The Aldworthian Magazine 2019-2020

The Aldworthian 2019-2020 1

The Aldworthian
2019-2020

2 The Aldworthian 2019-2020

Strictly Social...

@ReadingBlues
@teamRBCS

Our fantastic Mr Ennis, brought in his own version of At the end of last term, our Marketing Officer took these Today we sadly say ‘Goodbye’ to the legend that is Cookie.
#MonaLisa. And before you ask; no, he didn’t steal it, but he pictures of some of the School’s newest pupils. The beautiful 38 years in the department. On behalf of all the thousands of
has done an utterly astounding job at replicating it! Mr Ennis said School site and the quieter grounds seem to have tempted them pupils that you have inspired to run, jump, throw and lots more
‘The Year 7s were very excited to see it!’ out of the woods! beside, we wish you a fantastic retirement. We’ll miss you!

@readingbluecoatschool

“Cross Country 2019 Winners: Year 7 - Theo M, Year 8 - Sam “A WHOPPING 105 pupils collected Award Certificates. Year 13s Harry, Will and Josh in their new roles assembling vital
L-H, Year 9 - Tom D, Year 10 - Chris P, Year 11 - Sam H, Senior For Year 7 John L’s Gold award and two other pupils’ golden medical equipment: “They are doing a great job, they have been
Boys - James C, Girls - Beth D. Well done to everyone who accomplishments, Mr Elzinga performed the coveted trained on assembly of the i-view video laryngoscope and can
took part!” headstand... TWICE!” competently assemble in excess of 85 each per day!”

@ReadingBlueCoatl

“From Herpetologists to soap makers and roboticists to Air “Last night’s Fireworks Spectacular was just AMAZING!! Thank “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Ed
Traffic Controllers, the talent on display at this Year’s Rosebowl you so much to Sonning Fireworks for their incredible display. Trelinski to succeed Pete Thomas as Second Master of Reading
was incredible! Well done to Kaiden L, whose chilli business won Thank you also to all who came along to support Reading Blue Blue Coat from September 2020.”
him the coveted Rosebowl!” Coat and made it such a brilliant event!”

In this edition The Aldworthian 2019-2020 3

4 Valete & Salvete

11The Man Who Would Be Head
Mr Pete Thomas
12 Heads of School

Results 13

14 Coping with Coronavirus
#RBC4NHS 15

16 Tackling Covid Face On
17Remote Teaching and Learning

18 Highlights from the Drama Department

22Sporting Spotlight

26 Musical Milestones

30Christmas at Blue Coat

32 My First Impressions
Dr Guy Williams

Welcome to the 2019-2020 edition of the Aldworthian Magazine. What an exceptional year it has been for the

Blue Coat Community! From the announcement of a change of Headmaster to communities,
near and far, responding to the Coronavirus pandemic; there have been both challenges and
opportunities aplenty.
The challenges of Coronavirus and the necessary precautions put in place have presented
opportunities for lessons, concerts and events to be done differently. Classrooms emptied in
March as teachers and pupils alike learned how to teach and learn through Microsoft Teams.
The audience of our annual Swing into Summertime concert watched from home and much
of what we enjoy each year had to be reimagined.
This may be the smallest edition of The Aldworthian Magazine in its history, but this reduction
in the size comes as a result of a year cut short. We hope that, in the years to come, the
Magazine will flourish once again, when we resume our full programme of curricular and co-
curricular lessons, activities and events. While we await that time, stay in touch with the School
via Facebook and Twitter, where we post daily updates throughout the academic year.

Tom Strudwick, Marketing and Communications Officer
Editor

4 The Aldworthian 2019-2020

Valete pace with those racing snake Sixth Formers their past interactions with him.
in the inter-house cross country. He loves Simon contributed an unbelievable amount
Jesse Elzinga rugby and enjoys cricket, though discussing of his own time to taking pupils up and
I remember Jesse’s first visit to Blue Coat one wicket he witnessed as seeing the down the country to fixtures, races,
very clearly in the autumn of 2015, with batsman ‘dispatched for a goose’ suggests matches, games, meets and tournaments.
his bearing and poise giving the sense of it wasn’t a game he coached regularly. His Athletics and Cross Country teams are
quiet confidence. Touring the site together, Running was the perfect way for him to the most successful sporting teams that the
we came to the sports hall, inhabited by wind down after work and he would often school has ever seen, gaining recognition
enthusiastic basketballers. Jesse picked fit in some miles along the Thames before and success on a national level.
up a spare ball and, with his notes in one an evening engagement. On one occasion, In the Physical Education Department,
hand, performed a perfect lay-up with Jesse managed to sneak in just such a Simon was the consummate professional
the other, confirming his place at the top trot before a Public Speaking event in the throughout his 30-year stint. He led the
of my candidates’ leader board. He clearly Buttery. As he sped past the windows he Department for many years and he didn’t
impressed in interview too because he was aware of the room being already full of shy away from change and was constantly
was the Governors’ choice and joined Blue pupils and parents… an unfortunate time evolving with new practices. Beyond the
Coat the following September. change, for which I apologise! PE department, Simon added huge value
Jesse was well aware that he was taking Jesse dealt with many issues throughout to the Navy section of the CCF. His ‘can
over as Headmaster of a school with his time here. There will always be highs do’ attitude endeared him to the staff
much to be proud of, but he was in no way and lows but, though constantly busy and and cadets and when asked to look after
complacent. He made it clear that, rather always wanting to keep things progressing, 50 cadets by himself during a Biennial
than veering off the course we were on, he he did so with great humour, positivity, Inspection, a brilliant inter-service sports
would look for ‘incremental gains’; an oft kindness and capability. Jesse carried a lot competition was soon up and running with
used phrase that led over time to fantastic on his shoulders and we are so grateful to all the cadets fully involved!
results. Alongside the perpetual pursuit of Elaina and their girls for helping him to do so On behalf of every pupil that you have
excellence, Jesse’s four years have been and for keeping his feet on the ground. As taught, and every member of the PE
marked by some particular highlights. they start afresh in Sevenoaks, amidst the Department past and present, thank you
Perhaps not too glitzy, but certainly essential ongoing pandemic and all its uncertainty, Mr Cook. You have shaped much of what
for the School, when the ISI Inspectors I know that Jesse has the qualities to lead we do today, you are one of a kind, and you
visited Blue Coat in November 2019, they the School superbly, just as he has done for will be missed.
found every element of our educational Reading Blue Coat. Gerwyn Wilson, Jason Dance & Tanya Van
provision ‘excellent’, the highest rating
possible. Jesse had trained as an inspector Pete Thomas der Werff
in 2017 and led us through it brilliantly, just
as he did when Covid’s lockdown closed Simon Cook Sue Dimmick
the School in March 2020. Proactive and The number of pupils, staff and parents I had the pleasure of working with Sue
positive, Jesse ensured that communication that Simon has impacted during his time for three years before she very graciously
was clear and regular and that everyone at Blue Coat is unrivalled. Simon first left allowed me to take over the Biology
knew what role they had to play. Blue Coat as a pupil back in 1979. He then Department. In those three years, she
Jesse is a tremendous sportsman and always graduated from Oxford Brookes University offered advice, guidance and plenty of
enjoyed seeing the pupils getting stuck in and gained a PGCE from Hull College of reminders to keep the Department
and having success in their various fields. Education before returning to Blue Coat in running, almost as smoothly as she ran it.
There won’t be too many Heads who sit 1982 as a teacher of PE and History. In 1993, Sue arrived at Blue Coat and the
in with the 1st VIII for a session, nor keep Simon is an unbelievably positive character legendary status of Dr D began! In 2001,
with his empathetic nature, a hugely Sue started her incredibly successful 15-
contributing factor to his enormous year tenure as Head of Biology, earning
popularity with pupils, parents and staff phenomenal results and frankly making
alike. It is not uncommon to meet Old my job of following in her footsteps a very
Blues who ask, ‘is Cookie still there?’ with challenging one!
a genuine smile on their faces as they recall Sue was always supportive of her team, no

matter the situation, and she cared for her The Aldworthian 2019-2020 5
students above all else. Sue campaigned
hard to get the Biology labs laid out as she Richard Shuttleworth Steve joined the School in 2009 as
knew would be best to assist pupil learning, In his time, Richard held many positions MIS Manager after a long career in IT
with octagonal tables and space for fish in the School: Maths teacher, Senior culminating as UK IT Manager for Blue
tanks on the sides. She would regularly Housemaster, Head of Activities, Head Circle. Pragmatic and patiently under his
be in School until midnight, marking in the of Maths, rugby coach, athletics coach, curation, the reach of IT into the daily
most detail and making the most colourfully Learning Research Group member and operations of the School blossomed,
detailed resources. golf bandit to name but a few. Most culminating in our successful transition,
We will all miss Sue more than I can say importantly, in every role, he ensured that almost overnight, into a remote learning
and Blue Coat will be a very different place with thorough organisation, enthusiasm school; a transition that goes without
without her. and getting staff and student buy-in, he saying was built on many hours of diligent
improved the Department or experience hard work in the background due to Steve’s
Andrew Colville for students and staff. foresight and understanding of the evolving
Shutts always remained positive. For education landscape, 18 months before
Bob Wallis example, instead of complaining that anyone had heard the word COVID.
Robert Wallis came to Reading Blue Coat in House Drama was no longer being taken Readers may not be aware the Steve was a
1989 as an art teacher, having qualified with seriously by students, he just volunteered wheelchair user after an accident during his
a First Class degree in Fine Art from Cardiff. to supervise House Drama during activities, VI Form days left him a paraplegic; yet his
He was a larger than life figure, loved by so that he could ensure that it improved chair never defined him and if there was a
students and parents alike for his striving and became something that the students way he could get somewhere he invariably
for excellence, great sense of fun as well and School can be proud of. would; frequently, at break neck speed.
as championing those who felt outsiders However, we have learnt never to trust When challenged with this particular turn
or those who struggled with confidence, Shutts when he is holding graph paper. He of phrase, Steve, with his gallows humour,
making the Art Department something of is generally plotting something. would rejoice in pointing out that the worst
an oasis. He had a terrific sense of humour Blue Coat School’s loss is St Joseph’s of the breaks had already happened and it
and often had both pupils and staff doubled massive gain. You are an excellent teacher, was worth the risk to see able bodied staff
up with laughter. Few people realised that have been a superb mentor and leader of take flight as he hurtled down the slope
Bob was a pretty mean bass guitarist and the Maths Department – setting a very towards the Messer building. A rolling stone
loved creating music, a hobby which he high standard and work ethic but always gathers no moss but a rolling Steve could
kept very much alive in his spare time. willing to support your team. gather a fair number of the RS Department
Testament to his impact, many past pupils It has been both and honour and a pleasure if they didn’t move sharp!
kept in touch with the Department and to work for you. You will be sorely missed Sadly for us, Steve retires to spend more
came back to do Artist-in-Residence days by both the staff and pupils. time with his wife Fiona and undeniably
to show off what they had done. A brilliant John Slack with their combined love, Greyfriars
teacher, sometimes misunderstood, often Church in Reading where they are part of
going against the grain, as creative people Steve Pollard that community’s bedrock. We wish him a
often do, he strove for excellence, coaxing well-deserved, long and happy retirement.
super work out of so many students,
getting them to work way beyond their Paul Zambon
expectations. Whether it was room designs,
book covers, fabulous portraits, landscapes Nick Warde
or abstracts, he managed to make the Art Nick joined Blue Coat in September 2012,
Department an amazing place to be. He his first teaching post. He had graduated
will be greatly missed and we wish him a from Imperial in Biological Science,
long and happy retirement. specialising in cellular biology. He has built
Richard Ennis excellent relationships with pupils at all
levels in the School and the Department
will miss him both in terms of the results he

6 The Aldworthian 2019-2020

has earned for pupils and his contributions challenging topic to teach and was drainage system much to the bemusement
to Department meetings, particularly disappointed that the Head of Department of the locals. We wish him all the best in his
when he would arrive wearing Travis – the didn’t bother to watch him teach but new role as Head of Physics at LVS.
Department’s bearded dragon. I wish him instead stayed at home having cried off sick.
every success in his new role as Head of So, from his sickbed, David gave June Benj Shuler
Biology at Canford School. unambiguous instructions to pick the ‘best
one’. June has assured me that she advised David Hales-Beck
Andrew Colville Mike Windsor to appoint ‘the tall one who David joined the English and Drama
likes cycling’. Departments in 2018, and, since then, has
Kane Hartland Thankfully, the Headmaster’s decision inspired real affection in his students: he
Kane joined the Chemistry Department to appoint two Physics teachers at once has a genuine affinity with this age range.
at Reading Blue Coat in September 2017 proved to be a wise one; and ensured David’s job was not an easy one: the
after completing his teacher training. It was that Rory and Will were going to be double curse of endless marking in English
immediately apparent that his decision to confused with each other for years to alongside endless rehearsals in Drama, but
not pursue a medical career would benefit come. Rory volunteered to help with he always turned up to work with a smile
any student in his class. He established CCF and Chemistry and so Will was very on his face and an easygoing disposition,
himself quickly, showing all of the teachers surprised when his timetable featured making him a very cheerful and positive
and students he worked with how much he cadets. But Rory’s expertise in chemical colleague to work alongside.
cared about his lessons. His innovative and engineering was one of the reasons that he David was one of those figures who could
enthusiastic delivery is certainly going to be was a welcome addition to the Chemistry very easily have become a cult personality
missed, as will his contributions outside of Department. in school: dragging around his Harry Potter
the classroom. Kane was heavily involved We hope that your move up to boarding suitcase of marking; singing barber-shop-
in coaching Hockey, giving his time willingly school goes smoothly and that you enjoy style in cabaret; directing a punky and
to coach throughout the School. He would the Lancashire life with your new puppy! ‘Eighties A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As
often be found working to expand the Benj Shuler David begins a new life in Yorkshire with
experience of science students beyond the his family, we thank him for all he has done
taught-content from engineering schemes Will Gilbertson for Blue Coat and wish him every future
in Year 9 to supporting Year 13 medical Will has brought a huge amount to Blue success. Pob lwc!
applications. He leaves to be with his family Coat in his time here. As well as being a
in Cornwall, cutting down his commute valued member of the Physics Department, Malcolm Stewart
rather significantly. he has taught Maths, coached rowing,
Mike Jerstice established the mountain-biking club, Ben Pennington
drone club and Lego robotics. After a successful life in academia, Ben
Rory Mellows Will always prepares his lessons meticulously embarked upon his teaching career when
At his interview, Rory was given a and is willing to regularly try new things he joined the Geography Department in
that many would be uncomfortable with. September 2018.
As a Sixth Form tutor he has shown a great
blend of care, humour, compassion, interest
and kindness, alongside the discipline and
correction they so often need. This good
relationship with the pupils has also helped
him on the expeditions to Morocco and
Nepal. It was also during the volunteering
project in Nepal that Will harassed the
project liaison into delivering a load more
stone and then designed and supervised
the building of a precision-engineered

Ben’s classes greatly appreciated his The Aldworthian 2019-2020 7
thoughtful and caring manner. He was a
reflective teacher who always worked Rennie Yue administrative routines and shouldering the
extremely hard to ensure pupils of all When Rennie started at Blue Coat Health and Safety burden of the School,
abilities thrived within his classroom. seven years ago, he already had a strong to organising and overseeing spectacular
Blue Coat pupils valued his guidance, background in education: he is one of events such as the Summer Ball and Family
achieving very strong results at all levels. only six people who mark the Cambridge Fireworks night. Ali didn’t work in isolation,
His considerable experience of working International Further Maths Stats and of course, but instilled positivity in all
in the field came to the fore in October Mechanics papers. with whom she worked. It was not at all
2019 when he successfully led the teaching He is one of the first in school each surprising that Ali was instrumental in the
during the Department’s visit to Iceland. morning, either he or Malcolm unlocking planning and operation of our response to
He was deeply involved in the musical life the RAB, and he is also one of the last to the Coronavirus pandemic, guiding all of us
of the school, performing at many concerts leave. He gives up his spare time to coach to ensure that the School stayed one step
and events. This interest extended to students to enable them to sit the Maths ahead of the virus; nor is it surprising that
working alongside the ‘Brass for Africa’ entrance exams. Within the Department, the plans she put in place are now followed
charity on behalf of the School. he is the go to Mathematician when we by other schools. Thank you, Ali, we know
Ben moves on to a teaching post at can’t answer a GCSE question. He is also that you will make an exceptional Bursar
Winchester College. We are sure Ben the one to keep you honest and work and wish you every success in your new
will enjoy living in the city once again, and students hard when he is teaching the set role as Bursar at Magdalen College School.
gaining valuable experience in the Boarding below yours! Simon Jackson & Pete Thomas
House. The College is truly fortunate to All the very best in your new career Rennie.
have appointed such a talented teacher. We John Slack Colin Turner
wish him well in his new post. Colin Turner joined the Grounds
Mike Baker Ali West Department in 2008 and retired in 2019.
Ali joined us three years ago in her role His enthusiasm and love for the grounds
Jane Redley as Assistant Bursar, bringing with her and gardens here at RBCS was evident,
Jane Redley leaves us after four years tremendous management experience, working hard daily making sure everyone
working in the English Department - gained in part from her Army career as enjoyed the freshly cut lawns, the smell
during which time she has been utterly well as financial acumen honed in the of the roses or the pupils using the sports
dutiful in her commitment to the life of the City. Alongside these credentials, Ali’s pitches after being marked out. Colin
school. Jane’s students always got the full capacity, clarity and kindness explain why, also brought with him additional skills, his
treatment, supported, in no small measure, in a relatively short space of time, she years of working within the construction
by her natural qualities of thoughtfulness managed to impact so many areas of the industry as a brick layer, made a perfect fit
and kindness. As an English teacher, her School’s life so positively; from streamlining for working a couple of days a week within
subject knowledge was outstanding, and, the maintenance department, which he
as a Sixth Form Tutor, so too was her enjoyed very much.
pastoral care. Jane’s commitment to the Colin, now enjoys his free time taking
wider life of school was shown in other care of his cottage garden and walking the
areas too: working on costumes for school countryside.
productions and as an occasional presence We wish him a very happy retirement.
in the Learning Support Department. So,
as she now leaves teaching, we thank her Matt Wharton
for all she has done for Blue Coat and wish
her a long and happy retirement.

Malcolm Stewart

8 The Aldworthian 2019-2020

Salvete in September 2019 as Director of Drama, Lynn Jones
coming from a school in Hampshire. South Lynn has worked in the education sector
Guy Williams African born, Devin read Drama and for nearly five years and started at
Dr Guy Williams joined Blue Coat as Performing Arts at the University of Kwa- Crosfields School in Reading, where she
Deputy Head (Pastoral) in September Zulu Natal with a major in musical theatre. was involved with HR and Bursar duties.
2019. Dr Williams replaces Mr Phil Wise, Initially training to work within the industry Prior to this she was an HR Director in
who departed Blue Coat to become Head as a director of musical theatre, Devin’s London for 13 years, whilst studying in
of the Senior School at Kent College. love of teaching found him when asked to the evenings at West London University
Dr Williams was previously Head of Sixth fill a maternity cover at his alma mater. This for her MBA and MAHRM. After leaving
Form at Wellington College, where he was quickly followed by his PGCE studies London to work nearer to home Lynn now
was also Director of Teaching & Learning. at Edgewood where he majored in Drama lives very close to School in Emmer Green,
He taught at Wellington from 2007, and and Arts and Culture. Prior to this, Devin which she considers a treat compared to
was previously Head of Philosophy and was Head of Drama and Boarding at a years of commuting. Lynn enjoys travelling
Religion. Dr Williams earned a first class leading independent boarding school in with her partner and cannot wait for
degree in theology from Cambridge, and South Africa. COVID restrictions to be lifted, so she
then completed his DPhil in theology at When not involved in school productions can once again enjoy visiting her favourite
Oxford. He has a number of academic and rehearsals at school, Devin is a destinations, such as the Middle East.
publications and helped to lead the member of a local amateur musical theatre
wellbeing pastoral curriculum at Wellington company where he performs in numerous Harry Stone
College. Originally from Herefordshire, musical productions. Devin enjoys running Harry started his career in London, teaching
Guy is married, lives locally in Berkshire and visiting the theatre as much as possible. at the Francis Holland School in Sloane
and has two young children. In between Square. He then greatly enjoyed completing
the teaching, he enjoys football, karate, the Lesley Levison his Masters degree in Philosophy before
German language and cooking. Lesley joined Reading Blue Coat in April leaving London and continuing his career in
2020 as our General Services Manager. teaching at Licenced Victuallers’ School in
Devin Möller She has extensive experience in the Ascot. Harry was extremely pleased, as an
Devin Möller joined Reading Blue Coat Hospitality industry, across a wide range of Old Blue himself, to return to Reading Blue
sectors including education, having worked Coat as the Head of Philosophy, Religion &
previously with businesses such as Barclays Ethics. In his free time, Harry loves playing
Capital and Morgan Stanley. golf and has recently managed to reduce his
A county-level swimmer in her youth, handicap down to an 11-handicap.
Lesley continues to enjoy competitive sport
and for the last decade has competed in
triathlon events in the UK and overseas. She
has represented Great Britain in her age-
group, won several national championship
titles and progressed to racing over the
Ironman 70.3 distance.
Lesley and her husband, also a triathlete,
enjoy going head-to-head watching quiz
programmes, though when it comes to
University Challenge, simply understanding
the question is considered a success!

Rema Heffernan The Aldworthian 2019-2020 9
Rema joined Reading Blue Coat in
September 2019 as a teacher of Business Jess Malpas She is a qualified ITIL Practitioner and
and Economics. She previously worked Jessica is a Psychology and Biology teacher in her role here at Reading Blue Coat,
at Farnborough Sixth Form College as a who also coaches Netball and Hockey she manages all things data. Loretta is
Teacher of Economics after working in and has recently taken on the role of responsible for the breadth of the different
several roles at Bupa and HM Treasury. She Housemaster of Aldworth. She studied Information Systems used throughout the
holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics Psychology (BSc) at the University of school, supporting pupils, parents and staff.
and Politics from the University of Bath and Leeds where she specialised in Biological She is passionate about service delivery
in her spare time enjoys yoga, road cycling, and Evolutionary Psychology. After a stint and communication and believes that the
running, tennis and swimming. She loves living and working on a ski resort in France, latter is the key to success!
music and used to write for her University she completed her PGCE specialising Outside of Reading Blue Coat; whatever
Student Union newspaper (IMPACT) and in secondary science teaching at Leeds the weather and as a first aider for her son’s
got tickets to live music events to interview Trinity University. Her first teaching job football team, she can loyally be found on
bands and musicians. was at Trent College, a boarding school the side-line cheering on the team, hoping
in Nottingham, where she spent three that, at the end of the day, all she ends up
Barry Hines years living and working as a Psychology dealing with is hurt pride!
Barry joined Reading Blue Coat as the IT and Biology teacher, Netball coach and Coupled with her love of travel, she also
Services and Support Manager in July 2020. boarding house tutor. She is originally from enjoys musical theatre and classical movies.
His career to date has been spent working Newcastle and has slowly made her way
as an IT engineer, consultant and solutions down south to Maidenhead where she Jackie Wilkins
architect for a number of multinational now lives. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys Jackie joined Reading Blue Coat in January
companies. Barry completed his Bachelor’s cooking, long walks and planning her next 2020 to take up her new role as Head of
degree in Economic History and MSc travelling destination, she is hoping to go PSHE and teacher of Mathematics. Jackie
in Information Systems at Portsmouth sailing in the Caribbean next summer. wasn’t here long before the lockdown hit
University. He has three sons, two of and the entire School had to be taught
whom attend Blue Coat in Years 9 and 13, Loretta Marsham online! When she came back in September
with this third son studying at UTC Reading. Loretta Marsham joined Reading Blue 2020, she felt a little like she was starting
Outside school, he enjoys spending time Coat, in the summer of 2020, having spent from scratch but is very grateful to all staff
with his family and country walks with his many years working in IT Service Delivery for helping her along the way, particularly
Pugs, Leo and Bella. within the sectors of Legal, Banking and her fellow maths colleagues.
more recently within the independent In her spare time, Jackie enjoys spending
education sector, having worked at a prep time with her husband Alex, her son Rhys
school nearby. and her two cats Sparkle and Mika. She
loves going to the theatre, especially to see
musicals; Les Misérables being her favourite
and she also attends the occasional rugby
match at Twickenham! To relax, she enjoys
embroidery and gardening.

10 The Aldworthian 2019-2020

So far, they have had successful crops of Th e M
tomatoes, spinach, beetroot, climbing
Sam Pritchard french beans and spring onions to name a
few.
Apart from horticultural based activities,
Harry also loves to play football and work
out. Throughout his younger years, he
was lucky enough to play for professional
football academies such as Southampton
and Fulham, and signed a two-year
scholarship for Oxford United at the age of
16. Since then, he has continued to enjoy
playing semi-professional.

Sam Pritchard joined Blue Coat as a Teacher Jay Taylor
of Mathematics, previously working at The Jay also joined Blue Coat in October 2019,
Forest School in Winnersh. and has been a Grounds person for ten
He studied Mathematics at the University years, having taken an apprenticeship with
of Birmingham, which was very enjoyable Basingstoke council. Before that, Jay had
and meant that he could be close to his always worked in IT but wanted to work
family home in Dudley. It was during his outside and to be involved in sport. He
studies that Sam developed a passion for has so far greatly enjoyed working close
indoor rock climbing. He can often be to home on the Blue Coat site. He enjoys
found bouldering at Reading Climbing cricket, basketball, football and ten pin
Centre or helping out during the School’s bowling and is very much looking forward
climbing club! to cricket returning to the school. His
One experience he will never forget was interests outside of work are sport and
travelling to Madagascar with a group cooking, which has always been something
of boys from his previous school. They he has enjoyed since leaving school. He also
helped to build a school for a small village enjoys landscape painting, which was how
that was a full day’s trek from the nearest he spent his time in lockdown, learning by
road. The village had no running water or watching Bob Ross on BBC4!
electricity and really put into perspective
how fortunate he has been during his life.

Harry Pearson
Harry started working at Blue Coat
in October 2019 as a gardener, and is
currently working towards his Horticulture
Operative level 2 at Merrist Wood College.
Outside of work, he continues his love of
gardening through a collection of house
plants, that he and his partner have
acquired over the years, and an allotment
that they started during the first lockdown.

The Aldworthian 2019-2020 11

M a n Who Would Be Head

Following an extensive process, the Governors Dauntsey’s School as a Geography teacher and
are delighted to announce Mr Peter Thomas was quickly appointed as a day housemaster,
as Headmaster of Reading Blue Coat before subsequently running a boys’ boarding
School from 1 September 2020. Pete house. Fully involved in rugby, football and
was amongst dozens of applicants for cricket coaching, Pete was also Master-in-
the post, in what was described by Charge of the Devizes to Westminster
the recruitment consultant Odgers canoe race, known as the ‘Canoeists’
Berndtson as one of the strongest Everest’, which he has completed twice.
fields they had seen, in any school, for In his time at Blue Coat, Pete has been
some years. responsible for the day-to-day running
In making this appointment, the of the School, having a significant
Governors were looking for impact on all areas of school life.
someone to continue to build on the In response to his appointment, Pete
success that the School has enjoyed, commented, “It is a tremendous
with the ability to take us forward into honour to have been asked to be
the next chapter of Blue Coat’s long Blue Coat’s next Headmaster and I
history. We are confident that we have am delighted to have the opportunity
found such a person in Pete, who has of leading this wonderful school. Struck
been Second Master since 2015. from the outset by the great warmth of
Graduating in Geological Sciences from both staff and pupils, Blue Coat’s sense of
the University of Durham, Pete then community, coupled with its desire to keep
began his career as a police officer, moving forward, will ensure an exciting journey
before moving into teaching
Geography at The Judd lies ahead”.
School in Kent. In
2003, he joined Peter Bertram
Mr Peter Bertram
Chairman of
Governors

Heads of School

Heads of School Deputy Heads of School

Ollie Pink Isaac Aldridge
Em Quinton Isobel Jones

Senior Prefects and Heads of School

Ollie Lee, Iscaac Aldridge, Jatin Yadav, Ollie Pink, Henry Saxby, Joe Jeffery
Emily Aldridge, Isobel Jones, Em Quinton, Kate Donnan

Results2019-2020 The Aldworthian 2019-2020 13

52.2% A* 24.4%
78.8%
93.6% A*-A 64.2%
99.9%
A*-B 93.4%

A*-C 99.1%

GCSE A Level

This year, the School celebrated the best GCSE results ever achieved, We also celebrated record-breaking A Level results, which is
with 52% of grades awarded being an 8 or 9 (an A* in old money). testament to the hard work and effort of both students and
teachers throughout their two-year A Level studies.
Among those record-breaking results was an overall In what has been a truly exceptional year, the School is delighted
pass rate of 99.9% and a 100% pass rate in English and that more than 85% of pupils who applied for a place at University
Mathematics. These exceptional results come as no surprise, have been offered their first choice university, after pupils achieved
as the same year group achieved Blue Coat’s best ever GCSE a 100% pass rate (A*-E) with 50% of all grades awarded at A*-A.
Religious Studies results after sitting the exam in Year 10. While 80% of all grades awarded were between an A* and B, the
School is rejoicing in the success of its individual pupils who have
Director of Middle School Mr Scott Yates, said “I’m immensely worked with dynamism and enthusiasm to secure such impressive
proud of this year group. We were proud before they received their results at such an unprecedented time.
grades, and we’ll be proud afterwards. The only disappointment I feel Head of Sixth Form, Mr George Morton said, “Regardless of
for this year group is that they didn’t have the chance to run that race whether or not examinations were sat this year, our Year 13 pupils
and prove themselves. We had high expectations of the year group; have really earned their strong A Level results. Their hard work,
not just because of the high quality of work they have produced over commitment and intellectual curiosity over the last two years, which
the last three years, but because of their success in RS last year.” included embracing the challenges of remote learning during the first
two months of lockdown, have been rewarded and we are delighted
Blue Coat even saw 12 of its 107 candidates achieve all 8/9 to see that so many of them have secured their places at the country's
grades. Among those highest achievers within the School is most prestigious universities.”
Oscar Mannering-Smith, from Fleet, who achieved eleven 9s
and one 8. As a central member of the Music Department, Among the incredible set of grades is prefect Michael Hills, who
Oscar says “I am really pleased about my grades. I admit to feeling worked hard to earn four A*s. On his achievement, Rock Climbing
a little relieved, given the recent news. Blue Coat were great instructor Michael said, “Remote learning over the past six months
at adapting to the situation and setting up remote learning and I has been difficult, but we’ve all made the best of a bad situation. I’m
have felt very well supported by my tutors and my classmates. really happy with my results as I have worked hard over the last couple
I am heading out with my family for lunch out today and later I’m of years. It’s really nice that it’s finally paid off! In September I will
meeting friends to celebrate. I am hoping to pursue an aerospace begin studying Computer Science at Exeter University, and I’m looking
engineering degree and my A-level choices are geared towards that.” forward to joining some of the societies there.”

Another high flier is Head of Rich House Pippi Heath, who earned
three A*s. Pippi said, “I was so pleased with my results. I was really
nervous as the news of all the changes this week meant I didn’t know
what to expect. I’m now very excited to be going to Bristol to study
Geography with Innovation. I’m really looking forward to my course
and student life, although I’m not sure what to expect in COVID times!”

Michael Hills earned four A*s in his A Levels and has gone on
to study Computer Science at Exeter University

Responding to the 14 TheAldworthian2019-2020
Coronavirus Pandemic

Although the School was forced to physically close, I am pleased to report that we were able to support the national cause in fighting
against Covid-19 in a number of ways. Firstly, the School remained open for the children of key workers. We have many parents amongst
us who are NHS staff, or qualify as key workers in other essential roles in society. I am delighted that, as a school, we were able to remain
open and look after their children so that they could attend work. We have just under 100 teachers at Reading Blue Coat and, when I asked
for volunteers to look after our key worker children, a third of our teachers immediately offered to do so. Many support staff volunteered
as well. I know many more staff would have been willing to do so if they were not categorised as a vulnerable individual, or did not have
young children or vulnerable family members at home.
Secondly, after direct correspondence with the Chief Executive at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, we were able to donate 200 pairs of
goggles that we normally use as protective glasses for practical science experiments. We know that a number of schools across the
country followed this example, and we were pleased to be able to help to protect the workers at the Royal Berks by making these items
of PPE available.
Thirdly, I know of three pupils in Year 13 who worked at a medical supplies company, helping to make video laryngoscopes, which also
helped to support the NHS in this time of difficulty. These conscientious young men worked during the day to help assemble these
products, and then completed their academic work during the evenings.
Finally, the Easter eggs that so many members of our community kindly donated to the School were shared with NHS staff at the Royal
Berks; these were warmly received.

Mr Jesse Elzinga, Headmaster

The Aldworthian 2019-2020 15

Throughout the Summer of 2020, Blue Coat raised
more than £4,800 for the NHS by walking the distance
from Reading to Argentina!
The Foundation Office challenged pupils, families, staff
and alumni to walk, cycle, run or row 1,406km; the
distance from West Cornwall NHS Hospital in Penzance
to Dunbar NHS Hospital in Scotland, the Northern- and
Southernmost NHS Hospitals in the UK. However, the
School community went on to complete this distance
more than eight times, covering the distance of Reading
Blue Coat to Argentina!
A total of 11,510km was covered in more than 750
individual journeys made by members of the School
community between Monday 11 and Sunday 17 May.
RBC4NHS was set up by the School’s student-led
outreach department, The Aldworth Partnership, and
the School’s Foundation Office to help raise vital funds
for the NHS. Director of Foundation, Mrs Victoria
Fangen-Hall, said
‘True to form, the Blue Coat community completely
embraced RBC4NHS and we are delighted at the
support received for the challenge. Multiple generations
of individual families have taken part; along with staff,
former students and friends of the School, all helping
us travel the length of the UK over eight times! We
are grateful to all those that participated, sponsored
and donated to make the challenge a true community
success.’
Among those to take part were members of the School’s
Boat Club, who rowed a total distance of 3,643, or two
lengths of the country!

16 The Aldworthian 2019-2020

Tackling Covid Face On

Wednesday 8 April saw the first 500 facial visors Mr Will Gilbertson on the production line at Blue Coat!
delivered to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, where they
were used to defend front line NHS staff working to
tackle the COVID-19 outbreak.

The visors were manufactured by teachers and volunteers at Blue
Coat and Leighton Park Schools after a fundraising drive by Leighton
Park DT Teacher, Mark Smith.
The idea to produce the visors came from Mr Smith at Leighton Park
School, who set up a GoFundMe page and has raised over £19,000.
Mr Smith says he ‘jumped on the bandwagon’ to produce the visors,
before enlisting the help of ten local businesses and organisations. Mr
Smith then sent a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) file to Blue Coat’s
Design Technology Department, who set about cutting the straps to
fit the visors.
Blue Coat Teachers Mrs Rebecca Crossland and Mr Will Gilbertson
were among the volunteers assembling parts before the visors were
fitted to the straps at Leighton Park School and finally delivered to
Royal Berkshire Hospital. Orders then came in from Reading Borough
Council and Wokingham Borough Council, which will also be used by
front line medical professionals.
Mr Smith’s county-wide production line was capable of producing
1200 visors a day, and worked to meet the requirements of dozens of
large orders. So far, over 6000 visors have been produced!
The map below shows the 23 production hubs, as well as some of the
295 locations the visors have been delivered to.

Reading Blue Coat

The Aldworthian 2019-2020 17

Remote Teaching and Learning

When the School was physically closed, from 20 March The School’s main platform, Microsoft Teams, allowed teachers
until the end of the 2020 Summer term, teaching staff were to conduct live lessons, set work, mark it, and give feedback to
well prepared to deliver the School’s academic curriculum pupils. This was supplemented by a number of excellent subject
remotely. specific platforms that enhanced our provision and provided the
pupils with the variety they have become so used to at Blue Coat.

We recognised of course, that structure, familiarity and regular
breaks are vital to pupil wellbeing when they are learning from
home; and so we followed the normal school timetable with its built-
in rest breaks, in order to make the transition as easy as possible.

The co-curricular element of the School continued as well;
the weekly activities slot was replaced by creative and sporting
challenges that could be done at home to make the most of
the benefits of being with family. Successes were continuously
shared by tutor groups to maintain that sense of community that
makes Reading Blue Coat such a special place. Games afternoons
continued to be delivered by the PE Department, who encouraged
video submission of the pupils completing the weekly tasks.

Year 7 Kaiden Lynch at his Working From Home office! We know that nothing can replace the feel of being part
of a bustling school community. When we were unable to
be together physically, we ensured that education, both
academic and co-curricular, continued as smoothly as possible.

Staying Connected

During the Summer term, a number of Sixth Form Netball players enjoyed a Zoom quiz with
Mrs Dance and Miss Thompson. The students made up individual rounds which included
sport, general knowledge, animals and even netball from A-Team captain Abi Watson.
Fortunately the staff didn't lose face and came out as joint winners. A very enjoyable netball
club bonding evening had by all.

Back in April, the Staff Book Club
was able to meet virtually to discuss

Ian McEwan’s Machines Like Me. In

attendance were Mrs Jane Redley,
Miss Claire Knight, Miss Tanya van der
Werff and Dr Sarah Langdon.

18 The Aldworthian 2019-2020

PRIVATE PEACEFUL

The autumn term saw the Middle School production of Private Peaceful, which was an utter triumph. From set design and costuming to
the incredible performances of our boys, it was truly spectacular.
Before the audience took their seats, air-raid sirens drew the crowd outside to witness the full cast march from School House to Way
Hall. Led by Capt. John of the Army CCF Section, the boys’ timing was perfect, and the image of them marching down in the rain was
seriously impressive!
As guests sidled into Way Hall, mournful music welcomed them to their seats, which had been transformed to reflect the trenches of
WWI France. Once silence had fallen, young actors from Years 9-11 took their places on stage, and the performance began.
Private Tommo Peaceful, played by Isaac Scourfield, has been found guilty of desertion and is due to be shot at dawn. The play opened
with this scene, and set the dark tone very early on.
The story followed the hours before Private Charlie’s execution, and his retelling of various points in his life. The early scenes introduced
the audience to Tommo’s brother Charlie, played by Nicholas Griffiths, Big Joe, played by Mattie Donovan, Tommo’s Mother, played by
Harry Butterworth and Barney Pawson’s version of Molly. Nicholas did a brilliant job at taking on the role of the caring big brother, while
Barney acted the role of Molly exceptionally well. It is never easy for boys to take on female roles in a secondary school play, but both
Barney and Harry did a fantastic job at staying in character throughout.
The story took the audience through Tommo’s poignant life events; through his less than pleasant school career, the tragic death of
his father (for which he blames himself), his fond childhood memories with his friends and family and eventually the fateful moment
that he joined the army. Despite the story following the harrowing experiences of a young man living through the First World War,
the performances were remarkable. Isaac Scourfield was clearly born to be on the stage: he understood and emulated his character
amazingly well, and is destined to go far in theatre. Both Nicholas in the role of Charlie and Barney, playing Molly, were also brilliant.
They all understood their characters, and spoke each of their lines with confidence and clarity.
Reading Blue Coat’s Middle School has such a strong cohort of actors, and it is really promising for Senior Productions to come. On
top of the excellent cast and their performance were the efforts made to create a truly immersive experience. Not only were all 28
cast members on stage for 95% of the production, but the lighting, set design, sound and costuming made for an incredibly moving and
emotive play.
Congratulations must go to Mr Möller, Blue Coat’s new Director of Drama. This was Mr Möller’s first production since joining, and I’m
sure that members of all three nights’ productions will agree that it was a great start to what we hope will be a long and fruitful career
here in Sonning. Well done also to Nathan Warr for the Shadow Projections, Jim Roberts and Alex Cross for their Sound Tech skills,
Callum Barren-Williams and Henry Billing for their lighting skills. Without the ‘offstage’ effects, the performance certainly would not
have been as powerful.

Mr Tom Strudwick

The Aldworthian 2019-2020 19

“Having attended the opening evening of Private Peaceful, I wanted
to say how much I enjoyed it. It was a hugely powerful display of
acting from every single pupil on set, and very touching to think
that they have had to get in touch with something that they will,
hopefully, never have to experience first-hand.
I attended with my parents and my auntie. My dad and his sister
lost their own father to post-war wounds in 1955, when my
dad was 13 and my auntie was merely six. They remember him
hobbling around, on his left leg (his right leg having been blown off
by a landmine in 1944). Sadly, their fading memories do not recall
much else other than this.
Many of the scenes in the play were very hard to watch, yet so
finely polished, and acted out with such professionalism, by 13-17
year-olds.
The final scene, with the posthumous apology being offered to
the deceased, and the poppies placed in the boots of the soldiers,
was really quite difficult to watch, and I have to admit that I shed
a few tears.
Seeing the names of the deceased, appear on the screen, was a
gut-wrenching, yet necessary, finale to the play. Well done to you
all on your work in producing this masterpiece. I am certain that
the boys who participated in it have learned a great deal from it.”

Mr Richard Starr

20 The Aldworthian 2019-2020

As my first musical production at Blue Coat,
I was delighted to share with the community
the world of Madness in the colourful and
bold production Our House. Our House is a
complicated beast of a production. Admittedly,
the show is a little cartoonish, but that was
what made it so appealing to my creative
mind. I was blessed to have seen Little Shop
of Horrors at Blue Coat in February 2019 and
I knew the school was full of talented young
performers who would rise to the occasion.
And the cast did not disappoint...
Auditions were a great success, and I was
confidently able to cast this production with
ease. I knew staging Our House was going to
be complex; for a start the musical reached
the Guinness Book of Records for the highest
number of quick costume changes, which after
much rehearsal and planning Ewan Guthrie
(who played Joe Casey) mastered to a tee.
The show needed to flow seamlessly, and that
required creative use of the set, lighting, and
many, many choreographed dance routines.
I was thrilled with the final outcome, and after
five almost sold out performances I know
the audience left Way Hall energised having
loved a night at the theatre. Highlights for me
were most definitely the large ensemble dance
routines, in particular choreographing Baggy
Trousers, which was a show stopper night after
night.
Our House has been a full team effort and I
am extremely grateful to have worked with
the company I have. To my fantastic cast and
production crew, this show is a reflection of
your expertise, dedication and passion to
create theatre of the highest standard at Blue
Coat.
I personally cannot wait to start the whole
process all over again as we plan to stage Billy
Elliot in 2021!
Mr Devin Möller

Meet The Aldworthian 2019-2020 21
The
Cast Ewan Guthrie

“This school has always been known for the impressive quality
of its musicals; I’ve seen the last six of them, so I knew how good
this one needed to be. The show is easily the most technically
challenging production of them all… and definitely has the most
costume changes! I won’t lie to you, the story is complicated. It
took me a good couple of months to understand what was going
on, and even two weeks before the show I am still embarrassing
myself most of time. Even still, I managed to laugh my way through
nearly every rehearsal without stressing out Mr Möller too much!”

Becky Hyde

Millie Wood “Drama has always been a passion of mine. I love being on stage
“The past few months have been and performing to a large audience. At my old school, I never had
so enjoyable and I feel so lucky to the opportunity to immerse myself in what the Drama department
have been a part of this production, had to offer. However, since joining RBC, I have never been short
especially considering the stress of of something to get involved in. Being part of the Our House cast
Year 13! Mr Möller, Mr Bowler and has been one of the most rewarding experiences, as I’ve made new
the other teachers that have helped friends across the year groups and rediscovered my love for Drama.
to create this production have been My character, Kath, is mature and loving in nature. She is also
amazing and none of it would have extremely strong-willed. As the weeks have gone on, I have
been possible without their help and had so much fun exploring the ways in which I can express
support. Although I’m not likely to ask just how much I have enjoyed being a part of this show.”
to keep and re-wear my costumes,
the role has been so fun and I'm so Ted Aplin
glad I took part, it is something I will “I have always been involved in as much Drama as I could, so Our
never forget.” House was a no-brainer for me. However, it has been completely
different experience to any other play I have been a part of. I have
a relatively large singing role in this play and I have never sung by
myself before, which has given me a new challenge to overcome!
Luckily, Mr Bowler has taken off much of this strain and brought
me up to speed. I have loved being a part of the company and it
has been such a lively and supportive environment. In this play
my character is extremely odd and complicated - being a dead
narrator for the play - and I have relished trying to fill his shoes.”

Ollie Pink Em Quinton Alex Campbell Ella Scampion
“This is my last year at Blue Coat and Dancing is something I’ve never “If I had to describe Emmo in “The cast has grown ever closer,
the production is an amazing way to done before, and being part of three words, I’d say he was which has made it more enjoy-
bow out. I have had so much fun this production has made me unaware, loving and fun. He able as the weeks have gone on.
with the cast and the dances would realise that (while I’m definitely means well, but doesn’t always I am very excited to perform
have to be my favourite part of this not cut out to be a dancer) know the depths of what Joe in this show and feel it will be
production. I love Madness and I’m I love being involved in the does. He loves to be around a great success, given the hard
glad everyone has had so much fun. big choreographed musical people, and only wants the best work and dedication of the cast
It has been a little stressful, but it has numbers. Being in the ensemble for everyone.” and crew, especially that of Mr
all been worth it.” has been brilliant fun.” Möller.”

22 The Aldworthian 2019-2020

Public Speaking

While the academic year continued through the Pandemic, much of what we enjoy most at Blue Coat
had to be put on hold, including music and drama performances, sports fixtures and our beloved Pub-
lic Speaking events, which enable our pupils to build confidence and experience in reading and speak-
ing in public, as well as draw our community together to celebrate our young people. However, those
events that did go ahead were made all the more valuable for the changes to our daily lives that were
still on their way...

In November, the senior public speakers confusing and pointless signs and secondly to school sessions. The team of staff; Mrs Kelly,
presented the Cheeky Speaky. So many of the deliver the reading Death by scrabble which he Ms Plowman and Ms Holliday and I were
senior public speakers have been involved since executed with such aplomb. Dominick Wheeler delighted that over 40 boys took part. It made
they joined Blue Coat and I am always proud and Ted Aplin showed the audience gave the for a long evening but it was well worth it to
and delighted to see how they have progressed audience a flavour of what they had delivered see so many participate. Robert Page-Mason
during that time. This particular Cheeky Speaky in the public speaking competition in Canada. and Edward Verstringhe took command of
came in the middle of the week of an ISI full Dominick, the consummate professional, was the evening and chose a Star Wars theme to
school inspection! Having escaped a visit from given thirty minutes to prepare a radio news provide entertainment between each item and
the inspectors during my teaching day, I relaxed broadcast from an unseen newspaper. Ted, with made a splendid job of it. Many of the Year 7
a little during the after-school rehearsal, superb comic timing, an extract from Notes and 8 students chose to share a poem or reading
however we were duly paid a visit! At the time, from a Big Country by Bill Bryson. He followed and impressed the audience with their fluency
Miles Edwards was performing his speech about this with an impromptu. He was only given two and expression. Sergio shared with us the
the need for education reform with machine minutes to think of and then deliver a speech experience of being driven to school by his sister,
learning, followed by Charlie Kirk speaking lasting for three to five minutes. Safe to say, the Esat enlightened the audience about Sufism and
about dress codes. Although the inspector gave audience was impressed and relieved not to be Adam shared with us his experience of rowing,
nothing away in his expression at the time, he in his shoes! The evening was a great success but fortunately spared us his blisters! Rayaan
later commented on the quality of what he had and the boys and I were very grateful for the spoke about the use of technology providing
heard and that with his eyes closed he could additional help and support we received from sound advice for the grown-ups, Nick and Kyle
have been listening to adults. During the actual Mrs Head. considered whether we are living in a simulation
performance, an Inspector didn’t call! The Christmas Cracker heralds the start of the and Devvrath and Thilak made everyone
The loyal audience was treated to the range countdown to the end of term and Christmas, hungry when they spoke about biscuits! We had
of topics that they have come to expect. and when the Junior public speakers showcase several Room 101 presentations including Rohit,
James Bowie spoke about the environment what they have been working on in the after- Jack, Edward, Alex and Esat speaking from the
with conviction, Michael Wilkinson made it heart about which School House should be
clear that pennies were no longer needed and cast into oblivion and later the audience were
Matthew Watkins alerted us to fire hosing, a encouraged to get rid of hamsters, VAR, glitter,
propaganda technique in which a large number Christmas puddings and carrots to mention a
of messages are broadcast rapidly, repetitively, few. On a Christmas theme, Alex talked about
and continuously over multiple channels (such crackers, Maadhav recalled new year traditions
as news and social media) without regard for and Viyan pointed out just how much we are
truth or consistency. Miguel Nabais spoke about spending on Christmas cards and stamps. Will
the trebuchet, Sam O’Leary about educational and Samuel debated about whether homework
opportunity. Rohan Kapila had us chuckling with is necessary or not, (I think we decided not!)
his ‘uncorked’ speech about wine snobbery, in It was a brilliant evening and parents and staff
contrast with James Clarke’s thought-provoking were very proud of everyone who spoke.
speech about black swans; not the feathered
variety, but rather a metaphor that describes an Head of Public Speaking,
event that comes as a surprise, has a major effect, Mrs Lisa Bennett
and is often inappropriately rationalised after the
fact with the benefit of hindsight. William Peters
made two appearances, first speaking about

The Aldworthian 2019-2020 23

Speaking of Boston...

In October 2019, Dominick, Ted and I set off for Boston, USA to take part in the International Independent Schools Public
Speaking Competition. While there, we experienced the sights of Boston, met lots of friendly people and had a fantastic
time. Although we were principally there to compete, we made the most of the trip by going to watch a basketball game,
an ice-hockey game, taking a ferry tour and walking the freedom trail through sites relevant to the 1776 revolution. We
were also given plenty of free time to explore the local area.
As for the competition, it did not disappoint. Each of us was there to compete in three events ranging from persuasive
speeches to the more unprepared impromptu categories, to full-on team debates where you are paired with a complete
stranger from another school. Getting to know the other competitors was definitely a highlight of the trip, it really is a
chance like no other you get in your school career to meet such a variety of people from so many different countries.
At the end of it all, the three of us came home with memories of a unique school trip, where we were able to compete
internationally, while also getting to explore local culture. This, and the amazing competitive environment made it easily
my favourite trip I’ve ever done at Blue Coat. As our week-long stay drew to a close, there was a bittersweet feeling in
my heart, as I knew I would never experience anything quite like it ever again. I’m hugely thankful to Ms Plowman for
accompanying us on the trip and helping keep us organised. Thank you to Mrs Bennett who, along with Old Blues Dr
Edward Hicks and Guy Pawson, worked with us on many weekends to prepare us for the competition.

Senior Public Speaker, Year 12 Michael Wilkinson

24 The Aldworthian 2019-2020

Rugby

The Society of Heads 7s, Wednesday 4 March 2020

This is a tournament we have entered for the last four years and the first time we have come away with the cup. Our pool games allowed us
some comfortable wins, but this was a great way to get the players used to some 7s under their belt ready for the Semi Final.

Meet the Team
Year 13: T. Capaldi (Captain), J. Bains-
Gillespie, J. Williams, L. Brown, T. Price,
M. Smith, S. Jolly
Year 12: H. Herbert, B. Hitchen, A.
Perkins
Year 11: J. Seddon, H. West, C. Perkins
Try Scorers: T. Capaldi, A. Perkin and S.
Jolly achieved 5 tries each. Jack Williams,
E. Bains-Gillespie and L. Brown achieved
3 tries each.
Conversions: J. Seddon, T. Capaldi x2, L.
Brown x2, S. Jolly x8.
Player of the tournament: J. Williams
for his excellent offloading out the tackle,
menacing scrums and defensive work.

Results:

Won 42-0 V Dover College Won 46-0 v Claremont Fan
Try scorer: T. Capaldi, J. Seddon, S. Jolly x2, L. Brown x2 Try scorer: A. Perkin x3, E. Bains-Gillespie, S. Jolly, J. Williams, T. Price, T. Capaldi
Conversion: T. Capaldi, J. Seddon, S. Jolly x2, L. Brown x2
Conversions: S. Jolly x2, T. Capaldi

Won 50-0 v LVS Ascot Semi Final: Won 34 v 14 Shiplake
Try Scorer: J. Seddon x2, E. Bains-Gillespie, A. Perkin, J. Williams, H. West, S. Jolly, T. Capaldi Try Scorer: T. Price, J. Williams, L. Brown, T.

Final: Won 19-17 v Reed’s Capaldi, S. Jolly, E. Bains-Gillespie
Try Scorer: A. Perkin, T. Capaldi, H. Herbert Conversions: Sam Jolly x2 Conversions: S. Jolly x2
“The final proved to be the game of the day, with us playing Reeds, who have been a power
house 7’s team. We stormed off to an early 19-0 lead through A. Perkin, T. Capaldi and H. “The Semi Final was against our local rivals, Shiplake
Herbert, with S. Jolly kicking 2 of 3. The second half offered a come back for Reed’s, with 3 tries College, who were last year’s winners of the cup
in quick succession. However, their kicker missed the conversion in the last play and we were competition. We stormed off to a great lead, with
crowned the winners of the cup at 19-17.” T. Price scoring from kick off. Further tries from J.

Williams, L. Brown, T. Capaldi, S. Jolly and E. Bains-
Gillespie cemented the 34-14 win.”

Surrey 7s, Wednesday 11 March 2020

Meet the Team
Year 13: T. Capaldi (Captain), Z. Shields, J. Williams, L. Brown, T. Price,

M. Smith, S. Jolly
Year 12: H. Herbert, T. Hoare, A. Perkins

Year 11: M. Crook, H. West
Player of the tournament: S. Jolly

Try scorers: S. Jolly
Conversions: S. Jolly x2, H. West x2
Player of the tournament: A. Perkin

Results:

First pool game v Hampton: Lost 7-35 S. Jolly with the only try and kick.
Second pool game v Kirkham: Lost 12-22 A. Perkin and T. Price with one

try each and S. Jolly with the kick.
Third pool game v Isleworth and Syon: Won 29-0
Try Scorers: T. Price M. Smith, M. Crook, H. Herbert, M. Smith

The Aldworthian 2019-2020 25

Highlight of the tournament was the second pool game v Kirkham Grammar. This was an excellent game, with Blue Coat storming
into a 12-point lead through a wonderful try by A. Perkin and T. Price. However, as with 7s, one missed tackle can lead to a try and
Kirkham came back strong with two quick tries. This was the team’s best performance, keeping possession, offloading in attack and
putting pressure on what is known to be a great school for Rugby. However, Kirkham were just too strong and scored two tries in the
last few minutes of the game. A great experience for the boys to play in the Surrey 7s. This is a higher tier competition than Rosslyn
Park, as you meet some tough schools in the pool stages and only top of the pool go through. Well done to all the boys that have
committed to playing 7s this season, you have been fantastic.
Mr Toby Seward, Head of Rugby

Football

Unfortunately, the football season was cut short due to the national lockdown. The stats across the school up to this point were as follows:
Played Won Drawn Lost Win %
119 72 12 35 60%

Stats:

318 •
27
4th
County Cup
U15s
27
5
3
pupils represented the school in a football team

•We had fixtures on the calendar for football teams

•The 1st XI were still in the Gibbs Cup and were sitting in Thames Valley League Division 1

•The U16s were in the semi-final of the

•The were six from six and in the 3rd round of the county cup

•The U14A had scored goals in just 7 games

•The U13As had scored 30 goals in just games

•The U12As had won , drawn 3 and lost 3

From the During the first national lockdown, our Games programme took a very different format to
Director of the norm. However, we continued to try and deliver an offering that was true to our key
Sport educational principles of physical fitness, skill development, building character, improving
communication and increasing knowledge.

Major highlights of lockdown were the virtual Sports Days. Each year group in turn had an opportunity to represent their house in a
number of physical challenges, using an App on their phone to record their attempts. It was great to see so many pupils engage in the
event.

As I write this report, the start of the 2020/21 academic year has continued in the same unusual way as the end of the Summer term.
We have had no sporting fixtures to speak of since March of 2020, although I am always optimistic that the opportunity to once again
compete and represent teamRBCS is just around the corner.
I would like to finish by thanking all of the teachers and coaches who have so diligently and imaginatively continued to keep pupils
engaged in physical activity in the most testing of times.

Mr G. Wilson
Director of Sport
teamRBCS - Respect, Belief, Commitment, Sportsmanship

26 The Aldworthian 2019-2020

Cross Country

It was another eventful term for the U15 cross-country team of Chris Parker, Oli Bryant, Will Thompson, Nick Haldane and Tristan
Hart. There were many great opportunities to represent the school and as usual, the competition has been of a very high standard.
However, we continue to achieve well this year, and our great progress shows how hard we have had to train. Our determination and
relentless perseverance to improve has also been reflected in our success.
We began the season with weekly after-school running club sessions, before competing in the District League final round, which we
won. October arrived and it was time for the English Schools Cup to commence. We raced at Prospect Park for the County round
and the course was unsurprisingly tough and hilly. The team ran well and our boys walked away as emphatic winners, following some
excellent runs. Chris managed to win this particular race and he was closely followed by Oli in fifth place, Will in ninth, Nick twlefth
and Tristan 26th. A brilliant result to start the Cup journey and because of this, we progressed on to the next round.
The South-West Regional Finals took place in Taunton and as we arrived, after a two-and-a-half-hour bus drive, we were greeted by
a torrential downpour. This heavy rain continued as we walked the course, and it only stopped shortly before the race. This made
the course extremely muddy and slippery in places, but luckily, we were well equipped to run in such awful conditions thanks to fresh
spikes being fitted in our shoes by Mr Cook. Our spirits were not dampened thanks to Mr. Bellinger’s good company and bad jokes.
We took full advantage of the hills during the race - as we found this to be our strength in training - and fought hard to gain just those
few extra places to ensure we secured a place in the National Finals. We were very pleased to find out we came second, just behind
Bishop Wordsworth’s School and therefore qualified for the Nationals.
When we travelled to Sheffield for the English Schools Cup National Final, we found that we were up against the top 27 Schools in the
country. As you would expect up north, the course was not as flat as we were used to, so we weren’t particularly looking forward to
running it! The conditions were also not ideal, as we had to contend with the strong winds and run through thick, sticky mud. It was
slightly worrying that everyone who had already finished racing in a different age category was complaining that the course was just
too hard and painful. However, we were used to tough conditions and challenging hills and so we did brilliantly. We came 15th, which
is just outstanding considering the level at which we were running. Chris Parker ran superbly yet again, finishing 13th out of a field of
the 170 best U15 runners in England. Oli was next, coming 47th, Will came 90th, Nick came 108th and Tristan battled strongly to come
121st.
We would of course like to thank Mr Cook profusely for everything he does and all the time he puts into making us better athletes, as
well as Mr Bellinger who accompanied us on our last two trips, which made it great fun for all of us.

Oliver Bryant (Year 11 2019)

Rowing

Reading Small Boats Head - 12.10.19 Upper Thames Head - 27.10.19 Quintin Head - 25.01.20
J18 4+ (2 crews) - 1st and 3rd J18 4+ - 1st J18 8+ - 10th
J16 4+ (2 crews) - 1st and 3rd J16 4+ - 1st J16 8+ - 6th
J16 4x - 3rd J16 4x - 3rd J15 8+ - 9th
WJ18 4x (2 crews) - 2nd and 6th WJ18 4x - 2nd WJ18 8+ - 15th
J15 4x+ (3 crews) - 6th, 8th and 9th J18 2- (3 crews) - 2nd, 3rd and 4th Oxford University Lightweight Boat Club
J18 2- (3 crews) - 1st, 2nd and 3rd J18 2x - 3rd (OULRC) Nephthys Crew - 09.02.20
J16 2- (2 crews) - 1st and 2nd WJ18 2x - 4th Win to Blue Coat
J15 2x (2 crews) - 1st and 3rd Great Britain Junior Trials - 16.11.19
WJ18 2x - 4th J18 1x (Bindoff) - 64th/128
J18 1x (2 crews) - 10th and 12th J18 2- (Mackean/Beyki)
J17 1x (2 crews) - 3rd and 26th

The Aldworthian 2019-2020 27

Hockey Girls’ Sport

Team Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Against Goals Difference
1st XI 9 7 0 2 25 4 21

A fantastic season for the 1st XI girls’ hockey squad. The team are the most successful girls’ team in the School since Blue Coat began
admitting girls in the Sixth Form. Not only did they win the Super 8 Hockey League convincingly, but they also finished runners up
in the County Outdoor tournament at Bradfield College and runners up at the County Indoor tournament at Wellington College,
resulting in the girls playing in the regional tournaments at indoor and outdoor hockey. Pippi Heath was a superb captain and not only
did the girls manage to bring home much silverware but they also had lots of fun along the way.

Mrs Claire Dance, 1st XI Coach

1st XI:

1. Lucy Dawson
2. Holly Hobcraft
3. Pippi Heath(Capt)
4. Alexia Grannum
5. Isabella Marino
6. Billie Moore
7. Alexandra Oviedo Potter
8. Abi Watson
9. Amy Bennett
10. Anya Donnelly
11. Mollie Edgar(Vice-Capt)
12. Larissa Holmes
13. Holly Cookson

NETBALL

TEAM Played Won Drawn Lost Goals For Goals Against Goals Difference
1st VII 7 6 0 1 265 139 126
2nd VII 7 5 1 1 277 138 139
3rd VII 6 6 0 0 153 48 105

The Reading Blue Coat 1st VII team had a very successful 2019-20 season, having a fantastic record that resulted in the team reaching
the top of the league until the season was cut short due to Covid restrictions. Despite only playing together in the Sixth Form, the
girls have been able to gel together in a short space of time and greatly improved in their time at RBC. The time spent together has
enabled the girls to bond not only as a team on court, but off court as well. One of their main aims of the season was to work to
develop female sport at Blue Coat, through the support of our fabulous coaches, Mrs Dance and Miss Thompson. The 1st VII always
maintained a great attitude towards all matches and always had fun when playing.

Abi Watson, 1st V11 Captain

1st VII:

1. Amy Bennett
2. Kate Donnan
3. Gracie Trott
4. Alexia Grannum
5. Billie Moore
6. Pippi Heath
7. Beth Ritchie
8. Abi Watson(Capt)
9. Chiara Heneghan
10. Sophie Gibson

28 The Aldworthian 2019-2020 Music

From the Director of Music

Douai Abbey is a strange building. One half of it was built in the early 20th Century and abandoned when finances ran out, and the
other half was built at the turn of the 1980s in a bold modern style. From the outside, the two halves have strikingly little in common,
yet on the inside you will find a room with a gorgeous acoustic and profound sense of peace. So it was for the Blue Coat Music
Department in the 2019-2020 academic year. For a longer period than it seems now, the year progressed as normal: working to shore
up incremental improvements as our music evolved to accommodate the inevitable changes of personnel. Then suddenly, two weeks
before Easter, everything changed. Homes transformed into classrooms, and social media was flooded with multi-screen remote
video performances and stories of the personal development opportunities people were keen to be seen to be taking.
Although highlights of the first half of the year - the Carol Services, the Jazz Night and the Classical Concert - have little in common
with the end-of-year events and end-of-course compositions, it does not take too much imagination to see how the two halves
complemented each other. In both cases, music’s power for individuals to feel connected, and to find personal fulfilment, sang through
loud and clear. Pieces that had at first been rehearsed in person were then recorded and assembled piecemeal at home, but with the
memory of being together firmly in mind. Zoom meet-ups for the Community Choir kept up our role of engaging the wider Blue
Coat body. In particular, it was inspiring to see musicians having to work more independently to serve groups which relied on every
player doing their duty more than ever before.
I am sure that very few people, if any, are not looking forward to the long-promised return to normality. Nevertheless, I am
enormously proud of how the year was completed, and how we rose together to meet the challenges that were put in our way.

Director of Music, Mr Richard Meehan

Lunchtime Concerts
We were able to hold four lunchtime concerts in
the intimate surroundings of the Buttery before the
Easter lockdown. The Autumn Term concerts gave
valuable opportunities to our most accomplished
soloists, while those in the Spring Term focussed
more on creativity. The first of these spring recitals
was a singer-songwriter concert for the lower
years, and the second was a chance for the A level
composers to have their pieces workshopped by a
visiting professional string quartet.

Jazz Bands

The Jazz Bands carried on their work as the flagship musical groups of Blue Coat. They contribute to a variety of events, but get the spotlight
all to themselves at the annual Jazz Night in February. This year’s event began with Year 12 Sidni Brener’s Brasshouse band playing a trio of
numbers, one of which unexpectedly involved a traffic cone! After this, a trio of local jazz musicians, led by Mr Meehan on piano, accompanied
nine brave souls as part of the “open mic” slots. Special mention must go to Rev Toogood’s magical rendition of Smile, and Mr Moller’s intense
performance of Sway.
The central portion of the evening was a face-off between three jazz bands representing each of Years 7-9. The Year 7s performed Louie, Louie,
coached by Ed Bindoff, followed by the Year 8s playing a couple of jazz-blues numbers, and then finally the Year 9s playing jazzy re-imaginings
of two Russian tunes; Song of the Volga Boatmen and Swan Lake. After a closely-fought contest, the Year 9s were awarded the prize, although
some suspected that this may have been because they were the nearest to the clapometer microphones!
Only a week later, the band, together with Sidni’s Brasshouse Band, gave barnstorming performances at the Chipping Norton Youth Jazz Band
Challenge, very nearly winning against Oxfordshire County Youth Jazz Band. Regrettably, the somewhat arch medley of pop-punk tunes in a
swing style which we had been preparing for the Spring Spectacular! had to wait for another occasion.

H ighlights

Swing Into Summertime

After Easter, when it became clear that we were not returning to the school
site in any significant way before the summer, the question arose as to how we
were going to do Swing Into Summertime. By this point, there were already
an impressive number of remote events and performances online, and the
ambition was there to match these with something special of our own.
The challenge was a mammoth one. What can now be achieved with
the phones we carry in our pocket and our home computers would
have been unthinkable at any other point in human history.
Nevertheless, just because we have the technology does not
mean we have the capability, and we set about the challenge
of solving each stage of the process one step at a time.
Firstly, there was the challenge of choosing a
streaming platform, and deciding whether we
could be sure of the internet bandwidth
needed, not just in school, but particularly
from performers’ homes. Naturally,
we also had to work out which
musicians we had the opportunity
to include. Next came solving
the challenge of performing
live from multiple
locations, and finding video
conferencing with sound quality
good enough for performance.
The weekend before the broadcast, the
pressure was truly being felt. Some of the
crucial contributions to our planned grand finale,
a massive multi-cam performance of Hey Jude
had not yet been submitted, and the ones that were
collected needed considerable jiggery-pokery to get them
to fit together. The test streams would sometimes fail, the
causes of which sometimes had no obvious rhyme nor reason.
The day of the concert arrived, beginning unpromisingly with the
discovery that the Hey Jude video had not rendered successfully – a job
that to re-do could potentially take more processing time than we currently had.
After a frantic last day, the moment of truth arrived with a strange inevitability.
The pre-stream started with some of the Year 9s’ composition coursework,
including Jake Pawson’s excellent electronic dance remix of Ride of the Valkyries. Then came Mr Meehan’s welcome and a multi-
tracked recording by the RBC Big Band of Cantina Band from Star Wars, complete with the obligatory parody of the opening crawl.
It was then we hit our first snag. We couldn’t get a connection to Alex Miranda-Zezula, scheduled to be our first live performance
on the xylophone. But this was something we had prepared for. Working quickly we re-ordered the items and those who watched
compere Michael Wilkinson link to Harry Luff’s piano piece would have had no idea of the problems behind the scenes. Then
there were video performances by Emily Aldridge, Joel Wilson and Lenny Berdat, before trying again with the live xylophone
solo. All seemed to be going well, until the stream froze unexpectedly mid-performance, and we had to cut hastily to the next
video. Performances from Matthew Watkins, the Community Choir, Will Dean, and Ashwyn Rupashina on bassoon followed,
continuing to light up the live chat. Finally, we had a good enough link to stream MZ’s solo, this time expertly performed and
without a technical hitch. The contribution of Year 12s Joshua Hines and Sidni Brener for this event can almost not be overstated.
As planned, the broadcast finished with Hey Jude, thankfully completed in time. As the video ended with the camera
zooming out, revealing row after row of performers, we could not have been more proud of ourselves as a team,
and were more aware than ever of the power of music to bring people together, even at our most physically apart.

30 The Aldworthian 2019-2020

Classical Concert

This being an off-year for the Biennial Festival, the usual
Chamber Concert was expanded into the Classical Concert.
This was a much grander affair, and gave a chance to display
our most serious music-making. The event began with a
performance by the Full Orchestra, playing John Williams’
thrilling Olympic Fanfare, and then moved onto some select
solo performances. The first half was rounded off with an
accomplished performance of the first movement of Bach’s
Double Violin Concerto with Joshua Hines and Harry Luff as
the soloists.
The second half of the concert was devoted to a performance
of Rossini’s Petite Messe Solonelle. Every word of the title is
a lie. The work lasts for 70 minutes, and is not at all solemn.
Furthermore, it could not in any way be used as a Mass, and
contains some texts which are only tangentially related to the
liturgy. A choral society of nearly 60 singers including students,
staff and members of the community, gave a spirited rendition
of every bar of the choral numbers, with Emily Aldridge and
Jake Pawson each taking a solo movement. To say this was an
ambitious challenge would be something of an understatement.
This is a difficult and a demanding work, and on a different
scale to traditional favourites, such as the Faure Requiem and
Haydn’s Nelson Mass. That we were able to stage the work
so successfully represents a mammoth achievement, not to
mention a fortunate one, as restrictions began only a few days
after the concert.

The Aldworthian 2019-2020 31

Carol Services

This year, RBC Music Department participated in no fewer
than four Carol Services. Firstly, we were delighted to take the
Treble Choir, consisting of some 38 Year 7-9s, to support the
Launchpad Carol Service. This is a highly significant event for
the town and a yearly highlight for the exceptional Launchpad
charity, with whom RBC has a long-standing relationship. The
trebles performed their songs to great acclaim, accompanied
brilliantly by Year 10 Alex Miranda Zezula. However, the
undoubted highlight of this event was a gospel-inspired version
of O Come All Ye Faithful, which the Trebles sang with The
Reading Bach Choir and X-Factor finalist Danyl Johnson. The
moment which really pushed this over the top was when Jake
Reeve, Joel Wilson and Anoop Sira belted out their verse in
three-part harmony alongside Danyl, leaving the packed church
equally exhilarated and deeply moved.
Following on from the success of the Launchpad Carol Service,
the Trebles then led the Aldworth Lodge Carol Service, before
100 musicians assembled themselves for the Family Carol
Service at the end of term. It goes without saying we will keenly
miss the experience of singing the old favourites with others to
the ravishing sounds of the Festival Brass this year.

32 The Aldworthian 2019-2020

Christmas at Blue Coat

Before the Christmas holidays, pupils, staff and families came together to
celebrate the festive season by wearing Christmas jumpers, singing their
hearts out and getting back to the roots of the Christmas story.

The Aldworthian 2019-2020 33

With Mr Starr on the Ukelele,
Mr Jerstice on Electric Guitar,
Mr Colville on the Bass, Mr
Pennington on the Keyboard,
Mr Ennis on the Drums, and Mr
Hales-Beck, Miss van der Werff
and Mrs Bennett on vocals, they
certainly had the pupils bopping
in their seats!

Christmas at Blue Coat is such a special time of On Thursday, Rev’d Kate
year. Not only does it mean two weeks off for Toogood hosted our very own
pupils and staff members alike, but it provides Nativity Assembly, featuring Mr
numerous opportunities for the Blue Coat Starr as the Star (see what she
community to come together and celebrate, did there?), Miss Thomas, Mrs
something we will likely never underestimate Edmeades and Mrs Fangen Hall
again! as the Angels, Mrs Rawden, Mr
This year’s celebrations were fabulous! On Cook and Mr Hales-Beck as the
Friday 6 December, the School supported Three Kings, Mr Gilbertson, Mr Clark and Dr
Launchpad by observing Christmas Jumper Magill as the Shepherds and Mrs Dance and
Day. Between the biennial Sleep Out and Mr Shuttleworth as Mary and Joseph. Aside
Christmas Jumper Day, the School donated from the all round excellent performances,
a total of £6709.38 to Launchpad! Second the Christmas message that is all too often
Master Pete Thomas awarded prizes to Year forgotten was soon remembered.
8 Nathan Coneybeare for his festive reindeer On the last day of term, Friday 17, the whole
number and Year 13 Jatin Yadav for his bearded School community gathered at St. Andrew’s
Santa Claus jumper. Church in Sonning for the annual Festival of
On Monday 9 December, members of the Nine Lessons and Carol service. Year 8 Harry
Year 7 Community Action Group delivered Luff performed a solo at the start of Once in
the hundreds of gifts donated by Royal David’s City, and was closely followed
the Blue Coat community to the by the whole congregation. This service truly
Ambleside Children’s Centre. embodies the spirit of Christmas at Reading
Blue Coat. It is warm, joyous and celebrates
togetherness and unity. Again, these values of
togetherness and unity have never been more
important than the months to come would
teach us all.

Wednesday 11 saw Sodexo put
on a true Christmas feast! Yes, it
was Christmas lunch day. Turkey
with all the trimmings followed
by Christmas pudding and a
Maltesers Reindeer as a gift from
our contracted caterers; it was
marvellous!
In the last Headmaster’s Assembly
on Monday 13 December, the Staff
Band kicked off the proceedings
with their rendition of Merry
Christmas Everyone by Slade.

34 The Aldworthian 2019-2020

My First Impressions
Dr Guy Williams

The role of Deputy Head (Pastoral) is never an easy one. Monitoring the wellbeing,
behaviour and discipline of nearly 780 pupils, teenagers nonetheless, is a
Herculean task, particularly when one considers that this comes on top of teaching
commitments! Introducing himself to the Blue Coat Community: Deputy Head
(Pastoral), Dr Guy Williams.

I joined Blue Coat in September 2019 as Deputy Head I arrived having previously worked at Wellington College as
(Pastoral) and so write this article as a relative newcomer. Head of Sixth Form. I also teach Religious Studies and have
I am not sure that I could have imagined a more eventful previously worked as a Head of Department. I entered
first year in the role; my expectations did not include a teaching after a PhD, motivated by my love of learning
pandemic, for starters. Nevertheless, these extraordinary and desire to share that enthusiasm with others. When I
times have justified my sense that Blue Coat would be a first looked at moving to Blue Coat, I was looking for an
terrific place to work and study; it is a community, a caring academic school with a proud history, strong principles,
place, and one with a real buzz. and potential to go from strength to strength. The warmth
of welcome certainly also made a big difference and, like

The Aldworthian 2019-2020 35

so many prospective staff members, I remember being prepared. The School rightly had much to celebrate when
treated like royalty at interview. So, on the happy afternoon the final, ‘excellent’ report was made. It was exciting to be
that Jesse Elzinga called to offer me a job, I was quick and a part of that process and a great way to see the School
thoroughly delighted to say ‘yes’. putting its best foot forwards academically, artistically,
In my role as Pastoral Deputy, I am responsible for the sportingly, and so on. If you are reading this and have
welfare of pupils, safeguarding, and behaviour and lost touch with what Blue Coat is like right now, I would
discipline. As one might imagine, this field of work generates encourage you to have a look at that report.
plenty of stories and anecdotes, from the sublime to the After that, circumstances changed dramatically during the
ridiculous. Sadly, for the protection of those involved (not Covid-19 pandemic. After only one full term on-site in
least of all myself!) … what happens in Sonning, stays in my new job, it was a bit strange to find myself shifting to
Sonning! Nevertheless, I can clarify that the contents of working from home in March. Although it made life harder
the confiscated items drawer grow more diverse and mind in some ways, it was also bonding to have a different kind
boggling with each passing term. The pupils can be very of contact with colleagues. Those glimpses into the other
resourceful and creative, in ways that challenge as well as world of the private home, I think, can build up reserves of
delight. I have seen some tremendous debating skills, that understanding and empathy, and humour.
would give encouragement to the most expert of lawyers. As we move forwards now in something much closer to
Reassuringly, though, the daily positives greatly outweigh reality, I am back to enjoying and experiencing more of my
the strange and the dangerous – the kind words, generous ‘normal’ job. Time and experience are giving me deeper
greetings, and warm smiles that I have come to expect insights into the joys of Blue Coat. The site in Sonning,
around the School site. by the Thames, is an unbelievable blessing. The local area
I have most certainly enjoyed helping pupils with their is a powerhouse of families committed to education and
problems, which can be of very different shapes and sizes; willing to support the School in furthering its aims. So, as
from Year 7 up to Year 13. I do not think there is any such the dust settles on 2020, I feel that the best part of my Blue
thing as the ‘typical’ Blue Coat pupil, and I have found the Coat journey is yet to come.
diversity of backgrounds and perspectives to be refreshing.
The School really does serve the local community, bringing Dr Guy Williams
different groups together and forging new friendships with
each passing year. I have also found the camaraderie of
colleagues to be a highlight, as it is necessary to support
young people in teams that work closely together. It is a
great strength of Blue Coat that individuals are known and
cared-for by dedicated staff. So much time and thought is
invested in identifying and meeting the needs of our pupils.
There is probably nothing more rewarding for a teacher
than to see an individual, who has struggled, to emerge
from the School some months or years later as a happy,
rounded individual.

Looking back, my first term from September to December
2019 was busy. We knew that we were due an inspection
and the School had a clear aim of passing everything with
flying colours, being rated as ‘excellent’. I will admit to being
bewildered by the scale of new information coming my
way; it felt as though I was simultaneously trying to both
learn the ropes and also decide whether the ropes were
good enough for the Independent Schools Inspectorate’s
standards. Thankfully, due to the patience and industry of
many, including incredible secretarial support, all was well

Reading Blue Coat, Holme Park, Sonning Lane, Sonning-on-Thames, Berkshire, RG4 6SU
Tel: 0118 944 1005 rbcs.org.uk