FROM THE HEADMASTER I hope you enjoy this first Assembly of the year, a summary of all that has been happening at Arnold House across the term. It is the Winter addition, but we were blessed with a long period of summery weather in the first half of term, which helped the new school year get off to a flying start; as you can see from the following pages, we like to balance the hard work inside the classroom with plenty of sports, fun and adventure outdoors. It has been another very busy term as we stretch the horizons for the boys as far as we can, and also offer each boy multiple platforms for performing; a good education sees learners giving out - in public speaking, acting, performing, creating – just as much as taking in from lectures, books and each other. The sports programme is especially strong and at the end of the football season, I am delighted to see Mr Kerr’s final summary of results, which shows that AH teams are more often victorious than not; team of the season is perhaps a tie between the 1st XI and the Colts B team, which sows that boys of all ages and abilities have a chance to shine. All of this success would count for very little if the boys were not displaying the values and behaviours that we expect. This term we have been focusing on four aspects of Industry and Citizenship: being organised, helpful, curious and grateful. We talk about and model these qualities all the time, with House Points on offer so we can catch the boys being good. As Headmaster, however, I have another measure of the success of the community: whenever the boys are out on trips, it is more often than not that I get members of the public contacting me to express their pleasure at having interacted with the Arnold House group. I am delighted by this feedback as it shows that the boys have positive habits even when away from the structures of the classroom. I hope you also see these habits at home over the festive season! I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Giles Tollit Headmaster
PRE-PREP REPORT The first term in school is always a busy one, establishing new routines and relationships and getting to know what makes Arnold House such a special place to be. Everyone in Pre-Prep has worked incredibly hard, especially in helping to build a strong community where the boys feel happy, safe, and secure and where parents feel valued and involved in their son’s school journey. A culture of kindness and respect is fostered by all resulting in the boys making considerable progress in their learning and development. Although it only seems a brief time since greeting our new families in September, we have already begun meeting our prospective families who joined us on PrePrep tours this term. There is something quite magical in seeing the school in action with boys in Pre-Reception, Reception, and Year 1 engaging in all sorts of activities and lessons eager to share their learning with the visitors and volunteer essential information with great excitement and confidence. Understanding that boy’s benefit from active learning with opportunities for enquiry and collaboration, the Pre-Prep curriculum is designed with this in mind. All three-year groups have accessed an inspiring curriculum this term, building curiosity and motivating the boys to discover all the answers to their questions. We look forward to the year ahead with an array of learning opportunities! Mrs McKenzie Head of Pre-Prep
Pre-Reception Firstly, we would like to say what a wonderful first term Pre-Reception has had. The boys settled very quickly into life at Arnold House School. They have thoroughly enjoyed all the activities that we have completed so far and have approached them with great enthusiasm. In Literacy, we focused on Phase 1 Phonics exploring different concepts such as environmental sounds and animal sounds and playing various games such as clapping the syllables in our names. The boys really enjoyed playing games such as Silly Soup and I Spy. The boys have progressed to Phase 2 Phonics focusing on the
individual letter sounds in accordance with the Read Write Inc scheme. Show and Tell provides an opportunity for the boys to present something associated with the letter sound of the week in class. This has helped to develop their confidence with speaking in class and consolidates their learning. In Mathematics, we focused on number recognition and 2D shapes, along with simple counting activities through games and songs. The boys enjoyed going on number and shape hunts both inside and outside the classroom. We also explored patterns and used natural resources such as leaves and conkers. The boys investigated size using comparative language, looking at similarities and differences in our Harvest pumpkins and had great enquiry sessions using tape measures to compare objects. The topic, Marvelous Me, was a fantastic springboard, getting to know more about the boys, learning about their families, their favourite pets and animals, and their preferred foods. We welcomed in many parents to speak about topics such as Diwali, Lebanon, and Thanksgiving. We also learned about Harvest, Hannukah and Christmas. The boys took part in a fun range of activities learning about some extraordinary events. The boys enjoyed their first trip to Golders Hill Park, observing all the different animals and enjoyed a nice autumn picnic before having fun in the playground. We are looking forward to seeing Julia Donaldson’s Stickman at the Leicester Square Theatre and performing for parents at our Christmas Assembly. The Pre-Reception team is extremely excited to see what the New Year brings! Ms Geffriaud & Miss Hennessy Pre-Reception Teachers
ARNOLD HOUSE - ASSEMBLY WINTER 2023
with coins and combining them to make a given total. We then looked at how numbers are grouped and distributed, leading us to focus on odd and even numbers. Year 1 became industrious shape hunters spotting a variety of 2D and 3D shapes. They learned all about the properties of the shapes and were excited to discover them all over the school and at Canons Park, investigating how they could use their technology skills, coding the bee-bots to change their position. The boys developed their IT skills further, consolidating their learning with a variation of computer programmes and by logging into their Active Learning account. Enquiry and project work brought us on a journey of discovery in the early part of the term when the boys showed great interest in design and construction. We researched famous buildings, planning and designing our own and discussing the materials that would be best used. This gave rise to our ‘London’ topic in which the boys created the most incredible replicas of their favourite London landmark and learned all about the features of the city. Towards the latter part of term, the classes showed their individual personalities with 1A learning about the history of football, discussing where players come from and creating fact files on different countries and 1H gravitating towards learning about life under the sea, habitats, and the human impact on them. Understanding the World, encompassing all things related to Science, Geography and History was off to a flying start from the beginning of term with our topic ‘Marvelous Me’ where we investigated what our bodies can do and celebrated what makes us all unique, going on to create some wonderful pieces of work. This tied in nicely with our topic ‘Animals and Humans,’ where we classified and sorted the different features as well discussing and exploring the topic, ‘Senses.’ We investigated the wider world, learning about continents, and reflecting on places we had visited. We delved into the world of the oceans and seas, identifying, and describing them before returning closer to home, studying our local area. We
have investigated seasonal changes and weather, drawing attention to the topic of ‘Light,’ exploring shadows, and using torches and mirrors to reflect light; we even went on to create our own special torches! In Art, we have studied the works of some inspirational artists including Picasso and Alexander Calder. The boys have created some incredible self-portraits based on the works of Picasso and it was great to see enthusiasm in this area! The boys were inspired by Alexander Calder’s work and produced a 2D piece of artwork, inspired by ‘taking a line for a walk’ and made an incredible 3D kinetic mobile. To celebrate culture and diversity we focused on Harvest, Bonfire Night, Diwali, Black History Month and Remembrance Day and a range of Jewish holidays across the term. In Music and Drama, we are currently preparing for the Christmas production and very much looking forward to sharing the story of the Nativity at the end of term. Miss Brennan, Ms Legan & Miss Ayrton Year 1 Teachers
Forest School The Pre-Prep boys have become incredibly independent, especially during trips to Canons Park. They have been practicing taking their shoes on and off and putting on their overalls and wellington boots ready for Forest School. The boys have been busy creating all sorts of objects and making clever use of all the autumn leaves, whilst observing the beautiful colours as well as all the different shapes and sizes. Activities in Pre-Reception and Reception included making leaf and nature wreaths, leaf painting and printing, making poppies for Remembrance Day, and mandala patterns using lots of natural resources including chalks to add colour and design. Across all the year groups in Pre-Prep conkers proved to be a valuable resource which the boys loved collecting. They went on to make holes in them using tools, threading pipe cleaners
ARNOLD HOUSE - ASSEMBLY WINTER 2023
TRIPS & WORKSHOPS Year 2 Victorian Workshop Year 2 attended an interactive Victorian Homelife and Toys workshop. Mrs Brown, the housekeeper, welcomed the boys to Sudbury Manor, where they had a chance to explore the different aspects of a Victorian household and carry out some Victorian chores, including doing the washing, scrubbing the floor and polishing the silver! All the boys were wonderfully engaged and particularly enjoyed playing with the Victorian toys.
Year 2 Electricity Workshop There were definitely some bright sparks in our Year 2 Science workshop on Electricity, where they also had an opportunity to recharge their batteries for all things electrical! The boys looked at electricity from its discovery in Ancient Greece to its arrival in our homes. The boys learnt how electricity is generated, how it is safe to use, how a battery works and how a circuit flows. Atoms and electrons, circuits and conductivity, friction and magnets were all bought to life using props and costumes. It was a lively and interactive workshop, very much enjoyed by the boys.
Year 2 Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing Workshop As part of Citizenship week Year 2 had a Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing workshop to help them to understand what mental health means and how to best look after their own mental health. Using drama, improvisation and role-play, the boys learnt how to identify, understand and communicate their emotions and were provided with tools to help deal with them. The workshop started with some movement exercises where they considered how their emotions might manifest themselves in their bodies. The boys also did some back-to-back partner breathing and took their breath for a walk. The workshop ended by teaching the children a fantastic mindfulness technique that they might find helpful when they feel stressed or worried. All the boys left the workshop feeling relaxed and happy, vowing to put these techniques into action! Susie Dart Year 2
The Year 3 Science Workshop Mini explosions, bubbles catching on fire, kinetic sand, slime made from scratch, shooting canons and Ph indicators were just some of the tasks and experiments that the boys got to witness and take part in. The Genie Lab team were excellent and made sure the boys got the very most out of the day.
Quotes from the Year 3 boys included “I had to hold my breath it was that exciting,” “I was on the edge of my seat, making elephant toothpaste was my favourite part!” A day of captivating curiosity and mind-boggling exploration. Maddison Bennett Year 3
Y4 Verulamium As part of their ‘Invaders in Britain’ History topic, Year 4 visited The Roman Verulamium Museum in St Albans. This was a fantastic day out, where the boys were able to find out about many aspects of Roman Britain life, from personal hygiene tools to kitchen appliances! Ruth Cox Year 4
Y5 Teamwork Day On the last day before half term Year 5 went on their teamwork day to Black Country Park in Slough. Dressed ready to face any weather (and still supporting the School’s Charity theme of Green and Blue!), The boys set off to the very wet forest with high spirits. We were very lucky when we arrived as we had a break from the rain, the boys split into their forms to take part in either the tree top adventure or the Go Ape Nets. It was wonderful seeing the boys being so encouraging and supportive of each other, and pushing themselves out of their comfort zone. Between the sessions, the boys continued to show amazing teamwork during lunch, when they came up with their own balancing game on a fallen tree trunk, carefully guiding each other along. The nets adventure was packed full of fun (not to mention a full cardio workout for the staff!), as the boys raced along the connecting treetop walk and jumping, tumbling and rolling in the sky. It was an incredible day, and despite the rain and very damp nets, we spent the whole day laughing and enjoying each other’s company. A brilliant opportunity to see the boys outside the classroom and to spend the last day of half term together. Keeley Miller Head of Science
Y7 Hockney Lightroom Year 7 experienced a wonderful morning visiting the David Hockney Lightroom immersive experience. It was a brilliant way to start off their new art project about Landscape paintings.
ARNOLD HOUSE - ASSEMBLY WINTER 2023
MUSIC REVIEW Coffee Morning Concerts The Michaelmas term, already brimming with musical events, saw the introduction of a new performance platform – the Coffee Morning Concerts. The event was designed so that the young singers and instrumentalists could perform and showcase their work covered in their individual lessons. Parents and members of the audience were treated to a selection of pieces, representing classical, musical, rock and pop music, from beginner to advanced – Grade 8 level. The concerts took place divided into three age groups, so even the youngest players felt confident and motivated to showcase their hard work and gain experience performing to a wider audience. The first concert took place on Wednesday 11th of October and included performers from the Year 7 and 8 musicians. Among a rich selection of pieces for piano, violin, voice, saxophone and clarinet, the highlight included a spellbinding piano performance from Charlie of Rumores de la Caleta by Isaac Albaniz. On Wednesday 18th of October musicians from Year 5 and 6 showcased their talents with a wonderfully varied concert in terms of style and repertoire included an electric drum solo by Tama to end the concert of Toxicity by System of a Down. Our youngest performers took to the stage on Thursday 19th of October, presenting pieces for piano, violin and voice, with a highlight of a recorder from George performance of Serenata by Brian Bonsor. Danusia Adamska Assistant Director of Music
Winter Ensembles’ Concert The Winter Ensembles’ Concert showcased a huge variety of performances featuring over 120 pupils from Year 2 to Year 8. As in previous years, the music department were welcomed back to host the event in the theatre of the American School, London. The Y8 Music Exhibitioners acted as the masters of ceremonies for the concert and to introduced us to all ensembles with interesting facts about each group. The concert kicked off with a fanfare from our Brass Trio from the back of theatre to announce the start of the concert. They handed over to the Senior Orchestra who performed two contrasting pieces, a ‘Somerset March’ by Vaughan Williams and
‘Surface Pressure’ from Encanto. All three choirs presented confident performances and was good to not only show off our talented singers, but also showing the clear development and sophistication of the repertoire from the Lower Choir (our youngest singers) and the Chapel Choir (the auditioned singers’ choir). There were other lively and exciting performances from all our instrumental ensembles, including many of our new ensembles this year; HIT IT Percussion Ensemble who played on traditional Brazilian Samba instruments and the Contemporary Guitar Ensemble jammed out to Bob Marley. The concert concluded with the older students in our more contemporary music groups, the Rock Band were the penultimate group and they played the Killers hit ‘Mr. Brightside’. With the festive season around the corner, Mr. Lawton’s Jazz Band played Wizzard’s Christmas No.1 hit, ‘It Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’. The ensembles, led by our talented team of visiting music teachers, all gave polished performances, and it was clear that they had been working hard in their weekly rehearsals. It was fantastic evening of music making and the pupils and staff had obviously worked hard to produce such a varied and inclusive concert of such a high standard. Christopher Wray Director of Music
ARNOLD HOUSE - ASSEMBLY WINTER 2023
Lutyens (even with his broken leg) coached the Under 10 As. He commented that: It’s been a great season for the U10A considering their manager was away for some of it! There are a few highlights which stand out above the rest. One would be the 5-2 win against our bitter rivals the Hall at Canons Park which started off our season in the best way possible. Another big highlight would be coming runners up in the Charterhouse Tournament where we heartbreakingly lost 1-2 in the final to Dane’s Hill. We were unbeaten in all matches prior and were unlucky not to bring home the trophy. I am looking forward to how they do at St George’s Park next year. We played some brilliant, fluid, fast paced football throughout the season and scored goals for fun which can be seen in our goal difference. We had some very narrow losses which could easily have gone in our favour. It has been an absolute pleasure coaching these boys who are an extremely talented year group and I know they will go on to win many games as they move up the school. Well done on a fantastic season, boys! Facts and Figures: Regular fixtures: Played 8, Won 4, Drew 1, Lost 3. GF 65 GA 32 GD +33. Tournament fixtures: Played 11, Won 9, Lost 2. Westminster Under School Tournament- Lost in the quarter final of the main tournament to AHB in Golden Goal. Charterhouse Tournament- Lost in the final of the main tournament to Dane’s Hill 1-2. Squad: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Under 10s with ex England ace Theo Walcott!
goal separating the two teams at full time and the boys gave their all. Well done team and bring on next term! Facts and figures: Played 12, Won 6, Drew 1, Lost 5 Squad: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I (Mr Kerr) worked extensively with the Under 10 C and D team boys. I was impressed by the general approach to sessions and matches. This year group has strength in depth and in previous years, many of the C team players would have been picked for B or even A teams. The Under 10 C team’s comprehensive victory away at Durston House was memorable. For the Under 10 Ds, their win in a recent match V Sussex House was a highlight. Year 3 and 4 boys have their Games on Tuesday afternoons. Regularly, AH field 8 teams in matches with visiting schools. The focus of Tuesday Games is to develop in the boys the fundamental skills and a love of football. Results are of secondary importance; indeed teams at this level are not set in stone and results are not usually recorded. Football is a great sport but it’s not for everyone so at AH we try to offer additional options during Games time. In Year 7 and 8 golf, basketball and cross country are all offered - on occasions - during Games time. Mr Millburn Fryer and Miss Rose are in charge of golf. According to Mr Millburn Fryer Golf has become a firm favourite for many of the boys on Fridays. Metro Golf Centre, overlooking the Saracens Rugby Stadium, is the venue for our sessions and offers a covered state of the art facility for the group. The focus this term has been building the fundamentals of the swing, grip and stance. The boys have developed their techniques steadily and shown some real improvements. The soft drink challenge at the end of each session is often the highlight of the, as the boys compete in a challenge for the opportunity to win this coveted prize. I hope the boys continue to enjoy their golfing experience as we move on into next term. Squad: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The basketball team played one tournament this term hosted by Westminster Under School. It proved a fruitful endeavour as the A team, comprising of - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - returned victorious with wins coming against Westminster Under School and Hill House School. For the boys in Years 5 and 6 the options are riding and swimming.
Mr Millburn Fryer pulled the strings from the Under 10 B dug-out and his reflections on the season are here:I feel the results this season do not reflect the quality of football played by the U10B team. Whilst a winning season is an impressive feat, every game that ended up as a loss was a nail biter that could have gone either way. Needles to say I am proud of the AH boys performances this term. They are extremely passionate footballers and this came across in their attacking style of play that led to many goals. Some teams may have felt like the boys in red might have had a vendetta against them as they would never let up, scoring goal after goal if given the opportunity. Whilst the games against Highgate and The Hall may have resulted in losses they were perhaps my favourite matches of the season. The level of skill and energy on display was quite outstanding and you could have been mistaken thinking you were watching an A team. Both games only had one
Miss Hall - a passionate and skilled rider herself - runs the riding programme at AH and she had this to say about the term: This term the Y5/6 boys headed back to Trent Park Equestrian Centre where they had a combination of arena based riding lessons, stable management and hacking in the forest. We had two groups, one for beginners and a second group for the boys who started their lessons with us last year. During these sessions the boys learnt how to lead a pony from the ground, mount and dismount, hold the reins, understand and show the correct riding position in halt, walk and rising trot, and to ride independently. The more advanced group are now untacking their own ponies, cantering by themselves and enjoying hacking out. The term culminated in a visit to Silver Leys Polo Club where the boys were able to ride polo ponies for the first time. This gave them the opportunity to learn about the game, try out some stick and ball skills on a wooden
horse, and by the end of the afternoon the boys were riding in their first chukka on real ponies. This was followed by a Q&A with a professional polo player while enjoying some hot chocolates in the clubhouse. Riding squad: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ARNOLD HOUSE - ASSEMBLY WINTER 2023