As we head towards the end of the school year, at what sometimes seems to be a headlong pace, I’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on an event enjoyed by many recently.
The AGSS Summer Ball was held, as has become customary, in the grounds of Longford Hall. This fantastic setting and equally fantastic weather was a great backdrop to an evening of wining, dining and socialising with many of the people who contribute to making AGS such a great school. I would like to thank the AGSS committee for putting on such an enjoyable evening as well as all the other hard work they do to raise additional income for the school.
Traditionally the Headmaster says Grace at the Ball and this year I decided to utilise the creativity of our youngest pupils to write something suitable. The boys rose to the challenge admirably in their RE lessons but two entries in particular stood out and so were read out at the beginning of the evening:
“For this good food in a world where many walk in hunger
For faith in a world where many walk in fear
For friends in a world here many walk alone
We give our thanks and count our blessings.”
Matthew Austin (7D)
“Thanks to the AGSS for the opportunities you provide,
and the equipment you have supplied,
So once again, thanks to you, the AGSS
And I don’t mean to be rude, only to jest.
But thanks for the copious amounts of wine we are to digest.”
Taylor Evans (7D)
Two very different entries but two that I believe reflect the different ways pupils are encouraged to approach a task. One entry perfectly captures the spirit of caring and being aware of the wider community that we try to instil whilst the other has a great sense of fun. Learning, having fun and caring for your wider community – all great life lessons.
The school community can also reflect proudly on another event I was lucky enough to attend: the launch of The Story of Parliament -Celebrating 750 years of Parliament in Britain, in the Cloisters of Westminster Abbey. The publishers invited businesses and organisations that have made a significant contribution to UK life to take part and Adams’ was one such organisation. We were selected because of our own long history, although we haven’t quite reached 750 years yet, and in recognition of our much stated aim to aid social mobility through the provision of a first class education to our local community. The section about the school reflects the wide range of activities are our pupils are involved in and the innovative curriculum such as the unique GCSE bike project. It’s a fitting tribute to the school’s position as one of the UK’s leading selective state schools. A copy of the book, which has been circulated to all libraries in the country, as well as all embassies in the Commonwealth and both Houses of Parliament, is available in reception should you wish to take a look.
Next week is ‘show week’ and from what I’ve seen so far “Jesus Christ Superstar” promises to be just as spectacular as last year’s production. I urge anyone who hasn’t yet secured their ticket to do so as soon as possible as we have nearly sold out on all four nights. My thanks go to all the staff, pupils and parents for their dedication and hard work in putting the show on.
Gary Hickey
Headmaster
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Congratulations Josh
Lower Sixth student Josh Stork is off to Canada this week to attend a six week training course in Canada. Cdt/Sgt Stork is just one of 12 UK cadets to have been selected by the Army to attend The Leadership and Challenge Course, which is run The Royal Canadian Army Cadets. Josh will be joining 180 Canadian cadets and representatives from Germany, France and the United States.
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Last chance!
Last year our school show was likened by many to a West End performance and this year students have been busy rehearsing throughout the year to deliver what they hope will be another truly wonderful end of year school production. Music for the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber rock opera will be played by a seven piece band, with well-known local pianist Pam Pickford on the keyboards and the Headmaster playing guitar! Contact the School Office now on 01952 386300 if you would like a ticket
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A Bronze and Gold for Languages
Congratulations to Year 10 pupils Max Grainger and Adarsh Menon on their recent successes in this year’s Language Perfect World Championships. Both boys achieved very high marks in their categories with Max receiving a Bronze award and Adarsh a Gold award.
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Bike race
Last Saturday evening eight pupils took part in the Queen Victoria Cyclo-Cross race at Blists Hill Victorian Town. Two Year 11s rode the bikes they've handmade as part of their GCSE DT course and and six Year 9s were on cross country bikes, kindly provided by British Cycling who have been giving training at Longford. A great evening was enjoyed by all and the experience has sparked new interest in competitive cycle racing. Images can be found on our Facebook page.
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Creative Arts Evening
On Monday 6th July you are invited to enjoy a celebration of Junior Drama and Senior Creative Writing at our Creative Arts Evening.
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Art Exhibition and Launch of Art Society
On Tuesday 7th July there is an opportunity to come and see all the wonderful artwork our pupils have produced this year at our annual Art Exhibition and and join us for the official launch of the new AGS Art Society.
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Summer Concert
Pupils will be performing in a Summer Concert on Tuesday 14th July at 7.30pm in the Hamilton Hall. This is the last concert of the year and will feature performances from the Orchestra, Swing Band, Choirs, Band Makers, Taiko Group, as well as various soloists and ensembles. A limited number of tickets are now on sale from the Coach House at £5.00 each.
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A special visit
We were delighted to be joined by Old Novaportan William Bone (2003-2010) for our school assembly last week. William came on a very special mission – to present the school with its very own copy of a new Roll of Honour for Shropshire.
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Poppies to remember
Last year our Longford boarders created a cross of poppies to mark the centenary of the start of Word War 1. With the giant cross once again in full bloom on the anniversary of the first day of the Battle of the Somme, our boarders have been taking time to remember all those that sacrificed their lives during the Great War, including the two sons of Longford Hall's former owner, Colonel Ralph Leeke.
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A wonderful evening for all
Over 200 parents, family and friends joined us for this year’s Summer Ball, which was once again held in a spectacular marquee in the beautiful setting of Longford Hall. Plans are already being made for next year’s Ball and the date has been set so please reserve Saturday 25th June 2016 in readiness to join us for another fun night.
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The Novaportan Magazine
The 2014/15 edition of The Novaportan Magazine has recently been printed. Copies were given to all Year 11 and Upper Sixth pupils on clearance day and other years have been receiving copies during Form Periods, so if you haven't received your copy yet you will soon.
Thank you to everyone who contributed with reports, pictures and poems. We hope you enjoy reading it . A copy will be available on the website shortly.
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Lost Property
Has your son or daughter lost their watch, an item of jewellery or even an ipod at school this year? If so you may want to tell them to go and see Matron as she has quite a collection of items awaiting return to their owners before the end of term.
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House Handball
Well done to all the Year 7s who took part in last week's House Handball competition, which was organised as part of languages week.
It was a very close competition, with no match being won by more than one goal, but the overall winners on the day were Clive.
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Dates for your diary
As we approach the end of the school year, here's a reminder of some
key dates:
6th July - Creative Arts Evening
7th July - Art Exhibition and launch of the new AGS Arts Society
7th-8th July - Lower Sixth Induction Days
8th-11th July - Jesus Christ Superstar
14th July - Summer Concert
15th July - House Swimming
16th July - House Athletics at Oakengates Stadium
17th July - School finishes at 1pm (after Prizegiving)
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