1987

FIAT LUX.

THE HEADMASTER'S NOTES

    When Old Boys are found wandering around the School in search of conversations, I feel that so much of what happens is worthwhile. School days should be amongst the happiest of one's life, even in these times of stress and tension.
    No one can say, with confidence, what makes someone feel good. To overcome difficulties, to solve problems, by power of thought or otherwise, must give us confidence and the comforting sense of a job well done.
    Secondly, living and working with others must bring pleasure. We need friends to know ourselves and the common interests of school are just about at the right emotional level.
    In the third place, we are getting ready for real life which will come all too quickly, and the sooner we feel ready to earn a living, the more successful our time at school has been.
    Boredom comes from lack of involvement; friends stand by us if we are generous to them and a longing to give something back to society is the first real sign of being an adult.

EDITORIAL

    This edition of PHAROS has been produced using the latest in hi-tech that is available to the School. Copy was typed into the School's Nimbus system using a word processing package. This allowed corrections to be made more easily than using a conventional typewriter and paper. It did, however, have a number of teething troubles that had to be overcome before a suitable "hard copy" could be obtained for the printers. However, this did allow us to be more up to date.
    Inside this edition there is the usual collection of House reports, accounts of CCF activities, as well as, sometimes light-hearted, accounts of visits and trips. The magazine must reflect what happens in the School, and it must also mirror the degree of involvement and interest shown. It is a shame that there is only a handful of lads who are willing to be involved in preparing PHAROS for publication. Their enthusiasm and interest needs to be matched, with equal fervour, from other members of the School. Ideally, it should be the norm that anyone taking part in an activity, going on a trip or expedition, would write a report for PHAROS. In an ideal situation any poem or prose of merit would be submitted for inclusion.
    Mrs Saville and I have spent much time typing in the copy, proof reading and correcting. It has been more enjoyable than old-fashioned typing. It is hoped the end result will not be inferior to those editions published recently. Let us hope this branching out into hi-tech areas of production will encourage more to be actively involved in the preparation of PHAROS.

CCF REPORTS

Navy Section

    April saw the addition of new recruits to the Section as well as the Annual Inspection. On the day of the Inspection everything went to plan, from the Guard of Honour, who performed admirably considering they had little time to train, to cadets at the Harbour, the majority of whom were sensible and conscientious in their activities. The only problems were with the motor cutter and its engine!
    During the Easter break two cadets, Seddon and Crewdson, attended HMS Raleigh for Naval Proficiency Training, which they passed successfully. The summer term saw the Section involved in waterborn activities in Dover Harbour, without the motor cutter. Towards the end of term the Section went on HMS Cardiff for three days while the ship was carrying out trials. PO Dunkley, PO Thompson and LS Heathcote also attended Naval courses during the holidays. PO Thompson also went flying on observer training at RNAS Culdrose, and power boating at HMS Raleigh. with PO Dunkley, where they received the power boat coxswain rating. LS Heathcote also went sailing at HMS Raleigh, where he passed the elementary test. PO Thompson also went on a communications course at HMS Mercury, qualifying in morse and wireless operations. AB Head, AB Clarke and AB Todhunter also went sailing in Scotland.
    Finally, the Section's thanks go to Lt Thomas for running a depleting Section.

PO Guy Thompson

Army Section

    This year saw 2nd Lt Johns become our first commanding officer for two years and he has already put new life into the Troop, which has suffered from lack of activities since 2nd Lt Bamford left the School in 1984. The Annual Camp was held at Nescliff Camp in Shropshire, during which we participated in a competition against other, much larger contingents and we came a respectable ninth out of eighteen. Included in this competition was a gruelling four mile forced run with full kit and rifles, a deceptively difficult assault course and a three mile orienteering course. These timed events were fitted into a programme which contained section and platoon tactics, rock climbing, canoeing and a day's shooting, using No 4 rifles, SLR's and the LMG.
    CSM Neil, Sgt Needham, Cdt S. Martin and myself took part in the CCF Expedition to Snowdonia which was very kindly led by Mr Raine. We managed to scale a couple of mountains and, even though we were in tents in temperatures well below freezing, an exciting break was enjoyed by all. S Sgt Scullion attended a UKLF Leadership course at Thetford, Norfolk, while Sgt Needham and myself went to the Cadet Leadership Centre at Frimley Park, Surrey, for a week.
    There was only a modest intake of recruits this year, but even they enjoyed an assault course session with PTI's from the Royal Irish Rangers at Connaught Barracks. When the senior NCOs leave in the summer we hope to leave an enthusiastic troop under the command of some mature cadets. Finally, we say farewell to Capt Reg Wilkins, who has provided invaluable help in the running of the Section and the Contingent.

S Sgt Guy Dixon

RAF Section

    I took over as NCO of the RAF Section in an important year for the whole Contingent, the main event of which was the Annual Inspection by Rear Admiral Grenier. The RAF cadets gave a very creditable display of their activities and were complimented on their smart turnout and commitment to the CCF. The Inspection was, however, the last event supervised by UO Kevin Woods before he left the School. UO Woods gained his glider and powered pilots wings. held the highest cadet rank and also took part in an International Air Cadet exchange to Canada. He gave a great deal to the RAF Section, and to the Contingent as a whole, and will be missed.
    Throughout the year cadets took part in regular events like shooting, flying with No 1 Air Experience Flight at RAF Manston and night exercises with commendable vigour, gaining good results in all three. The long-awaited Calais weekend exercise with Sevenoaks School took place in October, passing without a hitch. Sgt Corbishley had the opportunity to go on an overseas flight to RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus. sgt Watts was granted a place on a gliding course at RAF Manston and not only received his wings but also had the distinction of being the best cadet on the course. The Annual Camp was at RAF Wyton, Cambs., where cadets were able to see an active reconnaissance unit at work, and also visit the USAF base at RAF Alconbury. With the added training aids of an aircraft recognition theatre and navigation booths in the School, all constructed by cadets, the Section's high standard of examination results has been maintained.
    The past year has been an extremely eventful one and plans are being laid for activities this year, to which the Section looks forward. Thanks must go to our Section Commander, Major Hoeren, and to our Contingent Commander, Squadron Leader Philpott, for whose unflagging support each of us is grateful.

Ft Sgt Stuart Disbrey

HOUSE REPORTS

Astor

    Well, sport's fans, Astor's performance has been varied once again throughout the School, but nevertheless we all had a jolly time. The upper school football team braved the elements with tremendous valour, only to be beaten by a lesser team. The lower school showed that they, too, have the Astor House spirit, striking towards victory. In the swimming, didn't we show them who was boss, smashing the opposition into oblivion - well almost. However, thanks for your support and let's see Astor whip everyone in the rugby!

Mike Hollobon and Neil Castle

Frith

    1986 saw a major change in the face of Frith with Mr Haines relinquishing the highly enviable post of Housemaster, paving the way for Mr Bird. However, this has done nothing to mask the fact that Frith has a long way to go. For far too many years now, Frith has, as a whole, failed to manage any higher than a third place in the points table. This is quite pathetic since we have, and always have had, a great deal of skill in our house and a fair bit of enthusiasm, too. When these two coincide, as they do occasionally and noticeably in the middle school, we can be invincible.
    So Frith stumbles on in its inimitable way, with occasional flashes of genius, too often outweighed by sloth. We seem to have settled nicely and comfortably into bottom place, so much so that boys have accepted the situation and, rather than change the situation they joke about it. Is this what we really want, Frith?
    We would all agree that Frith is the best House, wouldn't we? All we have to do is prove it.

Christopher Morgan

Park

    For the third year in succession we finished second in the Championship. We almost beat the champions, Priory, but some early setbacks in the senior soccer and swimming cost us dearly. Overall, we gave a creditable performance with rugby and cross-country remaining our best events. The loss of some good senior sportsmen affected our scoring in the senior sports, but the lower school persevered and gained us some valuable points. To succeed in the future we must try to improve in the sports we find difficult, or even dislike, especially swimming. Thanks must go to Mr Raine for his help as Housemaster.

Matthew Eades.

Priory

    For the third time in succession Priory has won the House Championship due to willingness to compete and a wealth of ability in each sport. Last year saw a huge response to the Powell Cup, usually our weakest event, and we rose to draw first. Cricket, once again, proved us capable of victory, whilst football emphasised our enthusiasm to compete with pleasing first and second positions throughout the School. Our success last year at swimming was not repeated this year, with a disappointing third position that did not complement the obvious energy within our teams. Yet the junior school's ability to win its athletics competition signifies hope for a strong future for Priory. Many thanks for confidence and support go to last year's House Captain, John Corless, and to our Housemaster, Dr French.

Clive Naylor.

SPORT

    The season started on a very good note with excellent attendance at practices and a very convincing win over the Duke of York's by 7 wickets. Mark Holton made an excellent 72 not out with the bat and useful contributions were made by John Corless and Steve Laslett. The Cup run started very well against Borden Grammar School, who was bowled all out for 75. The whole team thought the result a foregone conclusion and were then all bowlwed out for 66! Although defeated by Simon Langton, the team made an excellent effort against Sir Roger Manwood's, making 179 all out. Ramon San Emeterio surprised everybody with a fine innings of 72 and Matthew Pennington assisted with 24. Although the game ended in a draw, a definite moral victory was gained. In several matches the team failed to put real pressure on the opposition through fielding errors, far too many catches were dropped, and this was especially true against Dover College.
    The team was shuffled around because of the disruption caused by exams and this affected our main bowling attack. Despite these problems the season went quite well. The game against the Old Pharosians was a very pleasant afternoon's cricket but the School team did not bat very well, only managing 59 against the Old Boys' 121.
    John Corless has done an excellent job in captaining the side throughout the season, both on and off the field. Ramon San Emeterio produced some useful batting performances and also gave some measure of stability to the younger members of the team.

U14 Cricket

    Despite the very large number of keen players it was, for a variety of reasons, possible to play only four fixtures during the term. One of the side's major weaknesses was poor fielding and this was particularly true in relation to the large number of catches dropped. The team's best performance was against Dover College, where rain stopped play with the School having made 75 all out, while the College was 27 for 4.
    Particular mention must be made of the effective bowling of Shaun Hyder and Andrew Folwell, as well as the committed batting of Cameron Thomson. The Captain recorded the highest individual batting score of 32, followed by Raul San Emeterio, with 20. Nick Corbo kept wicket competently over the season. Hopefully, this year the team may play more games and generally improve on individual skills, and hence overall tea. performance.

U12 Cricket

    Twenty-two cricketers attended the first practice of the season. This set a pattern of high attendance that was maintained, allowing a strong team to be selected for all three matches. The first two matches followed a similar pattern: Dover batted first and passed 120 with enough time to bowl the opposition out. Duke of York's were beaten by 49 runs and Manwood's by 51 runs. The third match, against Harvey Grammar, was a 20 over match. Dover did not make a quick enough start for this type of cricket and the total of 77 for 4 wickets was passed by Harvey with nearly seven overs spare. A longer match might have given a more realistic comparison between the two teams.
    Noteworthy individual performances came from Leighton Wilcox, who scored 66 against Duke of York's and 46 and 47 in his two other innings. Shaun Pilbeam scored 30 runs and took 4 wickets against Duke of York's and also took 3 wickets against Manwood's. Also against Manwood's, Marcus Brissenden scored 36 and Richard Cullen took 4 wickets for only one run. On the whole it has been an encouraging season. There are some good cricketers in the School and, if competition for team places remains as strong as it has been this year, the team should continue to do well in the future.

    Last year the School had probably the best side in its history, with six county players, and it was inevitable that this year's team would find it difficult to come up to their predecessor's standards. Only two of last year's squad, and, very few of last year's 2nd XI players stayed on, and this made the early weeks of the season very difficult indeed for team selection. It didn't help to play Harvey within two weeks of the start of the term, because they turned out to be an outstanding side, winning the Schools' League and the County Cup. We lost 2-0 to them.
    There were two main problems, one was a lack of forwards, and consequently goal scorers, and too many left sided players. Gradually the team began to take shape, but in early matches Mark Castle had to play at sweeper rather than in midfield. As soon as Lee Swinerd took over as sweeper, releasing Mark Castle for midfield and Jason Oliver up front, our fortunes changed. After four straight defeats (two to Harvey and one against the very strong Old Pharosian's team) we then won our next three games comfortably.
    After half term this new found confidence was cruelly broken by a series of injuries to key players, and not much good fortune. Against Maidstone Grammar we were 4-2 up, with ten minutes to go, and lost 5-4; against Simon Langton we were winning 3-2 when they scored with the last kick of the game; and against Sheppey we were well on top, leading 3-1 until eventually drawing 4-4. This last match highlighted our recent problems with nine regular players unavailable, including no goalkeeper—it was a tribute to the enthusiasm of the players that they achieved any result at all after a long journey.
    Jason Oliver was selected for Kent Schools for the third year running and had a very dominating role in the team, scoring most of the team's goals, and performing his captain's duties with efficiency. Stephen Price was also selected for the Kent Schools' Team, a fine achievement for a 16 year old in an under 19 squad.
    Mark Castle had a great season in several positions, but apart from these three players there was great change and fluctuation. Hopefully, many players gained the confidence and experience this season in order to play a significant role next year. Colours were awarded to Stephen Price and Neil Castle, and were re-awarded to Jason Oliver and Mark Castle.

Climb Every Mountain

    On 29th March a group of 15 boys, accompanied by Mr Raine, left for the Kent Mountain Centre, Llanberis, North Wales. After a gruelling eight hour journey we finally arrived at our destination. The following morning two groups set off to ascend the Glyder Mountains, both over 3000 feet. At midday we reached the summit and soon afterwards came across each other. Tuesday was spent climbing the "Gorge", a rocky outlet for a reservoir. Mr Raine ingeniously designed methods of getting people wet, with variable success.
    Wednesday was spent with a tiring walk of four hours, with 35lb packs, to our campsite, 1500 feet up in the mountains. That evening was spent exploring an abandoned slate mine and, once again, most people got wet. Thursday morning saw us ascend Cnicht, with a brisk stroll. The panoramic view was breathtaking, and it made the climb worthwhile. On Friday we climbed Tryfan in less than ideal conditions, although the snow did provide for some excellent snowball fights. Unfortunately, due to the conditions, we were not able to jump "Adam and Eve", two rocks at the summit. We left on Saturday morning and arrived back in Dover at 5pm. Special thanks must go to Mr Raine for making the trip possible, and to Gavin Oakley, Mark Godden and Martin Godden for helping out.

Andrew Folwell, Neil Scrivens and Nicholas Dixon.

Viva Espaňa

    We went to L'Escala in northern Spain, near Barcelona, to practise our Spanish. Along with us band of fourth formers were some sixth form CPVE pupils from St Edmunds, Castlemount and Archers Court. We put our Spanish lessons into practice by communicating with Spanish people, by buying things. We spent a day in Barcelona and visited the new stadium. We also visited the Dali exhibition.
    The' weather was constantly sunny but it was windy at the start of the week. Our first impression of L'Escala was of a ghost town because of this, with it being a dull, windy day, sand blowing across the road. However, the trip boosted our confidence in our ability to speak the language. It also gave us a chance to make new friends in other schools.

Andrew Bateman, Sean Hyder, Andrew Willows and Paul Roberts.

WESTSIDE STORY

    It was towards the end of the summer term of last year that Adrian Boynton, Richard Sewell and myself tentatively agreed to stage a production of West Side Story in March, 1987. At that time it was all a fairly distant possibility and we mused over whether enough boys with acting ability who could sing could be found, or enough singers who could act. There was also the problem of dance—none of us knew much about it, still less how to choreograph. For my part, the problem could be almost forgotten over the summer holiday, as I was merely the producer, a somewhat confusing term that should perhaps be defined as manager or administrator. Richard was to direct the show, and he would have to do the spadework during the holidays, planning the stage setting and blocking in the scenes.
    Shortly after the beginning of the term in September we held our first auditions both here and at the Girls' School. The enthusiasm that was to carry this production through to its eventual undisputed success was apparent from the start. Second and even third auditions had to be held before we were certain of the lead roles, but eventually we could agree on the principals: Dominic Mahon as Tony with Louis Martin as Riff. Francesca Knight seemed a natural Maria while Justine Bennett had the energy and sharpness appropriate to Anita. Trevor Evans seemed likely to make a good Bernardo after the first audition. At this point two more adult staff became involved: Suzanne Murray who initiated the dance training, and Jean Lewis who coached the singers. Suzanne's contribution finished during February, as she left to have her baby. Ann Wadey took over the task of bringing discipline and poise to the extremely difficult choreography, a task which she accomplished by continuing the pattern already set of having lengthy dance rehearsals a weekends. Without these four, five or even six hour extra rehearsals which took place virtually every weekend from January onwards, the dance would never have attained the degree of slickness and professionalism that impressed many members of the audience.
    The set had also to be constructed and Jim Goldthorpe worked steadily through a number of projects, including assembling stage blocks loaned from various Primary schools and arranging a way for the scaffolding tower to be turned into a building that would not wobble or fall over when Tony climbed up to Maria's balcony. About forty-five lights had to be obtained, set up and focused, while a system for controlling them was hired and installed. The stage lighting, in particular the dramatic use of follow spotlights, played a major part in the overall effectiveness of the play.
    Gradually others joined the production team, and West Side Story became almost an institution. Camille Newall and Betty Beard produced the costumes, while Joan Weston took charge of a team of make-up assistants. Eleven boys made up the stage management team, while there were six in the lighting crew. Sue Mira organised the publicity and Trevor Evans' starkly designed poster began to appear in the town. Trevor also managed to paint almost the entire set between rehearsals—a major achievement in perspective and design.
    Adrian Boynton and Scott Farrell worked tirelessly as repetiteurs for the increasingly frequent rehearsals during March, and the school instrumentalists started to get to grips with the score, reckoned to be one of the most difficult of all musicals. Assisted by seven professional musicians, the twenty-four strong orchestra eventually gave virtually flawless performances that greatly assisted the singers and dancers.
    None of this would have been worth anything, had it not been for the devotion and spirit within the cast. This play clearly touched a nerve amongst the young actors and singers and all the parts were performed with energy and complete conviction. The somewhat crude humour of songs such as 'Officer Krupke' was brought out to the full, along with the simple fun and high spirits of 'America' and 'I Feel Pretty'. The lyrical moments, such as the Cha-Cha danced by Tony and Maria on their first meeting, were tender without being sentimental, while the dramatic duet between Anita and Maria, 'A Boy Like That', was sung with passion and beauty. In addition the choreographed fights seemed utterly convincing (more than a few bruises were acquired in these) and the 'Rumble' (the fight between the gangs) was both frightening and moving. Tony's anguished cry of 'Maria!' over the dead bodies of Riff, his best friend, and Bernardo, Maria's brother, is one of the moments that I shall not readily forget.
    I do not wish to use superlatives: they must often be suspect. But without doubt this is the finest production I have known at this school and I do not think it will be bettered easily. I think it has been an education for all involved, in terms of what can be achieved by committed teamwork, and in the talent that lies, otherwise unheeded, within individuals.

MGT 10/4/87

RUNNERS OF THE LOST RACE

CLUBS and SOCIETIES

Debating Society

    The Girls-Boys Grammar Debating Society has continued to flourish, holding increasingly intellectual and meaningful debates with the girls, whose wit, intelligence and bright, friendly manner continue to amaze us. We have also forged links with the pupils of Sir Roger Manwood's School. A special mention must be made of Miss Reynolds, who is enthusiastically preparing to take over the running of the Society. The outgoing Sixth Formers wish her the best of luck. We join with her in encouraging sixth formers to come along to a debate, usually held on alternate Thursday afternoons in the Girls' Grammar School Sixth Form Common Room, and have an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

John Pain

SAILING CLUB 40 Years On

    Mr Ernie Large's history of the School Sailing Club refers to the period 1945-46, in which it is recorded:
    "...sir owned a yacht (Esmerelda) which had a 12 ft dinghy as a tender. This was lent to pupils of the School to sail. Stupidly, sir wrecked his yacht, so losing the School its only sailing dinghy."
    It was not for another ten years that the Sailing Club was started properly, with a group of senior boys led by Ernie Large, the former Head of the Technical Studies Department. The Club was originally combined with the CCF and the pooled financial resources organised a fleet of three Heron dinghies.
    Over the next decade or so the Club prospered. Membership increased, as did the equipment: the outdated Herons were replaced by Enterprise dinghies. The members themselves improved and began to do consistently well on the Kent schools racing circuit, proving to be practically unbeatable on home waters. The National Schools' Sailing Association's premier event, the Mount-Haes Trophy, was won by the Sailing Club in 1963 at Northampton, and again, in 1964, at Burnham.
    It has always been the policy to equip the School boats to a standard capable of winning a national event, as indeed they have done. This became increasingly more difficult with rising costs. Many of the School boats have been built in the School workshops. To date the School has turned out 28 canoes, 23 dinghies and one small cruiser, most of which had Sailing Club involvement.
    In 1966 the Sailing Club merged with the Girls' School to form Dover Grammar Schools' Sailing Club, as we know it today. Important steps were taken in the 1970s when the Club took up the Royal Yachting Association's teaching method. In 1972 Mr. Cunnington was responsible for introducing sailing as a timetable option for 5th and 6th year games, as it still is today. In July 1977 Ernie Large, who had been involved in sailing at the School back in 1946, retired. This did not have the bad effects originally feared. He was hardly missed because, for a long time after 1977, he kept an active interest in all aspects of School sailing. It was not until his sad death in 1984 that his absence was felt. The new Head of the TS Department, Mr Smith, had a sympathetic attitude towards the aims and needs of the Sailing Club, so the close co-operation between the Department and the Club continued. This was helped by Martin Styles, a woodwork teacher, running the Club. His successor in 1979, Mr Gabriel, also became involved. Senior boys are often found in the Woodwork Shop, painting and varnishing with infinite care, always with the ultimate question: will it make the boat go faster, to win next season?
    The single and most important development came for the Sailing Club in 1978 when the facilities of KCC run Dover Watersports Centre were made available to the Club on Friday evenings. This increased the scope and potential of the Club dramatically, as the equipment at the Centre was gradually built up. Today we have over one hundred water craft, including dinghies, canoes, sailboards and rescue/safety boats at our disposal. This has changed the format of the Club, to some extent, from being a compact group, dedicated to the teaching of sail racing, to what is today a much broader organisation with facilities to teach more people a wide variety of watersports activities. This diversification has led to a change in the aspirations of the individual, although there is still a small but strong section of members bitten by the racing bug. It will be interesting to see what the next forty years will bring.

Chris Choules L6F

Christian Fellowship

    The Christian Fellowship has had an exciting and progressive year. The membership has fluctuated between just a few and over twenty, which has led to some problems, but we have been developing more as a stable group recently. Over the last year we have had several guest speakers, and also a rock band. Over a hundred were crammed into the computer room to hear "Stranger Than Fiction" play last January. With the acquisition of a notice board the School has become more aware of the Christian Fellowship. Also the move from the Computer Room to Room 10 should make us more noticeable. We have had more co-operation and links with the Girls' Grammar School, and the regular joint meetings have proved popular with all except staff. We look forward to the new leadership, which, we hope, will inject some new life into the Fellowship.

Richard Dryden

Sailing Club

    The year has been characteristically hectic for the Sailing Club. It started with a Kent schools team racing competition where a three boat race team won seven out of eight races to give us a very close second place. Throughout the year a small nucleus of racing sailors has been busy touring Kent. They have represented the School at every Kent schools sailing event, plus many others, attaining some very creditable results. Particularly successful were S. Main, who won the SE Region's Youth Regatta at Herne Bay and H. Styles who received the KSSA Prelude Plaque for first year helms, as seen on TVS. A special effort was made towards the end of the year for the Dover Watersports Central Annual Regatta where the first six of thirty-eight places were taken by Sailing Club members.
    One of the main aims of the club is to teach beginners the basic sailing skills. Varied successes have been achieved this season, especially with the large influx of members from the Girls' School. The novices are guided by the more experienced on Friday evenings from April to November, when we have full use of the extensive facilities provided by Dover Watersports Centre. The various "activities" are closely co-ordinated by Mr Raine and Mr Gabriel, without whose enthusiastic support the Club would not exist.
    During the winter months the club meets at the Girls' School on Friday evenings for theory sessions, which are often found to be as enjoyable and productive as the on-water action. There is also, at present, a rigorous boat maintenance programme in operation, as we bring the School's racing dinghies up to scratch. and continue the construction of a new Mirror dinghy. Sailing Club membership costs £2 per annum and prospective members in the second year and above are always welcome.

Chris Choules L6F

The D of E

    The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is not just another youth organisation to which young people belong. It is a programme of leisure-time activities. It challenges all young people between the ages of 14 and 25 throughout the Commonwealth to acquire new skills, develop old ones, experience adventure and make new friends. The Scheme is not competitive, and anyone with determination and enough effort may gain an Award, including those with some form of disability.
    There are three Awards:—Bronze, Silver for those over 15 and Gold for those over 16. Each Award is separate and one may progress through all three or start at which ever one desired. depending on age. For each Award four sections have to be completed:—Service, Expedition, Skill and Physical Recreation. For the Gold Award a Residential Project is also required.
    Service—the aim is to encourage service to others. This may involve community service, child care, First Aid, animal care, conservation or work with the Police or Fire Service.
    Expedition—the aim is to encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery. A journey in the countryside has to be planned, trained for and in the end undertaken, on foot, cycle or horseback. Groups are usually unaccompanied but supervised by adults.
    Skills—the aim is to encourage the discovery and development of personal interests, social and practical skills. There are more than 200 activities from which to choose, and it is essential to show both perseverance and progress. Examples include agriculture, arts and crafts, collections, driving, music and social skills.
    Physical Recreation—the aim is to encourage participation in activities and improvement in performance. Some form of organised physical recreation has to be included and individual progress is essential. Examples include athletics, swimming, orienteering, trampolining and keep fit.
    Residential Project (Gold only)—the aim is to gain experience through involvement with others in a residential setting. Shared activities with strangers over a period of five days is needed, on leadership training courses, outward bound courses, sail training voyages or at a work camp, as examples.
    Instruction, supervision and assessment are all undertaken by adults suitably qualified or experienced in the chosen activity. The scheme may be entered through the School. Every new entrant receives a record book in which progress is recorded. All requirements for a particular Award must be completed by one's 25th birthday. Not only is it enjoyable and rewarding for both participants and helpers, it also looks good on an application for a job or university place. There are fourteen boys working for their Bronze Award at present in the School. Two have completed this and are working for their Silver Award. For more details contact Mrs Saville.

Adrian Cory (Bronze Award holder)

Maths trip to Exeter

    As a treat for helping them get through their first Maths A level, six sixth form mathematicians took the School Gardener, Mr Benjamin, on a trip to the University of Exeter, to attend a pre-university maths course. Though the trip only lasted three days time seemed to stand still in those halcyon days of post-exam summer haziness. We managed to indulge in an incredible range of activities: listening to mathematical lectures, watching mathematical films, reading mathematical literature, watching non-mathematical movies, playing sport in the Sports Complex and on the Vice-Chancellor's lawn, freaking out at discos, cramming forty people into a room and calling it a party, meeting new friends as well as experiencing university life in general cell-like rooms, back-breaking lecture theatre seats and bad Coffee!
    A really good time was had by all! Not only did we enjoy ourselves immensely, we also learned much about universities, more than we would from reading the prospectus alone. If you ever have the chance of going—on a similar course, take the opportunity. Finally, a special "thankyou" to Mr Benjamin, whose warm, fatherly manner and acid wit kept us safe and happy, even after the lectures had come to an end.

John Pain

WORLD TRAMPOLINE CHAMPIONSHIPS
October 17th—25th 1986
A Participant's View

    Last October I travelled to Paris, with some other members of Dover Trampoline Club, to watch the Russians dominate the World Championships with some inspiring performances. After a day off to tour the sights of Paris we went south to Moulins to take part in the World Age Group Championships. Training at 7am was a common occurrence.
    In the synchronised events my partner and I finished 8th out of seventeen pairs. In the individuals I came 26th out of forty-one in the Under 18 Boys group. These results may not seem very impressive, but it was a competition against fourteen other countries, including Japan, France, America and West Germany. This was a once in a lifetime experience: one I will never forget.

Adrian Cory L6F

MUSIC

    Since the last edition of "PHAROS" an exciting, enjoyable and rewarding time has been experienced by those students taking an active part in the musical life of the School. Due to the diversity of interests in the musical life of the Music Department (ranging from modern popular music as shown by the recent concert by "Sweet Nemesis" in the Great Hall, to music of the baroque period as performed by the Baroque Ensemble in the School Concert) it is only possible to give a sketchy account of the recent happenings, because of the brevity of this article.
    Last year the School Choir performed several major works; in March came their rendition of Rossini's "Stabat Mater" coupled with Vivaldi's "Gloria"; later, in July, they performed Mendelssohn's "Elijah" in Dover and in Sandwich. Both performances were highly acclaimed. In addition to this they have appeared in a whole host of concerts, as well as singing the office of Evensong in several cathedrals, as well as Westminster Abbey. The musical highlight of 1986 was clearly the period spent at York Minster during the summer holidays. Despite, or should I say as a result of, a great deal of exhausting rehearsals, the visit was an extremely enjoyable one, and the Evensongs were of an exceptionally high musical standard. As a result of this the Choir has been implored to make a return visit in 1987. The Choir was also involved in the making of the immensely popular Christmas cassette, which was launched in December.
    The Jazz Group has also had a particularly active year. Not only has it performed at many School functions, it has also been involved in many external concerts. Last July, for example, it provided the music at several fetes, including those at Eastry, Tilmanstone and Worth. More recently it also contributed to the musical content of the St Valentine's Day Dance at St Edmund's School.
    The Concert Wind Band has performed on many occasions over the past year, both in School and externally, and has succeeded in gaining a high level of popularity at both. The major contribution to the St Valentine's Day Dance was warmly appreciated by all those concerned.
    Over the last year a number of recitals have been given in the Great Hall by a variety of locally known soloists and groups. These have extended the whole spectrum of musical taste, from the internationally famous Valda Eveling to the recent gig by "Sweet Nemesis". The fact that the School embraces such a wide range of musical taste is a good sign. A wide range of musical trips also took place. Visits have been made to the Royal Opera House to see Gounod's "Faust", Britten's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and Mozart's "Magic Flute". A recent visit to Browne's Organ Works at Ash was also very successful. With the advent of the School production of Bernstein's "West Side Story" both orchestral and dramatic rehearsals are well under way. It is hoped that 1987 will be another excellent chapter in the musical life of the School.

Mark Fletecher 6H

THE SCHOOL ADVENTURE HOLIDAY
"The Golden Road To Samarkand"

    It was 7am on a Saturday morning last February when eighteen boys, two teachers and two parents set off on the "Golden Road to Samarkand", a School Journey to the USSR. They travelled more than 9000km, through nine airports, on five planes, and stayed in four hotels. The first Aeroflot flight took us to Moscow, capital of the Soviet Union. Our first impression of the city, after rigorous customs and immigration controls, was of endless tower blocks, the inhabitants of which seemed to have a choice of no more than two or three lampshades! However, our first view of the Soviet Union, of which Intourist would have approved, came at midnight. We saw the Russian version of "Changing of the Guard" at Lenin's Mausoleum in Red Square, an impressive sight. We saw Red Square again the next morning, with Ylena our Intourist guide, in temperatures as low as -12 degrees C.
    There are ironies in this city, as we noticed by gaps in what we were told. There are three beautiful cathedrals in the Kremlin, meticulously maintained, but Muscovites are prohibited from entering; they are for tourists alone. Also one wonders why roads are so wide when there is relatively little traffic on them.
    The Moscow underground is ornamental, with elegant stations, some even lit by chandeliers. It is clean and fresh, with trains running every three minutes during the day. Without distracting from the real beauty of the Moscow Metro, one cannot help but ask whether this is nothing more than a public relations exercise by the Soviet authorities, to help their people be satisfied with a limited lifestyle.
    We flew on to Samarkand, in Uzbekistan, at night. Although now in temperatures nearing +20 degrees C, and tired after a three and three quarter hour flight, we were no less enthusiastic on visiting the Shah-i-Zindra Necropolis, dating from the eleventh century; and the Registan Ensemble, consisting of three ancient universities. According to our Uzbek guide, we were the first British group she had met in five years.
    After a relaxed walk around the oriental style bazaar we were taken to Samarkand School No 45. Pupils of seventeen nationalities, some of whom we met, attend the school. The redoubtable headmistress, Mrs Philipenko invited us into her office, then took us on a tour of the school. After being taken to the school's own Lenin Room and the Soviet Army Room, where members of the Young Communist League are sworn in, and our visit to the school ended with a friendly international basketball match. This, inevitably, ended in defeat, but gave us the opportunity to meet Russian people of our own age.
    For many the highlight of the week was a trip to the village of Aman-Kytan, in the Tien-Shan mountains. We went there despite Intourist's apparent unwillingness for the journey to go ahead, and that reason soon became clear. We were the first group to visit Aman-Kytan in 1986 and the deep snow was untouched, causing problems for the slightly dated coach. We even had to push the coach backwards after we arrived as it was stuck in the snow! Everything was worth the trouble, however, as the views were spectacular. This was the closest we ever came to Afghanistan to the south and China in the east.
    We took another midnight journey, this time by sleeper train, to the desert city of Bukhara. Due to rebuilding work we were confined to only two "hostility suites", which had become infamous during our week. Bukhara is a hot, dusty city with a market like the bazaar at Samarkand. The primitive butcher's stall consisted of trays on which were laid bloody animal heads, including eyes in the price!
    On from Bukhara we made the short flight across the Kuzul Kua Desert to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. It is a city of over a million people that has been rebuilt after devastation by an earthquake in the 1960s. This really was a flying visit, including an evening ride on the Metro, a walk to Lenin Square, and a sleep in a vast Russian hotel. A coach tour in the morning took us to the airport from which we flew by Ilyushin 62 to Moscow, where the temperature had dropped to -20 degrees C.
    Inspite of the dulling effect the cold had on one's mind, and the ability to concentrate, we paid a brief visit to the Novodevichy Convent. After a final evening of "interesting" Russian food and Russian champagne, (which was more interesting and certainly much more enjoyable!) we fought our way back through the customs controls and returned to Britain. In my case, and I'm sure in many others' too, I came back to catch up on a week's sleep—or rather lack of it!

Michael Lawrence H6J

JUNIOR PRIZEGIVING
October 15th 1986

GUEST EVENING
November 21st 1986

After School....

The following gained places at university:

The following have gained places in Higher or Further education: