A TIP TOP SUCCESS: MALVERN ST JAMES’ SPORTS HALL NEARS COMPLETION
April 28, 2008 on 2:19 pm | In Worcestershire
Just eight months after the foundations were laid for Malvern St James’ £4.5 million Sports Hall, the ‘Topping Out’ ceremony took place, as the magnificent building reached its highest point.
Armed with a yew tree and a Union Jack, Headmistress of the School Rosalind Hayes, led guests from main contractors SpellerMetcalfe, and the School Chaplain to the top of the scaffolding where, in traditional fashion, they to set the tree spirits free, blessed the building and acknowledged the united efforts used to construct the building.
Due for completion in the summer the Sports Hall will include six multi-use Courts, Climbing Wall, Fitness suite, Dance Studio and Junior Gym, a Seminar Room and Licensed Juice and Coffee Bar as well as a viewing gallery.
It’s an eco-friendly build with a sedum roof and natural ventilation and the yew tree used for the ceremony will be planted close by in the School grounds. The building has been delivered on time and on budget.
Headmistress Rosalind Hayes said: ” This is not only a State of the Art facility for our girls, but will be a prestigious and valuable addition to community resources in the area. Both the general public and our girls will be able to enjoy using these excellent facilities “.
Steve Speller, Joint Managing Director of Main Contractors SpellerMetcalfe, who are based in Malvern, said:
“We are delighted to have worked with Malvern St. James on this hugely successful contract, which will not only provide exceptional sports facilities but will also form and outstanding architectural land mark for Malvern. Our company has a strong reputation for meeting the building needs of the education sector and enjoys substantial levels of repeat business from schools and colleges across the county.”
Any one interested in viewing the new Malvern St James Sports Hall complex with a view to booking, should contact Angela Hencher, Deputy Bursar on 01684 584 605
Word Count: 310New building plans at Leicester High School
April 28, 2008 on 2:16 pm | In Leicestershire
New plans to demolish parts of the school to make way for a newly built state-of-the art suite of laboratories and classrooms were unveiled at a meeting for parents on 3 September last year. The plans had already been shown to residents of nearby properties during the summer. The Leicester City Planning Department considered the plans, taking account of professional advice and the views of nearby residents and parents of girls at the school, and on 18 March gave approval for the scheme to go ahead. The first buildings will enhance the facilities of the school, especially in Science and ICT. There will not be an increase in the number of pupils using the site as this is limited by an agreement which forms part of a previous planning permission between the City Council and the Governors.
THREE LONDON SCHOOLS JOIN CHRIS WOODHEAD’S SCHOOLS’ GROUP
April 28, 2008 on 8:33 am | In Surrey
Chris Woodhead’s Group, Cognita Schools, announced today that it has bought Clifton Lodge School in Ealing, London and The Charterhouse Square School in the Barbican area, London. Cumnor House School in Croydon joined the group in March.
Cognita is the largest private provider of independent education in the country. It runs 44 schools in England and Wales, including 23 in London, and two schools overseas. It is chaired by Chris Woodhead, the former HM Chief Inspector of Schools.
All three schools are preparatory schools in and around London who prepare pupils for entrance into local independent senior and grammar schools.
David Blumlein, head and current owner of Clifton Lodge said ‘We are excited that we have been able to join Cognita Schools. I will remain the Head and all the other teachers are staying on to ensure the smooth running and transition of the school. I have been running the school for nearly 30 years now and feel that I am passing it to new hands with the vision and strength to take the school to a new level.’
The Headmistress of The Charterhouse Square School, Jamie Malden said, ‘I am thrilled that The Charterhouse Square will be joining Cognita. It is such a great move for the school. I have been running it for over 20 years and am so pleased that I will be staying on as Head to work with Cognita to ensure a smooth transition. The school has been my life’s work and I am pleased that it can continue in very safe hands.’
The former owner of Cumnor House School, Mrs Linda Jenkins said, ‘I am delighted that Cumnor House is joining Cognita. This will give parents peace of mind about the school’s long term future. We have every confidence that Cognita will strive to enhance the educational standards and reputation of the school.’ She added that ‘this is a wonderful opportunity for Cumnor’s future to be assured and put in such good hands.’ Mrs Jenkins, the Headmaster Peter Clare-Hunt and all the staff will continue in their roles at the school.
Chris Woodhead commented, ‘I’m very pleased to welcome these three excellent schools to Cognita. We are now able to offer quality education to children in a large number of London boroughs and are looking forward to building on the excellent reputations that they have already developed.’
Stonar School delighted with 2008 Inspection Report
April 21, 2008 on 1:17 pm | In 2009/2010-Inspection Reports, Wiltshire
“The educational experience for pupils at Stonar School is of high quality” and offers each individual child excellent academic provision, a diverse extra-curricular programme and an excellent quality of pastoral care throughout the school, according to Independent School Inspectors in their recently published report.
The report goes on to praise the wide curriculum and diversity of experience provided by the school; the strength of pupils’ moral and social development across all ages; the excellent partnership developed with the school’s parents and local community, and the very important contribution made by the quality of boarding to the girls’ progress and personal development. The high quality of leadership and management throughout the school is credited with promoting a very strong and clear sense of purpose and educational direction, whilst helping Stonar to adapt to a period of rapid and significant change.
“The Inspectors were very pleased with all that they saw and it is clear from the report that our staff are doing a wonderful job by providing children with an excellent all-round education”, said Headmistress Mrs Shirley Shayler, who was delighted with the findings.
The report recognised that more able pupils are frequently provided with opportunities and challenges to extend their learning. It also emphasised the strength of learning support at Stonar and the fact that those receiving it achieve good standards in relation to their ability.
“As with any inspection, there are issues for the school to attend to and I am pleased to say that these are already being addressed“, said Mrs Shayler “but it was wonderful to see highlighted what fantastic pupils we have here at Stonar” referring to the report’s conclusion that “Pupils mature into thoughtful, courteous individuals who are a credit to themselves and to the school”.
A copy of the report can be found at www.stonarschool.com
Word Count: 305SUCCESS FOR BISHOP’S STORTFORD COLLEGE MATHEMATICIANS
April 21, 2008 on 11:33 am | In Hertfordshire
Four mathematical wizards from Bishop’s Stortford College fought off strong competition from thirty four other schools last week to win the Eastern regional round of the 2008 Team Maths Challenge for Year 8 and 9 pupils. In the national competition, run by the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT), Ralph Jordan, Catriona Brickel, Kirsten Lane and Ross Gardiner had to prove their ability to work as a team as well as crack a variety of difficult numerical problems.
The thirteen year olds took an early lead after successfully solving ten questions in the first round; they were the only team to score 60 out of 60. In the second round they had to work in pairs to tackle a “cross number” puzzle with one pair working on the cross clues and the other pair figuring out the down clues. “We could only share our answers with the other pair through the teacher and we found this round harder,” said Ralph. “I think we fell to third place at this stage.” However, after a strong third round performance, involving a head to head with another school team, the College pupils began the fourth and final challenge in second place. “This final challenge was a relay race where two of us had to answer a question correctly before handing over to the other two,” explained Catriona. “I found it the most exciting challenge – very energetic and lots of fun. We won this round and were really pleased to find out that we had also finished overall winners.”
Bishop’s Stortford College will be one of thirty teams to go through to the national final which takes place on Monday 23rd June at the Camden Centre in London.
A month earlier, Ralph Jordan and Ross Gardiner, together with fellow pupil, William Rowley, had performed well in the 2008 UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge for Year 9 to 11 pupils. This year there were 202,554 entries and the national average on the reasoning and mental agility test was 40 out of 135. All three Bishop’s Stortford College pupils exceeded the minimum score of 85 required to qualify for the next Olympiad round, with Ralph Jordan, who is still only in Year 8, setting a new College record of 110.
PHOTOGRAPHS:Eastern region winning team
Left to right: Ross Gardiner, Kirsten Lane, Catriona Brickel, Ralph Jordan
Oswestry School Winter Sports in the Italian Alps
April 18, 2008 on 8:48 am | In 2009/2010-SPORT, Shropshire
During the Easter holidays, 35 pupils from Years 9 to 12 and 4 staff members from Oswestry School travelled to the Italian Alps for a week’s winter sports.
Based in Aosta, the pupils worked hard on their skiing with several beginners achieving 3 star awards whilst the advanced skiers gained good off-piste experience with the ski school’s top instructor, many receiving the top 5 star award with distinction.
The snowboarders also did well with special mention going to Liam Chambers who, recommended by his instructor for Interski’s scholarship scheme, took part in a filmed assessment.
The pupils also enjoyed various après-ski activities, which included visits to a pizza restaurant, ice-cream parlour, bowling, disco and a presentation evening.
“It was a brilliant week, the pupils were a real pleasure to be with; they received many plaudits from rep, hotel staff, instructors for their friendliness and good behaviour.” said group leader Mrs Sue Morris, Director of Music at Oswestry School who already has plans in hand for next year’s trip!
Photo: Lunch in the Italian Alps
(L-R)
Back: Greg Bateman, Tom Niblock, Ricardo Martoccia, Lucy Williams, Millie Evans and Hannah Bick
Front: Charlotte Hartey, Adam Lloyd, Callum Morris, Dougie Williams, Victoria Martoccia, Katy Yates, Sophie Yates, Pavlo Medenets and Sophie Jones
ACS Egham International School named one of the country’s top IB schools
April 18, 2008 on 8:45 am | In SurreyIn March the Financial Times released its list of the top IB schools in the UK, as part of its top 1000 schools guide, with ACS Egham International School ranking highly amongst them.
The school, which is non-selective, was ranked in the country’s top 20 IB schools, after attaining an average of 33 IB points in its 2007 exams. The FT ranked the schools using the QCA points system, under which the school scored 1030 QCA points per candidate, equivalent to nearly 4 A levels at grade A. The school also has a 100 per cent pass rate and 14 per cent of candidates scored 38 IB points or above, which equates to nearly four and a half A grades at A-levels under the QCA system and more than five A grades at A-level under UCAS tariff.
Malcolm Kay, Superintendent of ACS International Schools, said:
“It’s always gratifying to receive recognition for the hard work which we put in to providing a world class education. The IB rewards pupils for their academic success and for the work they do in both the local and the International community, so the grades reflect our students’ development into well rounded, educated, global citizens. This independently assessed recognition of our school is a strong indicator of our success in helping our students to achieve this”.
The 2007 IB exam results were released shortly after ACS International Schools launched a research report which found that 88 per cent of admissions tutors believe that the IB is a good alternative to A-levels. The research amongst university admissions officers’ views on school leaving qualifications also showed that 86 per cent of them attribute government support for the IB to its mix of academic subjects and 77 per cent to its rigorous academic background.
Word Count: 285SHELLING OUT FOR A CRACKING NEW FACILITY
April 17, 2008 on 3:17 pm | In Lancashire
After shelling out on a six figure development to extend its infants section, a top Fylde Coast school marked the occasion in cracking fashion, by smashing open a giant Easter egg.
Rossall School, Fleetwood allowed eggstatic infant school head pupils, Jasmine Wright, 7 and Alexander Davidson, 6, to bash at a two feet tall solid chocolate confection, weighing in at a whopping 40lbs, to celebrate the opening of the new Infant school extension, which has given the school 25% greater capacity to cope with the surge in pupil numbers in the past twelve months.
Jasmine and Alexander starred with other infant pupils who paraded Easter bonnets before an invited audience of parents and teachers to celebrate the official launch, which followed nine months of construction work on site. The new extension provides additional classrooms, a new library, changing, and additional toilet facilities for pupils.
The giant egg used for the opening was custom made for the event by specialist chocolatiers and following the opening has been donated to Derian House Children’s Hospice for distribution amongst the children who are resident during the holiday period. Rossall pupils each received individual Easter eggs to help celebrate, so that the giant egg could be put to good use elsewhere.
Rossall’s head of juniors, Simon James believes that the new extended infant school is one of the best in the region. He said: “The School’s growing reputation dictated the building of such a large development to enable us to accept the numbers of new pupils now wishing to attend Rossall. “Having 160-acres into which to expand is an obvious benefit when one has plans to grow. And, even with the new building we still have plenty of outside space for the children, so there was no compromise involved when we decided to add so much more new internal capacity. The result is a fantastic, spacious new facility, which will help us to cater for the increases in pupil numbers over the next few years.”
Caption: Cracking open the giant Easter egg are Rossall Infant School pupils, Jasmine Wright and Alexander Davidson.
Word Count: 347Seven secure Oxbridge places from Bishop’s Stortford College
April 17, 2008 on 9:30 am | In Hertfordshire, Oxbridge
Lucy Fallen (Perry Green) has an offer to read History at Pembroke College, Cambridge Suzanne Gale (Bishop’s Stortford) has an offer to read Music at Emanuel College, Cambridge Rikesh Rajani (Tye Green) has an offer to read Natural Sciences at Downing, Trinity and King’s College, Cambridge Bohuslav Romanenko (Ukraine) has an offer to read German and Linguistics at Somerville College, Oxford Adam Smalley (Bishop’s Stortford) has an offer to read Natural Sciences at Trinity Hall College, Cambridge Helen Trantum (Bishop’s Stortford) has a place to read Physics at Wadham College, Oxford Emily Woodhouse (Bishop’s Stortford) has a place to read Engineering at Newnham College, Cambridge.
“I am absolutely delighted for our students,” said Head of Sixth Form Tim Borton. “Entry to Oxbridge is extremely competitive and they have worked very hard over the past two years in order to balance the demands of the very rigorous application process with their A-level studies and all their extra-curricular commitments. This is due reward for the students and staff who have worked so closely together, exploring ideas well beyond the normal A-level syllabus.”
“The application process is incredibly demanding but we get a lot of help and support from our teachers and the Careers Department to prepare us for each stage,” commented Lucy Fallen.
PHOTOGRAPH: Left to right – Adam Smalley, Lucy Fallen, Bohuslav Romanenko, Suzanne Gale, Rikesh Rajani
Insets – Two students are currently on Gap Years: Helen Trantum (left inset) is teaching in New Zealand and Emily Woodhouse is working for an engineering firm (right inset).
£100,000 INVESTMENT DRIVES ROSSALL’S DESIGNS ON POLE POSITION
April 17, 2008 on 9:20 am | In Lancashire
A top independent school has today put itself firmly in the driving seat to lead design and technology education with the help of a £100,000 plus investment and the work of two top British sports car designers.
Rossall School in Fleetwood Lancashire has launched a new Design & Technology facility on its Lancashire coastal campus, following redevelopment of its DT department and a six figure investment in design technology, to give it some of the most advanced teaching aids in the education sector.
The department is headed by former TVR sports car senior designer, Lee Hodgetts, who also designed the facility and oversaw its refurbishment. Lee, who most notably designed the TVR Tuscan, Tamora and Sagaris sports cars for the former Blackpool based luxury car manufacturer, has worked with Rossall School for four years and has helped to steer the school on the path to accreditation as a teaching centre for the BTEC National Diploma in Art & Design; a first for a UK independent school. He will be assisted by fellow former TVR senior designer, Darren Hobbs and between them they plan to drive the new facility on to be the foremost in the north of England.
As a consequence of the new facilities, Rossall will begin to offer the BTEC vocational qualification from September 2008, which will give the school the broadest range of sixth form study options of all the independent schools in the North West.. The new BTEC will sit alongside A-levels and the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma, pioneered by Rossall in the region for the past decade, and now recognised by government as the inspiration for its proposed national diploma. Equivalent to three A-grade A-Levels, the BTEC National Diploma in Art & Design gives students attaining it a financial and study bonus by exempting them from a costly foundation study year prior to university, thus giving Rossall graduates a faster track into University, Art College or the design industry.
Class-Leading Technology
Lee Hodgetts’ ‘blank canvas’ remodelling of the school’s facility, enabled practical and ergonomic considerations to be matched with an investment in design technology. The DT centre therefore benefits from a suite of computers, operating the latest, CAD CAM software. In addition, there are industry quality CNC routing machines, vinyl graphics cutting and labelling machinery and state-of the-art 3-D scanning and engraving equipment.
Said Lee Hodgetts: “The investment in equipment means that our students will have the very best technology at their disposal to enable them to pursue their aspirations in the art, design or technology fields. It not only assists sixth form students, because all year groups will use the new department, so the benefits will be felt throughout the school, from year 7 upwards.
“Sixth Form is perhaps where people will see the differentiation, because our facilities and educational offer will be amongst the best in the sector; therefore we are confident of attracting students from across the Fylde and Lancashire, because they will be able to focus specifically on their chosen design discipline here.”
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Working in tandem with the new DT department will be Rossall’s established and successful Art department, headed by Sarah Holder-Williams. BTEC students will study in both areas in pursuit of their diploma.
Commenting on the new facility and the launch of the BTEC Diploma, Rossall School headmaster, Tim Wilbur commented: “Since Lee Hodgetts and Darren Hobbs joined us we’ve seen a significant increase in young people taking DT subjects. It’s testimony to their skills and the unique design experience they bring to our environment. Their automotive design flair has really inspired our pupils and in a way it is appropriate that they are here, where former Aston Martin boss and the inspiration for the iconic Aston Martin DB, Sir David Brown, was a pupil many years ago.
“The facilities here are now second to none and at a time when government is suggesting that education should have greater links with industry and learns from it, we’re in the enviable position of having already begun that process, especially as we have employed the services of two individuals at the top of their profession to give our pupils the insight they need to succeed in a commercial environment following their education.”
Performing the opening ceremony at Rossall School was Mrs Hazel Trapnell, the new centre’s benefactor and former Chair of the school council, who has donated a considerable portion of the overall budget to enable the School to fulfil its ambitions. In recognition of Mrs Trapnell’s generosity, the new facility will be named in her honour.
Details of the BTEC Diploma and Rossall’s DT facility can be found on the school’s web site www.rossallschool.org.uk or by telephoning the school registrar, Lynda Smith on 01253 774260.
Photo caption: Former TVR senior designer, Lee Hodgetts and Rossall School governor, Hazel Trapnell inspect the work of sixth form student Hannah Brakewell, 17, of Lancaster in the new DT centre.
Word Count: 819Oswestry School Students Excel at Music Festival
April 16, 2008 on 11:06 am | In Shropshire
Young musicians from Oswestry School took six 1st and six 2nd places in the Oswestry Youth Music Festival, which was held over February 28th – March 2nd, 2008.
The students, aged between 10 and 18, faced stiff competition as they performed as soloists or in duets, presenting their own choice of music. All pupils achieved merit or above, with four attaining distinctions.
Director of Music Mrs Sue Morris said, “This was a pleasing set of results, especially as some pupils were not able to attend due to clashes with other events. It was especially pleasing that three of the 6 competitors competing for the Junior Festival cup were from Oswestry School.”
Picture: Some of the Oswestry School Music Festival Winners
Front Row: Emily Roberts, Beth Hulme, Quiana Booker, Edward Ellis-Cooper
Middle Row: Matthew Bunby, Richard Christie, Cameron Biles-Liddell
Back Row: Emily Lunt-Evans, Ruth Reynolds, Evie Lacey
Howell’s students study university-level courses
April 16, 2008 on 9:41 am | In Cardiff
A number of Year 13 students at Howell’s Sixth Form College in Llandaff have successfully completed YASS (Young Applicants in Schools and Colleges Scheme) courses in subjects such as human genetics and astronomy. These courses are run by the Open University and give an indication of what first-year undergraduate level study entails. They are aimed at gifted and talented students, who take them alongside their A and AS level studies. These courses develop students’ learning skills, including independent learning, and enhance their academic profile. On completion, students can gain up to 60 university credit points, along with impressive independent study skills that are valued by universities and employers alike.
Lauren Capron, who studied Molecules, Medicines and Drugs, said, “I enjoyed the course and I found it useful, especially as it is the type of course I want to study at University. I found the coursework challenging but it was worthwhile.” Nyashu Sibanda, who studied Design and the Web as part of the Engineering and Technology course enthused, “The YASS scheme was a unique and helpful push towards independent learning. Hugely helpful support and a very satisfying result meant it was entirely worthwhile and a taster of University-level study.” Rob Humphreys, Director of The OU in Wales, said, “Learners should be encouraged regardless of their age and young people like this are benefiting from the knowledge and confidence that comes from pursuing higher education studies while still at school.”
YASS in Wales looks set to go from strength to strength in the 2007/8 academic year. Over 90 pupils across Wales are already registered on the scheme and more are expected to register in the new year.
Quadruple Harp Awards for Rosie
April 16, 2008 on 9:39 am | In Somerset
Rosie Pinches has achieved well deserved success with her harp this month. She first entered the Annual Oswestry Youth Music Festival at the beginning of March. She came away with the Jill Bowler Cup for Under 19s and the John Cassin Memorial Trophy for Under 25s. Rosie played Dussek Sonata, 1st Movement and Fire Dance by David Watkins. The Under 25 win, ensured her entry into the Oswestry Youth Music Finals. Five other finalists entered, playing drums, saxophone, piano, singing and trumpet. As overall winner, Rosie was triumphant, thereby also bringing back to Bath The Oswestry Town Council Cup.
Then it was onto the Mid-Somerset Festival, where Rosie succeeded on Thursday in winning the Westonbirt Trophy Advanced Harp class. It was her first time in entering the Festival and she is already looking forward to next year and the chance to enter The Strings Concerto Competition.
Rosie was inspired by the instrument when listening to recordings, dancing around the kitchen in her grandparents farmhouse. Rosie said, “I originally started entering competitions with my harp at the age of 12. I love playing the harp as well as singing in the Chapel Choir and The Schola Cantorum at the College”.
Word Count: 197Strathallan School’s Piping Success
April 16, 2008 on 9:38 am | In Perthshire
The Glasgow Highland Club Schools’ Piping and Drumming Championships took place on Friday 14th March 2008 where Pipe Major Adam Michie won The MacPherson Trophy, the Glasgow Highland Club silver kilt pin and shield for the senior piping event.
Drum sergeant Tom Fleming and Pipe Sergeant Sean Townsley also took home shields for the School.
The pipe band also had a successful day achieving fourth place in the band competition.
Word Count: 69Game, Set & Match for Strathallan Pupils
April 16, 2008 on 9:36 am | In 2009/2010-SPORT, Perthshire
For the 1st time this year Strathallan entered the National Senior Schools Mixed Doubles Competition where two mixed couples participated in a round robin, knock out competition. The first couple are Ailie MacGeoch and Mark Oldenburg who were supported by Sophie Lyburn and Alasdair Cameron.
In the previous round both pairs won their ties against the St Leonards resulting in a 4–0 win. This victory took them to the next round against Durham Johnstone Comprehensive School which was played on Wednesday 27th February at Stirling University. There was a slight change to the team with Claire Price replacing Sophie Lyburn. After a close start the team soon relaxed into their game, winning 3 sets to 1 and securing their place in the finals with the top 8 teams in the United Kingdom. The finals are due to take place on 15th & 16th March in the Bolton Arena.
Strathallan are now the only Scotland School left in the competition and praise must go to the acclaimed Tennis Academy and its coaches who provide pupils with an extensive and dedicated training regime.
Word Count: 176Birmingham Primary School continues record success at 11+
April 15, 2008 on 1:17 pm | In West Midlands
Youngsters at The Blue Coat School, Birmingham, have continued their run of record-breaking success in this year’s 11+ examinations.
35 places, including 3 scholarships, were awarded by King Edward’s School and King Edward VI High School for Girls – two of the country’s leading independent schools – whilst Edgbaston High School offered 20 places, including a record 5 scholarships, to all of Blue Coat’s candidates.
Elsewhere, in some of the region’s most competitive examinations, 32 children gained places at the city’s maintained grammar schools.
Both a scholarship at KES/KEHS and a grammar school place were offered to top performers Evelyn Henderson (KE VI Camp Hill Girls), Arpan Sharma (King Edward VI Camp Hill Boys) and Matthew Jolley (King Edward VI Five Ways).
Blue Coat’s latest inspection report (2007) describes the school as ‘a pleasant, happy and safe environment’ in which the ‘quality of pastoral care is outstanding’ and ‘the educational experience provided for pupils is of significantly high quality’.
Located in Edgbaston the 500-strong preparatory school attributes much of its success to small class sizes, setting in English and maths, and careful monitoring of each child’s progress. And the teaching of reasoning skills – so essential to 11+ success – forms an integral part of the school’s curriculum. Headmaster Alan Browning explained: “Our favourable class sizes and setting policy enable us to give individual attention to each child’s needs in both of the core subjects. With a talented staff, supportive parents and a good number of able pupils, we’ve managed to produce another crop of good candidates in this year’s exams.”
Despite its success in the classroom, the school offers a broad extra-curricular programme of around 50 weekly activities, in which several children have achieved national recognition over the past two years. Deputy Headmaster Richard Lynn commented: “Delighted as we should be by our 11+ successes, we concentrate on developing the whole child, both in and out of the classroom.”
Photo (right to left): Arpan Sharma, Evelyn Henderson, Matthew Jolley
Word Count: 329What a Week at Prior Park Prep School!
April 15, 2008 on 1:08 pm | In Wiltshire
Most weeks at Prior Park Prep School in Cricklade are full and inspiring but this one was exceptional.
Earlier this month a number of children took part in the Mid-Somerset Festival of Speech and Drama in Bath. A Year 7 pupil came away with the cup for Bible Recitation and some superb comments from the adjudicator. That same day our Year 8 girls travelled to Jersey for hockey and netball tournaments. This is an invitation competition and Prior Park were invited to attend because of their excellence in the past. Once again they won the Hockey Tournament – making this four times out of the last five years, without conceding a goal in the whole tournament!
The following day our Year 3s took part in the Under 13 Group Speaking Competition in Bath. Different age groups at Prior Park have won this class over the past few years, so they had much to live up to. Despite this being their first experience of competing in the Festival they ‘wowed’ the audience and the judges, and won the trophy. They were delighted to be invited back for the Gala Performance in the Guildhall on Saturday evening.
At the start of the week one of our Spanish pupils, who is only with us for a year, was awarded goalkeeper of the tournament at the Padfield Hockey Tournament at Dean Close School in Cheltenham. The following day the Under 11 Colts team went to London to play in a prestigious rugby seven-a-side tournament – playing many large London schools. They played with real passion and got through to the finals where they were narrowly beaten. This is the best performance that any Prior Park team has achieved at this level.
All this happened in a ‘normal’ school week which also included a ‘book based University Challenge’ and a ‘Come as a Character Day’ for the National Book Week.
Whilst congratulating all the children in assembly, the Headmaster, Mr Gerry Hobern, was reminded that every boys’ hockey team had won all their matches in the previous week against two separate schools.
Mr Hobern said, “I am so pleased with all our children. We are a non-selective school and we aim to give every child an ‘education for life’. With the support of our team of dedicated staff and by their own efforts the children are clearly inspired to achieve great things.”
Word Count: 391Padworth gains membership of SHMIS and accreditation by the Independent Schools Council
April 15, 2008 on 1:01 pm | In BerkshirePadworth College has become a member of the Society of Headmasters and Headmistresses in Independent Schools (SHMIS) joining over 100 other well-established independent schools in an association which promotes good practice and high standards within member schools.
Membership of SHMIS follows a successful inspection of the College by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and accreditation by the Independent Schools Council (ISC). Principal, Linde Melhuish said, “We are delighted that Padworth has been recognised and accredited by both the ISC and SHMIS – it is testimony to the hard work of all the staff and students and is a seal of approval which gives prospective parents the utmost confidence in the college’s leadership and management.” Padworth has also recently become a member of the Boarding Schools Association.
Padworth College is an independent co-educational day and boarding school offering a distinctive education to suit the individual needs of students aged 13 and 19. The College is situated in between Newbury and Reading.
Word Count: 157February news from Whitehouse Preparatory school
April 14, 2008 on 1:24 pm | In Berkshire
Fundraising by White House Girls
Year 6 organised a Bring and Buy Sale and the proceeds of over £150 were divided between the local Salvation Army and Dr.Barnardos.
The whole school was invited to take care of an egg for a week and raised over £780 for Dr. Barnardos.
Year 4 African Art Workshop
“I loved doing the collage,” L Clark
“The lady explained what the objects were used for and where they came from. It was very interesting,” K Male
“I liked drawing the monkey masks,” G Saunders
Cross Country
A Year 3, 5 and 6 team entered the Bracknell School Invitation Race at The Lookout and achieved very commendable results. Every child achieved a personal best. Well done!
Year 1 and 2 visited Baptist Church
“We visited all the different parts of the church,” E Hammond
“We saw the baptistery and saw there were no stained glass windows,” A Fahami
Year 2 Class Assembly
Samuel Pepys taught us about the Fire of London and the whole school enjoyed the children’s accomplished explanations of the causes and effects of the Great Fire. The girls spoke clearly and acted beautifully. Well done!
Year 2 visited the River & Rowing Museum
In the gallery we found out how much water you use. Then we went to the Wind in the Willows Exhibition, ”M Hanrahan
”We found out about the parts of a boat: the hull, the stern and the bow. Then we made a boat each. I called my boat The White Ocean and we got to make the water. I found it really fun!“ A Perrier
Perse Girls Summer Drama School 2008 – High School Musical
April 14, 2008 on 11:42 am | In Cambridgeshire
Have you ever wanted to perform a West End Style Musical? Are you up for the challenge of doing it in just two weeks? The 2008 PSG Summer Drama School is your chance!
Using the drama facilities at Perse Girls, including a brand new stage, green room and control room, this exciting two-week course beginning Monday 11 August 2008, will involve the three performance elements of singing, dancing and acting. Aimed at Year 8 upwards and involving students from the Cambridge area, the course will allow all participants to develop a broad range of new skills, working as a team, performing as an ensemble and becoming more confident and comfortable as young performers. Musicians who can perform at a reasonable level of competence are also invited to attend the course as part of the orchestra.
Over the duration of the course, the students, both girls and boys, will develop these skills whilst rehearsing, co-ordinating and performing our chosen musical which this year will be the popular Disney production High School Musical. Their efforts will be showcased to parents and friends at the performance on Friday 22 August, the last evening of the course.
There is some scope for participants to focus on backstage and technical work, although this is on a first-come first-served basis and places are limited. Creating a musical from scratch in just two weeks is a very tall order but this summer course gives the space, musical back-up and experienced stage-direction and management to do just that. Auditions for specific parts will take place during the Summer Term, to allow students attending the Musical Summer School to get to know their lines and songs.
The cost of the two week course will be £350 which includes lunch and refreshments for each of the 11 days.
The course runs from Monday 11 August 2008 until Friday 22 August 2008, including Saturday 16 August.
To register your interest at this early stage, please email events@perse.cambs.sch.uk for further information and a booking form.
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