1646 – Issue 4

SCHOOL VISITS AND TALKS A special thank-you to the following Old Blues who gave up their evening to travel to The Old Fire Station Gallery in Henley to meet with students interested in pursuing further studies or a career in the Arts. This very special evening was a part of Reading Blues Coat’s first ever weeklong Arts Showcase. Jatin Yadav (2020) Computer Science Student at The University of Bath Ben Ruddle (2009) Digital Business Transformation, Financial Services Dr Sophie-Beth Dando (2006) Parent Attorney Steve Wotherspoon (1995) Designer / Sculptor Nick Turner (1985) Group Chief Executive Officer, NFU Mutual Alok Sharma (1985) Politician, Conservative MP Sophie van Brugen (1998) Broadcast Journalist, BBC James Callender (2005) Lieutenant Commander, Royal Navy Isla Markham (2014) Cyber Security, Zscaler Craig Huxtable (2015) Officer and Tank Commander in the Royal Tank Regiment Stewart Parvin (1985) Fashion Designer Steve Wotherspoon (1995) Designer / Sculptor David Warren (1999) Video / Film Editor Simon Collings (1994) Industrial Designer Andrew Chaplin (1999) Director Grace Plant (2013) Teacher and Theatre Producer Tom Yeates (2003) Director Sophie Benest (2002) Graphic Designer Luke Marino (2019) Lighting Director Thank-you to the Old Blues who came into Blue Coat over the past year to meet and talk to students about their careers and offer invaluable advice, sharing their personal experiences. Thank-you to Aisling Humphries-Griffiths (2015) and Tom Rosenthal (2006) who came into Blue Coat to take part in School events. Aisling took part in a panel discussion during an evening event which welcomed Year 6 girls to Blue Coat providing an opportunity to meet members of the Blue Coat community (staff, students, Old Blues, parents and past parents) and learn more about the introduction of Co-Education at the School. Tom was a guest judge for House Performing Arts which saw awards being presented for Best Music, Best Design, Best Dance and Best Overall Performance. 2 8