House Events

We saw Hazelwell undergoing major development with the refurbishment of ‘The Red Dragon’ – the Sixth Form Common Room now equipped with a darts board, pool table and
TV. The boys enjoyed a whole host of weekend activities including trips to high ropes courses, paddleboarding, go- karting and rollercoaster parks. In House we also held several Dragon Team events and saw heated competitions including football tournaments and scavenger hunts.

Charity

We focused on our charitable organisation: the Cornerstone Centre. Set with the goal of running 1,000 miles, it’s been a pleasure to see the boys getting active in the mornings and even participating in the Eastnor Mud Bath this April. Congratulations for this go to both Angus G and Noah O for their amazing efforts in the 6km and 10km respectively. The boys’ efforts finally culminated in a wonderful evening of music and drama organised by Ryan C, which featured the story of Snow White, a pop duet, various classical pieces and even a communal sing-along to ‘Sweet Caroline’.

Academic

The boys continued to show a genuine passion and determination for their studies, with Full Academic Colours being awarded to Max CH, Ryan C, Gareth T and Tristan E, and Half Colours going to Xander M, Thomas W-G and Johnny C. We were also proud to congratulate Bhavya J on his selection for the British Maths Olympiad, having achieved the highest in College for the competition, and to Taka M, Daniel Q and Gareth T for their own Gold Awards in this event. The boys got involved and presented in a wide range of societies, with special mention to Max CH and Tristan E for their appointments to senior roles in Morley and UCS respectively. It was also fantastic to see Justin W achieving highest in the school in the Chemistry Olympiad, with four other awards being given to those in our Lower Sixth. Three students gave Chapel talks on the virtues of wisdom, peace and forgiveness, along with a fantastic singing solo from Miss Vaughan and a talk on ‘the power of Chapel” by Mr Hayes.

Drama and Music

We took to the school stage with involvement in Great Expectations and Orwell’s 1984. Special mention goes to Sebastian B, Tom H, Xander M and Max CH on being awarded Drama Full Colours and to Oliver E, Aaryan M, Sam P, Ludovic R and Sebastian M-T for their outstanding performances in the Variety Show in Autumn. Music continued to thrive also, as members of the choir and ensembles such as Symphony Orchestra and Wind Band took part in the College Concert in December, including debut performances from both Cyrus Y and Alexander C, our two new Lower Sixth this year. We also saw a host of talented musicians involved in other school showcases, lunchtime concerts and competitions, and were hugely proud of Hazelwell’s heart-wrenching performance of ‘Budapest’ in House Singing. Music Half Colours were awarded to Ryan C and Gareth T.

Sport

We have seen a number of sporting successes, notably returning the badminton House Pots trophy to our shelves for the third consecutive year. Congratulations go to Rex Y for his efforts, having also won the Gloucestershire U18 badminton tournament this year. We also won the basketball House Pots, just one week after a tense ‘training match’ against our very own teachers! Special mention goes to Zac F for his outstanding performances in both events and to Thomas W for being awarded MVP. We saw strong performances from both Lower and Upper College in rugby, hockey and football – with Aaryan M captaining the 3rd XI team in successful fixtures and both Thomas W-G and William S playing in this year’s annual Charity rugby match against Sir Thomas Rich’s. The boys were involved in swimming galas, rowing fixtures, rackets tournaments and polo matches, with special mention going to Arav A for his performances in squash and to both George S and William S for their 50m victories in swimming House Pots. Externally, we were also immensely proud to see Edward C representing Great Britain in the European Shooting Championship and for Max F’s county performances in both hockey and cricket.

Farewells and Thank Yous

On a final note, we must say a bittersweet farewell to not only our Upper Sixth, who have been shining ambassadors to Hazelwell and College alike over the last five years, but also to the students and teachers who must leave us this year. The House is devastated to see Mr Ballentyne move to Newick House, and while the offer to camp out in the shed is still open to him, we’ll all miss him dearly if he declines. Our thoughts also go to those who won’t be returning and we wish them all the best. The boys are so grateful for all the work done over the year by our Housemaster Mr Hayes, resident tutors, tutors, matrons and support staff. We want to thank you all for your constant help. Congratulations go to Max CH for his position as Deputy Head of College for the coming year.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College
Endeavour: Sam H, Daniel Q

Upper College
Endeavour: Max CH, Gareth T
Tanner Biology: Ryan C
Politics: Xander M
Extended Project Qualification (Artefact): Alexander C
Ian Marsden Chemistry: Justin W
IT – Cambridge Technical: Aaryan M
Adams Prize: Rex Y
Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prize Spanish: Ivan L

House Editor: Tristan E