate but still gained second place
the school in the cold. However, Gresham their previous successes by winning the with Michael Rees winning the 100m and
produced two teams of keen runners. The Goddard Cup for the best instrumental 200m and coming second in the triple jump.
inters achieved first place with Dominic ensemble. Sadly, at the end of the Spring Gresham also won every relay across all the
Orchard winning the race and Stephen Term we were third. age ranges and sexes; an incredible feat.
Pilley coming a close second. The seniors The senior tennis was the first event of the The senior boys convincingly won senior
also ran well gaining second place with three summer. Gresham is not renowned for its cricket; a result that has often been promised
runners in the fastest ten. skill in tennis and in previous years we have but not always achieved.
With Patrick Kennedy leading the way always landed a dismal third. This year, In conclusion to the year the inter girls
Gresham did very well in the new House however, we surprised ourselves, with competed in their House Tennis competition
debating competition. Gresham came first in Georgina Catlow and Jo Laverock rallying on Prize Day. Although the A team was
the seniors and second in the intermediates. the teams, the girls played impressively. The placed third they played some brilliant tennis
Gresham was second in the Cock House A team led by Kathryn McLagan and Perdi on what was surely the hottest day of the
Shield at the end of the Autumn Term. Palmer came second while the B team year. The B team played excellently and came
outplayed the others resulting in a brilliant a stunning first.
The Spring Term started with the swimming first place.
gala; an event which Gresham has These strong summer results lead to
traditionally won, almost with ease. Gresham continued this success in the Gresham coming second in the Cock House
However, this year having lost the great Ann House Athletics. The inter girls showed true Shield. A result that we did not always think
Hyams to Oxford and Charlotte Harman to athleticism with Holly Bicknell winning the was achievable. Thank you to everyone who
injury, the competition was going to be 100m sprint, and Ellie Hamilton giving a took part in the events this year and
tough. Although the seniors came third the brilliant all-round performance winning the especially to Mrs Mitchell for her constant
girls won the backstroke relay and Masayukii 200m and coming third in the 300m and enthusiasm; no one cheers louder. Good luck
Taki won the Tyrell Cup. The inters did better high jump. Overall the inter girls came first to the future House captains, Jo Laverock
with both the boys and girls coming second. and this victory was repeated in the inter and Patrick Kennedy, we hope you enjoy
boys and senior girls. In the inter boys leading this House as much as we have.
Christina Jerrum and Jason Porter then Dominic Orchard won the 800m and the
began the huge feat of organising House Lara Durgan and Will Randall
long jump while Joe Dipre won the 100m,
Music. Their relentless handing out of
audition cards gained us second place in the
auditions which was not matched in the
concert. The concert was a splendid event,
however, with the House Choir serenading
CITY OF LONDON FREEMEN’S SCHOOL HOUSE REPORTS | 113
HOUSE REPORTS
Hale
Juniors
Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term
Hale came joint second with Gresham in the Hale did extremely well in the music Summer term is always dominated by the
art competition. As always the standard was competition as we obliterated the House Athletics. The sport captains worked
very high reflecting the high standards this opposition. Whittington had the most hard to make sure the teams were the
subject has in school. The pupils worked very entries with Hale lying second, but on the strongest combination to maximise our wins
hard over the half term to prepare their day Hale had the musical prowess and won against the other two houses. In the Form 1
pieces for competition. A particular mention most of the cups on offer. Particular and Upper Junior Girls competitions we
to Rebecca Baker (Lower 4) who gained first congratulations to Rebecca Baker who won won. The rest of our placings were second.
place in the Illustrated poem section and to Holst, Delius Purcell and Thorne Cups and There was also Lower Junior House
Toby Collett (Lower 2), and Liberty Gamble worked hard with Imogen Smethers in Rounders which many parents saw as it
(Lower 3) who gained first place in collecting and organising the auditions. Our commenced on Prize Day. It was a very hot
2D/collage, Tatiana Dudnikova (Lower 3) other cup wins included the Holst cup by day but the teams kept their cool when
who received first place in the 3D category Imogen Smethers, the Mathias Cup by batting but unfortunately both Form 1 and
and Maisie Sareen in the Textiles category. Stephen Gordon, and the Walton Cup by Lower 2 girls came second.
The Upper Junior girls made a strong Nathalie Burt. Hale won overall winning the
Way House Cup. Middle and Upper Junior girls came first in the
Hockey team this year who worked tennis competition and our boys came second
successfully together. The matches were Swimming competitions were definitely with Upper Junior boys gaining first place.
extremely close with a mixture of wins and dominated by Whittington this year who
losses. Overall the team came second. The collared the majority of the first places, Hale do not seem to be budding chefs as we
Upper Junior rugby was also a strong which led to tight competition between Hale came third in this competition, so best leave
standard across the houses but it was and Gresham. Hale received the majority of the cooking to Aramark.
congratulations to Hale who won overall in second places which meant we kept Hale have had a mixture of results and an
the A team competition and second in the B Gresham firmly in third place. Form 1 boys abundance of second places this year (better
team competition. did well gaining first place and the rest of than third though). Overall in the Kemp
Autumn Term saw the cross country the year group sections gained second House Shield Hale kept our second place
competition too. It soon became clear that placing across the board. and we look forward to hopefully gaining
cross country runs were not Hale house’s In Middle Junior Rugby we gained second first place next year. The captains worked
forte but the runners ran with grit and place and the Form 1/Lower 2 boys came hard this year as did all members of the
determination on what were cold days. third. The Upper 2 girls did very well to gain house to get the strong combination of
Gresham had the key runners of the day and first place in the Hockey tournament and the teams for the various competitions.
showed a strong lead through out which Lower 3 girls unfortunately came third. Miss Nicola Chambers
unfortunately Hale could not match. The Lower Junior girls took part in a
However, the Upper Junior boys managed to gymnastics competition where we gained
gain first place with the other year groups second place for Form 1 and third place for
gaining a mixture of second and third places. Lower 2. The competition was hard with
several pupils in the other houses
who attend gymnastics clubs
outside of school.
114 | HOUSE REPORTS ASHTEADIAN MAGAZINE 2008-2009
Seniors
Autumn Term
The whole house was optimistic about the
forthcoming year, and Hale’s chances of
being victorious.
The first and arguably most important day in
the running for the shield was the House This brought us to House Music.
The whole of Hale understood the
Sports Day. It was a great day for Hale fans
importance of doing well in House Music. A
with Miss Chong going around with red face place. Hale fans once again came out in their
great rallying cry was sent out to get as many
paint for all participants and spectators. droves. This turned out to be a very enjoyable
pupils to audition, even if they weren’t
It was not quite as good a day in terms of the proficient at an instrument. This tactic paid day, albeit an unsuccessful one, with only the
results. We only managed one win, in the off as Hale registered the greatest number of senior boys holding up Hale pride.
girls’ minor sports. The girls won the auditions, and performed the best in them. Despite the disappointing team
badminton, and came second in the This was important, but it was also performances, there were some notable
remaining four sports. imperative that Hale did well in the concert. performances from Lottie Sudell winning
The Senior Boys’ Rugby and Senior Girls’ The choir performed an electrifying version the Shot Putt, Zoe Harrington winning the
Hockey were held at the end of the Autumn of ‘Valerie’ by Amy Winehouse, fabulously 80m hurdles, Jen Baldock winning both the
Term. This allowed a greater turn out from orchestrated and choreographed by Millie 800m and the 300m, and Ed Walton
both pupils and parents, and the Hale fans Chapman and Sam Matthey. Mark Nathan producing three second place finishes in the
turned out in their masses. Hale were sang ‘The Nightmare Song’ from ‘Iolanthe’ 100m, 200m, and triple jump.
resounding favourites in the rugby and as by Gilbert and Sullivan in a breathtaking
The senior boys’ competition though was
expected, we won the competition, performance and Dan Sperrin and James
just what Hale needed. With an outstanding
overcoming the controversial tactics of the Mady improvised their way to the cup for
team performance, and scintillating
other two houses making the teams more best duo with sensational playing from Dan
individual performances, Hale blew the
even than we had expected. on the saxophone and clarinet, and James on
opposition out of the water. There were two
the piano. Most impressively, the Hale band
The Senior Girls’ Hockey was not quite as wins for Ollie Garrod, James Godfrey, and
won the McElwaine Cup for the best rock
spectacular, but the girls played well to Ollie Mays and one for Ben Gliniecki, Patrick
performance, with their earth shattering
secure second place. Williams, Alex Wright and Ed Hodgson. As a
performance of ‘Feeling Good’ by Muse.
result of his two wins, James Godfrey won
In the remaining two events of the Term was These impressive performances, along with
the Victor Ludorum in a resounding finish to
necessary – Debating and Cross Country, the the help of the many other noteworthy Hale
his year as house captain.
best we managed was second in senior musicians meant that we came second in the
debating, aided by the terrific speaking skills concerts, but due to the auditions we Unfortunately, it was too little too late from
of Benedict Gliniecki. Although the Senior secured joint first overall. the senior boys, and Hale finished in third
Boys only managed third in the cross country, place. The effort put in by all the pupils, and
At the end of the Spring Term, Hale had
congratulations go to Oliver Garrod who all the staff was clear to see, and there is no
significantly improved its position, moving up
blew away the field to win in near record doubt that if Hale keeps the same
to second from a long way behind in third.
time. Unfortunately, his success was not enthusiasm for 2010, they have a good
backed up by the rest of the Hale competitors. Summer Term chance of winning the Shield.
Hale ended the term in last place. There were three events to be fought for: Although only some performers have been
Spring Term cricket for the boys, tennis for the girls, and mentioned in this article, my praise goes out
athletics. Hale went into the term with a real to all those who were eager to compete for
Hale could feel a fight back brewing. The
feeling of optimism. We knew good Hale. This just shows the profound
anticipation for the swimming gala was
performances could give us the points connection there is between the pupils and
intense, and everyone seemed to want to
necessary to win the CHS 2009. the house, and it is very good to see. I wish
swim, and do their bit for the house. Despite
Regrettably, the tennis and cricket were not next year’s house captains Sam Matthey and
the impressive reaction to the call for
that successful, with Hale only managing to Millie Chapman all the best.
swimmers, Hale was unable to produce the
required performances in Upper 4 and Lower win the intermediate boys B cricket My final thanks go to Mr Knowles who led
5. This was despite impressive performances tournament, and coming third in all the Hale house throughout the year, never losing
by Jack Barnard, Lucy Archer-Lock and Sarah other age groups in cricket and tennis. This hope, even when the odds were against us.
Moore. It was completely different though for was despite excellent performances from His positive attitude is
the senior swimming competition. The team the doubles team of Clare Jenner and Cleo the epitome of Hale,
was spectacularly led by Charlotte Robertson, Halliday, and the batting prowess of and I am sure that he
and her exploits were backed up by a good James Godfrey. will lead the house to
core of swimmers throughout the Sixth This did not deter of Hale from focussing their the CHS for many years
Form, and the Upper 5. This meant Hale won abilities on House Athletics, even though we to come.
five out of the ten relays. were now realistically fighting for second James Godfrey
CITY OF LONDON FREEMEN’S SCHOOL HOUSE REPORTS | 115
HOUSE REPORTS
Whittington
Juniors
In has been a pleasure for Mrs David and I to girls entered House Gymnastics, gaining a third
work with all Whittington Junior School and first respectively. Our biggest success of
pupils in this, our first year as Head of House. the year came in Swimming, where we took
The children have been a credit to their first place in six of the eight events. Well
house: hardworking, enthusiastic and always done Whittington swimmers.
ready to give their best. My thanks goes to all Finally, in the Summer term, we kept up our
of the House, Sports, Arts and Music impressive track record taking first in Upper
Captains who have organised teams, cajoled Junior Girls Tennis, Lower 2 Girls, Middle
children to put in their Art and Music entries Junior Girls and Upper Junior Boys Athletics.
and coached and cheered on their teams. At Prize Day the Lower 2 girls also won the
As a result of Whittington’s teamwork, we rounders competition. We rounded off the
were delighted to receive the Kemp House term, by winning the General Knowledge
Shield in Final Assembly last term. Here is a quiz, proving that we also have brains.
brief summary of some of our achievements: Whittington’s success rate has been
The Autumn Term saw us take to the phenomenal, but the true secret of winning
sporting field for Hockey, Rugby and Cross has been in the volume of entries that we
Country, most notably taking first place in received for Art, the number of willing
Upper Junior Girls and second place for the musicians who bravely took to the stage, the
Upper Junior Boys. Thanks go to the Senior hard work and dedication in the classroom,
School members who helped coach and culminating in merits and distinctions a
prepare the teams. We also achieved first plenty and the willingness for Whittington
place in House Art and the Merit and members to give that little bit extra for their
Distinction tally for the term. team on the playing field. The cynics
The Spring term saw the turn of the Middle amongst us might say there is only one way
Junior Hockey and Rugby teams. In these to go from the top. But Whittington
events the Lower 3 girls and Upper 2 boys members are true optimists….. Keep up the
took first place. We also saw record numbers of hard work, Whittington.
entries in House Music taking third place in a Mrs Janet Wilby
very competitive field. The Form 1 and Lower 2
116 | HOUSE REPORTS ASHTEADIAN MAGAZINE 2008-2009
Seniors
As Mr Williams selected the two of us as his with the Upper Juniors to be particularly looked comfortable, but needed victories in
House Captains after 30 years of being Head commended on taking first, second and third the cricket, tennis and athletics to cement
of Whittington, a lovely farewell present to places with Ashley Marshall leading the their engraving on the Cock House and
him would be to go on a winning note… pack. Thus the calendar year concluded with Kemp House Shield. In the Senior Tennis,
which the House subsequently did. Whittington leading narrowly, a mere 2.5 under Ellie Marsh’s organisation, the ‘A’s came
Whittington took the Cock House Shield by points in front of the ever threatening Hale. first with the ‘B’s a worthy second considering
a definitive margin, and the Juniors secured most of the girls had not played for a year.
A more balanced range of competitions took
the Kemp House Shield. The year, as always, The athletics saw some particularly
place in the Spring Term with not only
was filled with house competitions ranging outstanding individual performances, which
Whittington’s sport talent being on show
from the House Debating to House Music, were acknowledged with Will Straughan and
but also their debating and musical abilities
all of which were dispersed amongst the Katelyn Aitchison being bestowed with the
being allowed to flourish. The Swimming
many sport competitions. Victor and Victrix Ludorum respectively. The
was a great success, despite the majority of
The Autumn term is a particularly busy time the girls reluctance to so much as enter the boys’ Intermediates have to be particularly
as the major winter sports of rugby and swimming pool building, with Whittington mentioned as the whole squad contributed to
hockey hold their prestigious competitions. coming an overall first. The intermediates a magnificent effort resulting in their coming
Looking to the boys first, particular raced their way to victory with particular joint first. The penultimate sporting event of
congratulations must go to the Lower 5 mention to both boy and girl freestyle relay the academic year was the Cricket in which
Rugby team for coming first, and to the teams. The Juniors were not to be outshone Whittington Seniors came a very respectable
Upper Junior Rugby ‘A’ squad for also taking in the pool with both the Upper and Lower second considering Gresham had the
first place. The girls, however, managed to Juniors coming first, so completing a great majority of the first XI, while the Intermediate
exceed these results by coming overall first aquatic success. Moving into a more ‘A’ team won magnificently under the
with the Senior Hockey, Lower 5 Hockey, captaincy of Fred Davis. In the Junior House
intellectual realm, House Debating was a
Upper Junior Hockey ‘A’ and ‘B’ all Chef competition, Whittington are
new competition that Whittington’s
annihilating their opponents to secure unbeatable in bread rolls, where our Lower 4
intermediates also succeeded in with
victory. The boys competing in the Minor came first, second and third, though we need
Margaret Young and Zoe Rawson fronting
Sports saw an opportunity to outshine the to work on our decorated cakes for next year.
the team. The House Music competition
girls as the boys participating in Badminton, The last competition, started on Prize Day,
takes much planning, organising and
Squash and Basketball truly rose to the was the Intermediate Girls’ Tennis, and again
coordination, and this year’s Senior
challenge by coming an overall first. The victory was ours: but we were already steeped
competition was managed by the able
Minor Sport girls came a commendable in glory. We are the Champions.
Jessica French, under whose guidance we
second, with particular mention to the
came first, with individual prizes being Thus as the year draws to a close all that
netball team which stormed to victory under
awarded to a great multitude of musicians remains for Giles and I to say is the best of
Mikaela Eldridge’s guidance. The very sporty
including Jeremy Cole, Kate Aitchison and luck to Clare and Stuart in their new roles,
Autumn term closed in traditional style with
David Pearce. The Juniors gained a second and also to Mr Bramhall who we expect to
the cross country run on a gruelling lap
around Ashtead Park. Cheered on by place which was particularly admirable be still there in 2039 given the longevity of
spectators in front of Main House considering the tough opposition they faced. the past Heads of Whittington.
Whittington came a very respectable second Moving into the final term, Whittington Laura Stevens and Giles Jordan
CITY OF LONDON FREEMEN’S SCHOOL HOUSE REPORTS | 117
