3rd December 2015 Dear Parents and Guardians,

Thank you to the many parents and relatives who supported last Thursday evening’s

Presentation of GCSE Certificates. Our new Sixth Formers looked resplendent and conducted

themselves with a delightful confidence as they each were named in turn in recognition of their

excellent results in August.

Thank you also for your support of the beautiful Choral Vespers last Friday, the fabulous

decoration of our Chapel and Refectory ahead of the festive season, and of the many Sports

Fixtures that took place on Saturday. Sunday was particularly productive, with a Year 10 Drama

Rehearsal, Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award First Aid Training, a Boarding Community Trip to

the Birmingham Christmas Market, and a particularly respectful Boarding Community Advent

Mass followed by a delicious Advent Dinner.

On Monday of this week, Year 1 pupils enjoyed their History Trip to Beaumanor Hall to

experience a ‘Victorian Christmas’, while we welcomed Year 5 Parents that same evening to an

Information Evening on their residential visit to Stratford in the Spring Term.

I am very grateful to the Governors of Ratcliffe College for their continued support of the entire

community, as evidenced at our termly meeting on Tuesday evening. Alongside this was a very

successful Year 7 Parents’ Social, and it was good to see so many of you there, especially those

new to Ratcliffe.

Highlights of the week must surely be the stunning Nativity Play performed by children in the

Nursery, Years 1 and 2 on both Tuesday and Wednesday, and the Art Department’s Ajar 2015-

Open Art Exhibition. The talent on display across the entire age range of the School is simply

wonderful. This was in yet further evidence this morning when Miss Kearns’ Year 6 Class led us

in a delightful Preparatory School Assembly on the theme of Unconditional Love including a

performance of the Highwayman by Alfred Noyes. Year 5 also departed for their adventure to

Harry Potter World!

The School has been dealing with an E-Safety matter this week where a small number of

students have been contacted by a stranger requesting personal details, including the home

address, of one of their friends. The individual concerned has also been asked for his personal

details. Pleasingly, the young man did the right thing and reported the matter to his parents who

were then able to take appropriate action to ‘block’ the individual and report the incident to the

Police via the Child Exploitation Online Protection Centre (CEOP). We will be speaking to all the

students in assembly about the dangers of sharing personal information online with strangers as

well as the E-Safety message more generally. We would urge you to discuss this matter with your

children so that they understand the potential problems that may arise from befriending

strangers. Further information and advice can be found on the CEOP website by clicking on the

following link https://www.ceop.police.uk/

May I politely remind parents to drop off children at the designated areas only, for the safety of

children, especially in the darker evenings.

We look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible this evening and on Saturday evening

to support the Year 10 Drama Production of Arabian Nights. I shall be attending on Saturday,

as this evening the Ratcliffian Association Christmas Carol Service will be taking place in London.

Wishing you and your family a very happy, healthy and blessed week ahead,

Yours sincerely, Gareth P. Lloyd, Headmaster.

Thank you, Mr Lee, once again, for your generous donation of the beautiful Christmas trees. Dear Parents

End of Autumn Term Arrangements In order to enhance the safety of students at the end of term and to facilitate a safer and more effective flow of traffic through the school campus, there will be a slightly earlier finish to the School day. In recent years we have operated a staggered end to the school day for the various sections of the school, which has worked well. We believe safety was further enhanced last year when we ended the school day slightly earlier, so that the departure arrangements largely operated before it got dark.

The following arrangements will therefore operate on Friday 18th December:

Nursery and Year 1 and 2 School will end at 3.00pm. There will be no after school care, so all Nursery, Year 1 and Year 2 children must be collected at 3.00pm.

Preparatory School (Years 3-6) School will end at 3.15pm. There will be supervision in the Newman Hall for any children who cannot be picked up at 3.15pm until 5.30pm.

Senior School School will end at 3.50pm; buses leave at 4.00pm. There will be supervised prep in the Emery Library until 5.30pm.

We appreciate that there are parents who have children in different parts of the school. Arrangements will be made to look after any children who need to wait for older siblings who are in the Senior School. These children will be supervised until 5.30pm in the Preparatory School Newman Hall, from where they should be collected. The parking area outside the front of the main school building will continue to be reserved for parents of boarders only. This area is the nearest to the boarding houses and this arrangement helps those parents who have to pack their cars with their child’s belongings, which can often be substantial! In light of the congestion experienced at the end of half term in October, the above arrangements will also take place on Friday 12th February (half term). Thank you in advance for your co-operation. Kind regards Yours sincerely

Jon Reddin Senior Deputy Head

PARENT NEWS Photos at School Events

You can view and purchase photographs taken at some of our school events online. Mr Sunny

Hoyle, from Blue Pig Photography, has taken photos at the following events:

New!

Year 12 - GCSE Presentation Evening – November 26th

Coming very soon:

Nursery, Year 1 and Year 2 – Nativity – December 1st

Years 3-6 – Carols by Candlelight – December 17th

The photos can be viewed and purchased from Sunny’s website:

http://www.bluepigphoto.co.uk/f622481599

The password can be found in the Parent Portal:

http://ratcliffe-college.co.uk/parent-portal/all-school-news/

School Uniform

The Schoolblazer January sale will start at 9am on 29th December and finish at midnight on

31st January.

As usual, 20% will be taken off all in stock items.

Parents who have already shopped with us will be emailed about the sale.

Kind regards,

Clare Burrows

Business Development Manager, Schoolblazer

Clare.Burrows@schoolblazer.com

Food Technology Christmas Competition

Date: Monday 7th December 2015

Task: To make a Christmas themed product of your choice. Your product will be marked on taste, flavour, appearance

and originality.

Bring your finished product up at the beginning of the day on Monday 7th December.

Please see Mrs Burton if you need any other details. Golf Tour – Summer 2016

There are up to three spare places left on next summer’s Senior School golf tour to

St Andrew’s, Scotland. If you think your son/daughter would be interested, please read

the following letter. If your son/daughter would like to participate in the tour, please complete

the reply skip and return it to me at School, no later than Friday 18th of December.

Dear Parents,

Golf Tour - July 2015

St Andrews, Fife - East Scotland

We are planning to take this year’s golf tour the east coast of Scotland, which will centre on

playing 4 rounds in St Andrews. The tour will depart early on Sunday 10th July and return late

on Wednesday 13th July. Mr Gilchrist will accompany me on the tour. As in previous years we

plan to travel by mini-bus taking the golf equipment in a trailer. Please see an outline of the

itinerary below.

Proposed Itinerary

Day/date Activity

Sunday 10th July Travel by mini-bus to St Andrews. Departure time tbc Round 1 : provisionally : The Castle Course http://www.standrews.com/Play/Courses/The-Castle-Course

Monday 11th July Round 2 : provisionally : The Jubilee Course http://www.standrews.com/Play/Courses/Jubilee-Course

Tuesday 12th July Round 3 : provisionally : The New Course http://www.standrews.com/Play/Courses/New-Course

Wednesday 13th July Round 4 : provisionally : The Eden Course http://www.standrews.com/Play/Courses/Eden-Course Travel by mini-bus to Ratcliffe. Return time tbc

The itinerary is a proposal at the present time. I have made provisional bookings for the

accommodation and breakfast at a guest house in St Andrews and tee times at the various golf

clubs. It also includes evening meals and a tour shirt. Students will be expected to buy their own

lunches. The cost of this tour will be partly dependent on the number of students who wish to

participate. However, we estimate that the cost will be no more than £500 based on 14 students

and 2 staff and the itinerary we choose.

To ensure that you son/daughter enjoys what will be an intensive golf experience and to comply

with the wishes of the clubs we wish to play, we would recommend that they have a minimum

handicap of 24 for boys and 36 for girls. Experience has shown us that students who cannot play

to these levels struggle to cope with the demands of the golf courses and lack the endurance

needed to play four rounds on consecutive days, which can be demoralising. Some clubs may

require proof of handicap so your son/daughter will need to ensure they are a member of a club

and have a handicap certificate.

If you would like your son/daughter to participate in the golf tour this year, please can you

complete the reply slip below and return it to me no later than Friday 18th December

Thank you in advance for your support of this year’s golf tour.

Kind regards

Mr Reddin Senior Deputy Head ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

Senior School Golf Tour to the St Andrews, 10th-13th July 2016

Please return to Mr Reddin, no later than Friday 18th December 2015.

I give permission for my son/daughter (delete as appropriate)

........................................................................... (name) to participate in the golf tour to St Andrews. I

understand that places will be allocated on a first come first served basis and that the return of

this slip does not guarantee my son/daughter a place on the golf tour. I agree to a £150 non-

refundable deposit being charged to School account if my son/daughter secures a place on the

tour.

Name of parent……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Signature of parent ………………..…………………………..………..………….. Date……………………………….

Contact Number…………………………………………………..………. Email………………………………………….

Zumba Fitness

I am holding an open session for parents to come and watch the students showcase some of the

elements of Zumba fitness and also some of the additional performance skills they have been

trying to develop over the term. It will be a fun, informal event for the students to feel a little like

stars for a few minutes, and everyone plays a part.

This will take place on Thursday 10th December at 16.45 in the Preparatory School Hall.

Please could parents wishing to attend arrive no later than 10 minutes prior to performance

start time, so by 16.35. The session will end at approximately 17.15.

It would be nice if we could encourage all parents to show their support for everyone during the

show, as we have a mix of confidence and abilities.

Lisa

07850 759170

Gr8move@talktalk.net

SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENT NEWS

Headmaster’s Assembly Monday 30th November 2015

Awards

Merit Badge

Year 7

Elise Atkinson Brooke England Dominic Goodman

Year 8

Lucy Antill Sophia Buczkowska Archie Heaney Eleanor Shaw

Year 9

Charlotte Bailey Tess Duffin Sofia Henderson Eddy Robinson Abigail Santaney

Outstanding Reward Voucher 1

Year 10

Alicia Boothroyd Jenna Pole Liberty Taylor-Young

Year 11

Alexandra Mitchell

Year 12

Emilia Lawden Imogen Power

Year 13

Lolade Mosaku Elena Wheatley

Monitors

Students in the Sixth Form are encouraged to take on extra responsibilities – in addition to their own work and interests. Year 12 Monitors and Year 13 Prefects are expected to be reliable, well-presented and sensible in carrying out their duties. They provide important assistance to members of staff in various areas of school life. Year 12 monitors provide assistance to staff in several ways – and especially during prep. The following are appointed monitors: Jone Aboitz Zofija (Fi) Michalska

Rebecca Astill Thomas Ngai

Ivan Chan Charlie Nicholson

Peter Cotter Caitlin Plummer

Olyvia Dosanjh Imogen Power

Lucia Faulkner Harry Redding

Anna Garcia Anna Reviakina

Olivia Gilchrist Lydia Satchell

Rosemary Giles Harry Stokes

Megan Gray Emma Taylor-Clark

Luke Gyesi-Appiah Alina Tebbut

Nicholas Heywood Lili Turner

Asha Hutchison Aaron Walsh

Joe Jarvis Jessica Walsh

Billy Kaul Daniel Warwick

Olivia Latham Christian Waters

Emilia Lawden Tilly Wheeler

Rasee Lawrence Katie Winston

Finbarr Lloyd Charlene Wong

Tom Lowe Rion Yapa

Joshua Macqueen

United Kingdom Mathematics Trust

International Olympiad for Girls 2015 The Mathematical Olympiad for Girls is aimed at girls in full time education in Year 13 and below with sufficient competence to tackle Olympiad style questions – the very best female mathematicians in the country for their age. The UK Mathematical Olympiad for Girls is a 2.5 hour paper with 5 problems, with 10 marks for each correct answer – a total of 50 marks. There were 1,577 participants. The mean score was 15, which is an indication of how difficult the paper was. Candidates scoring 21 or more (the top 25%) receive a certificate of Distinction Helena Yu (Year 13) scored 32 – an outstanding achievement! Matthew Baker, Year 11, has gained his Gold Bar 2 in Ballroom. He has now already

commenced this week with his Gold Bar 2 Latin dance practice. These exams take place on a

Sunday in May.

The RAF Flying Experience

On 12th November, the RAF squad went flying at the RAF Cranwell base with all expenses paid by the MOD. All participants had a thrilling adventurous experience that took up the whole day. I’m sure the entire group would love to do it again as many have done it before in the past.

Before we left Ratcliffe on the minibus, we knew that there would be a 50/50 chance that we would not be able to fly at all due to the weather conditions of strong winds. However with our hopes still high, we embarked on the hour journey to the Cranwell base. Most of this journeying consisted of the usual bus ride singing! Eventually, we made it to the base and as luck would have it, we were able to fly as the wind became less volatile. The next step was getting ready and trained before we were allowed to fly. After the safety video, we all got our jumpsuits and helmets on with built in intercom system to our surprise. Even though the day was a beautiful one, we still had to prepare for the worst and undertake the parachute training. This was simply putting on the test parachute and listening to the instructions about what to do in an emergency, i.e. pull the canopy open and jump. As we were wearing all this gear, no doubt references to the popular ‘80’s film Top Gun, were made by the staff at Cranwell and of course the group. After being strapped into the chair on the Grobe Tutor aircraft securely, the canopy was closed and the pilot had to do last minute checks. We were off. Each cadet had been seated in different aircraft with a pilot next to them. Taking off was much smoother than if you were in a glider. The flying experience was brilliant, with beautiful views, as we went above the clouds. Anyone in the RAF or Army section who chose to do flying, would be expected to take control of the aircraft. The pilot would allow you to manoeuvre through clouds and he would perform the aerobatics as this is quite a skill. Fear of heights was a thing of the past, as while flying through the AEF (Air Experience Flying) scheme, we were in safe hands. Overall, this experience was like no other. You can only get an opportunity like this with no cost through the RAF AEF scheme. I’m sure many of the cadets who participated this month would want to take part yet again. Not many people can say that they got to take control of an aircraft at the ages of 13-17.

Pilot Officer Grant

PREPARATORY SCHOOL NEWS

Certificates of Merit

YEAR 6 Elena Griffiths First Certificate of Merit Isabella Illsley-Ridge First Certificate of Merit Alexander Mee First Certificate of Merit Year 5 Zoe Howling Second Certificate of Merit Edward Offer Second Certificate of Merit Harry Watson First Certificate of Merit Year 4 Ali Bhojani First Certificate of Merit Sophie Bardsley First Certificate of Merit Holly McNeeney First Certificate of Merit Joss Phillipps First Certificate of Merit Oliver Smith First Certificate of Merit Justin Ucar First Certificate of Merit Year 3 Evie Ashford First Certificate of Merit Francesca Atkinson First Certificate of Merit Olivia Lynch First Certificate of Merit Joshua Smellie First Certificate of Merit Tafara Mudhefi First Certificate of Merit Charlotte Shield Second Certificate of Merit Year 2 Coral Kairamkonda First Certificate of Merit Phoebe Smith First Certificate of Merit P.T.O.

Year 1 James Calver First Certificate of Merit Tallulah Johnson-Mayes First Certificate of Merit Jessica Tuckwell First Certificate of Merit

Annie Jarvis, Year 6, took part in her dance show performing in 12 dances. She was awarded a

trophy for her commitment, determination and effort. Annie has also received a letter from

Buckingham Palace, in which the Queen writes to thank her for her card and drawing which she

had sent to her, acknowledging the care she had taken to make it especially for her.

Avani Gupta, Year 5, won 3 medals and achieved 3 personal best times at the Bramcote

Open Swim meet on 29th November. She came in the top 6 for her age group

Zoe Howling, Sophie Shield, Daisy Reddin, Georgie Daynes, Hollie Chapman and Jayde Patterson,

Year 5, were awarded a trophy and individual medals for the Year 5 Girls’ Team Event in the

Leicestershire Primary Schools Cross Country on 28th November at Prestwold Hall.

Daisy Reddin, Year 5 was awarded a medal and trophy for coming 5th overall in the Year 5 Girls’

Leicestershire Primary Schools Cross Country.

Maisie Collier, Year 4, took part in the Race for Life and helped raise £50 for Cancer Research UK

with her mum.

Zara Etty, Year 3, has achieved the British Gymnastics proficiency award for Level 3.

Sofia Demetriades, Year 3, did remarkably well in the Leicester Competitive Festival of Music and

Dramatic Art, winning First Award in all three classes she was entered into (two in piano and

one in violin).

Lily Stevenson, Year 3, was awarded a medal and trophy for coming 5th place overall in the Year

3 Girls’ Leicestershire Primary Schools Cross Country.

Mr Neuberg visited the Prep School to talk about our chosen charity, ‘Mary’s Meals’. The charity

aims to provide children in poorer parts of the world with one main meal a day, whilst giving

them the chance to go to school. Thank you, Mr Neuberg for giving up your valuable time.

The talk was most inspiring.

Ratcliffe College Poppy Appeal raised £487.23, so thank you.

Chaplain’s Corner

Two of our colleagues have become dads in the last couple of weeks. It’s always a joy to speak

with them (and of course those “not so new” parents) about the trials, tribulations and

terrific-ness (!?!) of parenthood. One young dad told me yesterday how excited his 2 year-old

was about Christmas. At least in our home, this excitement is growing perhaps earlier than it

ought.

Last year, you see, I felt an urge to splurge early on a gift for Magnus and had neither patience

nor fortitude to present it to him at the appropriate time. I tried to smooth this over with my

wife, claiming the Rogue Elf had dropped it off. Magnus overheard, and asked the perennial,

“Why?” “To get the jump on Santa,” I declared. It’s been a year now, and his 3 year old brain is

now expecting a little taster ….

The equation to him is very simple – it happened last year, it’ll happen this year. My original

noble generosity (or idiotic impulsiveness) has laid the foundation for decades of pre-emptive

benevolence! Here’s hoping it’s appreciated.

Of course, the point is not that it’s appreciated, but that it’s given. We can sometimes become

so used to the generosity of our community at Ratcliffe, that it’s not always recognised.

Last month, we collected and shifted over 480 shoeboxes, full of items to benefit and treat some

of the millions of children around the world who have ever so little. A marvellous show of

generosity from students, staff and parents, it’s right to recognise and praise the effort.

Thank you all who contributed.

It’s also right, as Pope Francis reminds us in his Misericordiae Vultus (The Face of Mercy),

that recipients of grace and mercy bear no little responsibility to extend this to others.

Indeed, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (to whom Ratcliffe College is dedicated)

marks the beginning of a Year of Mercy proclaimed by the Pope. He writes:

At times how hard it seems to forgive! And yet pardon is the instrument placed into our

fragile hands to attain serenity of heart.

In our world of injustice and war, let us recall this truth. Let’s endeavour to adopt an attitude of

generosity, and to extend the unmerited grace of God through our very real human actions of

love and forgiveness.

Mr Michel, Lay Chaplain

SPORT Senior School

Please may I urge parents to read the RFU (rugby) Safeguarding Policy:

http://www.englandrugby.com/mm/Document/Governance/Safeguarding/01/30/34/50/rfuS

afeguardingPolicy2014_Neutral.pdf

Sports Reports as presented at Headmaster’s Assembly on Monday 30th November. Rugby 1st XV The 1st XV returned to winning ways with a comprehensive 55 – 15 win over Carres Grammar School. In cold and windy conditions, the side was returning to some semblance of the side that started the season. Charlie Pickering returned to the midfield to lead the side, Chris Curnick returned to the squad and there were debuts for several 2nd XV players who deserved an opportunity in the 1st XV. All in all, it was a 9-try romp, with Jack Hancock, Nick Heywood, Finbarr Lloyd, Ganesh Thapa and Seb Dewhirst all scoring well-taken tries. Harry Redding and Man of the Match, John Sommerville, both added a brace each in this pleasing contest. There was far more fluidity and control, with much of the match being well organised to set-piece plays, but what was pleasing to see was lots of basic skills being well executed. However, next week’s visitors will demand much more from the side! U15 The U15s fought hard in a really good game against Carres. The opposition played a superb first 10 minutes from which Ratcliffe never quite recovered. An improved defensive display in the second-half kept the score-line respectable, but despite the best efforts of Man of the Match, Rory Stoker, Ratcliffe never really looked like pushing for victory in a 22 – 7 loss. U14 Against Carres the U14 rugby team won a tight contest 36 – 22. Ratcliffe played well in phases,

scoring some pleasing tries from well worked moves. Harry Cuplin and Matthew Egglenton both

scored, while Man of The Match, Will Westwood, proved to be the match winner, scoring four

tries and kicking three conversions.

U13 In a fantastic game, the U13s drew 26-all with Carres. Carres dominated the first-half with their powerful runners, scoring 3 tries to 1 from Ratcliffe, which was an excellent solo effort by Tom Page. Despite being under pressure, Ratcliffe still tried to play attractive, running rugby, with good work in the midfield by Tom Page, Alex Tyszka, Owen Lloyd and Connor Foster, alongside some elusive running out wide from Sam Seidu. This was combined with some fantastic ball carrying, in the forwards, led by Will Oswell, Aled King and Thomas Leite. This enabled Ratcliffe to come back into the game, in the second-half, with excellent tries scored by Thomas Leite, Aled King and Sam Bullock. The final score was a fair reflection of two teams who played with superb effort and commitment throughout. Man of the Match was Will Oswell for his excellent all-round game.

U12 Ratcliffe U12s produced a comprehensive 47 – 7 win over Carres. Led by joint Men of the Match, Elliot Lindop and Xavier Henderson, Ratcliffe defended superbly, forcing repeated turnovers at the breakdown. In attack, the boys moved the ball confidently, resulting in tries from Rajan Gupta, Ben Ashford, Cameron Cover, Elliot Lindop, Will Marsden and Captain, Louis Fletcher. Sam Nightingale, Boys’ Sports Captain. Hockey 1st XI Ratcliffe 1st XI played away against Northampton High School on Saturday, a fixture which was going to be tough, but they came through to gain a very impressive 2 – 0 win. The girls played their best hockey of the season, passing and moving well, and making the right decisions at the right time. It really was fantastic hockey to watch! Whilst it was not easy, the Ratcliffe girls were working hard and were on top from early in the game, opening the scoring with a fantastic finish from Kate Tyzska. Within 5 minutes, Ratcliffe scored another with a great finish from Olivia Back; taking us into half-time 2 – 0 up. The second-half was much the same, but this time we could not convert our chances, though the girls remained patient and carried on moving the ball well. Towards the end of the game, we had to soak up a bit more pressure from Northampton. However, it was a convincing performance from our defence, and we looked and remained solid. The final score finished 2 – 0, which was a great result and a great performance. It is not possible to pick a Player of the Match as everyone performed so well; therefore, the award goes to the whole team. Players’ Player goes to Alina Tebbutt. U15A The U15s had an extremely tough and bruising encounter, where hockey was not always the winner; however, they battled incredibly hard, and eventually they were rewarded as they edged a close game 1 – 0 in their favour. Both teams played fantastically well in defence, which resulted in attacking players being given very little opportunity to create openings to score. Going into half-time, it was no surprise for the score to be 0 – 0. The second-half mirrored the first, and it was not until 3 minutes before the end, that Ratcliffe finally found a way through, with Captain Olivia Carpenter finishing calmly. Players of the Match were Katie Honey and Molly Edwards, for their excellent defensive displays. U14 The U14s played a hard-fought game against a strong Northampton side; with both teams battling well, and a 0 – 0 draw was a fair result. Both teams shut each other out in midfield and defence, with Players of the Match, Mia Atkinson, Caitlin Lawrence and Bo Henderson between them closing down every Northampton attack. We had to work hard to find space and a way through, with some excellent positional play from Sharmel Yapa and Liyah Pinsent- Heskey, but we could not steal a winner. U13A The U13 girls lost 3 – 1 to a strong Northampton team. It was a midfield battle throughout most of the game. Luckily, Ratcliffe’s midfield trio of Aimee Cleminson, Lucy Antill and Becky Lindley were well up for the challenge, and competed strongly right up until the final whistle. The opening exchanges were largely dominated by Northampton but it was Ratcliffe who got the opening goal. The move for the goal came from some superb play from Dalila Watson down the right wing who then proceeded to pick out Danni Hendry in the circle. From here Danni simply

deflected the ball into the bottom corner with her first touch! A truly brilliant goal which sums up the quality and potential we have in this team. From this point, however, Northampton stepped up their game, and were a much tougher force defensively. It took courage and bravery in defence as Northampton continued to pummel the ball into the circle, but eventually they could not prevent Northampton from scoring 3 well worked goals. Players’ Player was Danni Hendry after a strong performance at centre forward. Coach’s Players were Annabel Mills and Eleanor Shaw who were terrific at relieving pressure from the back. U12A The U12A team had the performance of the day with an emphatic and strong 6 – 1 win over Northampton High School. In an end-to-end game, Ratcliffe created many scoring opportunities in the first-half, but only converted two of them. They came out even more determined in the second-half, with all the players playing a significant role in a whole team performance. Goalkeeper, Mathilda Creegan, made some spectacular saves and the whole team deserve to be Players of the Match. Elise Atkinson and Annie Bridgwood scored 2 goals each, while Annie Rose Reddin and Erin Sommerville scored the other 2. U12B The U12B played against Northampton High, and it was a close game from the start, with Ratcliffe narrowly losing 2 – 0. The play throughout the whole game was end-to-end and, at times, we had some great defensive play from Amelia Chapman, who created many opportunities from the back. At times, there were some great runs down the line from Amy Whitelaw and Freya Smith, which nearly lead to some goal scoring opportunities. Ratcliffe went into half-time 0 – 0 with nothing to split the two teams. The girls came out strongly in the second half, wanting to win; unfortunately, so did Northampton! In the end, it was Northampton that managed to convert two of their chances, though the girls never gave up, and fought until the end. Player of the Match goes to Amelia Chapman and Coach’s Player of the Match goes to Rachel Astill. Well done to all the girls. Sibella Chew, Girls’ Sports Captain.

Preparatory School U11A Rugby Tournament at Leicester Grammar Junior School The U11s started strongly in their first group game, dominating Leicester Grammar with a convincing 3 - 0 win. Tyler Black was Man of the Match for his excellent rucking. Our next opponents were Brooke Priory, and Ratcliffe once again dominated possession and territory before Brooke came back into the game. A superb length of the field break and try by Cameron Mulvhill sealed the win to Ratcliffe 3 – 1, and Sam Gray was Man of the Match for his excellent hooking and general play. Our next opponents were Fairfield B, and this was the most disappointing game of the tournament for Ratcliffe. A good early try by David Seidu put Ratcliffe in a strong position only for Fairfield to come back into the game and score as a result of some weak Ratcliffe tackling. Final score was 1 – 1, with Alex Mee Man of the Match for his strong running and good rucking. In the final group game, Ratcliffe played some excellent rugby to beat the Elms B 4 – 0, with tries by Harvey Henderson, Joe Atkinson and two superb efforts by Man of the Match, Harry Gamble. Ratcliffe qualified into the finals as group winners, and came up against a strong Fairfield A team who, a few weeks previously, had beaten Ratcliffe convincingly. In a performance of superb character, Ratcliffe dominated territory. They never let Fairfield into the game, with tenacious tackling and strong running. David Seidu made a fantastic solo break

through the whole of the Fairfield team, only to run over a very small dead ball line before putting the ball down, so no try was awarded. The final score in the final was 0 – 0 and, therefore, went to sudden death where an exhausted Ratcliffe team were unable to keep Fairfield out. The final score was 1 – 0 to Fairfield, and Ratcliffe finished runners-up in a tournament of 10 teams. Well done to all the boys for their excellent effort, with Thomas Leighton being awarded Man of the Tournament for his consistently strong performances in all the games. Mr Kaye, Rugby Coach

Ratcliffe Prep School Rugby Review 2015 When looking back on any period of time it is important to reflect in a considered manner and without too much emotion as this can cloud your recollections. Sadly, for me, Sport encapsulates every human emotion and therefore this review is heavily influenced by the fluctuating emotions that the boys and male games staff have felt over this past term’s Rugby season. Barely controlled excitement for what the season ahead may hold with dreams of matches we could win and trophies we could add to the trophy cabinet. Nervous anticipation of that first big tackle made and survived unscathed. The first match eagerly awaited, having faith in your team mates as you take to the field, all hopes and dreams dependent on each member of the team performing to their best. The thrill of victory, the joy of success and all the hard work paying off, the feeling of jubilation that individually and collectively we are pretty good at this Rugby lark. Game two, full of confidence, ambitions high, another win, more feelings of satisfaction at completing the job. However, new emotions are felt, disappointment, frustration your world has been turned upside down by stronger, faster and tougher opponents with a greater desire to win. At your lowest point a challenge is heralded, will we stay down, defeated, downcast, beaten or will we rise from the floor once more to enter the fray with determination in your mind, passion in your heart and a burning desire to finish what we had started ignited in your soul. This is the Ratcliffe way, this is the way of the champion, the competitor, the sportsman. To a boy, we all stood up and a new dedication was evident in their eyes as they set about training and matches in the weeks that followed. Win followed win, the occasional loss created a bump in the road that we used to further develop our collective performance and individual ability, always never losing sight of the goal, our spirit being forged ever stronger to be the best Rugby squad we could be. As the season ended, we had travelled a long way and shown great courage and fortitude in overcoming disappointments. We had proved to ourselves that we are stronger together than we are as individuals ploughing a lone furrow. We had proved to our loyal supporters that we had dedicated not only time but our very selves to this endeavour, and we had succeeded in our task, we had proved to every team we played that if you are to take to the field of play against a Ratcliffe Team, you had better be prepared to give everything for your School because a Ratcliffe boy gives nothing less and on every occasion just that little bit more. We hear a lot in the press from professional sports people about the “if onlys” and “what might have beens”, but at Ratcliffe we give no excuse, we accept our victories in good grace and we accept our defeats with humility and use them as motivation to further improve and excel. It has been a privilege to accompany the boys on their Rugby journey this term and they should be

extremely proud of how much they have achieved, as I know their coaches and parents are proud of them. Mr Faulconbridge, Head of Prep School Sport Football U11A v Foremarke Hall On Saturday 28th November, the Ratcliffe U11A squad travelled to Foremarke Hall. We arrived at Foremarke with the rain falling down on us and so we knew that the pitch would be sticky with mud. As the game kicked off we were proved right as the ball was sticking on the heavy surface. Harry Gamble had a good shot at goal during the first half which we dominated but could not score a goal. In the second half, Tyler Black came on to play up front and his determination to score a goal created an opportunity for Harry Gamble who this time managed to get the ball into the back of the net. As the second half progressed, we continued to push for a second goal to finish off the game. Foremarke played the ball up field and Jaidev Nanuwa our debutant goalkeeper thought the ball was going to run out for a goal kick, but the ball got stuck in the mud. A Foremarke player got to the ball but an excellent tackle by Cameron Mulvihill sent the ball for a corner. As the corner came across, Jaidev made yet another good save and punched the ball to the edge of the box, but unfortunately it fell to a Foremarke player who shot the ball back into the corner of our goal to equalise. The referee alerted us to the fact that it was the last minute of the game and so as we kicked off we were eager to press on and try and regain the lead and win the match. Cameron Mulvihill took control of the ball in our defence and made an amazing run up field dribbling around many Foremarke defenders but was eventually tackled forcing a corner. The corner was taken short and as Finnley Gray shot towards goal, a Foremarke player handled the ball in the box, and a penalty was awarded. Captain, Sam Gray, stepped up to take the penalty fully aware that this was to be the last kick of the game. Sam coolly slotted the ball into the back of the net to secure the win for Ratcliffe as the final whistle blew. What followed was a great moment of sportsmanship from Sam Gray and Harry Gamble, as both boys delighted with the victory over tough opposition, went straight to the unfortunate Foremarke defender who had conceded the penalty, and they patted him on the back to console him and reassure him that it was not his fault and that he had had a good game. This was a perfect moment where boys who are intensely competitive were still acutely aware of the emotions that were present at the end of such a game. This is the Corinthian way and the Ratcliffe way. Well done to all of the boys, you were all superb and the team was the Player of the Match. Mr Faulconbridge and Sam Gray, Captain. U11B v Foremarke Hall The U11Bs started the game strongly with a flurry of goals which put them in a strong position at half time, 4 – 0 ahead. The boys started the second half full of confidence and they were determined to see out the game and, if possible, add to their first half tally. The second half saw

the boys add a further four goals but saw Foremarke score three. The final score was 8 – 3 to Ratcliffe with the goals being scored by Kai Kirk, Tilak Pabari, Sebastian Welch, Harvey Henderson (2) and a superb hat trick from Harry Cregeen. Player of the Match was Joe Atkinson for his all-round performance. Cameron Mulvihill, Sports Captain

Prestwold Hall Cross Country Report

Saturday 28th November was a bleak, bitterly cold and damp day, the sort of day that when you look out of your window after drawing the curtains, your first thoughts are of returning to the warmth and security of your duvet. However, for those of us that love athletics and in particular cross country running, the conditions outside the front door are never a consideration when there is a race to be run. And so it was on that blustery, cold November morn that our stout and hardy Prep School athletes donned their base layers, leggings, woolly gloves and hats, and made their way to the start line for the final race of the Leicestershire Primary Schools’ Cross Country league.

Above ground conditions were as described, but it was the sticky, clogging mud that would present a more interesting challenge for all of the runners. The ability to float across the surface was indeed vital if you were to achieve to your potential. Our children had all committed many hours in training to developing their running technique and tactical race awareness, superbly guided by Mr Plummer. And so the gun fired, the start line tape was lifted and we were off, in a scene akin to the start of a Grand National, thankfully without the huge fences as that would definitely have been the last straw for all concerned. It goes without saying that every child that ran for Ratcliffe during the morning ran to the very best of their ability, achieving some outstanding individual and collective results, many of them achieving personal bests in races with over 200 athletes in each. A full list of race results can be found at the end of this report. However, there were some stand-out performances that achieved quite simply astounding results. Lily Stephenson in Year 3 finished in 5th place overall in the Year 3 Girls’ category after the results from all three races in the series were collated. This is a wonderful achievement from a young lady who only joined Ratcliffe in September; well done, Lily, we are all very proud of you. In addition to this achievement, the Year 3 Girls’ team also picked up some medals as a result of their great performances over the season; many congratulations to Charlotte Shield, Eloise Alsager, Olivia Lynch and Lily Stephenson. The girls were not finished there either. For some time we have had a group of young female athletes who have been showing great promise as athletes, and this year they have begun to blossom. Each week we have seen marked improvements during training, and their race results have also been improving steadily. On Saturday, all of their hard work and dedication came to fruition as they were crowned Year 5 Girls Medium Schools’ Cross Country Team Champions. Huge congratulations must go to the following girls: Daisy Reddin, Zoe Howling, Sophie Shield, Hollie Chapman (who lost her shoe in the mud and still finished 26th!), Georgie Daynes and Jayde Patterson. These girls have been a joy to coach, and we are all very proud of what they have achieved. This shows what perseverance and dedication can achieve; if you believe in yourself and your team mates, wonderful things can be achieved that will live with you forever. Daisy Reddin also finished 5th overall as an individual, which again was a truly inspirational achievement from a young athlete whose determination and desire to do her very best, shines through in everything she does. Our success on the girls’ front was extremely fitting given that the patron of the English Primary Schools’ Cross Country Association was there to encourage the children and present the medals and trophies, non-other than Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth 5000m and 10000m athlete, Jo Pavey MBE. To have such a well-respected and highly decorated athlete in attendance on such a dismal day was a great inspiration to all of the children, and definitely gave all of our girls the extra boost of motivation they needed to maintain their already high standards. Jo Pavey was an excellent ambassador for athletics spending time with as many children as she could, illustrating that regardless of her personal achievements in the World’s most prestigious Athletics Championships, she is still at heart a lady who loves to run and be around runners. This was, in my mind the most important message that her presence sent: to be the best you must work exceptionally hard, never give up on your dreams but fundamentally love and be passionate

about the sport you chose so that even on the hardest days in the worst conditions you are still happy to be doing that sport rather than anything else. In addition, her presence also clearly showed the children that if they are willing to dedicate themselves to their sporting dreams, they can come true, and Jo Pavey was a shining example of that in Saturday. In conclusion, the day never warmed up, but everyone who was there would agree that, despite the temperature, the mud and the gloom, we all left Prestwold Hall with a heavy mud-clagged spring in our step, hope in our hearts that the young people of this country love their athletics; and a smile on our wind chapped faces remembering the smiles of thousands of children as they crossed the finishing line clutching their raffle ticket with their finishing place upon it, knowing that just by crossing the finish line they had proved something important to themselves and that they were all winners!

Mr Faulconbridge Prestwold Cross County Results Year 3 Girls Lily Stephenson 10th Charlotte Shield 24th Eloise Alsager 98th Olivia Lynch 101st

Year 3 Boys Tomas Mason 30th Alfie Stephenson 38th Hendrick Tang 177th James Packwood 184th Ciernan Cooke 221st Khrish Tailor 234th Year 4 Girls Sophie Bardsley 99th Year 4 Boys Finley Martin 54th Jacques Wilkins 65th Jonah Ziff 196th Harry Clark 206th

Year 5 Girls Daisy Reddin 4th Zoe Howling 10th Sophie Shield 12th Hollie Chapman 26th Georgie Daynes 38th Jayde Patterson 119th Year 5 Boys Henry King 56th Year 6 Boys Henry Urwin 44th David Seidu 59th Mathew Heywood 123rd

Fixture List

Tuesday 8th December Hillhouse 2.30pm U14 Hockey Home 1.30pm

Thursday 10th December Highfields 2.15pm 1st Rugby Home 1.30pm

PLEASE SEE BELOW POSTER ABOUT A JAVELIN WORKSHOP.

Loughborough University

Javelin Workshop

Paula Radcliffe Athletics Stadium

Sunday 7th

February 2016 9.30am – 4.00pm

£20/ athlete – Including lunch

An opportunity for young athletes to develop their knowledge &

skills in the javelin throw with some of the UK’s top javelin

coaches.

Aimed at throwers aged 11-15 who have thrown under 40m (boys) and 30m (girls).

David Parker - Loughborough University Lead Throws Coach &

David Turner - Loughborough University Javelin Coach, will be

leading the day’s coaching.

Places are limited to 30 athletes so please do book early

to avoid disappointment through this link:

http://bit.ly/1Q0tiu5

Accompanying coaches and parents who wish to observe the day are very welcome

and can book a place including lunch with this link:

http://bit.ly/1Q0tHN9