Magdalen College School, Oxford
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| Magdalen College School | |
 |
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| Sicut Lilium (Latin: "As the Lilies") | |
| Established | 1480 |
|---|---|
| School type | Public School |
| Master | Mr A.D. Halls(Leaving Christmas 2007) |
| Usher | Mr. S.D.A. Grifiths. |
| Location | Oxford, Oxfordshire, England |
| Badge Founder |
Lily William Waynflete |
| Website | www.mcsoxford.org |
Magdalen College School is an independent school for boys located on the edge of central Oxford, England. Founded as part of Magdalen College, Oxford by William Waynflete in 1480, MCS is one of the most famous and prestigious public schools in Europe.
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[edit] Foundation
The School was originally founded by William Waynflete to educate the sixteen boy choristers of Magdalen College, Oxford who sang in the college's chapel, as well as other gifted local children of high academic achievement. Since then it has grown immensely from an original pupil population of approximately 30 to well over 600. In 1890 the school moved from its original location in Magdalen College itself to its present location just over Magdalen Bridge and opposite the college. The choristers are still official 'scholars' of the school along with other pupils who attain excellence in a particular field (Art, Music, Sport and Academia).
[edit] History
Magdalen College School was, from its foundation in 1480, based in the college itself (just over Magdalen Bridge). However, in the late 19th century the school detached itself, and was replanted across the river, using what is now the Junior section of the school as its entire school house. The school has moved on, and has spread across the road, and the Schoolhouse is now used for the Juniors (ages 7-11) whilst the school faculties across Cowley Place are for the Seniors (ages 11-18)
While in the intervening centuries it enjoyed mixed fortunes, today Magdalen has established a position amongst the UK's best academic schools and has around 660 pupils aged between 7 and 18. The school was named the UK's Independent School of the Year by the Sunday Times in 2004.
The new Sir Basil Blackwell library has been built recently, and a new canteen is planned, to be built within the next two years.
The Headmaster is called the Master (currently Mr. A.D. Halls - leaving his 10 year post soon after Christmas 2007).
The deputy head is called the Usher (currently Mr. S.D.A. Grifiths).
[edit] Kingball
A Magdalen College School tradition, unique to the school is the game of kingball. It was first played at Magdalen some time in the 19th Century, and although to some extent the rules are passed down from year to year, every new year that takes up the game usually adopts its own rules as well. The game is played on a court that is very distinctly shaped. The ball is bounced around the court and the players progress up the shaped 'squares' (although in fact none of them are square-shaped) until he is in the 'King' square. Then he serves and so the game progresses until he is eventually knocked off the 'King' square. The game is predominantly played by younger boys, ranging from 8-13 years old. However, whenever boys from this age range vacate the courts and there are no tutors to tell them otherwise, older boys enjoy to play the unique "sport".
[edit] School Songs
The school has had many famous musicians over time. There are many songs dedicated to the school by such past pupils with the school hymn being one of them, entitled "Miles Christi". (The English translation is entitled "The Lilies of the Field"). The 'House singing' Competition has recently become an annual school event, in which the various houses of the school compete against each other in the form of singing.
[edit] Bibliography
Several books over the years have been written about the school. These include:
- Stanier, R.S. Magdalen School (Blackwell 1958)
- Clarke, D.L.L. Magdalen School: Five Hundred Years on (Blackwell 1980)
- Hey, Colin Magdalen Schooldays 1917-1924 (Senecio 1977)
- Orme, Nicholas Education in Early Tudor England: Magdalen College Oxford and Its School, 1480-1540 (Magdalen College 1988)
As an interesting addition to the above list, the novel North by long-serving former teacher Brian Martin (Macmillan New Writing 2006) is widely acknowledged to be set in the school, although it is not mentioned by name.
[edit] Combined Cadet Force
The Magdalen College School Combined Cadet Force (MCS CCF) is divided up into three sections: Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force and is primarily reserved for boys in the 5th and 6th forms.
The CCF gives boys the opportunity to experience sailing, shooting, flying, infantry tactics and more of the like.
[edit] Notable Old Boys
The list is roughly in chronological order.
- St Thomas More (disputed) — Roman Catholic Martyr
- William Tyndale — first translator of the Bible into English
- Cardinal Wolsey (as Master) — Henry VIII's closest adviser
- John Foxe — martyrologist
- Sir Basil Blackwell — bookseller
- Noel Chavasse — one of three men to be awarded the Victoria Cross twice
- Ivor Novello — singer/songwriter
- John Caird — director of Les Miserables
- Christopher Peacocke — eminent philosopher
- Nigel Starmer-Smith — BBC rugby correspondent
- Jim Rosenthal — TV sports commentator
- Adam Lively — contemporary novelist
- Tim Hunt — Nobel Prize winner and scientist
- Wayne Masterson — scientist
- Sam Mendes — Oscar-winning film and stage director, and husband of Kate Winslet
- Ben Goldacre — journalist
