GAUDIUM PER LABOREM LUDUMQUE
ISSUE 3
REEVES HOUSE RAG
REEVES HOUSE / LENT TERM 2015 REVIEW
REEVES CONTINUES TO
MAKES A SPLASH WITH
THEIR WATERPOLO.
Reeves House on countdown
The Reeves House waterpolo team
continue their unbeaten run. Only two
players remain of the team that won
last year, but enthusiasm and team
spirit goes a long way. We had close
games against Craig and Powell. Against
Craig we came back from a 2-4 deficit at
half-time to win 5-4, and we edged out
Powell 3-1 to play Wargrave in the final
next term.
Although this newsletter is not averse to the odd cryptic clue or
announcement, this is not one of them. Rumours that a boy from
Reeves will be taking part in a channel 4 quiz programme and will
get to share a studio with the attractive and intelligent Rachel Riley
are sadly untrue. Rather we have reached the time of the year when
most of the House have the spectre of public exams looming large on
the horizon and the Lent Term break is set aside for some
relaxation combined with some significant revision. It is the time
when the groundwork for improved grades are made and the
recommendation is that Yrs 11,12 and 13 should be aiming for
about 4 hours most days.
The Housemaster does not escape lightly either. He has some
homework of his own to do in the form of antenatal classes, flat pack
furniture to build for a nursery ahead of the expected new arrival
around 6th June. The boys have been quick to remind him of the
‘importance of preparation’ and pointing out that at least they can
get a decent break over the summer. Definitely a case of how advice
can come back to haunt you...
Congratulations to Rafe Sulke on being
awarded his hockey stag (1st XI colours)
after performing strongly during their season,
providing a creative cutting edge and some
silky skills in midfield.
Well done too to Henry Chesney who
received his hockey stag to add to his rugby
one from last term. He finished top
goalscorer and was impressive. Not bad for a
lad who first started playing in the U14Cs...
Sixth Form, it pays to forget...sort of. Our
warm Wednesday initiative for pupils to wear
their Reeves House jumpers over the last
term and a half raised £25 which will be
added to our donations to the Royal Marsden
Lent Term Review
As usual, the short Lent term has flown by and has given very little pause for breath or reflection. It tends to
be a busy time where we manage to fit a great deal of activity into a short space of time.We start in a dark
and cold January morning and end the term in the throws of spring with the prospect of cricket being played
in a months time. Academic syllabuses are completed ahead of imminent exams and pupils in the top three
years begin to work with momentum and a growing sense of urgency.
I have been impressed with how the critical mass of the boys has embraced a stronger work ethic and
adopted better work habits. A look through the eRCs this term reveal that people have raised their game with
their preps and independent work, and this has largely been quickly reflected in better marks and predicted
grades.This helps to quickly build confidence as well as pupils realising that by working alongside staff on their
areas of weakness brings about the quickest results. Afternoons have been used productively by the seniors,
particularly the three ‘quiet time‘ slots on a Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday, and many of the extra ‘drop in’
sessions in academic departments have been used wisely. It is good to see pupils persevere and become more
consistent with some of their work habits. Our upper sixth were identified as the top performing year group
across the Houses for their overall effort which was particularly pleasing for a large group of eighteen boys.
Several lads were rewarded for averaging 4.75 (or above) for effort in their eRCs: Tobi Topliss, Jaspal Singh,
Max Al-Hasso, Harry Jachuk and Ben Kremer, which is outstanding. George Mannion surprised himself by
being the most improved student in Year 11. Of particular note, Joe Scott won the ‘economist of the term‘
award and Jacob Perrett’s team won the Young Investor competition. Jacob was part of a team of four that
made an £18,000 profit on their investment portfolio over the course of the term which made them the clear
outright winners. Regrettably, the sum, although tax exempt, was only in virtual money and Jacob broke the
news gently to his friends who were beginning to think up some exotic gap year plans.
A Reeves debating team consisting of Rafe Sulke,Will Pavey and Jaspal Singh excelled themselves in the inter
house competition. After a slightly shakey start, the boys were very quick to take advice on board in terms of
how to research arguments, anticipate and respond to questions and on how to present to an audience.The
topics which they debated ranged from arguing for for the legalisation of cannabis; arguing against the
crucifixion of Christ; contending that democracy is a bad form of government; arguing that killing for peace is
wrong; and contending that ‘seeing is believing’ and that empirical evidence is best.The team got stronger as
they progressed through the early rounds with some challenging topics before they excelled in the final.Their
delivery and presentation skills were outstanding and they argued very persuasively against strong opponents
from Powell and Blackwater. Although they were narrowly edged out into second spot, they were praised for
their efforts and Will Pavey won the prize, a book ‘History’s Greatest Speeches’, for being the best speaker. Our debating team with Will’s prize and a photo of the team in action.
Nico Lomas and Henry Chesney both participated in the Newton reading competition, as they were keen to
hone their public speaking. Both performed well but finished just outside of the prizes. Nico read a speech from
the Great Dictator by Charlie Chaplin and Henry read a section of his favourite poem Invictus by William
Henley. Bertrand Siu performed in the Young Musician competition where he came a creditable third place for
pupils in the junior half of the school. In addition, some of the Year 9s performed songs from the musical
Mumma Mia which was a product of a term’s effort on their Wednesday creatives programme.While it took
many out of their comfort zones, there were some strong performances.
Our chess team did well to mount their (Sicilian) defence of our title which we won last year.Will Pavey, Nico
Lomas and Peva Picard won through to the semi-finals before losing out narrowly (en passant) to Gonville.The
CCF contingents were busy too this term. Harry Piper was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Nico Lomas
enjoyed a day out leading a group of NCOs doing some live fire on the Lydd and Hythe army range under the
guidance of Mr Lamb. Charlie Purbrook and Max Al-Hasso did some air experience flying at RAF Halton in a 2
seater Grob Tutor plane which they relished.
It has been a busy term on the sporting front. Most of the boys have been involved in fixtures this term with
strong representation in hockey teams and at the senior end of the school, football as well as rugby sevens,
fencing, squash, fives and shooting.The U14As were the most successful side in the school who were Sussex
champions and who managed to win all but two of their school matches. George Edwards, Joe McIntyre and
Dan Toole were all key players in that side, which promises to be one of the stronger sides in recent years. Rafe
Sulke, Henry Chesney, James Edwards, Dan Narracott and Jaspal Singh all played first eleven hockey this
season. Henry finished top goalscorer and was the most improved player of the season. Dan played in goal for
all of our cup games and won the man of the match award for his outstanding saves in a tour game against
Grey High School from Port Elizabeth in South Africa. James did well to earn his place in the first team in Year
11 and his efforts playing with the Saffrons made a big difference to his development. Henry and Rafe both
earned the hockey stags which were well deserved. George Mannion, Gregory East and Max Ferrari all played
for the U16A side that were runners up in their Sussex competition and who played some top schools at their
divisionals against some national team players. Jack Casebourne and Adam Gills both played consistently well in
goal for their respective U15 sides.
In the sixth form, our strong contingent of footballers have enjoyed a good season.The 1st XI have been
captained by the inspirational Mike Ginno who has led from the front in work rate, assists and goalscoring. He
was joined by defenders Samir Azzouz, Nico Lomas and Rory Mathers who formed the cornerstone of the first
team’s defence. Mike was joined by Matt Rust in midfield and these lads who all play club football outside of
school made a telling difference to the quality and competitiveness of a side that only lost two games all
season.We had a number of other lads playing for the seconds, thirds and fourths ensuring participation at a
number of different levels. Congratulations go to Samir and Nico who join Mike in being awarded their College
colours.
Nico (uncharacteristically) mistimes a tackle.
Mike takes a potent free kick against Hurstpierpoint.
House Dinner 2015
Congratulations must go to Mr
Marriott’s team for another convincing
display in the annual House dinner and
quiz night. The fancy dress theme was
to come as ‘someone or something
famous beginning with the letters R, E,V
or S’ (which constitute the spelling of
Reeves). As we found last year, this
open theme lent itself to some fantastic
outfits and made for an entertaining
evening. We enjoyed a superb carvery
and dessert in the dining hall. There
were some close scores in the early
rounds: anagrams of tutors and pupils;
current affair events from each month
of the year; quotes from the movies; a
music round: name the song and the
artist; a ‘would I lie to you?’ round.
However, Mr Marriott’s team surged
into an unassailable lead after
dominating (with much theatrical skill)
to win at a round of charades. It was
great fun and very good to get all of the
House together to enjoy each other’s
company in an informal setting.
THE TUTORS
The tutors took control of each of their
tables of tutees and answered at least
as well as they dressed.
IPS was in his customary role as quiz master, although
he was slightly surprised to find that he was out ranked
as a Roman soldier by his commander-in-chief, Augustus
Caesar.
Steeplechase Success
Reeves House won the overall steeplechase competition this year (unexpectedly) and did themselves proud by
overcoming some strong opposition to win the trophy. Although there were some strong individual
performances, the foundation for our victory was laid with most runners doing their best to finish in a
respectable position. In the absence of many back markers the cumulative total was strong and this resulted in
our top placing. I was very proud of the efforts and team spirit shown, and the way that boys pushed
themselves to do well.
Rory Mathers deserves special mention for coming 2nd in the senior event. There were some strong
performances from Gregory East (4th inters), Laurence Adamson (6th inters), and Bertrand Siu (6th inters). I
was pleased with some significant improvements from Max Ferrari (35th inters), Benny Walker (37th inters),
Sam Perrett (41st inters), and in the seniors with Rob Wheeler (43rd) and Jonny Gardner (55th). All of our 5
teams entered finished in the top 3 for their age groups, and our junior boys and intermediate B team won
their categories. It was a superb result which will be rewarded with a barbeque in the summer term.
Inter House Sport
SENIOR FOOTBALL - 2ND
The %inal week of term hosted the House football and hockey competitions. The senior footballers were hot favourites to win but had to settle for silver, while the juniors were under-­‐strength owing to a rugby sevens competition narrowly failed to get out of their group.
The hockey competition went reasonably well. Our juniors (below) played really well to %inish second. George Edwards, Joe McIntyre, Dan Toole and Ben Kremer impressed with their play. Our yr10s came fourth but exceeded expectations. Will Kinchin was talismanic and highly creative while Jack Casebourne and Adam Gills starred in goal. The seniors had a strong line up but only scored one goal all afternoon, which was a real shame.
We were robbed. In a tight and competitive competition, our star studded House football
team came up just short. In fairness to them, they were the only side who tried to play the
beautiful game and they impressed throughout with some good passing, movement off the
ball and good sportsmanship. While the competition was not the best of spectacles, our boys
were disciplined and played well. After a 2-0 victory over Pennell and a narrow 2-1 win over
Wargrave (2 penalties by Mike Ginno), we lost to Craig 0-1 against the run of play.
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