DORSET
From the Headmaster
The current national conversation about the impact of unlimited internet access on children is a concern we share at DH, which is why we have a blanket no-phones policy. Dr. Jonathan Height's recent book, "The Anxious Generation," reinforces this concern. It highlights a worrying and current trend: in developed countries, children are socialising less in person and spending more time glued to screens. Parents have granted young people too much unrestricted internet access, whilst at the same time attempting to shield their children from every physical or emotional knock; children are simply not given enough time to have unstructured play or freedom to learn from taking risks.
Reflecting on childhood at DH in this context, I think of the river system that has been created by children, of their own volition from Year 4 to Year 8 this term on the bank outside Wildbrooks. Every breaktime, they can be seen working collaboratively and often getting quite muddy using sticks to gouge out channels and tributaries; they are absorbed, and it does look like great fun!
In addition to this, at the beginning of break one is certain to hear the summoning call of “Manhunt”. This is a game that seemingly never gets old, and like the river-making, is inclusive and spans Year groups. Boringly, if one breaks the game down into beneficial growth and learning opportunities the following could be listed: speed, agility, spatial awareness, strategy, communication, teamwork and conflict resolution (particularly if someone has been tagged in the changing room after they’ve touched their peg). There is also the added danger of being bellowed at by Ms Hutchings if a bank or flowerbed in bloom is used as an escape route sometimes the benefits outweigh the risks, though!
Of course, our sports staff ensure that your children are kept physically fit and our high ratio of qualified staff to pupils mean that our teams are able to compete successfully against those from larger schools. Our Leavers' boards in the library show just how many sports scholarships are achieved year on year and this summer, as usual, we had representation at the National IAPS Athletics meeting in Birmingham. At DH it is our conscious aim to preserve traditional childhood and delay the myriad of pressures that today’s teenagers typically face; I do believe that we are successful in this.
Earlier this year, we sent out a survey for parents; we were delighted with and very much valued the responses. Thank you for taking the time to complete these. Your expressions of what you love about DH, echo exactly what we set out to provide. Words such as community, family, fun, belonging and achieving were repeated frequently.
The children were also surveyed – this time about food.
After all, they are the customers. Again, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive and constructive, and you will be pleased to know that when children said they didn’t like something, they often apologised and acknowledged that they were fussy etc. One said they would like to see banana bread taken off the menu; “nothing against it, I just hate bananas”. We will be looking at the menus to see what we can tweak to accommodate some of the suggestions; a few, however, were not quite what we were after – such as sushi, fillet steak with blue cheese sauce, bubble gum ice cream and lollipops. Some were interesting such as, “ghost chillis for those who dare”. Others were quirky “the chicken pie is not a pie, for it has no crust” (the pastry is in fact served separately). I won’t name the child who commented, “it is similar to a 5-star restaurant and better than the food at home”.
Talking of amusing things your children say, I thought I would share a couple of gems with you:
I was recently greeted one day with: “Mr Thomas, can I just say that you are looking very ‘headmastery’ today?”
“Thank you, I think”, I said. To be honest, I was left wondering whether I needed a fashion re-boot.
On another occasion, a boy came to me at the gate and said, “Ms Hutchings set me two tasks – the first was to find you and the second was… Oh – I can’t remember what the second one was! I suppose one out of two ain’t bad”.
I hope you all have a lovely summer break. Matt Thomas
Festival 60
Festival 60 was a celebration of the 60 th anniversary of the school’s move to Bury from Littlehampton in 1964. (It is important to note that this year also marks the 240 th anniversary of the founding of the school which was originally situated in Hertfordshire.)
It was wonderful to see so many ex-parents and pupils at the event and to hear stories of their time here. One visitor has written to say: `It was so good to see some old faces and witness that what makes DH so very special has not changed’. My thanks go to everyone who worked to make this event such a success. As ever, staff pitched in to make
sure that things ran smoothly and our PA did an amazing job - running the barbecue, a bar selling Pimms and beer from Fauna Brewery in Arundel, and a sweet shop.
Mrs Manger organised a fun dog show with categories such as: musical sits, waggiest tail and best sausage catcher. The Pre-Prep even made dog biscuits during their cookery lessons the week before the event.
Our Year 8 pupils organised fête-style games in the Walled Garden for our younger children and the Swing Band and Band Project played on the stage in the amphitheatre.
Matt Thomas
Geography Field Trip
As I am extremely passionate about Geomorphology (a key component of the 13+ CE Geography Syllabus and GCSE coursework), I was keen to share my enthusiasm with our Year 8 pupils during a residential field trip to Dorset in January.
The group investigated coastal processes (erosional and depositional), landforms and collected data on beach formation (Lulworth Cove), sand dune formation (Studland) and groyne formation (Swanage).
On their return to school, they spent two weeks writing up the fieldwork in class.
We stayed at the UK’s leading Geographical Field Study Centre (Leeson House).
We also visited the Etches Fossil Museum and were the first school group to view the Pliosaur skull excavated from the Kimmeridge Bay area (as highlighted in the BBC documentary by David Attenborough).
The Jurassic Coast represents 185 million years of the Earth’s history. A local Geologist gave the party a tour of Kimmeridge Bay and the pupils took part in a fossil hunt. I wanted to introduce geology and palaeontology into this year’s fieldwork.
The trip was a great success.
Dr Richard Wintle
Leadership
Year 6 travelled to Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons) for their Leadership trip. Following a long journey, everyone enjoyed a waterfall walk followed by a tricky task - navigating our way through a kilometer long railway tunnel with just the aid of a stick. This was definitely out of some people’s comfort zone. During the evening, there were some team building activities and the following day we did the entire Pen Y Fan horseshoe circuit. Members of the public were amazed at how fit the children were and how they were coping with such an arduous walk. The last day saw us undertaking more command and leadership tasks including the removal of toxic waste from a coned off area.
Year 7 went to the Peak District. The children were amazing: energetic, polite, engaged and up for every challenge that came their way – the weather, unfortunately, was appalling!
So much so, in fact, that a walk across the moors on our first full day there had to be cut short. We walked around Chatsworth instead in the afternoon (best gift shop ever!!) and then headed home for an evening of games organised by Dr Wintle. On the second day, we took cable cars up to The Heights of Abraham, a hilltop park in Matlock that has been open since Victorian times. We had guided tours of the Great Masson Cavern and the Great Rutland Cavern, both previously mined for lead ore and fluorspar, before taking full advantage of a large adventure playground.
Needless to say, the sun came out as we were packing up to go home – but a memorable time had been had by all. Laura Hutchings
Year 8 Leavers
Destinations
Eight of our seventeen leavers this year won awards from senior schools as follows:
Beatrice de Courcy-White - Lancing College - Music Scholarship
Henry Godfrey - Seaford CollegeSport Scholarship
Dylan Baldwin - Lancing CollegeMusic Exhibition
Jackson Black - Lancing CollegeSport Scholarship
Layla Owens - Gordon’s SchoolMusic Scholarship
Francesca Morris-WarburtonSeaford College - Music Scholarship
Olivia Finn - Seaford CollegeDrama Scholarship
Alice Andrews - Hurst Academic and Drama Scholarships
The other destination schools this year were:
Baleares International College, Mallorca; British International School, Boston; Bedales, Marlborough and Slindon College.
Leavers’ Programme
Every year, once their final exams are over, Year 8 embark on the PostExam Programme.
The brainchild of Mr Weaver, this programme started a few years ago and has grown and grown: this year it incorporated more than 25 different events and Year 8 were kept busy right up until their very last day at DH.
To give you a flavour of what is involved, here are just some of the activities:
Over the course of four weeks, Year 8 went to Skern Lodge, an activity centre on the North Devon coast, for a long weekend; learnt new skills in the fencing and dance workshops; learnt vital skills in their First Aid morning with St John’s Ambulance and their Lifesaving afternoon in the pool; listened to talks from visiting speakers about Amnesty International, the RNLI, Animal Aid, Water Aid and Save the Children; took part in an Apprentice-style business challenge; had fun visiting Pizza Express and Edge coffee; toured the recycling plant at Ford; had a talk from the local police and spent a day in London,
where highlights included visiting Fortnum and Mason, taking a trip on the river boat and seeing a film at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich before dinner at Canary Wharf.
If you also factor in that between these events (and more!), Year 8 rehearsed and performed two Shakespeare plays, took a major part in the Summer Concert and the CD recording and had their final Sports Day, you can see that there is no time for a post-exam slump at DH!
As a postscript, it is worth noting that Year 8 were so impressed by the talk from a retired member of the RNLI that they voted to make the charity the recipient of the collection at their Leavers’ service, held just before prize-giving on Saturday morning. The Charity Prefect, Mariya Petrova, wrote and delivered a small piece giving their reasons for this choice and the collection raised exactly £200 to be donated to the RNLI.
Laura Hutchings
Shakespeare
The 2024 Year 8 Shakespeare offering grew out of a casual conversation: ‘How are you going to find parts for everyone next year?’ ‘Well, we could always do two plays!’
Shakespeare wrote for his acting company, ‘The King’s Men’ and we know that for the bulk of the time that he was writing, this company consisted of nine actors known by name and some ‘associates’. As a result, most of Shakespeare’s plays have a limited cast. One play for a big Year group – a lot of whom are accomplished actors – just wasn’t going to work and so we tackled both Macbeth and Much Ado About Nothing
Performance night was June 18th and, after half a term of rehearsals in English lessons, Year 8 acquitted themselves beautifully. Major players
in one play had minor roles in the other (and vice versa), whilst performing Macbeth in the outer Barn and Much Ado in the inner offered the opportunity to change the mood from tragedy to romantic comedy.
Although Cherry Menlove is no longer a parent at DH, she was kind enough to give up a morning to come and run a workshop for Year 8, focusing on a scene from each play and this was hugely helpful. A lot of fun was had along the way..
Laura Hutchings
Recite
Despite grey skies, torrents of rain and a positive plague of coughs and colds, spirits were high at the start of Recite this year.
Our external judges were Mrs Sarah Setton (Head of Year 7 & 8 English from Hurstpierpoint College) and Mrs Cherry Menlove (former parent, trained actress and co-director of the Year 8 Shakespeare plays).
Competition in the heats running up to the final had been fierce - so much so that Years 5 & 6 saw five competitors from each Year group going through, as opposed to the more usual four from each form.
Despite a few nerves (and the odd tear!), the children all gave a good account of themselves, and the judges had some hard decisions to make. There was a real range of material on offer and although ‘verse’ from the internet has been more prevalent at the initial stages of the competition in recent years, little, if any, of it makes its way through to the final. In the end, awards went to the following:
Years 3 & 4
Highly Commended: Sebastian Donaldson (The Cabbage is a Funny Veg by Roger McGough), Freddie Gorton (Attack of the Mutant Mangoes by Andrew Fusek Peters) and Evie Stone (Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf by Roald Dahl).
Winner: Rufus Evans (Silly Old Baboon by Spike Milligan)
Years 5 & 6
Years 7 & 8
Highly Commended: Sophie Ratcliffe (extract from The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes), Strawberry Frizzell (Annabel Lee by Edgar Allen Poe) and Harry Redgrove (Dulce et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen).Winner: Hermione Goss (Sick by Shel Silverstein).
Highly Commended: James Ratcliffe (New England Graveyard by Stephen Sandy), Dylan Baldwin (Sea Fever by John Masefield) and Olivia Finn (Talking Turkeys by Benjamin Zephaniah).
Winner: Cosmo Le Page (There Will Come Soft Rains by Sara Teasdale). After the competition, Mrs Setton stayed on to cast a professional eye over pieces of English coursework
written by Years 7 & 8 and some very useful discussion was had about grade boundaries, teaching potentially contentious material and preparing Year 6 students for the rigours of Year 7 & 8 work.
I would like to thank both Mrs Setton and Mrs Menlove for giving so generously of their time – it was very much appreciated by all concerned.
Laura Hutchings
This year for our whole school Charity Day, we decided to raise funds for Canine Partners. We were joined at the start by Arthur the dog and his trainer Bonnie.
The children were amazing! The PrePrep children did so well, walking 5km through Eartham Woods. Years 4 to 7 gathered in Houses to walk 18 km over the Downs. They navigated with a map to locate checkpoints along the way. The weather was sunny and warm. Everyone was grateful for a lunch stop at Gumber farm. They showed great teamwork and determination. A huge well done to everyone! Thank you for your generosity as we raised £1830.
Janet White
In addition, since Christmas, we have raised £186 for the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis appeal, £232 for Comic Relief and parents donated clothing for the Bags of Support charity .
Wild About Britain
Sarah Armstrong, Head of Learning Development, arranged for Wild About Britain to visit and they ran workshops for all Year groups. Here are a few soundbites from Year 6:
‘We got to hold a smooth snake which was not at all slimy.’
Harry Redgrove
‘We saw a Great Crested Newt. These newts are so rare that you cannot touch them or go near their habitats. The newt was very small but had a beautifully patterned under-tummy.’
Chloe Mitchell
‘My favourite animal was definitely the Tawny Owl because you do not see them very often – also it could turn its head nearly all the way around. The owl was called Freddie.’ Sam Richardson ‘The hedgehog – called Snowdrop –felt surprisingly soft.’
Jack Posnett
Forest School
Through the cold, damp winter into the lovely warm(ish) summer the PrePrep children have been as busy as ever in their Forest School sessions. It has been a big couple of terms for the Reception children, learning how to use a variety of different tools and gaining lots of new skills. This included using the palm drills to make their very own wooden medallions, peelers to whittle wands and the bow saw to chop firewood. They enjoyed ‘Going on a Bear Hunt’ searching through the forest for any signs of ‘bear-behaviour’. As much as we have moaned about the wet weather this Spring, the children in Reception have thrived in these conditions! Year 1 were very excited to start learning how to light their own mini fires and, with a lot of patience and perseverance, they have succeeded. A big highlight for Year 1 has been the introduction of the bug-finding kit we were kindly gifted by the Redgrove family. This even led to Milo finding 2 newts! Craft activities are always high up on the children’s list of activities, this included making photo frames and decorating them with natural materials from the forest. As Year 2 approach their final term of Forest School we look back with great fondness at the different activities they have done, the food they have eaten and the fun they have had. This year has been no different. They have baked bread, made pancakes and even cooked popcorn on the open fire. With dens galore and more freedom (past the blue rope!) the children have spent their sessions enjoying the mud kitchen, using their expert tool skills and spending time with their friends, in nature. What another fantastic year in the DH forest. Ali Fentiman
Reception
We started the Spring term with a bit of a mystery in the Reception classroom! After coming back from lunch one day, we discovered some dinosaur footprints in the classroom! The children enjoyed learning all about dinosaurs, including how tall they were, their different features and what they might eat. We then moved onto our next topic, Seasons and Planting. We started off by thinking about the world around us, and, by March, the children were starting to notice that there were changes happening in the natural world. We went on a Spring hunt to find different signs of the new season and we found that new plants were starting to grow. This got us thinking about what plants need to grow and we had a go at growing some of our own from seed.
Jess Lake
The Summer term was full of Under The Sea adventures and Superhero action.
We have explored the ocean zones, learnt about sea creatures, made a rock pool in our classroom and dressed up as divers. The greatest adventure was going on our first school trip to the Sealife Centre in Brighton. There have been other 'firsts' for us: we joined the whole school Charity Walk, raising money for the charity Canine Partners. We walked 5.7km on the day! For our Superhero topic we explored comic books, invented our own superhero characters, made superhero capes and masks and learnt about the real life superheroes around us.
Katka Marconi
We turned into real scientists in Mr Keane's lab during Pre Prep Science morning where our Year 8 friends helped us with exciting experiments. and we used computers for the first time in the ICT suite.
We competed in our first Sports Day and showed off our jumping, throwing and running skills in 11 different events. Everyone did brilliantly and enjoyed a well deserved ice cream at the end.
Year 1
In the Spring term, Year 1 enjoyed topics about transport and journeys with a side helping of endangered animals followed by some work on the history of toys. We have learnt some new techniques in art such as creating a wash and blending colours to create backgrounds.
The Year 1s are big fans of Forest School and Cooking and always look forward to Fridays, when they are either out in the woods (MUD!) or creating something delicious in the Hub with Mrs Manger.
The Summer term is all about Minibeasts and enjoying the many chances to get out and about in our beautiful grounds. There are so many microhabitats – with more being added as the inspired Year 1 class construct their own marvellous bug hotels in the woods. Other enjoyable events this term were the Science morning supported by the Year 8 children and a wonderful Earthsong music workshop where the children encountered some fantastic African instruments.
Karen Bentley
Year 2
Year 2’s year has been jam-packed with interesting days, events and activities. The photos show the class taking part in ice experiments, dressing up for World Book Day, making Easter cards, showing off their map skills in Geography, preparing for the pancake race, catching snow, Forest School, taking part in the Easter Fun Run and learning all about Kenya and The Maasai from our visitor, David.
The children have also had visiting animals, been on a visit to Arundel Wetlands, taken part in DH Charity Day, been enthralled during Pre-Prep science morning, been fully immersed in an African drumming workshop and, of course, thrown themselves into the Pre-Prep Sports Day. What a fantastic year!
Sasha Metzger
Year 3
Year Three have been learning all about tropical rainforests this term, and were thrilled to visit Drusillas zoo to learn more interesting facts and handle some animals. The children had super knowledge of the different layers of the rainforest, and of the various animals that live there (including a pink river dolphin and sloths!) which really impressed the staff. The children each got to learn about and touch a Madagascan hissing cockroach named Colin followed by a giant African millipede called Malcom! Finally, the instructor brought out a boa constrictor called Ravaner, which we learned smells with his tongue. The children were very brave in touching it’s skin.
Year three also got to explore the various animals around the zoo and loved going on the animal themed rides, with some even saying it was the best school trip ever!
Year 3 have been learning about Chocolate in Summer Term. The class were thrilled to discover how chocolate was made, charting the bean to bar journey in their own booklets. The children have also enjoyed learning about how chocolate started being consumed as Ancient Mayan Xocalatl and making their own to sample! The addition of Chilli powder surprised some, but most agreed that the drink was fairly tasty. We have also compared fairtrade and non fairtrade chocolate bars and explored how chocolate melts! This has been complemented with their reading of Roald Dahl’s classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The class have explored how Charlie felt to receive his golden ticket by making their own and been inspired by Quentin Blake’s whimsical illustrations. Blaize Anderson
Cookery
All children from Reception to Year 3 have taken part in cooking lessons tackling recipes often connected to their Topic work. They learn about kitchen hygiene, the importance of accurate measuring, how to use kitchen equipment and importantly how to clear up at the end. Reception enjoyed making fish fingers (although they didn’t all enjoy the smell!)’. Unsurprisingly, the chocolate fudge ingredients had a more favourable reaction.
A highlight for Year 1 was making their own pasta, the length of the dough coming through the machine causing great hilarity. With a focus on seasonal produce and healthy eating rainbow salad in a jam jar was a huge success, with some beautifully chopped vegetables making up the
layers.
Year 2 made Inuit Bannock bread to link in with their topic work on Polar regions, discovering it was even better when served with golden syrup. As they explored the world through topic they produced an excellent vegetable chilli, though the onion and chilli chopping caused a few watery eyes! Year 3 worked in groups, following the recipe independently, to make a chicken jungle curry as part of their studies on the Rainforest. Working with a partner the class made Mayan Chilli hot chocolate. (See above) It has been wonderful to see the progression across all the year groups every week as they rise to the challenges and embrace the reality that true chefs have to cook dishes they may not be particularly keen on, AND try them!
Rosie Manger
Year 4
In the Spring term Year 4 learnt about the layers of the ocean and some of the sea creatures that live in them, especially some of the fascinating deep-sea life. They sewed their own pencil cases with sea life themes and created a display with beautifully painted fish and corals. This was all finished off with an amazing trip to the Blue Reef Aquarium, where they saw horn sharks, blue lobsters and extremely friendly rays which they named Pat, Bob and Reilly, along with Dusty the Turbot!
This term, Year 4 visited Butser Ancient Farm, as part of their topic on the Celts. The children experienced what it was like to sit around the fire in a roundhouse and some decided that it was quite cosy. They worked together in pairs to wattle a fence. Charlie and Jacques said, ‘I loved smashing the chalk with the holly hammer’, as they made the ‘clunch’ which was used to daub on the walls. Beatrice loved making jewellery with copper wire and Evie enjoyed carving patterns in the chalk. She used leaves to enhance her design. It was a great day of learning. The children then went on to learn about the Roman invasion and the many changes they brought to Britain. They found out how the Romans built forts, towns, roads, bath houses and of course villas. They visited Bignor Roman villa where they dressed as members of the family, slaves and tradesmen. They enjoyed grinding flour with a quern, wrote on wax tablets and spun wool. In DT they made replica Roman toy horses. The children have also found out about the contrasting landscapes of India. They linked this to their art creating colourful batik elephants and Indian peacocks. Janet White
Year 3 and 4 Play
Years 3 and 4 took us back to the Wild Wild West for their summer play, Ye-Ha! The folk of Splodge City were in trouble as Mad Dog McNut and his gang were running wild, Mayor Truman had evil plans to dig up gold buried under the town and poor Wilbur Hubbard got landed with the job no-one wants – Sheriff of Splodge! Luckily, Billie-Jo Brisket and her faithful steed Lightnin’ came to save the day. The play was a huge success with plenty of cowboys, dancing, singing and one-liner jokes. The children learnt an amazing amount of lines and performed with confidence in the beautiful setting of the amphitheatre.
Sarah Wake
Sport
Spring Term
It was a busy term for the girls, finishing their netball season as well as their first season of football fixtures.
Netball
U13A and B
The netball term continued well with tough matches again Handcross Park, Pennthorpe, Roedean and Lancing Prep at Hove. There were close matches for both teams with the A team winning 3 out of 5 matches and the B team achieving an impressive 34-1 win over Prebendal.
U11A and U11B
The U11 and 10 girls took part in our annual Arun Valley Netball Tournament, competing against other local primary schools. It was a great afternoon, packed with netball and fun; our girls finished 5th and 6th.
The U9s have had a great netball season, carrying on their winning ways and only losing one netball match all season! The U8s were unbeaten all season and finished their netball season off on a high with a super 6 Seaford.
Football
Sadly, the weather hasn't been kind to us this term with what has felt like endless rain and mud, many matches were cancelled.
The U13B started the football season with a double win over both Windlesham and Lancing Prep at Worthing. With nearly all their matches cancelled this half term, the U8/9 girls finished the football season on a high, competing in the Pennthorpe football tournament and finishing 2nd out of 8 teams. They only lost one match!
Summer Term
Cricket - 1st Team
Most Improved Player goes to Francesca MorrisWarburton and Player of the Season goes to GG Posnett. 2nd Team
It has been another great season for the girls’ 1st team cricketers, many of whom are still very new to hardball cricket. They have continued to grow in both confidence and skill. They have had some close games, losing by just a few runs to both Lancing Prep at Hove and Brighton Girls. They were successful in their match against St Ed’s winning with 284 runs and taking 6 wickets. The girls have bowled well all season, but a particular highlight was during their penultimate match, against Westbourne, where we managed to take 9 wickets, bowling their whole team out. A special mention goes to Harriet Howgate, our girls’ cricket captain, who took 3 wickets in that match.
We have had a mixed season overall. The team have played some wonderful cricket and they have all shown significant improvement in their batting, bowling and fielding techniques. Bea Belgeonne (top scorer) and Tiggy Allum have been great openers with the bat. Bea Belgeonne (top wicket taker), Tiggy Allum, Anna Tustin and Olivia Smith have all bowled accurately, with good line and length. Beatrice de Courcy-White has developed into a competent wicket keeper. Bea Belgeonne’s combination of excellent batting and accurate bowling proved decisive in many matches. Many of the girls have developed into all -rounders. Grace Crowther, Mariya Petrova and Izzy Rojas-Garner have also contributed a great deal to the overall performance of the team. Well done, girls!
Dr Wintle
Most Improved Player goes to Beatrice de Courcy-White and Player of the Season goes to Beatrice Belgeonne.
Sport
U11A
The U11 A team have had a fantastic term of cricket with some close and very high scoring matches. They have worked so hard to improve on their bowling skills with all of the girls taking wickets in at least one match. Our batting this term has definitely been a strength, with some fantastic individual scores, combining to make some fab team totals. Sophie Ratcliffe, Strawberry Frizzell, Jessie Tustin and Honor Macmillan have really excelled in the batting field with Strawberry also being one of our top wicket takers. They had convincing wins over Pennthorpe and Lancing Prep at Hove and have learnt a huge amount this term. Well done, girls! Most Improved Player goes to Chloe Mitchell and Player of the Season goes to Strawberry Frizzell. Colts Colours go to: Strawberry Frizzell, Honor Macmillan, Jessie Tustin, Iris Alun-Jones.
U11B
The girls have excelled themselves this term, making superb progress in both their bowling and batting skills. Our highlight match was against Pennthorpe, where the girls won by 32 runs, bowling six wickets and showing excellent communication skills when batting. Our highest scoring batter was Grace Johnston with 14 runs. Hermione Goss demonstrated fantastic enthusiasm at each match, encouraging and supporting her peers. Great work, girls! Most Improved Player goes to Mezzie Hicks and Player of the Season goes to Hermione Goss. Top Run Scorer - Strawberry Frizzell (74 runs)
Top Wicket Taker –Beatrice Belgeonne and Lilla Skinner ( 9 wickets).
U8/9
The Year 3 and 4 girls have had a fantastic cricket season, winning five out of their eight matches. The U9A team won by a whopping 40 runs against Lancing Prep at Hove. The year 3 girls have done so well for their first cricket season, learning lots of new skills very quickly. The Year 4 girls have been excellent role models and lead the teams well with skills built on from last season. Special mentions go to Evie Stone who scored 34 runs across the season, and Edie Calland for taking 3 wickets. U9 Most Improved Player goes to Evie Stone and Player of Season goes to Lily Winter.
U8 Most Improved Player goes to Jess Mills and Player of Season goes to Ella Smith.
Ali Fentiman
Sport
Rugby 1sts
It was clear from the start that the success of the side would rest heavily on the shoulders of two players –Jensen Bladd-Symms and Henry Godfrey. In these two the team had the ability to play direct using a combination of skill and experience and in the case of Jensen, sheer power and determination. This was fine in matches against similar sized schools but when it came to playing the bigger schools it became almost an impossible task. This is not to say that the rest of the team offered very little. Quite the contrary. What we saw was a group of boys who were prepared to work hard and give everything. The result was that, as the season progressed, many went on to become much more comfortable on the pitch and able to make positive contributions. Both Dylan Baldwin and Jackson Black provided good support and were able to bring some physicality to the game. Yes, Henry and Jensen both scored plenty of amazing tries but perhaps some of the highlights for me were seeing Cosmo Le Page picking the ball up from the back of the scrum and running round his opponent to score, Wade Stormonth-Darling committing himself at the tackle, or even Joe Watkins breaking through the defence towards the try line.
U11
The boys produced some incredible attacking rugby, thanks mainly to some strong carries by Jack Posnett, Sam Richardson and Benjamin Toynbee. This was then followed by passes strung together by the back line, focusing on two passes before
contact, allowing space for them to attack. The group had ups and downs throughout the season, but they always worked hard within lessons to continue improving and finished on a great trajectory looking forward to next season. One of the highlights was a game against a very strong Westbourne House side, that we narrowly lost. Everyone worked tirelessly and so nearly produced an amazing victory.
U10
Over the term the group grew in confidence in their first season of full contact, with Tommy Davies and Jack Stevenson running well with the ball in hand and Roddy Cleghorn demonstrating good technique in defense to stop the opposition attack. The group had some notable performances against schools such as Brighton College and Handcross Park which allowed the group to show a good understanding of the game and the techniques required.
U9
There was a great deal of enthusiasm for rugby from the Year 4s this season, particularly with the introduction of tackling. The A team contained a core of players from Pulborough Rugby Club who brought experience and ability to the side. There were some outstanding performances from Oliver Mair, Cameron Rae, Benji Kirkham and Rufus Evans but all of them improved their skills and confidence in tackling.
U8
The boys did very well in their first season of rugby. It was great to see the skills, energy and teamwork from all of them but a special mention must go to Henry Cleghorn and Seb Donaldson who led the way with their attacking rugby.
Hockey - 1sts
The team had a great creative trio in the middle, of Jackson Black, Henry Godfrey and Jensen Bladd-Symms, which allowed the ball to be fed up the field to create goal scoring opportunities. The group had the opportunity to play at the Lancing Tournament, where they played well, winning a handful of games and produced good examples of attacking and defensive hockey.
Colts A
The group made incredible progress using different tactics to move up the side channels and create space to attack. With the excellent Jack Posnett at the back in goal and the attacking threat of Sam Crowley, it allowed the group to play in confidence. The boys had the chance to play at the Lancing College Hockey Tournament and played incredible hockey all day, allowing them to progress to the final where they narrowly missed out on the win through penalties.
Colts B
The boys demonstrated good basic ball control and stick work, combined with teamwork and speed of play. There were some great moments from the likes of Roddy Cleghorn and Zachary Binney in midfield, with Henry Annison and Finley Boughton bringing some steel to the defence, whilst Billy Buxton brought out some fine saves in goal.
U9s
All of our teams did very well and by the end of the season were showing the potential they have in this sport. After struggling in some atrocious weather against Westbourne they bounced back with some great performances at Farlington and Lancing at Hove. Particular mention should go to Rufus Evans for his solid work in defence, Charlie Morey for his fine dribbling skills and Oliver Mair for his finishing in front of goal.
Cricket 1st XI
For the first time in recent years the 1st team consisted of every boy in Year 7 and 8. Led admirably by Henry Godfrey, the team developed into a side that was both competitive and entertaining, if not always successful. It was great to see the improvements made in batting and bowling throughout the season and it was those little wins that made everything worthwhile. Who would have thought that Thomas Sirett would finish second top wicket taker? That the opening partnership of Dylan Baldwin and James Ratcliffe would be one of the more profitable ones that a DH 1st team has ever had, and that Wade Stormonth-Darling could hit the stumps with a direct hit run-out from distance and side on?
After a slow start to the season Henry managed to get up to producing the kind of performances we needed from him. He put some good scores together with the bat and his bowling became more consistent and accurate. In the final game he claimed five wickets including a hattrick, little surprise he ended up as the school’s top wicket taker. Jensen provided strength to the batting order and it was his hard hitting performances that ensured he finished as the top run scorer. Overall, despite only one victory over Seaford, it was a positive experience for all.
Colts A
This year has been a strong year for the Colts A putting in great performances each week. The standard of bowling has been incredible with Harry Redgrove, Sam Richardson, Benjamin Toynbee and Jack Posnett demonstrating impressive skill with their delivery. When it came to batting both Benji and Harry scored over a hundred runs this season, and Jack
managed to finish top run scorer in the school, accumulating a total of 186 runs. Behind the stumps this season they had Sam Crowley who worked tirelessly with several catches and stumpings. Overall, a great season and apart from the Brighton Tournament, they only lost one match.
Colts
B
The boys had a very impressive cricket season. They worked on developing all aspects of the game, leading to some very impressive bowling. This was shown by the number of wickets taken over the season. Bauti Uran, Roddy Cleghorn and Stanley Winter all showed their promise with bat and ball. This year was the introduction of hardball games for the boys who took this new challenge in their stride, playing with confidence and developing their understanding of the game.
U9
It always give us great pleasure in matches to see all of our boys being able to bowl correctly with an overarm technique. This is not always the case at other schools but our attention to bowling, often delivered through the weekly Bowling Challenge in games lessons, really does pay off. Some of our best bowlers this season were Wilfred Annison and Oliver Mair. Many wickets were taken through some great catching in the field. One of the best catchers was Seb Donaldson, who took some really high catches. As for the batting, avoiding getting out in pairs cricket is key, as it means the side lose 5 runs from their total but at the same time, they need to play positively to accumulate. Some of the better exponents of this were Benji Kirkham, Rufus Evans and Henry Cleghorn.
Greg Weaver
Sport
Pre-Prep Sports Day
It was so pleasing to finally see some sunshine in time for the annual PrePrep Sports Day. The children had been practising in their lessons the whole term, and it was all leading to this moment. There was huge excitement when the track was painted in, and the eggs and spoons came out of the cupboard. The children started by completing field events, competing with their House members with their parents watching on. A special mention to the following children who achieved a new school record:
Theo Kingham – BeanbagThrow. Libby Wang – Long Jump.
Mia Marconi – Tennis Ball Throw. Next came the much-anticipated track events which included sprinting, hurdling, an obstacle race and bean bag balance – to mention a few. The following children for achieving a new school record.
Theo Kingham – Hurdles and Skipping.
Lily Boughton – Sprint.
Freddie Ledger – Beanbag balance. Harry Omeyer – Beanbag balance. Mia Marconi – Skipping race.
Okie Waddell – Hurdles, Sprint and Obstacle race.
Cyrique Lambling – Obstacle race. Congratulations to Munro who were the overall winners on the day.
Sports Superstar of the Term goes to: Reception – Raine Algar and Martha Lewis.
Year 1 – Lily Boughton and Billy Mills.
Year 2 – Okie Waddell and Killian Hayes.
Athletics
At Westbourne House the girls in Years 5-8 took part in the first event of the season. They excelled themselves, with 20 podium places between them! Our winners were: U11 Javelin Beau Black, U12 Javelin Honor MacMillan, U12 Long Jump
Jessie Tustin, U13 Javelin Olivia Smith, U13 Shot Olivia Smith, U14 1500m Olivia Finn
Our next event was for the girls again, at Hurst, only a week later. With over 25 schools attending, we knew the event was going to be more competitive. Our highlights of the day were 1st place: U13 Javelin Olivia
Smith - 24.16m, 1st place: U13 Shot Olivia Smith - 7.44m, 4th place: U11 Shot Sophie Ratcliffe 5.83m, 5th place: U11 High Jump Flora Lewis1.0m, 6th place: U14 Long Jump: Beatrice de Courcy-White - 3.60m.
At the boys’ Hurst event there was success for Bauti Uran coming first in the 800m, whilst Jensen BladdSymms came 2nd in the Shot Put and High Jump, whilst Rufus Borthwick also came 2nd in the High Jump. The following week, we hosted our annual Year 3 and 4 Dorset House athletics event. With three other schools attending, it was a fun filled afternoon of track events. In the girls team there was 3rd place for Lily Winter in the 200m, 3rd place for Ottilie Griffiths in the 600m and 3rd place for the relay team. For the boys, Atticus Van den Bergh won the 60m dash, Henry Cleghorn the 75m, Fausto Uran the 200m and the relay team claimed first to wrap up a great afternoon. As a result, the DH boys team ranked first overall.
The competition started to get more serious as we entered the second half of term. At the Junior Area Athletics Championships at Hurst for Year 4 and 5, there were some outstanding performances from our younger athletes. Top results from the day were: 1st place to Evie Stone in the Javelin and Bauti Uran in the 1500m, 2nd place to Sophie Ratcliffe in the Discus, Rufus Borthwick in the
Sport
High Jump, Roddy Cleghorn in the 100m and 200m, Henry Cleghorn in the Shot Put, Benji Kirkham in the Javelin and the 2nd place to the Year 5 boys relay team. At the Senior Area Athletics Championships at K2 for Years 6,7 and 8 athletes there were first places to Olivia Smith in the Javelin and Benji Toynbee in the Long Jump, whilst second places were taken by Jensen Bladd-Symms in the Shot Put and Bauti Uran in the 1500m. This meant that this year three of our athletes travelled to the National Athletics Finals at the newly refurbished Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. Sadly, Bauti was unable to attend. It was a great experience for them all and they did themselves and the school proud with their performances against some very strong opposition. Jensen BladdSymms finished 4th in the Year 8 Shot Put, Olivia Smith 6th in the Year 7 Javelin and Benji Toynbee 9th in the Year 6 boys Long Jump. Overall, another outstanding season of athletics from our boys and girls.
Tennis
Over the course of the Summer term, we took teams from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 to the Sussex Schools’ Tennis Tournament at Bede’s. Each team had success, but the highlight was the Year 4 and 5 girls winning the tournament against the home side of Bede’s in a close final match, with a team consisting of Flora Lewis, Sophie Ratcliffe, Poppy Stevenson, and Minnie Andrews.
Art and DT
I am delighted to introduce, Alex Arbuthnot, or Mr Arbie as the children know him. Alex joined Dorset House for the start of the summer term teaching Design & Technology to Years 4 8. Alex studied design engineering at Bristol. He loves working with wood, which led him to set up Zayin Studio. He works two days a week at DH and the rest of the week he is busy crafting bespoke furniture from local and sustainably sourced timber from his workshop near Wiston. This term, the children have enjoyed working on a variety of projects including, making replica wooden Roman toys, marble runs, straw bridges, acrylic pen holders, concept designs for cities in the ocean and architectural models. Alex has lots of ideas for future projects, which will include working in both the DT workshop and the ICT suite. From September as part of the Design and Technology curriculum, Alex will be teaching CAD (computer aided design) to Years 5 8. This has been made possible with the generous donation of two 3D printers for the ICT suite. We would like to thank Mr Sutton and PA for the printers, which I know the children can't wait to use! Year 4 were very excited to see the 3D printer in action and learn how it works.
Carly Harrison
The annual art exhibition is always a wonderful way to showcase the creative achievements of all children from Reception through to Year 8 at Dorset House. Our aim is for pupils to experience a wide range of techniques and materials to work with, which this year included painting, sewing, collage, print making, three dimensional construction and drawing.
Some of the children’s artwork was selected by The Arts Society for their Pop-Up Art exhibition during the summer holidays with artwork from children at local schoolsWednesday 10th July to Saturday 13th July at Fittleworth Village Hall.
The process of creating and making art has so many benefits aside from a finished piece. I feel privileged that I am able to share the process with your children and see their enjoyment and pride in their achievement. It is greatly
Mrs Harrison made the most of weather and took Year 5 into the woods where they created some wonderful land art.
Art and DT
Music
It was another busy Spring term with informal concerts for Years 5-8, trips and of course, the Inter-House Music Competition.
Year 3 were treated to an orchestral concert at Chichester Festival Theatre by the Southern Pro Symphony orchestra. Perfect timing following a term of learning their chosen instruments. The program was tailored towards children with classical favourites by Mozart, Vivaldi and Tchaikovsky to name a few. With audience participation and a magician compere what’s not to like?
Our orchestral players in Year 5&6 had a day of musicmaking at Bedales. Their Director of Music is a character (he judged our Inter-House competition not long ago) and chose a great mix of pieces from Vivaldi to Coldplay for us to learn and perform at the end of the day. The children were also treated to a set which was some of the highlights from their legendary Rock Show featuring DH alumni Eliza Hayward on vocals on a few tracks and Bruno Heggie doing some dancing.
The music competition was, as always, an epic undertaking. All children who learn an instrument (over 95% of children in Years 3-8) performed in Junior and Senior instrumental categories in heats which took place over two weeks. As ever, it was lovely to see other children turn out to support and listen to their friends. Congratulations to our finalists who impressed our judges:
Juniors: Ella Smith (violin), Poppy Stevenson (flute), Lily Winter (alto saxophone), Rufus Borthwick (trombone), Atticus Van den Bergh (guitar), Flora Lewis (cello), Poppy Stevenson (singing), Owen Parker (trumpet), William Dawe (bassoon), Hermione Goss (piano).
Seniors: Wade Stormont-Darling (piano), James Ratcliffe (cello), Alice Andrews (clarinet), Dylan Baldwin (trumpet), Harriet Howgate (trombone), Jensen Bladd-Symms (drums), Layla Owens (flute), Francesca Morris-Warburton (alto saxophone), Cosmo Le Page (violin) Beatrice de Courcy-White (singing), Francesca Morris-Warburton (singing), Honor Macmillan (oboe), Sam Richardson (electric guitar) and Beatrice de Courcy -White (Bass Guitar).
The theme for the House songs this year was the Olympics which gave the Houses plenty to choose from! Here’s what they went with:
Sims: ‘Hall of Fame’ by The Script. Munro: ‘Roar’ by Katy Perry.
Hutchinson: ‘Silver & Gold’ by Wild.
Wilkinson: ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen.
Our judge this year was Alex Mason who is the Director of Music at Lancing College and it was Atticus (electric guitar) in the Juniors, and Beatrice de Courcy-White (singing) in the Seniors who impressed him the most. With the House songs, Hutchinson had his musical vote, with Munro being commended. All totalled up, Hutchinson were the winners for the second year in a row!
Music
What a busy Summer term it has been for all our musicians (that’s everybody, by the way!).
We began with the postponed Y8 Informal Concert. They are a particularly talented bunch and we joked about charging for tickets with the standard being so high. It was awonderful evening of music and the children entertained and did themselves proud.
The Swing Band were out and about this term entertaining an audience at the Fauna Brewery in Arundel on a sunny Saturday in May. This ensemble’s set was an hour of classics such as Watermelon Man, Gimme Some Lovin’, Moanin’ and Tequila, as well as solos from Dylan Baldwin, Alice Andrews and Francesca MorrisWarburton. The band also featured at the Festival 60 along with the Y7&8 Band Project groups.
After half term the Barn was turned into a recording studio to record NOW DH 2024 (we usually make an album every two years). It was a mammoth undertaking with us recording 28 different songs (the sound engineer thought this number was a typo when I messaged him - when I confirmed he just thought I was mad!) from solos, ensembles, class songs and, of course, the ‘Whole School Song’ with teachers and pupils. The album is now available to stream or download via Soundcloud.com (search for Dorset House School). We do hope everyone will enjoy listening to it over the summer. Congratulations to Lucas Spellman-Welsh who won the competition to design the album cover.
I’m not sure which superlatives to use to describe the Summer Concert this year. EPIC would probably suffice. Unusually, it was held in the amphitheatre which meant we could have the whole parental body on one night, negating the need for a second concert. The other knock-on effect was that all the children were also able to watch which was fantastic – they were all buzzing from the experience and hopefully feeling inspired!
A balmy summer’s evening with the South Downs as our back drop, under the big stretch tent with professional sound (provided by the same team who recorded our album) class groups, ensembles and soloists dazzled and delighted. Highlights included Year 1&2’s ‘In Your Little Garden’ complete with flying potatoes, Year 3&4’s rendition of ‘Yellow Submarine’ with brass band accompaniment and Year 8’s version of Adele’s ‘Hello’ with whacky backing provided by bottles, bells, boomwhackers, balls and a melodica! The Orchestra’s contrasting programme of themes from Holst’s ‘Jupiter’ followed by The Weekend’s ‘Blinding Lights’ were well received, as was the choir’s mash-up of ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ and ‘No Diggity’. The Swing Band had everyone clicking their fingers for ‘Fever’ too. All the singers entertained us with a 15 medley with a dance theme and finally the Whole School Song was ‘Make Your Own Kind of Music’ which had pupils, staff and even parents for the big final double chorus, singing together. What could be better!?
Jason Marconi
Bury Manor Pre
The children have been excited to attend Forest School sessions with Miss Fentiman where they have roasted marshmallows, hunted for Bears and made very messy birdfeeders!
Their daddies received a very heavy stone paper weight with a portrait of them for Father’s Day, they have made beautiful tie-dyed T shirts and have experienced weekly science experiments which on one occasion when experimenting with geysers, soared past Year 3’s window! The children have watched the caterpillars metamorphosise into butterflies and were delighted to free them in the Walled Garden. We visited Pulborough Brooks for a Sensory Walk, Pond Dipping and Bug Hunt after which the children picnicked in the gardens and enjoyed a long play on the play equipment. Sadly, we have to say goodbye to 13 wonderful children who are off to Reception but have ended the term with our Leavers’ Celebration and Sports Day with races themed around Caterpillars and Butterflies! Tracey Brooks
Boarding
We’ve had such a great couple of terms in Boarding. In the Spring term we enjoyed activities like cooking with Mr Manley, hide & seek in the Manor, Spotlight in the woods, Just Dance, a range of sports both inside and out and even some Black Jack and Texas Hold’em with Mr Marconi! We also enjoyed some nights out at the football to see Worthing play and even a trip to the Stoop to see Harlequins. Mr Manley also organised a quiz at the end of term – he had a tuxedo on and everything! At the end of term we even had a trip to Harry Potter Studios - how lucky we are! The Summer term is always great and we had several new boarders join us. We’ve been able to get out and about and enjoy the long evenings playing frisbee, badminton, croquet, French cricket, regular cricket and even made -up games with Mr Bardouleau’s large stability ball! We’ve also had fun in the pool playing water polo and even just splashing about with our friends and relaxing. At the end of term, there was a water themed party with a slip’n’slide and a big water fight with super soakers and water pistols. The Year 8s even went out for Crazy Golf beforehand. My personal favourite activity was when the Wednesday Boarders went to Littlehampton and had a lovely supper of fish and chips, quite a few of our chips were stolen by seagulls! I'm going to miss boarding very much and I will appreciate the memories that I have made. I think it has helped us all grow in confidence and create closer friendships. I hope all the new boarders will feel just as at home here as I did.
Cosmo Le Page
Staff News
Paul Keane
Taking children away from a Science lesson for say an extra sports fixture has always been a bold move, and time would almost inevitably be reclaimed as Paul values, nay cherishes every opportunity to furnish pupils with Science. As you know, Paul has been at DH for a very long time; in fact, I carried out a quick survey to see how many children knew exactly how long. Impressively, most got the answer spot on - 32 years. One response, however, was “longer than my mum has been alive,” which is also true. Another, who didn’t know the answer responded, “oh my giddy aunt” when I told him.
Paul’s infectious enthusiasm for his subject has inspired so many children throughout his time at DH; simply put, he is a truly outstanding teacher. He is also a phenomenal salesman. During Open Mornings, families touring the school, quite often used to ‘go missing’ for extended periods of time. It didn’t, however, take a detective to work out where they might be - that’s right you’ve guessed it - in the lab, with the Head of Science, doing experiments! Similarly, when I bring prospective parents into the lab, I can see children reciting Paul’s mantras in their minds with him:
“Everyone’s a scientist from the day they are born. It’s got to be exciting; it’s got to be fun; it’s got to be practical. Some of us are good at drawing graphs, some of us are good at solving equations. We have got to inspire the next generation of scientists to solve the problems of today.” But the thing is, these are not just empty soundbites, they are genuinely meant. Paul has truly fostered a joy and love for science, for everyone who has been lucky enough to have been taught by him over the past three decades.
Paul, you will be missed sorely at DH; your Science tiesyour unusual food and soup combination lunch takeawaysthe generous servings of Pimms, mulled wine and wine at parents’ events - stories about your granddaughter, Elvashaving in lessons - smashing mugs to demonstrate gravityusing the fire extinguisher for spurious reasons - your trusty (or is that rusty) red Keane - mobile (car) – and we can’t miss out the exploding jelly babies. I could go on…
Paul has spent time with his successor, Pamela Goldfinch, this term and he is sure that his legacy is in safe hands.
Paul’s family joined with the DH community at Prizegiving where he was given two standing ovations. Lunch followed courtesy of the Happy Gurkha – with plenty of `Sláinte’
Matt Thomas
Staff News
Janet Maultby
Janet has been a valued member of the Pre-Prep staff for many years –initially as Reception teacher and for the past two years, sharing Year 2 with Mrs Metzger. Sasha writes: ` Janet is calm, kind and incredibly caring about the children in her care. She treats each one as an individual, nurturing their strengths and allowing them to shine in whichever area suits them best. She is firm and fair, the children love her dearly and are incredibly sad to see her go.
She has been a truly wonderful job share partner, supportive, communicative and incredibly easy to work alongside. I deeply respect her experience, wisdom and point of view on issues and will really miss her.’
I also thought these two of many the comments we have received from parents of that cohort sums Janet up perfectly:
Janet's lockdown classes via video link were quite simply the highlight of our lockdown days. The enthusiasm and energy she brought to every video was amazing. It was like having our very own Floella Benjamin! And another:
Teaching us via Zoom was new for everyone so Mrs. Maultby aka The Maultmiester didn’t just have all the new reception students, she had the mums and dads and grandparents as-well - and the pets .. and the siblings .and she was PATIENT!! SO VERY VERY patient - she kept a tight engaging routine and it was SO MUCH FUN!!!!
Thank you so much for all that you have done for the children in your classes over the years; we wish you all the very best for your future ventures. Matt Thomas
Gap Students
In January, we welcomed our three Gap students: Ruby Carr, Riley Kimpton and Darcie Jones. They are valued members of the DH community and work in all areas of the school including: the Pre-Prep, Estates and most importantly, Boarding. We wish them all a happy summer break.
Other News
Congratulations to Jess and Mat Lake on the arrival of Rafferty Christopher Radley Lake on Monday 1st April (his due date)!
Mrs Lake has already brought Rafferty in to meet the Reception class.
Storm and Ella Smith in Year 3 enjoyed an exciting trip to Zimbabwe where they visited ex-DH pupil Mafadzo Kachambwa . They stayed in her new house in Harare when they first arrived and spent two days at her farm.
We said a fond farewell to Clive Richardson who taught DT to Years 5 - 8 during the spring term. Can you spot him behind Grace (Y8) and her bird box?
Old boys, Hugo Ormerod and Charlie Manger played rugby on the same team together in New Zealand, for the first time since DH!
We always enjoy hearing news of alumni and this term, we were thrilled to learn that Ben Saunders has been made Head Boy at Brighton College and Ella Lawson, Head Girl at Hurst.
Congratulations to them both!
Other News
After their selection for the U11 Sussex County pathway, Harry Redgrove and Jack Posnett have played for their team, the Sussex Scorchers, on two occasions. The first match saw Harry scoring a hugely impressive 48 runs and the second match saw Jack as top run scorer with a loss of 3 balls to the hedge, thanks to some impressive boundaries. Harry’s pace bowling sent the off stump cartwheeling across the wicket, much to the batsman’s dismay!
Year 8 Latin class were delighted to welcome Perdita Weeks this term when she came to give some readings from Circe, the novel by Madeline Miller from which she had recorded the audiobook.
Perdita kindly answered questions about her career which commenced when she was 5 years old. Magistra was able to find some clips from TV ads in which she had appeared. Budgets for biscuit promotion were generous, extending to filming in exotic locations such as Mauritius.
Perdita explained that a performing arts scholarship to Roedean had given her a very useful background in all aspects of theatre including sound and lighting behind the scenes, but that she had eschewed further academic study for a part in the TV drama ‘The Tudors’. Many exciting roles had followed. It was very interesting to hear Perdita’s views on the future of acting with the advance of AI and how studios are currently being beset by strikes by all involved in the film
Layla Owens (Year 8) successfully auditioned for a part in The House Party at Chichester Festival Theatre in May. This was a re-make of Strindberg’s 1888 original, Miss Julie and the production received good reviews.
This was Layla’s third appearance at CFT. Last year she played Cobweb in a promenade production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and at Christmas, she appeared in The Jungle Book.
Layla thoroughly enjoyed the experience and we look forward to following her progress.
Lilla Skinner (Y7), Mariya Petrova (Year 8), Strawberry Frizzell (Year 6) and Bea Belgeonne (Year 7) spent a magical evening as the fairies in an outdoor production of `A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. The performance was directed by actor, Don Gallagher and tickets were sold in aid of the renovation of Amberley Village Hall. Everyone agreed that the girls were amazing!
Other News
Dad’s Camping this year was a huge success with 40 Dads pitching tents and enjoying a barbecue with their children. This annual event has grown and grown and it was a good alternative to Glastonbury!
The DH grassroot equestrian team have done fantastically well this year and have qualified for the Nationals at Hickstead at the end of August.
The team of Mia Valeriani
Haverhals, Archie Crumley and Ophelia Gould have been brilliant and have all come a long way. We are very excited to welcome Tiggy Allum (who did a super job in her first 40cm and 50cm) and Milo Valeriani
Haverhals who joins the equestrian team next season. If there are any other riding fans, please feel free to contact me for more info. I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a great summer holiday.
Charlotte Crumley
Parents’ Page
Here we are again, the end of another academic year, it seems to have gone by so quickly! And what a year we’ve had!
We thought we would recap on what a fantastic fun filled year the PA has raising just over £15k. A huge thanks to all of you for your generous contributions and involvement. We are excited to be using this money for various projects at school and contributing to the resurfacing and extending of our Astro pitch.
During the Autumn term we’ve organised games for the children at the annual DH bonfire night and had an amazing evening at our hugely anticipated Hollywood Party, with a fabulous auction and casino tables! In the Spring term, the PA hosted a lively disco for all the children, they enjoyed face painting, tuck and lots of dancing to their favourite tunes. Our annual quiz night is always a very popular and competitive evening and this year was no different! After a delicious curry, parents and staff got their thinking caps on to answer some very entertaining questions posed by Rob Annison and Kirsten
Pottinger. A massive thank you to them, for a really fun evening and well done to the winning team!
During the Summer term we’ve organised the BBQ, bar and sweet stall at Festival 60, celebrating Dorset House School moving from Littlehampton to Bury 60 years ago!
I’m sure many of you will agree that it was a really lovely day.
We mustn’t forget Dad’s Camping, which saw around 40 Dads and their children camping out on the top field at DH, playing games and generally enjoying some time together on a beautiful afternoon.
organising a fantastic event.
Along the way we’ve also organised a few little games for the children, popcorn box designing for the Hollywood party and the silver Smarties game, which we had a fantastic response to.
We couldn’t do any of this without the help of the PA, who volunteer their time, coming to meetings, setting up and attending events. We are hugely grateful for their time and efforts over the last year. A special thanks goes out to Lucy Davies our treasurer and Lucy McMillan our secretary who do lots behind the scenes and who we will miss as they have a break from the PA. Suzanne Donaldson and Sophie Anstee will take up these roles in September. I (Dolly) will also be stepping down
leaving the co-chair role in the capable hands of Nicky Mills as she joins me (Jo) for another year!
As a shared Chairperson position, we’ve tried to make the last two years as fun, as easy and as DH as possible by bringing the DH community together again and raising money for various projects in the school along the way.
We hope you’ve enjoyed yourself as much as we have!
Have a fantastic summer, see you in September for Headmaster’s Drinks on Friday 13th.
Dolly and Jo x
A huge thanks to Alastair Skinner, Alex Mitchell and Kevin Smith for
• Minibus pick-ups available
• ‘Outstanding’ Pre-School on site for children from 2 OPEN
• Day and flexi-boarding Prep School for children from Reception to Year 8