From the Headmaster Dear Parents, The residentials at the Senior School to Somerset and Geneva have been so successful and not a moment went by without me getting a message and photo regarding the boys’ progress. I’m, by my own admission, a laid back Head but Mr Dawson telling me that the boys would be ‘coasteering’ - something I had only ever done previously (quite scared too) on a stag do - did test my level of anxiety. Sure enough though, the boys had a great time, perfectly safely, having enjoyed a wholly worthwhile and thrilling experience. Maybe I’m just a wimp! Common Entrance Week for the Prep School Year 8 boys and, my, have they done Miss Hart proud with their application. Miss Olney cc’d me in on an email to her ‘old’ 4O parents (now in Year 8) yesterday. That was her first class as a teacher here and she has seen them grow and mature over the past 5 years at Wetherby Prep - an emotional time for sure and every single one of those boys has been on an educational and social journey, with Miss Olney looking over them every step of the way. All of those Year 8 boys have given their best this week. We look forward to the results next week and announcing the exit list in the coming weeks (whisper it, but it could be our best ever…) When I became the Head of this School in January 2008, a significant part of the role was that of promoting public relations with the residents of Bryanston Square. At that time, the Prep School was at 19 Pembridge Villas and we had been turned down for planning permission to secure our current premises at Bryanston Square. The opposition was intense. Even though the building had been derelict for many years and would otherwise be converted into a hotel, the local residents were almost unanimously opposed to changing the building to ‘D1 Educational Use’. With the not insignificant help of the Governing Body, Jenny Aviss and I went on the campaign trail and held meeting after meeting, attended drinks party after party, consultation after consultation, to spread the good word of Wetherby. And, against all the odds, at an incredible evening at Westminster Council Offices in October 2008, we were awarded planning consent for Bryanston Square on a split decision. That seems a long time ago now but our place, role and sense of social responsibility at both schools in the wider Marylebone community are central to everything we do here. It was therefore an absolute pleasure to facilitate an evening on Wednesday for local residents of Bryanston Square to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday. Lisa Giles (“That lady is amazing!” in the words of one high-profile local resident) and her brilliant team of Wetherby mums produced the most outstanding event, praised by everyone who attended. As a representation of ‘us’, it just could not have been better. I was inundated with praise, both for the event and our boys, who sang and served canapés to guests. As another resident commented, “I know the boys go to a prep school, but yours just seem to have extra polish.” I might put that on the new website… And then, as Miss Bailey, Miss Hart, Miss Olney (and Wetherby dad Mauricio Noe) and I left that event, leaving our intrepid PTA team to clear up, for which many thanks, we travelled west to the ‘Dads’ Night Out’ at Paddington Basin. What a turnout! Too many of us for the pub so we happily spilled out onto the courtyard and what an excellent evening of conviviality, comradeship, excellent humour and just simply getting to know each other better. Today, all I heard from the dads was, “Can we do it next term, not just once a year?” and all I heard from the mums was , “Why just dads; can’t we have a mums’ night out, but at a wine bar not a pub?” We’ll see what we can do… I always say that a good school is constantly ‘in development’ and, at Wetherby, we embrace this completely, trying always to do things bigger and better every year. I bring you then the Wetherby Prep Fete, 2016. I defy any school to put on something similar. It was absolutely incredible. It’s not the stalls; it’s not the activities; it’s not the food; it’s all about what we know our people will appreciate - we, as a community, embrace everything and create such a wave of positivity, enthusiasm and commitment to having a good time that is just not found 2 The Barometer - 10/5/2016
From the Headmaster to (and had a hand in many) hundreds of school and village fetes. I’ve never seen anyone above the age of 7 trying to ‘hook a duck’ but, at Wetherby, the ‘pond’ was surrounded by Years 3-8 - amazing to see. Our boys are brilliant. Chair of PTA, Jo Brown, ‘Fete Guru’ Lisa Giles, Elena Tsoka and all of our incredible helpers - thank you so much. The Fete also saw the launch of the Cook Book. We don’t mess about at Wetherby and it’s no surprise that our Cook Book is of such a standard that it would easily rival those of more established chefs. Flicking through today, there are so many gems in there and it encapsulates the skill, expertise, professionalism but, above all else, humour of our parent and staff body. Heather Rudd, you have done an outstanding job with that book - an incredible achievement. I can’t wait to give one to my mum and sister... and everyone else whom I can show off to. And, of course, to our very own Miss Bailey, a self-confessed ‘foodie’ who co-ordinated, liaised and managed the whole process from the school’s perspective, with such insight and enthusiasm, a huge thank you. So, next week… Whole school photographs on Monday, then Tuesday night bowls and drinks party with Senior School parents in Hyde Park. This is always my favourite term with so much going on!
On Thursday, I fly to New York to attend the launch event of 'Wetherby Pembridge New York’. It’s a brief visit but I am very much looking forward to seeing the new premises and old Wetherby Prep friend Christina Rossi at the event. I’m obviously not expecting the same sort of numbers as Wednesday’s ‘Dads’ Night Out’ but if any of our Wetherby community are in the neighbourhood on Thursday, please do attend. Similarly, if you know of anyone in New York who may be interested in the project, please encourage them to come along. The official invite is below and attached. Please feel free to send on to whomever you feel is appropriate and encourage them to get in touch if they need any further information regarding the school. See you next week (with an affected American accent…) Have a good weekend…
The Barometer - 10/5/2016 3
DIARY & LUNCH MENU Monday 13th
Monday Clubs
Whole School Photograph - Bryanston Square WSS All Stars
Basketball Videography Future Writers Art and Design
11:15 13:30
Tuesday 14th
Tuesday Clubs
Summer drinks and barbeque in Hyde Park
Chess & Backgammon Fencing Football Grub Club Wetherby Science
18:00-20:30
Wednesday 15th
Wednesday Clubs
Cricket Year 7 U12 WSS A/B vs WPS A/B (A)
Rock Band Quiz Soc History Film Club Table Tennis
14:30
Thursday 16th
Thursday Clubs
Cricket Year 9 Inter-Trib @ Regent’s Park ‘Wetherby Pembridge New York’ Open Event, 7 E 96th St, New York, NY 10128
14:30 18:30-20:30
Lego Table Tennis Samba Percussion
Friday 17th School Choir
13:30
HM Assembly
15:00
Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th Menu for Week 32 Soup/Soupe Meat main / Plat principal
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
French Friday
Pea and
Carrot and
Vegetable
Spicy Bean
Tomate et
Tarragon
Orange
Consommé
Broth
Basilic
Lamb Curry cooked in a Creamy Coconut Sauce
Chicken and leek pie
Grilled Pork Steak served with a Mango Salsa
Poisson pané avec de la sauce tartare
Chick Pea and Herb
Ratatouille
Falafel Patty served with a Cucumber and Mint Dip
Frittata aux poivrons rotis
Jamaican Jerk Quorn fillet
Meat free main / Plat végétarien
Mexican Vegetable
To go with / pour aller avec
Sweet Potato and
Served with / servis avec Puddings / Dessert
Wrap with Salsa
Lime Mash Roasted Roots Green Salad Pineapple Fool
Casserole
Crumble Crushed New
Parsley
Potatoes
Potatoes
Cumin Carrots
Broccoli
Sweetcorn
Toffee and Cranberry
Apple and Sultana
Chocolate and
Cheesecake
Compote
Pilaf Rice
Orange Brownie
Grosses frites au four Petits pois écrasés Salade verte Salade de fruits frais à la menthe
Always available Fresh Fruit, Salad Bar, Homemade yogurt and Dressings / Toujours disponible Fruits frais, Bar à salades, Yahourt frais et assaisonements
4 The Barometer - 10/5/2016
ON THE NOTICEBOARD WSS School Photo On Monday we have the first whole school photo taking place. This means that ALL boys must come to school in full uniform (blazer and tie) and there will be no Year 9 games.
9 Fleet Charity Raffle Mrs Deedat writes... This week 9 Fleet will be selling raffle tickets in school and at the summer party on Tuesday. Prizes include a case of wine, afternoon tea at Brasserie 108, dinner at Burger & Lobster, burgers at Tommi's, 3rd Space Gym passes and massage and Chelsea tickets. The money raised will be going towards the Walkabout Foundation.
There ain’t no party like a WSS summer party‌ We are looking forward to seeing you at Hyde Park for the evening of celebration with drinks and barbecue . Early birds can look forward to a game of bare feet lawn bowl with teachers (weather permitting) in true spirit of summer. Look out for our enterprising year 9 boys who have collected a treasure trove of prizes for our charity raffle and will be selling the tickets at the party. If you are confused on what to wear for the evening you will just fine in smart casuals. (look for black silver and white balloons at gate for the venue )
The Barometer - 10/5/2016 5
YEAR 7 SOMERSET RESIDENTIAL Mr Warner writes… This week Year 7 headed west for three days of camping and rugged outdoor activities. They were encouraged to develop as a team, kayaked, coasteered, lit fires, foraged, melted marshmallows and even washed up their own dishes. But rather than me waffling on about what they did, why not read about life in Somerset from their perspective….
Teamw ork Leadership Challenges When we arrived at the campsite, we sorted out our tents and then went out to complete some team building activities. In total, we did eight team building tasks which included both mental and physical challenges. For each task, we were rated out of ten for team work, behaviour and progress. The Trib with the highest overall score won a prize. The winner was Tyburn, with 1 more point than the runners up, Fleet. George and Leo, Tyburn I liked the team challenges. My favourite task was when we had to cross a pond using crates and planks of wood. It
Wash
ing
l for al y t u up d
was harder than it looked and I found it especially funny when some people fell into the ‘swamp’. The second best challenge was the assault course when we had to carry a tyre across all the obstacles as a team. A highlight for me was seeing John conquer his fear of spiders and crawl through the tunnel at the end. Lucas, Fleet
6 The Barometer - 10/5/2016
Briefings around
the fire pit
L Camp Life We slept in Trib tents which was really fun and we had an opportunity to speak and reinforce our friendships. We played cards, shared sweets, swapped jokes and enjoyed the experience of sleeping outside. We spent the whole three days working as a team and sharing our knowledge to accomplish the tasks. Being together in our tent helped us learn about our life at home and appreciate its comforts! Bohemond, Fleet
“If w
e wor
k tog
ether
as a t
eam…
s by mallow h s a m g Meltin
”
the fire
Finessing the angle
of drop
StretchinThe Barometer - 10/5/2016 7 g for vict ory
YEAR 7 SOMERSET RESIDENTIAL Foraging
and
Lighting fires On Wednesday, we built fires in the wood. We learnt how to build fires using two different methods: using flint and steel and using a battery and iron wool to create the spark. We learnt
all
about
the
fire
triangle, which are the three basic
elements
that
are
needed to make a fire in equal proportions, oxygen,
fuel
These
are
and
heat.
Overall, we had a great time
Wild
Sorre
l wa s tas
tier t
han
and learnt some really useful
antic ipate d
skills. Beau and Adam, Tyburn
On the last day in Taunton, we also went foraging. We did some exciting things including tasting some of the plants that you can eat in the Forest, e.g. woodland sorrel, nettles and wild garlic. To eat the nettles, we had to crush the spines carefully with our hands to stop our mouths getting stung. It
was
an
entertaining
adventure in the woods and we were able to try things we have never tried before! Ali and Lucas, Tyburn.
Using
8 The Barometer - 10/5/2016
a stee
l to l
ight s ome
L
s fr
irect d s e u
ove b a om
Jacq
Fires starting They first taught us to use steel fire starters and making sparks to light cotton wool. They then taught us that when a battery has contact with wire wool you would make fire. We were shown how to make a basket out of dried grass and then how to light a fire. Alex, Fleet The Barometer - 10/5/2016 9
YEAR 7 SOMERSET RESIDENTIAL We
Coasteering and
gap
Kayaking
dista
What a day! On the second day of
acro
our amazing trip we went from our
van
camp in Somerset to the coast of
Luca
build
Torquay in Devon. Tyburn’s first activity
was
Coasteering!
Our
instructors, Pete and Pete (no, not the same people!) took us around the rocks on the edge of the cliff and then showed us where we
m
could jump into the water. After a few jumps, we swam from the cliffs to the beach in the form of caterpillars!
ing
Scal
a tea s a all w e th
Maxime and Frejvid, Tyburn
In
the
afternoon
second
day,
on
we
the went
kayaking. It started off very easy,
with
some
paddling
exercises to help us learn how to
move
and
turn.
The
kayaking got much harder when we played games, e.g. Polo. Polo was very fun. We had a tennis ball and there were two teams who were trying
to
throwing
score the
points
ball
at
by the
instructors boat. At the end, we had a competition to see who would win a race of paddling whilst standing which was great fun and involved a lot of falling off!
William P.N, Tyburn 10 The Barometer - 10/5/2016
Blind c ommun
ication
L had so much fun swimming and letting currents pull us into tight
ps in the rocks. I really enjoyed jumping off cliffs, swimming long
ances and being sucked by the currents. I also enjoyed team
ding exercises like the bridge challenge where we built a bridge
oss a small swamp using crates and wood. We also learnt that you use wire wool and a battery to light a fire, or a flint and steel.
a, Fleet
Walking the line
fire lighting
The Barometer - 10/5/2016 11
Meanwhile in Geneva... Some tantalising images fresh from Geneva where Year 9 have been exploring the particle accelerator and learning about the League of Nations and the UN. You can look forward to a more detailed write up in next week’s Barometer.
12 The Barometer - 10/5/2016
SPORTING NEWS From the Games Department Mr Sullivan writes...
biking for an hour or more, you’re not so
5 ways exercise makes you mentally
much fighting physical
smarter If
you
think
fitness,
fatigue
as
fighting
your
you’re mind
muscles and strength
saying, “Hey, let’s just
are just for the gym,
stick with this run a
think again. Did you
little while longer.” The
know that as little as 15 minutes of exercise a
ability to stick to your decision to keep going is
day can enhance your intellect?
critical to multitasking at the workplace and
Boosts decision-making skills
sticking with long-term plans and goals.
The brain needs oxygen to function throughout
Increases productivity
the day, and people who exercise have more
Exercise amplifies work performance, improves
oxygen flowing through their brains’ anterior
time management, and aids in prioritisation.
frontal regions — the region involved with both
Boys who exercise before/during/after a school
decision
retention.
day get more accomplished throughout the day.
Research suggests that people who exercise
When one’s productive and efficient, it boosts
outperform their peers on difficult cognitive tasks
motivation to succeed further.
making
and
memory
and make more coherent decisions.
Increases energy
Sharpens focus
It’s a direct correlation — the more you move,
Be it fitness training, yoga or a set of push ups
the more energised you will feel. Regular
— they all require a lot of focus. You have to be
physical activity improves muscle strength and
watchful of your form. Working out allows one to
boosts endurance, thus giving you the energy
focus on what to do while blocking out
and capacity to think clearer and come up with
distractions
new ideas more logically. A good 15 minutes of
and
in
addition,
provides
the
confidence to take on new challenges.
moving
Helps you stick with your plans
around your lounge or going
When you hit the local park for a long run, you’re not just improving your body’s ability to sustain long, demanding tasks at work but also training your mind. After all, when you’re jogging or
around,
even
just
up and down the stairs, makes your
body
produce
more
energy on a cellular level and enhances your mind skills. The Barometer - 27/5/2016 13
SPORTING NEWS May 2016 in 89.27
Mr Sullivan’s 10 minute challenge:
minutes If
you
are
interested sponsoring Complete as many rounds as possible in 10 minutes of:
Please
click
on
this
link:
me. http://
JamesSullivanDoS
5 Burpees
+ 10 Squats
My charities are Whiz Kidz and
+ 20m Bear Crawl
CALM – Two amazing charities that
rounds of:
in
uk.virginmoneygiving.com/
Perform each exercise for 1 min. and complete 3
still
help people in need. If you would like further information
High Lunge Hold (left)
on both charities which I am a
+ High Lunge Hold (right)
volunteer for please visit: www.whizz-kidz.org.uk
+ Burpees
& www.thecalmzone.net
As many burpees in 10 min as possible
What should I do next boys?
outdoors.
Aim for 100
Players of the week: Nelson
Tobin,
Armand
Thank you so much for your
Sharda and Vadim Mandel
support and donations!
for their great batting and
I completed the Reebok Spartan Midlands Super
fielding display against Mill
UK - 10 Miles, 29 Obstacles on Saturday 28th
Hill
School.
Well
done,
boys!
The Barometer - 27/5/2016 14
SPORTING NEWS eurofantasy.uefa.com/en/fantasy16) and the code
Year Inter-Trib Cricket Our first ever Year 9 Inter-Trib Cricket is on
to join the league is: 61949ZFG.
Thursday 16th June 2016 and starts at 2:15pm.
We would like to encourage as many boys as
Come down and support your TRIB! Will Fleet
possible to enter and we will be giving a prize to
win the treble? Come on Walbrook & Tyburn!
the top 5 managers at the end of the competition.
Venue: Regents Park – Sports Hub. All the RED
Any help and encouragement you can give the boys
would
be
greatly
appreciated.
We
understand that it may be difficult to watch the majority
of
the
matches
due
to
other
commitments. However, the will strengthen their
circled numbers are Regents Park Cricket pitches we will be using. If you intend to watch please be aware that there is no parking onsite and please use the pre-paid parking bays outside the park. Euro 2016 Fantasy Football We are trying to encourage as many boys as possible watch
tournament.
The
competition
to the
knowledge of the sport from watching just a few games. There is no obligation for boys to enter but we
upcoming
hope to see lots of entrants before the weekend!
Euro
2016
The final entry date for the competition is Sunday
starts
THIS
12th June.
WEEKEND with France vs Romania on Friday
Pick your team name, pick your team and enjoy
night. Having had such a successful football term
the football. I know the teachers will....
we want the boys to retain their passion for the sport over the Summer term. Starting today, we have decided to commence a Wetherby Senior Fantasy Football Competition
Sports Quote of the Week ‘You can’t let praise or criticism get to you. It’s a weakness to get caught up in either one’
for the Euros. We will be using the fantasy
Follow us for results and updates on Twitter via
football
@WetherbySSports #teamwetherby
league
generator
by
UEFA
(http://
The Barometer - 27/5/2016 15
Notes from‌ The Dijon-Prenois Mrs Diamond writes... A new experience for Mrs Diamond this half term. The Dijon-Prenois, Burgundy, France racing track was hosting the Age D'Or car racing this weekend and we saw some amazing old racing cars doing laps on a loud fun filled day. No need to say Oscar and Anton my boys were in there elements. This was a first for me but a really enjoyable one.
A Note from the Editor... It would be amazing if Notes From‌ could become a regular column celebrating the news and achievements of Wetherby Senior School pupils and staff beyond the bricks and mortar of 100 Marylebone Lane. If boys have been somewhere where they feel they saw or learned something interesting, or if they have taken part in some sporting event, concert (or anything else that we can celebrate or share) then please do write in with some pictures and they can go in the Barometer. The Barometer - 27/5/2016 16
Notes from‌ The Edinburgh Marathon Miss Lillington writes‌ During half term, I took part in the Edinburgh Marathon with a good friend of mine. This was partly for a personal challenge, but also to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK - a charity which grants the wishes of children with life threatening conditions so that they can make the best of the time they have left. The route started near Holyrood Palace and then took us out of the city along the coast, before finishing in Musselburgh. It was a beautiful sunny day and there were lots of supporters cheering us on along the way and handing out jelly babies. It was pretty tough, but we had a great time and managed to complete the 26.2 mile course in 4 hours 26 minutes. We also managed to raise £800 for this great charity! Thank you to all the staff and boys for their support!
The Barometer - 10/5/2016 17
CLUB NEWS Chess (& Battleships!) Club
Week 6 Results Alan vs Hamoud Nicky vs Thomas Josh vs Edourd Rory vs Tom Talal vs Armand Seb vs Philip Giacamo vs Zack Michael vs Bennett Thomas vs Hamoud Alan vs Michael Nicky vs Philip Seb vs Bennett The Barometer - 27/5/2016 18
CLUB NEWS Action shots from Basketball and Football Clubs
The Barometer - 10/5/2016 19
Learning @ Wetherby
Mr Murphy writes‌ My personal learning objective was to learn how to use glass to form sculpture in the kiln. During the Spring Term, I enrolled on a course in the Art Academy, London Bridge on a 10 week 'Kiln Formed Glass' class. The teaching was of the thinking that you should be given the tools, showed some simple demonstrations and get on with it. Some others in the class struggled to deal with the lack of direction but others like myself enjoyed the nature of playful experimentation and the challenge involved in making errors to learn from. Examples of glass work included: glass slumping, glass tacking, forming into moulds and metal inclusions. From September, Wetherby students can also get the chance to experiment with this exciting medium.
20 The Barometer - 10/5/2016
Learning @ Wetherby Mr Sullivan writes…
Teaching point: Scrutinise the corners and the sides and top and bottom of your frame. Is
The image is more than the subject My
learning
proposal
is
to
develop
everything working together well, or is something on
completely out of place? Can you adjust to
photography skills to relate to my love for the
remove the “noise” of a busy scene? Look at the
arts and sport.
whole so the whole does not detract from your
As you are aware have enrolled myself on
subject.
photography and I am working on ‘Pay attention
What do you think of my attempt while in NYC -
to the frame edges - The image is more than the
The image is more than the subject?
subject’
The Barometer - 10/5/2016 21
Congratulations Mr Meyer! Mr. Meyer Writes‌ Last summer, I asked Lara to marry me with
the
sun
rising
over
the
Mediterranean, this was an idyllic setting – thankfully she said yes.
With her
parents having recently just moved to Spain and the fine weather, we thought that this would be the ideal place to get married and so we set about looking for an ideal venue. After various visits, we fell in love with La Bobadilla Hotel in the heart of AndalucĂa.
Set within rolling
countryside and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada in the distance, we both agreed this would be a dream like setting. The wedding was split over two days: a paella welcome meal during the first evening and then the wedding took place in an oval garden and reception in the courtyard of an old farm house.
22 The Barometer - 10/5/2016
From the Editor On this week’s front cover: Jacques, Bohemond and Alex light their fires with steel and flint. On the back: 7 Fleet negotiate one of the team challenges. For all comments and feedback please email: henry.warner@wetherbysenior.co.uk
http://www.wetherbysenior.co.uk/