THE "FIRST THURSDAY" NEWSLETTER

NEWSLETTER NOV 1998 No. 53

GOVERNORS

Thank you to all the parents, staff, governors, PFA volunteers and students who attended the Annual Parents Meeting and Instrumental Concert on 14th October 1998. The numbers attending the Annual Meeting are far greater than any that I have attended at other schools in my role as a parent. The support that you all give to the Dover Grammar School for Boys is greatly appreciated by the Governing Body and spurs the governors on to promote further development of our very fine educational establishment.

The next meeting of the Governing Body will take place on Wednesday 11th November 1998 at 7.00 pm. The Governing Body will take a preliminary decision on a new School Category to take effect from 1st September 1999. A letter about this has been sent to all parents this week. If you have not received a copy then please contact the School Office.

Mr Robin Terry - Chairman

HOMEWORK HOUR

A Homework 'Club' has been set up for pupils who would prefer to stay on after school to do their homework. The club will be held in the School Library from 3.30pm to 4.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. A member of staff will be present to supervise and to help pupils when necessary. The facility is open to pupils throughout the school from Year 7 to the Sixth Form. We hope this provision will be of help to working parents as well as to pupils who wish to stay on to work in a quiet environment. It is, of course, experimental and will only continue if a need for such provision is shown.

Mrs S Rose

MIDLAND BANK SCHEME

The School Midland Bank will be up and running from Thursday 2nd November. It will be open every Thursday lunchtime in Room 18 from 1.15 pm to 1.50 pm. The Bank will be fully staffed by Year 10 and a Midland Bank Supervisor will be on hand to offer help. Pupils will have the opportunity to make deposits and withdrawals at the Bank and will receive a free filofax as an introductory gift.

If you need further information on opening an account come along and have a chat with the experts!

Ms T Shafi - Head of Economics & Business Studies

LE BOURGEOIS GENTILHOMME

On Friday 9th October the French linguists in the 6th Form saw a production of Molière's 'Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme' at Norton Knatchbull School Ashford.

Written at the time of Louis XIV, Molière originally played the part of M. Jourdain a man obsessed with status, himself. The play deals in a highly comical way with the pretensions and aspirations and those surrounding the royal court. This production was a simplified and shortened version of the original play put on by the European Theatre Company. Students from several schools in the area were able to follow the play without difficulty.

Mr G Jolliffe - Modern Languages

SIXTH FORM TRIP TO BRITTANY

It was after a tiring 11 hour sailing from Portsmouth that we arrived in St. Malo. Having experienced great trepidation in regards to spending a week abroad with people whom we had not yet met it was necessary to spend our time aboard to relax and prepare quietly for the week ahead. It was a shame therefore that most of the night was spent socialising with fellow passengers. Few like to talk about just what went on but many woke in the morning with soreheads!

After a quick tour of their school - Le College Notre-Dame - we were introduced to our correspondents at around midday on Monday. After an afternoon in the quaint St Brieuc we went back to their homes longing for a shower and a rest after the long journey. Many of us however didn't get the chance as we were immediately treated to a very delicious and filling dinner before being taken out to sample the nightlife of Guingamp. It was soon clear that this trip would not be by any means boring or relaxing.

Mrs Dukes ensured that the days were as full as the evenings as she fulfilled a very tight and demanding schedule. Tuesday morning was spent in the Jean Stalaven delicatessen factory where we had a very thorough tour showing us how many of the products were prepared. We found the trip very informative although we could have done without the wholesome smells and the freezing temperatures. In the afternoon we had an informative talk in the Tourist Office in St Brieuc, before witnessing at first hand the demonstrations of the striking French students. They are protesting at the poor students per teachers ratio.

Wednesday was spent at the bilingual school in Diwan, where both French and the traditional Breton language is spoken. We were rather late on arrival as the school where Mrs Dukes first drove us to had not yet been built which proved to be a slight problem. We attended a variety of different lessons and had lunch with the very welcoming staff. It was a meal we regretted eating as we were later treated to two further meals provided by members of Mrs Dukes' family. The first was a traditional Breton afternoon snack consisting of a hunk of French Stick and a selection of cold meats. Barely hours later we forced down a mouth-watering meal of French style crepes washed down with local cider. We soon learnt that no one in Brittany lets you leave their house without first plying you with food and drink.

Given the nature of the evening experienced it was perhaps unfortunate that the trip to the fish port was planned for 4.00 am the following morning. For some reason the sight of rooms full of every possible variety of fish was not a welcome one, nor was the rather tedious and slow-winded sale of them all afterwards. It was certainly an insight into the Breton economy we will find difficult to forget. The afternoon was spent in the more comfortable environment of the school's library doing research for our coursework essays.

After the tiring schedule of the trip up to that point it was kind of Mrs Dukes to let us have a restful final day. Friday morning was spent in the school attending a drama lesson where several of us tried our hand rather embarrassingly at taking part in one of Jean Paul Satre's plays. After lunch in town we visited the picturesque Pink Granite Coast and relaxed amongst the beautiful scenery. Being our last night we were ready to party on Friday and we were not disappointed by the night out with our correspondents. After a meal out we went to a nightclub and danced the night away. As we stumbled home shortly after 5.00 am we realised with horror that we had to be up again to leave for England in an hour and a half.

Unfortunately we returned home on the day that storms gripped the country and with several of us feeling fragile it was lucky that we could go to a cabin. For the rest of us though the bar and the live band seemed the better option. Everyone agreed that it was an excellent trip which was both fun and informative and we all wish to thank Mrs Dukes for all her hard work in planning such a full week. I would recommend the trip to all those considering doing work experience as a great way to learn about a new culture and experience living and working in a foreign country.

Nick O'Brien - 13S

AUTUMN CONCERT

On Wednesday 14th October the Autumn Concert was presented in conjunction with the Governing Body's Annual Parents' Meeting for 1998. In the interval between the meeting and the concert itself Wine and Cheese refreshments were served by the PFA after which a large and appreciative audience enjoyed a musical programme of some ninety minutes. Performances by the Training Band, Jazz Group and Big Band were interspersed with a number of individual items including clarinet solos played by James Garlick and Stephen Moloney, piano solos from Xavier Taylor and Ian Banks together with contrasting pieces played on the school organ by Mr Baldock and Mr Davies. Overall the combined events made for a rewarding evening for all who attended.

Forthcoming Events:

Looking ahead to other events this term there will be a Lunchtime Jazz Concert in the Hall on Tuesday 17th November at 1.30 pm which will feature performances by the Jazz Group and Big Band. The school's musicians will also perform at Guest Evening on Friday 20th November and the term will end with the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight to be sung by the School Choir in Charlton Church on Wednesday 16th December at 8.pm.

UNIVERSITY SUCCESSES

We are very pleased to hear of the following successes among former DGSB students:

City University, London

Mark Tillyard - achieved a First Class (Hons) BEng in Air Transport Engineering. Mark will be posted to RAF Cranwell for training as an RAF Engineering Officer.

University College London

M Sims - achieved a BA, Class 2A, in Philosophy and Economics.

PFA

The PFA would like to thank everyone who supported the Wine and Wisdom evening held last month when a total of £424 was raised. The next Wine and Wisdom evening is to be held on Friday 13th November - book your tables as soon as possible please.

We still need a new Treasurer. If you are interested in being nominated for this job please contact the PFA Chairman, Jill Tutthill or Secretary, Sandra Wright.

Good second-hand clothing is always available at very reasonable prices - please contact Sandra on Dover 820709. The PFA will be selling second-hand uniform at the Year 7 Parents' Evening on 10th November.

Mrs J Tutthill - Chairman, PFA

PFA 200 Club

Winners of the September 200 draw are as follows:

1st £25 Mr & Mrs W Flynn (138), 2nd £15 Mr J Bottle (36) and 3rd £10 Mr M Court (177).

Winners of the October 200 draw are as follows:

1st £25 Mrs S Clark (1), 2nd £15 Mr N Waite (118) and 3rd £10 Mr C Phasey (29).

Mrs C Dunstone - PFA

OLD PHAROSIANS

The committee of the Old Pharosians Association (the old boys' of the school) will be meeting on Thursday 19th November at 7.00 pm. Several messages have been received from former pupils since the last edition of the association's newsletter was distributed, and the next edition is due out early in the New Year.

Mr G Tutthill

SPORTS NEWS

Football

1st XI Match Reports.

2nd October - 2nd Round White Cup

Friday 2nd October Borden G.S. 4 -v- DGSB 2

A very disappointing result. Borden were strong but our recent form should have been easily good enough to beat them. Clearly we missed the injured Marc Garrood but too many players made elementary mistakes. Chances are being made, but not taken, and if we are to have any chance in the League we must improve. It seems that too many players are exhausted having played over ten matches in three weeks. Hopefully we will return to form as the number of games diminish.

Borden were two up a half-time, one goal was well offside and the other was a long free kick. Straight from the kick-off they scored again. James Durrant pulled one back with a speculative long shot only for Borden to make the game safe with a fourth goal almost identical to their third. Ben Mackenzie scored our second with a good volley.

7th October - Borden G.S. 1 -v- DGSB 2

A great result from a solid performance and sweet revenge for last week's cup defeat. The team had obviously recovered, playing with greater motivation and teamwork. Marc Garrood was injured again and unavailable and James Durrant moved back into central defence. From the beginning of the match we forced several corners and eventually took the lead when Darren Piper cut in from the right and slammed a hot over the Borden keeper. Borden didn't create many chances but Tom Scrivener made some excellent saves in goal. It took us time to convert another chance but James Durrant headed in an excellent corner from Kevin Doughty to make the game safe. Borden scored near the end but it was against the run of play and we easily held on.

10th October - DGSB 4 -v- Norton Knatchbull 2

This was quite a remarkable game full of atrocious defending, excellent attacking, terrible finishing and erratic passing! To describe it as an 'open game' would be an understatement with more clear chances than all of our other matches put together. The first half defied all logic. NKS had two open goals in the first minutes which they contrived to miss and I lost count of the number of chances we had when I reached fifteen! All were either missed or saved by the NKS goalkeeper who had an inspired game. To make matters worse NKS took the lead through a free header after a left wing cross. The second half started in much the same way with more clear chances spurned until the constant pressure told and David Edwards scored the equaliser with a fine left foot volley. Ben Mackenzie quickly scored the second only for us to concede another sloppy goal when Neil Brinicombe and Tom Scrivener hesitated long enough to allow an NKS forward to slip in and score. Again we roused our game, Ben scored another goal converting a fine through ball from Kevin Doughty and substitute Sam Gibbons scored a fourth with a cunning looping header.

I am very impressed with, and grateful to, the squad members who have stepped in to fill the places of the injured and unavailable. Without them, there is little doubt that our recent results would have been far worse. Well done everybody.

14th October - Chaucer 2 -v- DGSB 4

Another game, another indifferent performance, another win. Unfortunately a torrential downpour at the start of the game made the pitch very slippery and difficult to pass and control on but against an understrength and weak Chaucer side we should have done better. Chaucer opened the scoring with a strange goal. Their central defender moved up into attack, appeared to blatantly handle the ball and then volley from 35 yards. Everybody expected the referee to blow for the free kick (especially as the offence was right in front of him), but the ball skidded through Tom's hands and the goal was given. This caused Chaucer to gain in confidence and they threatened our goal several times. Gradually we picked up the pace and James Durrant converted a penalty when David Edwards was savagely taken out. Ben Mackenzie took advantage of a goalkeeping mistake and when we went 3-1 ahead with the best goal of the game when James Durrant scored with an unstoppable shot from fully 40 yards. I expected us to play better in the second half with the slop and wind but we seemed to lack the killer instinct. Ben Mackenzie scored the fourth with an excellent finish from a long through ball from Marc Garrood. Again we sat back and allowed Chaucer to score their second. I got the impression that we deliberately let him shoot - whatever the case I hope we close down better in future. Still it was better then watching England!

21st October - DGSB 5 -v- Oakwood Park 2

This was probably our best performance of the season (so far). At half time, having played with the strong wind, we were only 2-1 ahead and I was concerned that we might give way to Oakwood and the elements. However we raised our game, scored early and eventually won the game with room to spare - we had two goals disallowed, missed a penalty and hit the woodwork twice!

Ian Banks returned after injury and got better as the game progressed but it was Ben Mackenzie who stole the show with an excellent hat-trick (I feel that if he could only use his left foot he could be quite good!). Stuart Dodd scored the all important third goal and Dan Trenowden came on and quickly latched onto the through ball and converted with ease. James Durrant had his best game of the season in midfield continually winning the ball and starting attacks - shame about the penalty miss!

I was pleased with our attitude and performance - we still have it all to do in the League though.

Mr S Bailey

2nd XI Match Report

7th October - DGSB 4 -v- Borden GS 1

An excellent performance resulted in a superb victory for Dover. The team played especially well with some outstanding displays from several players. After a disappointing half hour and Chris Odell's substitution Dover finally scored against the run of play. A good cross from Peter Allum was met by Dan Del Duca who slotted the ball home calmly. Borden equalised just before half time when a cross come shot went straight in past a stranded Chris Wash. The second half started well when a Daniel Phelan's pass was met by Luke Stockdale who lobbed the keeper from 18 yards. Minutes later a Michael Fuller shot was fumbled by the keeper and Dan Del Duca tapped the ball in from close range. Luke Stockdale, who got better and better throughout the match, scored his second on the hour when a free kick was knocked over the Borden defence for him to run onto and finish accurately into the bottom corner.

A terrier like performance from midfield dynamo Chris Bailey and great defensive work from Childs, Stockdale, Doel and Phelan meant that Borden's attacking play was cancelled out. Also Adrian Bailes, Chris Wash and Kevin McMullen's performances must be recognised due their contribution towards Dover's win.

13th October - Maidstone GS 5 -v- DGSB 0

Missing influential captain Mark Doel, Dover produced a dire team display resulting in a heavy and rather humiliating defeat. Dover got off to the worst possible start when they conceded a goal after just 10 minutes. A skilful solo run, going through the whole Dover defence was finished with fine precision from 6 yards. Just minutes later Dover were in trouble again when the Maidstone striker scored with a stunning, curling shot from 18 yards. It went from bad to worse when Maidstone's third goal came just before half time. The only chance from the first half was a snap shot by Luke Stockdale that went straight to the grateful opposition keeper. The second half saw a more spirited and resilient Dover side. For 25 minutes we competed with Maidstone, but a lack of fitness let us down and we leaked another two goals.

Overall the team must show more passing ability and a greater level of commitment. Even though the result was dire there were some encouraging performances from Ryan Stockdale, Chris Bailey and Adrian Bailes.

Ryan Stockdale - 13S

21st October - Oakwood Park 1 Dover GS 2

In difficult conditions with a depleted team, missing the influential Chris Wash and Luke Stockdale Dover produced a stunning team performance beating a strong, unbeaten Oakwood side. Jeremy Childs took over in goal and immediately showed his class in the first half when he made a spectacular save from a 35-yard free kick. Oakwood's only other chance of the half came when neat work by their midfield produced a chance from the edge of the area, fortunately their shot going wide of the target. Dover's only chance came when Kevin McMullan was put through by Adrian Bailes but he contrived to place the ball wide of the target under pressure from the defender.
The second half began brightly when Kevin McMullan chased a Chris Bailey through ball, charged down the goalkeeper and slotted in from close range. From this point forward the game swung in favour of the opposition with the help of an extremely dodgy referee, playing with old style rules, claimed he was offside when it was blatantly obvious that it wasn't. In the 80th minute the most unbelievable decision occurred when their referee awarded a penalty for the Oakwood forward who tripped over the ball, nowhere near the supposed offender Mark Doel. The penalty was scored leaving Jeremy Childs with no chance. Minutes from the end Dover had justice restored when Adrian Bailes charged the keeper, winning possession and slotting home from 5 yards.

Overall it was a great team performance showing much determination and desire to win. Adrian Bailes and Jeremy Childs performed very well.

Ryan Stockdale - 13S

17th October - Year 11 2nd Round County Cup

DGSB 5 -v- Harvey G.S. 0

In the most appalling conditions this match saw an outstanding team performance. The very wet pitch did not help the control and passing but we started to settle down. Robbie Hawke scored a very good first goal from the left side of their defence. Kevin Doughty beat several of their players to score another outstanding individual goal which had originated with some accurate passing from our own 18 yard line. Ben Mackenzie put in some strong running and scored our third goal towards the end of the first half. Playing uphill and into the wind two further goals, one from Kevin Doughty and the other from Ben Mackenzie found us 5 goals ahead. The last 15 minutes Harvey came back at us, but many of their attacks were stopped by some excellent defending from the backs.

In particular David Brown and Robbie Hawke linked some very nice moves on the left wing and in goal Chris Wash saved several shots which could have posed problems for us.

In summarising, the team played well for one another.

Mr M Grant

Other Results

16th Oct. Year 7 lost to Walmer School in their County Cup 4 - 2.

20th Oct. Year 7 v Walmer School away, won 5-1. The team worked very well together in the second half of the match.

Year 9 v Walmer School away, won overwhelmingly 10 - 0.

21st Oct. Year 8 v Walmer, at home, drew 0 - 0.

Year 10 v Walmer, away, lost 7 - 2, although the score was not a true reflection of the team's playing performance which in spite of the wind was of a high standard.

Mr J Duke

Fixtures

5 Nov. Year 7 House football. 3rd place final
6 Nov Year 7 House football. Final
9 Nov Year 8 House football. 1st semi final
10 Nov Year 8 House football. 2nd semi final
11 Nov 1st XI v Queen Elizabeth (Home) and
11 Nov 2nd XI v Queen Elizabeth (Away)
12 Nov Year 8 House football. 2rd place final
13 Nov Year 8 House football. Final
14 Nov Years 7 & 9 v Harvey Grammar (Home)
14 Nov Years 8 & 10 v Harvey Grammar (Away)
16 Nov Year 9 House football. 1st semi final
17 Nov Year 9 House football. 2nd semi final
18 Nov 1st XI v Astor (Away)
19 Nov Year 9 House football. 3rd place final
20 Nov Year 9 House football. Final
23 Nov Year 10 House football. 1st semi final
24 Nov Year 10 House football. 2nd semi final
25 Nov 1st XI v Maidstone G.S. (Home)
25 Nov 2nd XI v Maidstone G.S. (Away)
26 Nov Year 10 House football. 3rd place final
27 Nov Year 10 House football. Final
2 Dec 2nd XI v Norton Knatchbull (Away)

Rugby

County Cup - Chatham House 43 v DGSB 22

After Chatham House ran in an early try we started to compete. We won some clean balls from the scrums which enabled Ricky Stanley and Mark Artis to make strong runs into the opponents territory. However, the support play was too slow and time and time again second phase ball was stolen from us. On two occasions this led to counter attacks which stretched the length of the field. In the second half our line-outs improved which gave us more options. This rallied the forwards and led to some good second phase balls due to rucking.

In the end fitness told and as the tackling became ragged Chatham House ran in a number of tries.

Table Tennis

On Saturday 31st October Kush Bopari and I represented one of the Dover teams in the Kent league. This takes place over three weekends, the others taking place in the forthcoming months.

We are in Division 10 and our first match was against Canterbury 'C'. This game was good fun but we were unable to test our skills as we didn't have much competition, we won 5-0.

Our next match was against Folkestone 'L'. They were an excellent team and we had to use all our skills. Unfortunately after a close match we lost 3-2.

We hope to do as well in forthcoming matches.

Dover B Team, Division 4, played at Sittingbourne. James Eaton and Darren Howard played Assad Ahmad and Scott West of North West Kent 'A' losing narrowly 2-3. They went on to play Emma Newsham and Somchad Moore of Folkestone 'F' winning 4-1.

Other teams information unavailable.

Simon Bishop - 8CA

Year 7 Ladder League: This is now into its second week and has attracted 10 boys from Year 7. More are welcome Tuesdays after school 3.30 - 4.45 pm. With the ladder league it is very easy to catch up but difficult to stay at the top of the league. There is talk of having house matches for Table Tennis this year. The first time for many years.