Simpson - Boys

2007-2008 House Report

This year, Simpson was once again successfully represented in everything from music and drama to sport and academic pursuits. One of the best things about life in a boarding house is being able to share these success with each other.

A fantastic way to start the year was the way in which Simpson swept the board at the annual House Music competition. A very apt rendition of ‘The World’s Greatest’ was triumphant in Best Boys Choir whilst Martin Kwok’s stunning solo was the clear winner in his category. Another great performance, this time of ‘Drive’ by our ensemble helped us to victory in the overall competition, with every member of the house contributing to a memorable success.

Four of the school’s finest minds then came together to represent Simpson for the Academic Challenge. Alastair Hunt and Etienne Melville, coming off the back of academic colours for their performance at GCSE, were joined by Richard Parker and Tom Fleming. However, Simpson unfortunately finished second, mainly thanks to Mr Kennedy’s somewhat lacking peripheral vision…or perhaps it was just our coloured shirts!

In Cross Country, Simpson scooped both the junior and intermediate titles, well captained by Tom Fleming. Tom also managed a silver at the Scottish Schools Cross Country, as well as having the role of Captain of School for the academic year. Particular individual success also came from Fergus Baird in equestrian, Etienne Melville in rugby (Caledonia U17, Reserve Scotland U17) and Alasdair Cameron in tennis (British Mixed Doubles Finalist). Ben Melville and James MacAllister gave an excellent comedy performance in the school musical ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’, upholding Simpson’s long tradition of dramatic excellence.

The summer term was another very successful one for Simpson. Our juniors comfortably won the cricket competition, whilst our team of James Gray, Andrew Lyons, Ruairidh Watson, Mike Wells, Alastair Hunt and Alasdair Cameron once again retained the House Tennis crown. Probably the finest moment for Simpson was our last gasp victory on Sports Day, when the entire competition was decided upon the final 4x100m relay, brought home by Julian Essen in first place. Our new trademark celebration ‘Oofta’ was brought out for the party, thanks to our new German friends Robert Leverkus and Julian Essen.

We were very lucky to be joined by some fantastic exchange students this year. Freddy Hamilton of Tasmania for the first term and Ryan McEwan of New Zealand for the last both brought their own humour and culture to our boarding house, and we hope they both enjoyed their time as much as we enjoyed having them. They will always be welcome back and their various antics will not be forgotten in a hurry.

This report would not be complete without thanking Mr and Mrs Parker who put years of effort in to Simpson House. On behalf of the house, I would like to wish you both well in the future and in your endeavours in New Zealand.

This year in Simpson, we have managed to combine success in music, sport, drama and academia and have had great fun doing it. Big thanks go to every member of the house who have made it such a great place to live and work. Carlsberg don’t do boarding houses but if they did, they’d probably be something like Simpson…

Alastair Hunt – Head of House

In April 2008 my life, that of my family, and that of all Simpsonites changed forever. Whether those changes will be for better or for worse well only time will tell. I entered Simpson House with the kind words of encouragement still wringing in my ears. One day I must thank the members of my previous, not to be named in this report, House for an almost flawless three months of “encouragement” every time I passed one of them.

It is never an easy task taking over such a post especially two terms into a school year. The challenges that needed to be faced were many but with an increasingly positive approach from all in the House these were encountered and then conquered. It was an informative time for me and one that I will always look back upon as an encouraging time for Simpson.

There were many good ideas formed and I look forward to putting them into practice. I must give a big thank you to the existing House Authority and House Prefects who were honest, forthright, and most forthcoming with their own ideas of what made Simpson the very special place that it undoubtedly is.

I will not dwell upon the achievements of last year, Alastair has already done a much more eloquent job than my Science background would have allowed, but I must add mine and Mrs B’s hearty congratulations to all Simpsonites.

I must thank the Visiting Tutors, Matron, Anne, Michelle, Aileen, Tao and Wei. Thank you also to my own family. To Mrs B for not agreeing with me and letting me know that I wasn’t ‘mad’ to be taking on such a role. I could not have done this without her support. To my kids, who forgot what their father looked like as I lived in two places at once, but to be honest they were just looking forward to having sixty older brothers. Most importantly thank you to the boys of Simpson House.

G J Batterham - Housemaster

House Ethos
In Simpson it is expected that pupils should help each other and show consideration for the welfare of others, both in the house and in the school at large.

We believe that a clear and reasonable set of rules and regulations is desirable and will be re-enforced consistently by the House Authority, under the guidance and supervision of pastoral staff.

Anti-social and rude behaviour will not be tolerated at any time.

All pupils have the right to be treated as individuals, their views and privacy are to be respected, and their varied talents to be encouraged.

Honesty is the best policy and nothing wastes more time than lengthy and unnecessary investigations.  Owning up usually brings a more sympathetic assessment of situations.

For further details about Simpson House please refer to the Simpson House Handbook.