Talk:Bishop Stopford's School

Assess

Good basis for great wiki article. Lots of info. Beware copyright of song and prayer etc. Pictures good addition. References essential to get "good article" status. Victuallers 09:22, 25 July 2007 (UTC)

Plaquett

Plaquett - ten house points - or was it three! Rich Farmbrough 13:08, 13 July 2005 (UTC)

I think it was the Merit that was three house points. SandJ-on-WP (talk) 11:26, 9 March 2021 (UTC)

House names

I am not certain I have the full names of the six houses correct. If anyone with a copy of the rule book can correct this, I'd be obliged. DavidFarmbrough

Coventry C Georges G King Alfreds K

Temples T Waltham W Trinity Y

At or at?

Don't know why the upper case A of 'At' has been replaced by a lower. It's part of a title so should be capitalised. I have seen quite a bit of this on wikipedia. any comments? DavidFarmbrough (08:40 BST 14 Jul 2005)

The school's own website has a small "a", so I'm moving the article. Rich Farmbrough 18:04, 20 July 2005 (UTC)

Headteacher or Headmistress?

I thought the current head styled herself Headteacher. This is what she uses in letters to parents and other places on the School website. DavidFarmbrough 13:50 BST 24 Aug 2005 WMD

Probably does. I'm with Geo on this one. Self identification, I suppose..... Rich Farmbrough 09:42, 17 October 2005 (UTC)

By the way good contemporary edits from our anon IP author. Rich Farmbrough 09:42, 17 October 2005 (UTC)

With My Duty/Treading On The Camomile

CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHETHER THEY STILL WRITE "With My Duty", as when I was there we used the acronym, "WMD". I don't thinik Ofsted would like seeing Weapons of Mass Destruction at the top of every piece of work. Further more, can anyone tell me where I can get a copy of Treading on the Camomile? User:152.78.254.243 02:36, 7 November 2005, I always wrote With my Duty, this was heavily enforced early on right up until Mrs Evans turned up, when it was not seen as being so important. (Nathan P. Bridle) 01/04/2006

AFAIK They still write With My Duty - the recent revisions were done by someone with current knowledge of the school - so I guess if this had been abandoned this would have been changed along with the loss of the Choir Form and the Beating Of The Bounds. TOTC should be available from the School (they were selling copies at £6 at Geo's memorial service a couple of months back) - although they may redirect you to the Parents And Friends - DavidFarmbrough 09:47, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

Yep, I'm a current pupil in the school and they do ask that you write WMD or With My Duty, however it's not very strictly enforced. (James Maul)

It should be "With my Duty" in full! WMD is weapons of mass destruction and not permitted by traditional teachers at the school. (A Teacher)

nope.. the rule has now slackned and with my duty is not mandatory anymore. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.35.136.169 (talk) 01:16, 19 July 2008 (UTC) A Teacher, whoever you are, uphold the traditions of the school and do not let Mrs Evans meddle with them. Bring back full academic dress including hoods on foundres day for more than just SLT.

Forgiveness

What was it? Sounds harsh!

I talked about this on the Iain Lee show on LBC (9 August 2005) when he asked people to telephone in with acconts of unusual punishments. I think forgiveness varied over the years but on the two occasions I had to do it I was made to carry bricks round the Yard for about an hour, and had to do lots of press-ups. The third occasion I opted for the blue shorts as I didn't want to waste my time! DavidFarmbrough 10:25, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

Forgiveness was harsh and it was meant to be. When I started at Bishops, the cane was still in use. One of the other boys in my class of 1C got the cane. By the time I was in the 5th year, the cane was no longer in use, and that was 1981 (not 1987 like the article says). However, Forgiveness also applied to School Detentions. Prefect Detentions, Private (Teacher's) Detentions and Class Detentions were all fairly short affairs after school. The far more serious School Detention, like the cane, required a letter to go home to the parents to be signed prior to the punishment. Since some kids would get a damn good hiding at home for being in trouble, Forgiveness had been brought in as an option for those pupils: parents were not informed if you opted for Forgiveness. When I was there it usually comprised either running round the field all lunch time in your underwear and bare feet, or all lunch time in the gym going up and down and round the wall bars in underwear and bare feet. There was kudos in doing Forgiveness: it was perceived as tougher than the cane and was definitely worse than School Detention. But, your parents never found out. However, I never heard mention of 'trial by shorts' when I was there. SandJ-on-WP (talk) 11:34, 9 March 2021 (UTC)

New Headteacher/Changes to traditions

Alas, the new Headteacher, Mrs. Bridget Evans, has got rid of a lot of the traditions which made the school so special. This can only be a sad thing. The School's traditions should be upheld at all costs. (comment moved from article to talk page) 86.137.172.17

That may be so but we can't put our opionions in the article as it just has to be factual. My view is that it is principally the traditions which keep the school notable, in the absence of any academic distinction. Therefore, to ensure it has a place in wikipedia, where a tradition has been abandoned or modified, the former practice should be set out with additional wording setting out the current practice. I am pretty sure they would have abandoned the blue and black shorts thing, as corporal punishment is frowned upon these days, so perhaps someone who has attended or taught at the school during the last twenty years can update this section. DavidFarmbrough 12:19, 8 November 2005 (UTC)

Traditions

I am thinking of revising the page on Stopford's to make it truly first rate. I left in 2003. I am very interested in what traditions existed before i was at the school as i can only remember the Pickard/Evans era. If someone could list a comprehensive set of traditions with details i would much appreciate it. Be as broad as possible, include assemblies, punishments, notable teachers etc...

Also, any old memorabelia, such as Speech Day Programmes, or old photos that could be put on the site would be good. If anyone fancies taking on this task with me i would appreciate an experienced voice.

• • I left in 2001 and remember distinctly seeing two pairs of shorts, one blue, and one black, in Pickard's study when i went to collect Placets. Now i know what they were for! Do students at Bishops still have the opportunity to attend Chapel every morning at 8.15?

Yes they can. The Chaplin is Father Steven Taylor who look over after Father Lowery left in 1992.

Old Stopfordians

Is there an old Stopfordian society, there should be

AFAIK Bishop Stopford's Old Boys which was the original alumni organisation changed to The Stopfordians in about 1990, and is a going concern. They haven't issued a newsletter for a while. While we're on the subject of old Stopfordians, are there really only two famous old Stopfordians? That is pathetic compared with Stonyhurst College. What about that old boy who came back and donated some of his 'art' to the school. He was supposedly famous, does anyone remember his name? Also is Benedict "Benny" Huggins (brother of Warren "Woz" Huggins) really presenting a programme on Sky TV as stated in the Friends Reunited Famous ex-pupils section? DavidFarmbrough 10:06, 2 December 2005 (UTC)

..Why is it suprising that Stopford's does not have as many famous old Stopfordian's as Stonyhurt? It is much more recent. And also i'm sure there are some more from the old Suffolks which i guess could count.

I was not surprised by the difference, I wasn't comparing the performances of the two schools' ex-pupils, more the information that was posted here about them (even if you ignore Stonyhurst's pre-1967 existence). Suffolks pupils could count if they transferred to Bishop's. DavidFarmbrough 12:04, 5 December 2005 (UTC)

Friends Reunited

What do people think of the Stopford's Friends Reunited site, i think it is really good compared to others.

The structure of F R is a bit weak, mainly because it is very difficult to navigate. But the content is good. When looking at other schools' FR pages, I am surprised that no other schools seemed to have so many odd or comedic teachers as Bishops. Perhaps there should be a link. DavidFarmbrough 12:08, 5 December 2005 (UTC)

I totally agree. Our FR site is such a laugh and any student of the last 38 years will find many tales relevant to them.

Organ

If anyone has any details on the organ would they please list it. I hope you like my recent additions. Regards, An Old Stopfordian, class of 96.

There is a good biography of the organ in TOTC. I will see if I can put something up because it's better than any other school organ I've heard. Your recent additions are very helpful and interesting, thank you. DavidFarmbrough 12:13, 5 December 2005 (UTC)

TOTC? Sounds good, would be very interested to see anything else you have on the school like old photos, founders' day programmes, speech day programmes, prospecti etc??

I came across my school folder while clearing out some old papers. I'll try to do a few scans by 2006. Rich Farmbrough 11:34, 12 December 2005 (UTC)

Great, that sounds really interesting.

Layout

Content is now superb, and better than many other comparable schools. If DF or RF could use their knowledge to reorganise the site into a more fluent article that would be much appreciated. I am very pleased to note that Stopford's has a better page than Eton, Rugby, Radley or Harrow.

Four points:

1. The reference to the Mathematics and Computing specialism has been deleted - They still put this on their letters so I believe it still applies. any thoughts on this?
2. 'Voluntary-aided' has been removed, but it still has 'Voluntary-aided' on its sign (and in the most recent OFSTED report) so I presume that hasn't changed - comments please?
3. Regarding uniforms - there is a reference to a dress code among staff. can this be correct? When I attended (78 to 85) there were some smart teachers, but many adopted teacher-style clothes (mis-matching jacket and trousers, scruffy tie, elbow patches, and see also Worzel below). Perhaps this was tightened up during the Pickard era.
4. I am not sure that the fact that Miss Doré used to dress unconventionally should be included here - yes she was known as Worzel Gummidge, but that's really what Friends Reunited is for - so I have taken out the reference and instead put a link to the FR Bishop's site. DavidFarmbrough 13:41, 6 January 2006 (UTC)

--The school is still voluntarily aided in the terms that it owns it's own building, but the tag no longer applies. --The Pickard era saw teacher dress code much more strictly enforced, although there were still some Wurzels. Namely Mr. Geary and Miss. Dore. --The was a staff dress-code during the Pickard era, which is now gone i believe. Alas.

Re forms of address, be it noted that in the days when I had principles, I refused to address any master as "Sir" unless I believed he deserved the honorific, instead referring to them as "Mister X". I never had any problem with staff over this. Also I'm not sure that "lesson" and "teacher" were absent from our lexicon. Rich Farmbrough. 19:21, 6 January 2006 (UTC)

During the Pickard era teachers were still referred to as Sir or Miss, although i believe that has subsided now. Master and Mistress were used when describing a teacher, such as one's Maths Master, or saying Miss. Dore was a Maths Mistress.

St Cheolfrith (sp) prize etc.

Perhaps we could have details of these, and Prize Giving. Rich Farmbrough. 19:33, 6 January 2006 (UTC)

Prizes are awarded on Speech Day. There are prizes for all the academic subjects, two for each form, and some memorial prizes. Some of the latest prizes are as follows:

The Raymond Solly prize for lower school English - Given to students in First Year, Second Year or Third Year for English. Mr. Solly, a former teacher and school legend, presents the trophy.

The Mrs. Farmer Prize for Home Economics - After the sad death of long serving home economics teacher Mrs. Farmer.

I believe the St. Cheolfrith prize is for public speaking, and is still awarded although the marvellous trophy is very fragile.

When I was awarded the Public Speaking Prize, I was told I couldn't have the trophy itself as it was a statue of a man which had become detached from its base. I was instead presented with the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles by Tim Westwood's father, Bill Westwood, the then Bishop of Edmonton. This was during the Speech Day where the then outgoing Bishop angered Dr Roberts by saying he would referring to his habit of making up instant traditions. I later found the trophy in a pile of beekeeping equipment in an anté room to the Head Master's study , during a euphonium lesson. I don't recall it being called the Ceolfrid, prize though. DavidFarmbrough 10:57, 16 January 2006 (UTC)

Could anyone give any details in the school's most prestigous prize, the Mallard Box?

There was also the Checkered/Chequered Shield and the Monkweirmouth and Jarrow Prizes. Rich Farmbrough. 19:41, 14 January 2006 (UTC)

When I won the sheild I was told I couldn't have it because it had been lost.... Probably with the beekeping equipt. Rich Farmbrough. 12:54, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

South East Wing Huts

Are they really planning to destroy them? They are classic Stopfords. Designed to last a year and have been there for 30 years. I can't believe they would be destroyed if the legend that is Mr. Solly was still there. For those who didn't go to Stopford's Mr. Solly was surely one of the greatest English teachers of all time, in any school. He was also the greatest disciplinarian of his age.

He was a very amusing teacher, but I thought his discipline was normal. Rich Farmbrough. 18:07, 14 January 2006 (UTC)

Toilet roll

If you find Bishop's on Google World you can see toilet roll around where the boys changing rooms were. Possibly the only toliet roll visible on the whole world, and it has to be Bishop's! Rich Farmbrough. 18:07, 14 January 2006 (UTC)

Can you give a link please? DavidFarmbrough 12:30, 16 January 2006 (UTC)

YOu will need to download googleEarth I think. Quite a big download. Rich Farmbrough. 12:55, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

Dr Roberts

Now Dr. Roberts has passed on it would be nice if someone could write a decent length article on him. I would do one on Mr. Pickard however as he is still alive it would be unfair. Dr Geoffrey Roberts Head Master 1967 1988

Geoffrey Roberts became the School’s first Head Master in 1967, himself an English Graduate of Sheffield University where he met his wife, Betty, also an English Graduate and teacher of English. He often stated that the school had been founded in the teeth of fierce opposition by the then Enfield Council, which was the reason for his choice of the Camomile plant as the school’s symbol of defiance: ‘The camomile, common plant of the fields, the more it is trodden on, the faster it grows’. Many generations of Stopfordians will remember these words which were annually recited as the old Head boy/girl gave way to their successors and handed this plant to them in a silver bowl while reciting this quotation in assembly at the end of the summer term. This bowl was always carried into all assemblies along with the school roll, which every member of staff and pupil were expected to sign and which was regarded as a ‘bond with this world and the next’, underlining the Christian vision of the school.

As a schoolmaster, Dr Roberts inspired many generations of Stopfordians with an utterly traditional approach to education. The school was run on a very strict basis and there was an absolute insistence on uniform being worn correctly and homework being completed on time. Pupils would stand if a member of staff entered the room, and corporal punishment was allowed until its abolition in 1987. Improperly dressed pupils were sent home. Dr Roberts could appear as quite tyrannical to the younger pupils and would often tap on the door of a classroom with his cane before entering. He would also instigate special assemblies to deal with disciplinary issues, during which he would bellow loudly at the gathered pupils and wave his cane for dramatic effect.

However, those who grew to know him better as they progressed in the school discovered a man of acute intelligence and learning, who used the English language in a remarkable and powerful fashion, inspired by a love of literature many of his pupils carry with them. He very much enjoyed quotation and would particularly relish explaining biblical allusions in writers such as Conrad, Lawrence and Shaw as well as demonstrating a profound understanding of Shakespeare. It is a tribute to his energy that he completed his doctoral thesis on Shaw’s ‘Androcles and the Lion’ in his summer holidays over some twelve years. He was also the director of the main school play, and produced ‘Oedipus Rex’, ‘The Merchant of Venice’,’ She stoops to Conquer’,’ Othello’, ‘The Crucible’, among others.

During his twenty-one years at the school, he is perhaps most famous for the instigation of the school’s many traditions. The beating of the bounds on Ascension Day was a race round the school’s boundaries where the competitors would ‘beat’ the school boundaries with small ropes in the Anglo-Saxon tradition of securing an area. Again, a symbolical act of defiance against the local bureaucrats! He always rewarded the competitors with tea and cakes afterwards. The prefect system with its hierarchy of coloured gowns, from grey to deep blue! Some will remember the Christening of the school bell or the weekly lunch for visitors in his dining-room, preceded by liberal servings of Croft Original, Amontilado or Luncheon Dry!

Many Old Stopfordians may not realise that Dr Roberts also generated funds for the school by running three tuck shops, and stocking them himself with a number of trips to a local cash and carry in Ponders End. It is also true that many may have missed one of his greatest qualities: the capacity for self-parody and satire. Beneath the surface of an apparently austere man, an instinctive grasp of the absurd was never far away. Thus, behind the conventional schoolmaster, there lay an anarchic humour, which was often curbed by his loyal wife who warned him against the dangers of his more eccentric schemes, such as the plaque for the aforesaid bureaucrats to be connected to the boys’ changing-rooms where they may smell’ urine, armpits and sweaty socks for all eternity’.

Geoffrey Roberts was once heard to say that he began the school with some empty classrooms and a broken test tube rack and ended his time there, ‘a time-worn vessel of a mummified husk’. That may be so, but his vision endures. --Taylorgaryt (talk) 10:17, 26 March 2008 (UTC)

Three Line whip

I am aware of what a three line whip in terms of parliament but it is mentioned on the stopford's friends reunited page as something to do with Dr. Roberts. Could David or Richard shed any light on this matter. I would also love to hear some more stories from u2 about the early days of stopfords so i can compare it to when i was there in the 1990s.

Doesn't ring a bell with me. Rich Farmbrough. 12:51, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

Creeping capitalisation

'Tis a curse of modern corporate-speak, and the school website suffers from it. The elevation to proper-noun status of positions, groups of people and places that are not place names are the vanguard of the movement. Thus, for example, "The current Head Master addressed the assembled Pupils about the Rules governing Home Visits." (Not a direct quote.) We are in a position of weakness because such entities as the School Song, may, I think, be correctly capitalised in that usage, but not in others. Rich Farmbrough. 12:51, 14 February 2006 (UTC) (In due course governing will doubtless inherit a capital from Governor, assembled from Assembly and so forth.) Rich Farmbrough. 12:53, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

The use of capital letters at the beginning of non-proper nouns was more widespread before English became standardised. It is used a lot by lawyers, primarily because of their habit of using capitals to indicate defined terms. Whenever Dr Roberts would send a letter or other written communication from the School (or do I mean 'school'?), he would have it checked by the head of the English Department (No, that's a title!), Nick Mills. Perhaps the current administration is also untroubled by such niceties. DavidFarmbrough 11:25, 15 February 2006 (UTC)

Having said that, I have just gone through capitalising Eucharist. Is this never referred to as communion any more in the school? I think we may also need to capitalise Chaplain as it's a title. DavidFarmbrough 10:11, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

Sadly grammar is something no longer focussed upon at Stopford's. The former English master Mr. Solly famously taught grammar from Fowler's Modern English Usage right up until his retirement, long after the book had gone out of fashion. The current head is an English teacher and therefore one would expect her to have a reasonable level of competence with the language however this does not appear to be the case. I would think that the only English teacher capable of proof-reading properly still at the school is the wonderful character, Mrs. Hannan. The terms Eucharist and Communion are used interchangably. I believe that the rule book uses the term Communion but the blue books containing the service order, replaced now with white cards, use the term Eucharist. USer:152.78.254.243

Retired? I remember him arriving! "My name is MR Solly!" <writes on blackboard>"Get the jokes over with, Solly Golly... " Of course that stuck in my head forever. He taught us English in an art room, that was supposed to have been demolished after the war. Rich Farmbrough, 23:09, 4 August 2009 (UTC).

There is some subtlety about what constitutes a title. I went through pope making substantial changes from capital P to lowercase, expcting to get torn to sherds, but everyone seemed happy with it. Certainly we talk about Queen Elizabeth, or the Queen (possibly The Queen ?) coming to tea, but it should be "crowns are worn by kings and queens". And while it is Miss Smith, Sir Rumpley-Wumply or Lord Splodge, I have my doubts about "staff should refer to their Manager" or "their Head of Department" - this is a position not a title. Similarly the School Rules are a book, but pupils break a school rule. I would only urge a little thought, and we will all doubtless change anything we disagree with, and discuss if it's a problem as per. Rich Farmbrough. 10:48, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

Hymns

What hymns do you guys remember singing at Stopford's? I always enjoyed singing along with the bellowing organ in the background played by the amazing Mr. Smith, whose hair never stayed still. I particularly remember the following: Christian Dost Thou See Them, Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer, Onward Christian Soldiers, Amazing Grace and Christ Is Made The Sure Foundation.

I also remember choir practice with Mr 'Percy' Dennis and Nick Mills. They performed a creditable double act with the catchphrase 'Isn't that so Mr Mills?', 'Quite so, Mr Dennis!'. As for hymns, I think we must have gone through the entire A & M (R) and English Hymnal but don't remember doing Amazing Grace. No doubt someone will be along shortly to tell us that hymns were replaced in 2002 with The Millennium Book Of Weak, Modernised, Songs Of Collective Worship.DavidFarmbrough 10:03, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

Sadly the scenario is worse that you predicted. Hymns have been abolished in toto since the departure of Mr. Smith at all but end of term communions.

I remember Lowry's delight in "Christian doest thou see them" -also in the (spoken) line "goeth about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour". The last song in the book had an optional "amen" at the end. In hymn practice it was always the last hymn we sang. The distinction being that with one pianist, Mr Mills, we avoided the amen, with the other (I forget who) we sang it. The pupils weren't clued in on this however until some months into the school year, having been shouted at by both pianists, one of the masters took pity ,and explained the situation. Rich Farmbrough. 11:34, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

Infobox

I would like to add one of these to the article. It needs a little work beforehand though. Most fields are optional, we can remove these before going "live". See Bishop Stopford's School at Enfield/Infobox. Rich Farmbrough. 10:38, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

Can we please have a difinitve ruling as to which motto the school uses: Animvs Noster Dei Gloria or Animus Noster Dei Gloria. I'm sure being a traditionalist Roberts would prefer the Latinised "v" in Animvs. Otherwise good idea.

Grades should come out as it's an American thing. Is it a standard template? As for the motto, I haven't seen it written as Animvs as far as I can recall. DavidFarmbrough 09:45, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

Yes it's standard. Leave grades blank and it shouldn't show up. I guess we could put "Years 7-14" Rich Farmbrough 14:42 7 March 2006 (UTC).

Well I was partly wrong about that. It's in the article now. Rich Farmbrough 14:47 7 March 2006 (UTC).

Rules

Have the rules, then, been abolished, returning to the status quo ante. Rich Farmbrough? 11:15, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

What do you mean, have they been abolished? They seem plain enough to me.

The rule book. Perhaps one should read "Pupils are forbidden to use correct Punctuation in all it's forms." Rich Farmbrough, 14:08 23 October 2006 (GMT).

Four fold salute

The Four Fold Salute is:

GLORIA DEO VIVAT REGINA PROCEDAT LUDUS FLOREAT CHAMEALEUM

or something like that. Whilst I know what it means when was it used and what significance did it have as I cannot remember hearing it once.

Also, any details on the promised bio of the organ?

AFAICR This used to be printed on things like the Rule Book and orders of service for Founder's Day and the Service Of Nine Lessons And Carols. It may have been spoken, but I can't recall any instances of this. DavidFarmbrough 09:47, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

Mr July

I have moved the details of his death here as it is essentially a news item. Also, I didn't feel that I should remove the author's comments on his popularity etc., whereas they couldn't really remain on the main page. DavidFarmbrough 09:34, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

Mr July known as Morpheus to the older pupils passed away in late 2004 at a young age due to lung cancer. He shortly before had married his long-term partner. The pupils were devasated by the loss of this very popular George's house teacher and two memorial services where held in his honour. Mr July can be seen in the form pictures of 2004's 11G when he filled in for their absent form tutor.

Form numbers

When I was at Stopford's we used the numbering system 1 - 5 for year groups. In the Mr. July section 11G is mentioned, does this mean the school has sadly moved to the new 7-13 numbering system or was it 1G mistyped?

I think this has been done all over the country. The number is supposed to represent the number of years you have been in the education system, but is flawed because you have the same form number at the start of the academic year as at the end of it, and also because you have some children starting at 3 and others at 4 or 5. I am often told by teachers that the Dept. Of Education seems to introduce a lot of change for the sake of it. DavidFarmbrough 16:15, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

Both systems are used. The 1-5 is currenly used as in "1st Years""2nd years" ect. but the forms are now named 7G 8G ect. this was changed in 2002. Before that forms where 1G 2G ect. Tamatisk 08:35, 12 April 2007 (UTC)

John Craven's Newsround

Is it true that the School appeared on John Craven's Newsround? If so, why?

School walk

Can anyone expand the school walk article please.

Friday Luncheon

Can anyone remember enough about this to write an article. I always remember Miss. Glennie, a German mistress, used to try and avoid the whole affair.

Sport

Does anyone remember the Stopford run for boys at the start of every term?

And WINTER SPORTS, across Fawlty Hall.

Yes, the cross-country run was a bit of a waste of time, although it wasn't for me, as I managed not to do it after that first year.

I think it's Forty Hall, rather than Fawlty Hall, but I don't remember any sports there during 1978-1985. DavidFarmbrough 17:44, 27 February 2006 (UTC)

It is indeed Forty Hall. We occasionally used to do a cross country run round the grounds of Forty Hall. Sometimes it was just for PE bit I also took part in one which was competitive with a finish line with parents present. I was there 1975 to 1981.

We also used to use the sports arena on the other side of the A10. SandJ-on-WP (talk) 11:46, 9 March 2021 (UTC)

Selected Old Stopfordians (again)

Thanks for adding the additional info. I have tweaked this to wikify but can't find "Steven Hanness" on the IMDB list of cast and crew for "The Importance of Being Earnest". Does anyone know what role he played? Is there a source for this? Lucy Bolster may have married one of Blue, but which one? I couldn't find details of the wedding in the BBC news archive, nor any details on Blue's home page. Got a lot more on Benny Huggins, who seems to have done well for himself - he used to be an estate agent in Enfield. "Stuart Taylor - Journalist" is a bit brief - do we know for which publications? Also, did David Kort become successful as an actor in the end? DavidFarmbrough 14:02, 6 March 2006 (UTC)

As a follow-up fo this, does anyone have any sources for: Steven Hanness, Lucy Bolster, Jeremy Lush or Stuart Taylor? DavidFarmbrough 00:53, 9 April 2006 (UTC)

No follow up for a month so I am removing references to them. If we have a citation, then they can always be reverted. DavidFarmbrough 12:57, 10 May 2006 (UTC)

Fr. Taylor

The school's website says that from May a new Chaplain will take over, Father Anthony Homer. Does anyone know why or whether Fr. Taylor has left. This is most worrying, as without him Mrs. Evans will be free to abolish all the traditions the school has held dear for 40 years.

Assuming you're correct, it may be possible that the new Chaplain will be similarly minded to the present incumbent. DavidFarmbrough 11:40, 22 March 2006 (UTC)

Alas I think not however he is not from the inside, so will know only the traditions he is told about.

Crockfords clerical directory shows:

"HOMER A F Retired

HOMER A J ST LEONARDS (Christ Church and St Mary Magdalen) "

Is he either of these? Or is he not a Church Of England minister at present? DavidFarmbrough 14:56, 28 March 2006 (UTC)

D'oh! Rich Farmbrough 12:07 16 May 2006 (UTC).

Isn't there rather too much about the new chaplain? He needs his own wikipedia article. Can somebody do the appropriate editing? (A Teacher)

A. Teacher is quite correct. The information should be boiled down, and if necessary moved to a sub-section under "noteworthy teachers". Only information about the post of chaplain should be kept in that section. The information about the possible controversy relating to the school traditions should be moved to a seprate section , and considered in the light of WP:BLP. Rich Farmbrough, 12:31 27 February 2007 (GMT).

dodgy goings on

Is it true there were some dodgy goings on at the school, particularly involving Dr. Roberts.

I think you need to be more specific. FWIW I think Dr Roberts's moral standards were very high. DavidFarmbrough 10:04, 23 March 2006 (UTC)

How incredibly vague. And unsigned. SandJ-on-WP (talk) 11:48, 9 March 2021 (UTC)

clean up

any ideas on the clean up? i corrected some unhelpful edits and thanks for the info on WMD and the new uniform although i though it proper to include the line re. gowns as for many they are an integral part of the school. shame the new headmistress seems to intent on abolishing everything that makes stopfords great.

I removed the clean-up tag because I don't think it needs clean-up in the wikipedia sense. It probably would benefit from further information being added, but I think everything that is there is fine. DavidFarmbrough 10:46, 29 September 2006 (UTC)

New tie

What sounds like a very good idea could be a disaster, does anyone have any examples of some of the new ties. There will be forty-two different ties once this is fully enforced!

The Bogs

Are the toilets in every secondary school in England referred to as 'the bogs'? Was this just a Stopfordian thing? DavidFarmbrough 10:50, 29 September 2006 (UTC)

My older siblings from from the North of England and used the term. It was used in my junior school. It has been used in my workplaces. I think it is at least an English thing, if not wider. It is in the urban Dictionary too: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Bogs SandJ-on-WP (talk) 11:51, 9 March 2021 (UTC)

Uniform for teachers?

The article presently states "Male members of staff should wear a suit." I would have thought a dress code for the teachers unenforceable. In (79-85) some male teachers wore suits, but the majority wore the usual teachers' mis-match of jacket and trousers. Anyone at Bishop's during Charles Chaplin's teaching time will remember his navy blue blazer over a blue or maroon pullover, for example. So my question is, at what stage (if ever) did a Head Master or Head Mistress actually tell masters that they had to wear a suit. I would suspect never. DavidFarmbrough 13:15, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

I am unaware of specifics but I distinctly remember being told by Mrs Melhuish and Miss Glennie during the Pickard era that only recently had they been permitted to wear trousers rather than skirts, thereby implying a staff dresscode.

Chunk removed from article some time ago, but of passing interest

The school song is known to bring some masters and mistresses, as well as students, to tears. Mrs. Chalmers, who was a student at the school and went on to become Head of Geography, found it hard to complete the hymn without crying. This was by no means uncommon. Pupils have always been expected to learn the school song in the First Year and many will have memories of the former Director of Music, Mr. Smith teaching it to them.

-

- Mr. Smith taught at the school since it opened in 1967 and was the Director of Music up until his retirement in 2002. He played the school organ in every assembly and was one of the most loved teachers by many. His organ playing was first class, he is a Fellow of the Royal College of Church Musicians and is the only man in the country to have played on every Cathedral organ. Every Stopfordian will remember his interpretation of the hymn "Christian Dost Thou See Them", during which he added an extra two notes to which the hole congregation proceeded to bob up and down once. He was famous for singing and playing the organ at the same time and he ran the choir form. Since his departure there was one more Director of Music, Mr. D. Bruton, however all since then have not taken this title, and have, alas, not been able to play the organ. This has meant that on numerous occasions throughout the year Mr. Smith returns to play the organ however it does mean that pupils today do not get the daily dose of organ music they used to.

Rich Farmbrough, 12:21 27 February 2007 (GMT).

Why was this removed it is of obvious interest and import! Removal of words such as 'alas' and any opinion will make it an entirely reasonable and informative piece. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 86.145.95.231 (talk) 18:55, 28 February 2007 (UTC).

I think it was removed because it is what is called 'school-cruft' - not quite right for an encyclopaedia. It's OK to say that someone was 'loved by many' on Friends Reunited, but difficult to substantiate,which is what would be needed for it to be included here. Would this also lead to a list of teachers that are despised by many? DavidFarmbrough 14:38, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

Responsibility

If a person does a yahoo search for "Bishop Stopford's School", then this article comes up before the school's own home page. I think that editors have a responsibility (as they do with all articles) to ensure that the article is as accurate and neutral as possible. There is a fair bit about the declining standards in some areas (for example music and traditions) but to be fair and accurate, there should also be something about areas where there have been improvements since the latest Head arrived, particularly in the field of education. I hope contributors will keep this in mind. Perhaps someone with a bit of free time can go through the Ofsted (or whatever it is these days!) reports and get something to balance the article a bit. 82.44.214.197 22:59, 1 April 2007 (UTC)(David Farmbrough)

i was there under mr pickard for three years and mrs evans for four years, cant say she has made ANY improvements. the school is going to the dogs thanks to her, sooner she goes and Dr Tiffen is made Head Master the better, he is stopford's last chance. he is the only remaining master with any shred of respect for the traditions.

House areas

When did the Temples area change from the lower West wing to the old Trintiy area?

I remember for four years my form room was W3 under the direction of Miss Glennie with Mrs Leverington and Mr Bruton as heads of house.Good to see temples as house champs again tho! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.134.120.28 (talk) 01:46, 9 December 2007 (UTC)

Bible

In the literature given out to newcomers to the school parents are asked to provide a Bible that is GNB, NIV or CEV. To mention the NEB is therefore misleading. The Religious Studies Department (previously called Divinity ... this title was questioned by Church inspectors so changed) uses both the NIV and the CEV for study, depending on age and context. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.35.133.124 (talk) 11:02, 15 January 2008 (UTC)

This has clearly changed, we had to provide three books, Hymns Ancient and Modern, Revised , Phillips Scool Atlas and a Bible, I believe the GNB. There was certainly no choice in the version. Also house coloured football kit, white athletics kit, a carpentry apron and of course uniform including blazer. In those days there was of course no requirement for a pocket calculator, my HP-35 was seen as mysterious wonder by my peers - when I dared bring it to school. Rich Farmbrough, 00:37, 5 August 2009 (UTC).

Building Update?

The latest update on the new buildings was dated Feb 2008 on the school home page. Yet the latest buildings were due for completion in April. Presumably then, just like the new gym and the Orchard Wing, it's behind schedule. Anyone know the position? DavidFarmbrough (talk) 23:08, 4 May 2008 (UTC)

The new admin building is now operational and open.. the DT&English building will be completed for this september.. and the new 6thform and canteen within the next 1 or 2 years. (student at the school) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.35.136.169 (talk) 01:19, 19 July 2008 (UTC)

Name

Commonly known as...

• "Bishop Stopford's Maths and computing School" -wikipedia 4 of which 2 are wikpedia derived and 2 are a google-catcher spam site.
• "Bishop Stopford's School at Enfield" -wikipedia 49
• "Bishop Stopford's School" -wikipedia 2170

Moreover the school website does not refer to it with this name. on this basis I am reverting the page move, and removing the reference to the name.

Rich Farmbrough, 13:33 2 September 2008 (GMT).

Please try to discuss this article move here; the article and talk page were moved to separate locations, and I have moved the article at the moment to match the talk page at Bishop Stopford's Maths and Computing School. --Jh12 (talk) 19:52, 17 September 2008 (UTC)

actually.. the school is called Bishop Stopford's Maths and computing School due to its new status. I am a student so i should know..... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 92.234.58.157 (talk) 15:24, 16 October 2008 (UTC)

The school web site and 'Messenger' refer to it simply as 'Bishop Stopford's School'. Ofsted's site uses the same nomenclature. DavidFarmbrough (talk) 04:23, 23 October 2008 (UTC)

The application form does say "Does the applicant have a sibling(s) who will be attending Bishop Stopford’s School at Enfield, at the time of admission?" What is impossible to tell at the moment is whether the usage of the short name is lazy, or the name has been changed to loose the "at Enfield" and the form not updated. Rich Farmbrough, 23:19, 4 August 2009 (UTC).

When I attended this school from 1975 to 1982, it was most definitely called "Bishop Stopford's School at Enfield". We were instructed to always use the name in full because there was another Bishop Stopford's school somewhere else. Has the at Enfield part been dropped since then? SandJ-on-WP (talk) 08:33, 15 January 2024 (UTC)

Pilgrimage: 11 m or 22 km?

We were, I believe always told it was eleven miles or twenty-two kilometres from Ware to Enfield Lock (in as straight a line as can be managed after stopping at the various hostelries on the way). But the conversion doesn't work. 22 km is about 13 miles. Looking at Google maps, the distance would appear to be about 10 miles or 16 kilometres. So do we owe all those people who sponsored us per kilometre a refund? Perhaps someone who has done the walk more recently than twenty three years ago can check the map and pinpoint the precise start and finish points to get an accurate measurement. P.S. Old Roberts was a cunning sort. He realised that by measuring in KM he could more or less double the sponsor money! P.P.S. Does the Chaplain still bless the pilgrims? (Geo remarked that one of the pupils observed "T'aint the sime, is it sir? Nah ol' Lahry's Not 'ere to bless us'").DavidFarmbrough (talk) 23:01, 4 November 2008 (UTC) Yes we still get blessed.. but this time with a watergun, he cant be bothered 2 sprinkle water on everybody. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Cashkid121 (talk • contribs) 14:28, 9 November 2008 (UTC)

The school web site says again 22km. Rich Farmbrough, 23:19, 4 August 2009 (UTC).

Out of date

I've remmed out a sentence beginning "A new building project is due to commence during 2007..." since it is now May 2009. The text is still there in the edit box if someone wants to update it. Alarics (talk) 08:32, 3 May 2009 (UTC)

"With My Duty" offensive to non-Christians??

"Because of the religious context of this phrase, many teachers no longer enforce the "WMD" rule, accepting that it maybe offensive to non-christians" -- Are we quite sure this is really true? Why on earth would people send their kids to a Christian school if they are offended by Christianity? Alarics (talk) 12:06, 3 May 2009 (UTC)

Duty is hardly an exclusively Christian concept, either. Rich Farmbrough, 09:40, 31 December 2010 (UTC).

Tables

While these are very nice they make the top of the article a disjointed mess. Rich Farmbrough, 22:01, 4 August 2009 (UTC).

Ok I tidied some other stuff up there. Still think they are overkill. Rich Farmbrough, 00:40, 5 August 2009 (UTC).

Largest

Removed these claims, the first is almost certainly false (Picketts Lock for example must be larger) the second at least dubious (presumably it means largest "roll" - of course all pupils and staff are still on the school roll, so it is a little larger than some...).

"The school has London's largest sports hall, and is the largest school in Enfield."

Rich Farmbrough, 09:38, 31 December 2010 (UTC).

Founders Day

Should perhaps get a mention. All the best: Rich Farmbrough, 22:53, 15 September 2014 (UTC).

Lots of unsourced

Rich Farmbrough I'm tagging you since you are a constructive editor who seems to have taken an interest in the article last year. I've removed a portion of the unsourced and promotional content. A lot more, like the unreferenced inclusion of traditions, ought to go. Your thoughts welcome. Cheers, 2601:188:0:ABE6:65F5:930C:B0B2:CD63 (talk) 15:17, 13 December 2015 (UTC)

The main source for the traditions is Robert's book. I have a copy somewhere, I will keep an eye out for it. All the best: Rich Farmbrough, 01:49, 14 December 2015 (UTC).

• Much appreciated. Even with a reliable source, probably a good portion of what's there is too trivial for inclusion. Thanks for your response. 2601:188:0:ABE6:65F5:930C:B0B2:CD63 (talk) 02:19, 14 December 2015 (UTC)

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