Edition 50 December 2011 SUTTON VIEWS The Voice of Sutton Valence School
Primary Orchard Run
Senior School Highlights Page 5
Mr Wolfman saves the day Page 8
Sweet Charity Page 14
On a foggy November day, 300 children from local primary schools converged on the Preparatory School to
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 2011 1 Continued from front page
compete in the inaugural ‘Orchard Run’ cross could have seen the finish line, if it wasn’t for country event. the fog! By the time they had gone around the football pitches and netball courts to the Hollingbourne, Brunswick House, finish, they had run a long and muddy mile. Bredhurst, Smarden, Egerton and Pluckley Primary Schools, along with the Prep School Mr Will Fuller, Head of Boys’ Games, said, all fielded teams from Years 3 to 6. There “All the children did extremely well, despite were some very creditable individual times, the conditions. The supporters had a great but in the final reckoning the Prep School time cheering them on to the finish. It was a were team winners. fantastic start to the cross country season, with a sense of pride and achievement for all The boys and girls from each group ran the children. The day went very smoothly, together, starting from the School’s sports though we did have to wait a long time for field and going up the hill into the orchard. two competitors to come home; apparently Running through and around the orchard they had found the apples in the orchard too and back to the top of the field, where they tempting to pass by!”
2 Sutton Views London exhibition for budding School artists
Eight of our students were selected to have includes schools from both the independent their work displayed in the prestigious SW1 and state comprehensive sectors, who work Gallery in London for the fifth annual together to bring to the gallery work of a Foundation Art Exhibition. The schools of surprisingly high standard. So high, in fact, the combined trust of The Grey Coat that the event has on many previous Hospital Schools Foundation and United occasions been mistaken for a mixed show Westminster Schools use this occasion to by professional artists!” showcase the best work of the five schools supported by the trust: Queen Anne’s, The Sutton Valence School contribution Caversham; Emanuel School, Grey Coat was formed from paintings by Hannah Hospital School and Westminster City Bateman and Claudia Chiappini, who left in School, all in London and Sutton Valence the summer, Charlotte McVarish, Cal School. Summers, Ben Woodmansee and Hannah Royer, all Upper Sixth and Luke Easter and Manager of SW1, Owen Ward, himself a Anastasia Toynbee, both Lower Sixth. talented artist and who previously worked at Sutton Valence, said, “The combined trust
December 2011 3 Nick Gorman, Head of Art, was delighted with the opening night, saying “The exhibition offers students, who are the potential artists and designers of the future, a unique opportunity to present their work to the public in a prestigious gallery in central London. It gives them a chance to experience the excitement of showing their work in a professional context, with the added possibility of selling to the public!”
Prep School has new Director of Studies
Richard Johnson, Head of the Prep School, “and work to ensure that standards continue is delighted to be able to announce that to rise. Any improvements we make should Rachel Harrison is joining the Senior not be apparent to the children, but should Management Team as Director of Studies. be evident in the way they move through the “Rachel”, he said, “is a great asset and will School exceeding their expectations of bring a different perspective to what is themselves. I want to engage their curiosity already a strong team. As a parent of two and instil in them a love of learning so that children going through the School, she they leave us with confident independence.” greatly values what happens here, but as an experienced teacher she has insights into how we can make our teaching and learning even better.
Rachel has been at the Prep School for eight years, having previously taught at Hunton Primary School. She is married to an Old Suttonian and, coming from a teaching family, has always known this is what she wanted to do.
“I hope that I can help the School build on its incredibly strong base”, she said,
4 Sutton Views Senior School Highlights this term
Congratulations to: James Aburn , Lower Sixth, who won the Hugo Pearson-Wood , Lower Sixth, who youth category in the British Championships has been picked for the UK Tetrathlon team; for artistic roller-skating and was then at 17 the youngest by over four years; selected for the Cup of Europe;
Richard Cantillon , Fifth Form, for Malcon Chen had his photograph selected achieving his Master Scuba Diving for the finalists of Photographer’s Forum qualification; the highest one can attain at Annual Spring Photography Contest. Only U18; 10% of the 1400 entries were selected;
Annabelle Blake and Charles Court , Emily Royer , Fifth Form, who, in addition Second Form, passed Grade 1 Theory of to playing County Junior and Ladies golf, has Music with Distinction. Laura Horley , First been invited to join the England Girls squad; Form, passed Grade 4 Trumpet. Jessica Grindlay , Second Form, passed Grade 5 Cristina Paca , who left in the summer, Theory of Music with Distinction. Emily gained the highest mark in the UK for A Vernon , Third Form, passed Grade 6 Level Psychology, winning the British Clarinet with Distinction and Joshua Psychology Society’s prize; Greaves , Upper Sixth, passed Grade 7 Piano; Katie Latter , Emily Vernon , Georgie Ben Crossley and George Poland , Fifth Ridge , Sasha van Diepen , Evie Barclay and Form, who have been selected for Kent U16 Stephanie Weir , Third Form, who were Rugby; AEGON Team Tennis Division 2 Winners;
Eddie Bridle , Third Form, who during the summer became the youngest ever competitor to win the Cherub class in the National Sailing Championships (Eddie’s dad is crew!);
Team Goldsworthy (Simon, Upper Sixth, his brother and father) won the Hever Triathlon Relay out of 200 competitors;
Anna Baker , Fourth Form, has been selected for U16 England Hockey trials. She also represents East of England in the U15 Saxon Tigers squad;
Harry Keep , Fifth Form, who, with his
December 2011 5 partner, is currently ranked 10th nationally Crossflags Signals course at Blandford; for U21 Ballroom and Latin and 4th for Youth 10 Dance (Ballroom and Latin); Alex Allsebrook and James Aburn , Lower Sixth, underwent their gliding Andy Thomas , Upper Sixth, who attended scholarship at RAF Kenley and won their the Rocky Mountain Cadet Summer Training silver wings for flying solo. Camp and was awarded Best British Cadet, achieving the highest overall mark for the The Shooting Team, comprised of Miles leadership and challenge activities. He held Sutton (Captain), Tom Latham , Dominic the position of Deputy Commanding Officer Murray and Harry Pawlik won the Falling for the final parade, the highest position a Plate Competition at CADSAM. They were British cadet can hold. As a result, this year the best CCF team and became Divisional he has been invited back as an Instructor! Champions for the third successive year. In addition, Anthony Bromley won best U16 shot and the Gallery Shoot, with Harry Percival winning the Snap Shoot;
Max Harrison who recently achieved the ranking of 11th in Junior Ballroom at the British Nationals;
Peter Bannister , Upper Sixth and member of the U18 and U21 GB Kayak squad, has been confirmed as a bearer for the Olympic Callum Mathieson who won Ballroom Flame on its journey from Deal to Maidstone. and Latin Solo classes at the National ISTD Finals and then came fourth in Ballroom couples and second in Latin couples;
U16 Girls Indoor Hockey team won the County Final;
James Marriott , Upper Sixth, who has gained a Choral Scholarship to Portsmouth Cathedral;
Oliver Aucamp and Guy Thomas , Fourth Form, who passed their
6 Sutton Views Bisley 2011
Magical day for Year 1
On Wednesday 12th October Year 1 went Packed lunches were happily consumed on their outing to the Enchanted Forest at and then it was up to the top of the hill to Groombridge Place. We walked alongside creep up on the Indians and discover the a magical stream with trees lining the fort above the Indian Spirit! On our way paths. The children discovered faces on back downhill we tried very hard to keep some of the trees. Those who had been quiet so that we would see some fairies and before remarked that they were not on the the owners of the tiny doors to houses on same trees and that the faces moved. Katy the side of the lake. thought that the trees listened and heard us coming and let each other know to be still. It was an amazing adventure, made even more magical when a deer bounded We crept into an opening in the woods across our path; the perfect ending to a with an adventure walkway and discovered wonderful day. skeletons and skulls and various types of boats. Dragons and pterodactyls guarded Chris Lovelace the ponds and dinosaur bones littered the ground.
December 2011 7 Mr Wolfman saves the day!
Henry Hankin, Year 4, has always loved art and all aspects of drawing. During half term Henry entered a competition in The Times (for under 16s!) to draw an imaginary comic superhero. In a twist on Little Red Riding Hood story, Henry created a wolf superhero who, instead of eating the little girl, protected her from an evil Granny!
Henry’s cartoon showed four pages of a story starting with Red Riding Hood being sent to see her Granny by her mother. In the woods, she met the Wolfman who warned her about the Granny’s evil intent to eat her, but Red Riding Hood didn’t believe him. Luckily for her, Wolfman followed her and saved her
from being eaten by wrapping Granny’s mouth with super sellotape!
“I really like Mr Wolfman”, said Henry. “He’s a real man, but when people are in trouble he comes out of his sewer as a wolf superhero to help them.”
There were hundreds of entries, but only four winners, of which Henry was one. His prize was an afternoon’s drawing masterclass in London with renowned cartoonist, Kev Hopgood, who draws for Marvel comics. The whole family went up to London at the end of half term and Henry had a truly wonderful time drawing with an expert.
8 Sutton Views Duke of Edinburgh boosts employability
It is becoming clear that a good set of A communication, confidence, consideration Levels may not be enough to secure a place and the ability to learn. But what is at university, or indeed a job. Even with interesting is, that when asked what they fantastic GCSE grades, it would be unwise to considered to be the most important activity rely on results alone; pupils need to make undertaken in school which delivered these sure that they stand out in as many other skills, the overwhelming first choice was the ways as possible. It would be prudent then Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. to enter Sixth Form showing involvement in aspects of school life which foster attributes Sutton Valence has long valued the that universities and employers say make a benefits of the D of E programme. The positive difference in the selection process. challenges that pupils face, the adventure and fun they have along the way to gaining Demonstrating that pupils have embarked each of the three levels not only gives them upon a course of ‘life skills’ development valuable skills and a perspective on life that activities could make the difference between is attractive to future universities and them getting their preferred university place, employers, but enriches their learning in the or later, that all important job interview. classroom and therefore their results.
So what are these attributes and Glen Millbery, Director of ICT, who co- characteristics that are so valued as key ordinates the scheme said, “We are very determinants by employers? Those that fortunate to have an extraordinarily were rated most highly in a recent survey of successful Duke of Edinburgh section at major employers were not surprisingly: Sutton Valence. 160 pupils are registered, leadership, teamwork, self-motivation,
December 2011 9 many of whom are also in the CCF, where Adding Value – activities complement the requirements of the D of E Awards. At a recent Headmaster’s dispelling the myth Assembly, Mr Grindlay was delighted to hand out 13 certificates, which brought the Sutton Valence has a justifiably totals for this term alone to 19 Bronze, 8 excellent reputation for its co-curricular Silver and 2 Gold Awards. We are looking programme, but perhaps wasn’t quite so forward to a record year!” well known for its academic achievements. Whilst it is true that we have a broad intake, making it difficult for us to compete with more selective Boys beat girls in schools, we must not forget that a community is made up from a diverse the 11+ group of individuals. We know that one of our greatest strengths is to add value Year 6 pupils celebrated their best to a pupil’s exam grades, whatever their ever results in the Kent 11+ test this ability and we value all of our community term. 46% of the year group passed and happily admit that every one of us (the Kent average is 25%), with an has strengths and weaknesses. average mark of 401; 11% better than the pass mark of 360. This year has seen our value-added data (compiled by Durham University) The highest achievement came from reach new heights. For example, at A four of the 22 pupils who took the test, Level each pupil gained on average a who all gained maximum points. They significantly higher grade for every were: Michael Mahoney, Keiran subject they sat. This means that, if our Stephens, Rebecca Mumford, and pupils put in the effort, they will be Tamsin Potter. rewarded with better results than they were predicted to get when they joined Richard Johnson, Head, said, us. This allowed students to gain places “Contrary to national concerns about at some of our country’s top universities: girls outperforming boys in exams, our Cambridge, Imperial College, Bristol and results do not reflect this. Indeed, this Sheffield to name but a few. year, the top scores were achieved equally by boys and girls, with the girls’ These recent figures put Sutton average pass mark being 397, against Valence in the top 21% of all schools, for 406 for the boys; comfortably above those subjects we offer at A Level; an the threshold for some of the most extraordinarily, complimentary position selective grammar schools. I am for a school with pupils of mixed ability. If delighted that our pupils have been all can do better by being part of Sutton able to achieve such fantastic results; Valence, then the School is providing a well done!” first-rate education.
10 Sutton Views Tea and Coffee for all!
Break time has become a more pleasurable experience this term for our Sixth Form students. A significant legacy from an Old Suttonian has meant that the old tuck shop could be renovated into a café to rival any on the high street.
Development Manager, Helen Knott, said, “Tom Chastain attended Sutton Valence for only one year, in 1954, coming here from the USA as an ESU student. In later life, he The café is furnished with leather sofas and became a rancher and investor and was co-ordinating bistro tables and chairs, with heavily involved in his family’s charitable art by pupils on the walls. The state-of-the- foundation. Tom had many happy memories art coffee machine grinds fresh beans to of the School and the friends he made and make anything from espresso to latté. having no surviving family wanted Sutton Although staffed by the School catering Valence to benefit from his will. In TC’s we department, the students help run the café. have been able to create a calm, comfortable space where Sixth Formers can relax and At the opening ceremony, performed by socialise over newspapers and a cup of John Evans, President of the Old Suttonian coffee and parents can meet for match teas. Association, Marcus Newman, Head of It will be a lasting tribute to Tom and his School said, “The café is packed every break generous gift to the School.” time. We are very lucky to have such a great place to meet our friends.”
December 2011 11 Circus comes to Prep!
On Friday 7th October, Mylo the clown came to visit the Reception children! Our topic this half term has been ‘The Circus’ and we have been learning about all of the different things which happen in the Big Top.
Mylo began the day with a whole school assembly, demonstrating his amazing circus skills to a very entertained crowd!
During the day there were workshops with each Reception class where we learnt to balance peacock feathers, spin plates, juggle balls, roll hoops, and much more! When the children were not learning with Mylo, they were very busy making circus masks and hats, and making popcorn! A great day was had by all!
12 Sutton Views Two new faces in the Bursary!
Simon Fowle took up post as Bursar in August this year. Simon, whose role includes acting as finance director and strategic advisor to the Governors, joined from Burgess Hill School for Girls, Sussex where he had been Bursar since 2006.
Educated at Clifton College, Bristol and the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, his previous experience includes 13 years as a serving British army officer, three years as general manager of Oxford University’s department of physics, and senior management posts within the defence and science industries.
He said, “I have been impressed by the School’s solid foundations, both in terms of finance and its plans for the future. The School is clearly well equipped in all aspects with talented teaching and support staff who
only have the pupils’ best interests at heart. The family has been made very welcome, particularly the twins who are really enjoying life at the Prep School.”
At the beginning of term, Julie Vicary joined as Estates Bursar. Julie has worked for twelve years in the field, having held a similar role at Ashford School, but latterly at the Countryside and Land Association headquarters in London.
“I’m delighted to be back in a school environment”, she said. “I really missed working with people at all levels and there is such a feeling of community here. The support staff are some of the best I’ve worked with and from day one, it’s felt like home.”
December 2011 13 Charity is Sweet ‘Very sli ck, from singin dan g and ‘Fantastic’ cing to lightin g and sound’ maturity and talent ‘Huge energy, ‘Great fun’ from the leading characters’ ‘You could have been in the West End’
So said the audience after the opening night of Sweet Charity, the School’s production this term. The cast included pupils from Second Form to Upper Sixth, with some of the leading roles being shared on different nights; such was the talent to choose from.
Andrew Brook, Head of Drama, was delighted with the performances saying, “Sweet Charity’ is not the best known of musicals but it has lots to offer. I chose it for its big dance numbers, male and female lead roles, humorous dialogue and energy. On seeing it again I knew I had to do this show.
14 Sutton Views December 2011 15 16 Sutton Views