Dragon THE
LENT Term 2018
One of the great things about Prep school life is the breadth and opportunity that our children enjoy week by week. This Newsletter gives a snapshot of some of the fun, creativity and learning that takes place during a busy week and term. The children must embrace these opportunities and one hopes that each and every pupil will find a certain activity or interest that fires them up and inspires them on a positive course of action for life. Enjoy the Newsletter everybody as I hope the children have enjoyed the term.
Nick Folland HEADMASTER
From
Head the
Exploring
Space & Science As part of our continuing association with E.S.E.R.O ( European Space Education Resource Office) and having been awarded a “Leader in Space Education” status, we held our popular Space Day this term. This fascinating interactive workshop given by Jo Richardson, UK Space Ambassador for the South West looked into all the different aspects of becoming an astronaut. The children had a carousel of activities to try, each station focusing on the different aspects of becoming an astronaut teamwork, high pressure situations, reaction tests and many more, as well as some fabulous virtual reality equipment to try and a dramatic film. Continuing with our Space theme, the Explorer Dome also visited us this term. The Pre-Prep enjoyed the planetarium and wonderful images of Space and years 7 and 8 learnt all about water in a show developed by the Explorer Dome Team with the Royal Society of Chemistry. The animations were truly amazing, and a lot of Science and Geography content was covered, leaving the children to think about how important water is and how vital it is that we look after our environment. Due to snow interruptions, the rest of the school will enjoy their session in the Dome on Monday 23rd April with further demonstrations about light, sound, space and forces; all topics they have studied this year. We are so looking forward to the day.
Freddie Salisbury HEAD OF SCIENCE
A C A D I N S P I R E M AT H S
D E B AT I N G Three of our Year 8s (Dulcie Thornham, Joss Ryan and Nico Beeny) attended the annual Prep School debating challenge at Milton Abbey. Twelve teams took part. The aim was primarily to teach the children the history of debating and how to take part in a successful debate. The pupils were given a motion to argue in the competition and about an hour to prepare their speeches. Overall, our pupils were deemed the best debating team and we brought back the inaugural trophy. A tremendous achievement as they were up against some stiff opposition!
In Years 1-4, we are now using Inspire Maths, a scheme of Maths based on methods used successfully in Singapore. At the heart of the scheme is the concrete-pictorial-abstract approach, with children using physical objects, then diagrams or pictures, before moving on to written number work. The aim is for the children to develop a secure number sense with a deep level of understanding. Our classrooms are buzzing with children making numbers with blocks and counters, the sounds of mathematical discussion and excitement at playing Maths games.
At the Prep, we are keen to work with parents to support the children by ensuring that a consistent approach is used in home and at school. This term, we gave a talk to parents on Inspire Maths, covering some of the calculation methods and mathematical language which we are using in Years 3 and 4. Thank you to all those who attended. (Notes of the talk are available on the Parent Portal) “We are really pleased with how well the children have taken to Inspire and they have really risen to the challenge.”
Andy Treavett
Jeremy Acton
Head
HUMANITIES
of
Junior Maths
WHY PD? The idea of adding a leadership and life skills element to the more generic PSHE curriculum came to us during one of our regular evening staff meetings. There is so much to learn, and so few years to learn it. To that end, we have built in two lessons of Personal Development for all years each week. From how to sew a button, to how to rise above body shaming in the media. From how to start your own business, to how to light a fire with damp wood and flint: We have been building a broad and rich bank of life lessons on top of the superb academic and cross curriculum already provided. There are discussions on kindness, persistence, failure and
manners. Throughout the term we recognise small acts of leadership, but more importantly make the children recognise them, promote and praise them, and value them among their peers. There are weekly challenges, mentoring programmes and time created to applaud the great positive work that the children are doing for each other, and the outside world. It is hugely encouraging to see the children soak up these life skills and relish these learning opportunities we can offer them.
Alastair Poulain Year 7 Form teacher
E M I C © Lesley Malpas www.operationfuturehope.org www.lesleymalpas.com
POWYS LECTURES
The Saturday morning ‘Powys Lectures’ continue to prove very popular and we are currently putting together the 2018/2019 calendar of lectures with some fascinating topics already in the pipeline. As the year progresses, we would like to extend an invitation to parents, and any family or friends, who would be willing to contribute to the programme. We would be delighted to hear from people with a passion for any subject outside the curriculum, or a particular experience or hobby they would like to share. If you are interested in becoming involved, we would be grateful if you could let us know promptly by contacting Philippa Jackson at pj@sherborneprep.org indicating whether you would prefer a date in the Michaelmas term 2018 or the Lent term 2019. We will then be able to supply further details and secure your chosen date.
YOUTH SPEAKS SUCCESS
discoveries ever have seen the light of day? Amélie introduced her friends with immaculate timing and handled the questions authoritatively. Taylor added to Finty’s message by explaining the risks that he himself had taken in coming to study amongst us and did so with considerable charm and good grace. They won the first heat here at the Prep against strong local competition and then lit up the next round in Shepton Mallet to win again and qualify for the regional final.
‘Youth Speaks’ is a National public speaking competition organised by the Rotary Club. Our team of Amélie Crozier-Jobber (as Chair), Finty Gray-Miles (main speaker) and Taylor Ge (proposer of the vote of thanks) proved to be a formidable one. Their thesis, presented with superb clarity and fluency by Finty, was that nothing is ever achieved without the willingness to take risks: had Galileo, Captain Cook and Nellie Bly not had the tenacity and courage to stick to their guns, how would their own particular
The regional final at Kings of Wessex Academy could have seen a third win on the bounce, as the team performed excellently. On the day the judges awarded the qualifications elsewhere, but our team had won great glory and deserve huge credit for all they have achieved.
Richard Pyman Languages & English
Winter is here - it is coming, I can smell it in the air The frost all over the daffodils covering them in glistening white frost. The dog playing in the snow: licking it. When the dog licks it, it covers its mouth in white snow Then comes the barn owl, swooping in, to eat its worth Look out! Mr Fox is coming, his coat all orange, coming to get your chickens By Max Dangerfield, Year 7
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR SCHOLARS AND BEST OF LUCK TO THOSE YET TO TAKE THEIR EXAMS Nico Beeny
Finty Miles
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP
ACADEMIC & MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP
SHERBORNE SCHOOL
SHERBORNE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
Jocelyn Chappell
Charlie Rendell
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP
SHERBORNE PREP AWARD
LEWESTON
SHERBORNE SCHOOL
Barnaby Crawford
Jamie Robinson
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP
SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP & ACADEMIC EXHIBITION
SHERBORNE SCHOOL
Amélie Crozier-Jobber MUSIC EXHIBITION SHERBORNE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
Grace Horton 11+ ACADEMIC EXHIBTION SHERBORNE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
Alex Liu SPORTS AWARD UPPINGHAM
Archie Macer SPORTS EXHIBITION KING’S BRUTON
Will Miao MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP SHERBORNE SCHOOL
KING’S COLLEGE TAUNTON
Joss Ryan DRAMA SCHOLARSHIP SHERBORNE SCHOOL
Eloïse Salisbury ACADEMIC & MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP LEWESTON
Rhys Thomas SPORTS EXHIBITION KING’S COLLEGE TAUNTON
Dulcie Thornham ALL ROUNDER AWARD SHERBORNE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
Tom Trickey SPORTS EXHIBITION SHERBORNE SCHOOL
LITERARY WEEK
Once again, our annual Literary Week proved to be a great success with the week jam packed full of engaging, interactive and ambitious events. The children throughout the school were privileged to spend time with some notable writers and performers from across the country and the school buzzed with excitement. The entire student body raised the roof with their singing under the superb tutelage of Ex Cathedra - it was such an uplifting, joyful experience for all. Years 6 -8 took on the ambitious project of performing the entire (abridged) A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a morning - what a feat and such a pleasure to see over 100 children fully involved in performance. Notable writers inspired different year groups and we were determined not to let the snow ruin the highly popular World Book Day (held a day or two later!) in aid of the School Readers charity - what a huge effort everyone had gone to with their costumes! The snow did, however, postpone our much anticipated day with Piers Torday, but we still have his visit to look forward to as he will now be joining us later this school year. Many thanks go to everyone who helped put this week together and particular thanks must go to the following for freely giving their time to inspire our children: Kirsty Crawford, Kirsty Beaumont, Tom Payne, Louise Carpenter and Etta Stickland.
Annie Gent Assistant Head - Pastoral
MUSIC What a term it has been! Our Friday concerts are showcasing our fabulous soloists and there is so much talent emerging. The children are gaining confidence and are now so keen to perform that the programmes are always overflowing!
The Abbey Trio, Castle Trio, Brass Ensemble and Musical Theatre Club have performed in assemblies along with soloists, all clearly enjoying their music making.
HOUSE SINGING REPORT
A highlight this term has been the amazing Last Night of the Proms concert with all the usual flag waving and hooters!! Our own 40 strong orchestra was augmented by Old Preppers and staff from Sherborne School, Sherborne School for Girls and King’s School, Bruton, along with parents, grandparents, members of Wessex Strings and several of our own fantastic peripatetic staff. Our own Chamber Choir and Jazz Ensemble supported the orchestra with quite outstanding performances, but it was Jordan Berry’s singing that really stole the show. By popular demand, this has become an annual event.
The musical calendar finished with an exquisite Easter Service with wonderful readers and sensitive, expressive singing from the Junior, Middle School and Chamber Choirs. Ted S’s moving Pie Jesu by Faure silenced the chapel - all was still. We have had huge success in Year 8 with four full Music Scholarships to Sherborne School and Leweston and two Music Exhibitions and an All Rounder to Sherborne School for Girls. Finally, hot off the press, 100% pass rate in both Associated Board and Trinity Music exams. What a term and another exciting programme of events is building for the Trinity Term. Well done to all.
Yvonne Fawbert Head of Music
What a fabulous House Singing Competition we had this year! The audience were treated to some harmonious and entertaining renditions of ‘Somewhere Only We Know’, ‘A Million Dreams’, ‘I Just Can’t Wait to Be King’ and ‘I believe I can Fly’. Everyone performed brilliantly with some brave solos and some dance moves thrown in which certainly all added to the ‘theatre’! We were very honoured to welcome acclaimed conductor, Pete Harrison, to the Prep to judge the competition - Pete studied at the Royal College of
Music going on to work with many orchestras both here and abroad. He is a regular guest conductor and presenter with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra including their Classic FM live concert at the Royal Albert Hall last September. Pete was very impressed with all the singing and gave the pupils some useful tips. He found it hard to pick a winner as everyone was so impressive but he eventually selected Romans house as the victors for 2018.
Young Musicians Building self-esteem is hugely important for children and in the Pre-Prep we try and nurture their many talents with a variety of performance opportunities through the year. At our recent soloists concert many of the children were performing for the very first time on musical instruments they have only just started. While this appeared daunting prior to the event, all performers were extremely proud of themselves and the audience were spell-bound.
Heidi Berry HEAD OF PRE-PREP
The Pre-Prep concerts have been quite superb and with Mrs Berry’s initiative, our strings are in great shape. Mini Maestros are just that! Yvonne Fawbert Head of Music
Art Once again, the Prep hosted the “Young Artists 2018” Art Exhibition in collaboration with six local schools. Despite the disruption brought by the snow, many visitors came to see a fantastic range of artwork, making the event an important meeting point for many talented children from our community and beyond. The artist of the week feature has continued to be a weekly celebration of creativity in our school. Particularly exciting were the beautiful creations presented by year one from Pre-Prep, who produced fantastic planets under Miss Rostron’s guidance and inspiration. The “Art Investigators” enrichment club was well attended and offered the opportunity for junior and senior pupils to find out more about the history of art whilst investigating interesting facts about artists and their work throughout different periods.
Our Saturdays have been busy with the “Art for Parents” sessions bringing together a truly talented and enthusiastic group of artists and although the work produced has been of a high standard, it was also a time to relax and enjoy our bright and peaceful art room. The Saturday Photography Club gathered pace this term with pupils producing wonderful creations full of movement and light, contributing another dimension to the ever growing creative input of our children. It has been a busy and fulfilling term, a term of creativity shining through the depths of winter, a preview of a glorious summer full of colour and joy.
Fernando Velazquez Head of Art
Celia Shaw Yr 7
Olivia Way Yr 7
Anna Sterck Yr 7
DRAMA The focus for the Drama department this term was the Year 5 production ‘Tales from the East’. With the goal of developing storytelling skills, the three classes in Year 5 spent many lessons reading extracts from a wide variety of plays. I encouraged the children to voice their opinions and to begin to explore ways of staging them. I have found over the years that it is invaluable to involve the students from day one in the process of mounting a production. The role of directing is a collaborative process and this starts with finding the right play, for the right students, at the right time of year in the context of the school.
It is also very much my philosophy to fully involve the students throughout the whole production where possible. Keeping the students on stage and teaching them to show the audience how to respond, and not to disconnect when their part is done, can be very powerful.
So, after some great exploration we settled on three humorous folk-tales from around the world; Iran, China and Iraq. I like to challenge them, developing empathy, developing creative problem solving and not only to learn their role but to see the bigger picture for everything that happens in their play and most importantly working as a team. I was very impressed with the development of their performing skills, understanding what is required to perform on a thrust stage and taking ownership of their own class play. Every student in Year 5 rose to the occasion, with many truly shining. I am now looking forward to next term. It will be the department’s busiest term to date, with not one, or two, but three productions to squeeze in!
Vicki Green Head of Drama
A Pre-Prep Showcase Another performance opportunity for our younger children at the Prep was the Pre-Prep Performing Arts Workshop which showcases the many and varied activities we offer through the week. Parents were treated to a piece by Mini Maestros, our very own beginner orchestra, recorder groups, violin and cello groups, ballet, modern dance and ending with a rousing performance from all the children in the compulsory Pre-Prep choir. A wonderful celebration of their many talents.
Heidi Berry Head of Pre-Prep
BOARDING
Our boarders have had a wonderfully busy and action packed term. As well as a great number representing the school in regular matches, a good few also took part in extra curricular sports throughout the term. Tennis, fencing and cricket to name a few! There was also a foose football league, some serious football and basketball. The art room was open for those that wished to express themselves through painting and drawing and some creative Year 8’s entertained us with their very own ’Nature’ Movie. Our weekends were taken up with ice skating, trampolining, the movies, Take I and II, Splashdown and we were also treated to some culinary delights with our very competitive Boarders Bake Off! Perhaps the highlight for many though was not only one snow weekend, but two! There were multiple trips to Purlieu’s Field for sledging, as well as plenty of snow ball fights on the front lawn! Our Special Boarding Nights have been a great success. We have all had so much fun decorating pillows, designing jewellery and making our own natural face masks. Accompanied by our notorious Netherton Hot Chocolates, what more could a girl want for a night in with friends! There will be lots more fun to come as we plan to add more of these nights to the forthcoming calendar. Next term, we look forward to sunnier days when we can enjoy our Big Weekend Camp Out, sailing, a trip to Paulton’s Park, the beach, Dorset Water Park, as well as BBQs, picnics and a final weekend at Mendips Outdoor Activity Centre. It promises to be another great term!
Ginny Shambarla Housemistress
Sport
What an action packed term! It has been great to see so much activity on show and the pupils have once again, really impressed us all with their spirit, endeavour and willingness to take on board advice and feedback. The Netball term has been a positive one and it has been great to see the progress made by all of our teams. There have been some fantastic performances across the board and in one sense, it is a shame that the term has had to come to an end with all of the groups playing some top netball. The hockey has gone equally well and I have received multiple comments from other schools about the quality of hockey on show from our teams. Our U11’s performed well at the Regionals and we look forward to both the Girls’ and Boys’ 1st Teams representing the County at their Regional tournaments next term. We have had multiple
afternoons this term where everyone has been involved which has been brilliant and I am grateful to all of the staff for making everything work so smoothly. Their energy, enthusiasm and willingness to go the extra mile is hugely valuable to us as a community. The swimming continues to develop and we await the publication of IAPS results with excitement. To bring the curtain down on the term, the Boys’ 1st VII enjoyed a great day out at Rosslyn Park- the National Schools tournament, which is the largest rugby tournament in the World. Pitted against some of the best schools in the country, the boys gave a strong account of themselves. It has been a term of real endeavour, enjoyment and success!
Huw Thomas Director of Sport
An
Interview With…
Keith Walters
Lead Hockey Coach at Sherborne Preparatory School
I was given the opportunity to take this position during the Summer of 2017 and was very excited at the prospect of working at such a well established, family orientated school. I have played hockey for 40 years (!) and I am as addicted today as I was on that first day when I was placed in a girl’s school team to make up the numbers! I hold several other positions at present as the Director of Hockey for Yeovil and Sherborne Hockey Club and England Hockey’s Community Coach for South Somerset as well as being the player / manager for the Wales Hockey Masters Squad
What have you enjoyed most about working at Sherborne Prep? Working at the Prep has been a very positive experience for me. Every lesson is very much player centred and I am privileged in that I coach every girl and boy throughout the school from years 3 to 8. With the assistance of other staff, we have been able to develop each and every child not only as a hockey player but also building their confidence and social skills whilst ensuring they are having fun and being active regardless of the level they achieve. The staff throughout the school are always positive with the children and this is under pinned by the great parental support I have seen on match days.
What have been your highlights? Across the two terms that I have worked at the Prep there have been some great moments. We made it our goal to ensure every child has played on fixture days. When I came in to the prep I wanted each child to experience the same level of coaching and not for us to focus on just the ‘best’ players. We have focused on skill development and game play, not just match day preparation, allowing all to participate with absolutely no exclusion. Effort and performance is key to any child’s development and hockey is no exception, so we have encouraged all ‘to be the best they can be’. We have achieved some great results for all teams so far, with the Under 11 Boys qualifying for the South West Regional Finals as winners of the Dorset competition and the Under 13 Girls and Boys have also achieved the same goal of Regional Finals having qualified as Dorset champions and runners up respectively.
What are your aspirations for hockey at the Prep? More young players developing through game play and participation. I would like the Prep to be an attractive proposition for children who not only want to attain high levels as players but also for those that want equality in their coaching and training. Access to the coach for all children.
What are your tips for the top? • Approach every training session in the same way you would approach a fixture • Be positive, focus and try to do everything at a high intensity • Train as you would play
Daisys growing in the yard
I go for walks in sunny woods,
As the sun shines brightly,
The place I love to go,
Don’t need my stretchy leotard,
To make me feel all happy and good,
To make me feel all lively.
But wait, what’s here below?
I watch slowly as tulips grow,
I get down low to see what’s there,
Beyond the rain drop field,
It makes a little noise
I watch the stream gently flow,
It was none other than a baby hare,
I will never need a shield.
Looking for his favourite toy.
By Eliza Burgess Year 7
Dates For Your Diary Trinity Term 2018
16th April
Boarders return 6.00-6.30pm
17th April
Day pupils return
& Parents’ Meeting
14th June
Year 2-3 Transfer Morning
and term begins
15th June
Year 8 Play
1st May
Year 7 History Trip
16th June
Friends’ Summer Fair
4th May
Exeat begins 3.45pm
17th June
Year 8 Leavers’ Service & Supper
7th May
18th June
Year 7 Geography Field Trip
Bank Holiday -
Boarders return 7.00pm
18th–22nd June
Year 8 to Brenscombe
15th May
Year 1 Trip to Gore Farm
19th June
Nursery Concert
17th May
Year 2 Trip to Gore Farm
21st June
17th May
Chamber Choir, Taunton
22nd-25th June
Summer Art Exhibition
School Choir Festival
22nd June
Pre-Prep House Swimming
24th May
Pre-Prep Marathon & Year 7 Play
22nd June
Pre-Prep Music Concert
25th May
Half Term begins at 3.45pm
23rd June
Friends’ Summer Party
3rd June
Boarders return 6.00-6.30pm
25th June
Summer Music Concert
4th June
Year 6 Geography Trip
26th June
House Swimming Galas
5th–8th June
Year 8 Final Exams
29th June
Prize Giving &
9th June
Pre-Prep & Prep Sports Day
11th June
Pre-Prep Play
End of Term
14th June
Nursery Sports Day
Year 3 & 4 Play
Commemoration Service
Acreman Street | Sherborne | Dorset | DT9 3NY TEL: +44(0)1935 812097 | EMAIL: INFO@SHERBORNEPREP.ORG WWW.SHERBORNEPREP.ORG