Burr House Blog

Damage Repair and Firefighting

2012-02-09T20:37:00.000Z

Harry Griffiths, James Cam, Andy Lloyd, Max Robinson, Jaime Quirante and Alex Brogan were part of a CCF trip to HMS RALEIGH in Plymouth. They spent much of today following the same sea survival training as RN sailors, learning how to stop damage below the waterline from flooding a ship's compartment; and a range of firefighting techniques used aboard warships. The whole group were great company, and I was touched that many of the songs performed non stop after refuelling both vehicle and passengers at Leigh Delamere Services were ones I've played to the Forces on BFBS Radio - although Spandau Ballet, Queen and Jimmy Ruffin might not have been impressed by the tribute acts. The National Anthem, and Jerusalem were convincing, however.

I'm very grateful to Mrs Julie Knight, Matron of Welsh House, who came too, sharing the long drive and the supervision.

Meetings

2012-02-07T19:40:00.002Z

If you receive, or see, our weekly newsletter, you'll already know about these. If you don't - you're missing out! You can subscribe to the email version at http://www.shiplake.org.uk/weekly_newsletter.

Friday 10th is the start of half term - and also the Year 12 Parents' Conference, in the Sports Hall from 1530. And overlapping with that (sorry to the one Burr family with sons in both year groups !) , is this:

Dear Parents
You are invited to a GCSE Options Presentation on Friday 10 February in the Great Hall.
The presentation will begin at 3.15pm and last for about 30 minutes. It is essential that all
pupils attend and highly desirable that parents are present.
Ahead of the main Parents’ Conference on 9 March, I will explain what GCSEs are, how the
options process works, and give you some advice on making the right choices. I will also give
you a copy of the GCSE Options booklet. Please bear in mind that this is the start of the
process – your son will not be asked to submit final choices until Wednesday 21 March, so
there will be plenty of time for thought and dialogue.

Tutors will be initiating discussions with pupils in the two weeks leading up to this
presentation, to cover individual aptitudes and subject or career aspirations. I will ask you to
discuss possible subjects with your son, with a view to confirming those choices with
teachers on Friday 9 March. Final choices will due by Wednesday 21 March. Please note
that there will not be an opportunity to talk to subject teachers on the 10 February as they
will be involved in the Year 12 Parents’ Conference, although you can of course contact
them after the meeting.

I very much hope that you are able to attend. I would be grateful if you could inform me, by
email, how many adults from your family will be coming: dmackey at shiplake.org.uk

Equally, let me know if you are unable to attend I will send you a copy of the options
booklet and some notes from the presentation.

Yours sincerely,
Derek Mackey
Director of Studies

The Ball

2012-02-06T17:27:00.002Z

Many thanks to Mr Pavey for being the Blog's man at the scene. He writes:

The Shiplake boys looked good – very good. Queen Anne’s School was the snowy setting for the Ballroom Dancing competition. The Oratory boys brought their best moves, but time and again the taps on the shoulder (that’s a good thing) were coming our way! The following highlights and results were recorded and hopefully bear a close resemblance to what happened!!

As the dancing kicked off for the evening the following boys were spotted at various times strutting their stuff - Harry Griffiths, Louis Miller-Bains, the Killer Alex Kallipetis, Oli MacLaurin, Tom Jones (who waived his normal appearance fee for the evening), Cameron Foster, Paul Vanner, George MacPhee, Zac Bigley, Cameron (not a hair out of place) Dempster, Charlie Foster, Charlie Simpson, Alex Kallipetis, Nick Arbuckle and James Shraga.

At the end of the Waltz fine performances saw Harry Griffiths and Cameron Foster moving with great grace with Cameron leading the way into the final.

In the Foxtrot – Louis Miller Bains, and Harry Griffiths were the last men standing - Louis went all the way to the final – so intimidated were the other couple by Louis’ move that they literally crumbled!!

In the Cha Cha Cha – Tom Jones, Harry Griffith, Zac Jones and Cameron Dempster sailed without concern into the semi-final with Zac and Harry going through to the final stages. As the tension mounted it was left to Zac Jones to dance for the trophy.

In the Jive – Oli MacLaurin, Henry Leroy, Tom Waldron, Zac Jones, Cameron Foster, Tom Jones, Harry Griffiths and Ben Cousins were all seen gliding like skaters on ice in the later stages of the competition. Tom Jones, whose legs can do truly remarkable things – was in total control as he moved through to the final. The only competition at this stage for Tom was Oli MacLaurin who had given up waiting for the tap on the shoulder and instead was simply cheating. Unfortunately for Oli his disgraceful antics were spotted by sharp eyed judges and he was removed by his shirt collar.

The low-profile award for the evening went to Nick Arbuckle, untroubled by the judges attentions he managed to prepare a super speech – his coolness and sophistication and appropriate gratitudes were well received by our hosts – of particular note was the line ‘he was glad he could be part of it’.

The Results

Waltz – for the first time in its history the trophy went to Cameron Foster who danced a lovely waltz, his partner matching his moves as well as his leg length.

The Foxtrot – Louis Miller Bains –the crowd could be heard chanting ‘Easy, Easy’ it really had been that one-sided in the final

The Cha Cha Cha – Alas went to the Oratory – we had to let them have some crumbs of comfort –it was good of them to come!

The Jive – Tom Jones won at a canter - he was simply awesome with what can only be described as ‘professional hands’.

Overall winners “Shiplake College”

What a night!

Superbowl

2012-02-05T23:00:00.000Z

Although as far as I know only Jabrahn actually plays American football, with a club in Reading on Sunday, a whole host of people managed to convince me of their passionate support for the Giants (or maybe the other lot) and their desperate need to watch at least some of the Superbowl coverage tonight.

I set a curfew and insisted that rooms should be tidy before it started: I have never seen such perfection along the year 10 corridor. We should have late sport on TV more often.

Turning slushy now

2012-02-05T22:56:00.001Z

The snowfall was pretty last night, but has been dripping away all day. To the intense disappointment of most of us, normal school routine will happen tomorrow morning - although we have been told to wear smart home clothes to keep our uniforms slush-free.

Congratulations

2012-02-05T22:53:00.000Z

to Nick Arbuckle for being selected for the Oxfordshire U 17s.

Foxtrotter supreme

2012-02-05T22:51:00.002Z

Burr boys enjoyed the Queen Anne's ball on Saturday - and Louis (centre) came back with a prize for his foxtrotting skills.

Good cause

2012-02-03T17:38:00.003Z

Goerge Robinson gave this talk to the assembly earlier in the week. Today Burr raised £111 towards his appeal; we'll have the total for the whole school in a day or so.

I am tryingto raise money for my trip to Honduras and Guatemala. I am hoping to go withsome of my friends, as well as a youth worker. Our aim is to help children who are living inpoverty and are struggling to have a lifestyle.

Justrecently a young boy called Kevin died searching for food, trying to feed hisfamily; sadly, he was crushed by a truck.

I will begoing with a charity called Streets Kids Direct. They have set up an orphanagewhere they get children off the streets, and give them the education they needin order to get a job.

When I amthere, I will help build more rooms for the children and help them learnEnglish. I have to raise £1200, but I have only managed to raise a fraction ofthis amount so far.

This Friday,there will be a mufti day in order to assist me to achieve my target. Please give a donation of at least £2 to yourHousemaster in order to be able to wear your own clothes on this occasion.

Thank you.

By GeorgeRobinson

Busy week

2012-02-03T17:37:00.000Z

What with recovering from an exeat, dealing with the chillingly cold snap, and rehearsing for the House Music competition, it's been a busy week. We hit the sports hall with our wall of sound this afternoon - but were outclassed and missed out on podium places. But it was fun !

We were in own clothes for a mufti day - see the next story.

Prep

2012-01-26T20:44:00.000Z

I went on a prep hunt this evening, and was lucky enough to catch several people working. The chances seemed better with years 9 and 10 than the older year groups. This is, however, only a small sample of those who happened to be easy to photograph - I wouldn't want to offend the many hardworkers who don't appear.

Exeat weekend

2012-01-26T19:57:00.000Z

I'm looking forward to seeing year 11 parents at the conference tomorrow - it starts at around 1530.

Everyone is being encouraged to tidy their rooms tonight so that we don't have to fuss tomorrow.

Burr reopens on Sunday at 1900 - don't come back early as both Mr Starr and I are away, and it might be cold waiting on the drive. I always say this - many people take no notice. That's no problem if we're here: but we may not be this time.

Weekend plans

2012-01-26T19:52:00.002Z

Many thanks to Mr Settle, resident Tutor in Welsh House and soon to be Housemaster of Skipwith (taking over from Mr Dix, who'll move to Burr in September - as the music stops) for picking up the idea of planning some outings on Sundays for boarders.

He came into Burr this evening to discuss ideas - paintballing, karting, and cinema trips among those discussed.

Backpacker fuel

2012-01-24T22:26:00.001Z

Gold DofE candidates, including James, Louis and Max, were shwoing what they could do with a trangia, a spork and a Swiss Army knife in one of the chemistry labs this evening.

Menus ranged from chicken and sweetcorn in a tomato sauce with pasta, through a three course spectacular with a smoked salmon and soft cheese starter on trimmed sliced white bread, bacon and tomato sauce with organic fusilli, folllowed by banana segments dipped in melted chocolate, to beans on bread.

Bag drop

2012-01-24T14:42:00.003Z

I forgot to remind years 9 and 10 to organise themselves to get to lessons efficiently from the junior assembly this morning - so it was a pleasure to see that they'd remembered something I'd said last night about getting bags ready and leaving them downstairs to save time.

Year of the Dragon

2012-01-24T14:40:00.000Z

Mr Mackworth-Praed and I can both claim to be Old Dragons because of a school we once went to, so I feel that the Chinese New Year is a good omen for Burr. We welcomed the day with a small party for the four Chinese pupils who happened to be here - variously from London, Hong Kong and Guangzhou, and their invited friends. Many thanks to James Cam for shredding the duck.

Bookies please note

2012-01-24T12:42:00.000Z

I think we should be able to get good odds at the moment - place your bets now, because I know it'll be great on the night.

Tasha's book bags

2012-01-22T17:46:00.000Z

Much of the prize winning work form the House Art Competition is now back in the studio being prepared for exam submission - but I can bring you the wonderful handbags made from books, by Tasha Glasby

Hymn practice

2012-01-21T09:18:00.001Z

happens each Saturday morning. This week, years 9, 11 and 13 have the privilege.

Jailhouse Rock

2012-01-20T12:23:00.000Z

Rehearsals have started. Enthusiasm varies.
The choice of House song is the Mamas and Papas classic, "California Dreaming", which I think helped us win back in '98 or '99.

Artists

2012-01-18T10:04:00.002Z

Congratulations to Tasha Glasby, James Cam, Bunty Rowbotham and Michael Reynolds who all received prizes for the Senior House Art Competition in assembly this morning. I'll try to take some photos, to live up to my second prize in the staff photography section.

Overall, Burr came second in the Competition - a great delight.

The Ball

2012-01-16T22:19:00.001Z

It's almost time for the Queen Anne's Ball - some houses need instruction on how to dress. I sense a friendly rivalry with our neighbours at the top of the drive.

I do notice that the Headmaster's insistence that boys must shave could be holding them back from the front line of fashion. Or is this view confined to Guardianistas ? Not according to the Daily Telegraph. Year 11 have a chance to put their views on school issues direct to the Headmaster in a PHSE forum this coming Saturday, so perhaps the Burr blog needs to highlight the issue.

Jailhouse Rock

2012-01-16T22:00:00.000Z

Burr is about to start our campiagn to regain the title of No 1 in the House Music Competition - we have to chose a song, and also be ready to sing the school choice which each house will do: Jailhouse Rock.

Icy start, sunny day

2012-01-14T15:14:00.002Z

Open days often seem to be sunny: today was a good example. While the Headmaster was talking to visitors, year 9 hockey players were closer to the Canadian version than the English.

Saturdays

2012-01-12T20:28:00.000Z

Year 9 get an early bath on Saturdays this term.

This term Year 9 major games will finish at 12.05pm andpupils can be collected then or after lunch. There will be appropriatesupervision and activities for any boys who are unable to go home. There willbe occasional afternoon fixtures for team players: this Saturday (14^th)the U14 A team are playing Churchers School (away) at 2.00pm – please liaisewith your son for precise timings.

Some rowers will be competing in the Hampton Head on 4th February.

Bright boys

2012-01-12T20:23:00.002Z

Big applause for Harry Kim and Chris Leung who have already gained A-stars for Maths, and along with many A and B grades will be working towards the IGCSE Maths qualification in June, giving them an extra GCSE. 12 out of 14 candidates were in the A*-B range in Burr - which is deeply pleasing.

Water

2012-01-12T20:21:00.002Z

We had a twist to the evening last night when some serious work had to be done on the main water supply for the whole site. We planned to have showers early in the evening; everyone was offered a bottle of water for thirst and toothbrushing at bedtime. My offer of instruction in sailor's standup washing techniques with a flannel and a mugful of water didn't attract any interest - today's youth are so clean !

The two hour expected outage grew a bit, and the poor guys fitting the check-valve didn't stop until two in the morning.

Good start

2012-01-09T21:58:00.002Z

Thanks to Burr boys and parents for a smooth start to the term. Only two shoes missing; and a little bit of holiday work which may indeed have just vanished from the book the author is sure he'd written it in. If the parent who sent £25 to "Burr House Funds" without any clue who it was for would like to get in touch, I can arrange to credit the correct account.

Richard Fitz-Hugh and Takanobu Taira are on the Headmaster's "well done" analysis of end of term grades.

In with the new

2012-01-05T12:48:00.000Z

The sun is shining; the new carpet on the ground floor is looking very cool (charcoal grey is the new green). Burr will be open on Sunday 8th, officially at 1900, although I'm aware of several travellers and rowers who might be here sometime earlier. Mrs Hallam's classroom has been a helpful depot for the new year 10 beds and wardrobes - all should be done by the weekend. It's all so tidy and clean .... for now !

Out with the old

2011-12-15T17:09:00.001Z

Year 10 bedrooms are being refurbished over the holiday. Today saw the removal of the old, built-in beds and cupboards which have become rather battered since they were put in in 1985.

God rest ye merry

2011-12-14T15:01:00.001Z

one and all. Have a wonderful holiday, wherever you may be. Burr opens up again on the evening of Sunday 8th Jan 2012.

Christmas lunch

2011-12-13T21:08:00.001Z

Many thanks to Mr Starr for taking his camera out to lunch. The caterers fed 503 of us today - and entertainment for us was the Headmaster's Choir.

Cabaret time

2011-12-13T21:03:00.002Z

We usually end the term with a song and a laugh - thanks to the year 12 team who organised it, Tim for compering, Josh and Bunty for the great music - and the Barb'ra Ann team for a fantastic finale.

Hours to do

2011-12-12T12:30:00.001Z

Forty eight and a half, roughly.

Our trip on Friday night was great - Burr exuded such a force field of charm that two families dining in the same restaurant asked how they could send their children to Shiplake.

Last night was the senior rugby dinner - some amazing bow ties can be seen in James Cam's excellent portfolio, at www.facebook.com/ShiplakeCollegeRugby.

Tomorrow there may be more photo-ops as year 12 organise a cabaret for us.

And if you are able to make the Carol Service on Wednesday - we are getting better by the day with practice sessions. Be in good voice !

It was on a Thursday morning

2011-12-09T12:21:00.001Z

that the gas man came to call ...

A leak in the gas supply has led to lots of digging, checking and testing. The side effect is that we have no hot water in Burr at the moment.

But just as I sat down to blog this, and the contingency plan (visitors' changing rooms, and/or lash on the aftershave), I've been told that all systems are back on. Huge thanks to the engineers who fixed the main problem at 0400 this morning.

Well played

2011-12-07T16:51:00.001Z

junior rugby players - a very dignified performance, and although we didn't quite make the top three (of five), we didn't finish last either. Here George Robinson is moving too fast for the shutter speed, not long before sunset, while Harry Ibbitson and Jabrahn Max-Grant are ready to handle the pass.

Carol Service

2011-12-07T10:20:00.001Z

I haven't emailed everyone about plans for the final morning of term - it seemed easier to ask the boys.

The plan is this: if you are collecting, come any time from 0830 and load the car (tractor, motorbike etc - we did have a Dad who collected his son on his Honda Goldwing, but not perhaps for the holidays with luggage), then slip into Henley in time to park across the bridge at the Leander Club, walk back across the bridge for a coffee and then take your seat in St Mary's. You can't miss it: it has a tower, a clock and so on and is just by the bridge. Don't confuse it with the Angel.

If you're collecting later - we run a bus, leaving a school at about 1030, and returning later at about 1300.

All the details are in a note sent out by the Bursar via ClarionCall - do let me know if you didn't receive it but want to.

House outing - Friday

2011-12-07T10:14:00.001Z

Everyone who can is coming to a House outing on Friday - we are off to the Royal China for the evening, to take up the challenge of "all you can eat". I suspect we'll get good value.

One of the topics of conversation will be the cabaret, planned by year 12, for the last night of term. By kind permission of the Head of Drama, Miss Saker, we have the use of the Tithe Barn, and the blog understands that a talent show of great magnificence will delight the audience. If the Yeem/Jabrahn busking double act of last Sunday evening (they raised several pence, and a bag of rice) is any sign, it will be a good evening.

Good sleepers

2011-12-07T10:08:00.001Z

The power cut didn't stop us much - we can live without the yellow phase, as the TV, LAN switches and most lighting is on red or blue - but it was a slightly odd night. My house was cut off, so I was working by candle light, and the curtains open to let in the beautiful moon. The power came on at about 2330. I checked aound the house to be sure nothing was wrong, after being woken by what turned out to be a very loud intruder alarm from the new building in the churchyard next door. I was impressed that several boys carried on sleeping through the noise, with lights now on. I tiptoed round turning them off. Clean consciences.

Champions

2011-11-28T19:29:00.001Z

Our fast seniors were fast enough in the Cross Country Championships - by 1.83 seconds - to win. The standards - which measure the average of everyone - was less distinguished and we will ignore the results.

Well done to:

First Name	Surname	House	Year	Finishing Place	Finishing Time
Nick	Pearce	Burr	13	2	00:17:02.06
James	Rossi-Bull	Burr	12	3	00:17:10.51
Andrew	Rewcastle	Burr	12	13	00:19:04.88
Louis	Miller-Bains	Burr	12	14	00:19:08.50
Arthur	Law	Burr	13	16	00:19:36.11
Max	Nutman	Burr	13	23	00:20:10.80
Samuel	Morin	Burr	12	24	00:20:11.74
Maxwell	Robinson	Burr	12	26	00:20:34.31
Markus	Nolden	Burr	13	35	00:21:24.48
James	Cam	Burr	13	36	00:21:24.96

Mufti day

2011-11-24T06:51:00.001Z

We are (I hope) neatly hanging up blazers and suits, folding white shirts, and reaching for our smart casuals today. We all pay £2 or more for the privilege, and the proceeds today go towards the Chocolatada festival in Mrs Starr's home town in Peru, where volunteers run a huge community event involving a mug of hot chocolate, a slice of sweet panettone, and, for the children, a Christmas present. The people of Picomayo don't have much and we know that our contributions will make a big difference.

Any blog readers who would like to add the small change from your dressing table, or a windfall note found in the bottom of a handbag or inside a pocket - you know how to find Mr Starr or me. We can handle cash, cheques, or online bank transfers.Just ask.

We call it a mufti day - so we ought really to be wearing dressing gowns and smoking caps. Wikipedia tells us that :

The word originates from the Middle East and is Arabic: Mufti (مفتي) means an Islamic scholar who is an interpreter or expounder of Islamic law (Sharia), and is the active form of the Arabic afta, meaning "to judge". It has been used by the British army since 1816 and is thought to derive from the vaguely Eastern style dressing gowns and tasseled caps worn by off-duty officers in the early 19th century. Yule and Burnell's Hobson-Jobson: A Glossary of Colloquial Anglo-Indian Words and Phrases, and of Kindred Terms, Etymological, Historical, Geographical and Discursive (1886) notes that the word was "perhaps originally applied to the attire of dressing-gown, smoking-cap, and slippers, which was like the Oriental dress of the Mufti".

It rhymes neatly with another favourite borrowed word, shufti. The Oxford Dictionary has this:

noun (plural shuftis)

British informal

a look or reconnoitre, especially a quick one:I’ll take a shufti round the wood while I’m about it

Origin:

1940s (originally military slang): from Arabic šāfa 'try to see'

Winners

2011-11-23T16:44:00.001Z

Nobody can quite remember when we last won the Senior House Rugby (as ever, 7 a side) - but we did today, with some very convincing and exciting play. Excellent performances from many of the 1st XV players, and also a terrific debut at this level for Filimoni Savou, who is in year 9 and usually plays at Under 15 level. I lost count of the number of points he scored. Also many thanks to the supporters who came out to cheer us on. Not in the team photo is the determined Tim Gosling, who played superbly. Louis Miller-Bains' contribution as manager was subtle and. he assures me, decisive. He gets to manage an order of pizza as a reward for all concerned, including Charlie Phillips who was the tireless linesman.

Well done to all !

Exeat Weekend

2011-11-23T16:42:00.001Z

We're all looking forward to a long weekend off. School ends for most at 1505 on Thursday - some are staying for the Year 9 Rugby Tour; and Year 10 have their conference with teachers.

Burr opens again at 1900 on Sunday evening.

Slowly does it

2011-11-21T20:29:00.001Z

The cross country standards event today showed the Burr average fitness is a bit of a work in progress.
Well done to Yeem Chanthanawan, James Rossi-Bull, Louis Miller-Bains, Sam Morin, and Max Robinson who all came in the top 25 in their sections.

I worry that I can complete the course at almost twice the pace of 4 "runners" in year 11 (and a little better than half the pace of James who came 3rd in the seniors), whose average speed was a little over 3.6 mph. But then I make my own pizza.

The results:

CombinedStandards from Week 1 and 2

1stWelsh

2ndEverett

3rdSkipwith

4thOrchard

5thBurr

Misty morning

2011-11-21T07:05:00.001Z

The weekend's pizza boxes are being cleared away - the fog which lay over us all yesterday may or may not clear. This afternoon we have the second session of cross-country running, and this week Mr Starr will be the slowest man on the course: he's the back marker, which removes my excuse for being slowest last week. Of course, I could always offer to keep him company ... but then I also want to encourage the juniors, some of whom are rather slow.

We're all looking forward to the exeat on Thursday afternoon. A handful of year 9 rugby players get to stay in College House, home of year 13, for the night before an exciting rugby tour on Friday and Saturday, culminating in a trip to Twickenham to see Australia va the Barbarians.

This week

2011-11-19T18:57:00.001Z

I've been feeling a certain amount of guilt about the quietness of the Burr Blog.

This last week has had some great moments: the floodlit rugby at Henley Hawks was a great innovation, with half the school (uincluding half of Burr) travelling down to support our 1st XV, who lost 25-17 to Merchant Taylors, but provided good spectacle under the lights.

There have been Maths exams for year 11.

Harry Kim won another Maths prize.

Matron feels that rooms really could be a bit tidier - and there were signs of improvement by the end of the week.

Several Burr boys will feature in the Headmaster's Academic Awards next week - I won't spoil his announcements by revealing what I have seen by previewing his complex spreadsheets.

I've seen several parents from huge distances passing through - one Mum came from Cairo to watch the rugby on Friday, another is visiting from Tanzania, and a Dad is over on business from Hong Kong.

Mrs L. has to call the fire brigade when she and her sister found a smouldering campfire in a wood near their mother's in Nottinghamshire - they sent three fire engines to deal with the flames flaring up in the warm dry wind.

And now I'm in the Deputy Headmaster's detention - supervising rather too many Burr boys who are all falling behind with their work, so they earn the opportunity to put that right with an extra 90 minutes of quiet study before doing more relaxing things. As the Headmaster is fond of saying, you make your choice; there is a risk, there will be consequences.

Comfort and joy

2011-11-05T13:47:00.000Z

Saturday morning lessons have moved back by a few minutes, to allow hymn practice, among other delights.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFdL_u4JmN4

Privilege

2011-11-05T13:44:00.000Z

Burr is blessed with two matrons - Jennie Miles-Thomas for the first part of the week, and Sue Blackwell on Fridays and Saturdays. There is a single email address for both - do let me know if you need it.

Fireworks

2011-11-03T20:38:00.001Z

Thanks to some thoughtful work by Mr Hunt in Welsh House, we enjoyed a joint firework display on the front field this evening - a warmup for bonfire night on Saturday, when many will be away.

All Souls' service

2011-11-03T07:29:00.001Z

A moving evening service. Wonderful music including piano solo by James Cam.

... and now everyone is at the final checkpoint.

2011-10-21T16:46:00.001+01:00

First group to finish

2011-10-21T12:12:00.001+01:00

Well done Chris, Matt and friends.

Packing up

2011-10-21T08:06:00.001+01:00

Breakfast, day three

2011-10-21T07:28:00.001+01:00

2011-10-20T17:44:00.001+01:00

Supper time

2011-10-20T17:31:00.001+01:00

Duke of Edinburgh expeditions

2011-10-20T17:26:00.001+01:00

Bronze groups finished today. A complete range from the impressively competent to those whose navigation and campcraft were full of surprises.

Now with four Silver groups, including many Burr boys, as the sun sets on the pretty town of Arundel. We are camped just south of the town, in pretty good order, but without enough 3G bandwith to upload photos at the moment.

Burr House Parliament

2011-10-18T07:03:00.003+01:00

Burr House Parliament – Monday 17^th Oct

Here are are some brief notes on last night's meeting

Year 9 – Harry Ibbotson and Alex Game

House Pet ? Tortoise ? Plan for times when Burr is shut andwe’ll think again

Pool cues – yes, new tips. New balls please. Broken pocket –needs fixing again.

Water fountain – no thanks. One in the kitchen is adequate, we agreed.

Year 10 – Barney Aldridge & Jabrahn Max-Grant

Credit at tuck shop – No, too many boys fail to clear their debts

Catches on showers – for privacy – CAML to investigate

Personal hygiene – details discretely to CAML.

Cushioned chairs for prep time – excellent idea ! CAML to explore.

Replace/enhance air fresheners in toilets – and every room ?Decision: buy some and have available.

Toilet training ! Reminders on How To Flush.

PS3 – Fifa 12/COD 3 ? We will survey demand and buy 2 new controllers & covers - year 11 agree.

Breakfast pack – survey on numbers and perhaps restart.

Brunch times - CAMLto survey that after half term.

Blazer hangers - pegs/rails in new furniture for year 10 by Jan should sort this out

Storage space in F5 ?

Later bedtimes – vetoed by CAML. May happen in June.

Year 11: Jaime Quirante and Sam Shields

Cups - are on the clotheslist !

Pin boards - and year11 rooms maintenance. CAML explained long term plans. Year 9/10 bathroom being refurbished next week; year 10 rooms by January, and then the top floor will be the next target for a furniture upgrade.

Top floor kitchen – bread, 4 slot toaster. Agreed on atrial.

Ground floor shower heads – in hand; also ceiling in hand.

Old Burr bathroom - tell matron. Likewise T2 door.

iPod dock and speakers for diner. Agreed.

Trips and outings – ideas welcome. Start of Jan term?

Year 12 - AndyRewcastle and George Jardine

6^th form common room ? Plan to come forward.

Top floor showers - still too hot.

Hot choc machine ? Very expensive, so better just to make your own.

Top kitchen kettle and Blender - replace if beyond repair.

A very useful and productive meeting: thanks to all members.

Not so good

2011-10-17T22:44:00.001+01:00

Seniors and Juniors both outclassed by Orchard House today. It's so character building to be a good loser - but don't expect Australians to understand this.

Senior football

2011-10-14T23:09:00.000+01:00

well done Burr FC - 9-1 victory over Welsh House this afternoon. Great team play and some powerful individual work by Ben, Tom and Will.

Sixth Form Morning

2011-10-14T23:03:00.003+01:00

Mr Pavey sent this out a little while ago: it's tomorrow.

In the week leading up to the Information Morning,Heads of Department will spend time in class talking to Year 11 pupils aboutA-Level study in their subject; they will discuss course content, skills andabilities required for success, and potential career or higher educationopportunities. For subjects not currently being studied at GCSE the Headsof those Departments will be available on the day to offer advice about theircourses at A-Level. All consultations are designed for generalinformation, given as mini-presentations, rather than as individual meetings toassess a student’s potential in each subject (this information can be coveredin the January Parents’ Conference). There will also be a Sixth FormAcademic Information booklet available for your perusal with detailed informationabout the various courses and their requirements.

The format of the morning, to be held in the Sports Hall,will be as follows:

Time	Event	Explanation
10.00 – 10.30	A-Level Subject Displays	Heads of Department available to answer questions about their A level courses.
10.30-10.35	Headmaster’s Welcome
10.35 – 10.50	Director of Studies and Head of Sixth Form	How do A’ Levels work? Making Choices. The Sixth Form Curriculum at Shiplake. Why Shiplake?
10.50-11.00	(Real) Life in the Sixth Form	Current Sixth Form students speaking about their experiences.
11.00 – 12.30 (all tours to be completed by 12.00)	A-Level Subject Displays Tours	Heads of Department available to answer questions about their A level courses. Visits to College House and Gilson House.

Well done

2011-10-09T14:14:00.002+01:00

to the half dozen Burr boys who gave up their Sunday morning to help out as marshals for the Henley Half Marathon. They are helping our fundraising for the Kikunduku Primary Schools in Kenya, because the organisers make a donation in return for the marshalling. Several staff ran the 10km race, and a couple of us did the full 21 km. Very pleasant to be greeted by friendly faces handing out the medals at the finish line.

Stud check

2011-10-08T21:08:00.001+01:00

Lots of Burr talent in the U16s. A good game today against Christ's Hospital: we won.

Harvest Festival Service

2011-10-08T17:25:00.001+01:00

We did a practice this morning for prayers in many languages. Everyone is welcome - tomorrow night, 1930. It's Harvest Festival - sacks of grain would be welcome, but perhaps tinned, dry or bottled goods are more use to our friends at the drop-in centre for homeless people in Reading.

Fire drill

2011-09-29T08:35:00.000+01:00

We can still evacuate the building in two and half minutes. The sixth former who mistook the fire bell for his alarm and pulled something inflammable over his head to ride out the storm has received personal safety training. It's why we do the drills. Charlie was already up and ahead of the game- a born survivor

Rugby

2011-09-22T21:16:00.000+01:00

For details, fixtures, directions and results -
go to http://www.shiplake.org.uk/rugby_club

CCF

2011-09-22T09:55:00.001+01:00

I'm biased about the CCF: I think it's a great way to spend an afternoon. I'm delighted to see so many Burr boys achieving senior ranks, and also so many enjoying being recruits, in year 10. Jabrahn and a team including Yeem and Vitor managed to get a working raft to stay afloat long enough to paddle out to the RN launch and back.

And the contingent's senior cadet Harry Griffiths, who managed to get a seven week exchange trip to Canada this summer at the Queen's expense (2nd from left), is our first Under Officer cadet for many years, if not ever. He has also been chosen as the Lord Lieutenant's Cadet for Oxfordshire - the best cadet in the county.

Peer support

2011-09-22T09:21:00.003+01:00

A group of Sixth formers have volunteered for training in supporting others. They now have a base in the English Library, and someone will be there every day to listen to any problems. They will also help via email. Four are in Burr, and so around at most times. This is a great addition to our pastoral support networks. I'm very grateful to George, Andy, James and Kabir in Burr for being a part of this. (A shame that George's cracked collarbone meant he missed the group photo)

House football

2011-09-19T22:37:00.000+01:00

A good pair of games against Everett - Seniors won 4-2, with goals from Tom, Will and Jaime(2). Juniors narrowly lost 3-4, our goals by Yeem and Tito(2). Some good play from our acquisitions on the transfer market, including Ben, Robert, and George. Excellent keeping by Max and Jason.

Rugby training

2011-09-10T17:28:00.002+01:00

The season began today. I'll add a link to the results page soon. This is the Under 15 training session earlier this week.

Year 9 Island Adventure

2011-09-10T17:16:00.003+01:00

It's become part of the start of term each year. Year 9 boys believe they will sleep in a bed. Then they are dropped on an island in the middle of the Thames. I warn them to listen carefully to the briefing on how to rig a shelter: there are no tents.

We do bring them back in time for a shower and breakfast the next day.

Many thanks to Sqn Ldr Bridgeman for managing it, year 13 for lending a hand, and Mr Starr for the photos.

Exercise HENLEY ROVER

2011-09-10T15:12:00.004+01:00

Our first outing of term took everyone to Henley on foot, along the Thames Path. Each group was made up of a mixture of all year groups. They had to find out answers to a short quiz, with questions such as "What are the opening hours at Waitrose on a Sunday?" and "Which banks are open on a Saturday morning ?"

Then we met at the station and took the train back, apart from the advance party of cooks who were whisked ahead by minibus. They did a heroic job with burgers and sausages for 75 - all of Burr including Year 13 from College House, and the girls from Gilson House who are attached to Burr.

Pictures by Mr Starr.

My, what a busy week

2011-09-09T13:19:00.005+01:00

The Burr Blogger has had a busy week, with some wonderful new boys in years 9, 10 and 12 - and lots going on.

Coming soon - a report on year 9's island adventure, rugby training, today's Henley adventure, Sunday's watersports outing and CCF service with the Royal British Legion, an almost Royal Appointment in Burr, and more.

Meanwhile let me tease you with some shots of David Walliams swimming past about two thirds of the school during period 2 this morning - a huge fund raising event. Link below. (https://www.sportrelief.com/donate/walliams)

Change of matron

2011-09-04T12:24:00.002+01:00

Burr will have a new matron later this month.

Lesley needs to help look after her 89 year old Mum in Lincolnshire, so will be spending a lot of time there. She will make sure that everyone is settled in for the next academic year before she goes.

I'm delighted that Jennie Miles-Thomas, current matron in Skipwith, will be moving across to take on the job in Burr.

Lesley hopes to be with me and Burr for weekends whenever she can.

We both very much hope our own children will take careful note of this commitment to looking after elderly parents !

One hour lessons

2011-09-04T07:35:00.003+01:00

We'll all be getting used to the new daily routine of one-hour lessons. The main outline is this:

0840 - Lessons start

0940 - Period 2

1040 - Break

1105 - Period 3

1205 - Period 4

1305 Lunch (year 9 first, then at 10 minute intervals with the 6th Form at 1335)

1405 - Period 5

1505 -Games

Refurbished year 9 rooms

2011-09-01T14:14:00.002+01:00

I'm very pleased with the new furniture in the year 9 (and two year 10) rooms.

Pinch, punch

2011-08-31T17:22:00.003+01:00

... first of the month, almost.

A trunk or a suitcase, it doesn't matter; mouthguards can be fitted; any kind of laptop but probably one with Windows - and yes, he will need to work hard from the very start of term.

Year 9 will go camping on the island on their second night - you don't have to be in for the first weekend if you have serious plans for something better, and yes, a pen is useful.

Burr has a new approach to watching TV in comfort; a skateboard ramp has been built past the laundry, and the "smokers' shed" from the New Field has been relocated next to the Headmaster's garden to make discussions about nicotine addiction easier.

New term starts next week - see you then !

Half way

2011-08-02T20:05:00.002+01:00

I imagine we are half way through the summer holiday.

I had a great three weeks sailing; Lesley has been in Italy. Now we're getting ready for our eldest son's wedding.

Well done to a couple of boys for emailing me about their holiday work. If anyone else needs the new MyMaths password (it's in Mr Curtis' letter sent at the end of term), email me and I'll let you know.

Not quite over

2011-07-02T22:31:00.005+01:00

Qualifying for Henley is pretty special, Winning the first round is even better. Well done the first VIII, and thanks for the help in moving bedding in Burr on Thursday morning.

And good luck to all going on Army and RAF camp this morning.

That's it

2011-06-29T06:33:00.005+01:00

Yesterday we said goodbye to Mr Dolan, who's been the Senior Tutor in Burr - and a very wonderful one. He is retiring to care for his elderly mother. Last night we had the chance to thank him for all he's done for us - and Nadal, our departing Head of House, spoke about him at the final Assembly of term.

Earlier we managed to win the senior cup at the swimming gala - we were looking good for the tug of war, but a thunderstorm meant it had to be cancelled. Magnificent organisation and leadership by Arthur Law

Next year's management team for Burr will be led by Richard Fitz-Hugh as head of house, with Tom Thornton-Smith as his deputy and Aliyu Mustapha as captain of house sport. They will all play a great part in setting high standards and leading by example.

Thanks to all our leavers, but especially to Nadal Sarkytbayev, head of house, and our three college prefects, Ed Bowers, JB Brown and Fran Nutt.

The blog is going into quiet mode for the summer holiday. We're back at school on Monday 5th September for year 9 (1100) and year 12 (1730), and Tuesday 6th for everyone.

End of term

2011-06-27T23:06:00.003+01:00

Here's the plan for the final two days:

Tuesday 28th June
0850 Normal academic programme for Y7 – 10 [until 1245]
1015 Junior House Cricket final
1200 Y11 – 13 return after examination leave
1245 BOOK RETURN DEADLINE
1430 Swimming Gala
1630 End of Year Assembly (Marquee) followed by prizewinners’ rehearsals
1900 House Parties

Wednesday 29th June
Henley Royal Regatta begins (Shiplake racing Yarm at 1510)
0830 Prizewinners’ Rehearsal Marquee
0930 Leavers’ Service (Parish Church)
1100 Prize-Giving: Term ends after House Receptions - about 1300
1900 Leavers’ Ball (Marquee) [until 0200]

Hectic days

2011-06-27T22:57:00.002+01:00

The final few days of term are busy. This evening featured a fine concert in the Big Tent - after which lots of boys wanted to practise for the inter-House swimming gala tomorrow, so we went down to the river at dusk. With, of course, two of our four qualified life guards.

New boy induction day

2011-06-25T16:23:00.003+01:00

A very pleasant group of new boys for next September joined us for the morning. Many thanks to the many senior boys who helped out in various ways - including fitting out lacrosse players.

Rowing awards

2011-06-24T21:10:00.003+01:00

Thanks to Mr Crisford for this summary of awards to Burr oarsmen at last night's Boat Club Dinner:

Junior Half Colours

Yeates, Dixon-Mylum

Senior Half Colours

Fitz-Hugh, Law, Rewcastl,e Rossi-Bull, Jardine, Miller-Bains

Senior Full Colours

Nolden, Evans

J18 Most Improved

Arthur Law

Blazer Badges

Nolden, Evans

-----

Huge congratulations to all.

DofE

2011-06-24T17:13:00.002+01:00

Year 10 set off on their Bronze Award assessed expedition this lunchtime

After exams

2011-06-24T17:12:00.000+01:00

is time to relax

New Housemaster from Sept 2012

2011-06-24T12:30:00.004+01:00

The Headmaster has written this to all parents:

Dear Burr House Parents,
I am delighted to inform you that Mr Andy Dix, currently Housemaster of Skipwith House, will succeed Mr Charly Lowndes as Housemaster of Burr House in September 2012. A number of colleagues applied for the role and the field was very strong indeed. In talking to my fellow heads around the country it is unusual to have such a strong field from internal candidates and I am very grateful to those who applied: it says much for the calibre of staff we have at Shiplake.
Mr Dix has been at Shiplake since 2001, in which time he has been Head of the Physical Education Department, Head of Cricket, Assistant Housemaster of Orchard House and for the last four years, Housemaster of Skipwith House.
Mr Dix is keen to move back to a full boarding house: as you may recall Skipwith will become a day house over the next three years. He is married to Sarah, a teacher at Windsor Boys’ School and they have three young children, Lilia, Freya and Oscar.
Mr Dix will be completing his final year in Skipwith but I know that he and Mr Lowndes will ensure that the handover is thorough.
I believe Burr House is lucky to have someone of the calibre of Mr Dix to take over from the excellent work that Mr and Mrs Lowndes have done over the last ten years. Shiplake College, but particularly Burr House, will miss Charly and Lesley a great deal but I am sure that Mr and Mrs Dix will continue where they have left off.

Gregg Davies

Work experience

2011-06-23T17:47:00.003+01:00

Year 12 are tasting the world of work, including the Reading walk-in medical centre, Broad St Mall; AW Cycles; Forbury Gardens Day Nursery; and Millets.

Year 9 adventure week

2011-06-23T17:32:00.004+01:00

Walking, camping, kayaking, dragon-boating, egg hunting on the island, rope bridge building, and an introduction to what else the CCF can offer next term.

Survivors

2011-06-23T17:27:00.002+01:00

The good handful of year 11 and 12 still in Burr, for Geography revision, work experience or just for fun, ate a lot of food in our garden last night. We also wished James Cam a Happy Birthday.

Prep outdoors

2011-06-23T17:20:00.003+01:00

Year 10 are feeling a little hard doen by at the moment. Years 11 and 12 have pretty much finished exams; Year 9 are enjoying an activity week. They do prep. But at least the weather allows Charlie and Chris to work outside.

Shiplake Regatta

2011-06-18T20:48:00.003+01:00

High winds, heavy rain at one point, and some hard rowing.

Good luck at Thames Valley Park regatta tomorrow

First service

2011-06-17T08:01:00.004+01:00

Tennis players and others were up the Tower early this morning for a Communion Service. Thanks to the Rev for the opportunity to enjoy the views afterwards. In our cycle of prayer today we thought of the Catering department - and then enjoyed their work.

High class

2011-06-17T07:56:00.002+01:00

In the tennis calendar, between Queen's and Wimbledon, there is of course the Shiplake Junior House Competition. Too exclusive an event for the mass media, the Burr Blog can reveal that an international array of talent represented Burr. Unbeaten until we met the equally successful Welsh team, a thrilling final left us in second place. Well done to Thomas (Captain), Yeem Sam, and Vitor.

Succession

2011-06-15T21:40:00.004+01:00

Astute followers of the Headmaster's tweets will have seen that the process of selecting the next Burr Housemaster is under way. I'm delighted by the timing (and some generous comments from my boss). The Headmaster will be able to tell you in a few weeks who will be taking over from me, when I leave Shiplake at the end of June 2012. Whoever the lucky person is will have a full year to get to know Burr and its wonderful family. The job has been advertised internally.

Meanwhile, whatever happens in Burr remains my fault !

Prizes and Speeches

2011-06-15T19:33:00.003+01:00

Your invitation for Wed 29th June is on the way.

The Guest Speaker will be

Ms Ann Daniels

Ann Daniels is a world record breaking polar explorer and has led expeditions

in the most hostile environments on earth.

Programme

09.30 Leavers’ Service in the Parish Church (for leavers only)

09.45 – 10.45 Art Exhibition in the Great Hall

............by 10.45 Please be seated in the marquee

11.00 Prize-giving and Speeches

12.15 Reception - drinks and canapés will be served on the lawn following the Prize-giving.

NOTES

CARS/LUGGAGE

Cars can be loaded before Prize-giving and Speeches. You and your sons/daughters will be free to leave for the holidays at about 1.00 p.m.

LEAVERS’ BALL

Following the House Receptions, Year 13 leavers, under the direction of the Head of Sixth Form, will need to set up the marquee ready for the Leavers’ Ball. All leavers attending the Ball have been warned of this and should be prepared. To ensure the success of the Ball everyone’s cooperation at this time is vital.

House Photo

2011-06-15T06:59:00.002+01:00

You can now order the House Photo -a record of the finest young men and women you can imagine - from Gillman and Soame. Your fine son, or daughter, should have a card with the login/password details, but should communication be temporarily disrupted by their passionate commitment to the Higher Education Conference, GCSE exams, Year 10 Bronze DofE expedition or Year 9 Activity week (life is a bit busy at the moment) then feel free to email me.

Junior House Cricket

2011-06-13T18:14:00.002+01:00

We were rather outclassed, although we set a very respectable target of 91 by the end of our 16 overs. Particularly good batting by some tennis players.

School and Food Council

2011-06-13T11:45:00.001+01:00

Thanks to Charlie and Richard for representing Burr.

From: Hunt, Mr AFJ
Sent: 13 June 2011 10:10
To: Hunt, Mr AFJ; School Council
Cc: Housemasters
Subject: RE: School/Food council - Thursday 9th June - 5pm OVR

Dear School council members

Many thanks for meeting on Thursday. Your points/suggestions were very much appreciated. I hope I have summarised them accurtately below.

Mobile phones

· It was felt that most students used their phones to pick up school emails (9 out of 10 at the meeting did)

· Many used school email to communicate with friends

· Many use phones to log prep details and felt that this was easier and more effective than using the prep diary

· Using phones to photograph diagrams on boards etc was seen as very beneficial but only after seeking permission from the teacher.

· There was general concensus that phones should not be used for verbal communication around the school during the academic day but it was thought that a relaxing of the rule should come into force at 6.30pm

· It was suggested that apps could be used/developed to access timetables and preps etc

Other business

· More Water fountains around the college site

· Team lists emailed to pupils as well as staff – good point!

· Unlocking of Iplayer etc at more convenient times

· W/E trips suggestions – Thorpe Park, Paintballing – AFH to meet with full boarders early next term to discuss the programme. It was explained that there needs to be a greater take-up of events in order for the events to go ahead.

· More socials on Friday evenings. Saturday events not popular.

Food issues:

§ Burr House requested pancakes at breakfast and a wider variety of fruit. The Catering Manager will look into this

§ Everett said that there was general satisfaction with the food.

§ Orchard asked if there could be juice twice a week at dinner time. The CM will consider this.

§ Welsh commented that recent lamb was too fatty and requested chicken nuggets occasionally.

§ Skipwith asked for meatball sandwiches.

§ The Catering Manager said that waste at meal times is still a problem. He was particularly concerned that large numbers of croissants and pains au chocolat were being thrown away.

§ The CM said that unusually there had been some poor behaviour in the queues – pushing whilst in the servery.

§ The CM explained that the salad bar was being repaired.

Kind regards

A F J Hunt

House Athletics Championships

2011-06-10T22:01:00.003+01:00

Some great track and field performances today, although with many away we didn't distinguish ourselves in comparison to some other Houses.

The weather was only just on our side - the rain came later.

Many thanks to Mr Dolan, who retires this term, for presenting the medals.

Fire in the classroom

2011-06-09T11:19:00.005+01:00

The Headmaster has noted that we teach in many different classrooms - some have rugby posts in them, others have sightscreens. This one has tents, by a river. Thanks to the 22nd Oxford Sea Scouts for letting the DofE Gold canoeists camp overnight, as well as use their fire circle. I'm not sure what purists would say about the portable iPod speakers (keen eyes will see the telltale blue glow on the improvised bench) but there was also live music on Fred's ukelele.

I'm out camping with them for one more night, and back to the dayjob on Friday morning.

I'm delighted that of the 15 boys away canoeing or cycling this week, 6 are from Burr.