Final Collect Autumn 2021

The last Collect of the Autumn Term is a highly anticipated event with awards for sport, music, drama, art, DofE eagerly awaited alongside merit totals for community, co-curricular and academic success contributing to the merit cup.

Isaac Walker, Outdoor Education Manager and DofE Co-ordinator, kicked off the proceedings celebrating the completion of the Bronze Award for six students who were finally able to undertake their expedition after the pandemic restrictions were relaxed. Jon Clarke, Physics teacher, shared the intellectual success of two Sixth Formers, David and James, who made significant progress in the British Physics Olympiad. Helen Tatlock, Head of History, awarded Fryers Demi, Daisy, Artur and Gracie copies of ‘Black and British’ by David Olusoga for their contribution to Black History Month in October accompanied by an update from Helen on the changes to diversify the History curriculum for Year 9 and the Sixth Form. Peter Scoggins, Head of Drama, focussed the School’s attention on the brilliant Year 11 production of ‘Tartuffe’ recognising the efforts of both cast and crew, with Anna winning the golden hat. Sixth Formers Tilly and Sam’s work with the Biscuit Factory performance readings and their COP26 themed drama outreach with local KS2 schools was also applauded.

The community enjoyed a mini-online exhibition from Head of Art, Mark Wood as he recounted the history of the Lurner Prize and presented the top 13 entries from a field of over 50 representing the 12 days of Christmas (plus one extra for luck!). The entries included poetry, video, CGI art, as well as more traditional media and were submitted by staff and students across all the year groups. Lana’s (Year 9) winning wire sculpture is an intricate work of delicate construction and tiny origami pieces and a truly beautiful piece of creativity.

Another award with a history to share was the Reinstein Alldis award established by two LP alumni who were enthusiastic jazz musicians. Their music award went to Alice (Year 11) whose talents on the flute are astounding and to Year 9 drummer, Oscar, who recently enjoyed a workshop online with Jamie Cullum. “I was shocked and excited when I heard my name called out.” Said Oscar on his win, “I think that music at LP has a wide variety of hobbies and musical instruments you can take up and learn. I think it is a very good department with lots of good equipment. Overall, it is a great place for creativity to shine.” Alice agreed, “When I heard my name announced, I was very pleasantly surprised. Music at LP is amazing, you are encouraged to really come out of your comfort zone, and all the staff are your number one fans. The music community at LP is very strong, and there is an abundance of opportunities.”

Sport delivered some impressive results with 141 fixtures this term and 68% of all rugby matches victorious. The U16A rugby team were unbeaten and the U15A rugby team won the Go Perform league, battling their way through the final against Reddam House in the most horrific conditions; “the defending on the line really was quite incredible” commented Director of Sport, PE and Wellness, Jez Belas. School House won the cross country, hockey and rugby House matches with Field taking the top spot for badminton in the Richard Coleman shield, and individuals were celebrated for their cross country success in the spectacular colour run.

Quoting the Quaker text from Advice and Practice, “Mutual service should be the principal on which all life is organised.” Stephen Taynton, Head of Philosophy, Religion and Values, explained the importance of community merits. The Dunstan Cup recognises acts of kindness and with 1502 merits earned in this area it is heartening to know that being a nice person is a recognisable achievement. The winners this term were School House.

The co-curricular merit cup, the Sissons Cup, was won by Field House and a new trophy was launched by Alex Wallace, Deputy Head (Academic), the Castle Award. Named after former Head and author of the educational treatise, ‘Better Thinking’, Edgar Castle, the trophy was awarded to Field House. 166 individuals achieved their Bronze merit certificates with 25 merits each, 20 achieved silver with 50 merits each and 2 were on gold, each shy of 100 merits by only 7! Cadbury House took the merit cup in Fryer and Field in the senior schools with Reckitt and School tying for second place in an unprecedented situation.

The online event, which was enjoyed by students in their tutor groups, concluded with a lovely rendition of ‘Carol of the Bells’ by the Chamber Choir, wishing everyone a festive send off into the Christmas holidays.