1

Headmaster’s Annual Report August 2015

Dear Trustees, Governors, Parents and Students of Ratcliffe College, Thank you for your continued support of our Teaching Staff throughout the academic year, 2014 – 2015. There now ensues a detailed report, department by department in alphabetical order, of the work which our students have undertaken under the wise guidance and inspirational teaching of our Staff, prefaced by the various Prize Giving Speeches. I hope that you will find this report both interesting and informative. With all good wishes, Yours sincerely,

Gareth P. Lloyd, Headmaster, Ratcliffe College.

2

Contents Page

Article Page Number Addresses at Prize Givings Address by Chairman of Governors, Senior School Prize Giving 3 Address by Headmaster, Senior School Prize Giving 5 Address by Guest of Honour, Senior School Prize Giving 10 Address by Vice-Chairman of Governors, Preparatory School 14 Prize Giving Address by Headmaster, Preparatory School Prize Giving 16 Address by Guest of Honour, Preparatory School Prize Giving 18 Academic Reports Art 21 Computing and Information Communication Technology 22 Design & Technology 24 Drama 24 Economics & Business 26 English as an Additional Language (EAL) 27 English 28 Food Technology 29 Geography 31 History 32 Latin 34 Learning Support 34 Library 35 Mathematics 36 Media Studies 38 Modern Foreign Languages & Latin 39 Music 40 Physical Education 41 Religious Studies 42 Science 43 Sport 45 Chaplaincy 48

3

Senior School Exhibition Day, Wednesday 24th June 2015

Chairman of Governors’ Prize Giving Address

It is my pleasure to welcome you all here today, particularly our Guest of Honour, Professor Joe Nellis. The Annual Prize Day is the Chairman of Governors’ opportunity to let parents know about the progress of the School over the last Academic year and give you an insight to our plans for the forthcoming year. And what a year of achievement this year has been! When Fr Antonio Rosmini sent members of his Institute of Charity to England to set up a Catholic School in 1847, his brief to them was to set up a College “Intended to Educate Youth for the Ecclesiastical State, the Learned Professions and Commercial Pursuits.” I am certain that he is looking down on us today with great pride. I am sure he is in agreement with the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate who, as most of you are aware, awarded Ratcliffe College “Excellent” in every part of their Inspection in the Easter Term. This is the highest accolade in the Independent Sector. This time last year I told you of the tremendous amount of work the Staff had done to prepare for our Inspection, which we anticipated could be sprung on us at any time. I am pleased to say that all our efforts have been rewarded. We are advised that Ratcliffe is only one of three Independent Schools to be awarded “Excellent” in England in the last 12 months. It is something to be very proud of and we can congratulate ourselves, the Headmaster, Senior Leadership Team, Teaching and Support Staff, Students and the Board of Governors and I would like to thank them all. This classification has now put Ratcliffe College above all other Schools in the East Midlands. The criteria to achieve “Excellent” really underlie the Rosminian Ethos of Ratcliffe College. Our objective is to educate the whole child, academically, socially, physically and emotionally with Christian values. Our Headmaster’s often quoted strapline “work hard, play hard and look after one another” has underpinned this and this was highlighted in the ISI report. I have received many compliments about our students from visitors to our School, particularly from prospective parents who have been shown around the School by our students. Our new Preparatory School opened on time for the first day of the Autumn Term. It was a considerable achievement as we were working to an exceptionally tight programme. And what a spectacular School it is, without a doubt the envy of our competitors. It fits into our campus so well and our decision to opt for a design to be sympathetic with our existing buildings has been borne out. This has been ratified by The Charnwood Borough Council in awarding us The Charnwood Architectural Design of the Year Award, a significant achievement. And co-incidentally, it was designed by a direct descendant of Augustus Pugin, the Architect Rosmini charged to design and build Ratcliffe. No doubt Blessed Antonio Rosmini is looking down on us with a wry smile of satisfaction!

4

Our Preparatory School is critically important to our Senior School, as is our sister school Grace Dieu Manor. You might have seen an announcement about the Rosminian Collegiate earlier this year. The purpose of the Collegiate is to bring our Rosminian schools together in partnership, and strengthen the Rosminian ethos. Our other achievements will be highlighted by Mr Lloyd in his address, so I would like to turn to our plans for the forthcoming School year. For those of you who attended the Mass last Sunday to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Ratcliffian Association, Bishop John Arnold, himself a past pupil, clearly advised us to look back with thanksgiving, but more importantly look forward to the future. Our Governors feel that with all the recent achievements, Ratcliffe is now stronger than it has ever been in its 168-year history. We believe that it is now the first choice for discerning prospective parents and the clamour for places has confirmed this. The School is full again next year and we have a considerable waiting list in many Year groups. And as Bishop Arnold clearly advised, we cannot stand still. The Governors are committed to a continual programme of providing new facilities as well as maintaining the existing. Over the last 18 months, our focus was on the Preparatory School and now that is fully established we can once again concentrate on the Senior School facilities. Governors have recently approved a capital expenditure of over £1.5m to provide new facilities and upgrade others during the next 12 months. Work has already started on providing more parking facilities and on improving the traffic flow and drop-off arrangements for the Senior School. Our experiment on the traffic flow around the School has proved to be successful, and works will be carried out over the summer to make this permanent. The South Terrace will be widened and resurfaced to allow for a larger drop-off zone and thereby improve the safety of students in the mornings, with the adjacent area on the exit road providing parking for visiting teams’ Coaches. Work is also underway to improve the Refectory, significantly increasing the seating capacity. Ground works have already started and a new servery area will be constructed to improve the self-service flows and remove the current bottlenecks providing a better overall dining experience for our students. Plans are also well underway to construct a second floodlit all-weather pitch on the Longwood field and this should be completed by this time next year. At the same time the existing running track will be upgraded to IAAF standards with a polymeric surface. We have also approved the construction of a hard-standing Senior School play area next to the Sports Hall car park, which will double up to provide a further two netball/tennis courts, while freeing up our Square, in time, to be developed sympathetically as an area to sit and talk tranquilly at the centre of the School. The Swimming Pool will also be upgraded. There will also be significant improvements to the English, Media Studies and History Departments. This will enable us to provide Common Rooms for Years 8, 9 and 10. The ICT infrastructure will also be updated over the summer period. All in all, this is a significant work programme that will make a considerable improvement to the facilities for our students and Staff.

5

As I said in earlier in my address, I believe that Ratcliffe College is stronger now than in the whole of its history. I have had the pleasure of being your Chairman of Governors for the last 5 years and I feel I have achieved my personal objectives in this improvement. I have advised my fellow Governors, therefore, that I shall be standing down as their Chairman at the end of this academic year. I will remain on the Governing Body and as a Trustee of Ratcliffe and Grace Dieu. It remains, therefore, for me to thank all those that have helped to achieve this over the years. Mr Lloyd has built a strong and committed Senior Leadership Team who have set an example and earned the respect of their fellow members of Staff. The commitment and enthusiasm of our Staff have without a doubt enabled us to increase the levels of attainment of our students. And the support staff have continued to make sure that the environment of the whole School is second to none. I would like to give a special thank you to my fellow Governors for the support they have given me over the last 5 years. The considerable amount of their free time they have put in at Committee Meetings, in making regular visits to the School and in attending various functions and sporting occasions, are highlighted in the ISI report. One of the criteria is for Governors to be high profile in the School and I am grateful that they have all been that. So a very sincere thank you to you all. And finally to all our students. Congratulations to all our Prize Winners and thank you to all of you who have contributed to the life at Ratcliffe. I said earlier that many visiting prospective parents had complimented us on the behaviour of our students. It is something for you all to be proud of. Our best wishes go to those of you who are moving on to the next stage of your education or employment, and I would remind you that the Ratcliffe experience does not end here, of course. The Ratcliffian Association for past students is a great conduit to stay in touch with or to network with other former students. Thank you. Mr Richard Gamble.

Headmaster’s Prize Giving Address

Good afternoon and a very warm welcome, Professor Joe Nellis, Reverend Fathers, Governors,

The Mayor and Mayoress of Charnwood and distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, and of

course, students. Thank you for joining us for our Prize Giving on Exhibition Day to mark the

climax of the School Year, a time when we may reflect upon and celebrate the many

achievements of our School community.

I shall share with you a brief, personal word about Professor Nellis, while our Head Boy, Henry

Mellors, will shortly welcome Professor Nellis more formally. I met Joe when he was a key

speaker at an HMC meeting, and I was so impressed with him that I asked him immediately

afterwards if he would do us the honour and be our Guest of Honour at Senior Prizegiving, to

6

which he kindly agreed. Joe is a Professor of International Management Economics at Cranfield

School of Management, and specialises in global macro-economics and business strategy. He has

more than 30 years of academic experience as well as with public and private sector

organisations. He frequently contributes to prestigious international conferences and is a

consultant to international companies where he examines and improves their strategy and

business environmental analysis, strategy formulation and management development. Joe, it is

an absolute privilege to have you here with us today, thank you….

Now is the opportunity for me to pay tribute to those who should be thanked, to say farewell to

those who will be departing for pastures new, and to reflect a little on the values that distinguish

Ratcliffe College. Over the summer, I shall send to you, our parents, a full review of the Academic

Year, via the Headmaster’s Annual Report, which will celebrate in much greater detail than time

permits today, the many successes of our students, as well as all aspects of the School

Community.

So let me begin with a very heartfelt thank you to key groups of people for their invaluable

support of Ratcliffe College, starting with all my wonderful staff, both teaching and non-

teaching, for their consistent diligence in inspiring happiness amongst our students in the

classroom, for their loyalty and friendship, and for keeping us all safe and secure amid beautiful

grounds and well preserved buildings – and always wonderfully well fed. In particular, I would

like to thank our Heads of Departments, both academic and support; my Senior Leadership

Team; my Personal Assistant, Mrs Govan; and, especially, my wife, Katharine, for these key

people are always there for me whenever I need guidance and words of wisdom.

I thank the Trustees of Ratcliffe College, the Rosminian Community, and my Governing Body, and

in particular my Chairman of Governors, Mr Richard Gamble, for their unwavering support of,

and outstanding service to, Ratcliffe College. Mr Gamble has been exemplary in his role as

Chairman of Governors; although he will be stepping down from that role at the end of this

academic year, he will continue to serve both as a Governor and as a Trustee. On behalf of the

entire School Community, Mr Gamble, we would like to present you and Mrs Gamble a gift to

express our deep appreciation….

Thank you, too, to the Parents’ Association, under the excellent chairmanship of

Mr Keith Croysdale and Mrs Julie Croysdale, for your incredible support of the College and the

many events which we stage. Again, kindly step forward to receive a gift on behalf of the School

Community….

I would also like to thank the Ratcliffian Association, under the stewardship of

Mrs Jackie Bennett and the Presidency this year of Old Ratcliffian, Mr Michael Meredith;

it remains a privilege to work with people and sub-organisations that hold the interests of each

and every child here at Ratcliffe College central to their thinking, prayers and efforts.

Please join me in showing our appreciation to the staff, Governors, Trustees, Parents’ Association

and the Ratcliffian Association….

7

I would like to take this opportunity to wish departing colleagues all the very best for the future:

Please join me in showing our departing members of staff our sincere appreciation of their loyal

service…...

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Senior Prefects for their outstanding

contributions to school life: Henry Mellors, Head Boy; Sally Croysdale, Head Girl; Deputy Head

Boys: David Astill and Lewis Lancaster; Deputy Head Girls: Georgia Chilton, Sarah Daniel,

Bethan Lawrence and Sophie Riley; Captains of Sport: Rory Thorne and Angharad Lloyd;

Senior Boarding Prefects: Omar Khan and Anastasia Benfield-Dexter. In turn, they will now

present the relevant badges of office to their successors: Declan Mc Auley, Head Boy; Lolade

Mosaku, Head Girl; Deputy Head Boys: Chris Curnick, Matthew Harris, Archie Herrick and

Joey Higham; Deputy Head Girls: Jenna Culpin, Lauren Mulla, Nima Patel and Helena Yu;

Captains of Sport: Sam Nightingale and Sibella Chew; Senior Boarding Prefects: Tom Brambell

and Elena Wheatley.

The Academic Year began last August, when we were delighted with our excellent ‘A’ Level

results. A superb 84% of the results were at grades A* to C in the students’ three or four subjects,

with over 70% of students placed at their first choice university, the majority of which were the

elite ‘Russell Group’ universities. Congratulations to students and staff.

Mrs Bethany Bennett, Teacher of Drama/English (following 3 years’ service);

Mrs Suzi Costerton, Prep School Teacher (after 2 years 4 months’ service);

Mrs Laraine Eccles, Teacher of Latin (retiring after 25½ years’ service);

Mrs Jane Schofield, Head of Science, Teacher of Biology, Senior Teacher, Able, Gifted and

Talented Co-ordinator (following 12 years’ service);

Mrs Heidi Wilde, Teacher of Design Technology (after one year of service);

Mrs Jo Wood, Peripatetic Teacher of Music (after 3 years of service);

Mr Michael Simon, German Language Assistant;

Miss Katarina Kulisa, Graduate Music Assistant;

Mr William Garnett,

Mr Andrew Grewcock, Miss Jessica Mudge and Miss Laura Prentice, Graduate Sport Assistants,

and Miss Daria Dzierbicka, Resident Assistant Housemistress (after 5 years’ service).

The following internal appointments will also take effect from 1st September:

Mr Adam Chorley becomes Head of Science;

Miss Rebecca Doig commences as Teacher of Media Studies;

Miss Tiffany Spencer becomes PSHCE Co-ordinator;

Mr Steve Thorpe becomes Head of Biology;

and Mr Michael Benjamin becomes

Head of Year 11.

8

We also celebrated a fantastic set of GCSE results, with 96% of students achieving five or more A* to C grades, with 37% of candidates achieving 8 or more A/A* grades. The GCSE results represented a superb all-round performance by the students. The most able girls and boys achieved the highest grades across the board; yet there were exceptional results from all students, with 36% of all grades being A/A* and 61% being A*-B. This reflected excellently on the students, and of course their teachers, and bodes very well for the future. Such excellent public examination results are hugely important in an ever-increasingly

competitive world, to secure interviews and offers at coveted universities and places of work. Yet

let us not lose sight of what really matters, both in life and here at Ratcliffe College, where you

all know by heart what it is that I ask of you:

Work hard, play hard and, most importantly, look after each other. Last weekend marked the 150th Anniversary of the Ratcliffian Association, to which all of you,

students, will in time belong. It is an immense honour and privilege for me to attend Old

Ratcliffian events: regional, national and even global. I never fail to be struck by the most

distinguishing feature of Old Ratcliffians, and that is that decades of memories come streaming

back to them as they speak and enthuse amongst one another. Friendships are renewed, while

new connections are made, for age is not a barrier. Old Ratcliffians are invariably fair-minded,

balanced, friendly, honest, tolerant, welcoming and charitable.

And I ask myself: why? Why is it that age is not a barrier to their wonderful exchanges between

themselves and fellow Old Ratcliffians? It is very simple, ladies and gentlemen: the values and

vision of Blessed Antonio Rosmini that launched Ratcliffe College 168 years ago still permeate

the very fabric of our community, speaking across generations. Each Old Ratcliffian left a

footprint, a unique mark on the School, creating a collective legacy, the sum total of which is a

Catholic school, universal and inclusive, serving the needs of the community, striving for

excellence in every aspect, a community that buzzes with teaching and learning of the highest

calibre and in in the deepest sense.

It has certainly been a memorable year. Our combined ‘A’ level and GCSE results last summer

were the best in the history of the College, with an average, over the past three years, of more

than 80% of our Year 13 Leavers gaining places at their first choice universities, over half of

which include the Russell Group.

This year, we celebrated our best set of Oxbridge offers for over 30 years, while at the other end

of the School, our stunning, purpose-built Ratcliffe College Preparatory School opened for

business in September 2014, to address the significant Waiting List. What an honour it was to

have it officially opened just before Easter by HRH The Duke of Gloucester.

Complementing the excellent teaching and learning within the classroom, my wonderful Staff

deliver an exceptional co-curriculum, wherein our extra-curricular activities help our students to

prepare purposefully for life, building resilience, and offering fun and enjoyment.

9

In Sport, we are proud to have currently several unbeaten sides in rugby, hockey, cricket, athletics and tennis, with many individuals distinguishing themselves at county, regional and national honours, even including world champions.

In Music, there are now more instrumentalists than ever, enabling such performances by our Senior Orchestra and Senior Choir as Haydn’s Nelson Mass.

Drama engenders self-confidence, teamwork and a commitment to quality; we are rightly proud to boast School Productions in every Year group, not to mention moving weekly assemblies in witness to our Faith.

Our CCF received an excellent Biennial Inspection in March of this year, and has been especially visible during the Centennial Commemorations of World War I.

Ratcliffe’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, developing skills, teamwork and a sense of care for others, has more participants than ever, with regular Ratcliffian visits to the Palace for students to receive their Gold Award.

Charitable work, a key pillar of Rosminian philosophy, raises over £30,000 per annum, living out our School Motto, Legis Plenitudo Charitas, underpinned by our Mission Statement, Living and Growing in the Light of the Gospel, a mission statement that pervades and defines the spiritual characteristics of Ratcliffe College, and that has brought Grace Dieu Manor Preparatory School back into a Rosminian Collegiate, under the aegis of Ratcliffe College – your old school, flourishing in ways unimaginable 150 years ago when your Association was created.

All of this was recognised in our recent ISI Inspection, where we were judged ‘Excellent’ in every

single category. This was only made possible by the exemplary teamwork that has taken place at

every level between Trustees, Governors, my Senior Leadership Team, my Staff, students, parents

and alumni. Such teamwork speaks much more deeply than mere professional collaboration.

It speaks of service, which has been a particular theme of the School this year as we have

remembered with due solemnity those who fell in the Great War, and especially those Old

Ratcliffians whose names are read out so movingly each year at our Annual Remembrance

Service.

I was profoundly struck by the words of St John in the Gospel reading from the first Sunday Mass

of this term, which Sarah Curnick, Year 9 Boarder, will now read:

Jesus said:

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep. The hired man, since he is not the shepherd and the sheep do not belong to him, abandons the sheep and runs away as soon as he sees a wolf coming, and then the wolf attacks and scatters the sheep; this is because he is only a hired man and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for my sheep. And there are other sheep I have that are not of this fold, and these I have to lead as well. They too will listen to my voice, and there will be only one flock, and one shepherd. The Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.

10

No one takes it from me; I lay it down of my own free will, and as it is in my power to lay it down, so it is in my power to take it up again; and this is the command I have been given by my Father.” The concept of sacrifice challenges each and every one of us in all that we do:

What are you, the student, prepared to do, to meet the expectations of your teachers?

What are you, the son or daughter, or brother or sister, prepared to do,

to contribute to a harmonious home, or to restore trust?

What are we, teachers and parents, prepared to do, to ensure that our students and

children grow happily and healthily, secure in their learning, their playing, their

friendships, knowing their boundaries, yet experiencing life and all that it has to offer, to

the full?

What are we, senior teachers, Governors, Trustees, prepared to do to support all of our

stakeholders?

Whilst the ultimate sacrifice is beyond most of us, as it should be, we must nevertheless ask

ourselves: what more can I do to make a difference? This is the challenge that Pope Francis asks

of each of us: what more can I do, to improve myself and to help others? Let us be inspired by

those who gave the ultimate sacrifice 100 years ago, and let us be inspired by God’s

unconditional love for us as we continue to strive for excellence.

The Gospel values of kindness, compassion, consideration, charity, humour, empathy, faith,

fidelity, forgiveness, integrity and love, will enable you to experience happiness and success in the

deepest sense. That was the vision of our founder, Blessed Antonio Rosmini, a vision that is

stronger than ever thanks to every single one of us here today.

Thank you and God bless.

Mr Gareth Lloyd.

Guest of Honour’s Prize Giving Address

The Mayor and Mayoress of Charnwood, Distinguished Guests, Governors, Headmaster, ladies and gentlemen and, of course, students, I am honoured and delighted to have been invited to address you on this very special day, and to share with you my thoughts about a topic dear to my heart – and one which I hope will help you to feel better informed and more aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of you.

I want to describe for you what I refer to as: The World beyond the Horizon.

The World beyond the Horizon

In recent decades the world has been transformed by unprecedented economic and political developments. A new world order is shaping up with the establishment of new markets and growth opportunities. This is the result of what is commonly known as ‘globalisation’. And, because of this, all of you here today are set to experience change on a scale and at a pace that has never been experienced before!

11

The globalisation of trade and finance has driven fundamental changes across the world alongside the rapid development of emerging economies – particularly economies such as India and China. But many more countries are set to emerge! Globalisation has also brought about an increasing interdependence between nations, institutions and people.

In tandem, we are witnessing major social trends including, for example, the ageing of populations in the most developed economies such as the UK, the USA, Japan and the EU. This contrasts sharply with the rapid growth of populations, urbanisation and educational investment in many developing countries.

Innovations in technology have connected people in radically new ways. We all now have access to an almost infinite volume and range of information and knowledge. At little or no cost. The internet has killed distance!

The world is becoming ever more diverse and complex – and riskier. This makes it increasingly challenging for everyone to respond appropriately.

I would like to explore this rapidly changing landscape beyond the horizon by identifying and highlighting the impact of some of the most significant trends. The aim is to help you to get ready for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead – and there will be many!

West to East – What about North to South?

As I have already mentioned, fundamental paradigm shifts are taking place within an environment dominated by the globalisation and opening-up of markets. We are also witnessing a growing emphasis on tighter rules concerning, for example, environmental protection, human rights, tax avoidance and so on. Some governments are at long last beginning to wake up and recognise that they must take action before it is too late.

One implication of globalisation is an improvement in the economic prospects of some of the world’s historically poorest countries. The relatively recent development of these countries has led to a fundamental shift in the balance of economic and political power from the West to the East. As a result, it is estimated that the total economic weight of developing and emerging economies is about to surpass that of the countries that currently make up the so-called ‘advanced’ world.

China is now the world’s manufacturing super giant. At the same time, some countries such as India have been investing heavily in the growth of their service industries, competing head-to-head with developed nations.

It is my hope and vision that the next wave of change in the global distribution of economic influence and prosperity will be from the Northern hemisphere to the Southern hemisphere. I believe that we should all welcome this shift – as it will mean that many more millions of people will enjoy better living standards and opportunities, day after day.

Consequently, I expect that manufacturing and IT services will shift even more dramatically in the coming decades – at an even faster pace than before.

Demographic Changes

It is widely acknowledged that countries such as our own are facing a ‘demographic time bomb’. With the ageing of populations in developed countries there is an inevitable explosion in demand for health and social care services – with profound implications for the affordability and sustainability of pension and welfare systems. Reform of healthcare and pension systems is already underway in most countries but with painful consequences!

12

Each year, in more and more emerging and developing countries, the general standard of living is rising for millions of people. Many of the poorest are now enjoying more than one meal a day. This trend is accompanied by increasing demands for greater access to a wide range of services including, for example, healthcare, welfare, air, road and rail transport, housing, security and so on – as well as education at all levels. We in the richest regions of the world must help those less fortunate than ourselves to enjoy these basic necessities of life which many of us take for granted.

But, in stark contrast, as average incomes rise in the emerging and developing economies, a new global ‘middle class’ is emerging with a dramatic rise in purchasing power. Some forecasts suggest that this new middle class could result in at least one billion new consumers entering the world’s marketplace over the next decade.

Demographic change manifests itself in different ways across the world. In many advanced economies, population levels have almost reached a peak and it is estimated that they will start to decline slowly from around 2030 onwards. In the developing nations, however, populations are still growing; the highest growth rates are in Africa, but Asia will provide the highest numbers in absolute terms until about 2050. In the developed world, the population is ageing: the number of people aged over 65 now exceeds those under 15, with the gap increasing. In the developing world, however, the number of young people still exceeds those over 65, although this gap will close over the coming decades.

Spending patterns will be transformed as a consequence of such fundamental demographic changes. Younger, expanding, wealthier populations have very different spending preferences compared with ageing, shrinking populations!

A Growing Global Talent Pool

The decline in manufacturing industry in many developed countries and the shift in emphasis towards service industries and particularly the growth of knowledge intensive industries are now well-established trends. Such trends, in turn, increase the global demand for highly skilled workers. In developed countries, the demographic landscape is dominated by the looming retirement of the so-called ‘baby boomer’ generation and by a scarcity of skilled young people. Many organisations are having to look towards the growing global talent pool of highly-motivated, educated young people from emerging and developing countries to satisfy their needs for talent.

By 2025, according to recent projections from the United Nations, the number of students in higher education worldwide is expected to double to more than a quarter of a billion. Nearly all of this growth will be in the less developed countries and more than half of this increase is expected to be in China and India alone! The demand for education has never been greater – and the competition for top talent has never been more intense!

The Need for Trust

After a raft of corporate scandals over many years and especially since the recent global financial crisis, trust in many traditional organisations has been shaken. Demands for better and more transparent regulations are being made. And companies will have to improve their corporate governance systems and procedures. The need for corporate social responsibility is increasingly recognised – and I hope that the students present here today will show us all the way forward and help to restore our trust in others!

13

Environmental Challenges

The growth of economies across the world is leading to growing demands for natural resources and is putting ever-increasing strain on the environment. Water shortages are likely to be the key constraints to growth in many parts of the world.

There is an obvious and urgent need for new technologies to improve efficiency in the use of resources and to stimulate the development of new sources of energy to replace fossil fuels. But fundamental shifts in human behaviour will be required to protect the scarcest natural resources. This places a greater responsibility on all of us and especially those who are about to enter the world’s workplace and who must lead the way forward.

The Impact of Technology

The development of new technologies is transforming the way that we all live and interact with each other. The younger generations – including the students here today - that have grown up with the latest technologies are, not surprisingly, more adept at using them than older generations. For you, the digital world is a ‘new normal’; while for many others it is still something of a novelty! Advances in technology are changing behaviour in terms of the way people access information and in the way in which we make and maintain relationships. For the first time in history almost everyone on the planet can talk to each other – today. Location is no longer relevant to human interaction.

Universal access to knowledge is changing the economics of knowledge. Freely-accessible open source approaches mean that communities as well as individuals are generating knowledge and innovation on a scale never experienced before. Knowledge production itself is growing rapidly. Organisations, particularly those which are knowledge-based, will need to learn how to develop and retain competitive advantage in this environment. Schools will be no exception. And every one of us will have to learn how to leverage this new knowledge universe – or risk drowning in a flood of too much information!

Evolution or Extinction?

The rapidly changing world that I have briefly described creates major challenges and opportunities for all of us. The world is becoming increasingly more complex and each of us will have to acquire new skills and understanding in order to keep up with the pace of change. Those who fail to identify the implications of this growing complexity and who fail to adapt will struggle.

Before I finish, I would like to leave you with a reminder of the words of Charles Darwin when he wrote a long time ago:

It is not the most intellectual of the species that survives; it is not the strongest that survives; but the species that survives is the one that is able best to adapt and adjust to the changing environment in which it finds itself.

The dinosaurs became extinct because of their failure to evolve in a slowly changing environment. Today, the world is changing at break-neck speed – and many of us in terms of our skills sets will become extinct sooner than previously thought possible. But winners of the future will be those who identify and adapt to the new world which lies beyond the horizon. I hope that the students present here today will make sure they are amongst the winners!

Professor Joe Nellis, Professor of Global Economy, School of Management, Cranfield University.

14

Preparatory School Prize Giving, Sunday 28th June 2015

Vice-Chairman of Governors’ Prize Giving Address

Welcome to the Ratciffe College Preparatory School Prize Day 2015.

In particular, I would like to offer a special welcome to our guest today: the General Secretary of

the Independent Schools Council, Ms Julie Robinson, from whom we shall hear more shortly.

Here we are again with another academic year coming to an end, and it is a time when we

should reflect and celebrate what the children have achieved. It also gives me the opportunity to

update you on what has happened and what we are planning for.

This year has been different to previous years in that it we have opened our spectacular new

Preparatory school, which we are all extremely proud off (and it is the envy of our competitors).

This fantastic facility, both in design and technology, has won the Charnwood Award for its

design, and we were honoured with the Grand Opening by HRH The Duke of Gloucester which

tied in so well with the burial of his predecessor Richard III. When taking on a project like this,

we try to look to the future, and we increased the size of the School to support the Senior School

and the demand we were receiving for places going forward.

By having such a wonderful facility also attracts excellent candidates for new positions, and I

am pleased to report a number of male teachers which has always been a struggle in the sector,

and now gives us a good proportion to reflect the split of male and female students.

The School has also received our Independent Schools’ Inspection, in which, I am extremely

proud to announce, we achieved the highest accolade in all nine categories: “Excellent”. I believe

we are the only school in the midlands to receive this rating so far , and I wish to share with you

a couple of its findings:

The quality of academic and other achievements is excellent. Pupils develop excellent knowledge, skills and understanding… The curriculum is appropriate at all stages and offers flexibility, which meets the needs of the wide range of pupils at the School. Pupils are willing learners, eager to please and hard-working. They benefit from excellent teaching…”

The ethos of the School ensures that the pupils develop a strong moral code, and they know right from wrong…. Pupils embrace the values of tolerance, the rule of law and democracy, and they have a heightened awareness of faiths and cultures other than their own. They are supported by excellent pastoral care and excellent provision for boarding. The School is a safe and healthy place for pupils to grow up, and their welfare is central to the School’s life and work.”

We believe your children are in good hands.

We have taken in, last September, the largest intake of students that the School has ever had,

yet still maintaining our small class sizes, and already have waiting lists in a number of year

groups, such is the success that we are seeing. Ratcliffe is very much on the map!

15

The School as a whole continues to be enormously successful in terms of academic results,

and in sports, rugby and hockey achieved their best results in many years, as we now look to

strengthen our fixture lists. We continue to impress in musical achievements, and the nurturing

of each and every child. The School and its pupils, I hope you will all agree, are truly thriving.

Building for future generations is a very important part of the life of Ratcliffe and, as parents,

you have your part to play. On behalf of the Board of Governors, I would like to thank all those

generous parents who have come forward and made a donation to the Foundation in support of

various projects throughout the School; with your support, we are looking to erect new play

equipment within the site of the Preparatory School from September.

It is important in any business that we do not rest, and that we continue to invest in the facilities

and your children, so we are continuing to embark upon exciting new projects, and the board

and trustees have approved a £1.5m investment with the extension of our wonderful Refectory

together with finishing the oak panelling to the bottom end of the room, a new Astroturf to be

built adjacent to our existing one, a new state of the art running track to go round our present

astro, a new all-weather outdoor play area for Years 7-9, and I am sure that you have seen our

improved traffic flow by re-routing senior traffic to the left hand side of the Senior School, which

will become the permanent exit for Senior School parents from September. It was always one of

the most exciting things about coming back to school in September … to see what had changed!

As an Old Ratciffian myself, sometimes I am asked why I do what I do on the Board of Governors,

as it is a voluntary role and one to which all governors devote a lot of time. My answer has

always been that I gained so much from Ratciffle, both in educational terms and the way of life

which made me into the person I am today, and I now want to give back to what I received so

much from.

I still have close friends that I was here with, so I would say to all the children: enjoy your time

here; your parents have given you a wonderful opportunity and, in a lot of cases, gone without

themselves in order that you can be here. Make special friendships, and use Mr Lloyds saying:

“work hard, play hard and look after each other”. Much has changed within the structure,

and we must keep improving to offer the best facilities, but still retain the core ethos. We believe

in getting the best out of every child (the value added by being at Ratcliffe College), and not

being a pressure cooker atmosphere of trying to producing every child as a straight ‘A’ student,

but enhancing the gifts that each has naturally been given by God.

There are most definitely exciting times ahead, and this makes me wish I was going to school

again!!

It remains for me to thank all of our staff for their hard work in looking after and enriching the

lives of all our precious children, and the outstanding standards that Fr Chris Cann,

Miss Jo Kearns, Mrs Sarah Rankine and their staff exemplify in the Preparatory and Nursery

Schools.

16

There are also some special thanks as we said good-bye to our School Secretary, Mrs Kim Gilbert,

this term who is retiring at the end of this term after eight years of loyal service.

My final thank you is to my fellow Governors, the Headmaster, Gareth Lloyd and the Senior

Leadership Team for their continued work in improving Ratcliffe College to aspire to be the best

for all of your children.

Thank you, and I will now hand over to Fr Chris Cann.

Mr Louis Massarella.

Headmaster of Preparatory School’s Prize Giving Address

Vice-Chairman of Governors, Members of the Governing Body, Reverend Fathers, honoured

guests, Headmaster, Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, welcome to Ratcliffe Preparatory

School Prize Giving 2015.

This time last year as we looked over the road, the Preparatory School was still a building site.

“Are you going to be ready on time?” “Really?” was the often voiced question which gave an

added zest to all our endeavours as we planned to take a school of 140 pupils from the Old Junior

School and add 100 more, including the Nursery, to make our new Preparatory School. Where

would the children arrive, leave? Where would they play? Have tea? Sign out? How and where

would they cross the road?...Well, the building was finished on time and what a magnificent new

building it is! Our enthusiastic new staff could not believe the facilities and resources now at

their disposal and those staff who had taught for a number of years in the old Newman Building

felt that they were starting a new job! In March, the Mayor visited us to present a design award

to Franklyn and Ellis and Pure Construction and all through this first year, visitors have been

amazed at how the staff have worked with the children to make it such an inspiring place for

learning. Apparently, Leicestershire Library Services are now sending people to see us as an

exemplary modern library for primary age children! I know I speak for the staff as a whole when

I say that we are extremely grateful to all our benefactors for their generosity and to our

Governing Body for their vision, in creating such an inspirational school.

And then of course, just a term and a half after moving, we were inspected! We were all

extremely proud to have all that we have established in the Preparatory School so clearly

recognised and lauded by ISI, within the integrated whole College inspection, with the highest

grade of “excellent” in every category.

As Class Teachers for Years 3 and 4, we welcomed Miss Catherine Llewelyn and Mr Pierrick

Enoux, respectively. Mr David Kent became our second Year 5 teacher and Mr Coleman joined

the Year 6 team. We welcomed a new Assistant Director of Music with specific responsibility for

the Preparatory School, Mr Daniel Jones, and a new Head of Preparatory Sport, Mr Wayne

Faulconbridge. Mrs Deacon, Mrs Yapa and Mr Plummer joined us as Teaching Assistants and

have already proved highly valued members of the team. We were delighted to hear the news in

September that Mrs Costerton had had a lovely baby girl. Mrs Costerton has decided not to

17

return Ratcliffe after her maternity leave and we wish her every blessing for the future. We also

said goodbye to our School Secretary, Mrs Kim Gilbert, in May, when she retired, following

excellent service to the School, to be able to spend more time with her new granddaughter. Mrs

Sue Davison has joined Mrs Curtis as our wonderful new Reception duo.

It has been an enormously exhilarating first year for us all in the Preparatory School with a jam-

packed calendar of events, including weekly Class Assemblies, half-termly School Masses and

Class Masses; over 84 teams fielded at U9, U10 and U11 in rugby, football, girls’ and boys’ hockey,

netball, cricket, rounders, cross-country and athletics; RATs Concerts, House quizzes, Pancake

Races, Music and Speech competitions; a beautiful Carols by Candlelight Service and an equally

moving Easter Liturgy; a whole list of charity fundraising activities for Rainbows Hospice,

enabling us to raise a magnificent £1,323.94, the Carpenters’ Arms and FairTrade; over 40

educational trips and visits to provide a myriad of learning opportunities beyond the classroom;

the annual residential trips to Beaumanor Hall in Year 3, to Condover Hall in Year 4, to Stratford

in Year 5 and to Alton Castle and then Kingswood in Year 6 to provide wonderful opportunities

for our young people to grow in confidence socially and bring new areas of learning to life.

Under Mr Falconbridge’s inspirational direction, this has been an outstanding year for sport in

the Preparatory School. The U11A boys’ rugby squad had an unbeaten season with the U11A

boys winning The Trent College Rugby Sevens Tournament. Our U11A boys’ hockey squad were

once again County Champions and went on to be Midland Finalists. Our U10 boys were the Grace

Dieu Manor Football Tournament Winners and the Foremarke Hall Football Tournament Plate

Winners. Our U11 netball squad were Festival Winners in the Ratcliffe College Netball Festival

and our U10 boys won the Leicester Grammar Junior School Quad Kids Athletics. In the Ratcliffe

College Cross-Country Festival, our U11 boys and girls and U9 boys all won their respective

categories.

The musical life of the Preparatory School has similarly flourished under Mr Jones’ direction. The

newly formed Chapel Choir sang beautifully at Choral Vespers, while the Fantasia Concert last

weekend at De Montfort Hall was a real “key shift” as the Preparatory School choirs and

instrumentalists begin to take part in more local and regional musical events. We have sung for

the Mayor and Mayoress of Charnwood and, of course, for HRH The Duke of Gloucester at the

royal opening of the Preparatory School in March.

I am extremely indebted to all the Preparatory School Teachers and Teaching Assistants for their

professionalism, dedication and care, which set them apart as a Gold Standard Teaching Team. I

therefore invite you to join me in thanking all the children in the Preparatory School for their

hard work and the wonderful team of Staff for looking to the whole child, so often going the

extra mile to ensure the children’s personal progress and greater sense of well-being.

We are extremely grateful to you, the parent body, for all the support you give us in the

Preparatory School. Our sports teams and musicians are always so well supported whether home

or away, or performing here at School or external venues. Thank you to the Parents’ Association

who have supported all our major school events and festivals and given a tremendous £2,000

donation towards new play equipment for the new play areas.

18

Finally, I would like to thank Mr Gareth Lloyd, Headmaster of Ratcliffe College, Miss Jo Kearns,

our wonderful Deputy Head of the Preparatory School, and the Senior Leadership Team of the

College for all their support to me personally, and to the Preparatory School as a whole, through

this very busy year of change; the Governing Body for providing such a wonderful opportunity in

bringing to fruition the new vision of the Preparatory School and, of course , all you wonderful

Preparatory School children, whom we especially honour on this, your Prize Giving Day.

Thank you.

Fr Christopher Cann.

Guest of Honour’s Prize Giving Address

We are so used to making personal choices in our everyday lives, that it’s easy to forget that we

are fortunate indeed to command such freedom as citizens in a society which is built on

tolerance and respect and personal dignity.

Every minute of our lives – even if we don’t realise it – we are making choices about how to

behave and who to be. Today, I’d like us to take a moment to reflect on this important power

that we all possess to exert personal choices. When shopping, at meal times, when reacting to

others around us, creating a personal image and style, we can make ourselves different or the

same; we can choose to be unfriendly or helpful; to react or not to react; even happiness is a

choice in many situations. Thousands of personal choices every day shape how we are perceived

by others and, over time, create the habits that become who we are.

At the end of an academic year, you may be looking back and reviewing the choices you made

last year.

You might also look forward and you might be planning not only your summer holidays and how

you will choose to spend your time, but also choosing how you are going to be in the longer term.

You should not lose sight of this, that on a deep level, whether you realise it or not and whether

you choose to blame others or recognise this; you and only you are responsible for the person

that you have become and will go on to be in this life.

Plenty of people in today’s world don’t have so many choices as us. They are trapped in poverty

or repression, war zones or difficult social customs, so that they are unable to shape their own

lives in the way that you can.

I was fortunate indeed to witness recently “an audience with rapper Tinie Tempah” where he

counselled young people to live every moment of life to the fullest and to work towards the future

during youth, with personal targets. Tinie says that everyone ought to enjoin in what he calls an

“act of consciousness”, to notice that you can’t get time back once it’s gone and to make the most

of life, thinking about the future from a young age.

Those of you who haven’t heard of Tinie Tempah will have heard of Kofi Annan, Ghanaian

diplomat and seventh Secretary General of the UN; winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001. Kofi

19

Annan says that “to live is to choose (but) to choose well you must know who you are and what

you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there.”

So, according to these wise and demonstrably successful people, we should appreciate and

cherish the time that we have and the choices that we can make for ourselves.

My theme today is: Your future, your life, your choice.

People may say to you “what do you want to be when you grow up?” assuming that you will

choose your way in life actively and with a sense of determination.

When I asked Fr Christopher Cann what he wanted to be when he grew up, he said…

He wanted to be an architect (but God had other plans for him!).

So that’s Fr Christopher but what about you?

It’s quite daunting when you consider it seriously. You are going to move on from this school

through education and into the wider world. Do you have a plan? If you want to be successful

(and I’m guessing that you do), then it helps to have a plan. Even if your plan is reviewed and

adapted regularly, have a plan because if you are aiming for a result, you will notice

opportunities to support your movement towards the target that you are aiming for. If you are

drifting aimlessly through life, you aren’t so likely to hit the target.

I met a man recently called Sir Christopher Ball. He spoke with the wisdom of someone who had

achieved greatness by several measures of success, having been Warden of Keble College Oxford

among many other things. When he was in his seventies, just as an experiment, he decided to run

a series of marathons. So, he trained and he ran ten in a row. In fact, ten marathons in ten days.

And he wasn’t even someone who considered himself to be a runner. And then he ran another

one, just to prove that he could! What he did was prove that he could beat the norms of society.

Even his doctor thought that he wasn’t going to succeed but Christopher did. And his message

was this: “don’t dumb down to ordinary expectations… don’t conform… don’t sell yourself short …

Believe in yourself as an extraordinary person and discover your hidden potential.” It’s quite

hard not to go with the crowd and lower your expectations in life. You have to be strong to stand

up against the tyranny of normal expectations. Don’t let it hold you back, though.

Christopher’s advice was to aim high. Looking down makes you feel grateful and looking up

inspires.

People often say, don’t they, look forward, not back.

We all have weaknesses and disadvantages of some kind or another. We can choose to let those

differences hold us back or we can use them as a driver to go on to greater things, making

positive choices.

20

Stay interested. Have a feedback loop (which means, have people whom you trust and ask them

periodically how they think you are doing and adjust yourself accordingly, according to this

information) and have equal partners coaching you (and you coaching them).

If you do suffer a set-back and someone says, ‘bad luck’, don’t assume that you are destined for

failure because application, persistence, resilience and sheer hard work over a long time will pay

off. If you study the life stories of successful people, you will find that they have had their share of

set-backs and difficulties but they have chosen to respond positively to their challenges and have

taken an optimistic and determined route back up out of trouble towards success.

It’s said that if you apply yourself to something with active attention for a period of time, you will

improve and that ten thousand hours makes you an expert and that’s almost certainly true. Your

parents might remember a famous golfer called Gary Player. Someone once said that he was

lucky to be so talented at golf and his response was, it’s funny…“the more I practise, the luckier I

get”.

You can choose to back yourself or you can excuse yourself.

Some of you have won special prizes today and you are celebrating that marker of success.

Others of you haven’t won prizes or, I should say, haven’t yet … Because whether you win prizes

or not, whether you have high grades or not, whilst these can be predictors of success in the

future, they are NOT determinant of success. Just because you may not have won today, that

doesn’t mean that you won’t win tomorrow. In fact, someone who doesn’t win today might

become ever more determined to win later in life. That’s because your attitude is much more

important than any other factor. Believe in yourself and you will be emboldened. Say “I can’t”

and you will limit yourself.

But be grateful for the excellent start that you have had here at this school and make the most of

every opportunity that comes your way towards achieving your goals and following your dreams

(whatever they may be), and you will create a successful mindset and will do well. That’s if

you’re prepared to put the work in!

To shape yourself, choose carefully what you spend the most time and effort on because that will

affect who and what you become.

I hope that you will have a plan (maybe you do already!) and that you will pursue a path in life

that is extraordinary, making the most of your lives.

You might have seen last week the Queen visiting Bergen-Belsen concentration camp?

Victor Frankl was reflecting on his own and others’ experiences in the dreadful Nazi concentration camps. He was a man who had suffered unimaginable hardship and horrors. And he said this: “Everything can be taken from a man or a woman but one thing: the last of

human freedoms to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s way.”

21

So please remember that there is only one you and in your life, you have the power to choose.

Choose to be a great, joyful, extraordinary person with a positive attitude. Appreciate the love

around you and be grateful for anything good. Aim high and don’t allow yourself to be dragged

low by negativity. Choose to believe in yourself and be the best that you can be.

Ms Julie Robinson, General Secretary of the Independent Schools Council.

SENIOR SCHOOL ACADEMIC REVIEW

Art 2014-15 has been another very busy year for the Art Department. We have once again tried to improve on what we have done before, but also striven to do new things, too. For the last few years, we have been running a cardboard construction project with Year 7s, allowing them to make small items from brown card, thereby exploring three-dimensional form using an everyday material. This year we thought we would be a little more ambitious, and so we chose to have all of the Year group work on one item, and that item was a full-sized tractor. Fortunately there are a few on site, and Mick, our Head Groundsman, was very accommodating in bringing it up to the South Terrace whenever we needed access to it. The students spent time drawing and measuring from it before beginning the build…full-size…from card. The six months that the project took flew by, and before we knew it we were up against it, and having to use lunchtimes and even the last weekend before the Exhibition to get it finished; but what a finish! Remember, these are Year 7 students, and what they achieved was remarkable. It is so easy to think that young children can’t achieve too much; well, here’s the proof, to them as well as us, that they certainly can. Reach for ambition, and grab it. We have wanted to expand on our Screen Printing ability recently, so this year we found a specialist company from whom we were able to buy a large number of aluminium framed screens. This has allowed us to be able to provide excellent equipment for this process, and the results that students in Years 10-13 have achieved have definitely been worth the expense. It is our intention to continue with this expansion of techniques next year. This year saw the re-introduction of the annual foreign Art trip. We chose Florence as our location because of its plethora of art to see, and all within walking distance. What a city it is, and what an amazing opportunity for the lucky students who were able to come with us! The journey was pain-free, albeit Gatwick is a little too far to travel, (note to self!), and the accommodation that we stayed in was extremely good. Each of our four days was packed with an excellent itinerary which Miss Wright had so brilliantly organised. By the end of the trip we were all visually exhausted by the stunning amount of art that we had seen. The trip led to a great many further studies in the students’ work. Next year it is Venice; it promises to be a very popular choice. This year we decided to try a new location for our End of Year Show. Having held it within the Department for the last three years, and only for the Sixth Form, we chose to take over the Old Library and include Year 11 in the Exhibition. The difference in location certainly added

22

logistical problems, not least of which was carting all of the work across half the School, and through umpteen doors and down umpteen flights of steps, but the effort was worth it. The feedback we have received for the Exhibition has been so positive, that it must surely remain as the location of choice for the future. The position of the Old Library is so central to the whole school, that people have been able to pop in on their way by, or were reminded that it was on as they passed. Our only concern is that it is not large enough to exhibit all of the work that is worthy of being shown! Extra-Curricular Regular Art Clubs during lunchtimes and after School continue to be very well attended. We run different ones for different age groups; the Sixth Form artists are welcome to use their own studios at any time, and this includes most evenings…and they do! The Ratcliffe Spitfire project has continued to make very good progress, both with the build and in the wider context of the project. We have begun to make firmer plans for a build to encompass the project as well as the finds from the crash site of Spitfire MK1a P9503; this was destroyed after Old Ratcliffian, Paul Baillon, bailed out following return fire from an Me110 at the end of the Battle of Britain. 2015 is the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and, as such, is the last big anniversary of this most monumental of air battles. Watch this space for some exciting developments before the year is out, and please contact me for further information and copies of the Bulletins that chart the project. I also run Flight Club, a lunchtime club which trains students to safely fly remote controlled helicopters, and, in particular, at the moment small Quadcopters. It is a very popular club and our 7 little Quads have been well-used this year. As happened last year, I am also training up a number of Year 7 students to act as pilots for a special Activities Week challenge – a whole day event which will involve subterfuge, code breaking and problem-solving…oh, and some fancy dress! Mr Dominic Berry Computing and Information Communication Technology E-Safety

As IT and technology can be described as pervasive, students and staff continue to need support to utilise this technology in a safe and secure manner. The Computing & ICT Department supports the e-Safety team to ensure students are taught how to:

1. Access the internet safely and protect their passwords. 2. Use chat rooms and other social media in a sensible manner. 3. Protect and maintain a suitable online reputation.

Curriculum The curriculum is still in the process of redevelopment, with the focus remaining on building computing and programming skills. Pupils in KS2 are now taught aspects of programming and students at KS3 have again had to adapt to new software and new ways of thinking. Year 7 have demonstrated their ability to produce spreadsheets to model a scenario, and have become familiar with, and used, database software to track and “convict” the perpetrator of a

23

heinous crime. They have also learnt how to work as a large team to research, design and then develop and build a multi-level maze game for 4-6 year olds, using object-orientated programming skills. During the first part of the School Year, the students in Year 8 learnt about applying their e-Safety knowledge to different situations, as well as discussing software, film and music piracy. Since the New Year, they have embarked on a large project which focused on how ICT can be used to support an up-and-coming musical act. They assessed, designed and built their own websites, moving onto using a spreadsheet to accurately model the band’s first tour, designing and producing tour advertisements and ending with a project evaluation. The final topic of study, programming, will improve the students’ computational thinking and problem-solving skills for computing in Year 9 and beyond. In Year 9, we use a similar project-based scenario that both teaches skills and offers a realistic scenario or task similar to those which students are likely to experience at GCSE. The project, “Mission to Mars”, gives students the opportunity to develop skills in photographic manipulation and graphics, spreadsheet modelling and programming (of robots). Next year, the Year 9 curriculum will be developed to include more programming using Python. GCSE ICT continues to offer challenging tasks that allow students to demonstrate useful work related, as well as transferrable skills. The onus is very much on the students to plan their work efficiently and effectively in order to complete all the tasks before the examination board’s deadline. GCSE Computing was introduced this year and students have begun their studies in a positive manner. Early indications are that there are several good programmers in the group. OCR Applied ICT was reintroduced this year in Year 12 and all students benefitted from the opportunity to develop extensive Spreadsheet, Database and other business-related skills. This course is not a soft option and provided stretch-and-challenge to the students who chose to study it. Early indications from the submitted coursework would suggest that the students have secured suitable grades. At this point, the possibility of introducing Computing at AS/A2 from 2016 is still being looked at, as well as a more general ICT-orientated course. We continue to use new and innovative ways to deliver the skills necessary to support students in ICT – for use both at School and within today’s society. As the new VLE has proved, access to technology is now more important than ever, as is the study of ICT in helping departments to deliver the ICT component of their courses, and helping students to develop a curiosity about the world around them. Extra–Curricular The Raspberry Pi club, re-invigorated in September 2014 with seven more computers, now has some very enthusiastic members. This means that all students, and not just those studying Computing, can learn to program and control this credit-card sized computer. This year has also seen a consolidation of the Lego Robotics Club. Later on this year, we shall be entering teams into the First Lego League Challenge and the members have been busy building robots to practise their problem-solving skills.

24

Finally, this year has seen the introduction of a Games Design and Development Club. Students now have the opportunity to learn the process of designing and building 3D games for PC and XBox. Mr Michael Jones

Design and Technology The Design and Technology Department has had another busy year; it welcomed Mrs Wilde to the Department, who taught throughout the Senior School. New and exciting projects were introduced across the Key Stage 3 curriculum, while the inclusive lunchtime jewellery club proved extremely popular. Years 11 and 13 students worked tirelessly during the Spring Term to complete their final coursework products, all of which were displayed at the end of year Art and Design Exhibition. Projects that were manufactured at Year 11 included: a cupcake stand, a bird box, a gardening stool and an outdoor barbeque. The product design students in Year 13 also designed and manufactured a range of innovative products including: a space-saving desk for confined space, a flat pack children’s play area and a guitar storage rack for a local band. Feedback received from guests and visitors was extremely positive and the Department looks forward to next year’s Exhibition. Projects across the curriculum have now started to use a wide range of processes and materials, which is helping fuel the creativity and innovation of the products being manufactured. Furthermore, new equipment within the Department will only help to further develop students’ understanding of modern technological advances within Design and Technology. Lower down the School, the annual Key Stage 3 Exhibition was a busy occasion. Year 7 design students manufactured personalised pet food bowls, while Year 8 students made their own plant-feeding project. This utilised the three main material areas (wood, metal and plastic) and included a range of manufacturing processes. Year 9 students again manufactured a beach hut moneybox, which created a colourful and vibrant display within the Exhibition. All students should be congratulated on their efforts this year. Some outstanding work was produced in the workshop, both in class and during the weekly prep sessions that are offered to the students. Mrs Wilde moves on to a Head of Department role, so next year we shall be welcoming Mr Philip Rodgers to the Department. Mr Rodgers joins the Department as a full-time member of staff and will be teaching across all Year groups. In addition, Textiles will be introduced into the Key Stage 3 curriculum, which will give an introduction to textile manufacturing.

Mr Adam Seth Drama The Drama Department continues to be a very active and busy department and, with performances for every Year group, it ensures the development of confidence and communication skills to all students.

25

The year began in early December with the Year 10 GCSE Drama group performing two pantomime-styled productions, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Rapunzel’, a blend of enchantment and comical scenes with nasty sisters and mothers, a tall tower from which Rapunzel appeared and a Beast who was kind and generous. Lavish costumes and set provided the perfect background for these festive items. Natasha Walsh as the wicked guardian of Rapunzel was delightfully nasty and a total contrast to Zainab Hussain in the sweet role of ‘Beauty’. In January, the tail end of the Pantomime season, Year 9 put on their pantomimes and, as in every year, much amusement was derived from the pantomime dames presented and girls in tights as the heroes. Year 13 presented their devised work based on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a profoundly moving account of one soldier experiencing the aftermath of war. Outstanding performances by Olivia Armon and Savannah Fishel drew the audience into the shocking truths and reality of how this is experienced. Stuart Brambell, as the soldier in this case, was superb. Year 12, in total contrast, presented a range of monologues and a presentation of ‘Under Milkwood’ by Dylan Thomas. In the monologues, Crystal Elumelu shone as a wife expressing fury about her husband’s infidelity and the stealing of the grocery money. ‘Under Milkwood’ presented 26 of the original 40 plus characters, each of the six students characterising at least four roles. Backstage, 60-plus costume changes were maniacally organised to ensure a smooth performance. Jack Archer, Lois Jones and Max Gilliver were highly colourful characters with exceptional comic timing. The GCSE Year 11 students presented three very contrasting performances: a modern version of ‘The Legends of Dr Faustus’, where a very sinister Christian Waters portrayed the lead role; and ‘Kindertransport’, a true story based on Eva, a young Jewish girl, played by Tilly Wheeler, who was sent to England to be adopted in order to escape the persecution of the Jews in WW2. Imogen Power, as the older Evelyn, was exceptionally moving. ‘Teechers’ saw a group of rioting students in a school, and with many students tackling multiple roles; Nicholas Heywood (at least five roles) and Luke Gyesi-Appiah were exceptional, but Max Thomas as the delightful Mrs Parry, Headteacher, stole the show! A gifted and talented group of students. Year 8 presented an astonishing production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ with four sets of students tackling the play in four sections; a formidable task, but a seamless performance with charm and humour. Tom Neuburg, Finn Matthews, Nathaniel Dorman McCue and Dominic McKaig each played the lovable fool, ‘Bottom’, giving suitably hilarious performances. Nathaniel, in particular, managed to create a comic and convincing performance whilst wearing the head of a donkey. Matthew Elton must be congratulated on his performance of two lead roles, ‘Lysander’ and ‘Oberon’, in quick succession, a challenge which he approached with excellent commitment. Finn Merriman showed creativity and charm as the mischievous ‘Puck’ and a number of students gave sensitive and passionate performances as the thwarted ‘Lovers’. Caitlin Lawrence, Ellie Baker and Hermione Lanyon were particularly outstanding.

Year 7 finished the year with their ‘Irish Myths and Legends’. This was a collection of four short stories based on Irish Mythology. ‘The White Gander’ is a story of a Lazy Piper who meets a mystical creature on Hallowe’en night and whose world is changed for the better. Stanley Chell played the role of the piper, ‘Seamus’ with outstanding natural talent. Another

26

play which holds music at its heart is ‘The Mischievous Piper’ with the title role played by a boisterous and energetic Thomas Leite. ‘The Magic Shoes’ is a tale of rivalry between a human king and the king of the leprechauns, in which Rebecca Davies gave an enthusiastic performance as the adventurous leprechaun, ‘Eisirt’. Finally, 7A presented ‘The King’s Secret’. Will the village barber Eanna, played expertly by Daniella Hendry, discover what it was that the King was hiding?

Megan Stephens again has produced a wealth of colourful costumes moving through many time zones, while David Ricks and his growing team of budding lighting technicians continue to literally enlighten all productions. Year 11 student, Peter Cotter, in particular, has shown considerable talent and artistry with lighting designs.

Mrs Claudette Caven-Henrys Economics and Business The Economics and Business Department affords students the opportunity to understand the importance of private enterprise to the UK economy, as well as the chance to learn about the internal and external influences that will challenge its existence. Student numbers opting for Economics at ‘A’ Level have continued to grow, in part owing to the Department’s reputation for having enthusiastic teachers who allow students to learn in a fun and lively environment. Students and parents also appreciate that future job prospects can be enhanced by having a sound knowledge of business and economic issues, twinned with the ability to analyse and assess their importance. Applied Business Studies takes a more vocational approach, providing students with first-hand experience of marketing investigations, business planning and event organising. This practical element of the course gives our students a unique insight into the real world of business and lays an excellent foundation for many future career paths. This year’s Year 13 group raised an impressive £400 from their Beach Party Disco for the Preparatory School, which they donated to Ratcliffe’s Lourdes Pilgrimage and the local Air Ambulance. Extra-curricular Young Enterprise (YE) Young Enterprise students drawn from Year 12 formed their company, ‘Resinate’, in September and were soon utilising their entrepreneurial skills to launch a range of handmade resin keyrings. They produced several prototypes and designs before finally refining the process necessary to make their unique, high quality accessories. The team had successful sales at the Ratcliffe Spring Fair in March and won several awards at the YE Leicester Area Final in April, including Best Product, Best Financial Management and Best Trade Stand. They progressed to the County Final at the University of Loughborough in May and performed extremely well. Students can gain so much from the whole YE experience and this year’s group were no exception. The challenges they faced throughout the year helped them work together better as a team and made them realise the importance of good communication.

27

IFS Proshare Challenge The IFS Proshare Challenge was offered to Years 12 and 13 again this year. This national competition offers students the opportunity to trade on a virtual stock market. Students worked in teams of four to manage a portfolio of shares they had chosen to buy with a ‘virtual’ £100,000. Nationally, over 8000 teams took part again this year and the winning team at Ratcliffe had a tough act to beat, as last year’s competitors did very well, only narrowly missing out on the national finals. Unfortunately, they did not manage to duplicate the previous Year group’s success, making a return of only £560. However, they all agreed that the experience was insightful and it was definitely more difficult than they had originally anticipated. Mr Phil Spencer

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

This year has been a very exciting and busy year for the English as an Additional Language department. We have grown from a Department of one into a Department consisting of four members of staff. This has primarily been due to the launch of the Leicester City Football Club Thai Football initiative, although we have also welcomed a number of new students to the Senior School. The football project saw the arrival of 16 Thai students in January 2015, along with the employment of two enthusiastic and committed teachers. Students International have also been sub-contracted to supply one-to-one support for a number of students and to teach the Year 12 groups. It was made policy this year that students wishing to gain a place at Ratcliffe College would need to have passed an external, globally recognised examination in English, to be considered. There are currently 57 EAL students on the mainstream Senior School roll and 16 LCFC Thai students. So, in total, there are 73 students who learn English as an additional language. Students come from a variety of countries, including China (Mainland and Hong Kong), Taiwan, Russia, Spain, Thailand, Nigeria, France, Germany and Switzerland. Because of the increase in the number of EAL students and teachers at the School, the Department moved from our small classroom in the main Senior School building to the Newman Building, the old Junior School. The Department now occupies three classrooms and has its own ICT suite in which there are nine computers. The EAL Department has continued this year to provide support for students whose first language is not English. It has aimed to develop and refine the students’ English skills so that they can access the mainstream curriculum fully and achieve in line with their potential, as far as possible. The Department has also been preparing the students to write external examinations which will provide them with an English qualification that is globally recognised and, in the case of the Sixth Form students, will help them to achieve and have evidence of the English level required to study at British, or other English-medium universities. At the time of writing, five Years 11 and 12 students have completed the Cambridge Advanced English qualification and all the Year 13s have either completed, are awaiting their results or are due to complete their IELTS examination. The Football Scholars are due to write their Key English

28

Test and three other students have been entered for the First Certificate in English Examination. To recognise the achievements of the EAL students, we have introduced a ‘star’ congratulations board as well as a board which displays their outstanding cross-curricular work. The Year 13s have been doing particularly well, with students being awarded places at prestigious universities. For example, Eric Chan has been offered a place at both the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music, and Allen Loo has been offered a place at Oxford University to read Physics. They are not the only ones doing well; our young Year 7, Cindy Lee, has earned a place on the board after achieving ‘Best Effort in the Year Group’ for her English Library project. In his absence, I must thank Mr Duncan Gray for steering the EAL ship so superbly while I was away on maternity leave, but I must say that it has been fantastic working with all the students again this year. Owing to their generally good work ethic and enthusiasm, they have continued to make steady progress and have made my return to work from maternity leave a positive and rewarding experience. Mrs Michelle Reeves English As always, the English Department has had a busy academic year and one which has seen numerous successes. We welcomed Mr Michael Benjamin as Second in English to Mrs Emily Worthington. His support of the ever-evolving Key Stage 3 programme and his exuberant style of teaching have established him as a popular and integral member of the School. We thank Michael for his dedication and diligence and wish him all the very best as he prepares to take on the role of Head of Year 11 in September; and wish Dr Luanda Stannard all the best as she commences as Second in English from September. The successes of our students continue to be something of which we are all very proud and this year has been no exception. Year 10 student, Sophie Dring, and Year 11 student, Robyn Hendry, will soon have their mini sagas published in an anthology of Grimm Tales, after being identified as promising talent by the Young Writers’ Association. In addition, Year 12 student, Joey Higham, was placed as runner-up in the Catenian Public Speaking Competition after delivering a highly effective and engaging speech in response to the question: ‘Do schools teach students to pass exams or awaken them to the world?’ Finally, a selection of our most avid readers from Year 8 and Year 9 took part in the Carnegie Shadowing group. This involved pairing up with a local school, Moat Community College, to discuss their preferences and the possible winners of this prestigious award, which included the eventual winner Buffalo Soldier by Tanya Landman. All participants were a credit to the School and benefitted greatly from the experience. Huge praise and thanks must go to Miss Thompson and Mrs Williams for running such a successful scheme. We have also continued to offer a full and diverse extra-curricular programme. Miss Thompson, along with the incredibly supportive Mrs Williams, have run the Years 7-9 Book Club. The group has discussed, among others, C. J. Flood’s Infinite Sky and Wonder by R. J. Palacio. The Years 10 and 11 Book Club was launched this year and both Dr Stannard and Mrs Worthington have enjoyed some lively discussions covering a wide range of challenging

29

literature, including Ursula Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness and The Universe Versus Alex Woods by Gavin Extence. Mrs Whieldon has continued to host the Staff and Sixth Form Book Club which has been well-received and introduced staff and students to novels previously undiscovered. Finally, Mr Benjamin has worked hard to establish a stimulating Debating Society which has brought a number of challenging and intriguing issues to the attention of our more vociferous students and staff, most notably our very own General Election debate, which appears on the School’s Website. Moreover, the Department has organised frequent trips to the theatre to help to inspire and stimulate our students. Year 7 enjoyed a production of John Boyne’s novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal. Year 8 had the pleasure of experiencing The Young Shakespeare Company’s version of Romeo and Juliet during a ninety-minute interactive workshop. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time was extremely well-received by our Year 9 students who found the production moving and inspiring. Year 10 also enjoyed the entertaining and engaging Young Shakespeare Company, whose workshop on Macbeth proved invaluable in supporting their understanding of the play, and Year 11 had the pleasure of watching the hilarious One Man, Two Guv’nors at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal. Finally, our AS and A2 students had the opportunity to see The Kite Runner at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal, ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore at the Sam Wanamaker Theatre, Frantic Assembly’s production of Othello and The White Devil at the R.S.C. House Competitions this year have included Year 7 Public Speaking which was won by Guy Mills. Luke Millet produced the winning entry, The Dolphin, for the Year 8 ‘The Natural World’ poetry competition and Sarah Curnick won the Year 9 ballad competition with The Twin Towers Topple. The best Grab Bag book review in Year 9 was awarded to Emily Dunne for her presentation on John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. During Activities Week this year, we welcomed back local author Chris d’Lacey. This is the third year that he has kindly hosted our Year 7 Creative Writing day and it remains as popular and fun-filled as ever. Mrs Williams, once again, was invaluable in organising and ensuring an invigorating and seamless programme of tasks; this promoted teamwork, as well as targeting the creative talents of our students. The results were fantastic and our thanks go to Mr Dominic Berry and Mrs Terri Bradshaw for their help in judging the winners. As we embark on our chosen Edexcel specifications for the new GCSE and A Level, we hope to replicate our excellent results from last year’s cohort where 43% of students at A2 gained A/A* and 54% of GCSE students were awarded A/A*. In order to emulate these standards, shall be busy resourcing and planning for this new and exciting challenge. Finally, as we prepare to move to the Newman Building for the start of the new academic year, the department looks forward to creating an inspirational environment for both teaching and learning. We welcome the changes that lie ahead and hope to continue to motivate and nurture a love for the subject across all Year groups. Mrs Emily Worthington Food Technology We have enjoyed another busy year in the Food Technology Department. The Autumn Term

began on a positive note, given a pass rate of 100% at GCSE; 50% of these were A*/A. There

30

was also a 100% pass rate at AS, with 29% achieving A*/A grades and 57% achieving A/B grades. At A2 25% of students achieved B grades and 75% achieved a grade C, which was very commendable as 50% of these students gained a B grade at GCSE. One student was offered a place at Manchester Metropolitan University to read Nutritional Sciences. In October, stage one of the annual FutureChef competition took place after School in the Department. The contestants’ challenge was to make a main course meal for two people, costing no more than £5. The winners of the evening were Charlotte Langford and Luke Millett, both in Year 8. They took part in stage two of the competition in November at Loughborough College; they still had a budget of £5, but they had to make a main meal course and a dessert for two people. Charlotte and Luke were not winners on this occasion but were both told that their dishes showed skill and that they had a lot of potential. Our students were the youngest in the competition. They both enjoyed working in a commercial kitchen and the stress (as is often seen on television) of keeping to rigid time constraints and budgets. Cooking Club still remains a very successful extra-curricular activity and again we had great numbers wanting to attend this year. The students were divided into two groups and a variety of different products were made including pizza, cookies, cheese and onion pasties, muffins, pineapple upside-down cake, to name just a few; the definite favourite this year again was Millie’s cookies! The annual Christmas Food Competition took place at the beginning of December. There were 23 entries and a high level of skill was demonstrated. The challenge was to make a sweet or savoury product with a Christmas theme. All entries received points for their House and received a prize at Headmaster’s Assembly. The following students were winners: Year 7 Yasmina Lock Year 8 Finn Merriman Year 9 Alicia Boothroyd Year 10 Lottie Warburton Year 11 Olivia Gilchrist Year 12 Anya Lock Year 13 Melissa Taylor Postcards again were sent out to students for effort shown through their Food Technology lessons and prep in January and in June. The Ratcliffe Bake-Off always makes for an exciting, buzzing evening in the Food Technology Department. Students were given a Swiss Roll recipe and identical ingredients and 60 minutes to finish their product. Each Swiss Roll was judged on flavour, texture and overall appearance. The winners received points for their house and were given prizes and certificates at Headmaster’s Assembly. The winners were: 1st Alicia Boothroyd 2nd Flora Colville 3rd Emily Wetton

31

As a Department, we are now looking forward to the changes to the KS4 curriculum in 2016 and the new subject of Food Preparation and Nutrition. Mrs Karen Burton Geography Staffing The Geography Department welcomed Miss Papadopoulou into the Department, to teach physical geography topics to our Year 12 students. She has delivered topic content with a great degree of enthusiasm and skill, and has supported the students very effectively. GCSE and A Level Academic Following on from excellent AS results last summer and A2 results that helped all of our students progress to their chosen areas of further study, the Year 13s have impressed this year with their work ethic and enthusiasm in lessons. A new topic, Globalisation, has been taught as part of the A2 course and is designed to help develop an understanding and appreciation of how we live in an increasingly inter-dependent world. The Year 12 students have worked very diligently and the study room, a quiet working room for Sixth form students, has never been busier. The Department has high hopes for the AS and A2 results in August. Our GCSE students sat the first examinations under the AQA ‘A’ syllabus last summer and achieved sound results. This is a more challenging specification than was previously followed, but we believe it is a more thorough preparation for further study of the subject. This year’s Year 11 students have worked very hard, on the whole, and revised for their public examinations with commitment; many of them have spent extra time in the Department, reviewing subject content and examination techniques with staff. Year 10 students gained one of the strongest set of end-of-year examination results in recent years and have made good progress with their controlled assessment task. Key Stage 3 news Students in Years 7-9 have studied a wide range of topics, spanning Physical, Human and Environmental Geography. Year 7 have been able to put their map skills into practice, as well as studying settlement patterns and weather. Year 8 topics have included the study of physical processes and rivers, industry and environmental issues. Year 9 students have found out how natural hazards influence life in different parts of the world, investigated the tourism industry and its impacts and considered how fashion and sport influence our everyday lives. There have been some excellent pieces of project work, including pieces focusing on hazard events and world rivers. Extra-Curricular and trips Year 10 students visited Leicester to collect data for their GCSE controlled coursework, investigating how the structure and land use of a city changes from Central Business District to rural-urban fringe. A group of 25 Year 10 students also participated in a three-day field

32

course in North Norfolk in the last week of Spring Term. This trip is aimed at developing fieldwork skills and providing students with practical case studies and knowledge relating to the course. Year 12 students visited Snowdonia for four days in June to develop a fieldwork portfolio in preparation for their A2 studies. Year 13 students further developed this portfolio with local fieldwork aimed at helping them to answer questions in the F764 A2 examination. The Geography and History Departments once again combined successfully for the Model United Nations weekly society. This provides students with the opportunity to debate important geopolitical, economic and environmental issues and learn about the skills and structure of political debate. This culminated in a very positive visit to the Bath International Schools’ Model United Nations Conference at Kingswood School in March. Our students participated with increasing confidence over the course of the conference and it should prove a valuable experience for them. Mr Mike Lambert History The History Department celebrated a very good set of A2 and GCSE results last summer with some exceptionally high achievers. GCSE students have been working extremely hard to meet the demands of the new, strengthened GCSE and we look forward to receiving the results in August. Years 7-9 have enjoyed studying a wide variety of different topics and our rigorous assessments are helping to prepare students for the demands of the GCSE courses through the teaching of higher order thinking skills. The Department has also increased further our support of students’ learning by providing ‘drop-in’ clinics every Tuesday lunchtime and prep time. There have been a number of extremely impressive individual research projects completed over the course of the year. The Year 7 castle project was won by Lucy Antill, Archie Heaney and Emily McBallantine and the Year 8 Tudor House project was won by Joseph Summer. We are now looking forward to a number of curriculum-based trips in July. Year 7 will be visiting Warwick Castle again this year and Mrs Lodder has organised a new set of lessons and a trip for Year 8 to the Richard III Visitor Centre and Leicester Cathedral. The History Department has been commemorating the start of the First World War in a number of different ways. Students in Year 9 took the opportunity to produce a project on any aspect of the First World War with both hands and there were some truly exceptional pieces of work produced. The overall winner was Anna Williams, who produced an enthralling and exceptionally interesting project on her great-grandfather. Throughout her project, she demonstrated very advanced historical research skills, which was a pleasure to see. On the same theme, I am extremely grateful to Mr Power, the father of Imogen Power (Year 11) for providing the School with a full wartime diary of Captain George Power (his great-uncle). Photocopies of Captain George Power and his diary entries are displayed in the Emery Library and are updated every week by Mrs Williams. Mrs Worthington has also provided photocopies of the diary of her relative who fought in Salonika, which is a fascinating read. Over the course of the next three years, the Department will be aiming to produce a number of different displays and activities in line with the national commemorations. Indeed, Mr Newman organised our yearly trip to the battlefields in Activity week, which the students very much enjoyed. This trip is always a huge success and really does drive home the realities of war to the students.

33

Over the October half-term break, the History Department led a History/Cultural tour to New York for Years 11-13. The students had a wonderful time, experiencing some of the cultural and historical delights that New York has to offer. The students gained a good knowledge of Art Deco architecture, the trials and tribulations suffered by immigrants arriving in America, the working of the United Nations and numerous trips to some excellent museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Natural History Museum. The College was privileged to be invited to the Requiem Mass for Richard III earlier in the year. Mr Newman accompanied Hadrian Rigley and Annabelle Tomlinson to this remarkable event. History Clubs History Club (Years 7-9) featured a very enjoyable trip for Years 7 and 8 students, when they

went to the Curve Theatre in Leicester to watch the Horrible Histories stage show based on

the stories of the invasions of Britain by the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans. The

show was excellent, being funny and very informative. Throughout the year, students have

been able to do some historical cookery. Students made some Roman honey cake, Anzac

biscuits and scones (based on a Victorian recipe). There was also the opportunity to do some

genealogy work with students researching their family tree, as well as some research on the

Old Ratcliffians who died in the First World War.

History Film Club has enabled students to enjoy gaining knowledge of a number of different

time periods of history. Films such as “The Imitation Game”, “The Pianist” and “The Great

Gatsby” led to great number of questions asked about these interesting periods of history.

History Society continues to thrive. This year we welcomed Mr David Walsh to School to deliver a fascinating speech on Independent Schools During the First World War. Later in the year, we were absolutely delighted to welcome the world renowned Tudor Historian, Professor J. J. Scarisbrick to the College. He delivered an absolutely superb presentation on the threat posed to Henry VIII by the White Rose faction. This year, the Department launched a Historical painting competition. Students were provided with an image and were asked to explain the message of the source. The entries received were excellent and demonstrated a deep understanding of source analysis. The winners of the three competitions were Martha Lewis and Charlotte Perfect, on two successive occasions. In March, Mr Cantrill and Mr Lambert accompanied eleven students to the Bath Model United Nations Conference. This was our best prepared cohort, having met every week from the start of term. Once again, we had a number of resolutions chosen for debate and the students were able to think ‘on their feet’ by proposing and passing a number of amendments to resolutions. An especially impressive performance came from Luke Gyesi-Appiah who received a ‘highly commended young delegate’ award from the chairs of his committee. Mr Jon Cantrill

34

Latin

Even before the new academic year began, we received the public examination results. All three candidates studying Latin at A2 level achieved the grades they needed to go to their first choice university or on to their proposed career path, and this was a justified outcome for their hard work and commitment throughout seven years. The results at AS level were somewhat disappointing, but two of the three boys went on to A2 study, knowing that a challenge was ahead of them. The results at GCSE level were outstanding, and possibly the best on record. From eight committed and enthusiastic students, there were 5 A* grades, 2 A grades and 1 B grade. As is often the case, all except one of the students made the move towards Mathematics and Science A levels, rather than the Arts, but what a firm foundation Latin has given them. All change this year, with the arrival of Mr Terry Walsh to take over the reins of the Department; Mrs Eccles, he was glad to note, agreed to stay on to teach one of the Year 7 carousel groups and some regular lessons to both Year 12 and to Year 13. This was extremely helpful, as it took some of the pressure away from the new Head of Department at a critical time. I hope and I trust that Mrs Eccles will remain close to the Department in future as she – at length – enters her deserved retirement. Although the Year 8 and Year 10 sets were small this year, they were of top quality and we may anticipate very good grades from Year 10, I am sure. The Year 9 set was large, but, unfortunately, its brightest stars will move on, for the most part, to other areas of GCSE; we wish them well and trust that the knowledge of Latin they have gained in the last three years will be a useful string to their respective bows. The set was enlivened by two absolute beginners who took very well to the subject. The students of this set also distinguished themselves in providing two casts for an entertaining, if slightly frivolous, melodrama performed mostly in Latin. The Greek Club has continued to operate and will, I hope, attract some new blood next year, given the news below. The Classics extend feelers into most areas of life and I enjoyed a chance to add to the teaching of Year 13 Drama on one occasion, as it concerned an ancient Greek comic masterpiece; we later enjoyed an excellent and amusing production of the play in Uppingham. Next year, the Department will, jointly with Religious Education, run a trip to Italy. The big news is the expansion of the Department, which will become a fully-fledged Department of Classics in September, with the introduction of Classical Civilisation at Years 9 and 10 (for GCSE). This subject appeals to many and requires none but the normal skills in language. It should broaden the perception and horizons of all who take it, especially the whole Year 9 cohort. Mr Walsh will be assisted in the delivery of the subject by Mrs Fionnuala Lodder, from the History Department, who has a special interest in the ancient Mediterranean world. Mr Terry Walsh

Learning Support

Currently there are 141 students being monitored on the Learning Support register across all Year groups, from Cygnets to Year 13; of these, 70 students are currently receiving additional

35

support, either as a small group or one-to-one specialist tuition. The approximate make-up of the differing areas of need is as follows:

ADHD 4% Autism 4% BESD 2% Dyslexia 68% Dyspraxia 6% Medical 3% Other 13%

The Department continues to offer an open-door policy of support for all students who have learning needs, regardless of whether or not they are on the SEN register. This provision includes:

Small group tuition in literacy/ numeracy Learning Support groups for students on the Learning Support register (3-5hrs per fortnight);

Specialist Tuition sessions (1 hour per week); Daily lunchtime drop-in sessions, open to all students, regardless of whether they

attend LS groups or not. Within the Learning Support Department there are currently five members of staff: Mrs Jenny Cluley, specialist literacy teacher and SENCO; Mrs Georgie Hadley, Mrs Eleanor Waters and Dr Carey Latham – all specialist literacy teachers in the Senior School; and Mrs Leite, specialist teacher in the Preparatory School. As always, the Department has been ably supported by staff from the Mathematics Department: Mrs Sue Worsnop, Mrs Sue Clarke, Mrs Helen Smith, Mrs Lynne Evans and Mr Michael Sleath, who have all provided numeracy support for students in their GCSE years. It has been an exciting year for Learning Support within the new Preparatory School, with the development of several new initiatives. Whilst emphasis remains on ‘quality first teaching’, the increase in the number of teaching assistants has enabled more literacy and numeracy intervention groups to take place under the guidance of Mrs Leite and the class teachers. Learning Support groups were introduced into Year 6, mirroring the type of support that takes place in the Senior School. This will inevitably help with the transition into Year 7. We have welcomed several Educational Psychologists into the School to assess children, all of whom have been impressed with the support given. The overwhelming message from these professionals is that, regardless of the outcome of the assessment, we are already putting into place many of the strategies required to help children achieve their optimum potential. Mrs Jenny Cluley

Library The role of the library in supporting and enriching every stage of a student’s education at Ratcliffe was given a real boost this year by the development of the stimulating and exciting new open-plan library area in the Preparatory School. The new library area has given us the opportunity to provide a more cohesive link in terms of library provision across the whole school, with a standardised approach to lay-out, stock and library skills, meaning that

36

students will find the transition to locating resources in each library area straightforward and easily accessible. Mrs Deacon, our Library Assistant in the Preparatory School, is to be congratulated on making this area a vibrant and exciting focus for books and other resources. In the Senior School, both the Emery Library and the 6th Form Centre Library continue to be an invaluable resource to support students in developing their independent study skills and in fostering a love of reading. For students in Years 12 and 13, the silent working environment and range of resources offered in the Sixth Form Centre Library provide excellent preparation for the rigour of individual research required at University. To support students in the Higher Education application process, subject-specific reading lists and Oxbridge support materials have been made available. For students in Years 7 to 11, the Emery Library continues to support specific research projects in different curriculum areas, not only by highlighting the range of resources available, but also by highlighting other vital study skills such as the importance of planning, locating and using resources effectively and avoiding plagiarism. This was particularly effective in the support of the Year 9 History project on World War One, which produced some excellent results. Fiction reading continues to flourish, particularly among students in Years 7 to 9, with some students recording well over 40 books read during the academic year! The KS3, KS4 and KS5 extra-curricular Book Clubs have continued to attract a small but enthusiastic membership, and there have been some lively debates as students grow in confidence when discussing their reading choices. In a new initiative for the Carnegie Medal Shadowing group in Years 8 and 9, a partnership with Moat Community College in Leicester gave students from both schools the opportunity to visit each other’s school and to discover a great deal of common ground through their shared discussions of the shortlisted books. The role of the library in providing a focus on topical issues has been put to good use this year through displays of relevant information and resources to extend student awareness. This was particularly effective in displays about the General Election in May, and in the on-going display of World War One memorabilia. A highlight of the WW1 display has been the publication of the diary entries of George Power, the Great-Great Uncle of one of our students, Imogen Power. The diary entries provide a fascinating insight into the realities of daily life for those involved in the war, and the additional commentary available from the online publication of these diary entries help to put the daily events into context. Access to the diary is available via the link https://georgeswarletters.wordpress.com/. Mrs Margaret Williams Mathematics Ratcliffe’s Mathematicians have continued to enjoy great success. 61% of the Year 11 students gained either an A or A* grade in GCSE and 60% an A, A* or A** (A* with distinction) in GCSE Level 2 Further Mathematics. Meanwhile, 95% of Year 13 students obtained an A*- B grade. In addition, and more importantly, nearly every student, without exception, achieved success in Years 11 and 13. Further Mathematicians, Allen Loo, Lewis Smith and Sally Croysdale in Year 13 gained places at the University of Oxford to read Physics or Engineering. In addition, Matthew Booth, Ron Chung, Sasha Farzin-Nia, Danny Hsu, Lewis Lancaster, Oliver Lawden, India Mitchell-Jarvis,

37

Sophie Riley and Dick Wong all received offers from high-ranking universities to read Engineering, Mathematics or a Mathematics related degree. In this year’s Senior Mathematics Challenge, there were 90,000 entries from nearly 2,000 schools. The top 3,300 pupils were invited to take part in this year’s senior Kangaroo and to test themselves on a one-hour paper consisting of 20 questions set for the best school-aged mathematicians from across Europe and beyond. Allen Loo and Oliver Lawden were awarded Merit certificates in this year’s Kangaroo for finishing in the top 25%, while Helena Yu was awarded a certificate of Participation. In this year’s Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (IMC) competition, there were around 200,000 entries. For each cohort, around 500 top scoring IMC pupils are invited to participate in the Olympiad. The following 2,500 are invited to participate in the European Kangaroo, which requires the use of logic as well as mathematical understanding to solve thought-provoking questions. Joshua Leung (Year 11) and Nathalie Dawe and Tom Cusack (Year 10) earned certificates of participation in the ‘Kangourou sans Frontières’, taken by students in over 40 countries in Europe and beyond. The number of UKMT Bronze, Silver or Gold Certificate winners in the Senior School is an impressive 99 (up from 82 last year) and is reflective of both the talent of the students and quality of teaching and learning in Mathematics. Those representing Ratcliffe in the regional final of the Junior and Senior UKMT team challenges finished sixth and third, respectively. Additions have been made to the learning resources available to all Year Groups on the VLE, especially those taking public examinations. The students are able to access a wide range of resources from home to aid them in their study of Mathematics. The VLE has been developed and further additions and future developments are planned; many students have used it to help them revise. The Mathematics Department has renewed numerous software licences at Key Stages 3 and 4 and ‘A’ level. These resources, which provide variety and challenge to support and supplement the curriculum, have been available to students at all times and, according to feedback from the students, have proved very helpful. New games and puzzles have been purchased for the Puzzle Club, which has run every Tuesday throughout the year and is now in its eighth year. These new additions have proved very popular, especially with the Key Stage 3 students, and have provided opportunities for those students to have fun whilst exercising problem-solving and logic skills. The House Mathematics competition was won by Arundel, with Leetham finishing a distant second. It has been pleasing to see students attempt challenging questions, especially those intended for older students. Loughborough University Mathematics finalist, Aidan Golaglee, delivered lunchtime sessions to our most able Year 11 students, providing insights into areas of Mathematics well beyond the confines of the specifications. Many other initiatives have also taken place throughout the year, far too many to mention, and many are planned for next year, all of which foster interest in, and enjoyment of, Mathematics, regardless of ability. Mr Gary Higham

38

Media Studies The end of this academic year marks an exciting watershed for Media Studies. The work which has gone into growing the subject over the last seven years, and the consistently impressive academic performance, has led to the expansion of the Department from September 2015 to cater for larger student numbers and ever more advanced production standards. We shall be introducing a second classroom to the Department, complete with a state-of-the-art plasma touch screen, and shall also be converting our existing computer suite into a fully functioning second Edit Suite. We have added two further Macs to the six already in the Department, and have increased our number of HD video cameras to ten, with further investment into ancillary equipment designed to deliver professional lighting and sound. This will support, in particular, the film productions made by our students, which continue to grow in scope and ambition. It is such productions which reinforce the strong academic achievements of our students. For example, at GCSE level, in August 2014, our students exceeded all expectations by achieving 84% A-A* grades, with each student, on average, performing at least a grade and a half better than baseline data would indicate. It also continues to perform very healthily at AS and A level (83% A*- B grade and 50% A*- B grade respectively in 2014). Students continue to impress us with their commitment to ever more professional productions. This year, particular recognition needs to be given to Jacob Bird, Gianluca Misso and Olivia Dexter in Year 13, who produced the outstanding short documentary Signed, exploring the experiences of Leicester music artists in securing label representation. This phenomenally accomplished production not only secured the ‘Production Most Likely to Succeed in a Real Media Context’ award at our School ‘Night at the Oscars’, but also secured acclaim and national online distribution from the online television channel, Leicestershire Tv.com. The group were happily surprised when the star of their film, singer/songwriter Jersey Budd, presented them with their award at the ceremony and congratulated them on their success. Other successful productions, both on the evening and in terms of contributing towards examination grades, included the advertising campaign for the new fashion brand, FYI, produced by Year 13 students Jenny Hall, Olivia Thompson, Katy Watson and Katy Westwood. This was an edgy and striking campaign focusing on a clothes brand to take a female shopper from day to night, which excelled in its postmodern editing. Further down the School, students excelled in print production, with music magazines at AS level and computer game advertising at GCSE illustrative of our students’ skills in Adobe Photoshop and InDesign software. Charlie Whitmore’s dubstep and electronica magazine Underground was powerful in its contemporary design, and richly deserving of its ‘Best Print Production (Editorial)’ at our awards ceremony. Furthermore, Max Thomas’ campaign for his imagined computer game release, Raid, demonstrated real imagination and creative flair, and his images of gun-toting computer game villains atop speeding quad bikes were a triumph in planning, understanding of mise-en-scène and photographic skill. Finally, the music video No Love, produced by Year 11 students Harry Chaloner, Peter Cotter and Luke Gyesi-Appiah was, ironically, a labour of love, with the complex editing of Computer Generated Imagery and green screen requiring long hours of editing, in addition to live-action filming. The final result is an astoundingly mature submission, using the music video medium to explore experiences of bullying, and resulting in examination excellence and a ‘Best Video Production’ gong at our Oscars evening.

39

Amongst the increasing demands of practical production, students continue to invest time and energy in an enthusiastic appreciation of current Media debates, including, for example, the impact of social media on our behaviour, at ‘A’ level, and the efficacy of television news provision, at GCSE level. The Department is also roundly supported by a busy extra-curricular programme; alongside old favourites, such as School Photographers, and our annual Media Mastermind House Competition, the extra-curricular club, Game kNight has gone from strength to strength. This club was set up by Old Ratcliffian, Daniel Chin, as a place for serious board game enthusiasts to test their mettle against each other. The group now meets once every two weeks, curated by myself, to explore deviously challenging board games, using skills of logic and strategy. We ended the year with a charity board game marathon, in aid of the charity Special Effect, who work with disabled individuals to help them enjoy video gaming through such technology as eye tracking and chin straps. This was a sequel to the successful marathon which took place at the end of academic year 2014, which raised over £900 for The Autistic Society. Mrs Charlotte Bennett Modern Foreign Languages We started the year with an increased uptake of languages at AS level, reflecting some excellent performances at GCSE and maintaining last year’s pattern in French. The number of dual linguists in Year 10 remained stable but higher than the national average, proving once again that our students are bucking the trend and realising the importance of modern foreign languages, not just as academic qualifications, but also as life skills. . We invested in new, online French resources for Years 7 and 8, which have proved to be a big success among teachers and students, whilst our assistants from Mexico, Germany and France have continued to enhance students’ linguistic and cultural knowledge through small group and pair work. As always we remain committed to offering a wide programme of visits abroad, as these are an essential part of learning a language. Mr McCrindell led a group of 19 students over to Koblenz in February where they stayed with their German partners, attended lessons at the Bischöfliches-Cusanus Gymnasium (not a gym but a grammar school!) and visited Trier, the oldest town in Germany and Cologne. At Easter, a group of students from Years 9-13 went to Salamanca in Spain, where they stayed with host families, attended language lessons and visited the two world heritage sites in Segovia and Avila. Meanwhile, over the border in France, Mrs Cushing accompanied a group of 24 students for a week to the beautiful town of Montpellier. Once again, students attended lessons and stayed with host families, which we believe is one of the best ways to improve one’s fluency. We rounded off the year by taking all of the Year 8 students to the Opal Coast in France for four days of visits, including chocolate tasting and trying their hand at making croissants. Many thanks to Mrs Beddoes for organising this mammoth trip! Sixth Form events have become embedded into the languages curriculum: “Les Intouchables” proved a popular, poignant French film for the Sixth Form Society event run by Mrs Crebbin, while we were pleased to take part in another event organised by “Business Languages Champions”. These events play an important role in championing the importance of modern languages in the work place and give students a valuable insight into the world of business

40

and journalism. This year, a team comprising Years 12 and 13 students of German represented Ratcliffe College at St George’s Academy in Sleaford. Competing with students from other independent schools in the area, they had to respond to breaking news stories and produce the front page of a newspaper. The paper was written in the chosen target language; students had to come up with a name for the paper and were responsible for the design and layout. Deadlines were tight and students had to give a short presentation in the target language to a panel of judges. Ratcliffe students were commended for the quality of their presentation and for the excellence of their advertising. In April, we welcomed the return visit of our German partners who marvelled at our beautiful Refectory (which they liken to “Hogwarts”), our smart uniform, boarding facilities, pastoral care and broad range of extra-curricular activities, all of which are rare in Germany. We were also pleased to preserve our link with Tahiti, and Year 8 students continue to exchange letters with their counterparts in the capital, Papeete. As the year drew to a close, we said farewell to Michael Simon, who has been an outstanding German Assistant, and we wish him well as he returns to his native Leipzig in order to take up teacher training.

Mrs Sui Cushing Music What a fantastically vibrant year we have had in the Music Department. With so many

developments and initiatives it is somewhat difficult to know where to start!

So much progress has been made in terms of student achievement this year, with a healthy set

of examination results at both GCSE and ‘A’ Level last summer. Of particular note is the

sustained increase in the percentage of Merits and Distinctions awarded to students as a

result of taking practical music examinations. This is due to their continued dedication,

alongside the emphasis we put on developing the students’ aural awareness and general

musicianship.

We have had numerous performances of exceptional quality across the Department, from

individuals as well as from choirs and ensembles. Particularly memorable performances

include the Senior Choir singing the Duruflé Requiem in a collaborative concert with other

youth choirs; then a few weeks later their singing at a number of Carol Services, including that

at the De Montfort Hall. The Spring Concert was amazing, with wonderful solo performances.

The culmination of this concert was the performance of Haydn’s Nelson Mass from the Senior

Choir and members of the Senior Orchestra. The highlight of the year was the Picnic Concert;

it was truly exceptional. The performances were of the highest quality. For me, the best aspect

was the camaraderie of the School musicians working towards a common goal.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my outgoing Year 13 musicians, who have been

so supportive of all things musical. Turning up to rehearsals week after week, regardless of

other pressures, is a mark of dedication, excellent planning and time management on their

41

part! In particular, I would like to thank Alex Beason, Eric Chan, Sally Croysdale and Angharad

Lloyd, who have been our most high profile Year 13 musicians.

Mr Daniel Jones joined the Department this year and made a great impact with the students

from the outset. Apart from teaching across the whole school, he leads numerous ensembles

and choirs. It has been particularly good to see the singing in the Preparatory School go from

strength to strength. The Preparatory School House Music competition which Mr Jones

co-ordinated was a huge success, as were the many performances he directed in the various

concerts over the year.

We say a sad farewell to Miss Katarina Kulisa after a year as our Graduate Music Assistant.

She has been a superb asset to the Music Department; she worked exceptionally hard to lead

the Intermediate Orchestra and develop the students’ aural and sight-singing ability. In

addition to this, she has played at Masses and Assemblies, as well as supporting the other

choirs and instrumental ensembles. Miss Kulisa is a gregarious person and has had an

excellent rapport with students, enabling her to get the best from them. As an administrator,

Miss Kulisa has been highly efficient in working through the complexity of an active Music

Department, maintaining the timetables and arranging rehearsals, as well as all the other

tasks which enable music to flourish.

Also leaving is Mrs Wood, Teacher of Woodwind, who has worked exceptionally hard over her

three years in post to raise higher the standard of woodwind playing. She has been very

proactive and communicative with staff, students and parents to ensure that students make

substantial progress. She will be sorely missed.

Next term, we shall welcome Mr Winkley as our new Music Graduate and Mr Henderson as

Teacher of Woodwind. They will be joining the Music Department at an exciting time and we

wish them every success.

Last year, I wrote about the imminent Chapel Organ restoration and enlargement. After a

lengthy and thorough process, the instrument is now finished and sounding wonderful; it is

superb for supporting congregational singing and enabling a wide palette of tonal colour.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the parents, for your support of your child’s

music and to encourage you to attend the various musical activities next academic year.

Mr Edward McCall

Physical Education (Academic) Studying Sport Science at examination and degree level gives students a greater

understanding of how Great Britain aims to achieve both excellence at the elite level and the

continued legacy of increasing mass participation. Sport is always subject to issues and

controversies; it is available through the media 24/7 and our students never cease to impress

us with their general knowledge on such issues, they are, therefore, able to enter into

passionate discussions with ease.

42

It is encouraging to see that we have maintained our numbers taking GCSE and ‘A’ Level.

This year, we have had two groups in both Years 10 and 11 and shall have so again next year,

along with 11 AS and 9 A2 students. It is also anticipated that all but one of the AS students

will continue through to A2 level. Over the past couple of years, we have attracted more of the

sports students who represent the School in two, if not, three of our major sports, thereby

giving them easier access to high marks for the 60% practical element of the GCSE course and

a firm foundation from which to take their theory examination. Our Year 11 students this year

are on course to achieve a good number of high grades with 8 of them continuing to study the

subject at AS level. It is also pleasing to see that 75% of our AS and A2 students performed

exceptionally well in their oral analysis unit. Last year, three of our Year 13 cohort of six went

onto take sport-related degree courses at university. .

Mrs Anne Taylor Religious Studies

The Religious Studies Department has continued to work closely with the Chaplaincy Team

and, in particular, Mr Michel and Fr Ted Mullen. In September, all students in Year 7 spent a

day working with the Department. The students explored the religious and spiritual life of the

School and were given the opportunity to reflect on the Rosminian ethos of the College.

Students were invited to explore how the Mission Statement ‘Living and learning in the light

of the Gospel’, is at the centre of School life. Students found out about the life of Blessed

Antonio Rosmini and his passion for education. During the morning, students were taken on a

tour of the School, including the School Church, where Mr Michel and the RS teachers helped

to explain the importance of the key features. In the afternoon, Fr Ted Mullen (Father

President) spoke about his vocation as a priest and member of the Institute of Charity. The

day was finished with a Year group Mass, celebrated by Fr Ted.

Fr Ted also visited a number of Year 9 lessons to talk about his vocation as a priest and a

member of the Institute of Charity. As part of their unit of work on Vocation, students listened

carefully and also asked a number of important questions which Fr Ted answered. Classes in

Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 celebrated Class Masses throughout theyYear. The Masses were

celebrated by Fr Ted and Mr Michel assisted with the preparation. During Lent, students in

Years 7-9 walked and prayed the Stations of the Cross led by their Class Teachers.

On 15th November, 33 Year 7 students spent a weekend at The Briars (retreat and residential

centre) in Derbyshire. The students engaged in a number of team-building games led by

Acclimbatize. There was ample opportunity for the students to reflect on their relationships

with God, their friends and family. They also contributed to the preparation of group prayers

and reflections, as well as the celebration of Mass on the Saturday evening. The final activity

involved the students reading out the positive comments which other members of their group

had written about them during the weekend.

Religious Studies has continued to attract a good number of students to the AS course. In

September, 16 students started the AS course, studying Ethics and Philosophy. In Ethics,

43

students study different ethical theories and consider how these may be applied to issues of

medical ethics, as well as sexual, business, environmental ethics and war and peace. In

Philosophy, students have studied arguments concerning God’s existence, as well as the Greek

philosophers Aristotle and Plato.

At GCSE, students have continued to study philosophical and ethical issues, focusing on

Catholic teachings, other Christian teachings and other points of view. In June, Year 10

students were fortunate enough to visit the Holocaust Centre, near Newark, Nottinghamshire.

The students developed their awareness of the events of the Holocaust and were invited to

reflect on the tragedy of these events, as well as the heroic efforts of many individuals.

Feedback gained from the students showed that they were humbled by the experience as the

following statement indicates:

We were given a real, in-depth insight into the traumatised lives of both survivors and victims in

Nazi Germany. Through both the gardens and the exhibition, I felt a connection with all those

who faced such brutality. The memorial of roses in the garden was so personal to those who lost

their lives. It helped me feel a great sense of sorrow for the victims and their families. Michael

Stern, a survivor of the Holocaust, spoke of the pain that many were faced with every day and

how some people’s fate turned on moments of luck or misfortune.

Mr Nick Walsh Science Academic This year has been significant for us in terms of our curricular development, because it is the last year that we are following the curriculum for the AQA Science GCSEs. Next year will see students sit the first set of examinations for the International GCSE, a development that was driven by our desire to provide a more challenging and stimulating curriculum and one that is a better preparation for ‘A’ level. As for our examination results last year, it was pleasing to note that the number of students at the A*/A grade boundary exceeded the expectations of their baseline data predictions, and provision of challenge to our more able students is an area that we are continuing to develop through the next academic year. ‘A’ level attainment also continued to show a pleasing trend of success in stretching the most able, with an increase of 28.3% in A*/A grade attainment in Biology, 19% in Chemistry and 10% in Physics, compared to the previous year. Looking to our young scientists, we have worked with the Preparatory School towards ensuring that the crucial transition stage between Years 6 and 7 is addressed, by providing continuity and, again, appropriate levels of challenge. As children come to us with such a love for science and the natural world, we feel that it is imperative that no time is lost in building upon this engagement and so much work has been done, and will continue to be done, in developing our Schemes of Work at Key Stages 2 and 3. Extra-curricular As well as addressing the needs of the most able students academically, we recognise the importance of continuing to offer children the opportunity to develop their gifts and talents in

44

ways that are not directly related to the Science curriculum. We are very proud of our Science Magazine, the ‘Lab-Rat’, which gives students an opportunity to think creatively, research their own areas of interest and express their ideas and opinions. This year, the Lab-Rat team was led by Dr Stephen Standen. His editorial team were Year 13 students, Francesca Beresford, Sally Croysdale and editor Cameron Hart. The magazine is professionally printed and completely written and designed by students, from the features to the artwork, including the Lab-Rat logo. It provides a fascinating record of the areas of science that inspire our students. The latest edition includes articles ranging from the science behind dreams and how asthma inhalers work, to the chemistry of love, together with mind-stretching puzzles and summaries of the latest science news. We are now looking at ways to extend the involvement of students in the Lab-Rat to other Year groups, particularly those coming into Science in Years 6 and 7, as we feel that this is a means to draw in children of all abilities and allow them to pursue their own ideas and interests. It also is an important tool for improving literacy, which is a key area of our development and as important in Science as in any other subject. The Physics Department has continued to offer the Engineering and Education Scheme (EES) to Year 12 students and Go4SET, for Year 9. Both activities promote the use of physics and engineering skills in engaging teams of students to think creatively and work collaboratively. This year the School supported two groups of students in the EES: Team 1, Sam Nightingale, Toby Smith, Christopher Onubogu and Carrick Anderson, were briefed to build a radio telescope, with the purpose of ‘Mapping The Milky Way’. This was a very ambitious project brief! The students worked, on and off, sometimes quite intensively, for five months. They did manage to make one of four telescope ‘arms’ and tested it, proving the inherent viability of the project. The intention is to explore its further development next year. Team 2 were Amritha Nayar, Jody Goodfellow, Edward Cefai, Toby Berry and Matthew Harris. They were briefed to design and build an aerial and to monitor meteor activity, through the detection of forward-scattered radar. This project brief was, at face, a marginally less challenging prospect but, after a number of false dawns, the students were able to gather extensive data and observe ‘real time’ meteor arrivals. Again, the project will provide a platform for further work – their data has been handed to Loughborough University Physics Department. Both teams made excellent presentations of their work at the ‘Celebration and Assessment Day’, held at Cranmore Park, Solihull on 30th April 2015. All eleven students achieved Gold CREST Awards as recognition for the commitment to and the quality of their work – an outstanding achievement. The Go4SET team, Sarah Curnick, Isobel Hose, Emily Dunne, Luke Hodds, Poom Hirunwiwatkul and Anthony Elumelu, enjoyed developing their ideas to invent a very special Eco-Hotel. They named the hotel ELIPSA, and through researching different types of renewable forms of energy, they were able to design a very futuristic and thoughtful model. ELIPSA uses solar, wind and geothermal energy to generate its power, and also uses rainwater to cool the solar cells, making them more efficient. The project has raised the students’ awareness of the importance of saving electricity, and the costs involved in doing so. The students worked together successfully in a team with mentor Rob Jackson, an experienced engineer from the company 227 Environmental. The project has given the students an insight into how engineers work and the problems that they have to overcome on a daily basis. The Chemistry Department has achieved great success this year with the Royal Society of Chemistry ‘Top of the Bench’ Competition. This is based on a combination of laboratory work and a quiz, and we were delighted that our team gained 2nd place in Leicestershire at the University of Loughborough and 2nd in East Midlands at the University of Derby. The students

45

involved in this were Charlie Nicholson (Year 11), David Hippisley-Cox (Year 10), Molly Edwards (Year 9) and Charlotte Meadows (Year 9). In Biology, Year 12 student, Archie Herrick, continued what has almost become a tradition with his successful application to receive the Nuffield Bursary for a research placement. Archie will be spending time over the summer working at The University of Nottingham, gaining experience in the use of techniques involved in gene technology. Archie will produce a report and will be invited to attend a celebration event. He will also have the opportunity to be nominated as Young Scientist of the Year at the Big Bang Fair. As we approach the next academic year, there is much to build on in Science and we are looking forward to the challenges of the first year of IGCSE examinations and also embedding the new ‘A’ level curriculum. There will be several staffing changes. Mr Adam Chorley will take over as the new Head of Science and Faculty Chair of the Applied and Theoretical Science Faculty, while remaining as Head of Physics. Mr William Ballard will continue as Head of Chemistry and Mr Steve Thorpe takes over from Dr Michelle Brown as Head of Biology. We also welcome the permanent appointments in the Biology Department of Miss Daniella Gatt, Mr Adam Nott and Mrs Tracy Allen, and the return from maternity leave of Dr Michelle Brown. Initiatives are already being planned. There is to be a renewed emphasis on Environmental Science and Ecology in the Biology Department. Mr Thorpe will lead the reintroduction of the ‘A’ level Biology Field course and Mrs Allen will co-ordinate the implementation of a Conservation Society. There is also to be an increased emphasis on Science House Competitions, with a science-based conker competition planned for the Autumn Term. Activities Week this year also provides us with an opportunity to experiment. Dr Stephen Standen and Mr Paul Trotter are leading a Year 12 trip to Sheffield University, to allow students to use university labs and equipment in making paracetamol. Year 9 students will take part in an activity run by Cambridge Science Society – ‘Go Ballistic’. This is a project encouraging students to investigate projectile motion. Year 12 students will engage in a rocket-building competition – designing the most effective way to carry a quail’s egg. As I leave, after 12 years’ service in the Department, I am confident that we are moving into a new phase, one of challenging and very worthwhile curricular development, and also one which will see the Science Department continue to encourage and stretch students of all abilities in innovative ways. Our aim of producing well-rounded students, with a passion for Science, will continue to be of prime importance to us. I know that we have an excellent team to take us further. Mrs Jane Schofield Sport Ratcliffe sport has again had a very successful year, building on the hard work of the previous year. The number of fixtures has again increased, allowing more students the opportunity to represent Ratcliffe College, something that they are very proud to do. We have had more students achieving representative honours than ever before, including National honours. This has only been achieved after a lot of hard work by students, staff and parents and I must thank you all for this.

46

Rugby results and performances have surpassed the excellence of last year with some very impressive individual team records. The U15A and U12A teams remained unbeaten in the regular season and the U14A and U13A only lost two games each. The U15A team racked up a tally of 346 points from 11 games, while the U12A had a very impressive haul of 441 points from just nine games. The 1st team, U15A and U14A teams have all reached the semi-finals of their respective County Cups. Representative honours have been achieved by Rory Thorne (U18) County Squad, Harrison Grimmett (U15), Rory Stoker, Henry Wells (U14) and William Westwood (U14 for next year), who are part of the Leicester Tigers Developing Players programme. Girls’ and Boys’ hockey continue to go from strength to strength, with some excellent achievements this year. This year, the Boys’ U14 and U12 teams reached the Midlands stages of the National hockey tournament, with the U12s going on to become Midlands Champions, an outstanding achievement. Olivia Back (Year 10) has also had an outstanding season, not only winning the Lesley Henderson award for outstanding achievement as Leicestershire’s highest achiever in hockey this year, but also playing a number of games for the England U17 team. Other students who have been involved in the hockey system this year are: Owen Lloyd, Sharemel Yapa, Mia Atkinson, Molly Edwards, Olivia Carpenter, Jack Nightingale, Harry Antill, Jack Watson, Matthew Ward and Sam Nightingale. This netball season has been one of the best for the last few years, with approximately 70% of matches won. The First VII, Second VII and U12 teams only lost two fixtures each over the whole term. There are several girls who deserve special mention: Adelaide Muskwe is on the National Performance pathway and has been selected in the England U17 setup. Olivia Gilchrist plays for the East Midlands Regional team and Isobel Hose for the Yorkshire and Humberside Regional team, while Megan Vincent, Kate Tyszka, Nicole Spencer and Ellie Gallacher currently train with the Leicestershire County Academy Squads. Their influence on their age group team is immense, as was the contribution from our recent Kiwi import, Samsara Guillemot–Mene, who joined the First VII team for half a term, as our first Sportswoman Exchange with St Andrew’s College, Christchurch, New Zealand. The cricket season produced some excellent performances, with the U12s unbeaten, showing that their talents run across all three of the major games. The U13s improved dramatically, with Dominic McKaig the find of the season. The U14s had Toby Snell and George Morgan-Jones make their 1st XI debuts. The 1st XI enjoyed a winning season, performing effectively at the Catholic Schools’ Cup; their festival in North Wales at Rydal Penrhos provided an enjoyable and successful finish to the season. The Nightingale brothers were particularly good and were well supported by left arm spinner James Lockton. Representative honours were achieved by Sam and Jack Nightingale, Toby Snell, Oliver Welch and Aled King. Congratulations to Emily Hollis, Alice Daniel and Mia Atkinson, who have raced so successfully this year, competing also in the English Schools’ Cross Country Championships, and to Matthew Booth, Robert Hunton and Henry Mellors, who came second in the County Championship Senior Boys’ Race. We also have World and British Champions, with Emily Cheetham and her Ice Dancing team ‘Icicles’ crowned British Champions again this year, and Isobel Knight, who has become a Dance World Champion.

47

Four Ratcliffe students took part in the East Midlands British Youth Championship Fencing Qualifier, with Niamh Noble winning a bronze medal in the U14 Girls’ Epée and her younger brother, Finlay Noble, taking bronze in the U12 Boys’ Epée, while Jonathan Bellamy won silver in the U12 Sabre category. Harry Palmer also competed in the Boys’ U16 Epée. Niamh and Harry then competed at the Public Schools’ Fencing Championships at Crystal Palace, where Niamh reached the quarter-finals. Congratulations must also go to Olivia Gilchrist, Olivia Back and Niamh Noble who have all been awarded ‘Go Gold’ Awards for 2015 from Leicestershire and Rutland. Congratulations also to Tom Chandler who was awarded the Youth Rider of the Year award for his efforts in cycling. In the Equestrian arena, there was an 8th place finish for Carrick Anderson in the British Show Jumping National Amateur Championships at Aintree. On the courts, Jake Kirby and Anuj Savanji have won a number of squash tournaments, while Dominic McKaig and Eleanor Shaw are two very talented tennis players, ranked high in their respective age groups. This year’s Sports Presentation Evening was a notable success, as we welcomed back one of our own. Old Ratcliffian Louis Deacon, former Leicester Tigers and England rugby player, spoke about his time here at the School and how much of an impact it had on his rugby career. Mr Phil Gilchrist

Students celebrating their GCSE Results at the Annual Presentation Evening

48

Chaplaincy

Chaplaincy at Ratcliffe College seeks to promote, celebrate and live out the Catholic ethos

which is central to our School. In the first term, we published a new Mission Statement that

serves to make explicit our particular Rosminian ethos and values. In short, its aim is to guide

us in educating for both intellectual and moral integrity, the latter expressed in active love for

those around us.

Our weekly Chaplain’s Assembly addresses particular themes of the Church’s and School’s life.

A wide array of students and staff led the assemblies this year, contributing reflections,

prayers and music. Themes have included prayer and feasts, help for the forgotten, various

charity appeals and commemoration of WW1 events. To have the students experience such a

variety of witnesses to the ethos of the School is one of the Chaplaincy Team’s joys. Further

opportunities to explore the faith come through Year Group assemblies, Sixth Form Rosmini

Society meetings, Whole School Reconciliation Days and the weekly Chaplain’s Corner in the

newsletter. Again, a variety of staff and students have contributed to these.

The weekly and seasonal celebration of Mass and other liturgies help us express our faith as a

community. Our Sunday Boarding Community Mass is regularly attended by friends of the

College, as are the Christmas celebrations. On occasions such as Remembrance Day and the

beginning and end of terms, the liturgies are led by particular Year Groups. A highlight this

year was the Easter Service, with Year 10 Drama students leading us through the narrative of

Jesus’ Crucifixion. More humble are the regular Class Masses, with reflections often given by

students. Lastly, the preparation and celebration of major Sacraments took place this year –

five students celebrating their First Holy Communion, and eight their Confirmation.

As St James wrote, faith without works is dead. Indeed, it is through our active love and care

for others that our staff and students – of such varied backgrounds – find commonality. Our

list of charities and community service programs is an impressive and broad one, from CAFOD

to MacMillan, The Carpenter’s Arms to the local care home, Lingdale Lodge. Students and staff

have generously given their time, money and effort into making some positive difference to

the lives of those around us. At last count, we raised over £26,000 in donations, and are

thankful for such support.

Mr Paul Michel, Lay Chaplain God our Father, we thank you for your many graces and blessings throughout the year. We are well aware of our constant need of your help and inspiration, and pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to lead us to the truth. As we step aside from the busyness of the teaching day, we refresh ourselves with the beauty of your creation in the company of our friends and family. We rejoice in your constant presence and pray that we shall begin the new academic year with minds and hearts renewed, eager to please you in all things. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.