Scissorum September 19 2014 Issue 71.indd

Scissorum1561

Merchant Taylors’ School Issue 71

Merchant Taylors’ School Weekly Newsletter01 September 19 2014

This week has seen a buzz of activity at Sandy Lodge. I was delighted to meet Lower and Middle School parents at the Question Time on Tuesday as well as Upper School parents at the Sixth Form Pathway evening on Monday. I am immensely grateful for the supportive relationship we enjoy with you and hope you found the evenings informative; if you didn’t make it I would like to reiterate that we welcome your feedback at any time.

On Monday evening, our 1st XV boys guest--starred on the Rugby Tonight TV show. They were great ambassadors for the school and are looking forward to their season with real confi dence.

On Thursday evening, we were delighted to welcome Nelson Mandela’s biographer, Charlene Smith, who spoke about her book on the South African leader. I would like to thank Charlene for this inspirational talk and her inspiring work with the boys.

On Friday, we bade a fond farewell to our Australian exchange students from Camberwell Grammar School. They have been a great credit to their school and we do hope they have enjoyed themselves.

The 1st XV on Rugby Tonightsee page 2

Nelson Mandela see page 10

From the Head Master

Biologists at Kew see page 6

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Rugby Tonight A nervous excitement gripped the 1st XV Rugby squad as we entered the BT Sport studio in the Olympic Park on Monday evening, with the prospect of meeting Lawrence Dallaglio and England centre Manu Tuilagi, who was guest of the week on ‘Rugby Tonight’. As the demo team for the night, some of us were required to help Manu run through a few of his back line moves, which were confusing at the best of times, especially it seemed, for Nathan Stevenson, who decided to pass the ball to ex-England Scrum-Half, Austin Healey, when he was not even looking. The highlight of the evening however, was the surprisingly competitive bar arm-wrestle between 1st XV winger Aaron Francis and Manu himself, who was eventually defeated with the help of many other members of the squad, (and yes, his arm was that strong!). An entertaining evening then for all involved, and special thanks to Mr. Mills for his organisation, and to ‘Rugby Tonight’ for what will be the fi rst of many outings for Uzair Khan on the big screen.

Scott Gates (UVI)

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Parents Q & AWe were delighted to welcome parents of boys in the Lower and Middle School this week for Q & A sessions with the Head Master. There was an excellent turnout with over 200 people attending each event and there was also a presentation on key developments for the year ahead by the new Director of Studies, Ben Horan (ex-Head of History at Eton), as he outlined plans to enhance feedback to parents on pupil performance. There was considerable interest in the dynamic expansion of the Careers Department and there was a wide-ranging discussion in which parents off ered their comments on school development in a most supportive and constructive manner.

In addition, Head of Upper School, Michael Husbands, hosted a Sixth Form Pathway evening for parents on Monday as he spoke of how MTS prepares boys face as they apply to university and start choosing careers. Michael writes, “Around 200 Lower VI parents attended an evening introducing them to life in the Sixth Form at Taylors’. The Head Master, Director of Studies and Head of Upper School spoke with them about the range of challenges that accompanied their A-level years. Members of the JCR then laid on presentations in the Undercroft on the opportunities uniquely available to boys entering the Lower Sixth. Parents then returned to the Great Hall for a series of short presentations by various staff on the diff erent support available to the boys as they travel through the Sixth Form. All information can be found in the Sixth Form Handbook and on Firefl y”.

We are enormously grateful for your support, would like to thank all of you who attended the events and – if you haven’t been yet – please do come along next time!

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The TriennialThe 2014 Triennial takes place at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday 17th October beginning at 2.30pm. The Triennial is always a very special moment in the life of the school.

When we moved to our present site at Sandy Lodge in 1933 it was felt important that we should maintain our 400 year old link with the City of London, as a consequence every three years the whole school is invited to go St Paul’s Cathedral at the heart of the city for a special service of commemoration and celebration.

All parents are invited to attend.

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Junior Biologists’ Discovery Day at KewThe U3rds made their way to Kew Gardens on Wednesday 17th. The object of the day was to learn about conservation and its importance and relevance to everyday living. Boys took part in bug catching, which they loved and carried out line transects, which will prepare them brilliantly for future ecological work within Biology. They also visited the Prince of Wales conservatory where they researched exciting and exotic plants to discover the medicinal properties, how they are be used as food or even how they eat animals!

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Australian Exchange Students This week we bade a fond farewell to our Australian Exchange Students from Camberwell Grammar School, Melbourne and wish them a safe journey home – we hope they take with them some unforgettable memories of Sandy Lodge.

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Charlene Smith Nelson Mandela biographer, journalist, political activist and expert on sexual violence, Charlene Smith, spent two days at MTS this week. On Thursday evening, she addressed an audience and fi elded questions on Mandela as well as wider political issues. She gave an interesting insight into the man, his politics and his impact on South Africa and the world. The fl oor came up with some fascinating and provocative questions which added to the informative and thought provoking evening.

On Friday morning she facilitated a 2 hour masterclass in confl ict journalism to 24 boys.

After lunch she delivered the fi rst Friday afternoon lecture to the Lower 6th which focused on dealing with trauma.

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Army Camp In the fi rst week of the summer break 30 cadets from Merchant Taylors’ attended an Army Central Camp at Nesscliff Training Area in Shropshire. This gave all the cadets the chance to learn new skills as well as honing ones they had been taught through the year. The activities included climbing, kayaking, fi eld craft, military skills, weapons training, survival skills and shooting to develop their marskmanship (on both short and long ranges). The highlight of the camp however, was the cadets being deployed by helicopter into the fi eld and the ensuing 24 hour exercise. The cadets all showed impressive enthusiasm even after a lot of patrolling and little sleep.

The Senior Cadets did a fantastic job of supporting the staff in terms of leading and organising the cadets, who all showed an excellent attitude throughout. Many junior cadets were given chances to increase their leadership experience, and several new cadets stood out with the speed at which they took on new information. All of the MTS and St Helen’s cadets gave an outstanding impression to the staff and cadets of other schools throughout the camp.

Army camp in 2015 will again take place in the fi rst week of the summer break (11-18 July). Details will be forwarded to CCF Cadets when they are fi nalised.


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Open Morning September 27th 2014 10.00 - 12.30

• A traditional boys’ education for your son at a ‘Top Ten’ boys’ school

• ‘Exceptional’ 2014 School Inspection• Inspirational teaching • Unique tutorial system• Civilized, friendly & unpressured• Magnificentsportsfields• Superb facilities set in 250 acres

• 2015 Registration: 11+ November 30 2014 16+ December 31 2014• 2016 Registration: 13+ February 28 2015

• Bursaries• Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sport Scholarships

Wouldn’t you prefer a London school in the country?

Please contact Gregg McCann, Admissions [email protected] +44(0)1923 845514Merchant Taylors’ School Northwood Middlesex HA6 2HT

1561

Excellence, integrity and distinction since 1561. For boys 11 - 18

MTS Merchant Taylors’ SchoolExcellence, integrity and distinction since 1561

40 minutes from Bond Street and Marylebone is:

Guided tours (last tour 11.30)The Head Master speaks at 11.15 and 12.15

Coaches : Barnet (via Stanmore), Beaconsfield, Brent (via Harrow), Ealing, Harpenden, Harrow, Highgate, Mill Hill, Radlett, St John’s Wood, Stanmore

Car : MTS is 15 minutes from the M1, the M25 and the A40

Transit : MTS is adjacent to Moor Park (Metropolitan Line) and is accessible from any Jubilee/Metropolitan Line station. Chiltern line trains change at Rickmansworth From Marylebone: Chiltern Line trains change at Harrow. Travelling time from WC1/W1 is 40 minutes

Getting here

Visit us at www.mtsn.org.uk Find us on Facebook Merchant Taylors’ School Follow us on Twitter @MerchantTaylors

Online

St John’s Wood coach from September 2015

Merchant Taylors’ School Weekly Newsletter September 19 201414

MTSLooking Forward

MTSLooking ForwardACS 2014!

Asian Cultural Society tickets are now on sale in the Dining Hall. The show dates are Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd October at 6:30 in

the Studio Theatre.


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Charity Drive Summer ChallengeIn the summer term last year, Charity Drive organised the Charity Drive Workshop. The purpose of this event was to give younger pupils an insight into what Charity Drive, the school’s main fundraising charity do and how the committee is structured. As part of this event younger pupils were challenged with completing the Summer Challenge, an opportunity for them to organise their own charity event and raise some money. This would also give them some experience and something for them to discuss in their application interviews for the committee.

This event has been very successful with pupils raising over £1000 so far with a variety of diff erent events such as up-cycling jam jars into works of art! We would like to congratulate Vikram Paunrana in Divisions who raised £730 with one event!

Ankit Chadha (U6)

On Friday 29th August I held a small charity music event at my house as I invited a select group of people to listen to some music and enjoy a meal for a small price. I was very fortunate to get the help that I did from my sister, who is a professional singer, and her group of musicians to perform some amazing music for absolutely no charge. The food was also self-catered by family members. The music started at around 8pm and the musicians were so dedicated that they stayed to perform until almost 2am. Eleven musicians performed and the response was fantastic from the guests. All in all I could not be more grateful for all those who decided to help me for this great cause. A total of £730 will be sent to the Purkal School and Raphael Centre in Dehradun, India.

Vikram Paunrana (Divs)

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Taylors’ in TatlerMerchant Taylors’ is the “poster school” for London in the 2015 Tatler Schools Guide and it’s marvellous to see the very generous review that Tatler has accorded us.

The boys had a fantastic morning working with Hugo Burnand, best known as the offi cial photographer of Prince Charles and of the royal wedding between Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge. Hugo has always had a marvellous eye and an ability to combine a great sense of heritage with a sparkling sense of fun. To juxtapose the heritage of Taylors’ (the Inner Quad, the academic gowns, and Sixth Form croquet) with the joyous exuberance of youth, he chose to create an almost Alice-in-Wonderland image that captures the uniquely happy atmosphere of a Merchant Taylors’ education: the quirky independence of mind that we prize so highly, and the sheer ease and mutual respect between the academic faculty and the pupils that engenders creativity.

At once paying aff ectionate tribute to the very public school tradition it gently satirizes, the image reaffi rms that at the heart of that tradition is a refusal to takes oneself too seriously. Hugo has distilled into a single image the spirit of a school in which tradition is not an encumbrance, but a living heritage that we place in the service of the future.

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Are you relatively clever? A new show, “Relatively Clever” is looking for families with 2 children aged 12 to 16 to compete in a general knowledge quiz. If you’re interested, drop us a mail with the subject line Relatively Clever to [email protected] and we’ll pass it right along.

Relatively Clever Contestants needed for a new family quiz show!

Are you confident, chatty, outgoing and clever? If so, we want to hear from you. We’re making a brand new primetime TV quiz

show for Sky 1.

We want families of two children (aged between 12 to 16, preferably siblings) and two adults (parents, grandparents,

aunts or uncles) who have a good grasp of general knowledge.

We will need you to be available during October half term, 25th – 30th October 2014.

If you would like to apply please email: [email protected]

By post: Relatively Clever, John Stanley Productions, 3rd Floor, 102 St Pancras Way, London, NW1 9ND

The closing date for returning application forms is 6th October 2014.

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Design Centre And so it rises week by week….. Every expectation that it will be ready for use in the autumn of 2015.

MTSSocieties


SocietiesThe Lower School Beginners’ Japanese and Beginners’ Mandarin clubs (3rds, U3rds and 4ths) run in the Hour, every Tuesday, at 2pm. Japanese in the MFL Seminar Room and Mandarin in ML78.

Film SocietyThe Film Society is now up and running. Meetings are held every Friday at 2.00pm in ML72. It is open to boys in the Divisions and above.


MTSMusicSupport the MTS Choral Society

Autumn Term Music CalendarWednesday 24th SeptemberMusic Award Holders’ Concert, Recital Hall, 7:30pm

Merchant Taylors’ best musicians present an evening of exceptional music, with refreshments provided by the Music Support Group

Sunday 5th OctoberMusic Award Holders’ Trip to the Wigmore Hall

By invitation, and departing in the afternoon

Monday 6th OctoberHouse Music Competition, Great Hall, 7:30pm

Adjudicator John Wyatt is welcomed to Merchant Taylors’ to decide which house will be crowned winner of the hotly contested biennial competition

Friday 17th OctoberTriennial Service, St. Paul’s Cathedral, 2:30pm (tickets required)

The Triennial Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving, featuring the Choir and brass ensembles

Thursday 13th NovemberAutumn Concert, Great Hall, 7:30pm

The MTS extravaganza of the term, featuring all of our larger ensembles

Tuesday 18th November 3rd Form Lunchtime Concert, Recital Hall, 1:45pm

Thursday 20th NovemberUpper 3rd Form Lunchtime Concert, Recital Hall, 1:45pm

Sunday 23rd November Concert featuring the Vocal Group, Tower of London, 1:30pm (by invitation)

Wednesday 26th November Informal Concert, Recital Hall, 7:30pm

Wednesday 3rd December Piano Recital by Mayumi Stone, Recital Hall, 7:30pm

Friday 5th December The Phestival 2014 (pop & rock concert), Studio Theatre, 7:30pm (tickets £5, in aid of Phab)

Sunday 14th December School Carol Service

This term MTS Choral Society is singing at the Triennial Service at St Paul’s Cathedral on 17th October and the Carol Service at School on 14th December. If you enjoy singing why not join us? Rehearsals are each Tuesday evening at 8pm in the Music Department. No audition required! For further details contact [email protected]


MTSCreative writing

Moor Park Fast

Pinned against the stone cold wall by the bustling crowd of commuters and school children, I watched as a fl ustered woman in a sleek grey suit determinedly pushed her way through to the edge of the platform, her briefcase trailing behind. I looked down, slowly lifting my brand new Ted Baker shoes to reveal the squidgy,

elasticated remains of someone’s chewing gum stuck to the bottom of one of them.

Suddenly the ground began to tremble. Glancing up, the sea of commuters swelled ever closer to the edge of the platform as the sound of thunder grew louder. The deafening sound of the train made me wince as it pulled in and the doors slid open. Before I knew it, the blanket of suits funnelled into the carriages through

each door. Swoosh! The doors were closed. Those unfortunate enough not to make it on stood there is disappointment and frustration.

The train pulled away without warning but with the same thunder with which it had arrived, though at a slower pace, as if to mock the few still stranded on the platform. Within a matter of minutes, a steady stream of people began to pack the platform once again. A dopey teenager, immersed in his music, managed to trip over his shoe laces as he walked onto the platform, causing a kerfuffl e. The woman behind him, shrieking in shock, took an enormous leap backwards, almost knocking over the gentleman behind her. All the while, commuters

navigated around the commotion, one man muttering words, best not repeated, under his breath.

As normality returned, the announcement system choked into life, “Minor delays should be expected on the Metropolitan line due to a signal failure between Harrow-on-the-Hill and Baker Street”. A uniform groan

echoed along the platform, and a few eyes glanced up to the digital departures board in despair. Minutes went by with nothing but the standard quiet talk and occasional cough.

Again the ground trembled. Again the screech – like hell on earth – rang through the tunnels and across the platform as the train braked. Commuters fl ooded through the doors, packing into each carriage. They closed.

It pulled away just as it had before.

My head swivelled from left to right. There was not a single soul in sight. It was empty.

Pranay Madlani-Kotecha (5ths)


MTSOMTsRavi Patel selected for England LionsOMT and Middlesex cricketer, 23-year-old spinner Ravi Patel, has just completed his fi rst one-day international series with the Lions, a triangular tournament against Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

Middlesex comment that, Ravi’s one of those bowlers that comes on and puts a brake on the run-rate, and he’s always got a wicket-taking threat as well because he spins the ball. He’s still very young and the club are very excited about his prospects. I’m really thrilled that he’s played for England Lions and he’s earned that through playing Twenty20 cricket for us.

Ravi took 3-71 on his Lions debut against Sri Lanka.

MTSOMTsRoast and RebellionLast Saturday, OMTs who left the school between 2009 and 2014 came back to Sandy Lodge for a reunion lunch in the Head Master’s garden. The informal gathering was a great success and those in attendance were pleased to be able to return to Merchant Taylors’ and see some of the recent developments as well as catch up with their contemporaries.

The Head Master spoke about a commitment from the school to do more for our younger OMTs, and about some of the opportunities available to them in the coming months. The sector-specifi c networking events, including one for the Arts and Creative Industries coming up in December, were of particular interest. He also spoke of the ways OMTs can utilise the Development section on the website, particularly the online careers directory which puts OMTs in touch with those in a position to off er careers guidance and even work experience.


MTSOMTsRiz Ahmed - Nightcrawling in New York

Opening in the US in October and in the UK in November Riz Ahmed’s new movie, ‘Nightcrawler’ is a pulse-pounding thriller set in the nocturnal underbelly of contemporary Los Angeles. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Lou Bloom, a driven young man desperate for work who discovers the high-speed world of L.A. crime journalism courtesy of his driver and protégé, Riz Ahmed and enters the cut-throat, dangerous realm of ‘nightcrawling’ -- where each police siren wail equals a possible windfall and victims are converted into dollars and cents.

Riz is currently in New York shooting for the much-delayed remake of the BBC’s Criminal Justice for HBO. He plays the murder suspect opposite John Turturro, who has stepped in to take the part originally to be played by James Gandolfi ni, and - following Gandolfi ni’s untimely death - by Robert De Niro (who subsequently had to pull out for scheduling reasons).



MTSSportSupport the boys this Saturday

20th September

Rugby v Oratory - 2.30 KO1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, U15A, B, C, D

Hockey v York House - 10.00 KO

U12 A, B, C, U13A, B, C


MTSSportRugby

v St Albans1st XVLost – 5-28Scorers: StephensonMOM: E. TebbothMVP: J. Lambert, N. StephensonA solid performance where the score line doesn’t reflect the match. For the first match of the season, the set piece and phase play was impressive. Our kicking game and discipline at the breakdown let us down. A special mention to Elliott Tebboth who played his first match in the second row after moving into the boiler room from the backline. There is lots to look forward to as this squad develops.

2nd XVWon - 26-21Scorers: Wheal x 2, Harrison x 1 Jervis x 1 Conversions: – Jervis x 3MVP: WhealAfter a sluggish start that saw ‘The 2s’ concede an early converted try the team hit their stride and held a deserved 14-7 lead at the interval after James Harrison had skated in from 30m and Alex Wheal had skated in from somewhat closer…Two quick tries after the break for Wheal and Chris Jervis appeared to have secured the win but a game that was punctuated by far too much ‘pea’ saw the visitors eventually close the gap to a mere 5 points in the 47th minute of the second half.A decent start for boys who have been challenged to play 1st XV rugby on the 2nd XV pitch!

U16AWon - 58-7MOM: AbdelaalMVP: Anthony Scorers: Hall, Skovron x 2, Aarons, Nimmo, Duckworth x 2, Salkeld, Seabrook, BannonConversions: Bannon x 2, Warren x 2A very solid performance where the boys excelled in all areas of the game. Special mention to Charlie McDermott and Mathew Beverage for their work rate at the break down and Tom Bannon and Hugo Anthony for their lines of running.


MTSSportRugby U15AWon - 14-0Scorers: Gould, Singh Conversion: Hart x 2MOM: GouldMVP: MahonA fantastic opening start to the season. A great 15 man defensive display which saw the boys turn around a loss from last year. Well done.

U15B Won - 36-33Scorers: Ferguson x 3, Bright, Mistry, CooperMOM: FergusonMVP: BrightAn excellent performance by the U15Bs culminated in a fine victory over a spirited and hard-hitting St Albans side. The pack cleared rucks and ran straight which allowed the backs to show their élan with ball in hand.

U15CWon - 33-5Scorers: Dehiri, A. Patel, Lush, Daryanani, OmaleMOM: AvanzatoMVP: FieldingThe whole team pulled off a cracking performance, which great organisation, defensive tackles, solid scrums, and excellent runs forward. Fielding and

Avanzato did a great job organising the players and leading by example. Lush, Shehu, and Omlae all made super pack attacks, and the pace of Dehiri, Daryanani, and Patel left the opposition in their tracks.

U14ALost - 53-7MOM: KerleyMVP: DeaneScorers: JohnConversion: QureshiThe team were given a rude awakening to the realities of senior school rugby. Faced with a much larger opposition, the team struggled to adapt to the physicality. However, they put in a brave second half performance and thoroughly deserved to score through a searing break by Max John. Deane and Kerley both put in performances worthy of mention, showing with great commitment and determination.

U14BLost - 40-30Scorers: Holes x 2, Bridgewater x 3MOM: WilliamsMVP: BullThe U14B team had an excellent first match against a St Albans side who had been together for the past 2 years. To equal the amount of tries scored was very pleasing, and our lack of

conversions was simply indicative of the width we played with on their large 1st XV pitch. The boys’ spirit was first rate and all are thoroughly excited about next week’s match against Reading Oratory.

U14CWon - 32-10Scorers: O’Sullivan; Holes x 2; Softleigh-Moore; Millbank; Kantaria; Conversion: Powell-Tuck MOM: Thomas Holes MVP: Rowan Clarke MTS made clear statement of intent in this traditionally tough fixture, showing resolve and character. It was a game of firsts: Harry O’Sullivan captained his first game of rugby with polite confidence; Alex Thomas made his first appearance at scrum half, in a deceptively assured display; William Millbank, Thomas Holes and Brij Kantaria scored their first tires in MTs colours, and Oliver Powell-Tucked kicked his first points for the school. Plaudits should go the pack for their tireless work defending the ruck, and in producing fine covering tackles in the wider areas (Rowan Clarke and Harris Zuberi were especially mobile), whilst special praise should be reserved for the Freddie Tyrell and his back line who ran some great lines and produced try saving tackles in the back three.


MTSSportRugby v Harrow U14D Lost - 5 -10Scorer: Lewis MOM: SnapeTaylors’ U14D team were narrowly defeated by two tries to one after deservedly leading 5 – 0 at half time. Taylors’, led by the strong tackling of captain George Snape and Jake Lewis, defended valiantly but were unable to prevent Harrow from crossing the line twice after long periods of possession that proved unsurmountable for the Merchant Taylors’ side.

U14EUnder 14E started with a victory against Harrow scoring over 50 points! Won - 15-54Scorers: Ghai, V. Shah, Sheikh x 3, Iggulden and GardnerConversion: Solanki x 2, Kelly x 3, Melly x 2MOM: BrearleyMVP: K. SheikhAmazing start to the year for the U14Es with a comfortable victory at Harrow. Played in three blocks of 17 minutes, the match has been dominated by the MTS boys, leading 14-0 at the end of the

first and 35-5 at the end of the second block. Three tries from M. Sheikh, one for Ghai, Veron Shah, Iggulden, Gardner (who had never played rugby before!) and captain Ricciardiello secured the victory. Fly-halves Solanki, Kelly and Melly added points from conversions. In addition, Matthew Brearley made some fantastic tackles, Tom Harrison caught several throws from Harrow in the line out and all the boys helped the team to go forward.Many thanks to the parents who attended the game: we felt like we were at Merchant Taylors’!


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THE BASICS OF RUGBY FOR PARENTS

Would you like to understand what your rugby mad son is talking about before the game, after the game and in his sleep?

Are you puzzled that your son is the team’s hooker? Would you like to understand what is happening on the pitch?

Here is your chance to find out. After a very successful event last year, we invite you to the OMT Clubhouse on Tuesday, 30 September 2014 at 1900, for another enjoyable two-‐hour learning session, in the form of an interview with Head of Rugby, Adam Mills. The purpose of the evening is to provide you with an overview of what is happening on the rugby field, illustrated with video clips, and answer your questions.

Through question and answer, Adam will explain the positions played, e.g. scrum half, lock, flankers and hookers, plus some common terms, including ruck, turnover, knock on, maul, scrum, conversion etc.

Whether you have never watched a match or have been watching your son for years and are still baffled, there’s plenty to pick up. With video clips from MT games and a chance to meet other rugby challenged parents, this will be an enjoyable evening for all.

Come and join us for just £5 a head, paid on the night, which includes hot drinks and biscuits.

Please let John Brooker know as soon as possible at [email protected] if you wish to attend so we can gauge numbers. We look forward to seeing you there. Rugby kit is optional but no metal studs please.


MTSSportHockeyTHL On Tuesday 16th September Merchant Taylors’ began the hosting of the THL prep school hockey programme. The programme involves St. Martin’s, St. John’s, Northwood Prep and Merchant Taylors’. In previous years the THL programme has been a fantastic opportunity in which local prep school boys have been able to initially learn and then apply newly learnt hockey skills in game situations. With the

standard of the initial session high, this year should prove to be no different. The under 12s will complete an initial four week period of training followed by the THL U12 tournament. The Under 13s, due to their previous experience and increased core skill level will complete three weeks of training before the THL tournament begins.The THL programme is central to the ongoing development of local junior hockey boys, alongside the ongoing continuous hockey development of

many MTS pupils. Some of these pupils are currently involved in the JRPC England Hockey selection process which has therefore added good expertise and role models for the young boys taking part in the programme.

Regional Hockey During the summer a number of MTS boys attended JRPC as part of the regional training squads. Last weekend saw the first set of Tier 1 Cluster competitions, where each of the 12 centres across the country put out its selected team to compete in the triangular matches for its region. During this time the players are assessed by England Hockey for progression to the next level. A number of our boys were selected for the teams, highlighting the quality of hockey at the school.With the excellent facilities on offer at MTS, the school is one of England Hockey’s designated centres, this weekend hosting the Eastern region U15 and U17 matches. A number of our boys were in action for the Northwood Tigers: in the U15 - Bryn Jones (Divs) and the U17 - Chris Jervis (L6th), James Seery (5th) and Nathan Stephenson (L6th). At other centres, also representing the

Northwood Tigers were U16 – Owen Evans-Evans (5th), U18 – Dom Grant (U6th) and Savraj Lotta (U6th), and representing Oxford Lynx U17 - Alex Hattam (L6th).

Sunday 14th September was the first of two competition days for those lucky enough to be selected for the next round of the England hockey process. Alex Hattam (pictured) was one of the MTS boys along with Nathan Stephenson and Christopher Jervis from the L6. There were several other boys in other years.Congratulations to all the boys and good luck in the next round of matches.


MTSSportSoccer The new soccer season is up and running here at MTS. The first week of term saw over 60 Sixth Form pupils trial for the two squads competing in fixtures this term. With squads decided, training began this week and in glorious sunshine presentations of brand new kit were made to the pupils in preparation for the first fixture of term against John Lyon.

1st XI Soccer - WON 3-1G. Weston, J. Millett (2) A fantastic start to the season from the MTS 1st team with a composed and well deserved victory against a strong John Lyon XI. The first 10 minutes was dominated by MTS with Ollie Cheng, Dan Mirzai, Nikhil Mehta and James Millett causing trouble in midfield

leading to some good chances. It was George Weston, however, who broke the deadlock when a Millett cross was well taken and forced in pass the John Lyons keeper. It would only be cancelled out by a good curling free-kick which was one of only a handful of chances in the first half. The second half was dominated by MTS with great performances from the defence, Kiran Mistry and Dilan Amin looking particularly astute in the middle. The game was turned in the favour of MTS when, man of the match, Millett scored 2 fantastic strikes which rightly secured the victory. A great performance which is hopefully the start of a good season for MTS.2nd XI - WON 3-0The soccer season here at MTS kicked off with a resounding 2nd XI victory over John Lyon played on the new OMT

pitch. Many new Lower Sixth pupils were making their debuts for the senior soccer team and acquitted themselves superbly against a physical, well organised opposition. Taylors’ led 1-0 at half time following a Hamzah Khan thunderbolt and general domination of the play in midfield. The second half got even better for the hosts as substitutes were introduced and the play stretched wide more often. Further strikes from debutants Robbie Metzger and Adam Barnard rounded off a hugely encouraging first competitive fixture. Hamzah Khan was rightly awarded Man of the Match for his engine room performance - driving the team forwards with intelligent, precise passing throughout. Well done to all involved on setting such an impressive benchmark for the remainder of the term.


MTSSportSoccer


MTSSport10k Swim for FundraisingHave you ever thought that a fun way to spend your October half term would be 4 hours swimming per day and 2 hours of land training? Well, strange though it may seem, Tom Worsfold (4ths), MTS squad swimmer and member of the Chalfont Otters swimming club, thinks it is!Later this year, Tom and his Otters team mates will be off to Mallorca to build stamina in the pool and refine their technique. As with all camps of this nature it’s an expensive trip, so a number of the team decided to do some fund raising by completing a sponsored swim. Tom completed the amazing feat of swimming a total of ten kilometres, or 400 laps! Except for a short stop without even getting out of the pool, to eat a chicken burger to replenish some lost calories, this picture of Tom is taken just 30 lengths before the end of his epic 10K swim. Scissorum congratulates Tom and his team mates on a sterling effort and outstanding achievement.

MTSSportEquestrianismGreat to see the boys enjoying their horse-riding – an option that goes from strength to strength at the school.


MTSSport



MTSLooking Forward

MTSLooking ForwardNational Poetry Day CelebrationLondon-based performance poet Adisa is visiting school on Monday 29 September as part of our Reading Week and annual National Poetry Day celebrations.He will performing to the Upper Thirds in the morning but pupils from all year groups have the opportunity to attend a poetry workshop with him during The Hour.There are only 15 places on off er and they will be allocated on a ‘fi rst come, fi rst served’ basis. If boys would like to be in with a chance of attending they should contact Mrs South (Library) by email as soon as possible.Early lunch pass from 1.20pm can be arranged for the older boys if necessary.They must check they do not have a prior commitment

before signing up for this.Poetry Workshop with performance poet Adisa, Monday 29th September, 1.45pm – 2.30pmLibrary Meetings Room, Open to all year groupsEmail Mrs South book a place – only 15 places available



MTSLooking Forward


MTSLooking Forward


MTSNotices

Moor Park 10k & Junior Fun Runs The school community enjoys free right of access from Sandy Lane/Hampermill Lane (the Esso garage) to the school. Of course, we encourage you to use our Coach Service or public transit. If you do need to travel by car, we advise you to use this route to school.

However, if you need to enter Moor Park any other way, you need your car to be badged. Moor Park 1958 Ltd has introduced a new charge for badges of £20 per vehicle. Application forms from:

Sylvia Withers, Secretary, Moor Park 1958 Ltd01923 [email protected]


MTSLooking ForwardFootlighters’ eventsFootlighters is the MTS parents’ drama support group – why not get involved? Our fi rst event this year is OMT Paul Jackson presenting Improvisation for Life and Work at MTS on Saturday October 11th 7pm in the Studio Theatre. Tickets from [email protected]

Upcoming Events for the year are:

27, 28, 29 November Selling refreshments at the Senior Play, The Club, Studio Theatre

19, 20, 21 November Cabaret, Musical with St. Helen’s, St. Helen’s school

25 February 2015 Duologues, Studio Theatre

19, 20, 21 March 2015 Junior Play, Studio Theatre

6 June 2015 Social event: A Night in the Tropics, Studio Theatre

FOOTLIGHTERS EVENT BOOKING FORMImprovisation for Life and Work October 11th, 2014 7-10pm

The Studio Theatre, Merchant Taylors SchoolTo purchase tickets, complete the form below and email it to Pat Keener at [email protected] :

Your name:

Email:

Tel No:

Number of tickets:

Cost: Adult £25

Staff /student £20

(No actual tickets will be issued – all bookings will be confi rmed by email)

Payment:

I have issued a cheque for £…………….. made payable to MTSDSG and left it at school reception in an envelope marked for the attention of “Pat Keener, Improv workshop”.

OR

I have transferred £ …………………. to The Footlighters MTS Drama Support Group Bank Account (please reference your full name)

Account No: 80089842 Sort Code 20-91-79


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Scissorum September 19 2014 Issue 71.indd

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