Forty Geography students from the fourth form upwards, accompanied by four members of staff, have returned from a successful expedition to Iceland. For much of the time, the group was accommodated in log cabins just ten miles west of Eyjafjallajökull volcano. They witnessed constant ash and steam eruptions during the near twenty four hours of daylight. Amongst many sightseeing and adventurous activities on the six day trip, they swam in the geothermally heated waters of the Blue Lagoon, experienced explosive steam eruptions at Geysir, scrambled through subterranean lava tubes on the Reykjanes peninsular, cruised in amphibious vehicles between the icebergs on Jokulsarlon, a glacial lagoon, and hiked to Svartifoss waterfall in the Skaftafell National Park. The IcelandAir cabin staff complimented pupils on their behaviour and demeanour during the return flight. They were also congratulated by the guide for their punctuality, behaviour and interest in the geography, culture and mythology of Iceland during the trip.

Lower Sixth Former Kieran Rawal was awarded Best Student at the Headstart Engineering Course run at Durham University. Organised by EDT, which works to encourage young people in the world of engineering with competitions and courses, Headstart invited 40 young engineers to Durham to give them a taste of university style design and build projects. With three other team members, Kieran had to designing a water tower that could contain the sudden influx of 30kg of water, as a simulation of accident control in a chemicals plant. There was also work on electromagnetism and the creation of a boat capable of sweeping debris from the surface of water. ‘I’d never met the other people before,’ said Kieran, ‘but we got on well and it was really enjoyable working on the challenges. The technician running the event said that it was the best group of sixth formers he had seen in 30 years.’ Apart from the project work, the young people were also taken on a tour of the production line at 3M to see the end production of commercial design. ‘It’s confirmed my desire to do engineering at university,’ commented Kieran, ‘and to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.’ He was pleased, but modestly surprised, to be elected the Best Headstart Student.

The U13 cricket team maintained its hold on the County Cup after outclassing rivals Westbrook Hay in the final. Opening the bowling, Travis Hudson was pitched against a County level batsman. His second ball rocketed into the batsman’s chest from just short of a length and his third was pulled towards mid on where Charlie Deacon picked up an excellent catch off his toes. The collective sigh from the opposition, waiting batsmen, coaches and parents was almost tangible. The Westbrook hay innings never really recovered as they slumped to 0 for 2 after 1 over, 18 for 4 after 5 overs and 21 for 8 after 7 overs before recovering slightly to 53 all out after 15.4 overs. Travis Hudson returned incredible figures of 6 wickets for 5 runs of his 4 overs. Luke Wilde and Tim Richards both picked up a pair of wickets and the fielding backed up the bowlers with 6 catches, including two acrobatically taken by James Thompson, the wicket-keeper. The Westbrook Hay County player had a point to prove after having been hit and dismissed in three balls. Opening the bowling, he tore in, but Jack Perrin smacked the ball all round Woollams. St Albans finished on 57 for 2 after 10.1 overs, Jack Perrin scoring 28 with Luke Wilde on 15 not out. The U13s had won with nearly 10 overs to spare in a 20 over match.

The U14 team also retained the County Cup by default, after Bishops Stortford College could not raise a team for the final.

Pizza, soup and fresh groceries were on the menu for the Lower Sixth this week, as they participated in the annual Business Conference. The group took part in a variety of activities to replicate the world of business and hone the students’ entrepreneurial skills. In small groups, aided by specialist business people, the groups had numerous challenges pertinent to areas including marketing, salesmanship and developing a new business. The students also took part in a Dragons Den scenario, which simulated the process of setting up a new business as well as developing a business opportunity from its infancy. The idea was then pitched to a panel of dragons, who evaluated the merits of each proposal.

In addition to this, they also enjoyed a simulation of a pizza business, which required a variety of skills in order to succeed and stay ahead of the competition. The conference was a valuable experience for all pupils, who were able to learn and develop the essential skills to succeed in the cut-throat world of business.

We are indebted to all those who helped to make the conference as worthwhile as it was, but particularly the Team Leaders and the Careers department for organising the event. Thanks are also owed to the informative external speakers, including Adrian Bagg and Colin Holmes.
Report by Matthew Jennings

The Upper Sixth formers, A2 exams completed, made their final formal appearance in School at the Graduation Ceremony. A gathering of parents, teachers and friends saw their achievements celebrated and were treated to one or two amusing tales of their exploits in the Head Boy’s leaving speech. As they crossed the stage, receiving their Record of Achievements from the Headmaster, they were welcomed into the Old Albanians Club by its Chairman, Steve Burgess. As they begin exciting new phases of their careers, they are now life members of the OA Club and will retain that connection with the School and their schoolfriends.

Both U14 and U15 cricket teams won their District Cup finals at Woollams, as George Scott continued his prolific run of form with a century. The U14 always looked the likely winners against Sir John Lawes as they quickly rattled up 241 off their 25 overs, with Scott retiring after scoring 101 and Gareth Taylor contributing 91. Though the Lawes top order batsmen initially looked capable of mounting a chase, the fall of wickets made the total far too daunting and they eventually crumbled for 65. Meanwhile, on the 1st XI pitch, the U15 team was indebted to a fine 46 by Alex Phillips to haul them out of trouble and post a respectable, if disappointing, 145. As with the U14s, the Beaumont openers started their innings with style and were easily exceeding the required run rate, but as the St Albans team began to look dispirited, Anish Khiroya took two wickets before Nial Parkash and Tanveer Ranshi also collected victims. Beaumont eventually subsided to 95 all out. Buoyed by their success, the U14 team will face Bishop’s Stortford College in the County Cup final on 6th July.