Abingdonian 2017

93 www.abingdon.org.uk House Reports We then had some fine performances in the athletics, including the following: William Webb (first in high jump), George Patrikios (first in the discus), Nicholas Skelton (second in 800m), Oliver Elly (second in 1500m), Mark Kogan (second in B team 200m), Edward Cope (second in high jump), Tom Phillip (third in 400m and high jump), Oscar Mascuñan-Margetts (third in shot), Charlie Craig (third in 200m), and Oliver Leafe (third in discus). We had many outstanding individual successes throughout the year. George Strainge continued playing rugby for Wasps and was a stalwart of the 1st XV. Luke Wilson, Angus Williams and Matthew Johnson were also very valuable players. Tom Buckle was a school tennis star once again, as were George Strainge and Angus Williams. Nicholas Skelton is already a quite brilliant swimmer at regional and now national level, and has an amazing future to look forward to. Didier Delgorge continued to show his extraordinary star quality as a pianist, and Ashwin Tennant joined us as a precocious musical talent on both the piano and violin. Matthew Hoult is also a very fine musician, who earned an important award for his musicianship and contribution. Sam Farrar was hugely impressive in debating and MUN events for the school. Alasdair Czaplewski and Louis Brosnan are hot on his heels, and made tremendous contributions to school debating. Our inter-house debating champions were Samuel King and Zach Rhodes, who have a great future in this area. Ray Ren was the school number one in chess, with outstanding individual and team performances. Alister Jamieson also scored some fine wins, and Sebastian Watkins was our precocious new chess talent joining the house; he looks set to follow on Ray’s heels. It was a great year for us academically, especially at GCSE. Louis Brosnan, Jamie Chick, James Chung, Alasdair Czaplewski and Oliver Williams all scored a clean sweep of 10 A* grades, which shows outstanding application as well as ability. All of our boys did really well, and we were the top house in the school at GCSE. We were sorry to say two farewells. Mr Domm joined us a year ago to look after his sixth form tutor group. He engaged with them from the start, always happy to talk about current affairs and other issues. A good footballer and badminton player, he joined in to a level that impressed and encouraged the boys in his teams. His warmth and concern made him liked and respected by his boys. He goes on to a promotion, for which we wish him well. Dr Preece was the assistant third year tutor this year. He was popular with the boys for his friendly and caring approach, his patience and his sense of humour. He is stepping down to go part-time next year, having musical interests of his own to pursue. However, he will always be very welcome in Franklin’s. This has been a happy and successful year for Franklin’s. I would like to thank all the tutors for their tremendous efforts for the boys, and congratulate the boys themselves for their contribution and friendly co-operation. David Franklin