Newsletter | 15 November 2024
A Note from Our Head
Dear Parents,
My favourite times at Castle Court are when we have the opportunity to come together as a whole school community. It was therefore wonderful to be able to re-establish the Castle Court Bonfire Party on Friday night. We had around 500 people attending this event, which is the biggest event at Castle Court for some time. It gave me such joy to see the delight on the children’s faces and to watch them having so much fun together. Duncan Sowry-House, the Corfe Mullen Councillor and Mayor, who attended the event, sent me a lovely email in which he stated:
‘TheCastleCourtfamilyistrulyinspiring andageminthecrownofCorfeMullen’
I couldn’t agree with him more! I am delighted to announce that through the event we raised a significant amount for the Corfe Mullen Food Bank. The money raised will benefit local families who are struggling at this time. I wanted to say a personal thank you for all your support on the night and for the kind comments and feedback you have given me. It really has meant so much.
On Monday, we gathered again as a whole school community to mark Armistice Day. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, staff and pupils (from Nursery to Year 8) stood in silence to honour and remember the countless individuals who have served and sacrificed their lives in the name of peace and freedom. As members of the school community laid their poppy crosses round the flagpole, I was struck by the powerful message of both of these symbols: that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and the promise of new life.
Today, we enjoyed having a mufti day to raise money for Children in Need. As well as being an enjoyable day, it is a powerful reminder that we have so much to be grateful and thankful for. It is certainly my wish that the pupils at Castle Court use all that they learn and experience here to make a positive difference to the lives of others and the world.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Best wishes,
Mrs Katie Johnson Head
Head’s Awards are given out every Friday morning in assembly to children nominated by their class teacher or form tutor; the reasons for these are many and varied, including outstanding effort, overcoming difficulty, or helping a friend in need.
Huge congratulations this week go to:
RECB Grace
RECS Florrie
P1D Grace
P1Z Felicity
P2A Mima P2G
Our Bonfire Party
A huge thank you to the Mayor of Corfe Mullen, Cllr Sowry-House, and all our families who were able to attend our Bonfire Party on Friday 8 November.
As we are sure you will agree, the event was a huge success and it was just wonderful to be back as a Castle Court community, celebrating together.
We are delighted to announce that the evening raised money which will be donated to the local Corfe Mullen Food bank, as they head into one of their busiest seasons.
To watch a video of the event, please click anywhere on the main image or use this link here.
Artist of the Week
This week’s Artist of the Week is Max, who has been challenging himself to create pictures that unfold to show a different version of the picture.
We’re sure you will agree that his artistic endeavours are very creative - well done, Max!
Academic and Pastoral News
Please find below details of upcoming scholarship deadlines and the corresponding assessment dates.
Deadline Assessment
Bryanston 22 November
Sport – 27th January 2025
Music – 28/29th January 2025
Art/IT/DT – 29th January 2025
Performing Arts – 30th January 2025
All Rounder – 30th January 2025
Academic – 31st January 2025
Academic – 10/11th February 2025
Art – 12th February 2025
Design – 6th February 2025
Canford 1 December
Drama – 5th February 2025
Music – 27/28th January 2025
Sport (boys) – 31st January 2025
Sport (girls) – 3rd February 2025
Clayesmore 22 November Week beginning 27th January 2025
Year 7 had the pleasure of welcoming Dr Ben Pullen, Head of Classics at Bryanston, who delivered a stimulating, thought provoking and interactive talk about the causes of the Trojan War. It is inspiring for our pupils to begin to understand how subjects are taught and explored at senior school. Our close relationship with senior schools ensures that pupils are fully prepared for their onward educational adventures.
Now it’s a little bit darker in the evenings, Castle Club seized the opportunity to practise their camouflage and concealment skills!
The Year 6 PSB Geography curriculum now features Snakes and Ladders…
The Week in Sport
Tuesday
On Tuesday the Year 3 & 4 boys played tag rugby against Wallhampton and continued to show some amazing running and passing skills against a strong opposition. The number of fantastic tries scored by Castle Court show what a strong couple of year groups we have.
The girls followed suit with hockey fixtures against Wallhampton where they showed great technique with plenty of roll outs, V drags and great passing on display. The Wallhampton staff all commented on how well the girls kept their shape and used space to help them create chances – well done everyone!
Also, on Tuesday the boys 1st team football played a Dorset cup match against Highcliffe, which was a thriller. The game finished 4-4 with plenty of highlights for the spectators watching. Avoiding another dreaded penalty shoot out, the boys have a replay next week, so good luck to them!
Team of the Week: Girls’ U10a Hockey
For a wonderful team performance winning 5-1 where all the girls combined and worked really hard, putting into practice all that they have been coached this term and really starting to see the benefits.
Congratulations to all our pupils who ran and swam brilliantly at the Leweston biathlon last weekend. Their team spirit and encouragement of each other was fantastic to see.
Good luck to everyone who is competing at Millfield School later this month!
Wednesday
On Wednesday we had a full block against Wallhampton. The girls’ first team produced a very comprehensive performance, totally dominating the game and running out 3-1 winners. The 2nd team had a fantastic game, with plenty of goals on display and the 3rd team played indoors, coming out winners in a very competitive match.
The junior sides also had a great afternoon, with the U11a team drawing and the U10 a & b teams both winning away at Wallhampton.
The boy’s rugby sides were also on show against Wallhampton - a school that plays a lot of rugby. The first team were beaten 5 tries to 4 in a great game and the U11a team lost 8 tries to 6.
The U10a team had a very close game where they showed fantastic determination throughout. All the boys who represented the school in the rugby matches should be very proud of themselves as they stood toe to toe with a school that plays rugby throughout the Autumn term whereas we had a week and a half to practise before this fixture!
Our CAVE Programme
Year 6 celebrated UK Parliament Week this week by learning how democracy works in practice; they even had a real-life ballot!
Years 3 and 4 held a toy sale on Thursday with the dual purposes of raising money for charity (they raised a massive £634!) and taking the opportunity to learn about serving others through buying and selling.
Year 5 enjoyed our first Bikeability session of the year this week, braving the local roads in Corfe Mullen to learn important life skills around cycling and being on the road. As you can see, they are split into small groups for this and the rest of the year group will take their turn over the coming weeks. Thank you to Rob at Bikeability, and Mrs Hoey, for organising this opportunity.
Parent Notices
Use of Phones in Pre-Prep
When dropping off children to Pre-Prep, please note that the use of phones is not permitted, including when walking from the gate to the playground, and in the classrooms. Thank you.
Roadworks on the A350
From 18 November, essential gas works will be taking place in Sturminster Marshall, involving road closures on the A350 in both directions. Please click HERE for more information.
Data Collection Forms
If you have not completed your Data Collection Form, please log on to EduLink to do so at your earliest opportunity. As we enter a season of poor weather, it is essential that we have up to date contact details in particular.
Christmas Sports & Crafts Camps
Did you miss the School Photos?
Our School Photographers are offering a catch-up session in Corfe Mullen - please give them a call on 01202 692433 to book.
Paul Manning will be running these from 16-20 December at school, from 9am to 3:30pm every day. For more details and to book, please contact Paul on manning_paul_@hotmail.com
Mr Mills continues to run Karate & Self-Defence classes for children and adults aged 7 and up (Y3+) on Saturday mornings 9am–10:20am in the Sports Hall. For more information or to book a free try-out session, please contact him on bdemills@yahoo.co.uk or bmills@castlecourt.com.
Bushido Wado-Ryu Karate Club | https://bushidokarate. martialartsuk.org | Find him on Facebook/Instagram/ YouTube using: @dorsetkarate
Following our introductory taster session last weekend, there are a few spaces still available in the Little Ninjas class, with a free try-out still on offer. Pre-registration is essential-please contact Mr. Mills on 07801 730097 for more information and to reserve your child's place.
Countdown to Christmas!
Mon 18 November Tues 19 November
Mon 25 November
Year 8 Exams
Year 7 Geography Tip to Poole
2pm: Girls’ Football and Boys’ Rugby vs Dumpton (Years 3&4)
4:45pm: Year 7 Parents’ Evening Tues 26 November
Year 8 Exams
2pm: Mixed Tag Rugby vs FSM & Sandroyd (Years 3&4)
Weds 20 November
U11 Boys’ Rugby (Durlston Festival)
2pm: Girls’ Football and Boys’ Rugby vs Dumpton (Years 5-8)
Weds 27 November
Year 8 Exams
2pm: Mixed Tag Rugby vs FSM & Sandroyd (Years 5-8)
Thurs 21 November
4:45pm: Year 5 Parents’ Evening Fri 22 November
Thurs 28 November
Bryanston School Imagine Day (Years 6&7)
8:35am: Christmas Pottery Painting Workshop for Parents
8:15am: Parent Prayer Meeting in the Boardroom
4:30pm: ABRSM Informal Concert in the Hall
Mon 2 December
ABRSM Exams
4:30pm: Performing Arts Presentation in the Hall
Tues 3 December
9am: Year 2 Christmas Craft Session with Parents
1:30pm: Year 5 to Bryanston to see ‘Guys and Dolls’
2pm: Years 3&4 Tag Rugby Festival at Bryanston
Weds 4 December
8:30am: Sugarcraft Workshop with Mrs Glenn
9:15am: Year 4 to Russell Cotes, returning 1pm
Thurs 5 December
8:45am: Parents’ Christmas Wreath-Making Class in Family Lounge
9:15am EYFS Dress Rehearsal for Christmas Play
10am: Years 1 and 2 Rehearsal for Christmas Play
Fri 6 December
8:15am: Parent Prayer Meeting in the Boardroom
Mon 9 December
9:15am: EYFS Christmas Play
10:15am: Years 1 and 2 Christmas Play
4:45pm: Year 8 Parents’ Evening
Tues 10 December
Morning: Carol Service Rehearsal at the Minster
2pm: State Primary Mixed Football Festival (Years 3&4)
2:15pm: Year 1 Christmas Craft Session with Parents
Weds 11 December
2pm: State Primary Mixed Football
Thurs 12 December 9am: Carol Singing (Senior & Community Choirs)
12pm: Pre-Prep Party Lunch
1:30pm: Pre-Prep Christmas Parties
Fri 13 December
11am: Final Assembly and Prizegiving
12pm: Christmas Lunch
3pm: Carol Service at Wimborne Minster
4:15pm: End of Term
As always, please continue to keep a close eye on your emails for further details. Please do not hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions at all.
Save the Dates
Biathlon Events
The local qualifier for the regionals is 24November at Millfield. If your child wishes to attend, please sign up and pay a membership using this link.
Poole Grammar Christmas Fayre
Poole Grammar are holding a Christmas Fayre from 11am-4pm on Saturday 30 November, with lots of stalls, food and live music!
Christmas Pottery Painting
This will take place on Thursday 28 November from 8.45am – come along, do some painting and nibble on mince pies with coffee! Book here.
Years 1 and 2 Christmas Craft Activity
Parents of children in Years 1 and 2 are warmly invited to join their child in an exciting Christmas Craft activity. This will take place at the Art and Design Centre, down from the Walled Garden.
Year 2: Tuesday 3 December, 09.00-09.45am
Year 1: Tuesday 10 December, 2.15-3.00pm (Year 1
Parents: If you wish to take your child home afterwards, this is acceptable. If you would also like to collect siblings, please check this is OK with their form tutor well in advance and inform your Year 1 teacher).
Performing Arts Presentation
Christmas Sugarcraft Workshop
Mrs Glenn will be running a Christmas Sugarcraft Workshop for Parents on Wednesday 4 December from 8.30 to 10.30am in the DT room. The price is £30 per head, to include a hot drink, seasonal nibbles and all resources. Please contact Mrs Glenn on lglenn@castlecourt.com for more details and to secure a place. For details of other workshops run by Mrs Glenn, please see her website: lyndyloulearning.wixsite.com/ lyndyloulearning
Wreath-Making Workshop
A wreath-making workshop for parents will be held on Thursday 5 December at 8.45am. Foliage will be provided from the grounds, alongside mince pies and coffee! To book, please use this link HERE.
This term's Performing Arts Presentation will be on Monday 2December at 4.30pm in the school hall. The presentation will involve pupils from Years 5 to 8 and will include performances by both senior dance groups as well as performances by pupils who take private dance and drama lessons. You will have been contacted by email to confirm that your child will be performing.
Points of Contact
Class Teachers / Form Tutors:
Reception Mrs Brewer | Mrs Speer
Year 1 Mrs Dobson | Mrs Zachariades
Year 2 Mr Antell | Mrs Glenn
Year 3 Mrs Baugniet | Mr Bambrey
Year 4 Dr Lippiatt/Mrs Deards | Mr Laidler
Year 5 Mr Mills/Mrs Vivian | Mrs Miller/Miss Sinclair-Smith
Year 6
Year 7
Year 8
Mrs Rule/Mrs Major | Mr Fermor-Dunman/Mrs Hoey
Mr Jordan/Mrs Harmer | Mrs Lea/Mr Cheadle
Mr Phillips/Ms Thompson | Mrs Gallop/Mr Smith
Section Leaders:
Pre-Prep Mr Antell
Years 3& 4 Mr Laidler
Years 5&6 Mrs Munns
Years 7&8 Ms Thompson
Nursery:
Badger Cubs Mrs Genge | Mrs Tomblin
Badgers Mrs Bartlett | Mrs Wilson
The Nursery Manager is Miss Hixson
Your first point of contact for day to day questions and enquiries related to your child(ren) is their tutor or class teacher.
Heads of Department:
English Ms Thompson
Maths
Science
To report an absence, please call the Office on 01202 694438, or send us an email.
If you wish to make an appointment to see Mrs Johnson, please email hmsec@castlecourt.com
Miller
Gallop
History Mrs Rule
CAVE
Hoey
Music Mr Smith
Geography Mrs Hoey
Sport Mr Fermor-Dunman
DT Mr Phillips
Art Miss Sinclair-Smith
SENDCo Mrs Harmer
Leadership Team:
Mr Dunsford Assistant Head (Pastoral)
Mr Edmond Assistant Head (Operations)
Mrs Hoey Head of CAVE
Mrs Munns Director of Teaching and Learning
Mr Norris Bursar
Mrs Robson Admissions and Marketing
To end this week’s Newsletter, we would like to share with you some memories from Monday, when we came together as a whole school at 11am to commemorate Remembrance Day and pay our respects to those who have lost their lives to conflict.
