Cricket and Soccer tour to South Africa

During the Easter break 40 boys from Years 9 and 10 descended upon South Africa on a soccer and cricket tour. Whilst in Cape Town we played 3 cricket and 3 soccer matches – our cricket club opponents were Western Province, Bellville and Edgemead. The under 15s emphatically won their first match against Western Province by nine wickets with Tom Deacon taking an incredible 6 wickets for 13 runs including 4 wickets in 4 balls and 6 wickets in 9 balls. Unfortunately the under 14s didn’t quite start off on a winning streak but top score of the day went to Osman Mirza with 46 runs, slightly overshadowed by Josh Banks, receiving a first ball duck. After the game all the players enjoyed a dip in the open air pool at WPCC in the shadow of Table Mountain. It was a common theme that cricket would be followed by a ‘brai’ (the South African equivalent to a barbecue) which consisted of chicken legs, chicken burgers and even chicken kebabs with salad and potatoes.

Our three soccer matches whilst in Cape Town were against Edgemead, Vasco de Gama Academy and Durbanville. It was hard adapting to both the heat and the style of play against our opposition however both teams ran out victorious in their first game. During our stay we also experienced many of South Africa’s famous sights including Table Mountain which proved to be an impressive view. We also visited the penguins at Boulders Beach, the Institute of Sport, Newlands Cricket and Rugby stadiums, Seal Island and finally to Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope.

I think I speak for everyone who came with us when I say it was a fantastic trip and I would like to thank the four teachers who took us: Mr Leach, Mr Longhurst, Mr Ling, and especially Mr Parker for organising the tour.

Click here to see the full version of this report.

Report by Scott Wilsher, 10M

Year 7 visit to Whipsnade Zoo

The Biology Department took the Year 7 boys to Whipsnade Zoo on Wednesday, June 30th. We studied the appearance and behaviour of animals such as penguins, reindeer and camels and discussed how they are adapted to the habitats in which they live.

Students also heard a talk by one of the zoo staff about the role the zoo plays in conservation and breeding programmes for animals including the sand lizard and red kite. It was a thoroughly enjoyable visit and, as Ethan Peters (7R) put it, ‘the animals we saw and the moments we had were unforgettable’.

Success in the Biology Challenge by Year 10 Students

The Society of Biology sets the Biology Challenge annually for pre-GCSE pupils to test their knowledge of the subject. The Biology Department is delighted that this year eight Year 10 John Lyon students demonstrated their excellent knowledge and have achieved the following awards:

Stephen Bennett – Silver award
Robert Gardiner – Bronze award
Theo Gelernter - Bronze award
Aqeel Khalid – Bronze award
Min Woo Oh - Bronze award
Ibrahim Qureshi – Bronze award
Andrew Rolfe – Bronze award
Stefan Zivkovic – Bronze award

Science Day at Harrow School

On 8th June six members from the Year 9 Gifted and Talented group visited Harrow School to try some interesting science practicals in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. We were separated into three groups. Firstly, in the Physics session, we investigated the acceleration of free fall in which we had to use a sensor to witness the velocity of a falling object. Our result of 9.774 m² was quite close to the real equation of 9.8 m².
Next we moved on to the Biology session where we did an experiment using immobilising enzymes which break down sugar in milk. We discussed the pros and cons of immobilising enzymes and how enzymes are used in different industries, for example in the making of lactose-intolerance products.

Lastly, in the Chemistry session, we carried out an Iodine-clock reaction. Using the method of trial and error, we diluted liquid B and mixed it with liquid A to try and get the correct proportion so that the reaction would last one minute. We did well and our reaction lasted 58 seconds.

The day was very exciting and we learnt a lot while having fun.

Harsh Talati 9V and Jaipal Mandair 9B

Boulogne sur Mer

On 18th June a group of Year 8 boys left school at 6:00am for a trip to France. After our journey on the Shuttle we boarded our coach for a drive through the countryside, the scenery was breathtaking, especially when we were over a very high bridge.

We came to a baker’s shop in Neufchâtel-Hardelot some time later, and were given a tour round by one of the bakers whose French we tried our best to translate. After a successful attempt at making croissants and pains au chocolat from rolled dough, we were each given a freshly baked one and enjoyed a few minutes outside eating this delicious French food before driving on to Boulogne-sur-mer.

We went to the old fortified town which is surrounded by a huge wall and ramparts and after the teachers had arranged a meeting point, we set out armed with a map and a questionnaire to fill in with instructions not to leave the walled city. We had a spot of lunch before our next stop at Nausicaa Sea World Museum which was just by the coast. Inside, the sea world proved to be as breathtaking and spectacular as I had hoped. From finding Nemo (a little clown fish) to dangerous sharks, it was a memorable experience. A quick stop in the little sea shop and then off to the biggest supermarket we had ever seen. Then, after a wonderful but tiring and long day came the drive home. On the motorway, we listened to the England v Algeria football match on the radio.

A huge amount of thanks to Madame Guyomard, Mrs McBratney, Mrs Morris and Mr Jones for such a special day out.

Yahya Bachelani 8P

An active year for the Art Department

2009 -2010 has been a very busy and active year for the Art Department and pupils, with many trips and exhibitions taking place throughout the year.

Pupils in Years 10 and 11 made visits to The Tate galleries, The Wallace Collection, Whitechapel Gallery and the Saatchi Gallery to support their GCSE coursework and develop their analytical art skills. Year 12 and 13 visited the Royal Academy, Cork Street galleries and the coast of Aldeburgh for site specific drawing and photography work.

Our pupils in Year 11 visited New York in the October half term, which was very exciting and rewarding, exploring the rich artistic culture and shopping the city has to offer. We visited Coney Island with the old wooden roller coaster and its boardwalk, Soho for its arty shops and of course Moma, The Metropolitan and The Guggenheim as well as the many cafes and restaurants for which New York is known and loved. A big hit with the boys was Ellen’s Diner where they had actors from musicals singing to them as they ate.

This year all boys in Years 7, 8 and 9 spent a day at the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery exploring the history of Art with the galleries Art educators and then making studies of the works with their teachers. This was a fantastic opportunity for all boys and will help them develop their knowledge and understanding about the world of art.

At the end of the Summer Term a selection of our Year 11 and 12 students have taken part in a two-week summer school at the London College of Communication, working with degree tutors exploring and creating animation and developing portfolios. This is part of the partnership we have with LCC, which has also included their tutors giving us in-house training, judging work in our exhibitions and also early interviews for Art College.

We were very proud this year that Daniel Cordas was not only shortlisted from over 1,300 entrants for the Royal Academy Summer Show Schools prize but he was selected as a winner for a fantastic photographic work of art.

Ms Hope, Head of Art & Design

Lecture by Trevor Baylis

On 25th June, all students in Year 9 attended a special lecture in the Speech Room at Harrow School, to hear the eminent inventor Trevor Baylis OBE. Trevor was charismatic in his delivery and his lecture was both inspiring and educational. Trevor captured the imagination of the students and they were in awe of his prototypes and inventions, which included the electric walking stick as well as various versions of his patented wind-up radio (which had previously been presented to Nelson Mandela).

Students from the JLS relished the opportunity to meet a ‘real life inventor’ and this enrichment experience further reinforced the Science Faculty's commitment to broaden students' scientific curiosity.

Mr Rana, Head of Science

Shadowing the Carnegie Prize

Keen readers from Years 7, 8 and 9 travelled to Northwood College on 21st June to discuss their favourite shortlisted Carnegie books. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day and gave inspiring presentations on one of their chosen books. At the end of the day, votes were cast in a mock election for the favourite book. The clear winner amongst JLS pupils was Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick.

An Enriching Science Trip for Year 8

On 5th July,Year 8 were given the opportunity to further enhance their learning and enjoyment of Science, by visiting various exhibits and galleries at the Science Museum. The programme was specially designed to further develop their scientific curiosity, whilst engaging with practical activities.

The Force Field motion theatre allowed students to feel the impact of a Saturn V rocket launch. Students had the ultimate multi-sensory experience as they saw, heard, felt and even smelt what it was like to be a part of the ground-breaking Apollo missions.

The new 3D IMAX film ‘Hubble’ amazed and stunned both students and staff alike. The visual effects were outstanding, as we accompanied space-walking astronauts as they attempted the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history.

‘Space in your Face’, was the highlight of the day as the boys actively participated in a series of experiments and demonstrations. Our students creditably answered questions and positively engaged in this fast-paced action-packed extravaganza of a show! Bangs, booms, explosions, and cheers filled the room as real life science was cleverly brought to the students.

We finished the day at Launchpad; the hands-on gallery where students developed their understanding of key themes and explored aspects of Light, Materials, Energy Transfer, Forces and Motion, Electricity and Magnetism and Sound. There was a real buzz of excitement and students enthusiastically enjoyed all of the practical, interactive science opportunities available to them.

Mr Rana, Head of Science

Sport Report

Athletics - The Summer Term has proved to be very successful, with a number of School records broken. Luke Roach Christie threw an unbelievable 15.09 meters in the U16 shot-put competition, not only a JLS record but also ranking himself second in the UK. Anthony Jeffrey achieved another record running the 100 meters in 11.3 seconds. One of our elite long distance runners, Bhavesh Soneji, has broken the School record for 1,500 meters, by completing the race in 4.25 mintues. Thanks to Mr Jones who runs training sessions for the athletics team on a regular basis. This has resulted in 12 JLS boys representing Harrow in the County Championship.

Cricket - The fine weather this term has complemented the JLS season with the 1st XI team reaching the semi-finals of The Middlesex Cup and the U15s remaining in two competitions: the semi-finals of The 20/20 Middlesex Cup and the quarter-finals of The Open Middlesex Cup. The U12s got off to an encouraging start by winning four of their games to reach the third round of The Middlesex Cup.

The U14 A team narrowly lost to Claremont School in the 2nd round of The Middlesex Cup but achieved excellent wins against Enfield, Mill Hill and St. Benedict’s. Outstanding bowling performances include; 3 wickets for 4 runs against Whitmore High School bowled by Yashas Mudumbai, and Mateen Mirza who ended up with figures of 4 wickets for 11 runs against Mill Hill and took another 5 wickets including a hat-trick, against St. Benedict’s.

Asantha De-Alwis, PE Department

Upper Sixth Monitors 2010/11

Monitors

Head Boy: Milan Patel

Music: Jake Bhanji
Drama: Ed Cornforth
Art: Shiv Mistry
Year 7: Rian Karia
Library: Matthew Nelson
Charity & Community: Saif Al-Saraf
Gifted & Talented: Rahul Gandhi
Support Monitor: Niral Bharat
Links: Omar Nwoku

Heads of House

Butler: Alex Sloan & Matthew Gooder
Moore: Michael Hoy
Norwood: Elliott Ross
Vaughan: Rory McCabe