Park Post
Summer 2018
The
This has been a unique year for The Park School and as the Head, I feel privileged to have steered the School as we have made the transition from the centre of Yeovil, where the School was founded in 1851, to the beautiful setting of Chilton Cantelo House. The School will be reunited in September when our 13 – 18 year olds join our younger pupils, who have already enjoyed a year in our new location.
Change can be unsettling and uncertain, but it can also open up exciting opportunities. To quote Barack Obama: “Change will not come if we wait for some other person – or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for; we are the change that we seek.” This has been a year of challenge for us all, with snow and floods adding to the pressures on staff teaching and working on two sites. However, with the sun now shining and much refurbishment and redecoration completed (and more scheduled over the summer holidays), the beautiful site at Chilton lends itself to Forest School, Welly Walks, Tree Planting and a wide range of sporting activities, all of which have already been enjoyed by our pupils. Our children are thriving in this delightful setting where imaginations run riot, building nests and camps and hideouts under the trees, or sitting watching and listening to the sounds of nature in our peaceful rural setting.
Welcome to our first school magazine
as The Park School, Chilton!
‘Our children are thriving in this delightful setting’...
I am delighted that with the support of our board of Governors, the dream, the vision of The Park School, at Chilton is coming to fruition.
There is a busy summer ahead, during which we will refurbish the Science Labs, ready for our Senior School students. We will move our Art and DT rooms, as well as our Computer Science Room, not to mention all our books, desks, and so on..... We will have a dedicated BTeC Sport Teaching room, in the main house acknowledging that this is an increasingly popular post 16 option, alongside our traditional A Levels.
We are also delighted that we will be building an outdoor classroom, supported by the generosity of our enthusiastic PTA, which has worked tirelessly to raise funds with some memorable events this year.
As I write it is hard to believe that it is just one year since we completed on our purchase and collected the keys to our lovely new home! I for one can’t wait to show you what we are going to achieve as a School in the coming academic year. I hope you enjoy a taste of what we have done this year, as you look through this magazine.
Independent Co-educational Day & Boarding 4-18
News round up
Cont’d …
Kingston Fund for the Future
As we settle into our new home I want to open up the opportunity for as many children as possible to learn and thrive at our School. We believe that in our cost effective, no frills independent model, based on modest fees with few added extras, good quality independent education is accessible. To further expand this offering we want to increase our scholarship provision and to this end, we are launching our ‘Kingston Fund.’ This fund will award two annual scholarships for pupils entering Year 7, who gain outstanding marks in our Academic Scholarship exams or who are outstanding in Sport, Art, Music or Drama. each award will be worth 50% of the fees for the duration of their time in school and eligibility will be means tested. Alumnae and present parents may feel that this is something to which they might contribute for the benefit of children who would not otherwise be able to afford an independent education but for whom this would be of great benefit. The Kingston Fund will be something to which you can donate a lump sum, or a regular amount and this fund will be protected and will qualify for Gift Aid, as a charitable donation. We are also interested in hearing from anyone who may wish to set up an individual Scholarship, perhaps in memory of a former pupil. Please do contact us if you are interested in further details. bursar@parkschool.com
Jane Huntington Head
2
How to turn pasta into charity...
At The Park School this year, we combined our Inter-House teambuilding event with a fundraising effort in aid of RNCF. Throughout the day activities included spaghettimarshmallow construction challenges, woodland activities and team transfer games.
We had great fun and raised £900 for RNCF. Congratulations to Shaftesbury House which raised the most with an amazing £329.75, but the students who collected the most money actually came from Livingstone where there was a tie for the top spot shared by Joe and Lauren – well done to you both!
Academic Success The Benevolence Tree
Mrs Briggs, Head of Pastoral Care invited the school community to contribute to a Benevolence Tree which magically appeared in the reception area in the last term of school. Pupils, staff and members of the PTA wrote pledges and messages on labels and painted pebbles exploring the theme of kindness; these were then placed on and under the tree. Years 5 & 6 placed prayer ribbons, Year 7 wrote verses of kindness from the Bible. Year 8 painted pebbles with words associated with kindness, Year 9 wrote about good deeds they had done for others at home and outside of school, Year 10 wrote thank you notes to others and staff wrote about their own personal heroes.
In August 2017, The Park School was delighted to celebrate with students who achieved excellent GCSE results despite a challenging year for all students throughout the country with tougher exams in Maths and English.
Park School students achieved 16% above the national average grades in Maths as well as achieving above the national average in english. 100% A* - C grades were achieved in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, as well as in Design Technology, Geography and in Business Studies, which we offered for the first time this year.
“We are delighted that our students achieved such excellent results in this uncertain year with several having joined us only a year ago after the closure of Chilton Cantelo School.” Jane Huntington
Geography, Health Sciences and Fashion & Design. Overall students achieved 82% A*-C grades.
all Good Luck todents tu Park School sor a waiting f pe brown envelo! this August
At A-Level our students achieved 100% success gaining acceptance for the University of their choice – with courses ranging from Computer Science, to
The Stunt Cup
The Stunt Cup is awarded each term to the House that has accumulated the most points. Points are earned from Inter-House sporting events, House activities and Service Merits. At the end of the Autumn Term the Cup was awarded to Müller: 2nd Livingstone 3rd Slessor 4th Shaftesbury At the end of the Spring Term the Cup was awarded to Slessor: 2nd Livingstone 3rd Müller 4th Shaftesbury
win l l i w use Cup? o H h Whic Summer 3 the
News round up... French Theatre Brings Language to Life!
Christmas time at The Park
Touring educational theatre company Onatti Productions treated us to an amusing production of Le Château in the final term of school. Both educational and hilarious; pupils and teachers alike learned new everyday, useful French vocabulary. engaging the pupils with audience participation, the players told an easy-to-follow story in French following an english knight who travels to France in search of a new wife for King Henry VIII. As he didn’t speak any French, the inevitable misunderstandings provided amusing and memorable ways for the audience to learn new words. Très bien.
Your generosity at our Christingle and Celebration of Christmas Services raised around £400 which was donated to Church funds at Chilton and The Children’s Society. Thank you so much for your donations.
Grand Designs
(in Gingerbread)
4
In the run up to Christmas our Prep School pupils enjoyed the biscuit-engineering challenge of making, baking, constructing and decorating gingerbread houses to their own designs, as part of their food factory activity. It’s fabulous when something that is such fun imparts the practical learning goals of engineering and construction (and it tastes good too!)
Donington Calling…
In June, our Engineering club, comprising Seb (Y11), Chris (Y11), Ambrose (Y11) and Oli (Y10) entered a bike at a BMCRC motorcycle race at Donington Park. Physics teacher, Mr Gill, who currently holds the Mellano Trophy for being the Champion of Champions at the British Motor Cycle Racing Club, runs the school’s engineering club and encouraged the boys to think big this year. Their project since September was to reconstruct a 400cc bike for entry into the EDIasia sub 64 F400 Championship. “This type of project has been really good for the pupils; it’s opened their eyes to affordable sport, and has been especially encouraging to those wishing to pursue a career in engineering too.” The team was successful in making the bike race-ready and the rider rode so well in the qualifying round that our bike was in pole position for the race. Unfortunately, during the actual race, our bike was involved in a collision with another bike that wiped them both out – such is the fragility of bike racing! No-one was hurt.
Visiting speaker from UN
In March we were fortunate to welcome George Rawlings (father of Henny in Y3) to school for a senior presentation. His talked centred around his work for the United Nations in Afghanistan and about how he helped with the setting up of democratic elections there.
George enthralled the students with his tales, demonstrating his passion for the Afghan people. He took them through a slideshow which the group found thought-provoking. Our students were engaged participants in the discussion and asked some insightful questions. George said that the students were “immaculately behaved and great ambassadors for The Park School”.
Some special guests joined us for our Royal Wedding Tea Party back in May
Despite this, the engineering club achieved well in this project and hopes to continue next year. 5
News round up...
g n i d r oa b e v #i l o
Myrtle Mile
As part of National Boarding week this June, Riverside’s amiable house pooch took the boarders for a mile walk around the site at Chilton. Three times around the lawn was enough for most, but all enjoyed their chance to wind down at the end of the day and to clear their minds before an evening of prep! Myrtle is a treasured part of the boarding house team and lets Mrs R think she’s in charge!
New Park School Beavers, Cubs and Scouts
Don’t forget that from September a brand new Park School Beavers, Cubs & Scouts Club is available to all pupils aged 6 – 14 years. It’s a weekly after school club in which children will have opportunities to try a wide range of different activities as well as going on trips, days out, and on sleepovers. It’s all about participation and there is a range of badges and challenge awards that they can gain to recognise their achievements.
like to have a go contact Mrs R for more information: Mrs Robson: Rachel.Robson@parkschool.com
Our taster session in June was very popular and we all had a chance to have a go at making a fire and putting up a tent and that’s just for starters! If you’d
Boarders’ Health and Wellbeing Programme
6
As part of our new structured activities programme, we have joined forces with Nuffield Health and Fitness centre in Yeovil to provide fitness opportunities for our boarding pupils. On scheduled weekday evenings and weekends we can provide accompanied visits to the gym offering students a chance to stay fit and healthy, maintain their wellbeing plus have some time to try new activities. The centre’s facilities include a 25m swimming pool and spa facilities, a gym with an impressive range of cardio equipment and weight-based training equipment, a dance studio with access to instructor-led fitness classes, there is also a café and a working area on site with Wi-Fi. For more information, please contact Mrs Robson: Rachel.Robson@parkschool.com
Des p e ra s Foll e e k te ly owi in g … ng t to K he s ings u t
c on e mai ven cess of n t in our alum tain th Jun Fare em ni n e, w o wel e m two e pup e l a n re k tum rk. I ils, t e f a e e y n to nd b ach o them u kno e rs uild to g wo or g our f an et in ove y r n o rs touc fo rm wha h; w ple er tt Alum hey are e’d love ase ask u t p n i@ o he to n park ar ow. s
ch o
o l.c
om
A Sweetie time at the Summer Ball
This year’s end of term Summer Ball was held on a warm and sultry evening at the charming Northover Manor, just a stone’s throw from our new location at Chilton.
Years 10 - 13 donned their smartest outfits for an evening of celebration to mark the end of the school year and to bid farewell
to their fellow students in Year 13 before they go on to the next chapter in their education. Highlights of the evening were the sweetie-station and photo frames which added a touch of fun. Special thanks to Mrs Robson for her organisation skills and to Mrs Lawrence as head photographer.
españa escapades
During half term Mrs Thompson accompanied some year 10 students for six days in the beautiful Andalusian city of Córdoba. Córdoba is an historic city of international renown, boasting a UNESCO world heritage site. It has been the capital of a Roman province (Hispania Ulterior), the capital of an Arab State (AlAndalus) and a Caliphate. Staying with Spanish host families enhanced the reallife experience for our students. Most mornings our students attended language classes at the Academia Hispanica, returning to host families for lunch. The afternoons were for sightseeing, and during the visit many sights were enjoyed: including the Alcázar de los
Reyes Cristianos which was used as the residence and fortress of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella who held court here in the 15th century, as well as a headquarters for the Spanish Inquisition.
To enrich the experience, students also visited the Roman Bridge which spans the River Guadalquiver, learnt about Flamenco dancing, ate churros con chocolate, enjoyed tapas and wandered around the maze of narrow streets. Perhaps most useful and enlightening of all, they had the opportunity to meet with local Spanish students from two nearby schools, which enabled them to chat in Spanish and english. It was a wonderful experience for everyone in a beautiful city.
7
8
Early years’ Gallery
9
News round up...
Normandy Trip
early in the school year, 44 pupils and staff undertook a four-day trip to northern France to discover several sites of WW2 history as well as to practice their French. Historical places of note included Arromanches, Mulberry Harbour, the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach, the British Cemetery at Bayeux, and of course, the Tapestry. Through the October fog, our group also enjoyed a visit to the popular Mont St Michel – a perfect stop for souvenirs.
Parliament in Practice A small group of students, accompanied by Mr Cudworth and Mrs Stosiek, visited the Houses of Parliament in London on a beautiful late November day. They enjoyed an informative tour of the celebrated buildings and the guide was suitably impressed with the knowledge and engagement they demonstrated.
Witnessing firsthand how the Houses operate, the group observed two debates: the Lords were debating the effects on NHS staff morale and training caused by the latest government cuts; and the Commons were in an emergency debate over the crisis in the Yemen.
The day ended with a mock-election following students creating their own parties and manifestos – really bringing the political process to life.
Bovington Tank Museum
The focus of the Year 9 History curriculum is ‘20th century world history’ so a trip to nearby Bovington Tank Museum to participate in workshops on WW1 and the Changing Nature of Warfare in the 20th Century, was an ideal opportunity to take learning out of the classroom.
10
Upon arrival students quickly became WW1 recruits being checked for the correct height and age before ‘travelling’ to the Somme and experiencing life in the trenches. WW1 Trench Medicine is a key focus of the GCSe History course so it was good that our Year 10 students were also able to join us. Dressing up and role play, followed with Alec ‘receiving’ a gunshot wound and requiring the help of stretcher
bearers and various military and medical personnel, helped the students to learn about the ‘chain of evacuation’. Finally, Tom, Natasha, Jack and Alec took the
opportunity to ‘model’ military uniform and equipment from the last 100 years or so, whilst the others experienced the weight of the guns and body armour.
The Museums of London
In a bid to be time and cost-efficient some senior school students grouped together to visit London this spring term with a bucket list of experiences to tick off. Taking in the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A, the visits supported studies in Science, Art and Computing. Those interested in Art took in the amazing Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition while the remainder explored the Human Biology galleries, learning about cells, nerves and hormones.
After lunch Mr Coles took a group to the Science Museum to see the 'Information Age' exhibition where he fulfilled a personal wish to hold a Jupiter Ace 4000 computer! Art students visited the V&A to explore the Oriental and Middle eastern galleries studying textures and forms. The others visited the dinosaurs and mammals after taking a journey to the centre of the earth and experiencing a realistic mock-earthquake.
(Not so) Horrible History
Year 8 & 9 students enjoyed a history trip to the Black Country Museum this spring where a living industrial town brings to life the Industrial Revolution and Victorian eras. It’s also very recognisable as the set for Peaky Blinders and many of the Horrible Histories episodes. Learning about the importance of iron, coal and limestone to the area, the group looked at the machinery used to make chains and anchors, as well as experiencing Newcomen’s Steam engine and learning about how it pumped water out of the coal mines enabling rich seams to be explored. Replica houses with ‘real’ people were visited helping the students to discover more about how life really was during the rapidly changing Industrial era. We also found out about the importance of the canal network to the Black Country. A few braved a trip down the mine, although the thought of working in the cold, damp and dark for 12 hours a day for just £2.50 (aged 4 or 5 years old) did not appeal to many! An historically accurate Victorian school lesson demonstrated teaching methods and equipment of the time very well and the students got to use slate and chalk during an arithmetic lesson. Discipline was also illustrated using the cane and a ‘flying’ board rubber. However, the highlight for many was the visit to the vintage fairground taking turns on the Helter-Skelter and traditional carousel which goes surprisingly fast!
“I learnt that the Black Country was called the Black Country because it was full of smoke from the coal that they burned.” Luke
“I learnt that the phrase ‘spend a penny’ came from people paying men a penny to empty their toilet buckets.” Charlie
11
News round up... Castles for Classrooms Year 7 students enjoyed a visit to Caerphilly and Chepstow Castles in Wales to build on their classroom learning about the changing purpose and design of castles, looking specifically at methods of defence and attack.
Caerphilly, built towards the end of the 13th century, provided excellent evidence of all the ‘latest’ defensive design features and a replica trebuchet, mangonel, ballista and perrier giving the students a better understanding of how sieges would be carried out and the range and effectiveness of the weapons.
Chepstow, by comparison, demonstrated how designs changed over time as the castle was first built in 1067 and continued to be extended and adapted right up until the english Civil War in the
Castle Creations! In April, Y7 wowed us with their creativity in the imaginative construction of some traditional castle structures.
12
Many different stages of castle design were represented, for example, wooden motte and bailey castles, shell keeps, stone castles with moats, great halls and many different design features such as round towers, portcullises, sloping walls to prevent attack and even a dragon! (Although technically, we’re not sure that counts as an official defensive feature.)
mid 17th century. Different phases of building were easily identified by the students looking at the architecture of windows, fireplaces and walls.
Students enjoyed exploring and taking turns in the Pillory. Although we’re not sure how much they enjoyed the many spiral staircases! Unsurprisingly the gift shops proved very popular and numerous wooden swords and sets of bows and arrows made their way back to Somerset, along with the odd Welsh dragon or two.
Big Bang Fair
Y8 and 9 had a great time at the Big Bang Fair in exeter. Students had a chance to see the Mad Science show and explore the many exhibits supported by organisations promoting STeM subjects (Science, Technology, engineering and Maths). There were plenty of opportunities for hands-on activities: students were able to make magnetic spinners, torches, build parts of a Boeing jet engine, experience the world of 3D imaging and visit the space Odyssey dome. There was also a chance to talk to professionals about their jobs and their passion for their chosen careers, which was very inspiring for many of our young students. There was a strong emphasis on using STeM skills to help improve our environment, focusing on greener enterprises. Hopefully, this will inspire many to be involved in the next big breakthrough in science and engineering.
Outrageous Cows in the Culm Valley - DofE Last year fifteen year 9 students chose to do the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. For our practice expedition we set off to Dorset on the hottest day of the year. Charley hated the 30oC heat, but Christian saved the day with his water bottle and its mist function - it was lush as it cooled you down loads! For our dinner we all ate boil-in-the bag food, which some liked but some didn’t. Although it was hard work, we all had a great time and a lot of laughs! For our final Bronze expedition we walked in the Culm Valley which was amazing. We met outrageous cows, that didn’t like us much but we survived! This time it was quite muddy. This year, many of us have decided to go on to Silver D of e. For our practice walk we went back to the Culm Valley and walked along the canal which was pretty. We met a nice old man who thought he knew where he was going, although it turned out he was wrong and we were right. I guess we’ve been trained well. In the evening we were bitten to our bones by mosquitoes and played cards in the tent; it was all good fun.
The Final Expedition
Silver Team - Hannah, Juliette, Charlotte, Danisha, emma, Charlie (Team Leader) "An amazing experience, hot and hard work, but worth it!"
Silver Team - Kerryn, Oliver, Oliver, Oliver (Team Leader)
"It was a good experience although very hot. We had good team work. Gold is the next step. RIP Feet!"
Bronze Team - Jack, Jack, Harry, Tom, Matthew (Team Leader)
"Our Bronze expedition was hard because it was hot and it was hilly. But it was really good because we worked together well." Accompanying staff Kate Richards, Richards Coles & Rick Gates
“We are all really proud of how well the teams coped with the weather and worked together to complete the expedition element of their Duke of Edinburgh Award."
In two weeks time we go to exmoor for our final treak. Here’s hoping the weather will be nice!
by Oliver (Y10)
13
News round up...
Business & enterprise Afternoon
Our entrepreneurial Prep School pupils showed maximum enthusiasm this year for Business & enterprise afternoon, when they held a mini-market of open air stalls on the lawn. Innovative business ideas included a nail bar, a home-made cake and drinks stall and the very latest craze of slime-making. Well done everyone and watch out Alan Sugar!
Year 8 MFL Teachers par excellence! The Year 8's excelled themselves in June by teaching some mini Foreign Language Lessons, that they had created and organised themselves, to pupils in years 2-6. The prep pupils worked really hard and responded very well to their young teachers. They had a taster of 12 different languages, with a variety of activities and all delivered in different ways. The atmosphere created was positive and dynamic. Well done to all the pupils and students alike, Mrs Gordon was very proud of you! 14
The best geography lesson – ever!
In November, Year 3 and 4 welcomed a visitor from India. Mrs Dawson, grandmother to Amir Y5, was born in India and spoke about the area in which she lived showing the class its location on the map. The children dressed up in saris and Indian clothes and Mrs Dawson gave the girls bangles to accessorize their saris and the boys key rings or flags which they took home as souvenirs. To round off the visit, Mrs Dawson also introduced the class to a variety of yummy Indian snacks and sweets. “This is the best day ever!” said Freddie. “This is the best Geography lesson ever!” said Olamide. Their comments were echoed by the rest of the group. It was a real treat to see the children so engaged and full of admiration for the beautiful colours and material of the clothes Mrs Dawson brought in.
Waves in Weymouth Beachside fun was had by everyone who joined the Pre-Prep pupils on their summer day out to Weymouth. An obligatory ice-cream rounded off a day of traditional beach activities of sand-castle building and splashing in the surf. Everyone had a great day out of the classroom.
Salut!
Year 6 created some colourful drawings learning French greetings.
Adam
Toby
Sofia
15
Performing arts round up The Tempest
In March, our Prep School pupils staged a fantastic musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, in front of an audience of parents and friends.
From the lead roles – Prospero (Finley), Antonio (Adam) and Miranda (Lottie), magical spirit Ariel (Rui) and Caliban (elias) – to supporting roles of Ferdinand (Charlie), Trinculo the Jester (Jack), Gonzalo (Jacob) and Stephano (Alfie), King Alonso (Ollie), Sebastian (Tom) and the captain, the crew, hobgoblins and sprites, the pupils played each part very well and enjoyed putting on a great show. (all Y7, except Adam Y6).
Spring Music Concert
In March, Park School pupils gifted in music held a concert for invited parents and friends under the direction of Mr Rice. With individual performances by instrumentalists ranging from saxophone to electric guitar, and grand choir pieces, The Park School’s musical talent was unmistakable, much to the enjoyment of the audience.
16
Over the Rainbow! Year 11 students went to the Tobacco Factory Theatre in Bristol to see an adaptation of Arthur Miller’s A View from The Bridge, a GCSE set text.
The play A View From The Bridge was already a difficult play to portray with all the different sets needed to bring it back to life; The Quay, Red Hook, the family home and Alfieri’s office. With a 360o stage of limited space, it was an amazing example of theatre in the round. At the time of going to press, and under the watchful eye of Mrs Baimbridge, our amateur dramatists were busily putting the finishing touches to the summer drama extravaganza – a young performers’ edition of The Wizard of Oz. To be staged in the last week of term, reviews will miss the print deadline, but rehearsals are going well. We can’t wait!
Congratulations
• Congratulations to Lottie and Ayomide in Year 6 who each achieved a Merit in their Grade 3 Ballet examination.
The production revolves around a family living in Red Hook, Brooklyn and the trials and tribulations they face. The main characters are Catherine, eddie, Beatrice, Marco, Rodolfo and Alfieri. eddie and Beatrice are a married couple who live with Beatrice’s niece Catherine. They each cause problems for someone else and all of these complications lead up to the much-anticipated finale. The actors that
portrayed each and every character were completely engrossed in their role. They were very convincing and it felt as if you were there in Brooklyn with them. The actress who portrayed Catherine (Laura Walden), was in her first professional performance and believe me, you couldn’t tell. Overall, I think after seeing this play it means I can understand it in even more depth. By watching the enactment, I now feel like all of us can recall certain lines, and if we need to know about a certain section or quote I can just think of seeing the play and it comes to me almost instantly. It was a great opportunity and I have more confidence in the play’s text.
Youth Speaks Winners
Yr 7 & 8 pupils took part in the Rotary Club’s National Youth Speaks Competition. All pupils gave outstanding speeches and the judges said it was very
by Natasha (Y11)
close. The eventual winners were Issy (Y8), Mia (Y8) and Abi (Y7). Rubi (Y7) also won the best speaker of the evening. Well done to all students!
17
Art Gallery
here is just a selection of this year’s GCSe artwork…
• Laura, Fragments
• Jasmine, Self-image
• Lisha, Fragments • Kaiklao, Fragments
18
• Lisha, emotions
• Lauren, Reflections
Awarding Art
In the autumn term, The Park School performed well at the ISA Art National Finals, with a Year 1 Art Group Winner The Tiger that Came to Tea (see page 9) and a second prize for Joy (Y13) – exam dress photo on manikin Past, present and future submitted for Stage 4 GCSe fashion. A second prize was also awarded to Lucy (past pupil) for Memories of childhood holidays in Exmoor which was a textile entry for Key stage 4.
• esmee, The elements
• esmee, Fragments
In Year 10, Danisha and Megan achieved their Bronze Arts Award and in Year 11 Lisha was awarded Gold, which is normally achieved during Year 12 or 13. Congratulations girls!
Mrs Briggs was delighted to read the moderator’s comments: “It was a delight to moderate Lisha’s portfolio; she had developed skills across a wide range of art forms, the bronze portfolios were detailed, creative and of high quality”.
Inter-House Photography competition
• Jasmine, Sunset Dress
This spring, the inter-house photography competition was organised by Lauren as part of her leadership project for her silver arts award. Entrants were invited to explore the theme of Somerset from wildlife, landscape and history and everything in between. Nature seems to have captured our student imaginations.
Senior Winners 1st Palmer & Howells’ choice, Lauren (Y10)Caterpillar
1st Photographers’ choice, Hannah (Y10) White Flower
Junior Winners 1st Palmer & Howells’ choice - Roberta (Y8) Purple Flowers
1st Photographers’ choice Theo (Y7) Bug on leaf • Ambrose, Animals
19
Sports round up ... Special mentions ...
2017-2018 has seen The Park School pupils enter and compete in an impressively wide range of sporting events. Pupils from across the years have participated in local district leagues playing various sports over the year including Hockey, Basketball, Football, Netball, Rounders and Cricket. Most notably our U13 Girls’ Netball team reached the district finals and finished a notable third. We have also entered a selection of National events including Swimming, Hockey, Netball, Cross-country, Skiing, Triathlon, Biathle and Athletics. Some of these events are stand-alone competitions but many required pupils to qualify through rigorous regional rounds making it more impressive if achieved.
Mr Tullett receiving The Yeovil Olympiads Award of Merit for Men from Commonwealth Silver medallist and two time Olympian Max Robertson. 20
It is also fantastic to hear that many of our pupils play/train for sports clubs outside of school and some are excelling in their chosen sport. The exposure and experience of playing in a local club should never be underestimated and I would encourage all pupils to join external clubs whatever their passion might be; sport, music or the arts.
On a personal note, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mr Tullett who has stepped down from his role as Head of Pe after 20 years. He has been so gracious and extremely helpful with answering my endless questions. Luckily for us all he will continue to be part of the Pe team and is in charge of our BTeC sports courses. I am very proud to be taking on the role of Director of Sport and in turn, the responsibility of ensuring that all our pupils access excellent provision within our curriculum and beyond. Our department ethos of ‘Each different, each able, all valued’ will stay at the forefront of our planning as we enter this exciting period of sport at The Park School. Mrs Alex Guthrie Director of Sport
This year, most notable successes include Matthew (Y12) setting a new ISA National record in the Olympic pool for 100m breaststroke (1.06.07), Emma (Y13) who came 1st in the U20 100m sprint and long jump at the Somerset AA County Championships where she competes as a disabled athlete. Hollie (Y13) won the girls’ shot putt in the same event. Also in June, at the ISA National Athletics Championships, Abbie (Y10) achieved 3rd in the U17 girls’ 800m and Megan came third in both the U17 girls’ 100m and 200m sprint. At the ISA National Schools Triathlon Championships, Holly was also awarded silver in the U13 Tri Star stage 2 group and her sister Abbie got the gold in the U17 category. We would like to wish Abbie & Holly the very best this summer as they represent GB at the International Modern Pentathlon european Biathle & Triathle Championships 2018 in Weiden Germany. Students’ sporting achievements both in and outside of school are too many to mention here - follow us on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date.
Sports Day
On one of the hottest days of the year, we held our very first sports day event at our Chilton site. Split over two days, in order to utilise the facilities at Mudford Athletics track, our pupils put on sterling performances in a huge selection of varied sports across track and field competing for House points and the Stunt Cup. Not only was the competitive spirit on show, but also the Park School character of ‘have a go’ and, more importantly, supporting your school friends in having a go! even the Invitation Mile was a demonstration of can-do in an allcomers ‘race’ from backwards runners and three-legged teams to those for whom it was clearly a walk in the park (literally). Special mention should go to our Governor Keith Stevens who admirably and very professionally commentated throughout. An enjoyable day was had by all! Congratulations to Livingstone – Sports Day 2018 Winners!
21
Looking forward... Retiring after 43 years of teaching, Luke and Caitlin asked Mr Mylan a few questions:
What inspired you to become a teacher? I had a Chemistry teacher, Roy Stephenson, he really inspired me. I did Chemistry and Geology at University and realised I wasn’t bright enough to run ICI, so I decided I’d like to teach.
Goodbye Mr Chips
An interview with Roy Mylan by Luke and Caitlin (both Y8)
What are you going to do in retirement? All the odd jobs my wife has been saving up for me! I have bought myself a flute and I intend to play that again. Mending computers and driving around in my sports car.
What was the best event you have been involved in at The Park? Coming back here to Park, Chilton; I taught at Chilton Cantelo at 16 years before it closed and coming back here has been like coming to Chilton’s twin, the family atmosphere, with everyone looking after everyone else. Are there any key moments that have meant a lot to you at this school? One of the nicest things was getting some decent results from last year’s Year 11 some of whom found Science so difficult. Teaching A Level Chemistry again after a gap of 15 years has been really good.
Enrichment Programme
Have you signed up for our Autumn term enrichment programme yet? From 3.45pm to 4.45pm Monday to Thursday a rich variety of extra-curricular activities is on offer at The Park School. For full details please see Mr Tulett. Larry.Tulett@parkschool.com
Why did you join this School, was it worth it? Having been a Deputy Head and had a largely administrative role before, it has been nice to get back in the classroom again. It is a nice way to finish, as a classroom teacher.
Will you miss school? Yes and No! I’ve taught for 43 years, that’s enough, but I will miss my colleagues. I have enjoyed teaching; it was definitely the right job for me, particularly getting the best out of those children who found it a bit hard. Is there anything you’ve learned from pupils? every day! If you don’t learn something every day, you’re not trying very hard.
22
I’ve never wanted to be a Headmaster – the buck stops here! I’m content at having been a Deputy Head. I love working here and seeing the wildlife, deer and woodpeckers. Once there was a badger which used one of the classrooms as a toilet...that was not so pleasant!
Gardening
Farewell to
Kingston
It was lovely to welcome so many familiar faces to our Farewell to Kingston event on Saturday 30th June. With many of the classrooms open for viewing, past pupils and teachers alike enjoyed this last chance to reminisce in the old school buildings and grounds. An archive display of school memorabilia proved to be most popular featuring many school photos and magazines, and even portraits of Miss Bennett. Mrs Huntington rounded off the day with a very brief history of the school before handing over to Governor Keith Stevens for a final prayer. Thank you to all who came and special thanks to Jane Whear for organising the event and for putting on a fabulous archive display.
Yeovil Literary Festival 2018 We’re delighted to be sponsoring two children’s literary events at this year’s Yeovil Literary Festival, taking place in the Autumn half term break.
Look out for Philip Reeve & Sarah McIntyre and Floella Benjamin. For tickets & information: yeovilliteraryfestival.co.uk
Dates
for your Diary
Autumn Term 2018 Monday 3 - 5 September Wednesday 5 September Thursday 6 September Wednesday 26 September Thursday 27 September Tuesday 9 October Wednesday 10 October Friday 19 October - Sunday 4 November Monday 5 November Thursday 8 November Friday 9 November Thursday 29 November Tuesday 11 December Friday 14 December
Inset Days Boarders return First Day of Term European Day of Languages Open Morning – Whole School Sixth Form Open Evening Open Morning – Early Years Half Term (two weeks) Term resumes Oddments Theatre Company – The Pilgrim’s Progress Remembrance Service Sixth Form Scholarships Christingle Service (venue TBC) Last day of Term – Carol Service
Spring Term 2019 Friday 4 January Sunday 6 January Monday 7 January Friday 15 - Sunday 24 February Saturday 16 - Saturday 23 February Monday 25 February Friday 5 April
Inset Day Boarders Return First Day of Term Half Term Ski Trip to Artesina, Italy Term resumes Last day of Term – Easter Service
Summer Term 2019 Tuesday 23 April Wednesday 24 April Monday 6 May Friday 24 May - Sunday 2 June Monday 3 June Friday 12 July
Inset Day / Boarders return First Day of Term Bank Holiday Half Term Term resumes Last day of Term – Speech Day & Prizegiving
23
In a wish to create a cherished memory of their time at our Yeovil site, Year 9 each contributed to a group art piece based upon the Kingston building. Each pupil was given a section of a photograph of Kingston and they painted it using a variety of art styles such as Realism, Pointillism, Fauvism, Expressionism, Impressionism and Pop Art. It’s a lovely tribute and the original artwork will take pride of place at Chilton very soon!
The Park School Chilton Cantelo Somerset, BA22 8BG
01935 850555 admissions@parkschool.com
parkschool.com