We have had a good week in all areas. Our exam results arrived on Monday morning and they were very good indeed. Everyone needs to be careful at this time because results and percentages are bandied around. It is very easy to manipulate figures to make them look good and in some areas, including Cambridge themselves, there is no such thing as a pass or fail - you simply get a grade.

However, at Falcon at 'A' level, we achieved a 90% pass rate, with symbols from A to E. 118 Papers were written and 106 were passed. We had a 100% pass rate in English Literature, History, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Accounting, Applied ICT, Design & Technology, and Art & Design.

At AS level, 191 papers were written and 140 were passed, giving us a 73% pass rate. English Literature, English Language, Design & Technology and Art all got a 100% pass.

At 'O' level, 483 papers were written, 364 passed with a to C or better, giving us a 75% pass rate.

Our top results at 'O' level came from Thamsanqa Moyo, who got ten A's, with 9 of them being A*s.

At 'AS' level, Thabo Mabuka achieved 3 A's and 2 Bs, and Daleroy Sibanda 3 A's and a B.

At 'A' level, Bukhosi Mathiyo got 3 A symbols, as did Brussel Banda.

Our second and third sets were particularly pleasing and we congratulate all the boys and staff.

SPORT:
We had a very pleasing second weekend at sport. All the Cricket against St. George's and St. John's at A team level was competitive. The B teams at home battled on wickets that were not easy and the toss most certainly played its part. That, of course, is part of the game and a good learning experience. Our second team, which is a young side, did very well indeed. The results were:

Vs. St. George's
The 1st XI drew and the junior A teams all won in Harare. At home, the 2nd XI won, whilst junior B teams lost. Andries van Heerden made 62 not out, for the 1st XI and Warwick Ullrich scored the same in the 2nds.

Vs. St. John's
The junior A sides lost their matches, but the 1st XI won, with captain Godwill Mamhiyo scoring 113.

Vs CBC
Both the 3rd and 4th XI's won their 20/20 games on Thursday afternoon.

Swimming:
Five Falcon boys have been chosen for the Matabeleland team and they are:
G Fargnoli, C Charsley, L Fargnoli, C Pritchard and J Schlachter.
L Fargnoli and C Pritchard have been awarded their Matabeleland colours.
L Fargnoli, during the holidays, swam in the Zone 3 + 4 championships in Nairobi and won 3 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals. In his year group, he was the runner up for the individual trophy. This is outstanding and we congratulate him.

M. Ncube was the fastest senior and MN Ushewokunze the fastest junior.

BUSES AT FIXTURE FREE WEEKENDS:
The year has started off badly, with many late bookings and non-payment for tickets. Because the demand for seats is likely to be far higher, this year, places on the bus will be allocated strictly on a first come, first served basis. To avoid confusion, ALL BOOKINGS AND PAYMENTS in future must be made with Mrs. Randle by the weekend before a Fixture Free to ensure a place. Any late bookings/payments will result in the boy having to make his own arrangements should he wish to go home. You are further requested to ensure that your son travels with a small bag ONLY.
Travel on the College buses is a privilege and not a right and the College reserves the right to ban a boy from traveling, should he not comply with the booking arrangements, or should he behave badly on the bus. For the Harare buses, the collection point remains the Borrowdale Race Course, and for the Victoria Falls, it is at the Rest Camp. Buses should arrive between 5 and 6 p.m. on Friday (Thursday at Half Term) and depart at 10.00 a.m. on the Monday. If you miss the Harare bus, Norton will be the only place the drivers will stop for you. The buses will not wait for late comers.

SCHOOL SHOP:
This will be open on Monday 1st February between 5.00 and 5.30 p.m. and on Tuesday 2nd. From 2.00 to 3.00 p.m.

QUEST AFRICA:
We require a gas fridge and freezer to be loaned or hired, for a couple of weeks. If any one has these, please could they contact William Schultz at: willschultz@falconcollege.com

We are delighted at how well the new boys have settled in. They really have worked hard and are likely to be exhausted. This is natural and we expect it. Please do re-assure all our new boys that it gets better and easier from here on in, as they have learnt the majority of what has to be known.

We have had two prefects removed from their positions for bullying, which is a sadness, but I cannot express in strong enough terms that we will not tolerate bullies in any form whatsoever. We will strive for boys to be disciplined and happy so that they can give of their best at all times.

My final plea this week is for parents to communicate with their Housemasters at any time about any concerns you may have.

I hope that you have a wonderful weekend with your sons and we look forward to the rest of the term.

"The universe is full of magical things, Patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper"
Philpotts

R.W. QUERL