The Senior Reptonian Issue 5 Term 2 - Repton School Dubai

28th March 2011 Issue 5 Term 2 Repton School Dubai
Inside this issue:
IB Exhibition 2
Arabian Nights
6
D of E 10
Literary Festival
12
Gymnastics 14
Fun Page 16

Digital photography by
Alizey Mirza, Year 10
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Repton PADI Dive Trip, Dibba, March 2011
Our exciting trip to the Musandam in Oman started at started at the crack of dawn (05:45) before the
sun had actually risen. We met at Al Boom dive centre and prepared our gear. All of us were excited
and eager to get going. At 6:20 we set off in a mini-bus. Halfway through the trip we stopped at a gas
station to get a snack or go to the bathroom but we set off again quite quickly. Another half-hour of
driving and we had reached the border of Oman, We all smiled and pretended that we were all perfectly
behaved to avoid suspicion from the border guards! We were only half an hour away from the
port and this time just flew by. When we got there we boarded the ship, which was two storeys not
including the hull (which was about a storey tall too!). We set off whilst being told the safety rules of
the dhow. We got some drinks and relaxed while we drifted along the Omani coast. Our comedy act
of the day came when Saeed put his wetsuit on, arms in the leg holes and vice versa with his legs. He
had to get help from our dive master. When relaxation time was over we assembled our gear and
struggled to get it on (as it was very heavy). We then made a leap of faith into the water a couple feet
below. It was crystal clear and a beautiful blue colour. We were diving near a rock face so there was
lots of life as soon as we descended.
I was taking the pictures but I had foolishly used most of my battery on the trip there (I was prepared
and as soon as we got back I replaced the battery). We got to explore after proving we could
do a few skills like clearing our mask of water and using our buddies air source. As soon as we
started exploring we saw a lonely but still beautiful lionfish. My battery ran out on my camera just as
we found a fluorescent coloured eel. We got back up and ate lunch as we travelled to the next dive
site. The next site looked beautiful and we saw a turtle surface but the water turned out to be quite
murky with only a 2-metre visibility range. After this dive we filled in our logs and headed back to
port. Once we reached there we said goodbye to our driver Mohammed and headed home.
Christopher Gaenssler
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Repton Arabian Magic in The Circle
The magical, mysterious, romantic world of Arabia and its rich stories, legends and myths which have charmed their way into the
wider world via bedtime stories, pantomimes and lavish retellings in galleries, theatres, poems and song weaved their distinctive spell
for three nights in the Repton Circle last week captivating and enthralling enthusiastic audiences under suitably twinkling stars and
atmospheric, moody weather.
The names Ali Baba, Aladdin, the Jinee of the Lamp, Judar, King Sahriyah and Princess Badr-al-Budur and the incorrigible 40 Thieves,
and the words Open Sesame seem like old friends and ingrained parts of the whole growing up experience- and they seemed even
more relevant parts of our collective cultural experience living, as we do, in the heart of Arabia.
So, it was a bold and imaginative move to immerse our pupils in these captivating tales and to retell them with such style, energy and
verve in this fast-paced, illuminating and richly entertaining production which moved along, sometimes like a reflective, magisterial
camel train winding across the winds and shifting sands of the desert; and at others at the speed of the fastest and most elegant falcon
across the richness of the Arabian nights. This was an intricate, delicate, multi-layered production which combined the best of the
great storytelling traditions with the most subtle and nuanced ensemble-creativity of contemporary theatre- and all to good effect.
Kerry Coburn’s intelligent , beautifully crafted script( and a very funny one too) gave the young cast plenty to work with and delicious
vignettes unfolded like, well, some giant flying carpet and took us on a journey that was both exciting and mesmerising ,and familiar
and reassuring.
The splendid Katie Cook led us on our journey getting the phrasing just right and setting the tone with aplomb, with the hugely impressive
Maud Davies (Shahrazad) and the mighty Nirav Chande as a decidedly mysterious King Shahriyah. Salim Dharamshi (Shah Zaman)
and the ever-green Zahid Siddiqui and the excellent Demi Assimacopoulos added to the feeling of Arabian royalty and mystique.
One felt so sorry for the unfortunate wives as they lost their heads in a plethora of action and screams although it was all done in a
sympathetic sort of way and one felt sure no one actually got hurt. Perhaps they were taken to the Head Office for a refit.
The Ali Baba scenes were particularly well done as the joyously funny Miad Khetriyan (Ali Baba), Reem T Kar (of fashion and runway
fame and excellence)Michael Matafonov ( excellent chap that he is)Kirsten Kurt-Elli( well done, impressive), and the consistently excellent
Sharon McKay all combined to create a beautifully told tale. Hani T Kar (excellent as the captain), Arjun Dhawan and Loaay Mansour
got everything absolutely right.
The magic continued in the classic tale of Judar and His brothers with stand out performances from Labib Nazer, Zahid Siddiqui, Dalia
Qarooni, Chantal Mantua, Ashleigh John, Zara Zaman, Jake Thompson, Tara Mei-Poval Macnab, Noelle Santamarina, Jameela Nagri and
Mollie Danks.
The Tales climaxed in the oh-so familiar yarn of Aladdin and his Jinee of the Ring and we were reminded of the vitality and significance
of this story by its electrifying- and humorous- retelling with Zain Siddiqui and Ruby Bansal adding to the show’s engaging qualities
with insight and wit; and Ghanem Rasheed (you could hear him in Sharajah , and perhaps beyond..), Arjun Dhawan, Dwijesh Nambiar
and the various wonderful Jinees and Kushes contributing mightily to the feeling of magic wafting across the night air with fine performances
from Charlie Brooksbank, Amelia Bruce, Izzy Grenville and Jessica Bruce- all splendidly clear and intelligent in their phrasing;
and the splendid King and Queen( Guy Lockwood and Alice Griffin – Beat) the powerful Becky Cook( Vizier) and the delightful
princess( Alia Al Haj) and her attendants( Yasmeen Alawaidi and Ashling Murphy).
It was, in short, enthralling stuff and the pinpoint music added richness and atmosphere to the evening (a huge well done to Charlotte
Phillips and Matthew Watson) as did the simply stunning banners in D Block.
This young, vibrant, creative cast deserve the highest of accolades as does the whole production team led so skilfully by the ebullient
and resourceful Sally Hitchcock. Our Drama Department, under the expert and imaginative leadership of Fiona Mullin, simply goes
from strength to strength and we thank them for all they do to enrich, entertain and educate our school and to give our pupils such
wonderful opportunities to explore the rich world of live theatre so successfully.
It will be a memory that will live with them as long as the Tales of Arabia are told.
C.J.Crowley
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Duke of Edinburgh Expedition Weekend
Thursday 10 th March saw the start of ‘The International Award’ Expedition, which took place in Fujairah.
Those working towards their bronze award were out for 2 days / 1 night and faced a tough
challenge as the sun blazed and the route was almost identical to that undertaken by the silver and
gold groups for the 1 st two days of their longer expeditions. After an early start from school and a 2
hr drive, groups were set off with their backpacks from the start of the route, from which point it was
up to individual groups to navigate their way to the various checkpoints, suitably fed and watered
before embarking on the last leg of the day, which was a gruelling hike up a mountain (and I can say
that from personal experience, having walked with the groups who were bringing up the rear!)
The groups pitched their tents on the mountain tops, made suitable ‘arrangements’ for ‘basic human
needs’ – all now very proficient at digging holes and covering up! - and cooked a meal using only
food they’d brought with them. The night passed – more comfortably for some than others – and day
2 saw all bronze groups battle with the scorching sun as they continued their hike through remote
tribal villages (with camels and goats for company!) along tracks, paths and roads, finishing in the
afternoon when the silver and gold groups set up camp for their 2 nd night.
All boys coped admirably with what was a really challenging route and testing conditions. Individually
everyone had to manage their food, drink, sleep and clothing, whilst pulling together as a group
and supporting one another through the emotional highs and lows (and there were plenty!) of what
will be a memorable trip for all and hopefully a worthwhile experience, which showed just what Repton
students are capable of achieving. Everyone should be pleased and proud of what they achieved .
. . bring on the next expedition!!
Fuad Hasan and Patrick Geyer with author Charlie Higson
at the Emirates Festival of Literature 2011.
Miss Cassey
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Better luck next year folks!
RESULTS
House Harmony
1st Foremarke
2nd School
House Shout
1st Foremarke
2nd New
Overall House Music Cup
1st Dahl
2nd Foremarke
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Huge excitement from Repton pupils at the World
Scholar’s Cup as the results are announced.
Charlie Brooksbank winner of 5 medals and
a cup at this weekend ‘s World Scholar’s
Cup.
Happy and successful Repton pupils
at the World Scholars Cup.
Winners of the World Scholar’s Debating Championship,
Ruby Bansal and Amelia and Jessica Bruce.

Becky Cook wins Literary Festival Top prize
Becky Cook of Repton won the top prize at the prestigious Emirates Literary Festival
on March 15th and received her prize- and lavish praise – from the distinguished
judges in a ceremony at the Inter Continental Hotel. Our congratulations go to Becky
on this outstanding achievement. To celebrate her success we print in today’s issue of
the Senior Reptonian Becky’s acclaimed story, The Maktoum Pearl.
The Maktoum Pearl: A Dubai Mystery
I’m going to die tomorrow. The words keep going through my mind. I am drenched in sweat. But only partly due to the
growing dread I am feeling. I know London prisons, like Newgate, where I admit I have spent a couple of years, but it
was bliss compared to this prison in Bur Dubai. It’s so unbelievably hot, and the flies! Big,green things. They’re nothing
like the innocent, small flies in England. Ugh, horrible! But, right now, they’re not my main concern. Why am I here?
How did they know? It’s a mystery I cannot even begin to work out. I look through the window bars: the first signs of
dawn to the east and, when the sun rises, the firing squad awaits me.
My name is Edwarde Kynge and I’m a thief. My friends, I have many, tell me I’m the best in England, but they’re inclined
to do so, as I do slip them the odd treasure I’ve come across on my exploits. I steal for commissions, not for myself.
If one of my rich patrons desires a picture, gem, sculpture or anything of such, they tell me and I provide, for a
hefty sum of course. So where did it all go wrong?
The London newspapers were full of stories about a giant pearl, called the Maktoum Pearl, which had been named after
the new ruling family of Bur Dubai, a small port on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf. The stories were of no importance
to me, until an English gentleman came to my office, near the Strand. In a nutshell, he wanted me to steal the
Maktoum Pearl, and, if I agreed, he’d pay me a considerably large sum, almost triple my normal fee. Obviously, I had no
hesitation in accepting and we began hatching a plan of action, using his friends in Bur Dubai.
A few days later, I was sailing towards the Middle East. I will never forget the moment I set my eyes for the first time on
Bur Dubai. It was sunset and the sun had turned the most striking orange-pink colour, a sight that took your breath
away. In front of it lay Bur Dubai. The simple white-washed walls of the houses were clustered around the mouth of the
Creek, with the wharves stretching the length of both banks, the fleeting home for thirty or more Arabic dhows. I felt
very much out of place, aboard an old naval galleon from the Napoleonic Wars, the only foreign ship there. This surprised
me, as I’d heard on several occasions that Bur Dubai was rumoured to be on the brink of becoming a British protectorate,
although I’d been told the other day that the French were also making proposals to the Maktoum family.
We docked and, in darkness, I disembarked and slipped into the shadows of the houses, heading towards town. I was to
meet my contact in the souk, at an exquisite silk store. The souk was noisy, which made it hard to concentrate, but I
spotted him instantly. He was trying not to attract attention to himself, but was alert and spotted me at the same time.
He approached me, grabbed my arm and led me down an alley, into the shadows. It was dark and quiet, compared to
the ruckus of the souk. He patted my shoulders. “Sorry my friend! My name’s Ahmed. I will help you get into the Maktoum
palace. Follow me!”
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Ahmed was true to his
word. Three hours later, I
was in the palace in front of
one of my favourite safes,
designed by Edward Tann a
few years ago. Now it was
sold all over the world by
the famous Chubb company.
In the London criminal
underworld my fame
was based on my unique
talent for opening Tann
safes. It’s what I am famous
for. My technique was
pretty simple. They look
really strong, but never
judge a book by its cover.
The adverts say they’re 4
inches thick, but, if truth be
told, the steel content is just over 1.5 inches thick, the rest is padding! The mistake everyone makes is to attack
the lock. I got my crowbar out and began to prize off the side. Ahmed said I had half-an-hour, during prayer
time, but I already had the side off, the Maktoum Pearl in my pocket, and was slipping away to my ship in fifteen
minutes.
I skirted the souk and was back on the ship in no time at all. It was all so easy! We set sail while we still had
the cover of the night, heading towards the Straits of Hormuz and India. I was tired, and lay down on my bunk,
with the Maktoum Pearl safely in my pocket. In seconds I was asleep. The next thing I knew I was in this hellhole,
back in Bur Dubai. The Maktoum Pearl was gone, my crew, my ship, everything was gone! Nor have I
seen any sign of Ahmed. The court was a sham. They knew every detail of how I got the Maktoum Pearl, and I
had no say in anything. What went wrong? Who betrayed me? Where was Ahmed? What about the British?
They surely must know about this! Why don’t they help me? It’s all a mystery to me and now I must die. I
heard the cell door open behind me, just as the first sunlight came through the window and fell on my face.
The Times, 26 th June 1843.
From our correspondent in Bur Dubai: The notorious thief, Edwarde Kynge, found guilty last week of stealing
the Maktoum Pearl, was executed by British authorities in Bur Dubai this morning. Later, on the same day,
Maktoum Bin Butti, the ruler of Bur Dubai, announced he was inviting the British government to establish a
protectorate in the state. He had the utmost regard for British justice following their help in the recovery of
the Maktoum Pearl.
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Gymnastics Competition
On Thursday 17th March the full Repton Gymnastics Team competed in a friendly but fiercly contested competition. All
of the gymnasts had worked hard in training running up to the date and this was shown in their effort and determination
throughout the competition. Congratulations to all the gymnasts, for some it was their first competition. Gold medals
were awarded to Tayla Ayling (Year 8), Bo Pilarczyk (Year 1), Chloe Ford (Year 2), Isabella Thorne (Year
4), Isabella Leary (Year 6), Georgia Dun (Year 4), Yasmeen Moukaddem (Year 5), Natalia Wazny (Year 4) and Lana
Mencel (Year 5).
This event was perfect preparation for our A Squad and Elite Display Team's up and coming tour to China. We wish
them a huge amount of luck as they fly out to China on Tuesday for their competition against Gymnasts from China and
Hong Kong.
Mrs Partridge
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Year 8 “A” Team Netball Match - Repton vs. Jumeirah College
On Tuesday the 22 nd March, the Repton Netball Year 8 “A” Team set off
for Jumeirah College, to play against Jumeirah college’s Year 8 “A” Team.
Jumeirah college was a strong team but we were determined to win the
match. We got into space and marked well, with good team work and
accurate shooting. Jumeirah college managed some excellent interceptions
as well as our own Repton girls. It was a very close match with the
overall score being 16 – 15 to Repton, well done Repton !. Joanna Musty
(GA) was player of the match and on behalf of the team I would like to
thank Miss King for coaching us and the supporters for supporting us.
The players included Nikita Vadukul (C), Evelyn Quelch (WA), Sarah Mc
Kinney (WD), Yasmin Jahanbani (WD), Joanna Musty (GA), Sana Aziz
(GD), Alex Synamon (GS) and Suha Nawaz (GK).
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Riddle...
What common English verb becomes its own past tense by rearranging
its letters?
Maths Challenge....
Sawing and weighing the block SOLUTION:
You should saw the block of stone in a piece of 1 kg, a piece of 3 kg, one of 9 kg and one of 27 kg.
A Complicated Competition (at least for the organisers…)
In a certain competition there are 1000 competitors. Each game of the
tournament is played between 4 competitors with only the winner progressing
to the next round. In every round, if there is not a multiple of
four players, a minimum number of players are given an automatic bye
into the next round. The tournament continues until there is just one
winner. How may games must be played in order to find a winner?
Eat more local, seasonal food to reduce the
energy needed to grow and transport the
food we eat. Support the local economy and
reconnect with nature.
Buy more sustainably—look for products
that have been made with respect for the environment.
Thanks goes to our fantastic team of students who helped to put this issue together:
Journalism Society:
Zaid Muhamad-Salih, Aisha Nazir, Harriet Sherlock, Maddie St John Green, Vedika Agarwalla,
Hanying Lin Shipton, Hannah Wilding, Mariam El Sharbani, Nadine Refaey.
Have a great holiday everyone!