Dear Parents and Friends,

Congratulations to the 1853 Committee and team of supporters who provided such an entertaining evening at the Comedy Night last Saturday. I was particularly pleased to avoid being the focus of too much attention from the five acts performing, although I did not escape unscathed! Our senior pupils and staff have been hard at work this week. As Year 13 completed their Trial Exams, Year 12 students have been gathering their thoughts for the year ahead at their Higher Education Evening. This was an opportunity to hear from a panel of advisers from the Universities of Bath, Leicester, Kings College London, East Anglia, Surrey and Western Australia(!) and followed on from two informative talks on applications to Oxford and American Universities earlier in the week. On Wednesday, our Amnesty Group gave an informative talk on life in North Korea. We also welcomed visitors from Germany, before the Year 7 French Trip to Paris set off on Thursday morning. This weekend our MUN Students will be attending the Haileybury MUN Conference. Last Saturday the Trampolining squad were in action at the National Finals in Newcastle, where Connor Roach-Bowler bounced his way to a brilliant 7th at U19 Novice Level. This performance followed an exciting and buzzy atmosphere on Saturday morning with excellent wins in the Netball fixtures against Dunottar, Hockey fixtures for the U12 teams, who had some strong results against Trinity and a tough football match for the 1st XI squad against Hampton in the Elgin Cup which was finally decided on penalties. The 1st XI Football Squad travelled up to the MK Dons Stadium for the ISFA Cup Final vs Millfield on Monday with six coach loads of supporters following them up the motorway. The 2 -1 victory that followed was hard fought, but very much deserved after the many hours of preparation the squad and coaches have put into their training this season. I was impressed with every aspect of the Royal Russell performance and congratulate the team and supporters for making this such a happy occasion. Good luck to those representing the Hockey teams against Danes Hill this Saturday and also to those competing in the National Schools Biathlon Final at Crystal Palace. Recent events in Westminster have left a sombre mood at the end of this week and our thoughts are with the victims and families who were caught up in this terrible incident. There has inevitably been a wide range of reaction to this act of terrorism and I know that many of our pupils have been discussing their own response. For me, the values of our Royal Russell community, respect, tolerance and love are perhaps important to emphasise at a time when we cannot necessarily answer all of the questions which our young people are asking. You are welcome to join us for our Mothering Sunday Service with Sung Compline in Chapel at 6.00pm on Sunday.

With best wishes,

Headmaster’s Weekly

Newsletter

24 March 2017

Chris Hutchinson Headmaster

Chris Philp MP Visits Politics Students

Chris Philp the local MP for South Croydon made his second visit to the school last Friday. He spent over an hour with two different groups of Politics students. His first meeting was with Meera who did work experience in his office last summer and five Year 13 students, Chyanne, Timone, Sobomate, Maybellene and Rolanda. The discussion gave the MP an opportunity to hear the views of the students and for them pick his brains on current politics whilst enjoying large hot chocolates.

After this Mr Philp spent a lesson with AS Politics students. This gave a brilliant opportunity to talk about the role of a constituency MP and backbencher. Mr Philp was very open with the students explaining what actually happens in the different committees he serves on, such as the Treasury Select Committee and Bill Committees, how a backbencher can really influence the Government and how can he help his constituents. Mr Philp was really good answering all of the questions asked and giving the students plenty of helpful examples they can use in the summer exams.

Afterwards Mr Philp attended the whole school Assembly, handing out prizes and giving a short speech on why we should be so proud of the UK and the core values the country believes in.

UKMT Maths Challenge

On Friday 17th March Steven Limorov, Rebecca Clery, Jemima Earing and Calum Firth represented Royal Russell in the UKMT Maths Challenge at Trinity School. There were 39 teams in total and the competition was tough. Our team had attended a couple of training sessions to practise the different rounds of questions they would be up against. The competition started with the group round, ten quite long and complicated questions to share out and complete within 45 minutes. This was followed by the crossnumber, one pair was given the “down” clues and the other pair was given the “across” clues and they had to work together to complete the crossnumber. After a break for lunch the team completed the shuttle run and relay elements of the competition. After an exhausting day of competition we found ourselves finishing in the top section of the bottom half.

Well done to the team.

Amnesty Group

Royal Russell’s Amnesty group delivered a presentation on life in North Korea. Students heard how the impacts of the regime have affected many aspects of everyday life, including causing famines. They were also introduced to the fact that many North Koreans have defected to other areas, mostly China, where they experience many difficulties in acclimatising to life in a modern society. The harsh realities of life were also explored with a brief look at the camps system. Overall, it was a very informative presentation which reflected the work done by Amnesty International which campaigns for equal treatment across the world.

Anyone interested in joining Amnesty would be welcome in C26, every Wednesday lunchtime.

Boarders Go Laser Shooting

The Boarders spent a pleasant afternoon last Sunday in the Royal Russell woods, shooting each other with laser guns.

Not an Ewok was harmed in an epic contest between the Red and Blue teams fearlessly defending their bases and trying to steal the enemy colours.

The Red team were clear favourites early on with the two teachers on their team, though they were in the end “killeded” by a hardworking and skilful, though teacherless, Blue team - four games to one.

D Jewiss

From the Library

We rounded off another busy week in the Library with a talk on Sumatran Tigers by Year 8 pupils Luke McCabe and Calum Firth. In their Geography lessons, Year 8 have been looking at ways to raise awareness of endangered species and Luke and Calum spoke about the specific threats faced by these beautiful animals. Sumatran Tigers are highly prized creatures and illegal hunting accounts for at least 50 tiger deaths per year.

On Thursday, Ethan Edney and Ziggy Harrison gave a presentation to St Andrew’s House on the fate of the Amur Leopard. There are only 70 Amur Leopards living in the wild and their habitat is under constant threat from human activity and climate change. These animals are also highly sought after for their fur and body parts which, some believe to have medicinal properties.

Year 7 Paris Trip Departs

A group of excited Year 7s departed on Thursday for a four day trip to Paris.

We wish them lots of fun and look forward to hearing of their adventures when they return.

From the Sport Department

BOODLES ISFA NATHIONAL FINAL

We did it!

On Monday evening our 1XI made history by beating Millfield 2-1 at Stadium MK. Our School united and brought 350 supporters to the match. The fantastic support was instrumental for our players and carried them to victory.

We went 1-0 after some fantastic play from Matt Weller and Rhys Norrington-Davies forced their center back to turn the ball into his own net. Millfield equalised before half time, which their possession warranted, Lochlan Greenwood initially made an excellent save but the rebound was turned in by the Millfield player.

At half time we made extensive changes to our shape and we took control of the match. Following an incredible run from Princewill Ogunmekan through the middle of the Millfield team, Ross Obazee was put through on goal and he finished with aplomb into the top corner. Although MIllfield threw the proverbial kitchen sink at us, we held strong and secured the victory!

The first team in ISFA history to win the National Sixes and National Cup – Royal Russell!

THE 1ST XI TEAM

Sam Johnson Danny O’RourkeMatt O’Donoghue,

Lochlan Greenwood, Ben Linter, Alex Hewitt, Mothini Penn-Kekana,

Levi Shango Matt Weller Nicholas Tilling

Ryan Doherty Dean Davis

Ross Obazee Rhys Norrington-Davies

Nicholas Wilson Princewill Ogunmekan

Jack Sims Tom Clare

Ben Long

Photo from RWT Photography

OUR PROUDEST MOMENT

As I jogged onto the pitch, the team spirit was high. By the way we were talking to each other, we were buzzing. I kicked us off to start the second half, straight away we were in the opposition’s half. Pouncing on every ball that should be won. Battling hard like gladiators, the whole team mounted pressure onto Millfield. This sense of urgency also gave us a twelfth player on the pitch as the atmosphere was sensational, fans cheering us on, roaring like lions. We could just tell that we would have a sniff at goal and could win this cup final.

Then suddenly the chance of dreams came. We took the opportunity and countered at Millfield. As Prince got onto the ball, I peeled away to create space for myself. Prince dribbling past three challenges and hurdling all of them to slide me through on goal. Just one defender to beat…..I calmly composed myself and wrapped the ball as clearly as possible. Suddenly we could just see the ball rattle the net. The feeling of scoring on such a big stage was sensational. Fans cheering and excited. Team mates running to me, praising me. I was proud of myself.

The atmosphere in the stadium grew into Russell’s favour as little kids were screaming their hearts out, being louder than the Millfield seniors. That was embarrassing for them. As the game was reaching its climax, Millfield were fiercely putting pressure on us. Time to park the bus! But the likes of Mothibi and Rhys who were as solid as a shield, helped the team. Then, a penalty claim…...We all stood and froze, looking at the ref, blood rushing through our veins, hoping it wasn’t a penalty. The ref pointed ‘goal kick’ and there was a sigh of relief. Three minutes of extra time till the final whistle. It was like we didn’t need three minutes though, because Millfield were already ‘headloss’.

The final whistle blew, everyone ran on the pitch screaming ‘Champions!’. We were so proud of ourselves, the among of nerves and graft we put in was a dream come true.

As I lifted the trophy, it felt like winning the Champions’ League. The trophy knew it wanted our hands on

it.

Ross Obazee

TRAMPOLINING

After qualifying through the Regional and Zonal rounds, Connor competed at the National Schools Trampoline Finals in Newcastle.

He bounced really well, performing two great routines showing all his hard work in practise. He finished 7th in the country at U19 Novice level, a brilliant achievement.

The U11 Intermediate team of Jasmine, Eivie, Amber and Amy, travelled to Newcastle for the Finals. They had already qualified through two rounds so this was the grand final. The girls bounced amazingly, with fantastically stylish routines and showed significant improvements from the Southern Zonal finals. After a long and intense wait we found out we had finished 2nd in the country!! A simply outstanding result,

Thank you to the parents & coaches who supported the team.

NETBALL

It has been a busy few weeks with our end of season tournaments. This week both the U14A and U15A took part in the U15s tournament at Croydon High. Both teams contested extremely well. All through court attacking work looks so much stronger for both teams and they are starting to implement some really good strategy into their match play.

The player of the day for the U14A was Grace Scott. Grace has really come on this year with her netball and her commitment to the program throughout the year has been faultless.

The player for the U15A was Jada Springer who played out of position as GS. Jada is an extremely talented played who is extremely versatile and shines in any position, well done Jada!

These tournaments concluded the last few matches for netball this season. It has been an exciting season with a lot of fantastic performances throughout all age groups.

Well done to all that took part this year!

There will still be an optional training night for those that want to carry on with their netball through the summer. Dates and times will follow in due course.

NEW OPTIONAL SPORTS KIT

Hewitts are now stocking two new pieces of optional sports kit. New ‘tech pants’ (below) can be worn by girls and boys for training or as an alternative to the current tracksuit bottoms.

A Royal Russell Under Armour Cricket top is also now available.

HOCKEY

Last weekend saw the U12BC teams host Trinity School. The B team had a very exciting game ending in a 3-3 draw. Well done to Harry Francis, Miles King and James Springate who had excellent individual performances. The team has been working very hard with Mr Dobson’s guidance and has made some fantastic improvements this season.

The C team had another excellent result, winning 3-1 with some excellent team play from Ted Cordery, Junseong Kim and Ben Haley creating countless goal scoring opportunities. This team has also really stepped up their game with the help of Mr Jewiss and shown great competitive spirit at each fixture.

Last Saturday saw the end of the U12 Hockey season. Thank you to all our supporters at each of our fixtures and we look forward to the 2017/18 season!

This Saturday sees the U13A, B and C teams take on Danes Hill in the penultimate fixtures. 9:30am start at the Astro, your support is welcome!

INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT

Good luck to James Springate and Lucas Jones both competing in the National Schools Biathlon finals on Sunday. James Lloyd also qualified however due to injury he is unable to compete.

SUMMER HOLIDAY SPORTS ACTIVITIES—BOOK NOW!

Our sport courses offer the opportunity to enhance skills in a stimulating and enjoyable environment.

Courses run in the summer holidays are available in Netball, Football, Hockey, Cricket and Tennis. All sports are equally open to both girls and boys age 9 to 15 years, from any school and of all ability levels.

To book, please visit www.royalrussell.co.uk/holidaysport

Week Date Sport Time Cost per Day

Week One Monday 24, Tuesday 25, Wednesday 26 July 2017

Netball, Football, Hockey or Tennis

and Cricket

10.00am to 3.00pm

£25.00

Week Two Monday 31 July, Tuesday 1, Wednesday 2 August 2017

Netball, Football, Hockey or Tennis

and Cricket

10.00am to 3.00pm

£25.00

Week Three Monday 7, Tuesday 8,

Wednesday 9 August 2017

Netball, Football, Hockey or Tennis

and Cricket

10.00am to 3.00pm

£25.00

Week Four Monday 14, Tuesday 15,

Wednesday 16 August 2017

Netball, Football, Hockey or Tennis

and Cricket

10.00am to 3.00pm

£25.00

@RRS_MusicDept

@RoyalRussellMUN

@RRS_Library

@RRS_Boarding

If you have any uniform or sports kit that no longer fits your child, please consider donating

this to the uniform shop . We are also delighted to

accept sports equipment such as hockey sticks and shin pads.

Donations can be left in the storage box outside the Coach House Shop, adjacent to the

car park.

For all our latest news……. Follow

us

@Royal_Russell

@RRS_Sport

@RRS_History

@RRS_Chemistry

We welcome your feedback. Please send to Ciara Campbell, Marketing and Communications Manager

email: ccampbell@royalrussell.co.uk or feedback@royalrussell.co.uk

Royal Russell School

Coombe Lane : Croydon : Surrey : CR0 5RF

www.royalrussell.co.uk Patron: Her Majesty The Queen

Diary Dates

Friday 24 March Haileybury MUN Departs Sunday 26 March Mothering Sunday Service with Sung Compline 6.00pm Chapel All Welcome Monday 27 March Year 9 French Tip to Croydon Creperie Monday 27 March Bath Netball Tour Parents' Awareness Evening Wednesday 29 March Year 8-10 Spanish Exchange Trip to Zaragoza Departs Wednesday 29 March Year 8,9 and 10 French Exchange Trip to Orleans Departs Wednesday 29 March Sixth Form Assembly - Oscar Ally, Finance and Entrepreneurship Thursday 30 March Year 10 Drama Trip to Caucasian Chalk Circle Greenwich Theatre Friday 31 March CCF Army Sailing Association Thorney Island, Portsmouth Friday 31 March Spring Term Ends Tuesday 18 April Summer Term Begins

For next week’s menu, click here

Uniform Shop

Car Park

The inaugural ‘Russellian Ball’ Saturday 4 November

Full details will be released shortly.

We are collecting Sainsbury’s Active Kids Vouchers Please drop into Reception