Senior School Newsletter
8th January 2016
Staff news: Parents will know that Ali Warrillow has returned to teach PE following her maternity
leave and that Megan Sloan, who covered for us during this period of time, has moved to a post in
Shropshire. We are joined by an additional part time teacher of English, Charles Atkinson, and a new
Resident Graduate Assistant, Annie Lockhart, at the start of this term. We wish them both every
success. We are also delighted to announce the birth of Bradley Pieter de Bruyn born on 18th
December; congratulations to Darren de Bruyn (Head of Business Studies) and his wife Lisa. (Michael
Goodwin, Head)
Congratulations to Tilly Kannan (Year 9) who was runner up in the School Science Prize competition
at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory on Thursday 17th December. Finalists were treated to a
special behind-the-scenes tour of one of the high-powered laser facilities and had a chance to find
out more about the amazing work done at RAL. Each finalist then gave a two minute presentation
entitled ‘Why I love science’. (Felicity Dyndor, Science Department)
Tickets are now on sale for the school production of The Wizard of Oz, 9th February - 11th February.
Please telephone 01295 781200 to book your tickets (£5.00 each) or book online at
http://www.skiddle.com/search/keyword.php?keyword=Sibford+School (booking fee applies)
The Syrian refugee crisis is the focal point for a new play being performed by sixth form students at
Sibford School. ‘West Ashored’ has been devised by the students as part of their A Level Drama
exam and picks up on the headlines from last year. Rory Parker, one of the three students involved
in the project said: “All too often we see events hit the news but then slip away from the main
headlines. By devising this piece of drama we hope to ensure that the problem isn’t forgotten. We
also hope it will engage the audience into making a change.” Neil Madden, Sibford’s Head of Drama,
added: “This is a highly political piece of work which draws on the style of Brechtian Theatre. The
students have done considerable research on the subject and should be very proud of what they
have achieved.” ‘West Ashored’, will be performed at 1.15pm on Wednesday 13th January and again
at 6.30pm on Thursday 14th January. Parents and friends are welcome at both performances. (Ali
Bromhall, Community Development Officer)
Today's Music Meeting for Worship was a musical feast presented by members of staff from the
Sibford community. The performers today were Felicity Dyndor (Science), Dolores Papin (MFL),
Darren DeBruyn (Business Studies), Catherine Stockdale (Support for Learning), Neil Madden
(Drama) and Andy Foakes (English and Media).
Congratulations to the following for their recent ABRSM examination results: George Verinder (Year
8) Grade 5 Guitar and Harry Critchfield (Year 8) Grade 5 Violin. (Fiona Hudson, Head of Music)
Girls’ fixtures
Year 7 netball vs Banbury School. Won. Player of the Match: Katinka Frassoni. The Year 7 netball
team had a fabulous start to the season with a convincing win against Banbury School. The whole
team worked extremely hard throughout the match and demonstrated some superb tactical play.
Ruby Crawford was solid in defence intercepting many passes into the shooting circle and Abigail
Roberts was on form with her shooting. Well done girls! (Claire Ferley, PE Department)
Michael Goodwin read the following in Meeting for Worship
The humble, meek, merciful, just, pious, and devout souls are everywhere of one religion; and when
death has taken off the mask they will know one another, though the divers liveries they wear here
makes them strangers. William Penn, 1693
Love was the first motion, and then a concern arose to spend some time with the Indians, that I
might feel and understand their life, and the Spirit they live in, if haply I might receive some
instruction from them, or they be in any degree helped forward by my following the leadings of
Truth amongst them. And as it pleased the Lord to make way for my going at a time when the
troubles of war were increasing and when by reason of much wet weather travelling was more
difficult than usual at that season, I looked upon it as a more favourable opportunity to season my
mind, and bring me into a nearer sympathy with them. And as mine eye was to the great Father of
Mercies, humbly desiring to learn what his will was concerning me, I was made quiet and content.
John Woolman, 1763
All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first, the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms.
Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon's mouth. And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lined,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slippered pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side;
His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.
William Shakespeare