Senior House Hockey

Last Friday, Skipwith played in the challenging games of house hockey against Burr and Welsh House.

For the first match against Burr, things didn't go exactly as planned and Skipwith lost 3-0.

However, in the Welsh match, of which they were down 2-0 at the end of the first half. However, the strong encouraging words of captain, Ian Brown, stayed in their minds throughout the second half. With goals from James Riley and Alex Campbell (x2) Skipwith won the match 3-2.

A mixed bag all round but congratulations for everyone that played.

House Singing. Skipwith- 3rd Place

Yesterday, after singing 'Jailhouse Rock' and 'Iris', the judges' scores were announced. Skipwith came 3rd with 'Jailhouse Rock' and 2nd with 'Iris'.

Left is a picture of Nick Bond who played the guitar for both songs. Without him it wouldn't have been possible to get where we got so, 'thank-you,' to him.

A huge thanks must also go to Mr Bradley who stuck with it, even though there were times when it didn't look as if it was going to come together.

Here are some more photos from yesterday's event:

(Above) "The moment the judges' scores were announced!" Just kidding! From left to right: Katherine Howells, Daisy Gresswell, Shana Hicks, Ashley Copeland and Tom Merryweather, singing 'Iris' by the Goo Goo Dolls.

Here are some more photos of 'Skipwith Gaol Choir' singing 'Jailhouse Rock':

Finishing touches to the House Singing

Practise for both songs have been happening all day today. Every break and lunch has been taken up with rehearsals and a flurry of activity. With these practises, it seems that 'Jail House Rock' has finally come together and is now of a high standard.

However, there was a disaster at lunch. Whilst tuning his guitar from 'Jail House Rock' to 'Iris', Nick Bond's 'g' string broke (not like that!). Mr Bradley has rushed off into Reading to buy a new string and frantic calls have been made to parents in order to bring in new guitars that Nick could possibly play. But, both songs are sounding brilliant and we have a good chance of winning both songs.

Let's hope a new guitar is able to be found that Nick can play and good luck to everyone taking part this year. It has been a phoenomenal effort on everyone's behalf and Skipwith will be happy with whatever position they get. As they say "It's the taking part that counts." But, as I like to say, "Taking part is no where near as good as winning..." Come on Skipwith!

House Music tomorrow afternoon!

Skipwith have been practising Jail House Rock all this week and the non-compulsory song: Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls is coming along well.

In the non-compulsory song there are 10 Skipwithians: Nick Bond, Tom Merryweather, Daisy Gresswell, Ashley Copeland, Shana Hicks,Katherine Howells, James Hargreaves, Max Watson, Jordan Gibson and Alex Williams.

Here is a link to the video on YouTube, have a listen as it is an amazing song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdYWuo9OFAw&ob=av2e

Lets hope that all the hard work Skipwith have put in pays off! Good luck to everyone taking part!

House art

Just an update about the house art results that were revealed today in assembly. Even though Skipwith had a large number of entries and 5 individual prizes were awarded to members of the house, Skipwith only came joint third with Everett.

In year 9, Jordan Gibson came first in the Drawing category for his charcoal and pencil drawing of a young child. In year 10, Jasper Hurst came second in the painting category for his portrait work. In year 11, Harry Hogan came second in the photographic category for his Elephant and baby painting. In year 12, Nick Bond came second in the painting category for his surrealist approach to the different seasons. It was unique in the sense it was painted onto slates to give it a more natural feeling. In the top end of the school, James Dempster came second in the painting category.

Thankyou to everyone that entered the house art since they helped to put Skipwith in third place.

Welcome 2012!

Another year gone and another one to look forward to. Exams are already taking place with recent sittings for AS Biology and iGCSE maths.

A number of changes have occurred in the house such as the new showers in the Year 11 toilet but perphaps more importantly there is another author to this blog. He shall remain anonymous to keep you all guessing and then in an event similar to when the Stig was revealed on "Top Gear" the author shall be revealed.

House music is coming up soon which will be run by Mr Bradley and Nick Bond. Let's hope that we win that house event! The song choice hasn't been decided yet so there is still time to practise some dance moves.

I hope that 2012 is as good a year as 2011 but I do hope to win some more awards for the house to show a true reflection of the people that make up the house and all it's glory.

September Paintballing

Athletics Standards

As can be seen from the numerous photographs included here, all pupils took an active role during two weeks of Athletics Standards. So many boys put in so much effort during the two afternoon but perhaps, again, a few boys let the House down by not completing all the events that were available. We should not dwell on these few too much though, but congratulate those who did their very best for the House. The most impressive year group was year 10 as there were no gaps at all on the results sheet, showing that they all completed every event -well done indeed! Houses will now need to select their best athletes, in the right events, in readiness for the Athletics Championships on Friday 10th June.

Junior to Senior Tennis

James Bailey (pictured), Skipwith Y9, has been playing tennis superbly for Shiplake's Junior tennis team. With availability being affected by examinations, James was also thrown in at the deep end when he represented the College's Senior 1st VI a couple of weeks ago. I am sure James will keep his feet on the ground and strive for even greater quality but he should be congratulated on his achievements so far; his College tennis future is looking extremely bright!

Like a duck to water.........

.........or water off a duck's back?!

Difficult to beat these?! - but a prize for the best one-liner on this photo (email to the Housemaster)