HEADMASTER’S LETTER OCTOBER 2018
T0 PARENTS
Dear Parents Every time I draw together the information for this letter, I am amazed at just how much has been packed into a few weeks by so many pupils and this half term has been no exception. The pages that follow summarise just some of the highlights.
Contents Page 1
Open Day
Page 2
Open Day
Page 3
Girls’ Hockey
Page 4
Girls’ Hockey
Page 5
Boys Football
Page 6
Rowing
Page 7
Drama
Page 8
House Music
Page 9
House Music
Page 10
Prep and Primary Music Festival PSHE Dinners
Page 11
Williams Project
Page 12
Higher and Extended Project Qualifications
Page 13
Royal Parks Half Marathon
Page 14
Visit by Stuart Innes, O.C.
Page 15
Careers Convention Howard and Mitchell Essay Competition The Pilot, issue 11
Page 16
Visit of Stasi Georgieva
Page 17
London Academy of Excellence Tottenham Roof Replacement
Page 18
Peer Mentoring
Page 19
Cars on Site Staff News And Finally
Page 20
Message from the Chaplain
Page 21
Message from the Chair of the Friends of Chigwell
Open Day Once again, we have had some busy open
events for entry at all points. I would like to thank all pupils who helped by guiding
or taking part in demonstrations in departments, and who were such positive representatives of the School.
1
Open Day
2
Girls’ Hockey There has been a successful start to the
Another win against Bromley (3-0) saw
some pleasing results and performances
group. In their last match versus Culford,
Chigwell sit comfortably at the top of their
girls’ hockey term across the board with
Chigwell were held to a 1-1 draw, but
from all. Participation at the senior end of
finished as group winners. In the final
the school has led to Chigwell fielding a
they faced a well drilled Hockerill team.
1st, 2nd and 3rd team, a first for the
Going 1-0 down, Chigwell ignored their
School. The 3rd team have enjoyed a number
of
fixtures
against
tired legs and pushed on giving
local
everything. A well-struck penalty corner
opposition and with it, some winning
saw the score tied at 1-1. However, in a
score lines. The 1st XI has historically
game which flowed from end to end, it
been a strong squad and this year has
was Hockerill who struck in the final
been no different. Dominant at the U18
couple of minutes to take the lead, and
county tournament, they played the day
allowing no time for Chigwell to respond.
undefeated, scoring sixteen goals and
The girls came away from the match
conceding only two, Chigwell qualified for
frustrated with the loss, knowing they
the subsequent round in the regional tier 4
were good enough to progress further in
competition. After an early start and a
the competition, but equally satisfied
long drive to Norwich for the East of
with their performance and knowing they
England round, Chigwell started the
could not have given anymore. Thank you
daybrightly against Lincoln, winning 4-0.
3
Girls’ Hockey to all the parents who made the long trip
has been extremely pleasing from the
currently preparing for their indoor
players are showing a tremendous
younger teams in the School. Technically,
to support the girls. The seniors are
season, training Tuesday evenings in
amount of potential, and mixed with their
after half term.
winning combination is developing. The
enthusiasm and competitive spirit, a
preparation for the County tournament
U11, U12 and U13 sides all have their Essex
In the Middle School, teams have had a
Schools Tournament during the first week
tough start to the season in terms of
back after half term, and we wish them all
results, but they have stuck with it and
luck at these.
as a result produced some excellent performances
and
results
against
Outside of school, we continue to have
Bancroft’s recently. With a long string of
excellent club links with Old Loughtonians
fixtures after half term, training will be
HC and as a result, our girls are playing
vital to continue the good progression
more and more hockey. Individual honours
both squads have made in recent weeks.
go to Charlotte James-Pajwani who
represented Saxon Tigers at the Future
In the Junior School, exuberance is high,
Cup and England at the School Games.
and the overall quality of performances
4
Boys’ Football The U13s have been working hard to
We have had a successful and progressive
start to the 2018 season with lots of results
produce results and continue their
term. After four weeks of pre-season, the
Mr Richardson. There have been glimpses
transition this year under the guidance of
for the senior sides in the early part of this 1st XI started well producing strong results
of potential, in particular the IAPS
remain unbeaten this half term in “league”
quarter finals of the plate competition.
tournament where the U13s lost in the
in the ISFA Sixes and ISFA Cup. The 1st XI
games and continue to impress, building
Chigwell has hosted a record number of
again from last year. More exciting news
tournaments this year including the
has been the introduction of a Leyton
national
Orient coach who has worked with KS2,
IAPS U13 regionals and Chigwell’s very own
which has resulted in increased numbers in
tournament. It has been an honour to host
the senior fold.
such prestigious national tournaments and is largely due to the dedication and hard
The ISFA Cup has sprung its usual surprises
work of the grounds, catering and various
with the 1st XI losing after dominating the
football staff. I would like to take this
game to UCS 0-1. The U16s have got off to
opportunity to thank them for all their
a great start beating Rickstones Academy
efforts and professionalism in maintaining
in the English Schools FA Cup 3-1 and a
our nationally recognised reputation.
repeat result against last year’s quarter The
Hall
(twenty-four
country), ISFA U11 Regional Tournament,
provision for senior sides after school,
opponents
Sixes
independent schools from around the
3rd XI, 4th XI, and 5th XI. There is now
final
ISFA
School,
We continue to develop individuals, with
Wimbledon 7-1. In the U15s ISFA Cup, a
success for Oliver Irow and Blake Irow
young Chigwell side eventually lost to
continuing at Tottenham Academy, George
Farringtons School after leading 1-0. The
Coton with West Ham, Evan Perry at Millwall
only losing once to City of London and will
also been a large number of nominations for
Thursday 18th. We have high hopes for
Essex representative teams and we wish all
U14s continued their impressive record
and Louie Gibbons at Watford. There have
play The Kew School in the ESFA Cup on
Chigwell School boys to ISFA and Herts and
this group.
nominated every success.
5
Rowing
Some pupils from the Removes and Lower
Fifth have been able to opt for rowing for the first time at the Lee Valley Rowing
Club in games sessions. Although some
were a little nervous, the conditions were
very good and those involved enjoyed the new experience.
6
Drama Drama this term began with a trip to see
and styles and were able to ask
the acclaimed production of Martin
theprofessional actresses how they first
Inishmore” starring Aidan Turner. This was
candidates also enjoyed a full days training
McDonagh’s
“The
Lieutenant
of
got into showbiz. GCSE Make Up
a stunning performance of this dark satire
with Rosemary Swinfield, professional
on Irish Terrorism that was thoroughly
make up artist and author of our course
enjoyed by the Middle Sixth A level drama
text book. Finally, the Upper Fifth drama
group. Next, the Lower Sixth enjoyed
GCSE sets performed their devised pieces
Kate Williams of “East Enders” and “Birds
seven short dramas created by the
workshops on Stanislavski and Laban by
in the last week of school. These were
of a Feather” fame. This was swiftly
students using improvisational techniques.
followed by two visits by crime writer,
Themes ranged from Anorexia, the NHS,
former police officer and actress Kate
Isolation, Divorce and a Sherlock Holmes
London. Kate took workshops on Le Coq
spoof. Candidates were able to offer
and Commedia Dell’Arte. The Lower Sixth
acting, sound, set design and costume and
found these workshops a great insight into
make up, showing a real breadth of talent
key theatre practitioners
and skill. Well done to all involved.
7
House Music
each of the four Houses arranged and performed Charles Wood’s Oculi Omnium for item 1. Next came item 2, again
arranged by pupils, and the four ensembles performed Beyonce’s Love on
The annual House Music competition took
Top, Somebody to Love by Queen,
place at the start of term and provided a
Everglow and Skyfall of Stars by Coldplay
fun, lively and polished evening of musical
and Evanescence’s Bring Me to Life.
entertainment in which all Senior School
Finally, in item 3, all members of each
pupils participated. Small groups from
House danced and sang their chosen house song. In the limited space available
on stage, perhaps not every dance step
would have been awarded a 10 by a Strictly Come Dancing judge, maybe not every note was sung in perfect tune, but
no one could doubt the enthusiasm of the members of Caswalls’, Lambourne, Penn’s
and Swallow’s Houses who treated the
audience to Can’t Stop the Feeling, You’re the one that I Want with We go Together,
I Wanna Dance with Somebody and I Want You Back.
8
9
Prep and Primary Music Festival A hundred and ten pupils from a variety of prep and primary schools attended the annual music festival where there were workshops for strings, brass, guitar, percussion and music
tech. This gave the children the opportunity to develop their playing or to try a new instrument, and I am very grateful to all the music and peripatetic staff who worked so hard
on the day. The finale was a concert in which all children performed either in the large orchestra or in the combined choir. We were pleased to see younger Chigwell pupils involved and a number of older pupils supported the staff throughout the day.
PSHE Dinners
Once again, Remove pupils have worked
very hard to prepare and serve a meal for
their parents, tutors and guests for the Remove PSHE dinners. This is a House competition and, therefore, the dinners
took place over four successive weeks.
They were excellent occasions, with
superb food, entertainment and company,
and we hope that the pupils will put their culinary skills into action at home.
10
Williams Project
Once again, there has been an interesting variety of Williams Project sessions each fortnight.
Human and animal rights
campaigner, Peter Tatchell, spoke about why LGBT issues should concern all of us;
Professor Priscilla Alderson of UCL asked
whether “Children have international inalienable human rights?�; and Professor Ray
Monk
of
the
University
of
Southampton spoke about Wittgenstein
and why he remains important. If they have not done so, please encourage your
sons and daughters to attend the Williams Project sessions.
11
Higher and Extended Project Qualification Thirty-four Year 11 and 13 students showcased their projects and research
at the Higher and Extended Project Qualifications
presentation
evening
recently. Working on their own, each
student had designed, researched and executed a project on a topic of their own choice.
From their eye-catching
stands, students talked enthusiastically
about their chosen topic to an audience
which included pupils, parents, teachers and governors. HPQ and EPQ projects
covered a huge range of disciplines
encompassing science, medicine, law, economics, politics, art and history, as well as focussing on pertinent issues such as Brexit, plastic pollution, anorexia, veganism, and even Harry
Potter. The efforts of the Year 11
students will be rewarded with an extra
half GCSE, whilst for Year 13 students
their projects allow them to develop
their interest in a particular area and gain a qualification equivalent to half an A level.
12
Royal Parks Half Marathon Congratulations to the parents, staff, Old Chigwellians and friends who competed in the Royal Parks Half Marathon last weekend. Nearly one hundred joined the Chigwell group to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
13
Visit by Stuart Innes, O.C. Thirteen Lower Sixth students interested
London and due to start life as junior
medicine were treated to a General
Centre to run example scenarios past our
doctors next year, came to the Sixth Form
in finding out more about a career in
pupils and gave a question and answer
Practice Simulation Experience over lunch
session. We were very grateful to both of
on Wednesday 26th September. Old
them, who stayed longer than they
Chigwellian Stuart Innes and colleague
thought they would to answer questions.
Charles Southey, both currently in their final year of Medicine at King’s College
Fundraising The Islamic Society has raised over ÂŁ1,200 for the Pakistan Dam appeal, made by new
Prime Minister Imran Khan, which is set to become the largest crowdfunding project in
history.
14
Careers Convention
(rdarkin@chigwell-school.org) She would
Unfortunately, the careers convention will not take place in November as per the calendar but it will be on 25th March. As always, we are delighted to have offers of help from parents who would be willing to talk about their areas of work to Senior School pupils. If you would be willing to do this, please contact Miss Roxanne Darkin
also be pleased to hear from any parents
who could offer older students work experience or work shadowing.
In addition, mock medical interviews will
take place on the evening of Wednesday 14th November.
Howard and Mitchell Essay Competition Congratulations to this year’s winners of our sixth-form essay competition: Mitchell essay (sciences):
Howard essay (arts):
Charlotte James-Pajwani - “Will a cure for type 1 diabetes be found through stem-cell research?”
Sophia Mouzourides - “When does a human cease to be human? Shades of grey within global human rights”
Both winners will be presenting their essays from 5:30pm on Tuesday November 20th and all are very welcome to hear them.
The Pilot, issue 11
We are delighted to announce that issue 11 of the Pilot, the School’s journal, is out now. Pilot 11 is a collection of academic essays, poems, and other articles written and edited by students and staff. Topics range from banking (including the 2008 crash), the arts (modern versions of classical sculptures), and medicine (personalised medicine, anorexia,
placebos), to politics (Margaret Thatcher),
law, and the ancient world (Herodotus).
Last year’s winning and commended Howard and Mitchell Essays can be found in this edition.
The Pilot can be read electronically, or you can buy a printed copy for £1 from Senior School Reception
15
Visit of Stasi Georgieva Old Chigwellian Stasi Georgieva visited
Chigwell to share her experience of life
NEW
after leaving school as part of the ‘Meet
MEET T THE HE F URE! FUTURE! !
The Future’ series of careers talks. Stasi
outlined her path to discovering what she wanted
to
study
at
Confused about life e after Chigwell? higwell?
university
(International Management with Spanish
Informal lunchtime unchtime chats with people e who’ve been through it all and got out the other side.
at Plymouth University). Students were
28th September tember Stasi Georgieva orgieva (marketing, ng, pr)
fascinated by the Spanish element of the
course as, surprisingly, Stasi had not studied Spanish before, and had no
Chigwellians s from the past, living ing your future! re!
16th November ember 5 5th October Rachel Lund d (Head Helen len Macinnes of Insight t and (event nt management) ) Analytics cs at & Chris Jones British Retail ( (novelist) Consortium) ium) 23 3rd November Bella Bird & James J es Harrington n (Civil ivil Service)
experience of the language. She also spoke about the modules she took and
MONDAY Y! 26th November ember Jessica Beagley agley (policy director, rector, medical research) search)
30th November mber 7th December r Alice Beagley gley Rupe Deol l (Bank of England) gland) (surgeon)
how she eventually specialised in marketing and PR.
Mostly Fridays, ays, always 1:25-2:10 :25-2:10 in R4 (6FC)
In terms of her career following university, Stasi initially followed her original dream
and worked in a large advertising agency, but she then switched to a smaller PR
consultancy where she works now. In light of this, she spoke of the enjoyment of being in a smaller firm and “being a bigger fish in a smaller pond”.
16
London Academy of Excellence Tottenham Sixth Form students and staff hosted a visiting group of A level psychology students from the London Academy of Excellence in Tottenham. Lower Sixth students from each school worked together for part of the day and, over lunch, Head of Psychology Mr Stephen Hirst gave a talk about the study of psychology at university. Chigwell students hope to make a
return visit later this year and we are amongst the group of independent schools that work with LAET, which opened a year ago.
Roof Replacement As you will have spotted, the extensive work to replace the Old School roof continues. We hope you will see the benefit of some of the renovated rooves shortly after half term.
17
Peer Mentoring
Earlier in the term, twenty of our Middle Sixth students completed their peer mentor training. The session was run by Val Barritt, a specialist in mentoring and befriending programmes. Val provides mentoring workshops and training courses for schools, universities, businesses and charities. The session was extremely interesting and insightful, equipping our pupils with the necessary skills to effectively mentor our Upper Fifth pupils. We think this experience will be extremely useful for all involved.
18
Staff News
Cars on Site
We send our congratulations to Mr Edward Gamwells and his wife Natalie on the birth of their daughter Eleanor. We also congratulate Miss Rosie Pettingill and her partner Phil on the arrival of their baby daughter Anneliese
Please can I remind parents to drive very carefully when they come on site in the interest of safety of all pupils. The barriers open for parents to drop off children at 7.30am, although we have had reports of cars trying to pass through the barrier earlier than this. Thank you for your help.
And Finally
Over half term, pupils in the Upper Fifth and above will be preparing for the exams that take place on their return but we hope that all pupils take some time to refresh as well. There is also the senior football tour to Madrid as well as the expedition to Everest Base Camp. We hope that all pupils and staff have a safe but fulfilling time, and we look forward to hearing about their adventures on their return. Likewise, I look forward seeing all families again after the break. With best wishes Yours sincerely Michael Punt
19
Message from the Chaplain
It’s hard to believe that we are already at half term and looking back we seem to have crammed a huge amount into the first few weeks of this new academic year. The Chapel refurbishment programme continues. Following the rewiring and new lighting which was completed over the summer, an updated sound system has now been installed. First to get the full benefit of the improvements were the Pre Prep who held their Harvest Thanksgiving service in Chapel at the beginning of October when the new radio microphones and speakers were thoroughly tested. Our weekly services for the Senior School in St Mary’s Church each Monday have been an opportunity for our new Praefects to read lessons and lead the prayers. We have also enjoyed the singing of the Chapel Choir who will now take a formal part in these services on a more regular basis. The Charity Committee met early in term and planned events and activities for the year. Charity Week will be the first full week in December and each House is planning a separate fundraiser at some point through the school year. We are grateful to all who contributed so generously to the Harvest Festival celebrations. Gifts of food and essential supplies have been donated to the Streets2Homes charity in Harlow who support the homeless and those struggling to make ends meet. Thanks also go to our sixth form students; Catherina Liyanagama, Stella Kearin, Tess Kelly and Adrianna Wojtyna who spent a busy few hours loading and unloading the harvest gifts. I was told this morning that there are only seventy-six days to Christmas so the next few months will only get busier. I hope you all have an enjoyable and restful half term break.
20
Message from The Chair of the Friends of Chigwell
Back to school feels like a distant memory now. The FoC met for the AGM on 18th September to summarise the previous year; during the previous academic year, the team hosted thirty-seven events, raised £19,805, donated £19,000 towards the Junior School Playground and funded Easter Egg hunts and Pre Prep Christmas classroom gifts. This is a fabulous achievement, only possible due to a fabulous team and support from all of the Chigwell families.
On Friday 12th October, we held our second Family Quiz night, at which one hundred and twenty Chigwell students, parents and family members gathered for a fun evening. Ten rounds of family friendly questions and delicious dinner served by Chartwells, a fun evening to compete and meet other Chigwell families. Ways to help this term: •
•
Buy firework tickets from either Mrs Horn in the Pre Prep, Mrs Corey in the Junior School or Mrs Scannell in the Senior School. The event is on Friday 9th November. Donate any uniform that your family no longer needs.
At the AGM Lindsay Dawson and I shared our plan to step down as Co-Chair and Chair of the FoC. We have had an amazing time leading a truly inspiring team, but feel it is time to step aside and let the next leaders shine. We are actively seeking these wonderful people! Please do not be shy, we are a pretty friendly bunch of parents and if you would like to get involved or more involved, please drop me an email (lewis.innocent10@icloud.com) We are looking forward to another eventful half term and in the run up to Christmas, the FoC will be hosting the Christmas Market on Friday 7th December, where parents are welcome to come along for refreshments and festive cheer. Wishing you all a restful half term.
21
2019 TERM DATES 2018 Lent Term TermINSET on Monday 7th January StaffMichaelmas meetings and Friday 14th December FirstTerm day:ends: Tuesday 8th January Half term: Saturday 16th February to Sunday 24th February 2019 Term ends: Wednesday 3rd April Lent Term Staff meetings and INSET on Monday 7th January Trinity Term First day: Tuesday 8th January (Easter is 21stSaturday April) 16th February to Sunday 24th February HalfDay term: FirstTerm day:ends: Wednesday April Wednesday24rd 3rd April
Half term: Term ends:
Saturday 25th May to Sunday 2nd June INSET Day Monday 3rd June Wednesday 10th July