THE "FIRST THURSDAY" NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2000 No. 67

MOBILE PHONES

We are aware that some parents wish their son to have a mobile phone in case of an emergency on his journey to or from school. We do however need some clear rules about mobile phones in school to stop them being a nuisance. In school mobile phones must be switched off during lesson time, registration and assemblies. 
Failure to comply with this will lead to confiscation. It should also be understood that the school cannot accept any responsibility for mobile phones that may be lost in school whatever the circumstances.

Headteacher

TRAVELLERS

A Court Order was obtained to remove the travellers' caravans from the ground immediately outside the school and the last of them left on Friday 28th January. Some concrete blocks and a chain have been placed just beyond the school gate to prevent this nuisance from occurring again. A lifting barrier will be installed in due course but that will take some weeks to be made, delivered and erected. The lifting barrier should be less of an obstacle for cars turning then the concrete blocks.
It may be worth reminding those parents who bring their sons by car that they can drop their charges off near the school gates at the bottom of the hill and allow them to walk up, especially when the weather is good. (The school hill is reserved for pedestrians at the start and end of the school day).

Headteacher

COURMAYEUR, ITALY - SKI TRIP REPORT 1999

The beginning of our ski trip didn't go as smoothly as expected due to the coach being 45 minutes late and the ferry was delayed due to bad weather. The ferry journey itself was very rough and most of our group went to the arcade machines to forget about the rough seas.
Shortly after entering France the drivers put on a film - The Italian Job. The film went on into the night and most people fell asleep.
Breakfast was at 5.30 am! At about 7 o'clock they put another film on - Tomorrow Never Dies. Brilliant! Just what we needed to wake us up. Soon we were in Switzerland and there were a lot of good photo opportunities. We drove alongside Lake Geneva and the mountains surrounding it looked stunning in the winter sunshine.
We arrived in Courmayeur to get our boots and skis fitted. We were virtually dead on our feet because of the long journey but the ride up the mountain in a huge cable car livened everyone up and so did the snowballs when we got to the top where the ski hire building was.
Our hotel was called the Edelweiss in the village of Pré St Didier. It was smart and comfortable but the food was a bit dull, so we ate lots of chocolate.
Next morning we were skiing for real. Everybody managed to get into their groups and meet their instructors. Using the chair lifts was a whole new experience for the beginners and occasionally people dropped gloves or ski poles in their rush to pull down the safety bar. The beginners had their own slope to start with and spent most of the first day falling over in the snow. The rest of us soon found our ski legs, but we fell over too.
The next experience we all had was lunch on the mountain. The lunches were small, but quite nice, usually pasta, pizza or sandwiches. Most boys ended up buying sweets for more energy. The views were fantastic.
By the second day the beginners were starting to get the feel of their skis. Most could snow plough, turn and stop successfully. The intermediate and advanced groups were beginning to go down challenging slopes with control - well most of the time. (Have you heard the story about Tom Richardson or David Fagg?) We all wanted to learn to parallel ski and zip down the slopes as gracefully as our instructors.
Some of us had a nasty experience being stuck in a gondola lift for almost an hour. Thank you to Jason for keeping us, and ten other tourists, amused with his jokes. Thank you to our teachers for not screaming when it was suggested that we should leave the lift via a rope out of a hatch and be lowered many feet to the ground. Thankfully the brakes unjammed and we went for a well earned hot drink.
After dinner at the hotel we had many different activities like ice-skating, a disco, swimming and a visit to a pizza restaurant. Swimming was a favourite and it cost 5000 lira. This may sound a lot but it is only about £1.80.
Throughout the week people could easily be seen progressing and on the last day the beginners were going down slopes they could only dream of on the first day. Snow blading was a big hit with the boys and the teachers. These are short skis that have more control than normal skis. You can edge them in the snow and do beautiful curved turns and jumps or 365° turns.
The snowboarding looked like hard work but they all seemed to enjoy it, even though they seemed to spend a lot of time sitting down in the snow.
The week ended with a presentation evening. Each skier was awarded a badge and certificate according to their progress during the week.
The journey home was a fast one apart from a very lumpy ferry trip at breakfast time on Christmas Eve. Most of us then had a long sleep before beginning the Christmas festivities.
Special thanks to the teachers who managed the ski trip of '99.

Written by David Fagg, Mark Farthing and Richard Hayward of 8Port.

PUPILS' ART & DESIGN WORK EXHIBITED IN FOLKESTONE AND DOVER

Last year one of our pupils, Sam Tiltman (Year 10), exhibited with The Folkestone Art Society, at the Saga Pavilion, Sandgate. Sam's work, a Hong Kong street scene, capturing the vibrancy of its subject, was awarded a special prize (over and above the 1st prize), for 'outstanding draughtsmanship'. He was presented with his prize by The Folkestone Art Society's President just before Christmas. Our congratulations go to Sam.
In January 200 some of our KS4 and 6th Form pupils exhibited work at the invitation of Dover District Council, at Dover Town Hall, as part of the White Cliffs Visual Arts Awards. Two of our pupils, namely David Parish and Christopher Wright were awarded 'Highly Commended' certificates. Our pupils demonstrated high level skills in pictorial composition, graphic design and sculpture.

Mr S M Almond - Head of Art & Design

GCSE MUSIC CONFERENCE

On Thursday 27th January a party of 27 of our pupils drawn from Years 11, 10 and 9 travelled up to London for a GCSE Music Conference. This was a repeat of a similar successful venture last year and once again we joined forces with the GCSE Music students from the Girls' Grammar School. The return journey by Roberts Coach allowed us to catch glimpses of many of the London sights either side of the Conference itself which was held at the University of London Institute of Education. A series of lecture demonstrations covered each aspect of the GCSE Music Syllabus - Performing, Composing and Listening - together with a presentation on performing pop music from no less than the vocal coach to Robbie Williams! The whole day was very successful and much enjoyed by those who took part.
Music Presentations
A special assembly devoted to Music Awards was held at the end of January. All pupils who took part in last year's Service of Nine Lessons and Carols received their Certificates of Music Representation and those who had recently passed graded practical examinations also received their certificates - Benjamin Reay (Grade 1 Trumpet with Distinction), Paul Savage (Grade 4 Trumpet) and Tom Punton (Grade 5 Trumpet with Merit). Congratulations are due to all choir members and trumpeters for their commitment and achievements.

Mr R S Davies - Director of Music

LOCKERS

The new Sixth Form area will soon be open. In the meantime the new lockers have been delivered so that now all members of the Sixth Form have a good sized locker at their disposal. We are extremely grateful to the Old Pharosians for providing the finance for the purchase of these lockers.

Mr M Thomas - Head of Sixth Form

SCHOOL LIBRARY NEWS

It seems that when one collection of vouchers and tokens ends another follows close on its heels. This month we welcome back two:
1) Tesco Computers for Schools - this runs until April. All tokens will be gratefully received. It is hoped to gain another computer this year. This has proved a most successful appeal with two computers having been acquired for the Library, these being in constant use.
2) The Times Group, in conjunction with Walkers Crisps, have begun a second run of "Free Books for Schools". Tokens can be found in newspapers and on various crisp packets. Can I request this year that tokens collected at home be cut out and sent in an envelope.
The tokens collected for "Software for Schools" has now come to a close and the order, which is substantial, will be sent off soon. Thanks to everybody who contributed, especially parents/pupils who purchased a new computer in the run up to Christmas. This input was considerable.
Our thanks in anticipation of your continued support.

Mrs L George - Librarian

OLYMPIC HOPES FOR FORMER PUPIL

Hugh Styles a former pupil who left the school in 1994 is taking part in the British Olympic Sailing Team trials at Easter. He has just returned from Sydney, Australia where as a World Class Performance sailor he took part in the Tornado World Championships. He and his partner sailed a two-handed catamaran finishing in 7th position. The Olympics will be held in Sydney during the Autumn 2000.

PARENTS' AND FRIENDS' ASSOCIATION

The committee met last month and we were pleased to learn that the Christmas draw had raised £1,024.50. Thanks to everyone who supported us.
The next event is the Wine and Wisdom evening on Friday 18th February when we look forward to another enjoyable evening. You should have received a form giving full details and inviting you to book a table. Please return your forms as soon as possible and if you haven't received one, and would like to take part, please contact the School Office.
Please make sure you have booked Friday 18th March in your diary when we have a Barn Dance at the school. These have proved very popular and very enjoyable in the past and you will be guaranteed a very good evening. More details will be sent to you soon.
Don't forget you can buy new and second hand uniform from the School Office after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and we are grateful to the office staff for their help with this. We would, however, like any more items of uniform which you no longer need to add to the stock, especially rugby shirts and tracksuits. Uniform will also be on sale at the Parents' Evenings on 14th and 21st March.

Mrs J Tutthill - Chairman

200 Club

Winners of the January draw are as follows:
1st £25 Mrs Tilbee (173), 2nd £15 Mrs Dunstone (170) and 3rd £10 Mrs Prior (131).
Reminders will be sent out in the near future to those of you who subscribe to this on a six monthly basis. The 200 Club is always looking for new members. If you are interested in joining please contact Paula Brown c/o School Office.

OLD PHAROSIANS

The latest edition of the Old Pharosians' newsletter has just been published and more than 700 copies have been sent to former pupils of the school around the world, including Australia, Canada, Finland and the United States.
The newsletter keeps the school's old boys up to date with what is happening at the school and gives news about former pupils from those who left only a year or so ago to those who were at the school nearly 90 years ago. Our oldest Pharosian celebrates her 107th birthday this month. Mrs Lilly Turnpenny was a pupil at the school from 1905 to 1912 and we send her our best wishes.
Sadly, a number of our old boys have died and the newsletter includes obituaries for Captain Bob Borthwick who was at the school from 1927 to 1934, Jeremy "Jez" Fox (1966-73), Gordon Graeme (1928-33), Sir Robin Haydon (1929-37) and David Terry (1961-66).
If any fathers of current pupils used to attend this school and are not members of the Old Pharosians' Association, membership forms are available from the School Office.
The OPA Committee meets on 15th March at 7.00 pm.

Mr G Tutthill - Assistant Secretary

BECOMING A REFEREE

To become a referee I had to go through a course of 11 weeks, with a 12th week for the examinations. During the 11 weeks of the course I and the other students learnt about the laws of the Football Association. We learnt about the ball, the dug outs, the powers and duties of the referee and all the other laws.
On the night of the exam I felt very nervous but I finished the written test and went out to the bar for a Coke. I was then called back in to do the oral exam during which I learnt that I had scored 76% on the written exam. I was asked a series of questions about the ball being in and out of play, offside and goals. After the oral exam I was told that I had passed the test and was a fully qualified referee.
My first game:
My first game as a referee was for the Under 11's River Colts who played Folkestone Invicta. I felt very nervous but as soon as I blew the whistle to start the game I felt a lot better and calmer. Both teams played very well and the score was 4-1 to the River Colts.
James Hutchison - Form 9PT
James has worked hard to achieve his qualification and it is believed that at 13 years of age he is the youngest qualified referee in England.

Mrs L Watson - Form Tutor 9PT

SPORTS NEWS

Rugby
A much depleted Year 10 rugby squad travelled to Canterbury RFC for the East Kent Six Nations Developing Schools Rugby Festival.
Without any recognised centres and two County standard players down we went into battle with good spirit with many players playing unfamiliar positions.
Our first game was against Dane Court, the early leaders in our group. We started well and took the game to Dane Court using the ball well in the backs and keeping possession in the forwards. This ball domination effectively denied Dane Court attacking opportunities and two Ian Chan tries either side of half time saw us through despite a late consolation try for Dane Court - 10-5.
Our second game against Queen Elizabeth's followed on straight after the Dane Court game so substitutions were necessary to keep fresh players on the pitch and to prevent too many injuries. In the early skirmishes we had the better of Q.E. but we couldn't finish. However surging runs from our forwards finally saw Ben Vick finally cross the line rapidly followed by Ben Clutton. Ian Chan grabbed his third of the competition during the second half. We saw off Q.E. and went through to the semi-finals of the competition. 
In the semi-finals we met Brockhill Park, the runners up in the second group, a well-organised side who played to their strengths and who matched us up front. With the effect of our forwards negated and an under strength three-quarter line we were bound to struggle but we should have done better against a side we comprehensively defeated last season. Making simple errors and committing too many penalties in our own 22 cost us the match as Brockhill scored twice to win 10-0.
Our only consolation was that we were beaten by the eventual winners of the tournament and that there was a lot of promise from a squad who adapted to a difficult situation well. We only need to sort our discipline out now to maximise our chances later in the season.
1st XV
The first XV played hosts to Queen Elizabeth's on Wednesday 26th January for a trial match. A squad of 21 turned out for DGSB compared to the visitors who only managed 11 due to injuries. A decision was made to play 12 a side on a very small pitch with DGSB lending Q.E. Michael Turner. This was a big mistake, as he became their most influential player with all of the Q.E. possession passing through his hands. Q.E. took the early advantage scoring first but DGSB then woke up and started to match the visitors, even outplaying them in short bursts. (Unfortunately DGSB played well only in short bursts whilst Q.E. were more consistent and were able to turn round in front).
DGSB were able to substitute virtually the whole team and the fresh legs took the game to Q.E.. Fortunately Q.E. relished the challenge and a very open game of running rugby ensued. A scoring party saw Q.E. just shade the final score 37-33.
Special mentions to all the boys who played very well in difficult circumstances but particularly to Year 11 players Matthew Swift, Mike Sterrow, Graham Cuttress and Matthew Vassey who really relished playing up an age group and to Daniel Trenowden and Alfredo Buitron who carried the field to Q.E. in the forwards during the second half.
Year 11 Rugby Report
Tuesday 1st February saw the Year 11 rugby squad travel to Old Elthamiens Rugby Club for the North Kent Six Nations Developing Schools Rugby Festival.
We were drawn in Pool B along with St Columba's, Hayes, and Robert Clack, a visiting school from Essex.
Robert Clack supplied the first opposition and it soon became apparent that they hadn't travelled all that distance to loose. They were a strong and well-organised side who strength lay in their three-quarters, which they used to good effect running in six tries to win convincingly 30-0.
From this experience we quickly licked out wounds and realised that we need to defend more closely and to play to our strengths rather than letting the opposition run the game. We learned fast and our next opponents St Columba's found that they had a game on their hands. We defended much more stoutly, turning over the ball in contact whilst Mike Sterrow and Joel Petch ran in good tries for us to win 10-0.
We then had a two game rest to think about our next game against Hayes which we needed to win if we were to progress into the final knockout section of the tournament rather than the losers plate.
We started well but two lapses in concentration at penalties gifted the extremely quick Hayes winger with two break-away tries in the first half and with a mountain to climb in the second half we succumbed to intense pressure to concede a third try despite manfully defending for most of the half. The score was 15-0.
This left us in third place in our group and out of the tournament final stages but we did have the consolation of the losers plate semi-final. Against Fulston Manor, the team with the best defence in the competition, having only conceded three tries, we suddenly found our form, tackling with such intensity it became our prime weapon, time and time again turning over possession for our three-quarters to use. We supported the ball carrier superbly and ran in three tremendous tries a brace from Mike Sterrow and a final flourish from Sam Smith. This deserved victory saw us through to the plate final against Wilmington Grammar School.
This was perhaps one game too many after the gargantuan game that had proceeded it as our players looked tired and in a close match it was tired errors which allowed Wilmington to score either side of half time. Their 10-0 victory was a bitter pill to swallow after rediscovering our self belief in the semi-final but we could take heart from the fact that the only two teams that had beaten us in the group stages had also beaten their semi-finalists in the tournament leaving a Hayes -v- Robert Clack final which Robert Clack won 15-5. Emerging with such credit from the harder of the two groups is a feat that should not be forgotten when the result of this tournament is remembered.

Mr K Onions - Physical Education Teacher

TABLE TENNIS

The recent non-uniform day raised the grand total of £483. All monies raised will go towards new table tennis tables. These are well overdue. It was pointed out the other day that one of the old tables has a sticker on the underside advertising The World Table Tennis Championships 1977. From that I assume that at least one table is about 23 years old! I would like to thank all those who participated in this fund raising scheme and also to the School Council who suggested that idea in the first instance. Unfortunately, although £483 is a large sum of money it isn't quite enough to purchase the tables required that are of sufficient quality to last as long as the old tables. I will be contacting the Dover Table Tennis Association and the England Table Tennis Association to see if they are able to help in the funding and development of table tennis in this school.
Year 7 House Matches
The Year 7 house matches have almost reached a close now. They attracted no less than 80 players who played in at least one game, thus introducing 80 new potential table tennis players to the sport in this school alone. However, a few teams have decided that they are either not good enough to challenge the leaders in the league tables or have decided that table tennis is not for them and the teams have withdrawn from the league before its close. The leagues look as follows:
Matches to 11
Average Points per Team
Position 1st February From
1st 7 Priory METRO's 10.24 1st
2nd 7 Channel BENTLEY's 9.75 2nd
3rd 7 Channel DODGE VIPER's 8.44 3rd
4th 7 Port McCLAREN's 8.51 5th
5th 7 Priory JAGUAR's 7.48 4th
6th 7 Channel JAGUAR's 7.08 7th
7th 7 Channel LAMBOURGHINI's 6.80 9th
8th 7 Castle MERCEDE's 6.50 10th 
9th 7 Channel LOTUS's 4.84 12th
N/A 7 Castle ROVER's Withdrawn 13th
N/A 7 Port LOTUS's Withdrawn 14th
N/A 7 Port JAGUAR's Withdrawn 6th
N/A 7 Port FERRARI's Withdrawn 8th
N/A 7 Castle BMW's Withdrawn 11th
SPEED CONTROL
Strokes per minute per team
Position 1st February From
1st 7 Priory METRO's 57.11 1st
2nd 7 Channel BENTLEY's 51.38 2nd
3rd 7 Priory JAGUAR's 45.48 4th
4th 7 Port McCLAREN's 44.58 3rd
5th 7 Channel DODGE VIPER's 31.71 9th
6th 7 Castle MERCEDE's 28.50 5th
7th 7 Channel JAGUAR's 25.55 6th
8th 7 Channel LAMBOURGHINI's 20.48 8th
9th 7 Channel LOTUS's 15.35 12th
N/A 7 Castle ROVER's Withdrawn 13th
N/A 7 Port LOTUS's Withdrawn 14th
N/A 7 Port JAGUAR's Withdrawn 11th
N/A 7 Castle BMW's Withdrawn 10th
N/A 7 Port FERRARI's Withdrawn 7th

Year 8 House Matches
I would like the names of ALL players in each of the 4 houses who would like to take part in the Year 8 house matches by Friday 4th February at the latest. The Year 8 house matches will be played slightly differently this year whereby the league will start with an inter-house competition. Here members of the same form play each other to ascertain the top players. These top players then go forward to play the other top players from each of the forms. The league will again comprise of 1-leg matches up to 11 and speed control over one minute.

Year 9 House Matches
These will follow shortly after the Year 8 matches have reached completion. The Year 8 matches commencing after half term.

Mr P Skelton - Workshop Technician

DIARY DATES

Half Term - Mon. 21st - Friday 25th February
inclusive