Echo Issue 25 February 2025

H E A D M A S T ER ’ S W ELCO M E Welcome to our latest edition of Echo.

As I write, there is a glimmer of Spring outside and with it, the happy hum of Elstree pupils. The mood of positivity and purpose is palpable – and so it should be.

I am proud to say that Elstree continues to thrive despite the challenge faced by Independent Schools since Labour came to power. Buoyant pupil numbers, a supportive parent body and an energetic and talented staff team ensure that we can look forward with confidence and ambition.

The following pages are testament to the endless opportunities we offer Elstree boys and girls, and the fantastic community we are so fortunate to have around us. Elstree is a magical place where children are nurtured and inspired to fulfil their unique potential.

In the Autumn Term, the children made an eager start to the academic year and approached their classroom work, sports and extra-curricular activities with their customary rigour and enthusiasm. Book Week was a clear display of our pupils’ love for reading and the Year 8s put on a spellbinding performance in their musical, A Million Dreams. Whether it was the French Trip, the visit to the Science Museum, The Living Rainforest or Hindu Temple, there were plenty of memorable moments when the children were enriched beyond the Elstree classrooms.

I am always so proud of the skills and camaraderie of Elstree pupils when they take to the sport pitches, but never more so than at the end of the Autumn Term, when our fantastic 1st XI team celebrated an unbeaten football season. This truly is an exceptional accomplishment and one that will no doubt be remembered for years to come, well done boys!

Now, half-way through the Lent Term, the children are settled into the rhythm of school life, and they are brimming with a quiet confidence and the happy security of close friendships. Our annual Declamations competition was a wonderful celebration of poetry and performance. The House Cross-Country event demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination from the boys and girls, and it was a joy to see them cheering one-another on 2

with great house spirit. Mental Health Awareness week included assemblies, talks and activities with the theme ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself’; an important moment in the school year, enabling children to reflect not just on their feelings, but on their skills, abilities and progress.

As ever, the Elstree community has been in fine fettle. From Welcome Back drinks to the Gift Fair, Bonfire Night and Carol Concerts galore; we pounded the Elstree grounds at the 5k Fun Run, and our inaugural Burns Night celebration was a great hit - who knew there were such fine Reelers amongst us! Community Walks have kept us moving and mindful, and we also invited parents to consider their children’s onward education by joining our Senior Schools’ Fair, with over 30 top Senior Schools in attendance.

We have had a wonderful time keeping up with Elstree Alumni. It is always a privilege to visit Old Boys and Girls at their Senior Schools and, better still, to see them back at Elstree, catching up with old friends and reliving childhood memories. Our annual Old Boys’ football match lived up to all expectations. We welcomed back 2018, 2019 and 2020 Leavers for Christmas Drinks and our 2024 Leavers unveiled their Leavers’ Gift – an incredible outdoor fitness and activity trail, for which we are hugely grateful.

When it comes to gratitude, my heartfelt thanks go to my incredible team of teaching and support staff.

Going above and beyond their dedicated teaching and care, they have poured energy, expertise and enthusiasm into an endless array of extra-curricular activities and initiatives - from Revision Camps and School Discos to Christmas Camps, 5k Fun Runs, Night-Time Golf Tournaments and naturally, a ‘Swifty’ Appreciation Society. My huge thanks and appreciation go to them for providing our pupils and community with so much opportunity. Thank you to you too - Elstree pupils, parents and alumni for making the most of them.

Sid Inglis, Headmaster Elstree Echo Issue 25

B OA R D I N G

Pupils had a wonderful time grilling staff as ‘suspects’ and analysing motives and alibis before Mr Edwards was revealed as the guilty party.

Every term at Elstree is busy, and the last term and a half has been no exception!

Our Year 8 pupils kicked-off our Boarding events with a Silent Disco in the Long

Flag in the main house. All occasions were great fun and finished with a hearty English breakfast on a Sunday morning before games and activities outside.

Room, followed by s’mores and treats around outdoor fire bowls – and all this before departing for France the next morning! In the Autumn Term, our Year 7s took part in Ready, Steady, Cook!

The Great Escape, (formerly Escape from Colditz), lived up to all expectations

with Mr Prichard at the helm. The boarders were triumphant, with roughly a third of the escapees making it to Plantation without being caught by the guards. A huge improvement on last year’s results!

Donning chef’s garb, the boys and girls competed to see which team could produce the most appetising and tasty supper. The following morning, they took part in the Elstree Olympics directed by the careful coaching of Mr Matthews and Mr Coppack.

Lent Term saw the Year 7s back for another Big Weekend. This time it was Mission Impossible, and the children had to solve clues, collect secret parcels and return to the Sports Hall without being caught by the guards. We welcomed Year 6 children to hone their bushcraft skills in Plantation and the Year 5s enjoyed a Taster Evening which included a great game of Capture the Elstree Echo Issue 25

In mid-October, Family Fortunes made a

come-back. Over 150 members of the Elstree boarding community including pupils, parents and staff gathered in the McMullen Hall for a brilliant evening of quizzing, laughter, food and drink. It was a pleasure to welcome them back in February for an all-time Boarding favourite, The Elstree Murder Mystery.

The Boarders’ Christmas Party was a magical celebration of yet another action-packed, fun-filled term in the Boarding House. This cosy service by the fire in the Front Hall with Christmas tree lights twinkling atmospherically in

the background (and a surprise visit from The Man in Red) is always a very special way to end the Autumn Term.

We are looking forward to our Year 8 Social with Downe House and their Total Wipeout Big Weekend after Half Term.

My thanks go to all the residential staff for their energy and enthusiasm when it comes to running their clubs and managing the landings. Thanks especially to Miss Boyd and Mr Edwards for their loyal support. The matronal team are first class and we are very lucky to have them and Sister Cook looking after us all so well. A final thank

you to Mrs Morris for more special Brews, party planning and capturing all the great fun we have!

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EL S T R EE A LU M N I

2024 Leavers Our 2024 Leavers joined us at the start of the Lent Term to unveil their fantastic Leavers’ Gift – an outdoor fitness and activity trail.

reunited. Staff, parents and Old Boys and Girls caught up over lunch before walking out to the new trail, which has been brilliantly built with the support of three Elstree Old Boys.

With a term at Senior School under their belts, it was wonderful to catch up on their news and to see the year group

Our thanks to the 2024 Leavers and to Smiley Bespoke Ltd, Castles Cary and Wild Duck Construction.

2018, 2019 and 2020 Leavers We had a wonderful time welcoming back so many Elstree Leavers in December.

The Front Hall and Long Room were full of Christmas Cheer with over 130 guests.

It was a pleasure to be regaled with news of Senior School, A-levels, university and gap years, but best of all was seeing old friends reunited and listening to their memories of Elstree.

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Old Boys Football On Sunday 13th October, Elstree Old Boys, Parents and Staff gathered for battle on Lower.

Ages ranged from U6th to Upper 30s and beyond, but all were determined to relive their teenage years and perform as they had in bygone years. The level of skill was admirable, giving the large crowd plenty to anticipate and cheer. There were one or two improbable misses, some fantastic saves and many excellent goals scored.

With each team winning one and losing one, honours were definitely even. Our thanks to Mr Bates for masterminding the occasion and to Mr Attwood for flipping the burgers and ensuring everyone enjoyed a lively lunch with much chat about future tactics. We look forward to next year’s re-enactment.

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2018 Leavers head to the Races during Freshers’ Week at Durham and Newcastle Universities.

2024 Leavers Wilf F (Marlborough), Harry G and Ethan L (Sherborne) meet up on match day.

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2024 Leavers Mila T (Marlborough) and Isla S meet up on the hockey pitch in October 2024.

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2024 Leavers Harry A (Eton) and Harry C (Winchester) meet on the sports field in September 2024.

2023 Leaver Derek L was awarded an Honorary Academic Scholarship at Harrow School.

2023 Leavers, Laurence M (Lord Wandsworth College) meets up with Joshua S, Sport Scholar, (Canford).

2023 Leavers Oscar H, Arthur W (both Radley) meet up with Laurence M (LWC).

2023 Leavers William S and Arthur W join the CCF at Radley.

2023 Leavers Tilly L, Kate O, Sophie P represented the U14A Hockey Team for Downe House

2022 Leavers Tom S and George J acting in the Sherborne Schools (Girls and Boys) play. Tom played young Scrooge and George played young Marley.

Brothers Ollie A (2023) and Alex A (2022) winning Harrow Football for Rendalls House (both boys scored and Alex was captain).

2024 Leavers Tilly L and Sophie O (Downe House) meet up for matches against Darcy C (St Edward’s).

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Mr and Mrs Inglis were invited to the ‘Enrolment of Scholars Dinner’ at Downe House and met up with 2024 Scholars Kate (drama), Sophie (sport), Tilly (creative art) and Maisie (academic).

Mr & Mrs Inglis enjoyed seeing some of the Elstree 2024 Leavers at Marlborough.

Drinks in the Warden’s Room at Bradfield College before the JCR dinner with some former Elstree pupils Clara, Harry and Alfie (2023), Isla, Teddy, Harry, Seb (2024).

Mr and Mrs Inglis visited Radley for the performance of Les Misérables Starring Angus L (2020) as Javert in November 2024.

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In November 2024, Mr and Mrs Inglis enjoyed Bradfield College JCR Prep Heads Dinner in the main Dining Room as guests of Theo (2020) who is currently Head of Stone House (E).

2024 Leaver Ethan L (Sherborne) enjoyed meeting up with Toby W, Monty R, Jules F, Caspar W (Radley) for matches in November 2024.

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EL S T R EE CO M M U N I T Y Welcome Back Drinks Our Welcome Back drinks saw the McMullen Hall full of friendship, chatter and laughter.

Delicious canapés and magnums of rosé did the rounds as new families were introduced and old friends reunited. It was hard to tell whether it was the pupils or parents that were most excited about a new school year getting underway!

Steve Bates - Lifetime Achievement 2024 In September, we were delighted to share the fantastic news that Steve Bates had been nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award by Tatler Schools.

Joining us in 1980 as a PE teacher, Steve coached Elstree’s 1st football, cricket and rugby teams for 34 years. He went on to teach almost every subject before stepping in as Acting Headmaster in 2012, passing over the reins to Mr Inglis in 2013. Despite retiring from his position as Deputy Headmaster in 2016, Steve remains a vital member of the Elstree Common Room, running outreach programmes, invigilating exams, welcoming our Year 8s to the ESA and reuniting them year after year.

Mr Bates knows everything there is to know about Elstree and his words and conduct are treasured by all – it was a brilliantly deserved nomination.

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EL S T R EE CO M M U N I T Y Gift Fair We welcomed hundreds of eager shoppers to the Elstree Gift Fair.

With over 50 Stall Holders joining us, the choice of goodies and gifts on offer was spectacular! An array of coffee and refreshment stalls ensured everyone was well-fuelled and pupils in the Pre-Prep and Prep School took to the stage to keep our shoppers entertained with some wonderful singing.

The highly anticipated Hamper Raffle topped off a busy morning and in total, the Gift Fair raised a huge £3,777.57 for Daisy’s Dream, a wonderful local charity who do so much for families coming to terms with terminal illness or bereavement.

Bonfire Night Our Friends of Elstree Committee united the Elstree community for another explosive evening!

Under the twinkling lights on Yard, stalls selling jars of home grown produce, hot chocolate, popcorn, sweets and hot dogs saw a roaring trade amongst Elstree pupils. The Elstree bar served up warming drinks and together, we all had a blast before the fireworks even started.

Once again, they were incredible - this event remains a firm favourite in the Elstree calendar!

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Carol Concerts The Elstree Chapel Choir had a busy run up to Christmas, beginning with The Charlie Waller Trust Carol Concert at Bradfield College. This is a charity very close to Elstree’s heart and we are delighted that they raised £17,700, helping to provide training that will raise mental health awareness amongst children and young people. They went on to join The Rainbow Trust Carol Concert at St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge which raised £26,500 to support families with a seriously ill child. The final service was at home at Douai Abbey and brought our Autumn Term to a wonderful close.

Burns Night Drinks in the Long Room were followed by a delicious feast complete with poetry, Haggis and whisky! All perfect preparation for an evening of reeling in the McMullen Hall.

Elstree parents, staff and Year 8 pupils joined together to celebrate the life and work of Robert Burns in great style. With thanks to the master-caller John Carver, the reeling was perfect for all levels, and it was an evening full of energy, laughter and friendship.

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EL S T R EE CO M M U N I T Y Community Run Our 5k Community Run was another occasion which saw Elstree at its best.

Brilliantly masterminded by Mrs James, Elstree pupils, parents and staff took to the grounds to raise funds for Walking for the Wounded. Children in Years 3 and 4 (and energetic Pre-Prep boys and girls!) completed a 1k circuit, children in Years 5-8 ran 3k and then came the adults’ 5k, which saw some fierce competition and astonishing times!

Mr Pugsley was on the mic, urging runners on with endless encouragement and uplifting disco beats. The homemade cake sale provided welcome relief in the form of sugar and caffeine (and healthy treats too!) helping to raise more money for charity - and collecting vital House Points.

Senior Schools’ Fair In February we welcomed over 30 Senior Schools to Elstree so our current parents could begin enquiries for their children’s onward education.

It was a pleasure to welcome a wide range of schools: boarding and day, single sex and co-educational, local and further afield. We hope it was a useful and informative morning for all.

Schools included: Abingdon School, Bradfield College, Bryanston School, Canford School, Charterhouse School, Dauntsey’s School, Downe House, Eton College, Harrow School, Lord Wandsworth College, Marlborough College, Pangbourne College, Queen Anne’s School Caversham, Radley College, Sherborne School, Shiplake College, St Edward’s School, St Gabriel’s School, Shiplake College, St Mary’s Ascot, St Mary’s Calne, St Swithun’s Girls, Stowe School, The Oratory School, Tudor Hall School, Wellington College, Winchester College, Wycombe Abbey.

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PR EP N E W S AC A D EM I C Declamations Our Declamations finalists from Years 3 to 8 put such effort into memorising a piece of poetry or prose - and some even wrote a poem themselves. From Roald Dahl to Alfred Lord Tennyson and from Lin-Manuel Miranda to Jessie Oliver, each pupil remembered their words perfectly and delivered them with outstanding confidence.

Mr Alex Nash, Head of English at Radley, adjudicated the competition with plenty of praise and encouragement, and quite rightly so – a vast audience of almost 300 pupils, staff and parents were kept very well entertained by incredible performances. Congratulations to them all and especially to our Junior, Middle School and Senior winners: Rex Ruddick (Year 4), Jonty Ridley-Day (Year 6) and Kweji Sameke (Year 8).

A RT A N D M U SI C Autumn Concert Our Autumn Concert was a musical feast with an array of performances from the School orchestra, School Choirs and wonderful solos from our talented Elstree musicians.

Mr Coppack introduced a host of ensembles including flutes and our newly established Year 8 band, who came together with a jazzy mix that complemented beginners and experienced musicians alike. Never too early for Christmas, Jingle Bell Rock raised the roof of the McMullen Hall and closed the proceedings, leaving pupils and parents alike feeling well entertained and looking forward to the festivities ahead!

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PR EP N E W S TRIPS Science Centre Year 4 pupils enjoyed a day of science immersion at the Winchester Science Centre.

Whether it was floating off to outer space in the planetarium, getting hands-on with the fascinating exhibits or exploring physics with a system of pulleys and pipes from a building site, there were lessons all around.

The children also built and tested their own rockets. With great excitement they tested how far they could shoot their rockets and then discussed how design and aerodynamics could be improved for better results. Overall, science was the winner of the day!

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EN R I CH M EN T Lectures & Workshops Our Years 5 – 8 enrichment lectures have been full of variety. Pupils have learnt about adventures in Arctic Siberia from Charlie Walker and life as a Roman soldier by Sam Dewhurst from Uppingham School. Rosie Tapner joined us to discuss careers in the media and Rob Higgs came in to present on the impact of social media with his talk, ‘All Hail ‘Lightning’ Pete Giffa’. Current parent, Paul Burnett joined us with a huge John Deere tractor and gave an outdoor presentation called ‘From Field to Fork’. The children also learnt about the NSPCC and Mrs Llewellyn from Downe House provided useful tips on

managing mobile phone usage.

Staff lectures have included ‘What’s in the News?’ by Mr Owens, who also oversaw a Debating workshop. Mr Prichard talked about the ‘Secrets of Growing Intelligence’, Mrs Soames provided a ‘Science Spectacular’ and Mr Bentley gave a talk on Black Music History. Mr Wyatt took an ‘Outsmarted’ session and Mr Attwood not only discussed the ‘One Percent Club’, but he also explored the Crusades.

Year 6 pupil, Felix Brims performed his Magic Show to Year 5 pupils, and we were equally impressed with Year 7 pupil, Ralph Weatherill, who told us how he had produced some new pucks with his 3D printer for Mrs James’s shuffleboard club.

L I B R A RY Elstree Book Week This year’s Book Week theme was ‘Heroes and Villains’. As always, the children really enjoyed dressing up and sharing the magical world of books.

As one Year 4 pupil said, “I love book day because you just never know who might be visiting Elstree from the pages of our books!”

The week included a Readers’ Celebration Party with hot chocolate, marshmallows and healthy snacks in Elstree’s Library. A record-breaking ninety children were invited this year, with so many putting great effort into their summer holiday reading and book reviews.

The finale of the week was a visit from Ross Welford, the award-winning author of Time Travelling with a Hamster. He performed three separate fun, fact and magic shows and talked about each of his books, telling the children, “When you open a book, your imagination takes over.”

Ross Welford enthused, “What a lovely school! I think the children enjoyed it as much as I did. They asked great questions too. I’d love to come back!”

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Year 8 Play

Undefeated 1st XI

Our Year 8 children put on an incredible production of A Million Dreams, brainchild and inspiration of Elstree teacher, Justin Pugsley.

It was a truly remarkable season for this very talented team of Elstree football players. Their own fiercest critics, they all had a determination to improve and a ‘fight to the end’ mentality. Displaying incredible sportsmanship and working together as a team, their hard work and positivity meant they always found a way to win.

The play began in a Prep School called Elstree, where four children were whisked to a parallel ‘Musical Theatre Universe’. They soon became stars and the audience magically journeyed through ‘Cabaret’, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, ‘Six’, ‘Les Misérables’, ‘Oliver’, ‘Grease’ and ‘Annie’.

The show was sprinkled with Sian Bond’s magical direction and boasted sublime scenery, sets, costumes and make-up, thanks to the help of our talented parent volunteers. It was the talent of the Elstree boys and girls that really left its mark however – what a fantastic performance!

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The season’s performance was a moment of Elstree history in the making, and the statistics speak for themselves: 65 goals for and 16 against. Well done boys - you’ve done Elstree proud!

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PRE-PREP NEWS AC A D EM I C Science Lessons Children from Nursery and Reception had a wonderful time sparking a curiosity in Science in the Elstree laboratories.

Inspired by the Elstree fireworks display, the boys and girls called out all the colours they had seen. With goggles at the ready, they were carefully helped by Mrs Lyne as they approached the almighty Bunsen Burner to recreate the wonderful colours themselves.

Some were nervous and many were very excited; all of them were in awe of the magical flame, watching it spring into life and then dim as it roared.

Using sprays and crystals, the children took it in turns to create reds, green, yellows and purples.

DAYS O U T The Living Rainforest As part of their topic on Rainforests, our Year 2 pupils had an inspiring trip to The Living Rainforest in Hampstead Norreys.

The children were very keen to tell their guides all about the different layers of the rainforest and share what they knew about the equator – fortunately, the guides were extremely knowledgeable and had all sorts of interesting facts about Rainforests that the children were yet to learn!

They loved looking at all the exotic creatures - the vivid blue coloured dart frogs and the brightly coloured Emerald Tree Boa were highlights.

The children were amazed at the array of plants and gazed in awe at the size and colours of the leaves.

Venturing outside at the end of the day, the cool temperature was a welcome relief after the humidity of the glasshouses.

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Outdoor Painting

Pre-Prep Christmas Play

What better way to spend a sunny, autumnal afternoon than outdoors in the Elstree grounds with good friends, a tractor and painting equipment?

Angels, stars, wise men, sheep, inn-keepers and of course, a comedy donkey took to the stage for a special moment of Pre-Prep Christmas magic.

The Year 1 children were very content as they meticulously studied the lines, shapes and colours of the John Deere tractor and mower. We are so lucky to be surrounded by endless space to inspire creativity; the tractor certainly added a new dimension, and it was wonderful to see so many masterpieces in progress.

With wonderfully loud and clear voices, beautifully choreographed actions and an array of colourful and tinselled costumes, the children told the story of Mary and Joseph seeking refuge in a stable to bring their baby Jesus into the world.

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There were solo and group performances from Nursery to Year 2. The play came to a close with the entire Pre-Prep singing Jingle Bells using Makaton - a wonderful ending to a play that brought huge joy to the proud parents and grandparents gathered in the McMullen Hall.

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PRE-PREP NEWS CO M M U N I T Y Toddler Group It has been wonderful to welcome so many local families to our Toddler Groups.

We have run up to 4 sessions every term with a great variety of themes, activities and sing-alongs. Whether it has been Valentine’s love hearts, the colour and glitter of fireworks or the mess and magic of sensory play, there have been so many wonderful pursuits for active hands and curious young minds. In the warmer months, our outings to the Elstree woods have been such fun – and best of all are the days we get a tractor ride back to the main school.

It’s been wonderful to see so many little faces light up as they’ve met new friends and tried new activities. Our Toddler Groups have also provided a moment for local families to get to know one another and ensure their young children become familiar with a new environment before they begin their days at Nursery.

SP O RT Ball Skills Children from Nursery and Reception gathered in the Sports Hall for an afternoon of Ball Skills. Coaching was provided by our wonderful Year 7 volunteers; they provided fantastic advice and plenty of kind encouragement.

Seven exciting activities including a penalty shoot-out, netball goal shooting, football dribbling, bean bag throwing, and tennis ball balancing were set up around the hall. The children worked in small groups, spending five minutes at each station. They took a few breaks, eagerly looking up to the Sports Hall mezzanine and waving to their adoring fans – it was wonderful to see parents and grandparents cheering them on!

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An Elstree Childhood

DAY A N D B OA R D IN G SCH O O L FO R B OYS A N D G IR L S AG ED 2-1 3

To make a private visit, please email registrar@elstreeschool.org.uk or call 0118 971 3302 Woolhampton, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 5TD | www.elstreeschool.org.uk