The Arts Cups and Colours Assembly annually celebrates the achievements of Boys’ Division pupils both in the Arts and within the House system. This occasion highlights collective and individual endeavours within music, dance, drama and public speaking as well as public service, leadership and commitment.
The assembly was led by Deputy Head Dr Mullins, who began by recognising how these activities and qualities are a distinguishing feature of the all-round education at Bolton School. He said: ‘It is our hope that the collection of experiences resulting from the creative and performing arts, public speaking and debating, and our House activities promotes intellectual curiosity, fosters creative thinking whilst at the same time enhancing your sense of empathy and physical and mental well-being.’
He invited a number of boys to the stage to share their experiences. Finlay Littlefair (Year 13) spoke about the strong tradition of performing arts at the school and gave a recap of the numerous performances that have taken place throughout this year. Jack Swires (Year 13) spoke eloquently about his involvement with debating and MUN, which have also been very successful. Owais Khalid (Year 13) came to the podium to talk about the various endeavours of each House. Levi Higham (Year 11) also performed ‘East Coast Mainline’ by James Rae on the saxophone.
Dr Mullins celebrated the year’s varied concerts as well as the achievements of the Joint Senior Concert Band at the National Concert Band Festival, where they received a Gold Award and the percussion section were awarded an Outstanding Performance Award. He also mentioned the Platinum Artsmark, which recognises the school’s ongoing dedication to arts and culture and gives boys the opportunity to engage with the cultural ecology of the North West through collaborative partnerships with theatres, film companies, museums, galleries, concert venues, universities and freelance creatives. In addition, he spoke about the House system, which has been in place for 119 years and provides boys with the chance to learn from other year groups and their experiences.
Half and Full Colours were awarded for Drama, Music, Debating, Art and House activities. Dr Mullins also announced the winners of House Winter Cups, which were presented by the Head, Mr Ford. Chorley received the Junior Football Cup, Senior Football Cup, the Waterhouse Cup for Senior Rugby and the Golf Cup. The Inters (Years 9 and 10) Football Cup and Senior House Champions Cup were presented to Manchester. The Hockey Cup was awarded jointly to Wigan and Manchester, with Wigan also picking up the cup for Badminton. The Haselden Trophy for Cross Country went to Blackburn, as did the Junior Rugby Cup.
Dr Mullins finally announced the current standings in the race for the Lyde Cup, to much excitement in the Great Hall. The boys in their houses will continue to compete for the Lyde Cup through the rest of the Summer Term.
