The penultimate week of term has been very productive with lots of sport, music and academic work crammed in. For our Year 11, it is all about mock preparation so I know revision materials have been issued. Our juniors are VERY excited for the end of term celebrations so I do not envy those colleagues who have to teach them next week. The end of the Christmas Term is a wonderful week with lots of fun and festivities for all. Mrs Rochester has sent an email outlining timings for the week so please check your inboxes.

Academic

As I mentioned above, Year 11 have their mock exams during the first week back and I urge them to give them the time and attention they require. The mocks are very good indicator of potential GCSE performance so the grades will certainly be used to inform any decisions/revision strategies going forward.

Sport

Rowing

The Boat club were racing in Rutherford last weekend with a fairly mixed set of results recorded. While some crews were rightly very pleased with their performance others felt they did not do themselves justice. Special mention to Luca RT and Johnny M placed 5th in the J18 quad, while the open band 2 quad, exclusively School House: Ed D, Alex PL, Matthew W and Toni G came 2nd, the open band 1 quad with Charlie R, Jason W placed 7th, while Alexander N coxed our beloved Miss Dowson and Miss Heslop to 2nd place in the open band 5 women's eight.

Rugby

Lots of games this week with far more wins than losses for the Rugby Club. Special mention to Louie m and Lucas H who made their refereeing debuts this week and I am sure will be kept very busy come 7s season! Standout wins of the week go to the U13 XV who played brilliantly to beat Dame Allans. Lots of Bungites involved with coaches giving a shoutout to Lucas F, Robbie S, Ethan B, Harry D James H, Max H and Kayode A. Both the U14 and U15 sides defeated Scarbough College last weekend with the U15s also winning against Dame Allans this week. The Hawks also won against the same opposition with Lucas H putting in a great shift.

Awards

An Academic award this week (given it is exam week this is a good effort!) has been awarded to:

Kayode A, Adam A, Ethan B, Sebastian C, Alex C, Harry D, Miles F, Sam F, Lucas F, Toni G, Vincent H, James H, Marcus H, Leo H, Hongyi L, Henry M, Johnny M, Louie M, Evan o, Tom R, Kanishk S, Lewis S, Robbie S, Arthur T, Miles V & Robert Z.

Well done to everyone listed above.

Meet the Bungite...

Alex Newton, Senior Boarder, Speaker of facts and Chauffer to the Stars.

1. Favourite Subject?

Considering the fact I am applying to study astrophysics, physics has to be my favourite, with its ability to predict the real world, and translate the world around us into universally understood mathematics, and an enjoyable level of difficulty, it is always a challenge. I can also use my physics knowledge to predict the trajectory of a football into Miss Heeleys head.

2. Favourite thing about School House?

My favourite thing about school house, is probably my wonderful housemaster Mr Y, the unpredictable and exciting nature of it, I live in the rural Scottish Borders, so the most exciting thing that happens back home is probably the occasional speed sheep shear, or a Sunday church service, so it is nice to come to School, and be right in the middle of the action, both physically in the middle of school while also always having something new going on.

3. Best thing about being a Bungnite?

It has to be the firm knowledge that we are significantly superior to all of the other houses, along with the envy all of the other houses feel as a consequence.

4. Aspirations?

Despite studying Astrophysics, my aspirations lie in finance, particularly corporate finance and investment banking, mergers, acquisitions etc. nice suits, skyscrapers, Microsoft excel and Powerpoint, trading, bonuses, and an early grave. What more could you want?

5. Advice you would give your younger self?

The amount that you think about any given random person, is the amount any other random person thinks about you, in other words, nobody is paying anywhere near as much attention to you as you think; in a good way, people do not pay anywhere near as much attention, to the spot on your chin, or the bad haircut, or the wrinkled shirt, as you do. Don't worry about judgement, because nobody judges you more than yourself.

6. Any advice for the new year 7's as head of house?

I would probably say not to worry about their future too much, while they still can afford to not worry about it. If you are here at DCSF (School House particularly) you are in a good place, and you will be guided and kept on the right path. By all means consider what you want to do, but don't worry about it. There are people here to help guide you and support you for the next best part of a decade, who really care, so leave obsessing about the future for later years.

Boarding

Lots of packing for the boys this week though a trip to Edinburgh is doing much to raise spirits! It is a full clearout of the boarding rooms this term which is no mean feat. The House closes at 6:45pm next Friday following the cathedral service. Parents are welcome to pop in before the service to loads cars and pick up any bags.

End of Term

Junior Suppers (7-10)- Wednesday afternoon, Christmas Jumpers, lots of fun, normal pick up time.

Senior Suppers (11-13)- Thursday Evening, Black Tie for all, formal evening (of sorts), pick up at 10pm.

Friday- Cathedral at 5:30, House closes at 6:45pm, parents can collect bags before cathedral if it helps.

House Keeping

With the end of term in mind, please encourage the boys to bring their kit home from their lockers and begin to bring books etc home for any holiday work. Boarding parents, please let me know of your sons travel plans for both leaving and returning to school.

I wish you all a restful and enjoyable weekend.

Mr Mark Younger Senior Housemaster, School House