Festive Final Collect

As we say goodbye to the Park for the holidays, we’re singing ‘Silver Bells’ (as performed by gold standard merit holder, Alana) and celebrating the achievements of a vibrant term.

Swapping their walking boots for creative caps, Duncan Laurie-Pile and Richard Duckett treated us to a poem on their Duke of Edinburgh days this year:

Twas the night before the trek, and all around the room,
Not a thing had been packed, not even a spoon.
Here’s an adventure with friends, with occasional dead ends,
Cold days, warm days, wet days, hot days. Very, very wet days.

The Brecon Beacons on a sunny day, views that extend a long, long way,
Walking, cooking, camping; this definitely isn’t glamping.
The joy of being woken by early morning birdsong,
Shortly followed by a whiff that is just wrong.
Is it those wet socks? Is it those boots near your head?
Best to just crack on with the day ahead.

Teamwork, confidence, friendship and memories,
Your hair caressed by a gentle warm breeze.

This year has seen the largest groups of students undertaking the award at its different levels; developing skills, volunteering time, getting active and completing expeditions.

Alex and Esther in the Lower Sixth, recognised Artur (runner up) and Tyler for their responses to the Black History Month competition which asked Year 7 and 8 to write, draw or paint a piece of artwork inspired by the story of a black individual or a period of black history.

Head of Art, Mark Wood, presented the Leighton Park Lurner Prize, sharing 13 of the judges’ favourite entries, featuring animation, craft, photography, a dolls house and more from students and staff across the School. Taking the title home this year was Leander in Year 11 for her artwork and Pablo Gorostidi Perez for his snap of the Serengeti.

Following a highlights reel from the record number of concerts held this term, Director of Music, Rosemary Scales, announced Alice, Eliza and Noah as bearers of the Reinstein Alldis award, created by Old Leightonians, Dominic and Dan (1980), the former a successful lecturer at the Royal College of Music, the latter a saxophone player and renowned eye surgeon.  A number of external musical successes amongst our current students were also celebrated with three of our talented musicians being selected for Berkshire Youth Symphony Orchestra, three for the English Schools Orchestra, one for the National Youth Harp Orchestra, one for the Claire Jones Harp Ensemble, one for the National Children’s Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and finally, one for the Berkshire Youth Choir and for the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain.

This Autumn, an incredible 120 fixtures have been played, with large numbers participating in sport and three teams achieving 100%-win records. Our CTEC Sport and Physical Activity students have got out into the community, leading PE lessons at the Ridgeway Primary and on our own turf, hosting a Rugby Masterclass. We celebrated the achievements of individuals and elite performers in county sport, England Rugby and Hockey, and GB Rowing, as well as the current standings for the Richard Coleman Shield with Cadbury House in the lead.

In other news, Tubman House are currently enjoying top place in the Dunston Award, Scissons Trophy and Merit Cup,  whilst Cadbury are in a healthy spot taking the lead for the Academic Castle Cup. Nevertheless, combining the total of all of the House Competitions this academic year thus far, Fox House take the top spot!

Final Collect was concluded with a festive performance of ‘God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen’ from our a cappella group, and wise words from Head, Matthew Judd.