The Lorettonian 2019/20

TLOHREETTONIAN
ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20
#VirtualLoretto

LORETTO WELCOME
SENIOR SCHOOL TO YOUR
eMAG
Linkfield Road, Musselburgh,
East Lothian, EH21 7RE, For the second year, our School’s yearly magazine is produced as a digital
Scotland, UK publication – ‘The Lorettonian eMag’ – which is sent to our subscribers by
General enquiries: email and also published on our digital platforms.
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environment, for generations to come.
LORETTO Produced since the School’s foundation, 'The Lorettonian' forms a rich testimony
JUNIOR SCHOOL of Loretto’s life throughout the years and generations. We think our magazine is
an important part of Loretto’s heritage, and we safely archive all our editions –
North Esk Lodge, North High the former print publications as well as today’s eMags in our electronic stores.
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THE LORETTO
GOLF ACADEMY

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Lothian, EH21 7RJ, Scotland, UK
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CONTENTS

4 FOREWORDS

Welcome from the Headmaster and the Chair of Governors

7 SENIOR SCHOOL

Welcome from the Head girl and Head boy; House reports; Sport; Golf;
Art; Drama; Dance; Music; Outdoor pursuits; Activities and societies; Prize
Giving

44 SPECIAL FEATURE

#VirtualLoretto

52 FROM THE COMMON ROOM

Welcomes; Work anniversaries; Goodbyes; Loretto babies

60 JUNIOR SCHOOL

Welcome from the Head of the Junior School; Lockdown ICT; Pre-school;
Early Years; Years 4- 7; Activities and events; Art; Music; Drama; Sport;
Forest School

80 THE LORETTONIAN SOCIETY

Welcome from the Chairman; About your President; Events; Articles;
Points of interest; Golfing Society; Life events; News; Leavers; Central and
Executive Committee

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 3

FOREWORDS

FROM THE

T he Academic Year to show themselves in broad day light.
2019/20 will, I And a collection of soulless buildings
imagine, be always that without the energy and vitality of
remembered for the children were a constant reminder of
Covid pandemic. The an absent community, linked tenuously
summer term especially is one by digital technology but no substitute
that will be etched indelibly for laughter, human contact and the joy
in the memories of children, of shared experiences in all its daily
parents and staff.I remember messiness and mild chaos.
the final Double of the Spring Families faced very different challenges
term before schools were and their experience of lockdown will
closed being conducted on the have been shaped by circumstance. All
lawn outside Chapel to allow deserve enormous credit for supporting
the strange concept of social their children’s learning. Those with young
distancing, the crash course in children especially, together with frontline
Microsoft Teams, the wonderful NHS and care workers are the heroes of
weather in May in what would lockdown. Lorettonians expecting to take
have been a glorious tennis public exams have also been impacted
and cricket term, the lack of particularly hard and their commitment to
aircraft flying overhead, the keep going when all they expected of their
family of foxes that were happy

4 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

FROM THE HEADMASTER

HEADMASTER

significant summer term evaporated has I am very excited at the prospect of the
been admirable. new academic year as I write this piece in
It will be fascinating to see whether any August. I suspect the family of foxes will
permanent practices and habits change greet the arrival of a school community
as a result of lockdown. Perhaps we will with much less glee and their change
travel a little less or use video technology to a pattern of nocturnal foraging will
for more meetings. I hope we will all value mirror our own tentative steps towards
human contact just a little more than discovering what the new normal looks
perhaps we did and be pleased to interact like.
with more than our usual circle of friends by Dr Graham Hawley
– because human contact is intrinsically
a good thing.

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 5

FOREWORDS

FROM THE CHAIR OF
GOVERNORS

W HAT HAPPENS WHEN required cannot be under-estimated, but thank everyone for the part that they
an animated, vibrant, it was matched by a determination to do played during what has been a difficult
and close community is it as well as possible. We owe much to and challenging time. We have learned
forced to ‘lock-down’? the dedication and creativity of all of the much and will carry that forward as we
Well, the answer staff at Loretto for it was they who had to return to more normal times.
appears to be a very firm determination do this work and do it against the clock. Finally, a word of thanks to my fellow
not to be ‘knocked-down’. Equally, the manner in which parents Governors who have contributed much in
For many, the sense of positive identity continued to place their faith in Loretto terms of their time and expertise during
that typifies a Lorettonian is what makes was of fundamental importance. Pupils a particularly busy year.
us what we are. Thus, while I was aware embraced the methodology. The product by Mr Peter McCutcheon
of the difficult challenges that a move to was the continuation of education and,
remotely-delivered education would – while far from being ‘normal daily
and did – present, I was very confident jogging’, it remained collegiate, vibrant,
that our core approach and ethos would and effective: the Loretto we expect.
see us rise to it. The work that was This shone through on social media and
during the on-line Speech Day. I must

6 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

FROM THE CHAIR OF GOVERNORS / SENIOR SCHOOL

SENIOR
SCHOOL

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 7

SENIOR SCHOOL

FROM THE HEAD BOY

W ELL I THINK I can safely For me the stand-out moment has to be
say that this year has playing in and winning the Scottish Hockey
been unlike any other Cup Final in Glasgow. What made this event
year since Loretto first so truly special was the support the team
started in 1827. At the received from the whole school, both in the
start of this academic year no-one had run up to and on the day of the match. The
heard of COVID-19 or Coronavirus or Red Wall really stood up to its name and
experienced a global lockdown and that without their support the match could have
even exams for GCSE’s and A levels would easily had a different result.
have to be cancelled.
If there is one thing that this virus
and lockdown and the subsequent
cancellations of exams has taught me,
it is to not put off any tasks or work to
a later date thinking that there is time
to do them. You never know what might
be around the corner (though I doubt
anyone would have predicted a global
pandemic!).
However, despite the shortened year
there has still been much to celebrate
and look back on. For me the stand-out
moment has to be playing in and winning
the Scottish Hockey Cup Final in Glasgow.
What made this event so truly special was
the support the team received from the
whole school, both in the run up to and
on the day of the match. The Red Wall
really stood up to its name and without
their support the match could have easily
had a different result.
I have learnt a great deal from this year as
Head of School and it has been a privilege
to represent the school. The opportunity
to do so much public speaking has been
invaluable and being Head of School has
forced me to improve my organisational
skills something which was much needed!
I am forever thankful to all those that have
supported me and helped me juggle my
various commitments, namely my tutors
and house staff, especially in my final year.
Also, I thank Ellen for being an excellent
Head of School and for all the advice and
support you have given throughout our
shortened tenure. Loretto is a special
place and I totally agree with Ellen on
the sentiments she has expressed in her
very well written article about what it
means to be a Lorettonian. I very much
look forward to coming back to Loretto
in the future

by Jack P.

8 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

FROM THE HEAD BOY AND HEAD GIRL

FROM
THE
HEAD
GIRL
E VEN WITH AN abrupt departure
on a Friday midway through
March cutting this academic
year short, my last year at
Loretto was still filled with many
rewarding experiences and memorable
moments. Having started with a four
week expedition to East Greenland,
and then a hockey tour in Holland, to
watching the boys hockey team win the
Scottish cup, mock exams, and finally
having something every upper sixth prays
for but never imagines happening; having
our A levels cancelled!

Although having to leave Loretto in such memory, as being a Lorettorian means in the world you are, you know they will
a way is not what I or any of my fellow more than just wearing a red blazer and be someone you can rely on, and with
classmates would have wished for, I know going to school on a Saturday, it is about whom you can reminisce about school
that even without a normal send off and how you treat others and make the most with and be grateful for everything it have
goodbye, Loretto has still ensured that we of every opportunity presented to you. So given you.
are all ready and equipped with the right when I or anyone at this school meets a by Ellen C.
skills to move on to our next step in the fellow Lorettorian, regardless of where
world, whatever that may be. This school
has given each of us the opportunity to Loretto hasn't only just given me many great
excel, whether it be in the class room, on experiences, it has left me with friends for life
a sports pitch, in a music concert or in from all over the globe. It has taught me the
one of the numerous other experiences importance of kindness and loyalty, which for
and opportunities that this school offers. me are the two biggest characteristics of a
However Loretto hasn't only just given true Loretto pupil.
me many great experiences, it has left
me with friends for life from all over the
globe. It has taught me the importance
of kindness and loyalty, which for me are
the two biggest characteristics of a true
Loretto pupil. From the moment you put
on your red blazer you become a part of
a close knit community, and from what I
witnessed at the Old Lorettorian dinner
that I had the privilege of attending
earlier this year, that bond of loyalty you
form with your peers never diminishes,
no matter how much time passes.
So although I may have hung up my
red blazer for the last time, I know that
Loretto will never become just a distant

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 9

SENIOR SCHOOL

HOUSE
REPORTS

10 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

HOUSE REPORTS

BALCARRES HOLM

T MHIS YEAR BALCARRES Y LAST YEAR in Holm
hosted a weekly in house House has been such
competition which took place a contrast from all
all throughout the year- girls the others. From the
were put into teams (which beginning, we all
varied each term) and once a week we expected a very different fun and routine
would meet as a house and compete for a year; mainly for Fifth Form; revision,
lie in and breakfast in house the following mocks more revision and then the real
morning. exams, however as we all know that plan
took a bit of a hiccup at around the “more
Competitions included baking, pumpkin revision” bit.
carving, a 'pub' quiz, famous faces,
pancake flipping, a spelling bee and Although for our last term we have not
bingo, to name a few. This was a really been surrounded by the familiar “red
good opportunity for the whole house to wall”. Holm house still managed to cram
get together, mingle with different people in the exciting trips. With trampolining,
and have a bit of fun in the evening. the Lion King, 6 nations rugby and many
more! For me I found the atmosphere and
Alongside these evening activities, at the thrill of the green grass of Murrayfield
weekends the girls took part in a range the most exciting, however some people
of other group activities; cooking a three would have preferred the make-up,
course meal for each other, christmas masks and music of the Lion King.
tree decorating, day trips into Edinburgh
together, cinema trips and of course pizza From the west end to the stages of
and movie nights. Edinburgh, the Lion King has become
a world renowned musical that has
One of the highlights for the year was gripped audiences around the world.
the Christmas Ball at Prestonfield House, The excitement sound was incredible and
where the girls all looked fabulous even when the theatre was the quietest,
the actors held all of us in the palm of
by Mrs Andrea O'Connor their hand. The colour and African music
carried us away to the savannah, the

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 11

SENIOR SCHOOL

elephant graveyard and pride rock. never fade. HOPE
The 6 nations rugby match was truly Although the academic year ended early
incredible. It was a home match for due to COVID 19, I want to look back T HROUGHOUT THE TWO
Scotland, and hopes were high. As the on all the memories we made over this terms spent in Hope House
coach wound its way through the cobbled year. Almost every night in house there this academic year, the boys
streets of Edinburgh it seemed like a river was something going on and to be were very busy and enjoyed
of blue and white. Almost like a sign at the totally honest with you all, a lot of it was many activities and social
beginning of the match a rainbow hung to do with food! The fun was non-stop. events. With Hope being such a large
itself above Murrayfield and as the match With Mrs Smart leading us into the new boarding house and with a great variety
went on Scotland slowly began to move academic year, we all knew that it was of characters from across the globe it
ahead, but France was not far behind. In going to be one we will never forget. Over was enriched by the new arrivals in the
the end after a lot of nails being bitten many of our Monday evenings, we were Lower Sixth and for the first time three
and many more shouts of either joy or welcomed down into our kitchen after Fifth Formers joined, due to renovations
defeat from both sides Scotland won. prep by a special guest, Mrs Hawley, and in Seton House.
But as we all know many things that were her incredible hot chocolate and cake. The boys in Hope represented the school
going to happen we will now never know (Mrs Hawley really knows how to throw a in a variety of ways; the golf team, the
the answer. As the pandemic swept the tea party!). Then we had Wednesday night School’s drama production, regular Pinkie
world, so many questions were swept chicken wrap night with Mrs Crichton and sessions and on the sports field while
away. What would have happened if we Thursday night quiz and challenges with having a strong presence for Hope in the
had left Holm on the last day of term, Miss Saldanah and Miss Opie. Of course Schools rugby, football and hockey first
what would have I got if I had sat my I couldn’t forget about our bingo nights teams. Of these, the most competitive
GCSEs and what would be doing right with Miss Law and Violet. The weekends sports fixtures were perhaps the Friday
now if the words COVID-19 hadn’t mainly consisted of all girls doing different evening boarding House matches, Hope
become common everyday speech. We things whether it was making pizzas with v Pinkie football which took place on the
can only guess. Miss Burn and Mrs Smart in the kitchen Astro at 9pm. Admittedly, Hope’s success
and having a crazy party in the common in these fixtures varied. Hopefully next
Gby Alice M. room, everyone just did their own thing year, the boys who represent Hope
OING INTO MY final year and had fun. can produce better performances and
in Holm house I was filled Being a member of Holm House has show more House camaraderie to come
with mixed emotions. We taught me a lot and helped me to grow away with more victories against Pinkie!
were all very excited for and learn. One of the main things that Surprisingly (or unsurprising depending
the prospects of our new I will take with me in life is that, the on who you ask) the boys showed some
Housemistress, Mrs Smart and what the American author, John Green once said astounding amounts of skill and hidden
year ahead was to bring. Since arriving as “Home is Where the Heart Is, Good talent to beat Balcarres at Lacrosse. The
a Holm house member on the first day Friends Are Hard to Find and Impossible Balcarres girls were not best pleased
of senior school I knew that these girls to Forget.”, well that is what Holm House about this result and have demanded an
were my family. Over my four years spent has been to me. It is not just a hotel with inter house fixture again next year.
in Holm house I grew many wonderful many guests, it’s my home and those The black-tie events either side of
relationships with both girls and the guests, they are my family. Even though Christmas were a great success with
amazing house staff who work hard to life moves on and time passes, I will never everyone enjoying them. These were
look after us, it’s like having 20 extra forget the most incredible last four years both followed by “raves” on the top floor
mums! Although I am sad to be departing of my life, as a proud member of Holm where the dancing was slightly different
from this house , I can’t wait for the new House. to the traditional ceilidh dancing, it is
challenges of being in the Sixth Form and, by Robyn B. fair to say. The house was also treated
I know that the friendships I made will to an excellent outing of ten pin bowling
followed by a “cheeky” Nando’s for the
Christmas social.

In amongst house this year we have all
enjoyed in house card games, Love Island
at 9pm in the TV room and regular BBQs.
These BBQs were a great opportunity for
our boys to host friends and staff from
other boarding Houses. Team sports
have also played a large role in the house
interactions whether it be basketball on
the Hope courts, football in the sports hall
or touch rugby on the Pinkie playing fields
often followed by large scale ordering
from dominoes for the whole house!

Though this year has been cut short,
with the house not experiencing the last-
minute panic revision of previous years

12 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

HOUSE REPORTS

been training with them throughout the year. We also had the
two senior captains of rugby (Matthew C.) and hockey (Kit M.)
in house, and a large number of our boys played for both First
teams. One of the most memorable events was the First XI
hockey team winning the Scottish Cup Final, lifted by Kit and
supported well by the boys in house on a cold night in Glasgow
before the lockdown was enforced.

for A-Levels, it has certainly been a memorable one. We would Pinkie wouldn’t be the same without our visiting members of
also like to thank the house staff of Liz, Linda, Kathleen and Linda staff who are on duty each night of the week. Here is when the
for all that they have done. Hopefully the Upper Sixth boys will boys can spend time with each of them and talk about all sorts of
be able to meet up again one last time and thank Mr Harbison different things - asking Mr White who was the hardest player he
and Mr Outram in person, for guiding us throughout the year. played against or what rugby shirts he got when swapping them
by the Hope House boys with other internationalists, playing table tennis against Mr
Dickinson and learning that he once modelled for Nike, getting
PINKIE UCAS support from Dr Phillips, discussing all things IT with Mr
Tebbutt, and having existential discussions with the Chaplain.
T HIS YEAR HAS been somewhat unusual, and although Not only are all the members of staff there to chat to and help
the boys’ time in Pinkie has been cut short due to the you when needed, they are also in charge of the tuck shop, and
Covid-19 pandemic, there are still a lot of memories you can be sure that the prices never stay the same depending
and laughs that can't be taken away from the first on what teacher is on duty! The Chaplain does some very good
two terms. deals on a Friday evening, so as you can imagine the boys like
to stock up for the following week coming when he is doing
some of his deals.
Even though we have not been able to say a proper goodbye
to the Upper Sixth and any other leavers, we will always have
fond memories of our time in Pinkie this year and would like
to thank both Mrs T and Mr MacKenzie for their guidance and
support throughout the year.

The Pinkie boys, a very proud and tight-knit group of boys, by Kit M.
welcomed a small group of Fifth Formers into house in the
Autumn Term and were very glad to have the added numbers
for the house football team. Over the two terms we have been
together as a house, we have enjoyed a number of different
house outings, some of which included tenpin bowling nights
and a number of trips to the Chinese buffet! Not only have the
outings been enjoyable and fun, but they have also been a great
way for the boys, in different years, to come together. Probably
the one activity that the boys in house always look forward to
has been the weekly matches played against Hope House in
football. As you can imagine there is quite a rivalry between the
houses and it can safely be said that Pinkie has definitely come
out on top more often than not.

Not only do we do well as a house, but we also have a number of
individuals in the house who have had some major achievements.
Charlie J. was selected for the Scotland U18 hockey team and
Jack J. was selected for the U17 Scotland cricket team and has

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 13

SENIOR SCHOOL

SETON SCHOOLHOUSE

S ETON HOUSE ENJOYED a busy start to the term with the residential rugby S CHOOLHOUSE CONTINUED
camp using the house for the week before school started. This allowed for TO move from strength to
many Seton boarders and other boys in the school to come and enjoy the strength during 2019-20. It
boarding experience while training hard during the day in their rugby teams. remains the largest House on
After the rugby camp, there was a quick turnaround and we welcomed all campus with just over 180 day
the returning and new boarders to Seton House. Always an exciting time of year for us pupils on the roll. There were a couple of
as we get to meet our newcomers and their families only to know that they are going changes in the staffing of the House over
to enjoy their time in house and make new friends. We also got to see the returning the year. After an association with Loretto
boarders after the summer holidays and how much they have changed and grown up that stretched back to the 1990s, Karen
from the last time we have seen them. Stroyan retired as Housekeeper. Latterly
Under the guidance of our Housemistress, Ms Reid and her team, the house was she had split her duties between House
a welcoming and fun place to be in, the key to the success of the house as it could and the Medical Centre in her usual
be daunting for the new who have never boarded before. From the start, the boys caring and kind manner. Her experience
benefited from using the Astro, making this their base to play all sports and socialise and words of wisdom were beyond
in the evenings under the floodlights. Some very competitive games of touch rugby, compare. In her stead, we welcomed
football and hockey took place over the course of the year. The house also offered Louise Renwick to the team from January
other forms of entertainment that allowed the boys to unwind and enjoy themselves. and she has proven to be an excellent
On a daily basis, the table tennis, pool table and play station were used, often resulting colleague. Mrs Brown, Mrs Dornan
in competition amongst each other and different year groups. and Mrs Wogan remain our stalwart
Seton House also had a very dedicated and hard-working house team that gave up Assistant Housemistresses and the House
their time to plan activities for the boys. Often, we had themed nights where the simply could not function without their
boys enjoyed “chip butties”, pizzas, BBQ’s and food from around the world. For some dedication and hard work.
reason, food was always a hit amongst the busy boarders. Without doubt this has been a very
Some stand out highlights of the year was when the Seton House boarders attended strange year with the House being closed
The Lion King at the Edinburgh Theatre, the Hockey final and going to an 'all you can owing to the Covid-19 “lockdown” in
eat' buffet restaurant. However, the most rewarding part of the house was watching Scotland since late April. As the rules
the friendships develop and how close the boys were with each other as time went on. eased in June, I was able to return to
We are pleased to report that Seton House had a great year and it was a shame that the campus to tidy up a few loose ends.
the house was closed early and that the boys didn’t have the opportunity to benefit I must confess that it was a strangely
from the summer term. If the summer term went ahead, there would have been a quiet experience. Normally, the summer
lot of BBQ’s accompanied by the slippy slide. term is such a vibrant, purposeful time,
by Mr Andrew Binikos filled with the sounds of laughter as the
younger pupils play outside at break and
the older pupils turn to celebrating the
end of their exams. The campus comes to
life with everyone taking advantage of the
warmer weather to play outdoor sports. I

14 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

HOUSE REPORTS

of the opportunity to show what they
could do on the “grand stage.” It strikes
me that these exams are akin to a “right
of passage” within a school career so it
must have been strange to end with an
anti-climax. I have been impressed by
how Schoolhouse pupils in these exam
years, and the other years too, have
approached remote learning. But those
who were due to finish their exams in
the summer deserve special praise for
continuing with routines and committing
to school work.

have certainly missed greeting pupils and our girls and boys into Chapel in style. Schoolhouse pupils were also at the
parents at Millhill in the mornings. Not They and the House Prefects have been fore outside the classroom. We were
only does this reflect the friendly nature strong role models and have helped us represented on the School’s successful
of our great community, but I miss the enormously. cup teams and, uniquely, our House was
energy that the pupils bring into our In August 2019 I targeted the creation represented in every school year team. It
lives. Nevertheless, we must not forget of greater numbers of responsibilities comes as little surprise to see so many of
that much of 2019-20 was “business as and leadership opportunities for every our young men and women being involved
usual” for the School and House. As usual, year group in House. Having year group in “elite” sports such as representing
there was plenty to celebrate. representatives for Common Rooms, the district and country in their chosen
Schoolhouse’s size and range of pupil ages Charities and Social events allowed pupils specialisms, from hockey through to golf,
means that it is actually quite rare that the to have a greater say in the running of the lacrosse, rugby and fives. But in such a
whole House gathers together. Yet there House. Although it will take a little while diverse and dynamic community, we must
were several memorable House events longer to fully establish the roles, I was not forget those who pursue sporting
that stuck in the memory. In December, we really pleased with the initial results. They interests and excellence in other sports.
were fortunate to gain tickets to the stage allow important, if sometimes difficult, Schoolhouse features several dedicated
musical production of the “Lion King” at constructive discussions to take place. If swimmers who manage to balance their
Edinburgh’s famous Playhouse Theatre pushed, I was probably most impressed school lives with incredibly tough physical
for our Christmas House Outing. It was by the Second Form Social Committee’s routines, often starting before the school
a stunning spectacle and an engrossing drive and enthusiasm. They organised day. There are plenty of talented and
story. As ever, the pupils were a pleasure a Silent Disco (Junior Social) which was successful equestrians in House too.
to lead and the theatre staff commented certainly a first for Loretto and raised Our pupils also represented Loretto at
on their politeness as some moved seats around £400 for Shelter Scotland in the football and basketball over the year.
to allow a group of smaller children a process. Their ideas drove the event from Schoolhouse pupils were again heavily
better view of the stage. Perhaps this start to finish. involved in Duke of Edinburgh, CCF and
experience inspired our young thespians As ever, Schoolhouse pupils featured related outward bound exercises which
as Schoolhouse pupils were cast in major heavily in every major School event, offer such wonderful experiences and
roles in the Junior Production (“Honk” – upholding the finest traditions of “Mind, allow pupils to push beyond their comfort
based on the ugly duckling tale.) This was Body, Spirit.” Pupils from each year zones. Last but not least, I must note the
a roaring success with several standout group featured strongly on the Academic breadth of musical talent in our ranks.
performances from our pupils. Besides Endeavour lists. I was again impressed by In the last couple of years the Nippers
the effort and skill of cast and crew, I those who repeatedly earned high grades have done a wonderful job of inspiring
was delighted to note how many pupils and also by those who adapted their pupils to join the Pipe Band and the core
from Schoolhouse supported this play by learning and worked hard to appear on of this group are based in Schoolhouse.
attending one of the showings. In my first these lists for the first time. The pandemic Beyond that, it has been a joy to listen
year in this role, I wondered how well day was a mixed blessing for the Fifth Formers to our musicians play and sing in Chapel,
pupils would respond to Sunday Chapel and Upper Sixth Formers. I doubt anyone or contribute to the Orchestra, Open
events. It turns out that I needn’t have truly enjoys the stresses and rigours of Mornings and informal “Pinkie Sessions.”
worried. I am biased, of course, but I public exams. But we saw how each of So even though it was truncated, 2019-20
do believe that we are the smartest of our pupils worked hard on their studies was another vintage year for Schoolhouse
the Houses! Our Heads of House team and, in one sense, I feel they were robbed pupils. We can’t wait for normality to
– Jennifer, Ruby and Elise – proudly led return. Pupils and staff will need to
adjust to a “new normal” before we can
return to full routines. But we are looking
forward to the challenges and rewards
of guiding each and every pupil towards
their chosen goals and enabling their
interests to flourish.
by Dr David Adamson

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 15

SENIOR SCHOOL

S P O RT
I T’S NOW BEEN three years since I Scottish Cup and the girls' East District keen tennis players and cricketers who
joined Loretto and I’ve seen so much Plate. normally would have been out and taken
improvement across all sports, girls In Rugby, we saw great commitment on the game that they love. It’s been out
and boys. Sports for me as a kid from the boys across all age groups, and of our control and I’m really indebted to
was about having fun, playing with similarly from the girls in Lacrosse, who two members of the Sport Department,
your mates, and that’s what we love showed a fantastic work ethic. The season Mr Outrram and Mr Binikos, who have
seeing here at Loretto. The pupils are was successful for our Fives and Football kept our pupils busy, entertained and
committed, they give their all. One of my teams, and our Basketball players also active throughout lockdown. One of the
favorite moments is seeing, at the end showed great commitment. A special highlights for me during this unforeseen
of a game, the pupils coming off, rosy mention goes to our Swimming team period of time is the way our pupils – and
cheeks, sweaty foreheads, with a great who worked hard under the guidance of families – have risen to the challenges
sense of achievement, just knowing they Dr Bull. Every Tuesday and Thursday our that have been set out to them. One of
have given everything for their team and swimmers head to the Mercat Gait Centre these challenges was to cycle, walk or
their teammates. in Prestonpans and we’re really hopeful run from the top of Scotland all the way
We’ve seen a lot of hard work, skills of picking up some fixtures next year. down to Cornwall virtually visiting 49
building and accomplishments during The third term has not happened as hospitals along the way. A total of 5089.8
the first two terms. It’s been a great year anyone expected. I really feel for the kilometers – and we've made it!
for Hockey – bringing home the boys' by Mr Jason White

16 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

SPORT

GIRLS' HOCKEY My second highlight had to be the girls’ BOYS' HOCKEY
pre-season tour to Holland. The First
I T’S BEEN A very rich season for girls' XI team went out there and played five T HE SEASON WAS cut short
hockey this year and I’d like to thank matches with four wins. The Under 15s this year but the boys still
all the coaches and teachers who played five matches as well but won managed to achieve a huge
have helped – we could not have one, draw one, and lost three sadly. amount.
done it without you. Big thanks, as Nevertheless, all the girls who went to The first highlight I’d like to
well, to all our players who have put in Holland had a great time. share is the good season the Under 13s
an incredible amount of work and shown Back home for the First XI team, the had. Seven boys represented the School
great dedication to their game. The girls girls had a difficult draw in the Scottish in The Thistle Squad – congratulations
have played so many fixtures throughout Cup and lost on running penalties to St to Josh, the three Rorys, Yasin, Harry
the year – well done to every single one Columbus in Glasgow. The team bounced and Cameron, who put in a great
of our players back and,won the last game of the season, performance. They sadly came out
I’d like to share some of my highlights for managing to retain the East District Plate. second in the tournament but gave a
this year, starting with the Under 13 team. This was great to see and helped all the strong representation of the School.
It was a good year, with 9 games played, girls finish on a high. The boys Second XI team also had a good
6 won, and 41 goals scored throughout Finally, I would like to make a special season. They played against Merchiston
the season – one of the best goal score mention and note of thanks to the First First XI team and beat them 2-1 at Loretto.
in teams out of the whole School! Huge XI team captain, Ellen, who led the team Great results from them.
congratulations to Imogen, Zoe, Anna superbly throughout the year. There were Of course, the main highlight has to be
and Sophie who represented the School a few difficult results and Ellen always the boys’ Hockey First XI winning the
in The Thistle Squad – they showed great managed to rally the troops for the next Scottish Cup. It was a fantastic final, many
skills and dedication to the squad, and game, which is not easy to do. Well done! of our pupils and staff managed to attend
were very unlucky to come second in the by Mr Callum Milne the Glasgow Hockey Centre, giving our
tournament. team terrific support in pure Red Wall
style! The boys played Stewart Melville
and won 2-1, a much deserved and well-
earned win which sealed off an unbeaten
season. Congratulations to all of them.
A special thanks goes to our boys First
team captain, Kit, who was superb
throughout the season, not only on the
pitch but also off the pitch. His help was
instrumental in managing a large squad
to a successful season.
by Mr Callum Milne

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 17

SENIOR SCHOOL

The main highlight
has to be the
boys’ Hockey First
XI winning the
Scottish Cup.
A much deserved
and well-earned
win which sealed
off an unbeaten
season.

LACROSSE They also beat a team from Capital, one
of the Scottish League clubs. Players will
T HE SEASON STARTED early when we played a rare lacrosse fixture in definitely be pushing for First team places
September against a touring team from Bolton school, Manchester which next year, which is great to see.
was combined with a netball match. We hope to continue that link between The Firsts had a great season with some
the schools and it was a pleasant change to play lacrosse in the relative memorable performances, it was fantastic
autumnal warmth! There was a horrible sense of deja-vu when the usual to work with such a great bunch of girls.
January weather struck and our first trials fixture, with Fettes, had to be called off We started strongly with a good 14-3 win
due to wild wind and rain. Thanks to the miracle drainage on Newfield, we managed against Glasgow City. A 'stand out day' for
to fulfill a lot of fixtures throughout the season, where others were struggling. At me was our Open Tournament where the
one point when it seemed the rain would never stop, Newfield was about the only girls scored two wins against Glenalmond,
grass lacrosse pitch playable in Scotland! Despite the challenging weather, the girls winning the Plate trophy. They nearly had
all trained and played with great spirit, and the coaches appreciated their enthusiasm me in A&E in the group match leading
and enjoyed watching some great improvements in play. Some highlights of the season 6-0 at half time and eventually winning
were: the U13’s had a thrilling end-to-end 10-10 draw against St George’s as well as 7-6 (!!) but the 7-4 win in the Plate final
a superb win against Longridge Towers. Considering they were all beginners just a was slightly less nerve-racking! We had
couple of years ago, their play, fight and spirit was most impressive, and bodes very a great touring match against Timperley
well for the future. who came up from Cheshire, and a
The U14B team had very well fought draws against Glenalmond and away at St convincing win against Newcastle Knights
Leonards. The U14A’s scored a fantastic 15-3 win against Fettes early in the season, in a triangular which also saw a fantastic
also beating Glenalmond on two occasions. There’s a great nucleus of girls at that game against Edinburgh Thistle (a really
age group, showing fantastic enthusiasm, and it was great to see Maddy C. attending hard game to umpire as I just wanted
Junior Scotland development training. I would encourage more girls at all age groups to scream!), ending up in a narrow 9-8
to do the same. defeat. In our match with Fettes it was
The U15’s benefited hugely from our external coach Hannah Buluwela, from Edinburgh 5-5 at half time but we lost a few goals in
University, who inspired great improvements in their play and techniques. They learned quick succession in the last 10 minutes
a lot from playing touring side Heaton Mersey from Manchester, enjoyed good wins and it ended up 6-11.
against Glenalmond in a tournament, and a fantastic 8-7 win against St George’s, at the We had a great trip to Nationals and,
end of the season. The U15B’s also had a great win against Glenalmond in early March, although the first day was washed out
and developed a tremendous team spirit and showing impressive determination. It with torrential rain and flooded pitches,
will be exciting to welcome those players up to Senior lacrosse next year. we amused the locals of Farnborough with
The Thirds fought well all season too. Most players were either beginners or hadn’t an impromptu run and training session in
played much, it was impressive to see them out and getting stuck in. The girls were the local park! The resilience and spirit of
having fun and doing their best for Loretto. The Seconds had some great matches, the girls on the trip was amazing, led once
showing real fight and resilience, beating Glenalmond in a triangular on a horrible, again by our captain fantastic Maddy H.
wet, muddy day, scoring a well-fought 5-3 victory over St Leonards up in St Andrews. who led from the front, all season, in her
attitude and commitment and whose two
goals (along with two from Ogechi and
one from Lucy) helped bring us back from

18 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

SPORT

5-1 down against St Helens of Northwood the event could not take place but its RUGBY
at half time to end in a 5-5 draw in our great to see Loretto girls being involved
final match. It was quite easily the most in the National set up. Tournaments T HE 2019 RUGBY season was
exciting game I’ve watched in a very long including Scottish Schools and The Ryden competitive with Loretto
time and Ms Burn and I were hoarse with Rosebowl, and a couple of fixtures against taking part in the Scottish
shouting!! I was so proud of the girls play Glenalmond and Edinburgh Uni also fell Rugby Eclipse conference
and their fight throughout the whole foul of COVID restrictions so it was an where we were up against
season – they worked hard in training abrupt, frustrating end to the season but Robert Gordon’s, Fettes, Bell Baxter and
and fitness and it paid off. A big shout lots to look forward to next year. Glenalmond.
out and huge thank you to all the goalies We will miss the Upper Sixth girls who The beginning of the Autumn term started
who stepped up this year – it takes a lot of leave us – you have been a brilliant bunch off with a pre-season residential rugby
character and courage to put yourself in of girls to work with and we wish you all camp that gathered good momentum for
the firing line but the Loretto teams could the very best in whatever the future holds the start of the 2019 season. Teams had
not manage without you, so well done! for you. a chance to work with their coaches and
Congratulations to Isobel B. for her by Mrs Melanie Paton be prepared for the first round of fixtures.
inclusion in the U19B Scotland squad for
the Home Internationals this year. Sadly

With the newly First XV pitch being
relocated to Pinkie, it proved quickly to be
a good choice bringing in bigger support
and a new atmosphere to Saturday rugby
afternoons. The First XV got off to a good
start beating Robert Gordons College
22-0 in a convincing display scoring 4
tries and conceding none. The teams
first try came after three minutes when
Archie A. made a clean break through
the defence and offloaded to fellow
team mate Christopher W. for the first
try of the season. It was then followed
up by Jack P., Hamish M. and Corin S. all
getting themselves on the score sheet.
In the changing room afterwards, the
team decided to give the name “Fortress
Pinkie” to the First XV pitch vowing to
make it very difficult for opposition teams
to come and win against us. The changing
room then erupted with celebration and
victory song of “Fireball” was played.

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 19

SENIOR SCHOOL

their rugby and had the determination
to improve. Their determination did not
go unnoticed. The leadership of Captain
Matthew C., together with the strong
team culture, were the driving force of
this success.

Captain Matthew C. and the team were running off them. The younger year groups also enjoyed
hungry for more giving up their time The final weekend of rugby fixtures saw success. The U16, U15 and U14 teams
occasionally on a Thursday evening to the First XV take on the Second XV’s of were all much improved after all the
board the school mini bus and play against Merchiston and Heriots in a triangular efforts and dedication shown from their
Musselburgh RFC men’s team in order format, at Pinkie Pitches. This was an coaches at camps and training. This year
to prepare for our Saturday fixture. This exciting day with a large crowd watching proved to be fruitful with a total of 32
allowed the team and individuals to grow and a real showcase of good rugby being boys being selected to attend higher
by playing outside of their comfort zone played. We managed to win both games rugby honours through the SRU Player
against East Lothians premiership club. convincingly and finish the season on a Development Hub, Borders and East
Everyone then enjoyed team bonding high. The team had matured and was in Lothian Falcons. The U13A rugby team
sessions by having dinner at Five Guys a very good place and if the there were made up of a joint effort of Second Form
before returning to school. more games to come, we would have and Year 7 boys also made a name for
All this preparation started to show when been very hard to stop. themselves. This up and coming team
the First XV came up against a very strong During the rugby season the First XV were more than competitive and were
High School of Dundee team who were also played in the Scottish Schools' Cup one of the strongest teams out of all the
unbeaten in the conference and put aside Competition where we were knocked schools we played. They convincingly
everyone they played against. Although out in the third round against a strong beat Fettes, Belhaven, St Mary’s and
the First XV lost 17-27, it was a game Edinburgh Academy. Although we did not Ardvreck during the season. Six of the
to remember with an almost faultless progress further, we were proud of our team also made higher honours by being
performance from the team and if there performance and learnt valuable lessons selected for the Thistles who competed in
was an extra ten minutes, there was no from that loss. a tournament against other regions from
doubt we would have had the opportunity It must be said that the First XV can hold Scotland. This tournament was held at
to have won. The forwards kept the ball their heads up high, they were nothing but Newfield this year and proved to be an
up front, through driving mauls and close inspiration to the younger years, enjoyed exciting day out, for everyone.
plays around the rucks while the backs Other Highlights to the season was the
showed some slick handling and good rugby tour to Manchester where we
had the opportunity to be coached by
the Sale Sharks Rugby Academy. In the
spring term, we managed to also run a
7’s program and compete in the North of
England 7’s, we were also committed to
playing in the Roslin Park and Merchiston
7’s before they were cancelled.
by Mr Andrew Binikos

20 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

SPORT

OTHER SPORTS

FIVES

It was yet another great year for Fives at Loretto. Thanks to the School for its ongoing
work renovating the courts, and many thanks to Mr Tebbutt for taking care of Fives
during his time at Loretto. We will all greatly miss him!

This season, the U14 boys played against Fettes (impressive 48-77 win) and twice
against the Edinburgh Academy (33-87 loss / 66-25 loss). It was good to see some new
players making their debut. We introduced fun handball sessions with a bouncy wallball
for the squash and fives courts, and we hope to continue this for those interested.

We had the beginnings of a girls team. Our new U16 girls played against Fettes (85-36
loss). Hopefully we can build on this, and play more matches against the likes of Fettes,
Edinburgh Academy, and Durham next year.

The U16 and U18 teams has had a good season as well. The U16 boys played against FOOTBALL
the Edinburgh Academy (loss by 7 points) and against Fettes (60-76 win) The U18 boys Congratulations to all pupils from Second
played aganst Fettes (56-70 win) and against the Edinburgh Academy (71-58 win). to Upper Sixth Form who took part in
For the last two seasons, our U16 and U18 squads have been the same players. We Football at Loretto this year and made
have played matches at both levels and improved a lot over this time. This was our last the season a great success. It was truly
year being eligible as Colts players, and we were looking forward to playing at U16s inspiring to see the team really come
level at the UK Nationals in London, but then unfortunately the lockdown happened. together after a slow start to the year.
Just before then, we were able to play the U16 Scottish Schools Doubles, probably our The boys worked hard on their individual
last matches ever as Colts players. Our second pair won the Plate, incredible comeback skills, learned to play for each other and
to beat the Edinburgh Academy 15-13 in the final. Well-deserved reward for Josh F. had a lot fun along the way. With the
and Jack B. after all their hard work. Our first pair, Joe C. and Nathan G-W., won the added expertise from Mr McDonaugh in
main competition, after holding their nerve in a great final that went all the way to training sessions the boys readily applied
a deciding third set. This tournament surely cemented Loretto as the best U16 boys this on the field of play.
team in Scotland this season. Captain Jakob D. can be highly
In the Boyd Trophy U18 Scottish Schools Singles, Joe lost in the Plate semi-final against commended on his commitment to the
Fettes (11-7) and Nathan won in the quarter final against Merchiston (15-10) but lost team over the past couple of years and
in the semi final against Merchiston (15-9). has ran extra football training / games
We were also competitive on the singles front, with Loretto players reaching the semi- sessions for his peers on his own accord.
final in the plate and the cup. Jakob D. has also produced entertaining
At the Jesters weekend – an adult side that come to Edinburgh on tour every year – match reports during Double and shown
Nathan G-W. and Robyn B.were selected from the Scottish Schools to play in the men’s true leadership within his peer group.
and women’s doubles tournaments respectively, with the Jesters. Nathan and Robyn Thank you to Mr White, the sports
played with some of the top-ranked players in the game. Nathan came second out of department, coaches, admin, teachers
the school players, and Robyn came in the top three. and colleagues for their support over the
We're looking forward to getting back on a fives court in the near future! 2019-2020 season.
by Mr Murby

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 21

SENIOR SCHOOL

The season’s match reports can be found
below.

The first game of the season saw the he escaped a definite red card. At half time we brought on Gabe P. and an energetic
boys travelling to Fettes with a limited Tyrese R. who ran tirelessly in the second half and was unfortunate not to get a goal.
squad due to other commitments, but The opposition made some slightly larger substitutions throughout the second half as
still a team full of 11 footballers and Jack they looked to some of their first team players to change the game. This was a huge
J. We started strong, keeping it tight at compliment to us as we managed to maintain control of the match and see out a 3-1
the back until they finally broke through. victory through some solid defensive work, with special mention to Kyle O. and Jack
Soon after their goal, we managed to J. who managed to show surprising amounts of speed and agility. Man of the match
get one back through Sidney M.’s well- goes to big Nathan G-W. who was massively effective down the left as his pace and
timed ball into Bartek G. who took it technical ability was too much for the defence to handle. Overall it was a fantastic
round the goalie and finished with ease. team performance and we look forward to next term where we aim to produce similar
Fettes then went on to score two more, results against different schools.
the second left us wondering how a 6 For the first match of the spring term, the boys played at Merchiston. It was a cold
foot 6 Patrick B. got chipped by a boy and windy day however we were raring to go as we looked to build upon our last
half his height. With the ball at the half victory. Before the match, there was a slight drop in spirits due to the news of Angus
way line, Rory S. started the second half S. dropping out last minute, in order to complete his geography coursework. This
strongly, sending a confusing free-kick came as a big shock to us as Angus S. is always the first name on the team sheet.
into the box that managed to dribble past However, with memories of last year where he somehow managed to get injured
their dopey goal-keeper who was clearly whilst being off the pitch and then had to be run to hospital, it was understandable
terrified as he saw a growling Angus S. that he wouldn’t want to return to the scene of the fatal accident. After a shaky start,
sprinting towards him. We continued we went 1-0 down through a lack of closing down and a lucky bounce to put the ball
the push for an equaliser and towards through Patrick B’s legs. However, we didn’t let our heads drop and we managed
the end, tensions got high which saw a to pull one back through a delicately chipped ball from Lennart into Bartek G., who
strong duel at the front between Michael found the back of the net for the third time in three matches. A strike rate that even
S. and an angry Fettes centre back. The his polish counterpart, Robert Lewandowski, would be proud of. After 40 minutes,
game ended at 3-2 to Fettes which felt as we went into half time with the score at 1-1. The start of the second half saw 3 new
a victory to us considering we were yet players being introduced to the field as Hugh K., Gabe P. and Ruben S. came on. As it
to have a training session and it was a was his debut, Ruben S. was keen to impress as he made some firm challenges and
big improvement on the result from last clever runs to help out the midfield. We fought hard to stay in the game however with
season. Special mention goes to Robbie a lapse of concentration from the defence and a lack of support from the midfield, we
M. who took part in physical activity sadly went 2-1 down. We continued to fight but due to our strong attacking intent, we
for the first time since Third Form and were left vulnerable at the back which led to us going on to concede a further 3 goals
showed his blistering pace in the wing in the last 10 minutes. After the final whistle, we were disappointed that the game
back position. We look forward to the rest ended how it did however we can be proud of our efforts as there have definitely
of the season and hope to build on this been some big improvements from last year.
strong performance for our second game, The second match of spring term saw the boys travelling to Stewart’s Melville, looking
the boys travelled to the famous Ainslie to produce a similar result to the last time we played them. The game started off with
Park (home of Spartans FC) to play against heavy rain and strong winds which made it difficult to judge how the ball would move,
Stewart’s Melville. In our last match, we however this didn’t faze our defence as Kyle O. and Jack J. used their experience to
narrowly and undeservedly lost which prevent any balls coming down the right-hand side. After multiple chances inside the
meant we were right up for this one as box, we finally broke through, with Bartek G. scoring his fourth goal in four matches,
manager Mr Reid was still looking for his which then became five as he headed in a floated ball at the back post. Unfortunately,
first victory as interim boss. We heavily we then went on to concede 2 goals before the break coming from some scrappy
dominated the first half, holding our
shape and cutting open their defence
many times with precise passes for our
forwards to run on to. The first goal
came from our high press, leading the
opposition goalkeeper into a feeling of
over confidence as he tried to turn away
from Hugh K. who simply dispossessed
him and passed the ball into an open net.
The second goal came from a perfectly
timed through ball from Jack B. into
Bartek G., who finished with ease, taking
his goal tally to 2 in 2 games. After a lovely
floated corner from Hugh K., Nathan G-W.
managed to gather the ball in the box and
score a well-deserved goal, leaving the
score at 3-0 at half time.
Despite the goals, the highlight of the first
half was seeing Rory S. attempt to climb
on top of their striker as he was in on goal
which somehow only resulted in a free
kick, much to everyone’s amazement as

22 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

SPORT

play from the opposition. We started the second half strongly, the referee, asking for the halves to be shortened. However, not
with Tyrese R. breaking into the box only to be brought down long into the second half, we saw without a doubt the moment
to win a penalty, which I then went on to convert. With the of the match, as Mr Milne pulled off some incredible acrobatics,
score at 3-2, debutant Fred H. decided to take matters into his scoring a bicycle kick that nestled in the top corner. Determined
own hands as he stretched out to place the ball in the bottom not to be embarrassed again, the boys tried to up the pace a
corner, which would’ve been very impressive had it not been bit more, despite the staff adding another, leaving them within
in our own goal. After a shameful apology from Fred H. to Max one goal from equalising. We then went on to extend our lead
M., the stand in goalkeeper, we looked to find another goal to to 3 goals as Elliot S. and Christopher W. found themselves on
re-gain the lead. Our fourth goal came through Tyrese R., which the scoresheet.
was very well deserved as the Duracell bunny ran tirelessly at This left the final score-line at 5-2 to the pupils, after a valiant
the Stewart’s Melville defence who struggled to handle him. effort from the staff. The aftermath of the match showed great
Another debutant, Jonny D., went on to double our lead with respect between the two sides, however it left Mr Watson
a fantastic finish right into the top corner. Disappointingly, we feeling awkward as veteran Jonah G. finally let him escape
went on to concede again however the one positive to take out from his back pocket. Man of the match goes to Mr Binikos’
of the goal is that it was scored by a player from the opposition son, more familiarly known as, “mini Bini”, for an energised
as opposed to one of our own centre backs. performance down the right hand side and some fluid link-up
It was only a matter of time before Hugh K. got his goal as he play with his father.
dribbled in and out of defenders inside the box and finished In what was the final school sporting event of the term, the fans
neatly at the front post, leaving the score at 6-4 at full time. Man were delighted to watch such a thrilling encounter between the
of the match goes to Tyrese R. as he terrorised the opposition two sides as it brought a joyous and fitting end to the school
defence throughout the whole match and showed his efficiency year.
from out-wide with some precise balls into the box. Overall, a by Mr Gary Reid
great performance from everyone in the squad as we made
sure to get the win in our final competitive match of the season.

On the penultimate day of the spring term, we were able to PHYSICAL EDUCATION
host the annual staff v pupils football match, the most highly Anatomy, Physiology, Teamwork, Movement patterns, Healthy
anticipated fixture of the season. Led by an over-confident Mr lifestyles and Online Workouts have been the focus in Physical
Outram, the teachers select were keen to get revenge, after Education 2019/20.
suffering defeat in this fixture last year. The pupils went into the The pupils have performed to a high standard in and out of the
match with bucket loads of confidence, which was backed up classroom this year in PE. In the classroom we have developed
by our well executed attacks and rigid defending. In a game that knowledge in anatomy and physiology to ethics in sport. In
had goals written all over it, it didn’t take long for the pupils to practicals pupils have been participating in Hockey to Health-
break through as Kyle O. rose above the pack to glance a header Related fitness and developing a diverse range of skills, tactics
in at the far post. After some more timid defending from the and strategies in many team-based sports. Their hard work,
staff, the pupils were cruising, as we went on to score 2 more enthusiastic attitude and playful nature has resulted in some
before the break. excellent team and individual performances!
During half time, it was hard not to notice the sheer exhaustion
of the staff eleven, as they were seen drinking excessive amounts
of water whilst sat down, desperately trying to catch their
breath. There was even rumours that Mr White had spoken to

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 23

SENIOR SCHOOL

The Third Form pupils can be described in three words- Energetic,
Enthusiastic and Excellent. Their energy as a year group has
been great to see and made PE classes a fun, productive and
sometimes an exhausting environment. Pupils have learned
the rules of Hockey, Basketball and Badminton and been busy
applying these in their practicals. A better understanding of the
game rules has had our Third Form stepping up to use more
tactics, strategy and teamwork. One the highlights has been
seeing pupils learn and apply offence and defence strategies in
Basketball. A huge achievement was many of our Third Form
beat the Third Form plank record of 3 minutes and the Wall
sit of five minutes in the health related fitness unit just before
lockdown. This was a great show of grit, perseverance and
teamwork as they encouraged each other and have set the bar
high for next year's Third Form. Well done to all !
The Fourth Form pupils have made swift and steady progress
with their GCSE program this year and have shown true resilience
during the recent lockdown period, and engaged well with the
Components of Fitness unit. Pupils have worked hard in Mr
White's fitness sessions and we saw some impressive Cooper
run fitness test results. Our overall PE prize winner for Fourth
Form is awarded to Abigail S. for her achievements in both
theory and practical settings and showing excellent teamwork
and sportsmanship. Well done all pupils and we look forward
to the second year of the GCSE PE program.
The Fifth Form have worked exceptionally hard in the preparation
for their exams this year and I sympathise with them in that they
never had the chance to experience the exam series. They have
shown true resilience over the past term in getting on with
their Levels, this a great show of character and maturity from
the Fifth Form. Our overall PE award for Fifth Form was very
closely contested and the winner was Emma C. for her excellent
Academic and practical performance during the GCSE program.
Our BTEC sport pupils now have the flexibility to study the full
range of qualifications from the Extended Certificate to the
Extended Diploma. The pupils this year were extremely busy in
and out of classroom. With multiple assessment task deadlines
mimicking what will be expected of them, at university and in
the workplace, to attending visits to the Surgeon’s Hall for a
tour and an Anatomy lecture. I was impressed with how well
the pupils this year asked good questions and showed interest
in the history of the study of anatomy. Although I am sure many
pupils enjoyed the food stop after the lecture just as much
as much as the museum visit. Pupils have also experienced
what it would be like to work as a Sport Scientist with a visit to
Napier University's state of the art Biomechanics, Physiology and
Human performance Lab with climate and altitude chamber. Mr
White lead this excursion and we got to see where some of the
2020 Olympians had been preparing for the games.
Our Upper Sixth pupils like the Fifth Form pupils did not have
the full exam experience this year, I sympathise with them on
this. They have shown great resilience and engaged with their
teachers in PE this term and took a further step towards being
independent learners. I wish you all the best in your next chapter
and I look forward to hearing how you are getting on with Uni,
Work and/or travel.
Thank you to all pupils, parents, teachers and support staff for
a great year.
by Mr Gary Reid
24 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

GOLF

GOLF

I T HAS BEEN a strange year. It got off to a great start as we welcomed a large intake of new golfers to Loretto from
around the world. After a busy week of Order of Merits our junior team got the tournament season started with a trip
to Radley, to compete in the ISGA Radley Putter. A combination of Junior School and Second Form they performed
exceptionally well to finish second only one point behind Millfield. Our seniors started their season at the ISGA Scottish
Open finishing second overall whilst winning the Under 15’s championship and Max H. won the Under 15's individual
and Eilidh H. won the girls' event.
Our players performed well, throughout the winter, in the Inter Collegiate Tour and College Tour qualifying rounds with
some excellent performances to confirm our place in the national finals before the early end of the spring term.

We got off to a winning start in the Since lockdown our players have been I would like to congratulate Eilidh
spring term with victory against Stewart’s inventive and focused to continue their H. on her appointment as Captain
Melville in the ISGA Scottish Foursomes development from home. We have seen of Golf, the second girl to achieve
but unfortunately, we could not keep the purchase of driving nets and training this and she will be supported
the momentum and lost a very close aids, and even back garden putting greens by Evdokios D. and Louise D.
match away to Merchiston in the HMC to assist with their practice through as Vice Captains. They will be a
Foursomes. challenges like the bucket challenge and strong leadership team which
We once again travelled to Desert Springs putting drills. They had the support of will be necessary to equip all
in Spain to compete in the Millfield the coaching team through CoachNow players for the busy year ahead,
European Schools Championship. Always and weekly webinars to ensure they got with rescheduling of summer
a great trip, the players worked extremely the most out of the lockdown period to tournaments to the Autumn
hard and once again performed well to ensure they were in a better place when term and the opportunity to add
finish a very close second and Louise golf resumed. to our collection of National Titles
D. won the individual. We were very Once again, the Order of Merit was early in the season. This summer
much looking forward to our first trip to a great contest with Archie W. taking is going to be different for many
Oman to compete in their world schools an early lead and showing his usual with a reduction in tournaments
challenge but unfortunately the trip had incredible work ethic to maintain that and opportunities to compete.
to be cancelled due to COVID-19. position and grow an unassailable lead This offers an opportunity to work
before the early end to the year. Having hard and be fully prepared for all
completed two thirds of the events Archie opportunities for when school's
is the deserved winner of this prestigious golf returns.
award and will return next year to defend It has been a strange year, but we
his title. have seen some great success and
This year we say goodbye to a number of improvement from our players
golfers and four Upper Sixth golfers who and excellent initiatives through
have served the school so well, Joseph C., lockdown.
Harley S., Alex M. and Murray C., we wish
them the best of luck in their careers and by Mr Rick Valentine
golf, post Loretto.

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 25

SENIOR SCHOOL

A RT W E HAVE
HAD a
busy and
varied year
in the Art
Department. Early in the
Autumn term. Lower and
Upper Sixth Artists and
Art Historians spent the
day visiting many of the
outstanding Edinburgh
Festival exhibitions, including
Victoria Crowe and Bridget
Riley retrospectives at the
Royal Scottish Academy,
National Galleries and City
Art Centre. Some pupils and
teachers were thrilled to see
the artist Bridget Riley herself.
GCSE pupils visited
Kelvingrove Museum and
Art Gallery and Glasgow
Botanical Gardens in June
to gather resources for their
coursework. Seeing drawings
of plants by Leonardo da Vinci
in the Gallery and drawing the
incredible plants in the garden
themselves in the same day
was a great experience for
everyone. On the right-hand
side over the next page are
some outstanding examples of
the great course work inspired
by this trip by Alice M. and
Daisy M.
The walls of the Upper Six A
level Art studio were filled
with vibrant and exciting
work. Daisy T.’s portraits and
landscapes complimenting
the immense canvasses of
Mackenzie H. and Ella G.
In March seven of our pupils
were selected to exhibit their
work in the same galleries as
Bridget Riley in Royal Scottish
Academy in Edinburgh as
part of the RSA Schools
Art Awards https://www.
ro ya l s co tt i s h a ca d e my. o rg /
schools-art-award-2/.
Sadly the exhibition could
not take place because of the
Covid 19. The prizes were
awarded nevertheless and
this year we were thrilled
with achieving two major
prizes-First Prize in the Junior
for Christian L. in Second

26 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

ART

Form and Third prize in the Intermediate of working from home, Ella G. was
category for Flora M. and five highly particularly resourceful and managed
commended prizes including Hugh M.’s to produce a large A3 dry point etching
scraperboard of St Giles. turning her father’s car and some boards
In London, Upper Sixth pupil Daisy T.’s into a substitute printing press.
portrait of her brother Tom came Third Working with such imagination and flair
in the Scottish Schools Art Exhibition held will certainly make Ella and the three
at the Caledonian Club in Mayfair. other Upper Sixth class members who
Art activities and workshops have are continuing onto Art colleges next year
continued to produce inspiring work this ready for any creative challenge they are
year, ceramics, photography, printmaking presented with .
and a short film making course with The present Upper Sixth pupils have
visiting artist Ben Owen proved very offers for Art Colleges including Savannah
popular with Juniors and Seniors alike. College of Art and Design in the USA,
The ‘Lockdown ‘Summer Term tested the Carlisle, Leeds and Central St Martin’s in
resourcefulness of pupils and teachers London-all richly deserved!
alike and produced some remarkable by Mrs Ann Buchanan
outcomes. Despite the restrictions

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 27

SENIOR SCHOOL

DRAMA

W hat a year of creativity and THE FRINGE
collaboration! We welcomed In another ‘first’ for Loretto, we had secured a slot
Catherine Morgan to the at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe – sadly that was
department in September not to be. However, it has inspired us all to dream
and she has brought renewed big for next year. We thank our Theatre Captain
energy and expertise to Loretto. (Archie de H.) and Technical Genius (Oliver S.) for
This year may have ended with lockdown, but this their enthusiasm and creativity. Drama is thriving
didn’t stop pupils from showcasing their imaginative at Loretto!
talents. Socially distanced film scripts, monologues by Mrs Helen Day
demonstrating physical skills and thoughtfully
constructed sets were created in the summer term.
We can’t wait to get back on the stage…

Our exam classes impressed us all year with their JUNIOR PLAY
resilience and determination. The highlight, for both Honk! Jr. is a musical adaptation of the Hans Christian
GCSE and A level, was the devised work. Pupils have Andersen story ‘The Ugly Duckling’. Ugly looks quite
to create a piece of theatre themselves, from initial a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and
stimulus through to polished performance. We will sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick
never forget the bravery and originality of Archie de to notice and point this out, despite his mother's
H.s ‘Fading’, which drew on Berkoffian techniques protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself,
and left the audience with a powerful message. We the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-
are very proud of all who collaborated so that Archie discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very
could realise this piece; thank you Euan M., Camilla hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock
W., Louise W., Oliver S. and Joe C. of unique characters and finds out different is not a
SENIOR PLAY bad thing to be.

Away from the classroom, senior pupils built
confidence in their devising and, in a ‘first’ for
Loretto, produced a Senior Play that was hard hitting,
relevant and technically complex.

‘The Place In Between’ was a remarkable piece of
theatre that had audiences returning night after
night. It was a powerful mix of cunningly devised
text, physical theatre, humour, observation and
serious themes, with impressive contributions from
the whole ensemble.

28 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

DRAMA

The original full-length West End version pondful of very yellow ducklings and very the end of May. They caught the mood
of the show caused a sensation at the green froglets and members of sundry and, although these are very dark and
Olivier Awards in the year 2000 when it other species, including Isla Y. as Ida’s dangerous times for drama and all the
won the coveted Best Musical Award. loyal moorhen friend, Katie T. as the regal performing arts, demonstrated as others
Since it hatched in 1993 the show has Grace, who contributed fine and fruity are doing with increasing inventiveness
been widely performed by young actors, singing, Olivia U. as the balletic swan and success, that creative activity can and
including a production by the National Penny, Graham L. as flying officer goose will continue until live audiences return.
Youth Music Theatre in 2017. Animal Greylag and many others of our talented
costumes have never been a feature of Drama pupils. Vivid colours and infectious LAMDA EXAMS
the piece, which has always set out to energy made this a definite hit with the 46 candidates from all year groups of
remind us that we are just birds in human audiences. the Nipper and Senior schools took
plumage. London Academy of Music & Drama
The Loretto Junior Drama Workshop JUNIOR DRAMA WORKSHOP (LAMDA) examinations in November
production of the show in February The Wednesday evening sessions were, as and January. They were prepared by a
featured a large cast drawn from Second ever, well attended by members of Second team of teachers and the results were
& Third Forms, but despite the young & Third Forms seeking opportunities outstanding. The focus this year was very
cast, capacity audiences soon realised to walk around the CTH Dance Studio much on the Acting (solo or combined)
that they were not watching a kids’ obeying the instruction, before last, rather and the Musical Theatre solo exams from
show. Strong characterisations based on then the most recent one, improvising Grade 2 right up to Grade 8.
distinctly human archetypes combined a scene having been given only the Overall there were 23 Distinctions (80%
with witty, touching solo and ensemble first and last word, choreographing a and above) and 23 Merits (60-79%).
numbers and energetic choreography by silent five minute duet on two adjacent Highlights were Distinctions for Isobel B.
the inventive, unflappable (no bird pun chairs or playing out an intense moment and Julia D. in Grade seven Silver Award
intended) Windsor Phillips pushed the speaking only in gibberish (perhaps the Musical Theatre and Daisy T., who scored
story along. Bullying, exclusion, body- one which comes most naturally to many above 90% in the extremely demanding
shaming and optimism in the face of Lorettonnians – and their teachers…) Grade 8 Gold Award Musical Theatre, the
apparently insurmountable obstacles are In the end we realised that it was NOT culmination of a run of top marks in every
all explored. Human cruelty and cunning ENOUGH. What we needed was A grade from 3 upwards starting in Second
are countered and finally defeated by PRODUCTION. The relentless schedule Form. There were also Distinctions for
love, kindness, humour and loyalty. of these year groups makes it extremely Dylan N. & Brandon T. and Flora F. & Max
At the centre of the production were difficult to carve out enough collective M. in the Grade six Bronze Award Acting
wonderful performances by Alyson T. as rehearsal time, but we managed it and Duo.
Ugly, the incongruous duckling whom the result was Honk! Jr. In the pond- In the Junior School there were consistently
winter transforms into a swan, and Olivia watery wake of that triumph (see review), high marks in the demanding Grade 2
F. as her down-to-earth mother Ida. Hugh we had further plans. So, unfortunately, combined Acting Duos, for which each
M. as Drake, her wide-boy husband, did our viral enemy. However, during pair performs a piece together followed
Isla S. as the wily cat and Frederik P. as lockdown the Wednesday workshops by a solo each. Isabella T. achieved a
Ugly’s ever upbeat bullfrog mentor all continued on Teams and the outcome Distinction in Grade 2 Musical Theatre.
contributed huge character turns, with was two 9-minute broadcasts: The by Mr Simon Lowe
top quality singing and physicalisation Lockdown Podcast in late April and the
of their roles. They were supported by a Loretto Lockdown Lowdown Podcast at

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 29

SENIOR SCHOOL

DANCE

T HE STRUCTURE OF Loretto
dance worked in our favour
in 2019-20, as the Autumn
Term contains the intensive
push towards the Christmas
extravaganza, on which a huge amount
of the year’s creative work is focused.
The programme below tells the story,
with all year groups from Junior and
Senior Schools performing routines in a
full range of styles.
It is hard to pick out highlights from such
an endlessly exciting list, but Dynamite
by years 4-7, popping acrobatically
around the stage, an irresistable version
of Can You Feel the Love Tonight
by some very young ballet dancers
deserve a special mention. From the
Seniors, really accomplished ballet and
a spectacular Hip Hop mix thrilled the
packed audiences at both performances.
The Highland troupe also demonstrated
that, alongside their mastery of complex
traditional routines, they can bring a very
special choreographic flavour to more
contemporary beats.
Before lockdown the highland dancers
were preparing for annual exams,
the CCF competition at Fettes, and
Beating Retreat at Edinburgh Castle and
Holyrood. Instead, there were some
Teams sessions on aspects of technique
and the expectation that such events will
be up and running again by next summer.
by Mr Simon Lowe

30 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

DANCE / MUSIC

MUSIC

M USIC AT LORETTO contemporary showpiece Relent. As a composer of film and advertisements
continues to offer a we end our happy 10-year association before giving pupils the opportunity to
range of opportunities with Steinway, this concert left us in no create foley soundscapes for a section of
for pupils, from more doubt that our new Bösendorfer concert an advert.
traditional spring, grands in the Concert Hall and Chapel, The Junior Choir rehearse every Monday
summer and Christmas concerts, to the the Yamaha C3X Grand in the piano and performed regularly at Chapel
Peter Wood Scholars’ Concert, a highlight teaching room and a suite of acoustic services, Speech Day and outside events.
of the musical year. The ever-popular late- and digital pianos in the Junior and Performances off campus included a
night Pinkie sessions continued regularly, Senior Schools, we have the instruments Christmas programme, returning to
usually in the Concert Hall instead of we need to take us forward and cater to Dalkeith Country Park and The Hollies
Chapel more recently as Barnabas G., the all players and styles. After liasing with Day Centre in Musselburgh.
Music Captain, has been the driving force Vivienne Bartolucci, Head of Education The Loretto Orchestra has been
and needed access to a wider range of at Yamaha, in June 2019 Sarah Massey rehearsing on a weekly basis, with 35
amplification and percussion equipment was given the opportunity to travel to pupils of all ages and abilities playing
to bring an ear-tingling new post-Punk Vienna to visit the Bösendorfer factory almost every orchestral instrument.
punch to the more traditional unplugged before selecting individual pianos which Pupils have enjoyed learning film music
repertoire with his band Nuclear Vortex would be most suitable for the chapel and developing their ensemble skills.
(the clue is in the name). An expanded and concert hall space. We are extremely For the first time in recent memory the
sequence of lunch time concerts has fortunate to now be in possession of two orchestra was fully integrated into the
given pupils more informal performance Bösendorfer pianos. We are delighted Christmas Carol Service, supporting the
opportunities. This year these included to be in partnership with Yamaha and congregation and supplementing the
a vocal concert led by Miss Thomas and a Bösendorfer. organ and piano accompaniments.
guitar concert led by Mr McGeary. Other instrumental demonstrations and Pupils once again entered the Edinburgh
Chris Baxter our piano teacher gave a fine master classes included a performance to Competition Festival including some fine
recital at the beginning of the academic Second Form pupils by our visiting flute vocal and cello performances. Cellist
year, in celebration of the arrival of our specialist, Sue Evans. Laura M. auditioned successfully for
Bösendofer and Yamaha pianos. An We continue to welcome visiting artists the National Youth String Orchestra,
eclectic programme was artfully chosen in order to give masterclasses. In Elspeth O. is a member of the National
to demonstrate the capabilities of the September the indie singer-songwriter Youth Choir of Great Britain. Oliver M.
magnificent Bösendorfer 185VC in the and educator Rich Cottell came to Loretto was invited to join the National Youth
Concert Hall. Both instrument and and shared practical performing and Choir of Scotland, which was due to hold
player dealt expressively with clean, composing advice with pupils. Despite the annual rehearsals at Loretto for its
classical textures, lush romanticism, his success on the programme, his tips on national concert tour before Covid-19
intricate and subtle impressionism and how to break into the industry included struck. Flautist Jen-Pin T. reached the
rhythmical, percussive contemporary the advice that it is best to avoid talent second round of the Rotary Club Young
styles. He began with the hypnotic China shows like The X-Factor. Musician of the Year 2020.
Gates by John Adams, followed with a In January we held a music technology Our Sixth Form music pupils have enjoyed
virtuosic performance of Ludwig Van masterclass with Ted White OL, who attending Beethoven symphonic concerts
Beethoven’s “Waldstein” Sonata and imparted his considerable knowledge as
three intricate Preludes by Debussy and
ended with Graham Fitkin’s spectacular

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 31

SENIOR SCHOOL OUTDOOR
to support the A level course, given by PURSUITS
the Scottish Chamber Orchestra at the
Usher Hall. T HIS YEAR'S OUTDOOR pursuits programme focused on rock
Choir took part in a singing day organised climbing in the autumn and spring terms. Participating pupils,
by the Association of British Choral from Fifth to Upper Sixth Forms, progressed through grades 3+
Directors at Fulwood Church in Preston, to 6a, a commendable achievement!
led by the eminent choral composer, Will They all completed the National Indoor Climbing Award Schemes
Todd. They were delighted to have the (NICAS) Level 2 Award tasks and demonstrated some pretty impressive
opportunity to meet Will Todd and were physical moves as they climbed to their limit weekly.
introduced to jazz singing styles, including The spring term also saw some of our pupils hill walking on Sundays, even
his Jazz Missa Brevis during the day. so not as frequently as planned due to adverse weather conditions.
Music technology grows from strength The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) training days continued throughout the
to strength, with the incorporation of autumn and spring term up to March. The participants for the Silver and
GarageBand on iPad and Logic Pro into Gold Awards learnt and practiced outdoor campcraft skills, navigation
music lessons. Music technology AS level around the school grounds, pitching tents and knowing how to use the
is now also running as an option this year. Trangia cooker. Read on Mrs Danks' report about their training expeditions,
In February, two groups of our Third Form which were unfortunately cut short due to the lockdown.
pupils submitted their music technology The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) expedition to Norway initially planned
compositions and reached the final of the in July also had to be postponed, to the great disappointment of the 14
Musical Futures Remix competition. cadets who had signed up. These expeditions have been very successful
over the past years, with the first one run in 2012, and getting increasingly
WATERHOUSE MUSIC FUND popular amongst our pupils. It would have been the fifth cadet expedition
For the past decade a generous annual of the 'Viking Trail' series, led my myself and assisted by Ms Susannah Ward
donation from the Waterhouse family and Mr Geoff Harbison.
has funded the James Waterhouse Piano Other activities unfortunately cancelled were the CCF Navy and Army
Competition. With the arrival of our suite summer camps, as well as the summer term training for the 2021 Borealis
of Bösendorfer and Yamaha pianos, it has Society Expedition. All staff and pupils are looking very much forward to
been decided to change the way in which getting back to more adventure training hopefully next year!
this continuing donation will be used and by Mr David Howie
to move the focus towards encouraging
and rewarding Loretto pupils who
practise, progress and succeed as players.
There will be Waterhouse Scholarships
for pianists and organists, retaining the
particular support for keyboard playing,
but other instruments will also be
included, with the exception of Pipes and
Drums, which are well served by various
other awards.
The first set of Waterhouse Fund awards
aim to acknowledge what has been
done musically over the whole year.
In particular, whilst rewarding all our
instrumentalists, the list recognises the
exceptional pool of talent in Second and
Third Form. Some of these players may be
at an early stage of their development as
performers, but have practised, attended
rehearsals and shown great potential.
They are the future of instrumental music
at Loretto.
In this, the first year of the award, the
Piano Scholarship went to Jolie W. and
the Organ Scholarship to Philéas D. Gold
Awards went to Elspeth O. [piano, violin]
and Laura M. [cello, piano]. 26 Silver
and Bronze prizes were awarded across
all year groups.
by Mrs Sarah Massey

32 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

OUTDOOR PURSUITS

This year there has
been an excellent
level of interest
in the DofE. With
19 participants
at Gold and 35 at
Silver, everyone
has been very
busy getting their
awards started.

junior sailors in order to allow them to
work towards again their first rank.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD Both Silver and Gold groups were gearing November saw the annual CCF senior’s
This year there has been an excellent up for their Practice Expeditions when the dinner which is held in the Old library.
level of interest in the Duke of Edinburgh Covid-19 pandemic unfolded, and these This is a fantastic opportunity for the
Award (DofE) at both Gold and Silver of course had to be postponed. While seniors within both the Navy and Army
level. With 19 participants at Gold and everyone involved was disappointed not section to get to sit down to gather and
35 at Silver, everyone has been very busy to get out into the wilderness at Easter celebrate the end of a long term with the
getting their awards started. time, we are all looking forward to these new cadets. It also provides the chance
Firstly, pupils spent time deciding on their expeditions being rescheduled. for us to get used to formal military
three DofE sections, a physical activity, a by Mrs Jenny Danks dinning style evenings.
skill and some volunteering. Time must Sadly, under the current circumstances
be dedicated to these activities each COMBINED CADET FORCE all of the cadet activities have been
week and a log kept of progress and This year was another great year for CCF, cancelled including the overnight exercise
achievements along the way. we saw a massive influx in contingent size for the Army sections. Despite these
All of the participants have enjoyed a with such a large intake of Fourth Form. cancellations, three navy cadets went on
number of training days this year to With the contingent now standing at some amazing courses over the summer
prepare them for the expedition part of Army section 82, RN section 30. last year. We had one cadet attend a
the award. Back in November, we spent The year started of strong with the annual day skipper course, a further two cadets
the day exploring the Pentland Hills, Sunday induction day a few weeks in attended a northern light expedition. This
working on teamwork, tent building and to the term. This gave everyone in the expedition involved sailing through the
very importantly making hot chocolate on contingent a chance to get a head start Caledonian canal then down the west
a camping stove. The weather was bright, for the new cadets in the Fourth Form, coast, all the cadets on the boat gained
cold and crisp and all involved were very and the newly promoted NCOs a chance vast experience on all the different jobs
relieved at how lucky we were! to further enhance their leadership skills. on the yacht. The cadets had an amazing
Pupils have also had expedition training Whilst the army section worked to train time and where hoping to do more this
based in school in the Spring term, where up the new cadets the Royal Navy worked year.
they planned their expedition routes, on training up their cadets on first aid, Sadly, this year’s CCF program has been
discussed equipment and the crucial and gave a range of lectures from the cut short just before we got in to all
aspect of menu planning. the field work with the better weather.
Despite this we still managed to achieve
a large amount of the syllabus and look
forward to welcoming the new batch
of recruits in September and hopefully
training will be back to full strength.
by Murray C.

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 33

SENIOR SCHOOL

ACTIVITIES
& SOCIETIES

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES term, when the indefatiguable Dr and Mrs Hawley
led around 100 Lorettonians in a ramble up Arthur’s
Weekend Outings and Trips remain an important way of offering Seat. It was a glorious, sunny, Sunday afternoon and
holistic educational and life experiences for all Lorettonians. we were rewarded with breath-taking views across
Our location provides all the advantages of living near a thriving Edinburgh, the Forth and Fife. Outdoor experiences
city with all its amenities, whilst having hills, lakes, beaches such as Hillwalking have become a core aspect of our
and mountains on our doorstep. This enables us to provide weekend provision. Dr Phillips and Mr Howie have
opportunities and experiences to suit a wide range of interests. led trips to “Bag” Munros, building on the success
In 2019, we set ourselves the target of enhancing pupil ownership of the “Mend Our Mountains” charity hike which
of events and outings (selecting, planning and running events was inspired by the words of Hely-Hutchison himself.
– all vital elements of a broader leadership education.) This Other outward-bound activities included canoeing,
has led to a strong selection of genuinely popular and desired cycling, mountain-biking at Glentress, laser tag and
activities over the year. I’d like to thank the Friends of Loretto bush-craft. CCF and DofE also provided a wealth of
and parent body for being so supportive. Their ideas, contacts expeditions, leadership and training camps over
and involvement has helped the programme to flourish. weekends.
The year kicked off in memorable style on the first weekend of Loretto has a long association with clay shooting and
a strong group of pupils, parents and staff enjoyed
the great facilities and hospitality at Braidwood, near
Melrose. The group included several experienced
shooters but I was particularly pleased to note that

34 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

ACTIVITIES & SOCIETIES

the trip featured several rookies, boys and girls, local trampoline park. The Second Form social and charities committees
who returned full of enthusiasm. My thanks to Mr successfully organised a “Silent Disco” in February and raised over £400 for
Chapman who accompanied the trip after helping Shelter Scotland. At a “Silent Disco” a variety of songs can be played at the
to organise the day’s events and location. For those same time, with each person choosing their tune via a set of headphones
interested, we plan to run regular events for pupils that they wear. At first it was a bit strange to witness the pupils dancing
and parents each year (Summer Term), when Covid- around without music blaring but it no doubt pleased the neighbours. The
19 has passed. event actually worked very well indeed, with a record number of attendees
The centrepiece event was undoubtedly the outing for a “social” in February. Loretto continues to host other school dance
to the Scotland v France “Six Nations” rugby match “socials” on a regular basis. It would be fair to say that tastes in music might
in March 2020. Just over 100 pupils, parents and be questioned, but I suspect that has always been the case? In response
staff braved the elements to join the “Murrayfield to pupil requests, we also ran boardgames and film evenings for those
roar” and they were rewarded with a feast of rugby. who did not want to go to the dances. On-site barbecues, social tennis
Many were attending the iconic stadium for the first and other sports remain firm weekend favourites in the warmer months.
time. I would like to thank Mrs Rowan who helped The Friday evening trip to “Jump In” trampoline park in the Autumn Term
to organise this event and many others over the was surprisingly popular – so much so that pupils asked us to run a second
year so efficiently behind the scenes. It is not easy trip in the Spring which was equally well attended. It was interesting to see
to coordinate such large numbers! that a Friday slot can work well and that has given us food for thought. There
Pupils were particularly involved in two events: are rumours that some staff showed off their trampolining credentials.
a charity social and in organising an outing to a Thankfully we returned with all limbs intact.

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 35

SENIOR SCHOOL

There were a range of cultural trips designed to supplement the JOHN MUIR AWARD
many Departmental and House trips to the Theatre, Galleries and
elsewhere. The most breath-taking of these was undoubtedly The John Muir Award was very successful this year. It was run
the evening trip to the Christmas Lights show at Edinburgh by Dr Elizabeth Bull, Mr Mike McRitchie and myself and 18 Fifth
Botanical Gardens. There’s nothing quite like a perfectly toasted Form pupils were involved every Wednesday afternoon after
marshmallow on a crisp winter’s stroll around the Gardens. school.
The light show/tour of the Botanics was simply stunning. With The activities included planting flowers, litter picking and
Edinburgh on our doorstep, trips to the Museums and Galleries recycling and one group of girls intended to construct a pond
were all scheduled. We feel this is particularly important for to attract wildlife. This proved to be too ambitious but they
those who are newly arrived in Scotland, so that they can get made some bird feeders instead.
a taste of this country’s unique heritage. When combined with We walked sections of the John Muir way in East Lothian and
year group outings, this means that pupils have the chance visited his birthplace in Dunbar. We were to have been involved
to visit every major cultural attraction in our capital during in a tree planting exercise in Glenlude near Traquair in the
their time at school. For the gastronomes, we enjoyed relaxed Borders but this unfortunately had to be cancelled.
Saturday evening suppers at Nandos and Pizza Express (other All the participating pupils completed the award- well done!
restaurants are available.) by Dr Ian Fox
Whilst the programme aims to bring pupils together from
different Houses, Lorettonians have enjoyed House-based
activities and trips at the weekend. This year was no different.
Every House attended the increasingly dramatic fireworks
display at Fisherrow/Musselburgh Links, near to Newfield games
pitches. Other events included film and pizza nights and the
ever-popular Christmas House Outings.

Formal meals and events are an important element of a broader CONSERVATION SOCIETY
education for Lorettonians of all ages. The highlights included
formal Christmas Suppers, CCF Dinner, Sixth Form Ball at This year in Conservation we started by harvesting the previous
Prestonfield and the Leavers’ Ball. These featured plenty of year’s crops as well as gathering apples from the orchard. We
reeling in the finest Lorettonian tradition. managed to collect multiple buckets worth of apples that were
Looking back, even though Covid-19 robbed us of a term, displayed at the Harvest Service in October. As a collective
Lorettonians benefited from a remarkably broad range of group, we managed to create a compost heap using recycled
activities. As ever, I am hugely grateful to all Loretto’s staff who wooden pallets which we then filled with apples that had fallen
supervised and/or ran these events, often at the end of a busy off the tree and were beginning to rot. This was a great project
week or long stretch of term. The programme enables pupils as it allowed us to create something that future groups would
to forge friendships and memories, alongside developing new be able to use when planting and growing their crops.
and established interests. But the most pleasing aspects of the As well as gardening work, we often went down to Musselburgh
year has to be how the partnership of pupils, parents and staff beach to pick up rubbish that was left on the shore. In groups
has blossomed and how this has enabled such a rich Outings we conducted a plastic waste survey that was inspired by the
Programme to thrive. Marine Conservation Society’s Great British Beach Clean Project.
by Mr David Adamson It was quite shocking at times to see the variety of plastic items
laying there on the sand.

As the days drew darker and colder, we started watching
documentaries about pollution and the dangers that it brings
to our oceans. Inspired by these programmes, we made
PowerPoints about preserving the environment and about the
ways in which we could solve the problems relating to plastic
in the ocean.

It was a real delight when we found out that the school had
bought new recycling bins that were colour coded to correspond
with the rubbish that goes in it, with the intention of promoting
more responsible recycling within the school. Thus, we would
take it in turns to go around the campus to empty the bins and
recycle the waste.

Lastly, we were beginning to plant vegetables for next year’s
Conservation Team to harvest when the school term was cut
short due to the widespread effect of Covid-19. Unfortunately,
our efforts may have gone to waste due to weeds.

In conclusion, although our time in Conservation was cut short

36 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

ACTIVITIES & SOCIETIES

and we missed the annual barbeque, we all had a great time Broken Song by Niamh P.
learning about the environment and how we can help maintain
it. We look forward to seeing how future Conservation Teams Little silver pellets
can create a difference within the school community. will bring a werewolf down.
By Cameron B., President of the Conservation Society A constant stream of water
will also make it drown.
CREATIVE WRITING Small factors build and build
‘till colour turns to brown.
Our Creative Writing group had a busy year. Pupils produced And in the end
many great pieces, and you can read some examples on the off the head will be ripped the
next page. crown.
One of the highlight was our Christmas Tea Party and Reading
during which we celebrated the work we created for Amnesty Days and nights
International's 'Write for Rights' campaign. the wolves hunt and bite
The Campaign asked to write letters and postcards for human at the souls of those
rights, and we used this as our theme for the first term. Niamh who dare stand and fight.
P.'s poem 'Broken Song' is a great example of this work. Those who want,
Happy reading! they dream, rise and spite,
by Mrs Alice Saldanha the image of society,
that kicks them out of sight.

You tell us;
“Be brave, stand tall and
strong.”
But reality
wants us to be kicked down by
the throng of haters.
How on earth can we stay
headstrong
when the small,
continuous bullets, always break
my song

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 37

SENIOR SCHOOL

Sonnet by Eloise W. The night by Ollie S.
The night curves over the sky, as
Sweet Desdemona lies soft, then a star-studded vault.
slow slain: The heavens, a blue cobalt.
A boy’s rag doll abandoned on his A light breeze,
bed. Sways the trees.
Those loves, those lives, snatched And the moon sits, a bulb of
away by such harsh claim spectral light.
That it should force your thoughts Over the plains sweeps night.
before you wed.

Consider an army man or farm
hand
With higher power than a
married Queen.
Good daughters’ hearts quick sell
like contraband
Into the firm grasp of fingers
unclean.

But who are these fine modern DEBATING SOCIETY
fantasies?
Each of their moments sparked The debating society has had a dynamic year on and off campus.
by mutual lust We now have so many keen Second and Third Form speakers that
Then plagued by the resultant we have been able to split into junior and senior activities. This
tragedy: has been made possible thanks to Miss Hodgson joining Miss
From society their names are Opie as debating coaches. The younger debaters have enjoyed
out-thrust. watching and making plenty of POIs (points of information)
which has not only improved their skills but certainly kept the
Wives were bought with the more experienced debaters on our toes!
house; handfuls were wooed We sent more competitive teams to tournaments than previous
There was no refuge of years with a highlight being the success of our juniors, Frederick
movement Me Too. P. and Theo C., at Edinburgh University’s Junior tournament.
This was their first senior school competition and I am proud to
report they achieved a first and second in their heats.
This year we managed to send two senior teams to the Glasgow
University competition consisting of Joe C. and Sam G. as well
as Rhys P. and I. Both teams won a couple of second places in
their heats which is impressive especially as Sam was new to
competitive debating.

38 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

ACTIVITIES & SOCIETIES

Rhys and I competed at the St Andrews MODEL UNITED NATIONS
University tournament winning a motion
regarding the voting rights of old people. Each year more than 40,000 pupils from primary school to university participate
Leonora T. and Elizabeth M. also attended worldwide in Model United Nations conferences. These events are a role play of UN
as judges which was a new and valuable meetings and follow UN protocol. Pupils have the opportunity to research a country’s
experience for our society as the girls political stance on world issues that span human rights, environmental issues and
were able to see what is expected of a socio-economic areas. Pupils have to stay true to their individual country’s ideologies
top-level speech. when debating to find resolutions, which can often be tricky if representing a country
Rhys and I also went to Heriots to with views different from one’s own.
compete against a tough team in the ESU The Model United Nations activity ran with great success at the start of the year;
Mace competition following our strong seeing pupils from all age groups engage fully with world issues in preparation for local
first entry to the competition last year. conferences. In the Autumn term, the annual conference at North Berwick High School
Although we narrowly lost, we did enjoy served as an introductory platform for some of the younger delegates who seized the
the deeper level of research required for opportunity with both hands and rose to the challenge of preparing resolutions on
7-minute speeches and the interesting trophy hunting, human trafficking and the topic, ‘No Planet B’. Despite not winning any
motion of this house would hold a second awards, the young team gained invaluable experience of intellectual debate. During
Scottish independence referendum. this conference, BBC news and current affairs broadcaster, Glenn Campbell, spoke to
In the coming academic year, I hope the delegates of his experience reporting around the world, which truly inspired and
that we will be able to attend more shed light on the importance of a free press. The team (Ollie, Rhys, Liza, Hugh, and
competitions in the summer term and Matthew) represented the school in exemplary fashion. Well done.
that our debaters will go from strength The team then quickly went on to compete at St. George’s School for Girls, Edinburgh,
to strength as they gain more experience. later in the Autumn term. The team (Rhys, Artemis, Ala, Aiden, Ollie, Rio, Grace,
I will be passing the role of debating Michal, Hugh and Alexander) demonstrated great skill in taking to the floor in the
captain onto Rhys P. who I am sure will political arena, as well as on the dance floor that evening at the celidh. A great time
do a great job leading our society. was had after a long day wrangling over world issues. Supper at Pizza Express was a
by Charlotte D. well-earned treat.

Plans were made early in the spring term to host our very own conference and much
work had gone into researching topics for debate and preparing briefing papers for
other schools. This would be Loretto’s first time hosting a MUN event and all pupils
were keen to showcase what we could do. Unfortunately, due to Covid 19, which
will most likely feature in a future briefing paper, our plans were halted. We hope to
revisit this in the near future ,along with the summer trip that had been planned to the
Scottish Parliament. We strive to continue to broaden our pupils’ political viewpoints
and allow them to form well informed judgments through the MUN activity. Well done
to all MUN delegates this year for all of your hard work, commitment and passion to
continue to grow the activity at Loretto.

by Mrs Rachael Delaney

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 39

SENIOR SCHOOL SCIENCE TRIPS

ENGINEERING SOCIETY

During the autumn term, Loretto Engineers were forced to BIOLOGY
‘park’ progress on the electric racing whilst they awaited some A group of Lower & Upper Sixth pupils went to the Christmas
necessary technical support regarding the design and building Lecture run by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh about
of a light-weight racing shell. In the meantime, our aspirant 'Innovations in Anatomy Teaching' which was very interesting
engineer, Robbie M., led the group through a set of weekly and looked at how this has changed over the past couple of
challenges ranging from electronics to structural engineering. hundred years. In addition another group of Sixth Form pupils
As Christmas approached, and with no word from our race also attended a lecture at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary
sponsors, we decided to take matters into our own hands and Studies on Equine Obesity and associated diseases.
build a temporary shell for the electric car. The first task was to Upper Sixth Pupils took part in the Biology Olympiad in January
carefully measure up the car to ensure that our scale-drawings - two pupils achieved 'Highly Commended' certificates and one
for the body plates were correct. Having found a printer that achieved a 'Commended' certificate and the Lower Sixth pupils
can print large-format diagrams (in excess of 1.5m wide) we have just taken part in the Intermediate Biology Olympiad, we
excitedly submitted our scale drawings which were ready just await the results with baited breath.
before Christmas.

With 1:1 prints in hand we then sourced suitable material for CHEMISTRY
a temporary light weight body. Following advice from Heriot- At the beginning of March Niamh P., Charlie L. and Lucy M. took
Watts own race team, we opted for a corrugated plastic and set part in the RSC Analyst Competition at Heriot-Watt university.
about carefully cutting out our scale models. As lockdown took The pupils were set three team challenges, all of which involved
hold, this work was almost complete though our racing season advanced laboratory skills and mathematical analysis. The
was cancelled due to COVID-19. team discussed beforehand how they were going to approach
Just before lockdown ensued we were visited by Jono Benzie, these challenges and what tasks each member would need
an experienced design engineer from Quoceant Engineering. to carry out. Through great teamwork and collective talent,
Jono was able to train one of our aspirant engineers in the use the three pupils came a very well-deserved second place, set
of a design software package provided free to Loretto by the against tough opposition. By finishing on the medal podium,
multinational automation company Siemans. We now have the their performance follows a long line of successful Loretto
in-house knowledge to design our own bodywork shell and Chemists who, by tradition, earn a personalized lab coat from
production of a 3D model has begun the department!".
by Dr Richard Phillips

40 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

ACTIVITIES & SOCIETIES

MODERN LANGUAGE TRIPS

PHYSICS SPANISH TRIP

The Chemisty and Physics departments This year’s Spanish trip during October half-term, saw twenty Fifth and Sixth Form
took a joint visit to Glenkinchie pupils return to Granada. The trip was a great success, Mrs Feria, Mrs Campbell and
and Torness Nuclear Power station. I were very impressed with all those who came, while the teachers at the language
Glenkinchie is a very suitable venue for school in Granada commented how much they had enjoyed teaching the different
pupils to observe fermentation in action, groups in the mornings, and many of the host families said how sorry they were to
with wonderful malt aromas and huge see our pupils leave after a week staying with them. Highlights of the week included
copper distillation stills. the visit to Granada’s famous Alhambra palace, the day trip to Sevilla, the visit to
The nuclear power station is an awesome Nerja to see its amazing caves and spend time on the beach, the cookery and dance
example of engineering in the 1980s as classes, not to mention all the delicious tapas that were consumed and the fabulous
well as a fascinating education in nuclear weather that we enjoyed all week.
energy. One group unfortunately didn’t
even get into Torness because of a security FRENCH EXCHANGE
alert and everyone had to be evacuated Our Fourth Formers that had signed up for the exchange with the Lycée Jean Macé
to a safe area, a small reminder of the in Rennes, Britanny, were all set to welcome their French guests in March, and then
complexities associated with this energy travel out to France in April, when the coronavirus outbreak unfortunately meant that
source. The Physics department would we had to cancel the trip this year.
have been going to CERN in September,
but unfortunately the trip had to be
cancelled.

OTHER EVENTS

PSYCHOLOGY It has been a busy year outside of the
In December of 2019 Lower Sixth classroom. Our Lower Sixth linguists
Psychology pupils attended a Science and enjoyed their Six Schools Immersion
Psychology conference in the Assembly days, this year held at Merchiston
Rooms, Edinburgh. They enjoyed talks (French) and Fettes (Spanish). Film
from Professor Caroline Watt and Richard evenings were also organised in the
Wiseman on paranormal and psychology department for A level linguists,
of magic respectively, plus a session on with tapas or crêpes to accompany
hypnosis by Andrew Newton. the viewing. We also celebrated La
Chandeleur in class appropriately!

by Mrs Susie Ward by Mr James Burnet

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 41

SENIOR SCHOOL

PRIZE
GIVING

T HIS YEAR'S SPEECH Third Form Darling Scripture Prize for RE
Day has been somewhat Lorenzo Allegrini Eloise W.
extraordinary. It was a Olivia Ferguson French Prize
great shame not to be able Frederik Pusch Rhys Pearce
to gather pupils, families, Isla Stanford CW Wordsworth Prize for
staff and other community members Alyson Topping English
at the School to celebrate, as we Andrew Trombala Eloise W.
always do, our leavers and to mark Fourth Form Rhys Pearce
the end of another great school year. Samuel Anderson Classics Prize
Nevertheless, our pupils’ achievements Iona Boyd Phileas Dectot
were highlighted during a virtual event Elspeth Ogilvy Computing Prize
we hope most of you enjoyed watching Eleanor Talbot Phileas Dectot
online. Recorded in the School Chapel, Dr Sally Watson Mathematics Prize
Hawley and Dr Topping announced this Phileas Dectot
year’s prize winners for all to watch on FIFTH FORM Art Prize
video. ACADEMIC PRIZES Daisy Montgomerie
Well done to all our prize winners. Drama Prize Biology Prize
To our leavers, we wish you all the best Camilla Wigmore Daisy Montgomerie
for the future and we're looking forward ESL Prize Chemistry Prize
to welcoming you back at the School Antonia Morsch Daisy Montgomerie
for a proper celebration of your time at Sinclair Thomson History Prize Geography Prize
Loretto. Angus Boyd Daisy Montgomerie

PRIZE WINNERS Mandarin Prize LOWER SIXTH
Sadanun Sitanonth ACADEMIC PRIZES
Art Prize
JUNIOR ACADEMIC PRIZES Music Prize Flora Fraser
Second Form Jing Hin Wong Biology Prize
Archie Day PE Prize Niamh Peakman
Charlotte Goldsack-Phillips Emma Chapman
Oliver Shanks Physics Prize
Anna Thomas Joy Zhang
Honor Thomson Spanish Prize
Alicja Gorka

42 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

PRIZE GIVING

Computing Prize Drama Prize COMBINED CADET FORCE PRIZES
Adam Easton Archie De Haldevang Best Army Cadet Prize
English Literature Prize ESL Prize Murray Caughey
Alice Garland Hongshen He Best Navy Cadet Prize
Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Prize Elphinstone Modern Languages Marcus Edwardson
Cameron Broomfield Prize for French
French Prize Patrick Burnet CHAPEL CLERK PRIZE
Ushika Kidd Duncan Maclean Further Johan-Victor Steiskal
Geography Prize Mathematics Prize  
Clair Logan Corran Wright SPORT PRIZES
History Prize Geography Prize Richard Selley Prize for Cricket
Niamh Hamill Cameron Lockie Jack Pearson
History of Art Prize Geology Prize Du Vivier Trophy
Lucy De Burgh Andrew Simon Ellen Crawford
Music Prize History of Art Prize Keith Geddes Plate for
Laura Massey Johan-Victor Steiskal Sportsmanship
Psychology Prize Jl Jarvis Mathematics Prize Christopher Mackenzie
Eilidh Henderson Jack Thorpe
Sport Prize Politics Prize ENDEAVOUR AND SERVICE PRIZES
Lucy Bell Jacob Slater The Gordon Cup
Economics Prize Psychology Prize Alice Marriott
Charlotte Dunn Matthew Crawford Jim Clark Award for Character and
Spanish Prize Sport Prize Commitment
Charlotte Dunn Christopher W. Cameron Broomfield
Drama Prize John Kelsey Prize Lord Tonypandy Awards
Max Maclay Robbie Mackay Jennifer Anderson
Religious Education Prize Ronald Campbell History Prize Murray Caughey
Max Maclay Ellen Crawford Nea Craig
Business Prize Economics Prize Ellen Crawford
Elizabeth Mcewan Ellen Crawford Marcus Edwardson
Politics Prize As Blair English Literature Prize Amy Ferguson
Elizabeth Mcewan Amy Ferguson Madelaine Hillier
Chemistry Prize Elphinstone Modern Language Prize Cameron Lockie
Charles Lang for Spanish Robbie Mackay
Mathematics Prize Amy Ferguson Christopher Mackenzie
Charles Lang Art Prize Jack Pearson
Physics Prize Ella Goldsmith Oliver Stevens
Charles Lang Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Prize Wendy Wallace
Ella Goldsmith Lorettonian Society
Durran McDowall Award for
Outstanding Contribution
Oliver Stevens

UPPER SIXTH ACADEMIC PRIZES Craig Cowan Chemistry Prize
Wendy Wallace

Natural History Prize for Biology Elliot Prize for Physics
Madelaine Hillier Wendy Wallace

Alexander Prize for Business SENIOR ESSAY PRIZE
Isabelle Lamotte

Computing Prize Martin Baker Science Essay Prize
Tikhon Mcgill Niamh Peakman

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 43

SPECIAL FEATURE

#VIRTUAL
LORETTO

44 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

#VIRTUALORETTO

F ROM THIS EVENING I must give the British deepen their knowledge, a vital preparation
people a very simple instruction – you must for university.
stay at home’ Boris Johnson 23 March 2020 Throughout lockdown our community
The school gates closed. The campus remained effective, creative, and vibrant.
emptied and became silent. The World Our hard-working teachers ensured that a
plunged into Lockdown. The worldwide coronavirus fully inclusive, daily programme of virtual
lockdown was an unprecedented challenge which lessons, were part of our pupils School Week.
we turned into an opportunity, to create, as ever, Our pupils were engaged and responded
a rich learning experience for our pupils. Virtual enthusiastically. Their parents and guardians
Loretto was born! A powerful mechanism, a remote showed outstanding support and great faith
education which enabled pupils to access interactive in their children and the School.
resources anytime and anywhere. Loretto during Lockdown was simply a
Face-to-face learning methods are invaluable different way to learn, stay connected, stay
but eLearning came to support our personalised inspired, active and help others.
approach to teaching in these challenging times. Loretto is a small school, big on heart, big
We - pupils, teachers, parents - have learned a lot, on ambition. We make the best of every
and come out stronger. Looking ahead, the wide situation and strive to thrive. Take a look at
array of digital tools available can supplement our the next few pages, at just a few examples
teaching provision, in learning support, tutoring, or of the unique learning experience our pupils
independent study for older pupils to practice and had during lockdown.

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 45

SPECIAL FEATURE Talking to a screen
Hoping pupils not sleeping
#HAIFLU Missing real teaching.
Our English department got really inspired by a new poetic form - by Dr Topping
called the 'Haiflu', and many of our pupils and staff joined the
fun! Read a selection on this page.
‘Haiflu’ is, as some of you will have already guessed, a pun on
the well-known poetic form the Haiku, and people across the
country have been using this mini-poetic form to record their
experiences of lockdown.

We are quarantined Technology – oh so grim!
No virus has beat us yet Return real folk
This will not stop us. Missing laughter, smiles and fun
- by Calum - by Dr Hawley

Millenial Moi! Imprisoned at home,
Tiger King, Banana Bread Held captive by our own walls,
Tik Tok Rabbit Holes Lonely prisoners.
- by Miss Opie - by Sally

Isolated, stuck. The world is grounded,
Missing family so much. Unpolluted clear blue sky
I wish you were here. Taunts from the outside
- by Kasi
- by Aidan
Unseen dangers suck
sand from beneath our feet. Yet
still, the tide. Comes. In.
- by Mrs Day

46 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

#VIRTUALORETTO

GEOGRAPHY 'BAKE OFF' CHALLENGE DRAW ME HISTORY

Geographers were to bake a geographical cake of their choice to Our pupils have been studying Napoleon Bonaparte and his
say thank you to loved ones, take to a neighbour or to someone rise to Emperor of France after the French Revolution. Their
who was shielding. The cake themes range from: Jurassic World, task, last lesson, was to pick a battle that Napoleon fought in
world globe, soil profiles, metamorphic marble, exploding and show what happened – they could create a poster, a comic
volcanoes, geodes, to marshmallow crispy mountains of the strip, make a short video, and so on. Take a look at some of the
world! Here's a selection from our bakers - Thanks to Isobel, amazing work they have done!
Lucy, Kate, Ushika, Olivia, Kyle, Carly, Helen, Alice, Clair, Julia
and Robyn!

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 47

SPECIAL FEATURE
KITCHEN CHEMISTRY
Our pupils took chemistry to their home kitchen! For their
practical work, they drove a range of impressive home
experiments, including making 'water fireworks', 'hot ice',
'oobleck'- a non-Newtonian fluid, crystals of rock candy, water
bent, 'outside the freezer' ice cream, a rainbow in a glass,
chromatography with Skittles, a red cabbage pH indicator, and
more!

MAKE MUSIC FOR THE NHS
Our musicians have shown great support to the NHS
and all key workers, with beautiful performances
in their local areas and shared to the wider
community on our social media platforms as part of
#wemakemusicforthenhs movement.

48 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20

#VIRTUALORETTO
@HOME CODING
In Computer Science, our pupils created games using 'Scratch', a programming language and online community to
imagine, program & share games. The screen grabs below show some of the amazingly creative work produced.

LYRIC LOGUES
Our Drama pupils, throughout lockdown, grew their
talent for Lyric Logues! As part of this project, they
were tasked to choose a song, and perform it as a
monologue or design a costume for the character.
They all did a great job.

THE LORETTONIAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20 49

SPECIAL FEATURE STAY ACTIVE
Our Sport Department & Golf Academy have been overflowing
MIND TRAVEL with ideas and energy to keep our pupils active despite being
In Modern Languages, our pupils embarked on trips to discover 'locked down'. From home workouts, to sport challenges, to
world cultures, from the comfort of their own home. In Spanish live quizzes... our strong coaching team kept Loretto pupils
class, they worked on 'Fiestas and celebrations in the Hispanic physically and mentally active throughout lockdown!
World' (Fiestas y Celebraciones en el mundo hispánico), which
they represented through some stunning illustrations.

DRAW ME YOUR HOME
Our Art pupils took their home setting to inspire their art. Look
at their impressive drawings of tools they made, inspired by
Jim Dine.

50 THE LORETTONIAN MAGAZINE ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/20