10th March 2017
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Spring has well and truly arrived this week, although it is not such a bright day today.
Our grounds are looking splendid, and colourful flowers are blossoming ahead of tomorrow’s
Open Morning.
You will be pleased to read all about last Saturday’s successful Netball Festival under the heading
of Preparatory School Sport. Our boarding students set off in the rain but enjoyed a fantastic day
in London last Sunday, soaking up the city atmosphere in Oxford Street, Covent Garden,
China Town and Leicester Square, while our budding Model United Nations representatives
embarked upon the national competition in Bath. You can read an interesting and informative
report about this under Student News.
This week was Preparatory School Science Week (which included a Mad Science Assembly
on Wednesday) and a Book Fair commenced on Tuesday.
On Monday, our A2 Music students were sitting their examination in Music Performance and
today our PE students had their final oral examinations. The lunch for a group of academic
achievers on Monday was enjoyed by all present, and it was interesting to hear from the students
on a number of different areas of school life; along with this student feedback and that generated
from the pastoral lunches for students, we shall be collating all the comments and ideas from the
students with a view to initiating some new ideas to improve some areas of school life.
It has been a particularly busy week for our sportsmen and women, with the Midlands Boys’ U14
Hockey Finals, boys’ and girls’ U12 Hockey County Cup tournaments and the U15 and U18 Rugby
County Cup Semi-Finals. We shall, as always, provide sports reports on all of the usual fixtures
and these important competitions, but it would be remiss of me not to mention my delight in
all the students who have represented their school with such passion and pride. In particular,
the U14 Boys’ hockey squad who beat Repton School on penalty flicks to become
Midlands Champions for the second year running and progress to the National Finals. Our U12
boys also showed the opposition a ‘clean pair of heels’ wining the County Tournament. This will,
I’m sure, give the boys encouragement to remain unbeaten for the rest of the season.
Trips have included a visit to Magna Science Centre for Years 5 and 6, a History trip to
‘The Egyptians,’ the Go4Set Launch Day for seventeen students in Year 9 and a DMU
(De Montfort University) Literature Masterclass for students studying GCSE English Literature.
I attended our termly Governors’ Finance & General Purposes meeting on Tuesday afternoon
and the full Governors’ meeting will take place before the end of the Spring Term. Governors
attend the School regularly, not only to support events, but to review different aspects of
education throughout the School. They work extremely hard in support of the School
community and we are very grateful for the time they give, especially as they all have
tremendously busy professional lives themselves.
My sincere thanks to Year 13 Samaritan Peer Listeners’, Nick Heywood, Holly Blount and
Anna Garcia, who led a very courageous assembly this morning on emotional health issues,
with a particular focus on eating disorders. The topic was discussed with great sensitivity,
and helped us all understand better the challenges that many people face and how we can help to
support them.
This weekend promises to be very fast-paced, with our Open Morning on Saturday from 9.30am
to 12.30pm. All staff have been working very hard indeed to ensure that we have all the
arrangements in place and that the School and grounds are looking immaculate. We are really
looking forward to welcoming new families to our beautiful school, and thank you to those
parents who are allowing their children to assist on the day; the students are the best
ambassadors and marketers of the School, and they perform a key role on Open Mornings, so a
huge thank you in advance to them for giving up their time and to you for running them to and
from school. We shall also be hosting a Fun Drama Day for sixteen local primary school children
(12.30pm-4.00pm) in the Theatre on Saturday, so thank you in advance to our Drama
Department for making these children so welcome.
We finish the week with the Ratcliffian Association Council Meeting on Sunday morning and,
after lunch the sports matches take place, with a presentation ceremony at around 3.30pm.
The IAPS U11 County Cup Championships are taking place at Malvern College, and our boarders
will be engaging in activities within school, so let’s hope for some more of that wonderful spring
weather that we have been enjoying.
Best wishes for the week ahead.
Yours sincerely,
Mr J. P. Reddin,
Headmaster.
End of Temporary Road Closure of Syston
Road, Cossington:
Syston Road, Cossington, will now be open this
coming Saturday, 11th March at 08.00 hours.
Musicals at Melton Theatre
Some of our talented Ratcliffe students have been cast in two musicals at the Melton Theatre.
Caitlin Plummer (playing Vivienne) and Natasha Walsh (playing Brooke) will be performing in
the fabulous, upbeat musical, Legally Blonde. This is a heart-warming musical with a great
message, 'never judge a book by its cover!'. Caitlin and Natasha have been cast as leads
alongside a very talented cast. This musical is showing between 28th March and 1st April.
Also Maddy Dunstan (playing Annie) and William Evans (playing Rooster) have been cast in the
Performing Stars Youth Production of Annie. One of the most popular family musicals around!
This show runs between 7-9th April. Maddy will be playing Annie in the Friday night and
Saturday matinee performances and Will Evans will be playing Rooster on the Saturday night
and Sunday performances.
Tickets for both shows are available from Melton Theatre on 01664 851111 or at
www.meltontheatre.co.uk
Do please come along and support our students in these performances and enjoy a great night
out at the theatre too!
Mrs Forrester, Peripatetic Music Teacher
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION NEWS
A successful refreshments stand at the Netball Festival last week raised some funds for the PA
and we were also able to promote the Spring Fair to the other schools, which was a great
opportunity.
This is the last week we will put the plea out for support for the Spring Fair next Saturday
(18th March). It is the single biggest event of the year and depends heavily on the generosity of
parents who donate tombola and raffle prizes, and also help on the day. If more people
get involved, it means less to do for everybody. If you haven't had a chance to sort out toys for
the toy stall or buy an extra Easter egg to donate, please do so now, and let us know if you are
able to help on the day, even for an hour while the children are enjoying themselves.
Raffle prizes are still coming in and we have an up-to-date list on the website. Please don't miss
out on the opportunity to win one of these prizes. Tickets are still available from both
Receptions.
Thank you, as always,
Jenny
Jenny Howling, PA Chair
[email protected]
www.ratcliffeparents.co.uk
CHAPLAINCY
Twenty five students attended the Rosmini Society talk on 8th March (International Women's Day).
This year's theme was #BeBoldForChange. Three women leaders outlined their vision for gender
equality in short talks covering women's advancement in society and in the workplace, the Economist
"glass ceiling index", the gender earnings gap, gender-based violence, and equality and diversity
initiatives in higher education. Students were supported through lively and provocative group discussion
to explore unconscious bias, stereotypes and societal norms around gender and other protected
characteristics – namely religion, sexuality and ethnicity. Special thanks go to our own Ms Julie Davis,
Dr Luanda Stannard and our visitor, Dr Naomi Irvine of Leicester University who led the discussion.
Student participation was insightful and full of conviction.
For the second week running, students have led our Friday Chaplaincy Assembly at the Senior School.
Last week, Emily Dunne (Year 11) spoke to us on the question of Sin – asking us to decide, if no-one
catches you, is it still a sin? Emily will represent Ratcliffe College in the upcoming Catenian Public
Speaking Competition. Anna Garcia, Holly Blount and Nick Heywood (Year 13) all led us in an assembly
this morning aimed to promote awareness of Eating Disorders and Mental Health issues. For many years,
Ratcliffe students have provided an “open ear” to other students who feel worried about pressures at
school and beyond. These “Samaritan Listeners” have been specially trained and exercise an important
role in our Pastoral Care programme.
Mr Michel, Lay Chaplain
Congratulations to all concerned in raising £723.11 in our recent cake sale. All the cakes were
baked by the St Vincent de Paul (SVP) members, and they took it upon themselves to sell the
remaining cakes at lunchtime the following two days. I’d like to thank all those who supported
us in whatever way they did, and hope that you will continue to support us as we raise the last
few hundred pounds to support the four girls at Tilinanu orphanage for whom the SVP group are
responsible.
Many thanks indeed,
Mrs P. Smith
STUDENT NEWS
Senior School
Senior School Achievement Awards, Monday 6th March
Merit Badge
Year 7
Tyler Black
Year 8
Olivia Crawley
Ilona Perrins
Year 9
Emily McBallantine
Isabella Mulvihill
Eisha Patel
Emily Wetton
Merit Shield
Brooke England
Outstanding Reward
Voucher 1
Outstanding Reward
Voucher 2
James Harris
Jhanvi Sharma
Bo Henderson
Kapil Soni
Year 10
BTEC First Award in Sport certificates were awarded to some of our Thai Scholars. They have
worked extremely hard in their second language to achieve these results:
Name
Award
Back
Trung
Porr
Second
Q
Golf
Ice
Goppy
Peem
Pass level 1
Pass level 1
Pass level 1
Distinction Star level 2
Pass level 1
Pass level 1
Pass level 1
Pass level 1
Distinction Level 2
Duke of Edinburgh Success
Congratulations to the following Year 12 students on being awarded their Silver and Bronze
certificates, respectively:
Silver
Tom Cusack
Alex Offer
Anya Stokes
Bronze
Jess Neuberg
Matthew Ward
Science Society, Space Plasma Physics: the Solar Wind and Auroras
On the evening of Wednesday 1st March, Mr Samuel Wharton, PhD student from the University of
Leicester’s Physics and Astronomy Department, gave the first Science Society talk of the
Academic Year on the topic of Space Plasma Physics: the Solar Wind and Auroras. Samuel spoke
about his research into the field of Space Plasma Physics and, in particular, explained how the
Solar Wind interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field to create the beautiful aurora seen on the
Earth, known more commonly as the Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis. Samuel explained
how the aurora is formed and demonstrated how plasma can be made using his very own plasma
ball!
Thrilling from start to finish, Samuel captivated his audience with some incredible satellite
footage of the Aurora Borealis, but my highlight of the evening had to be when Samuel moved on
from the Earth’s aurora to discuss the aurora on other planets within the Solar System.
He explained that Jupiter’s moon, Io, with over 400 active volcanoes making it the most
geologically active object in the Solar System, creates eruptions of gas that are so violent that the
outgassing can create aurora on the surface of Jupiter! He even had images to prove it!
Thank you to all those students who attended the talk, and thank you again to Samuel for a truly
astonishing presentation.
Mr Chorley, Head of Science
Bath International Schools’ Model United Nations Conference 2017
Friday 3rd March 2017 marked the start of the 27th Bath International Schools’ Model United
Nations Conference at Kingswood School, Bath. This was the seventh year that Ratcliffe College
had attended and with thirteen students was our largest representation to date. The students
formed three delegations: Syria was represented by Luke Gyesi-Appiah, Robyn Hendry,
Anna Garcia, Meraal Saleem and Harry Brooks, Colombia by Lottie Warburton, Oliver Cooper and
Anna Reviakina and our junior delegation of Sierra Leone by Annabel Walsh, Molly Edwards,
Alicia Boothroyd, Toby Snell and Matt Garcia.
Travelling accompanied by Mr Cantrill and Mr Lambert, the delegates threw themselves into
lobbying on the Friday evening. This was an opportunity to jostle for political position,
gain support for resolutions and work out national friend and foe! All of our delegates gained
supporting signatures from other delegates and the standard of resolution written was, as in
previous years, highly professional with scope for creating political debate.
The Syrian delegation, representing their glorious leader Bashar al Assad, could have been
threatened with political isolation from the offing but the delegates showed true skill in gaining
support from certain nations and making themselves known on their committees.
Saturday saw the conference truly get into full swing as the various committees started to debate
selected resolutions. Given the number of schools and delegates in attendance, Ratcliffe has
always had a good track record of gaining support for resolutions, but 2017 marked a new high
with three resolutions taken forward for their committees to debate.
In all the previous years of attendance, Ratcliffe had successfully passed three resolutions
but this was spectacularly surpassed as all three 2017 resolutions were passed on the Saturday.
Annabel Walsh (Sierra Leone) presented a resolution on mental health on the Health Committee.
Meraal Saleem (Syria) presented a more contentious resolution on combatting the threat of ISIS
after garnering support for Syria being best positioned to lead the fight on the Political
Committee. Anna Garcia (Syria) successfully argued a narrow passing for her resolution on the
Palestinian conflict on the Middle East Committee. All three deserve congratulations not only for
writing outstanding resolutions but getting
them passed despite strong opposition from
some quarters.
extremism to children in the Middle East on
the Disarmament Committee. Annabel (Sierra
Leone) fought for clauses in the emergency
resolution including radical plans on how to
combat TB. Anna Reviakina (Colombia)
debated an amendment on the rights of the
disabled in the Human Rights 2 Committee,
whilst Lottie Warburton (Colombia) passed
an amendment in the emergency proceedings
in the Environment Committee. All of the
other
delegates
spoke
throughout
proceedings and learned valuable lessons
about debating procedures.
As debating continued over the Saturday and
Sunday, there were key contributions to
resolutions, including submitting amendments
and arguing for or against proposals by all of
our delegates. Meraal played the ‘bad guy’ of
Syria with aplomb in the Political Committee
and gained strong reactions every time she
spoke. Robyn (Syria) spoke against a
resolution on child soldiers and submitted an
amendment requesting education about
As the conference drew to a close on the Sunday afternoon, there was record-breaking
recognition of Ratcliffe students. Annabel Walsh, Meraal Saleem, Anna Reviakina, Anna Garcia
and Luke Gyesi-Appiah all gained commendation as delegates, beating our previous record of
three commended delegates. Syria was also recognised as a commended delegation out of the
one hundred and one delegations present. This was an outstanding achievement for our students
and maintains the steady progression of the profile of Ratcliffe College at the annual conference.
We are proud of the efforts of the students and hope that, for those students attending their last
conference, the memories will stay with them and inspire them to future political involvement.
For those students who have the opportunity to attend future conferences, this was a great
experience and will help them be even better prepared for future challenges.
Mr Cantrill, Head of History, and Mr Lambert, Head of Geography
Go4SET Introduction Event, 8th March 2017, University of Nottingham
On Wednesday 8th March 2017, a group of seventeen Year 9 students attended the launch of the
science and engineering competition, Go4SET, held in the Pope Building at the University of
Nottingham’s City Campus. The seventeen science enthusiasts were Timi Ajetunmobi,
Lucy Antill, Jonathan Bellamy, Kristian Brocksopp, Ben Chilton, Harry Cusack, Rebecca Davies,
Archie Heaney, Thomas Leite, Annabel Mills, Guy Mills, Ihuoma Osuji, Tom Page, Eisha Patel,
Sam Seidu, Alex Tyszka and John Wells. The students have been split into three separate teams
and each team has carefully considered their team name – so far we have Thomas’s Tank
Engineers and Archie’s Angels! The teams have also now chosen their project theme, and begun
their initial discussions. In ten school weeks’ time, their projects will be formally assessed at the
Go4SET Celebration and Assessment Day.
By providing a real and live Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) project,
Go4SET will raise the pupils’ awareness and highlight the exciting future career opportunities in
STEM. Good luck to the students!
Mr Chorley, Head of Science
The 2017 Ratcliffe College Go4SET students
Preparatory School
Awards were presented at Preparatory School Assembly on Thursday 2nd March to:YEAR 6
Harry Carroll
Hollie Chapman
Georgie Daynes
Lola Hobbs-Brake
Lucas Kariolis
Alexandra Mawby
William Pearce
Ranai Popat
Sophie Shield
Jerry Simon
Aadi Thakrar
YEAR 5
Sophie Bardsley
Ali Bhojani
Harry Clark
Tabitha Kyle
Holly McNeeney
Jacques Wilkins
Arabella Wilson
YEAR 4
Arabella Hampson
Florance Newham
YEAR 3
Charles Dowdall
Chloe Elsby
Alfie Hodges
Freya Smith
Edgar Wilson
Amélie Wilson-Knight
YEAR 1
Savanna Makandeni
Harrison Poutch
Tyler Rutherford
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Merit Shield
Second Certificate of Merit
Merit Shield
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Second Certificate of Merit
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Merit Shield
Merit Badge
Second Certificate of Merit
Merit Shield
Merit Badge
Second Certificate of Merit
Merit Badge
Merit Shield
Merit Badge
Merit Shield
Merit Badge
Second Certificate of Merit
Merit Shield
Merit Badge
Merit Shield
Second Certificate of Merit
Second Certificate of Merit
Second Certificate of Merit
Daisy Reddin, Year 6 – was awarded a trophy for Achievement and Commitment from her
running club, Wreake Valley Runners.
Tabitha Kyle, Year 5 – has taken part in a number of recent equestrian events and achieved
numerous awards including 10 first places, 2 second places, 1 third, 1 fourth and 3 trophies for
winning winter rounds.
Rowan Thompson, Year 2 – gave away his birthday present from his mum to charity, as he felt
that other children needed more presents than he did. He also received his Year 1 Badge at
Beavers.
Our bookworms last week …
Awards on Thursday 9th March:YEAR 6
Isabella Boothroyd
Quin Capsticks
Connie Colville
Harry Cregeen
Tom Ferrier
Eliza Geraghty
Lola Hobbs- Brake
Riley Kirk
Ranai Popat
Charlie Smith
Harry Watson
Oscar Webster
Jessica Westwood
Maddie Whalley
P.T.O.
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Second Certificate of Merit
Merit Badge
Second Certificate of Merit (Fixture 2.03.17)
Merit Badge
Second Certificate of Merit (Fixture 2.03.17)
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Second Certificate of Merit
YEAR 5
Maisie Collier
Ben Cooper
Ernie Hoggard
Samuel Leake
Joseph Marsden
Holly Page
Eva Perry
Harriet Sykes
Kerry Wells
Isabella Westwood
Jonah Ziff
YEAR 4
Lily Grieff-Mulvey
Jaxon Lee
Olivia Lynch
Isobel McCall
James Packwood
YEAR 3
Harry Corby
Alfie Hodges
Oliver Kirby- Doughty
Rohan Kotak
YEAR 2
Tallulah Johnson-Mayes
Lucie Mason
Lorcan Murphy
Diya Patel
Iszac Rodrigues
YEAR 1
Maahi Patel
Second Certificate of Merit
Second Certificate of Merit
Merit Badge
Second Certificate of Merit and Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Second Certificate of Merit
Merit Shield
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Merit Shield
Second Certificate of Merit
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Merit Shield
Second Certificate of Merit (Poorly 2.03.17)
Merit Shield
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Merit Badge
Tabitha Kyle, Year 5 – competed at Arena UK Premier Equestrian Show and was placed 2nd and
3rd in several classes, winning a number of rosettes and trophies.
Eva Perry, Year 5 – was awarded a trophy for Student of the Month from her Karate Club.
Zara Etty, Year 4 – was awarded a certificate for achieving her Grade 1 Classical Ballet from the
British Theatre Dance Association.
Isha Sidhu, Year 3 – has achieved her Level 7 Proficiency Award from British Gymnastics and
received a badge and certificate.
Tallulah Jonson-Mayes, Year 2 – received a certificate and badge for Gymnast of the Month.
SPORT
Senior School
Report as presented at Assembly on Monday 6th March
Netball
1st VII
The 1st team continue to be unbeaten following a 59 – 14 victory against QE and beating Trent
College 40 – 26. In both games, shooters Kate Tyszka and Isobel Hose, again recorded shooting
averages of 80%. Trent College were tenacious in their marking and Ratcliffe had to work hard to
find space but Olivia Gilchrist and Imogen Power were always available to set up new attacks.
Emily Sellicks made it difficult for Trent to get into good shooting positions and turned the ball
over on many occasions. The aerial work of Holly Blount was once again impressive and,
together with Nicole Spencer, passed the ball into Isobel and Kate with ease. Players of the Match
this week were Isobel Hose, Kate Tyszka and Holly Blount.
2nd VII
Ratcliffe 2nd VII faced their toughest opponents of the season playing a Trent College U16A team.
They started slowly and finished the first quarter behind 3 – 6. Changes were made at the break,
bringing Emma Taylor-Clark on at WD and Jenna Pole moved to WA. This gave Ratcliffe more
strength and dynamic movement through the centre court, and saw Jenna Pole work effectively
with Nicole Wong at GA, allowing us to go goal for goal with Trent, drawing the second quarter.
Trent College made changes at half-time, which made movement around the circle more difficult
and Ratcliffe struggled to take centre passes to goal despite excellent efforts from Isobel Thomas
and Olivia Carpenter in the defensive circle. Ratcliffe went into the final quarter 13 – 22 down
and fitness started to take its toll. Player of the Match, Katie Winston, maintained calm in centre
court, but Ratcliffe ended the game 17 – 29 down. The second team can be very proud of their
efforts as the score line did not accurately reflect the game.
2nd/3rd VII
Both the 2nd and 3rd teams played QE 2nd VII. The shooters, Becky Astill, Nicole Wong,
Lucia Cano-Garcia and Beatrice Waters all played excellently, achieving a high scoring
percentage, allowing Ratcliffe to capitalise on our solid play throughout the court. Jess Walsh and
Katie Winston both played very well out of position at WD. Ru Tsatsa and Isobel Thomas both
had an excellent game at GK, frustrating the QE attack throughout the game. The 2nd team won
15 – 3 and the 3rd team won 18 – 4.
3rd VII
The 3rd team worked very hard to contain Trent’s 2nd team and the final score of 9-18 doesn't
reflect the competiveness of the match. Although Trent were leading by four goals at quarter
time, some strong defending and better shooting by Ratcliffe enabled them to close the gap
by half-time. Ru Tsatsa and Isobel Coombs were Players of the Match.
U15A
The U15A team started fantastically well. Defensively, they slowed the Trent attack down,
frustrating them, forcing poor passes and allowing Ratcliffe to take interceptions. In attack,
they were patient in their build up, waiting for the right ball to feed into the circle. At the end of
the first quarter, there was just one goal in it with Trent 4 – 3 up. During the second and third
quarters, Trent increased their tempo and Ratcliffe struggled to keep up, and heading into the
final quarter, Trent had a 15 goal lead running out 26 – 7 winners. Player of the Match,
Sharmel Yapa, brought endless energy to the attack, and Liyah Pinsent-Heskey, once again,
had an outstanding game. The girls showed excellent spirit in a very tough game.
U14A
The U14 girls had their toughest fixture to date, playing against a Trent team who are through to
National Finals, losing 24 – 13. The girls were a credit to the School and played some brilliant
netball. Ratcliffe worked tirelessly and kept the score line close with some excellent defence.
This was a very good game for the girls to experience and showed them the level they need to
play at to reach the National Finals. Players of the Match go to Ellie Gallacher who led the team
by example, and Dalila Watson who was tremendous in defence.
U14B
The U14b team played in an intense low scoring game against Trent College and won 5 – 4.
The girls all fought extremely hard, with Sophie Brown showing excellent movement within
the circle and Lauren Brown making some lovely interceptions across centre court. Similarly,
Mimi Khan dominated the defensive circle, reading play exceptionally well and communicating
effectively with the rest of her team. Player of the Match goes to both Mimi Khan and Lauren
Brown for excellent performances.
U13A
The U13A team played against Mount St Marys U14A team and again gained another outstanding
victory, winning 28 – 10. Despite being anxious at the beginning, they soon settled and,
by half time, had stormed into a 13 – 3 lead. Amy Mason played very well at centre, dominating
the court. Similarly, the defence supported each other well, marking tightly and effectively
transferring play into attack. Player of the Match goes to Annie Rose Reddin who displayed some
excellent drives within the circle.
U13B
The U13B team played against Mount St Mary’s U13A team and unfortunately lost 20 – 10.
Despite the loss, the girls all fought hard throughout the whole game, pulling the game up to a
three goal difference in the third quarter. Jess Elton and Olivia Crawley displayed some
impressive defensive skills, pressuring their opponents to force errors. Player of the Match goes
to Marley Totten who showed great agility, getting her hands to some difficult interceptions.
U12A
The U12A girls lost 13 – 5 against Mount St Mary’s. They started off slowly and Mount went into
the first quarter with a lead of 4 – 3. Annie Jarvis and Chelsea Makandeni defended strongly
throughout the game along with some great interceptions in the circle from Eleni Malhan.
Player of the Match goes to Annie Jarvis, for her constant work rate and effort throughout the
game.
Girls’ Hockey
U13
The girls had a good tournament but unfortunately did not qualify for the next round. They won
their first game 2 – 0 against Wellend Park. Annie Rose Reddin and Amy Mason scored the goals.
Ratcliffe dominated their next game and were unfortunate not to score, losing 1 – 0. Going into
our last game against Oakham, the girls had nothing to lose and started strongly. Ratcliffe scored
first, courtesy of an excellent top corner finish by Annie Rose, going into half time 1 –1. However,
the girls eventually ran out of steam and could not maintain their positive start and lost 4-1.
Well done to all the girls. The team achieved Players of the Tournament for their excellent
attitude and commitment.
Swimming
The Leicestershire Amateur Swimming Association (LASA) County Championships were held
over four weekends through January to early February. Three Ratcliffe pupils qualified for the
championships: Ella Clark, Year 7, Brooke England, Year 8 and Jade England, Year 10. All three
had to achieve minimum qualifying times for the County Championships in each stroke at
licensed gala competitions in the 12 months prior to the championships.
Ella Clark qualified for LASA across all strokes. She reached the top 15 in the county in all of her
events and made the final in two breaststroke events, coming 5th for 50m and 7th for 100m.
She achieved personal best times in all her races and is close to Midland qualification times for
5 events - her next goal!
Brooke England qualified for 12 different events, across all strokes and distances, and competed
in 5 events, being placed 12th in 200m breaststroke and 18th in 50m breaststroke. Jade England
qualified for all 3 breaststroke events (50m, 100m and 200m) and competed in two events, being
placed 11th and 12th.
Equestrian
Brooke and Jade England (Year 8 and Year 10) have both qualified for the second round of
Trailblazers show-jumping (Jade in 95cm and 105cm pony classes and Brooke in 75cm and
85cm horse classes), with Jade winning all her classes. Both girls have also qualified for the
Vale View Arena Eventing Championships. Jade has also qualified for the British Riding Club
Junior Intermediate Show-jumping Winter Championships (which her team won last year),
both through her team winning the regional qualifier and Jade winning the individual section of
the qualifier by jumping three consecutive clear rounds, finishing with a four second lead over
the nearest competitor in the final round.
Olivia Gilchrist, Girls’ Sport Captain
Boys’ Hockey
1st XI
On Monday, Ratcliffe played a local derby against Loughborough Grammar School in a game that
proved very frustrating as they lost 1 – 0 and should have won, having squandered numerous
chances. Player of the Match went to Harry Antill who was very impressive in midfield.
The 1st team travelled to Princethorpe on Saturday and found it tough going as they lost 3 – 0
against strong opposition. The first half was very competitive and Ratcliffe had to work
incredibly hard to prevent Princethorpe from scoring as they came under a lot of pressure.
Player of the Match, Harry Redding, had a fantastic game in goal.
2nd XI
The 2nd team had a busy week of
fixtures
this
week,
playing
Loughborough mid-week and then
Princethorpe on Saturday. The 4 – 0
victory was justification for a fantastic
performance where the boys could
and should have scored many more
goals. On Saturday, the team travelled
to Princethorpe, drawing the match
2 - 2. The first half of this game was
very disappointing and for the only
time this term, the team’s effort was
called in to question.
However,
changed in the second half, although
we couldn’t hold on to the 2 - 1 advantage until the final whistle. Goal scorers were James Berns
and Man of the Match, David Hippisley-Cox, who was outstanding in attack.
U15A
The Under 15 team were outclassed against a very strong Princethorpe team in all areas of the
pitch and, unfortunately, suffered a heavy loss. Dominic McKaig picked up Man of the Match for
his hard work throughout the fixture but there was a lot to learn from a very good opposition.
U14
The
under 14s
played
their best hockey of the
season in defeating a skilful
Princethorpe team 6 – 1.
This was a crucial game for
the team as a warm up for the
Midlands tournament next
Tuesday. Fin Back scored
three goals, Owen Lloyd two,
with James Turner completing
the scoring with a well-taken
goal into the roof of the net.
Despite the score line, this
was a tough game and
Ratcliffe had to defend well to
keep
Princethorpe
out.
Will Oswell also made some good saves. Fin Back, Alex Tyszka and Owen Lloyd shared the
Player of the Match award.
U13A
The U13A team came up against a very talented
Princethorpe team in the 4th round of the
Independent Schools’ Hockey Cup and lost heavily.
We didn’t manage to reach the level of hockey that
has brought us success in our other games this
season and, coupled with the strength of the
opposition, meant that it was a disappointing end to
a great cup run. Two quick-fire goals in the first
five minutes from Princethorpe gave them
the confidence to play a varied style of hockey.
Although the opposition had a number of technically
gifted players, the disappointing thing throughout
the game was that we didn’t execute the basics of
hockey enough of the time. Our consolation goal was
a well worked goal with a good ball from
Rajen Gupta which found Xabier Zanotti in the circle.
After some great close control, he brilliantly found
Ethan Chapman who finished neatly with a reverse
stick sweep into the corner. Player of the Match goes
to Ethan Chapman.
U13B
On Saturday, the Under 13B Team played at home
against Princethorpe in a 7-a-side game and came
away with a great result, winning 5 - 2. Ratcliffe
started strongly, easing into a two goal lead and outclassing their opponents in the middle of the
pitch. However, a couple of sloppy defensive errors led to Princethorpe levelling the match.
On the stroke of half-time, Ratcliffe pulled ahead with Guy Heywood scoring a straight-strike
from a short corner. Ratcliffe gave away very few opportunities in the second half while creating
many chances in attack. By the end of the match Ratcliffe eased to a 5 – 2 win, with the only
criticism being that they had not taken more of their chances. Player of the Match was
Guy Heywood. Other goal scorers were Ollie Howard and Henry Bower.
U12A
Ratcliffe started the game well, creating a number of scoring opportunities, one of which was
well finished by Harry Gamble from a short
corner. Wilfred Milner then finished clinically after great work by Harry in the D. Princethorpe
came back into the game well and put the U12s under the most pressure they have been
under all season. The second half was dominated by the opposition and it became
a scrappy affair, but excellent defending and goalkeeping kept Princethorpe scoreless
and the U12s maintain their unbeaten record. The final score was 2 – 0
to Ratcliffe. Men of the Match were awarded to Jaidev Nanuwa for a number of excellent saves
and Joe Atkinson for his good defensive work.
Rugby
1st XV
The 1st XV played with
character and determination to overcome a feisty Bosworth Academy team 31 – 22 in the
quarter final of the Rugby County Plate. Luke Gyesi-Appiah had a good game, carrying the ball
strongly and scoring two tries. Harry Redding scored with an excellent individual effort and Ed
Cooper finished a well worked team try. Nick Heywood made an excellent break that was
finished by Jack Vinall. Men of the Match were Luke Gyesi-Appiah and John Sommerville for their
excellent work up front. Good luck to the team in the semi-finals.
U15
The U15 rugby team progressed to the semi-final of the County Cup with a pleasing 41 – 24 win
over Market Bosworth. They scored tries at will, although also conceded with alarming ease.
Joe Collier and Fin Back shared the Man of the Match award for their respective defensive and
attacking displays.
U14
On Tuesday the U14 rugby team played Ivanhoe in the quarter finals of the county cup. A good
start by Ratcliffe saw Connor Foster and Owen Lloyd score early, and Ratcliffe dominated the
first half with some strong defence and good attacking play. Ivanhoe came back into the game
and scored themselves but two superb Ratcliffe scores through Ben McGuinn and James Turner
created by excellent team play, saw Ratcliffe take a commanding lead. Owen Lloyd scored again
with a powerful run and Harry Cusack made an excellent snipe from a ruck to score a great
individual try. The forwards worked hard throughout, and Tom Page and Owen Lloyd had very
good games controlling the game and running strongly in the midfield. Harry Cusack was Man of
the Match for his excellent all round display. The final score was 36 – 5 to Ratcliffe.
Harry Stokes, Boys’ Sport Captain
Sporting Fixtures
Date
Monday
13th
March
Tuesday
14thMarch
Opposition
Start
Leicester
2.30
Grammar School /2.45pm
Team
Venue
Meet
U14 County Rugby
Home
1.30pm
Leicester
Grammar
School
Loughborough
Grammar
4.30pm
U12A,U12B Netball
Home
4.10pm
Tuesday
14th
March
Thursday Stamford
16thMarch
2pm
U12 County Cup Rugby
Away
1.15pm
3pm
1st Hockey
Away
1.30pm
Thursday Loughborough
16thMarch High School
4.45pm
U14A Hockey
Home
4.10pm
Saturday
Wellingborough
th
18 March
10.30am
U15A,U15B Netball
Home
10.00am
Saturday
Wellingborough
18thMarch
10.30am
U14A,U14B,U13A,U13B,U12A,
U12B Netball
Away
8.30am
Saturday
National School
th
18 March Finals
All Day
Welwyn Garden city
Away
Friday
Saturday
Worksop
18thMarch
2.30pm
1st,3rd Hockey
Home
1.30pm
Saturday
Worksop
18thMarch
3.30pm
2nd,U15A Hockey
Home
2.30pm
Saturday
Worksop
th
18 March
1.45pm
U15/U14B ,U12A Hockey
Away
11.30am
Saturday
Worksop
th
18 March
12.45pm
U13A,U13/U12B Hockey
Away
10.30am
Saturday
Worksop
th
18 March
2.45pm
U14A Hockey
Away
12.30am
Preparatory School
Netball is on a role! Not only did the U11 A team win the Ratcliffe Netball Festival but they also
came second in a tournament held at Leicester Grammar Junior School. The girls narrowly lost
by 2 goals in the final. Player of the Tournament was Maddie Whalley for her excellent
movement.
The U11 B team had a great tournament as well, finishing third overall.
Well done to all of the girls.