29 June 2018

Bolton School hosted the second of two Civil War Education Days presented by costumed re-enactors from the Earl of Manchester's Regiment of Foote. These exciting workshops allowed pupils from local primary and secondary schools to learn more about how the Civil War affected Bolton, discover what people's lives were like, and take part in musket and pike drills for themselves.

This event comes ahead of The Storming of Bolton, a weekend of living history which will take place on Bolton School grounds over the weekend of 7-8 July 2018. Both days will include an exciting battle re-enactment. For full details, visit the School website or watch the trailer on the Earl of Manchester's Regiment of Foote blog.

Two members of the Ice Maiden expedition - the first all-female team to cross Antarctica coast-to-coast using only muscle power - joined Bolton School pupils to talk about their expedition. They gave an inspirational presentation, talking about how they overcame the difficulties faced in training and when they reached Antarctica, and encouraging pupils to find their 'Antarctica'.

The Lower School production of Ernie's Incredible Illucinations was a huge hit. Alan Ayckbourn's comic play about Ernie, a boy whose active imagination causes his "illucinations" to become real, was brought to life by a vibrant and lively cast.

On 30 June, Bolton School will help to mark the 50th anniversary of the last day of steam power in Bolton on 30 June. The school will be represented at this community gala by a stall and art exhibition. Pupils will also perform music and put on the second production of 'My Room, My Bolton', a play based on pupils' work around the Mass Observation project.

Old Boys, current pupils and staff celebrated 60 years since the opening of a purpose-build Chemistry block in the Boys' Division and to mark the passing of Old Boy Sir Harry Kroto, who the building was named after in 2013. Several generations of chemists swapped stories and memories in the labs, and there were also lectures from Old Boy Professor Malcolm Stevens FRS and Dr Jamie Gallagher, a special lunch, and even a 'Buckyball' cake in honour of Sir Harry's discovery, Buckminsterfullerene.

The Boys' Division PA has once more funded a variety of initiatives to improve boys' experiences in school. These include a brand new Bola cricket bowling machine, a replacement cricket-style Pavilion clock for the refurbished Tillotson Pavilion, music stands, and a learning support environment.

The Bolton School Ball was a huge success, raising a stellar £19,000! Over 360 guests enjoyed a spectacular evening with a 1920s Gatsby theme, featuring live music, aerobatics, a silver service dinner, a Heads and Tails game, and dancing. The money raised will go towards bursaries for girls and boys who begin their studies in Year 7 of the Girls’ or Boys’ Divisions at Bolton School and towards projects run by the two Parents’ Associations, who organised the event.