Edition 53 December 2012 SUTTON VIEWS The Voice of Sutton Valence School

Prep School Music-making

Macbeth Page 8

Shakespeare for Kidz Page 10

CCF Page 16

At the end of October we were treated to a wonderful evening of music at our Autumn Concert in the Bates Hall. We heard strings, brass, guitar, flute, Senior Choir and a unique take on The Owl and the Pussycat by Years 4 and 5! Continued on page 2

Information A member of the United Westminster Schools’ Foundation For information about Sutton Valence School or to request a prospectus, please contact: Registered Charity No. 309267 • the Admissions Office at Sutton Valence on 01622 845206 or email [email protected] Founded in 1576 by William Lambe • Sutton Valence Preparatory School on 01622 842117 or email [email protected]

Sutton Views December 2012 1 Continued from front page Fabulous 11+

Our week of music had in fact started with and Scholarship a terrific performance on the harp from ex- pupil Tamara Young in Monday’s assembly. Results! She is preparing for a major competition in Many congratulations to our Year 6 Israel at the end of November. Tamara then children for an outstanding set of results fielded many, very good questions on the this year. We did exceptionally well in the instrument, put to her by our children. 11+ (27 out of 31 passed) and several have scores likely to be high enough for 's most selective grammars. Also, in the recent scholarship assessments to the Senior School, the number and breadth Sport of the awards, in addition to the four Continuation Scholarships, across Music Hockey (6), Drama (2), Sport (6) and Art (1) is something to be celebrated! Sutton Valence girls make the double!

Following their success as winners of the John Taylor SE U18 Cup, for the second year running, Sutton Valence’s U18 Indoor Hockey Squad have completed the double by winning the County U18 Championship.

In a hesitant first match the team drew against , Pembury, but went on to win handsomely against Kent College, Canterbury and King’s Canterbury (the reigning champions). Top scorer was Anna Baker, celebrating her second year with England U16s, ably supported by goals from Georgie Porter, Emma Baxter and captain Amy Baxter. Finishing with seven points, they topped King’s Canterbury by one point.

Said David Mathews (Head of Hockey and ex-GB international), “These are very exciting times for Sutton Valence hockey. We have a fantastic squad of girls who are prepared to

2 Sutton Views work hard in training and then put their skills great commitment. I am very proud of and strategies into practice on the pitch with them.”

Netball Newstead Woods. We were also the top scoring team with 133 goals and only Congratulations to our U16 netball team conceded 18! who have sailed through to the County Netball finals. The girls finished in top place Squad list: Anna Baker, Vicki Barden, and were the only undefeated team winning Emma Baxter, Hannah Davies, Lydia Davies, ten matches including games against Betsy Nally, Lucy Rumgay, Mia van Diepen , Invicta Grammar and and Sasha van Diepen.

Disabled Artistic Disability Gymnastics in her Gymnastic Gold first year at this senior age group Over the weekend of 18th November, and achieving a Lauren Lethbridge, Lower Sixth, travelled to clean sweep of Newcastle to take part in the British gold medals on all Championships. She had a very successful four pieces of day, becoming British Champion in Women's apparatus.

December 2012 3 They successfully notched up their twelfth Sutton Valence 1st consecutive home victory on Saturday with XV ranked top ten an impressive 28 - 0 win over Worth School. in the country Phil Smith said, “Our position as seventh in the country and the highest Kent school Our 1st XV were recently overjoyed to team in the top 10 is simply fantastic. As a learn this week to learn that they are ranked squad we have all worked hard together in seventh in the country within the Schools’ training and this achievement is richly Rugby 1st XV Performance League 2012-13. deserved. I am very proud of them all, as is Under the leadership of Phil Smith, Director the School.” of Rugby and the captaincy of Ed Bower (Upper Sixth) the side has had a fantastic It has certainly been a busy time for rugby start to the season, winning seven of their both at home and away. It is always nice to first eight games. They are averaging over 30 see individuals flourish and the School is points a game and with a rock-solid defence particularly pleased that 1st XV Captain Ed they have only conceded 53 points so far. Bower and fly-half George Poland have both been selected for the Kent U18 squad. Winger, Jordon Parker (Lower Sixth), and Having attended both U16 trials, it is also a fly half George Poland (Lower Sixth) are pleasure to see captain Gregor Roberts and leading the try scoring with seven and six Charlie Rigby progress through two trials, tries respectively. with one more to go.

4 Sutton Views Prep School Orchard Run The annual Orchard Run took place in October. It was a thoroughly successful event involving more than 300 children and eight primary schools. The route of the course had to be altered a little due to so much rain causing unusually muddy conditions, but this did not affect the quality of the event or, indeed, the children's performances.

Our own children from Years 3-6 did us proud and for the second year running won the trophy. Hockey Tournament Success! Our U10A team had a superb start back to hockey this half term, taking home the winners' medals from the Holmewood House Tournament. After a slow start, drawing against Ardingly 1-1, the girls went from strength to strength, beating both the host team (3-0) and DCPS (4-0), to be crowned overall winners of the competition.

December 2012 5 Kayak

Peter Bannister became U18 National Kayak Champion, in September. He came away from the competition with 2 Gold, 2 Silver and one Bronze medal. In addition, he came second in National Marathon, K2, which involves competing over a total of 13 miles; running, whilst carrying his kayak, and then paddling. And all of this was after he had been an Olympic Torch bearer, running through nearby Hollingbourne. A busy summer indeed.

Three Day Eventing Golf

After eight rides, competing individually Alex Hastings-Pollard, who has only been and as part of a team, Sasha Erander, playing for three years, has become the Upper Sixth, has been chosen with her youngest club champion at the Weald of horse, River Song II, to represent the South Kent Golf Club. East in Under 18 Three Day Eventing.

Fencing

Well done to Charlie Gellett of the Fifth Form, who was selected to represent Great Britain at the Meylan Eurosabre Cadet Fencing competition in France.

Race Walking

Guy Thomas was selected to represent Kent Schools Athletics Team at the ESAA Race Walk Championships.

6 Sutton Views Chapel Choir Trip to Germany

During October half-term the Chapel city with many pupils taking the chance to Choir visited Germany for a series of concerts ascend the tower, a mere 446 steps up. This and services. After an early start, the coach was followed by a trip to Bonn to visit reached the Hotel Weinstock at Linz am Beethoven’s birthplace. Rhein in the late afternoon. The hotel was in a beautiful location, overlooking the famous On our final day we visited Aachen and river. had a tour of Charlemagne’s stunning, golden, private chapel, now known as On our first day we visited the Lindt Aachen Cathedral. Another short coach chocolate factory which was followed by drive saw us at the magnificent church at evensong and a concert at the English Wurselen. The choir rehearsed in the large Church in Cologne. The Reverend Andrew church before tea, provided by Wurselen Sillis said, "The choir were really impressive Gymnasium (the local school), and a joint and the congregation very appreciative of concert with the school's choir. both the worship at evensong and the recital afterwards. If ever you are passing our way Overall, the whole trip was a great again, we'd love to work with you for a experience for everyone. Performing well in concert, evensong or mass." such large spaces before an unknown audience boosts the choir’s confidence and Monday saw the choir performing a short elevates their performance levels. concert in the awe-inspiring building of Cologne Cathedral, the third largest church Mr P Horley in the world, where there is a nine second Director of Music echo. Time was then allowed to explore the

December 2012 7 ‘Something wicked this way comes’

‘Compelling’, ‘atmospheric’, ‘dark and powerfully emotional’ were some of the words of praise used by the audience at the performances of the senior production of ‘The Scottish Play’ this half term. With cast drawn from Third Form to Upper Sixth, there was universal commendation for the high standard of acting, but most particularly for the ‘almost West End’ standard of performances of Henry Farmer, as Macbeth, and of Eve Galpin and Georgia Poplett (on alternate nights) as his Lady.

Andrew Brook, Head of Drama, said, “Macbeth is a proper play. Teachers are encouraged to ‘stretch’, ‘challenge’ and ‘differentiate’ which leaves one feeling a little daunted.

Shakespeare, we discovered, has already done much of the work for us and those of the cast that put the most in, got the most out. A truism, but worth repeating. Some students were totally professional in their approach, which was quite awe-inspiring.

The text of this play is jaw-droppingly brilliant. I had to cut away to make it a size we could approach but, hopefully, I retained everyone’s favourite lines and aimed to create something that stands up as a piece of theatre.

I am proud and delighted that the students’ hard work has been rewarded by such critical acclaim.”

8 Sutton Views December 2012 9 Shakespeare for Kidz

Year 5 and 6 children at the Prep School have also been working on Macbeth. They took part in a workshop run by Shakespeare 4 Kidz. They all took part in group scenes and it was amazing to see how quickly some picked up their lines and became immersed in their characters. Within a few hours the parents were treated to a great show with some outstanding performances, some quite unexpected!

“In our drama lessons we have been CADSAM studying Macbeth, but nothing can bring it to life as much performing it. The benefit of Congratulations must go to the Sutton having Shakespeare 4 Kidz come into school Valence School shooting team for once is that they have the expertise in getting the again destroying the competition at the best out the children in a short space of time annual CADSAM shooting meet for the and of course, have the added appeal of South East of England. Two teams of four being experienced actors. The children were competitors were entered and overall the immediately captivated and, surprisingly, team won forty three medals (with some children who wouldn’t normally twelve silver and eight golds), two shields volunteer for lead roles were given an and one trophy for winning three out of opportunity to have a go and exceeded all five competitions. This secured them expectations!”, added Mrs Sally Barr, Head overall second best CCF team and of English and Drama. second best team in the entirety of the competition. Cadet Latham achieved the renowned position of Champion Shot, with the best individual scores in the competition. Finally, the team smashed all other competitors to come both first and second in the most prestigious competition, the Falling Plate, with an all Sutton Valence final. A great list of results for a fantastic team - well done boys!

Alex Allsebrook Upper Sixth Form

10 Sutton Views Sutton Valence Blue School life: Academic, Co-Curriculuar and Community Involvement.

Awards are given out termly for those who achieve qualifying levels of Blue Points through the Junior, Middle and Sixth Form years. The ultimate accolade goes to pupils who have reached the top award twice in their School career.

We are delighted that Sophie McGannan, Head Girl, and Alex Allsebrook (Upper Sixth) have now been awarded this top level and received their splendid, new, Sutton Valence Blue Gowns in Headmaster’s Assembly in the second half of term.

The gowns, which have been made especially for us by Ede and Ravenscroft, the Academic Robemakers, were purchased using money raised by the Annual Fund, and so we thank all of you for your contribution One of my whole-School responsibilities is to this. to oversee the ‘Sutton Valence Blue’ rewards scheme. This involves pupils accumulating Mr A Wyles Blue Points across the three key areas of Assistant Head: Sixth Form

Prep School Guy Competition

December 2012 11 The Chicago Exchange 2012 Written by Verity Newman and Philippa with the Heifer residential trip. This ‘village’ was Bromley who visited Morgan Park Academy about a four hour journey from Chicago. Within in Chicago from 7th October – 5th this village there were a number of houses November 2012. showcasing different cultures from around the world. All represented regions where life is a When most people think of America, they struggle. There were African houses, South think of skyscrapers, excess and strange American slums and Thai huts, just to name a accents. Some people may think these are few. We were taken around the site and told stereotypes and are incorrect. However we beg about each individual house and their living to differ as we have witnessed these things and conditions. In our groups, we had to trade food we must announce that they are all completely with other ‘countries’, cook our own food and true. then sleep in basic conditions. The food was very simple, with potatoes, carrots, water, etc. Their highways are amazingly wide, their Even though many went hungry that night, it houses have four floors and an average was an extremely worthwhile experience to shopping mall is three times the size of encounter the lives that some people do have Bluewater. Everything is on a grand scale. to tolerate in the world.

Our first day at an American High School can We enjoyed our month long stay in Chicago be summed up in two words: typically very much. Our hosts were amazing and they American. Morgan Park Academy, the school took us out every weekend. The weeks were we attended, seemed like a standard American good, but the weekends were better as they high school. The main building had 3 floors. The included a lot of excitements, such as a trip to rooms were small with little desks. The a cheesecake factory, visits to downtown corridors were locker – lined and endlessly long Chicago where the skyscrapers are found, a with room numbers up to 320, and of course, haunted house, a theme park, a live concert we both got lost on countless occasions. and many restaurants. Classes were good, but Science was really demanding. Students and teachers alike Pupils from all years in the school were really constantly complimented us on our accents welcoming. We both made very good friends and fired questions about England. that we will stay in touch with for a long time. We were made to feel really at home. For four They have found an expensive solution to the weeks we had a taste of the American life: we bag weight problem. Instead of using text books liked it. It was one of the best experiences we and exercise books they use Ipads. Teachers do have ever had. Our advice to all pupils is to take demonstrations on Ipads, students view their the opportunity to participate in the Chicago textbooks on Ipads and paper and pens are rare exchange next October. It will be offered to things that are considered time consuming and those in the Fourth Form next year. You will unnecessary. Some of you might think this is a have so much fun that you will never miss home good thing, but we are not so sure. and it will open your mind to a whole new experience of life. The downside was that the During the last week of our stay, we joined in weeks went too quickly.

12 Sutton Views Model United Nations Conference

We are delighted to announce that Sutton Miles (Fifth Form), Katie Bush and Belinda Valence School are 2012 MUN champions, Blasdale (both Upper Sixth), Michael held between all the United Westminster Kingsley-Nyinah and Michael Adebiyi (both Schools Foundation members. Fifth Form) all lobbied successfully to have their resolutions debated in the committee Matthew Newman and Katie Vernon (both stages. Michael Adebiyi was awarded an Lower Sixth) who represented Costa Rica, put outstanding delegate prize. forward the winning resolution on ‘Protecting human rights while countering terrorists’. Congratulations to the team who worked very hard in the preparation stages and are Connor O'Shea (Third Form) and Robert deserving of their success.

Two ‘Highly Commended’ entries in UWS Essay Competition

During last summer term, Fifth Form All of our pupils came in the top half of pupils were given the opportunity to enter the entries, but three were in the top eight the United Westminster Schools Essay that were sent to a professor of English at Competition. St Hugh’s College, Oxford to be judged.

Six pupils took up the challenge, writing Elizabeth Copping and Susannah Bee on diverse topics from ‘Is Behaviour (Lower Sixth) were both awarded ‘Highly Instinct or Learnt?’ to ‘Can religion survive Commended’ prizes and will have their in a secular society?’, or even ‘Should a essays published in a book, along with the parent be culpable for the crimes of their other top prize winners. children when they are under the age of 10?’

December 2012 13 The Case for the Senior School Prosecution Music is flourishing

On Friday, 28 September, the Baughan Theatre During October half-term Anya went silent to hear the words of justice. Two young Livtchak (Second Form) entered a ladies, Donna Bellar, acted by Damola Owolabi Music Festival in Baloton in Hungary (Lower Sixth), and Gladys Pugh (played by Mr for orchestral players. The Farrell, Deputy Head) were said to have had a fight competition was open to performers over a man and Ms Bellar was accused of head under the age of 20, with butting Ms Pugh. A number of witnesses, Tim Cain approximately 120 entries, in various (Fifth Form) and Harry Marsh (Upper Sixth), were disciplines, from around Europe brought to the stand by our Court Usher, Harrison including Russia. Anya was the only Sharpe (Fourth Form), to give the evidence and English pupil. everybody present went silent to hear those famous words: “I promise to tell the truth, the The judging panel, which included whole truth and nothing but truth”. The jury of an international violinist, awarded twelve Sutton Valence School students was then Anya the overall prize for best supposed to reach the verdict. musician for her violin performances of Ravel’s Concerto in A minor and The prosecution barristers, Michael Adebiyi (Fifth Spanish Dance by Mozkowski. Form) and Michael Kingsley-Nyinah (Fifth Form) were trying really hard to get all the possible Congratulations also go to Annie evidence to send the defendant to prison. Pullar (Upper Sixth) who has been However, the defence team, Crispin Thompson invited to become Leader, Second (Lower Sixth) and I successfully defended our Violins in the Kent Youth Orchestra client, who was found not guilty by the jury. and to William Moore (Lower Sixth) who, following competitive auditions, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs has been invited to join the Kent Eleanor Laws (parent) who made this event Youth Wind Orchestra for this possible and who kindly offered to lend us the wigs season. and clothes that are actually worn at the Crown Court.

I would also like to thank Mr Cairns Nelson who kindly acted as the Judge, giving the evening a real atmosphere. Last but not least, I would like to thank Mrs Sunde and Mrs Hall who organised the evening, creating a very strong team of future potential lawyers. Bearing in mind we only had a day to prepare our speech, the trial was very convincing and enjoyable for us, as well as the audience. Pavlina Skodova Upper Sixth Form

14 Sutton Views Value Added, not just statistics

In September I walked beside Prefects’ Lawn and saw the final few house martins preparing to leave the School for their long journey back to Africa; they gather on the roof of Westminster House to warm their bodies in the early morning sun. For me, their arrival in April always heralds the start of the Summer Term and the exam season; their departure signals the end of summer and a time of reflection when we look back at our pupils’ GCSE and A level results.

Whilst we are pleased that our exam statistics this year have been pushed even higher, much more important is the pupils’ success in gaining the university places of their choice. This term all UCAS applications have been sent and the vast majority of the Upper Sixth have either received at least one offer or have been My concern is for pupils in our First Form invited to interview. Four pupils have as they will be the first cohort faced with received all five offers. I don’t want to these changes; whatever the outcome of repeat the statistics here, but will simply Gove’s proposals, I hope that matters are include a graph, produced by the settled quickly so that we can begin to plan University of Durham, which summarises ahead. There have been many alterations to the success of our Upper Sixth in a single GCSEs in recent years, what we need now image. The chart shows that our pupils is a period of stability so that we know what gained significant value in the Sixth Form is coming and can get really good at over and above what they might have teaching our pupils without constant been expected to achieve; it also shows a change. healthy upward trend over the past several years. There is something reassuring about knowing what to expect; I look forward to I’m sure that many of you will have been the return of our house martins next year, following the recent announcements by they at least are constant. Michael Gove, the Education Secretary; his proposed changes to the GCSE Don Clarke examinations are likely to have far- Assistant Head: Academic reaching consequences.

December 2012 15 CCF Congratulations to James Aburn who, over to Charles Gellett and Michael Adebiyi who a very successful half-term, completed his passed their MOI course at RAF Manston. Flying Scholarship. He flew solo, which meant he could receive his wings. James also attended an award ceremony where he received his badge and certificate from the Lord Lieutenant who had selected James as one of his Cadets for the year.

Congratulations also go to Tom Bennett, Gregor Roberts and Hannah Davies who passed their signals course at Blandford and

Reflections on my first term

I have tried to teach children on a regular delighted to say. This basis over the many years I have been involved is a first-rate school, a in education. It is important to take risks with fabulous and strong learning, as sometimes only by doing this do we community, very loyal break through barriers and become stronger to its own and and better as a result. Moving to my new extremely caring. position in September 2012 as Head of the There is a good mix Preparatory School, inevitably that was going to of ability, certainly many very capable children involve significant change not for just me, but indeed, as clever as you’ll find anywhere (this also my family. I found myself having to ‘walk year, for example, 27 out of the 31 who sat the talk’, to be prepared to throw the balls in passed the 11+, before parental appeal stage), the air and start afresh in a new environment. yet also those who do not find work so easy, and many in between. The real strength of this It was a calculated and informed risk, I admit! school is how well it caters for all of them. I had known Sutton Valence Prep and Senior Schools for many years, as my previous This is an exciting time to have taken the helm incarnation had been at The Schools at at such a remarkable and unique school and my Somerhill, near Tonbridge. Also, as one who has family and I have so enjoyed this first term. been inspecting schools for more than a What a privilege it is to work with youngsters decade, I have learnt what to look for when and with like-minded families who want the time is limited; one develops quite sensitive best they can possibly give their children and antennae. have them emerging as well-adjusted, capable and confident young adults in the making. Everything I felt and established during those Malcolm Gough visits and interviews back in February has Head of the Prep School turned out to be very well-founded, I’m

16 Compiled and edited by Helen Knott, Development Manager Sutton Views