Philips House Newsletter Summer 2022

Philips House Newsletter Summer 2022

Head of House

This has been another busy term and one that has been full of highlights in so many different areas. For me, two of the high points have been the two whole-house social events, the Philips Barbecue in May and our House Dinner. Although the weather for the barbecue was not quite what we had hoped for, it was wonderful to welcome so many pupils and their families (including a few pets!). Our House Dinner at Uttoxeter Racecourse was a fitting celebration of the achievements of our Upper Sixth and a chance for the whole House (including the tutor team!) to hit the dance floor together. The Upper Sixth and Fifth Formers have completed their A Level and GCSE exams with great calmness and determination and I look forward to celebrating their success on Results Day. I would like to thank our Upper Sixth, whose commitment and loyalty to the house has been brilliant. It was great to see them at Sports Finals, doing everything they can to ensure final success for Philips and to maintain their proud sporting record as a year group. I wish them every happiness as they leave to start their lives beyond Denstone.

At the end of the academic year, I would also like to thank every Philips pupil for your energy and commitment to the House this year and to all Philips parents for your support. I have had so much fun as Head of House this year and am excited to see what next year will bring.

House Captains and Tutors

Charlie has been an excellent Philips House Captain this year. His positive approach to all aspects of school life, his willingness to throw himself into House competitions and his consistent good humour have made him a fine role model and I would like to thank him for all that he has done. Our House Captain for 2022-23 will be Helena. Helena is currently studying Geography, Psychology and Economics at A Level. She is also a keen sportswoman, particularly in netball and football. Helena says, “It is an honour and a privilege to be appointed captain of Philips House as it provides me with a great opportunity to build on the success of previous years. My aim is to enhance the feeling of unity within the house and encourage greater participation by introducing new activities and recognising different achievements.” In addition, Alex has been made Captain of Boys’ Boarding. This is a new role and it is to his credit that he has achieved this despite only being at the College for a year.

This year we are sorry to say goodbye to two of our tutor team. Mr Locke has been a great addition to Philips House this year. He has been an excellent support to his tutees, particularly in their UCAS applications. Mr Prosser, who leaves Denstone to become Director of Hockey at Oakham, has taken wonderful care of his group for the last two years, helping to turn them into a formidable force in any house sporting competition. I would like to wish them both all the best for the future and thank them for all their hard work and support.

Individual Achievements

In cricket, Sophie (4^th Form) has had another very successful season. In addition to continuing to represent Staffordshire at U15 level, she has also been a regular member of their U18 team. She has also been invited into the Central Sparks Academy, which is one of eight academies within Women’s Elite Domestic Structure. This is an amazing achievement and we look forward to more success for her. Olly (Upper Sixth) is taking on the monumental challenge of running three marathons in three different counties on three consecutive days over the summer holidays. Olly is running with his brother in support of Lymphoma Action. The JustGiving page for their challenge is https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/3marathons3counties3days

In Drama, Tristan (5^th Form) played the leading role of Quasimodo in Newcastle Operatic Society’s production of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’. Although only 16 and in the middle of his GCSE exams, Tristan produced a commanding and professional performance in what was a largely adult cast. He is playing the role of Franklin Hart in the College production of ‘9 to 5’ next term.

Drama

The dramatic highlight of this term was the junior school musical, ‘Oliver!’. This was a cast that was dominated by Philips House talent. Imy played the Artful Dodger with humour, energy and a great Cockney accent. Nick brought his own style to the challenging role of Fagin and provided some excellent comic moments. Charlie was so convincing in his portrayal of Bill Sykes that some of the younger pupils are still scared of him! Zoe played Bet, showing off her vocal skills as well as her acting, while Dexter played Mr Bumble with both pomposity and humour. Oli was a worryingly convincing undertaker, while Lizzie gave us a chance to hear her singing talents as the flower seller. Marcus completed the list of Philips pupils in main parts as a kind and authoritative Mr Brownlow. In addition, Annabel, Grace and Austin were part of the chorus, all dancing and singing a number of the key songs. This was a great spectacle and shows that Philips music and drama are both in very safe hands for the future.

Music

Philips pupils have ended the year as they started it, by taking a leading role in every concert during the term. These began with the Instrumental Concert at the beginning of term. After half term we saw the Rock and Pop concert in the School Room, which was opened by Harry T on the drums. The term ended with the Summer Soirée; a number of Philips pupils seemed to be ever-present in a number of ensembles. These included Jonas (drums), Marcus (voice), Chloe (clarinet), Abi (flute), Sophie (flute), Izzy (voice and violin), Olly (trumpet and voice), Harry (drums), Elliot (voice and saxophone), Nick (saxophone), Tristan (voice), Fin M (saxophone), Hannah (voice) and Kivis (voice). There is no doubt that we will be a force to be reckoned with in House Music again next year!

Duke of Edinburgh Awards

This term has been another busy one for Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. The following Philips pupils have gained awards this year:

Bronze:

Grace

Stan

Elliot

Izzy

Harry

Tom K

Zoe

Henry

Silver:

Caitlin

Tom G

Connor

Jacob

Sophie

Gold:

Libby

Sam

Hannah

Many congratulations to them; these awards take a great deal of commitment and stamina, as well as skill.

Prizewinners

Congratulations to the following Philips pupils who received prizes at Speech Day:

1^st Form Attainment: Jonas

1^st Form Effort: Austin

3^rd Form Attainment: Zoe

4^th Form Effort: Elliot

5^th Form Subject Prizes:

Art and Mathematics: James

Business: Katie

Drama, English Literature and History: Tristan

Physics: Matthew

5^th Form Attainment: Jace, Aaliyah

Lower Sixth Subject Prizes:

Art and Business: Hettie

Geography and Psychology: Helena

Mathematics (Smith) and Physics (Birmingham OD): Alex

Upper Sixth Subject Prizes:

Chemistry (Irvin) and Science (Hewitson): Hannah

Economics: Eavan

English Literature: Charlotte

Physical Education: Olly

Politics: Charlie

Special Prizes:

Bennett Prize (Boarding Girl): Kivis

Cross Prize (Drama) and Smith Prize (Musical Performance): Tilly

Fisher Prize: Kate

Illingworth Prize: Hannah

Sports Finals:

After a relatively quiet term for House Sport, it all came down to the last two days of term with Paarlauf and Sports Finals. We were proud to field seven pairs of runners for Paarlauf, with other houses struggling to find volunteers in some year groups. All fourteen of our runners ran themselves into the ground on a warm afternoon. We achieved some fantastic results: Iósaif and Katie dominated the 2^nd Form event from the start, running out as easy winners, Duncan and Cherry won the Lower Sixth event comfortably after a close start and Olly and Kivis won the Upper Sixth event by a distance, with Olly’s marathon training clearly paying off. Jonas and Imogen did very well to come 3^rd in their first experience of Paarlauf.

The term came to an end with Sports Finals on a very hot afternoon. Philips House pulled together like no other; we were the only house to have an entry in every single event and every Paarlauf race. Individual victories were achieved by the following pupils: Kivis (100m and Long Jump), Alex (200m), Henry (400m and Discus), Harry (400m, Triple Jump and Javelin), Iósaif (800m), Olly M (1500m), Charlie P (Long Jump), Tom (Shot Putt) and Jacob (Shot Putt). The boys’ 3^rd Form team of Fin, Olly W, Henry and Will also won a very tightly fought 4 x 100m relay, while the senior girls’ team of Charlotte, Libby, Yzzy and Kivis also fought off all competition to win their relay. Our Leavers’ Relay team achieved a very creditable 3^rd place and it was great to see the team spirit in our 24 x 100m relay, which involved pupils all the way from 1^st Form to Lower Sixth. While it is right to celebrate the Philips pupils who won their events, what made me the proudest was the incredible team spirit on display. Every competitor worked incredibly hard and it was lovely to see Philips pupils supporting each other, particularly during some tough 1500m races. The support from the house throughout the afternoon was fantastic. Our efforts were rewarded when we won the Paarlauf and Relays Cups and came 2^nd in both the Athletics and overall House Sport competitions for the year. I would like to thank each and every one of the pupils who has represented the house this year and look forward to further success next year.