AGS Today june 14 2 - Alcester Grammar School

Today
Spring 2014
No. 4
The Alumni Magazine
Outgoing Principal Iain Blaikie (left) with new Principal Clive Sentance (right)
Celebrating 450 Years of
Shakespeare
Report and pictures
Saying Goodbye to Iain Blaikie
Bon voyage to the current Principal of
Alcester Grammar School
Where Are They Now?
3 former students share their experiences of AGS
June 2014
The next edition of
Today
will be available in
December 2014
to ensure that you receive a copy
please register your details at
www.alcestergs.co.uk
click on AGS Alumni/Update Your Contact Details
or alternatively email [email protected]
EDITOR: Wendy Cox
SUB EDITOR: Denise Chapman
ALUMNI ENQUIRIES:
Wendy Cox
Alcester Grammar School
Birmingham Road
Alcester
B49 5ED
Tel: 01789 762494
[email protected]
AGS TODAY is also available to
view on the school website:
www.alcestergs.co.uk
Dear Alumni,
Welcome
dissimilar to that feeling I had as a child
!
Welcome to the summer edition of AGS starting at a new school. It is scary and
Today. For hundreds of senior students exhilarating in equal amounts but I
know that after 12 of the happiest years
it has been a challenging exam season
followed by some well-deserved proms of my professional career, it is time for
me to seek pastures new. Those people
and celebrations. We wish them all
who know me well, are aware that I
every success in August when the
results are published and new journeys have long yearned for an overseas post
and so much of the drive towards this
begin. This is always the time of year
has evolved from my experiences
when amidst all of the fun of Sports
gleaned from the superb array of AGS
day, Block Week, Newquay, DofE,
trips and visits, it is important to thank global links and activities, for example,
the impressive project with our partner
all of our hard-working staff for their
commitment and inspiration throughout school in China which sees its ninth
another challenging year. I am indebted year of student exchanges this term.
to them all and in particular wish those You can be assured of a new link in
teachers leaving us a happy and healthy South East Asia from next term!
future.
I am sure that a change at the top will
As you know, I will be leaving AGS this be invigorating for the school and I
hope that you will lend Mr Clive
term. In some ways I am being true to
Sentance, the new Principal, along with
my personal belief that we should all
the Governing Body and the excellent
seek new challenges and grasp
Senior Leadership Team the same
opportunities. Going to Thailand and
support and backing that I have always
becoming the principal of Regents
enjoyed and appreciated. Alcester
International School will be hugely
Grammar is a very, very special place
stimulating and present some exciting
new experiences in a tropical climate. It and I have been honoured to be its head
for so long. I have seen many changes
all seems new, different and not
The new
mural by
Holly Clifford
including new buildings (Sports Hall,
Newport, Physics, Spencer – imagine
life without them!! ), new academy
! "#$"%&"'( ) * + ) (
status, specialisms and lots of new
(( initiatives and on-going expansion of
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student numbers. It has been a daily
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pleasure to walk around a school where
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the students, our greatest and most
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valued asset, are civilised, well,442,345>.(0.8(36,<<277B(C673F(,<(8.66(,<(2.B7:.6650-(<7B.(,2.,<(7?(4=.(<54.H(O.(8566(F..1(;
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mannered, smart, good-humoured and
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decent human beings. They care and
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they are proud to belong and I have
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always been proud of them. A
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principal’s lot is rich and varied, but it is
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the young people in the school who
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remind us all of our work’s worth and
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value. It is they, above all else, whom I
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thank across various generations, for
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the happy memories I will take with me.
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Good luck and enjoy the summer
holiday when it finally arrives!
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With every good wish,
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Iain Blaikie
Principal (2002 – 2014)
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Page 3
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Today
in this issue...
Celebrating Shakespeare
Where Are They Now?
Stratford celebrates 450 years since the
birth of Shakespeare.
Page 19
Interviews with past students recalling
their days at AGS.
Pages 22-24
Rejoice!
A2 Artwork
The End of an Era
AGS Music Concert at
Stratford Arts House. Page 28
A display of this years exam
artwork.
Pages 20-21
We say a fond farewell to Iain
Blaikie and our Yr 13 Students.
Pages 29 and 31
Page 4
Today
Alcestonian
6
8
9
10
12
16
32
33
34
School News
Curriculum News
Principals Annual Appeal
Letters and Emails
Reunion Information
Archives Room Appeal
Notices
Facilities Hire
The Gift of a Legacy
Features
7
14
17
18
19
French Exchange Visit to Arras
International News
Primary Purpose
Community Day
Celebrating 450 Years of Shakespeare
‘Rejoice’
A Celebration
of Music
20
22
23
24
25
26
28
29
31
36
A2 Artwork
Where Are They Now? Jon Tait
Lucinda Burman
Monika Kondratowicz
Medical Networking Event
My Memoirs of AGS, Laurence Thatcher
‘Rejoice’ Music Concert
Year 13’s Last Day
Goodbye to Iain Blaikie
Sports Day Past and Present
Page 5
School News
We are putting the finishing touches to our fantastic new
building known as Spencer and it will be ready for students on
1st September.
Those studying Chemistry, Food Technology and Languages
will benefit from great facilities designed specifically to
enhance the learning of our students. Our thanks to the
students for respecting the building site boundary and for
putting up with some noise from time to time in the nearby
classrooms. We will advise on the official opening at the start
of the new term.
For further
information on
School News please
visit
www.alcestergs.com
Spencer
The expansion of our catering facilities and sixth form social
space is well under way and these too will be ready in
September.
A redecoration of Wells block and refurbishment of toilet
facilities will complete our building projects ready for the
expansion of the school over the next four years.
New Science Laboratory
New Food Technology Room
New Languages Room
Page 6
French Exchange Visit To Arras
This is the seventh year of our French exchange link with the
Collège Adam de la Halle in Arras. I am no stranger to
exchange links, having run for many years our previous
exchange with a school in Le Loroux-Bottereau near Nantes
but the link with Arras and the Somme, a new area to me
with its battle-fields and the many graves of the war dead,
has allowed me to gain an insight into the First World War.
Visiting the town of Arras, its impressive squares and
imposing belfry, you could be forgiven for not knowing that
the town was completely razed to the ground and that after
the war it was completely rebuilt according to its original
pans. During the fighting for the town, the population either
left or went underground. Indeed you can visit the Carrières
Wellington where thanks to the efforts of New Zealand
miners 20,000 soldiers were able to hide in underground
tunnels and launch a surprise attack on the German troops
occupying the town in 1917. Nearly 160,000 soldiers died in
the months following the attack and the town resembled a
lunar landscape.
Every year we try to include on our exchange - we usually
take 45 students to France - a visit to the Vimy Ridge or the
monument at Thiepval but a visit to the British Cemetery at
Arras is now a fixed annual event. Study of the First World
War is part of the Y9 history curriculum and, indeed, we
have had students on the exchange who have been able to
find information on family members who have died fighting.
This year, being the centenary, our visit had a certain
poignancy. The cemetery is the last resting place of over 2600
men where officers, soldiers, orderlies and cooks are buried
without deference to rank under rows and rows of white
gravestones and well-tended grass. Separating the cemetery
from the main road is a wall marked with the names of over
35,000 war dead whose remains were never found. There is
also the Arras Flying Service memorial commemorating 991
pilots who died.
It is sadly sometimes all too easy to take for granted the
annual two minutes’ silence which takes place every
Armistice Day, especially when we are geographically
removed from the scenes of the fighting. However this time I
was able to read out the names with some background details
of 3 ex-students whom we knew about and who had died
serving their country. This gave the students some personal
insight into how some families from the Alcester area have
suffered. Two of our younger students laid a wreath with a
card written by Mr Blaikie and then we held the two
minutes’ silence.
Everybody should at some time in their lives pay a visit to a
war cemetery. I am sure those who have done this would
agree.
Graham Wells
Curriculum News
Public Speaking Success
It was a hectic weekend at the Debating Matters national
final. The team went down on Friday 27th June and after
checking in to our accommodation, one of the Halls of
Residence for University College, London (a good
preparation for University life) we went along to the British
Library for drinks and canapés and a private view of their
exhibition: Art and Anarchy. We then walked along the
south bank before retiring for the night to prepare for the
next day’s debates. Anna and Anil argued that commercial
surrogacy was exploitative, the judges including Vicky Price
gave them a hard time in the questioning round but they
responded well; Anna gained a commendation certificate for
her speech and subsequent questions. Next Chavonne and
Alex (who was a last minute substitute after another
member of the team spent the morning in University
College Hospital) were arguing that unpaid internships
were not exploitative. They were up against the eventual
runners up and they competed very well but were pipped by
Graveney School who were previous winners. In the
evening we all went for a pizza and enjoyed a balloon
debate on the subject of where you should go before you
die; suggestions ranged from Montreal and Malta to a mass
protest and the fourth dimension. The eventual winner was
BBC correspondent Humprey Hawksley arguing for
Mumbai. The next day saw two further debates on
humanitarian intervention and medical records being freely
available. The eventual worthy winners were Franklin
College, Grimsby in a final chaired by Claire Fox with
judges including Timandra Harkness and the chief
executive of UCAS. It was a great weekend and the team
acquitted themselves so well in what the Times called ‘the
toughest debating competition in the UK’. We are now
filling in the forms for next year’s competition.
Caroline Wells, Head of RE
Science News
6 of our Year 12 students were fortunate enough to take
part in a Cambridge Colleges Physics Experience Day. This
initiative is a collaboration of the University of Cambridge
Cavendish Laboratory (Department of Physics) and several
of the constituent Colleges of the University, including
Clare College. It aims to encourage students to take up
physics in the next stage of their education, to raise
aspirations among talented scientists, and to help
prospective applicants understand the collegiate structure of
Cambridge University.
Students spent the day exploring what it would be like to
study Physics at the University of Cambridge. The morning
was spent in the Cambridge Colleges, attending sessions led
by Schools Liaison Officers and current undergraduate
students. After lunch, students were taken to the
Department of Physics where they experienced a university
laboratory and had hands-on experience of science outside
of the classroom. The session included an introductory
interactive lecture followed by practical experiments and
workshop sessions, again to suit each age group and based
on feedback from last year.
Barney Fidler was one of the students who took part and
this is what he had to say about the day.
“It was a really inspiring day overall. We started with a talk
about circular motion regarding the planets, then with this
is mind considered a car going round a loop the loop. We
worked out the speed a car would need to go to do a loop
the loop was only 37 mph! We then did some practical work
in one of the Cambridge labs and it was fascinating to see all
of the equipment. We finished with a talk from a PHD
student on the subject of “physics in the real world” where
he introduced us to the topic of relativity. The whole day
made me very interested in a future in physics.”
Principals Annual Appeal
Fundraising Overview
With our first year of fundraising behind us, the development office can reflect upon the success achieved in
bringing the AGS community together to raise funds for the Principal’s Annual Appeal. Whilst the Development
Office continues to re-connect with AGS Alumni, we are delighted that many current parents and alumni have
donated gifts of money, some even pledging regular donations by way of Standing Order; these gifts adding up to a
create a meaningful income stream.
AGS goes from strength to strength. The future and the success of our school will depend not only on the high
quality and dedication of the staff, but also on the excellence of the facilities at their disposal. It is that which we,
the development office, seek to enhance and develop.
Although raising funds during a most difficult period in the UK economy has been challenging, I am delighted to
report that the Development Office has received a number of generous donations, with gifts coming in from a
significant number of new supporters.
We have been able to assist the school with a sizeable donation towards the Above and Beyond Fund. Two brand
new Visualisers in Science and much needed musical instruments in Music were among the fulfilled projects this
year. Although DT did not quite reach their target of £7000 for a Thermo Forming Centre, two new 3D printers
and reels have been purchased with contributions and a very kind donation of £3000 from the Parents Association.
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking a number of people; our current parents, the Parents Association
for their very generous gift and our Alumni for their support and enthusiasm.
The coming year’s projects include The Above & Beyond Fund, an Archives Room, English and PE.
May I take this opportunity to thank those of you who, over the past year have contributed so generously to the
various appeals. No gift is too small and I very much hope that you will consider supporting the projects described
in the leaflet (to follow), all of which will make a difference to the lives of the children in our care.
Amount Raised for Each Appeal
Donations Sept 2013 - March 2014
Science
£3447.50
Cash donations (inc Gift Aid)
£9540
DT
£3921.25
Sixth Form contributions
£4660
Music
£2768.75
Parents Association donation
£3000
Above and Beyond Fund
£10,902.50
Pledged giving over school
£3840
Total raised for appeals
£21,040
‘lifetime’ of child
Total Principal’s Annual Appeal
£21,040
Page 9
Letters and
Emails
I last stepped out of AGS in 1942,
leaving it for Oundle, but having
been there since 1935 as a puny
five year old.
I yearn to have just one look at the
rooms in the main building where I
worked, and the Hall just off them,
and the room where we did ‘Music
and Movement’. I guess all the
‘huts’ have gone, even the ‘new’
wing of 1939!
So if possible a half hour in the old
place would be much appreciated.
Maurice Dybeck.
I was reading on the AGS alumni
magazine about the alumni rugby
team and I’d like to show an
interest if possible?
It would be great to see everyone
at AGS again.
Matthew Prentice
We welcome letters for publication,
which can either be sent by post or
by email. We reserve the right to
edit them to meet space
constraints. The best way to avoid
this is to keep letters to 200 or
fewer words.
Just a note to say how good it was
to see you yesterday and to hear
your plans for the future. I
wondered also if you would pass
on my congratulations to Jess and
Griffin on their speeches, which
they pitched just right for their
audience. I had enjoyed talking to
them beforehand too. What a
pleasant couple they are, a credit
to themselves and to A.G.S.! I
wish them well in their chosen
careers.
With best wishes, particularly with
the new Principal from September.
Barbara Winter (née Druller).
Greetings!
Below is a photograph, taken by
me of the year 13 leaving
chemistry group of 1974.
In the front row, extreme right is
Kevin Leeson. He is now Air
Marshal Sir Kevin Leeson, KCB,
CBE, FREng, Ceng and FIET.
Best wishes,
C.J. Johnson (Teacher 1965-1986)
Email your letters to:
[email protected]
Write to Wendy at:
Alcester Grammar School
Birmingham Road,
Alcester,
B49 5ED
I attended the school from
1972-1979, winning the School
Prize for Physics every year. I
went on to do Electronic &
Control Systems Engineering at
Bradford University. I then
worked in the petrol chemical and
computer industries. Having got
bored with that, I joined the BBC.
I've had the most diverse and
fascinating 30 year career. Having
become well known in all the
London studios, my favourite
period was 4 1/2 years developing
BBC Real Time Virtual Reality
Systems with Research
Department, Tomorrow's World
and even Harry Potter! BBC
technology became my eventual
home.
For years I kept up with old
pupils but as time has gone by I'm
only now in touch with two. I'm
keen to meet up with others and
was wondering what the next step
might be?
Matt Goodman
Page 10
Editors Star
Letter
Recently having heard some remarks on the radio about Grammar Schools, out of sheer curiosity I opened the
Alcester Grammar School website.
To put my interest in context I was at the school between 1940 and 1945. I was interviewed by Mr Caton who
agreed to me starting in Form 3 and I continued from there into the sixth form.
I owe a very great deal of gratitude to Alcester Grammar School, especially to the staff who inspired me and
prepared me for life. The aim was to turn out well ‘educated’ rounded adolescents and I will for ever grateful for
that, the importance of good manners and respect was instilled into us.
Mr Thornton, evacuated with his family from Manchester where he taught at a grammar school, certainly inspired
my life-long interest in science. He taught us how to set about problems from their inception, how to analyse and
break them down into their constituent parts, formulating a process and the methodology needed to carry out the
work required. Using that approach to situations and problems has stood the test of time as a blue print across many
aspects of my wide spread of interests and responsibilities over the years and was my grounding in what has become
the basis of the science of management.
The other member of staff I wish to single out is Miss Evans. She was regarded with a certain amount of awe and
trepidation and was quite rightly a stickler for good manners, behaviour and self-discipline. We had her for history
and economics, but it was her lessons for life that have an everlasting impact on me. She encouraged us to have an
open mind to question, delve, challenge and taught us how to debate, all of which really matter in daily life. In
essence thank-fully, I believe Miss Evans, who as well as being a teacher was a mentor, who regarded examinations
as a by product, rather than the essential part of an all round education.
Although I have emphasised the role those two members of staff played, they were only part of a team, the whole of
which played an all encompassing role in turning us out fit to become good citizens with a zest for life, with a good
grounding of essential learning.
Having looked at the website, which was what really inspired me to write to you, I was most amazed at the physical
size and spread of the buildings and the number of pupils and can only think how lucky I was to be able to go to
what a relatively small grammar school, but I realise unfortunately those days are long gone when those of us
privileged to be able to have such an education is no longer possible as the pressures have increased exponentially
and the whole world has changed so much.
I was really intrigued with the historic section of the web site. It must have been a monumental undertaking and
what a valuable contribution it makes to the story of Alcester Grammar School, its history, trials, tribulations and its
progresses and successes. My hope is that it will survive the political pressures it may well have to endure as it has
done in the past and be able to continue to maintain the high standards it has so obviously been achieving.
These are just a few thoughts you may find interesting and wish you and the school every success for the future.
Ian Howie
www.facebook.com/AGSalumni
Page 11
If you hold your own reunions
anywhere in the world - please
let us know and send us a photo!
Reunion Information
AGS “Retired Staff” Reunion, April 3rd 2014
The AGS staff reunion took place at Spetchley Gardens, near Worcester,
for an initial “How nice to see you and do you want coffee or tea and a bun”
session. A walk in the gardens was followed by a meal at a nearby pub.
Staff attending can be seen on the group photo. This is in fact the fourth
such reunion, and the first to sadly not have John Turner in attendance. He
was a great champion of these reunions, and he always gave fulsome praise
to the staff who had made AGS such a fine School. A fine man, sadly
missed.
Much chat and a fine meal, and DC had managed to obtain from a few expupils a “where I am now resume” of their post AGS career. The Staff loved
the feedback from those pupils. One of the pupils, who had helped by
circulating my request for info to his fellow ex-students, explained that “The
ex-staff were meeting for a booze - up in a pub and could we send
information to them”. Not quite what did happen but the essence of the
request was correct!
We voted at the end of the day to meet annually from now on.
Dave Cowell
Rear row of two: John Wood , Keith Johnson (ret.2012)
Middle row:
Don Micklethwaite / Michelle Bovey (ret. 2011) / Christine
Osborne / Caroline Brookes / Cyril Johnson (ret 1996)
(middle row cont.) Rod (& Mary) Simpson / Andy Shearn (ret.
2002) / Pat Woodcock / Bryn Woodcock
Front row:
Joyce Turner / Dave Cowell (ret.2005) / Pat White (ret.1992)/
Sue Munday (ret.2009) / Izzi Hazelwood (ret. 2010)/ Grahame
Percival (ret 2010) / Margaret Albon / Wendy Johnson (ret
1996)
Class of 56 Reunion
Class of 48
The class of 1956 held their annual
christmas dinner on 17th January at The
Golden Cross.
This year's reunion for the 1948 intake was held
at the Kings Court Hotel, Kings Coughton on
April 12th.
Alumni
Page 12
Reunion Information
AGS Old Scholars Reunion, April 28th 2014
45 ‘Old Scholars’ attended the annual reunion lunch organised by Major Bob Woodfield at the Kings Court Hotel on April
28th. Also in attendance were past Head Girl, Barbara Druller, past Head Boy,Gordon Hillman, current Head Boy, Griffin
Mosson and current Head Girl, Jessica Smith. Both Griffin and Jess delighted all attending with speeches about their years
at AGS.
The lunch was followed by guided tours around the school, giving the Old Scholars the opportunity to see the new buildings
and reminisce about their days at school.
Speech by Jessica Smith, Head Girl 2013-14
“When I think back about my time at AGS, the thing that really jumps out at me is the incredible amount of opportunities that AGS
has had to offer, from the range of subjects to the numerous school trips. Everyone gets taught 17 different subjects from year 7 to 9,
ranging from the more academic like maths and English, to the more creative like drama and design technology. I really love being
able to learn about such a wide range of subjects, as it made the school days more interesting, and it was great to be able to go from
studying Shakespeare in an English lesson to making our own metal brooches or own websites in the next.
One of the best things about AGS has been the immense number of opportunities for clubs, activities in school and school trips. The
sports department at AGS has always been committed to getting everyone to participate and enjoy sport and I think they have
achieved this partly by offering such a wide variety of different sports, from gymnastics, to lacrosse, to volleyball and zumba, so that
there is something for everybody. I have particularly enjoyed taking part in the school productions throughout my time at AGS,
including Romeo and Juliet. There's always some sort of music club going on at lunch or after school as well as a variety of other
clubs, from debating society, to mandarin lessons.
Sports day has always been a very popular day in the school year when everyone enjoys getting in the team spirit and painting
themselves with house colours (Newport - green Spencer - blue, Wells - orange and Dobell - yellow). Block week is similarly popular,
and consists of a week of extra-curricular activities at the end of the year from years 7-9. These range from visiting synagogues, to
cooking challenges, to water sports activity days and I looked forward to it every year. At the end of year 10, the whole year spends a
week in Newquay, surfing, paintballing and doing loads of other fun activities that the teachers get involved in too.
AGS has always been committed to giving back to the community and raising money and awareness for charities and other causes,
which I think has helped to created the caring and considerate environment in school.
Possibly the biggest opportunities AGS has on offer are the school trips. There has always been such a wide variety of trips covering
so many different subjects and interests that there has always been something for everyone.
I think something that is particularly special about the sixth form in AGS and the lower school, is that the teachers treat us like adults
and really value our opinions and suggestions. I am very grateful to them being so dedicated to our education and for putting so
much effort into making lessons interesting and engaging and the school trips so fun. I have had an amazing 7 years at AGS and even
though I am excited to move on and go to university next year to study medicine, I know I'll miss being at such a great, friendly
school and I'll be very sad when we leave.”
Jess
Head Girl 2013-2014
Page 13
International News
Iceland Trip
The Geography Department, with 53 students from Y8 to Y13, spent the first week of the Easter
break travelling through Iceland – a packed itinerary visiting volcanic and glacial landscapes including the classics
of the Golden Circle tour. Our first stop after landing at Keflavik Airport on the rocky, barren Reykjanes
Peninsula was the Blue Lagoon, the world-famous geothermally heated spa where water, drawn from over two
kilometres depth, averages 30-40°C. A luxurious relaxing start to the holiday. We travelled across a 560 km2 lava
flow created by the 1783 eruption of Laki, believed to be the largest ever in recent geological history from a single
eruption, and viewed the basalt columns, cliffs and black beaches along the SE coast. We explored lava flows
underground too, crawling through Leidarendi Cave like Gollum, one of hundreds of lava tube caves in the Blue
Mountains, with mythical tales told by our Icelandic guides in the pitch black after turning off our headlamps.
Other volcanic highlights included the geysers and hot springs at Geysir and listening to a first-hand account of the
2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption which brought European airspace to a standstill.
The Icelanders’ rather dry sense of humour extended to selling T-shirt souvenirs with the slogan “You’ve got our
ash. We’ve got your cash”! Despite the abundance of geothermal heat Iceland still has a vast coverage of ice caps,
although the outlet glaciers are melting at a fast rate now from global warming. We walked up the tongue of
Solheimajokull where we learned how to use crampons and ice-axes to traverse the glacier and ascend and descend
the steeper sections. We added a day to our tour to visit Jokulsarlon, Iceland’s most famous coastal lagoon where
icebergs calve off the Breidamerkjokurjokull outlet glacier, with many beaching on the black basalt sand at the
coast. An amazing location for our keen photographers. Also three impressive waterfalls seen and done;
Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss which fall 600 metres over the basalt cliffs of the old coastline, now more than a
kilometre inland, and further inland the waterfall at Gulfoss where glacial melt water plunges more than 30 metres
over a double fall into a stupendous mile-long gorge. At Gulfoss the snow started falling and by the time we
reached Thingvellir, a national park in the huge rift valley complex where the North American and Eurasian plates
are pulling apart, we were treated to a very wintery walk in one of the most beautiful landscapes in Iceland, a very
special place for Icelanders too as the location of their original parliament established in the tenth century.
Our visit included a lot more and our only disappointment was not to see the Northern Lights. Never very likely so
late in the winter but the possibility was anticipated in view of the solar activity during our stay. Mr Bond’s
photography competition winners will be announced soon - watch this space. We are already planning the next
Geography Department trip!
International News
Athens Trip
On Easter Monday 37 students and four members of staff went to Athens on a combined Philosophy,
Religious Studies, Theatre Studies and Art trip. We managed to cram a great deal into our five days, we went to
Corinth and Delphi where the Oracle prophesied and had a very detailed guided tour of the Acropolis the
Parthenon. We walked in the Agora where Plato taught. We visited Parliament Square and saw the changing of
the guard; we visited a monastery high in the hills beneath Mt Parnassus. We even stood on the spot where St.
Paul had preached to the Corinthians. We also sampled a lot of Greek food and didn’t get within spitting distance
of a McDonalds till the last day. Some of the braver amongst us swam in the Aegean. We visited no less than five
museums (the Greeks allow school parties free access), became proficient at using the Metro and met friendly
locals. We patted lots of stray dogs; some of us were even interviewed for Greek TV. Venturing out from our hotel
we saw a lot of the effects of the recession and the resulting poverty. All in all quite an experience!
French Exchange
‘The French Exchange was amazing. I loved how there was such a large variety of trips, both educational and fun.
The trips included visiting a historic french town, visiting a WW1 memorial, Disney Land and the Nausicaa Sea
Life Centre. My favourite trip had to be the trip to the war memorial, although it was very moving and I was on
the edge of sobbing, it really helped me understand the history of France and the emotional turmoil felt by those
involved in the war, it was a very moving experience.
Along with the awesome trips in the day time, my french family arranged a host of exciting events to do in the
evenings; laser tag, parties and shopping. I loved my french family and I got on very very well with my partner.
Overall I had a fabulous week.’
Isabella Richmond-Hewlett
‘I really enjoyed the French exchange! On Tuesday we went to Bruges, which was my favourite trip, with all the
old, beautiful buildings. Second to that was Disneyland, which everyone had been anticipating all week! (Despite
Mr Wells’ April fools, who said that Disney had been closed due to an accident) As well as this, I really enjoyed the
Go Ape type activity – although all the trips were amazing! Even when we weren’t on trips with school, I was
having fun with my partner, who arranged all sorts of activities, like group laser quest, parties and shopping. As an
added bonus, the weather was great (until we got on the coach after Disneyland, when it decided to rain as we ate
dinner). It was a great experience, and if I had the chance to I would definitely go again!’
Eleanor Owen
Page 15
Alumni Enquiries:
[email protected]
Update Your Contact Details
To update your details or register as a new alumni member please logon to
www.alcestergs.co.uk and click on AGS Alumni/Update Your Contact
Details or alternatively email [email protected]
Archives Room Appeal
Making Your Contribution
Please return this tear off slip to:
Development Office/Archives Room Appeal, Alcester
Grammar School, Birmingham Road, Alcester, B49 5ED
I would like to support the Archives Room Appeal
Archives Room
Your Address Details
Name: ..................................................................................
Address: ..............................................................................
.............................................................................................
.............................................................................................
You may recall from reading the December edition of AGS
Today, our new fundraising initiative; creating an Archives
Room within the school. We believe it is only fitting that this
potential new addition be housed within the ‘old’ part of school
(originally the boys changing room)! As the school is
undergoing many changes at present, including the new
Spencer teaching block, it is imperative that we preserve the
heritage of our school and showcase all our archived records,
photos, admissions books and trophies, alongside the new 21st
century school.
As a former student, we hope you will join us, in agreeing that
this new Archives Room will be a welcome and much needed
part of the school. As with everything, there is of course a cost,
which is why we are appealing to our friends - the Alumni of
the school. To create such a wonderful facility will cost £6,000.
This is a cost the school simply cannot afford, on top of the
everyday demands of the National Curriculum. This new room,
would offer a designated place to welcome back alumni, a
chance to view your ‘piece’ of history within the schools rich
heritage.
If you would like to make a donation to this cause, please
complete the attached donations form, all gifts will make a
difference. Without your generosity, we simply would be unable
to go that extra mile to provide such a fantastic facility, that will
enrich the lives of students present and past.
This potential new Archives Room deserves to be part of the
school’s future, not a history forgotten.
Postcode: ............................................................................
Tel: ......................................................................................
Email: .................................................................................
Cash Donation
I enclose a cheque/cash for:..........................................
Gift Aid Declaration
I would like the AGS Appeal to treat as Gift Aid this and
all donations I make from the date of this declaration until I
notify you otherwise.
Signature: ............................................................................
Date: ...................................................................................
Please notify us if you:
1.
Want to cancel this declaration
2.
Change your name or home address
3.
No longer pay sufficient tax on your income/capital gain.
• You must pay an amount of income tax and/or capital gains tax
equal to the tax we reclaim on your donations. AGS will
reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 you give.
• This does not affect your personal tax position.
• If you pay a higher rate of income tax you must include all your
Gift Aid donations on your Self Assessment tax returns.
Page 16
Primary Purpose
Dragons Den – “I’m in!!”
A superb day was enjoyed by 28 students from both
St. Nicholas and Bidford Primary schools. The third
and final Ogden Trust day of the year was a Dragons
Den Challenge where students were tasked with
designing and then making a product constructed
from everyday items which are normally thrown
away. In the afternoon all teams then ‘pitched ‘ their
ideas to three Dragons who were Mr Iain Blaikie,
Dr Barbara Minards and Dr Patrick Carr and
certificates were awarded for team working, creative
ideas and products that were felt to be commercially
viable. The presentations were directed by current
AGS design students from years 12 and 10 and they
were all wonderfully supportive and an absolute
credit to the school. (Thanks in particular to Sam
Breakwell, Olivia Hunt and James Coward in Year
10 and Bryony Hancock and Jack Cousins in Year
12).
Page 17
Community Day
On 24th June, Alcester Grammar School held its fifth annual Sixth Form Community Day. Over 270
students from Year 12 (Lower Sixth) took time out from lessons to offer their services to local
community projects. The aim of the day is to be of service to the community and to help the students
appreciate their place and responsibilities in it, as well as develop their skills and knowledge.
Students were involved in over 30 different activities in and around Alcester, Henley, Stratford and
Redditch, including taking a wildlife survey in Alcester for the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, forestry
work at Coughton Court, entertaining residents in local care homes and users of day centres, helping
run activities at local primary schools and nurseries, and gardening at the Cleeve Prior medieval field
barn. Other students worked on other charity and ecological projects in the area. There was fantastic
feedback once again from the organizations benefitting from the day, with students being complimented
on their maturity, good humour and willingness to get stuck in!
Page 18
CELEBRATING FOUR HUNDRED AND
FIFTY YEARS SINCE THE BIRTH OF
SHAKESPEARE
“Thank you Shakespeare for ‘living’ so long and for still being around to fascinate us”
Daniel Mulhall, Irish Ambassador
The week-end of Saturday, 26th April and Sunday 27th
April, 2014 saw a wonderful range of celebratory events
in honour of William Shakespeare’s 450th birthday and
baptism at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon.
A particularly special event though, was the
Shakespeare Birthday luncheon, which I attended this
year because it helped support the Shakespeare
Birthplace Trust, with whom the school library has a
partnership project and which the research facilities
and resources for students is excellent. It was very good
to know that money raised from the event was being
donated to both Holy Trinity and to support The
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
The multi-cultural power of Shakespeare’s plays and
reflections they can raise for such a wide range of
people and age groups will never be lost. Hence, this is
why it was so wonderful to be part of the celebrations,
especially with the AGS Library being linked to the
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Louise Beeson, Head Librarian
Page 19
A2 Artwork
Page 20
Page 21
Where Are They Now?
Year 11 Student Harvey Knight
Interviews Former Student Jon Tait
1.) How did Alcester Grammar School help you to decide the
career path you took?
AGS played a huge role, but in an unexpected way. I
had just graduated from Newcastle University with no
idea what career I wanted and was randomly applying
for graduate schemes. I popped into AGS to say thank
you to some teachers, very proud that I was the first
person in my family to get a degree. Mr Cowell walked
into the staff room and said “Jon Tait, what have you
come to sell me?” I asked him what he meant and he
said he always thought I’d end up a salesman. At that
point, Mr Wells threw the Telegraph appointments
section at me and indicated I might find something in
there: “go on, H.A.B. have a bash” (his lines never
changed). An advert titled “Sales, does it get any
better?” caught my eye so I cut it out, took it home and
applied. Three months later I began a sales job at
Harvey Nash and my career in recruitment began.
2.) What was your favourite memory from your time at
Alcester Grammar School?
I have lots, but the ones that really stick in my mind
were when I was given the opportunity to spread my
wings, lead and be creative.
3.) Who were your favourite teachers and why?
Andy Shearn – for helping a generation of students
realise that the most important thing is to be a good
person; David Warner – for being the first teacher to
show real belief in me; Laurence Thatcher – for
supporting me when my father died; Peggy Doubleday
– for inspiring me to study English; Dave Cowell – for
inspiring me to push myself physically and stay fit
throughout my life.
5.) What was the most important thing you learned while at
Alcester Grammar School?
Do the right thing, not the easy thing.
6.) If there was anything you would do differently while at
Alcester Grammar School what would it be?
I’d have been more secure in myself. Difficult when you
are an adolescent. The thing I’ve learnt is that you
really can achieve anything in life; you just need to
believe in yourself.
7.) Have you got any future tips to current Alcester Grammar
School students?
• You can do good things in unexpected places.
• Stretch yourself and accept that sometimes you will
fail.
• Find what you love and keep doing it.
9.) What is the thing you are most looking forward to at the
reunion?
Catching up with old friends.
10.) Some say that your school days are the best in your life, do
you agree?
I loved school and they were great days. So was
University, moving to London, travelling the world,
getting married, having 2 gorgeous girls. Every year I
have had some of the best days of my life.
Page 22
Lucinda Burma
n
Former student Lucinda Burman came in to talk to
students about the competitive world of Art. She
shared her own experiences from times at university
to promoting herself as an artist and selling her own
art work. Her very honest and encouraging talk was
received very well by our students. Lucinda is
currently living and working as an artist in London.
Page 23
Life at Cambridge
by Monika Kondratowicz
As I write this I am keenly aware that I should be
revising for exams; the climax to the most intense year of
my life so far. At Cambridge University the amount of
work students are expected to do is beyond
comprehension.
encouragement, advice and support I had during the
application process, I think the main reason I even
applied to Cambridge University was the thought that it
would be a continuation of the “Alcester Grammar
education.” I was right.
Crammed into the fleeting 8-week term is also the social
schedule of any University student. The only time left is
devoted to eating, sleeping and taking showers (with
maybe the odd University tennis match): one finds
oneself trapped in the infamous “Cambridge Bubble.” In
the Cambridge student’s eyes nothing exists beyond the
city outskirts; world news like the missing MH3470
plane reached me 3 weeks late!
Yet, despite the obvious adjustments that I have had to
make to this new environment, I feel like I was more
prepared for Cambridge than most. Alcester Grammar
School, in my eyes, is like Cambridge University in
miniature. The school has no Harry Potter-like halls, or
sandstone Chapels, or secret drinking societies, but the
all-round education, encouragement to question the
syllabus and “friendly” competition from intelligent peers
is very much a comparable.
From the first day of year 7 I don’t think I returned home
once without a funny story from lessons, or a
complicated question answered, or a new activity
attempted. Learning was never seen as “uncool” and an
inquisitive mind was a common feature in every student.
I am almost certain that without AGS I would not be
where I am today. Aside from the amazing
Page 24
Medical Networking Event
‘I have learnt it can be beneficial to explore
fields outside your immediate interests’
‘It gave me more ideas and expanded
my options’
‘I loved it! I would like more
one to one time’
‘Focused me on volunteering’
‘I learnt what to do at
interview, how to improve
application forms’
‘I can go away and research the
new areas discovered and then
further clarify specific areas’
‘Eye opening!’
‘I think variation in a job is key to
maintain interest’
On June 24th, Yr12 and Yr10 AGS students were
joined by St Augustine’s and King Edward Five Ways
students for a unique medical careers ‘speed dating’
event. This was an opportunity for students to listen to
and question professionals practising in the medical
field, a chance to interact with inspirational individuals.
60 students benefitted from the experience which is now
a statutory requirement for schools to provide external
careers guidance. The event gave students the
opportunity to hear first-hand about the ‘day job’, the
qualifications needed and the highs and lows of a career
in a medical field. It also addressed the specific
challenges relating to university applications, work
experience and the big decision – which medical field to
enter into!
‘It’s really varied and not as
glamorous as expected!’
‘How key work experience is’
‘I thought it proved very helpful
because it showed me which
other areas I am suited to’
‘Really interesting to see range
of careers and areas available
that are otherwise unknown’
‘Keep options open’
‘A second session would certainly help’
We will be starting a series of 6th form business lunches in
the new year, focusing upon different careers. If you work in
finance, law or a medical profession and would be happy to
support these new ‘networking’ lunches please get in touch
with Wendy - [email protected]
Page 25
My Memoirs of AGS
by Laurence Thatcher
I started as Head of Sixth Form at AGS in September
1990, taking over from Andy Shearn who had
been appointed as Headteacher. The school was very
different from 2014, with two main teaching
areas and far fewer students. It was two form entry into
Year 7 (First Year) and the Sixth Form
was about 220 total.
The rooms at the front of the school, facing the
Birmingham Road, were all used for teaching, although
the windows had to be kept closed to keep out the
traffic noise until the Alcester by- pass was opened soon
afterwards. I remember Andy Shearn telling the
students in Assembly that they were no longer allowed
to skateboard on the by – pass since it was soon to be
open for traffic !
The other main teaching block was the three storey
building facing the tennis courts. It had been built in
1964 and was still called New Block in 1990 ! Since
there were not enough rooms to teach all the students,
the bottom field – now occupied by the Sports Hall, the
Maths rooms and the Newport building – had lots of
`temporary` huts, all near the fence so that the rest of
the field could be used for sport. The end of the
teaching areas was marked by a metal bar, which is still
there next to the Biology labs. On Sports day, the tug
of war was held on the bottom field, which was also
used for hockey games. The top field was much as it is
now.
So the lay out of the school changed a lot in the 18
years I worked there. In those days, the Sports hall was
what is now the Theatre, and had wall bars around all
of the walls. It was used for Assemblies – the whole
school could fit in, just – Parents Meetings, Plays,
Musicals and Concerts.
The whole school wore uniform. Years 7 to 11 (First
Form to Fifth Form) wore blazers; the Sixth Form had
jumpers with the school crest, plus a tie that was
different from the rest of the school. “Tuck your shirt
in“ was a regular comment when passing students in the
corridor. The Sixth Form had a Common Room, where
the Studio is now, which was intended to be both a
social area and a work area. It was the responsibility of
the Head Students to police the area and to sort out
miscreants; they certainly had their hands full!!
The school soon began to change, initially with the
addition of the Hall Extension, to accommodate the
growth of the student population. Sixth Form numbers
were rising, and then in 1997 AGS went three form
entry into Year 7. A new Art/Design block was built in
two phases, alongside the tennis courts and the Music
block was refurbished. By the time Andy Shearn
retired in 2002, the school had grown immensely and
Iain Blaikie continued the process of developing
buildings and adding to student numbers. We were
especially proud to recruit many students from local
schools to provide the opportunity of post 16 education
to local families.
Page 26
Under Iain Blaikie the school site has developed a great
deal. A huge Sports hall, a new teaching block
(Newport building, previously called the Sixth Form
Study), and a huge new building on the site of the
tennis courts to cater for the four form entry into year
7, which began in September 2013. Its construction
revealed archaeological remains of Alcester Priory, or at
least part of it. At the time of writing it appears that
these remains were of a brewery which outlived the
Priory when it was shut in the 1530s.
So the school has grown and changed, yet in many
ways remains the same. Students are encouraged to
achieve their potential and teachers go the extra mile to
help them to do so. The school values care and
consideration for others and aims to produce students
who will try to make society a better place. In that
sense, AGS remains as it was – increasingly difficult
considering the extra pressures on both students and
teachers.
I enjoyed working at AGS and considered myself
fortunate to finish my teaching career there. Teachers
were (and are) excellent and cared deeply about their
students and each other – the whole school was a
supportive community and I valued the support that I
received from staff, students and parents.
There were occasions that I didn`t look forward to,
however. Rag Week took place at the end of the Spring
Term and raised lots of money for charity. It was
concluded on a Saturday by what was known as the
`Push/Pull`. Sixth Formers built a contraption on
wheels which they pushed and/or pulled around the
street of Alcester on the busiest day in the week. It
usually caused total traffic confusion and I had my
heart in my mouth as I drove behind and wondered
how long before the police arrived. There was a
different theme each year which always involved
dressing up, which the boys seemed to feel was an
opportunity to wear women`s clothes. Students went
around with buckets, accosting bewildered local people
for money while I was wondering how long my clutch
was going to last before my car shuddered to a halt.
When Andy Shearn was Head of Sixth I gather that the
push/pull – which was a bed – travelled to Stratford on
the main road ! Andy was a braver man than I was!
The Record - 1992-93
Page 27
‘Rejoice’ Music Concert
Stratford ArtsHouse
Alcester Grammar School's first foray to the newly equipped Stratford Arthouse could not have been bettered, as a packed
audience of over three hundred were moved to applaud long and loud, time after time. Billed as a celebration of music to mark the
departure of Mrs Alison Timms' and Mr Edward Seymour's unstinting and enthusiastic music-making at the school, the evening
must have made them both enormously proud, as it did anyone linked by association to Alcester Grammar performers, past and
present..
The evening started with the Orchestra's wonderfully dramatic rendering of 'Mars, Bringer of War' by Holst, directed with
professional pose. The performers continued with an injection of lyrical intensity in Elgar's Chanson de Matin which would have
delighted the composer, let alone the humbled audience. To close this section of the evening we heard Crown Imperial, full of
intensity and equally full of pride, as the orchestra drew out themes in every register.
Next the instinctive enthusiasm of Young Voices, the younger singers, as they revelled in three utterly delightful folk songs
delivered with huge aplomb and fun in 'Rattlin' Bog'. A particular vote of thanks to Mr Knights for his brilliant accompaniment.
Then before the interval the audience were treated to an orchestral composition by James Jackson, Y13. This was a piece full of
thunder and percussion and reflected youthful restlessness in bucket loads.
How could the second half match that? Well, through its contrast as much as its excellence! The Senior choir performed a very
convincing delivery of Britten's 'Rejoice in the Lamb', accompanied superbly by Jess May, and with characterful solos from four
sixth formers. The senior pupils through their performance certainly showed how central music remains to them as they continue
to make space in their busy lives for furthering their studies.
And to finish, the combined Choirs and Orchestra presented two Rutter pieces, with singing full of texture and rich in harmony,
mixing classical with modern, spiritual with secular, and closing, so appropriately, with a blessing - a blessing for those departing.
Page 28
Yr 13’s Last Day
Year 13's last day culminated in the traditional Maths Quad awards ceremony, music and gunging. It
was fantastic to see all of Year 13 in their old school uniform (makes you realise what a mix of schools we
have coming here) after a week of fancy dress (TV/film, history, beachwear). While this is not a final
farewell - there is the small matter of exams and the Awards Evening on 10th September - it was their
last day and clearly a hugely emotional occasion. I can only thank everyone for a) turning my office into
the interior of a spaceship and b) being such genuinely lovely people.
Ian Young
Head of 6th Form
Class of 2014 - We warmly welcome you as our newest members of AGS Alumni!
Page 29
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Page 30
After 12 Years
Iain Blaike
Bids A Fond Farewell
Well what a twelve years it has been! When Iain arrived at AGS
he faced a site littered with temporary classrooms in a poor state
of repair. Very soon afterwards countless building projects
began. Firstly our wonderful Sports Hall, then, following the
award of Specialist Performing Arts Status, the old hall was
transformed into our state of the art theatre. The new English,
Business Studies and 6th from Study block followed and after
receiving our 2nd specialism in Science, two physics labs were
added to our site. We are delighted with the recently completed
Spencer building which will offer wonderful new facilities for
chemistry, food technology and languages. Over a century on
from the founding of AGS on our current site, Iain can leave
proud that he has left a school that is very much ready for the
future.
Iain has appointed over three-quarters of our current staff team,
and has always been an excellent judge of those special
individuals who embrace the unique AGS ethos. Under Iain’s
watch we have had four OFSTED inspections (two full and two
subject inspections), all of which judged our provision as
Outstanding. We were the first school in South Warwickshire to
achieve Academy status in April 2011. Iain has developed strong
International links, in particular developing an ongoing
exchange programme with our Chinese link school in Shenzhen.
We wish him every success as he embarks on his new role as
Head of Regents International School, Thailand and thank him
sincerely for all he has done.
Good luck from us all.
Page 31
Notices
BIRTHS
MARRIAGES
OBITUARIES
APPOINTMENTS
AWARDS
Marriages
Retirements
Teacher of English,
Stephanie Jackson, married
Richard Atkinson on 14th
April at Manchester Town
Hall.
They then enjoyed a
wonderful honeymoon in
New York
‘Rob and Sylv’
Obituary
Alison retires as Head of Music after being at
AGS for 3 years. She will be greatly missed
for her contribution to the music department
and working tirelessly to produce excellent
music concerts and results from the students.
Many parents and friends of AGS will fondly
remember David Willatts who died recently
following a long battle with cancer.
David joined the Board of Governors in the 1990s
as a parent governor as his sons attended the school.
He had a great deal to contribute as a local
authority colleague and a man already heavily
involved in community projects with young people,
the Scouts especially. He saw the school evolve from
a local authority-run establishment into a grant
maintained school under Andy Shearn and in recent
years helped with conversions to foundation status
and the to the academy governance by which the
school now operates. As a very active and involved
governor David served on several committees and
he had considerable engineering skill which he
brought to discussions when our many new
buildings were being designed. Many admissions
maps were tirelessly designed in his office and these
were always fascinating records of our school intake
trends. David quietly delivered useful magazines
and publications to the Library on regular visits and
was a popular figure amongst the staff.
His inimitable
personality and
devotion to the school
will be greatly missed
and we offer our
condolences to David’s
widow Eira and all of
the Willatts family.
After 16 years we bid a fond
farewell to Estate Managers
Rob and Sylvia Baker and
wish them every happiness
in their retirement.
Alison Timms
Staff Leaving
Three teachers are moving onto pastures new in September, Ed
Seymour, Rick Leyland and Aiden Kelly. Ed is taking up the post
of Director of Music at Ripon Grammar School, Rick will be
heading up the ICT department at Bishop Perowne CofE College
and Aiden is moving to a school in Tewkesbury to become Head
of Maths.
We wish them all every success.
Ed
Rick
Aiden
Memorial to Ian Bryenton
Sorry to bear such grim tidings about the very recent death of my
dear son Ian Bryenton, who was a student at your school about
15 years ago or so. It was the making of him at the time, so a big
and heartfelt thank you from me to everyone who was part of that
wonderful process.
To retain my sanity during my intensely
painful grieving, I have set up a memorial
website: ian.bryenton.muchloved.com
Sincerely
Peter Bryenton
Page 32
Facilities Hire
Thinking of starting a new class?
New venture?
Booking charges per hour
Sports Hall (whole)
£30
Sports Hall (half)
£20
Conference Room
£15
Dance Studio
£20
Theatre
£50
Drama Studio
Classroom
£20
£20
For further details please email Will Wyatt,
[email protected]
or phone the school, 01789 762494
Sports Hall
The aim of Alcester Grammar School Sports
Facility is to develop sport, particularly for
young participants, by making the facility
available to sports clubs who offer structured
sporting opportunities, or by providing sessions
run by qualified coaches.
The Sports Hall is available for booking 6-10pm
Monday-Friday. Weekend availability is
dependent on business needs.
Theatre
The purpose built theatre is ideal for plays, concerts,
lectures, and dance. The theatre has a small
welcoming area for guests and tiered seating that can
accommodate approx.165 spectators. There is a
backstage area for performers, a lighting box for
qualified users and an area to serve refreshments.
Community/Conference Room
The conference/community room is situated in the
Sports Centre and is ideal for business meetings,
community events and clubs. The seating can also be
moved to accommodate classes such as Pilates and
Yoga.
There is a large Reception area, projector, screen,
whiteboard and access to wired internet (no
wireless)
Classroom
Alcester Grammar School has a variety of
classrooms available for training sessions and
educational courses. These can be used in
conjunction with other bookings or on their own.
Each classroom has a projector, screen, whiteboard
and wired internet access (no wireless).
Café Area
This is an informal area with chairs, tables and sofas
and is an ideal space to serve refreshments.
Dance Studio
The dance studio is suitable for dance classes, yoga,
Pilates and gymnastics. The facilities include a
sprung floor, mirrored wall and extendable gym
equipment.
Page 33
The gift of a legacy is......
A very personal way of giving future generations the opportunity to benefit
from the AGS experience.
MAKE A LASTING DIFFERENCE
MAKING YOUR WILL
A legacy is one of the most meaningful and enduring gifts
you can make. It is a personal way of benefitting the pupils
at the School.
If you wish to leave a gift to AGS, we suggest you consult
your solicitor when preparing or amending your Will, to
discuss the legacy options available. If you already have a
Will, AGS can easily be included through the addition of a
Codicil.
There are numerous ways of leaving a legacy in your Will or
Codicil. The five main types act in different ways with
different benefits. Your solicitor will be able to advise you
on what is best for you.
It may be made to express gratitude or loyalty; to remember
a loved one, perpetuate a family name, or promote the ethos
of the School.
THE 1912 SOCIETY
The 1912 Society, named in honour of the year that AGS
was founded on the new site, has been set up as an exclusive
Society for all those who indicate their intention to make a
bequest for the benefit of the School and its pupils. By
making a gift and to recognise your intent you will receive
invitations to 1912 Society events.
The Development Office will also keep you informed of
other events at the School, ensuring that you are very much
a part of the AGS Community.
Society membership is discreet and a request for anonymity
will always be respected.
ADVANTAGES OF A LEGACY
Leaving a legacy to Alcester Grammar School enables you
to support a cause which may not have been possible during
your lifetime. It also means that you can give something
back to the School as a ‘thank you’ for the difference it made
to you.
A gift of this kind is extremely tax efficient and may reduce
the overall Inheritance Tax burden on your estate. Your
solicitor will be able to advise on the legal implications.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of leaving a
legacy or making a donation please contact The
Finance Manager at AGS on 01789 762494. Any
information you provide will always be kept
completely confidential.
• A Residuary Legacy leaves all or a percentage share of
your estate after your other legacies, expenses and taxes
have been taken care of.
• A Pecuniary Legacy is a gift of a fixed amount - this can
be index linked to protect the value of the legacy against
inflation.
• A Specific Legacy is a gift of specific property such as
land, shares, books, musical instruments and works of art.
• A Reversionary Legacy gives a named person the use of
income from all or part of of your estate or assets during
his or her lifetime, after which the capital passes to AGS.
• A Substitutional Legacy is a gift that passes to AGS in
the event that the intended recipient is unable to receive
it.
It is important that any gift you decide to make to the
School works in the context of your Will and your estate
planning generally. You should ensure that you take
personal advise from your solicitor and financial adviser on
the terms of your Will.
You can also make a bequest through your pension scheme
or through a trust.
If you have a personal pension fund, you may be able to
nominate Alcester Grammar School as a beneficiary of any
benefits payable out of the fund on your death. As a gift to a
charity, a payment of this kind is generally free of
Inheritance Tax.
Page 34
Sports Day Past and Present
1914
1934
2014
Page 35
‘At the forefront of education for over 100
years, Alcester Grammar School successfully
blends tradition with a forward- thinking,
internationally-minded, educational philosophy
that truly meets the needs of young people
growing to adulthood in an increasingly
complex world’
36