Newsletter Friday 24th November 2023

Ditcham Newsletter - Friday 24th November 2023 Dear Parents It has been a most exciting and eventful week. On Wednesday we enjoyed an informal evening of music which provided an opportunity for our guitarists and vocalists to perform in front of an appreciative audience. On Thursday Reverend Will Hughes conducted a lovely whole school advent service. That evening we welcomed back our 2023 Leavers to award them their GCSE certificates and to wish them every success for the future. Today we hosted an inspirational visit from eminent scientist Lord Robert Winston.

Wishing everyone a well deserved restful weekend.

Graham Spawforth Headmaster

Junior Merit Winners Congratulations to all the Junior merit winners for this week!

Headteacher Awards Congratulations to our senior award winners for this week too.

Dragonflies

Meeting New Friends Our Dragonflies have had a very sociable week as we have welcomed new faces at two Stay and Play events. On Tuesday, we gathered together in Dragonflies HQ for a preschool Stay and Play and then on Friday we stretched our wings and flew up to Reception to have a taster session with Miss Stevenson. It was lovely to be joined by some new children and we hope to see them again soon!

This week has also been about rehearsing for the Nativity and doing a few (top secret!!!) Christmas crafts along with engaging in some creative play and putting our number skills to the test.

We've also welcomed Amber to Dragonflies who's going to spend the next few terms working on a Thursday and Friday as part of her T-Level qualification in Education and Early Years. Amber was at Ditcham as a student only last year so its wonderful to have her back and to help her on the next step of her education.

We hope you all have a lovely weekend!

Mrs Harding & Claire

Juniors

Poetry Skills in Lowers As you will have read, in last week's newsletter, there has been a strong focus on bullying and how we should approach it. After the children had written their group poems about it, Bobby wrote this excellent poem by himself. I think you'll agree, it gets the point across very well.

Mrs Tanner

Lovely Lemonade

This week in Science, Middles were challenged to make lemonade whilst investigating irreversible changes. After making the lemon solution with water, lemon juice and sugar, they then had to time and observe the duration of the reaction after adding baking soda. The best part about the experiment was being able to taste the results. We concluded that we would much rather buy lemonade than make it!!

Mrs Vaughan-Carpenter

Its all Greek to Lowers!

Lower Juniors truly excelled themselves this week. Not only did they complete their fantastic Greek pottery, but they also made incredible Medusa masks, then using these to great effect in support of their wonderful assembly. The pottery now highlights the Greek themes they researched; ranging from mythical creatures to Olympians competing in the Ancient Games and farmers harvesting olives from their fields. It was not easy to work with Modroc, but they persevered and should be very proud of the results. They performed their Greek themed assembly, to parents, on Wednesday.

Despite only having 3 rehearsals they exceeded all expectations; remembering their lines and presenting them very clearly. Hopefully, all who watched it will now be more aware of the origins of Democracy, what the Ancient Games were like and the major differences between Athens and Sparta.Oh, and Mrs Probert, the children have not forgotten the results of the democratic vote!!!

Rachel Tanner and Lousie Atkinson

Pre-Prep Bake Off. We have been learning about the story The Little Red Hen. The children have learnt to retell it with actions and thought of wonderful adjectives to use when describing the characters in the story. They have learnt about the bread-making process from growing wheat to baking the bread and today made their very own rolls. They weighed out the ingredients, mixed together and then kneaded their dough. The smells wafting from the oven were very tempting, they smelt delicious!

Mrs Somerville and Emma

Clean hands for prep!

In Science, we have been learning about the importance of hygiene and keeping clean. We set up an experiment to see why we need to wash our hands before we eat. We put an untouched crumpet, a crumpet we had touched with our unwashed hands, and a crumpet we touched with freshly washed hands in separate bags. We are now waiting to see whether they change over the next few days! Then, we put some lotion on our hands and sprinkled a little coloured glitter onto one of them. The glitter was to represent the germs we all have on our hands. Once we had glitter on one hand, we clapped our hands together and saw how the glitter had transferred to our other hand. Then we shook hands with our friends who had different coloured glitter and saw how the glitter transferred from one person to another. We had to work hard to wash our hands to get all the glitter off!

We also thoroughly enjoyed a trip to the Field Study Centre at Gilbert White’s House in Selbourne. We found out all about Captain Scott’s failed attempt to be the first to the South Pole and why his expedition went wrong. It was fascinating to find out about all the equipment and rations they took with them. Then we compared this information with the resources explorers use nowadays and loved the opportunity to try on explorers clothing and ride on a sledge. We learned about the features and adaptations of penguins and the albatross who are able to survive in this inhospitable environment. Another highlight was smelling penguin poo! What an amazing day out! Huge thanks to Mrs McInnes who accompanied us on our trip.

Mrs Witte and Tracey

School Christmas Card Winners!

Many thanks to everyone who took part in our school Christmas card competition - some beautiful designs were submitted. Mr Spawforth spent a good deal of time deliberating over the winners and in the end, he has chosen the following Senior winners: •

Overall Junior (and Buriton KS2) Winner - Harry T

Harry's card will be turned into the official school Christmas Card that Mr Spawforth and his team will use. The following House winners for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 will receive a pack of their cards printed to send to friends and family.

•

Nyewood Winners - Anabella B (Y1) and Danny M (Y5)

•

Chalton Winners - George P (Y1) and Natalia M (Y6)

•

Buriton KS1 Winner - Rose N (Y1)

•

Harting Winners - Sebby E (Y1) and Beatrice W (Y6)

Well done everyone!

Seniors

Life of Pi

Our GCSE Drama students enjoyed a trip to Chichester Theatre to see the Life of Pi. An incredible show awaited them - the sets and the use of projection to depict stormy seas were impressive. A small but talented cast played the key roles as well as operated the puppets that provided the critical animal element to the story.

A very enjoyable evening and the chance to see some stellar performances and stage sets.

School Christmas Card Winners!

Many thanks to everyone who took part in our school christmas card competition - some beautiful designs were submitted. Mr Spawforth spent a good deal of time deliberating over the winners and in the end, he has chosen the following Senior winners: •

Overall Senior (and Harting) Winner - Rose S

Rose's card will be turned into the offical school Christmas Card that Mr Spawforth and his team will use. The following House winners will recieve a pack of their cards printed to send to friends and family.

•

Nyewood Winner - Elliott W

•

Chalton Winner - Claudia B

•

Buriton Winner - Alina W

Ditcham Rocks!

The South Downs Hall was simply rocking and rolling on Wednesday evening when a group of very talented musicians came together for the SDH Session. From Guns 'N' Roses to The Killers (and many more in-between), it was a marvellous showcase of our incredible students.

Thank you to all who came along to support the musicians and of course to all the staff who helped them rehearse and gave them the confidence to stand up and perform.

Sports News

Fixtures for next week Please see the plan for sports fixtures for next week. Do make sure your child(ren) has the correct kit to avoid any unnecessary trips back up the driveway....!

Many thanks PE Department

Sports Development Programme Last week, we had guest speaker Mr Kyle Pepperman-Hackett a massage therapist currently working with Team GB and INEOS talk to us about injury prevention. He shared with us some really useful tips on how to reduce the chances of getting injured. These included, thinking about what we eat before and after we exercise, getting at least 8-10 hours sleep a night, adding simple strength exercises or cross training to our weekly schedule and being mindful of recovery after a match or competition.

Everyone was really engaged, and some great questions were asked. A big thank you to Kyle for coming in to share his knowledge with our development and sport scholar athletes.

Miss Small

U10 Netball V Meoncross This week the U10’s played 7 a-side netball against Meoncross. With the addition of the WA and WD, it took the team a little while to get used to having the extra players on court and to find space. By half time, thanks to Dusty-Blu and Ruby’s shooting, the score was 5-0 to Ditcham. After a few team talks about finding space, the final quarter saw some fast, direct play down court. The final score was a 13-1 to Ditcham.

Well done to Dusty-Blu and Heidi for Player of the match!

Mrs Vaughan-Carpenter

U11 Netball vs Meoncross On Wednesday, the U11’s played 7 a-side netball against Meoncross. We played really well with some great fast play from centre pass to GS which didn't always result in the goal we deserved. In addition, we worked hard to gain possession of the ball after a turnover. However, we must continue to find space when attacking. At the final whistle, we only lost by 1 goal - well done girls.

Miss Small

U16, U15, U14 Netball vs Great Ballard On Tuesday, three teams were out representing the school. All the girls demonstrated great sportsmanship by organising their teams and substitutions based on each individual's strength. It was a very successful afternoon as the U16 and U15 teams won their respective games comfortably.

The U14 match was a close affair, at half-way we were down 5 goals but after employing a strategy of slowing down and thinking about our positional play this gap closed to within 1 goal.

U12/13 Netball vs Frensham On Wednesday, Form 1 and 2 played against some very strong opposition. Form 1 worked on improving their footwork, communication and positional play, as a result they won their match by 1 goal. Form 2 showed grit and determination within their game, playing their best netball to the final whistle - well done girls.

U8/9 Netball vs Portsmouth High, Boundary Oak & Prebendal On Thursday, Transition and Lowers travelled to Portsmouth High for a fun netball tournament. All the girls played really well, remembering to drive forwards to receive the ball when attacking. As a result, lots of goals were scored. To improve, we will work on our marking when we are defending.

Football Matches On Wednesday Dunhurst a and b travelled up to Ditcham for Under 13 Football. The a game was a very tight affair, Stan W giving the hosts an early lead. With the scores deadlocked at 1-1 at the break Ditcham ramped up the pressure despite this their opponents remained clinical on the counter attack. Despite heroic performances from Josh L and Noah H the boys eventually lost 4-2. A slightly unfair reflection on how the game had gone. The B match was dominated by the hosts, Zac L grabbed 2 goals in a one sided 3-0 win. The squad contained 4 pupils making their debut making the result even more impressive.

On Wednesday the u8 football team played Dunhurst u9.The team played fantastically well and moved the ball around really sharply. A hattrick for a George Hodges and a goal for Kamdi led us to victory 4-3. Well played to all the team it was a great afternoon.

Well done to all involved!

Notices and Events

Extra-Curricular Activities - a plea for help We are always looking to extend and develop our Extra Curricular provision at Ditcham Park School.

If they know anyone who has the relevant skills/ qualifications to enhance the extra-curricular provision (e.g. photography, cooking etc.) at Ditcham, please make contact with me or send me the relevant information for me to have a look at.

My email address is: roland.ainsworth@ditchampark.com Many thanks Roly Ainsworth You are invited to the FDPS Christmas Market on Friday 8th December from 3pm

The Market will start at 1.15pm and end at 3.45pm for our pupils and we welcome families and friends from 3pm.

There will be a Festive Cafe selling warm drinks, mince pies and savoury snacks, as well as an opportunity to buy gifts in time for Christmas such as personalised jewellery and key rings, sweet treats, candle holders, coasters and much more.

Come and meet the Embers bushcraft team and toast some marshmallows! The festive donkeys are back by popular demand so do come and feed them some carrots.

Each class has a stall which has been organised by parents to allow children to play games, have fun and win some prizes too. Stalls include pin the nose on Rudolph, Jolly Jam Jars, festive skittles, Secret Santa, tinsel pull, along with the chance for your children to purchase and wrap a gift for their friends or family to open on Christmas Day. All children from Dragonflies to Lowers will have the chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto and receive a gift. Tickets need to be pre ordered using Ticketsource following this link You will be able to purchase anything at the Christmas Market using cash, card or tickets in lieu of cash. Tickets in lieu of cash can be purchased prior to the event by following this ticketsource link.

We ask that children have a maximum of £5 in tickets and a maximum of £10 in cash.

We have had some fabulous prizes donated for our Christmas raffle and tickets will be sent home in book bags. These will also be available to purchase on the day. Please send ticket stubs back in book bags or envelopes (seniors).

We are also recruiting helpers who would like to lend a hand on the day. Maybe you would like to help in the cafe or assist our team with building Father Christmas's grotto. If you can help in any way, please contact the Friends at friendsditcham@gmail.com Donations for the Christmas Market would be gratefully received. Any donations of non perishable goods such as books, chocolates, sweets, secret Santa gifts etc should be brought into school on the morning of the 7th December (Thursday.) Any perishable goods (mince pies, cakes etc) should be brought in on the morning of the 8th (Friday). Please remember that we are a nut free school. All donations can be dropped at the school reception.

If you would like to attend our Christmas Market, please complete this short form by clicking here so that we have an idea of how many people to expect. We very much look forward to seeing you!

The FDPS

Christmas Activities There is A LOT going on over the coming weeks so here are two posters for Junior and Senior that break it down.

If you'd like to book a place at the Nativity, please click on this link to sign up Could we also ask you to let us know whether or not you are attending the Carol Service (and therefore will collect your child from the Cathedral) - this will help us hugely with logistics. Unusually this year, we are holding our Carol Service the day before the end of term. The reason for this is that, much like a good pair of trousers over Christmas, we have grown so much that we don't fit in a smaller venue. St John's Cathedral in Portsmouth will be where we are celebrating the Christmas service this year and because of prior bookings, they have slotted us in the day before term ends.

You can let us know whether or not you are able to attend the Carol Service by clicking this link and completing the short form We look forward to celebrating the festive period with our #ditchamcommunity!

Festive Concert at Churcher's College

You are invited to a Festive Concert in aid of Save the Children on Friday 1 December at 7.30pm at Churcher’s College, Petersfield. This evening of festivities featuring performances from students of Churcher’s College, The Petersfield School and Ditcham Park School will be a wonderful start to the Christmas season with all funds raised helping those in need across the UK and overseas. Tickets cost £10 each and are on sale at www.ticketsource.co.uk/churchers-college.

Christmas Tennis Camps!

The Ditcham Park Tennis Academy is holding three days of their popular camp from 18th to 20th December. Spaces are limited so please make sure you book your place quickly! £60 for one day or £150 for all three. The camp is suitable for Year 3 to Year 7 children.

Art Exhibition by Nikki Rose

Opening a week on Saturday Nicola Rose's solo exhibition On the Edge of Time, a stunning selection of landscape paintings. Nicola will be in the gallery from 1-3pm to answer any of your questions regarding this recent body of work. Wine and mince pies will be served.

Nicola talks about the exhibition. "On The Edge of Time is a new body of work inspired by a week spent walking and drawing in a revisited landscape. It was Easter on Dartmoor. The colours were old and deep, battling back from a hard winter. I responded to the rock formations and prehistoric settlements around Hay Tor, experiencing the constantly changing light play as it hit the colours in the granite and shone through the layers of mist. Back in my studio I have created paintings which reflect the ancient intensity of colour and light using oil paint and combining ground natural earth pigments. The warmth and power of the vivid reds and oranges in stark contrast with the grey mists and the wild skies "If you are interested in purchasing or viewing any of the works then please contact the gallery.

Show Runs from 25th Nov -23rd Dec and the details are below:

McAllister Thomas Fine Art 117 High Street, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1AQ Phone: +44(0)1483 860591 Mobile: +44(0)7828 444178 Email: sue.mcallister@mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk Web: www.mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk