King’s Hall School Prep Newsletter · King’s Hall School Prep Newsletter ... of Willow Farm by Enid Blyton “I recommend this book because the children save all kinds of wildlife.

King’s Hall School

Prep Newsletter

Edition 29 12th September 2014

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HEADlines

Another week and another collection of terrific happenings, events, achievements and laughter topped off with a

good deal of fun: we have had twelve days of term and not a moment has been wasted.

There are occasions in the holidays when I feel that King’s Hall is a great place without children......without

staff......without parents...... yet once term starts and you get swept up in the energy, drive and sheer vitality of

youth you can’t help but get involved and share the enthusiasm for all things. Fostering that energy and giving

children the self-belief to have a go, explore and discover in order to grow their confidence is a daily treat you can’t

enjoy in the holidays.

My own self-esteem took a little knock a couple of days ago when I was directed to an article I had written for a

magazine which carried a photo of me alongside it. After checking the article, I glibly replied to the email “Gosh,

what a handsome chap!” only to have “Sorry – must have sent the wrong link!” pinged back to me. Keep it real,

Headmaster!

Justin Chippendale

Midsummer Night’s Dream Blog – Week 2

The play rehearsals are going really well as everybody is excited and eager to learn their parts. To help us do this we have been busily highlighting our lines. In one rehearsal we practised working on different levels which was tricky but fun! We have also been learning about the background to the play, the characters and themes, and this is really helping us to understand what the play is really about. Mrs Keirle already thinks ‘The Mechanicals’ are amusing creeping around in the wood and frightening each other! Eliza, Joe and Karis What will our set look like?

A view from the Rose Garden

Year 3H

Two weeks in to their time in Prep and really getting into the routine of things - I thought I

would ask the children what is ‘better’, ‘worse’ or just different from last year. Not putting

names on the comments avoids incriminating anyone!

Things which are ‘better’:

A choice of hot or cold at lunch

The library – we all love it!

Exciting lessons: making things in DT; music; Science and lots more

Seeing siblings

All the sport

Using a hymn book in assemblies

Things which are ‘worse’:

Harder work

Later lunch

A longer day

Changing rooms, day pegs and toilets a long way from class

No playtimes in the woods

Things which are just different:

Lessons are called different things

Our drawers are under our tables

Bells tell us when lessons start and finish

Fewer toys at playtime

All in all, the Year 3s have settled very well and are working hard. It has been a really good

beginning to the children’s time in the Prep. Please keep up the hard work 3H!

Academic Life...

History

On the 17th January 1707 an Act formally ratified and approved the treaty of union between the two kingdoms of Scotland and England, saying,

“That the Two Kingdoms of Scotland and England, shall upon the 1st May next ensuing the date hereof, and forever after, be united into One Kingdom by the name of GREAT BRITAIN: And that the Ensigns Armorial of the said United Kingdom be such as Her Majesty shall think fit, and used in all Flags, Banners, Standards and Ensigns both at Sea and Land.” The Scottish Stuart kings and queens had already been the monarchs of both kingdoms since 1603. Financial difficulties for the Scots and the threat to the royal succession for the English led to formal political and economic union 104 years later. England and Scotland were to keep their own justice systems and Church (Scottish Presbyterian and Church of England), trade was to be free between themselves and the English colonies, and there was to be one Parliament and one currency. The benefits and disadvantages of this Union of Great Britain “have been weighed in the balances..”; it is now in the hands of all Scots from 16 upwards to decide whether to keep this Union or to break it up. Year 8 will cover this topic later in the term; by then we’ll know.

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Computing

Computing lessons have got off to a flying start, thanks to the energy and interest of the pupils. Year 3 have been turned into robots, considering the need for clear and accurate instructions or code. They have also planned and drawn a prototype “helpful” robot that would be of use in the school. Year 4 have been producing a new set of rules for computer use, while testing just how good their passwords can be – as well as how easy it is to remember them! Year 5 have been using drawing software to produce logos that incorporate their initials; with a view to personalizing their lockers. Year 6 are attempting to create a welcoming slide show, that will inform new visitors to King’s Hall about the many facilities and activities we have at school. Year 7 have all become self-centred, producing an information fact file on themselves, with a view to creating an interactive quiz presentation. Year 8 have created posters with a theme of ‘Do’ or ‘Don’t’, combining graphics and a clear message in an attention grabbing style.

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Science

Our Year 6 pupils have continued with their topic on cells this week. The challenge was to make 3d cells using jelly and plasticine to understand the composition of a cell. For homework the children were asked to make a cake which explored the composition of a cell. Not only did they produce wonderfully decorated and informative cakes but they tasted lovely! Next week we will be dissecting a bull’s eye and discussing the specialised cells found within it.

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Year 5

Year 5 PSHE In PSHE pupils, from both Year 5 tutor groups got together towards the end of last week to play some ‘getting to know you’ games. This involved team building/team spirit, communications skills, helping each other, questioning, listening, remembering things and having fun of course! We played games which involved passing hoola-hoops around the circles of teams and pupils had to step through them without breaking hands. This was a lot of fun and we even had a race! Mrs Farmer v Mrs Keirle’s group and 5K won! We also had a game of “My name is ...” and each pupil in the team had to remember what was said previously. I must say the pupils did very well and their listening skills improved throughout. This topic is our starting point before the whole year group attend the annual Year 5 Kilve Court Trip next week, with Mr Hands and the tutor staff. This was also an excellent opportunity to make our new pupils at King’s Hall feel more welcomed.

From the Library

As part of a Library competition, children in Years 3, 4 and 5 have been busy writing about the books that they would recommend to a friend. There were so many fantastic suggestions! The following very persuasive recommendations were eventually selected as the winning entries and will be on display outside the Library. Perhaps they are books that you might enjoy reading? Year 5 winner Ross Davis (5K) recommends Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo

“I recommend this book because I think it is a very touching story. When you start reading this book you won’t want to put it down! It is about two brothers who are ordered off to join the army. They have a horrible sergeant! To find out what happens next you must borrow the book from the library or buy it from Waterstones. My favourite bit was when Charlie and Tomo were on night watch in the trenches. I recommend it to people who are interested in stories based around World War I.”

Year 5 runner-up Harry Cartwright (5H) recommends Urgum and the Goo Goo Bah! by Kjartan Poskitt

“Hilarious. An epic book of barbarians and babies. I just couldn’t stop laughing. The book has an epic title as well. A got-to-read! From girls with hair so sharp it can cut steel to dribbling baby gods with wings. Urgum has a mission to save a baby in a yellow bobble hat!”

Year 4 winner Daisy Kamsner (4T) recommends Chloe and Cracker by Kelly McKain

“This is a fabulous book. It is about a girl who wants a horse called Charm but unexpectedly gets a different horse. Bella, her friend, got Charm. The girl gets a horse named Cracker. Will she improve her friendship and jumping skills in time for the comp? Read this book and find out. This book is one of the best books I have ever had and I think it will be one of yours. This book means friendship which everyone loves. Why don’t you come and follow your mind with this book?”

Year 4 runner-up Florence Delafield-Cook (4F) recommends Claude in the Country by Alex T Smith

“Claude in the Country is a very adventurous book. If you are a person that gets carried away in a book you will love to read it. Claude is a French dog with a red beret and a red jumper and his best friend is Sir Bobblysock. Every day when his owners Mr and Mrs Shinyshoes are gone, Claude gets out his red beret and sets off on another adventure.”

Year 3 winner Poppy Chedzoy (3G) recommends Fairy Treasure by Gwyneth Rees

“I love this story because I love fairies.”

Year 3 runner-up Cameron Wallace (3HB) recommends The Children of Willow Farm by Enid Blyton

“I recommend this book because the children save all kinds of wildlife.”

Ellie Cooper is this term’s Head Girl.

It’s only the second week of term but already so much has happened!

As part of my role as Head Girl, I have had to do a Chapel reading which was quite nerve wracking but good practice for the Carol Service at the end of term. One of my duties is to put the staff names on the duty board once a week. I

accidentally left Matron off as, despite being at King’s Hall for 8 years, I didn’t know that she had another name. Apparently she is called Miss Holmes!

The Year 8 girls get to go to Mrs Chippendale’s for hot chocolate on Friday morning break. It was exciting to go for

the first time last week, and after a hard week’s work, it is nice to have a break and chat with all the girls.

My favourite thing to do at King’s Hall is play hockey, so I am really excited to be playing for the 1st team this term. We are all so determined to do well that we have been practising our short corners at break. It paid off as we were

runners up in our first tournament this week. Well done too to the Under 12s who came 1st and 2nd in their tournament. Girls’ hockey is off to a strong start!

Sport Action and News...

Rugby

Senior Rugby Squad - Clifton College Festival

On a hot day in Bristol the 1st XV squad played in the Clifton College Festival for the first time in our history. An energetic group were excited, if not a little nervous, about their first game against Clifton Prep on the Close. The game finished with us in the ascendancy and a significant amount of confidence gained.

The second game was against Abberley Hall who had played well in their first game and looked like a real threat in the wide areas. King’s Hall made a sluggish start to the game and conceded a couple of tries before gaining a foot hold in the game leading to numerous tries being scored from various parts of the field with the most impressive element being the range of players involved in the action. The final game against Pinewood began with Pinewood moving two scores ahead. The players did not panic and slowly clawed back the deficit with some strong play from the forward pack. The first half finished with the scores tied but this was to change early in the second half as King’s Hall took the lead for the first time. Yet again it was the expansive style of rugby that the opposition struggled to cope with and with a couple of good scores to follow we finished the day in high spirits.

This was a fantastic way to finish the first week of the season and there are clearly some very encouraging signs. The level of effort and determination shown by all boys in all of the games was fantastic to see. We look forward to our next game, the first competitive game of the season, against Llandovery Prep School on Saturday.

U11’s Festival

Our Saturday visit to All Hallows allowed us to play Wells, All Hallows and Bristol Grammar and proved to be a very useful start to our season, as it provided opposition and situations to develop our individual and team skills. Passing and support play improved steadily, while our commitment in the tackle and contact areas were most impressive. A little more patience and accuracy is needed, this will come with further experience.

Colts A / B / C The Colts teams had a block fixture on Wednesday against Wellington School in which they all played very well, with each team winning with style. All of the players who were fit in Years 5 and 6 were involved and an enormous amount was learnt by all concerned. We look forward to Saturday’s fixtures!

Hockey

U9 & 10 Festival at King’s College

This was a great early season tournament held by King's College with a real emphasis on developing the players ready for the season ahead. The U10s played very well in all of their games beating King’s Hall U9's, West Buckland U9s and U10s whilst losing to Exeter U10's in a very close game. Our U9s are a spirited lot and played very well to draw with Exeter School’s U10s and beat West Buckland U9s and U10s. They very much enjoyed giving our own U10s a jolly good fight too and were unlucky not to score in that game. This was a super start to the season for both teams.

U13a runners up in the King’s Bruton Tournament A great start to season, played tactically and defensively when needed, meant we were unbeaten in our pool to go through 2nd on goal difference. We then met the opposite pool winners All Hallows and played a cracking game, scoring in the 10th minute to put us into the final. The final was King's v Hazlegrove, and they took advantage of our tiredness after a very tough semi-final. Our legs couldn't chase the ball anymore into attack and we lost our only match of the afternoon. The girls played some great hockey and should be proud of their silver medals in a quality field of competitors! Well played team!

U12a winners of Hazlegrove ‘A’ Tournament The U12A team had a great start to their hockey season, winning the Hazlegrove ‘A’ team tournament. Their first three games were quite one-sided, with the team dominating play resulting in a 2-0 win against All Hallows, 1-0 against a strong Hazlegrove side and 3-0 against Monkton. The game that decided the final result of the tournament was our last, against Queen’s. The play was end to end, with both teams having shots saved or sent wide of the goal. The 0-0 result, gave us the valuable points we needed to clinch victory overall. Very well played by all members of the team: Jenna Kirby and Maggie Rundell were strong and tenacious in defence, Kitty Chapple ruled the midfield scoring 5 of our goals and the forward line of Jemima Lawson Johnston, Sophie Minchin and Olivia Highton moved the ball around very well in the offensive half setting up goal scoring opportunities. Abigail Howells had a relatively quiet tournament in goal, but when challenged, proved more than up to the task of saving all attempts on our goal.

U12b runners up in the Hazlegrove ‘B’ Tournament

The newly formed U12B team had a great day; with a 1-1 draw against All Hallows, 0-1 against Hazlegrove, 0-0 against Monkton then a superb 4-0 against Queen’s. This good run of form, gained the team a very much deserved 2nd place in their tournament. The team, captained by Lottie Knill, showed a very good sense of teamwork and desire to regain and keep possession of the ball. Emily Kerrison and Lottie both played strongly in midfield, with Lucy Mowat, Lizzie Chetwode, Cordelia Rees-Davis, Anya Butcher and Meabh Macaskie defending and attacking with tenacity. Eve Thomas-Everard had a very good tournament in goal, with only two shots getting past her.

Results round up ...

Rugby Saturday 6th September – All Hallows Festival

U11A 1 Win, 1 Draw, 1 Loss

Sunday 7th September – Clifton College Festival

Senior Squad 3 Wins

Wednesday 10th September – Wellington School

Colts A Won Colts B Won

Colts C Won

Hockey Saturday 6th September – King’s College Festival

U9 2nd Place U10 1st Place

Wednesday 10th September – King’s Bruton Tournament

U13A 2nd Place

Wednesday 10th September – Hazlegrove Tournamnet

U12A 1st Place U12B 2nd Place

The Boarders’ World...

When will this wonderful weather end? Two weeks in and we are still playing outside every night till 8pm - it really is a perfect way to spend an evening watching the sun go down and the children whizz past!

We have more younger boarders now, which gives me the perfect excuse to dust off my story books and snuggle up to finish our evenings off with a bedtime story.

Hobbies & Activities – so much fun! Year 8 Hill Walking

It is a rare opportunity to be able to take Year 8 girls out walking, they are usually heavily embroiled in hockey matches. The walk took the group from West Bagborough across fields of horses and sheep and up onto the top of the Quantocks. Some of the girls found the uphill climb a challenge, but revelled in the view once they reached the trig point. On the return route the group descended towards Triscombe, the steepest part of this meant hugging trees (who ever said we were not environmentally friendly) at every opportunity to control the decent. The girls were instructed in map reading and compass work along the route and enjoyed the physical exertion of it all.

Orienteering If your family is interested in getting outdoors and enjoy a fun challenge, how about having a go at Orienteering? Have a look at the link to Quantock Orienteer’s who put on regular events for all ages. http://www.quantockorienteers.co.uk Saturday Morning Hockey Our hockey stars of the future are benefiting greatly from the expert coaching being given on a daily basis here at King’s Hall. This has been extended to include a Saturday morning activity at King’s College where Mr Steve Shaw challenges our pupils with his extensive knowledge of the game. Not only is this activity of a high standard, but it is great fun and a wonderful opportunity for our pupils.

Archery The ‘Indian Summer’ that has been with us recently has meant that the archery sessions have been staged in perfect conditions of light to no wind.

In the first week the children were taught the strict protocol of how to behave on the range and that both ends of the arrow are sharp if they come into contact with the body. In the second week they have been getting used to loading and firing the bow.

Football

Saturday mornings now see King’s Hall football players going to King’s College for expert coaching from Mr

Chris Heayns and his team. Skills practices are enjoyed on the lovely grounds and lead into modified games to

promote the elements learnt. A thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a Saturday morning at school!!

Things you didn’t know about ...

Miss Lucy Goldsmith

Marketing Co-ordinator Lloyd Clayton

Y8 pupil How long have you been at King’s Hall School? Tell us more about your arrival.

I joined King’s Hall in January 2013 as Digital

Marketing Assistant doing only four mornings a week

and am now here full time; oh I miss those hours!

I arrived at King’s Hall in September 2013 to begin Year 7. On my first day I was a little nervous but quickly made friends and I have not looked back.

If you were going to write a book, what would you call it and what would it be about?

‘101 Reasons the 80s were awesome’! It would be

about exactly what it says on the tin, and I’d be

reason 101!

‘Riding around the World on two wheels’. It would be a book about my journey, cycling around the

World and experiencing all of the different cultures. There would be lots of great photographs

and many tails of danger and excitement.

What do you like most in a friend?

Patience Kind, supportive and encourages good things.

If you could try out any job for a day, what would you like to try?

A University Lecturer, although I’m sure it would be

pretty daunting!

Sports commentator for Sky. I would love to cover all types of different sporting occasions but clearly

the Tour De France would be top of the list.

What is / was your favourite subject at school?

English, without a doubt (do I get brownie points,

Mrs Stuckes?).

I really enjoy Geography and History with History just coming out on top. Mr Sprague’s lessons are

very interesting and I have particularly liked studying ‘The Great Plague’ and ‘Henry VIII’.

Which three people, dead or alive, would you have to a dinner party if you could? Why?

That’s a tough question!

Aphra Behn, she was a writer in the 1600s and I’d be

interested to know what that was like, and what she

thinks of the world today.

Mick Jagger; what a legend! I just think it would be

fun to have an eccentric pensioner at a dinner party!

Aristotle, I think his work was immensely forward

thinking so again, I’d be interested to know his

thoughts on our current society; I don’t think he’d be

impressed!

George Washington – I would like to talk to him about life back then and how it felt to become the

first President of the United States of America. Lance Armstrong – I would like to ask him why he did what he did and how he feels about the young

cyclists who he has let down with his actions. Steven Gerrard – He is a Liverpool legend and I

think he would have so much to say about success (Champions League) and failure (Slipping over

against Chelsea).

What takes up most of your time in the day?

Working here at King’s Hall! Largely, but by no means

exclusively, typing and peering at a computer screen!

I am a slow eater and like to enjoy a meal without being rushed. I would say that the single thing that

takes most of my time is sitting and getting through my three meals a day, with snacks!!

If someone asked you for a random piece of advice, what would you say?

My mantra is ‘life is what you make it’, which isn’t

really advice but I suppose I would translate it as ‘be

responsible for your own place in the world’.

‘Dream big’ If you really put effort into doing something then

anything is possible!!

What is the first thing you do when you get home after school?

Put the kettle on and change out of my work clothes

(into pyjama bottoms and t-shirt preferably!)

As soon as I walk through the door at home I look for the ‘Snack’ bar in the kitchen and then get

ready to take my bike out for a ride.

Do you like to plan things out in detail or be spontaneous? Why?

Plan. Usually with lists in a colour scheme, which

takes planning in itself! I’m quickly learning that I

can’t plan for everything!

Plan – I like being in control of what I am doing, be aware beforehand of what is happening and I find

it easier to live that way.

What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?

Old and boring, but I’d love to do a PhD. I suspect that it’s extremely hard work though!

I would very much like to travel the world. This is obviously one for the future but I am determined

to do it one day – fingers crossed!!

Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible? Why?

Invisible. I would say ‘so that I can conduct an

anthropological study of the unknowing subjects

whom I would watch’, but it’s actually because I’m

really nosey and would like to know what goes on

behind closed doors!

Fly – I would be able to travel the world now and get from country to country without having to

queue for hours at airports.

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