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6
ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE
Humanitarian Society
The Humanitarian Society was set up to give St
Edward’s pupils opportunities to make a difference
in our local community. Eager to build on the contact
made with primary schools in Blackbird Leys at the
Readers Make Leaders event, pupils organised a visit
to Pegasus Primary School where they coached sport,
played games and worked on craft projects. As ever
with events such as these, the pupils returned feeling
that they had received much more than they had given.
Pictured above is Julius Nyonyo (
Caldicott
) with Lola.
TheTempest
By Sixth Former Armela Lasku
In November, a group of pupils taking English at A Level or as one
of their Higher Level IB subjects gathered at the Lodge to embark
on a trip to watch
The Tempest
at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in
Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare.
Before the play began, we had time to appreciate the imposing
structure of the set, where jagged, towering remnants of a ship’s hull
dominated the stage. The play itself was incredible. From the very
beginning, we were all on edge, eagerly awaiting the actors in their
stunning costumes. This production saw the return of celebrated
actor Simon Russell Beale to the Royal Shakespeare Company to play
Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan.
The digital technology was breathtaking, perfectly complementing
the on-stage action. Lighting effects as magical as the powers that
Prospero himself possessed had a forceful effect on the audience.
The storm scene was particularly effective; the use of video projection
created a threatening sky full of dark, scudding clouds.
Although the whole play was great, my favourite part was the
portrayal of Miranda, played by the talented Jenny Rainsford; she
was bold and courageous, whilst still showing her gentle side. I also
enjoyed watching Mark Quartley who played Ariel – it was fascinating
to think that he had once been a pupil at St Edward’s (see page 24 for
Mark’s reflections on his time at Teddies). After the play, the journey
back to School was calm and tranquil, as most of us fell asleep after
a highly entertaining evening watching the best play I’ve ever seen.
Armela was previously at Matthew Arnold School.