PETERHOUSE NOSTALGIA

... MEMORIES ...

RECTOR'S 1996 SPEECH DAY ADDRESS

The theme at this year's Independent Heads' Conference at Nyanga was 'Excellence in Education' and I would like to use this as my theme this morning.

Why do parents spend their hard earned money on sending their sons to Independent Schools? In England, before a Labour government did away with grammar schools, and introduced the comprehensive schools, those parents who chose independent education often did so because they were looking for a boarding education for their son; also there was the prestige of the old school tie and the connections and network that went with it. Make no mistake, at that stage there were some excellent government schools in England, but the discerning parent was looking for something a little extra. Over recent years, however, the introduction of comprehensive education has seen a decline in academic and behavioural standards, and the independent schools are thriving because of the diminishing number of good government schools.

We are in a similar position in this country in 1996; but it is important that we do not rest on our laurels, just because our schools are full and are popular, but still strive for excellence. If I were a prospective parent deciding where to send a son to school what would I be looking for? First of all, I would be looking at the product. Each year, 96 fresh-faced youths join the school. Six years later, we hope that a group of charming young men will leave the school. I am certainly proud of our product, although I am afraid that for some short period in the middle, most of these boys will go through a stage where neither parents nor school is very proud of them. (I can see some parents nodding in agreement.) This is all part of the natural process of adolescence. Often the later this happens in one's upbringing, the more traumatic it is.

Certainly some of those who left Peterhouse in 1963 appear to be coping well. There has been a lot in the British Press recently about some of them. Neville Buch is chairman of the Blenheim Group of Companies in England, valued at 400 million. Nicholas Roditi has just been named as Britain's top earner, having earned 50 million pounds last year, more than twice as much as the number two on the list, and eight times as much as some other names that you might have heard of such as Andrew Lloyd Webber, Phil Collins and Eric Clapton. I hope that the Secretary of the Peterhouse Appeal has his address! Other leavers during that year were Rupert Pennant-Rea - the ex editor of the Economist and ex deputy governor of the Bank of England, and also Stuart Mattinson the chairman of our Finance Committee, who is a stockbroker. I asked Stuart how to make a small for- tune on the stock market. He replied 'Start with a large fortune'. Perhaps he could give some advice to Nicholas Roditi!

Please do not get me wrong; I am not implying that to be successful one has to make lots of money; there are other rewards. But certainly in the business world it is a sign of success.

But what of our present day leavers - will they cope as well? Certainly if they go into business they have a chance as they are likely to have been taught mathematics by Mr Greenacre, as the others were back in the sixties. I feel that our boys are well-prepared to cope with the problems of living and working, either in this country or elsewhere.

I would then look at the school's academic record, its sporting record, the quality of its staff, its facilities, the quality of its cultural programme and last but not least its pastoral care.

Exam results

The year started with our A level results in which we recorded an overall pass rate of 86%. At first, this seemed disappointing, as it was a drop from the year before; but it is in fact the second best results that we have ever obtained. Our O Level results were not quite as good but measured by the government standard of the percentage of those taking the exam who passed five O levels or more, we obtained a 93% pass rate and this, although again not our best, was creditable.

Later in the year, over 170 boys took our Entrance Examination for the 96 available places and I am glad to report that the best of those taking the exam were of a very high standard and we look forward to good results in years to come.

But do not set too much store by statistics. I am glad that we do not have exam league tables in this country as they do in England. The Headmaster of Cheltenham College has just been forced to resign because its position in the 'A' level league tables had dropped, while that of their neighbouring rivals, including, I am delighted to say, my old school Dean Close, had improved. But is this really what a school is all about? If this became the only criteria by which schools were judged I would obviously have to change my policy on the entrance examination and choose only academics; we would reduce our extra mural activities in the afternoon and do more lessons - but would we be a better school? (I can feel certain Heads of Department behind me nodding their heads vigorously!) We would be a different school, but I do not think we would be a better school.

My father has been keeping me up to date on the Cheltenham saga, bemoaning the situation and wondering what would have happened to x and y who were at school with me if there had been league tables when we were at school. Well x and y were not great academics, and nowadays, would probably not get into the school in the first place. But how much the school gained, and they gained, by their presence, and of course now x and y are both highly successful business men employing all those people who obtained the good 'A' level grades.

I feel that we have the balance about right here. I am not worried about allowing certain people to stay on for A levels even if they are not necessarily going to get high "A" level grades. I am only worried if their standard of work, or behaviour, is such that they are likely to reduce other peoples chances of good results.

First term

An excellent rainy season does have its drawbacks, and trying to run a boarding school when it rains every weekend is not easy, especially in this country where we cater rather more for outdoor than indoor activities. Consequently, most of our cricketers had no matches at all during the first term, and it was so wet that on our lower fields, a wicket was never even cut. Later in the term in our two main inter schools events in Athletics, we came second in both by narrow margins. The Peterhouse Interschools Relays and the Slazenger Trophy at the National Stadium were both impeccably run and involved a large number of our staff and boys in the organisation.

I am afraid that the end of term was rather overshadowed by the untimely death of Godfrey Chinyama, the Head of our Business Department. Godfrey had taught here for eight years until illness hit him during the course of term and after a spell in hospital, he died on the 24 March. This was a great loss to the Business Department which he had built up, and to the school in general.

Earlier in the term, we had decided to bring back our Fifth Form for a three week course in which we involved them in various activities, had various lecturers and also got them doing some community service in the local area. Judging by the comments I received, this was a success and although we are likely to adapt it, having learned from our experiences of last year, we will certainly be doing it again and various new exciting ideas are being explored.

Easter holidays

The Easter holidays were a time of rest for most, but there were also many activities organised by members of staff. The rugby team went to Johannesburg; the hockey team attended a tournament in Harare; a trip was organised to Tashinga where parents, boys and staff were able to enjoy the delights of the Matusadona, but also do some valuable research work for the National Parks. A 'Run for the Dogs' took place between Beitbridge and Chirundu and $47 000 was raised to help save the Wild Dogs in Hwange. At the end of the holidays, as if they had not had enough already, the rugby team again took to the field at The Prince Edward Festival.

I think it is a good indication of the dedication and quality of the staff that they are prepared to organise such activities during the holidays. One often finds that these are the same staff who are busiest during the term time, particularly over the weekends, and our staff this year has been particularly involved over fixture free weekends, as we have hosted the national schoolboy rugby trials and the national schoolboy cricket trials at Peterhouse, as well as the regional rounds of the Coca Cola Soccer Tournament.

It is important that these things go on, but it is also important that boys and staff have an opportunity to 'recharge their batteries'. What worries me about the government's proposed term dates for next year is that there will be little time to relax. We will continue to run activities during the holidays, and I know that there are various tours already organised, but I am concerned that if the government does not see sense and change these term dates, we are going to have some very tired boys by the end of next year; and some very tired teachers.

Second term

At the beginning of the second term we were very sorry to lose Dr George Turner who resigned after being the school doctor for 13 years. He will be affectionately remembered by parents and old boys alike and we are most fortunate that we were able to find a very capable replacement in Dr Kevin Martin. I can see that he is looking relieved, as his job was on the line if I did not have a voice this morning.

Also soon after the beginning of term, it was discovered that certain of our pupils had been smoking marijuana. This is always a shock to a school, especially one out in the country where one would have thought that we were safely away from the vices of the Harare nightclubs. It was ironic that most of those involved were in the Fifth Form and had attended one of the best lectures that I have heard on AIDS and Drugs, given by a young man who has got the HIV virus and who had also been involved in drugs. This is a problem that we have all got to face now, both parents and schools alike. All parents will be receiving a paper on drugs at the end of this term and it will also clearly state Peterhouse's policy on this.

It was about this time that I was reminded of a story of a colleague who, when taking over as head of a particular school, was handed three envelopes marked A, B and C by the retiring Headmaster 'If you ever have a crisis, open the first envelope.'

The first crisis occurred and the new Head opened envelope A. The message inside read, "Call emergency staff meeting, blame your predecessor and assure Common Room that this will never happen again". He did just that and all was well.

The second crisis occurred and he opened envelope B. The message read, "Call emergency staff meeting, blame yourself, and assure the Common Room that this will never happen again". He did just that and all was well.

The third crisis occurred. The Headmaster opened envelope C. The message read, "Prepare three envelopes"

The second term appears to be the longest of the year even if it isn't. It is certainly the busiest of the year, with more boys probably being involved actively in outdoor activities than in the other terms. Yet again we had a very successful rugby term in which we won 94 and only lost 19 of the games. The Ist XV lost more games than they usually do, but won 10, including two against strong touring teams, one from Scotland and one from Ireland, and four of our players were selected to travel to South Africa for Craven Week. In addition, six players were chosen for the National U16 Rugby team and all our junior teams had highly successful seasons.

The hockey players played against four South African schools in a tournament over Easter and in these they were rather outgunned by some good quality opposition. It took some time for the team to really get going and perhaps the highlights of the season were beating Michaelhouse and then coming third out of the six teams in the St George's Centenary Festival. We also had four players selected to travel to South Africa with the Zimbabwe Under 16 team. In hockey as well, the junior teams were very successful.

The soccer team won the Coca Cola Zonal Final but only came second in the district. They won the local NASH League and then went on a highly successful tour of South Africa in August, again achieving a notable win against our sister school Michaelhouse. At Squash, we again won the Interschools league and three of our players represented Zimbabwe in the South Africa Provincial Championships and three others would have done if it had not have been for other commitments and injury It is appropriate that we will shortly be opening the Petrean Squash Courts. When they are in use, we will have a squash complex which is worthy of the premier squash school in Zimbabwe, perhaps even in Southern Africa.

Our cricketers have had a mixed season but we were disappointed not to get any players picked for the National Under 19 side, especially as we had had convincing victories recently over Eaglesvale, St Georges and Falcon who between them supplied nine of the National side. We did get one representative in the Under 16 team and another one in the Under 14 team.

Our basketball players have recorded some very big victories against local schools and also qualified for the National Finals of the Leyland Tournament and one player was chosen for the Zimbabwe Under 16 team. We have some good young tennis players, but our senior teams found it tough going against the better tennis schools. I am delighted that Rowing has again taken off and there appears to be a lot of enthusiasm for this sport. The swimmers have done well and it was nice to see an Interschools gala at Peterhouse for the first time in many years. In addition, one boy represented Zimbabwe at swimming, four at Polocrosse and one at Polo.

Staff

I am sorry to say that we are losing some quality staff this year but I must also emphasise that I have managed to appoint some excellent replacements.

At the end of last term, we said goodbye to Ed Katso who was Head of Science and had taught biology at Peterhouse since 1988, having also taught here between 1977 and 1980. He was also a boy at Peterhouse during the 1960's. In addition to his teaching he coached soccer and squash and was also master in charge of chess, lie is not here today, but I would like to thank him for all his efforts over the years.

Joan Sandall has been our Sanatorium Sister since 1984. Joan is one of those marvellous nurses who inspires confidence in boys and parents alike but has also been someone who is quick to spot the malingerer. In addition to looking after the Sanatorium, she has master-minded the school's gardens over the last few years; not an easy job during the drought. We hope not to lose touch with her as she has volunteered to come back and keep an eye on the gardens. Now that we have a regular supply of water, this should be a rather more rewarding task. To Joan and Roger who, in the past, has run the estate, we say farewell and thank you for a job well done.

We are sorry to say goodbye to Barry and Roseanne Percival at the end of this term. Barry has been a member of the Art Department for the last six years and Roseanne has taught Pottery. In addition, Barry has run the Hockey, run Gosho Park, been Assistant Housemaster of Founders and has recently been in charge of Christian Forum. Barry is one of those schoolmasters who always says "yes" if one asks him to do an unpleasant job. Perhaps his first love has been Gosho Park, and during his time in charge of it, an enormous amount of work has gone into the park. New buildings have been erected and there have been some exciting new additions to the animal population. We will certainly miss Barry's enthusiasm and it will also be a sadness not to see him and his delightful family around the campus. They are not going far; just to the other side of Marondera where he is due to become the Senior Master at Lendy Park with a view to becoming Headmaster when George Martin retires. To Barry and Roseanne, we say au revoir but not goodbye. We wish you all the best in your new venture and look forward to receiving some of your ex pupils in years to come.

George Gibbons also retires at the end of this term having taught here for five years. He has been Head of History during that time and there have been some impressive history results during his reign. He has run the tennis and coached hockey and has also been our Archivist; I hope that as many of you as possible will be able to visit the display of Peterhouse and Gibbs Archives which is in the boardroom of the Humphrey Gibbs Centre which he has organised. Of particular interest to Petrean parents here are some albums of photographs of pupils taken during the sixties. George is retiring back to Harare where, no doubt, a bit of spare time will see an improvement in his golf handicap at Royal Harare. George, thank you very much for your commitment to the school.

After four years of teaching in the Biology department, Trupati Mehta has decided it is time to spread her wings and move away from Marondera where she grew up. She will be going to England and we will all miss her good humour and cheery face. While she has been here, she has had an excellent pass rate in her O Level Biology sets, and has also coached hockey and kept rowing ticking over during the difficult period where we had nowhere to row. She has also been a house tutor in Founders. In addition to her activities here, she has found time to take part in a Miss India Competition in Harare, which she very nearly won, as well as cooking curries for Commonroom Suppers and reading our palms. Trupati , we wish you all the best in your new ventures and hope that you will keep in touch with us.

Music

There has been some good music this year and in particular it was a privilege to receive a visit from Murray Somerville, who is a Petrean and one of the world's foremost organists. At present, he is the organist at Harvard University. We expect the music to go from strength to strength with the arrival next term of a new Director of Music.

This year also saw the return of the Interhouse singing competition which was a most enjoyable evening for the boys and the audience. We also reinstated the Inter House Quiz which used to take place annually for the Carter Cup, which was donated by the present Chairman of EXCO when he was a parent. Unfortunately our school quiz team did not fare so well in the National High Schools Quiz.

Tinokura

After nine years in Tinokura, Allen French has decided that it is the right time to hand over, and I know that generations of Peterhouse boys have been grateful for his sympathetic handling of the start to their Peterhouse career. He will now be freer to concentrate on his duties as Second Master and Director of Students. We are hoping next term to start our own Teacher Training Scheme at Peterhouse and Allen will be in charge of this. In his position as Second Master, he is also in charge of new teachers and the appraisal system, so he certainly won't be taking a back seat. I am delighted to say also that his wife, Sandy, will be joining the Sanatorium Staff and that Jenny Milne will be taking over from Joan Sandall as Sister-in-charge of the Sanatorium.

Pastoral care

Lastly, the pastoral side. What steps are we taking to improve the pastoral care of our boys? This year, we started a Counselling Committee under the Chairmanship of the Chaplain and some of the members have been on courses and they have already held a workshop with members of staff. They will be making recommendations before the end of this year to me. I am also keen to increase the numbers of adults who are involved in Houses and to have a bigger adult presence actually living in the House. During the eighties there was a lot of pressure in the Houses for more study space and unfortunately this meant that in some of the Houses, the House Tutor's flats were taken over. I feel we need to put these flats back into Houses and we are drawing up plans to do this over the next couple of years. Certainly, we hope to start by building a new study block in Snell which will have a House Tutor's flat attached to it.

You may feel that I have only touched lightly on certain areas but this is mainly because I do not want to steal the Head of School's thunder. I would like to pay tribute to him, his deputy and the other school prefects for the job that they have done this year. Prefects are not just figureheads who have privileges and order small boys around. I see their major job as helping the Housemaster to look after the welfare of the boys in their House. Those of you who will be appointed prefects next year will have great responsibility thrust on your shoulders. Use it wisely. You will learn more about yourself and about man-management during next year than in any of your previous five years.

A fellow headmaster was asked how he coped with the strains of the job and how he slept at night. He replied "I sleep like a baby. The first hour I sleep, the second hour I cry, and the rest of the night I am on the bottle" Ladies and gentlemen, I now know exactly what he meant. I would like to say how touched Tiggy and I have been with the response of the whole school community to the arrival of Charlotte, the first baby to be born to a Rector while in office. At least I did not have the same experience that an expectant father did in London who rang the hospital to see how his wife was getting on. By mistake he was connected to Lord's Cricket ground. 'How's it going?' he asked. 'Fine' came the answer, 'we've got three out and hope to have the rest out before lunch. The last one was a duck'.

Excellence in education. Any school that becomes complacent will very quickly lose its way. We are not complacent and we are trying to improve the school in every area and I personally am confident that I have the staff to do it.

Thank you very much.

MW BAWDEN
Rector