Month: October 2022

Mrs Bolton, Head of Art, has created her very own unique piece of art in the form of a globe, as part of The World Reimagined Project.

This incredible project, which started back in August, involves 103 unique globes that are being showcased in seven cities across the UK which are aimed at exploring the history, legacy and future of the Transatlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans through the work of incredible artists.

Mrs Bolton’s ‘globe’ is located outside the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea. It is a depiction of the reality of being enslaved, it focuses on the middle passage and is rich in narrative. The design responds to the theme ‘The Reality of Being Enslaved’, which makes real the experience of those people who were enslaved, from their capture, captivity and voyage to lives and deaths enslaved in different contexts, places and generations.

“I conceived the idea for my creation enriched by my experiences of growing up in Liverpool which was inspired by Liverpool’s deep heritage and by poignant visits to the International Slavery Museum.” Said Mrs Bolton

“My design acknowledges the okra flower as being a symbol of hope and the courageous work of Nanny of the Maroons. It reminds us all that during time’s of great adversity there is always a glimmer of hope and light – portrayed by the light penetrating the surface of the sea.”

To celebrate the opening of the project, Mrs Bolton, and all the other artists, were invited to the launch in Westminster Abbey. Attendees enjoyed wonderful speeches given by singer and actress Michele Gayle and a visionary individual Dennis Markus (his grandfather was Nelson Mandela’s accountant). Mrs Bolton also had the opportunity to meet Yinka Shonibare who came up with the concept of the world reimagined.

Report written by Head of Sailing Dr Ripley

We knew we were in for an interesting weekend’s sailing with Spring tides and a light wind forecast for the Saturday.  The fleet launched into almost zero wind on Saturday morning and the race committee attempted two starts with a general recall on the first start but the tide and lack of wind forced an early lunch. After lunch there was a hint of more wind further down the River Lynher, so we moved down there and found some adequate wind but still bedeviled by the strong spring flood tide which was not just making the sailors’ life difficult but our race marks were perpetually drifting off keeping the mark boats busy. We managed to fit in 4 races for both fleets with some clear leading sailors making their mark. In the Argo fleet, it was clear that Exeter and Sedbergh were going to be vying for first place, though Taunton were giving them a run for their money. Meanwhile, Dollar and Sherborne were racing closely for the Fusion fleet with Toby H putting in some consistent performances with a crucial 1^st place in race 3 which was to prove the tie-breaker in the final analysis. 

At the end of day 1, Sedbergh were in the lead overall with Exeter breathing down their necks.

Sunday was due to have much stronger winds, and as we got up the following morning the apparent wind was strong up at HMS Raleigh but since it was southerly, it was somewhat blocked down on the river. The wind was shifting through almost 60 degrees and as luck would have it, the first beat became a reach that those with clear vision could see. BUT there were holes in the wind and it took some time for some of the boats to even cross the start line with a strong ebb tide pushing them away from the line.  Sam and Millie appeared to have the first race sewn up, but a late charge by Exeter from the leeward mark meant that they were pipped at the post which evened up their scorelines.  Race 2 on Sunday was very challenging for most of the sailors and most (6/7) of the Argo fleet hadn’t even crossed the line by the (5 minutes later) start for the Fusions.  Taunton were the only boat to get away cleanly and took 1^st place; Sam and Millie were able to get 2^nd while their rivals, Exeter, had a nightmare and only came 5^th but since you can discard your worst 2 races, this result didn’t count against them – they were tied with Sedbergh and tie-break rules meant that Exeter won the Argo class by a whisker!

Meanwhile Toby had been putting in consistent results to ensure that he got 3^rd place in the Fusions. The Sedbergh combined score tied them with Exeter but this time the tie-break broke in Sedbergh’s favour as they had more 1^st places than Exeter with Toby’s 1^st place on Saturday being the deciding factor. 

Well done all and many thanks to the RN CCF staff who made it all happen. 

On Friday evening 130 musicians took to the Powell Hall stage to perform music from film and television to an audience of over 200 parents and guests.  The round table format was very conducive to both enjoying the music, enjoying the elegant surroundings of Powell Hall and enjoying the excellent company of pupils and gusts.

There were numerous highlights in the concert, almost too many to mention with every performer contributing to what was an excellent evening of music. Particular congratulations must go to the whole of Year 9 who bravely began their Sedbergh music careers with energetic performances of The Eye of the Tiger, Waterloo and We will Rock You.  One of the many advantages to the pupils of performing live music is the growth in personal confidence that comes from being put on stage and placing oneself outside of the comfort zone.  It was uplifting and inspiring to see that our Year 9 pupils did just that with such confidence as well as a sense fun.  The Orchestra were also on tremendous form as well with polished performances of Mission Impossible, Go West and James Bond classics.  

Last year’s upper sixth were an exceptional group of musicians and their departure has left a large gap in many of our ensembles, but it was very encouraging to see how all of our performers and ensembles have lifted their game and stepped into the large shoes of our leavers.  Mr Allinson must be congratulated on his ability to draw the very best out of our pupils.  The atmosphere amongst the performers was also lovely to watch and a great tribute to his approach and the culture he fosters amongst our musicians.  The spirit of mutual respect, encouragement and enjoyment was apparent from start to finish.  

It was a remarkable concert which sets the bar very high indeed for what promises to be an exciting year of music for Sedbergh.

Congratulations to Year 11 pupil Carla, who has recently been named as part of the Germany Under-16 Hockey Squad.

Carla, who joined Sedbergh School this year from Bremen, has made an instant impact on the hockey pitch. After just a few weeks here, Carla earned her place in the 1st Team squad and featured in their recent fixture against Repton School.

We are delighted to announce our 500th Anniversary Campaign is now live!

Your support over the coming months will enable us to:

• Build a transformative Technology Centre
• Create additional fully funded Scholarships
• Build all weather pitches for our sports teams
• Support our site’s efficiency through our Green Investment Fund
• Refurbish the Music Centre and Sports Hall at Casterton, Sedbergh Prep School

Above all, your support will help the current and future generations of Sedberghians realise their potential by providing them with the foundations of an education that is cutting-edge and in tune with our core values. 

Together we can achieve extraordinary things.  Together, we can help drive Sedbergh to be at the forefront of teaching and learning for young people.  You can now visit our website www.sedbergh500.com to learn more and read about our plans for the next 500 years of Sedberghian education! Thank you for your support.