Inside Bredon - October 2020

InsideBredon ISSUE ONE | OCTOBER 2020

FEATURED INSIDE:

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Appointments Heads of School

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Extra curriculum day First of the new academic year

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Major refurbishment Improvements to boarding

Welcome from the Headmaster Photo: Pull Court, taken by Emily in Year 11 As Headmaster of Bredon School, I extend a heartfelt welcome to Bredon, whether you are a familiar face returning to school post lockdown or you have joined the Bredon community this term.

I am delighted to be writing to you, the Bredon community, in the first edition of the Bredon Newsletter, a publication that you will receive on a half termly basis. The aim of the newsletter is to provide our community with a chronicled snapshot of life at our school.

It is without doubt that life at Bredon over the last six weeks has been full of industry, activity and adventure.

Pupils have returned to the school environment and to their academic endeavours seamlessly whilst making the most of our extensive activity

programme, trying new things and pushing themselves beyond their own perceived boundaries.

As our school community continues to thrive and go from strength to strength, I am delighted to announce two internal appointments: Mr Rob Starr to Director of Boarding and Miss Gina Lamb as Assistant Head of Sixth Form - congratulations to them both.

Today, we find ourselves heading into the half term break. The weeks seem to fly by and I truly believe that the reason for this is that here at Bredon we don’t stand still, packing so much into each day. I wish you all a happy, healthy break and look forward to welcoming everyone back to school fully rested for another busy half term as we approach the festive season.

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GB Coaching Bredon Shooting Team

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On the farm Welcoming new additions

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Appointment of Heads of School Photo: Adam, Antonia and Luke - new Heads of School

Following a rigorous application process the Headmaster was delighted to appoint Luke W, Adam C and Antonia C as Heads of School for the academic year 2020 / 2021.

Speaking about their appointment the Heads of School commented that

“In our roles as Head Boy (s) and Head Girl we aim to be positive role models for the younger pupils and inspire all pupils to find their passion and embrace every opportunity given to them with enthusiasm and determination.”

School Council Elections Photo: Newly elected member, Miriam M, Year 7

Pupils across the school were invited to apply for a seat on the School Council representing their particular year group. With just two councillors per year group seats on the School Council were hotly contested with pupils ampaigning hard for a vote from their peers. Candidates designed posters, talked to fellow pupils to secure votes whilst having lots of fun in the process!

Following the vote held on Thursday, 8th October the results for School Council 2020/21 were as follows: Year 7

Miriam M and Toby H

Year 8

Jessica W and Reuban S

Year 9

Peter M and Samuel C

Year 10

Billy T and Rhiannon K

Year 11

Eleanor H and Rhys D

Sixth Form Noah W and Mitchell B-S The first meeting will be held on 10th November with Chair of Council shared between the Heads of School - Luke W, Adam C and Antonia C.

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Junior round up Welcoming lots of new faces to the Junior School family and reuniting with some more familiar ones, it was a busy start to the new academic year in the Junior School. Pupils have embraced every opportunity placed in front of them as face to face teaching resumed.

It has been incredible to see the interactive, outdoor and multisensory learning return to pre-lockdown levels.

Pupils have impressed the Junior School teachers with both their literacy and numeracy skills which they developed during the long break from regular education.

With the new academic year comes new roles and responsibilities with the Junior School and we are delighted to announce the following: Junior Head Boy

Freddie S

Junior Head Girl

Rebeccah W

Thomas Sports Captain

Casey R

Jarrett Sports Captain

Charlie V

Sharpe Sports Captain

Amelie N

Thomas House Captain

Etienne P

Jarrett House Captain

Rose G

Sharpe House Captain

Charley A

Despite restrictions on our usual trips and visits, the children have continued to receive a diverse curriculum, with regular trips to the school Farm and Forest School. Having improved the Forest School with the addition of a giant shelter, even the wind and rain won’t keep the children (or the teachers) away!

Photo: Pupuils take a trip to the school farm to weigh out the animals’ food

Making full use of the new Forest School shelter, pupils spent our Extra Curricular Day taking part in treasure hunts and den building before christening the campfire with an opportunity to cook s’mores accompanied by hot chocolate and popcorn.

We now have a group of volcano ‘experts’ in the form of Mrs Dickson’s Geography class whilst our Year 6 scientists have been carrying out a Biology project based on vascular and cardiovascular systems - the pupils particularly enjoyed making their very own blood using marshmallows as the red and white blood cells and polos for platelets! Additionally, each child had the opportunity to watch a live heart dissection and to get hands-on with the different chambers, valves and vessels of a lamb’s heart.

The Junior School held their own House Cross Country with all runners performing excellently, completing the two circuit, two kilometer course. The overall winners were Jarrett House. The winners of the Male and Female categories were Charlie V and Rebeccah W respectively.

And finally, we have been delighted to be able to expand the Junior School team with the addition of Miss Gamble in Year 6 and the more recently appointed Mrs S Dickson who takes over from Mrs L Dickson who will be working from home, working closely with us up until Christmas so that we may benefit from her vast teaching and learning experience.

Photo: Pupils enjoying the new Forest School shelter

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Over the course of the term our Outdoor Education has given each child the chance to conquer the Bredon climbing wall and develop their orienteering skills which we shall build upon as the year progresses.

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Extra Curriculum Day Photo: Year 7 pupils helping out on the allotments

Tuesday 13th October saw our first Extra Curricular Day of the new academic year.

Being extremely lucky to be situated in 84 acres of beautiful Gloucestershire countryside and taking on board the current climate all activities were based on site. Offering an incredible range of activities, staff had to really ‘think outside the box’ ensuring that the day was enjoyed by all.

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... continued Year 7 pupils spent the day with their tutors, cooking ‘spider’ pizzas in our outdoor oven, ending with an afternoon treat of a very tasty home grown, home made crumble. Other year groups worked through a new STEM project, creating bespoke insect houses, to be situated on site. Year 11 continued with the recycling theme and upcycled items to make decorations and gifts. And that is not everything… there was scarecrow building, tractor driving (in the fields!), campfires, mountain biking through obstacle courses and environmental surveys to mention a few!

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A triumphant day was had by all and we look forward to our next Extra Curricular Day on Friday the 4th December which is going to be coordinated and run by our Year 13 Business Studies group. Initial plans submitted look as if it will be a very successful day - further details to follow.

look ahead:

Major boarding refurbishment Photos: A fresh new look for out boarders!

Following the Government announcement that schools in England were to close in March due to COVID-19, work began behind the school gates to ensure that whilst pupils were at home, improvements could be made to their school environment, ready for their return.

Both Tyndale House (Boys) and Stable House (Girls) were completely redecorated, with new flooring and furniture in the bedrooms and common areas.

Mr Starr, Head of Boarding commented “The financial investment into our facilities shows our strong commitment to ongoing improvements in the boarding offering here at Bredon, and feedback from both returning and new parents has been fantastic. More importantly, seeing the reaction of the boarders when they went into their new rooms and common areas made all the hard work worth it.”

Mr Butt, Deputy Head Pastoral and Boarding, added “Our boarding team, along with maintenance and support staff, have worked tirelessly to ensure all our boarders have not just a space in a generic boarding house, but a home they can be proud of.

Our boarding provision is developing at an exponential rate, with our houses buzzing with purpose, fun and happy children.”

Extra Curricular Day: Friday 4th December 2020

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Boarding round up Tyndale

Stable House

Tyndale continues to go from strength to strength. The boys settled into the ‘new normal’ routines swiftly, with friendships starting to form which will continue to flourish throughout their time at Bredon and beyond. With boarders old and new happily mixing, the older pupils have stepped up providing positive role models for the younger generation.

Stable House has had a great half term. The girls have coped well with the ‘new normal’ fantastically. They have grown in confidence, maturity and thrived in boarding.

Impressing the boarding staff, the boys have taken all of the COVID precautions in their stride reacting to changes in a positive manner. Despite a slightly restricted weekend programme, the boys have enjoyed mountain biking within the grounds of the school and tucking into delicious ice creams provided by a local ice cream van. The boys have been exemplary in their attitude and nothing but thankful and polite.

Commenting on the first half of term, Mr Starr said:

“It has been the best start to a year we have had. Resilience and a let’s get on with it attitude has shone through.”

Welcoming the school’s new Mental Health Nurse, Carey to the house on two occasions the girls have enjoyed two workshops, one on friendship and another on anxiety. These sessions have been invaluable to the girls, and we will continue to have them.

Photo: Storytelling evenings with our resident dog Wilf!

Describing Stable House as their second home, the girls love the “new look” accommodation, putting in their personal touches to make it look even better and an even happier place to be part of. The introduction of the photo corridor, full of photos of the girls and their adventures this half term has also proved popular.

In other news from Stable House, the girls had the responsibility of some guinea fowl eggs which are currently warming up in the incubator. With 13 chicks due to hatch on 27th October they will be ready for the girls to look after when they arrive back after half term.

And last but by no means least, the boarding community welcomed three new members of staff at the start of term all of who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the outstanding level of pastoral care that we believe in at Bredon is delivered.

Thank you from the Friends At Bredon School The Friends At Bredon School was established with the aim of providing current parents with a range of opportunities to meet each other socially in informal settings, to share information and to support Bredon School.

The Friends At Bredon School has been well-received and supported by parents over recent years under the leadership of Jill Blakeney, Chair of Friends of Bredon and Mrs Rowe.

Jill and Gayle have worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of events in support of the School, for which we owe her a debt of gratitude.

Going forward and building upon Friends At Bredon School’s strong foundations, the Headmaster’s PA, Rachel Carter together with the School’s marketing office aims to develop a varied calendar of events and initiatives and would welcome any suggestions parents may have.

Photo: Our boarding group photographed during their first week

If there are any parents who would like to get involved, we are looking to nominate a volunteer Parent Representative from each year group who would disseminate information regarding Friends At Bredon School. If this is something that you would like to get involved with please contact Rachel Cartercarterr@bredonschool.co.uk

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Sports Review Photo: Senior rugby practice

With a continued investment in sporting facilities at Bredon, pupils were delighted to return for the Autumn Term to a brand new, state of the art Astro pitch. We immediately took full advantage of the new facility, with many hours of Physical Education taking place on the Astro. Boarding pupils have also been able to use this resource in the evening, thanks to the new floodlights, the shorter day and darker evenings haven’t prevented play!

Pupils have embraced adapted rules and regulations resulting from the COVID pandemic. Year 10 to Year 13 pupils have hit the pitches, playing fields and wider Bredon School campus for rugby, hockey, cycling, walking and clay pigeon shooting, just part of our extensive Wednesday afternoon Sports provision. Similarly, pupils in Year 7 to Year 9 have been taking part in rugby, hockey, climbing and cycling as part of their Thursday afternoon Sports provision.

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In addition, senior rugby players have welcomed the expertise and experience offered by Rob Cook, ex Gloucester and Exeter Chiefs player who has been coaching them throughout the first half of term.

Unable to take part in any fixtures this term, pupils have worked hard to develop their technical skills with some fantastic results. The element of competition has by no means been lost, demonstrated last Thursday when all pupils in Year 7 to Year 9 took part in the fiercely fought Inter-House Cross Country competition. Congratulations to everyone who took part, including Mr Butt, Deputy Head Pastoral and Boarding who also completed the course!

Pupils in Year 10 to Year 13 also took part in the Inter-House Hockey competition on Wednesday 14th October.

SPORT

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GB Coaching from Bredon shooting team Photos: Will Fenner (centre) with members of the school shooting team

On Wednesday 14th October, the Bredon School Shooting team were delighted to welcome Will Fenner, currently European Junior FITASC Sporting Champion and GB team shooter to give them a coaching session.

The progression made by each of our pupils under his guidance in such a short space of time was clearly evident and they gleaned lots of tips and advice from such an accomplished young shooter.

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Bredon School launch farm shop Photos: Upcycling disused items for The Shack’s grand opening

Pupils are delighted to be opening their new business enterprise, located in the Agriculture and Land Based Studies cabin. The Shack will open it’s doors on Friday 16th October from 1pm until 3.30pm.

Pupils have worked incredibly hard over the last few years, networking and building relationships with many local businesses and members of the public, and had planned to launch The Shack to these supporters together with the press.

The COVID pandemic has delayed such a launch but rest assured it will happen when circumstances allow. Undeterred pupils will launch The Shack to a slightly smaller audience to include staff and parents allowing systems, products and pricing to be tested.

As part of the Extra Curricular Day pupils got to work upcycling disused items destined for the skip in order to make ‘The Shack’ ready for its first customers. Pupils were fully engaged turning their hands to painting, drilling, sanding, sawing, constructing and much more. Homemade, upcycled products will be on sale at ‘The Shack’.

All profits will be reinvested with an expansion of product stock and resources as well as a donation to FairShare Southwest who distribute food to the vulnerable, particularly to children.

Complimentary hot drinks and snacks will be available whilst customers browse Christmas gifts all handmade on site with some from external suppliers.

OPEN FROM 16TH OCTOBER 2020 1PM - 3.30PM

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Down on the farm A hive of activity, the school farm has welcomed a number of new residents during the course of the first half of term. Born in September pupils welcomed not one but three litters of piglets who have made themselves at home, keeping staff and pupils on their toes causing mischief escaping from their pens!

When not chasing piglets, pupils have been busy carrying out ewe and ram pre-breeding checks ahead of the rams going out for Tupping, watch this space for our spring lambs! The resident turkeys are growing fatter by the day with the outdoor pen nearing completion with an expectation that they will be able to venture outdoors shortly.

The polytunnel, located within the school allotments has been tidied up and is now ready for action once the weather allows. In addition, Year 11 pupils have been busy helping to repair and maintain perimeter fencing and styles across the campus before they embark on some habitat maintenance in the run up to Christmas. There was much excitement amongst the Sixth Form as they got behind the wheel of the school tractor for a quick lesson prior to going on a tractor obstacle course - all finished the course in good time, well done to them.

As we head into the winter work on the farm continues, with pupils keen to get stuck in they will need to have their wellington boots and outdoor waterproof clothing at the ready - with mud a plenty we can’t guarantee that school shoes will return home clean or that we will be able to dodge those autumnal showers!

Photo: xxxxx

Sixth Form: Leading the school by example Sixth Form students made a positive return school, with new students made to feel welcome by their peers. As a cohort, they have embraced their return to Bredon after a prolonged period away with friendships old and new flourishing.

The start of term saw the opening of the new Sixth Form Centre providing students with a space in which to socialise, the opportunity to learn how to use their less structured times appropriately and supporting in their preparation for life after Bredon be that university or employment. The new air hockey table has proved to be especially popular and is being put to excellent use, harnessing the enthusiasm and competitive element within the group!

Year 13 students have seen an incredibly tense yet extremely rewarding couple of weeks as they endured the process of determining the Heads of School for the current academic year. Students took their time to prepare thoroughly at each stage displaying admirable qualities throughout giving Mr Oldham and Mrs Adams an incredibly difficult time determining the outcome. Mr Oldham was delighted to announce that Luke W, Adam C and Antonia C had been selected as Heads of School during the Sixth Form assembly.

Luke, Adam and Antonia will be supported by a strong team of Senior Prefects and House Prefects.

In the lead up to the half term break the Sixth Form together with students across the school enjoyed being off timetable for our Extra Curricular Day. Engaging in a variety of activities the campus was ‘buzzing’! Sixth Form students took part in a Sixth Form Leadership Day, with many students surprising themselves and the staff, by digging deep and unleashing inner strengths and previously untapped potential. There were undoubtedly challenges in learning to work together and communicating effectively whilst completing both physical and problem-solving activities, but that was one of the objectives. Driving the tractor round an obstacle course and reversing it into a parking space against the clock was one of the highlights!!

Bredon School Pull Court, Bushley Tewkesbury Gloucestershire GL20 6AH T: 01684 293156 E: admissions@bredonschool.co.uk www.bredonschool.org A part of the Cavendish Education Group