PGS Prizegiving 2014 (November)

22 September 2014Incorporating the Headmaster’s report

PRIZEGIVING 2014

PRIZEGIVING 2014The Portsmouth Grammar School

PRIZEGIVINGMonday 22 September 2014

Guest of HonourThe Baroness Manningham-Buller LG DCB

Programme

Founder’s hymn

Welcome and introduction by the Headmaster

Address by the Chairman of Governors

Presentation of Prizes

Address by the Guest of Honour

Vote of thanks by a Senior Prefect

Final prayer and blessing by the Chaplain

Please stand for the Governors’ procession and hymn

The Founder’s Hymn

words by Robert Bridge (1844-1930) based on the German of Joachim Neander (1650-1680) music by Herbert Howells

A ll my hope on God is founded;He doth still my trust renew.

Me through change and chance he guideth,Only good and only true.God unknown, He aloneCalls my heart to be his own.

Pride of man and earthly glory,Sword and crown betray his trust;What with care and toil he buildeth,Tower and temple, fall to dust.But God’s power, Hour by hour,Is my temple and my tower.

God’s great goodness aye endureth,Deep his wisdom, passing thought:Splendour, light, and life attend him,Beauty springeth out of naught.Evermore, From his storeNew-born worlds rise and adore.

Daily doth Th’ Almighty GiverBounteous gifts on us bestow;His desire our soul delighteth,Pleasure leads us where we go.Love doth stand, At his hand;Joy doth wait on his command.

Still from man to God eternalSacrifice of praise be done,High above all praises praisingFor the gift of Christ his Son.Christ doth callOne and all:Ye who follow shall not fall.

Front cover image: pupils stand by to welcome visitors to Open Morning

At the end of the programme, please remain standing until the Governors’ departing procession has been completed.

You are warmly invited to drinks in the nave after the conclusion of Prizegiving.


One hundred years ago, on Friday 6 November 1914, the school Debating Society considered the motion “that the Spy Peril constitutes a grave national danger, and more stringent measures ought to be taken to deal with it”. The motion was carried by 21 votes to five, but not without one pupil pointing out that “any ill-treatment of foreigners would impair the good reputation of England”.

Our guest of honour this evening knows better than anyone the importance of national security, and is no stranger to the moral and sensitive issues that surround it, issues that are as relevant today as they were in the midst of the First World War.

Eliza Manningham-Buller attended Benenden School and is a graduate of Lady Margaret Hall where she was a prominent member of the Oxford University Dramatic Society. She worked as an English teacher at Queen’s Gate School before embarking on her distinguished career in intelligence.

Baroness Manningham-Buller was Director General of the Security Service (MI5), from 2002 until her retirement in 2007. She served as an officer for 33 years, specialising in international and domestic counter-terrorism. As Director General, she had a high profile in the fight against terrorism and led the transformation and expansion of the service, making it more open and adapting to new ways to counter the changing nature of terrorist threats. In 2008 she was made a Life Peer, sitting on the cross benches in the House of Lords, and is a member of the Lords Select Committee on science and technology. She also became a Governor of the Wellcome Trust.

In 2011 she delivered, with Aung San Suu Kyi, the BBC Reith Lectures entitled “Securing Freedom” in which she reflected on the legacy of the 9/11 attacks on the United States. In the same year she became Chairman of the Court and Council of Imperial College, London. In June 2014 Baroness Manningham-Buller was appointed Lady Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.

Headmaster’s Introduction

Governors, Parents, Pupils and Guests,

Welcome to this year’s Prizegiving and a particularly warm welcome to our Guest of Honour, Lady Elizabeth Manningham-Buller LG DCB.

I am grateful to the Dean and Chapter for permission to hold this evening’s ceremony in the Cathedral Church of St Thomas. My thanks also to David Doyle for his expertise in overseeing the arrangements for this celebration of the school year, and to John Sadden for all his work with David in compiling this splendid programme. A number of awards have been made in advance of this evening and are noted in the first part of the programme. We continue to observe the guideline that only in very exceptional circumstances will a pupil win more than two academic prizes. Many congratulations to all our prizewinners. This evening is an opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary achievements of the last academic year and to celebrate all that makes this school such a special place in which to learn and grow.

James Priory

Headmaster

Guest of Honour, The Baroness Manningham-Buller LG DCB


HEADMASTER’S PRIZEGIVING REPORT 2013-14

Buildings RiseAs cranes swung into position over the Quad last summer, there was a very real sense that 2013-14 was going to be a year of transformation. The original Sixth Form Centre had served its purpose well but been outgrown by the number of pupils wishing to make PGS their gateway to university. The vision of the new building was ambitious and would transform the school as a whole, let alone the experience on offer to the Sixth Form. The glass prow promised to be dramatic, as did the expanse of Portland stone and glass, but everyone was secretly excited about that walk in the air to be made possible thanks to the bridge between the new Sixth Form Centre and Cambridge House. It was going to be a year of exciting change.

Records FallFast forward then to summer 2014 and another scene of change and excitement as pupils opened their public examination results, surrounded by parents and teachers, eager to discover if they had fulfilled their aspirations.

We were thrilled that well over 70% of all subject entries at GCSE were awarded A*/A for the tenth year running – a real achievement given that this was our largest ever Year 11 cohort and GCSE had been going through such change nationally. It was even more exciting to see Year 13 pupils achieve a record performance at A Level and IB, with nearly a quarter of all entries graded A* or the equivalent of a point score of 7 in Higher Level IB subjects.

We celebrated the achievement of our first two Wilkie Scholars, Charlotte Marchant and Taylor Richardson, who had joined PGS on a scholarship programme from Mayfield School: Charlotte challenging herself further in Art on a university foundation course, and Taylor winning a place to read English Literature at Leeds University.

Nearly 90% of pupils in Year 13 secured a university place of their choice, the large majority at their first choice destination and on some of the most highly rated and competitive courses in the country. Twelve pupils, around 10% of the cohort, were successful in securing places at Oxford and Cambridge, six of them having first joined PGS in the Junior School, and now go on to read subjects ranging from History, Classics and Modern Languages to Mathematics, Engineering and Medicine. A further twelve pupils gained places at medical school. It had been exhilarating to see them march through the arch on Leavers’ Day, and now we shared with them that sense of a job well done as results were held aloft and waved in the air.

Exercising the MindPublic examinations results are, of course, just one measure of the scholarship and learning taking place within the school. PGS Extend, the programme of independent research and creative thinking, has

become an integral part of the Sixth Form experience, and it was inspiring to hear pupils present the fruits of their studies in the presence of Rear Admiral John Lippiett, Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust, earlier this year.

Commended entries ranged from an anthology of ekphrastic poetry (a phrase which might just have challenged Year 7 Spelling Bee winner Ben Fawcett), to the evaluation of new treatments for Multiple Sclerosis. Aladdin Benali (Yr 13) was chosen as the recipient of the Ithaka Prize for his IB study of the frequency of Anglicisms in French, an essay written entirely in French which evolved into a fascinating exploration of attitudes towards linguistic purism.

For a different type of Anglo-French relationship, I was delighted to be part of the audience when some of our brightest Year 8 historians presented their research into an original handwritten letter by Admiral Lord Nelson which had been generously loaned to the school by Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science, and his wife, Sarah. The pupils had relished the challenge of deciphering one of the Admiral’s letters written when he had had only the use of his left hand, and locating it within the story of Nelson’s life and the politics of the time.

The Minister would have enjoyed meeting our Sixth Form Science Ambassadors too, following their involvement in BBC Stargazing Live at the Historic Dockyard. The pupils had joined members of the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation at Portsmouth University to provide amateur astronomers with a user-friendly guide to stellar spectroscopy. The feedback was glowing about the pupils’ expertise and enthusiasm, just as it was for Molly Cranston (Yr 13) who was invited to join a research team at the University of Southampton investigating the effect of diabetes in teenagers, and whose research and presentational skills had been highly praised by her professional colleagues.

Broadening HorizonsIn our fifth year as an IB World School offering the International Diploma alongside A Level, we have been keen to continue to broaden our pupils’ cultural horizons. To this end, it has been excellent to see such a wide range of international study trips complemented by the opportunity for us as a school to host visitors from overseas.

Pupils and staff have travelled to European cities such as Barcelona, Cologne, Cracow, Rome and Ypres; there have been language exchanges to France, Germany and Spain; our budding historians have journeyed to China, whilst students of politics have savoured Washington and Philadelphia; geographers and geologists have sampled Iceland; our thespians trod the stones of the ancient theatres of Greece; and our philosophers sipped coffee in Paris whilst ruminating on existentialism.

I was personally moved in October to be with Year 10 PRS pupils in Poland visiting Auschwitz for the first time, a pilgrimage in which we discovered the Jewish

history of Cracow, met a Holocaust survivor and even found the place in Birkenau where she had been held as a young child. It was a privilege to share this experience with such sensitive and mature young people, and to reflect with them on the importance of visiting sites of profound human experience.

In 2013-14, the world also came to PGS. Over 40 Swedish Sixth Form students were hosted with PGS families during their training ship, Gunilla’s stay in Portsmouth. We welcomed over 50 pupils from Suzhou High School of Jiangsu Province in China, eager to see for themselves what an English education looked like; and we were entertained by international theatre companies, such as Onatti Theatre who performed entirely in Spanish, or Kathakali Theatre, whose actors are immersed in the sounds and colours of early Hinduism.

It is perhaps not surprising, then, that we seem to be bucking the national trend with increasing numbers of pupils opting for modern foreign languages post-16 at PGS. Imaginative resources, innovative teaching and opportunities to encounter Europe for themselves, have all contributed to the pupils’ appreciation of the added dimension languages can offer, and expect to see this trend continue. Languages classical and ancient are also enduringly popular, as was evident in the success pupils enjoyed in this year’s Greek and Latin Reading Competitions, held in Winchester, and which we look forward to hosting here in Portsmouth in future years, as well as in the choice of Classics and Classical Archaeology by Gregory Walton-Green and Rory Maclean respectively, two of this year’s Oxbridge scholars.

Eyes of the World As the international community prepared to mark a number of significant historical anniversaries in 2014, we were proud to be involved at the heart of commemorative events for D-Day 70 in Portsmouth, with the CCF invited to march past HRH the Princess Royal and the gathered veterans of the Normandy landings, and the Chamber Choir leading thousands of visitors on Southsea Common in singing at the Drumhead Ceremony. Members of the PGS community also took part in services broadcast live on BBC Radios 3 and 4, whilst the Portsmouth Festivities hosted a fascinating debate about the legacy of D Day, with Lord Anthony Beevor on the expert panel.

The centenary of the beginning of the First World War has been another major focus for the year, inspiring a week-long programme of workshops organised by academic departments such as Art, English, History, Psychology and Science, and attended by over 400 primary school children. Mr Lemieux, Senior Teacher and Head of History and Politics, was the creative brain behind the idea of the Great War Sign Up! workshops, and ensured that each participant received a commemorative coin as a memento of their experience. Throughout the year, people have also been visiting the graves and memorials of the PGS fallen – from Highland Road Cemetery in Southsea to remote burial grounds in Tanzania – to ‘Honour the 131’.

The immediacy of international events has been an added stimulus to Model United Nations debates this year. Delegates from PGS attended an MUN Conference in the Guildhall, where issues ranged from gay rights, free speech and euthanasia to the merits and possibilities of space exploration. We hosted our own successful Conference in March.

Scholarly ExchangeVisiting speakers have made their own special contribution to our understanding of the world and our place within it. TV historian and election analyst extraordinaire, Peter Snow, gripped us with the forgotten story of the burning of the White House by British forces in 1812. Professor Jim Al-Khalili led us out of the labyrinth of some of his favourite scientific paradoxes in a memorable Brunel Science lecture, as well as taking time to congratulate four former pupils who had been awarded IET Diamond Jubilee Scholarships to support their engineering studies at university. Brunel would certainly have approved!

Neuroscientist, Dr Guy Sutton, addressed a packed audience in the David Russell Theatre on the mind and the brain in 21st century forensic psychiatry, whilst Professor John Stein, Emeritus Professor of Physiology at Oxford and pioneer of deep brain stimulation, challenged students to consider not only how amazing the brain can be, but also how to manage the ethics of experimentation. It will have been a pleasure to have him back with us to deliver the Brunel Science Lecture in 2014.

Professor Edith Hall from King’s College, London, proved to be a charismatic guide to the Greeks and the Sea, whilst Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP, fresh from her own aquatic experience in television show Splash, entertained us with insights into the world of Westminster which pupils could test for themselves when they visited the House of Commons and quizzed the Speaker, Rt Hon John Bercow MP in his Chambers.

We were also honoured to welcome the new Vice-Chancellor of Portsmouth University, Professor Graham Galbraith, for Prizegiving which in September included the inaugural presentations of the Drew Gibson Sports Scholarship, the Institute of Chemical Engineers Prize for Science, the Reeve Prize for Perseverance, the Audrey and Malcolm Foley Prize for Creativity and Innovation, and the Peter Lodder Prize for Fortitude – a quintet of awards which demonstrates just how highly we value our pupils’ breadth, creativity and resilience.

Work Inspiration The development of dedicated careers facilities in the new Sixth Form Centre was an added spur this year to enhance our programme of events to stimulate pupils’ thinking about the future paths they might forge in the world.

As well as the popular Careers and Gap Year Convention and the growing number of Networking Lunches available to pupils in Years 10 and above, Year 8 pupils enjoyed their own Careers day, meeting experts from a spectrum of professions and businesses, including many parents who had generously volunteered their services for the day. We also staged


our first Universities Fair as a separate event from the Careers Convention, inviting 30 leading institutions from across the UK to talk to pupils about the latest courses on offer. Recent leavers also returned to share their insights into university life, tempted back by the offer of a PGS BBQ.

A careers symposium on the fashion industry was another highlight of this year’s programme. Simon Ward, OP and now Chief Operating Officer of the British Fashion Council revisited PGS to champion the opportunities available in Britain’s fashion industry. He was supported by former pupils now working as designers, fashion journalists and retail managers; it was a very successful event and a format I am sure we will be keen to use again.

It was all the more satisfying therefore to see pupils progressing successfully to their university of choice this summer, both at A Level and, as the evidence of four years of results now shows, even more so at IB. We remain extremely grateful to all those in the wider school community who support us in the work we do to advise pupils and to guide them in their applications. It will be wonderful to have enhanced careers facilities in the new Sixth Form Centre next year.

Up In the CloudInnovation in ICT has been an integral part of the school’s strategic plan, and the appointment this year of a pupil Digital Council proved decisive in developing ideas for new approaches to teaching and learning. As well as helping to redesign our Virtual Learning Environment, MyPGS, for the benefit of pupils, parents and staff, the Digital Council also contributed to the school gaining national e-safety accreditation as one of the first educational institutions in the country to have a high level of protection for all users on-line.

Academic departments are increasingly making resources available via dedicated Twitter accounts; tablets are becoming ever more visible in our classrooms and libraries; and from next year ICT will be replaced on the curriculum by Computing.

With so much pupil interest and confidence in new technologies, perhaps we should not have been surprised to see the Year 9 IBM Website Challenge team impress the audience in the digital design work they completed for the charity, Off the Record.

Creative EnergyIntegral to PGS’s philosophy as a school is that our pupils should continue to achieve academically, whilst also enjoying the roundedness of full co-curricular lives and the personal enrichment such opportunities bring. The creative arts have a big role to play in this and hence we invest energy and imagination as a school into providing similar opportunities to other young people in the city through our support for organisations such as the Portsmouth Festivities or, for example, hosting the T S Eliot Prize for Poetry’s 20th anniversary tour in September.

In a 2014 report by Oxford Economics commissioned by the Independent Schools Council, PGS was singled out as a model of both the cultural and economic impact that a school can have on its community. With over

80 events taking place within this year’s Portsmouth Festivities alone, and many of these hosted at school or featuring PGS pupils and ensembles, it was wonderful to see the number of people attending and participating in cultural events rising by over 10% to 40,000 people in those ten festive days in June.

Carol Ann Duffy, Poet Laureate, launched the Festivities – or Hostilities, as she mischievously coined them with reference to Portsmouth’s military history – in an entertaining reading in the David Russell Theatre. The Tallis Scholars performed a specially devised programme on the theme of War and Peace. Most excitingly of all, PGS musicians collaborated with electronic composer Chris Bartholomew (OP) and London Mozart Players’ Principal Trumpeter, Paul Archibald, to create a completely rewired performance of Mozart’s symphonies. It was extraordinary to hear a pupil orchestra recreating Mozart’s music live in the Cathedral to electro-dubstep rhythms.

Other Festivities’ highlights included the Spice Island Art Trail and the major commission of an outdoor projected film, Faces, which retold the story of Portsmouth in 1914 through the voices and faces of people living in Portsmouth today. Meanwhile, the Year 9 Play in a Day in Action Stations explored the lives of a host of famous stargazers from the past, including the fourth century Alexandrian astronomer Hypatia, imagining her staring into the eyes of a modern schoolgirl also struggling to stand up for her love of science and belief in rational thought. As the astronomer Professor Mike Edmunds commented in a subsequent article on the event: “Drama used in this way, for all ages, can be inspirational. Full marks to PGS and the Festivities. Let’s do more of this.”

Dramatic LegacyIt has been a vintage year for PGS Drama. In the year in which Mr Hampshire retired from the school, his legacy in establishing such a thriving academic and co-curricular department was evident in the sheer quality and range of productions we have enjoyed over the last twelve months. No wonder Mrs Filho generously presented the founding Head of Drama with his School Colours in a cathedral assembly in the summer term.

The Year 9 and 10 production of Private Peaceful, directed by Mr McCrohon, featured a highly talented cast and crew capable of transporting us from pastoral pre-war England to the alien horrors of No Man’s land. The atmosphere became even more surreal and gripping in the IB Theatre Studies performance of Jean-Paul Sartre’s No Exit in the Gatehouse Drama Studios, though it was perhaps most unsettling of all in the Sixth Form’s promenade production of King Lear. I shall never forget lychees rolling across the floor of the Square Tower in graphic representation of Gloucester’s eyeballs, bloodily tinged by the sunset pouring in through the open door.

Just when the audience thought it could not absorb any more pathos, we were introduced to the pupil-devised drama Alive! based on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, which went on to be a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe thanks in part to the physicality of the students’ performance, and in part to the cleverly chosen setting of a crypt theatre. As the reviews and tweets amply

proved, Edinburgh audiences were to be electrified by PGS’s twist on Gothic drama.

There was more than a little horror in the spoof sci-fi musical Little Shop of Horrors performed so exuberantly by the Middle School in Mr Hampshire’s final PGS production. Just as Audrey the carnivorous plant expanded on stage, so too did the cast blossom with confidence on successive nights, producing a remarkably mature and skilful performance. The show offered many technical demands, and yet again the pupil-led crew rose, like Audrey, to the challenge.

Musical drama is a major strength at PGS and the Christmas production of Mack and Mabel provided yet another entry in the school’s canon of Kings Theatre hits. Ben Schofield and Molly Cranston were brilliantly cast as film director Mack Sennett and waitress-turned-star Mabel Normand in this spectacular but, ultimately, poignant show.

Also worthy of note was the House Drama festival in which pupils from Years 9-13 recreated much-loved television comedy capers such as Father Ted and Not Going Out on stage in the DRT. Congratulations to the Latter production of Fawlty Towers and Whitcombe’s The Good Life who shared the honours at the end of a rib-tickling evening.

Drawn TogetherIn the English Speaking Union’s Mace Debating competition, Tom Harper and Will Wallace (Year 13) proposed that ‘This House would end all state funding for artworks that cannot be recognised as Art by an average member of the general public.’ Hopefully, they would have had little difficulty justifying the value of the many creative projects contributed to by PGS’s skilful young artists this year.

The Big Draw in the Cathedral provided an opportunity for Year 10 pupils to explore Kipling’s poem The Way Through the Woods, designing and making installations which transformed the nave into a living, breathing forest. Year 9 pupils were inspired by artist-in-residence Patti Gaal-Holmes and school archivist John Sadden to create images which reverberated with the First World War centenary. Meanwhile, A Level artists were in experimental and playful mood with their child’s playground installation in the Fawcett Pavilion at Hilsea.

As well as visiting St Ives in Cornwall and exploring the work of artists such as Barbara Hepworth, pupils had the opportunity to meet Martin Jennings, the sculptor commissioned to produce the UK’s only statue of Charles Dickens. The writer was unveiled in Guildhall Square in February, 202 years after his birth in Portsmouth, with pupils learning that the original clay had already been returned to the bucket in Jennings’ studio and was about to be sculpted into an entirely different figure.

The culmination of the year was the Summer Art Show in the Spinnaker Tower, attracting over two hundred visitors in one night. Miss Dyer, in her final year at PGS, was rightly proud of her pupils’ outstanding work and confident that it could compete with the stunning views of the Solent on offer. It was a fine setting for such a special exhibition.

Voices UpliftedWith more than 45 ensembles and a programme of 60 concerts, it has been another extraordinarily busy and creative year for Music.

The Chamber Choir combined with the Portsmouth Choral Union, the Choristers of Portsmouth Cathedral and St John’s Cathedral and Southern Pro Musica for a performance of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem in the centenary year of the composer’s birth. The Guildhall stage had never been so full and yet the performance was beautifully subtle: “a fine balance between the dramatic and prayerful” which “filled the Guildhall with musical conviction” as one reviewer wrote afterwards.

D-Day 70 gave PGS musicians the opportunity to perform to international audiences live on radio, followed by a moving Choral Evensong at Christ Church Cathedral, where the school has historic connections, and the recording of a new CD in Jesus College Chapel, Cambridge to be launched in time for Christmas. The school’s own Evensong at Portsmouth Cathedral, which took place in Lent for the first time, was another outstanding example of choral music in cathedral worship.

The House Music competition grew into more of a festival this year, with House Music Captains heavily involved in organising pupil entries and leading rehearsals in the early hours to ensure that the standard remained exceptionally high. The finale evening was one of the most impressive programmes of individual and ensemble performances that I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Congratulations to Grant House on emerging as the overall winners.

Earlier in the year, Dr Dave Allen (OP) entertained us with his recollections of PGS’s role in the Sixties musical scene at the launch of his monograph on Paul Jones (OP), former vocalist and harmonica player of Manfred Mann. Mr Lister, Head of Languages, celebrated winning The Times Christmas Carol competition for his own composition, The Noisy Stable, and we were delighted for William Wallace who progressed from the Sixth Form to become Organ Scholar at Canterbury Cathedral where television cameras recorded his installation in readiness for a new documentary.

Sporting PedigreeEveryone associated with sport at PGS was thrilled to see the achievements of our girls and boys – and their dedicated coaches – recognised when we were awarded the accolade of being the top co-educational day school for sport in School Sports Magazine this year.

From the fun and face paint of Sports Day at HMS Temeraire – which culminated in the mad dash of the mixed relay races – to some champagne rugby as the 1st XV signed off from a splendid season in style, this has been a sporting year to savour.

Under Mr Rutherford’s expert eye, hockey has continued to flourish with the U14 and U16 boys winning county titles and progressing confidently to South Regional Finals, whilst the girls enjoyed a clean sweep of county titles at U13, U14, U16 and U18 before also making their mark in the Regional Finals.


Anna Reynolds (U17) and Joseph Brown (U17) were both honoured to be selected to represent England in their respective age groups.

Our netballers also played with great skill and character, the U14 and U16 teams performing particularly strongly to become Hampshire champions and qualify for regional tournament. The U16 girls did well enough to progress again to the National Finals where they were placed fifth overall, whilst Ashleigh Dekker had another outstanding individual season to secure her place with the England National Academy.

With Rugby World Cup fever just beginning to show, it was exciting to see such strength and depth in this year’s rugby teams. The 1st XV were proud to win the plate at the prestigious St Joseph’s tournament, as well as reaching the sixth round of the NatWest Cup. The U18 sevens was also eye catching: semi-finalists at Bryanston and plate finalists at Reigate, whilst the 2nd VII came away winners from the tournament hosted by Queen Mary’s College. There were similarly impressive team performances in the younger age groups, most notably the U13s reaching the quarter finals of the School Sports Magazine National Cup and the U16s winning the Hampshire Collegiate Sevens. Meanwhile, Guy Snowball was honoured to join the U18 Independent School Lambs on tour.

PGS has built an impressive reputation over the years as one of the country’s leading cricketing schools. Both the U12 and U15 teams won county titles, with the U15s progressing to no fewer than two national finals as semi-finalists in the Lord’s Taverners’ Trophy and the Twenty20 national competition at Arundel Castle. To make the final four twice in tournaments which each attracted g over 900 school teams, underlines just how committed and bonded this group of players has been this season, loyally supported on the boundary by their parents.

Ben Caldera and Andrew Gorvin were both selected to play for Hampshire 2nd XI during the summer, with Andrew also captaining the U17 county team and, along with Rory Prentice, representing the Trinity Schools XI against Sri Lanka Schools. Charlotte Dean attracted selectors’ attention, invited to join the U15 England Women’s Development Festival though still only U13, whilst former pupil Rob Gibson was announced as the winner of the prestigious Walter Lawrence MCC Universities Award for his innings of 118 against Cardiff MCCU in June.

In Athletics, the Inter Girls came fourth in the Regional Track and Field Cup Final, whilst the Year 7, and Year 8/9 Girls and Boys were all Hampshire Track Knockout finalists. Tom Miller impressed in the U15 English Schools Pentathlon. We also enjoyed strong running performances by our Year 7-9 girls and boys in Hampshire Schools’ Cross Country Championships.

In a packed programme of sports, we celebrated the U15 Rounders team winning the Hampshire title; in Hampshire Schools’ Swimming Championships, we applauded the powerful performances of Sarah Hughes, Lauren Johnstone and Dominic Johnson in the pool; Huw Thomas and George Charlton came runners up in the National Schools Handicap Doubles in Real Tennis; the Squash team was crowned Hampshire Division Two winners; and the Stigant brothers were in action again in fencing, with Devlin taking the British

U14 Épée title and Liam, who also won a place to read Mathematics at Oxford, invited to represent Scotland in the UK School Games in Manchester.

Our skiers have especially excelled in becoming National Independent Schools’ Senior Team Champions at the Indoor Championships. The girls’ team also came second in the British Schools’ Open Dry Slope Championships, whilst Cameron Manson skied her way into the U18 English National Alpine Squad.

For the first time, PGS entered eight Feva boats in the Itchenor Schools’ Week. Individual sailing honours soon accumulated throughout the year: Henry Chandler joined the National Optimist Sailing Squad; Arthur Fry was selected to represent Great Britain in the GB National Development Team at the French Optimist Nationals in July; Liz Sherwood qualified for the RYA National 4.7 Laser Sailing Squad; Freddy Wood won the RS Tera Sport National Championships; Jemima Lawson became British 420 Champion and David Simmonds, as well as achieving straight A*s at GCSE, became World Junior Champion in the International Moth dinghy class.

PGS on Tor Pupils have ventured into wilderness settings and revelled in the challenges they faced and bonds they formed. We were proud to have two Ten Tors teams in action again this year. Both the Year 10 35 mile team and those in Year 12 tackling 45 miles finished their events successfully, their resilience tested but stronger for the experience. Other adventurous pursuits took place in North Wales, Little Canada on the Isle of Wight and in the nocturnal navigation of Charlton Chase where once again PGS teams impressed with their speed, skill and resourceful humour.

With around 150 pupils taking part in the Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award programme every year, we felt that it was high time we hosted our very own DofE Awards Evening and were delighted that the High Sheriff of Hampshire, Rupert Younger, agreed to be with us as Guest of Honour. Pupils shared their exploits on expedition and reflected on the value of learning new skills or volunteering within their local communities. Mr Younger, well known for his interest in community enterprise, praised the pupils’ efforts and extolled the virtues of the DofE scheme.

The Combined Cadet Force provides similar opportunities for leadership and teamwork in an outdoor setting and, thanks to the dedication of staff and a number of excellent volunteer supporters, continues to attract strong numbers of recruits in Year 9 and above. Two cadets played leading roles this year: James Phillips was nominated to be Lord Mayor’s Cadet, whilst Sebastian McCue fulfilled the role of Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet. Rowan Dixon and Ed Smith (Yr 12) also achieved an impressive double for the RAF section, both being awarded flying scholarships in the summer

To Lead and ServeIf there was one area of school life which really seemed to come alive this year thanks to pupil initiative and engagement, it was in the extraordinary efforts made to raise funds for a host of important charities.

The Magnificent Seven trained all year to swim the Solent in aid of Help for Heroes; Middle School pupils raided their parents’ drawers for Terrible Tie Day; Sixth Form swimmers joined visiting speaker John Willis in the pool in HMS Temeraire – a wonderful man who had set himself the challenge of swimming 50 lengths in 50 pools having been born without fully formed limbs; Evie McAuley (Yr 8) bravely shaving her head at the end of the year to raise awareness for Cancer Research UK; and hundreds of Sixth Form pupils brought in supplies of new toys and old coats in response to a Christmas appeal by the Salvation Army.

And this was just the start of it. Fifty pupils, parents and staff (and one rather slow Headmaster) trained for the Great South Run, raising £5K for Chai Thom School, our link United World School in Cambodia. Pupils and staff were coached by ballroom champions to transform themselves into PGS’ very own Come Dancing cast, generating £7.5K for our sister school in Uganda, Kikaaya College School. What a treat it was, not only to see Mr Doyle’s face when Britain’s Got Talent finalists ‘Kings & Queens’ burst onto the Dining Hall dance floor, but to enjoy the performances of winners Robert Weekes and Katie Twist (Yr 11), and the no less youthful intensity of winning staff couple, Mr Head and Mrs Williams.

An intrepid party of 26 pupils led by Miss Heath travelled to Uganda to help renovate four classrooms in need of completion and to provide much-needed funds to help build a roof to protect lessons in mechanics and electronics. It was a transformative experience for all those involved and an emotional journey home having been so warmly welcomed by the Headmaster, Mr Mubiru, and his pupils and staff. Their expedition has ensured that momentum for similar projects at Kikaaya, both educational and charitable, will be more than sustained in the future.

It was with some humility, therefore, that we received The News’ ‘We can Do It Award’ for Best School this year, celebrating organisations which make a positive difference to their community. Included in the judges’ consideration had been the Faith and Football Social Enterprise Challenge, in which PGS’s Year 10 team had been brilliantly creative; the massive effort made by the whole of Year 12 to clear land for the benefit of disadvantaged and abused young people supported by local charity, Second Chance; and the activity of our choirs and bands in performing throughout the year at fundraising and community events.

In the same spirit, Eloise Peabody Rolf was nominated for two awards at the end of the year: The Suzy Lamplugh Trust National Personal Safety Awards and BBC Radio 1’s Teen Awards 2014, following her impressive work on the Hampshire Youth Commission.

We aim to teach our pupils to lead and serve in a changing world, and this year it really felt as if the pupils were demonstrating leadership and service in their concern for others and charitable drive.

ValeteSadly, we bid farewell to a number of staff at the end of this year. Mrs Orchard (English), Mr Derby (Head of Biology), Mr McGuiggan (Maths), Miss Gardner (Head of Netball who led the girls to national success), Miss

Dyer (Head of Art), Mrs Carter (PRS), Mrs Ashton and Mr Dymock (DT), Mrs McNamara (Learning Support) and Mrs Edwards (amongst many things, Chief Invigilator) have all made significant contributions to the school in their time with us and we wish them well for the future.

Mrs Wilson, Deputy Head (Academic), left to become Managing Head of Bedales Senior School, having done much to establish the consistently high standard of teaching and learning provided within the school. She was delighted that her successor was announced as Mr Goad (Head of Science) with whom she had worked closely during her time at PGS.

We also saluted two members of staff coming to the end of outstanding careers at PGS. Mr Nials has been a brilliant teacher of Biology and superb professional mentor to colleagues launching their teaching careers at PGS; whilst Mr Hampshire has transformed himself from Biology teacher to founding Head of Drama, and latterly a much-loved Head of Middle School. Both have acquired legendary status in their time at PGS and will be missed by us all.

Two long serving members of the Governing Body, Mrs Cockcroft and Mr Tobin, were recognised in becoming Governors Emeritus. We remain deeply grateful for their support and advice in guiding the school through its development in recent years.

Founders of TomorrowEvery three years we stage a whole school photograph and in this triennial year, with the Main Quad transformed into a building site, we decided to use Governors Green as the backdrop for our giant family photo. It was a memorable gathering, made all the more amusing as we clustered together for warmth in the face of a freezing sea wind.

The next time we trooped down the High Street together, the Sixth form Centre nearly completed, was for our Founder’s Day Service in Portsmouth Cathedral. As the sun blazed outside, we listened with rapt attention to our preacher, Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons and one of the first women to be ordained to the priesthood twenty years ago.

“No limitations rule my effort,” she intoned, sharing with us a prayer of hope and self-determination she had learned as a child, “I have the potential for greatness.” Rev Hudson-Wilkin urged us to acknowledge the past and those who had made so many opportunities possible, but she also challenged us to be founders of our own tomorrow.

On the final day of a school year in which so much had happened and so much had been achieved, it was inspiring to feel that there was even more to come from within.

James Priory

September 2014


Sponge the teacher – one of the many charity events during the year

1. SCHOLARSHIPS, EXHIBITIONS AND GRANTS ALREADY AWARDED

Philip Barrett Choral Scholarship Sophie Rose

Year 7

Foundation ScholarshipsRobin Cavusoglu William Davis Alexander EllisonSarnaz Hossain Lian Kan Habina SeoJohn Yu

Honorary Foundation ScholarshipsPoppy Herbert

Foundation ExhibitionsAnna Caldwell Laura Docherty Callum HelyerFreddie Howard Sophie Martin Joseph McCueNicholas Ross Samuel Stocks

Honorary Foundation Exhibitions Benjamin Nash

These awards, made on the Foundation, nominally represent the enduring bequest of the Founder, William Smith MD, Mayor of Portsmouth and Physician to its Garrison. The Grand Jury of Portsmouth had lamented in 1717 that residents were sending their children far afield, and at great cost, for their schooling. The first requirement, they felt, was

however a common pound for animals; and so it fell to Smith, on his deathbed fifteen years later, to remedy the educational situation – or at any rate to bequeath the land on the Isle of Wight that would provide the income to allow a school to be started, under the auspices of Smith’s adopted college, Christ Church Oxford. This the college eventually did, in 1750.

Keith Horn Scholarship Abid Ali

Keith Horn was a former pupil of The Portsmouth Grammar School and generously supported the school in creating a small number of full, means-tested

scholarships which we are pleased to name after him in honour of his memory.

All Rounder Awards Claudia Bishop Arya Gowda Robbie McDonald Emily Nelson

Governor Presentation Awards Grace Beardsley Matthew Hickman Jasmin HoldenSam Jones Megan Latham Hannah RaynerImran Vloemans

Hartman Award William Bellis

This award has been generously donated to the school by Michael’s mother in memory of her son and his

very happy time at The Portsmouth Grammar School from September 1959 to December 1968.

Year 8

All Rounder Exhibition Oliver Willoughby

Certificate of Educational Leadership and Management Mrs A Cross Mr L Rees Dr R Richmond Miss L Rickard

The Certificate of Educational Leadership and Management is a collaboration between The Portsmouth Grammar School and the University of Portsmouth. The year-long programme, which is Masters credited, aims to develop reflection, reading and learning about educational theory and practice, and to enhance the quality of leadership and management within the school

Long Service AwardsMrs B Tilling Mr B Robertson Mr S Disley

Long service awards are made to PGS support and teaching staff who have served 25 years in the school.

Staff being awarded Qualified Teacher StatusMiss H Chipman Miss A Cunningham Mr C Ives Mr A Seddon

These staff have all successfully completed their induction period with the Independent Schools Teacher Induction Panel (IStip)


Year 12

Alastair Hornby Scholarships Rachel Beaves Edwina Bishop Reetobrata Chatterjee Jack Dry William Dry Elliot Ebert Alice Kellam Nina Luckmann

Alastair Hornby Exhibitions James Brader Ned Davies Madeleine De VereSophie O’Flaherty

Alastair Hornby was Head of Physics for many years, and consolidated the development of the subject at PGS as well as introducing A Level Electronics. A keen sportsman, he was an especially potent member of the Common Room Cricket XI. A loyal and firm citizen,

he became a city councillor on retirement in 1984 and received a civic funeral on his death. The awards were first made in 1988, donated by his family after his death.

Sainsbury ScholarshipsJadon Buckeridge Hannah Campbell James Campkin Catriona EllisKelvin Shiu David Simmonds Lucy Tyler

Sainsbury ExhibitionsFilippa Furniss Anna Sykes Oliver Wratten

Honorary Sainsbury ExhibitionsCiara Dossett Jenny Evans

These commemorate Norman Sainsbury (1910-1997), linguist and librarian. Norman Sainsbury won a scholarship to PGS and always felt that the school, and in particular his Housemaster, H S Hawkey, was responsible for his success in later life. He won a Classical scholarship to Cambridge, where he discovered an interest in oriental languages. He went on to a distinguished career as a librarian, first at the School of Oriental and African Studies and subsequently as Keeper of Oriental Books at the Bodleian.

During the Second World War, Sainsbury was seconded to the Foreign Office; he never spoke in detail about the nature of his duties, but for a time he was employed at Bletchley Park, where his keen and analytical mind would certainly have been put to good use. Sainsbury also possessed considerable managerial skills, which he used to make major improvements to the organisation of the oriental collections at both SOAS and the Bodleian.

Mrs Evelyn Margaret Sainsbury endowed the PGS Sainsbury Scholarships in memory of her husband and left a further legacy to the school on her death in 2001.

Wilkie ScholarshipJames Butler Finlay Cookson

Mr Brian Wilkie, a successful businessman based in the United Arab Emirates, attended Mayfield School from 1960 to 1966, when it was known as Northern Grammar School. He set up the scholarship in 2012 to

help young people from Mayfield School to continue their studies in the Sixth Form at PGS in order that they could achieve their potential at university and beyond, no matter what their financial circumstances.

Year 9

Nock Scholarships Emily Stone Clementine Taylor-Smith

Honorary Nock Scholarships Alexander Gibson Mugdha Godbole Sam HarrisElla Johnson Alexandra Lemieux Philippa NobleElla Palethorpe Codey Simmons Nadia VloemansEmily Whitehead Daniel Williams Eleanor Wilson

Nock ExhibitionsMarcus Blake Charlie Conway Clara FourciangueAmelia Freeman Tabitha Goedkoop Matthew KennedyOscar Turner

Arthur Darby Nock (PGS 1912-1919) won a scholarship to Trinity College Cambridge and was made a Fellow of Clare College aged only 21. Aged only 28, he was elected to the Frothingham Chair of Comparative Religion, the youngest ever election to a Harvard Professorship. Nock was a much loved eccentric, at all times and in all weathers carting with him a rolled umbrella. A noted polymath, he was the author not only of several works on philosophy and religion but also of the Oxford Classical Dictionary.

In 1937, Nock returned to PGS to present the Prizes and his address, though witty and refreshingly spontaneous, was not short on advice. Parents should realise that the quality of education they could obtain for their children at PGS was of equal breadth to that in the top boarding schools yet remarkably inexpensively priced: they should rejoice in the nationally high standing of PGS and in their ‘unique opportunity’. In his will he bequeathed the majority of his estate to PGS, where it remains held in trust.

All Rounder Awards Jack Breen Elliot Martin

Governor Presentation Awards Max Beckett India Guy Charles HawkinsJac McBride James Oldham Thomas Wakefield Dorothy Whyte-Venables

Art Scholarship Nicholas Ng

Honorary Art Scholarship Isabel Herbert

Art ExhibitionsWilliam Donworth Tabitha Goedkoop

Drama ScholarshipMegan Fisher Daniel Hill Dominic Roberts

Music ScholarshipLiam Buchan Elliot Martin Dorothy Whyte-Venables

Music ExhibitionDominic Chew Matthew Holloway

Sports ScholarshipJack Breen

The Portsmouth Grammar School P R I Z E G I V I N G 2 0 1 3

Art ScholarshipElla Davis

Honorary Art ScholarshipAlice Priory

Drama ScholarshipRebecca Emerton

Honorary Drama Scholarship Jessamie Waldon-Day

Drama ExhibitionsHarry Norton Anna Sykes Emily Tandy

Music ScholarshipFrancesca Strongitharm-Cornell

Music ExhibitionsKelvin Shiu Emily Tandy

Choral ScholarshipMelissa Talbot

Choral ExhibitionAlice MacBain

Sport ScholarshipJay Hartard

The Drew Gibson Sports ScholarshipGeorgina Milward

This prestigious scholarship has been established by the Gibson family in memory of Drew Gibson (1926-2012) and in recognition of the impact that PGS sports had on his three grandsons, Christopher (PGS 2003 – 2009), James (PGS 1998 – 2011) and Robert (PGS 1998 – 2012). Their mother, Rebecca (née Powell) (PGS 1980 – 1982), was one of only six girls admitted to the Lower Sixth in the early days of co-education.

Drew Gibson is remembered as a man of great generosity who passionately pursued his goals. He was a regular and keen supporter of PGS sports teams in which his grandsons played. His scholarship is awarded to a Sixth Form pupil and will provide similar outstanding opportunities to those his grandsons enjoyed.

Year 13

Honorary Nock ScholarshipsJulia Alsop Marley Andrews Jeevan Athwal Dominic BakerJames Baker Alexander Boden William Dekker Samuel GardenerCallum Grealish Philip Horton Max Matthews Parinaz HosseiniJacob Montgomery Joe Muir Shivani Patel Harry PurcellSophie Rose Rory Sellwood Lara Spirit Caitlin Taylor

Tim McDowall AwardJames Christian Freya Derby Emily Hill Andrew Marston Jack Marston Alec Walker

Tim McDowall (PGS 1974-1984) was an exceptionally talented and hard-working pupil. Tim also enjoyed drama, played for both the Rugby 1st XV and Cricket 1st XI, and was a loyal and capable member of the CCF. He went on to graduate in Economics at Trinity College, Cambridge. Tragically, Tim was murdered

in South America whilst backpacking on holiday following his graduation. The Olympic Athlete Roger Black, a contemporary of Tim at PGS, memorably gave an impromptu reflection on his friend when Guest of Honour at Prizegiving in 2004. His friends also fund a prize in Tim’s memory.

OP Club Travel AwardKatie Husselby

Awarded annually by the Old Portmuthian Club to current pupils and OPs still in full time education to enable them to undertake activity of an educational,

medical, social welfare, community development, environmental, scientific or volunteer nature in the UK or overseas.

Junior Organ ScholarJulia Alsop

OtherPGS Leonardo Poetry Competition Year 7: Alice Marchant Year 8: Juka Flint Year 9: Millie Cooper Year 10: Sam Kent

PGS Leonardo Poetry Cup Sam Kent

Ron Vearncombe joined PGS as a Maths teacher in 1948. He became Head of Maths in 1954, and remained at the school until his retirement in 1978. He combined academic excellence with modesty, wit, compassion, and common sense allied with a canny eye for the physiognomy of his colleagues and the ephemera of PGS décor. A selection of his paintings still hangs in the Common Room and one was used as the front

cover for the Prizegiving programme in 2006 as a commemorative gesture in the year of his death. Not only was Mr Vearncombe an inspirational teacher, but also a dedicated cricket coach, a talented artist and a gifted pianist. He established the Leonardo competition in 1958 to foster creative talent

Ogden ScholarsRoss Stephenson-Gill James Stuart-James

These bursaries are provided by the Ogden Trust to promote the study of the sciences and especially at Sixth Form and beyond.

Sam Kent and the other year winners of the Leonardo Competition


Prizegiving 50 years ago

The school’s prize giving for 1964 was held in the Portsmouth Guildhall which had reopened five years earlier following extensive fire damage

suffered in the Blitz. The pupils – then all boys – would have been familiar with the bomb sites that still remained in the city, including one directly opposite the school.

The prize giving ceremony was held on Friday afternoon, the 25th July, and no doubt many of the boys would have been looking forward to the final production that summer’s evening of the comedy, “The Happiest Days of Your Life”, put on by the Sixth Form Dramatic Society and the girls’ High School. The humour in the play derived from a situation when girls from a posh school were accidentally billeted at a rough boys’ school.

But there was nothing rough about PGS at the time, at least nothing reflected in its academic performance. The Headmaster, Mr Denys Hibbert, reported that the best academic results ever had been achieved, with 50 provisional university places having been secured by pupils. He praised his staff as being “first class”, and the guest of honour, Mr A.N. Gilkes, agreed, describing PGS as “a very good school”. Mr Gilkes knew what he was talking about – he was Director of the Public Schools Appointments Bureau and was a former High Master of St Paul’s School.

The Headmaster’s Prize for Senior Prefect – there was only one – went to Chris Clark, who could be seen in the Evening News the next day receiving his book from Mr Gilkes. Chris was about to go up to Cambridge to read Modern Languages, and, at the suggestion of a teacher, Mr Perry, chose The Oxford Companion to

French Literature. This proved invaluable – “it came to my aid on many occasions in my studies and teaching career, when time was short and inspiration lacking”. Chris modestly recalls that the Senior Prefect’s Prize was the only prize he could aspire to with any confidence as “there was no competition for it”.

Geoff Foley – who sponsors the Audrey and Malcolm Foley Prize for Creativity and Innovation, named after his parents – won the Hawkey Physics Prize in 1964. He recalls that “there was a fair amount of competition among one’s peers in the Science sixth form for these prizes… I certainly felt some personal satisfaction in winning the prize for Physics that year. However, I have also recognized more recently that the prize perhaps provided a little redemption with my parents for a none too flattering Junior School science report of some seven years earlier. In perusing old school reports that my father had faithfully filed away during my years at PGS, I noted with some amusement that my performance in science as an eleven year old was summed up in my end of year school report by a single word ‘Disgraceful’!”

From one of the worst to the best in the school reflects, perhaps, the power of the prize to lift up, to motivate, aided, no doubt, by Mr Hibbert’s first-class staff and their powers of alchemy.

Clive Vinall, who was awarded the Chemistry prize, recalls how he had stayed on at PGS and “been allowed to carry out my own practicals unsupervised, after discussion with Mr Tweed; on one occasion I was making cinnamic acid by a route which required 40 g of potassium cyanide (enough to kill about 160 people). When it started to smell of marzipan

2. PROGRESS PRIZES AND OTHER PRIZES ALREADY AWARDED

Year 7 Progress Prizes Saskia Egeland-Jenson Nadine Hugec Samara Materna Sophie Mitchell Hector Portlock Amanda Rees-Frometa Ella Simmonds Ollie Tinson William Watt-Jones Theo Wilson

Year 8 Progress Prizes Adam Bill Joe Brennan Charlotte Dean Jonathan Furniss Alexander Gibson Mugdha Godbole Freddie Hares Thea Morgan Thomas Robertson Codey Simmons Emily Whitehead Eleanor Wilson

Year 9 Progress Prizes Imogen Ashby Harry Hoolahan Catherine Leung Philip Macanovic Thomas Matthews Georgia McKirgan Shree Patel Katie Sharp Alexander Sidnell Thomas Smith Eve Stainton George Wilcockson

Year 10 Progress Prizes Joseph Allen Madeleine Bacon Zita Edwards Jack Ford Georgia Henderson Claudia Macari Cicely Podmore Elizabeth Sherwood George Sidnell Katerina Sillett Joe Stirrup Laura Verrecchia

Year 12 Progress Prizes Jeevan Athwal Oliver Brown Louisa Dassow Thomas Fuller Holly Govey Rhiannon Lasrado Matthew Pugh Geoffrey Sherwood Lara Spirit Caitlin Taylor Katherine Tobin Nicholas Ward

(hydrogen cyanide) I had to rush the apparatus to the fume cupboard, where I should have started. The Safety Elf had yet to be invented.

So I was awarded the Chemistry Prize, and I guess I must have been proud of it. I did go on to take a degree in chemistry, then a PhD, and to teach the subject, so perhaps there was some retrospective justification.”

The Geography prize that year was awarded to Martin Lippiett who chose a book on sea angling,

which Martin recalls came in handy for catching bass at Sally Port in Old Portsmouth. Martin modestly recalls his surprise at having netted the prize, joining “the brainier members of the school”.

Another prize winner that day was Keith Horn, who picked up an Upper Fifth Form Prize. Sadly Keith died in 2012, but thanks to his generous legacy, free places will be awarded to three young people who join the Senior School and will continue for their entire school careers.

The Le Breton Single Wicket CupMarcus Horton

The Le Breton Single Wicket Cup is awarded for outstanding cricketing achievements during the year. Prior to 2009, this trophy had not been awarded for many years, in fact one of the last recipients was Mike Wedderburn (now well known as a presenter on Sky Sports News) back in 1982. Our very own Mr Gary Payne, now retired from teaching in the Junior School, also won the trophy as a sixth former in 1981.

The Ithaka Prize Aladdin Benali

This Prize is awarded annually for the best PGS submission or IB Extended Essay. Year 12 pupils complete these independent research projects to enhance their study skills and knowledge and understanding of a subject of interest to them.


PGS Extend Commended PupilsRachel Boylin Dan Breen Ben Brookes Neil Chhabdha Molly Cranston Henry Cunnison Luke Dufour Natasha IliffeTamara Manuel Sebastian McCue Eliot Patten Thomas RaffertyCharlotte Randall Taylor Richardson Timothy Roberts Daniel RollinsJames Ross Zoe Rundle Benjamin Slader Melissa Smith Liam Stigant Samantha Summers William Wallace G Walton-GreenJustin Wilkinson

A Commendation is awarded to those pupils in Years 7 to 11 whose PGS Extend projects are judged outstanding by the marker. Old Portmuthian Club Sports’ PrizesRugby James HolmesBoys’ Hockey William SeeboldGirls’ Hockey Sophie BriggCricket Jack MarstonGirls’ Tennis Zoe RundleBoys’ Tennis Adam FilipNetball Henrietta Gould

The OP Club presents the Captain of each sport in which there is an OP fixture, with a salver to mark their contribution to sport at PGS.

The House Trophy Grant and Barton

To celebrate the centenary of the House system at PGS in 2010 – 2011, the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth commissioned a new trophy, complete with the Lord Mayor’s Coat of Arms, to mark the close bond between the school and city of Portsmouth. The trophy, awarded across a calendar year, incorporates all the House competitions, individual academic successes and co-curricular achievements. It is unique in that the trophy is awarded jointly to the Senior and Middle School House.

Zoe Rundle, Captain of Girls’ Tennis, Adam Filip, Captain of Boys’ Tennis, James Holmes, Captain of the First XV at the Sports’ dinner

Pupils Attaining Outstanding Results in GCSEThe following pupils gained at least 9 A* grades at GCSE – an asterisk indicates those who gained all A*s: Edwina Bishop* James Brader Naomi Brigg Jadon Buckeridge* James Campkin* Dorothea Charles Reetobrata Chatterjee Ned Davies Madeleine De Vere Ciara Dossett Jack Dry* William Dry* Elliot Ebert* Catriona Ellis* Jenny Evans Filippa Furniss* Aisling Hicks* Joseph Ingram Katherine Lemieux* Henry Ling Nina Luckmann* Alexander McKirgan* Alice Priory Charlotte Randall Matthew Roberts Kelvin Shiu* David Simmonds* Ross Watkins* Oliver Wratten

Pupils Attaining Outstanding Results at A LevelThe following pupils attained 3 A grades or more – an asterisk indicates those who gained at least 3 A*s:

Rohan Ahlawat Maisha Ahmed Shahmin Aktar Clare BartholomewJonathan Blackwell Katharine Campkin Phoebe Carter Neil ChhabdaSamuel Collings-Wells Henry Cunnison* Georgia Davies Harry Dry*Henry Farrant Adam Filip* Daniel Finch Grace GawnHenrietta Gould Thomas Harper* Fergus Houghton-Connell* Isabel HowsonRukmini Jagdish Thomas Kershaw* Rachel Lau* Thomas LinneyRory MacLean Jack Marston Sebastian McCue* Dominic MortimerRoman Mikhaylenko* Tristan Orchard* Inuri Patabendi* Dhruv Patel*Matthew Peacock* Joshua Rampton Taylor Richardson Timothy RobertsBenjamin Schofield Charlie Scutts Benjamin Slader Guy SnowballRishi Soneji William Sparkes Liam Stigant Nevin SubramaniamSamantha Summers* Morgan Tilling* Benjamin Tucker Perseus Wace Alec Walker William Wallace Gregory Walton-Green* Daniel Wells Justin Wilkinson* Ramy Wilson* Dominic Wood

Pupils Attaining Outstanding Results at IBThe following pupils attained Level 6 or above in at least 4 subjects – an asterisk indicates those who gained at least 4 Level 7s:

Aladdin Benali Abigail Guy Tamara Manuel Mirabel Mwizerwa-Gikwiye Melissa Smith*

Some of this year’s successful cohort of IB pupils


Results Day Joy A Level and GCSE pupils celebrating their success

3. YEAR PRIZES

Year 7 Subject PrizesArt Alice Marchant Biology Rufus HornseyDrama Freddie Fenton English Ben PrioryFrench Tobias Sambles Geography Daniel KirwanGerman Ben Fawcett History Cameron ClarkeICT Oliver Wisbey Latin Alice MarchantMathematics Ben Fawcett Music Finlay ElliotPhysical Chemistry Daniel Kirwan Portsmouth Curriculum Rory GilliesPRS Louis Johnson Spanish Frederick WoodTechnology Rosie HarfieldSports Rosie Harfield & Jack Pearce Year 8 Subject PrizesArt Antonia Phillips Biology Patrick KirwanDrama Daniel Hill English Patrick KirwanFrench Trinity Goacher Geography Ella JohnsonGerman Max Burlein History Alice LeonardICT Alexander Hamer Latin Trinity GoacherMathematics Philippa Noble Music Natasha PalfreyPhysical Chemistry Katie O’Flaherty PRS Molly RentonSpanish Nicholas Ng Technology Philippa NobleSports Charlotte Dean & Matthew Cheung

Middle School Prizes

Vallum Cup Nadia Vloemans

The Vallum Cup is awarded annually to an outstanding Modern Languages and Classics pupil in the Middle School. It was donated by Mrs Barfield and Mrs Seely in 1991, in memory of their father, Harold Wall, who was a pupil at the school between 1918 and 1925.

Anne Stokes Middle School Recognitions Cup Barton House Eastwood House

Anne Stokes was a relation by marriage to Tony Stokes, Head of the Lower School. This cup was presented in 1959, the year in which her older son, Richard, concluded his career as a PGS pupil and won a place at Queens College, Cambridge. This cup is awarded annually to the Middle School House that has attained the highest number of recognitions.

Middle School Music CupLiam Buchan

This prize is awarded to a pupil who has contributed to Music throughout the Middle School.

The William Smith Chorister MedalJoseph Russell

The medal is presented in memory of Mark Alexander Ready (PGS 1988–1998) who was a chorister at the Cathedral from 1988-1993. After his time as a chorister, he returned to the Cathedral choir as a tenor whilst in the Sixth Form at PGS. Mark gained friendship and purpose from the choir and he relished the challenge of making beautiful music for the glory of God. The medal is awarded each year to someone who relishes the same challenge every bit as much as Mark.

The William Smith Chorister Medal


Middle School Service Prizes

Alexander Gibson Jean-Mickael Hopkinson Jack Nisbet Ella PalethorpeNatasha Palfrey Charlotte Ross Codey Simmons Emily Whitehead

Middle School Prize for Best Overall Pupil

Joe Brennan

Year 9 Subject Prizes

Art Mila Mielau Biology Isabelle SamblesBusiness Studies Ajayvir Khara Chemistry Amy StokelyDrama Oliver Saunders English Patrick CaldwellFood and Nutrition Louise Askew French Olivia WatkinsGeography James Taylor German Kirsten GovesGreek Patrick Caldwell History Edward VassICT Lauren Hughes Latin Emma PrioryMathematics Adam Watts Music Matthew WatersPhysics Samuel Houlberg PRS Nicole HugecSpanish Julian Standish Technology Frederick Sligo-YoungSports Megan Dossett & Josh Cant


Art Ashleigh Dekker Biology Alexander ButlerBusiness Studies Joshua Titley Chemistry Joshua TitleyClassical Civilisation Theodore Hornsey Drama Rory GreenwoodEnglish William Futcher Food and Nutrition Kira WalkerFrench Gemma Webb Geography Samuel RushGerman Grace Goodfellow Greek Grace GoodfellowHistory Samuel Rush Latin Baldev ChahalMathematics Lloyd Morgan Music Harriet HammansPhysics James Harper PRS Devlin StigantSpanish Alexander Butler Technology Nicholas BloisSports Lana Watt & Marcus Horton

Peter Wren Chess Cup

Barton House

This prize was established in memory of Peter Wren, a Middle School pupil killed in a road accident in 1978. Peter particularly enjoyed chess and natural history, and so in addition to this prize a new fresh-water pond was created on Farlington Marshes, known as Peter’s Pond.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Short Story Prize

Saskia Egeland-Jensen Corin Nelson-Smith

Part of the Portsmouth Curriculum course and taught by the Headmaster, this prize is awarded by him to the best short story based upon a new mystery involving Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson.


Art Alice Priory Biology Henry LingBusiness Studies William Dry Chemistry Jadon BuckeridgeClassical Civilisation Oliver Wratten Drama Filippa FurnissEnglish Catriona Ellis English Literature Dorothea CharlesFood and Nutrition Claudia Materna French Ciara DossettGeography Edwina Bishop German Katherine Lemieux Greek Filippa Furniss History Alexander McKirganLatin Jadon Buckeridge Mathematics Reetobrata ChatterjeeMusic Lara Wassenberg Physics Edwina BishopPRS Alexander McKirgan Spanish Catriona EllisTechnology Matthew Seabourne Sports Alexi Paxman Ben Caldera

Year 9 - 11 Extra Prizes

Tudor Prize For Theatrical PromiseRory Greenwood

Drama was introduced to the PGS curriculum whist John Tudor (PGS 1986-1999) was a pupil at the school. His parents funded this award in order to stimulate dramatic endeavour and reward theatrical talent. John Tudor subsequently became a Gap Year Student at PGS and went on to a career in Arts Administration.

Chris Suter Prize for HistoryKatherine LemieuxThis prize commemorates Christopher Suter (PGS 2001-2003) a keen historian, who got the top mark at History GCSE, but did not live to see his result. The prize was donated by his mother in 2007.

Lesley Spofforth Prize for Mathematical PromiseFrancesca Strongitharm-Cornell

Lesley Spofforth, Maths teacher, Examinations Officer and Senior Teacher at PGS (1999-2007) was an outstanding teacher and much-loved colleague. The Spofforth family – husband Mark, son Peter (PGS 2000-2007) and daughter Gemma – have generously donated this prize in Lesley’s memory.

Marcus Young Computing PrizeHaraman Badial

Marcus Young (PGS 1956-1961) went on to become a distinguished financier. He donated the prize in 1982 on his retirement as Chairman of the Governing Body Finance Committee.

Canon Grant Prize for Philosophy and Religious StudiesIsaac WaddingtonOriginally established by Canon Robert Grant, father of Canon EP Grant, the Chairman of Governors and re-founder of PGS. Governors’ Minutes include the following letter from Robert Grant, dated 8 February 1879: Gentlemen, Having received the rudiments of my education at The Portsmouth Grammar School, I have much pleasure in offering with your permission two annual prizes of the value of £2 and £1 respectively to the Boy in the Upper and Lower School who passes the best examination in Scriptural Knowledge..Mike Reynolds Memorial Prize for SportNaomi Brigg

Donated by the parents and friends of Mike Reynolds (PGS 1950-1958) upon his tragic death in a road accident in October 1971. It was to be awarded annually to both a Sixth Form and a Year 10-11 pupil for promoting the good name of the school, by playing a school-taught sport, outside of PGS.


From the top: David Hampshire’s final Middle School Production, ‘The Little Shop of Horrors’; PGS Come Dancing which raised over £7,500 for our Uganda project; the Christmas Sixth Form Charity appeal; the Art Department’s Summer Show; Year 7 Freshers’ Fair; a winning entry in this year’s PGS in Bloom Competition


Art Brandon ChoiBusiness Studies Marley AndrewsSir Peter Carey Classical Civilisation Prize Callum Grealish

Sir Peter Carey GCB (PGS 1933-1941) became Senior Prefect in his final year. He went to Oriel College, Oxford and then attended the School of Slavonic Studies at London University. He served in the Second World War alongside Evelyn Waugh with the Partisans in Yugoslavia before joining the Civil Service, where he worked in various departments before becoming Permanent Secretary to the Department of Industry. In 1995 he opened the PGS Sixth Form Centre, and in the same year gave the prize for the most deserving Classicist.

Drama and Theatre Studies Philippa Harris

J D Hopkinson Prize for Earth Science Matthew Pugh

J D Hopkinson taught Geography at PGS between 1949 and 1990. A distinguished coach of many sports as well as being Housemaster of Eastwood House, then Grant House, he also introduced Geology to the curriculum.

Moores Rowland Economics PrizeGemma Liu

This prize was first awarded in 1990 to the most promising Economics pupil at PGS and was funded by Moores Rowland International.

Electronics Edward Rose

Godfrey Green Memorial Prize for EnglishCharlotte KentFirst awarded in 1964 in memory of Morris Godfrey Green (PGS 1948-1956) who died prematurely in August 1963.

W H Hore Geography PrizePhoebe ShepherdW H Hore served in the Second World War where his skills as a Geographer were employed in mapping the beaches of Northern France. He taught Geography between 1945 and 1956 and awarded this prize on leaving the school. He subsequently became Headmaster of Bec School, and of RGS Guildford.

Peter Forster Prize for Geography Fieldwork StudiesElly SykesPeter Forster (PGS 1996-2006) became Senior Prefect in his final year and went on to study English at Oxford. Peter’s family established this annual award for the pupil producing the best A Level Geography coursework.

Government and PoliticsLara Spirit

GreekPhoebe Pexton

J S Cox Memorial Prize for HistoryAlicia JuniperJohn Salisbury Cox was a pupil of PGS for only one year, but no alumnus could prove more proud or more loyal. He was a lifelong member of the OP Club, serving as both Treasurer and President, and initiated outreach programmes for disadvantaged young people. The OP Club funded the prize in 1938 to commemorate his devotion to the Club and school and his philanthropy in the city.

Arthur Darby Nock Prize for LatinPhoebe Pexton

Sir William Crossman Memorial Prize for MathematicsCameron RobertsMajor General Sir William Crossman was MP for Portsmouth from 1885 to 1892, firstly as a Liberal and then as a Liberal Unionist. He died in 1901. The prize started as the Crossman Prize for English in 1928. In 1937 it became a Memorial Prize for Mathematics, for reasons no longer known: it is almost certainly a coincidence that the Prizes were given away by the eccentric polymath A D Nock in that year.


Allison Prize for Mathematics and SciencePhilip Horton

Philip Allison (PGS 1933-1940), won a King’s Scholarship in 1937. He then returned to PGS as a member of staff from 1947-1952, teaching both Maths and Science. The prize was donated in 1984 by Mrs Allison in memory of her husband. The most prestigious of the prizes available to a pupil on the Maths and Science side, it is awarded by the Chairman of Science Departments to the outstanding pupil in the year group in either or both of these subjects.

Bryan Gardner Modern Languages Prizes:French Holly GoveyGerman Dominic BakerSpanish Charlotte Kent

Some mystery surrounds this prize. The efforts of Bryan Gardner’s Year 9 biographer seeking a photo of Gardner as Captain of the 2nd XI are to a certain extent symbolic: “I looked all around the school but this was to no prevail”. Bryan Gardner, who left school as Captain of Latter House on 31 July 1943 was the youngest in his year but was nonetheless the best at German (and President of the Gramophone Society). He went to Oxford for a short course, and joined the RNVR whilst there. The cause of his death in Spring 1944, aged only 18, is unknown and he does not have an official memorial, probably because he died whilst training. He is, however, honoured on the PGS War Memorial and the Headmaster, Donald Lindsay, readily acceded to the request of Gardner’s parents that he should be commemorated by a prize for Modern Languages. The prize was first presented by Mr and Mrs Gardner to Dennis Dangerfield at a ceremony in the theatre on Southsea Pier in 1946.

Pall Europe Prize for Modern LanguagesHarrison Whitworth

A link between Pall Europe and PGS was established because a former President of Pall Corporation, Jeremy Haward-Surry was the father of Paul Haward-Surry (PGS 1976-1986). Following a visit by Upper Sixth scientists to Pall Europe in 1989 “to explore opportunities in industry”, a gift was made – the Pall Europe Prize – for “projects linking commerce or industry with a modern language”. The award was made by the Managing Director, Maurice Hardy. It is now a general prize for the outstanding language pupil of the year.

Music Ella Beard Physical Education Andrew GorvinPRS Philippa Harris Psychology Samantha Gibb Hawkey Memorial Prizes for Science:Biology Gemma LiuChemistry Oliver BrownPhysics Alexander Harding

Henry Symons Hawkey, Science Teacher between 1906-1937, died in 1959. He achieved a 1st class degree in Natural Science and a 1st class degree in English. The Housemaster of Grant House, he was also a PGS football coach and referee. This prize was first awarded in 1960.

Bosworth Wright Memorial Prize for ScienceJemima LawsonAlderman Dr Bosworth Wright became the City Council’s representative on the Governing Body between 1909-1938 and the Chairman of Governors for the last of these years. He was the first President of the OP Club. The Portmuthian remembered him as follows: He was to this school more than a distinguished and well-beloved citizen. His fine blend of geniality and dignity, his tolerant but shrewd judgements made him at once a respected leader and a warm friend. None of its sons could have served this school better. None can have more endeared himself to all who have been associated in its work. The Bosworth Wright Prize was first awarded in Autumn 1939 in his memory, presented by Mrs Bosworth Wright. It was originally a cup for inter-house football. It is now awarded by the Chairman of Science Departments to the best scientist in the year.

Brian Read Design and Technology PrizeRowan Dixon

First awarded in 1997, and sponsored by Councillor Brian Read, Lord Mayor and Governor.

IB – Theory of KnowledgeLouisa Dassow

IB – Creativity Action ServiceRhiannon Lasrado

Sports Prize

Georgina Milward Roshun Laly

Other 6th Form Prizes

Ivan Nelson Memorial Prize for MedicineBenjamin SladerDr Ivan Nelson was Medical Officer of Health for Gosport 1963-1974 and Area Community Physician for Hampshire Area Health Authority 1974-1979. Dr Nelson would often be seen at Hilsea during autumn and winter terms, administering to the bruises, bumps and sprains of various Rugby XVs. The prize was established in his memory by his sons, Bob and David, to give financial assistance to a pupil from PGS who is going on to study medicine.

Institution of Chemical Engineers Prize for ScienceHugo AndrewsThis award is donated by the Portsmouth and Southampton branch of IChemE for the best science pupil in local schools. The prize is awarded to Year 12 pupils with a good academic record over the previous two years including GCSE and performance in their A Level or IB studies, who have also shown an all-round interest in co-curricular activities.

Sarah Quail Prize for HistoryTimothy RobertsIn the last decade, PGS has won a national reputation for the quality of its partnership projects in History. These have often involved close co-operation with local museums. No one assisted the school more in this regard than Mrs Sarah Quail, mother of Hugh (PGS 1991-2004), Governor (from 1999) and Head of Arts, Libraries, Museums and Records for Portsmouth City Council until 2004. Mrs Quail is a much published authority on local history matters. The prize was first awarded in 2007 and is a competitive essay prize. It seeks to give extension opportunities to any member of the Sixth Form who wishes to research an original History project.

Simon Gray Prize for DramaBenjamin Schofield

Simon Gray (PGS 1945-1947), the famous playwright and diarist, attended PGS before going to Westminster. His widow, Victoria Gray, created this prize, first awarded in 2011, in his memory to recognise the pupil who does the best writing, creative or critical work, in Drama during the year.

Ayling String PrizeClaire BartholomewFirst awarded in 1991 the award was to encourage string playing at a time when the Music department was heavily dominated by brass players. Mrs Mary Ayling, Vice Chairman of Governors, was a key figure in the introduction of co-education. Though the family had considerable prowess at cricket (husband Christopher (PGS 1950-1956) was on the Hampshire Committee, and son Jon (PGS 1975-1985) spent several seasons with Hampshire) the family were always keen supporters of school music.

Parsons Prize for MusicWilliam WallaceOriginally established as the Parsons Music Prize for cathedral choristers in 1969, this soon became a general music prize and is now awarded to a pupil in recognition of their overall contribution to music during their time at PGS.

Michael Nott PrizeIsabel HowsonThe prize commemorates the Very Revd Michael Nott, Provost of the Cathedral Church of St Thomas, Chairman of Governors and friend of the school. The Rotunda is named after him, and his portrait hangs there.

Penri-Evans Composition PrizeAlastair GrayDr David Penri-Evans taught music at PGS from 1987-1992 and was a Lay Clerk at the Cathedral. He did much to encourage composing by pupils and members of the local public, as well as being a skilled conductor. A colleague recalled that when Dr Penri-Evans conducted the Chamber Choir in works by Palestrina in Santa Maria Maggiore, the most favourable acoustic for which the works were written, ‘David could hardly see to conduct and we could hardly see to sing, so moving was the experience’. Willcocks Singing PrizePhoebe CarterEstablished by Jonathan Willcocks, PGS Director of Music 1975-1978, and still an important figure in the musical life of Portsmouth as well as a distinguished composer. His composition ‘My Hope is in Thee’ was commissioned by the school for performance by the Chamber Choir and London Mozart Players at the Remembrance Sunday Concert in 2003, and was subsequently recorded.


Sir Malcolm Bates Prize for Chamber MusicChamber ChoirSir Malcolm Bates was commended for his all-round ability and varied interests. He excelled at music and languages and passed the School Certificate with credit, before leaving in 1950. His report suggested that he might pursue a career in music, but this was not to be. He was second in command at General Electric Company (GEC) for twelve years and, from 1999 to 2003 he served as Chairman of London Regional Transport. In 1997, he was asked by the Treasury to look into streamlining the Private Finance Initiative and his subsequent reports became cornerstones of PFI development in the UK and internationally. Sir Malcolm was knighted the following year. He died in 2009.

This prize is awarded to the ensemble that has made the most progress and contribution to music at PGS.

IB – Extended EssayMelissa Smith

John Roberts Prize for SculptureHelena LucasEstablished in 2000 by John Roberts (PGS 1943-1948) a ceramics teacher, the prize is awarded to an older pupil involved in more advanced work. The prize may be given for interest, enthusiasm or personal achievement.

Model United Nations PrizeRoss WatkinsThe MUN was introduced into PGS in 2007 and has quickly become one of the most well-attended societies in school. This award is given to the pupil who has made a significant contribution to the MUN throughout the year

Ernest Edmonds Memorial Prize for Public Speaking and DebatingCharlie AlbueryErnest Edmonds was one of the first pupils to be educated in the new school building of 1879, now the Upper Junior School. He trained as a solicitor. He died on 23rd November 1943 and this prize was first awarded in 1945.

Roger Harris AwardThomas UptonEstablished to recognise the outstanding life-long contribution made to PGS by Roger Harris, as a pupil between 1943 and 1951 and teacher between 1958 and 1993. First awarded in 1996, it is awarded to a pupil who has a particular focus for outdoor activities.

OP Masonic Lodge Prize for Outstanding School SocietyCambodia CommitteeFirst awarded in 1987, and intended to promote co-curricular endeavour.

Mike Reynolds Memorial Prize for SportAnna Reynolds

Staff and pupils running for Cambodia in the Great South Run

4. SCHOOL CUPS AND TROPHIES

Combined Cadet Force Cups: awarded to the best Cadet in the respective armed service

Peters Cup: Navy Sebastian McCueClark Jervoise Cup: RAF Ben StirrupWessex Cup: Army James Phillips

The Le Patourel ShieldRoss WatkinsThe Le Patourel Shield was presented by the Royal Hampshire Regiment Comrades Association, Portsmouth and District Branch, in memory of Major HW Le Patourel. In the battle of Tebourba in North Africa in 1942, the Hampshire Regiment found itself outnumbered 4:1. Major Le Patourel led four volunteers through heavy machine gun fire to the German positions on high ground. They silenced enemy fire, but the four volunteers died. Le Patourel pushed forward alone with a pistol and grenades and did not return. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. On the day the official announcement was made, news was received that Le Patourel, who had been wounded and taken captive, was still alive and he was eventually able to receive his medal. He died in 1979, aged 63. The Le Patourel Shield is awarded annually to the most promising CCF cadet.

School Charity CupRhiannon LasradoFirst presented in 1991, and donated by Old Portmuthians Graeme Jeffery (PGS 1985-1990), Robert Clay (PGS 1983-1990) and Jonathan Vincent (PGS 1982-1990), to be awarded to the member of the VI Form who, over the year, has made the greatest contribution, not necessarily financially, but in effort, in the field of charity work or fundraising or organisation of charity events.

The Senior School Chess CupGrant HouseDecided over three hard-fought rounds in the Autumn Term, the Chess Cup is one of the first House competitions of the calendar. Richard Bishop Cup for EngineeringAdam FilipRichard Bishop was Professor of Engineering and Vice Chancellor at Brunel University. His son John Bishop was a pupil (PGS 1968-1976) and the family initiated this prize in 1990 to recognise PGS’ long tradition in sending pupils to University to read Engineering, and to give recognition to the pupil annually considered by the Chairman of Science to be the most promising of these.

Marconi Cup for TechnologyDaniel NewmanFirst presented in 1990 and established by Marconi Space Systems Ltd as a competition for the best piece of original work concerning a new industrial product or process.

Audrey and Malcolm Foley Prize for Creativity and Innovation Samuel Gardener Roxanne Goacher Sally Hall Amala Jose Cameron Roberts Edward Rose

Geoff Foley (PGS 1955-1965) was House Captain of Grant House and Captain of Hockey, Tennis, and Badminton. After leaving PGS he went up to Oxford, gaining a BA in Physics in 1968 and he was a Badminton Half Blue. He studied for an MSc. in Physics at the University of Pennsylvania (1969), a PhD. in Solid State Physics at the University of Pennsylvania (1975) and was awarded a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Materials Science, also at the University of Pennsylvania (1975 – 1977). He also undertook a period of Executive Education at Harvard Business School. Geoff is the author or co-author of more than 80 U.S. patents. He lives in Fairport, NY state, USA. This Prize, established in 2013, came from Geoff’s continued strong interest in his prior career in fostering innovation and creativity and is named after his parents. The focus of the Award is innovation and creative problem solving as it relates to the application of science and engineering concepts to solving real world problems.

Sir Lynton White Cup for Work in the CommunityJemima CarterDonated by Sir Lynton White MBE, TD, DL in 1986. Sir Lynton was a School Governor from 1976-1987. Awarded to the pupil who has promoted the good name of PGS through community ventures.


Tim McDowall Prize James DaviesDimitri SelwoodAwarded annually to a Senior School pupil who contributes to school sport and is involved in adventurous activities.

Doyle Cup for AthleticsAbigail Moss

Presented by Mr and Mrs M J Doyle, in appreciation of the education that their son, Matthew (PGS 1980-1991) received at the school. First awarded in 1992. Arnold Cup for AthleticsThomas Miller

Stephen Arnold (PGS 1976-1986) won the English Schools 1,500 metres steeplechase in 4 minutes 15 seconds – a record, and went on to win the British Schools 1,500 metres. The Arnold Prize is awarded annually to the most improved athlete in Year 10. Henry and Lilian Stephenson Hockey CupNicholas Walters

As a young architect working for Seely and Paget, Lilian Stephenson (née Durrell) was appointed to design new science laboratories for PGS in the 1960’s. She made innovative use of plastic piping, indeed the then PGS science laboratories, were the first in the country to use this material at that time. Lilian and her husband, Henry, continue to be friends of the school and have established this prize for a young Hockey player. Evans Skiing Cup Jennifer EvansDonated by S Evans in recognition of Peter and Andrew Hopkinson and S Evans’ achievement in winning the Public Schools Championship at Davos in 1973. It is awarded following the annual ski trip to the pupil who shows the greatest improvement.

Tremlett Water Sports CupElizabeth Sherwood

Donated by Mrs M D Tremlett in 1994 to congratulate a pupil who excels at a water sport.

Neil Blewett AwardWilliam Sparkes

This trophy is awarded in recognition of the dedication of a pupil who is a true ambassador for the school and whose achievements have been accomplished in the spirit of the school’s values. This award is a legacy to the memory of Neil Blewett, Surmaster and Senior Teacher, his commitment to the school community and the values and ethics that he imbued upon every aspect of school life. It is the only award in the gift of the Common Room. Senior School Recognitions CupLatter House

This award was created in 2009 and recognises all Senior School pupils’ achievements throughout the academic year.

5. SCHOOL PRIZES

Cathedral Head Chorister Henry Davis-MarksOliver Nash

Peter Lodder Prize for Fortitude Rishi Soneji

Peter Lodder QC (PGS 1973-1976) is one of the country’s leading criminal barristers. He established this prize in 2013 in honour of his late father and Ted Washington, the PGS teacher who helped him through difficult times when his father died and whom Peter as being “a model for coping with adversity”.

This prize is awarded to a pupil who demonstrates fortitude - an inner strength in facing difficulty or adversity - a quality which Peter describes as “an important attribute in life, and one which an education at PGS upholds”.

Reeve Prize for Perseverance Phineus JonesMorgan Tilling

Maureen Reeve joined PGS as a French teacher in 1981 and also served as Head of Careers during her nineteen year career at PGS. Her pastoral skills were legendary, and put to good use as Deputy Housemaster of Latter and as an outstanding House Tutor.

This prize is awarded by Maureen and her husband Trevor to a pupil who has demonstrated perseverance, possibly (but not necessarily) in spite of adversity.

Kieran Keel Prize for Intellectual Curiosity and Excellence Thomas Harper

Kieran Keel (PGS 2002 – 2012) was a wonderfully gifted and scholarly young man who contributed with zest to the wider life of the school. He joined PGS in Year 4 and was awarded a Foundation Scholarship on entry to the Senior School in Year 7. In the Sixth Form, he was proud to have earned a place as an opening bowler in the 1st XI cricket team; he debated with panache in the Model United Nations, found time to write for the school magazine, The Portmuthian, and was elected by his peers to become a School Prefect.

Kieran won a place at Brasenose College, Oxford, to read History and Spanish. Unsurprisingly, he was a popular member of the Junior Common Room and loyal friend to many. He played for the University American Football Club and was known particularly for his love of Spanish literature and poetry.Kieran was tragically killed in an accident during his second year and this Prize has been set up in his memory by his parents, Dita and Barry Keel. Kieran enjoyed a great scholarly curiosity in a wide range of subjects and the prize rewards a pupil who is known for their independent approach to learning and scholarly pursuits.


Ian Newberry Prize for Progress Rachel BoylinAnnabelle Materna

First awarded in 1986 and established by Dr and Mrs R Newberry in memory of their son, Ian (PGS 1975-1985) who died whilst in the Sixth Form. The prize should not be related to academic performance and, as far as possible, should be allocated to a pupil who has not achieved, otherwise, positions of influence in the school, but who has consistently contributed to school activities.

Charlotte Loosemore Memorial Prize Natasha MorganBen Stirrup

First awarded in 2002 and established by the parents of Lottie Loosemore (PGS 1996-2001) following her death from a rare virus while in South America on a GAP year visit. It is awarded to pupils for showing character.

Samuel Hudson Memorial Prize Oliver HedgesNatasha Iliffe

Samuel Hudson (1844-1931) was educated in Portsmouth and qualified as a teacher in 1864. He was appointed as a member of staff at PGS when the school was re-founded in 1879. Hudson was master of the First Form (the equivalent of today’s Year 4) and Clerk to the Governors for forty-seven years. He was also commandant of the Cadet Corps and coached the younger boys in cricket. This prize was established in Samuel Hudson’s memory by his great-granddaughter, Mrs Elizabeth Dunne, who was also the mother of one of the first Sixth Form girls at PGS; it is awarded annually to a pupil who has triumphed over adversity.

Angus Gibson Prize Dorothea Charles Charlie HendersonThis commemorates Angus Gibson, a Pre-Prep pupil of plucky spirit and boyish love of pranks, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in 1998 while still in Reception. He died in 1999 and the prize was donated by his parents. It is awarded annually to two Year 11 pupils with energy and character who have made a significant contribution to the life of the school. Normandy Veterans’ Association Shield Madeleine FletcherWilliam Sparkes

Established in 1999 by the Normandy Veterans’ Association ‘for all round achievement. Such things as loyalty, care for others, courage, comradeship etc. - the qualities that were expected from us during the Normandy campaign.’

Robert Milne Trophy Daniel Newman

Lt Robert Milne (PGS 1938-1942) Number 304035, 151 Ayrshire Field Regiment, was a member of Grant House, Prefect, Platoon Commander in the OTC andplayed in the school 2nd XI. He died 1 March 1945, aged 21, during the battle to cross the Rhine and is buried at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery.

First awarded in 1999 as a recognition of service to either the school or the wider community of Portsmouth. The recipient should be of suitable character and the award could be made either for a single outstanding deed or for service over an extended period.

The Headmaster with the Senior Prefect team

Headmaster’s Prize for Deputy Senior Prefect

Henrietta GouldSebastian McCueMelissa SmithBenjamin Tucker

Headmaster’s Prize for Senior PrefectAlec WebbTamara Manuel

PRIZEGIVING 2014

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PGS Prizegiving 2014 (November)

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