Private School News

Clarissa Dickson Wright entertains at St Mary’s Calne

As part of the Sixth Form Lecture Programme, St Marys’ Calne was delighted to welcome TV Cook and countryside campaigner Clarissa Dickson Wright. Clarissa wowed an audience of girls and parents with tales of her illustrious career and life as one of TV’s famous ‘Two Fat Ladies’.

Advising girls to keep an open mind when it came to choosing a career and to ‘go and do it if it appeals to you’, she recounted her time as the youngest ever person called to the Bar and a career which was marred by her problems with alcoholism.

Recalling her time as a barrister, she joked: ‘It’s the perfect job for an alcoholic. I got to wear strange clothes, be rude to people and I was good at it.’

Clarissa, who famously spent a huge fortune she inherited in her twenties, told the girls her drinking got out of hand after her mother died and she was grief-stricken.
She turned to cooking to make some much-needed cash, briefly went back into the law after she stopped drinking and then got her lucky break while working in a cookery bookshop ‘by accident’ and meeting BBC producer Patricia Llewellyn who dreamt up ‘Two Fat Ladies’.

She joked: ‘Patricia dreamt up ‘Two Fat Ladies’ and ‘The Naked Chef’. My only resentment is that we both lived up to the title but Jamie Oliver never took his clothes off!’

Clarissa entertained the audience with hilarious tales from the filming of ‘Two Fat Ladies’ which went on to become a global hit with 70 million worldwide viewers, such as the time Jennifer Paterson lost control of their famous motorbike and sidecar, wrote off a £60k camera and nearly crashed into three flagpoles.
She said: ‘I prayed to myself ‘Dear God, please don’t let me die under the American flag!’’

On a serious note, Clarissa, who campaigns tirelessly for the rights of the countryside, pleaded with her audience to try and change the way food is sold in this country by only buying genuine local produce and avoiding food flown in from around the globe and dubbed ‘British’ because part of the processing was done in the UK.

She said: ‘Try and do your best to buy genuine local British food. By the time you are my age, our farmers could then be feeding this country otherwise the countryside will just be one giant building site, theme park and golf course.’

Asked who her ideal dinner party guests were, Clarissa said she would love to have dined with a young Henry VIII – ‘gorgeous, witty, intelligent, musical, with good legs and a good appetite’ and Oscar Wilde, and a present day favourite would be Stephen Fry, while cold watercress soup, lobster and roast beef would be on her all-time favourite menus.

ST MARY’S CALNE – Charity Walk for Molly’s Fund

At the end of April, Esme and Ellie, two Year 8 girls from St Mary’s Calne, took on the challenge of a 20 mile sponsored walk. They mapped out their route and planned to walk, unaccompanied, along the Ridge Way in Wiltshire and then, the following day, complete their trek along the White Horse Trail.

They walked to raise money for Molly’s Fund, a charity set up in memory of Molly Lane Fox who very sadly died aged five of a type of brain tumour known as a Diffuse Pontine Glioma. The money they raised will go towards building the first ever, and desperately needed, dedicated Brain Tumour Unit at the National Hospital in London.

They had set a target of raising £2000 and, to date, have raised an impressive £3490.

ST MARY’S CALNE – Chamber Choir has had a very busy few months.

Following the release of the Requiem on the Regent label in February, the Chamber Choir made its Radio 3 debut as part of the Aled Jones programme – The Choir – in March. Two tracks from the CD were played – Let all the world and Libera me from the Requiem. The CD has received excellent reviews from Classic FM Magazine and many other publications, and a number of musical celebrities such as Sir Tim Rice, Phyllida Lloyd and Seb Hunter have commented on how much they have enjoyed the recording.

At the end of the Spring Term, St Mary’s Chamber Choir enjoyed a six-day tour to Tuscany. Familiar music by Purcell, Mozart and David Bednall was complemented by new music for the season of Lent by Pergolesi, Haydn, Tavener and a brand new piece: Ave Maris Stella by Philip Moore. This is the latest piece to be commissioned on the Choir’s behalf, and is a haunting and demanding work for unaccompanied voices and solo violin. It sounded wonderful in the reverberant Italian churches, and the violin part was superbly played by Charlotte from UVI Form.

As well as performing in San Gimignano, Montecatini, Lucca and Florence, the girls were able to explore these beautiful towns and to soak up the atmosphere and culture. They also had time to climb the leaning tower of Pisa and, once the final musical engagement in Florence was completed on Palm Sunday, to spend the final day of the tour relaxing and sightseeing in Sienna.

The choir’s performances were enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, and of course by the faithful parental fan-club! The six days went past very quickly, and, as is always the case with tours, not only did the group greatly enjoy each other’s company but the demands of a daily rehearsal and performance schedule took the standard of the singing to new heights.

Open Morning at St Francis School – Friday 14th May

Friday 14 May 2010 – 9.30am to 12.30pm

• Dedicated Junior & Senior Nursery facilities

• Learning through play in a fun, stimulating and safe environment

• Whole or part-days available

• Nursery Education Grant available

• Childcare vouchers accepted

Independent education for boys and girls from 2-13 years

Telephone: 01672 563228
www.st-francis.wilts.sch.uk
Email: admissions@st-francis.wilts.sch.uk

England selection for Prior Park players

Two top young rugby players from Prior Park Prep School have been selected to represent England in the Prep Schools Barbarians Under 13 Rugby team 2010. Having come through regional, divisional and national finals, Kieran Kelly and Alex Hall will now tour Ireland at the end of March.

The selection followed outstanding performances from both boys representing ŒThe South¹ in Sunday¹s ŒNorth vs South¹ of England Barbarians match held on ¹The Close¹ at prestigious Rugby School. Kieran Kelly as Flanker scored a stunning individual try running from his own 22 and took the captaincy of the game during the fourth quarter of the match. Alex Hall at Centre was awarded with ŒMan of the Southern Team¹ for his excellent play which included some crunching tackles and assistance in setting up a try with Kelly, which saw the team win by 41-17.

Commenting on the boys¹ success, Mr Gerard Hobern, Headmaster of Prior Park Prep School said: ‘This is a huge honour for Alex and Kieran and for Prior Park Prep School. We must also thank the coaches here at Prior Park as well as those at Cirencester Rugby Club where both boys train and play. We wish them both all the very best with the England team.’

No Chairs at Chafyn!

Last Friday was designated ‘No Chairs Day’ at Chafyn Grove School. The purpose was to explore a kinaesthetic style of teaching by which pupils learn by doing. Staff devised a wide variety of lessons that were thoroughly enjoyed by the children. There were puzzles in Maths, performance poetry in English and a Year 5 group acted out and filmed their ‘gothic’ stories in the grounds. In Science, a massive body was created on the Ist XV pitch, using rope, cones, pudding basins and other ingenious flotsam to show the intestines, skeleton and organs. The Roman army formed up in Latin and, armed with cardboard and rolled up paper, attacked various hapless victims – most frequently the Geography classes who were out mapping the school grounds. History lessons involved searching for clues about the early years of Chafyn Grove School and studying photos and documents from the archive. These included brilliant footage of ‘drill’ and football on cine film from the 1920s. Year 3 and 4 spent the day learning about the Aztecs. This included making headdresses and learning how to dance, Aztec style, in the sports hall. In Pre-Prep, a day of Guy Fawkes based learning, culminated in burning the guys that they had made.

Chess Success for Chafyn Grove School

Nine year old twins, Joe and Max Ross from Chafyn Grove School, have been making a name for themselves on the chess circuit. The boys did so well in the local Wiltshire competitions that they then qualified for the National Junior Championships in London. Joe, the older twin and Wiltshire Under 9 Champion, found himself up against tough opposition in the major league, losing 2/6. In the minor league, Max, Wiltshire Under 9 Runner Up, tried his best but lost 4/6. The boys have never been formally taught how to play the game, instead they learned from a computer programme called ‘Lego Chess’!

Hockey Success for Chafyn Grove

The Colts team from Chafyn Grove School has just won the Sherborne Under 11 Hockey Tournament. Fifteen schools took part in the one day tournament. In spite of strong opposition in the early stages Chafyn managed to win three and draw three of the six group games, qualifying for a place in the semi finals. They then beat Portsmouth Grammar School and went on to play Hazlegrove in the final. One excellent goal was enough to secure victory and they were thrilled to win the cup. Team coach, Mr Dave Renham, declared himself ‘delighted with the boys’ effort. They were outstanding all day.’

Open Morning at The Mill School

NURSERY AND RECEPTION OPEN MORNING

WEDNESDAY, 11TH NOVEMBER

10AM TO 12 NOON

For details and to register please contact 01380 723011
OR E-mail: office@mill.wilts.sch.uk

THE MILL SCHOOL
 Happy, confident children.
 Excellent facilities.
 Full and varied curriculum.
 Play based learning.
 Experienced staff.
 Beautiful safe, rural setting.

Ceremonial opening of Stonar’s superb new Sixth Form Centre

Stonar School’s official opening of its new Sixth Form and Arts Centre earlier this term was attended by current parents, current and past Sixth Form students, staff, governors, guests and the Mayor of Melksham, Mr Richard Williams.

Guest of honour, Ann Daniels the Polar Explorer, gave an excellent illustrated talk and then cut the ribbon to the Sixth Form Centre, declaring ‘The Shaughan Baldwin Sixth Form and Arts Centre’ officially open. Guests were then treated to a champagne reception and mouth-watering canapés provided by the Sixth Form Leith’s Cookery students, inside the superb new facility.

The new Sixth Form and Arts Centre comprises a social centre, seminar room, study centre and 2 superb art room facilities including a dark room. It will provide Sixth Form students with an exclusive resource to enhance their academic and social lives at Stonar School.

Stonar’s Sixth Form comprises approximately 80 students (including 25 overseas students), studying a wide range of A Levels; other qualifications offered are Leith’s Certificate of Food and Wine, the European Computer Driving Licence, the British Horse Society Assistant Instructor Certificate. The majority of students go on to University and College. Former students include actress Romola Garai; international riders Georgie Spence and Lucy Wiegersma, and renowned author Gita Sereny.

The architects were Nugent Vallis Brierley Ltd of Frome. The build was very quick, taking under 12 months to complete.

Sixth Form Scholarship examinations take place on Friday 20th November 2009. For further information please contact the Registrar, Mrs Karen Ibbott on tel. 01225 701741 or email: admissions@stonarschool.com

Photo:The Sixth Form and Arts Centre

Stonar’s rising golfing star

Stonar Sixth Former, Ellena Farrow, 16, of Chippenham looks set to be one of the UK’s rising golfing stars.

On 12th July she won the best nett trophy at the South West Regional Girls’ Championships held at Bude and North Cornwall golf club.

On 27th August Ellena won the County Girls Championships held at Marlborough; this was a remarkable win as it was held on the day of the GCSE results, so she was unable to collect her results. She had to play the competition knowing that her parents had collected her results which were waiting for her in the clubhouse at the end of the tournament.

In addition to this Ellena has proven to be a fine ambassador for golf in Wiltshire; on 28th July at the English Girls’ Championships, she was interviewed live on air by BBC Radio Wiltshire. Ellena used the opportunity to promote the virtues of girls’ golf throughout the county. The interview caught the attention of the English Womens’ Golf Association, who called the tournament secretary and praised Ellena for the quality of the interview.

Stonar’s fundraising for Human Powered Aeroplane Project

Last Sunday members of Stonar School’s Human Powered Aeroplane team, who are entering the Royal Aero Society’s Kremer Prize to design and build a human powered aircraft, undertook a sponsored bike ride from Bradford on Avon to Devizes and back along the canal towpath.

The group are currently raising money to buy Carbon Fibre spars for the wings of what is hoped will be the first girl-powered aeroplane in history. The spars have to be very light weight but still strong enough to support the massive18m wingspan. Adventurer and balloonist Andy Elson is one of the experts assisting the team with the project.

The fundraising bike ride included an ascent of the Caen Hill locks; one member of the team ran part of the course in full hockey goalie kit and managed an amazing 6 miles. With only a couple of months of build-time left, the race is on to complete the plane and make the record attempt.

If any local businesses are interested in sponsoring the project, Stonar School would be delighted to hear from them. The project build can be viewed at Stonar’s forthcoming Open Morning on Saturday 16th May. For further details please contact Carrie Rolls, Marketing Director (c.rolls@stonarschool.com / tel. 01225 701742) for further information.

Photo: Stonar’s Human Powered Aeroplane sponsored bike ride

Norman Court girls netball success

The Norman Court U13 Netball Team are the Regional Champions in the IAPS Netball Tournament. The team won all their matches and went forward to the National Finals at Roedean where they came fifth in the country.

In the same week the Norman Court U10 Netball team won the Millfield School Netball Tournament beating off stiff competition from a number of local schools.

The girls were delighted with their successes and look forward to continuing their winning streak.

World Book Day 2009 at Norman Court

World Book Day at Norman Court Preparatory School saw the whole school, staff and pupils dressed up in characters from their favourite books. The small flurry of snow did not dampen the spirits of the characters, many of whom were larger than life throughout the day.

Eco-Prior Charity Fashion Show

Family, teachers and friends were invited to the show of the season, when students presented a fashion display with a difference. Eco-Prior fashion show was centred on handmade outfits made out of recycled items, including bin bags, newspaper, magazines and even an old bus sign. St Mary’s House, the girl’s boarding house at the College, agreed that the time had come to lift the spirits, amidst these gloomy economic times.

Pupils from all the houses were invited to submit a design and take part. The elegant Academy Hall was packed, with all tickets sold and the show began with the junior pupils from Baines House. There was a large contingent of St Mary’s stunners who wowed the crowds, although, it was agreed, the models who stole the show, were the boys. Male contributors included Head Boy, Head of Burton House and a barely clothed Lower Sixth boarder.

Kate O’Hara, pupil organiser, commented “ The models strutted their stuff along the runway and posed, with some enjoying it a little too much. The night was a complete success, with over £700 being raised for the charity Dignity. The charity aims to provide sanitary products for women in Zimbabwe.” She added, “We had tremendous support and our thanks go to many people who made the show run so smoothly – especially the Appleby family who donated 100 tubs of ice-cream.

The College House System creates a friendly, yet competitive element in which creative ideas can flourish. Each academic year the College students work tirelessly within their houses to raise funds for their nominated house charity.

Prior Park success in ‘university challenge’ quiz

Prior Park School in Cricklade fought off ten other schools at the Prep Schools ‘university challenge’ style competition in Monmouth last term, to take a highly commendable second place.

Beating schools from across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Somerset, Staffordshire, Wiltshire and Monmouthshire, the Prior Park team of Alex Hall, George Hunter, Toby Heaton and team captain, Chloe Christie managed three victories for a place in the semi-final, before success in a ‘sudden death’ last question put them through to the final.

The final round was hotly contested with Prior Park narrowly missing out to three times winners, Tockington Manor School Bristol.

Full details and pictures are published on Prior Park Prep School’s website at www.priorparkschools.co.uk

Cricklade home to children from around the world

As the new school term gets underway, Prior Park Preparatory School in Cricklade is preparing to be a home-from-home for more overseas children than ever before.

The popular school which has around 190 day and boarding pupils aged from seven to thirteen years, has, this year, attracted children from as far afield as the USA, Nepal, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia as well as from across Europe.

“We are delighted to be welcoming such a diverse cultural mix of children to our boarding community, said Mr Hobern. Headmaster. “It allows our local children to gain a broader outlook on life as well as letting them have the opportunity, in and out of the classroom, to investigate other societies, customs and languages at first hand.”

“Many of our British pupils form lifelong friendships with their friends from overseas and this experience gives them a wonderfully broad perspective of the world they live in.

“Indeed, we received a phone call recently from a former Nigerian pupil who would very much like his seven year old son to start here as a boarder next year!”

Many of the pupils from Prior Park Prep School progress to its senior school Prior Park College in Bath which has just announced all-time record school exam results.

Over 61% of students gained GCSE grades at A* and A with the figure rising to 73% in science subjects. 23 pupils out of 89 gained A* or A grades in 10 subjects.

Best of school rugby on display at Prior Park Rugby Festival

Last weekend saw Prior Park Preparatory School in Cricklade play host to some of the finest school rugby teams from across Southern England at its 26th annual Prep School Rugby Festival.

After the deluges of the first weeks of the term, the weather was perfect for a weekend of rugby. Saturday saw some excellent play from the U11s with teams from The Downs, Wraxall and St. John’s on the Hill, Chepstow contesting a very physical battle. The dazzling skills of The Downs eventually overcame the ferocity of St John’s by one try to nil to end an excellent day of rugby.

Sunday saw the U13 tournament with schools travelling from as far as Suffolk to compete. Prior Park’s own team narrowly lost out to Old Buckenham Hall in the final group game to go through to the Plate. St John’s came through to win the Bowl, but, whilst beating Pinewood by thirty four points to nil, this was not enough to see the home side to victory in the Plate, narrowly losing out to Beaudesert in the later stages.

An outstanding weekend of rugby saw over three hundred boys competing, some excellent rugby in the sun, and, mercifully, no major injuries!

As always the weekend was supported by a team of Army referees, St John’s Ambulance and the very hardworking Prior Park Prep School Parents’ Association, staff and pupils.

“We were delighted, as always, to host our annual rugby Festival with a high standard of skill, team work and sportsmanship on display from all teams.
It was also gratifying to see our first competitive match for girls’ hockey on the school’s new Astroturf,” said Mr Gerry Hobern, Headmaster.

Full results and pictures are published on Prior Park Prep School’s website at www.priorparkschools.co.uk

Stonar School delighted with 2008 Inspection Report

“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

Stonar School delighted with 2008 Inspection Report