March End of Term Newsletter

Dear Families,

The second half of this term has flown by, and the exam year groups in particular have shown tenacity and dedication to their studies, attending clinics and extra revision sessions. We wish them all the best for a thorough revision programme over the holiday. Outside of the classroom, we have seen some excellent Drama exams and practicals, as well as seeing the Senior Choir sing at St Luke’s Church and perform a wonderful concert in Chapel.

We held an incredible Careers Fair, with 23 stands including a number of universities such as UCL and Kent, as well as representatives from a host of different professions – our pupils asked insightful questions and gained a great deal from the experience. We also held our CCF Field Day, which doubled as our contingent inspection. The Inspecting Officer was very complimentary about our pupils in the way that they presented themselves, as well as their positive attitude.

At the National Rosslyn Park 7s competition, both our U16s and our U18s came 2^nd in their pool groups, showing excellent levels of skill and clear development from previous years. The Netball team finished a very creditable 2^nd in their group at the Birley’s tournament and have had a very competitive season.

Additionally, our U16 boys hockey team won the Semi-Final of the Tier 2 Plate competition and are now into the National Final, which is played at the Olympic Park (Lee Valley) on the first day back after the holidays – we wish them the best of luck! Our Boarders enjoyed a trip to the Tower of London over the Exeat and we wish the best of luck to all those going on the Ski Trip to USA.

Many thanks to all of the parent community for your support over the years and I wish you and your families all the best for the future.

Barney Durrant MA

Head of College

Dear Families,

This term has been filled with quality lessons, exciting trips, achievements and special events.

Year 4 enjoyed a trip to Leeds Castle, learning about the importance of castles, whilst Year 3 explored Roman history at Kent Life. The annual House Quizzes (involving Nursery through to Year 6) were a great success, with victory going to Waymouth.

At the Quex Cross Country event, our team delivered fantastic results. Florence achieved a stunning 1st place and Viv secured an impressive 2nd place, with the whole team gaining some impressive placings, competing against over 100 athletes in each race, representing more than 20 local schools.

World Book Day was a colourful celebration, with children dressing up as unicorns, tigers, Harry Potters, skeletons and Mr Men to name just a few.

The Emergency Services visit was another great highlight, with an ambulance, police car and two fire appliances all parked on the Owen for the children to explore and learn about these vital service careers.

Year 4 had great fun during their school sleepover, building independence and very much enjoying the privilege of a large school breakfast.

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) Day brought plenty of excitement as superheroes raced to defeat villains, with our very own Mrs Sims ultimately saving the day.

We are proud to be able to announce that this term we have achieved the Silver Rights Respecting School Award, recognising our commitment to promoting children’s rights. Our children have also been active in improving our local environment, planting over 100 tree saplings in the new forest school area behind South Lodge and taking part in daily litter picks for National Litter Pick Week.

A special thank you to Year 5 and 6 for their entertaining assemblies on Space and English literature— I certainly did not expect to see a love-sick Romeo tumble into our school pool.

Thank you to all who were able to attend our beautiful Easter Service in the College Chapel.

As the term ends, we say a fond farewell to Mrs Sims, thanking her for 12 years of loyalty and kindness. We also wish Mr and Mrs Durrant the best of luck as they begin their new adventure in Abu Dhabi, their whole family will be greatly missed.

It has been a great term, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for the summer term on Wednesday evening for our boarders and Thursday 24 April for our day pupils.

Ellen Rowe, BA (Hons), PGCE, IAPS

Head of Junior School