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All the latest news from Derby Grammar School | Autumn 2015
www.derbygrammar.co.uk
Learn more inside...Speech Day 2015, Royal Visit and other DGS news.
HRH The Princess Royal Visit
Marks Twentieth Anniversary
Read the full story on page 3
life SENIORS
ROARING START TO
FORMULA 24+ SEASON
HOUSE ART
COMPETITION
By Oliver Carpenter (Year 13)
It is that time of year again; the
House Art Competition deadline
has been and gone. The art entries
are in and the judging has taken
place.
Mrs Sellors (Head of Art) said “I am
very impressed with the entries this
year, the standard of work is very
high. The students have clearly put
a lot of thought, time and effort
into their pieces.”
The House points competition
is heating up, with all houses
very close in points. This year the
competitive intensity is higher than
ever! Watch this space for the
results of the competition!
Derby Grammar School
was delighted to welcome
representatives from East Midlands
printing solutions company,
Danwood. Danwood, who
have supported the School’s
Greenpower Formula 24+ team
throughout the current season
presented students with a
sponsored team kit to be worn on
race days (pictured).
Douglas Greenwell, Danwood’s
Group Strategy and Marketing
Director spent time with students
hearing about the design,
development and improvement
process they have undergone
throughout the season. The team,
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By Mr Smith
Some twelve months after we
announced our new addition to
the DGS motor racing fold,
The Stag has finally been born.
After much hard work from a
dedicated team, the inaugural
race took place at Aintree in
September where our driver Tom
Coxon (also our Chief Designer)
managed a very consistent 23mph
and, more importantly, proved
that our car is reliable!
Some four days (and a gear
change) later, the car performed
even better at the Castle Combe
Motor Circuit, returning an
encouraging 26mph. As I write this,
the new lightweight carbon fibre
bodywork, produced for us by
one of our sponsors, Pentaxia Ltd,
is being fitted to the car, ready for
the National Finals at Rockingham
Motor Speedway next weekend.
Just in case the team do not
already have enough to do,
The Stag Mk 2 is already in its
embryonic planning stage, where
we hope to strip out 20kg of heavy
who have raced at top circuits
such as Aintree, Castle Coombe
Motor Circuit and Rockingham
Motor Speedway have ambitious
plans for the future including
writing an Android app.
components and materials to
add 10mph to our top speed and
become more competitive. This
will require a major fundraising
initiative and we hope that we
might be able to add to the
already significant list of sponsors
to help us achieve this goal.
What this would mean is that the
Junior Formula 24 team will be
able to inherit this car, allowing
them to compete more seriously,
as Carbon QT (which has served
us well!) is now the oldest and
heaviest car in the competition.
If you are in a position to offer
sponsorship, either corporate or
personal, please do get in touch;
there are many future engineers
that will benefit.
With thanks to our team sponsors:
All the latest news from Derby Grammar School | Autumn 2015
ROYAL VISIT MARKS TWENTIETH
ANNIVERSARY YEAR
Derby Grammar School was thrilled to welcome HRH The Princess Royal on
a momentous visit to the School, commemorating the twentieth anniversary
year. The Princess Royal talked to pupils and staff about various school
projects, including the National Space Design Competition, the charity
fundraising project in Tanzania and the Greenpower Formula 24+ racing
team.
Mr Paine, Headmaster, who accompanied The Princess Royal throughout
her visit, said “I was delighted to be able to welcome The Princess Royal to
Derby Grammar School and show her the many facets of our outstanding
education.”
John Blackton, founder of the School said, “It is an absolute joy that we have
got a school bursting with happiness. Derby Grammar School has played a
huge part in my life, and it fills me with joy to see it twenty years on being so
successful.”
Before leaving the School, The Princess Royal also unveiled a
commemorative plaque in remembrance of her visit which will be displayed
in reception. She was also presented with a beautiful floral posy by Year 6
pupil, Ruben Hussain. Ruben said, “It was really fun and exciting to meet The
Princess Royal. She asked me when I started Derby Grammar School and
told me to have a nice day.”
Pupil, Chris Gerrett, a member of the School’s National Space Design Team
said, “It was an enjoyable experience, she showed particular interest in the
material structure of cables that could reach to space and wanted to hear
more about the physics behind my project. It was a truly unique experience
which will remain with me for many years.”
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life SENIORS
By Josh Ganley (Year 13)
In September biologists and geographers
from the Sixth Form form set out on the annual
field trip to Cranedale, North Yorkshire.
Year 13 Biology Trip
In biology,Year 13 have been learning about
ecology and the environment and have
managed see what they were learning about
first-hand. They studied a variety of habitats
including the seashore at Filey Brigg and
a stream where they encountered signal
crayfish; an invasive species from North
America, which spreads a deadly fungus to
the native white-clawed crayfish.
Saad Ahmed didn’t quite anticipate the
depth of the water in the stream as it gushed
over the top of his wellies, much to our
amusement! It was a valuable experience
as many of us successfully completed
our assessed tasks and it was thoroughly
enjoyable.
BUILDING BRIDGES TO
STEM SUCCESS
By Oliver Carpenter (Year 13)
DGS pupils had the incredible opportunity to experience engineering
first-hand when they were visited by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
to build a suspension bridge in the hall as part of the “Bridges To Schools”
project. ‘Bridges to Schools’ encourages and develops engineering and
maths for young pupils. ICE supports 3,500 civil engineers in Derby alone
and has many centres across the country.
Each year group was split into two, each tasked with building half of the
bridge. Mr Fearn who accompanied Year 9 said “Bridges To Schools is a
very important project and a great application to real life. The students
can take what they’ve learned in the classroom and put it into action. This
gives the students an answer to the question “when will we use this in real
life?”
Mr Lambert, Head of Physics commented that “All opportunities are great
for anybody who is interested; anything we can do to further that interest
is excellent. The extracurricular STEM courses are a hit with the staff as well
as the students, with Mr Smith being ecstatic to see so much interest in the
project from the lower school.”
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Using cables, boards, supports, hard work and teamwork, this incredible
feat was achieved with much enthusiasm; the pupils enjoyed themselves
very much. At the very end of the course they walked along their newly
constructed bridge to show it worked.
DGS life unior
J
All the latest news from Derby Grammar School | Autumn 2015
FOREWORD FROM MRS SLY
T
his is the first time I have had
to write in DGS Life in my new
role as Head of Junior School.
As some of you know, I have
been at Derby Grammar Junior
School for many years, having
taught in Year 3 and Year 6 and
undertaking the responsibility of
Senior Teacher before being asked
to take the helm this term. I have
been fortunate enough to work
under Phil Foley, Clare Bruce and
Polly Bennett during my 10 years
here and feel I have had the best
possible role models.
One of the joys of my new role is
that I get the chance to teach
in each year group and I have
thoroughly enjoyed getting to
know all the boys better, and
especially those that have joined
us this term. I extend a warm
welcome to the 17 new boys and
their parents, and I wish to assure
you that we work extremely hard
as a Junior School team to enrich
your son’s education and make
their time at school fun, interesting
and challenging.
It is difficult to believe that seven
weeks have passed already.
We have packed so much in,
including a 3-day residential,
trips out, parents’ evenings and
Open Day, House events and
student council elections. Of
course, the highlight of the term
has to be the visit by Princess
Anne on Wednesday 7th October
to celebrate the School’s 20th
anniversary. We have also
had a whole School photo to
commemorate the special
year. This is always an interesting
momento to look back on when
pupils are in Sixth Form about to
start university!
I am proud of the fundraising
that has taken place this term
including Bag2School and our gifts
at harvest festival for YMCA Derby.
The Junior School always goes
above and beyond to raise money
for good causes so, thank you for
your generosity once again.
- Mrs Sly
JUNIOR SCHOOL SENIOR
PREFECT TEAM 2015-16
Congratulations to the following boys who were selected:
Back: Aryan Tirugulla; Alfie Carter; Milan Dosanjh, Sebastian Read
Front: George Hilliam; Ethan Hamilton; Ruben Hussain
life JUNIORS
WELCOME TO MRS HAMILTON
MRS HAMILTON
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT DERBY GRAMMAR SCHOOL?
I am the Year 5 Junior School teacher.
BEFORE WORKING AT DGS, WHAT WAS YOUR MOST UNUSUAL JOB?
I am a qualified brewer, so I used to climb in to huge vessels (the size of a 5-a-side football
pitch) with breathing apparatus on (a bit like wearing scuba diving equipment) to check if
they were cleaned.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND INTERESTS?
I enjoy making wedding and novelty birthday cakes - when I find time between being a
taxi to my three very active children!
WHAT CHILDREN’S CHARACTER CAN YOU RELATE TO MOST, AND WHY?
I think I would describe myself as a Fireman Sam type character; I am always in a hurry but
try my best to help people and get the job done on time!
PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED IF THEY KNEW...?
I love to wake-board (like water skiing on a small surfboard), and before I was a teacher I
worked for a brewing company who paid me to go to football matches!
The Junior School was filled with famous Roald
Dahl characters as part of The Dahlicious Dress
Up Day. Pupils (and staff!) pulled out all the stops
with their brilliant costumes, raising money for the
Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.
The charity supports seriously ill children and
young people in the UK. It believes every child
has the right to a marvellous life, no matter how
ill they are. The charity focuses on children who
have the biggest needs, and who aren’t being
fully supported by anybody else. This might be
because they have a serious rare condition, be
living in poverty, or not have any family at all.
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All the latest news from Derby Grammar School | Autumn 2015
HOLLOWFORD 2015
“Making friends and memories to last a lifetime!”
By Mrs Genders
Every year, Year 6 start the year off with an exciting trip to Hollowford, and this year it was my turn. Like
the boys, I felt a little bit nervous about what we would be doing there, but I need not have worried! We
had an amazing time! We learned about orienteering, archery, caving and weaselling. We made rafts
and attempted to float them on the lake - we all got very wet! We climbed up Mam Tor and we roasted
marshmallows on the camp fire after putting up our own tents! The list goes on and on....
Most importantly, we learned about how to step out of our comfort zone and about teamwork. We learned
we were braver than we thought. Everyone, including me, did the leap of faith! I’m not sure I have fully
recovered yet but I know, like the boys, it will be a trip that I will remember for a long time. Unlike the boys, I
get to go again next year!
FARM TO FORK DAY
Year 3 visited Tesco Mickleover to learn all about the journey our food takes from the farm
to our fork. They visited the different departments including the fishmonger and the bakery.
They had an enjoyable day and took the opportunity to ask lots of questions.
Asking lots of great questions
as they went...
Watching the baker
make bread...
Then onto see y
the fishmonger in action...
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life JUNIORS
The Autumn term in the
Junior School so far...
T
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A ROYA
HOLLOWFORD
LOTS
FUN
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AISIN
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OF FU
SPORTING SUCCESS
H DAY
SPEEC
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ALUMNI
All the latest news from Derby Grammar School | Autumn 2015
THE OLD AND NEW
Ryan Holmes left DGS in 2010 and went on to train as a teacher, now working over in Lincoln.
In October 2014 Ryan became the webmaster for the Old Derbeian Society, a voluntary
position but one where the ‘new’ Old Derbeian community is helping and liaising with the
‘old’ Old Derbeian community.
His modern thoughts, knowledge and ideas are proving of great importance in ensuring
the Old Derbeian Society breaches the generation gap. Bearing in mind the Society was
actually created in 1911 it is now into its second century!
If you would like to read more about the Old Derbeian Society, visit
www.oldderbeians.org
Old Boy ‘flying high’ Wedding bells for
with Ryanair
Old Derbeian
It is always a
pleasure to
see past DGS
pupils, and
last term we
had a surprise
visit from Matt
Edmondson.
Matt left DGS
at the end of
his Sixth Form
studies in 2013
and went on to study at Oxford Aviation
Academy. Matt told us of his exciting
news at being offered a position as First
Officer with Ryanair!
With an ambition to become a Captain
before the age of 25, we have no doubt
he will achieve this and wish him every
success in the future.
UCHur
Ohear yo ing
T
N
I
EEP love to ecom
KWe wouldews since bian.
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ing n Old Derb t us on .
c
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You c ok, Twitte u’re alwafee!
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And e to po
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Old Derbeian, Dave Endsor recently tied the
knot over summer to his beautiful
bride, Tracy.
After getting engaged
on her birthday in 2014,
they enjoyed a romantic
ceremony at Swancar
Farm Country House in
May 2015 followed by a
relaxing honeymoon in
Barbados.
Congratulations to the
both of you!
ANNUAL DINNER
The Old Derbeian Society
Annual Dinner took place on
Saturday 7th November. The
event was a great success
with many of our Derby
Grammar School Old Boys
present.
The Committee have
already decided to book
again for 2016 - an event
growing in size every year!
excit
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life SPORTS
By Mr Whitworth
T
he Autumn term is flying
by and we reach half-term
before we have had chance
to draw breath.
The enthusiasm in the first
form of the senior school has
been excellent, with healthy
competition for places
resulting in attendance at
after-school training has
been exemplary.
The U12s played their first
game at Wolverhampton
GS and ran out worthy
winners, with Daniel Harris
leading by example running
with the ball hard and
straight – his 5 tries indicate
how well his determination
and great body position
in contact paid off! The
group’s keenness has been
rewarded with a trip to see
Leicester Tigers play Stade
Francais after the two week
break.
Amongst the other teams,
the U15s got off to a great
start against QMGS Walsall,
scoring 3 tries against
a strong outfit. A trip to
Worksop again showed
the progress being made
with tries scored by a
combination of good
rucking and elusive running
from Arvin Suddhi and
Lewis Hamilton.
A great win at Stafford GS
followed, with excellent
handling skills and running off
the ball. The U13s produced
a good performance against
a well organised Trent B side
but it is the 1st XV who have
enjoyed the most success.
Wins against Highfields,
Abbotsholme and a strong
Worksop 2nd team illustrate
the ability and determination
to succeed at the top
of the School. Matches
continue after half term
when training moves to astro
turf on Tuesday nights at
Mackworth. Collection will
be at School after 5:30 pm.
PE & GAMES UNIFORM
As the weather turns a bit cooler and the potential for rain increases, pupils are reminded that School
tracksuits must be worn as part of uniform during PE and Games lessons, as well as practices. Blazers should
be left on a peg in the changing room, with valuables stored in lockers.
You will be asked to remove any non-uniform items – irrespective as to how cold it is!!! Parental support on
this will be greatly appreciated.
10
Thanks to all those parents who brought in the Sainsburys Active Kids vouchers.
Your support is greatly appreciated and the pupils will benefit hugely from all
the ‘free’ kit that the vouchers have enabled us to purchase.
All the latest news from Derby Grammar School | Autumn 2015
SPORTS DAY 2015
SCOTT ELSTONE
We continue to sponsor Derbyshire County
Cricket Club and player, Scott Elstone.
Batting all-rounder Scott Elstone joined
Derbyshire at the end of the 2013 season,
before signing a contract extension at the
start of 2014 committing him to the Club
until the end of the 2016 campaign.
Bat: Right hand
Bowling:
Right arm off-break
Birth place: Burton-on-Trent
High Score: 103 (Vs Glamorgan 2015)
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All the latest news from Derby Grammar School | Autumn 2015
CELEBRATING SUCCESS
The year so far has been one filled with many successes and achievements, most recently our GCSE
and A level results days. We were proud to announce 100% pass rate at GCSE, with over half of
all pupils gaining A* and A grades. We achieved a 99.2% pass rate at A level with 21% of all pupils
awarded straight A* and A grades. Our top two performing students, Richard Bowen and Peter Rugg
both achieved an impressive 5 A* grades and headed off to Cambridge University just a few weeks
ago.
We also held our annual Speech Day where pupils from Year 3 to 13 were recognised for their hard
work, commitment and dedication to school life. We were delighted to welcome Roger Waller as
our guest speaker, the first Headmaster of Derby Grammar School - the perfect way to mark our
twentieth anniversary year.
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