Celebrating Generations of Geological Excellence

Thank you to all who attended The Granite Gathering – a Geology reunion in celebration of the department and the many, many Old Truronians who have gone on to pursue geological careers and education, as a result of the excellent leadership and teaching of Miss Hope, Mr Blackie, and of course Mr Kenyon who attended as a guest of honour.

In total, it was wonderful to welcome 45 guests to the reunion, most of whom were OTs, but also including current Sixth Formers. The event provided a valuable opportunity for students to meet and network with former pupils working across the geology sector, gaining insights, advice and encouragement as they consider their own future pathways.

Present were OTs who had travelled across the country to attend, with one from Hertfordshire, and another from Wales. The furthest travelled was all the way from Australia!

The reunion began in the morning where coffees and teas were offered upon arrival. This was a good opportunity for guests to view the geology displays, but most importantly a chance to network, reconnect with colleagues, and catch up with school friends – some of whom had not seen each other since leaving Truro School.

After a buffet lunch, Mark Vanstone CO88 delivered a heartfelt speech on the history of the department, its many successes and changes over the years, and how it has developed in both size and academic success. Tribute was paid to Miss Hope and Mr Kenyon – who through their leadership have both led the department despite many other cuts and closures of subjects in other parts of the country. Their efforts have not only maintained Geology as one of the School’s most popular subjects but have also guided countless students towards academic and professional success. Many Old Truronians will know that Ian taught Geology at Truro School for over 40 years, having joined the School in 1980. His dedication, alongside that of his colleagues, helped establish a department that has inspired generations of students and become one of Truro School’s great success stories.

Miss Hope then delivered a passionate speech about the department today – and outlined all that they are doing and will continue to do – in the years ahead. She encouraged Old Truronians to remain involved with the School as much as possible, and to continue offering career guidance, mentoring and educational support to current students. Under Miss Hope’s leadership, in 2025, half of all Geology entries achieved an A* grade at A-Level, compared with a national average of just 9.7%.

An exceptional 85% of students secured A*–A grades (nationally 27.1%), while 90% achieved A*–B and 100% achieved A*–C, significantly outperforming national figures at every level.

Furthermore, students regularly accumulate a multitude of prestigious university offers, including Durham University, Imperial College London, University of Oxford, University of St Andrews, Leeds University, Keele University, Exeter, Camborne School of Mines and Cardiff University.

Guests were then treated to a nostalgic tour of the Geology classrooms by Miss Hope and Mr Blackie, which, to many people’s delight, remain largely unchanged. Afterwards there was an opportunity to view the new Music Centre. Tan Lumby CO59 commented how in his time that part of the school site only included Epworth, and Overleigh, the Second Master’s home which is now the site of the Burrell Theatre. Today there now stands the impressive Music Centre where many will know the Assembly Hall to have been. The School is looking forward to formally opening the new building later this year.

The reunion continued to the Old Quay House in town afterwards, where 15 Old Truronians including Ian Kenyon carried on the conversation and celebrations.

While the Geology department continues to refine and strengthen its already outstanding provision, one major highlight on the horizon is the next Iceland expedition in 2027, an unforgettable opportunity for students to explore volcanic, tectonic and glacial processes in one of the world’s most dramatic geological settings. We are sure that for the students on that trip, they will remember it and recollect stories from it at future reunions once they themselves are Old Truronians.

In a rapidly changing world, Geology at Truro School offers something rare: a subject that is intellectually demanding, deeply relevant and genuinely inspiring. It also produces a community of geologists who all have Truro School in common, and who work and study together long after leaving.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, travelled long distances, or supported the event in any way. The success of The Granite Gathering demonstrated the strength of the Geology community at Truro School.

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If you are able to support the Geology department with mentoring, careers support and guidance then please e-mail the Development and Alumni Relations team at [email protected] who will connect you to the Geology team.