Lectures and Workshops enjoyed by Lancing Scholars

Our Scholars are an essential part of the College’s community; they act as role models and ambassadors for the school, and play a prominent role in their area of specialism. This term our Scholars have been involved in a series of lectures and activities.

The Junior Academic Scholars have been preparing and presenting on topics of their choice. So far, we have discussed linguistics and language discrimination, game theory and a logic problem called the prisoners’ dilemma, and the engineering and design of rollercoasters. Future presentations include the Punic Wars, Ely Cathedral and the growth of Socialism. It’s wonderful to see the effort and engagement that the pupils have put into their topics and the discussions resulting from the presentations.

Recently, The Junior Scholars have been enjoying preparing and delivering presentations on topics of their choice. Alex M delivered a well-researched and thought-provoking presentation on the impact of COVID-19 and lower league football; Isabelle K put together a colourful and engaging slideshow on festivals around the world; and Kian Z explored the growth and variations of socialist thought. 

Dr Elizabeth Keane

Music Scholars

In our first online lecture of the year the Music Scholars were treated to a talk with Paul Spicer. Fourth Former Hannah C reports:

‘We were privileged to be in the company, alas virtual, of Paul Spicer. Paul is a conductor, writer, composer and record producer. He told us all about his musical life, starting at the young age of seven when he was sent to New College, Oxford, as their youngest ever chorister. We were enthralled by his stories of people he had met along the way, and of the music that has inspired him for many years. Our lecture was interspersed by related musical recordings. Paul has worked with Herbert Howells, a famous choral composer whose Collegium Regale is a particular favourite of ours in the choir. It was interesting to hear more about Howells; to be able to put a person and their character behind the music that we are so fond of.’

The Choral Scholars at Lancing College had the privilege of attending an online concert in late November as part of the London Sound Gallery festival, presented by The Gesualdo Six. As ticketholders, they were able to watch the concert live and on demand from the date of broadcast until the end of the calendar year. Miss Shah from the Music School told us more about the concert:

‘With mass gatherings banned and venues closed for months, attending a live concert is something we all look forward to as restrictions ease. Although many musicians have suffered at the hands of the coronavirus pandemic, some have made the most of this experience, forming new connections and promoting new beginnings. The singers of the vocal consort, The Gesualdo Six, directed by Owain Park and featuring tenor Joseph Wicks OL, are amongst these musicians.

Several young performers and composers were showcased in this inaugural festival and the last concert of the series, which the pupils had tickets for, was sung by The Gesualdo Six. Titled Heavenly Spheres, the recital featured a blend of contemporary music, by Dobrinka Tabakova, Tim Watts and Richard Rodney Bennett, and Renaissance polyphony, by Orlande de Lassus and Josquin des Prez. The programme took inspiration from the changing seasons and the ensemble explored modern settings of ancient texts interpreting physics, astronomy, and their relation to the divine. With heavenly harmonies realised by these sublime voices, not only would it be a pleasure to hear The Gesualdo Six perform again, but a treat.

Let us hope that as musicians return to performing in front of live audiences, projects with focal points of reconciliation and collaboration, such as the London Sound Gallery’s, can continue to flourish and are not forgotten.’

Drama Scholars

Director of Drama and Dance, Nicholas Beeby gives an account of the latest workshop organised for his Scholars:

‘The programme of Wednesday Webinars continued in March with a Drama workshop for our Scholars and other interested students.

Olive Robinson is a former student of mine, and I have directed her in productions like Les Misérables, Godspell, Metamorphosis, Cymbeline and The Merry Wives of Windsor. Olive went on to attend the prestigious Arts Educational drama school to study Musical Theatre and went straight into the West End with shows like Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Jersey Boys, Kiss of the Spider Woman and On The Town; also touring the UK, Europe and the Far East.

In the workshop, Olive worked with pupils from all year groups on some texts from plays that she has been in and looked to help them to develop character and establish compelling theatre – even via Zoom! The workshop worked well online and was extremely interactive.

Olive went on to talk about her experiences of drama school and talked about the value of studying Drama in terms of developing skills for life, further study and the workplace. Upper Sixth Former Ross B fed back afterwards: ‘I so enjoyed Olive’s class. It was so refreshing to be able to do some acting with other people, even if it was only virtually!’ 

We hope to be able to invite Olive back again soon to run a class in person!’

Sports Scholars 

Interest in nutrition and its impact on sporting performance is becoming more common. Whether you are an elite athlete, a school games player or a dedicated daily exerciser, the foundation to improved performance is a nutritionally adequate diet.

We were therefore excited to welcome Francesca Bolt, a qualified sports nutritionist, to deliver a series of talks to our tennis players and sports scholars over Zoom. Fran is currently working for British Triathlon as a Talent Pathway Co-ordinator. She graduated with a First-Class BSc in Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough University and then went on to complete her Masters in Sports Nutrition in 2019. She has wealth of experience working with different types of athletes, from sprinters to powerlifters, elite athlete to general population, helping them all to achieve their individual goals and improve their relationship with food to benefit their overall performance.

Lancing pupils enjoyed the talks and were able to ask Fran advice on nutrition, for example before, during and after exercising. Pupils received an individual, detailed nutrition pack to offer support their diet. Included in the pack were some recipes to try and Miss Airey set her tennis players the challenge of making one of them over Half Term. 

Karen Andrew, Director of Sport

About Lancing College

Located in the picturesque South Downs of West Sussex, Lancing College is a leading independent school and sixth form for pupils aged 13-18. Founded in 1848, the co-educational English private school is home to both boarding and day students and has a longstanding reputation for traditional values and exemplary pastoral care. Contact us today to begin your journey.