Prep for the Week Summer week 6

Prep for the Week Issue Number 1893 – 25 May 2018

In this week’s issue…

Headmaster's Blog & Commendations Kingfishers Update Lower School News Boarding House News Skiing Success Chess Champions Sports Update Birthday Announcements

f l a H c i tast n a f a ll e Have w d n ea n o y r e v ou y Term e g n i h ryt e v e r o is h t done f r a f so d e v e i h have ac ! r e m m Su

Follow us on Twitter: @CheltPrep Prep for The Week Issue Number 1893 25 May 2018

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/CheltPrep 1

Headmaster's Blog

Dear Parents Many of my colleagues like to refer to the academic year as similar to a marathon, rather than a sprint. In many respects I think that they are right, but I do think that this simile misses one essential characteristic.

A marathon is usually run at a steady pace without the need for acceleration at various points during the race. The academic year, however, demands several ‘sprints’ in order to include the plethora of events which make up an independent school education. This past week has been one of those, especially for Middle School, who offered us The Complete History of the World (Abridged).

My congratulations to all of the children who demonstrated not only fine acting skills, but also the resilience to see through such a challenging project.

If schools such as The Prep are to provide the education that they say they will, intense activity is almost the norm and the ability to organise oneself and to show determination and perseverance are crucial. A broad education is just that and it is the child who throws herself/himself into all activities, that is the one who gets the most out of it.

Prep for The Week Issue Number 1893 25 May 2018

The delivery of such a curriculum can be likened to a marathon, but don’t forget the necessary sprints and one of those is just around the corner; the end of the Summer Term.

After Half Term we return to a period of four weeks in which there is much to be included.

Common Entrance examinations for Year 8, Sports Days, House Singing, the Year 1 and Year 2 production and, of course, the maintenance of the teaching curriculum. As it has been so busy, communications with you have been the subject of some scrutiny in this past week and we will be doing everything to try to ensure that accurate information is passed to you in good time.

Probably one of the problems is that too much information arrives in ‘one hit’, some of which is irrelevant, and it is this noise which drowns out the appropriate message. We will look closely at this.

Although Year 8 will benefit from a balance of revision and rest, my wish for all is that they enjoy a relaxing week before the ‘final sprint’.

Jon Whybrow Headmaster

2

Lower School News Headmaster's Commendations Max Walker

Realising that he needed to improve his application and effort in the classroom and persevering to make this happen.

Sean Degnan

Persevering with learning to touch type as extra work in school.

Ruby Stevenson

Working extremely hard with her reading and making huge amounts of progress.

Aidan Portch

Stopping playing a yard game to look after a younger pupil and take them to the Health Centre.

Ronan Cowing

Ronan stepped in to intervene in a dispute and calmed a situation without being asked. He took it upon himself to act.

Sebastian Mawdesley-Thomas

For working extremely hard with his reading, making huge amounts of progress and developing a love for books.

Prep for The Week Issue Number 1893 25 May 2018

3

Kingfishers Update Circus Fun Years 1 and 2 have been focussing on the Circus as their topic this term and we were lucky enough to go to Gifford's Circus this week! We saw all the acts we have been learning about in class such as acrobats, trapeze and jugglers.

Everyone's favourite clown, Tweedy, did not disappoint and had the children in fits of giggles. Some lucky children even got to meet Tweedy and shake his hand.

Eliza informed us she was never going to wash her hand again! A great afternoon had by all.

Summer Events Our Summer Term events began sweetly and beautifully this week with the children performing with such aplomb at our concert. They never fail to astound us with the pleasure that they demonstrate in performing to us all and, of course, their burgeoning talent in all things musical!

We are looking forward to our productions in the second half of term when Years 1 and 2 will be performing ‘Pinocchio’ and Reception and Nursery will be performing Summer Holiday.

Prep for The Week Issue Number 1893 25 May 2018

Our boys and girls always enjoy sharing their work with their families and it was lovely to welcome so many family members to our Open Afternoon after the concert. The children have come such a long way this year, although we are mindful that we still have a good half term left of busy learning to do! Have a wonderful Half Term break from all of the Kingfisher staff.

4

French Day Ooh la la! C’était une journée incroyable cette année!

Many stripes and strings of ‘oignons’, ‘des moustaches’, ‘des bérets’ and even a Babar, Astérix, a musketeer, Coco Chanel and a Joan of Arc were amongst us all on Monday as we celebrated our French day this year. In our tricolore outfits we painted a colourful picture, speaking lots of French all day long.

We enjoyed ordering croissants and pains au chocolat at morning break and at lunchtime pupils all ordered in French – ‘un sandwich au fromage ou au jambon et des glaces... au chocolat, à la fraise et à la vanille, s’il vous plait.’

C’était délicieux!

– many smiles and happy Kingfishers; clearly very popular choices all round.

There was much singing and dancing in the Nursery and some pupils in Reception brought in French books and photos of trips to France and props to go with their amazing costumes; one pupil even brought in her French grandparents!

Many children painted French flags and some brought them to lunch and then competed to build tall Eiffel Towers.

The scholars in Year 8 wrote and designed their own French books, flashcards and games which they used to teach our Year 2 pupils some new vocabulary. Year 2 also learned new facts about France’s geography and culture through a quiz, and all had the chance to practise and extend vocabulary learned in their lessons with each other and their teachers. All ages got the chance to interview our French assistante to find out as much as they could about her in French. This was a real test of our confidence speaking in French.

Some also attempted Seurat’s pointillism technique and, in Assembly, we watched a short film, starring ourselves speaking French; after a French prayer the day was complete.

Thank you all for making it a day to remember.

Merci tout le monde!

Madame Amiry Mrs Giselle Amiry (teacher of all Kingfishers French)

Year 1 pupils explored the school grounds, searching for new French vocabulary and particularly enjoyed word searches and drawing their family members, not forgetting playing ‘boules’ on the field, which was another highlight of the day.

Prep for The Week Issue Number 1893 25 May 2018

5

Lower School News It seems like no time at all since the start of term, Lower School have had such a busy six weeks. As we continue to build on our learning independence it is clear that everyone is becoming more responsible for what they are learning, how they are learning and what to do when they are stuck. There is a genuine pride now in being challenged and finding ways to solve problems. Around the classrooms you can see pupils working out how to solve a problem or become unstuck, keen to try to help themselves, using the Learning Power displays to help them.

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Lower School Workshop and Lower School Summer Concert This week Lower School were lucky enough to have their final workshop of the year with the CBSO. During the morning, we continued to build on the songs and music we have been developing with them, whilst our string group had their own session with some of the musicians. These pieces were combined in the afternoon for our sensational Lower School Summer Concert to parents. What an occasion!

The pupils have made fantastic progress with their musical instruments during the year and played exceptionally well. Lower School choir sang their hearts out and everyone, audience included, had great fun joining in the rhythm games that the CBSO introduced us to. All in all, a great afternoon’s entertainment.

Prep for The Week Issue Number 1893 25 May 2018

6

Lower School News Transition

Our programme of transition activities is well underway this term. Year 3 have been hosting Year 2 pupils at break times and story times.

Playing, sitting and chatting together our soon to be new members of Lower School are finding their feet, having questions answered and getting to know the faces of Lower School.

Mrs Grieves was really impressed when she took the Kingfisher Assembly this week; what beautifully behaved boys and girls. They all listened really well, joined in the discussion with some great ideas and had lots of super questions to ask. Year 4 have experienced break time in the big playground, queuing for bun and drink in the Dining Hall and meeting their buddies. After Half Term they will have the opportunity to be taught by their teachers for next year and find out all about changing for Games in the changing rooms.

Please remember that there are lots of opportunities for mums and dads to find out about the next new stage with further Coffee Mornings planned for Year 2 and Year 4 parents on Friday 8 June. There will be an Information Meeting for Year 4 parents on Saturday 9 June and if you were unable able to attend the Information Meeting for Year 2 parents on 25 May, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Grieves as she is very happy to have a chat about transition.

Year 4 Habitats and Minibeasts The Year 4 Science topic this term is Habitats and Minibeasts, which is fascinating. The pupils have been exploring the school grounds, investigating habitats and the conditions that different creatures live in. They have been working classifying organisms and are particularly focusing on vertebrates, carefully examining fish, reptiles, birds, amphibians and mammals.

Moving on from this, the Year 4 pupils were treated to a meet and greet with Pascal the Chameleon. Octavia D’Orazi, in 4T, has recently acquired Pascal as a pet and decided to bring him in to Lower School to talk about chameleons and how she looks after a reptile. Chameleons are famed for their ability to change colour, though not all species can. In a few types, the colour change is used as camouflage, but in most it is actually a form of communication.

When not 'talking' to potential mates or warning off rivals, these chameleons will revert to a default colour that merges with their habitat - green for a jungle species, beige for a desert one. The children also found out that Pascal has no ear holes, so senses vibrations to understands movement and sound.

It was absolutely amazing to see this reptile up close and see how beautiful they are. The pupils are now very excited about making their own animal top trumps and playing this game later in the term. Everyone will be hoping for the Chameleon card!

Prep for The Week Issue Number 1893 25 May 2018

7

We enjoyed a super Saturday and Sunday in the Boarding House over the weekend!

Saturday saw the majority of the House piling into the Houseparents' Lounge to watch the Royal Wedding. Even the Year 8 boys delayed going outside in order to 'see the dress'! In the afternoon, there were the usual trips to Bath Road and town with many a milkshake consumed in the beautiful weather.

Boarding House News

In preparation for the FA Cup Final, there was a football match, with both teams working hard in the intense heat. A much-needed water break broke up the match which finished as an 8-5 thriller. This was followed by a viewing of the Cup Final with accompanying snacks and quick supper break at half time.

On Sunday there were two separate trips. The Year 7s and 8s headed to Paintballing, whilst the younger half of the House braved the heights of the trees at Go Ape in the Forest of Dean. Both trips returned with rave reviews.

We were impressed with the attitude of all who attended; the Boarders were all great company and made it equally as enjoyable for the staff. Thank you to Mr Bass and Miss Sheehan for braving the Paintballing arena and for Mr Patterson and Mrs Theedom for leading the swinging in the trees, and of course to the Gaps for their enthusiasm and support.

We continue to enjoy the long evenings playing on the fields at the end of a busy school day and are also keenly watching the progress of our tadpoles in their attempts at growing legs. We hope everyone enjoys a good rest over Half Term, ready to return for the final few busy and fun weeks of term.

Prep for The Week Issue Number 1893 25 May 2018

8

Skiing Success Congratulations to Ted Mann who finished in 3rd place when representing The Prep in the South West Schools Ski Championship on Sunday.

Ted completed three timed slalom runs with his two best times enough to put him on the podium.

Chess Champions Congratulations to Monty Campbell-Black who has this week qualified for the National Chess Championship, which will take place in Manchester in July.

Having narrowly missed out on qualification from the Gloucestershire event, Monty read the small print and realised that he could still make it to Manchester through the Worcestershire event.

Prep for The Week Issue Number 1893 25 May 2018

Well done to Rory Simpson who took part in his first ever Chess tournament last weekend. Rory qualified for the Delancey Chess Regional Tournament after winning the event in Kingfishers, continuing a long line of chess champions to come out of Kingfishers in recent years.

9

Sport Update Lower School Tennis Festival Our annual tennis festival for Year 3 and Year 4 girls was once again a huge success, helped along by the glorious sunshine and the ‘Wimbledon’ theme which was introduced to fit in with the Open Morning. Our girls were put through their paces along with girls from Dean Close, Beaudesert, Wycliffe and Richard Pate, as they worked their way around different stations all designed to improve their tennis skills. They met lots of new people and worked well in their mixed groups, and had lots of fun in the process. I think we may have a future Serena Williams in our ranks.

Co-Ed Athletics

Girls' Tennis Results Year 8 pairs vs The Dragon 2 - 14 Year 7 pairs vs The Dragon 11 - 7 Year 6 pairs vs The Dragon 3 - 16 Year 5 pairs vs The Dragon 5 - 14 Year 7 & 8 pairs vs Cricklade Manor 4-5 Year 6 pairs vs Cricklade Manor 14 - 1 Year 5 pairs vs Cricklade Manor 15 - 0

Boys and girls from Year 3 to Year 6 attended the St Edward's Olympic Torch Athletics Festival on Thursday and put in some outstanding performances. They were so unlucky to miss out on the trophy, coming second overall by just 13 points. It really did go down to the wire. In the individual events, we came away with far more medals than in previous years and the relays were even better, with 6 of our 8 teams placing. A huge well done to all of our athletes who did themselves and the school proud.

Prep for The Week Issue Number 1893 25 May 2018

10

Sport Update 5th Team Cricket -

Beating St Hugh's 4th XI by 19 runs Over the course of the season, the 5th XI have endured some achingly close matches and this result finally provided a fitting reward for their excellent efforts.

Batting first, the opening pair set a high tempo by running aggressively in the first two overs and defending their stumps when necessary.

Playing in a slightly unfamiliar 'pairs' format, they recognised the benefits of caution at times and came off the pitch without conceding any penalty runs. More gung-ho performances from following pairs added some quick runs to the total and they were only hampered by the challenges of locating the match ball in the nearby fields where their shots nestled. With a healthy target score looking likely, later pairs batted sensibly to consolidate the lead and kept their wickets well.

On taking to the field, the boys set off with determination to bring home their first victory.

Having capitulated from similar positions, it was a great test of character and putting experience into practice. Once more, senior players led the way by directing the field and there was tremendous support for all the bowlers. Fairly consistent wicket-taking counteracted some good batting from St Hugh's and wise fielding decisions meant that their run rate could never accelerate significantly. With two overs remaining, the side kept their heads and brought home the win - it was terrific to see some more tangible rewards for their endeavours this season and I am delighted with their exemplary attitude.

Boys' Cricket Results 1st XI vs St Hugh's Won by 3 runs 2nd XI vs St Hugh's Won by 8 wickets 4th XI vs St Hugh's 3rd XI Lost by 22 runs 5th XI vs St Hugh's 4th XI Won by 19 runs U11A vs St Hugh's Won by 7 wickets U10A vs St Hugh's U11B Lost by 6 wickets U11C vs St Hugh's Won by 11 runs U11D XII vs St Hugh's Won by 45 runs

Lower School House Cricket 1 - Corinth 2 - Rome 3 - Athens 4 - Sparta 5 - Persia

Prep for The Week Issue Number 1893 25 May 2018

6 - Troy

11

Notices BIRTHDAYS Happy birthday to the following pupils who have their birthdays over the next couple of weeks: Karly Syiek (11) Jack Fawcett (7) Bertram Cooke (6) Jack Tian (12) Kitty Dunkerton (12) Iola Waley-Cohen (8) Harriet Lucas (4) Felix Doran (13) Penelope Collins (9) Sophie Essenhigh (13) Morgan Dawson (8) Peter Cyphus-Hocken (8) Flora Maxwell (8) Charlie Faulkner (5)

Well done to everyone who took part in the Middle School play this week! Look out for a big feature, including lots of amazing pictures, in the first edition after Half Term.

Prep for The Week Issue Number 1893 25 May 2018

12

Notices

Invites you to drinks at

THE HOUSE OF COMMONS on

Thursday 21st June 7.30pm - 10.30pm To Book Card Payments: 01242 265694 Online Booking: cheltoniansociety.org Cheques Payable to: Cheltenham College Post to: Rebecca Creed, Society Manager Cheltenham College Bath Road Cheltenham Gloucestershire, GL53 7LD r.creed@cheltenhamcollege.org

Price: £40pp Includes: Welcome drink & canapés Cash Bar

Subject to demand, a return coach from Cheltenham will be available at £10pp.

Invites you to

THROUGHAM COURT GARDEN on

Thursday 5th July 2018 Througham Court, Througham, Gloucestershire, GL6 7HG To Book Card Payments: 01242 265694 Online Booking: cheltoniansociety.org Cheques Payable to: Cheltenham College Post to: Rebecca Creed, Society Manager Cheltenham College Bath Road Cheltenham Gloucestershire, GL53 7LD r.creed@cheltenhamcollege.org

2.30pm - 5.00pm Price: £30pp Programme 2.30pm Garden Tour with Dr Christine Facer 4.00pm Tea in The Garden Room

Invites you to

THE BREWIN DOLPHIN CHELTENHAM CRICKET FESTIVAL Gloucestershire v Durham The Specsavers County Championship Game on

Sunday 22nd July 2018

To Book Card Payments: 01242 265694 Online Booking: cheltoniansociety.org Cheques Payable to: Cheltenham College Post to: Rebecca Creed, Society Manager Cheltenham College Bath Road Cheltenham Gloucestershire, GL53 7LD Prep for The Week Issue Number 1893 25 May 2018 r.creed@cheltenhamcollege.org

Price: £60pp or £50 for under 16s Programme 10.30am - 6.00pm Cash Bar Open 11.00am Play Starts 12 noon Welcome Drink 1.00pm (approx) Buffet Luncheon 3.40pm (approx) Afternoon Tea 13