Issue No 79 11th September 2015

Weekly Newsletter from the Headmaster

Prep 6 enjoying a literacy quiz in Mr Furber’s class

Dear Parents, Last night we celebrated a fantastic year of sport in the Senior School There was a great deal of delighted giggling around the school with another barbeque and the Junior Sports Awards. Master of campus last Friday as boarders enjoyed an evening of Laserquest - ceremonies was Mr Steel who now holds the new position of Director this a very popular event and increasing numbers of day pupils also of Sport. It is clear that he has a number of outstanding young athletes come along to an evening which is aimed at helping our new pupils and ball players under his care and we can look forward to another settle into Shebbear and learn about the campus geography - mostly it successful year. Mr Steel’s new title reflects our desire to break down would seem by hiding behind my hedge and ambushing people. This some of the traditional boundaries (and prejudices) between what was one of several social events within the boarding community at were regarded as boy and girl sports and a clear case in mind is school last weekend and Sunday night ended with a barbeque in the cricket at Shebbear, where most of our teams are stronger for having splendid September sunshine. Another equally successful event was girls involved. Our leading female cricketer is Eloise Maxa who is the Form One team building day at Bude (below) organised by Mrs looking forward to touring South Africa next year with U19s, but who took many wickets last summer for the First Eleven, including four Lovett, where many of our new First Years showed signs of evolving against Truro School. from their terrified looks on the first day. More photos at the end of this newsletter. Staying on the sporting theme, our rugby players kicked off their season against a very large U18 Bideford side last weekend. They showed great spirit against a much more physical team (our team were mostly U17 and U16) who demonstrated the essential truth of Newton’s first law of motion. The match was supported by alarge cross-section of the Shebbear community and it was interesting to note that the coaches of both sides were former pupils.

It was a pleasure this week to hand out a number of music certificates in Chapel to some of our more accomplished musicians. As two of last year’s Upper Sixth move on to study at conservatoires it is interesting to see who might be next - Ben Parker (right) must be well placed having been awarded Grade 8 with Distinction for the alto sax. Ben has spent much of the summer developing his burgeoning jazz career. Simon Weale Issue No 79 11th September 2015

Weekly Newsletter from the Headmaster www.shebbearcollege.co.uk

some serious research all about the Ancient Greeks. I certainly look forward to reading some of their marvellous Myths and Legends all about the Greek Gods and their adventures.

In Prep 5 there is that wonderful calm and organised feel that characterises any of Mrs Partridge’s classes and evidence already that the pupils are stepping into the more responsible roles that will be expected of them throughout the year.

For Year 6 this is of course a very important year as we prepare them for the transition to the Senior School at the end of the year. Judging from how quickly they have settled in and how hard they are already working, I am sure they will achieve great things this year and mirror the wonderful results achieved by their predecessors at the end of last year.

But it was not all work in the Prep School this week as our U11s had their first sports fixtures against St ’s School. However, News from the Prep School because this was the first opportunity for the children to get to know Mr Hilton and Mrs Dinsdale from St Petroc’s, who will be coaching Dear Parents, our U11 Prep School Games this year, this was more of a training The Prep School is certainly in full swing now and with the glorious opportunity than just a fixture. I was lucky enough to sit in onMr weather we have enjoyed this week, our pupils have been involved Hilton’s rugby session and Mrs Johnstone helped out with the in a plethora of activity both in and out of the school buildings. netball. We both agree that our pupils are very fortunate to have such outstanding coaches and I look forward to seeing how their skills develop over the course of the year.

The week ended with Mr Rogers taking assembly, which all our pupils enjoyed, and I don’t think anyone was traumatised by the pictures of spiders he was using as visual aids.

Next week the Prep School is hosting an evening when our parents can come in to see and hear how our new look Prep School is functioning at the start of the year.

Last year I had a meeting with a number of parents from the Year 5 class to discuss a range of issues. The general feeling following that meeting was that it was a valuable exercise and that we should look to repeat this in the future. Next Tuesday evening is an opportunity therefore, for all our class tutors to meet with you and for me to outline some of the changes we have introduced this year. It is not intended to replace the one-to-one Parents’ Evening Meetings that I think it is safe to say that the children have all settled in well to their are scheduled for later in the term. new classes and are quickly getting to know their teachers. The Year It is my hope that as many parents as possible will attend. I am sure 6 pupils, who have had to adjust to some major changes; split tutor that it will be especially beneficial to the parents of new pupils who groups, a rotation for Maths and English in the mornings, and many have just started with us. new subject teachers, appear to have taken it all in their stride. Mike Furber In Pre-Prep 2 Mrs Jones and Mrs Willis-Butcher have already started Next week in the Prep School: to weave their magic and it’s wonderful to walk into their class and see how enthusiastic and engaged all the Year 1 and 2 pupils are. Tuesday 15th September Mind you, how can you not be fascinated when you are learning all 5.15pm - Information Evening for Parents about dinosaurs - what a great start to the year! Friday 18th September Mr Willetts, our newest member of staff, hasn’t stop smiling since U11 Rugby/Netball v (Home) 1.30pm he arrived. He is certainly enjoying getting to know his Year 3 class, Friday 18th September and it’s wonderful for me to have such great support from him with Assembly with Mrs Lovett (Head of Lower School) all the sport we do in the Prep School. I think our pupils believe he is a ‘real sportsman’ rather than the ancient relic in a tracksuit that they had last year! Busy in the Pre-Prep Garden Not only do the children seem to have grown during the holidays but If you get a chance to peer into Mrs Johnstone’s class, you will also the plants certainly have, and not all welcome ones! This week we see just how busy our Prep 4 pupils have been, getting right down to Issue No 79 11th September 2015

Weekly Newsletter from the Headmaster www.shebbearcollege.co.uk

have been busy clearing the front garden of Pyke House as the weeds had taken over completely, leaving no room for the still blooming pots. Next week will be the turn of our own garden, where even the astro-turf can’t keep the unwanted plants at bay.

hot chocolate and cakes in the dining hall to celebrate. On Sunday we enjoyed the beautiful evening with a BBQ, the Chaplain joined us (he is never far from a BBQ), and shared a thought and gave some advice for the upcoming term. It was great to be back together at school and welcome new faces. Jamie Sanders

There has however been one plant that we are all very excited to Memorial Benches see grow, and that is the apple pip planted last term. Hopefully it will On campus we have a row continue to thrive although time will tell if it will produce anything edible! of granite benches which Jacqueline Biddlecombe are now becoming known as our memorial benches. Saxophone Success The initial idea came from This summer Ben Parker has continued to represent Shebbear as a the wish to recognize the member of Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra (DYJO). As their Baritone Sax contribution of a very long player he performed at the National Festival for Youth finals in Birmingham serving governor - David Town Hall where the band won the Innovation Award. He went on tour to Haley. Serbia with the band, performing at the Nisville Jazz Festival. The benches are being used to remember members of the immediate college community who have passed away during their time with us, or immediately after leaving .

Over the summer break we were able to add three other members of our community who sadly passed away during their time with us. They were:

Joel Horne 1985 - 2003 Ben was also delighted to be awarded a Distinction in his recent Matthew Mason 1977 - 1994 Grade 8 ABRSM Saxophone exam. As a member of DYJO, Ben is Jane Wickett 1956 - 2014 now looking forward to his next gig, the Schools Prom at the Royal The names of Jon Colpus and Sue Clarke were also added last year. Albert Hall in November. Well done Ben, we wish him all the best in future performances. Life Beyond 18 Following on from last year’s very successful careers morning ‘Life Boarders Lazer Quest Excitement Beyond 18’ we are in the process of organising next year’s event. Last Friday our boarding community came together to enjoy an We would like to invite speakers from many different career fields to evening of lazer games. The students were split into teams and had to come in for the morning and talk to our Fifth and Sixth Forms. The act out a variety of scenarios within their teams. This was followed by date will be Thursday 15th October 2015. If you think you may be Issue No 79 11th September 2015

Weekly Newsletter from the Headmaster www.shebbearcollege.co.uk interested or know anyone who could give us a morning of their time, What’s on ... please get in touch. Please email Judith Aliberti at [email protected] Saturday 12th September 11.00am Girls’ Hockey (11 a-side) 1st XI v Mount Kelly (A) 11.00am Girls’ Hockey (11 a-side) U14, 15 v Mount Kelly (H ) 12 noon Girls’ Hockey (7 a-side) U12, U13 v Mount Kelly (A) JS

Monday 14th September Form Five English GCSE Controlled Assessment (all week) 3.45pm Rugby U14 v (H) House Chapel Relay Girls 6.00pm Lower 6th Parents’ Introductory Evening, Assembly Hall

Tuesday 15th September 9.00am - 1.00pm Author visit: Andy Briggs (Appledore Book Festival) 9.00am - 12.00noon A Level Business Studies Trip to Bott OSA Rugby Report Engineering, Bude 4.00pm Girls’ Hockey U15 v Budehaven (H) On Saturday, with Grenville Old Boys pulling out at the last moment, 6.00pm Form One Parents’ Introductory Meeting, Assembly Hall a squad of Old Shebbearians were divided by age into two very competitive sides of nine players, playing four seven minute quarters Wednesday 16th September with the experienced (some might say veteran) Bob Barnes taking 10.45am - 11.15am NCS presentations to Form Five and Lower charge with the whistle. Sixth The game got off at a furious pace which could quite clearly not be 3.30pm Girls’ Hockey U13 (7-a-side) v Holsworthy School (H) sustained! The younger side took the lead early on with a try from 6.00pm Form Four Parents’ Introductory Meeting, Assembly Hall Sean Clark, before the pace and strength of Lewis Seaton put the ‘oldies’ in front before half time. Thursday 17th September 2.00pm Rugby Festival (H) The second half, though still fiercely competitive, was played at a 9.00am - 7.00pm ‘Much Ado about Nothing’, Minack Theatre noticeably slower pace, and the experience of the older Shebbearians proved to be crucial as they ran out comfortable winners - even Mr Friday 18th September Sanders, the 1st team rugby coach, managing to hold on to a pass to Form Five Futurewise Profiling / Lower Sixth catch-ups (all day) score under the posts. Saturday 19th September OSA Under 23’s: George Daniel, Sean Clark, Joe Gobara, Emilio Rugby 1st XV, U13 XIII v School ‘B’ (A) Aliberti, George Bone, Seb Hockridge, Bailey Ward, Dickie Dymond. Rugby U14, U12 XIII v ‘B’ (H) Rugby U15 v Exeter School ‘A’ (H) OSA Over 23’s: James Marshall, James Adams, Timmy Ames, Lewis Seaton, Craig Milburn, Jack Horwell, Brown Cardoo, James Scott, Monday 21st September Guy Cologne Brooks, Jamie Sanders. 8.45am - 12.30pm Forms Five and L6 Futurewise Profiling Later the same day our 1st XV played Bideford Colts at Bideford 6.00pm Form Five Parents’ Introductory Meeting, Assembly Hall Rugby Club as part of an event sponsored by the College. Tuesday 22nd September Form Three Theatre Royal Backstage Tour 2.30pm Football ISFA U15v St Joseph’s (H) 3.30pm Girls’ Hockey U13/14 (9 a side) v Holsworthy School (A)

Wednesday 23rd September 3.00pm Rugby U13 v Exeter (H) 3.30pm Girls’ Hockey U13/14 (9 a side) v Holsworthy School (A)

Thursday 24th September Girls’ Hockey U16 ND Tournament at West Bucks and Park (A) Handball U13 Development Day, Kingsley (A) 5.15pm U6 Parent Teacher Evening, Assembly Hall 6.00pm Inter-House Surfing Competition, Widemouth Bay Issue No 79 11th September 2015

Weekly Newsletter from the Headmaster www.shebbearcollege.co.uk

Friday 25th September Friday October 9th - Grand Bicentenary Celebration 10.50am - 11.30am Macmillan Coffee morning Tea from 5.00 pm - 6.30 pm, 7.00 pm - Gala Concert with Shebbear 2.30pm Football ISFA U13 Cup v Truro (A) College Music Group, Newton St. Petrock Male Voice Choir and Torrington Drama Group. Advance Notice The Speaker will be Rev. Steve Wild, President of the Methodist On Wednesday 7th October at 6.00pm in the Assembly Hall, Vicki Conference. We are hoping that The President will be present during MacDonald will be coming to do a presentation to Form 5 students and the day for the Shebbear College Morning Assembly. parents about A Levels entitled ‘Form Five A Level Subject Information Evening’. From Sunday October 4th - 9th there will be an exhibition at Lake Chapel of the History of the Bible Christian Church and ‘Shebbear Please try and attend this event as it will be extremely helpful and in the early 1800s’. We trust that this event will be of interest to informative at this time of such changes to the present A Level Shebbearians both old and new. structure. If you have any queries, please contact Judith Aliberti at: Ted Lott [email protected]

Celebrating the Bicentenary of the Bible Christian Society The beginning of October will be the time of celebration of the meeting in Lake Farm Kitchen on October 9th 1815 which led to the formation of the Bible Christian Arminian Society, eventually to become part of the Methodist Church, and during its history leading to many ‘local’ people taking ‘Shebbear’ to the ‘uttermost parts of the world’. The programme of events will include the following: Sunday October 4th at 11.00am - United Harvest Thanksgiving at Lake Chapel. The Worship will be led by Andrew Friend, President of the Old Shebbearians’ Association. Tuesday October 6th at 2.00 pm - Shebbear College Prep School Harvest Celebration, with tea and sale in the School room.

Shebbear 1st XV v Bideford Colts Issue No 79 11th September 2015

Weekly Newsletter from the Headmaster www.shebbearcollege.co.uk

Picture this ... OSA Rugby and 1st XV v Bideford Colts Photos: Naomi Giddy Issue No 79 11th September 2015

Weekly Newsletter from the Headmaster www.shebbearcollege.co.uk

Picture this ... Issue No 79 11th September 2015

Weekly Newsletter from the Headmaster www.shebbearcollege.co.uk

Picture this ... Form 1 Team Building Adventure Day

Shebbear College, Shebbear, Beaworthy, Devon EX21 5HJ Telephone: 01409 282001 Email: [email protected] www.shebbearcollege.co.uk