Arnold House Spring Assembly 2023

SPRING 2023 Assembly

IN THIS ISSUE

FROM THE HEADMASTER

YEAR 7 CLASSICS

TRIP TO NAPLES

GODS & MONSTERS

BOOK WEEK

CHILDREN’S MENTAL

HEALTH WEEK

YEARS 3&4 DRAMA

PRODUCTIONS

EARLY YEARS REVIEW

SPORTS ROUND-UP

YEAR 8 DRAGONS’ DEN

FROM THE HEADMASTER

I am delighted to introduce the Spring Term Assembly. Normally, the report from the middle term of the year can be the thinnest: poor weather affecting sports fixtures, fewer weeks of preparation for plays or concerts, less appetite for trips and visits.

Not so at Arnold House! This newsletter is bursting with reports from St John’s Wood, Canons Park and many places beyond.

I was particularly pleased by the three themed weeks. We highlighted Citizenship, Children’s Mental Health and Reading: three areas that could be argued are the most important in a school of these age groups. To have a coordinated conversation across the whole school and to promote a shared approach has lasting effects beyond the weeks themselves.

Equally important are opportunities to perform and the term has provided many different stages: from Early Years assemblies to informal concerts and Years 3 & 4 plays, to Year 8 pitching to Dragons. The reports that follow will tell you more.

Arnold House boys have been exploring far and wide, from London Zoo to the Bay of Naples. These extracurricular events bring learning to life as well as giving the boys growing experience of travel and exploration. That we have so many staff who are prepared to undertake the organisation of such trips is a real strength of the school.

At the end of term we learnt that the Head Boy had secured first place in the prestigious Townsend-Warner History Competition. Contested over two written rounds, over a thousand pupils from the UK’s top prep schools enter; to win is an outstanding achievement, and a fitting end to a super term.

Giles Tollit Headmaster

Front Cover: Year 7 outside the Cattedrale di Sant’ Andrea in Amalfi.

1st row images from left to right: Model United Nations Competition Winners, Year 6 Visit to London Central Mosque.

2nd row images from left to right: Year 3 Ancient Egypt Project, AH Chess Tournament, Year 2 Potty Potions Workshop. 3rd row images from left to right: Year 1 trip to Kidzania, Early Years Workshop in celebration of Chinese New Year, Year 5 VR Workshop during British Science Week.

This term, Year 7 embarked on a new trip; a Classics trip to the Bay of Naples. On the first morning, the boys walked up to the summit of Mount Vesuvius. A short 30 minutes walk rewarded them with a fantastic view of the crater to give them some insight into the power the mountain unleashed on Pompeii and Herculaneum in AD 79.

The boys learnt about the key differences between the destruction created by Vesuvius in the two towns so that they could explain how these affected the later work of archaeologists trying to uncover evidence. For example, perishable objects survived in Herculaneum but not Pompeii because the pyroclastic flow had turned to hard rock, creating an airtight seal over the town. Whereas in Pompeii such material rotted away but left hollow spaces in the solidified ash. The boys were especially fascinated by the creation of casts; the process during which liquid plaster was poured into the hollow spaces to reveal images of the original objects, such as bodies and animals. Visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum in person offered the boys a remarkably detailed picture of the life of ordinary Roman people and towns. The Roman forum especially offered the boys insights into the commercial, administrative and religious life of Romans. The main food market of the Forum, the Macellum, showed the boys that fish was one of the main foods eaten as the Mediterranean Sea was on Pompeii’s doorstep. By visiting other places such as The Comitium, an open-air hall that was used as a polling station for public office elections, and The Basilica, a building dedicated to administering justice and business negotiations, the boys learnt about aspects of life that are often difficult to grasp. The boys also learnt about the functions of various temples, such as one dedicated to the cult of the emperor. The imperial cult was especially prominent in provincial towns such as Pompeii. This helped the boys to better understand how Romans used temples to demonstrate their loyalty to Rome and to move upwards socially.

Another significant site the boys visited was Oplontis, which is home to one of the most opulent Roman villas discovered in the area. The size of the villa as well as its fine frescoes indicate that a very wealthy Roman lived here. Whilst it is not known for certain, it is believed that the Villa may have belonged to the Emperor Nero’s wife; Poppaea.

The amphitheatre at Puteoli gave the boys the opportunity to see one of the best preserved in the region and the third largest in Italy. The visit made for a very interesting comparison with the amphitheatre at Pompeii which is considerably older. At Puteoli, the boys were able to explore the area beneath the arena and they learned more about the inner workings of a Roman amphitheatre. Overall, it was a very successful trip and a great opportunity for the boys to see first hand some these wonderful historical sites.

Anna-Sophie Bulder Head of Classics

GODS AND MONSTERS BOOK WEEK

The morning dawned bright, sunny and bitingly crisp as Arnold House geared up for another day. The forecourt was clean, white stones gleaming in the early morning light –and a Roman Centurion was marching up and down, guarding the school.

OK, so not just another day – World Book Day 2023!

A few minutes later the gates opened and the Headmaster arrived, gloriously (and daringly, considering the temperature!) attired in a toga and laurel wreath, greeting his guard with a casual ‘Salve’ before welcoming an amazing cavalcade of disguised pupils into the school. Boys (and parents) did the school proud, showing what ingenuity can create with a little time, thought and effort. Did we expect a Hydra? Or the amazing creation that was Poseidon? Or a horde of Roman soldiers vying with the Potters to be the most popular costume? No. But every single outfit was brilliant – how about a Year 8 as the Oxford English Dictionary and his little brother as the Mini Oxford English Dictionary! Staff got just as inventive, so a dragon flew, a flamingo flapped and Goldilocks made sure everyone got just the right porridge.

But hang on – that was just one day out of seven. What about the rest? Well, after many years of not celebrating WBD it was wonderful to find the event welcomed this year – and not just welcomed but embraced and extended in true Arnold House style.

Planning started way back in the autumn term and as soon as we fixed on Gods and Monsters (AH Goes Classical) I contacted Caroline Lawrence (Classicist and brilliant writer and speaker) and she agreed to be our Writer-in-Residence for three days, bringing all her knowledge, her fun (and her sponge on a stick) to our Book Week. Caroline spoke to almost every year group, spent evenings judging the main competition, signed hundreds of books, had tea with her two biggest fans and was tireless. She brought an enthusiasm for stories – both reading and writing them, that encouraged all she spoke to, regardless of age.

We needed more. A Roman Centurion? Of course. A storyteller who specialises in the Classical world? A brilliant find was just that – Katy Cawkwell. She brought Greek stories to Loudoun Road, Story-Bag tales to Marlborough Place and a stunning version of Sigurd and Fafnir, the Norse legends that inspired Tolkien and Wagner, to an after-school event for Year 8 and their parents, one with themed cupcakes as part of a proper afternoon tea.

More? Well, there were competitions, not just for the best dressed (boys and staff), but also for the best entry to the Create Your Own Mythological God or Monster – a theme that inspired some wonderfully

creative entries – and over 125 of them! There was also a hugely successful fundraising day in aid of Refugee Education UK raising over £6,000 and a Book Drive for a partner school in Hackney. The week was packed!

But I’m almost forgetting what was, almost, my favourite event- the Storytime Sleepover. Years 1&2 were invited to bring in carefully labelled toys who would stay safely in the library overnight, where I would read them a story. Not precious ones that were needed in anyone’s bed, but ones brave enough to come out and meet the Library Puffins, Pusheen and Ms Clanger. On the Monday the toys arrived, big ones, little ones, fluffy ones and fluffier ones – all left carefully in the library, the process overseen by a band of Year 8s. Yes, I did read them a story (there is possibly evidence on Instagram...) and they all listened very attentively. The next day boys came and collected their friends as well as a copy of the book I had read –the reuniting of boy and toy was a joy to watch!

So why all of this? All this work, this chaos (controlled, of course!) this energy? Well, the more fun that children get through reading the more likely they are to pick up a book, and then another book and so on. Reading is vital for all-round academic success; it underpins all that I do in Scholarship lessons and apparently even helps you to live longer. Book Week’s main aim was to foster that fun, and through that fun to encourage curiosity, literary risk-taking, experimentation, empathy and aspiration – all from picking up a storybook. Books are portals, not just to fun and excitement, but to other lives and places – something we could all benefit from in this world.

Leonie Flynn Librarian

CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK

This year’s theme was Let’s Connect by making meaningful connections for all, during Mental Health Week and beyond.

Human beings thrive in communities, and this connection is vital for our wellbeing, and our survival. When we have healthy connections - to family, friends and others - this can support our mental health and our sense of wellbeing. When our need for rewarding social connections is not met, we can sometimes feel isolated and lonely - which can have a negative impact on our mental health.

For Children’s Mental Health Week, we encouraged our boys, staff and parents to connect with others in healthy, rewarding and meaningful ways. It was a wonderful week, full of activity and there was a huge buzz around the school:

• We had daily visits to the day care unit at St John and St Elizabeth Hospital where boys delivered and took part in creative workshops, interacting with the hospital’s staff and patients.

• Specialist yoga sessions during PE lessons; boys were introduced to the idea that movement can help us to shift big feelings around and out of our bodies, leaving us feeling different to how we felt before we started. During the sessions the boys experienced how movement, stillness and breathing techniques can help them feel calmer.

• Throughout the week there was a Let’s Connect Hub where boys of all ages could drop in to relax, chat and share any concerns with our Year 7 peer mentors.

• An internet safety talk - making space for conversations about life online.

• Boys connected with nature and each other through a nature trail treasure hunt which was laid by Year 8 for the Year 5 and 6 boys.

• There were various team building and creative activities which took place in lessons, form times and clubs.

• Postcard and letter writing which allowed the boys to send kind messages to one another, friends, family and teachers.

• We connected through music and had a Friday break time, dance party in the playground.

• There were interactive Zooms with Children at a school in Italy.

• Discussion-based story times.

• Daily challenges were sent out to all our families so they could enjoy connecting together at home as well as at school. Finally, we created a Let’s Connect display in the gym and by the end of a very busy week every boy had a polaroid photo of themselves hanging up.

Natalie Hall Wellbeing and Activities Coordinator

YEARS 3&4 DRAMA PRODUCTIONS

Over the last two terms, the boys in Years 3&4 have been working hard on musical performance, comic timing and choreography resulting in two captivating and enjoyable performances by the year groups at Canons Park.

The Year 4 boys presented a wonderful, time travelling, space hopping musical in January with their production of Time Lord. A story that put the time travelling fun of Doctor Who with the perilous board game theme of Jumanji. Mix that with a bit of Year 4 magic and you had for one very entertaining evening.

After discovering an old board game hidden behind a door in their new house, the children of the Johnson family found themselves flying through history, battling evil super evolved dinosaurs who had nefarious plans for world domination. As the boys took us through time, we were treated to meetings with all sorts of fascinating characters including Florence Nightingale, Ludwig Van Beethoven and even a ferocious Boudicca fighting off Romans. With memorable and catchy songs (including one that even Beethoven would have been proud of), exciting rapping and excellent fight scenes, the evening had it all. Special mention should be made to the lighting and sound, all operated seamlessly by Year 4’s very own technical crew

Year 3 overcame just about every elementincluding an interrupting fire alarm and some technical headaches to admirably perform their parody space opera, Star Warts. In a Galaxy Far Far Away- but still

with an intimate knowledge of the nuances of London boroughs- Princess Nebula and her motley army of rebels, Jelly Nits, pantomime dames and Diddly Squits took on the evil Umpire in his high tower on the planet Wimbledonia.

We saw Space Rangers cracking puns at an incredible rate, Daft Ada reuniting with her long-lost son, who was swapped with a pot plant at an early age, and Luke Warmwater learning the mysterious ways of the Sauce in this enjoyable romp across the galaxy. It wasn’t just the comedy the boys excelled at, but also the heartfelt poignant solos and high-octane choreography.

Luke Ofield Performing Arts Assistant

EARLY YEARS REVIEW

Since January the Early Years boys have made remarkable progress, especially in regard to behaviour. The House Point system is now fully imbedded, with Reception collaboratively working together to earn valuable points for their team. Pre-Reception have also been introduced to their Houses in preparation for Sports Day next term.

The boys at Marlborough Place have been extremely busy, engaging in a range of fun activities, promoting levels of involvement, wellbeing and overall academic growth. Whilst teachers have focused on predetermined themes, and those that involve calendar events, highlighting culture and community, and seasonal changes, they have also created a curriculum based upon the interests of the boys, enabling an approach for enquiry-based learning. Performances in class assemblies have shone, with the boys’ singing songs for Easter and Spring and showcasing songs learnt in French. RA impressed with a beautiful rendition of ‘A Million Dreams’, from The Greatest Showman. As we look ahead to next term, we have much to look forward to, including brighter days, and many exciting plans to support transition.

Victoria McKenzie Head

of Early Years

Pre-Reception Learning

What an exciting term Pre-Reception have had, celebrating the Lunar New Year, Purim and Holi. Parental involvement has been wonderful, helping to enrich the curriculum with a range of culture and diversity. Traditional storytelling, Hula dancing, Carnival and International Women’s Day are some of what was on offer. PreReception visited the RAF Museum and London Zoo this term, building upon the boys’ interests in airplanes and wild animals. At the zoo we encouraged the boys to discuss the different animals they encountered. At the RAF Museum the boys learnt about different types of aircraft including jets, helicopters and amphibious airplanes. World Book Day was a huge success with a non-uniform, book related dress up day. The boys were also treated to a very special series of stories told by the storyteller Katy Cawkwell. During Mindfulness Week, the boys enjoyed daily mindfulness sessions including deep breathing and listening to calming music whilst relaxing their bodies. Pancake Day was another huge success with pancake races in the playground – even the teachers got involved! Following the boys’ interests we also created some fantastic models of volcanoes, exploding them, with great results! Pre-Reception tried their best to help the garden grow, planting seeds and making sure they were looked after. In class, they planted cress, all having a little taste at the end.

Vanessa Geffriaud & Kacie Taylor Pre-Reception Teachers

Reception Learning

In Reception, the boys have shown a keen interest in all things vehicular. We observed them building cars and trains using the loose parts in the playground and their favourite book looked at vehicles through the ages. To enhance their interest, we took them on a visit to the London Transport Museum where the boys were able to see, and climb aboard, buses, trams, trains and taxis, having great fun in the process. The boys loved collecting stamps as they walked around in their groups and were fascinated to learn that buses used to be pulled along by horses. The boys were so inspired by the trip that back in school they made a big red bus to play inside, using a cardboard box, painting it and adding features. They also used their writing skills to make transport tickets and maps of London. To enhance their learning, we asked them, if you could go anywhere, where would you go? The boys looked carefully at a globe and wrote about where they would like to visit with the answers ranging from Australia to Animal Land.

Emma Rafferty Reception Teacher

French

This term the boys have enjoyed topics such as ‘La fête des rois’ and ‘Pâques’, learning about how the French have been serving ‘Galette des rois’ (King Cake) since the 14th century. They were taught that, although, traditionally, the cake was served on January the 6th, it is now eaten throughout the month of January and is simply a festive and inclusive way to celebrate the New Year with family and friends, regardless of religious background. The boys also discovered that the pleasure brought by ‘Galette des rois’ is not merely due to its delicious taste, but also because of the anticipation of wondering whether you will be the lucky one to discover ‘A fève’, which is a tiny charm, buried inside one of the slices. The Early Years boys played a fun game searching for ‘La fève’ making them King of the Class, also learning the song ‘J’aime la galette.’ More fun was also found at ‘Pâques’ (Easter), when the boys needed to find ‘Neuf œufs’ (nine eggs) hidden around the hall.

Vanessa Geffriaud French Teacher

Music

Our lessons are fast paced, full of singing, movement, playing instruments and musical games. Over the year, we look at, and come back regularly to, the steady beat (or pulse), using our voices to sing in tune, the concepts of high and low, loud and soft and fast and slow in music. In Reception, the boys learn to read rhythm and, by the end of the year, will be writing their own rhythms. They listen to simple tunes and are asked to copy them and put their own words to the tunes. They are learning simple interval patterns (using the sol-fa system) and are very adept at singing in tune. We use the instruments to think about loud and soft and to beat in time with music. My approach to teaching music at this age is largely through stories, in-line with the EYFS curriculum where there is a strong focus on language learning. The boys have impressed me so much at the speed in which they have been able to pick up this new musical language and can easily select the different elements on a rhythm pattern. Teaching music to the boys is a great privilege and this year they have had lots of fun, shaken out a lot of energy and learnt so much in the process!

Siobhan Templeton Music Teacher

Physical Education

Early Years PE lessons have typically focused on developing fundamental movement skills through a variety of sports and fun games. The main sports the boys have focused on include rugby and football, while the fundamental movements covered often include jumping, balancing, hopping and skipping. They have learnt the basic rules of the games and how to safely handle and pass the ball. They have also learnt how to work as a team and develop communication and social skills. These sports are excellent for building physical fitness, coordination and motor skills as well as working together with their class mates. The fundamental movements they have worked on

lay the foundation for more complex skills and sports as the boys grow older. These movements are incorporated into fun games as well as more structured activities that teach specific skills. Teamwork and sportsmanship also play a big part in all PE lessons. All the boys have been an absolute pleasure to teach so far this year and I cannot wait to introduce them to cricket and tennis!

Ned Lutyens PE Teacher Forest

School

Exposure to the natural world offers so much to a young boy’s overall development. Hands-on experiences, developing the senses, help to promote a sense of mindfulness and wellbeing, setting the foundations for all future learning, including building resilience, risk taking and simply just ‘having a go’. Opportunities for enquiry and investigation take place encompassing subject knowledge linked to science and geography and build collaborative language and teamwork. In Forest School following the boys’ lead is of great importance, encouraging a child centred approach and developing curiosity and individual interests. This year we have seen the boys imaginations come to life as they used symbolic representations to create stories and themes in their adventures outdoors, using rocks as characters or sticks as magic wands. As Forest School Lead I have absolutely loved joining them in the muddy fields of Canons Park each and every Friday!

Anna Wootten Forest School Teacher

SPORTS ROUND UP

This term has been another busy one in the sporting life of the school. Rugby, hockey, cross country, swimming and golf have been offered during Games sessions. AH boys had plenty of opportunities to show off their ability in their chosen sport in internal training sessions, house tournaments, fixtures with other schools and in stand-alone tournaments and festivals.

Every boy in Year 2 upwards played in at least one school match. In all, 165 fixtures were played! Regardless of the sport being played, AH boys approached their endeavours with energy, resilience and good humour.

The Under 13 Rugby team gelled together brilliantly this season under the watchful eyes of their coaches Mr Ingram and Mr Harahap. They played 10 matches, winning 7 and only losing three times. The season also included a tour to Belfast where two excellent matches were played with the team recording a win and a loss. As always the team played in three 7s tournaments, these included events hosted by Durston House, Wetherby Prep and our own at Canons Park. The team seemed suited to this format; they were second in the Wetherby event, third in the Durston one and won the event hosted by AH.

The Under 13 2nd XIII rugby team also made progress. They played a full schedule of matches too; winning 5 and losing 4 of their 9 matches.

The Under 11s were coached by Mr Matthews (Colts A) and Mr Milburn Fryer (Colts Bs). The boys had a tremendous season. Mr Matthews’ A team were undefeated; an amazing achievement. They played 12 matches, won 10 and were held to a draw in two; both drawn matches were against The Hall! The team also came first in the AH annual Under 11 tournament which this year involved 6 visiting teams and came second in the Durston House tournament.

The B team also enjoyed success. They played 6 matches, winning 4 and losing twice.

The RFU player progression pathway adds quite a few aspects into the game at Year 5 (Under 10) level and the boys benefitted from the expert coaching from Mr Montague and Mr Ingram who are passionate rugby fans and experienced coaches. The Under 10s played 7 games. They won 3, drew 2 and lost 2. Mr Ingram highlighted the 35-35 draw away at Durston House as being the team’s best performance

Year 4 is another key stage in the learning journey of our young boys (tackling is introduced) and Mr Milburn Fryer, who looked after the U9A team and oversees this age group more generally enjoyed seeing all the boys develop. The Year 4 boys played 9 block fixtures and this included a memorable outing to the Stonex Arena, the home of Saracens RFU for a tournament. This group of boys are

certainly one to look out for in the future. The A and B teams won every match they played apart from one draw.

The Year 3 boys play touch rugby and Mr Wint , who heads up this age group, was also impressed with the skills and focus of this age group. 4 block fixtures were arranged for this year group; all the boys enjoyed playing. They showed good sportsmanship.

In addition to the rugby programme, Year 3 and 4 boys had the chance to opt for multi-sports options and swimming on certain Games afternoons. These sessions took place at the Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre. Mr Montague and Mr Cox headed up the swimming sessions; they were impressed with the boys’ approach. Mr Montague is looking to enter the school into a swimming gala next term, so watch this space!

At AH the Spring term is also synonymous with hockey. At Year 7 and 8 level, AH regularly fielded 3 teams in block fixtures. I had the pleasure of working with the Under 13 A team. During the term we played 9 matches. Four wins and 5 losses were recorded. The highlight was the team’s performance at the AH Hockey Festival where the team played brilliantly to win the event (beating teams from WUS and St Anthony’s). The U13 team were also great company on tour in Belfast where we played two matches. The IAPS regional qualifying tournament that the team entered at Cheltenham College provided another challenging, yet hugely rewarding experience for the boys. In the annual AH tournament, the team played brilliantly to come third out of 7 competing schools.

The Year 7 boys were coached by Mr Stones and Mr Gleeson and they too made excellent progress. Although the Year 7s occasionally played up with the Year 8s, they did contest five stand-alone Year 7 matches, with Hill House, Westminster Under School, Newton Prep (twice) and Northbridge House. The team won four of these games and lost one.

Miss Hall and Mr Cox coached the Under 11 teams (Year 6) and they had a terrific season. The team were unbeaten; playing 8, winning 7 and drawing once. The highlight of the season for Miss Hall (the A team coach) came in the IAPS South East region tournament held at Abingdon School, Oxford. Playing some brilliant hockey along the way they were eventual winners of the Plate.

Miss Smith and Mr Lutyens worked with the Year 5 (Under 10 boys) this term. Five

matches were played and the team won 4 and lost only once. The team’s annual trip to Charterhouse School to play in their tournament proved to be a valuable experience for the boys. Miss Smith’s Under 10 hockey award winners are listed below

Cross Country is another popular feature of the Spring Term at AH. The Spring Term House cross country events were enthusiastically contested. The results for the Year 5 and 6 competition were: Nelson 4th, Brunel 3rd,

Wellington 2nd and Pitt 1st. The top five finishers were: 1st Albie Whyles; 2nd Isaac Dong; 3rd Farris McKinnan; 4th Tama Matthews and; 5th Seb Murray Bruce. The Under 11 team participated in two events. They came fourth out of 8 in the Hereward House Cross Country and 2nd out of 6 in the AH event; Albie Whyles came second place in this one out of a field of 42 runners!

The Under 13 boys also embraced cross country this term. In the House event. The results are listed below

Senior boys also enjoyed success in cross country meets involving other schools. The AH Year 8 team came second out of 7 schools in the Hereward House Event. Josh Guttmann showed his star quality with a first place finish. The Year 7 team contested the AH event. Charlie Nicolson came in first place in this one and his efforts

along with strong finishes from the likes of Ethan Shaer, Thomas Outred, Paco Van Den Berg-Tejedor, Finley Miles and Lore Aofolaju meant that AH finished in first place overall out of 6 schools; a great result!

Award Winners:

Chris Kerr Director of Sport

YEAR 8 PRESENTS DRAGONS’ DEN

As part of the Year 8 Curriculum this term, the boys set about creating their own businesses. Working in groups, the first part of the process was to complete a detailed business plan. This included:

• Exploring the origins of their idea

• How the product solved an existing problem

• Who their target market would be

• Who their competition would be

• A SWOT analysis

• Potential USPs

• Costs involved in the set up of their business and production

The boys then moved onto creating various aspects of their businesses such as websites, apps, branding and

presentations. On Wednesday 15th March, the gym was transformed into the set of Dragons’ Den and we were joined by an audience and three of our very own Dragons; Mr Tollit, Mr Kerr and Chair of Governors Mrs Honey. The boys pitched and the Dragons questioned; no stone was left unturned. Overall, the boys really impressed in their ideas, detailed preparation, presentation and responses to some tough questions. At the end of the evening each Dragon chose their winning business, it was a difficult choice with so many ideas worthy of investment. We look forward to seeing many of the boys’ businesses come to life in the future!

Jon Harahap & Stephanie Miller

YEAR 8 PRESENTS

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