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MUN SUCCESS....DOWNSIDE COMMENDED
Congratulations to Downside pupils who participated in the recent Model United Nations debating conference, hosted at Cheadle Hulme School. Downside, representing Nigeria, was Commended. Of the eight delegates, six won individual awards:
Felix Hobbs was named the Outstanding Delegate in the Youth Committee
Freddie Hobbs was Highly Commended in the Security Council
Ushie Jedy Agba was Highly Commended in the Africa Committee
Marie-Gabrielle Williams was Commended in the Economic and Social Committee
Luke Griffiths was given Special Mention in the Political Committee
Rosslyn O'Donoghue was given Special Mention in the Environment and Science Committee
The President of the Abingdon Society, Jasper Williams, was a Guest Chairman by personal invitation, and the whole delegation was Commended.
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AUTHOR VISITS PETRE LIBRARY
Pupils had the opportunity to meet author, Jennifer Donnelly, last week as the American-born writer stopped in for a visit during her UK-tour. Pupils from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Forms had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about her writing, in events hosted in the Gasquet Hall, organised by Librarian, Mrs Janet Craig. Ms Donnelly’s novel, A Gathering Light, has been studied by previous 3rd forms, so quite a few pupils were particularly excited about the visit. She spoke to the pupils about her new trilogy of books, an underwater fantasy series that has been described as being ‘like Percy Jackson with mermaids.’ (!)
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CHAMBER CHOIR PERFORM IN BATH
The Chamber Choir visited St John the Evangelist’s Catholic Church in Bath last Sunday to perform at the Celebration of Opening Holy Mass of the Academic Year supporting the Bath Catholic University Chaplaincy service. The Mass was in memory of St Oliver Plunkett, whose shrine is at Downside and Dom Leo represented the Monastic Community.
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VISITING SPEAKER - PETER HIGGINS
Peter Higgins, Director and Founder of Charles Tyrwhitt, and Director of Mary's Meals, spoke to the Sixth Form this week about charity work whilst also touching on the wider issue of foreign aid.
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CHEMISTRY APPRECIATION
Chemistry teacher, Miss Robertson, was delighted to discover pupils spreading their love of Chemistry by getting creative with the Powell kitchen blackboard yesterday!
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CCF ACTIVITY
Pupils spent a day last week taking part in a range of CCF activity. The Fifth Form Army section spent the day taking part in an Emergency First Aid course. Third Form Army and Navy cadets spent the day at the Yoxter Training Area, on the Mendips: activities included camouflage and concealment, basha building, and an introduction to basic patrolling; the group were also shown how to cook army composite rations!
Fourth and Fifth Form Navy cadets spent time at HMS Excellent, in Portsmouth, gaining hands-on experience helming and acting as crew, whilst the NCOs (Upper Sixth Form cadets) developed their leadership skills, guiding younger pupils through a series of routine. Special mention goes to Freddie Hobbs, William Harwood, Rossy O'Donoghue, Tom Walters and Xavier Prior who led the activity.
Lower Sixth Form Navy cadets travelled to Yeovilton to take part in an Air Experience Flying in the Grob Tutor Aircraft with 727 Squadron. Sadly, the weather was not on their side, and so the day was spent visiting two of the squadrons based at Yeovilton: an opportunity to learn about operational activities and have a good look around the Merlin helicopter - sounds fun! We wish the Senior Navy cadet, Peter Welinkar, good luck as he embarks on a week-long flying course with 727 Squadron in the coming weeks; he will be the first Downside pupil to complete this course.
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CLASSICS SOCIETY EVENT
The Classics Society gathered for an inspiring talk given by our new Mathematics teacher, Mr Matthias Löning, in their first meeting of the academic year. The talk traversed 1,200 years of Greek mathematics: from the Ionian philosopher, Thales, to Hypatia; the famous mathematician, and head of the Platonist School in Alexandria. The group worked through a selection of mathematical problems: from the Lunes of Euclid to the Conic sections by Apollonius of Perga, before exploring the relevance of Greek Mathematics today. Special mention to Peter Welinkar and Xavier Prior for their excellent leading questions.
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SPORTS LATEST
Well done to the 1st XI Girls’ Hockey team who beat Warminster 5-0 last week, special mention must also go to the 1st XV Rugby team who beat their New Zealand opponents from Wairoa College, 26-24. Click here to view more photographs on our Facebook page. |
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DOWNSIDE FROM THE SKY
Our fearless Science Technician, Mrs Merille Ryder, took to the skies last week, whilst the sun was shining, to capture some spectacular shots of Downside from the air. We’ve been enjoying this crisp Autumnal sunshine this week….long may it last!
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ARTIST IN RESIDENCE LAUNCHES CLOTHING
Pupils have been inspired by the latest activity from Artist-in-Residence, Evie Kitt, who this week has been involved in the launch of a new clothing range featuring her artwork! Made by Le Galeriste in Montreal and sold by La Petite Garconne, you can view more here.
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