Half Term!

We've made it! I hope everyone has a fantastic break and recharges their batteries ready to start with a vengeance on Tuesday 6th November. Our best wishes go with the rowers who have already left for their tour of USA (San Fransisco).

A few points below:

• Any last sponsorship money in on our return please. Many thanks to those who have already been so generous.
• The boys will have some work to do over half term. Please "encourage" them to do it.
• UCAS applications are well under way, some having already been completed. Completion is now a matter of urgency.
• In the six weeks remaining of term, I will be clamping down on private study time in the house. I suspect some boys are not using it effectively.

Joint Concert with Queen Anne's

Two Year 13 boys starred in last night's concert with Queens Anne's. Ashley Copeland played the hauntingly beautiful Gabriel's Oboe, the theme tune from The Mission with real confidence and poise while Tom Waldron sang Snow Patrol as part of the new Rock Choir's concert debut. Both boys performed fantastically well.

Rowing Dinner makes a splash!

Last week's Anniversary Rowing Dinner was a huge success. Over 230 guests enjoyed dinner and speeches in the Sports Hall that was magically transformed for the occasion. Ex-College House Master, Shane O'Brien was the guest of honour along with other Olympic medallists. A rowing Honours Board was unveiled on the occasion.

College boys lead the way on CCF day

 

Year 13 boys took the lead on the recent CCF training day for Year 10 recruits. Lt. George Seccombe praised the efforts and leadership of all the boys and said that they led by example throughout the day.

College House spick and span for Open Morning

The thought of visitors inspecting their studies spurred Y13 boys into action this morning. The house was squeaky clean for this morning's Sixth Form Open Day. Boys acted as guides, car park attendants, put on pool and table tennis displays and even an ironing demonstration to give our visitors a taste of life in College House.

Many thanks to all of them for, once again, coming up trumps with their efficiency,eagerness to help and exemplary good manners.

Oh, and "Happy Birthday" to Charlie Foster!

BTEC Concert

Thursday evening provided a number of our boys with a platform on which to showcase their musical talents. The BTEC boys raised the roof of the Great Hall with some wonderful performances. Nick Bond sang two songs, one of which was his own composition, Tom Waldron sang Snow Patrol and Kings of Leon and Ehren Elcock drummed his way majestically (and very energetically) through Beast and Harlot by Avenged Sevenfold. Last night Ashley Copeland played the appropriately named Gabriel's Oboe.

England Honours for Tom!

Many congratulations to Tom Howe who has been selected to play for England U18s. Tom can now add this to his growing list of rugby honours. Earlier in the term he made two appearances for Wasps reserves.

House Rugby

 

Last Saturday saw the Senior House Rugby competition. Orchard House won convincingly but there were some close games and it was great to see so many Year 13 boys involved.

Tries galore!

The 1st XV completed an emphatic victory over Desborough School yesterday and, as usual Year 13 boys led the way. Howe (4 tries), Janse van Vuuren (2 tries), Madden, Chen and Riley were among the points scorers in this 77-0 whitewash. The highlight for the referee (a local chap!) was a spectacular try from Nick Arbuckle, who just happened to be celebrating his 18th Birthday that day!

Harvest Festival

On Sunday at 7.30 in the church we celebrate Harvest Festival. Please bring in non-perishable food items which will be taken to the Reading Drop-In Centre.