Headmaster's Letter - December 2021

Headmaster’s Letter to Parents

December 2021

Dear Parents Once again, this has been a busy half term with pupils of all ages heavily involved in and out of the classroom. Working together through these activities is part of what makes Chigwell the school that it is and in the pages that follow, I have mentioned just a sample of some of the highlights of the last few weeks. When it comes, I hope you have a very happy Christmas and I look forward to seeing you again at the start of 2022.

Best wishes Michael Punt

Mr Michael Punt M.A. M.Sc. P.G.C.E. Headmaster mpunt@chigwell-school.org

Contents Page 1

Caribbean Praise Songs

Page 2

Music

Page 3

Music

Page 4

Girls’ Hockey and Netball

Page 5

Girls’ Hockey and Netball

Page 6

Boys’ Football

Page 7

Boys’ Footbaii

Page 8

Sustainability Charlie O.C. Mitre Bad Weather

Page 9

Anti-Bullying Week

Page 10

Equality Ambassadors FT Student Advocates

Page 11

Maths Remembrance

Page 12

Friends of Chigwell Covid

Page 13

Department of Philanthropy

Page 14

Christmas Present Ideas from the Swallow Library

Caribbean Praise Songs Praise Songs and, in order to better understand the simplicity, imagery and oral tradition of them they were asked to produce their own praise song for someone they admired using Grace Nichols' Praise Song for My Mother as a stimulus.

Teachers are constantly looking at fresh ways to approach material in order to best engage pupils. An example of this is in English where Upper Fifth pupils have been approaching unseen poetry. They have been looking at Caribbean Praise Song for My Mother

Praise Song

You are Clouds to me Unpredictable gathering covering

You are Oxygen to me Fresh and pure and sustaining

You are Scarf to me Warming benevolent comforting

You are A blanket to me Warm and soft and comforting

You are laughter to me Contagious Infectious Looked for

You are a lightning bolt to me Bright and powerful and striking

You are The swan’s snowy feather to me The orchid’s delicate petal to me The salmon fillet, the sandalwood smell consoling consoling

You are The first falling snowflake to me The raincoat through the storm to me The KFC zinger tower burger to me We will get through everything together, you said.

(N)

Never compare yourself, you say.

(R)

1

Music We have been so glad to bring back a wealth of co-curricular musical activities to the heart of the School.

The diversity has been appreciable; there is something for all. All ensembles are busy rehearsing for concerts in the New Year. Added to that, we have continued the development of our pioneering success of the Live@6 recital series which brings in parents, friends, and pupils both physically and remotely.

Having the ‘live’ audience back into the School has brought back a heartbeat and soul which we have sorely missed during our lockdown terms. The pupils have continued to excel in performance and their performances this term have been viewed over 8500 times and can be found here.

2

There can be no better way of galvanizing friendships and perpetuating lifelong memories than coming together in a production on the scale that we have seen this week.

The musical Mary Poppins directed by Miss Ciara McCarthy, involved more than 100 pupils with three separate casts, two different choruses, and took place on four sold out nights. This show was a huge success in every way.

Congratulations to all the pupils who took part and dedicated this term to the show. Special mention should be made of Asia in Year 8 who, with four days’ notice, stepped into the role of Mr Banks. She has exhibited the very best attributes of a Chigwellian.

We hope that our London Concert at the Cadogan Hall, Kensington on Monday 28th March will provide opportunities for all the School’s performers to take part in one way or another. Rehearsals for this begin on the first day of term, Thursday 6th January from 4.15-5pm, weekly. All are welcome, pupils from Year 5 through to Middle Sixth, parents, staff and friends.

The theme is set around the big opera choruses of Puccini, Verdi, Mascagni.

The Chapel Choir have begun the rebuild following the period through which they were unable to rehearse.

Following two services at the start of the half term, they have continued to develop technique and repertoire and we are delighted to be able to return to St. Martin in the Fields, Trafalgar Square for a Charity Service through Christmas Inspire on Wednesday 15th December.

3

Girls’ Hockey and Netball throughout the season. The U15 team have continued their fine run of results and their commitment to matches and after school training is highly commendable. With this group of players joining the senior squads next season it will only be a benefit for the 1st and 2nd XI. In the senior squads, there have been significantly more matches than in previous seasons with matches down to 3rd XI now common practice. The 2nd and 3rd XI continued to develop, with their positive results and performances from the first half of the season highlighting the strength in depth within the sport. At 1st XI level, it has been a challenging season at times. With very few Middle Sixth and senior leaders in the team, the target was to look at the season as a development squad going forward for next year. In the last of their fixtures of the season, the performances have been excellent and offered an opportunity for several Upper Fifth players to gain valuable experience.

It has been an extremely encouraging second half to the girls’ hockey season across both the Senior and Junior Schools. Building upon the success and previous experience in both the IAPS and Essex tournaments, the U11 team travelled to Gresham’s School to compete in the England Hockey Schools’ Regional Finals. Qualifying out of their pool the girls progressed to the semi-final of the competition only to lose 3-0 against St Faiths School, who went onto win the tournament.

With only both finalists qualifying for the national finals, the girls narrowly missed out but should be extremely proud of their endeavours this season.

Further tournaments came thick and fast in the Junior School with both the U12/U13 Essex tournaments hosted at Redbridge Sports Centre. Despite not progressing to later stages, the girls all performed admirably with very few goals conceded. With a little more work in front of goal and an additional ruthless streak, there is no doubting the potential of both these teams.

House hockey matches took place across the age groups towards the end of term with many matches being closely fought. The depth of ability, standard of play and desire to work as a team was a pleasure to see

In the Senior School, the U14s improved as the season progressed with numbers slowly growing and increasingly mature performances.

Evie and Amy both represented Essex in a recent tournament and have trained regularly with the squad 4

Our U14 and U16 netball squads progressed to the county stage of the National Schools Tournament. The standard of play by all girls on the day was exceptional, and our U16s only narrowly missed out on getting to the semi-final stages by two goals. After school netball club has been up and running for senior pupils this term, with both boys and girls attending. Sonam in Year 8 has recently been awarded the Jack Petchey Award for her contribution to netball, for which we congratulate her.

selected to represent Essex at Under 12 and we wish her a successful season ahead.

Congratulations also to Isabella who recently represented England in show jumping.

We have many keen girls who play cricket across the School. We are delighted that Emily was recently

5

Boys’ Football Lower down the School there has been a steady progression. The U15s demonstrated strength and character to hold Aldenham to a 0-0.

We should note the efforts and dedication this year of the U15b who, although results have not gone their way, have had large numbers committed to training and completely epitomise the Chigwell mantra of working as hard as you can. The U14s have continued to play well winning the majority of their fixtures with a notable win at Hampton. The U13s have had a notable 9-0 result amongst their fixtures this year and as a year group continue to really progress. The U12s have had an unbeaten Saturday fixture programme; congratulations to the boys and staff for a fantastic year.

The U11s have had an unlucky run in both the ISFA and IAPS competitions, being knocked out in both competitions in the quarterfinals. This should not detract from the fact that they drew many plaudits because of the way they played and conducted themselves in both competitions.

Football has had one of its most successful seasons ever recorded at senior level. After twenty-two years, Chigwell 1st XI team won the ISFA Plate in the traditional and inaugural Independent Schools National Sixes.

Notable results included beating Brentwood in the quarterfinals, Dulwich College in the semi-finals and Marlborough College in the final on penalties. This was an outstanding effort against the top twenty-four football schools in the country.

This success continued in the 11-aside game as Chigwell 1st XI continued their ISFA Boodles Cup run beating Norwich 3-0, Forest School 2-1, Charter House 2-1 and reaching the last thirty-two, a feat again not matched in modern Chigwell football history. Unfortunately, the draw was not kind, the 1st XI could not replicate their success against one of the favourites for the Boodles Cup and lost 3-0 in the following round to Bradfield College. The 1st XI has surpassed all expectations this year and put Chigwell football back on the national map.

6

KS2 football club on a Thursday is as popular as ever with over eighty boys and girls playing every week.

Staff have worked hard to improve technical ability and develop the core skills of all involved.

It should be noted that this year the football programme has delivered over eighty-two fixtures from U101XI. The extra-curricular programme, with the help of the new 3G pitch, has seen attendance consistently around 70% of total boys in each year group turn out. Football at Chigwell continues to thrive and be successful across numbers, performances and fixtures.

In the last three years, we have seen real progression and successes for individuals. Chigwell students representing football academies, Oliver– Tottenham, Blake– Tottenham, George– Watford, Louis– West Ham, and Sonny– Ipswich respectively. All boys have thrived in the professional environments and continue to develop and progress well.

7

Sustainability Pupils from the Junior School to the Middle Sixth have been working together to come up with ideas to make the School more sustainable.

Suggestions have related to areas including waste, energy consumption, food transport and education.

Representatives from the group recently gave an excellent presentation to the Board of Governors.

Charlie (Lower Fifth)

O.C. Mitre

Congratulation to Charlie who recently became runner up in the Under 18 European Junior Open having played a round seven under par. Charlie will shortly be interviewed on Sky Sports.

All Old Chigwellians are members of the Old Chigwellian Association which organises events throughout the year. In addition, the O.C. Mitre is published annually and you might be interested to read the 2021 edition which is published on line

Bad Weather In the event of heavy snow or ice, please consult the school website ( w w w . c h i g w e l l - s c h o o l . o r g ) for confirmation of arrangements for the school day. We would be very reluctant to close the School but we are mindful of the safety of pupils and staff.

8

Anti-Bullying Week Pupils in the Pre Prep and the Junior

this celebration by wearing odd socks

School joined together to celebrate

to school - any colour, plain or

everything which makes us all unique,

patterned. Our Odd Socks Day

raising awareness of bullying and

supports Anti Bullying Week.

focusing specifically on kindness, which

socks remind us that we all express

is one of our School’s core values.

ourselves differently; each unique,

Odd

valued and accepted and our pupils

All pupils were invited to be part of

really enjoyed taking part.

9

Equality Ambassadors

FT Student Advocates Every academic year, the Financial Times offers extended work experience opportunity to be a Student Advocate.

Student Advocates raise awareness of the benefits of reading the FT in school and develop ideas on how the FT can better engage with young people.

Student Advocates complete their work from school, but develop their ideas with other students from across the world through regular calls and an online discussion forum. In 2020/21, there were 165 students on the programme from 17 countries, from Nepal to the Czech Republic.

The Equality Ambassadors on the Mentoring Committee underwent a training day to become mentors. The purpose of this was to equip the mentors with active skills on how to effectively listen, understand and give impactful advice to pupils who need advice. The Equality Ambassadors will be available, in a dedicated room, where pupils can “drop in” and talk about any concerns they may have.

We are delighted that Liza and Dan from the Lower Sixth have been successful in being accepted on the programme representing Chigwell on this prestigious scheme. Over the coming months this will mean they have the opportunity to meet peers from around the world and develop their time management, leadership, communication, creativity and public speaking skills as they develop resources and increase the impact of the FT in our learning at Chigwell School. Well done Liza and Dan.

10

Maths Congratulations to the mathematics quiz team of Michael, Edwin, Jacob and Rithun, who were victorious 33-25 in their match against Emanuel College in the Hans Woyda Competition. They went on to beat Forest School 25-19 this week and now qualify for the knock out plate competition.

Remembrance wreaths were laid by representatives of each section of the School. As always, the silence which followed the Last Post was very poignant. We hope that current Chigwell pupils will live through more peaceful times.

The whole school community came together for our annual act of Remembrance led by the Chaplain.

The names of all those Old Chigwellians lost in the two world wars were read out by the Headmaster and Head of School, and

11

Friends of Chigwell

Covid

hard work by the Friends of Chigwell

We will provide an update on arrangements before the start of next term but based on the latest guidance:

this term. The firework display in

•

Face coverings should be worn in communal areas in all settings by staff, visitors and pupils in Year 7 and above, unless they are exempt.

•

Pupils (in Year 7 or above) should continue to wear face coverings on public and dedicated school transport, unless they are exempt.

•

Staff and pupils are asked test twice weekly using lateral flow tests

•

All eligible staff and pupils aged 12 and over are encouraged to take up the offer of the vaccine, including boosters.

We are very appreciative of all the

November was spectacular and attended by some 1,500 people. The Christmas Fayre at the start of this month was very well attended by pupils from across the School who enjoyed visiting the many stalls.

Schools have been asked to test pupils on their return in January and details of arrangements will follow With best wishes Yours sincerely

Michael Punt

12

Department of Philanthropy Responding to our ever-changing

increasing

world

Around 8% of pupils currently benefit

Chigwell’s

established

the

Governors

funds

for

bursaries.

of

from bursaries today, yet we wish to

Philanthropy. From its Greek origins,

grow these funds exponentially. We

‘philanthropy’ loosely translates to

are guided by Samuel Harsnett’s

‘love of humankind, as demonstrated

foresight to open Chigwell School in

in efforts for the good of others.’

1629 for the education of poor

Philanthropy aligns closely to our

scholars.

Department

ethos, vision, and mission.

Nearing

the

We would love to hear your ideas 400th

about philanthropy so that we may

anniversary, our ambitious goals

work together to positively impact

include funding a sports centre to

your children at School. Please

fulfil our holistic approach that

contact us at any time.

School’s

recognises physical education and

Mr Scott Franssen, Director of

sports’ role in developing the whole

Philanthropy

person – regardless if that is a pupil or

020

8501

5769

sfranssen@chigwell-school.org

community member.

Mrs Gill Punt, Philanthropy Manager Additionally, we aspire to increase

020 8501 5748 gpunt@chigwell-

educational access for scholars

school.org

regardless of financial ability by

13

Christmas Present Ideas from the Swallow Library If you are looking for books to give over Christmas, you might like to consider the librarians’ suggestions below.

Anna Goodall (a fantasy novel about outsider Maggie and her talking cat Hoagy 9-12 years)

Books with a Christmas theme: A Christmas Carol

The Crossing Manjeet Mann (a verse novel about the refugee crisis involving two teenagers from opposite worlds YA)

Charles Dickens (the classic Christmas novel with a dyslexia-friendly version published by Barrington Stoke) Mistletoe and Murder Robin Stevens (one of the very popular ‘Murder most unladylike’ series, 9-12 years)

The Midnight Guardians Ross Montgomery (a Christmas fantasy set during the Blitz, 9-12 years)

One Christmas Wish Katharine Rundell, Emily Sutton (Graphic novel)

The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh Helen Rutter (about a boy with a stammer who wants to be a stand-up comedian, 9-12 years)

Stay Another Day Juno Dawson (newly published Young Adult novel)

Non-fiction: Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts

All Wrapped Up Holly Smale (YA)

Susan Cain with Gregory Mone and Erica Moroz (adapted for younger readers)

New books by popular authors: Daughter of the Deep Rick Riordan (inspired by Jules Verne’s 20,000 leagues under the Sea)

How to Change Everything: the young human’s guide to protecting the planet and each other Naomi Klein with Rebecca Stefoff Girl Power: Indian women who took on the world Neha Hiranandani

You’ll Be The Death of Me Karen McManus (latest in her very popular teen thriller series)

The Truths We Hold (young reader's edition) Kamala Harris

Costa Children’s Book Award 2021 shortlisted books: Maggie Blue and the Dark World

14

TERM DATES 2021/22 Term ends: Wednesday 15th December Lent Term Staff meetings and INSET on Wednesday 5th January First day: Thursday 6th January Half term: Saturday 12th February to Sunday 20th February Term ends: Tuesday 29th March Trinity Term (Easter Day is 17th April) First day: Tuesday 19th April Half term: Saturday 28th May to Sunday 5th June INSET Day Monday 6th June Term ends: Wednesday 13th July