The Voice of Sutton Valence School Edition 42 June 2009
SUTTON VIEWS
Celebrity Chef opens the Dining Hall
n Friday 8th May the long awaited delicious summer dessert in the new dining room was opened dining hall, ably assisted by Oby TV celebrity chef some of the pupils. Richard Phillips. In his Although he managed introduction Chairman to melt one of the of Governors, Bryan chopping boards, he School Contacts: Baughan, dedicated did produce a fine School Secretary 01622 845200 the new building to pudding which Admissions Office 01622 845206 Andrew Hutchinson, both children and Bursar, in recogni - parents enjoyed Head of Year 1 01622 845242 tion of his huge con - sampling. Head of Year 2 01622 845226 tribution to the Head of Year 3 01622 845216 success of all the Alexia Head of Year 4 01622 845234 School’s recent devel - Bracewell G Head of Year 5 01622 845233 opments. Director Sixth Form 01622 845231 Director of Studies 01622 845225 Richard was born in Medway and knew that he Bursar’s Office 01622 845204 wanted to be a chef from the age of St Margaret’s House 01622 845219 14. He is one of the principal chefs on Beresford House 01622 843459 ‘Ready, Steady, Cook’ and is executive chef Westminster House 01622 845277 of three of Kent’s finest restaurants Sutton House 01622 845228 including Thackeray’s, in Tunbridge Wells. Sutton Valence 01622 842117 Preparatory School After unveiling a plaque at the entrance Chaplain 01622 842814 to the new dining hall, Richard cooked up a
Prep School Drama Page 4 CCF Highlights Page 6 Duke of Edinburgh 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: June 2009 1 Sutton Valence School Duke of Edinburgh in the dark
ver a Friday night when most of you were relaxing at home or Ohaving a good time in town, some of the Sixth Form thought we’d do something different. On the 1st May, after having spent all day at school, two groups: Tom Fermor, Alex Williams, Joe Janney, Jack Best in group one and Chris Vernon, Tyler Griffin, Benny Buckle and Declan Price in group two, left to participate in the Duke Of Edinburgh Night Chase. This was a 30 kilometre hike in the Dartford area over night, stopping only to sign in at checkpoints along the way. Start times for the hike were from 8.00 onwards. That said, both groups were able to (again, remember this is in the dark!). finish in good time: Chris’s group in 9 hours This was an excellent effort by both You probably know how hard normal 15 minutes and Tom’s group in 8 hours 45 groups and we look forward to next year. map reading can be when you are driving minutes. Considering this is the first time in your car, or if you do hiking yourself. either group has done night orienteering Tom Fermor G Now imagine that but not being able to on this scale, these were very good times, Upper Sixth see anything to verify your position. making a pace of around 3.5km per hour
Head of School, Joe Janney An extract from Joe’s speech
t is traditional for the new Head of you as pupils should aim to learn from your into school life, the more you will get out of School to talk in assembly about time at school which will help you once it in the form of the skills I have mentioned. Ianything they wish to share. you leave the school. Try as hard as you can to pick up these various skills as they will guide you through I decided that my speech has to relate to I am going to highlight three very life. me in some way yet still be beneficial to important specific skills whose significance everyone else. It soon became clear to me I believe are very much overlooked. I think The full text of Joe’s speech is available that at the end of this term, significant every pupil in this school should aim to on the website: www.svs.org.uk change will be occurring in the school. The develop these skills during their time here Upper Sixth will all be departing; many which will greatly help you all in your going to university or on gap years. future lives. Personally I am taking a gap year to Fiji and G Manage time- this skill is essential hopefully I’ll be off to Leeds University the for school and university life. following year. The Fifth Form will be com - G How to revise- few people pleting GCSE’s and a significant proportion mention this as a skill that needs will be leaving the school either to to be learnt during school life but I continue their studies elsewhere or to think it is essential. During this enter into the working world. There will time it is important for you to also be significant change amongst the revise effectively. This means that teachers. Our Headmaster, Mr Davies, you must find out a method of who has led this school supremely for revision that suits you. many years, is moving to Haileybury in G Finally, this is more of an attitude Hertfordshire, which is one of the leading or way of life than a skill. Strive to boarding schools in England. be the best you can be.
Due to the significant number of people My message to you today is to get leaving the school in July, I thought I involved in school life and get as much out should talk to you today about what skills of it as possible. The more work you put
Sutton Views: June 2009 2 Sutton Valence School Talented people
he breadth of talent at Sutton Valence comes in all shapes and sizes and covers a diverse range of sports and activities. Some of our Trecent stars are featured here:
he recent interest in dancing at the Prep School has been Dancing, which teaches Modern Ballroom, Latin American and disco fuelled by the success of brother and sister dance duo Katie dancing. Tand Max Harrison, who performed before a special school Dance teacher Karen Day said: “Children as young as three are assembly at the end of last term. able to grasp the basics of ballroom, latin and disco. As well as The pair have been dancing for the past two years and came away learning the fundamentals of dancing, it is great exercise, helps them with a clutch of trophies from a national competition at Blackpool to make friends and have fun. Dancing helps children develop their Tower Ballroom recently. Max, 9, and Katie, 7, dance at least two confidence, as well as their co-ordination.” hours each week – and much more in the run-up to a competition. Several of our dancers have gone on to compete at national level, Their mum, Mrs Michaela Harrison, said: “Katie started ballet at including senior school students Lauren Lethbridge and Harry Keep, Sutton Valence Prep School and immediately took to it, as she is very who have also competed at Blackpool and in Len Goodman’s Dance petite and agile. When she said she would like to learn ballroom Festival at Camber. dancing, we were quite surprised when Max said he wanted to go as Prep Deputy Head, Alexia Bracewell, said: “We have taught ballet well, but both of them have already shown great potential.” to our nursery and reception classes for a long time and ballroom Mrs Harrison said: “Dancing requires a lot of energy, as well as skill dancing seemed a natural progression, given today’s enthusiasm for and it’s an excellent way of firming up the muscles and maintaining ‘Strictly.’ The children love it and it’s a great way of winding down at good posture.” the end of the school day, as well as exercising and gaining confi - The Ballroom lessons at Sutton Valence Prep School are being dence with their peers.” organised in conjunction with the Lenham-based GDC School of
eter Bannister is making a name for hen it comes to sport, the three Thomas brothers from himself in the world of canoeing Tonbridge have remarkably different tastes – but they’re Pafter being invited to join the Wall winners. Great Britain squad for training in Eldest brother Rob, 16, has been selected for the England youth Belgium. He has only been fly fishing team, and will be competing in the world championships involved in the sport for four years, held in the Czech Republic this year. He was first introduced to the when he was persuaded by his sport by his father four years ago, and had already competed with father Michael to join him as a the England youth squad before learning that he has made it into member of Maidstone Canoe the team to travel to the world championships. Club. Meanwhile, middle brother Andy, 14, trains as a cross-country After showing early promise by runner with Tonbridge Athletic Club, winning local races against competi - having moved up from the tors from other clubs, Peter started taking 4km distance at which he part in ‘marathon’ races – up to 12 miles - and represented Kent at was invited to join a British Canoe Union training day at Worcester under-13 level. in February. And youngest The result was a call-up to join the Great Britain under-18 squad brother Guy, 11, for a training weekend in Ghent, Belgium last month, where he was has already made one of the youngest competitors, recording a highly creditable 1hr his mark at road 35 minutes in the 10½ mile event. walking, repre - “Marathons are gruelling”, says Peter. “It’s all about improving senting Kent your strength and getting your mental attitude right. But I want to and the South of do well at the sport and train every day, either with the club on the England at the River Medway, in the gym or on my paddling machine at home”. 2km distance, At school Peter is also captain of swimming, and plays represen - where he has a tative hockey and rugby as well. We wish him well for the national best time of 10:48, under 16 championships in July. and winning the under-13 Grand Prix, a competition for walkers drawn from across the country.
Sutton Views: June 2009 3 Sutton Valence School
he new holder of the girls’ trophy at the Kent schools golf tournament, 12-year-old Emily Royer, has been Prep School Tdescribed as “a special talent” by her coach. Emily beat more than a dozen other older girls to Drama win the Kent trophy at Dartford. It was her first tour - nament win, and a testament to her dedication to he Year 2 children put on a the sport. wonderful performance of ‘The In addition to weekly lessons her coach Cormac TRainbow Spectacular’. They worked MacCarthy, she also practices at the Langley Park hard learning all the songs and dances and range up to four times a week, and goes to the Ridge very much enjoyed all working together. Golf Club in East Sutton each weekend to brush up The brightly coloured t-shirts that the her chipping and putting. children wore and the brilliant lighting by Emily only started playing the game two years ago Miss. Payne all combined to make a when it was listed on our co-curricular activity programme, colourful show. and with the encouragement of her parents, Cormac and star Kent woman golfer Danielle Masters, now has a bright future ahead of her. Earlier in the term Year 3 put on their “She has something natural in her swing, and hits the ball really sweetly”, says Cormac. drama production based on the Allan “I believe she has a rare natural talent.” Ahlberg book ‘Please Mrs Butler’. It was Emily, who now plays off a handicap of 21, also represents school at tennis, hockey, the first time the Prep School had athletics, netball and rounders. But she still finds the time to do her homework, even at performed in the Baughan Theatre. weekends!
auren Lethbridge is leaping for joy after becoming the New British Gymnastic Junior Champion, at the GMPD L(Gymnastics and Movement for People with a Disability) British Championships.
Lauren competed against under-16s from all over the British Isles in the Championships and made a clean sweep at the com - petition, winning gold overall and taking four individual apparatus gold medals on bars, beam, floor and vault.
Service to the Community
don't know what your destiny will be, Miss Horgan, been running a Business but one thing I do know: the only ones Incentive Scheme. This scheme encour - Iamong you who will be really happy are ages students to produce and market a those who have sought and found how to product of their choice with the aim of serve.’Albert Schweitzer (14 January 1875 raising money for Barnardos; all proceeds – 4 September 1965) go to the charity. This has proven excep - The community service programme at tionally fruitful and the school will shortly Sutton Valence School brings rewards and be able to give the charity a cheque for opportunities in so many ways, to so many £500. people; it is a pleasure to be a part of. Although it is becoming harder to secure The community service programme and retain placements for the students involves the Lower Sixth students only. due, largely, to the number of people They have been a credit to the school in seeking employment and voluntary work terms of their attitude, loyalty and commit - in the current economic climate, I do hope ment to the activities. As volunteers, they that, in the forthcoming academic year, the have provided useful services to the local programme can be expanded in terms of and wider community. activities that are available for the students A new venture this year has been in the to actively engage with. work of a small group of students who Lucy Howard G have, with the help of Mr. Carvalho and
Sutton Views: June 2009 4 Sutton Valence School Boarding; never boring!
ames has boarded since he joined in excellent for bonding and making friends. on duty, who comes round checking Prep the First Form five years ago, firstly in So for the most part, yes. I am friendlier is being done. After 8 o’clock we are free JBeresford and now in Westminster. with some than others, but if I hadn’t till bedtime. boarded I wouldn’t have made friends with Why did you choose to be a boarder? people older and younger than me from So what would you say to those “Although we live only half an hour away Germany, China and Antigua, because I thinking of boarding? near West Malling I really wanted to board. wouldn’t necessarily have met them as a I’d thoroughly recommend it! It has I don’t have any brothers or sisters and day pupil. It’s great because there is a boosted my confidence, made me at ease thought it would be a good way for me to sharing of cultures and the atmosphere in living with and talking to all kinds of meet lots of different people and make the house means that we keep an eye out people, and it is great fun. friends. Now I know that there are lots of for each other, particularly those who may other benefits too. I am a weekly boarder be feeling homesick. James was in conversation with Helen so go home after matches on Saturday and Knott, Development Manager. If you come back early on Monday morning for What about your academic work? would like more information please breakfast. On Sundays I can catch up with We have set Prep time: from 5.15 to 6.15, contact the Head of Boarding, Mr Bob Carr my family, my old friends from out of then we have tea, followed by more Prep ([email protected], 01622 845222). school, play golf or cricket; it’s the best of time from 7 till 8. Now that I am in the both worlds.” Fifth Form I have a room to myself which is great; having your own space helps with Have you ever had second thoughts? studying, but even in the Third and Fourth “Not really, Beresford was a great Form when you share you still have your beginning to boarding life. You are intro - own desk in your Show and access to your duced gently to being away from home work through the computers in the and because you are not lumped in with Maths and ICT Centre, or your the older boys you have time to get used to laptop. And we have the help it before moving on to the senior houses. I of the Tutor or Housemaster was Head of House in my second year so used to help Matron or the Houseparents with cooking supper and making drinks in the evenings. When you move up to the senior house the first day is a bit daunting but the Sixth Formers soon make you feel part of the family; it’s a great atmosphere and I have made friends I hope I will keep for life. We all have to take turns at doing duties Year 6 French Trip around the House, like on Fridays I do Kitchen Duty, which means tidying up after supper. There’s usually not much to April 2009 do as most people are very good at cleaning up after themselves. n 22nd April, Year 6 children arrived at school bright and early ready to set off Boarding life is a great preparation for for a 3 day visit to Stella Plage in northern France. It was a brand new and going to university where you suddenly Oexciting trip designed to give the children a fun and enjoyable cultural experi - have to look after yourself all the time. ence. Their first stop was La Coupole museum near St Omer where they learnt about When you board you have to be responsi - Hitler’s secret weapons, including the V2 missiles, and life in northern France during ble for being punctual, managing your WWII. One of the highlights of the trip was certainly their visit to a local Boulangerie time, making sure your laundry is handed where they gained first hand experience of making ‘croissants’ and ‘pains au chocolat’. in so you have clean uniform and games kit A visit to Boulogne and town trail gave the children an opportunity to try out their French to wear, but all the time Matron, a Tutor or when buying souvenirs and gifts for their families. On their last day in France they were the Housemaster is there to give you a able to soak up some sun on the beach in Berck-sur-Mer whilst watching the kite festival, reminder if you forget.” playing rounders, pétanque and also trying their hand at kite-flying. The trip was rounded off with a Soirée Crêpes in a local café where the children learnt the secrets of You mentioned making friends. Has making delicious pancakes, going behind the scenes to toss their own pancake, choose it been easy? their filling… and then polish it off! C’était fantastique! Un grand merci to Mrs Sagrott, The first weekend of the autumn term is Mrs Randle, Mr Buckley, Mr Evans and Mr Davey for all their support and enthusiasm. the outing to Thorpe Park which is Laura Finch G
Sutton Views: June 2009 5 Sutton Valence School The Ugly Bug Ball
n invasion of minibeasts crawled children then finished their minibeast day their way into the Reception with a bug feast eating bug themed food: “I Aclasses to take part in a fun filled liked the picnic because we got to eat jelly Ugly Bug Ball. The children came dressed snakes and ladybird tomatoes!” (Gabriel in bug accessories including wings, RF). It was a huge success and the children antennae’s and bug legs. They took part in had the chance to consolidate their a variety of minibeast workshops such as learning for the term about minibeasts: “I bug masks, minibeast flower pots, sparkly liked everything about the bug ball!” spider webs and bug badges. The children (Samuel Smith RJ) then enjoyed creepy crawly dancing at the Carla Johnson G Ugly Bug Ball: “I liked flying like a butterfly Early Years Co-ordinator at the bug ball” (Josie Cooper RPG). The
CCF Highlights
Adventure training, Silver Practical exercise Adventure training, Mountain biking Bronze Practical exercise
Adventure training, Gold Practical exercise
National Signals Competition Biennial Inspection
Staff and NCO’s gathering before dinner Rock climbing
Kayaking on Adventure training
With the Lord Lieutenant at the Poppy Appeal Dinner
CCF at the British Legion NCO’s from the Upper Sixth at Poppy Appeal Dinner their final parade
Sutton Views: June 2009 6