March 15th
Dear Parents,

House competitions have come thick and fast these last few weeks of term . . . and we still haven’t finished! Let’s start with the grades first . . .

Effort and Attainment Grades Lent 2
I mentioned last week that these were published in House and should be on ePortal by now for parents to view. Full reports for U6th and Tutor Letters for 5th Form are on their way in the post to parents this coming week. Commendations for the Lent 2 grades were announced at House Assembly on Tuesday and are as follows:

House Commendations (Much improved)
Rupert Harris
Sam Hornsey
Kristian Marcus
Jack Eastgate
Richard Waring

School Commendations (Average higher than 2.0)
Thomas Barwell
Michael Cox
Harry Eastgate
Harry Heath
Declan Meddows
Benedict Shinner
Wande Abimbola
Sebastian Tanner
William Bolton
Matthew Cox
Richard Heath
Jamie Rymer
Matthew Wix
David Brookes
Matthew Grice
Bobbie Lawrenson
Jonathan Field
Richard Gallon
Adam Kanas
James Skinner

Headmaster Commendations (Best in House)
Hugh Westlake
Ashley Jones

Well done to all of the boys.

Senior House Football
This was a trophy we were defending from last year, and unfortunately things didn’t go exactly to plan. The format of the game play encourages open attacking football, but with only 12 minutes per game, there is always the chance of a penalty shoot out. In our second pool match vs School House, the game was decided by penalties, and things didn’t go Lupton’s way unfortunately. We won our two other pool matches vs Wendron-Gordon and Walters, which meant we played off for 3rd and 4th place. This also went to penalties against Elmshurst and included a great strike from super-sub Pearce after Henry Newman had scored our goal in normal time! Bad luck boys . . . there were a few sullen faces back in the House after this one. As usual, we were winners of the Best Spirit Award!

Senior House Hockey
As opposed to the Football whereby we were one of the favourites, we were most certainly underdogs in this competition, with many other Houses fielding 1st XI School hockey players – we don’t possess one! However, the boys reacted superbly and against Elmshurst in our pool match we were holding them at 1-1 for some time. Elmshurst were eventual winners, but we did make the semi-finals having beaten Wendron-Gordon and drawing with Lyttelton in the pool. A strong Housman side beat us 4-1 in the semi, though the Lupton spirit and endeavour shone through. Special mention to Charles Jones for organising the team so efficiently. Picture attached.

CCF Biennial Review
Several Lupton boys were involved in the CCF review / inspection on Tuesday afternoon, either as recruits or members of the band / Corps of Drums. Peter McCullagh gained special recognition and praise for his role throughout the day as Parade Orderly. A picture of some of the Lupton recruits and band members are below .

Fourth Form Assembly
Several Lupton House pupils were commended on Wednesday for their commitment to School sport this term. I have been very proud of our excellent record and reliability on School match days, and this was reflected in the number of boys commended.

Hockey
U15a: Stuart Clare, Tom Silk
U15b: Jack Hartshorne, Matthew Shephard
U14a: Harry Eastgate, James Widdop, Jordan Cooper
U14b: Jean-Claude Massey, Sam Bolton, Will Sarjant
Football
U15a: Ashley Jones
U15b: Kristian Marcus
Junior Cross Country: Harry Heath

Congratulations to all.

Junior House Football concludes the House sport programme for the term tomorrow (Monday). Termly awards will be presented at Final House Assembly on Wednesday. News in the End of Term Newsletter over Easter.

Best wishes for a great Easter Holiday weekend.

Paul Greetham
Housemaster

 

 

7th March

Dear Parents,

Lent 2 Effort and Attainment Grades
On the whole, this week’s grades were encouraging for the House. The majority will be boosted as we move into the main revising and examination phase of the year. A small minority will have to look very closely with their tutors as to the subject knowledge and study skills that will need to improve over the coming weeks. Whatever the grades, it is essential that over the very long four week break that is round the corner, time is managed effectively to not only enjoy the holiday, but timetable either prep or thorough revision / note & file organisation. I will be meeting with all year groups between now and the end of term to discuss how pupils can take responsibility for managing their time well. It is also crucial that NOW, those who will be taking public examinations particularly in May / June identify those topics in subjects that they don’t sit comfortably with. Now is the time to ask for past papers, revision material, specifications or additional help on weaker subject areas.

Choral Society – Pershore Abbey
Those present to witness Michael Pearce’s rendition of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto last Saturday evening were staggered by the emotion and professionalism that this young man oozed out of every note. If one witnessed this performance at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham, they would be forgiven for taking such a stunning performance for granted for the price of their ticket. It was without doubt, THE musical performance of my time at Bromsgrove – and Michael fully deserved the standing ovation he received. It is testament to the closeness of the friendships in the House that so many pupils and family members turned out to support him. Congratulations too, to Jonathan Kingston, our new Director of Music, who put together and conducted a superb programme on debut.

1.2km Relays
A revised course this year was a great success – with just a brief visit outside the School gate, before the final straight back up to the flagpole. Each year six runners are chosen for each House, one from each year group and a “wildcard”. James Widdop (L4), Thomas Silk (U4), Matthew Gwillam (5th), Richard Waring (L6), Jonathan Allen (U6) and William Bolton (5th) represented Lupton in one of the longest standing House events in the School calendar. Out of the seven entries in the boy’s competition we crossed the finishing line fourth – the boys were superb. Richard Waring with a time of 6 minutes 20 seconds, and Tom Silk (6 minutes 24 seconds) were our quicker laps, but they all ran well and wore the red shirt with pride.

An Evening of Pop and Jazz
As per usual, this was a highlight of the School year – a real “feel good” event. If you haven’t yet experienced it, please do get your ticket for next year early! Yet again, there was plenty of Lupton involvement. Tom King and Simon Gummer joined forces for some classic Shadows on guitars; Mr Pearce was almost an ever present on stage either on clarinet, saxophone, vocals or drums; Edmund Westlake was utterly reliable on drums for a few numbers; Michael “Clapton” Palmer was sublime with a number of ensembles though utterly engaging when performing his own track “A Beautiful Love”; Femi as passionate as ever with a Ne-yo song. The showstopper came in the form of a huge group of musicians mostly from Lupton but from other Houses too. The song was “Can’t Take My Eyes off You” – the classic Andy Williams tune to “watch girls go by”! Head of House Newman the surprise package here, wooing the audience with a laid back swagger and crooning vocal – the rat pack were back in town! Hugh Westlake accompanied on this one too, as did Head Boy Gummer on percussion. Again, the support from friends and family was staggering.

Meal at The Talbot Inn, Belbroughton
Last night, twenty five or so of us met up for a very pleasant and laid back evening at the PA’s second home! For those who are not aware – we have our Committee Meetings here too! Numbers were a little down on last year – I think we suffered by changing the date a month or so ago. However, those present enjoyed good food and excellent company and we look forward to the final two events of the year on Sports Day and the Summer Party in June (22nd).

News of Commendations for grades next week.

Best wishes,

Paul Greetham
Housemaster

1 March 2008
Dear Parents,

It’s crazy to think there’s only two and a half weeks left of this term, and we are well over half way through the academic year. Personally, India beckons at Easter on the Religious Studies and Cultural Tour, along with Benedict Shinner in the Lower Fourth and 24 other pupils. It should be a fascinating trip; we shall share some photographs and stories with you on our return! Here’s this weeks news.

Effort and Attainment Grades – Lent 2
The second grades of the term are published this week. They should be available to parents by 5pm on Friday 7th March I’m told. The reporting schedule for this term is as follows:
L4 – Grades plus an extended tutor comment
U4 – Grades plus an extended tutor comment
5th – Tutor letter
L6 – Grades plus an extended tutor comment
U6 – Full report

House Singing Competition
Femi Oluwole (U6) and Michael Palmer (U6) represented the House in the Final of the Vocal Competition on Monday this week. Femi sung the Bedingfield classic, Gotta Get Thru This, and Michael – Bon Jovi’s Wanted Dead or Alive – both of which we had the exclusive previews of at Lupton Open Mic! Neither were placed in the top two positions, but the standard was very high, and to have two boys in the Final is a great achievement for the House. Well done to both.

Senior House Swimming
This competition took place yesterday afternoon. Lupton certainly created the most atmosphere that’s for sure, we were the champion motivators if not champions in the pool! Edward Jones (U6) swam particularly well for the House, though overall results have not yet been announced. I attach some pictures of the event – well done to all those who took part with the usual Lupton enthusiasm! I also attach a couple more photos from last weeks House Cross Country Championship.

PA Meal – This Friday 7th March
I look forward to seeing many of you this Friday at The Talbot Inn, Belbroughton. Apologies for the delay on the menu – but it is NOW ATTACHED!! I would be grateful for your speedy responses now with your menu choices accompanied by your payments. We need to confirm numbers with the pub 48 hours before the dinner.

House Drama
This takes place on the evening of Thursday 13th March in the Drama Studio. I know that there are a couple of “works in progress” around the House. More news next week!

Bromsgrove’s Got Talent
Congratulations to Femi (again!) and Alex Watts last night who performed superbly at the first ever “Bromsgrove’s Got Talent”. Both sung numbers we heard at Lupton’s Open Mic and the three judges were very impressed – Kingston, Alexander and the Rev. Hedworth.

Choral Society / Pop and Jazz
We wish Michael Pearce all the very best this evening at Pershore Abbey. The evening commences at 7.30pm and tickets are still available on the door. I will be there and hope to see some of you.
An Evening of Pop and Jazz is this Wednesday and Thursday. I am told by Mr Kingston that the programme is packed full of goodies! Lots of Lupton involvement in this one (as you might expect) and I will be there both nights. Hope to catch you all. Tickets can be purchased from Miss Coulson at mcoulson@bromsgrove-school.co.uk or on the school number, extension 235.

Visit by Senior Management
The School’s Financial Controller and the Assistant Head in Charge of Admissions visited the House this week. There were immensely impressed by the House, it’s facilities, upkeep and boys they spoke to. I mentioned this to the House at Friday’s House Assembly – something to be proud of.

Our Senior Rugby B team take part in their House semi-final on Monday. Senior and Junior House Football are coming up, as well as Senior House Hockey. It is also worth mentioning that the U16a and U14a School Hockey teams both reached the Midlands Outdoor Finals and there are plenty of Lupton pupils in those squads. At U14a level Harry Eastgate, James Widdop, Jordan Cooper and Sam Bolton were in the squad that unfortunately just lost in the Final to Trent College yesterday afternoon. The U16a team which includes Jack Eastgate and Matthew Cox play their final in the coming week. Also, in the Semi-Final of the U18 Football Crusader Schools Cup are the School 1st XI, which includes Henry Newman (Captain), Adam Kanas, Edward Jones, Simon Chandler and Michael Palmer. This bodes well for Senior House Football!

All the very best – and I look forward to seeing you at one of the many upcoming events.

Best wishes,

Paul Greetham
Housemaster

 

23 February 2008
Dear Parents,

It seems an age since the last newsletter due to Half Term but plenty has happened since and the Lent Term is living up to it’s reputation of being action packed and very busy indeed! Here’s the Lupton news.

House Cross Country Championship
The Junior team secured second place in Wednesday’s race and the Senior team fifth place. More than enough runners wanted to compete for the House which was great to see – eight runners were required for a team and we had more for both races. Tom Silk was best placed for Lupton in the Junior race, finishing second overall – a fantastic run. Stuart Clare crossed the line fourth and Jack Hartshorne ninth. Matthew Gwillam was our top ten runner for the senior team, finishing eighth. Team photographs and a few other snaps are attached.

Twelfth Night
Two of the House’s budding actors starred in Twelfth Night just before Half Term. A picture of Rupert Harris (on the left) playing the rich but incredibly foolish knight Sir Andrew Aguecheek is attached. Tom King (F5) also appeared. There is a chance for many of the House to shine on stage in just under three weeks time, when the House Drama Festival takes place on the evening of Thursday 13th March. Plans are already in place for Lupton’s effort; watch this space!

Choral Society
Next Saturday 1st March, the School Choral Society perform the Mozart Requiem at Pershore Abbey, commencing at 7.30pm. Those who were privileged enough to be at Lupton’s Pop and Jazz will know all about the exceptional musical talent that is Michael Pearce. Michael plays the whole of the Mozart Clarinet Concerto with a full orchestra as part of the evening, which should be spectacular – it would be great for as many Lupton families to support him as possible. Tickets are available from mcoulson@bromsgrove-school.co.uk (Miss Coulson, Music Secretary) or on telephone extension 235. There will be a small number of tickets available on the door – tickets are £10 and £7 (concessions).

More Entertainment!
Two more events to inform you of with Lupton involvement. Firstly, this Friday evening (in aid of Save the Children) in Routh Hall is the first ever “Bromsgrove’s Got Talent”, commencing at 7.30pm. These tickets are £5 and £3 (concessions) and much like the ITV programme, “star” judges will be on hand to give their honest opinion! We have a few Simon Cowells in School ready for action!
Secondly, the whole School Pop and Jazz Evening takes place on Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th March again in Routh Hall (7.30pm start). These evenings are always very popular and you are advised to book quickly to avoid disappointment. Please email or call Miss Coulson (as above) to secure your tickets.

Lupton House PA Meal
I will be forwarding to you all the booking form and menu for our Parents Meal on Friday 7th March at The Talbot Inn, Belbroughton. The evening will kick off at 7.30pm for 8pm and will cost £21 per head (three courses plus coffee). Details to follow very shortly.

General Schoolwear
Regarding school uniform there are a few do’s and don’ts that always crop up in conversations with parents. I have had a few requests to make a few issues clear! SO here goes:

I hope this clears a few things up – many of these are school traditions rather than rules. The vast majority respect these as traditions and privileges. A few have to be reminded occasionally, but I hope it’s useful to know at your end.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the various events over the next few weeks.

Best wishes,

Paul Greetham
Housemaster

 

2 February

Dear Parents,

Lots to get through this week, so here goes.

Grades / Commendations
There were some very encouraging signs this week from Lent 1 Grades, which of course are published via ePortal. They have gone up across the House on average, but particularly strong were the Lower Fourth – well done guys! Commendations will be announced this week in Tuesday’s House Assembly.

Junior House Hockey
I don’t know why (getting old probably!) but I have forgotten to include details of the Junior House Hockey competition held two weeks ago – WHICH LUPTON WON! This was a fantastic afternoon, as many of the parents who watched will vouch for, and a competition Lupton thoroughly deserved to win. We played the best team hockey of the day. The boys qualified for the Semi Final by drawing with School House 0-0, but beating Wendron Gordon 2-0. In a tense Semi Final, it finished 1-1 against Lyttelton, but we held our nerve to win the penalty strokes 2-1. The Final was a repeat of the Junior House Rugby Competition, facing Walters. We won it 1-0 in normal time, and absolutely were the best side – I am clearly VERY biased. Some pictures of the afternoon are attached. Tom Silk (captain) picked up the trophy at last week’s Routh Hall Assembly.

Lupton Open Mic
Last night saw the first Lupton Open Mic hosted by the Parents Association. I have to say, it was one of my most memorable nights at Bromsgrove School. Pupils young and old performed in front of a busy Routh Hall audience; a complete mixture of musical abilities and styles on show, but the spirit and atmosphere were magical. Highlights of the evening included Hugh Westlake and Matthew Cox’s rendition of the High School Musical classic “Breaking Free”. Hugh really suited the netball skirt and cheerleader pompoms. Picture to follow! The Upper Sixth band of Michael Palmer, Simon Gummer and Edmund Westlake (not forgetting Mr Wilkinson on piano) ended the second half with rousing versions of “Rockin’ All Over the World” as well as the winning House Song of 2006, “Johnny Be Goode”. It was half way through the second half though, that the place was in raptures for the “off the cuff” blues group, formed by James Widdop’s saxophone teacher Peter Carlton, Pearce, Westlake and Wilkinson. In a five minute improvised piece of 12 bar blues, they brought the audience to its feet. I was extremely proud last night (unashamedly) to be Housemaster of this great House – and of all the boys who performed and of those who were there to support their mates. Well done all!

Senior House Debating
William Bolton and Hugh Westlake (both F5) took on the might of Lyttelton House (both School debaters) in Monday’s first round tussle. The final decision is yet to be announced by the judges as to whether we progress, though we won the floor vote which is encouraging. Well done both for speaking very well and entertaining the Deputy Headmaster and audience.

Senior and Junior House Instrumental and Singing
On Wednesday we were represented by James Widdop and Jordan Cooper who both made the final of the Junior House Instrumental Competition; James on the saxophone and Jordan on electric guitar. Unfortunately, neither featured in the top places, but both have been highly commended and Mr Bowen was extremely impressed by their playing and composure, so much so, he has written to them both in person – well done lads!

The Senior Competition takes place this Monday and our talented Upper Sixth crew have again done the House proud. Femi Oluwole and Michael Palmer have reached the Singing Final, and Michael Pearce, Simon Gummer and Michael Palmer, the Instrumental Final. Good luck boys – I’m sure we have a winner there somewhere!

Reminders
This week we have Lower Sixth and Fifth Form Parents Evening in the Sports Hall this Tuesday from 6.45pm. It was great to catch up with many of you last Thursday at the first. Secondly, this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, “Twelfth Night” is being staged by a whole school company in the Drama Studio. Tom King and Rupert Harris star, as well as Andrew McIntosh involved as Technical Director. “Break a leg” boys, and I look forward to seeing you in action – tickets available from pkenward@bromsgrove-school.co.uk

Sixth Form Options
If any parent wishes to discuss further their son’s subject choices for Lower Sixth or Upper Sixth, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with his tutor or myself either by email, phone or at Parents Evening on Tuesday.

Saturday Morning Absence
Please treat Saturday absence from activities or fixtures as you would any other day. A tutor will be manning the House from 8.30am and registration is at 9am for the first activity, so please call between these times if your son will not be coming in due to illness. For fixture related problems on Saturday mornings the number to call remains as 07824 722499 or the House will be able to relay a message.

House Hoodies
The boys have been trying on a sample hoodie this week which seems to have gone down well. A sign up sheet is in House and the order will be placed shortly. The approximate cost of an embroidered top will be £22. Cheques will be required when the order arrives so hold fire!

So a busy time and term! Lots more to come this term and I will be back in touch next week. Don’t forget the Parent’s Association Meal at The Talbot Inn on Friday 7th March. Booking forms will be with you shortly.

Best wishes,

Paul Greetham
Housemaster

 

 

28th January

Dear Parents,

Absences
A brief reminder that absences should be reported to the House (extension 229) between 7.50am and 8.20am. Please use the answer service if a tutor does not pick up. PLEASE NOTE – if a pupil is absent on more than one day in succession for the same reason, I would be very grateful if their absence could be reported on EACH morning. Different tutors are on duty on each morning, so they will not necessarily be aware of a pupils’ illness or absence. Please continue to send emails or write notes to explain a pupil leaving the school early or during the school day.

Parents Evening – LOWER SIXTH and FIFTH FORM
A reminder these take place in the Sports Hall on Thursday 31st January and Tuesday 5th February from 6.45pm onwards. For fifth form parents an excellent opportunity to finalise Sixth Form subject choices and discuss mock exam performance; for Lower Sixth, an important update on AS Level progress.

“Lupton Pop and Jazz”
We are looking forward to a musical extravaganza this Friday (1st February) in Routh Hall at 7.30pm. I attach the booking form once more. I would be grateful of your returns and cheques by Wednesday this week at the latest so we can organise seating arrangements. Last minute additions shouldn’t be a problem however; £4 for adults, £2 for pupils. The programme is looking promising and the boys have started rehearsing! Bring your own food . . . but please use our bar!

*** CHANGE OF DATE *** Parents Association Meal *** CHANGE OF DATE ***
IMPORTANT! There appears to be a clash on Friday 29th February with “Bromsgrove’s Got Talent” in Routh Hall that some parents and pupils may wish to attend or even perform at. The Parents Association Meal for parents and friends at The Talbot Inn, Belbroughton will now take place a week later on Friday 7th March – more details will follow.

Twelfth Night
On Tuesday 5th, Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th February, Rupert Harris (U4) and Tom King (F5) are starring in the School production – “Twelfth Night”. It’s taking place in the drama studio from 7.30pm on each night. Tickets are £5, £3 for concessions and pupils at Bromsgrove go free. It would be great to support these two – I know a lot of hard work has gone into this to make it a special production. Tickets available from Mrs Kenward (pkenward@bromsgrove-school.co.uk) or Mr Beet (mbeet@bromsgrove-school.co.uk).

U6th Meal
Mr Hamflett and myself enjoyed a fantastic night in the company of the majority of the Upper Sixth at the restaurant Strada in Birmingham on Friday night. Each term the Lower and Upper Sixth choose a venue each for a tutor meal. It’s a lovely opportunity to speak to the boys out of school in a more informal setting; this was no exception. I am very proud to lead a House full of such mature and socially aware boys; they are a credit to you as parents.

Have a great weekend in some decent weather for a change! Until next time.

Best wishes,

Paul Greetham
Housemaster