prep for the week issue | 1792

Issue Number XXXX – XX September 2014

Prep for The Week Issue Number 1792– 20 March 2015 1

Solar Eclipse Big Star, Little Star

Issue Number 1792– 20 March 2015

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Prep for the Week

In this week’s issue…

Headmaster’s Welcome Notices Kingfishers News Lower School News Middle School NewsUpper School Roller Disco

The Art Department NewsGirls’ and Boys’ SportPrivate Peaceful PerformanceBirthday Celebrations The School Week Ahead

Well done to Theo (Year 4) who has raised £500 for Cheltenham College Preparatory School’s affiliated charity, TURF, designed to alleviate poverty in India and to assist in the provision of education, training and healthcare projects. Theo has recently been filming for the TV show ‘Big Star, Little Star’ with his grandfather, Nick Hewer, alongside fellow contestant Jo Wiley. This was to an audience of 400 people in a recording studio at Wembley Stadium.

The children took the opportunity to observe today's solar eclipse!



Headmaster’s WelcomeDear Parents

My congratulations to the whole community on its performance in the past term! Hard work and genuine progress in the classroom has been complemented by a desire to play hard on the sports field, perform with confidence and gusto on the stage and fill the school with the sounds of various instruments. As importantly, standards of behaviour and care and concern for others have ensured that the school has functioned as a strong, determined and compassionate community.

Head of English

As previously stated, Mrs Rosamund Humphrey, who is on maternity leave at present, will not return to The Prep. Instead she will relocate to Cambridgeshire. Her replacement is Mrs Nicola Massey. Educated at Dean Close and Pate’s Grammar School, Mrs Massey attended Exeter University and undertook teacher training at Homerton College, Cambridge University. She joins us from Thomas’ Prep School in Battersea, where she is Head of English. Miss Massey will also contribute to hockey coaching.

Head of Maths

Mr Chris Murray leaves us to become the Deputy Head of Yardley Court in Kent. Dr Sandra Gilmour, who at present is the interim Head of Science, will become the Head of Maths.

Head of Science

Mrs Faye Wells will become the Head of Science whilst retaining her integral role in the Boarding House alongside her husband.

Head of Design Technology

Mr George Boyd will join us in September from Swanbourne House School, a preparatory school in Buckinghamshire. Educated at Dean Close, Mr Boyd attended the University of Wales. Mr Boyd will also contribute to the coaching of Boys’ Sport as well as offering clubs for Design Technology.

(It is worth mentioning that plans for the conversion of Middle School into four Science laboratories and two rooms for Design Technology have been agreed and work will take place during the Summer holidays. I will be able to provide more details, including where the Middle School classes will be accommodated in September, in the first half of next term. Suffice to say, having the Heads of these departments in situ whilst the developments proceed will be a huge advantage.)

Head of Learning Support in Kingfishers

Mrs Alison Brady will leave the Prep in June after 16 years. Mrs Christina Conner, at present Head of Geography and Religious Studies will become the full-time Head of Learning Support in Kingfishers.

We are well into the process of recruiting for a replacement for Mr Bonner and a Head of Geography.

Scholarship success

I am delighted to announce that the Prep has enjoyed great success in the recent round of scholarship examinations at Cheltenham College.

Academic successes

Charlotte Maddinson has been awarded the Lord James of Hereford Award and Duncan Pinchen has been awarded the Prain Scholarship. On account of their performance in the academic scholarship, allied to their abilities in other areas of school life, Beth Jenkins, Maja Matschey and Megan Message have all been awarded All Round Scholarships.

At 11+, Finlay Hurst, Helena Keatinge, Ella McCombie, Rory Maddinson, Dorothea Peterken, Tatty Anton-Smith, Laura Bingham and Ashley Tan all received academic awards.

Success in Art, Music, Design Technology and Sport

Lily Cutts and Jago MacInnes, both of whom were integral to the success of this term’s production, Private Peaceful, have been awarded Drama Scholarships. Jago has complemented this with success in Design Technology. Ed Ferris, on account of his prowess on the games field and with a cello in hand, but not simultaneously, is awarded an All Round Scholarship. Sports awards have been given to Jenny Carson, Abigail Whybrow, Louis Hillman-Cooper, Sebastian Blake, Henry Tarrant, Jemima Rees and Harry Jinks .

At 11+ Molly Krauer, Laura Bingham and Annie Carter were successful in Art; Oliver Callon Hine and Maria Cowing in Design Technology, Kiera Ferchland-Howe, Annie Finan, Ella McCombie, Dorothea Peterken, Celeste Aylott and William Henry in Music, and Celeste Aylott, Finlay Hurst, Ross Broughton-Johnson, Gabby Bifulco, Jack Logan and Isabella Mills and Fifi Russell in Sport.

Although we are loath to lose talent at 11+, it is also important to record our congratulations to our girls in Year 6 who sat the Cheltenham Ladies' College examination. All were successful.



As you are aware, I refer to the Spring Term as the “difficult bit in the middle”. That we exit from it in good heart and after a period of genuine progress in all aspects of school life, is down to two major contributions. Firstly, I must thank the efforts of the cast of Private Peaceful, Mrs Douglas, Mr Perona-Wright, Mrs Jones and Mr Reader. Drama and Music always offer a focus to the Spring Term, something to work towards, and the poignant and mature performances that were given by the whole cast impressed all who attended. 180 children entered the House Music Competition and Mr Perona-Wright informs me that 84% of the Prep School take music lessons.

Secondly, I wish to offer my thanks to the adults who support the children. The staff in the Prep are professional, enthusiastic, determined and consistently keep the child at the heart of what they do. Their effectiveness is increased by the wholehearted support that they receive from the parents. I refer, not only to strategies for individual children, created by close liaison between home and school, but also to the example set by parents when in school. Thank you.

If you are able, I hope that you enjoy a restful break and I look forward to welcoming you all back in mid-April!

Mr J F Whybrow

"Today we bid farewell to Mrs Lou Davies. Lou has held the position of Headmaster’s Personal Assistant for the past five years and has performed so very well. From a personal note, I wish to thank her for ‘seeing me in’ and I, and the whole school community, wish her every success as she moves to her new role as the Executive PA at the Farncombe Estate.

It is hoped to appoint a replacement in the next few weeks. However, it is possible that the Easter term will begin without a PA in place."



Monday 13 April: Boarders Return at 17.30

Tuesday 14 April :

Term Begins - normal collection

times, after school care and activities

until 18.00

Friday 17 April:

Kingfishers and Lower School Parents'

Coffee Morning in the Library

Notices

The Uniform shop will be opening on

Monday 23 March from 10.00 to 15.00



Kingfishers Monday was a very special day for Kingfishers, as it was our ‘100th Day of School’.

We started the day with learning a very ‘cool' 100th day song in Assembly , then during the day we had lots of fun with the number 100!

‘I made a necklace with 100 cheerios’ Joshua (Year 1)

‘We made a big number 100 with all my friends’ William (Cottage)

‘I made a hat with 10 strips. Each strip had 10 pictures on them that I drew’ Hector (Year 2)

‘I wrote my name to fill a 100 square and coloured in the really cool pattern’ Ruby (Year 1)

‘I put 100 beads on a string, and we used a computer to look at what schools were like 100 years ago’ Maya (Year 2)

‘I counted 100 coins’ Ted (Year 1)

Ms A Duggan, Kingfisher Class Teacher



Lower SchoolOn Wednesday afternoon Mrs Bond worked with 8 Lower School children, as part of our stretch and challenge English programme. The task was: To recreate a short speech inspired by William Shakespeare.

After reading and deciphering the passage Shakespeare had written, the children tried to write their own in modern day English.

“It was an amazing lesson and we found out all about Puck from A Midsummer Night's Dream. We changed his speech and picked a person to describe how we would follow them.”

Toby Year 4

PUCK: I’ll follow you, I’ll lead you about, around – Through bog, through bush, through brake, through Briar – Sometime a horse I’ll be, sometime a hound, A hog, a headless bear, sometime a fire…

Jakob(Year 3): I’ll follow you, every twist and turn of your life. I’ll follow you to the army defence with all my life to keep you safe. I’ll be a gun, I’ll be a computer, I’ll be a friend at every time, every place, every day. You will never be alone and I’ll be the sun to guide you everywhere. (His father)

Izzy (Year 4): I’ll follow you, through every twist and turn of your life. Through shops, through trips, through matches you watch. Sometimes a basket I’ll be, sometimes a car, carrying you to safety. At the NHS, I’ll be waiting patiently behind every child needing help. I’ll breathe the same air as you. I’ll dream the same dream. I’ll guide you through every step of the way. I’ll treat you how you treat me with honesty and kindness. And never let you go. (Her mother)

To remind us that Spring is nearly here, Mrs Llewellyn Palmer brought three lambs in to meet the children today. The youngest was just ten hours old and, although rejected by her mother, had been adopted by another feeding mother. All classes had the opportunity to touch or hold the lambs. Both the children and lambs were beautifully behaved!

Have a wonderful Easter break.

Mrs D J Isaachsen, Head of Lower School



Well done to all who took part in the Book Day quiz, here are the winners from Middle School:

Ben, Jamie, Abbi, Helaina, Lily, Ashley and Evie

Middle School

Middle School get Rapping!

To enhance their Science learning, Middle School got the opportunity to take part in a rapping workshop.

The session lead by Breis, an inspirational and talented rap artist, introduced the pupils to the origin hip hop and how to perform raps to a beat.

Our pupils practised performing a rap on Forces, to develop their use of rhythm . They then created and performed their own raps on the topic of Nutrition and Digestion.

Breis created such an engaging atmosphere, and the pupils enjoyed themselves so much, that it is certain that they learned a great deal without even realising it.

Dr S Gilmour, Acting Head of Science

Why not but a new book during the Easter break? Do not forget, Middle School's favourite authors were Michael Morpurgo and Cornelia Funke



Upper School Roller Disco

Years 7 and 8 had a fabulous time skating and dancing at their annual Roller Disco.

Neon clothing was out in full force, and some incredible dancing was witnessed.

Not everyone found it easy to begin with, but by the end all involved were skating around like pros!

A particular highlight was the boys v girls skate race; despite an early lead from the boys, the girls gave them a real challenge towards the end. Ultimately, though, the boys were crowned the winners.

“It was enjoyable, I especially liked going around the corners really fast!” Will (8L)

“The best night of my life!” Henry (8R)

“It was a really fun night, I really enjoyed the race!” Fergus (8R)

“It was very exciting, especially when people fell over.” Miles (8L)

Miss R Masood, Assistant House Parent



The Art Department News

Art Scholars' and Enthusiasts' Trip to Blenheim Palace

This week 29 pupils who had attended Art Activities from Years 6,7 and 8 along with a few fortunate staff, had the pleasure of visiting Blenheim Palace.

The aim of the trip was to experience the work of Ai Weiwei, Chinese artist and political activist. Currently not allowed to leave China, Weiwei was invited by the newly founded Blenheim Arts Foundation to attempt this exciting and thought provoking exhibition. Some of the pieces in the exhibition were on loan from private collections, others had been made specifically for this event.

All I can say is that it was a real treat. To see these modern pieces, created by a man who had not set foot in Blenheim Palace, who had considered the juxtaposition of a suppressed life in China against the backdrop of the English aristocracy was truly amazing!

We had a wonderful guide who gave us an insight into the life of Winston Churchill and the stories behind the many paintings and tapestries.

In the afternoon, we had time to explore the gardens, carefully coax butterflies to land on us in the Butterfly House, amazingly not get lost in the maze and reflect on how lucky we are to be free.

‘Chandelier’ 2002 – Inspiration for this comes from the film ‘October’ in which the shaking chandelier suggests the instability of a society undergoing profound change.

Mrs A V Parsley, Head of Art



Private Peaceful PerformancePrivate Peaceful was a stunning adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s poignant and deeply moving novel of the First World War. The play was chosen as The Prep’s annual production, in this centenary year of the outbreak of the war, to commemorate the event and to add depth to the children’s knowledge of the subject.

With a cast and crew of 50 pupils from Years 5 to 8, Private Peaceful was directed by Jill Douglas, Drama Co-ordinator at The Prep: “It’s a fabulous story that the pupils have really enjoyed. I would describe it as a bit like Warhorse, without the horses or the happy ending: we have created a world of war with a set of sandbags, barbed wire, corrugated metal and a specially constructed floor surface that looks like churned mud, which, coupled with explosions and smoke, has given an atmospheric edge to the war scenes.”

Director of Music, Kit Perona-Wright collated accompanying music, performed live by him and the pupils, including a brass band and an emotive rendition of The Last Post.



Children taking part in ‘The Cheltenham Schools’ Open Art Exhibition at The Wilson Gallery in Cheltenham on 4 April to 5 May

Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 K2S

Kamila Evie David Fionnuala Charlotte Sophie

Eva William Isabella Frankie Sebastian Delilah

Millie Deji Bryn

Dylan Victoria

Danill Andre

Harry Jessica

Joseph Caitlin x2

Izi Franek

Charlie Rebecca

Alice Anabelle

Lily Charles

Claudi Grace

Isaac

Thomas

Henry

Monty

Helaina

Ollie

Individual Achievements

The Art Department

Abi Hulett was part of the U10 Cheltenham Hockey Club team who won the Gloucestershire

County Cup - well done!



Netball Scores

Saturday 14 March

TEAM OPPOSITION VENUE SCORE RESULT

U8 A Pinewood H 11 – 5 WON

U8 B Pinewood H 1 – 5 LOST

U9 A Pinewood A 4 – 3 WON

U9 B Pinewood A 10 – 2 WON

1st VII The Dragon A 16 – 24 LOST

2nd VII The Dragon A 9 – 11 LOST

3rd VII The Dragon A 6 – 22 LOST

4th VII The Dragon A 0 – 18 LOST

TEAM OPPOSITION VENUE SCORE RESULT

U8 A Pinewood H 11 – 5 WON

U8 B Pinewood H 1 – 5 LOST

U9 A Pinewood A 4 – 3 WON

U9 B Pinewood A 10 – 2 WON

1st VII The Dragon A 16 – 24 LOST

TEAM BATH NETBALL TRIP

Last Friday, over half of the girls in Upper School took up the opportunity to go and see Team Bath playing Netball. Team Bath are one of the most successful teams in the UK, playing in the premier league and hosting a number of Internationalists in their squad. We left after Chapel and had a lovely dinner at Pizza Express in Bath before heading to the impressive university sports facilities.

The build up was quite an experience – bleachers full of excited supporters, flags, cheerleaders, a loud speaker and a mascot amongst other things to get everyone excited. The players were introduced and the game against Northumbria kicked off in style, with Team Bath scoring from their first centre. They were on fire and dominated from the start, eventually running out 63-24 winners. It was a brilliant experience for the girls to see the game played so fiercely at this pace.

Wednesday 18 March

Team of the week – U8 A

This was a very convincing win to end what has been an extremely positive developmental season for our young netballers. In a small year group, it can be difficult to find the depth required to put out two teams competitively, but our girls have persevered and worked hard together in training every week.

We had a strong core and learnt a great deal working with the Year 4 teams; this effort paid off and everything came together. In this final game, the girls covered the court efficiently, moving quickly and reacting to the opposition as well as each other. Well done under 8’s!

Mrs A Coley, Lower School Class Teacher

Middle School House NetballSaturday 14 March

1st – TROY 4th – SPARTA

2nd – ROME 5th - CORINTH

3rd –ATHENS 6th - PERSIA

NETBALL SEASON SUMMARY REPORT

The netball season was short and busy, but definitely enjoyed by all - we certainly managed to squeeze a lot in, in addition to our regular fixtures, tournaments and IAPS competitions. For the first time, we hosted a mixed festival for local Primary and Prep Schools, which was a huge success and will definitely feature in our annual calendar moving forward. Each section of the school competed for their house in the closely contested and competitive House Netball events. Upper School were treated to a trip to Bath to see Team Bath in action in the premier league, as well as what has become the highlight of the girls sporting calendar – the Staff v Pupil Netball Match. The Year 6s had a wonderful time in Guernsey playing netball against Beechwood and Guernsey Ladies' College, in addition to getting their hockey kit back out. It is clear when you watch the Prep girls playing netball that they really do enjoy it and they were rewarded with brilliant results. It wasn’t just the A teams - the U9B and U10B teams were particularly successful, winning the majority of their matches. No-one could have asked for a better end to the season than a clean sweep of Upper School victories over Dean Close. It is always good to come out on top against any local rivals and doing it in the final game of the season makes it even better!

Miss S E Ramsay, Head of Girls Sport

Girls' Sporting Achievements



Tuesday 17 March

RugbyTEAM OPPONENT RESULT SCORE

U12 VII Sibford VIIs Semi Finals

U13 VII Kenyan VIIs Beat the

Kenyans

Wednesday 18 March

HockeyTEAM OPPONENT RESULT SCORE

1st VII St Hugh’s Won 4-1

2nd VII St Hugh’s Won 2-1

3rd VII St Hugh’s Drew 2-2

4th VII St Hugh’s Lost 1-5

5th VII St Hugh’s Lost 1-0

U11A Prior Park Festival Lost in semi

finals

U11B Prior Park Won 3-1

U11C Prior Park Won 2-1

U8s Festival Fun

1st VII UK National Finals See over

Football

Wednesday 18 MarchTEAM OPPONENT RESULT SCORE

U10A Berkhampstead Lost 0-1

U10B Berkhampstead Drew 0-0

U10C Berkhampstead Lost 0-1

Team of the Week – Too many to mention...

Where to start...

On Monday, the Year 2 pupils all took part in their first ever swimming gala and every single child was brilliant. Endeavour and determination were present in abundance, all parents and staff were extremely proud of every single child.

On Tuesday, the U12 VII team, including two Year 6 pupils, attended the Sibford 7s and played superb rugby. They topped their group with ease, only losing the semi-final due to a matter of inches. I am very proud of them and very excited for our 7s future.

On Wednesday, we delivered a great set of fixtures and had some positive wins against St Hugh’s and Prior Park, whilst also welcoming the Berkhampstead football teams over for the afternoon.

Then came the big day ...

We had one squad heading down to the UK National IAPS Hockey Finals and another heading over to a VIIs rugby festival against the Kenyan National IAPS side. With our resources at full stretch, the boys rose to the challenge.

Down at Millfield, our boys delivered some great performances in their group, beating schools such as Cargilfield and Felsted. This put us through to the the quarter finals, where our boys lost to Hazelgrove in a very tight game. We finished in the last 8 of the UK, an outstanding achievement by the boys!

Meanwhile, back at school, we welcomed 5 other schools for a VIIs festival and our weakened side put in some heroic performances, including a terrific win over the Kenyans.

Although I write this on the last day of term, the sporting challenges do not stop here. On Sunday, our 1st VII head down to the IAPS Small School VIIs at Oundle, before travelling down to London for the National VIIs. The squad are looking very strong and we have high hopes.

A Clarion will be sent out with details about the summer term pre-season cricket camp and some pre-season matches against Cheltenham Cricket Club.

Enjoy your Easter, enjoy your eggs and practise your bowling…..

Boys’ Sporting Achievements

Mr D E Simpson, Head of Boys Sport



Boys' Sporting Achievements

The team were magnificent in the last Cross Country League Race of the season at St Edward's yesterday. Despite a number of children not able to run, we still took 8 girls and 11 boys. All our children ran magnificently, with some outstanding performances:

Girls (165 runners in total):

10th - Claudie (Year 5)

24th - Izzy (Year 4)

32nd - Martha (Year 4)

Overall after the 4 races, the girls were placed as the 9th best school.

Boys (170 runners in total):

1st - Finlay (Year 6) Finlay delivered an unbelievable run, which he led from the start. He demonstrated sheer determination and strength throughout, holding off some very capable runners who had won the previous three races. Finlay finished 3rd overall after the four races and qualifies to represent Cheltenham on Saturday in the District race.

10th - Joseph (Year 5)

22nd - Simon (Year 6)

The boys as a team finished 5th overall after the four races.

These great results bode well for next year with so many Year 4s and Year 5s doing well. I am looking forward to running a Cross Country Club in the Autumn term.

Mr P J Williams, Director of Studies

Cross Country



Birthday Celebrations!

Violet Leon .......................... 4

Annalise Lopez .................... 4

Tom O'Connor ...................... 4

Jasmine Walker ................... 4

Daisy de Quincey Adams ......5

Orlando Gledhill .................5

Edward Leon ........................6

Ghaus Choudhary .................7

Hector Evans .........................7

Thomas Peterken ................. 8

Harriet Keen ......................... 8

Charles Mills ........................8

Teddy Bennett ......................9

Harry Dawson .......................10

Eva de Quincey Adams .......10

Lily Bond .............................10

Clova Logan ........................10

Claudie MacInnes ................10

George Bailey ......................10

Dorothea Peterken ............... 11

Ross Broughton-Johnson .... 11

Owen O'Brien ........................ 11

Georgina Hamer .................. 11

Harry Hamer ......................... 11

Charles Hellens .................... 12

Deji Adetona ........................ 12

Jessica Hale ......................... 12

Thomas Buxton ....................13

Jack Cunningham ................13

Charlie Callon Hine ............13

Will Buttress ........................13

Jenny Carson .......................13

Allison Fuerst ......................13

Archie Garbutt .....................13

Beth Jenkins ........................13

Sophie Morton ......................13

Benjamin Norman ................13

Happy Birthday to the following pupils over the Easter

Holidays!



Sunday, April 12, 2015 - Sunday, April 19, 2015

Sunday, 12 April 2015 Cricket v Cheltenham Cricket Club (H): 1st XI and Colts A XI. Pick up 14:0010:00

Monday, 13 April 2015Week 1 (26) 13 - 19 AprilStaff Training00:00Boarders return17:30

Tuesday, 14 April 2015Term begins: normal collection times and after school care and activities available until 18:0008:00Year 3-8 children report to classrooms08:15Kingfisher children report to classrooms (Cottage 9:00)08:40

Wednesday, 15 April 2015Year 2 Topic Morning until 12:3009:30Middle School Rounders Trials. Pick up 16:3014:00Upper School Tennis Trials. Pick up 16:3014:00Middle and Upper School Cricket Trials. Pick up 16:3014:00

Friday, 17 April 2015Coffee morning for parents of children in Kingfishers and Lower School (Library)08:15Soloists' Recording (College)08:30Chapel (Parents welcome)14:15

Saturday, 18 April 2015Year 2 Cricket Club. Pick up 10:0009:00Lower School Cricket Trials. Pick up 12:0010:00Lower School Rounders Trials. Pick up 12:0010:30Departure for Cricket v The Dragon (A): 1st XI, Colts B XI. Start 14:15. Pick up 18:4512:30Middle School Tennis Trials. Pick up 14:1513:00Upper School Tennis Team Practice. Pick 14:1513:00Internal Cricket Match (H): 3rd XI v 4th XI. Pick up 16:3013:30Cricket Nets for Middle and Upper School boys without a match. Pick up 14:3013:30Cricket v The Dragon (H): 2nd XI, Colts A XI. Pick up 17:4514:15

Sunday, 19 April 2015Boarders in The Zoo (Full and Regular Flexi Boarders Only)11:00

Duty Mobiles:MS/US 07867 505721, LS 07789 938512, Kingfishers 07789 938514

Please email [email protected] you need to inform us of any absence from school

Cheltenham College Preparatory SchoolThirlestaine Road

CheltenhamGloucestershire GL53 7AB

Tel - 01242 522 697Fax - 01242 265 620

Email - [email protected] - www.cheltenhamcollege.org

All changes and additions to the School Calendar are highlighted in yellow.

prep for the week issue | 1792

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