Edition 51 March 2012 SUTTON VIEWS The Voice of

‘I’m looking forward to contributing all I can to one of the finest Schools in the land’ Pinocchio Page 4

Kit Car Page 10

We were very pleased to be able to announce in February that Malcolm Gough had been appointed as Head of the Prep School from September 2012.

Mr Gough, who was born in Zimbabwe, attended Graeme College, Grahamstown, studied Law and History 'Help for Heroes' Page 14 at Rhodes University and completed his Masters in International Marine Law at the University of Cape Town. Coming to England in 1989 as a gap student convinced him that teaching was very much for him, so he stayed and completed his PGCE in 1994.

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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 March 2012 1 Continued from front page

An ISI inspector for the past ten years, Mr was struck by the warm and strong sense of Gough is currently Head of Teaching and community. There is a dedication to the Learning and formerly Director of Studies at process of learning by pupils, parents, , . teachers and staff in all areas which is Married to Sophie, they have two young supported by the governors and leaders. I children, Madeleine and Huxley, who will soon realised that this continues right both be attending the school. When he’s not through to the final years of the Senior at school he also tries to find time to both School and I am hugely looking forward to watch and participate in sport, to go scuba- contributing all I can to this, one of the finest diving, to read, enjoy wildlife and the schools in the land. This will be a wonderful outdoors and to play the guitar. environment for our two children to be part of and as a family we greatly look forward to Delighted to be joining the School, a long and happy association with Sutton Malcolm said, “From the moment I walked Valence.” through the doors of Sutton Valence Prep, I

United Westminster Schools Models UN While Youth Speaks

Gary Gibbon, Political Editor of Channel 4 News, opened the second session of the United Westminster Schools Model United Nations last term. The five schools in the Foundation (Grey Coats, Queen Anne’s, Emmanuel, Westminster City and Sutton Valence) sent pupils to attend in the role of a delegate representing the views of five countries each (25 countries in total). Japan which required in-depth research and preparation to understand each country’s Each school had a number of ‘resolutions’ economic and political standpoints to back to prepare and on the day delegates had to up their resolutions. lobby delegates from other schools to gain the necessary five signatures, which meant Two resolutions, those of Julia their resolution could be debated. If they Shtunderenko and Ed Collins, gained could not secure enough signatures they did sufficient support to be debated, but it was not get to debate their proposals. Ed’s, on reducing the effect of climate change, which impressed the judges most. The Sutton Valence team represented the views of Poland, USA, Chile, South Africa and To expand his argument, Ed proposed

2 Sutton Views three initiatives. Firstly, a major, global Our two public speaking teams took part in reforestation programme to grow indigenous the second round of the Rotary competition, trees to create sustainable, bio-diverse forests where they were up against a number of to provide fuel for energy and absorb carbon schools from and Sussex, who, like dioxide from the atmosphere. In conjunction them, had won their first round contests - so with this, he suggested that it be made the competition was tough. mandatory that all new fossil-fuel fired power stations designate and build sites suitable for The junior team was made up of three the implementation of carbon capture and pupils from the Second Form (Ella Capaldi, storage technology once it is fully developed; Jessica Grindlay and, as main speaker, whereupon it should be freely distributed William Grabowski, pictured opposite). They between all participating member countries. spoke amusingly about 'Sports which are not And finally, member states should be called in the Olympics, but should be'. William upon to implement the carbon credit system even managed a few jumps on a pogo stick at on major TNCs (Transnational Companies), the beginning of his speech! The judges which would allow market mechanisms to made them runners-up in theír category, reduce greenhouse gas emissions through saying it was a very close-run thing. We the money medium. agreed, but thought they deserved to have won. Gary Gibbon and the judges were so impressed by Ed Collins’s clear, controlled Our senior team consisted of Henry Farmer, and convincing delivery of his proposals that ably assisted by Sophie McGannan and he won the award for outstanding delegate. Anton Evans, speaking about the relevance - or otherwise - of chivalry today. This able trio The model UN is now an annual event and thoroughly trounced the opposing teams to is much anticipated by Sutton Valence pupils emerge as victors. They will now progress to who have been honing their debating skills the southern counties' round and after that, during the School’s public speaking and if all goes well, they could be heading to debating House Competitions and in the Wales for the national final. Rotary Youth Speaks competition this term.

March 2012 3 Pinocchio

At the end of last half term, Years 3 and 4 put on two spectacular performances of Pinocchio in the Bates Hall. In the afternoon of Tuesday 7th February, the cast had the chance to hone their acting and singing skills in front of the whole School, in preparation for the big event on Wednesday evening.

An excited audience of parents and older siblings were treated to a fantastic spectacle with donkeys, ballerinas, soldiers, jack-in-the- boxes and policemen all playing their parts alongside the main characters. With colourful and very professional costumes, made by Mrs McNama and Mrs Sagrott, the cast brought alive the traditional tale of the little puppet who dreamed of being a boy and whose nose grew every time he told a lie. With so many outstanding performances it would be unfair to single any one out, so well done everyone, it was a fantastic production.

4 Sutton Views March 2012 5 Senior School Charlie Gellett (Fourth Form), won a silver medal at the South East qualifier of the Highlights British Youth Fencing Championships at Eltham College at the beginning of February. Max Harrison competed in the Champions of Tomorrow ballroom competition in Katie Vernon (Fifth Form) is through to the Blackpool. In his category, he came first for elimination rounds of the final of the Mid Latin. Kent Young Musician of the Year – best of luck to her. The following boys have been selected for the Kent County Cricket Club winter training Megan Gerrard (Upper Sixth), has gained squads: her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Under 17 Harry Bee and Harrison Wells The Judo team competed in the Under 14 Joseph Deveson Independent Schools Boys’ Judo Under 12 Tom Lazarides competition recently. The team of Praag Dogra, Tom Lucas, Adetoun Owolabi, a Anna Baker, Fourth Form, after a long yellow belt who won Silver and Joshua selection process, has been selected to play Aucaamp, an orange belt who won Gold, in the U16 England Hockey squad. Anna had a long day and had to work hard in their travelled to Cardiff during half-term to play groups. All represented the School with against Wales, where she scored two goals in pride and aplomb, well done. England's 5 - 0 victory. An excellent debut! A big thank you to all those who collected and brought in their pennies for the Penny Race. The event raised £224.83, which will buy 5 bicycles for the girls at The Nishay School in India.

Kent Schools Athletic Association has selected James Bryant, Upper Sixth, to represent the county in the England Schools Cross Country Championships as a result of his showing in the National Cross Country Championships at Parliament Hill. He ran in the U20 category and finished the 10km run in 72nd place out of 200. Well done!

The Fives team took a trip to this half term. No sooner had the match begun, than Tonbridge became painfully aware of the hubris of fielding a ‘B’ team against such seasoned and dexterous

6 Sutton Views opposition. The Sutton Valence team started College Canterbury. An incredible 122 goals as they meant to go on, securing convincing were scored in 120 minutes of play. victories in all four singles matches. Next came the doubles, in which the first pair of Joseph Leale-Green and Emily Royer displayed admirable teamwork in defeating their opponents. The second pair of Oliver Aucamp and Joshua Pembrook were business-like in their dismantling of both Tongridge’s pairs.

Altogether, Sutton Valence won the match by 132 points to 39, without conceding a single game. Man of the Match was Oliver Aucamp who won his singles game by 11 However, not to be outdone, the U12 team points to love and produced some highly won the Weald of Kent Tournament on 28th memorable shots. February. In the preliminary rounds they shone with wins against Hillview, Tonbridge Netball Girls , Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar School and the Weald of Kent The U15 Netball team have been the sport Grammar School. Finishing top of their group stars of the term! Undefeated in every they went on to beat TWGGS B team in the fixture, they have now gone on to win the semi- final. They then faced TWGGS A team Benenden Tournament. They played against again in a nail-biting final. With a draw on schools larger than Sutton Valence and, the scorecard at full time the game was traditionally, stronger, but the scores speak decided by sudden death Golden Goal. for themselves: 16-16 against King’s Captain Emelia Hollingsworth sealed the Canterbury, 34-4 against St Bede’s, 25-12 victory with a terrific shot! against Benenden and 47-2 against Kent

March 2012 7 Little Voices Raise The Roof!

The Prep School played host to more than Mrs Heaton said, “The children worked 160 visiting children for their extremely hard to tackle some challenging annual Singing Day on Tuesday 13th March. material in a very short time. I was delighted The combined voices delighted parents and with their response and with the polished teachers alike during the day’s singing tuition and expressive performance they gave in the and concert finale. concert.”

Proud parents filled the School’s Bates Hall Music plays a very important role in life at to hear the impressive results of an the Prep School and singing is an important afternoon’s coaching from Head of Music, part of the curriculum. All children are Mrs Wendy Heaton. encouraged to sing, play and perform, both by themselves and with others. Children in Years 3 and 4 from eight schools in the area joined our Mrs Heaton said, “We believe that music Junior Choir to learn some top singing is for everyone. At every stage we aim to techniques, before they all delivered a grand engender enjoyment of music, whilst concert to parents and teachers at the end developing skills and building confidence.” of the afternoon.

8 Sutton Views Girls are Clear Winners in Kent U18 Schools Rugby 7s

Our Girls Rugby Squad was delighted with 20 - 5. The following game, against a their win in the Kent Schools Rugby 7s U18 Mascalls side that contained a Kent player, tournament on Monday 5th March, hosted saw them win by an impressive margin of 39 by . The 'round robin' - 0. In their toughest challenge, they then tournament was between Benenden, faced last year's champions, Mascalls School, Maidstone Grammar, The but after a well-fought battle Sutton Valence Judd and Sutton Valence. girls came out 12 - 5 winners.

The squad of Amy Wombwell (Captain), Lindsay Mitchell said, "I am so pleased for Amy Baxter, Emma Baxter, Lauren Cansick, the girls. They have all worked hard in Hannah Davies, Nanki Dogra, Kaya Jago, training and throughout the competition Phoebe Fryer, Betsy Nally, Sophia Schultz, showed commitment and great teamwork. Marie Schobinger and Sophie Taylor have Their victory was thoroughly deserved." been training with Lindsay Mitchell, Maths teacher and Jacques Van Vuuren, 2nd XV Unfortunately for Maidstone Grammar an coach, since September, but this is the injury prevented their final match against highlight of the season so far. Benenden being played, but Sutton Valence came through as clear winners, being the In the competition, Sutton Valence's first only team that was unbeaten. game was against , who in their first match had posted Four days later, the Senior School hosted an impressive victory over Benenden, our U10 Prep School Rugby 7s, now in its however this did not deter the girls who won second successful year. With fourteen

March 2012 9 schools taking part, including our Prep by the standard of play”, he said. “Today’s School, it was a busy day of coaching and performances were no less commendable match play. and, in fact, we saw some outstanding tackling and tactical play, particularly from Our rugby coaches and referees were out Freddie North, Wellesley House, who was in force, along with members of the 1st XV, our ‘Man of the Tournament’. all under the direction of Phil Smith, Director of Rugby, who had organised the day. In the end St Michael’s, Otford, ran out worthy winners at the end of a tightly fought “Since joining the School in September, I match against The New Beacon, last year’s have refereed at several prep school winners. tournaments and have been very impressed

Kit Car year’s group unveiled the car to the School and Mr Froud, who was delighted to take a Some years ago, David Froud, who then drive in it. had four grandchildren at the School, generously donated a sum of money to It was always the intention to sell the car enable the School to buy a kit car. to fund the purchase of another for future engineering students to work on, but with Housed in the garage down by Lambe’s, a work still to be done on the electrics this may succession of budding engineers and car not be possible for some time. In the enthusiasts worked on the car in their meantime, over 20 boys and girls have Activities time. Finally, at the end of the gained valuable engineering skills and a lot , Mr Wesselink and this of fun bringing the car to life.

10 Sutton Views Primary Hockey Festival

One hundred children, in ten teams, from Stubbings (Hockey coach), Sutton Valence eight primary schools and the Prep School Hockey Club and Prep School sports staff, the plus twelve coaches and umpires and children were moved around twelve training SVPSPA arrived at the Prep School on Friday stations where they were shown how they 16th March for the Hockey Festival. could improve their skills.

Will Fuller, Head of Boys Games, had Using both Astropitches there followed an organised a fun-packed afternoon for the enthusiastically and well-fought series of children with coaching sessions followed by matches, fuelled by refreshments kindly a tournament. Using expertise from the provided by the parents’ association which Senior School, including ex-GB player and ended with the Prep School as the eventual Head of Hockey, Dave Mathews and Diccon winners.

March 2012 11 The Independent Curriculum for Independent Thinkers

Sutton Valence Preparatory School is one repeating what they have been taught, but of the first independent schools in Kent to truly understanding it. introduce the Independent Curriculum for Years 3-6. The Independent Curriculum (IC), It is this key difference which sets the IC which was launched in September 2011, apart from the traditional curriculum as all offers a new programme of learning, three areas of discovering, applying and whereby children go through the steps of communicating are given equal emphasis applying knowledge, understanding and within the classroom. Previously, more being able to communicate it, not simply emphasis was placed on the discovering

12 Sutton Views element and this did not provide the Saracens debut essential platform for pupils to become the independent thinkers, which is so important win! in today’s workplace and society in general. There is a requirement for all schools today Congratulations to Nathan Earle to better prepare their pupils for the next (Groves 2011), who left us at the end stage in their education journey. of Fifth Form in 2010. His nine minute first team debut for Saracens ended in Not only does the IC encourage higher a 41-14 win over Worcester Warriors in order thinking, but it is genuinely cross- the LV=Cup on January 29 2012. He curricular and provides a relevant toolkit of then started in the No. 14 jersey on his transferable skills for the children. For England U18 debut against France at example, the child who is confident and has Fylde in late February this year. the ability to create a pie chart in their Maths lesson also independently understands the Nathan also played hockey and was same technique can be used in their in the U16 team which won the Kent Geography work too. Schools Championship. But rugby has always been his first love and he left Furthermore, by developing and instilling Sutton Valence to join the Rugby AASE independent thinking into the pupils, it programme at Oaklands College, St allows those who may not naturally be ‘top Albans, where he is studying A-level thinkers’ to develop that skill, to become history, psychology and PE with a view more confident and to think broadly and to going on to university. outside of the box.

Claire Corkran, Deputy Head, was delighted to be asked to contribute to the Independent Curriculum and has written all of the content for the area of PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education. “At the Prep School” she said, “we have been using aspects to enhance our teaching and learning. English, PSHE and RE planning is now closely linked with the IC and other subjects will follow soon.”

“The IC fits so well with the ethos of our School, an environment where we aim to provide children with creative, inspiring learning experiences as well as preparing them for life beyond school,” Claire concluded.

March 2012 13 Cadet hits the high notes

Our very special congratulations to James Aburn who, after being selected to attend the Band Camp at RAF Cranwell, has been asked to join the Air Cadets National Concert Band. Not only did he perform in the final concert performance before high ranking RAF Officers and their guests, but he also won the highest award for the course, the Golden Lyre. James is pictured here with the badge on his arm.

'Help for Heroes' Charity Day

Pupils at the Prep School were asked to There was no shortage of nurses, soldiers, dress up at the beginning of March as a real vets, firemen and police officers at the School life hero, as part of our Help for Heroes today. We even had a guest appearance from Charity Day. All the children (and staff too!) The Queen and one of her Corgis. made a great effort with their costumes.

14 Sutton Views St Dunstan’s Final Challenge

For the second year running, Sutton Simon travels the country on behalf of St Valence School CCF has seen off cadet Dunstan’s and has undertaken several groups from all over the country to win the St expeditions to raise awareness of the Dunstan’s Challenge Trophy. The organisation, including twice crossing Costa competition involved a team of 10 cadets Rica through the jungle and walking across from Third Form (year 9) to Upper Sixth the Sahara Desert. Whilst in Iraq, he served (year 13) taking part in a 25 kilometre night with the School’s new Adjutant, Major Prem walk, for which they had to gain sponsorship. Ale, a Gurkha formerly of 36 Engineer, Sutton Valence CCF beat Huddersfield ACF Maidstone. by securing £1700 for the walk. This will be the final St Dunstan’s The trophy was presented to the Cadets Challenge as a new competition will be by Simon Brown, seen in the middle of the started next year when St Dunstan’s change front row of the picture. Simon was shot by their name to Blind Vets UK. a sniper in Iraq, while serving with his engineering regiment.

March 2012 15 Head of School, Lucy Baxter Headmaster's Assembly beginning of term

I decided over my holidays not to preach to you about working hard to reach the best of your ability, or finding the right balance between work and play because I know and we all know that our parents and our teachers will remind us of it throughout the year – ad infinitum!

Instead I want to quote Latin – ‘Carpe Diem’ - this is from a poem written by Horace in the 1st Century and it translates as ‘seize the day’. I interpret it to mean taking every opportunity as it is presented to you, for I often find myself worrying: worrying example not only the amazing trips that SV about exams coming up, or even worrying offers, but the sport, music and CCF to name about this speech, as my sisters will tell you, just a few. but we can’t waste our days worrying about the future because ‘Today’s trouble is Try saying ‘Yes’ and take a risk. Last term enough for today’. I thought I had taken too much of a risk agreeing to be involved in Sweet Charity Of course if you want wonderful results - while juggling other commitments, but the work hard, but then don’t waste your spare end result was definitely worth it and I got a time complaining about how busy you are splendid sense of achievement. It might because that defeats the object. Instead fill make you anxious, or scared, but sometimes it. Fill it with interests that you enjoy, the hardest routes lead to the best results something that you find fun. Therefore, I ask and give you the greatest pleasures. It’s all you all to make this the year that you live for very well working hard and achieving the moment, maybe go a little crazy, like stupendous exam results, but what kind of George Hughes did when he cycled from person are you beneath those grades? John O’Groats to Land’s End. That seems a little crazy to me, as it’s not something we Perhaps your lives are already jam-packed could all do in hurry! And don’t end the day full of exhilarating hobbies: maybe you rock with regrets, because once the day is gone climb in the Himalayas, play the violin for a you will never get it back. famous orchestra, or maybe you just socialise with a few friends on the weekend. But these I would like to finish with a quote from a are things you hopefully enjoy doing and DreamWorks’s cartoon classic, Kungfu don’t involve work that you begrudge, and Panda , ‘Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a this will influence the person you are and mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is want to become. called the present.’

16 Sutton Views