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Year 5 Take Part in Hold Still Project

Posted on July 8, 2020 by MarquesAdemir

Back in May The Duchess of Cambridge launched a community photography project which was to be spearheaded by the public. The idea behind ‘Hold Still’ was to capture the spirit, the mood, the hopes, the fears and the feelings of the UK as we continue to deal with the Coronavirus outbreak.

The project is open to all ages and abilities, Hold Still will capture a snapshot of the UK at this time, creating a collective portrait of lockdown which will reflect resilience and bravery, humour and sadness, creativity and kindness, and human tragedy and hope.

One hundred shortlisted portraits will feature in a gallery without walls – a one of a kind digital exhibition open to all this August.

The images can be captured on phones or cameras and each image will be assessed on the emotion and experience it conveys rather than its photographic quality or technical expertise. Our Year 5 MTJBS pupils took part in this fantastic project and you can see a selection of their efforts below.

Well done to everyone who took part, hopefully you will be featured in the digital exhibition in August!

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Governor Opportunities

Posted on July 7, 2020 by MarquesAdemir

Do you have some time to spare and want to be inspired by the impact of education?

Merchant Taylors’ is one of the finest schools in the North West of England, founded 400 years ago in Crosby, near Liverpool. We provide an excellent independent education to around 1,300 girls and boys aged four to 18 years across three prestigious heritage sites.

We are currently looking for committed volunteers to join our Board of Governors. Led by the Chair of Governors, the Board is responsible for the holistic wellbeing of Merchant Taylors’, taking or endorsing strategic and financial decisions, monitoring the School’s educational and pastoral provision and preserving its extensive estate, which includes Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings.

The Board of Governors works as a team and is appointed from a variety of backgrounds, united by a commitment to the education and care of our children and the continued success of the School.

Governors do not need any formal qualifications, but must be aged 18 years old and over. The appointment is for three years, with the possibility of re-appointment up to a maximum of three terms. The School has high expectations of the time and commitment required from its Governors in order to fulfil their roles effectively. Importantly, this includes attendance at certain key events throughout the academic year, such as School Speech Days, as well as a number of Board and sub-Committee Meetings, some of which occur outside of working hours.

We are particularly interested in applications from individuals with backgrounds in health and safety, IT, marketing and fundraising, finance, and business development. Please don’t be discouraged from applying if you don’t have one of these skills, as your enthusiasm and potential contribution to Merchant Taylors’ is just as important.

Any current parents who wish to apply are welcome to do so. There will be a maximum of one per school site (Senior Boys, Senior Girls and Primary School), and they will be recruited onto the Board for their individual skills and expertise, rather than as parent representatives.

If you are interested in applying or would like further information, please request an application form from Mrs Jill Cheseldine, Executive Assistant and Clerk to the Board of Governors, via [email protected]

We look forward to hearing from you.

The Merchant Taylors’ School Board of Governors

Merchant Taylors’ School is proudly committed to promoting diversity and equality,
regardless of any protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010

Merchant Taylors’ School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post,
including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

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Matthew Lock Makes Second Appearance on This Morning

Posted on June 29, 2020 by MarquesAdemir

Merchant Taylors’ Senior Boys’ Pupil, Matthew Lock, made his second appearance on ‘This Morning’ last week.

Matthew appeared to discuss vacuum cleaners with hosts Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, a passion which he has had since age four, when he was given one as a gift. Matthew reviewed different models of vacuums from his home, discussing the pros and cons of each machine, as well as some live demonstrations of the suction powers. You can catch up on Matthew’s appearance below.

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Virtual Art Gallery

Posted on June 18, 2020 by MarquesAdemir

During the lockdown period, a challenge was set by the Art department to ‘Create a living painting’ using only objects and props found around the house. The response was fantastic! Well done to everybody who took part. Below are a selection of the entries.

Create a Living Painting – Whole School Art Challenge

Our Year 7 girls took part in an online activity week and were set two different art challenges. The first was to create outdoor artworks inspired by the artist Andy Goldsworthy. The second was to create a ‘Kitchen table sculpture’, based on the artist Henry Ward, by assembling a range of found and discarded objects.

Year 7 Andy Goldsworthy challenge

Make a ‘Kitchen table sculpture’ based on the work of artist Henry Ward

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Merchant Taylors’ welcomes first groups of pupils back to school

Posted on June 16, 2020 by MarquesAdemir

We are delighted to have begun welcoming some of our children back to school.

Girls and boys in Reception and Year 6 have now returned to school and they will shortly be followed by children in Year 10 and Year 12 (in smaller groups on separate days) as well as Year 1 in the coming days.

The reopening is taking place in a phased sequence as part of a careful and considered process to ensure a safe learning and working environment.

The safety and wellbeing of children, staff and parents is paramount in our plans and we have been working diligently across school departments for many weeks to ensure that every practical precaution has been taken.

We are hoping that later this term we might be able to have other year groups back in school too, albeit not quite yet in a normal way, and we are awaiting changes in the Government guidance before we are able to do so.

In the meantime, our remote learning will continue without interruption and we are extremely grateful for all of the positive feedback our wonderful staff have received in recent weeks as children have enjoyed online classes, one-to-one tutorials, counselling sessions and examinations.

Merchant Taylors’ is well-prepared to support the needs of our pupils in any environment and we will continue to find ways to ensure this remains the case.

Posted in Boys Sixth Form News, Girls Sixth Form News, Infants Events, Junior Boys News, Junior Girls News, Primary School News, Senior Boys News, Senior Girls News | Comments Off on Merchant Taylors’ welcomes first groups of pupils back to school

New Head Boy Team Announced

Posted on June 16, 2020 by MarquesAdemir

Congratulations to James O’Sullivan who has been announced as the new Head Boy, and Edward Pope and Marcus Baldwin who are the new Deputy Head Boys. The Head Boy team are representatives for the whole school and have the important task of leading the student voice, as well as organising a variety of events. We spoke with the boys following the announcement.

James O’Sullivan – Head Boy

Q: Congratulations on becoming the new Head Boy, how does it feel?
James: Thank you! I’m delighted to have been appointed as Head Boy, and I’m really looking forward to having a positive impact on school life. I have looked up to all the Head Boys during my time at Merchants and I have tried my hardest to meet the high standards that they set, so to be appointed to the role was a tremendous honour for me.

Q: What do you hope to achieve during your time as Head Boy?
James: One of my main goals for next year is to create more opportunities for the different year groups to interact with each other. I feel that the younger years can learn so much from the older boys and, whether it be through Sixth formers helping at form periods, clinics or sport sessions, I would like to encourage a lot more interaction between the year groups. Through this I hope to inspire the younger boys in the same way previous Head Boys have inspired me.

Q: How are you finding working from home at the present time?
James: I’ve got to admit that it did take me a while to get used to such a big change. To start with I found it difficult to distinguish between the weekdays and the weekends. However now I have managed to get myself into a good routine where I am able to get all my school work done whilst also having lots of spare time, most of which I have filled with garden rugby. I’d say the hardest thing for me has been not being able to see my friends, so I’m really looking forward to getting back to school as soon as possible !

Q: Do you have any tips for other students?
James: I’ve found that sticking to my normal school timetable has helped me with my productivity and has meant that I stay on top of all my work and tasks for the week. Another tip I would give to the boys is, at the start of the day, write a list of all the things you want to achieve on that day and then assign them a time slot. I find I’m much more likely to get it all done if I write it down, it’s like a little commitment to yourself.

Q: For those who may want to follow in your footsteps and become Head Boy one day, what advice would you offer?
James: My main piece of advice would be to say yes more than you say no. This school offers such a wide range of activities and when you join the school you won’t know what you like and what you’re good at unless you give it a try. This will not only push you out of your comfort zone, but you will be able to pick up little bits of knowledge from all the activities which will be an enormous help as you grow up, not to mention all the friends you will make along the way! And lastly, I’d say whatever you find yourself doing here at Merchants, give it your all, because you don’t want to have any regrets when you look back at your time here.

Edward Pope – Deputy Head Boy

Q: Congratulations on becoming the new Deputy Head Boy, how does it feel?
Edward: Thanks very much! I feel very proud to be able to represent Merchants and I’m really excited at the opportunity to make a positive contribution and give something back to our school in my new role.

Q: What do you hope to achieve during your time as Deputy Head Boy?
Edward: I hope to encourage more communication between the different year groups at our school, and help ensure that everyone has access to support if they need it so that their time at school is as beneficial as possible. I also hope to create an environment where others feel encouraged to come forward with their suggestions to improve the school.

Q: How are you finding working from home at the present time?
Edward: It’s definitely something different and unexpected and I’m trying to make of the most of the current situation. For example, it’s given me the opportunity to dedicate more time to thinking about my future plans and do some research into universities. However, I’m still looking forward to returning to school!

Q: Do you have any tips for other students?
Edward: I would just advise that you try and stick to a timetable, as if you were in school, so you know what you should be studying, and when, as well as making sure that that you’re spending enough time on each subject, so you keep on track with your work.

Q: For those who may want to follow in your footsteps and become Deputy Head Boy one day, what advice would you offer?
Edward:Take as many opportunities as you can and get involved in all aspects of school life whether it’s sport, music, drama or any other kind of activity. No matter whether you want to be one of the head or deputy head boys, this’ll help you really enjoy your time at school and make the most of it.

The following boys have been chosen to be Prefects for 2020-21:

Marcus Baldwin
Alex Day
Vandam Dinh
Huw Evans
Ben Falconer
Charles Farrar
Seb Keegan
Lucas McAdam
Ben Maitland-Titterton
James Moores-Pearce
Daniel Naguib
Roshan Naidoo
James O’Sullivan
Edward Pope
Shripad Pullagura
Samuel Roughley
Oliver Spencer
Cameron Stokoe
Luke Suarez

Posted in Senior Boys News | Comments Off on New Head Boy Team Announced

Physics Behind the Rainbow Competition

Posted on June 12, 2020 by MarquesAdemir

The Physics Department were amazed by the standard of work that was sent to them by pupils in Year 5 and 6 for ‘The Physics Behind the Rainbow Competition’. The girls were challenged to find out how rainbows are formed and then produce their own colourful rainbow experiments at home. The standard was so high that we have decided that we cannot possibly choose a winner, so we have passed that task onto our lovely Year 12 Physicists! These include our head girl and she will be announcing the winner next week.

Well done to everyone who took part, it looks like you had lots of Physics fun.

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Elizabeth to lead new chapter at Merchant Taylors’ Stanfield

Posted on June 5, 2020 by MarquesAdemir

Merchant Taylors’ School is delighted to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Lynan as the new Head Teacher of Stanfield Primary School.

Elizabeth joined Merchant Taylors’ as Deputy Head Teacher five years ago, and in January 2019 was appointed Acting Head at Stanfield in its previous structure of a co-educational infant school and a junior school for girls.

A history graduate from Durham University, with a Postgraduate Certificate in specialist primary mathematics, and an alumnus of St Hilda’s School, Liverpool, Elizabeth began her working life in banking. Her first academic role was at Runnymede St Edward’s, where she spent four years as a teacher, before moving to Huyton with Roby CE Primary School for ten years.

Beverley Bell, chair of governors at Merchant Taylors’ School, said: “The new-look Stanfield is now beginning to take shape, with plans moving ahead for various estate upgrades, including major enhancements to the playground area, and our excellent team are making detailed preparations for the transition to a co-educational learning environment.

“Elizabeth has been a highly respected member of the Merchant Taylors’ team over many years now and we are delighted she will be at the helm as the school moves forward towards a new, exciting chapter.”

Speaking of her appointment, Elizabeth said: “Very few people are able to say they have achieved their dream job, but I am now in that happy minority. I am absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead a fantastic team of staff in creating a dynamic and successful school environment for our pupils.

“Across Merchant Taylors’, children are encouraged to be brave and inquisitive; to achieve success but also to make mistakes and learn from them. This will be the basis of every child’s education at the new Stanfield as they begin their journey through the school.

“Of course, the role is not without its challenges and these are unsettling times for many of our families, staff and our wider school community. Now more than ever, we need to come together, look after one another and demonstrate the true strength of the Merchant Taylors’ family.”

The Board of Governors can also confirm that Elizabeth will assume responsibility for the Junior Boys’ School for the remainder of this term. Tom Roberts will remain Acting Deputy Head at Merchant Taylors’ Primary School until September 1 and we are thankful for his excellent work and continued support.

The school is also thrilled to announce the appointment of Yvette Bonfante as the new Deputy Head Teacher of Stanfield Primary School.

Yvette joined Merchant Taylors’ ten years ago and has held the role of Deputy Head at the current Junior Boys’ School since 2013.
Her appointment is the latest major milestone in the phased creation of a new co-educational primary school for boys and girls over the next three years.

Speaking of her appointment, Yvette said: “I am very much looking forward to working with pupils, parents and staff to deliver an outstanding education for all.”

Beverley Bell, chair of governors at Merchant Taylors’ School, said: “Yvette is an incredibly talented teacher and senior leader who brings a wealth of experience in the education sector and also within the Merchant Taylors’ family and we are delighted to announce her appointment as Deputy Head Teacher.

“Under the energetic guidance of Elizabeth and Yvette, supported by an experienced and creative team of staff, we can see no bounds for the future of the new-look Stanfield and these are very exciting times.”

Posted in Infants News, Junior Boys News, Junior Girls News, Primary School News | Comments Off on Elizabeth to lead new chapter at Merchant Taylors’ Stanfield

Chair of Governors Retires After 4 Years

Posted on June 2, 2020 by MarquesAdemir

Current Chair, and Old Girl, Beverley Bell will retire from the post on 12 July, with Old Crosbeian Philip Marshall taking over.

Beverley has written the below letter to all members of the Merchant Taylors’ community:

Dear Colleagues, Parents, Alumni,

I hope you all enjoyed the half term break and had some time to relax and enjoy the glorious weather.

I am writing to inform you the time is now right for me to retire as a Governor and Chair of Governors at Merchant Taylors’ School.

Balancing the complex demands of my professional life with the demanding requirements of being Chair of Governors has become increasingly challenging. Having celebrated my 60th birthday at the end of last year and just completed a four-year term as Chair of Governors, it is the right time to pass the baton to the new Chair. Good Boards always refresh their Chair and members regularly and Merchant Taylors’ is no exception to this.

I am delighted to inform you the new Chair of Governors will be Philip Marshall QC and he will be assisted by the new Vice-Chair, Anna Gervasoni. Philip and Anna are not only current members of the Board but, by happy coincidence, are also both past Presidents and now our governor representatives from the Old Boys’ Association and Old Girls’ Association respectively.

Philip attended the Boys’ School between 1978 and 1985 before going on to study law at Liverpool University. He became a barrister in 1989. For the past thirty years he has lived and worked in central London, where he is joint head of his chambers, having been appointed as Queens Counsel in 2012. He was President of the Old Boys’ Association in 2016/2017, and became a governor in September 2019.

Anna attended the Girls’ School between 1986 and 1993. After practising as an Occupational Therapist specialising in severe and enduring mental health, Anna took over the family business, completing an MBA. Now specialising in management training and operations, Anna has re-launched a number of flagship venues within hospitality and has recently been persuaded to move to the coast to continue that work with Bourne Leisure. Anna was President of the Old Girls’ Association from 2017 to 2019 and became a governor in 2016.

My tenure will come to an end on 12 July 2020, coinciding with the four-year anniversary of my appointment as Chair and the end of the academic year. I move on in the knowledge the school is in safe hands with a very competent Board of Governors and very talented Executive team at the helm.

When I walked into MTGS with my knees knocking together on my first school day in September 1971 wearing the compulsory hat and an oversized blazer, never did I think in my wildest dreams that one day I would have the personal and professional privilege of leading the governance of the Merchant Taylors’ family of schools 45 years later. Quite simply, I have been honoured to undertake this role and I want to express my thanks to our Heads and Director of Finance and Operations and their respective teams for their unstinting support for me.

It has been wonderful to see and hear about the development of so many gifted children and watch our pupils blossom into highly able, balanced young women and men contributing so much to society in so many ways as a result of their Merchant Taylors’ education.

To my colleagues across the school, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation for your exceptional work in making our school so special. In particular, I am in awe of your dedication and commitment beyond the classroom, where you always go the extra mile to provide a broad and holistic range of co-curricular opportunities to children at Merchant Taylors’, whether it is through the arts, music, sport, CCF or any other manner of inspiring pursuits. These aspects truly set our school apart from our competitors and none of it would be possible without your dedication and skill. So please may I thank each and every one of you for all you have done – and all you will still do.

Our children are the lifeblood of our school; our very reason to exist and prosper for 400 years. To our parents, I know you are not only our education partners or our customers, you are also invariably our friends and kin within the Merchant Taylors’ family. Thank you for entrusting the incredible staff at Merchant Taylors’ with the development and wellbeing of your loved ones. Joining Merchant Taylors’ brings a lifelong connection; the future of the school is extremely bright and I hope your family will remain a part of Merchant Taylors’ for decades to come.

Last but by no means least, I would like to thank Merchant Taylors’ alumni, friends and all other supporters of the school for your invaluable support throughout my tenure. I know you will all continue to support the Chair and Board of Governors working in conjunction with the Heads, in the coming months and years. Joining Merchant Taylors’ brings a lifelong connection and you are all living proof of how powerful and special that is. I look forward to seeing many of you in the future as the alumni network continues to go from strength to strength.

I will continue to follow the school’s fortunes through the many relationships I have built during my time here and I wish each of you every great success in the future.

With my very best wishes,
Beverley Bell, CBE

Posted in Alumni, Boys Sixth Form News, Girls Sixth Form News, Infants News, Junior Boys News, Junior Girls News, Senior Boys News, Senior Girls News | Comments Off on Chair of Governors Retires After 4 Years

Matthew Lock appears on The Morning Show

Posted on June 1, 2020 by MarquesAdemir

Merchant Taylors’ Senior Boys’ student Matthew Lock recently appeared on Australian TV on ‘The Morning Show’.

Fresh from his appearance on ‘This Morning’ with Holly and Phil earlier in the year, Matthew explained all about how his vaccuum hobby began as well as discussing his large collection and how he turned it into a business. You can see a clip of the interview below.

Image and video copyright: The Morning Show

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