Falcons Prep Autumn Newsletter

Issue 1 | Autumn 2018 | falconsprep.co.uk

PREPARATORY

In this issue

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to the very first edition of THE FALCONS NEWSPAPER! Remembrance Service and Eco-Schools assembly.

As always sport, more specifically football, has taken over the school with boys representing us on the field in a number of fixtures and tournaments.

Throughout, we have been impressed with their sportsmanship and the way the boys have conducted themselves while out and about. We have been treated to some amazing musical sights and sounds during our weekly Chruch Assemblies and the Musical Soiree. Not to mention talks and workshops from visiting guests such as Gus Baker representing the Calabash Charity, PC Mick our local community officer and the puzzle company who gave the boys plenty of opportunities to problem solve and work in teams.

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21

It has been a tremendously busy and rewarding first term with lots of trips going ‘beyond the school gates’ and a huge number of enrichment opportunities taking place across all year groups.

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espite a change in leadership and plenty of new faces around the school, the 10th Year of Falcons Prep got off to a fantastic start with a 3G curriculum initiative inspired by our staff inset with Will Ryan. Staff also began the year looking at ways to not only provide an education, but to provide opportunities, inspiration and aspiration for all our learners. This has seen staff plan and lead trips to The Royal Albert Hall for the Primary Proms, Bandai Namco, The National Gallery, The V&A Museum, The National Portrait Gallery, Epsom College, The National Archives, Kew Gardens, The British Museum and many more!

A focus upon oracy was a strong theme this term in competitions and initiatives of various sorts: the public speaking competition, student council and representative from the boys during both the

As I type this, the Annual Ski Trip prepare themselves for yet another successful jaunt to the slopes, while the newly anticipated trip to Iceland gets in full preparation mode with kit lists sent out just in time for Christmas! As ever, my thanks go to the dedicated staff team here at Falcons who strive to continue to provide such an extensive enrichment offering despite ever increasing demands. We look forward to fully reporting on these major trips in the Spring and Summer edition of the newspaper.

On top of this, our commitment to excellence and academic rigour really gets going as we begin our full curriculum review. Having recently sought your feedback regarding the homework, the next term will see opportunities arise for you to comment on a range of academic matters. Perhaps more excitingly though, next term will also see the launch of FEd (thank you Mr Zitron for the name!), an educational forum based right here in Falcons providing opportunities for staff, parents and guests to present on a variety of interests and topics.

Of course, at this time of year our thoughts turn to reflection and looking forward to the New Year. I hope that each and every member of our community can look back at this term with fond memories but also forwards with an element of excitement as to what the next term may bring.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and look forward to working with you as the school continues to thrive.

Miss O Buchanan Headmistress

| Issue 1 | Autumn 2018

WELCOME

WELCOME 10 Year Anniversary ......... 2 (cont p16) First Term at Falcons.........................3

Anniversary

SCHOOL EVENTS Eco-Schools & Geography................4 Music Soirée......................................5 Remembrance Assembly & Poppy Garden................................6 Year 7 & 8 Production........................7

BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES Year 3 National Gallery.......................8 Year 3 Natural History Museum.........8 Year 3 Richmond Museum................9 Year 4 V&A Museum..........................9 Year 4 British Museum.....................10 Year 5 National Archives..................10 Year 5 St Benedict’s Voces8............11 Year 5 Religious Studies Epsom College................................11 Year 5 Winchester Cathedral...........12 Year 5 Primary School Proms..........12 Year 5&6 Autumnal Creative Walk....13 Year 6 National Portrait Gallery........13 Year 7 Bandai Namco......................14 Year 7Kew Gardens.........................14 Year 8 Graffik Gallery.......................15

COMPETITIONS Poetry Winners................................16 Outstanding Fundraising..................16 Book Cover Competition.................17 Chiswick Book Festival....................17

HOUSES Head of House Write-up..................18 House Football Tournament.............19 Bake Off..........................................19 Public Speaking House Competition.....19

SPORT Swimming Gala...............................20 Football...........................................21

FUTURE SCHOOLS Future Schools................................22

PA NEWS

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PA News................................... 23-24

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Falcons Prep School for Boys. Celebrations will continue to take place throughout the year with further school initiatives and House Competitions already in the diary.

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ur focus this term has been ‘10 Years from Now’ with an open homework week where boys were tasked with ‘what they will be doing and what they will look like 10 years from now.’

and useful solution. The 3D model to accompany the design was so well executed.”

The ‘Smarkpack’ designed by Caleb S in Year 7 came high commended by Mr le Fleming.

Mr le Fleming remarked “A brilliant idea to mark 10 Years of Falcon Prep. I am really impressed with the effort, creativity and innovative thinking from the boys and especially the finalists. Some awesome new design and engineering talent in the making!

Well done Falcon Boys.”

Caleb S Highly Commended Design

As an optional homework boys were then asked to design a 10 year anniversary logo. The winning design, pictured above, was created by Oscar J in Year 6 and has been used on Falcons Prep promotional material and on the PA Ball invitation.

The final optional homework for this term was to consider an everyday object or ‘thing’ and think about what it might look like and be used for, 10 years from now.

Mr Andy le Fleming, Senior Design Engineer at Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 very kindly judged the design competition.

‘Pennie’ designed by Alex M in Year 4 and ‘Street Lighting’ designed by Oscar J, Year 6 came joint first.

Mr le Fleming quoted “Street Lighting is such an original concept with potential worldwide possibilities, and could make our streets both eco-friendly and less visually cluttered.”

“Pennie is a clever gadget bringing together disparate technologies and ideas in one nifty, fun

Alex M & Oscar J – Joint Winner of the Design Competition

Continued on page 16

| Issue 1 | Autumn 2018

WELCOME

at Falcons for Year 3 We met as a class for the first time at the end of June where we had the opportunity to make friends with each other and to find out some of the subjects and topics we would be exploring in Year 3.

We also did a piece of work ready for the wall in our new classroom for September.

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e had a very exciting first few days at the Prep because our classroom had been transformed into a zoo! We had plenty of real foliage, animal sounds playing through the speakers and photographs of animals hidden everywhere for us to discover. Unfortunately an animal had escaped from a zoo and ended up in one of the Prep classrooms where it had caused a terrible mess. Year 3 had to be Animal Detectives and search the crime scene for clues!

By the end of our first week at the Prep we were all firm friends and our room was bursting with all the superb zoo work we had done including stories, pictures and animal fact files.

As the term has progressed we have continued to produce some amazing work. For example, one day we arrived to find piles of mysterious bits and pieces of metal. One of the boys had the fabulous idea of using them to build our very own Iron Man – which we did. He was so big we had to do it out in the playground. We loved it and it inspired us to write our own fantastic descriptions of the Iron Man.

We spent the day at the Natural History Museum to find out how a museum is organised and what information the exhibits have. Each of us brought something from home as an exhibit for our class museum. We used ICT to design labels for our objects. We had plenty of visitors over 2 weeks admiring our large displays. The majority of our lessons over Enrichment Week were based on the theme of museums. In Art we did detailed sketches of our artefacts from home. In DT we used plasticine to make replicas of objects you might find in a museum. In Maths we designed a layout for a new museum and calculated the area and perimeter of the exhibit cases. In English we wrote exciting stories about what might happen overnight in a museum if all the exhibits came to life.

Our first term at the Prep has been busy and exciting and we have all worked hard and made great progress across the curriculum. We have also made great strides in becoming independent and sensible young members of our school community.

After Half Term our classroom was transformed again – into a Museum this time.

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| Issue 1 | Autumn 2018

SCHOOL EVENTS

Eco-Schools Report The Eco-Schools programme has been up and running for just over two terms now. The ten areas that we look to affect are: Marine, Bio-diversity, Energy, Litter, Global Citizenship, Healthy Living, School Grounds, Transport, Waste and Water.

Oct 18 Mon

Break Time

Step 1 Eco-Committee Step 2 Environmental Review Step 3 Action Plan Step 4 Curriculum Links Step 5 Informing and Involving Step 6 Monitoring and Evaluation Step 7 Eco-Code Completing the first three tasks allowed us to achieve our Bronze Award at the end of last year. We have nearly tasks 4 and 5 (across 3 topics) which we expect to earn us our Silver Award in the New Year. We have started to make plans for Steps 6 and 7 and have progressed in both areas in order to gain our ‘Green Award’ by the end of the year.

Achievements to date: a) Formed our Committee which has involved over 30 pupils, a range of teachers and other school staff, and one Year 6 parent so far b) Conducted four committee meetings, two meetings with the Headmistress , two informal meetings with staff from Brookwood Catering c) Contacted the Richmond Borough Council, Graze (Richmond), Ch2ose eco water bottles, River Crane Nature Reserve and even with David Attenborough

More practically we have: d) Re-enforced the importance of ‘Switching Off’ lights throughout the year and refocused this during ‘National Switching-Off Fortnight’.

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e) Introduced 3 x Eco-schools Assemblies – An Eco-Schools Intro / The dangers of plastic and using recyclable water bottles, Switching Off and National Recycling Week.

f) Floated a range of ideas, from the grandiose to the predictable, to Miss Buchanan: a Green Roof Garden, railway sleeper benches with garden space behind, paper recycling bins, buying in decompostable water bottles, linking to an overseas school to compare our approaches to the Green Environment, ……. Great to have a Headmistress with ‘Green’ credentials herself! g) Who? Two speakers in related to Geography / Eco topics (Rain Forests and Man’s impact on the Environment) h) Open Evening Eco-Schools presentation where the children used recycled material to make bird feeders, started a bug hotel and made plans for a ‘Trashion’ activity. i) Our Facilities Manager conducted a survey regarding the litter in the playground over a two week period – not bad results but still progress to make.

Key Targets for the future therefore will be: Acting on these surveys to improve our environment Trying to bring a little bit of the Green Environment in to the school AND VITAL TO MAKE SOME IMPACT ON OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY Mr Martin (Head of Geography / Eco-Schools), Mr Gerrard (Head of English / Eco-Schools) and the Falcons EcoSchools Committee.

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6

1

3

1

Plastic Straws

Other Totals 8 Btl Top

10

Lunch Time Tues

Before School

3

1

8

Break Time Wed

The seven steps that we have to make are shown below but there are multiple tasks within each:

2 week Sweet Crisp Fruit Misc period Paper Wrapper Packet Remains Plastic Before School 6 2

Lunch Time

1

Before School

1

3 2

Break Time Lunch Time Thurs Before School

4

2

Lunch Time

1

6 4

Before School

3

Lunch Time

Tissue

11

0

8 4

1

2

3

1

1

3

1

10

3 2

15

2 2

Break Time Totals

Tissue

1 1

Break Time Fri

2 1

3

3

3

4

6

29

14

0

7

76

| Issue 1 | Autumn 2018

SCHOOL EVENTS

Falcon’s Eco-School Travel Survey Josh C (Year 7) created and managed a Transport Survey with the results in the graphs below.

1. How do you currently get to school?

3. How do you feel about protecting the environment?

2. Would you consider travelling to school in an eco-friendly way?

Autumn Music Soirée T

his year’s first music concert was for individual musicians who wished to practise their performance skills in a safe and nurturing environment. Friends and family enjoyed festive mulled wine and mince pies as they waited for the autumn Soirée to start.

Drama came in the form of Alexander L-F version of the ‘James Bond Theme’ played on the guitar and this dramatic theme continued with Aaditya K performance of ‘Kiser Roll’ on the drums. Aidan H (Y6) the first pianist of the evening played ‘Hopping Along’ with great skill.

Myles B-N (Y4) opened the concert with a confident performance of ‘The Cossacks’ on the guitar.

This was followed by a competent rendition of ‘Eckington Stomp’ on the clarinet by Alexander B (Y6).

Thomas W-M (Y6) played a captivating performance of Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik on the recorder, it enchanted everyone and truly elevated the position of the humble recorder.

Sam P (Y6) gave a rousing delivery of Queens’s ‘I Want to Break Free’ on the drums while Leo H (Y4) hinted at the festive season with his version of ‘Good King Wenceslas’ on guitar.

Finlay H (Y6) gave a confident performance of his grade 3 piece ‘Prelude’ on the clarinet and Ben E rocked the room with ‘Dora and Bootsy’ on the drums.

William D (Y3) was the youngest performer of the evening and the only violinist! He played ‘Polka Dots’ with great precision.

Nicholas G (Y6) returned to the drums to play the imaginatively named piece ‘Z’ with great enthusiasm before Laurence B (Y5) gave a commanding performance of one his grade 1 pieces ‘Branle d’Ecosse’ on the guitar.

Danny W (Y4) was the first singer and sang a beautiful version of ‘Miller of Dee’ - without music! Then followed by Aaron S (Y6) who played ‘For You’ on the drums.

Maximo S (Y7) who not only sang but accompanied himself on the piano with his performance of ‘Stand

By Me’.

‘Skye Boat Song’ was given a modern twist by Dylan B (Y7). His saxophone playing was warm in tone with a contemporary feel. The final performance came from Oliver V (Y7) who played his grade 2 piece ‘Stowaway’ with great energy.

The evening was a fantastic platform for boys to demonstrate their musicality. It was fabulous to listen to them and see their pride when they accepted their applause at the end.

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| Issue 1 | Autumn 2018

SCHOOL EVENTS

Remembrance Assembly & Poppy Garden Opening Falcons boys creatively commemorated Armistice Day and the First World War Centenary, with the official opening of its Poppy Garden on Friday 9 November 2018.

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nspired by the remarkable ceramic poppies which adorned the Tower of London, created by ceramists Paul Cummins and Tom Piper, pupils and staff members crafted their own unique ceramic poppies, each poppy including their family name. In a fitting tribute, a cascading flow of poppies has been formed in the school’s newly opened ‘Garden of Hope’, a space dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives.

Prior to gathering at the Garden of Hope for the official opening, pupils, staff and special guests joined together for an assembly held at the St John the Divine Church.

A representative from the British Legion, David Burton the Poppy Appeal Organiser for Richmond and Surrey, and Standard Bearer Mike Foster, British Legion Chairman, spoke of ‘what we remember and what happened on 11th November.’

Director of Operations at The Poppy Factory, Sarah Casemore, informed attendees of the church ceremony the history of The Poppy Factory, an employment charity for veterans with health conditions or

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impairments, which also produces poppies and wreaths for the Royal Family and The Royal British Legion’s Annual Poppy Appeal at its Richmond factory.

Sarah also shared her thoughts about the significance of the poppy before joining pupils and guests back at the school to officially open the Garden of Hope.

Sarah Casemore commented: “It is wonderful that Falcons Preparatory School has taken the initiative to produce this magical garden of poppies to remember those who have lost their lives in the Forces. It is also a time to remember those who have come home from the Forces wounded, injured and sick. We know from our work at The Poppy Factory, supporting veterans with mental and physical health conditions back into employment, the challenges individuals face when they leave the Services. With our support they can go on to regain their self-esteem and financial independence.”

In further preparation for the momentous occasion, the school has been fundraising for The Royal British

Legion by selling poppies to pupils and parents.

Head of Art and Design, Mrs Broadbent, added: “The boys have thoroughly enjoyed the process of creating their poppies for the garden, which is a beautiful whole school display that all pupils have contributed to.

“The project has evoked many discussions on the World Wars, with the pupils keen to learn what the war was really like.”

Boys also bought WWI/II memorabilia and stories into school to share with their class and include in displays around the school.

Miss Buchanan said “It has been inspiring to watch the boys create their poppies and to be so inquisitive as to why they are doing so. We believe that it is important for the pupils to understand such a poignant part of British history, which is why we wanted to do something significant to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One - the garden is a fitting tribute.”

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SCHOOL EVENTS

Year 7 and 8 School Production

Much Ado about Nothing’ It’s a tale of contrasting love stories.

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or Hero and Claudio, it’s love at first sight; but old acquaintances Beatrice and Benedick can’t see what is under their noses and must be tricked into admitting their feelings. The love built on new foundations crumbles when villain Don John tries to prove that Hero is a disloyal woman, whilst Beatrice and Benedick’s love is all the more strengthened by trying times.

So, a lot of comedy and a brush with tragedy.

Year 7 and 8 worked incredibly hard to bring this piece of theatre to life. Developing a deeper understanding into Shakespearean text will sure be of great benefit to them as they head to their senior schools at the end of this year or next.

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BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES

Year 3

National Gallery Year 3 began the Autumn term looking and investigating Colour and Light.

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n 25th September an excited class of boys travelled on the District Line to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square in order to spend the day seeing how the great artists used colour mixing in their work.

We spent the morning with an art expert who led us around the many rooms in the gallery on a colour hunt whilst teaching us how to look at the various wonderful paintings.

By looking closely at the paintings the boys

were shown how to spot details that we might not have noticed when we first looked at them.

During the afternoon session at the gallery, we had a fun practical workshop on colour mixing different tones and shades of colour based on Henri Rousseau’s Tiger in the Storm or Surprised. The boys created their own imaginative miniature paintings of which they were very proud!

Year 3

Natural History Museum O

n the 6th November as part of Enrichment Week, Year 3 went on the District Line to the Natural History Museum. We were particularly excited because we were in the process of turning our classroom into our own 3C Museum.

Our Science Topic had been Teeth and Healthy Eating so we spent a lot of time in the Dinosaur Gallery examining their teeth – we were trying to spot their canines, molars or incisors. From their teeth we were able to identify if they were carnivores, herbivores or omnivores.

We were brilliant dinosaur detectives.

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We were interested in how the museum was laid out and what information the exhibits showed us so that we could improve our own

museum back at school. We felt very small when we stood beneath the skeleton of the blue whale. We also spent time in the Mammals Gallery and the Earth Gallery where we experienced what an earthquake might feel like. We had fun at the Museum.

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BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES

Year 3

Richmond Museum On the 19th September Year 3 walked to Richmond Museum. We hadn’t been in the Prep for long and so we found even the walk there exciting!

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ichmond Museum is on the top floor of an old building which also houses Richmond Town Hall. After we had climbed all the stairs and got ourselves settled we took part in a Stone Age to Iron Age Workshop.

Some of us dressed up in period costume including the Romans and Victorians and we organised ourselves into a timeline, this made us realise how far back in history we would have to travel before we could learn about the Stone Age. We then became archaeologists and we learnt how to carefully excavate buried artefacts using trowels and

brushes. We examined these objects using magnifying glasses and measured them using rulers. We then sketched them carefully, trying to include as much detail as possible. Once we had done all this preparatory work we had to be history detectives and use the clues and the information we had gathered to deduce if our excavations came from the Stone Age, the Bronze Age or the Iron Age. We were brilliant at this and were able to explain our evidence.

We had a great time at the Museum and it made us very excited to start our new ‘Stone Age’ topic back at school.

Year 4

Visit to...

On a bright crisp September morning, Year 4 set off to catch the District Line from Richmond Station heading towards South Kensington.

part of the visit, the boys were led by a museum expert who showed us the works of William Morris and some ancient wood carvings from the Middle East. all displaying very interesting patterns.

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ur point of destination was the Victoria and Albert Museum – the world’s leading museum of Art and Design. Year 4 boys started the term discovering the patterns and designs from India as well as the geometric designs of Islamic art. The first part of the morning was spent by taking the boys around the galleries looking at and drawing artefacts which consist of a variety of shapes and patterns: tapestries, rugs, jewellery, glassware, ceramics, clothing and furniture. During the second

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| Issue 1 | Autumn 2018

BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES

Year 4

Trip to the British Museum F

irst, we had to get our delicious lunches to put in our partners huge bags. Next, we put on our smart blazers and also our waterproof tabards. A few minutes later, we lined up and then the teachers realised they had forgotten their tabards! We all walked to Richmond Station and got onto the tube, it took about thirty five minutes.

After we got off the tube we had a five minute walk to the museum.

Finally, we got to the grand entrance

of the British Museum!

We went to our first activity, ‘A gift for Athena’. We all had a different activity to do on the IPads.

It was really fun. After that we went to go to look at some wonderful Greek pottery.

Next, we had lunch, I gobbled mine down in about ten minutes.

At last, it was time to go. I had an amazing day which I will never forget!

By Leo

Year 5

National Archives

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n Tuesday 25th September Year 5 visited the National Archives in Kew as part of their local history study – Richmond over time. The boys attended the workshop – How and why does an area change over time?

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The session introduced the boys to some of the beautiful maps from the National Archive’s vast collection.

From the Tudor to the Victorian period, pupils explored the ways in which London has changed over time. Pupils considered which era saw the most significant change and why; and how these different changes have marked London over time.

The Boys and Teachers had a thoroughly interesting day and learnt lots about how London has changed and grown over time.

| Issue 1 | Autumn 2018

BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES

Year 5

Trip to St Benedict’s School to work with Voces8

On Monday morning, a select group of Year 5 students made their way, by mini-bus, to St Benedict’s Senior School in Ealing. We had kindly been invited to partake in a rather special vocal workshop by the highly acclaimed Voces 8.

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oces 8 is an internationally renowned cappella vocal group and travel the world giving concerts in some of the most prestigious places. When they are back in England, they work as a charitable trust to inspire young people through music.

We arrived at St Benedict’s School at 9.30 and were warmly greeted by the Director of Music there, Mr Christopher Eastwood.

We were one of two schools who had been invited, the other one being Mount Carmel, a local primary school in Ealing. The Year 5s of St Benedict’s also joined us.

The workshop started in the school with lots of rhythmic and vocal exercises – there was even some beat boxing!! We then learnt one of the songs that we were going to sing in the evening concert, ‘Great Day’.

There were three parts we needed to learn, the bass/percussive part, the melody and finally the descant part. All the boys concentrated amazingly well and soon all three parts were interweaving perfectly with each other.

After a short break, we then walked over to the impressive Ealing Abbey where we met Voces 8. They demonstrated the full range of their vocal work by singing an upbeat versions of classical and jazz songs.

Their impressive impersonation of swing band instruments were a showstopper – especially the double bass and trumpets!!

At the Abbey we learnt the second of our two songs – a medley of ‘Swing Low’, ‘Oh When the Saints’ and ‘I Wanna Sing’. Voces 8 taught

everyone all three songs and the actions to accompany each one.

Then we were separated into three groups, allocated a song and told to blend all the songs together by singing them at the same time. The sound of the performance bouncing off the amazing acoustics of Ealing Abbey was very satisfying and it raised everyone’s performance levels even more.

After a final rendition of both songs, we returned to school for a much needed lunch!!

In the evening we returned to take part in a Voces 8 concert that, again, was at Ealing Abbey. The Abbey was packed with parents from Falcson, Mount Carmel and St Benedict’s and there was an electric atmosphere as everyone waited to perform.

Voces 8 opened the concert with a selections of classical repertoire ranging from William Byrd to Sergei Rachmaninov. The range from the soprano down to the bass was extraordinary and it was difficult to differentiate who was singing what.

It then came to the part where the amassed choir of Falcons, Mount Carmel and St Benedict’s performed their two songs. ‘Great Day’ was sung with great gusto and a definite swing that had the audience bopping in their seats. The medley was a great crowd pleaser with many in the audience joining in at the bits they knew.

The concert ended after an hour of fantastic music making. All the children left feeling exhilarated by their experience (if not a little tired).

It was a memorable day and one I hope will stay with the boys forever.

Year 5

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n Thursday 22nd of November Year 5 attended a Religious Studies Masterclass at Epsom College.

When we arrived we were treated to a wonderful lunch in Epsom’s main dining hall, which the boys were very impressed with. The boys worked on creating a small project and presentation with Epsom’s head of Religious Studies. This trip also formed part of our future schools programme and gave Year 5 an unprecedented look into what life could be life if they chose Epsom as one of their future schools.

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| Issue 1 | Autumn 2018

BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES

Year 5

Winchester Cathedral When boys ask me which is my favourite art trip I have to admit it is visiting Winchester Cathedral.

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his year was my fifth visit with Falcons boys and every year I manage to discover something new.

Year 5 were very excited boarding the minibuses which took us down the M3 to Hampshire. On arrival we were split into two groups. The first group took part in a workshop on the art of calligraphy whilst the other group went on the Cathedral tour walking through a thousand years of history! The boys saw to name a few : the burial boxes containing the bones of Anglo Saxon kings; the baptismal font where the son of William the Conqueror was christened; the tombs of bishops and knights; the burial place of Jane Austen and a sculpture by contemporary artist Anthony Gormley.

Mrs Broadbent

Year 5

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n the morning of Wednesday 10th October, the Year 5s made their way to the Royal Albert Hall to attend the Primary Prom. The Primary Prom is an annual concert that showcases a wide repertoire of music played by some astonishing young musicians from around the South East.

After safely negotiating their way by tube to the prestigious Royal Albert Hall, the Year 5s found their seats at the front of the stalls. With no-one sitting in front, they were not going to miss a thing!

The programme of music there were about to hear was both exciting and inspirational!

The opening piece was ‘Sir Duke’ by Stevie Wonder. Kingsdale Foundation Steelband gave it their own spin with rows of steel pans playing interweaving harmonies. The performance was energetic and fun and got the audience up on their feet!

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By contrast, the Royal College of Music Junior Department Wind Octet played a selection of pieces form George Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess. The presenter took time to explain what instruments are in a wind octet. Did you know that a wind octet has 2 clarinets, 2 oboes, 2 bassoons and 2 horns but no flutes? The reason being that octets were quite often played outside and the flutes were not loud enough!

Primary School Proms

Vocalise from Sedgehill School in Lewisham perked the atmosphere up with their versions of Bruno Mars’s ‘Treasure’ and ‘Finders Keepers’

by Mabel. Bromley Youth Chamber Orchestra introduced the audience to the power of programme music as they performed ‘Orawa’ by the polish composer Wojciech Kilar. The piece told the story of a swirling river and was a fantastic example of music which tells a story!

The finale was an action packed extravaganza of super hero themes played by the magnificent Hampton School Brass Band. Paul Lovett Cooper’s scores came alive as the band played ‘Home of Legends’ and ‘Enter the Galaxies’. The steely determination of the music was well matched with the awesome playing of Hampton’s very own super heroes!

The whole concert was presented by Rachel Leach who has worked closely within the education departments of most of the UK’s leading orchestras and opera companies. Throughout the concert, she was able to engage the audience of primary school aged children with funny anecdotes and how the instruments worked in a fun and accessible manner.

Once the concert was over, the Year 5s safely made their way back to school in time for lunch!!

| Issue 1 | Autumn 2018

BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES

Years 5 & 6

Autumn Creative Walk

Boys in Years 5 and 6 had an immersive English planning session on Thursday as they explored Old Deer Park for inspiration.

Autumn was in full force and the boys made a great job of capturing the atmosphere with iPads. Here are just a selection of the shots, in particular a superb use of filter by Ludo KM.

Year 6

National Portrait Gallery

On November 15th, as part of their project on portraiture, Year 6 ventured on the London Underground to head towards the National Portrait Gallery in Leicester Square.

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ost of the boys had never visited the gallery before so I was excited about introducing them to many of the famous portraits of historical figures of the past centuries. We saw painting, photographs and sculptures. Over the course of the day the boys worked with an expert from the gallery analysing and drawing some of the self-portraits in the gallery and then I led the boys as they chose their favourite portraits looking at details such as symbolism, medium, representation. A large and stunning mixed media photograph and ink drawing of young activist and Nobel Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai, made a very big impact on the boys. A picnic lunch, sitting around the fountains, in (an almost pigeon free) Trafalgar Square, rounded of a most enjoyable day out in central London.

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| Issue 1 | Autumn 2018

BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES

Year 7

Bandai Namco Visit We were fortunate this term to be able to book a return visit to Bandai Namco, a leading international gaming development company. We have had a successful relationship with the company over recent years and they have been very supportive of the Falcons boys.

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ear 7 boys visited the Bandai Namco site, next door to the school, on the morning of Friday 28th September where they were given a masterclass in gaming design and marketing and were asked to develop their own gaming ideas.

It was a wonderful opportunity to practise creativity and teamwork and the boys worked hard in their groups and in project lessons in the week following.

The boys continued to develop their ideas in school and for homework and they will present their finished ideas to the school and the directors of the company in a special assembly on November 28th where prizes will be awarded for the best ideas and presentations.

Year 7

Kew Gardens

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There are not many schools which can boast that they sit alongside a UNESCO World Heritage Site so it is most fortunate and convenient for our year 7 boys that every September, just as Summer is waning and Autumn is starting to settle in, I arrange a visit to Kew Gardens to support our project on the natural world.

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s in previous years, the weather in September was more like mid summer. We spent the day exploring all that Kew has to offer, including a workshop with one of the experts and drawing a variety of exotic flowers, plants, trees, amazing Victorian structures - the Palm Houses and the impressive modern installation the Beehive. As well as drawing the boys experienced a lot of ‘looking’ from different view points- such as seeing the world through the eyes of a squirrel in the Tree Tops Walk. The Marianne North Gallery never fails to deliver the ‘wow factor’ as the boys enter the gallery seeing hundreds of colourful paintings by the intrepid Victorian artist displayed from floor to ceiling. (I am sure the gasps of awe and amazement from the boys could be heard outside the gallery).

| Issue 1 | Autumn 2018

BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES

Year 8

Graffik Gallery Announcing to the Year 8 boys that they were going to spend a whole morning in a workshop, on the Portobello Road, spray painting was like telling them the Christmas Holidays had arrived early!

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e took the train to Ladbroke Grove arriving at the Graffik Gallery which was not the typical gallery Falcons boys usually attend on an art trip.

The boys got very excited at being surrounded by some very edgy urban art and a very messy studio – making the Falcons Studio look pristine!

As soon as they put on their overalls and masks the inner Banksies began to emerge very quickly.

The boys arrived prepared with many of their own ideas in order to create some original art work.

After watching demonstrations carried out by professional street artists they got straight down to work – just like pros. By the end of the session every boy and their teachers had sprayed a canvas.

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| Issue 1 | Autumn 2018

COMPETITIONS

Poetry Winners To celebrate National Poetry Day, boys were challenged to write an acrostic poem on this year’s theme of CHANGE. After being inundated with a fantastic array of entries, winners were chosen from the upper and lower school. Leo’s winning entry was a thoughtful and reflective look at how time passes and inevitably brings about change. Steffan wrote us a powerful, emotive and inspirational poem that Martin Luther King would be proud of, urging us all to dream big and never give up!

Continued from page 2

Life changes, a new year begins!

Change is a dream

It becomes autumn, summer is gone

Have an idea

Friends are never forgotten

And make it a reality

Endings are not possible.

Never give up Greater dream, greater reality

By Leo H (Year 4)

Even if everyone doubts you.

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Falcons Prep Parents Outstanding Fundraising Since 2008 4

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alcons Prep parents past and present continue to be the most generous and supportive and their past fund-raising contributions were noted at the recent Falcons 10th Anniversary Ball. Since the school opened its doors in 2008 an astonishing £88,030 has been raised to help those who are less fortunate.

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ion under way.

External decorat

Charities in receipt of our donations2 have included those close to the school, national throughout the UK or further afield in International areas suffering from natural disasters or conflict. As a PA focus we are hoping our truly wonderful parent community can help us break through the £100,000 marker!

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COMPETITIONS

Book Cover Design Competition Mrs Nagle kindly oversaw a competition in October for the boys to design their own book cover, including the “blurb” on the back and review excerpts about how fabulous their imaginary book was to read!

T

he winners were chosen by the English department staff. The photo shows the boys who claimed their prizes in a special assembly.

Rohan P. (3C); Dillan S. (6S); Amir S. (5F); Rohan S. (4B).

Their work is now on display in the school library. Congratulations to them all and a big thank you to Mrs Nagle and all the boys who entered the competition.

Chiswick Book Festival On September 14th, three of our students – Kiran, Jasper and Ludo – were celebrated for their excellent poems at the Chiswick Book Festival Young People’s Poetry Competition 2018. The event was held at the The London Buddhist Vihara in Chiswick and the boys were presented their awards by well-known poet, Roger McGough.

Supermarket

The Rain

The clatter of the trolleys As they wander past Time here is like a slow clock People reach up to grab goods And examine special deals I wonder if they do the maths?

The art of trickery And the exploitation of laziness I do admire how They live, doing such things How people ponder what to buy With a list in their hand Is quite simply beyond me

When I get up, in the early morning, I get out of bed and start yawning But this time, it started to rain, So I stayed in bed and watched it again and again and again.

By Jasper (Year 7)

By Ludo (Year 6)

The rain makes me feel quite calm And nothing around them can do any harm.

So I watched the rain, And watched it again and again and again.

The rain makes me feel quite dreamy It always makes me very sleepy So I listened to the rain And listened to it again and again and again.

When I get up, in the early morning, I get out of bed But this time it did not rain, So I got out of bed and went to school again.

Mind the Gap

By Kiran (Year 5)

Waiting at the platform of the station, Waiting for the train to come.

It doesn’t look like it’s coming, So while I wait I hum.

In the distance I hear a whistle, The train is almost here, “Mind the Gap” says a voice, It sounds loud in my ear.

The doors open, I jump on board, It’s nearly time to go.

I hear the beeps, the doors a-closing, We’ll soon be there I know.

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HOUSES

Houses Richmond

Rory H - Richmond House I am proud to represent Richmond House. I remember when I was in Year 3 and I looked up to the House Captain and now I am the Richmond House Captain!

I think that they want me to win the

Molesey

Oliver T – Molesey House competitions at Sports Day and all the House Competitions but mainly win the House Cup!

It makes me proud to represent Molesey House, especially to be made House Captain.

about me:

I really enjoy watching the Richmond House boys in the public speaking competition.

I want to inspire Molesey boys to win as many competitions as possible.

My hobbies and interests are Rugby, military/war films and books.

Here are some interesting facts

Sunbury

Charlie W – Sunbury House

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I have lived in 5 different houses in my life in England and America.

My favourite cheese is Cheddar and Brie.

Teddington

Louie O – Teddington House

Being nominated gave me a feeling of happiness. It means to represent the house by setting a good example to the Sunbury team.

Here are some interesting facts about me:

I would like to make Sunbury great again! We want to win competitions and becoming the best version of ‘us’ that we can be.

I like sailing, reading and art – I often draw comic book heroes at home.

I used to have three goldfish until the dog attacked the bowl and ate them!

My favourite cheese is Cheddar!

It is with great pride to be selected as House Captain. I have always dreamt of one day leading Teddington house to glory in all competitions available to us.

Our goal for this year is to win the House Cup and contribute to as

many competitions as we can.

My favourite moment was when I first won the House Cup and last year and I hope to bring the third crown back to Teddington again this year.

HOUSES

| Issue 1 | Autumn 2018

Football Tournament

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ur annual House Football Tournaments are a significant date in the diary for the boys.

The tournament also gives boys the opportunity to play with players they may not regularly play with during the season.

The following Houses were crowned champions this year:

Year 3 – Molesey Year 4 – Teddington Year 5 – Sunbury Year 6 – Molesey Years 7&8 – Richmond.

As always these tournaments were greatly supported by the parents.

Bake Off

Public Speaking House Competition T

his year we introduced the ‘House Public Speaking Competition’ at Falcons Prep. The boys could pick any topic they liked, and were allowed to speak for 3 minutes.

Entries were open to every single boy in the school, and an auditions process took place within house meetings to determine the finalist for the event. Congratulations to the following boys who made the finals: Richmond: Isaac Z (3C) Teddington: Sam S (4B) Sunbury: Aaryan B (Y6) Molesey: Alessandro G (5F) The boys spoke about a variety of topics to include volcanoes, movies, Winston Churchill and the Vietnam war. Each boy did fantastically well speaking in the Friday Assembly, and we invited an external judge, Mrs Gem Morgan, to select the winner of the event. Congratulations to Isaac Z on being awarded the winning spot and a huge well done to all of the boys that participated in the event.

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| Issue 1 | Autumn 2018

SPORT

Sport Update

Swimming Gala Broomfield Swimming Gala Results

The school finished 2nd overall (combined with Falcons Girls) Adam T - 6 Gold Medals (school record) - Freestyle - Backstroke - 4 Gold Relay Medals

Adam R - 1 Gold Backstroke

Indiana G - 2 Gold Medals - 2 Gold Relay Medals

Gold in the: Year 6 Backstroke Year 6 Freestyle Year 4 Backstroke Mixed Freestyle Relay Boys Medley Relay Year 6 Freestyle Relay

Will J - 3 gold Medals - 3 Gold Relay Medals

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Jake O -1 Gold Relay Medal

Silver in: (No medals) Year 4 Freestyle Year 5 Backstroke Squadron Relay Bronze in: (No medals) Year 5 Freestyle Mixed Medley Relay Year 6 Breaststroke Year 5 Freestyle

Squad Adam T Will J Indiana G Edward H Jake O Amir S Myles B-N Adam R George W Seb B

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SPORT

Football at

St George’s Park U11 & U13 St George’s Park, National Football Centre

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his season our U11A and 1st XI squads were lucky enough to visit St George’s Park, home to England football teams. Both trips were an overwhelming success. Only a penalty shootout in the semi-finals standing in their way of a final place in the U11 tournament. The 1st XI performed admirably, qualifying for the plate competition after day one. They fulfilled all of their dreams and were great ambassadors for the school.

The groups spent two days living out their dreams, playing on the same turf as Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford, as well as preparing in the same changing rooms as their idols. It was an eye opener for many boys as to the detail that goes into professional football and will no doubt live long in the memory for all.

Football Season W

ell done to all the boys from Year 3 to Year 8 who took part in football matches this term. One of the highlights this season has been the performances of the U11 sides who performed to a very high standard. The U11A side played in several tournaments, from St George’s Park, ISFA Regionals to the Surrey Cup. It was honours all round in the RPPS Football Tournament in November with the U11BC sides winning their tournaments whilst the U11A side came runners up, all

without losing a match. Our boys in Years 3, 4 and 5 played out some pulsating matches throughout the season and will head into next year’s football season full of confidence. Our Year 3 boys reached the semi-finals of the Wetherby Prep Tournament, for some this was a first ever tournament so it was very exciting for the team. Years 7 & 8 once again participated in the ISFA U13 Investec National Cup, IAPS 6 aside and The Mall 5 aside competitions.

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FUTURE SCHOOLS

Schools W

hen it was my time to leave Falcons Prep last July, I had passed Common Entrance, had a part in Private Peaceful, completed mentoring with Year 3, read a speech at Richmond Theatre and represented the school in football, rugby and swimming.

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his year, I have moved on to Secondary School and I am now attending Whitgift School in Croydon. I know that many of you are thinking about your future school choices - it is not an easy thing to decide but with the help of your parents and Miss Buchanan, you will make a decision that is best for you and your family.

The Falcons certainly prepared me for this next step. Being in a small school environment with

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Welcome to the Falcons Future Schools area! On this page we will be exploring the range of senior schools that exist and also hearing from former Falcons pupils and how they have transitioned from the prep school into these new environments. We hope to bring you a couple of different schools each term as well as getting valuable insight from some familiar faces!

In our first edition we will be hearing from two recent leavers, Callum S and Charlie S-S about their first impressions of senior school life at Epsom College and Whitgift respectively.

Epsom College is a mixed boarding and day school in Surrey.

I am a weekly boarder in a house with 75 boys, with 12 of us in Year 9. Everyone is nervous at the start of new school. I started Epsom not knowing anyone at all. As long as you keep trying to be sociable you will make new friends. You will meet new people in your class, your house and in your sports teams.

given the opportunity to try different clubs. I attend a Philosophy class, Food Appreciation Club and started playing Badminton. By being open and willing to try different experiences you will get the most out of senior school. I tried badminton, so I could meet more people in my year. Apparently, I have potential to represent the school, I only wanted to make new friends!

One of the most important things to remember when you start a new school is that you need to be prepared. You need to be in class on time and when the school is set on 85 acres that can be a bit daunting.

You need to have the right sports kit for the right day and if you are late to class or arrive at games without your kit, the staff aren’t quite as sympathetic as they are at Falcons!

Enjoy your time at Falcons, the teachers and staff will prepare you for next step if you listen to their guidance. It is great platform for the future.

At Epsom College I have been

much individual attention helped to build my confidence. I learned the value of working hard in the classroom and playing hard on the sports fields. I also learned the importance of friendship.

Preparing for and taking the Common Entrance exam in year 8 made me much more self-reliant in my learning and has put me in very good standing with all of my classes at Whitgift.

School life is very different for me now. But I enjoy it. I have moved from a small school to a much larger environment. Whitgift has over 1400 pupils in total and I have 250 in my year. Like the Falcons, it is an all-boys school.

It’s a busy, sporty school offering over 40 sports including rugby, football, cricket, swimming, mountain biking, wake boarding and modern pentathlon just to name a few. The coaching is excellent. At the moment, I am taking Greek and guitar before school, and football at lunch.

When I started Whitgift I did not

academic excellence with a strong focus on co-curricular activities.

We are the leading co-educational independent school in Surrey, and receive national recognition for the education we provide to our pupils.

From the school: “Epsom College is one of the UK’s leading independent schools, having posted record exam results for the past five consecutive years. The school prides itself on combining

know any of the pupils but I have now made friends.

You should know that you are getting the best preparation here at the Falcons - with small class sizes and individual attention you will gain confidence and be ready for the next step. Remember to work hard and learn as much as you can. Practice being independent - try to be on time for school without your parents help and remember all of your kit and school books and homework without being told.

with first-class musicals and plays performed regularly. Orchestras and choirs tour internationally enabling pupils to learn side-by-side with professional musicians.

The School’s Boarding House, opened in 2013, is superblyequipped and offers full, weekly and flexi-boarding to boys aged 13-18.

From the school: Whitgift is situated in a beautiful and historic park. Its sport is at the forefront of achievement, with over 120 national titles won in the past five years. 40 sports are available, including modern pentathlon, golf, judo and cycling. Many boys represent their country in a wide variety of sports, or go on to pursue a career at the highest level.

An exciting Performing Arts programme is offered by the School,

If you know of any Falcons alumni who may like to contribute to this page, please contact Mr Bendelow.

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Message from Falcons Prep Parents’ Association

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e are a very active Parents’ Association, supporting the school in conveying to our boys the importance of ‘giving’ to those less fortunate. We also contribute to the school’s effective pastoral care programme and creating a sense of community spirit between the boys, parents and teachers and our local school neighbours. We do this through raising much needed funds for our chosen charities, bringing parents together socially through arranging popular annual events and creating fun seasonal activities for our boys throughout the year.

Please get in touch if you would like to become involved.

Judith le Fleming, Chair, judith.lefleming@iprlicensing.co.uk Sally Ricketts, Dep Chair, smjtaylor@hotmail.com Allison Lorimer, Treasurer.

PA NEWS

Charity Update W

e are delighted to announce MeToo&Co has been selected as the local charity for Falcons Prep Parents’ Association fund-raising initiatives this school year and next.

MeToo&Co is a registered charity, founded in 2006, based in St Margarets Twickenham, and operates as a

drop-in centre with kids play sessions, music therapy, drama, sensory group sessions and lots more for disabled young children and those with additional needs. www.metooandco.org.uk Falcons Prep PA is working with MeToo&Co to develop a programme for the year ahead going beyond pure fund-raising and include suitable opportunities for our boys to get to know our new friends at MeToo&Co.

PA CLASS REPS Christie Wright, 3C

Marta Fleming, 4HR

Sonya Abraham, 4B

Joanna Sasson, 4B

Lara Jackson, 4B

Rosie Orringe, 5F

Mihaela Wiseman, 5B

Melissa Appleton, 5F

Wendy Musil, 6S

Anna Wray, 6W

Jane Oliver, 6S

Sarah Griffin-Roach, 6V

Rebecca Towlerton, 7W

Leah Studer, 8G

Falcons Prep PA Calendar 2018/2019 Please note the dates for your diary and more details will be shared closer to the event date: SPRING TERM 2019 14th February

Valentine Bake Sale Year 3 & 4 Baking

15th February 1st March

WOODEN SPOON RUGBY CHALLENGE FALCONS PA

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ooden Spoon chose the Falcons Prep to be the recipient of a very special gift they had received from their friends at Barbarians. The opportunity from Wooden Spoon was the chance for a child to become the official Argentinean mascot for the day at Barbarians v Argentina held at Twickenham on 1st December. The

lucky recipient representing Falcons was Monty B from Year 5 who was chosen by Miss Buchanan and Mr Shaw for his love of rugby and his commitment on the games field this term.

Monty and his parents had an experience of a lifetime meeting the players before the match and walking on to the pitch at Twickers before The Killik Cup game. Monty declared “this has been the best day of my life!”.

QUIZ NIGHT Dukes Meadows

22nd March

Easter Bake Sale Year 6 & Year 8

27th March

Easter Bunny Visiting Falcons!

SUMMER TERM 2019

7th May

FALCONS ART EXHIBITION* Year group canvasses auctioned for PA charity

24th May

Summer Bake Sale

8th June

FALCONS PA SUMMER FAIR RAA

27th June

FALCONS PA SUMMER PARTY Hogarth Club

* school event with PA involvement via fund-raising from canvass sale

GUY FAWKES CAKE SALE

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he sun made an appearance on an unseasonably warm day for the first bake sale of the new school year.

Thank you to Years 5 and 7 for their Guy Fawkes baked goodies. All proceeds on the day were used to buy Christmas treats for our boys to enjoy during their Christmas Movie Afternoon.

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| Issue 1 | Autumn 2018

PA NEWS

Strictly Come Falcons!

“And it’s a 10 for the Falcons”!

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he parents and teachers hit the dance floor during the PA’s glittering occasion to mark the 10 Year Anniversary of Falcons Prep.

Style and sparkle in abundance and the event declared a huge success, lots of fun and a fitting start to the festive season!

LOOSE CHANGE TRANSFORMING LIVES IN A SOUTH AFRICAN TOWNSHIP

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alcons Old Boy, Gus Baker, came to show the boys a film of how the money they had collected in plastic bottles earlier in the year for the Calabash Trust, had been used in a South African township.

Gus and his fellow students lodged in one of the townships which gave them the opportunity to live amongst and experience at first hand the day to day lives of the people who live there.

Gus’s film showed the results of his and his classmates’ work during their two week stay.

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They dug underground wells to provide water during the dry season for the plants in the garden. They built an outside classroom which was made from reclaimed wood and

netting, as Gus explained this was because the classrooms have no air conditioning and in the summer months the heat is extreme. The netting acts as a cooling system, providing a more useable classroom in the very hot summer. They transformed the playground into a vibrant and colourful space, by relaying the surface, providing new equipment and painting the old.

They painted and renovated the school toilets. Finally, they painted a stunning mural, which is the first thing everyone sees when they walk into the compound.

Falcons has every right to be proud of their contribution of £1,200, equivalent to one third of the total raised for the Calabash Trust 2018.

24 YEARS OF DEDICATION

What next? Their fundraising for the following year will focus on rebuilding infrastructure and a new classroom.

The Anniversary Ball also recognised the long-service of Mrs Tina Nagle, Head TA, for her hard work, unwavering support and kind-

heartedness and helping Falcon Prep boys as they continue to navigate their way through early school life.

Huge congratulations Mrs Nagle!