15th december 2017 1 rockin' around the christmas …helped load up the vehicle to deliver the...

1

www.tauntonschool.co.uk

CHALLENGE NURTURE INSPIRE

With Christmas just days away, children from Pre-Prep and Prep have been counting down to their Christmas parties on Thursday afternoon. And what a wonderful time they all had! Pre-Prep children enjoyed parties in their classrooms with delicious food and lots of fun. Years 3 to 5 were in the lower dining room, and Years 6 to 8 filled the upper dining room. Their raucous laughter echoed around the Senior

School as they made an epic attempt to pass-the-squeeze in the fastest time possible! All the children in Pre-Prep were visited by Mother Christmas who gave them each a gift. Thanks to all the parents who contributed delicious foodie treats to the parties. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

15th December 2017

MORE INSIDE

More pics on P4 & 5

Roald Dahl's MatildaDrama club children perform their

end of year play.

ROCKIN' AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Cantabile Choir dazzle the community

Cantabile choir have been out and about with Christmas spirit.

Martial Artists!The end of term sees lots of

gradings for pupils doing Aikido and Taekwondo.

2



The Pre-Prep and Prep Courier

THE HEAD HAS HIS SAY... by Andrew Edwards

The past 15 weeks have simply flown by and we have now arrived at the end of what has been a terrific Autumn term. The last week has been packed with festive fun and wonderful events such as the Christmas Fair last Friday, the

Christmas Lunch on Monday and today’s Carol Services.

As I write my final piece for the Courier this term, I would like to end where I began. Back in September, I shared with you how, for my first assembly, I spoke about four words - challenge, effort, respect and smile. These words have now been incorporated into the new ‘TPS Way’ which appears on the walls of every classroom and around the school. The pupils have certainly embraced this and I am impressed by how many of them know it off by heart already. I will be testing them in the New Year!

The final few days of term have brought out the very best in our school. It was lovely in yesterday’s final assembly to see how proud and happy pupils were to be recognised for their special achievements. The ethos at TPS is definitely one of celebrating effort, hard work, participation and achievement. Year 8 pupils have been leading the way and to see them interacting so positively with the Year 3 pupils in yesterday’s House Parties emphasised what a happy, nurturing and family school we are.

I hope that you enjoy the Tauntonian, which is winging its way to you today, and that you enjoy revisiting those happy memories from 2016-17. Thank you very much for the tremendous support which you have given this term to your children and to the school, and I wish you all all a very enjoyable festive holiday.

Mr Edwards, Prep School Headmaster

Parties done! Nursery party’s in full flow, Mother Christmas has visited, Carols sung and Nativities over for another year!

What a fantastic time we have all had and now I look forward to seeing

you for holiday club if you are booked in, don’t forget your swimming wear for Tuesdays and Thursdays and Pre-Prep holiday club will need a packed lunch on Friday 22nd.

Enjoy all the lovely photos over the next few pages.

Have a restful and fun time. Merry Christmas from us all in TPPS and Nursery.

Kathy McLauchlan, Head of Nursery and Pre-Prep

by Kathy McLauchlanNEWS FROM NURSERY AND PRE-PREP

The TPS Way

We aim high

We try our b

est

We are kind and respectfu

l

We smile

3




CHRISTMAS SPARKLE

HOUSE POINTS

Keira Hughes – 5MMark Eavis – 8HTaylor Flitton – 8HDaisy Stout – 8MOliver Pinkney – 8MAilani Braine-Clarke – 8MGeorge Demochka – 8MMartin Lee – 8MBrooke Oliver Whittaker – 6HDylon Willis – 8T

Daisy Jacobi – 8TChloe Hims – 7AFaris Quartly – 5HFindlay Robertson – 7CZara Pitman – 7CMax Burke – 7C

At TPS we award House Points for all sorts of different things. It maybe that a child has worked really hard on a piece of work, assisted another child who may be feeling a bit down, helped a teacher out, stepped outside the comfort zone on the stage, played really well in a sports fixture or achieved an extra length in the swimming pool. The list is endless and it’s all about recognising when children do something a little special or reinforcing a good effort.

Silver Awards

Bronze Awards

Sienna Mitchell – 6RThomas Dutton – 4LLaura Trembath – 4LDaisy Challacombe – 4P

Cicely Henry – 5SCharlie Taylor – 5S

A huge amount of goods were collected today for the Taunton Christmas Sparkle project. Your kind generosity will help many local families over the Christmas period.

Thank you to everyone who was able to contribute. Pictured are Kian, Brooke, Sienna, Cole and Mr Coleman who helped load up the vehicle to deliver the presents.

#abigthankyouChris Coleman

Deputy Head

Year 7 have been doing a French Spelling Bee this term: they have had to learn the meaning and French spelling of 50 words. In their French lessons this week each child has been asked to spell as many words as they can (chosen by the teacher) in a minute; the record was 12! The top spellers in each set will go on to the school team selection in February (with an additional 50 words to learn!). Well done and good luck to:

Orlando Cairns, Sophia Elsmore, Nola Fisher, Olivia Hopper, Rosie Imm, Vaughn Julyan, Diego Lopez Betancor, Lily Lucas, Amelia Mukamitali, Ben Redrup, Rafe Salvador and Chloe Sneep.

Catharine Richards, Head of MFL

FRENCH SPELLING BEE

4




PREP CHRISTMAS PARTIES

5




MOTHER CHRISTMAS VISITS PRE-PREP

6




MATILDAChildren in after school Drama Club have been working hard practicing their lines and acting skills for their end of year

production. Last week they performed Roald Dahl's "Matilda" to parents and friends. It was a wonderful performance and they all did themselves proud.

7




AIKIDO GRADINGS

TAEKWONDO As well as the Aikido

gradings, Quinn Stott (Year 1) was awarded his Taekwondo, White belt-Purple stripe.

John Gatford

Congratulations to all the boys and girls on passing their Aikido gradings on Monday. Also, a big well done to Sensei Brossard on passing his 4th Dan.

Jon Gatford

8




SANTA BABY!This week in nursery two the

children have participated in many Christmas activities. They all have particularly enjoyed making snowman biscuits. Other activities have included making cards and decorations, dancing to Christmas music and making peppermint creams.

Katie Shearn

9




CANTABILE CHOIR DAZZLE LOCAL COMMUNITYCantabile Choir have enjoyed

a very busy schedule of rehearsing and performing over the course of this term, especially in the last two weeks. What does it mean to participate in the Cantabile Choir – the top choir of TPS? Our school flagship choir trains

gifted, talented, and committed singers working them hard, but we do have a lot of fun too. Following on from the success of our stunning performance at Dunster Castle last fortnight, on Wednesday and Thursday we entertained two large Christmas lunch

parties at the Racecourse and the County Cricket Ground. We wowed and dazzled our appreciative audiences with a selection of popular and stylish Christmas carols and choral masterpieces. We also performed at the Hankridge branch of Costa Coffee, where we enjoyed a well-earned treat after our carol

singing. We are so proud of our many boys and girls who have embodied the school moto of seizing the day (“Carpe Diem”) by singing for our many choirs and music ensembles. We congratulate the Cantabile Choir in particular for their many hours of extra training and rehearsals to produce so many polished performances both within our school routine and also in the wider community.

PUPIL COMMENTS: What is so special about being in the top choir of the school?

“You get to sing with friends and have fun in awesome places.” Joe Taylor

“The whole Dunster Castle experience and free hot chocolate at various performing venues is a huge plus!” Kate Blackmore-Greasley

“Singing in cool venues and going on fun trips”. Charlie Caruthers

Jayne Hornsby

10




LET IT SNOW!

A MAGICAL CHOIR PERFORMANCE AT DUNSTER BY CANDLELIGHT

It was snowing in the Nursery Four garden this week!! Thanks to Mr Riggs and his snow machine.

Laura Clear

11




HOLLY, PRESENTS AND SNOW

There were lots of wonderful entries for the Christmas Creative Writing Competition and some very imaginative uses of the three key words - holly, present and snow. All entries are displayed in the upper corridor of Weirfield.

Congratulations to the winners in each year:

Year 8 Mina Li

Year 7. Lily Lucas

Year 6. Lucy Gliddon

Year 5. Oscar Coleman

Year 4. Harrison Perrone

Year 3. Chloe Henderson

Jane Burton, Head of English

Members of the Airfix/Warhammer Club during the final gathering of the term set up a huge battle using their models.

THE FINAL BATTLE!

12




A CHRISTMAS CAROLYear 7 have been studying Charles Dickens' 'A

Christmas Carol' in English this half-term and we were delighted to have the opportunity to see it performed at the Brewhouse Theatre on Wednesday. It was a superb performance and we were proud to see two of our Year 9

pupils, Rowan Keyte and Simone Gerontis, amongst the cast. It was a lovely end of term treat and we all left feeling very festive indeed!

Jane Burton

13




SHOWCASING TALENTSMr Manners' form group gave a brilliant

assembly last week showcasing their talents. Take a look at these pictures.

14




HOUSE DRAMA COMPETITIONThe House Drama

competition took place in the Centenary Hall on Thursday 14th December.

Each house had to devise, create and perform a scene based on a Christmas theme. The scenes were student led and Mr Sam Dunn from TSI was invited to adjudicate.

The winning house for Drama in 2017 was Dowell. Congratulations to Zoe Lucas, George Baker, Ellie Trescothick and Martin Lee.

Jayne Hornsby

15




ON THIS DAY IN HISTORYHOW HAS CHRISTMAS CHANGED

OVER THE YEARS?Each Tuesday the intrepid team of TPS History detectives meet to delve into the past and research famous events to

coincide with the publishing date of The Courier that week. They have only one hour to research, write and illustrate their articles. We hope you enjoy them and discover some fascinating bits of History.

Joanna Hall-Tomkin, Head of History and Pastoral Head Years 5&6

Christmas was originally celebrated exclusively at public gatherings, but changed in the early-19th century, when families started celebrating on their own. Christmas traditions, such as putting up a tree, gifts and giving to charity, developed during the early to mid-19th century, with each family choosing their own way to celebrate.

The feast of Brunalia of the Romans was around the 25th of December, the "birth of the unconquered son". For all the worshippers of the Persian god of the sun, Mithras, this was similar to Christmas itself. This was perhaps the only other Pagan religion which could be called a proper adversary to the Christian religion during this phase of

history. By the time the Western Church chose December 25 as Christmas day it was already A.D. 336. Other religions also hold certain festivities around this time, such as the Jewish faith, who celebrate Hanukah.

After World War II, Christmas became a more commercial holiday. A greater number of stores had Christmas decorations and music. Radio and television programmes featured Christmas-themed episodes. People sent Christmas cards to friends and family, and some went door to door carolling.

A TIME TRAVELLING LOOK AT CHRISTMASA TUDOR CHRISTMASThe homes of the wealthy used

to cook a wild boar on Christmas Day and its head was used as a dinner table decoration. However, cooking made the head’s fur go pale and so it was covered in soot and pig’s grease to make the cooked head looked more natural. The first record of a turkey being brought to Europe was in 1519. It was to be many years before this bird had reason to fear the Festive season. 1587 is the first recorded date we have of brussel sprouts being used in cooking. During the Twelve Days of Christmas, work for those who worked on the land would stop and spinners would also be banned from spinning. Work would not start again until Plough Monday, the first Monday after Twelfth Night. The Twelve Days of Christmas were a time for communities to come together and celebrate.

People would visit their neighbours and friends and enjoy the Christmas “minced pye” which would contain 13 ingredients, to symbolise Jesus and his apostles. The mince pie would be rectangular, or crib shaped, rather than our present day round ones and would be a minced meat pie rather than containing just dried fruit and suet.

THE YULE LOG: This tradition involved a log being brought into the home on Christmas Eve, being decorated with ribbons and then lit and kept burning through the 12 days of Christmas. It is thought that this tradition had its roots in the midwinter rituals of the early Vikings who built huge bonfires for their festival of light. People thought it was lucky to keep some charred remains of the Yule log to light the next year’s Yule log.

However, Tudor England was still many years away from Christmas cards, Christmas turkey, Christmas crackers, Father Christmas in his red costume and even the common use of Christmas trees.

16





OVER THE YEARS?A TIME TRAVELLING LOOK AT CHRISTMAS

A VICTORIAN CHRISTMASThe Victorian period is important

in the history of Christmas celebrating because it’ s the time when the Christmas tree was introduced and also the Christmas cracker and Christmas cards. Many attribute the changes to Queen Victoria, and her marriage to the German-born Prince Albert as introducing some of the most prominent aspects of Christmas. In 1848 the Illustrated London News published a drawing of the royal family celebrating around a decorated Christmas tree, a tradition that was reminiscent of Prince Albert's

childhood in Germany. Soon every home in Britain had a tree bedecked with candles, sweets, fruit, homemade decorations and small gifts. Another commercial Christmas industry was began by the Victorians in the mid 1840’s when a British sweet maker, Tom Smith, introduced bonbons, sugared almonds wrapped in twists of paper which he had seen in Paris. These developed into the now famous “Christmas cracker”.

THE WWI CHRISTMAS TRUCE Late on Christmas Eve 1914,

the British soldiers heard German troops in the trenches opposite them singing carols and patriotic songs and saw lanterns and small fir trees along their trenches. Messages began to be shouted between the trenches.

The following day, British and German soldiers met in no man's land and exchanged gifts, took photographs and some played games of football. They also buried people and repaired trenches.

The truce was not observed everywhere along the Western Front. Elsewhere the fighting continued on Christmas Day. Some officers were unhappy about the truce and worried that it would weaken fighting spirit.

17





OVER THE YEARS?THE 1914 PRINCESS MARY CHRISTMAS TIN

The Princess Mary Gift Fund box is an embossed brass box that originally contained a variety of items such as tobacco and chocolate. It was intended as a Christmas present to those serving at Christmas in 1914 and was paid for by a public fund backed by Princess Mary, the daughter of King George V and Queen Mary.

Princess Mary's original intention had been to pay, out of her private allowance, for a personal gift to each soldier and sailor. This was deemed impracticable and a proposal was made that she lend her name to a public fund, which would raise the necessary monies to provide the gift. From the outset the young Princess

took a deep personal interest in the work of the Fund and in a letter release by Buckingham Palace, signed by the Princess, she explained the purpose of the Fund. The charm and sincerity of her appeal were irresistible:

"I want you now to help me to send a Christmas present from the whole of the nation to every sailor afloat and every soldier at the front. I am sure that we should all be happier to feel that we had helped to send our little token of love and sympathy on Christmas morning, something that would be useful and of permanent value, and the making of which may be the means of providing employment in trades adversely affected by the war.

Could there be anything more likely to hearten them in their struggle than a present received straight from home on Christmas Day?

Please will you help me?"

The gifts were devised in October 1914 and intended for distribution to all who were serving overseas or at sea, in time for Christmas 1914; afterwards, with the fund in surplus and many feeling they had been ‘left out’, distribution was extended more widely – to all who were serving, whether at home or abroad, and to prisoners of war and the next of kin of 1914 casualties. This widened eligibility to an estimated figure of 2,620,019.

18




BAUBLE BONANZA IN THONE!Christmas is such

an exciting time of year, particularly when you are surrounded by children. It is great to hear the laughter and singing with which Christmas activities brings and to hear of the plans the children have made and the thoughts and dreams they share for the festive season.

Consequently Thone has been a very special place to be this week. With so many festive activities, Bauble Bonanza, Christmas

shopping in Clarks Village, the preparations for going home and the sharing of gifts and cards, the children have been in such positive spirits.

Thone would like to wish you a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2018. We look forward to welcoming you to stay in the New Year and hope you will look out for an opportunity to join us for one of the many promising activities.

Michelle Coleman, Head of Boarding

19




20




21




THIS WEEK'S SPORTGIRLS GAMES

In the final week of term we have changed our main sports in games. The girls have enjoyed getting themselves back in netball ‘mode’. On Wednesday afternoon the Year 6, 7 and 8s had a chance to work on their indoor cricket skills

with Mr Sanderson and Mr Trescothick. The Year 8s are looking forward to the Lady Taverners Competition next term.

Nicola Foad

The Year 8 girls had a brilliant last PE lesson of the term, having a Yoga session focused on the importance of looking after your core muscles, from Mrs Noll. The girls really enjoyed the experience of a professional instructor and all learnt a lot.

Thank you very much for coming to share your expertise with us.

Nicola Foad

YEAR 8 YOGA

22




Below is a list of preseason training available for Prep School pupils. Please could you drop them off to meet at the venue as stated below. Please also ensure they have the correct kit required for each activity.

WEDNESDAY 3RD JANUARYYR 7/8 BOYS LOCATION

9.00 - 10.00 am Rugby 7s Greenham Field

10.00 - 12.00 pm Hockey and Strength & Conditioning

Durrant Astro turf

PRE SEASON FOR NEXT TERM:

10.00 - 11.30am Yr 5/6/7/8 Boys Hockey Jowett Astro turf

10.00 - 11.30am Yr 5/6/7/8 Netball Greenham Courts

YR 7/8 GIRLS LOCATION

9.30 - 10.00am Strength & Conditioning Durrant Astro turf /Old Gym (senior sports area)

10.00 - 11.30am NetballSenior School Sports Hall/ Greenham Courts (meet at the Sportshall)

11.30 - 12.30pm Girls Cricket TPS Sports Hall

SATURDAY 6TH JANUARY

The current and future Young Lions showed exceptional spirit and fierce pride in the final and successful rugby matches with local rivals King's Hall last weekend. I had the pleasure of leading the U12s at King's Hall after a recurring injury prevented me from refereeing as The Young Lions tore into King's Hall in my absence. The game was eloquently summed up by a parent emailing me after the game stating “It was an amazing game to watch!

David versus Goliath type game. A type of game you don’t often see (perhaps like the game between Japan and the Springboks). The team played with such guts and determination. King's did not expect this. They had two subs

and Taunton had none. You had some tired boys at the end of the match. It was a well-deserved win! Your forwards out scrummed King's pack and I’d say Taunton won most of the rucks as well”. This, a joy to hear after a solid practice session on aggressive rucking 3 days before. The four Taunton tries came from Jack Brimm, Martin Lee and man of the match Alex Pomeroy with two. Many of these players will catch

the eye of Mr Sestaret, The Director of Rugby, if they continue to play with such passion in the Senior School.

Accompanying the future Young Lions of Year 7, I was pleased to see Mr Rousell had prepared them well. They were superb playing with aggression, desire and as a team. They won the first half after an exceptional comeback. King's and Taunton then mixed things up for the second half to give all a full 25mins as Kings were now short of players due to injury. Taunton gave Orlando Cairns, Jack Bollom, Trystan Davies and Toby Lewis to the opposition, who to their credit, enjoyed ‘sticking’ it to their

chums as much as they did King's Hall in the first half. Standout performances by Max Mitchell controlling the backline, Josh Stevenson leading some rampaging charges were accompanied by an outstanding tackle count by Frankie Burke as well as running a full pitch try. An excellent performance that bodes well for the continuing ethos of brave Young Lion performances into Year 8.

Hamish McCarthy

FIERCE PRIDE OVERCOMES KING'S

23




@tauntonschool

@tauntonschool

@tauntonprep

@tauntonschool

Follow us on Social Media!

Stay up to date with the latest news, events and

activities around the school.

Don't forget the deadline for applications is Monday 8th January.

Submit your application form to [email protected]

Thinking about applying for a 13+ Scholarship?

Don't forget the deadline for applications is

Monday 8th January.

Submit your application form to [email protected]

Want to be a part of our outstanding organisation? Have

a look through our latest job vacancies on our website

www.tauntonschool.co.uk. For more information, contact HR

on 01823 703123 or [email protected].

Vacancies

24




W H A TW H A T

R E S U L T !R E S U L T !

C O U R S E D A T E SCourse 1: Monday 26 March – Thursday 29 March 2018

Course 2: Tuesday 3 April – Friday 6 April 2018

Each course includes an end of course BBQ

I enjoyed learning new things, relaxing more than worrying about revising.

Fo r m o re i n fo r m a t i o n o r t o b o o k a c o u r s e p l e a s e e m a i l :

r e v i s i o n c o u r s e s @ t a u n t o n s c h o o l . c o . u k

K E Y F E A T U R E S Revision and examination techniques

Averaging six students per class Wide selection of subjects

Closing gaps in knowledge

Unpicking tricky questions One-to-one support

13 hours of intensive tuition per subject over four days

B O O S T Y O U R G R A D E S T O G E T A H E A D !

G C S E & A L E V E L

E A S T E R R E V I S I O N C O U R S E S 2 0 1 8

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO COULD BENEFIT?

25




The biggest mass-movement dance production anywhere in the UK in each year! Workshop to take place 9th-12th February, event to take place on the 24th March.

Contact [email protected] for more details!

Students UK Schools Fans

“YOUR PRIORITY INVITE TO PERFORM ON THE BIGGEST STAGE OF YOUR LIFE”

Pro-Excel – 15 years of mass-movement at the worlds greatest venues & stadiums

LIVE AT THE OLYMPIC

STADIUM

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW!

26




Find out about our new Business course

launching in September 2018www.tauntonschool.co.uk/BTECBusiness

BTEC BUSINESSComing soon

For further information please contact [email protected] • 01823 703703

2 x 100% fully funded means tested places available

15th december 2017 1 rockin' around the christmas …helped load up the vehicle to deliver the...

Documents