Bursar's Bulletin, Lent Term 2023

Happy New Year! In his introductory remarks at this term’s Common Room Inset, the Warden talked about the importance of being upbeat. Something that I hope resonates with us all at a time when there are a lot of things happening around us, locally and globally, that can be downright depressing. Steve Rathbone spoke in the same Inset about the positive binding effect of shared experiences.

One way of bringing these themes together is by focusing on what we can do to make things better in our own community. It is often the small things that count – the acts of kindness, the smile, looking out for each other and understanding each other’s point of view or daily challenges. After a period where we have had so much separation and challenge forced upon us, there can never have been a better time to reconnect with each other. That we work together in a beautiful campus environment for a shared aim gives us a great advantage. Let’s celebrate what we have got, look out for each other and ask ourselves, what is it I can do, that will make things better for others?

Do let’s have the shared binding experience of getting to know more about the College and the people within it by reading this Bulletin. There is lots of news and many insights and even an opportunity to tap into the expertise of our Gardens Team by attending their Gardeners’ Question Time on 21 March. In the meantime, I have no doubt this term will fly by – do take time to enjoy it and get to know your colleagues in different departments!

Best wishes,

Celebrating the Passage of Time

Covered Passage was last decorated for the College’s 150th anniversary in 1997. That pink rag-paint effect had definitely reached its sell-by date. Lots of research into the school’s history has been done in the last 25 years, especially for Untold Stories, and so the timeline was mooted – a chance to re-decorate and to celebrate our history.

What would you put on a timeline? Originally, I included many more world events. It’s worth knowing what was going on in the background: for example, growing up during the Cold War when the nuclear threat was tangible – similar to today’s young people’s concerns about the future of climate change; or the 50 years’ development of information technology – the first computers introduced in school in the late 1970s with the internet arriving in 1993.

Choosing school events was tricky. Many people suggested corrections, removals, omissions. We can’t fit in everything so the timeline gives an overview. It’s designed to be dynamic. It’s been made in modules so we can physically change individual sections but the key part will be the QR linked online timeline, coming soon, with short intros to individual decades and deeper articles and videos about individual events or people.

Clare Sargent

Covered Passage: top, 1890s; middle, 2016; bottom, 2023.

Radley Charities

Congratulations to Chris Mason and his team of moustachio’ed boys and staff for raising a whopping £8,059 for Movember, which supports projects working within men’s health, testicular and prostate cancer, mental health, and suicide provention. The team also raised money by organising a World Cup Sweepstake. The impressive sum meant that Radley was the third highest fundraising school in the UK and Chris the highest individual fundraiser in a UK school.

BRAINS NOT AS FOGGED AS FIRST THOUGHT

I am delighted to take over the role of Master i/c of Charities from Ruth Tufnell, who has been a brilliant advocate and supporter of the charitable efforts of boys and staff at Radley in her four years in the post. Under Ruth’s watch over half a million pounds was raised.

From the foundation of the school, Radley has always had a strong focus on charitable giving. The College had a long involvement in St Peter’s Church in Wapping before shifting to fundraising for miners in the Great Depression, and then becoming increasingly involved locally in Radley village from 1992 via the Community Service Programme, set up by Steve Rathbone.

In line with these historical long-term links, charitable work in Radley is moving to a more organic connection with our Partnerships programme, so that, as far as possible, we can make an ongoing long-term difference. Alongside this emphasis, the opportunity for boys to raise money for causes personally dear to them will be maintained.

The reasons for being involved in charitable work are many. It helps us cultivate a sense of gratitude for the things that we have. It helps us to realise that material goods are not the highest value and that we can do without them for greater causes. It reminds us that we are interconnected, that we need each other and that everything does not depend on our own personal achievement, gifts and skills. It helps us foster a sense of community – as we both give and receive, in a mutual fashion. Lastly, it cultivates a sense of initiative. We may not have as much as others, but at least we can make a start. We can make a difference doing small things that add up cumulatively.

There have been a number of collections already this academic year. At the last count £16,422 was raised through the Business Challenge, £8,059 was given to Movember, and £7,777 was raised for the Commonwealth Education Trust. Many thanks to Dan Pullen, Chris Mason and Mark Jewell respectively.

Thanks to everyone who came along to the Staff Quiz in November, which raised £171 for Friends of Radley Primary School. The evening was great fun, with questions devised by ‘Quizzo’ Chris Masters and hosted brilliantly by Lisa. Team Brain Fog emerged victorious after several closely-fought rounds, narrowly beating The Flower Pot People, Team Name, Quiztina Aguilera and the Ivy Leaguers.

I’d be delighted to hear from teaching and operational staff who are fundraising or supporting a charity in any way. I would also love to hear your ideas for charities you would like us to support in the coming year.

POPPY APPEAL REMEMBERED

The annual sale of poppies for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal raised a total of £1,855.

‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35

Peter Taylor

Chaplain (Charities and Partnerships)

@RadleyCharities

Christmas Jumper Day

This year, Christmas Jumper Day was organised and promoted by four fifth form boys who have been working closely with our charity partner, Oxfordshire Youth.

Arthur B, (J), William D-P (J), Mateo M M (K) and Ed R (J), supported by Chris Mason, John Sparks, Sarah Sheldon, Caroline Monaghan and Anna Haynes, organised the day and encouraged their peers and staff to wear Christmas attire on Monday, 12 December. The boys have been involved with the charity on a series of projects and have seen first hand the important work they do for young people in Oxfordshire, including in the areas of mental health interventions, crime prevention and securing safe and supported housing.

The total raised currently stands at £1,148. Emmy O’Shaughnessy, Deputy CEO/ Director of Innovation and Growth at Oxfordshire Youth (right) said “Every pound raised will go directly towards making the homes of young people living through tough times warm, cosy and homely, making sure they have the best possible foundations from which to build their lives and futures. ... Thank you for being who you are and for helping make Oxfordshire a better place for all young people.”

Advent Window Trail

Tim and Lel Lawson, E Social, were behind a wonderful Advent Window Trail around Radley’s campus, with participating households creating a Christmas window decoration on an allotted night of advent, which was lit up after dark, creating a living advent calendar.

The idea proved popular, with two households representing some of the numbers on the trail, and £1,745 being raised so far. The money will support the Oxford Hospitals Charity, which fundraises for the latest medical equipment, research and facilities for Oxford’s hospitals. Particularly close to many of our hearts is the Cancer and Haematology Centre at the Churchill Hospital which does incredible work. Thank you to everyone who took part in the trail and supported this important charity.

Social cleaners on Christmas Jumper Day

Spotlight on the: Commercial Enterprises Team

Standing on the Theatre stage at the end of August and receiving a plaque from the European Transplant & Dialysis Games (ETDG) Organising Committee was a great honour and was the highlight of what was a very long week and an even longer year! It would have been easy to forget the many struggles and challenges that were faced and overcome to get to that point.

I think I always knew that it would be a challenge and a step away from the relative ‘comfort blanket’ of the Sports Centre. Having spent 14 years in one department, the change of focus itself was a big thing to get my head around. Two weeks into the role, I was responsible for organising a wedding. “We don’t do weddings!”

I hear you cry. Well we did, and it was a great success but it was a very steep learning curve.

Since then, the team has overseen 12,866 bed nights, split over 13 different residential groups including rowing camps, a Chinese Christian Conference, various music groups, an academic conference, two language schools and of course the European Transplant & Dialysis Games.

The Commercial Enterprises team is responsible for all events that happen at the College outside of term time and therefore, as well as the residential groups, we have helped arrange a diverse range of events, including carol services, a baby shower, a naming ceremony, dance shows, a car rally and musical concerts.

The busiest times are in the lead up to any event, when we are working hard to ensure that everything is in place. This is always a very demanding and nerve-wracking time, but the intense level of planning and preparation that

goes into the process has resulted in many successful and seemingly stress free events (from the outside anyway!).

It is often said that things would not be possible without the team around you and this could not be truer for us. Caitlin and Emily have supported me and made the job possible, it’s hard to imagine where we would be without their enthusiasm and tireless approach. As a team we never shy away from a task that needs to be done, and this has resulted in us making beds, carrying fridges, making sandwiches, running a bar and even manning the Theatre lighting desk.

We now enter our second year as the Commercial Enterprises team and whilst it remains as busy as ever, we are now much more confident. The ETDG plaque takes pride of place in our office and is a constant reminder of what can be achieved through hard work and determination.

Les Newell took on the role of Head of Commercial Enterprises in September 2021. He tells us about the challenges that he and his team faced in their first year.

Caitlin started her Radley journey at the Sports Centre in 2019 as an Apprentice Operations Manager which included attending Oxford Brookes University one day a week.

Fast forward three years and Caitlin has a degree in Business Management as well as in-depth knowledge and experience of running the Sports Centre.

In September 2021, Caitlin joined the Commercial Enterprises team, taking on many new job responsibilities, including liaising with clients to find out their exact event requirements and managing and coordinating event logistics. Caitlin still oversees all external bookings at the Sports Centre and leads the popular Dance Fit classes.

Outside of work Caitlin can usually be found walking her dogs, practicing yoga, or paddle boarding.

Les Newell Head of Commercial Enterprises

Les started at Radley as Head of Sports Centre in 2007. He has overseen many changes in the ever-evolving Sports Centre and it now boasts a membership in excess of 600 and an extremely popular programme of fitness classes, alongside the many activities offered to Radley boys.

Throughout his time at Radley, Les has always been keen to get involved with Radley College sports and activities. Les has coached football, triathlon and swimming, and also taken part in events such as the 3 Peaks Challenge and Ridgeway Relay.

In September 2021, Les took on the role of Head of Commercial Enterprises, alongside the running of the Sports Centre. This provides a fresh challenge which is demanding, yet rewarding.

Outside of work, Les is most likely to be spotted running or watching Oxford United.

Emily started at Radley in 2012, as a lifeguard in the Sports Centre, at the age of 16. She then left to go to College, followed by Bournemouth University to study Fashion Design.

After graduating from Bournemouth during the pandemic, Emily returned to Radley as the Sports Centre Leisure Club Manager.

In March 2022, Emily joined Les and Caitlin in the Commercial Enterprises Team, learning on the job. Emily recalls being at her first Commercial meeting, where she wrote down ‘find out where Silk Hall is’. This seems a long way from the knowledge she has now gained.

Emily still manages the Leisure Club and teaches six fitness classes a week at the Sports Centre.

In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, sewing and going to the gym.

Emily Noel-D’Avila Leisure & Commercial Activities Manager

Caitlin Baker

Leisure & Commercial Operations Manager

L-R: MG Car Club Rally at Radley in spring 2022; receiving the plaque at the ETDG Closing Ceremony.

MY radley

Sarah Barrett, Domestic Cleaner

One of the team of cleaners at Radley who work so hard behind the scenes to make the College a pleasant environment to live and work in, Sarah joined in 2012 and is currently based in B Social. I sat down for a tea break with Sarah to ask her more about what Radley means to her.

I’ve been here ten years – I joined when my daughter was young and in nursery so this job fitted really well around childcare. Originally I was all-year-round but when my daughter started school I was able to get a term-time position which is great.

You’re based in B Social now – is that where you’ve always been?

No, when I arrived I worked in a number of areas of the College and covered colleagues when they were away and cleaned wherever was needed. Then I went to C Social for just over a year before moving to B Social Tutor’s House –originally when Richard Greed was Tutor and now the Scott-Malden family. They are a lovely family and so kind. I also used to clean the Sub-Warden’s house – again, originally when Mike and Francis Hopkins lived there until he sadly passed away and Francis moved. Since then of course the Holden family have lived there. After Covid everything changed and I started cleaning in B Social itself. I was a bit hesitant about this at first but I absolutely love it! I clean the communal areas, the boot room, 17 boy’s rooms and three lots of toilets.

That sounds like a lot of hard work!

Most days there is quite a lot to get through! Sometimes you get thrown a curve ball, like the day I noticed some interesting artwork outlined on the white walls but we couldn’t work out what it was or really see it well enough to clean it. It turned out someone had decided to bring out their inner Banksy and had been graffitiing using deodorant. As I say, each day tends to bring a new and unexpected challenge!

Tell us more about the B Social team and your colleagues there.

It’s a real community – it’s one of the things I love best about Radley. The ladies who clean in B, we all support each other and we make a great team, we work really well together and help each other. In 2018 I was diagnosed with a brain tumour and just before Lockdown in 2020 I started

radiotherapy treatment. That extended my time off so I didn’t come back after Lockdown as quickly as I would have done otherwise as I was still healing after the treatment. It makes such a difference having a group of colleagues who are supportive if I’m having a bad day. I do suffer from headaches, fatigue, hearing loss, sometimes my balance can go, but I try to be as positive as I can and not let it affect me too much. Coming into work is the best thing I can do – to have the normality and see my colleagues who always cheer me up. I’m lucky, I really do enjoy my job.

Can you pick a memorable moment from your time here?

Sad but poignant was Mr Hopkins’ memorial service in the Chapel – it was beautiful. I love the Chapel, I’ve been to several memorable services including the annual Remembrance Services and of course, recently the wonderful service for our late Queen which was very moving.

What’s changed in your time here?

There’s been lots of building work over the years – Coffee Shop, L Social, the Chapel for example – and I love the mix of historic and traditional with modern and contemporary, there’s always something interesting to learn about.

What makes Radley a special place to work?

I love the history of the College and the artwork that’s all over the campus. There’s one thing I’ve been intrigued by since I first noticed it – in the Mansion there are two staircases leading up to the Common Room and the Warden’s office. If you look at the bottom of the staircase by Admissions there’s a hand carved into the banister – it’s straight out of Harry Potter, you expect it to be able to grab you at any moment!

What three words would you use to describe Radley?

Tradition. Education. Beautiful. Would you like to feature in a future My Radley article? Is there someone you would like to hear from?

Email Anna: amth.haynes@radley.org.uk

Estates Update

Works are ongoing at Park End Barn, with the team working through both the recent torrential rain and below freezing temperatures.

The listed 18th century barn was previously only used for agricultural storage and had deteriorated over the years from age, the weather and timber damage but kept its distinctive elm weatherboard cladding, large oak A-frames and purlins and red tile roof. Works were needed to preserve these elements and make the barn useable again, so we have started the slow process of stripping the roof, retaining the tiles and assessing each individual timber for signs of decay and structural strength, before repairing or replacing. We will then be improving the insulation and weather tightness of the building.

Once the remedial works to the roof are complete, anticipated by spring, we will be transforming the inside into a multi-purpose building, including a cookery teaching area. This will be for use by Radley College students and the wider community, as it is conveniently placed off the Kennington Road, as a light and airy function space with the historic timbers and structure of the original building on display.

Rebecca Kitchin Estates Surveyor

Radley Through a Lens

To round off Radley’s 175th anniversary celebrations, the Radley community were invited to sum up what Radley means to them in a photo.

Several successful photography competitions were held during Lockdown, so Charlie McKegney and Andria Pancrazi were keen to encourage staff, families and students to turn their creative eyes to capturing Radley in a single photo, or series of photos, to commemorate the 175th anniversary.

The judges were delighted to receive over 50 submissions and felt that the standard was extremely high.

First place went to Sophie Torrance, Engagement Officer in the Development Office, with ‘Sprained Ankle’ (above). Sophie said “My commute to Radley often takes me via Cheesers to Lodge Hill, and on an early autumn evening I was walking home when I came across three young Radleians coming in the opposite direction. They looked like they were returning from a cross country run, and the boy in the middle was being supported on either side by his friends, while he limped along with a painful ankle. It was lovely to see them express patience and altruism at a young age. The golden autumn colour, and the deep blue of the sky, inspired me to take a photo as I passed them. Ian Biggs has kindly been teaching a few of us the rudiments of photography recently, so I was able to see an opportunity when it was presented.” Second place was awarded to Warren C, 6.2 (E) and third to Oliver M, V (H) with honourable mentions to Alex X, 6.1 (G), Stephen Giddens, C Social Tutor and Adam King, Head of Grounds. You can see all the photos on Radley’s Flickr account. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who took part.

Your questions answered

Questions are invited from staff on any topic. Please use the QR code to access the form and submit your question. We ask that you include your department but you can submit questions anonymously. Answers will be published in February’s Bursar’s e-Bulletin.

area?

– Several

Is there an opportunity for Operational Staff to meet members of Council? It seems this is a regular offering for Common Room only.

– Development Team

We encourage staff to ask for training if they feel they need it. For department/role-specific training you should speak to your Line Manager or Head of Department in the first instance. For Health & Safety training, please speak directly to Ally Horton, Health & Safety Manager.

Council members are always happy to see Operational Staff. As a body they visit the College at least twice a year; there are reps who visit termly, and other potential opportunities. Please let your Head of Department know if you have specific topics you would like to discuss, and, with the Bursar, they will seek to make an appropriate introduction.

– Housekeeping

This was a specific instance of dates being input incorrectly on Teams, for which an apology was given. The working calendar for Housekeeping is usually sent out in May/June but unfortunately this wasn’t the case this time. We will ensure that calendars are issued in good time for staff to plan holiday around the working calendar for next year.

– Bursary

Six working groups have been created, looking at Land Use & Ecology, Transport, Energy, Water, Food & Waste and Education. The groups have identified a series of innovative projects to pilot which they are currently in the process of launching. We encourage you to get involved in any of the areas you feel you could make a contribution to – you can find the details by clicking here. Please contact David Anderson to find out more.

The next Operational Staff Meeting will take place on

21 MARCH 2023 at 11:15am in the Theatre –more information to follow

How do I go about asking for training if I feel I need it in a specific

Departments Has a manager a right to change the yearly calendar a month before with no notice?

What’s happened since the publication of the Sustainability Strategy?

Staff NEWS

A warm welcome to staff who have joined since September 2022:

Chris Beadle, Gardener

Jake Bloxham, Leisure Assistant

Julia Bridge, Exam Invigilator

Marcus Cardoso Barreto, Junior Sous Chef

Alejandro Cetrulo, Teacher of Spanish

Olandina Da Costa Guterres, Food Service Assistant

Jose Da Costa Guterres Do Rego, Kitchen Porter

Bob Evans, Senior Chaplain

George Evans, Assistant Greenkeeper

Wendy Evans, Food Service Assistant

Hilario Goncalves Cachola, Kitchen Porter

Nick Gurney, Leisure Assistant

Angela Hayles, Exam Invigilator

Congratulations

to Chris Masters on his promotion to Senior Gardener and Joe Evans-Murray on his promotion to Assistant Head of Strength & Conditioning.

Also to Mark Greenaway, who has moved from his position as Caretaker to join the Maintenance Team as a Multi-Trade Technician.

Alexander Kasberger, German Language Assistant

Dom Lowe, Leisure Assistant

Alex Machin, Real Tennis Assistant Professional

Stephny Mak, Exam Invigilator

Oran McMahon, Leisure Assistant

Charlie Merritt, Apprentice Gardener

Julia Sosnowska, Leisure Assistant

Miky Stoica, Domestic Cleaner (All Year)

Jobin Thomas, Food Service Assistant

Al Turner, PHM (H Social)

Harry Waine, Head of Strength and Conditioning

Tomoko White, Food Service Assistant

Welcome to Bob Evans, who joins as Senior Chaplain and teacher of Theology, and Al Turner who takes over from Sally Shuckburgh as PHM in H Social.

Sewell Centre Gallery News

After the hugely successful exhibition Material Conversations by the Oxfordshire Basket Makers where the discourse on when Craft becomes Art was pushed to its limits, the Sewell Centre Gallery looks forward to two exciting exhibitions this spring.

Joyful Encounters (13 January – 10 February 2023) brings together ceramics by Helen Holden and paintings by Clova StuartHamilton where pattern, texture and colour harmonies flow through and between the surfaces and forms of both the two- and three-dimensional works. The artists have had a long creative relationship beginning over three decades ago at Radley College.

Continuing the theme of artistic and material relationships, Form and Fluidity: the Thoughtful Practice of ceramicist Robyn Hardyman and artist weaver Julia Englehardt explores the creative and imaginative possibilities afforded by porcelain, glaze, yarn and fibre. (24 February – 21 March 2023.)

Top

Middle Row, L-R:

Bottom row, L-R:

5 questions with Amanda Jewell, Exhibitions Curator

How do you find artists to exhibit at the Gallery?

important and sometimes difficult issues.

What is the aim of Radley’s Art Gallery?

The Gallery is designed to showcase and promote the work of artists to a wide audience. Its objectives are educational and supportive rather than commercial, and most importantly it aims to make high quality art accessible, free of charge, to as many people as possible.

Oxfordshire has a rich artistic community and so, with the existence of the Oxford Art Society, the Oxford Printmakers Co-op, Oxfordshire Artweeks and numerous art schools and studios there is an absolute bounty of artists to choose from when I’m putting together the programme.

What are you looking for in the art you exhibit?

Excellent work but also work that follows a theme or idea. Beautiful art has an important place in the world – it lifts us up and inspires us; however, art should also challenge us to engage with

Can you pick your Gallery highlight?

The loan of a body of work by Tracy Emin in 2016. It was fantastic for our students to be able to hang their work alongside that of one of the most famous artists in the world. This exhibition brought in visitors from far and wide and stimulated the most brilliant conversations!

What can we see next at the Gallery?

I’m excited that Joyful Encounters by Clova Stuart-Hamilton and Radley’s Helen Holden (wife of Sub-Warden, Ben) opens on Friday, 13 January with a Private View at 18:00 – everyone is very welcome!

row, L-R: Iris Buds and Window by Clova Stuart-Hamilton; Termite Mound I, II & III by Sally Roach, Oxfordshire Basket Makers; Ceramic Bowls by Helen Holden.

porcelain cylinder vases by Robyn Hardyman; Vines & Roses I by Julia Englehardt; part of The Planets by Alison Urwick, Oxfordshire Basket Makers.

Archipelago by Charlotte Holmes, Paul Turner & Andy Goodwin, Oxfordshire Basket Makers; part of Tuscan Jugs & Yellow Squash by Clova Stuart-Hamilton; porcelain footed bowl by Robyn Hardyman.

Congratulations Chris!

Many congratulations to Maintenance Manager Chris Radbone, who won the Fraternity of St George Master Archer Award 2022 in December.

The Fraternity of St George is affiliated to the International Longbow Archers Association and traces its history back to King Henry VIII in 1509. The King made payments to a small company of archers every April 23rd to encourage their practise of the longbow. In 1537 King Henry VIII formalised these arrangements, granting a Charter in the name of the Fraternity and Guild of Saint George, later known as the Honourable Artillery Company of London.

The company ceased shooting in the 1760s, but the Fraternity of St George was reformed under the captaincy of B. E. Mooyaart in 2002. Nine shoots are organised each year and these include the original practice of ‘shooting at the marks’ as well as the ‘Cloth Of Gold’ long distance shoot discipline.

All are welcome to join and compete from anywhere in the world and each tournament presents its own individual awards.

The Master Archer Award won by Chris was for the overall highest total score for shooting at the marks in the last 12 month’s run of tournaments. To achieve this requires a consistently high level of scoring, so well done Chris! An extremely impressive feat.

Gabrieli ROAR

On Monday, 5th December, 1000 singers from Radley College and ‘Music Flood’ partner schools came together for a performance with the Gabrieli Consort and Paul McCreesh at Coventry Cathedral.

Sam Gladstone, Rose Martin and many others worked closely with the Gabrieli ROAR team to make this ambitious project a reality. As Gabrieli Consort’s founder and conductor Paul McCreesh said “We share the same passion to expand musical opportunity everywhere.”

Radley’s choir was joined by choirs from Broadway Academy, Larkmead School, Ridgeway Education Trust, Oxfordshire County Youth Choir, Cherwell School, Radley Primary School, Dunmore Primary School, Sunningwell Primary School and Griffin Schools Trust. Part of the performance was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on Christmas Day. Look out for ‘In Dulci Jubilo’, a documentary about the project, which comprised eight performances marking the 400th anniversary of the composer Michael Praetorius’s death. Details of the film will be shared when we know more.

Darts Champ Alex

Multi-Trade Maintenance Technician, Alex Ward has won the ODDA Oxford Singles Darts Championship 2022.

Alex said “After 23 years of playing, I finally won the singles championship! The Oxfordshire District Darts Association (ODDA) is probably the most competitive league in Oxford with team players across the league also involved in the Oxford County Team, so to beat them was a great personal achievement. All I need to do now is to go on and defend my title!”

Congratulations Alex and good luck with that title defence!

We want to hear about your news & achievements!

Please share photos and news by emailing Anna: amth.haynes@radley.org.uk

Messiaen – La Nativité du Seigneur (Organ Recital)

Thurs, 12 Jan | 8:30pm | Chapel

Join us for a free evening of one of Messiaen’s most iconic organ works, interspersed with readings, performed by Radley organ students and teachers.

Double Bass Day with David Heyes

Sun, 15 Jan | 11am-5:00pm | Silk Hall

A free one-day workshop focusing on ensemble playing for school aged children, Grade 3 and above with a masterclass for more advanced players and finishing with a short concert.

Screening of The Phantom of the Opera (1925 film) with live organ improvisation by Jonathon Hope

Sat, 28 Jan | 8:00pm | Chapel

Gunn Cup (Brass) Recital Class

Tue, 21 Feb | 8:00pm | Silk Hall

Radley College’s finest brass players compete for the Gunn Cup.

Music Tour Concert

Sun, 5 Mar | 6:00pm | Silk Hall

Highlights from the recent music tour to Lisieux and Honfleur, alongside performances by the Radley College Choral Society and Orchestra.

Njabulo Madlala – Opera Recital

Thurs, 9 Mar | 8:00pm | Silk Hall

A special guest recital from acclaimed South African baritone.

Colin Carr – Cello Recital

Tue, 14th Mar | 8:00pm | Silk Hall

A remarkable opportunity to hear this international soloist, chamber musician and recording artist.

Upcoming Music Events

Lent Term 2023 | All Welcome

MY radley

Iain Campbell has been teaching at Radley for 25 years. I tracked him down in the Classics Department and asked him to cast his mind back to his first visit here.

I grew up in Oxfordshire, going to school in Burford, so I knew of Radley before I joined. The first time I set foot here was playing cricket for Oxfordshire in 1988 against Transvaal Under 13s! I’d always thought I might well end up teaching, and after my degree in Classics I took a gap year and taught at a couple of schools in Cambridge and really enjoyed the boarding school environment. Early on in my PGCE course, two jobs came up at the same time, one at Radley and one at Eton and I had interviews for both. I got the Radley one, not the Eton one. Strangely enough, the guy who got the Eton job is still there as well.

I arrived in 1997 and immediately felt at home. I got married in 1999 and my wife, Sam, was working at a school in Wiltshire so I moved to Marlborough. Sam then got a job here, so after a year I moved straight back to Radley – which suited me fine! Sam was Director of Drama here for four years before we had children.

What has it been like raising your family here?

It’s been great – loads of safe, beautiful space and a lovely community. The only downside is the fact that you live in a bit of a bubble.

What’s kept you here for 25 years?

I enjoy the classroom, and coaching games – rugby, hockey and cricket – I think I’m up to a total of about 70 teams over the years. I’ve taken Colts 2 (Under 16) cricket for 22 years in a row. I find you get more out of the boys in the classroom if you know them from the pitches and I enjoy being able to make a difference with the lower teams. Last year I had a Midgets 6 team (Under 14) with a range of different nationalities and boys who had never played rugby before, but they were athletic, listened well and were really enthusiastic, so we ended up with a really rewarding unbeaten season.

Another of your passions is music – tell us about that. I freely admit to knowing nothing at all about music, but I’m a huge fan of Alternative Rock and Metal. I run Rock Soc which is pretty niche. It’s good fun and provides a nice home for a great mix of boys across the age groups.

What makes Radley a special place for you?

One of the best things about working here is the number of interesting and knowledgeable people in a range of fields. I’m always amazed at the enthusiasm and helpfulness of everyone who supports the teaching – Maintenance, IT, Grounds, Housekeeping, the Catering staff. I spend a lot of time on the sports fields and Radley’s pitches are without doubt the best I’ve seen anywhere. We are very lucky.

And day to day, what do you enjoy most?

Lessons and matches that just happen to go well, Common Room cricket and relaxing with colleagues or with boys in Social are all highlights for me. I’ve been attached to A Social since 2001 so I’ve seen a lot of boys through there and am on my fourth Tutor. I’ve never really known a job where you have a weekend, but the long weeks (and long Saturdays!) are balanced by the long holidays.

You’re Head of Classics – tell us about the academic side of life.

All Shells sit a Latin assessment when they first arrive as we tend to have a mix of abilities and experience, and then the setting is very fluid. Some beginners are very good linguists, but some are better suited to studying Classical Civilisation topics. Latin in the early stages can often suit the boys who are good at Maths – it’s quite logical and you can learn the patterns and apply them. Greek is also offered but isn’t for the faint hearted. We hope to get a GCSE set of eight or so, of whom two or three may go on to do A-Level. A few go on to study Classics at Oxbridge so it’s always a joy to see that progress.

What changes have you seen in your time?

The backgrounds of the boys are more varied than they used to be, which results in a much broader range of outlooks, so that is definitely a positive change. There are more specialist sports coaches and the standard of facilities has increased hugely. IT provision has transformed out of all recognition in 25 years.

Can you pick a highlight from your 25 years here?

A personal highlight was one of the Dons’ Plays from about 18 years ago – Sam directed a small cast in the first two acts of Noises Off. Many of the actors were very accomplished, it was good fun, the boys loved it and it was an amazing experience to be a part of – I still have great memories of it.

Iain Campbell, Head of Classics

A week in the life:

Harry Crump has been Tutor of D Social since 2011. He will take up his new role as Deputy Head (Co-Curricular) at the end of the academic year but before then he gives us an insight into life as a Tutor.

Monday

Days begin with the joys of registration. Trying to seek boys out before breakfast is important selfpreservation as you don’t therefore have to spend time later hunting those who slipped your grasp. Rachel McKeon-Clark (PHM, below far left) and I tag-team between 7am and 8am.

Tutors teach 2-3 lessons a day, which offer a pleasant change from working from home. At Short Break boys flock back to the Cocoa Room to work their way through several loaves of Best of Both, and risk short-circuiting the Social by putting those infuriating individual packets of butter on the toaster to melt for easy spreading.

Monday’s Coffee Concert is an oasis of calm in the day; the tacit agreement is that the Tutors’ Meeting won’t begin until the last note has sounded.

Supper time is usually marked by a little gaggle of Shells outside my study reminding me to unlock their phone from its captivity for their hour’s fix. Monday Chapel is Music night, when a boy plays something wonderful on something wonderful to the whole school. Boys sing their two hymns fulsomely: one of Radley’s great traditions that grows and grows. In between, a moment’s hush for evening prayer.

A non-resident Sub-Tutor helps with Prep; their target is to see and chat with every boy as they pass through the corridors, buying a Tutor time to see boys separately as required, check in with the Medical Centre, call parents, grab a bite to eat before Cocoa preparations. Cocoa extravagance varies by Social; in D it is Milkshake Monday, blender-blitzed with boy assistance.

Shells are up to bed at 9.30pm. The acoustic of our Patch doesn’t lend itself to peaceful slumber, so all outdoor play ceases at this point. The prefect on duty comes with the day’s tick-off sheet shortly after 10.30pm and I follow up on any gaps there might be: trips, illness, boys who have as yet evaded notice for whatever reason. A dose of emailing fills the gap until final rounds.

Tuesday

Boys set their own alarms but ‘help’ with wake-ups is required daily. In my PHM’s absence (day off), I squeeze these in on a Tuesday before Period 1. At Short Break there are always colleagues to see about various boys. Central Hour on a Tuesday is time to trot off to Orchestra where I struggle away with the intricacies of bowing Brahms. Afterwards, there are occasional Lacrosse matches (6.2) in the Michaelmas Term, hockey (Shell) in Lent and tennis (Fifths) in Summer.

By the time I get back from Chapel, Dr Ploix may already have ingredients lining the Cocoa Room and the whisk at hand ready to bravely embark on pancakes for 65. His being on duty either frees me up to attend some inter-Social competition (Debating or Chess, for example) or for a musical extravaganza such as the Strings Prize, the Gunn Cup, or the Guitar Prize, or even for an hour or two ‘off’.

Wednesday

With its truncated Central Hour, Wednesday flies. Lunch gives way to Activities with little fuss: 1.45pm is upon me and it’s over to the Astro for Lacrosse, or to summer croquet lawns (usually multi-tasking with my dog in tow so that he gets a stretch of the legs and can oversee the training regime). Social Prayers is a highlight of the week; having the Social Team together is valuable. Before the talk we are joined by the Head and Deputy Head of Social, who welcome the visiting speaker: often a member of Common Room – and there are some amazing contributors on this front – but also increasingly led by boys (our diet so far this year has included Brayden L (D, 6.1), Will M (D, 6.1), Freddie J (D, 6.2), Tom W (D, Shell) and Gabriel L (E, Remove)).

Post-Social Prayers discussion with colleagues usually morphs fairly directly into 9pm Cocoa in the kitchen at home. My role in preparation can be relatively limited here (though I have a well-practised melon-slicing technique), and I am always grateful to my wife, Hattie, for the batches of baking that she presents each week. Chocolate flapjacks are the most dangerous for one’s mile time.

of a Tutor

Thursday

Same morning pattern leading up to an early lunch and a Central Hour trip: I take D Social 6.1 boys to Pegasus and Orchard Meadow Primary Schools in Blackbird Leys. It is a tight turnaround: departure at 1.05pm and return by 2.30pm. The boys spend half an hour with Year 5 or 6 pupils reading a novel together, with boys probing and honing the comprehension skills of their mentees. Children’s faces light up as Radleians arrive: it is always a highlight.

The Thursday pattern echoes Tuesday’s, with minor alterations: one is the glee with which boys greet Congregational Practice. The Precentor’s perfect pitch example is imitated with gusto, if not exactly replicated. There is also the crucial addition of cheese toasties, which is a staple in the D boys’ weeks. Thursday night usually has a variety of talks or trips; if off site then it can be Friday already before Thursday wraps up.

Friday

Friday Central Hour presents an array of CPD possibility, with Miss Naylor’s PSHE programme seeing both internal and external speakers speaking with expertise to boys. After Short Games session and Periods 6 and 7, it is time to hand over the reins to the Resident Sub-Tutor and PHM. With D Social situated as it is, this doesn’t mean one misses out on Chapel completely, as the night before’s training pays off, with seven-hundred-and-fifty voices resonating across Chapel Quad.

Saturday

Match-day fever does bring a different feel. A little more zip in those first footsteps over to breakfast; extra purpose pushing boys through to the afternoon. Sometimes an Open Day (and touring a group of parents) fills the morning void, or (every third weekend) I enjoy the Saturday STEPS programme with local primary school children. Come kick-offs in the afternoon, I usually take the dog to the pitches in order to multi-task, and usually end up regretting it at around half-time, as he desperately tries to join in any cheering from the sidelines. And cheering there certainly is, particularly if the 1st XV are at home, with their slightly later start time to allow all other players and parent supporters to gravitate towards the closing moments of the match on Bigside and enjoy the finale. When this is heading the right way (from a Radley perspective) boys can be as vocal as they are in Chapel, if not quite so tuneful, bringing out one barely-rehearsed chorus after another.

Roll calls are at 7pm and 9.15pm. Even a busy Privi weekend (on which boys can go home on Saturday once their school commitments are finished) leaves around 40 boys in, which makes for a jovial, all-in atmosphere on a Saturday evening: Sixth Formers come back over from the JCR to find board games out, roast pork ready to carve, and a bit more liberality on bedtimes with the promise of the Sunday lie-in in wait.

Social Roll Call is at 9.45am (Choir members are long gone to rehearsal) for Chapel at 10am. Almost without fail a boy will have evaded the double PHM-Tutor wake-up and will streak in with tie askew and shoes being stamped into place as we make our way over to the service. 11am sees the odd boy heading off for a Sunday out, a modest queue for Oxford Leave chits, and the inevitable request from the Junior School to get the tech cupboards open. Thereafter Sunday is (in the main) space and time for a boy’s own thing. The golf course is hugely popular, tennis courts beckon, the Sports’ Hall can be booked, there is a Sunday open swim session... And there’s work, too: for many –particularly 6.2s who sense that UCAS Form forming. By the end of the day, and the end of the week, the Social should be back to capacity for the evening tick-off and a catch-up with boys as they head to (a hopefully mercifully early) bed.

Eat. Sleep. Radley. Repeat.

@RadleyDSocial

As part of the new vision and ambition for the Countryside Centre, last term saw the launch of an innovative new countryside partnership pilot programme between Radley College and Headway Oxfordshire, the brain injury support charity whose Activity & Rehabilitation Centre is located in Kennington.

Over a period of five weeks, three Headway service users – all survivors of a brain injury of one nature or another – and a member of Headway’s staff attended a weekly programme of countryside activities at the Centre.

Successful Partnership pilot

From the outset, it was wonderful to see the evident pleasure and enthusiasm that attendees and staff gained from working together in the fresh air of the countryside with the sheep, deer, ferrets and hounds. From learning how to handle ferrets, through to hand feeding a muntjac deer and refilling sheep hay troughs, it was clear that participants would not allow any mobility issues to prevent them from navigating their way around the Centre nor try new and unfamiliar activities.

While this initial pilot programme was run largely without Radley pupils, attendees were able to meet a number of pupils in the coffee shop during their penultimate week to talk through their experiences at the school.

The primary aim of this pilot programme was to assess how we could utilise the Centre to support the mental and physical rehabilitation of attendees through interaction and engagement with a range of animals and other countryside activities, while developing attendees’ sense of self confidence and independence.

After a few sessions of basic animal husbandry, all attendees were more than willing to throw themselves with increasing confidence into a range of other outdoor skills and activities. Subsequent weeks saw them learn, practice and succeed in making fire with a flint and steel, making and cooking simple flatbreads, shooting air rifles and cooking a sausage breakfast over a campfire. Routine stuff for many of us, but all remarkable achievements for adults who have suffered serious brain injury, some with quite significant restricted mobility challenges.

Was this pilot a success? In the subsequent debrief of all attendees, they most certainly thought it was, with all noting the hugely positive impact of this programme as part of their long-term rehabilitation. It is well known that neuroplasticity requires stimulus in a safe environment, and the facilities at Radley’s Countryside Centre proved well suited to providing exactly that. This term therefore will see a transition from pilot to established programme, retaining the current range of activities but it is hoped with greater involvement of Radley pupils working alongside Headway’s participants.

Charlie Herbert Director of Countryside Partnerships

Awareness to Agency

A journey towards meaningful action

Take a walk along Covered Passage and it will become apparent that working in partnership is not something new. Through collaboration Radleians have always widened their experiences, developed relationships and gained a deeper understanding of their environment.

The educational experience at Radley must remain relevant, and with planned and meaningful collaboration through partnership we can make long-lasting change, helping to shape the thinking and actions of our boys.

It is for this reason that the Awareness to Agency programme is developing. A programme which aims to equip each Radleian with the skills necessary to build relationships, understand societal challenges, and become that agent of change.

The programme develops over the five years of a boy’s life at Radley. Each boy is helped to become more aware of the challenges faced by certain communities and develop a self-awareness of their purpose within it.

Over time, the opportunities to work alongside our partners – in schools, charities, social enterprise companies – allow for a sense of adventure and activism, whereby skills of collaboration and responsibility further develop, highlighting the opportunities brought through the diversity of thought, ideas, and varying perspectives.

By the time a boy reaches the Sixth Form, we hope that he will begin to think of his own ways to engage beyond Radley, to show a growing empathy to speak up on behalf of others, and eventually leave with a true sense of his civic responsibility and agency to make positive contributions.

This year the Shells have already heard from the CEOs of two partner organisations – Oxfordshire Youth and Active Oxfordshire – who have highlighted the needs and challenges facing young people in Oxfordshire. The Removes have received talks from Old Radleians who work within the charitable sector, while the Fifths are engaged in a weekly Community Partnership programme; reflecting on the part they play in impacting the communities in which they are working.

It is most encouraging that an increasing number of boys in the Sixth Form are choosing to volunteer, many in local schools – including D Social in Blackbird Leys, C Social at Radley Primary School, L Social at St Swithun’s Primary School – citing it as some of the most enjoyable work they do at Radley.

An example of how our partnership work can have a profound doublebenefit, is a note from a primary school headteacher writing to a 6.1 boy who raised funds to take a group of children to the pantomime in Oxford.

“I just wanted to say thank you for taking our children to the pantomime today. I sat with them when they got back, and they were overwhelmed by how much fun they had. I hope you realise that what you have done today is offer 12 children an opportunity that they might not have again in their life.”

A seemingly small act which emphasises the need to first become aware and then be able to act to make a difference: Awareness to Agency.

MY radley

Lucy Johnsson, Foundation Executive

Lucy has witnessed many changes in the composition and focus of the Foundation team during her 10 years at the College. I caught up with Lucy to find out more about her role and the important work she and her team do.

I joined Radley in 2013 when a former colleague who was working in the Development office recommended me to the Development Director, Anthony Robinson, who was looking for a PA. Anthony and I hit it off immediately; I loved the College and the role appealed to me, so it all worked out incredibly well! The team was very different at that point. Anthony is an OR and former parent, previously on Council but also an entrepreneur in his own right, and he helped set up the Radley Foundation in 2000. There was also Jock Mullard who worked on publications and of course Hamish Aird who was here for 50 years in all. The team has changed a lot in 10 years and I realise I have now been here the longest!

What is the Foundation team’s role within the College?

Our focus is on engagement with the Radley community and fundraising. I work alongside Elisabeth Anderson (Development Director) and Henry Cosh (Associate Director, Radley Foundation) who are responsible for most of the fundraising, from major gifts to legacies, wider appeals and campaigns. The main remit of my role is stewardship. That means when someone has given a donation my role is to update them on the impact of their gift – it’s a truly lovely thing to be able to do.

Can you give us an example of the stewardship you’ve provided to donors?

The Hamish Aird Foundation Award was set up when Hamish left Radley – those who have generously donated to this fund had an emotional connection with Hamish and with Radley and wanted to give in his name. I organised a filmed conversation between Hamish and the three current Radleians who are in receipt of these awards. It was incredibly heart-warming to see the boys and Hamish connecting through their stories and memories of Radley –they developed a brilliant rapport by the end of the filming. Once edited (thank you Max!), the film was sent directly to the donors to this fund and shows not only how these talented boys are making the most of all Radley has to offer, but also how much Hamish enjoyed talking to them.

What makes Radley a special place for you?

It’s such a pleasure to work in such beautiful surroundings. I have a great team, who I get on with very well and who are all extremely good at their jobs. But aside from all of those important things, there’s something intangible that makes

Radley very special – I think it’s to do with the emotion and the memories connected with Radley – friendships and triumphs, sad and joyful memories. When you walk through the College with an elderly OR, you see the longer view and there’s something powerful in that.

Can you pick a highlight from your time here?

Yes – it’s one that encapsulates my stewardship remit and is related to the Armed Forces Fund which supports the children of service personnel who are killed or injured while serving their country. I was privileged to be able to trace the journey of one of the recipients of this award, Seymour Shaw. When I first arrived at Radley I worked on a film telling the stories of some of the families connected with the Armed Forces Fund, and his was one of the families I met through this, when Seymour was about eleven. I kept in touch with Seymour’s mother throughout his time at Radley and she was always so very grateful for the fund and the difference she felt it had made to their lives in what was a very dark time for them. When Seymour reached 6.2 I wanted to film a second video of Seymour and his mother talking to the Warden about the impact of the fund – it’s a very moving story.

What’s changed during your time here?

I think the biggest change came with JSM’s appointment as Warden in 2014. Our department shifted focus to help deliver the vision that John created with Council, particularly in terms of funded places which have become integral to the strategy of the College. The change in strategy brought the Foundation into a more central place within the map of the College’s future. While that aspect has changed, the feel of the place has not changed a bit.

Outside of work, what would we find you doing?

I love baking, and somehow became the Team Baker for a little while! My ‘Lucy Signature Cake’, which was always requested without fail for birthdays, is a strawberry sponge with fresh cream – now the team is a lot bigger I’ve had to step down as Official Baker in Chief!

What’s on top of your to-do list right now?

I’m currently putting together the itinerary for the Warden and Development Director’s trip to the Far East in March. I’m contacting the Radley Community there to set up meetings and social events. I try to create a tightly packed schedule so their time is used as effectively as possible!

Can you describe Radley in three words?

Beautiful. Memories. People.