Salvo 2024 by Elstreeschool

WELCOME

Every edition of Salvo is testament to the hard work and talent of our pupils, the dedication and expertise of our staff and the support, kindness and fun of the Elstree community.

Once again, I am so proud of everything that Elstree has achieved. This year, we celebrate a record haul of Scholarships. In total, 13 pupils have been awarded Scholarships and Exhibitions across all disciplines to exceptional Senior Schools including Marlborough, Winchester, Radley, Downe House, Charterhouse and Canford.

On the Sports pitches, many teams enjoyed unbeaten seasons and all of them demonstrated remarkable camaraderie, sportsmanship and resilience. Our U11A Football Team once again reached the ISFA Finals. On the Athletics track, School records were smashed, and boys and girls qualified and won places at the National Athletics Championships.

The stage in the McMullen Hall played host to a fantastic array of performances from end-of-term Concerts, Declamations and House Music Competitions, and then to plays of astonishing acting and production brilliance: Shrek , Around the World in 80 Days and Zeus on the Loose – all incredible.

It has been wonderful to see the grounds and facilities of Elstree put to good use with a dynamic and revamped extra-curricular programme. We never forget how lucky we are to be surrounded by such beautiful countryside and wonderful space. Whether it is has been paddleboarding on the lake, mountain biking through park, whittling in the woods or climbing, sewing and building DT projects or joining ballet, yoga and art clubs, there have been opportunities for all – and the list continues to grow!

At the start of the year, I was proud and humbled to have been awarded

the title ‘Best Headmaster of a Prep School’ and now, as I look back over the last year, I am struck once again by the realisation that this award was only possible with the support of a wonderful team of staff, an engaged and supportive parentbody and of course, the company of such tremendous pupils with a huge willingness to learn.

Together, we make Elstree the special place it is.

This is a time of change for Independent Schools like ours, but together we will continue to see Elstree develop and thrive. Children at Elstree will always enjoy a childhood of adventure and fun in glorious grounds; they will always be supported by expert teachers who will challenge them to achieve the very best of their potential and they will always make lifelong friends who will remind them daily of the importance of good fun, integrity and kindness.

So much emphasis is placed on what we achieve together, and this is once again my opportunity to thank all parents and pupils for your continued support. I am hugely grateful to the wonderful team who support me daily, from the grounds staff to the ladies in the School offices and to the exceptional teachers who provide such expertise and unique attention in their teaching and support. As ever, my heartfelt thanks go to my wife Olivia, who runs the school beside me with unstinting selflessness, loyalty and care.

No good school will ever stand still, and together we are committed to ensuring Elstree will always be steadfast in strength and purpose. It is our ongoing commitment to provide the very best in education, opportunity and care, encouraging children to approach life and its many complexities with kindness, good grace and positivity.

I do hope you enjoy Salvo 2024.

Sid Inglis, Headmaster

Editor: Beth Davenport

Proof Readers: Olivia Inglis, Debs Burles, Daisy Robertson and Steve Bates

Photographers: Olivia Inglis, Chris Schuman,

VALETE, SALVETE,

Andy Brown

Andy came to Elstree having previously taught at Carshalton Boys Sports School. He brought with him a wealth of experience and subject knowledge and his lessons and passion for the subject were greatly enjoyed and appreciated by the children. The life of a science teacher is never dull and there has inevitably been the odd heartstopping moment. According to Andy, the most memorable experiments are always the ones that go wrongwhoosh bottle experiments with the Year 8s spring to mind!

During his time with us there have been many highlights to remember including various Leavers’ trips to Pembrokeshire, which he particularly enjoyed; numerous science demonstrations to Pre-Prep as well as science enrichments sessions with Year 5 & 6; playing his trumpet in various concerts and carol services as well as taking a variety of sports teams across the age ranges. He was also a committed and conscientious Form Tutor to 8AJB.

He threw himself into everything he did at Elstree with hard work, humility and a genuine sense of fun.

He has, with great regret, decided to move back to South West London to be closer to family and friends following the tragic passing of his wife Kate, at the end of the summer holidays.

Andy will be sorely missed by the whole Elstree community, and we wish him and his daughter Lily all best wishes for the future.

SCA

Melanie Hatton

Melanie has been a much-loved member of the matronal team for many years and she will be sorely missed by the whole Elstree community. Her warm, maternal character is infectious, and she has always been there to lend a supportive hand or word to both children and staff alike.

Having sent her son William through the school, she understands the real ‘heart’ of Elstree and I hope that she will always look back fondly at the time she has spent here, as a mother, an employee and as a friend to many colleagues. On a personal note, I want to thank her for her great sense of humour and her determination to always see the positive side of things, no matter how hard that might be sometimes. In our job, it can sometimes be easy to forget why we are all here, but Melanie never lost sight of what is most important - the children.

We wish her all the very best in whatever lies ahead, and we hope that she always comes back to visit us. Elstree is in her blood and it always will be.

JCM

Helen Hampson

We managed to persuade Helen to come out of retirement to re-join our busy Learning Support Department three years ago. We are just so glad that we did; she has been an integral part of our growing team during this time. Her gentle, kind manner together with her carefully planned and effective 1:1 teaching has been enormously beneficial to her lucky pupils.

Not only did Helen need to take on new pupils on her return but since she had last been with us, we had moved over to ‘Teams’ and a whole new way of recording our lesson plans, reports, and holding parent meetings. Helen was incredible at embracing this and taking it all in her stride. We are a close team, and we are going to miss Helen, her friendship and her wonderful sense of humour enormously, but know that she is close by. We are hoping that she will return to see us often. We wish her well with her future plans, which will no doubt include plenty of adventures and we look forward to hearing all about them.

SCA

BRAVO Pascale Simonin

Sophie O’Neill

This is the second time I have had the pleasure of teaching with Sophie. I started my teaching career joining Sophie at a previous school and we have been friends ever since.

Sophie joined us at Elstree with very late notice in September 2020. She was enjoying a different career in catering at the time and, one evening in late August, I called her to see if there was any way I could persuade her to come to be a Reception teaching assistant. Despite not teaching Reception before, Sophie was up for the challenge and said yes. She moved her two youngest children (Alice and Jonny) to Elstree too and we were delighted to welcome the O’Neill’s.

As you can imagine, Sophie was an excellent assistant. She supported groups, helped to keep the classroom organised and was nurturing and caring to all the children in her class. In January of 2021, the Reception class teacher went on maternity leave, and it made perfect sense for Sophie to transition into the class teacher. Sophie taught in Reception for one and a half years and has enjoyed teaching Year 2 for the remainder of her time here at Elstree.

Sophie is incredibly organised; her planning was usually done a term in advance and all of her resources prepared and ready. She has exceptionally high standards and always encouraged the children in her

class to be their best. During her time in the Pre-Prep, Sophie has also led our Able and Talented programme (in the Pre-Prep) and researched and implemented a new, and very successful, phonics scheme.

We will be very sad to see Sophie, Alice and Jonny O’Neill leaving us at the end of the Autumn Term, but we know that they will be happy in their new schools. Sophie is moving to teach part-time at a school very close to her home. We are sure she will miss lots of parts at Elstree, but the long drive each day is something she will be delighted to wave goodbye to!

Edmund Westley

Edmund Westley leaves us after an action-packed year supporting Year 4 as their Teaching Assistant in the Cooper Classrooms. Ed also made a huge impression in many other areas of school life. He has been an enthusiastic sports coach to numerous junior teams, supported many choirs and musical ensembles and has also been a hugely positive presence in the boarding house. He built up a great rapport with the children and staff alike and will be very much missed as he heads off to pursue a career in the City. We wish him every happiness in the future but secretly hope it is not too long before he rejoins the family firm and becomes a teacher.

SCA

Pascale has been a wonderful colleague and friend to so many at Elstree over the last 9 years. She was a pocket rocket bundle of French energy and positivity. Pascale was hugely popular amongst the staff and always had ‘just one more thing...’ to say in staff briefings. Her teaching was exceptional: impeccably planned lessons underpinned with plenty of rigour and lots of fun. Pascale always encouraged the children to ‘aim higher’ and ran a very happy and cohesive MFL department. She successfully introduced Spanish at Elstree which proved to be ‘muy popular.’

Pascale’s French trips were legendary. She transformed the children’s spoken French and regular ‘journal writing’ (en français bien sûr!) ensuring the children made plenty of progress with their written French too. A true gourmet, Pascale encouraged everyone to taste French culinary delicacies such as snails and smelly cheeses... always with a cheeky smile and an encouraging ‘bon appétit’!

Outside the classroom Pascale offered yoga as an activity and ran swimming at Elstree for a number of years. She was a proactive and supportive Form Tutor to many children who blossomed under her watchful eye. We will miss her hugely and wish her well with her new adventure at Reading Girls’ School. Bonne chance et à bientôt!

OSI

Simon Varney

Simon is a remarkable teacher whose kindness and gentleness have left an indelible mark on all of us here at Elstree. Sadly only with us for a year, he has taught English to Years 5-7. The children, under his care, have flourished as he has encouraged them at every turn. Throughout his time with us, Simon has created a nurturing environment where every pupil has felt valued and understood.

When asked to describe Mr Varney, the children used the following words: charismatic, enthusiastic, golf, kind, thoughtful and humorous. One child even told me that Mr Varney always looks on the bright side of life. On the sports field, his passion for sport not only inspired the children to push themselves to their physical limits but also taught them valuable lessons in perseverance, discipline and camaraderie. I know that Simon has particularly enjoyed coaching the U11A Cricket team this term; this team assure me that his favourite moment was when his team drew against Lambrook. Unfortunately, Lambrook’s best batsman came back on the pitch for the last two balls, hitting two fours to draw! This year, Simon has also turned his hand to coaching all manner of other sportsU11Bs Hockey team, U10s Rugby team and the 2nd XI Football team.

Simon came to us from Eagle House and he will be moving back to Eagle House. I have been assured that this isn’t because we have scared him off but because he needs to be closer to home in September. This is our loss and their gain. I would like to thank Simon for all the hard work he has done this year in the English department. We will miss him and wish him the very best of luck in his new appointment at Eagle House. CLP

Ed and Alison Mason

Ed and Alison Mason had a combined service to Elstree of 28 years. We are so grateful to them for their loyalty, professionalism and dedication over so many years.

As Head of Maintenance, Ed worked tirelessly to ensure that the beautiful (and in some cases very old!) Elstree buildings were functioning well and safely. Ed’s knowledge and understanding of the Elstree estate was extraordinary - he knew every nook and cranny as well as the quirks of how to keep everything in good working order. What Ed didn’t know about the intricacies of Elstree was frankly not worth knowing! Always on hand to help at key events such as the Gift Fair, Bonfire Night and the 175 Ball, Ed was a brilliant ‘doer’ and a wonderful friend to many.

Alison worked tirelessly in the Bursary as Facilities Coordinator. So much hard work behind the scenes was thanks to Alison who over her years at Elstree was involved in many different areas: overseeing the Summer Lets, managing the cleaners, supporting Friends of Elstree events, compliance for proprieties and coordinating staff accommodation. Her attention to detail and impeccable organisation ensured that nothing was left to chance.

We are so grateful to Alison and Ed and will miss them hugely as they head to pastures new in Devon.

OSI

Cecily Bond

Congratulations to Alice and Jon Bond on their new arrival, Cecily Matilda Bond, who was born on 14th January, weighing 8Ib 1oz.

Grace Armstrong

Grace joined Elstree in September 2021, having been recommended to the school by a very close friend. Grace joined us as a Pre-Prep teaching assistant and has been a wonderful addition to our team. Starting in Year 2, she supported the oldest children in the Pre-Prep and was instrumental to the success of our Ducklings Club, overseeing a lot of the afterschool provision. More recently, she has assisted in Reception. This was an area out of Grace’s comfort zone; however, she embraced this wholeheartedly and was adored by the children and staff alike.

Grace is keen to further her career and not to limit her opportunities. She has started a new role as a Support Worker for a domestic abuse programme called Bounce Back 4 Kids. It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye for now.

Grace will be missed for many reasons, most notably for her sense of humour and her willingness to help others - and her love of gammon! We wish Grace very well in her new chapter but hope she may return to Elstree one day.

Charlee and

Jordan Murrell

Congratulations to Charlee and Jordan Murrell who were married on 28th March 2024. We wish them every happiness.

ACADEMIC

Record Scholarship Results

Congratulations to our Year 8 pupils who have matched the previous record of 13 Scholarship awards, a tremendous result that was previously set in 2015. It is wonderful that this year’s Scholarship results span the full remit of the Elstree education.

Well done to the following: Maisie Brown , Academic Scholarship to Downe House; James MorrisWeston , Music Scholarship to Winchester College; Alex Wu , Academic Scholarship to Radley; Jack Li, Academic Scholarship to Charterhouse; Sophie Payne , Sports Scholarship to Downe House; Wilf Foulds, Sports Scholarship to Marlborough College; Harry Clothier, Sports Exhibition to Winchester; Matilda Lloyd , Creative Arts Scholarship to Downe House; Freddie Carlbom , Sports Scholarship

Space Project

During the Summer Term 2023 our current Year 6 pupils were studying the Earth and Space.

To compliment this topic, they were tasked with making space-themed models during the summer holidays. The fantastic results were put on display in the Science Atrium and ranged from models of the Earth, lunar and solar eclipses to models of

to Marlborough College; Kate Oliver, Drama Scholarship to Downe House; Henry Dalton , DT Scholarship to Marlborough College; Kitty Butler,

the solar system including key points on each of the planets.

Congratulations to all those who clearly spent a good deal of time and effort to make these brilliant models.

PNS

Drama Scholarship to Canford; Tom Utley, Drama Exhibition to Radley College.

AJP

Elstree Book Fair

The Elstree Book Fair was ‘Awesome’ - there were so many books to choose from!

Held within the Ward Library from Monday 10th June to Friday 17th June, the pupils had access to six extra cases of enticing fiction and non-fiction books, courtesy of the excellent, Travelling Book Company. Enthusiastic children visited the library to choose and recommend books to each other throughout the week.

Popular books this year were A Flash of Fireflies by Aisha Busbee, Nightshade Revenge by Anthony Horowitz and Time Travelling Tortoise by Ross Welford. Pupils were very excited to hear that award winning author Ross Welford will also be visiting Elstree this Autumn as part of Elstree Book Week.

A total of 552 books were bought, and many of the children took advantage of the excellent 3 for the price of 2 offer. The book sales totalled an amazing £2,405.87 in the Prep School.

School Librarian Mrs Ruth Walker said, “The Book Fair is a fabulous way to raise a real buzz about books throughout the school. Children love it!”

“The Book Fair was really exciting and every time I read books I get adventures in my head!”

Sophie Nicholls, 3CMK

“The Book Fair helps everyone to choose different books and broadens their horizons.”

Louis von Opel, 6CLP

Guten Tag! Ciao! Konnichiwa!

Hallo! Hej!

Elstree always looks forward to a vibrant Language Week celebration!

We kickstarted the week with a brilliant assembly from 6PAS who impressed upon their peers the importance of learning another language with fun videos and facts. Our House competitions included Guess the Teacher’s Language, the Flag Challenge and the Postcard Challenge. With keen participation from staff, pupils had great fun guessing their teacher’s chosen language… there were lots of House points to gain and plenty of stars for individuals.

Victorian Day

Year 4 enjoyed getting hands on with history by dressing up as a Victorian character and attending a ‘Victorian school’ in the Long Room. Each child had to pay their penny at the door for entry and then they had their hands inspected by the Headmaster.

Chants of times tables and The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire were heard from well beyond the Long Room, as well as God Save the Queen Queen Victoria looked down on the children from the wall, and we are sure she would have approved of the very strict and austere teachers sweeping around the room.

One of the boys commented during a break, “I can really start to feel the intense feeling of what it was like to be a Victorian child at school.” Most were very relieved to return to their normal happy Elstree routine at lunchtime. However, all of them agreed it was a wonderful way to really get to grips with history.

We also enjoyed a week of real treats at lunchtime with a fantastic menu including Greek Pastitsio, Mushroom frittata, Krautsalat, French fries, Belgian waffles & ice cream.

Throughout the week, the boys and girls were curious to learn more about each other’s cultures, traditions and knowledge of other languages.

Elstree Book Week

Fabulous fun was had during Elstree Book Week, starting with our whole school parade. Excited children and staff were dressed as Hobbits, Harry Potters, Egyptians, fairies, witches, soldiers, animals and many more. Everyone enjoyed parading and dancing to tunes from Paddington, The Lion King or to the ever-popular Macarena

With a theme of ‘Stories from Around the World or other Worlds’, there was something for everyone, and we were certainly treated to a huge range of book characters!

Our special Reading Celebration Party was held in Elstree’s wonderful library. Sixty-seven children who had made a special effort with their reading over the summer holidays were invited. They enjoyed hot chocolate with marshmallows, chocolate doughnuts, pizza and veggie sticks. Many of the staff also happily joined in with the festivities; including of course, Mr Inglis. It was wonderful to hear everyone talk about their favourite books and recommending stories to each other.

“I enjoyed listening to others recommending books they have read. Now I will never be stuck on choosing a book again!” Jashn Sraw, 5JWS

“Elstree Book Week was the best! At the Readers’ Tea Party, I liked talking about the adventure books and of course, the hot chocolate and marshmallows.” Isobel Clark, 6CLP

Throughout the week, book related activities were taking place, with events in the library, classrooms and Art Department. We wrote about magical worlds, designed Hogwarts and dropped in on live events with poets, illustrators and authors via ‘Reading Zone’ and the ‘Reading is Magic’ Festival. RW

“It was a good day because everyone felt like they were in a book which was great to see!”

Olivia Gaskell, 5JWS

“I liked handing in my list of all the books I read in the summer. The Readers’ Party Tea was much better than buns.”

Henry Allison, 5JWS

“I was ‘Stig of the Dump’ for the dressing up day. It was a great day and I had lots of fun!”

Lance Kneeshaw, 5RAB

Portals to the Past

Year 3 had an exciting trip back in time to the Second World War, courtesy of Carl Mitchley from the company, Portals to the Past.

After a brief history of the war and some questions and answers, the children tried their luck with wire buzzers, simulating the work of bomb disposal experts! In pairs, the pupils then made their way around the McMullen Hall, looking at various information boards in order to answer lots more questions about the war (evacuees, Battle of Britain, America joins the war, women at war, etc.) Carl then spoke about rationing and what evacuees might carry in their suitcases. All of this was done through storytelling, games, real-life objects from the war (sometimes replicas) plus a good smattering of humour. Humour was, of course, one of the things that got us through the war.

In the afternoon, the children were treated to a spectacle of weapons from the war and also some army uniforms, some of which they tried on. Carl also spoke of the importance of good hygiene in the field and showed us a typical soldier’s wash kit, including bumf! We then tried our luck at codebreaking, Bletchley Park-style, and finally, (and quite poignantly), found the fifth pig by folding a piece of paper in a special way!

The pupils’ costumes were the best ever and they posed so wonderfully in our photo session before the start of the workshop. Many thanks to our parents for kitting out their children so brilliantly. Of course, a big thank you, too, to Carl Mitchley who brought the topic of World War Two alive and entertained us at the same time. What a wonderful and memorable day!

CMS

Year 6 STEAM Project

The Year 6 Pinewood Derby project was our first STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) event of the year. The boys and girls participated in the design, build and testing of a small vehicle that ran on stored energy. Working in teams of three and four, the pupils designed their vehicles and carefully considered what would be needed to make their vehicle a success before ‘buying’ them.

The cars were constructed from pine, plywood, styrofoam and other recovered materials and were propelled either by elastic bands or by air expelled from an inflated balloon with varying degrees of success.

The children worked well and had a lot of fun. Well done to everyone who took part and thanks to all of the staff members who supported the activity.

French Play

The cars were measured against five trials and the winners for each category were as follows:

1. Furthest distance travelled on the flat, solely under their own power

Ollie Cook, Charlie Utley, James Fane

2. Furthest distance travelled on the flat, with a push start

Wilfred Ward, Johnny Wu, Tristan Anderson Wheeler, Ethan Thiemert

3. Furthest distance travelled up an incline, under their own power

Jonathan Wang, Alex Chang, Quinty Xia

4. Artistic Expression for the best-looking vehicle

Lucy Park, Victoria Ajia, Isobel Clark

5. Technical Merit for the best engineered model

George Zhao, Harry Lockwood, Ralph Weatherill

Years 7 and 8 enjoyed another brilliant performance from the Onatti crew of Un Cours d’Art!

This was a very entertaining French play that included lots of audience participation. Kitty Butler bravely volunteered for a key role and was brilliant at answering all the questions in French, much to the delight of the audience. Once the performance was over, there was a group Q&A and all the pupils did very well.

We look forward to next year’s performance, merci Onatti!

Year 4 STEAM

Morning

The Year 4s were treated to a fun filled STEAM morning within the Art Department.

The children worked in four groups, enabling them to experience four different workstations. They experimented with rotational symmetry, cutting shapes from card and attaching the shapes to paper using split pins. They discovered the shaped card symmetrically rotated around one central point. The children had lots of fun creating colourful images inspired from star fishes and flowers using this technique.

They produced colourful creations with black card and coloured tissue paper inspired by rose windows stained-glass, often found in Gothic architecture. After this, they created colourful compositions using acetate, coloured paper and acrylics inspired by the American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright’s geometric stained-glass art.

They also had fun creating colourful African inspired landscapes, experimenting with crystal paints to create fascinating effects, as the crystals exploded on the paper when the children added water to their images.

The children concluded their morning by perfecting the art of paper marbling,

this particular technique is believed to have its origins in the Far East and was established around the world through the ancient silk road. They carefully created their colourful compositions, mesmerized by the technique and each individual creation.

JWS

Year 5 STEAM Morning

Year 5 began their STEAM morning in the Art Department by a creating a selection of gorgeous, marbled patterns. First, they created a gellike substance called carrageenans, thickening the water to enable paint to float on top of it. They had lots of fun creating a wide variety of patterns and designs.

The pupils went on to create colourful insect compositions, experimenting with crystal paints and masking fluid. They also created clay spheres, with cut out circles which will create a beautiful glow when glazed and tea lights are added.

They spent time making bookmarkers using colour changing pens to create 3D images, experimenting with

complimentary colours from the colour wheel. They then used holographic card to produce 3D pop-outs using Kirigami, a style of Japanese origami.

They concluded the morning by creating their own 3D foil stickers and magnets.

JWS

Declamations

Declamations is always one of the highlights of the Elstree School year and it is brilliant to see the effort that the pupils put into their performances throughout the different stages of the competition.

We had three age categories. The Junior School competition was impressive – Charlotte Rose entertained us to a great extent with her performance of Remote-A-Dad The standard went up a notch as the years progressed. In the Middle School competition, James Fane captivated us with Home by Warsan Shire; Felix Brims had us in stitches with his performance of I was born in the Stone Age. The Senior School finalists took declaiming to the next level with their sophisticated delivery and mature understanding of the poems. We were very lucky to have Mr Evans from Wellington College to judge our performances and pick the final winners. All credit to him because this year there were so many wonderful performances.

Results

Individual feedback was full of encouragement and praise for our pupils. Congratulations to them all and especially to our Junior, Middle School and Senior winners: Charlotte Rose (Year 3), James Fane (Year 6) and Kate Oliver (Year 8).

UKMT Challenge

Elstree boys and girls achieved record results in this year’s UKMT Junior Maths Challenge.

Out of 119 Elstree pupils who entered, 58 were recognised with awards: 15 Golds,15 Silvers and 28 Bronze awards. It is a new School record to have achieved 15 Gold awards (our previous highest result was in 2022 with 11 Gold awards). Special note goes to George Zhao in Year 5, Alex Chang and Jonathan Wang in Year 6 – what superb results from our young contenders!

Thank you to our Head of English, Mrs Payne, all our English teachers and Mrs Walker, our School Librarian, for constantly inspiring and encouraging pupils to read, and for giving them the confidence that make this event so very special.

Kate Oliver, Senior Winner.

Ryan Wang and Clement Chow were jointly awarded Best in School (and their respective year groups, Years 7 and 8). Our overall top 8 performers were invited to the next round

(Junior Kangaroo); well done to Ryan, Clement, Charles Chen, Kevin Hu, Toby Bi, April Ouyang, Warren Pak and Jack Li. FAW

Class Poetry Performance

The Prep School joined together for our wonderful class Poetry Performance. This was an ‘in-theround’ performance with the audience sitting around the central stage, creating an intimate atmosphere in the McMullen Hall.

Ever year group from Years 3 to 8 performed, with each class choosing their own piece of poetry and all children participating to bring their class poem to life. We listened to literature from Benjamin Zephaniah to Karl Nova (who recently visited Elstree), as well as a poem written using AI by Chat GBT.

Particular favourites were Year 3’s Gratitude, Memories written by 7TDW and 8CLP’s An Ode to Elstree

Thank you to all the pupils for their effort and the teachers for their hard work. It was an impressive effort by all involved.

The Programme

Year 3

The is the Key to the Castle by Dave Calder, performed by 3CMK

Gratitude by Edgar Guest, performed by 3CMS

Year 4

Sick Day by Ken Nesbitt, performed by 4PNS

Please Don’t Prank Your Parents! by Ken Nesbitt, performed by 4LAL

Year 5

The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes, performed by 5JWS

Poetry? by Karl Nova, performed by 5AEP

You’ve gotta love it by Karl Nova, performed by 5RAB

Year 6

A Beetle Called Derek by Benjamin Zephaniah, performed by Yr 6 (CLP)

Younger Me by Karl Nova, performed by Yr 6 (SJV)

Year 7

The Times are a Changin’ by Bob Dylan, performed by 7SJV

Memories by 7FAW, performed by 7FAW

Poem written by AI by CHAT GBT, performed by 7EGG

Year 8

Wild Child by Anonymous, performed by Year 8 (LJO)

An Ode to Elstree by pupils in Year 8, performed by Year 8 (CLP)

AZ by Harry Baker, performed by 8AJP

CLP

Year 8 Leavers

All the Year 8 pupils were accepted into their first choice of Senior School. We are incredibly proud of all their academic success at both Common Entrance and Scholarship level. We wish them every future success and happiness for the next chapter of their lives. ACTI

Mofe Adeyinka Wellington Harry Anderson Eton

Sebastian Black Bradfield

Edison Brown Eton

Maisie Brown Downe House Academic Exhibition

Sebastian Buck Bradfield

Kitty Butler Canford Drama Scholarship

Archie Campbell Slight Radley

Freddie Carlbom Marlborough Sport Scholarship

Naomi Chan Wellington

Clement Chow Oundle

Harry Clothier Winchester Sport Exhibition

Darcey Cox St. Edward’s

Hugo Cropper Burford

Hector Crosthwaite Marlborough

Henry Dalton Marlborough DT Scholarship

Wilf Foulds Marlborough Sport Scholarship

Sebastian Fowler Marlborough

Jules Foxon Radley

Jacob Gearing St. Edward’s

Harry Goodbourn Sherborne

Teddy Harrisson Bradfield

Harry Haskell Horsey Bradfield

Jack Li Charterhouse Academic Scholarship

Matilda Lloyd Downe House, Creative Arts Scholarship

Ethan Lockhart Sherborne

Lachie McGeoch Wellington

James Morris-Weston Winchester Music Scholarship

Kate Oliver Downe House Drama Scholarship

April Ouyang Downe House

Warren Pak Wellington

Sophie Payne Downe House Sport Scholarship

Monty Robinson Radley

Isla Sanford Bradfield

Alan Song Abingdon

Mila Tryon Marlborough

Tom Utley Radley Drama Exhibition

Toby Walker Radley

Caspar Williams Radley

Alexander Wu Radley Academic Scholarship

James Yun King’s Canterbury

BOARDING

Autumn Term

Our first term in the Boarding House is one that Mrs Morris and I will look back on very fondly indeed! The landings were buzzing throughout the term and everyone made us feel very welcome in our new role at Elstree.

Big Weekends are the highlights of every term and this term was no exception. The Year 8 children enjoyed a ‘Silent Disco’ in the Long Room, followed by s’mores and treats around fire bowls outside – and all this before departing for France the next morning! The Year 7s took part in Ready, Steady, Cook! This cooking-themed Big Weekend saw them all donning chef’s garb and competing to see which team could produce the most appetising and tasty supper. The next morning they all took part in the inaugural ‘Elstree Olympics’ under the careful watch of Mr Varney. A week later, our Ready, Steady, Cook! winners were treated to a slap-up lunch where they feasted until fit to burst! The Year 6 children honed their Bushcraft skills under the expert guidance of Mr Attwood and Mr Parks. Some fun Laser Tag games followed the next morning after the customary full English breakfast. The Year 5s were also treated to a Taster Evening during which they competed in a Capture the Flag game in the main house - all great fun!

Escape from Colditz, with Mr Prichard at the helm, once again lived up to all expectations. With a huge number of boarders taking part, about half of the escapees made it to Plantation without being caught by the guards. Better luck next year, staff!

In mid-October, Mrs Morris and I hosted Elstree’s first ever Family Fortunes evening. Incredibly, about 150 of the Elstree Boarding Community gathered in the McMullen Hall for a brilliant evening of quizzing, laughter, food and drink. Our survey says… Great success!

The Boarders’ Christmas Party signalled the start of the final run-in to the holidays and, thanks to fun games and a delicious Christmasthemed supper, we all enjoyed a very special night. On the final night of term, we were delighted by a surprise visit from the ‘Man in Red’ at the Boarders’ Readings and Carols. A

favourite of many, this cosy service in front of the fire in the Front Hall, with the Christmas tree twinkling atmospherically in the background, is always a very special way to end the Autumn Term.

Our thanks go to all the residential staff for their energy and enthusiasm when it comes to running their clubs and managing the landings. Thank you, in particular, to Miss Boyd and Miss Bristow for their loyal support. The matronal team are first class and we are very lucky to have them. The final thank you is to Mrs Morris, Queen of the Brews! Here’s to many more fun times ahead in the Boarding House!

JCM / HRM

Lent Term

The Lent Term was short, and busy! The children were superb company, as always, and towards the end of the term, there was a tangible buzz about the incoming Summer Term. Bring it on!

Big Weekends continue to be hugely popular, and first up, it was the Year 7s that kicked off proceedings this term. They enjoyed a brilliant ‘Mission Impossible’ themed weekend brilliantly organised by Miss Boyd and Miss Bristow. The children’s ‘mission’ was to find and deliver a secret package without being caught by the guards. Being caught meant going to ‘jail’ where you would have to answer a testing Maths question from Mr Williams in order to be freed! Sunday morning saw fun and games up in plantation playing Laser Tag. All in all, a huge success from start to finish!

The Boarders’ Race Night is always great fun, and this one met all expectations once again. Mr Attwood ensured that all the punters, runners and riders were ready to go without any false starts. After 4 fantastic races, the winning individual and winning table were announced before the children headed up to bed after a highly enjoyable evening.

The Year 8s were thoroughly well looked after by the girls at Downe House for their Big Weekend, with pizzas, mocktail making and a challenging quiz. The children loved spending time with each other, and we all looked forward to returning the favour with our Casino Royale night next term.

We held our Boarders’ Easter Party on the last night of flexi boarding for the term, and we had a terrific turn out with almost every boarder in attendance. Mel and her team cooked up a storm and all the food went down very well indeed! Afterwards, Mrs Morris outdid herself with a brilliant twist on a traditional Easter Egg Hunt. Following various clues and riddles, the children had to work their way around the school only to be led back to the boarding study, where they would finally receive their sweet treat!

Looking ahead to the Summer Term, the boarding house will be packed, just as we like it! Boarding in the Summer Term is what it is all about and we very much look forward to welcoming the children back to school for another brilliant term.

JCM / HRM

Summer Term

Our first Summer Term in the Boarding House certainly lived up to the hype! The dormitories have been full to bursting and the children continued to make the very most of our beautiful grounds, immersing themselves in the Elstree boarding experience. Being a boarder in the Summer Term really does take some beating!

We have had two brilliant ‘Big Weekends’ this term. The Year 8 children very much enjoyed welcoming the Downe House girls to Elstree, having been superbly well-hosted last term. Our Casino Royale night is now a fully-established favourite in the calendar and this year proved to be as big a success as ever. After yet another delicious supper, our boys and girls readied themselves for the glitz and glamour by donning full black-tie attire and then welcoming our guests for an evening of mocktails and games. Sunday morning began with the customary full English breakfast and a fun rounders tournament before home time.

Year 6 were treated to a ‘Wet, Wild and Wacky’ themed weekend which saw fun and games in the pool, on the Slip ‘n’ Slide and around the school grounds. Our thanks go to Miss Bristow for spearheading this one and for making it such a fun and enjoyable time for the children.

Mrs Morris and I also hosted a ‘Boarding Taster Evening’ for the Year 3 children, during which they also enjoyed some fun on the Slip ‘n’ Slide (in the freezing cold!) before getting to sample Mrs Morris’s famous Brew cookies in the Long Room with a cosy film.

The final event before the half-term break was the Summer Party. A lovely barbeque supper, garden games and a surprise visit from the ice-cream van ensured that plenty of summer-themed fun was enjoyed by all! A particular thanks to Mrs Morris, as ever, for her brilliant organisation of this event.

After a restful half-term, our Year 7 children completed their Elstree Award Weekend under the watchful supervision of Miss Boyd, Mr Parks and Mr Attwood. Camping in the School grounds is always great fun, although this year I believe it was rather chilly in the morning! Sunday morning saw all the children take part in the Elstree Award walk before heading home for

a well-deserved rest. Luckily, everyone had Sunday afternoon to recover, and returned to school bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on Monday morning.

Mrs Morris and I have so enjoyed our first year in the Boarding House. It has been a huge amount of fun and we are so excited to make more memories, with the help of your children, in the coming years. Elstree really is a very special place and, without question, boarding enables the children to enjoy the school and its beauty in a different light. We have some exciting plans for boarding next year and we hope to see as many of your children as possible there to come along for the ride! We wish you all a fantastic summer.

JCM/HRM

DRAMA

Shrek

In the Lent Term, the Year 8s took to the stage with a colourful, joyous and brilliant production of Shrek the Musical Jr

In a madcap adventure full of fairytale characters, guards, rats, ogres, storytellers and a talking donkey, the pupils sang and danced their way to a fabulous finale of I’m A Believer which had the audience clapping along enthusiastically.

Tom Utley’s Shrek confidently portrayed the ogre’s journey from gruff and guarded to friend, hero and true love. Kate Oliver and Sophie Payne brought Princess Fiona to life with astonishing composure, beautiful voices and characterisation. Mila Tyron had the audience in stitches with her comic timing, Kitty Butler blew everyone away with her villainous Farquaad (and his extraordinary eyebrows) and Monty Robinon’s turn as Gingy will not be easily forgotten.

Special mention to the vocal performance of Isla Sanford as the Dragon; from the second she appeared above her tower, lit by eerie red, she stopped everyone in her tracks with her rendition of Forever Alex Wu’s Captain of the Guards was a real force, and the knights appearing with their straggly beards was a comedy highlight. Likewise, the panto-inspired ‘cave’ brought on by a fabulously deadpan Freddie Carlbom.

In fact, there were so many highlights it would be impossible to mention them all; the entire cast did Mrs Bond

and the production team proud with their enthusiasm, skill and willingness to throw everything into it.

As ever, it took an enormous amount of time, energy and dedication to bring this show to life, but the end result proved well worth it as audiences were wowed by the spectacle that they saw unfold. What a brilliant show; it will live long in the memory. Well done all!

Zeus on the Loose

The McMullen Hall was transformed into Mount Olympus on the penultimate week of the Summer Term to provide the setting for the annual Years 3 and 4 Play - a muchanticipated Schuman extravaganza, where on the set of the Omega Factor, Greek Heros (but mere mortals) are given the chance to battle it out for the ultimate Prize of Eternal Life.

Sitting in judgement are The Gods, Hades (Percy Norris), Hera (Fawn Salvesen), Aphrodite (Alexandra Clark) and Zeus (Harry Mills).

A rewrite of a 2014 original script by the legendary and Elstree’s own Aristophanes, Mr Schuman, this is an Ancient Greek version of X Factor. The Audience (a full house each night) were treated to a feast of Greek Mythology, facts and fiction of songs and energetic dance numbers. A particular highlight was the Slave Dance with some obligatory audience participation, much to the children’s delight.

Under the superb direction of Sian Bond, a meze of muses introduced the Greek Heroes who each in turn told their story through solo pieces. Orpheus (Charlie Anderson Wheeler) tells us of his heart break in losing his wife Eurydice (Caragh Smales) to a snake bite. Theseus (George Blakelock) of his valiant slaying of the Minotaur (Jago Crosthwaite). We learn of Jason (Wilbur Shaw), the original action-hero and his Argonauts, and Icarus (Hubery Yang), the first boy in the world to fly and the importance of listening to one’s parents! And finally, the shepherd Boy (Ollie Eldridge) is permitted a lastminute wild card. All supported by an outstanding ensemble cast. But, who will win a place on Mount Olympus? Who will be buzzed out? Will the Gods agree?

The Gods were also sure to tell us about their qualities through four smashing solos. We learn from Hades that the underworld is the hottest place in town. Of Aphrodite’s beauty and her suitors. How Zeus really is on the loose - and his wife Hera’s cutting and hilarious response.

Of course, no Greek Comedy would be complete without an appearance from Elvis (Miles Gordon-Smith) and a Cockney Diva (Evie Addington).

Proceedings were overseen by Masters of Ceremonies (Gabriella Ajani and Oscar Sydney-Smith) on a stage which would rival the very best of the X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, mixed with a sprinkle of Strictly’s glitter ball magic. The set, costumes and make up we’re all outstanding. A huge thank you to all those parent volunteers. There was no child or surface which had not been sprayed in gold glitter or covered in jewels. It was a truly dazzling spectacle and absolutely wonderful to see every child give 100% to their performance. Friday’s closing night saw smiles all round and an electric atmosphere, where the entire cast raised the roof with an Encore of Zeus on the Loose !

Becks Mills

Year 7 Play in a Day

For this year’s Play in (Two) Days, the Year 7 children explored some famous fables of our beloved Aesop. 7EGG created an entertaining rendition of The Goose that laid the Golden Eggs, whilst 7SJV performed The Heron and the Fish, complete with a ballet dancing Kingfisher (Eva Lockhart) and beautifully crafted props. 7FAW finished off the piece with The Boy who cried Wolf in which four highly intelligent sheep had to contend with wolves from Mrs Buckshot’s wolf sanctuary.

On Thursday Laura, Charlotte and Mrs Oliver helped the forms to tell these famous tales in new ways, using a variety of storytelling techniques such as narration, singing, puppetry, movement and sound. On Friday, it was performance time and after a combined opening by all the animals, each form told their story to parents.

Standout performances were delivered by Dew Sakamoto as the greedy farmer, Kweji Sameke as the singing Goose, Willem Loader as a very arrogant Heron and Flora Napier for her creative cheekiness as the farmer’s Sheep.

Thanks to the Year 7 Drama Scholars group, we had beautiful stick puppets and masks for the various animals. These were sensitively utilised during the plays by Thea Whittall, Rose Hepburne-Scott, Jonty Shaw and Jayden Pak to name but a few.

Well done to all for a thoroughly enjoyable two days of theatre.

Around the World in 80 Days

Dressed in their Victorian finest, Year 6 wowed audiences with their brilliant performance of Around the World in 80 Days.

The show had real heart; a story of daring, adventure and friendship was truly brought to life in the McMullen Hall. James Fane and Isobel Clark were perfectly cast as Phileas Fogg and Passepartout as they deftly circumnavigated the globe with remarkable skill and character. Florence Allison shone as the determined Detective Fix, and Harry Lockwood would not have been out of place in any smart members’ club. The narrators deserve special mention for their brilliant stage management and for guiding the complex story along with pace and clarity. Indeed, the whole cast impressed as they juggled trains, boats, tealights, whistles, multiple costume changes, props and even elephants with a maturity and skill far beyond their age. It really was a delight to see them all working together so brilliantly and clearly enjoying themselves immensely. They should all be incredibly proud of themselves!

A stunning set featuring the most enormous world map and golden pocket watches was created by a fabulous team of parent volunteers, many of whom also generously lent their various vintage cases, glasses and other props to help the show come to life. Liz Collins’ mastery took us on a musical tour of the world whilst Graham Wootten, Seb Black and Stuart Collymore supported magnificently with lights and sound.

To all those who helped with costumes, make up, backstage and in rehearsals, Mrs Bond and the cast would love to say a big thank you! A show of this scale requires a massive team effort, and we are beyond grateful to everyone involved in making this whole experience so special.

Year 5 Drama Evening

On the night of Friday 8th March, Mr Wells of Rowbarge Manor, along with his so-called friends, gathered for his 70th birthday. Little did he know that the ladies and gentlemen from 5AEP had a CLUEDO murder planned...

Who was to blame? Miss Scarlet (the flamboyant Iris Yao) or Col. Mustard (comically portrayed by Alfie Steward)? Mr Wells, portrayed with confident flair by both Henry Mount and Charlie Pannell, was rather unpleasantly surprised by getting a lead pipe to the head in CLUEDO Round 1 and a rope sneakily slipped into the Study during the blackout in Round 2. It was time to let the audience solve the mystery!

Next up was 5JWS who took us to the time of Ice Age hunters, Egyptian Pharoahs and Babylonian traders in their version of Sleuth and Solve! Reuben Ruddick (a clueless hunter who couldn’t swim) and Raphaella Courage-Simond (an equally clueless shaman who guided him) presented the audience with a riddle. A comical animal guest appearance was made by Nico Yannaghas who swiftly got shot by the hunter. Historical riddles continued as Jashn Shraw skillfully portrayed an awfully vain Pharoah who had a difficult task for his successor, and George Grodnev had the audience guessing what the shrewd Babylonian, Nabu had been selling to evade taxes. All three short mysteries were excellently narrated by Ned Rollo, Georgina Foulkes, Felix Brims, Bertie Barton and Olivia Gaskell.

Last, but not least, the audience had to get their detective note pads out to keep up with 5RAB’s version of Cream Buns and Crime - The mystery of Weston Boys’ School. The cast displayed excellent ensemble work throughout and our three storytellers/detectives Jonty Ridley-Day, Gaby Caloia and Katerina Marianos deserve special mention for their impressive command of the script, ensuring a seamless flow of events on stage. Lance Kneeshaw also displayed some sensitive thug and Housemaster doubling, whilst Tom Marshall had a chance to bring his bike-ability onto the stage as the innocent and flustered postman. Our audience were once again remarkable sleuths and the criminal, Mr Prince (played confidently by Megan Roberts) was found out.

All in all a fun evening of cast and audience participation. Well done to all Year 5 who put all the work in during their drama lessons.

MUSIC

Autumn Term

We had a great start to the Autumn Term, welcoming a Chanter Teacher and a new oboe and recorder teacher into the Music Department.

Our usual Informal Concerts went ahead for all the Year groups, with Years 3 and 4 enjoying a record number of children taking part. Some children took part in the Pangbourne Piano Festival and we celebrated outstanding ABRSM results.

The Autumn Term Concert was fantastic. The string orchestra played Cello Squadron with Iris Yao playing a cello solo. The Elstree School Orchestra played a Menuet by Handel and Eye Level by J. Tromby. The Flute Group played Pink Panther by Henry Mancini and a ‘cute’ song called Sh!

The Years 5 and 6 choir brought tears to many an eye with their lovely song, We Are the Young and the Chapel Choir sang Adiemus by Karl Jenkins. The concert ended with James MorrisWeston playing Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum by Debussy.

Our Chapel Choir was very busy this term, preparing songs for the church services, the Autumn Concert and for three carol services.

The Bradfield College Carol Service was so special. The choir members’ voices resonated beautifully in Bradfield College Chapel and a great time was had by all who attended. The next carol service was at St Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge. We travelled by coach to London and rehearsed in the afternoon to be prepared for the evening service. The choir were excited to see that HRH Princess Beatrice was in the audience and she also read one of the readings. They were privileged to sing In the Bleak Mid-Winter with the famous singer Margaret Keys. What a splendid evening it was, and all in aid of the charity, The Rainbow Trust.

The Flute Group and the Years 5 and 6 choir played and sang some carols in the early morning in the last week of term to remind us of the festive season.

The third and last carol service of the term was at Douai Abbey. The whole school took part in this wonderful concert which put us in the Christmas spirit and a perfect way to end the term.

AMP

Results of Music Exams

Autumn Term 2023

Gaby Caloia Singing

Aggie Foulds Singing

George Grodnev Piano

Harry Mills Piano

Jonty Ridley-Day Piano

Kingsley Cui Flute

Prep Test -

Initial Merit

Initial Pass

Grade 1 Distinction

Tristan Anderson Wheeler Singing For Musical Theatre Grade 1 Merit

Kweji Sameke Singing for Musical Theatre Grade 1 Distinction

Alfie Steward Singing for Musical Theatre Grade 1 Merit

Arabella Pannell Flute

Valentina Ridley-Day Flute

Hubery Yang Piano

Wilf Foulds Singing

Grade 2 Distinction

Grade 2 Merit

Grade 2 Pass

Grade 2 Distinction

Lent Term

What a great Lent Term we have had in the Music Department! Although it was a short term, we had plenty to fit in. First, there was our Performing Arts Soirée, then usual Informal Concerts, and at the very end of term, the Spring Concert.

The Performing Arts Soirée was an evening of performances by our Year 8 pupils including our Drama, Music and Creative Arts Scholars. It was a formal evening with excellent performances from all concerned.

The Informal Concerts were well attended and there was a variety of instruments played - especially for the Years 7 and 8 concert, which ended up being 20 minutes longer than programmed because of the number of children that signed up to play!

The Year 8 children spent a lot of time furiously practising all the songs to Shrek which was an enormous success. What a hugely talented year group!

The Spring Concert was excellent. The String orchestra played an energetic Dragon Slayer, and the School Orchestra played Autumn and Winter from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, with a solo by James Morris-Weston, as well as an upbeat Rock around the Clock . The Flute Ensemble played Horror Movie! and Opening Night . The flutes sounded even more beautiful when played in harmony. The Middle Choir sang You Raise Me Up and a beautiful song called I Have a Dream. The Chapel Choir sang Pure Imagination and the well-loved For the Beauty of the Earth. The soloists for the day were Isla Sanford, Toby Bi, and James Morris-Weston, who all performed outstandingly.

The term ended off with a beautiful Easter church service with the whole of the Prep School in attendance. It was amazing to hear the whole school singing together. It was a perfect ending to an incredibly busy term!

AMP

Results of Music Exams

Lent Term 2024

Katerina Marianos

Gabriella Ajani

Piano Initial Merit

Violin

Oliver Cook Singing

Dang Dang Liu Singing

Hugo Kayser-Booth

Piano

Grade 1 Merit

Grade 1 Pass

Valentina Ridley-Day Singing for Musical Theatre Grade 1 Distinction

Henry Singh

Alex Chang

Sean Chen

Alyssa Marianos

Kweji Sameke

Isaac Turner

Piano

Kitty Butler Drums

Grade 1 Merit

Grade 2 Pass

Grade 2 Merit

Grade 2 Pass

Grade 2 Merit

Grade 3 Distinction

Summer Term

It was an extremely busy term with lots of exciting events!

It started with a Grandparents’ Day on the first Saturday of the term. Our grandparents joined us for the Saturday church service and then they were shown around the school by their grandchildren. They were treated to some tea and cake while they enjoyed a concert in the Long Room.

Once again, all the Informal Concerts took place for each of our year groups, and there were some notable performances. There have been record numbers of children taking part in these concerts which is so encouraging for the continued promise of great music at Elstree.

The House Music Competition was held in the McMullen Hall. It was adjudicated by Mr Alex Arkwright, the Instrumental Head from Marlborough College. East were this year’s winners for both the House Band and the House Song, while James MorrisWeston won the Soloist Cup for South. There was a lot of tension and excitement leading up to the competition and it was a fantastic morning of entertainment.

On Sports Day we held another concert. The beautiful music drifted down the Pineapple Walk and parents were delighted at the variety of instruments, they especially loved hearing Hamish Ross on the bagpipes!

The Summer Concert was held in the Rose Garden on a beautiful summer’s day. It started with the String Orchestra playing a song called Burst and then the School Orchestra played a March from Scipio by Handel and Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March. The Middle School Choir sang, I will sing with the Spirit by John Rutter and The Chapel Choir sang, Somewhere only We Know by Keane and Tomorrow from the musical Annie.

The soloists were Isla Sanford ,who sang beautifully and James MorrisWeston who played Vocalise by Rachmaninoff. A Trio of Drummers, Kitty Butler, Mofe Adeyinka and Harry Goodbourn ended off the concert on a high note.

As the curtain fell on this fun-filled term, the sense of accomplishment and joy was palpable. This term has been a whirlwind of musical excitement and growth. From lively group rehearsals to stunning solo performances, everyone has made impressive strides, and unforgettable musical memories.

AMP

Results of Music Exams

Summer Term 2024

Charles Anderson

Jashn Sraw

Thomas Bevan

Naomi Chan Flute

Annabelle De Souza Singing for Musical Theatre

Aggie Foulds

Katerina Marianos Flute

Jonty Ridley-Day

Johnny Ruck Keene

Yarrow Flute

Ajani

Isobel Clark Singing for Musical Theatre 2 Distinction

Olivia Gaskell Violin

Matilda Lloyd Flute

Eva Lockhart Singing for Musical Theatre 2 Distinction

Reuben Ruddick Singing for Musical Theatre 2 Merit

Kweji Sameke Singing for Musical Theatre 2 Merit

Victoria Ajia Violin 3 Distinction

Kingsley Cui Flute 3 Merit

James Fane Singing for Musical Theatre 3 Merit

Jacob Gearing Singing 3 Distinction

Kate Oliver Singing for Musical Theatre 3 Distinction

Isla Sanford Singing for Musical Theatre 3 Distinction

Sophie Singh Piano

Sophie Singh Violin

Jack Li Violin

Alyssa Marianos Flute

Charles Chen Flute

Merit

Distinction

Charles Chen Piano 8 Merit

ART

DT

TRIPS

Leavers’ Trip

The Year 8 Leavers enjoyed a brilliant time at the Boreatton Park PGL in Shropshire to let off steam after their intense exam schedule..

They had a busy time involving many adrenalin-fuelled activities such as the Giant Swing, abseiling, Jacob’s Ladder, High Ropes and axe-throwing. And then there was rifle shooting, archery, tag archery, kayaking and problemsolving to fill the gaps!

The Giant Swing and the trapeze seemed the favourites, with the staff having a go as well, much to the amusement of the children!

Fun evening activities included a silent disco, disc golf and a game of ragger as well as a friendly football derby with some Year 8 Leavers from another school. There were birthday celebrations for Teddy and the group came back to school exhausted but delighted to have had lots of fun with their friends.

Kate Oliver said, ‘It was a trip that will be remembered for years to come’. Thank you to the wonderful staff team that helped create these precious memories for this group.

SCA

Hawk Conservancy

Year 3 were thrilled that the day had arrived for their muchawaited trip to the Hawk Conservancy Trust in Andover, in association with their topic on ‘Animals in Science’. They peered excitedly out of the dining-room window in anticipation of the arrival of the Aldermaston coach. The coach was heaving with the sounds of Zeus on the Loose (the Junior Play) as the Year 3 Heavenly Choir sang along to the entire CD, at full volume.

On arriving at the Conservancy Trust, we were given an introductory talk before splitting into five groups, six pupils in each. We had 30 minutes to explore the grounds before the first of the shows, ‘Wings of Africa’. There was plenty of ducking needed in this show as the vultures and eagles came swooping down across our paths, narrowly missing heads, before catching some food off the specially trained birdhandlers.

Lunch was under shelter, due to the rain, but that didn’t dampen everyone’s spirits. After lunch the groups headed off to the carefully sculptured play area followed by some time to explore the grounds, in our groups. The final display of the day was ‘Masters of the Sky’ and another chance to get up close with the birds.

This was a magnificently organised day by Mrs Kidson and we were grateful for our band of willing and cheerful helpers: Mrs Vincent, Mrs Bond and Mrs Francis.

CMS

Trip to Blue Watch

A very excited Year 5 visited Theale Fire Station, a triservice community station, offering a shared facility for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Thames Valley Police and South-Central Ambulance Service. It is also home to a Volvo fire engine and the Service’s specialist Heavy Rescue Unit.

Halfway through the visit, the alarms went off and Blue Watch had to zoom off for an incident! Fortunately, Andy was able to stay behind to complete the presentation and show us the fire engine and specialist equipment they use to put out fires and rescue people.

Everyone loved seeing Mr Edwards get dressed up and there were many questions from our eager firefighter trainees!

SCA

Hindu Temple

Year 3 were welcomed to Reading’s Hindu Temple by Dr Ashok Khare who is Chairman of the Temple (and also Head of Chemistry at Shiplake College).

On entering the Temple, we took off our shoes and were escorted up into the main prayer hall. This was a carpeted and tranquil space where we could listen to the wise words of our guide who spoke about the basics of Hinduism – the gods and goddesses, karma, reincarnation and the different paths that people take to reach God.

The four most important people in a child’s life are, in order of importance, mother, father, grandparents and teacher. Behind our host was a row of Hindu deities or statues, all dressed smartly and keeping a close eye on us! We asked a variety of questions and some of us got to water (feed) the statue of Lord Shiva.

At the end of the visit, we were all given an apple or banana before boarding the bus to return back to Elstree in time for buns and break.

CMS

“I was surprised to learn that the temple was fairly similar to a church and that you must try to respect other people’s differences & similarities.”

Johnny Ruck Keene, 3CMS

“I learnt that

all

actions have consequences. You can make your own good energy by doing good deeds.”

William Yarrow, 3CMS

“I

noticed

that most of the gods had their right hand raised. Dr Ashok explained that they were trying to tell us to stop and think carefully before making decisions in our lives as all our actions have consequences.”

Henry Singh, 3CMS

Life of Christ

Year 7 headed to the Wintershall Estate in Surrey for the annual Life of Christ play. An open-air, all-day play retells the narrative of Luke’s Gospel, and involves scores of actors all mic’d up, with music and special effects to boot. Their mission is “to share the Bible story with those of all ages, of all faiths and none, through the presentation of high-quality drama.”

The play is an old favourite of ours at Elstree, and we often bump into people who know our school and value our support. The play is a hugely accurate portrayal of the promise of the Messiah, his reception by the disciples and scheming teachers of the law, and his capture and crucifixion by the Romans. Stage plays aren’t a patch on this sort of theatre, and the boys and girls enjoyed moving around the different sets, all in the glorious sunshine. They were particularly excited to see a flock of sheep, a donkey, a 6-month old baby Jesus, a bay horse as well as the disciples ‘fishing’ from their boats on a lake.

A wonderfully educational trip for the children and thank you to Mrs Payne and Mr Varney for organising the day.

AJP

Geography Field Trip to the River Pang

The Year 7 boys and girls enjoyed some refreshing Spring weather out on the River Pang.

Their Geography Field Trip to Bradfield College certainly saw them get more than a little damp, but spirits were still high as they measured how the river changes from source to mouth. The pupils studied the width, depth, velocity and sediment load as part of their fieldwork.

They were certainly all pleased to see the warm fire back in the Front Hall at Elstree!

AEP

Science Trip

What better way to spend a rainy autumn day than exploring the Winchester Science Museum?!

The Year 4s were lucky enough to spend the day getting hands on with all aspects of Science. From donning an astronaut suit and waving at their friends to experimenting with the physics of momentum, sound, volume and force. The day was one big science experiment!

Included in the morning was a robotics workshop where the children coded little robots to move, flash and dance! One of the other highlights was shooting off into outer space at the planetarium where they were dazzled by the planets and stars.

The end of the day came too quickly and happy chatter on the bus proved that the trip had been a wonderful success and that Science had been the champion of the day!

Warwick Castle

On a cloudy but warm day, Year 5 set off on their trip with great excitement. When we arrived, the children were in awe of the size of Warwick Castle. First, we ventured back in time and learnt about the amazing history of Warwick Castle in the Time Tower. We then scaled the original motte to magnificent views and a clear understanding of why the site was perfect. From there we could see the huge trebuchet on the ground below, despite not seeing it in action the sheer size of the machine was jaw-dropping. As we ate our lunch we watched an astonishing Birds of Prey show – owls, eagles and Andean condors to name a few.

After lunch we had a guided tour from Mr Wyatt who showed us the portcullis and pointed out where the ‘murder holes’ were and how, if we became trapped, we’d have hot sand and all sorts poured on us, followed by a flurry of arrows to finish us off. Then it was off to the Gaol deep down in the dungeons, chains remained and the sobering ‘oubliette’ where prisoners were literally forgotten about. We then had a bit of time to explore the main hall and have a look at the suits of armour - some weighing over 25 pounds! This was followed by a sword workshop just off the great hall. All the children were shown the styles of defence used in battles and had to form ranks to discover the best way to survive. Before heading home, those who felt brave climbed to the top of the narrow castle turrets and along the castle walls.

It was a fantastic trip and great fun was had by all. ELB

English Trip to Stratford

Year 5 had a fabulous time on their English trip to Stratford. They started at Mary Arden’s Farm in Wilmcote where they learnt about Shakespeare and his last play, The Tempest. The children were put through their paces in different fun-filled drama activities, on the different ‘stages’ throughout the farm, culminating in an action-packed performance of the play.

A quick picnic lunch was followed by a tour of the farm, to see the lambs, ducklings, geese and a donkey. They then set off to see Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford. The children were fascinated to find out numerous, interesting facts about Shakespeare’s house. Did you know that there was only one glass window in the whole house? Shakespeare ate lunch at 11am with a knife and spoon, having started school at 6am. They also discovered that there was a bed in the parlour. Ask the Year 5s to find out why!

A special thank you to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust for such a wonderfully inspiring day.

CLP

Art Workshop at Downe House

Our Year 6 girls were thrilled to attend a Mixed Media Art Workshop at Downe House School.

Starting the day with a warming hot chocolate, they toured the creative department, admiring the incredible artwork on display. The girls worked with mixed media to create abstract pieces before moving on to a glass workshop, where they learnt to fuse pieces together.

Treated to a delicious lunch, the girls had a wonderful time catching up with Elstree Old Girl, Petra, before returning to school for afternoon classes.

Our huge thanks to Downe House for welcoming us to such an inspiring morning!

JWS

Chalk Valley History Festival

Year 6 attended the Chalke Valley History Festival, a fantastic event that allows visitors to experience and interact with a smorgasbord of historical reenactors.

First, the pupils were introduced to a living Samurai warrior who led them through the many ways Samurais attack with their lethal swords. They were then treated to a most memorable one-actor show retelling the life of King Arthur, playing 12 different characters! A short trek up to the woods, led the group to the frontline in Northern France 1944. Under guidance from a corporal, they moved carefully to the Front to assault the enemy’s position, only to be pushed back by a counter-attack and a grenade barrage!

Post lunch and fully refreshed, they explored the site and encountered a Pudding Lane baker, a Saxon sword maker, minstrels, archers, jousting knights, the signals corps, SOE code breakers, medieval coffin makers and working birds of prey.

Phew! What a day.

TDW

Lulworth Cove

At the end of April, Elstree Year 6 pupils set out on a Geography Field Trip to Lulworth Cove in Dorset.

The cove and surrounding coastline are part of the famous Jurassic Coast – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Before the children set out on an educational tour to view the Cove and famous Stair Hole, they were introduced to Lulworth Rangers, Emily and Dee, who work on the Lulworth Estate and offered valuable insights and facts about the coastline.

With such stunning views, lessons on the formation and erosion of different types of rocks, field sketches and fossil hunting, there was so much for the children to take in on this important trip.

AEP

French Trip

The Year 8s had a wonderful trip to Northern France with opportunities to test their French, and enjoy the French cuisine, every day! It wasn’t long before the pupils realised how much they understood and each of them gained confidence day by day.

Whether it was listening to the hotel rules on arrival, ordering food at the local market or exploring the menu for diner, the children were absorbed in French throughout. They visited La Coupole and learnt about France’s occupation, their deportation camps and Hitler’s plans to destroy London. There were trips to the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Somme Albert Museum and Thiepval Memorial – as well as visits to the supermarket and boulangerie where the children bought ingredients to make a picnic and learnt how to make bread.

The pupils navigated their conversations in French with confidence and courtesy; they also enjoyed completing their journals at the end of every day. They were great company throughout the trip and it was wonderful to see how quickly their French improved whatever their level. OSI

“Talking to people in French, testing my own understanding of the language and laying out our picnic as well as doing our presentation all in French was a great experience!”

Monty Robinson, 8AJP

“French lessons were interactive and it helped me to understand new words which will stay with me for a long time. Asking for water and bread in the kitchen really helped to recall key phrases.”

Kate Oliver, 8AJB

“At the Boulangerie, the baker was very nice. I learnt how to make bread and we rehearsed lots of numbers. We did our Journal in French where we practised new vocabulary and quantities.”

Archie Campbell Slight, 8AJP

“At the Somme Museum, I saw lots of well-kept artefacts and I learnt about soldiers’ life in the WWI. When we went to the Canadian memorial, we saw trenches and walked in them, it was very sombre, sad and we were all quiet.”

Mila Tryon, 8JCJ

Art Trip to the V&A

The Year 7s had an interesting and fun filled Art Trip to the newly re-vamped Young V&A at Bethnal Green in London, where they explored the Japanese exhibition ‘Myths to Manga.’

The exhibition took us on an exciting and atmospheric trip through Japan – showing how folklore and landscape influenced Japanese art, technology and design. We were lucky to meet a Japanese contemporary artist/fashion & accessory designer, who showed us a selection of her pieces and gave us all an informative talk about her work and influences.

After refuelling with lunch, we moved to the South Kensington V&A. Working in smalls groups, we explored the galleries and exhibitions, savouring the wonderful architecture and delving into the vast collection that makes this museum a global destination for art, design and performance.

The children especially enjoyed the Painting Collection which included British and European oil and watercolour paintings. We spent some quality time studying the Landscape Oil Sketches of Constable and Turner as well as discovering a creative collection of Lucian Freud’s Etchings which led us onto the Romanticism and the Sublime Gallery.

We thoroughly enjoyed the Theatre & Performance collections where there are incredible resources documenting the history of performing arts in the UK. We then went on to explore the comprehensive collections of Jewellery, Architecture, Fashion, Ceramics, Glass and concluded the trip by investigating the Cast Courts.

We all felt very inspired after visiting and sketching throughout the numerous stunning galleries and continued to research individual pieces within the Art Department.

JWS

CHURCH

Our Church services continue to draw us back to timeless truths and lessons. This year speakers have come from Bradfield, Eton, Burford, Cheltenham, Cumnor House, Marlborough, Pangbourne, Radley, Sherborne, St Gabriel’s, Winchester, and, of course, the Home Team.

Why do we go to Church? On Saturday mornings, our headline event is a quiet gathering of the school, staff and parents, and we meet for many reasons. Three H’s help us… One: History. Since being founded in 1848, Elstree has continued to place great emphasis on the Christian faith, values and ethos in our day-to-day learning. Two: Heads and Hearts C.S. Lewis once said, ‘God wants a child’s heart and a grown-up’s head’ – our speakers help us to have open hearts and enquiring minds. Thomas Garnier, in his final year as Headmaster of Pangbourne College, spoke of a Christian’s courage (‘coeur’ = heart) and God’s promise never to leave his people nor forsake them (Joshua 1:5-6). Third: Humility. Our days are packed out and we quickly lose our place in the world, but during churches services on Saturday mornings, our community sit, sing, read and pray together. Our services remind us of our place in this world, and help us not to think less of ourselves but to think of ourselves less.

Thanks too to those who make it happen. Thank you to Mr Inglis for leading the services so thoughtfully, to Mrs Inglis for preparing the prayers and readers, to Mr Attwood for conducting the Choir with characteristic energy, and to the Choir themselves for the beautiful sound they make. And thank you to the wardens this year: Sebastian Fowler, Hugo Cropper, and Caspar Williams (and Monty Robinson for chipping in too). Thankfully, too, our services bring us from the bustle of school life to learn the perspective and humility we need every day.

AJP

CHARITY AND EVENTS

Welcome Back Drinks

At the end of a gloriously warm and sunny week, we welcomed back our Elstree parents with drinks and canapés under the stretch tent on Yard. It was an absolute joy to see Elstree parents old and new come together and hear their conversation and happy laughter ring out from under the twinkling lights.

The last occasion we were all together was at the Elstree 175 Ball, and it felt as if we could have had a re-run! As ever, the Elstree grounds were looking stunning thanks to our superb grounds and maintenance teams. The wonderful Lara and her catering team served up delicious canapés, while magnums of Whispering Angel were whipped around by Elstree staff, keeping glasses well topped.

It was a beautiful evening and one that was full of the promise of great friendships and happy memories to be made over the year ahead. Sadly, the bells rang out long before we made it to the small hours of the morning –and while it felt as if staff and parents would happily have stayed far longer, we were eager to ensure our boarders got plenty of sleep after the overwhelming excitement of being back at school!

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Old Boys 175th Year Football

Lower, bathed in glorious autumn sunshine, was the venue for the latest Old Boys football match. This time the OBs, assembled and Captained by Alex Fryer, were challenged by a Headmaster’s XI organised by Luke

displayed on shirts and shorts.

A large crowd waited expectantly on the bank overlooking Lower and they were not to be disappointed. Both sides played with some skill and plenty

passes to score the ultimate team goal. Many thanks to Trevor Kidson for refereeing, what was a competitive and keenly fought encounter, so well. The morning ended with a drink and

Community Walks for Wellbeing

Throughout the year, it has been wonderful to see so many children, staff, parents, visitors and dogs walking around the beautiful Elstree grounds.

Thank you to everyone for all their support for these new additions to the calendar. The events coincided with the Charlie Waller Trust’s ‘Virtual Walk for Wellbeing’ and Place2B’s ‘Children’s Mental Health Week’. The walks set off from the Prep School at 8.30am and were led by Mr Attwood, with our amazing Year 8s walking with the PrePrep children.

It was lovely to hear the animated chatter between the different year groups and adults and children laughing together.

Tatler Schools Awards 2024

It was a proud moment for Elstree when Mr Inglis was named Best Head of a Prep School by Tatler Schools at the start of the Autumn Term.

Truly humbled to receive this accolade, Mr Inglis said:

“It is such an honour to receive this award. Thank you to Tori Cadogan and the Tatler team. We all know that our schools thrive on the strength of our fantastic teams. I am fortunate to have the unstinting support of Olivia who is integral to the success and happiness of Elstree. Thanks also to Simon Attwood, my Senior Deputy Head, as well as the whole Elstree community – the senior team, all the staff, pupils, parents and Governors. In our 175th year, this gives us another reason to celebrate!”

SLMA

Kindness Week

In November we celebrated Kindness Week. Pupils across the Pre-Prep and Prep School were invited to share their thoughts on kindness and boards were set up at each front entrance so that messages of thanks and appreciation could be posted.

As we looked around the school, it was lovely to see the warmth of friendship, the support pupils offer to each other and their polite consideration and good manners, all attributes that make Elstree a kind place to be every day.

SMLA

Tree Planting Ceremony

In November, we held a small but important tree planting ceremony. Five beautiful birch trees had been very kindly donated by Elstree parents. Originally, they were used to decorate the magnificent Sperry tent for our 175 Elstree Ball, but now they have roots in the Front Lawn where they will grow and be enjoyed by the Elstree community for another 175 years to come.

Our huge thanks go to Mr and Mrs Bevan, Mr and Mrs Foulds, Mr and Mrs Foulkes, Mr and Mrs Gilbert and Mr and Mrs Pannell. These trees not only mark an important moment in the history of Elstree School, they also mark a commitment to nurturing and protecting the wonderful grounds at Elstree for the future.

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Act of Remembrance

The whole school gathered for our Act of Remembrance. Mr Inglis led us in tribute to those who gave their lives in the two Great Wars, and we prayed for peace today.

Well done to Harry Clothier, Bertie Barton and Bobby Blackwell for playing The Last Post so beautifully. It was a poignant service and the children from both the Pre-Prep and Prep school stood and listened with deference and respect on this important occasion.

Performing Arts Soirée

Our annual Performing Arts Soirée is always a highlight in the Elstree calendar and this year was no exception. Violin prodigy, James Morris-Weston started off the programme with remarkable technical precision and sensitive tones. He performed Mozart’s Violin Concerto Nr 3 in G major, followed by an old-time favourite solo, The Sound of Music sung endearingly by Sophie Payne. Next up was Harry Clothier who sang the melancholic, Somewhere only We Know by Tonbridge-bred band, Keane. From contemporary rock we were seamlessly transported to Emily Bronte’s famous ruminations sensitively performed by Tom Utley. Our evening’s compère, Kitty Butler kept her cool despite a few last-minute changes to the programme and ensured the audience were having a good time.

One of the highlights of the evening was most certainly the drum duo. Harry Goodbourn and his drums teacher, Gary Bentley (who kindly stepped in for Mofe Adeyinka) played their own composition called Rhythm Nation. In the style of a call and response, Harry’s first few beats immediately caught our attention. As the piece progressed with riveting timing, the atmosphere in the Long Room seemed to turn electric. It was then up to Sophie Payne to keep the audience spellbound. Sophie showed exceptional characterisation of Shakespeare’s Juliet in her monologue from one of his most loved tragedies. Isla Sanford continued our programme with another big number, Close every Door from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, after which James Morris-Weston had us once again captivated by playing Accolay’s Violin concerto Nr 1. In closing, Isla returned to the stage to entertain the

Parents and teachers were also delighted to page through some prospective Art Scholars’ portfolio’s in the front hall. A lovely evening was had by all.

audience with, “a sprinkle of” Mildred Hubble’s mischievous magic from famous book/TV series The Worst Witch. This certainly left a smile on all our faces.

Carol Concerts

The Elstree Chapel Choir had an exciting trip to London, where they had been invited to sing at The Rainbow Trust Carol Concert. It was a magical evening with carols sung by candlelight and readings from special guests.

As the church fell silent, Harry Clothier led the Choir to the front, singing his beautiful solo of Once in Royal David’s City. From then on, the church was filled with collective voices raising the rafters with carol after carol. It was a stunning evening filled with Christmas cheer and we were once again delighted to support The Rainbow Trust, helping them to raise £30,550 on this special occasion.

The Chapel Choir also joined the Bradfield College Carol Service, a popular and beautiful occasion supported by so many local families. This year, £18,574 was raised for the Charlie Waller Trust.

The final Carol Concert of 2023 took place at Douai Abbey, a memorable close to the Autumn Term at Elstree.

Dads’ Curry Night

In what was a first for the Elstree Community, we had a great time welcoming the ‘Elstree Dad’s’ to their very own Curry Night.

Following drinks in the Long Room, our fantastic catering team served up a delicious home-cooked curry and enormous cheeseboard in the Dining Room. Plenty of chat and laughter kept the boarders awake a little later than usual – it was clearly fun to be catching up away from the pitch sides and concert halls at Elstree!

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Grandparents’ Morning

Grandparents’ Morning is always a highlight of the Summer Term at Elstree. It was such a pleasure to welcome over 80 grandparents to our church service and hear from Mrs Nicola Huggett, Head of Cheltenham College, who joined us to preach on this special occasion.

After coffee and refreshments in the Long Room, the grandparents were taken on tours of Elstree by their grandchildren, before enjoying a beautiful vocal concert in the McMullen Hall.

Thank you to all the lovely grandparents for joining us and do come and see us again soon!

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ESA & Current Parents

We are delighted that 31 of our current boys and girls are the children of Elstree Alumni.

Debs Burles, Old Girl and daughter of former Headmaster, Terrence McMullen continues to fly the

Staff v Parents Cricket

After what seemed like an endless stream of rainy days, the sun finally came out for the annual Elstree Staff v Parents cricket match. Having won the toss for the Staff, Mr Champkin decided to send the parents in to bat first, a decision that looked inspired with early wickets from Mr Wyatt and Mr Arends. An inspired innings of 42 from debutant Will Orr, supported nobly by James Turford and Nick Sydney-Smith, meant a target of 147 was set.

Despite a strong start from the parents opening bowlers, the staff Top 4 all performed well with retirements at 25 runs for Mr Wyatt and Mr Morris. With the game feeling like it might be slipping away, some tight bowling and a late flurry of middle order wickets brought the parents back into the game. Two late wickets from Andy Pannell and Man-ofthe-match Will Orr took the match to the final over.

Unfortunately, for the parents the target was 20 or 30 runs short of where it needed to be and with a massive 6 over mid-wicket, Mr Soames closed out the victory for the Staff.

Until next year!

Alex Mills, Captain of the Parents

flag for our Elstree Old Girls and her son, Alfie will be going into Year 8 in September. We look forward to adding in more Old Girls to this picture in the years to come. We are thrilled that so many Elstree Alumni have chosen to share memories of childhood and learning at Elstree with their own children.

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Elstree Dog Show

Back by popular demand, the Elstree Dog Show took place on a fine summer’s day.

The all-too-brief hour of summer magic and madness was a happy blur of over 100 wagging tails, colossal quantities of ice-cream and children barking orders at dogs –who seemed mostly content to do anything apart from what they were being asked to do!

Former Elstree parent, Dr Chris Tufnell MRCVS, from Coach House Vets, was joined by Mr Inglis, Mrs Inglis and Mrs Robertson to judge Fancy Dress, Musical Sit and Best in Show in the main arena. With Mr Morris masterfully MC’ing the event and the ever-resourceful Mr and Mrs Attwood showcasing their cleverly designed Obstacle Course in the bottom Arena, there was never a dull moment! Judging for Best Trick took place at Alec’s House courtesy of Mrs Kidson and Mrs Syckelmoore, and Mrs Burles managed entries into ‘Guess How Many Dog treats in the Jar?’ from the shade at the top of the lawn with a lovely view over the afternoon’s proceedings.

A firm favourite in the Elstree calendar, this was a wonderful event for families and their dogs. There were some fantastic costumes on show and some very eager competition across all disciplines. Well done to all the boys, girls and dogs who took part – you were all brilliant!

Congratulations to Ralph, Ronnie and Ned Poole who won Fancy Dress with their dog Frank, all dressed as hot dogs. Safiya Francis and Winnie won Musical Sit and Alice Fawcett was delighted to take home a welldeserved rosette for her dog Scruffy, who won Best in Class. Felix Brims with the hoop jumping Ebony took home Best Trick and we had joint winners for ‘Guess how many dog treats in the jar?’ Well done to Maisie Brown with lucky Sid and Tom Utley with Splodge – we do hope your dogs shared the winning jar nicely!

Paters’ Match

A stunningly beautiful day welcomed what was to be another Elstree Paters’ classic. With such a successful 1st XI this season, matched with some very able veterans (and a few less able ones!) it was destined to be a great contest.

The boys won the toss and set out to show us how to play cricket – as indeed they did. The opening partnership of Harry Clothier and Monty Robinson smashed and swept their fathers to 62 runs off the first 4 overs.

Fortunately for the Paters, they were able to step up their bowling attack. Despite some cunning batting from Kitty Butler and Toby Walker, the score was kept to 21 runs off their partnership.

James Morris-Weston and Hector Crosthwaite came to the crease looking to capitalise on their fathers bowling. After a moderate first over, Mr Morris-Weston stunned us with a 2 back-to-back wickets and looked to be on for a hat-trick. A beautiful catch by Mr Gearing gave them 11 runs off their partnership.

Next in line were Anderson and Gearing. With old boy Will Anderson stepping in we knew there would be some sibling rivalry. Harry and Jacob kept the scoreboard turning over to amass a solid 20. After facing some Eton bodyline bowling, Harry responded by ramping his brother for 4 for the next ball!

Finally, Foulds and Williams came in to finish the innings. Despite some very tight bowling , Wilf and Caspar put on 29 runs to complete the innings at 133 runs for the Paters to chase.

After some light refreshments and coaching from their wives, the Paters took to the pitch to respond. Once again, the Clothier / Robinson partnership was to be fruitful for the 1st XI. A diamond duck for Harry bowling his father and then caught and bowled in the first over set them off to a great start. Fortunately, Mr Robinson was able to repair some of the damage – 17 runs off the first partnership.

Mr Butler and Mr Walker added 29 runs with an impressive display of shots. Next in line were Mr MorrisWeston and Mr Crosthwaite. Full body armour was put on to face Hector’s impressive left hand pace bowling – a tight partnership of 8 runs ensued.

The fourth pair was Mr Gearing and Master Anderson. With a very impressive display of aerial shots from Mr Gearing and some communication problems (Did you say “run” or “no run?”) resulting in 4 run-outs, they managed to put on 25 runs.

Finally, Mr Foulds and Mr Williams were left with the task of rescuing the Paters – with an array of shots they amassed 45 runs bringing the total to 124!

With a BBQ following, and a debrief from the umpires Messrs Morris and Champkin, we closed an excellent afternoon of sport and comradeship. A huge thanks to James and Ben for arranging the match and to players and spectators for creating such a convivial atmosphere.

Alex Clothier, pater of Harry Clothier, Cricket Captain

Year 8s and Mothers’ Tennis Tournament

A group of 19 of our wonderful Year 8 mothers joined their children for the annual Year 8s and Mothers’ Tennis Tournament on a glorious sunny day: a rarity this summer.

The standard of play was again particularly high this year, but the atmosphere was relaxed with everyone enjoying a fun hit with their friends and peers. As last year, there were lots of encouraging words of advice from pupils to mothers throughout the afternoon as well as lots of laughter. A scampi lunch was enjoyed by all before the winners were announced - well done to the Gearings and Paynes who finished with equal points and both Jacob and Sophie winning a tube of tennis balls each.

Thank you to all the mothers, who regardless of their ability, agreed to play with their children. A very happy and memorable day was had by all.

CLP

Parents and Pupils’ Golf Tournament

On Wednesday 26th June, we held our annual Parents and Pupils’ golf tournament with fifteen pupils and their adult partners setting off in perfect golfing conditions.

The prestigious Elstree golf course looked magnificent in the glorious evening sunshine, and the grounds staff had done a wonderful job in preparing the course. It may not quite be on a par with Augusta, but our course offers challenges that even Scottie Scheffler might find difficulty in overcoming. Benches, scoreboards, pavilions, cricket covers, and even a shot-putt net, provided some testing shots for the assembled field of intrepid golfers. Fortunately, the everpopular Elstree Coffee trailer had been towed away to a position of safety before play commenced.

The standard of golf was higher this year than any previous event. Six groups were within two shots of each other at the top of the leader board. We even had one ‘2’, courtesy of the Rash family at the third hole. ‘Nearest the Pin’ was at the picturesque short 9th. Dean Cook won this for the adults and for the pupils Leonardo Raphael hit an incredible tee shot to 8 feet, which was ‘nearest the pin’ out of all competitors, not just the pupils. The 7th hole saw the ‘Longest Drive’ competition. Wilf Foulds, our Captain of Golf, ripped one down the middle to claim the pupils’ prize, whilst Jaimie McGeoch won the adult’s version with a hugely impressive shot.

The Hewitt Pavilion was only struck once despite its proximity to the 4th green and this year all the players fortunately managed to avoid the gardens alongside the 8th hole.

When the final scores were in, and handicaps considered, the results were as follows:

Runners Up were Tim and Otis Pearey, and this year’s winners of the beautiful glass trophy, were Mark and Wilf Foulds. Well done to them and to all the competitors for playing so well and making it such an enjoyable evening.

CMK

Year 8s and Fathers’ Tennis Tournament

The British tennis season is well underway: Queens… Wimbledon… Bates!

It was gloriously sunny for the Year 8s and Fathers’ tennis evening. Exciting rallies, close matches and plenty of fun were the order of the day.

Well played everyone and thank you to Mrs Payne for organising it.

DMB

Elstree Triathlon

The Elstree Triathlon was another sure sign that the end of Summer Term 2024 really was upon us. In relay teams, or as individual athletes, the Prep School boys and girls battled it out in the pool, peddling around the grounds on bikes and finally, running a loop (or two!) of Douai Abbey playing fields. Our congratulations go to this year’s Triathlon winner, Wilf Foulds – well done Wilf!

Mr Owens MC’d and DJ’d, keeping us well informed and equally entertained. Pre-Prep children cheered and danced from the sidelines and every year group, House and team cheered one another on in this test of stamina and endurance.

Mr Morris and a well-positioned support crew oversaw the running of this fantastically choreographed event. It was amazing to see a few brave staff take part too. Capping off a great summer’s sporting afternoon, everyone tucked into a delicious BBQ lunch on the Front Lawn afterwards.

Beacons of Light Challenge

On 8th August 2024, 20 Elstree staff, four governors and one dog embarked on a long-distance hike in the Brecon Beacons to raise funds for a charity very close to Elstree’s heart, the Charlie Waller Trust.

Charlie Waller was a former Elstree pupil, and a great friend to many of the Elstree community. Charlie took his own life at the age of 28 in September 1997 and since then, the Charlie Waller Trust has become one of the most respected UK mental health charities, educating young people about their mental health and wellbeing. Its vision is of a world where people understand and talk openly about mental health, where young people and those who support them are equipped to maintain and enhance their mental health and wellbeing and have the confidence to seek help when they need it.

With mental health and wellbeing at the forefront of Elstree’s ethos, it meant so much to the Elstree team to support the Charlie Waller Trust. It was also a wonderful opportunity for team bonding and building camaraderie – not to mention a chance to build up individual physical fitness.

The challenge took part in truly horrendous weather, with wind and rain lashing down on the team from the very start and mercifully stopping just as they approached the end of their hike. The team traversed the famous ‘Four Peaks’ of Fan-y-Big, Cribyn, Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du. There were steep climbs that certainly got hearts racing and long descents that punished knees and ankles, but everyone remained full of chatter and cheer, buoyed by strength in numbers - and good company - as they hiked 27.9km in 7 hours and 54 minutes.

This was a fantastic team challenge for a truly great cause. Every single member of the team contributed with positivity and humour; they will share wonderful memories of a very wet, challenging and fun walk and will take great pride in having raised over £14,663* for the Charlie Waller Trust.

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*correct at time of printing.

Year 8 Guest Night

The Year 8 Guest Night is always a highlight of The Leavers’ Programme. The Year 8 children invited a guest to join them for an evening at Elstree: a walk around the grounds, drinks under the stretch tent and a delicious dinner in the Elstree Dining Room. A wonderful array of godparents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and teachers were the ‘chosen guests’ and made for a very happy, convivial and memorable gathering.

Thank you to our fabulous Year 7s who were charming waiters and waitresses throughout the evening. It’s your turn next year…!

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ENRICHMENT

Team Building Challenge

This year’s Team Building Challenge was great fun! The activities were aimed not only to challenge our pupils, but also to help everyone re-connect and encourage new friendships at the start of the academic year.

Year 8

The new Year 8 pupils gathered in Plantation for two activities. They started with a blindfolded follow-the-rope activity. Using problem-solving skills and communication, they were timed as they followed the rope without being able to see. At one point, the activity was likened to their year ahead: working together, feeling their way along, with a little help from their friends, parents and teachers. The children made an excellent start to the year, and we couldn’t have been more impressed with their early maturity in this activity.

They then moved on to a game of Capture the Bomb which involved two teams, one playing attack and the other defending their Ship from a bomb (ball). Team Building can also be about playing games! A very happy start to the year.

Year 7

The Year 7s enjoyed a varied set of games and tasks that tested their ability to trust each other and work together as a team and community.

They began with a variation of British Bull Dog where the catching team had to work together to beat the system. The more the team coordinated and grew, the better they became. Then came a community challenge where pupils found that working to find each other’s names was far quicker than just going solo - this was used as a metaphor for finding happiness. The next challenge involved pupils transporting a bucket of water over an obstacle course with various stipulations. This meant they needed to rely on each other to complete it. Next an egg throwing challenge, where it came down to trusting your partner for a safe and sympathetic throw of an egg. Walking together as one on a pair of planks highlighted the difficulties in synchronisation. Balancing a stick sounds easy but relying on each other to do it as a team was quite a challenge. Finally, testing awareness and memory, the boys and girls cleared a field of fictitious mines. Well done Year 7 for some great team building!

Year 6

First, the Year 6s had to work together to untie a ‘human knot’. Standing in a circle they joined hands across the circle to create a knot. Pupils then had to untie the knot without letting go of their hands. This required a lot of teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.

The next challenge was to stand in a circle holding hands. A hoop was added, and this was passed around the circle without anyone letting go of hands. Pupils had to be flexible to get their bodies through the hoop before it passed over their heads. They tried this without speaking

and discussed the importance of communication for teamwork. We then timed how long it took each team to get the hoop around the circle. The winning team took 22 seconds!

Year 5

Well, what a start to Year 5! The pupils gathered, eager, excited and energetic for Miss Boyd to tell them what they would be getting up to. Screams, cheers and laughs echoed round the low ropes course as the four different groups attempted to get their teammates through the spiders web, untie a human knot, balance straws in a group and fit onto an ever shrinking ship!

‘We did it!’, ‘Go team!’ and ‘Can we do it again!’ were regularly shouted. What a great team building exercise and lovely way to start the term.

Year 4

The Year 4s enjoyed a morning of Orienteering as part of the Team Building Challenge. They began with a warm-up game of North, South, East and West to learn the four points of the compass. Then they moved on to learning about the Orienteering equipment before being split into groups and undertaking a challenging course around the school grounds. They had a lot of fun as well as learning how to read a compass and orientate themselves in teams.

Year 3

First, the children arranged themselves into pairs to make interesting shapes with their partners. This worked well and we were then ready for the next stage. In groups of four, children needed to make up a simple dance routine! Plenty of communication and cooperation were needed and we then watched each routine in turn. It was exciting to observe who the natural leaders were in each group. Overall, the year group demonstrated great teamwork and they came up with some very creative moves. Well done!

Thank you to all the staff who masterminded the different challenges and well done to all the pupils who managed to keep their energy levels high despite the unusually high temperatures.

Elstree Award

Well, what an amazing year it has been! The Elstree Award, primarily a Year 7 initiative, has been a tremendous success, running throughout the academic year and focusing on outdoor education, skills, teamwork, and leadership. This year, our pupils have truly excelled, demonstrating outstanding commitment and enthusiasm in every challenge they faced.

The Elstree Award is designed to instil progressive skills and values. In Year 6, pupils learn essential outdoor and survival skills, laying the foundation for their journey. By the time they reach Year 7, they strive for the prestigious Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards. In Year 8, although they have completed the formal award, they continue to contribute around the school, regularly demonstrating the skills and leadership qualities they have developed through The Elstree Award.

In Year 6, the pupils embarked on an exciting adventure, learning essential outdoor skills such as building shelters, starting fires, tying knots, and mastering elementary first aid. They were taught the fundamentals of what to pack and wear for hiking, and they explored the flora and fauna around the school grounds. As part of their charity work, the Year 6 pupils played a pivotal role at the Autumn Term Gift Fair, where their help was invaluable.

Moving on to Year 7, the Elstree Award takes inspiration from the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Our pupils were tasked with completing charity work, learning a new skill, maintaining physical fitness, and camping outdoors. They actively supported the local charity PALS, showcasing their commitment to community service. During the Lent Term, each pupil delivered a presentation on a topic of their choice, with the best one being presented to the entire year group and their parents. This not only honed their public speaking skills but also allowed them to explore subjects they are passionate about.

The highlight of the year for Year 7 was undoubtedly their camp. After

setting up camp and participating in various challenging, team-building, and confidence-building activities, it was time to head back to the campsite for some well-earned relaxation. The evening was magical as the children enjoyed hot chocolate and marshmallows around the campfire, echoing the spirit of adventures, but our pupils embraced every moment.

The next morning began with an early 5am wake-up call. After a hearty full English breakfast, the children, split into four groups, navigated their peers on a local walk. Each group had a teacher accompanying them to ensure they stayed on track. Everyone had a chance to lead the walk, honing their navigational skills and ensuring a safe return. The Year 7s showcased excellent leadership and teamwork throughout. Congratulations to Arabella Pannell, the well-deserved winner of the Elstree Award 2024.

In Year 8, the pupils took on more responsible roles, assisting with Bonfire Night and demonstrating the leadership skills they had developed over the years. They practised excellent teamwork and leadership, roles that would soon see them become Prefects, Librarians, Heads of House, and leaders in sports and music.

This was my first experience running the Elstree Award, with the invaluable support of Miss Boyd, Mr Attwood, and other dedicated staff members.

I am incredibly excited about the future of this award and what it can achieve for our children. It has been another incredibly successful year for the Elstree Award. Each pupil has grown and developed in so many ways, and we are immensely proud of their achievements. Well done to all the children for their hard work and dedication.

AEP

LAMDA Examinations

Autumn Term 2023

Zach Chabva

Noah Challenger

Georgina Foulkes

George Grodnev

Laurie Hooper

Alice O’Neill

Jashn Sraw

Thomas Bevan

Sam Norris

Timi Sonuga

Wilf Ward

Victoria Ajia

Akinniran Akinola

Felix Brims

Eva Lockhart

Kweji Sameke

Toby Bi

James Fane

Kevin Hu

Harry Anderson

Sebastian Black

Combined Acting Grade 1 Distinction

Verse and Prose Grade 1 Distinction

Solo Acting Grade 1 Distinction

Combined Acting Grade 1 Distinction

Verse and Prose Grade 1 Distinction

Solo Acting Grade 2 Distinction

Combined Acting Grade 2 Distinction

Solo Acting Grade 2 Merit

Solo Acting Grade 2 Distinction

Public Speaking Grade 3 Distinction

Combined Acting Grade 3 Distinction

Solo Acting Grade 3 Distinction

Verse and Prose Grade 4 Distinction

Verse and Prose Grade 4 Merit

Combined Acting Grade 5 Distinction

Solo Acting Grade 5 Distinction

Kate Oliver Solo Acting Grade 5 Distinction

Isla Sanford Solo Acting Grade 5 Distinction

Thomas Utley

Spring Term 2024

Gabriele Caloia

Sophie Singh

Grace Zhou

Ferdy Dugdale

Combined Acting Grade 5 Distinction

Combined Acting Grade 1 Distinction

Verse and Prose Grade 1 Distinction

Combined Acting Grade 2 Distinction

Harry Lockwood Combined Acting Grade 2 Merit

Flora Napier Combined Acting Grade 2 Distinction

Isabella Tryon Combined Acting Grade 2 Distinction

Alethea Whittalll Solo Acting Grade 2 Distinction

Naomi Chan Solo Acting Grade 3 Merit

Dang Dang Liu

Alexander Wu

Combined Acting Grade 3 Distinction

Teddy Harrisson Solo Acting Grade 4 Distinction

Maisie Brown

Verse and Prose Grade 5 Distinction

Sebastian Fowler Verse and Prose Grade 5 Merit

Sebastian Buck Verse and Prose Grade 5 Distinction

Summer Term 2024

Tomisin Abudiore Combined Acting Grade 1 Distinction

Jago Crosthwaite Combined Acting Grade 1 Merit

Kingsley Cui Verse and Prose Grade 1 Distinction

Percy Norris Combined Acting Grade 1 Merit

Fawn Salvesen Combined Acting Grade 1 Distinction

Rosie Shaw Combined Acting Grade 1 Distinction

Isobel Clark Combined Acting Grade 2 Distinction

Alice Fawcett

Combined Acting Grade 2 Distinction

Rose Hepburne-Scott Solo Acting Grade 2 Distinction

Reuben Ruddick

Combined Acting Grade 2 Distinction

Jashn Sraw Verse and Prose Grade 2 Distinction

Alfie Steward Combined Acting Grade 2 Pass

Iris Yao Solo Acting Grade 2 Distinction

Clement Chow Solo Acting Grade 3 Pass

Sat Li Combined Acting Grade 3 Distinction

Phoebe McEwen Solo Acting Grade 3 Merit

Henry Pritchard Combined Acting Grade 3 Distinction

Bobby Blackwell Combined Acting Grade 4 Merit

Charles Chen

Willem Loader

Jonty Shaw

Combined Acting Grade 4 Merit

Year 8 Takeover Morning

Well done to our new members of staff – our 2024 Year 8 pupils!

At the end of June these young and inspiring pupils were assigned to teach lessons to younger pupils at Elstree. As ever, it was wonderful to see our Year 8 Leavers pass on vital knowledge, but perhaps for the best that normal teaching resumed later that morning!

AJP

PALS visit Elstree

PALS is a local charity that supports children and young adults who have physical disabilities. Every term, they visit Elstree and are supported by our Year 7 children in trying a range of activities.

This year activities have included collecting leaves, pines cones and twigs in the Autumn sunshine and using these to create pieces of natural art, which were used to decorate the trees on Front Lawn. Pom-pom making was another great hit amongst the children and an industrious morning was spent in the Science Atrium with lots of colourful wool and plenty of chatter – plus there was some time for mince pie making too!

In the Spring, we joined together to make stained glass effect drawings and marble effect tea lights. Mrs Sykelmoore kindly provided the gel pens and acetate and showed us how to create a marble effect by rolling jam jars across the surface of water with drops of nail varnish. Finally, we helped the birds by making bird feeders out of pinecones, bird seed and fat.

As always, fun mornings were had by all and my thanks to the healthy Year 7s who helped with energy and kindness on every occasion and supported our guests from PALS.

PNS

Life Skills Morning

Our Year 8 Leavers enjoyed a purposeful morning of Life Skill lessons this week with some of their fabulous mothers, fathers, grandparents and friends. They were taught how to iron shirts, polish shoes, sew on a button, pack a suitcase, change a plug, lay the table, cook an omelette and even how to clean up after one’s dog! They also learned useful breathing techniques, how to change a bicycle tyre and were given some sound financial advice.

Thank you to everyone who gave up their valuable time to help instruct the boys and girls. The skills that the Year 8 Leavers have gathered will equip them well for their days after Elstree.

OPS

Eco Initiatives

Still proudly flying our Eco-Schools Green Flag, this year saw Mr Schuman handing over the mantle of Eco School initiatives to Mrs James and Mrs Laithwaite, who were super excited to get started.

Proceedings got underway with a brilliant assembly by our School Eco Team, who reminded their fellow pupils and teachers that we can all take action to protect and preserve our planet every day.

During the Summer Term, pupils were also challenged to get litter picking – and what a response we saw! So many pupils were eager to get their hands on an Elstree litter picker and the competition as to who could pick the most litter was a hot contest! Very well done to all involved – they will all have made a fantastic difference to our environment.

Thanks to Mrs James and Mrs Laithwaite for continuing to champion a cause that means so much to us all at Elstree.

Enrichment Lectures

We have welcomed many exciting and varied speakers to Elstree this year, all of whom have brought their subject matter to life with great knowledge and experience.

Our enrichment lectures are always eagerly anticipated by pupils, staff and often parents alike. This year’s topics have included:

‘Marathon des Sables’ – Mr Charlie Weatherill, Parent

‘Leadership’ – Mr Danny Daniels, Bradfield College

‘Neurodiversity’ – Mrs Kim Wyrley-Birch, Dyslexia Decoded

‘The Cresta Run’ – Mr James Sunley, Chairman of the Governors

‘Biology Matters’ – Mr Josh Kersley, Downe House

‘Critical Thinking’ – Ms Laura Miller, Eton College

‘Food & Mood’ – Mrs Katy GordonSmith, Naturedoc

‘The Tuk-In Story’ – Mr Tom Cropper, Parent

‘Does Removing Statues rewrite our History? ’- Mr Colin Booth, Bradfield College SCA

RAP poet Karl Nova

Pupils from Years 3 to 8 enjoyed an interactive performance from the multi-talented, award-winning rap (rhythm and poetry) and hip-hop performance poet, Karl Nova, in Elstree’s fabulous Ward Library.

Karl included a dramatic but humorous description of his early years with his Nigerian mother in a poor area of North London. He told the story of how his life changed when he was eight years old, and his mother took him on a long plane trip. She then left him to live a completely different life growing up with his rich father and stepfamily in Nigeria. He had previously been completely unaware of his family in West Africa.

Karl Nova commented, “I totally enjoyed my warm welcome at Elstree School. The students were amazing, and a lot of great writers will emerge from this school.”

School Librarian Ruth Walker concluded, “It was great to see the pupils so excited and inspired and embracing poetry in a new way. They thoroughly enjoyed his brilliant and thought-provoking performance. We were also very pleased to invite the Year 6 children from nearby Woolhampton Primary School to join us for this wonderful experience.”

Cultural Heritage Week

Our theme for Cultural Heritage week was, Celebrating, Respecting and Learning from our Heritage Black History Month

We celebrated Black History Month in October by participating in discussion groups and workshops around the theme of Tolerance. There were some lively debates about a variety of important issues, and we learnt that courage is needed if you are in a minority and tolerance if you are part of the majority. We also enjoyed viewing two creative art exhibitions in both the Prep and Pre-Prep.

Art

In the Prep School, we created images inspired from our own culture, heritage, tradition and families. The artwork was constructed into a selection of spirals re-creating the age-old intuitive symbol of spiritual development and our identity within the universe. We also created a selection of images onto circular components and linked them together to represent all cultures connecting together.

The Pre-Prep were also busy with their art creations.

Nursery created a collaborative piece of artwork. Each child painted their hand and added their bright and bold handprints to the heart. This piece of art resembles the beauty in diversity.

“Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness.’ Here lies the hand of every Reception child, not one being the same. The artwork reminds us too of how small hands change the world.”

Miss Phippen used to live and teach in Morogoro, Tanzania. Her friend and artist produced a beautiful piece of art, using kitenge fabric. Our fantastic Year 1 class used this as an inspiration to create their own version of the painting.

Year 2 worked hard to create a brave and colourful lion face. Each patch is unique, reminding us to celebrate our differences. A lion can symbolise strength, this piece of art encouraging us to see the strength that lies in diversity.

“In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”

Dressing up Day

Pupils across Elstree celebrated their heritage by dressing according to their cultural background. It was wonderful to see so much diversity – from Tanzania and Zimbabwe, to India and China. We had the privilege of listening to our guest speaker, Niyi Olu-Kuti, who spoke about Sharing Stories. We especially learnt the motto, Ask questions, Make Friends!

It was such a positive experience to see children ask each other questions about their cultures. Thank to everyone who took part and embraced our Cultural Heritage Week.

What did the children think?

“I really enjoyed dressing up and playing the music concert in my Punjab clothes.”

Jashn Sraw, 4LA

“I liked the assembly and how we all guessed which countries we were from.”

Kweji Sameke, 7EGG

“I think it was really fun to see how many different cultures there were in our school.”

Dariya Maximova, 7EGG

“It was amazing to see my friends dress up and show their roots.”

Thea Whittall, 7EGG

FRIENDS OF ELSTREE

Bonfire Night

Parents and pupils happily mingled under the twinkling lights on Yard and the stalls of autumn produce, vintage sweets, hot dogs and of course, the Grown-Up bar did a roaring trade.

Mrs Syckelmoore’s spectacular Guy was ready to take centre stage and this year, Micky Caloia, our youngest pupil in the Prep School accepted the privilege of helping Mr Inglis strike the match to light the bonfire. The crowd roared a countdown and rocket after rocket lit up the sky, bathing Park in light and glitter. Full of high-jinx and chatter, Elstree pupils and families returned to the Terrace before waving goodbye.

The funds raised from Bonfire Night will go towards Friends of Elstree projects, which are always so thoughtfully selected for the school and our lucky pupils. Thanks as ever to our groundsmen and the Friends of Elstree team for making it another night to remember.

OSI

Gift Fair

With 50 stalls spread throughout the Long Room, Dining Room and McMullen Hall, the Elstree Gift Fair was a hive of eager shoppers.

With such a wide array of wonderful stalls to choose from, hampers galore to be raffled and a delicious selection of seasonal refreshments provided by the talented Imogen’s Apron, there was plenty to keep shoppers busy! The Year 7 boys and girls did a fantastic job of welcoming guests and running the tombola, cake and sweet stalls with incredible charm and efficiency – all of which counts towards the ‘charity and service’ section of their Silver Elstree Award. Every Elstree year group also kept the crowds entertained with their beautiful singing in the McMullen Hall. We are delighted that share that a huge £3,048.50, raised from the Gift Fair, will be used to support the wonderful charity, Daisy’s Dream. Thank you to our brilliant Gift Fair Committee: Millie Ridley-Day, Clare Pannell, Jane Bevan, Nicki Williams and Kate Turner. We are so grateful for all your hard work and meticulous organisation which ensured that the Gift Fair was such a huge success.

OSI

Pre-Prep Family Fun Day

On a blissfully hot September afternoon, we welcomed our Pre-Prep children and their families to Farmyard for our annual Family Fun Day.

Our Pre-Prep Friends committee organised the whole event which provided the perfect opportunity for children and parents to catch up after their wonderful summer holidays. New children also had the opportunity to meet their teachers and to look in their classrooms again.

Everyone was greeted by a table of delicious cakes and treats, kindly baked and donated by various parents. The sunny weather provided the perfect excuse for the parents to enjoy a glass of Pimm’s whilst the children tucked into glasses of squash and water.

Around Farmyard was a scene of busyness. Some children were ‘wanging’ a welly as far as they possibly could, whilst others were studying the world map to try to guess where the treasure might be. Biscuit decorating was a very popular stand, as was the face painting station.

As the afternoon drew to a close, Ed Brims (current Elstree parent and former pupil) treated all of the children to a fabulous magic show. Jaws dropped and there were squeals of delight as the children watched him pull objects from empty bags and transform the shape and size of items.

To finish the Fun Day, each child demolished an ice lolly, a much-needed treat on such a hot day.

A huge thank you to our wonderful Pre-Prep Friends committee and a special thanks to three parents, Charlie Yarrow, Rosie Sydney-Smith and Nicki Williams, for masterminding the successful afternoon.

Pre-Prep Quiz

There was something for everyone at the Elstree Pre-Prep quiz.

In what was a first for the Elstree community, over 60 Pre-Prep parents gathered in the Dining Room to be challenged by quiz master extraordinaire, Mr Morris.

With parents randomly assigned to tables, there was no telling where team strengths lay, especially when it came to answering an eclectic mix of questions across five highly demanding categories which included General Knowledge, Food and Drink, Sport, TV and Elstree Pre-Prep – answers for which were worth double points! Full knowledge of the Pre-Prep lunchtime prayers were slightly muddled, but

everyone did well, not least those with some very specialist and in-depth TV knowledge that surprised us all!

The Elstree catering team produced a delicious chilli, washed down with drinks from the Elstree bar. Our heartfelt thanks go to the PrePrep Friends for organising such an entertaining and fun evening.

OSI

Summer Social

Never to be perturbed by the rollercoaster ride that is the British summertime, the Elstree Summer Social went full steam ahead!

We enjoyed drinks under festoon lighting in the stretch tent before delicious picnics were unpacked for sharing in the Dining Room. It was another wonderful opportunity for the Elstree community to get together and the room was full of chatter and laughter.

Our huge thanks goes to our Friends of Elstree committee who are so thoughtful and dedicated to creating these special occasions. Joe, Will and the maintenance team for being brilliantly supportive in setting everything up so beautifully, and of course, to our grounds team. We sadly didn’t get to enjoy the Elstree grounds as we had hoped - but we know you are always busy out there and they do look stunning!

Thanks to all our Elstree parents for making it such a lovely evening, it is always wonderful to see you come rain or shine!

OSI

PRE-PREP

Reception Family Tea

On Friday 13th October, Reception were very excited to have their annual Family Tea. The children eagerly awaited the arrival of their special guest to share the afternoon with.

The previous day, every child had carefully mixed all the ingredients needed to make their guest some scones. They lovingly gave these to their guest as they arrived and sat down to enjoy them together. They also enjoyed tucking into the delightful cakes and cookies that were on offer, as well as a cup of tea, coffee or juice.

Once tea was finished, the children sang and signed a song they had learnt called ‘1,2,3 It’s Good to Be Me’. There were lots of smiles as the children performed beautifully together.

The afternoon ended with the children showing their guest around their classroom and the Early Years Garden. A lovely afternoon was had by all!

“I liked that Daddy got to come.”

Lucas Jones, RR

“I liked the scones because they were yummy.”

Martha Parsloe, RP

“I liked playing in the shop with Mummy.”

Meredith Stoneman, RR

“I liked playing outside.” Raff Champkin, RP

The Living Rainforest

Year 2 had a wonderful day at The Living Rainforest in Hampsted Norreys. Having learnt all about the rainforest, the children were keen to tell our guide all about the different layers of the rainforest and share what they knew about the equator. Our guides were extremely knowledgeable and told us all sorts of interesting facts. We all searched for the sloth as there were a couple of unconfirmed reports of movement in the branches, but Cinnamon remained elusive for another year!

The children loved looking at the creatures on show. The vivid blue coloured dart frogs and the brightly coloured emerald tree boa were amazing. The turtles and tortoises entertained us, the dwarf caiman were rather shy, and the toucan flew about and ate some fruit with his huge beak.

We looked at some of the plants and were amazed at the size, colours and shapes of many of the leaves. Our guides explained about the drip tip.

The humid heat of the glasshouses was a great experience of what it feels like to be in a rainforest and it felt rather cool when we ventured out of the forest at the end of our trip. A great day was had by all.

“The dart frogs were one of my favourite colours.”

Beatrice Hooper, 2B

“I liked the goeldi’s monkeys. They were sweet.”

Theodora

van Kuffeler, 2ON

Harvest Festival

The Pre-Prep children walked hand in hand to St. Peter’s Church for our annual Harvest Festival. Balanced on the heads of the Nursery and Reception children were beautiful Harvest Crowns that the children had printed from autumnal fruits or decorated with harvest items. Year 2 clutched origami pumpkins and apples and the Year 1 children carried wonderful leaf creatures that they had made. Reverend Manley loved their creations and invited the children to decorate the church windows and altar with them.

Each year group sang a song about Autumn and Harvest, and we finished with a group performance of ‘Big, Red, Combine Harvester’.

Once again, we used Harvest as an opportunity to think of others less fortunate than ourselves. Members of the PrePrep kindly donated food items to West Berkshire Food Bank who came to collect them and to distribute them to people in need.

A special thank you to Reverend Manley for leading the service and for welcoming us to her church. Also, to the parents who gave up their time to come to watch and celebrate with us.

Stroke Care for Newbury and West Berkshire

Stroke Care for Newbury and West Berkshire have a mission to provide relief and practical support to residents of West Berkshire who have suffered the effects of a stroke. Over the year, we have had the pleasure of taking our Year 2 children to join the residents at Woolhampton Village Hall, where they gather each week for activities and physio. For some patients, this is the only opportunity in to get out of the house and to socialise.

Activities that our children have enjoyed sharing with the members of Stroke Care include making cards, doing puzzles, playing games such as ‘What’s in the Box?’ and chatting happily.

We have been so proud of the children and the way they interacted with the residents.

A big thank you to Stroke Care for welcoming us and well done to all the Year 2 children.

“It was really fun making cards. The lady I helped was really happy. She made a card for her nephews and I made one for Mummy.”

Louis Yao, 2C

“It was really fun because the people were really nice.”

Jonny O’Neill, 2C

“I was a bit nervous when I walked in because there were lots of people, but they were really nice and I loved it.”

Milo Turner, 2B

Mini Olympics

Reception and Nursery enjoyed a brilliant afternoon taking part in the Mini-Olympics. The children were greeted by Mr Bates and there were lots of adults who had come to watch. Mr Bates introduced the Year 8 children, and they were wonderful at guiding the younger children through a carousel of different activities, all based on an Olympic sport. The Pre-Prep children loved having a go at all the sports including javelin, relay, ribbon dancing and triple jump. There was plenty of encouragement and lots of high fives.

Tabitha Hill enjoyed the zigzag running and Bertie Long said he liked jumping over the ‘hoodles’ (hurdles!) This was also Olive Shanks’ favourite part as she liked having big and little ones to jump over.

Nursery also enjoyed themselves and Ferdie Carter said that he liked the jumping best. After all the excitement of the afternoon, the children walked to the Prep School and enjoyed a well-deserved snack while the adults had teas and coffees in the Long Room.

Thank you to Mr Bates for organising!

Year 2’s first Football Match

Having not been able to play their matches before half term due to poor weather, the patience of the Year 2 children was finally rewarded with some fantastic football matches against Cheam. With mini-matches taking place on both Yard and Farmyard, there was some really impressive play on show and, most importantly, lots of smiling faces with the children clearly enjoying themselves enormously.

The decision not to keep score in any of the matches really took the pressure off and allowed the children to focus on playing well and having fun. A huge thank you to all the Elstree and Cheam children, staff and parents for making it such a successful afternoon. Also, to the grounds staff for miraculously making the pitches playable and to the catering team for the delicious match tea. Here’s to next year!

JCM

Early Years Concert

What a success our first Early Years Concert was!

The children in Nursery and Reception made beautiful invitations to send to their parents and old teachers, inviting them to see them in their new setting and performing in the Early Years Concert.

RP took to the stage first singing with loud voices and smiles on their faces. It was a perfect way to open the show!

After this, Nursery sang Tiny Tim, Hickory Dickory Dock and Baa Baa Black Sheep There were some funny verses that took the audience by surprise!

Finally, RR kept the audience entertained with their songs and some of the children even had to put on a cardigan or a pair of shoes whilst singing!

A special thank you to Miss Collins for teaching the children their music and to the class teachers and assistants for perfecting the songs in the classrooms.

Outdoor Learning Day

This term, the Elstree Pre-Prep pupils enjoyed an Autumn and Harvest themed Outdoor Learning Day.

Miss Phippen’s group were challenged to collect natural materials to make scarecrows. Fir cones, leaves, petals, and sticks were all popular choices for making the various body parts and the children loved showing off their creations to Mrs Bond.

Miss Postlethwaite’s group, working in mixed-aged pairs, took part in an Autumn Scavenger Hunt. They were tasked to explore the woodland searching for different autumnal items and enjoyed ticking the items off their lists when they found them.

Mrs Rose had great fun making leaf kebabs with her group. Each child found a stick and collected a range of coloured leaves, which they poked onto their stick. Back in the classroom, the children used their leaves to create artwork which was put on display at St. Peter’s Church for the Harvest Festival.

Whilst the younger children were having fun in the woods, the Year 2s enjoyed a range of activities with their teachers. Mrs O’Neill helped the children make salt dough to sculpt into a family of hedgehogs.

Mrs Baxter’s group enjoyed a walk around the school lakes to collect natural resources. Once back in their classroom, they transformed these into the bodies of insects, labelling the different parts to make wonderful pieces of artwork.

Finally, Miss Crook’s group created autumnal bar charts using leaves. They raced to collect different leaves and sorted them into columns of the same colour. With graph paper on clipboards, each child then had a chance to create their own bar chart. What better way to learn maths than out in the school grounds!

Thank you to the Pre-Prep team for masterminding such a wonderfully happy and special day.

“I made a scarecrow and put yellow flowers for the inside of the dress.”

Evie Stephenson, RP

“I liked eating sandwiches in the woods!”

Bertie Long, RP

“I liked making the bugs. It was very arty and I like art.”

Freddie Hughes, 2B

Exploring Nursery Afternoon

On 3rd November we opened the doors of Nursery and welcomed various family members in to enjoy a range of glitter, paint and glue for our Fireworks themed Exploring Nursery afternoon.

Each child was joined by a special guest to take part in a range of activities. Some of the highlights were ‘salad spinner fireworks’, ‘foot painting rockets’ and ‘dribbling glue glitter fireworks’.

It was lovely to observe the children having the confidence to lead their grown up around the classroom and ‘teach’ them how to carry out each craft. Others enjoyed re-enacting the story of Room on a Broom with their grownups in the story corner.

The visitors embraced the afternoon and enjoyed getting creative. We particularly liked watching one parent having her foot painted by her son and making her own footprint rocket!

The children left full of excitement ahead of the school fireworks display that evening. Thank you to all of the special visitors who took the time to spend the afternoon with us.

Year 2 Class Assembly

The whole Elstree community were treated to a fabulous assembly from Year 2.

Year 2 have been learning about Rainforests and loved sharing what they knew with the rest of the school. They taught us about the continents with a very catchy song, about the layers of the rainforest with another song, and told us about the different animals that live in the different areas. They also shared some of the wonderful rainforest art they had created.

We were all so proud of how well the children learned their lines and songs, and how confident they were on stage.

Isabelle Vernon said her favourite part was saying Martha’s line as well as her own, because Martha was poorly.

Sam McEwen said his favourite part was singing the seven continents song. SO’N

The Big Little Nativity

This year our Christmas Story was told through ‘The Big Little Nativity’. It certainly was a very BIG story told by the wonderful Pre-Prep little voices! Every child from Nursery to Year 2 took to the stage to retell the traditional story.

We started with a team of expert narrators who enjoyed introducing us to some of the main characters: Mary, Joseph, their trusted Donkey, the Angel Gabriel and the star, as well as many more.

Before long, a choice of heavenly Year 1 and 2 angels took to the stage and spoke clearly and sung wonderfully wearing their glittering costumes. Later, they even managed some dance moves.

Then we had the twinkling Nursery stars and even the visitors at the very back of the McMullen Hall could hear their fantastic voices.

After Jesus had been born, we were treated to a song with the Reception sheep and shepherds at centre stage.

The Year 2 children played the lead parts with each child remembering their words very well. A special thank you to these wonderful children for all their efforts.

Thanks must also go to Miss Collins and Sian Bond for directing the Nativity for us, to Mrs Kidd for the wonderful costumes and Mrs Baxter for organising the props and finer details. Thank you as well to the many staff for supporting on the day and in the run up to it.

“I liked it when we all joined in the singing and sang ‘Oh Come Let Us Adore him’.”

Bertie Stephenson, Year 1P

“I loved doing my solo ”

Beatrix Owens, 2C

Marwell Zoo

Our topic in Reception during the Lent Term was been ‘Books We Love from Around the World’. As we had learnt about animals from different continents, we felt a trip to Marwell Zoo would be the perfect outing. We were incredibly lucky to see so many animals. We began by looking at the penguins. The children loved going in the underground cave where they were given an aquatic display. Next, it was time to see the giraffes, who were certainly a firm favourite and the children were surprised by their stature. After lunch, we went tiger spotting and were fortunate enough to have a close encounter, with the children wondering who might be the tiger’s tea!

Later, we made our way into the warmer climates of the tropical rainforest. We could not believe our eyes as we saw the sloth slowly meander down a tree, right in front of us. It then decided to eat a beetroot upside down, much to the children’s amusement. At the end of the day, we even spotted the elusive snow leopard. It really was an amazing experience and it was wonderful hearing the children share their favourite parts of the day on the journey home!

“I like the giraffe because he was bigger than me.”

Ned Lort, RP

“I liked it when we went into the rainforest because it was really boiling hot.”

Toby Hughes, RR

“The tigers were so fierce.”

Cleo Morse, RR

Grandparents’ Afternoon Tea

We were thrilled to welcome our Pre-Prep Grandmothers, Grandfathers and special guests into Elstree for a very special afternoon. The boys and girls in Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and 2 performed in a wonderful musical concert before they enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea with their guests in the Dining Room.

The children then escorted their Grandmothers, Grandfathers and special guests across the Elstree grounds to Pre-Prep, where they were so proud to show off all their hard work in their classrooms.

It was lovely to see the children and special guests together; an afternoon filled with love and pride in what these boys and girls achieve every day.

Outdoor Learning Day

What an adventure! Pre-Prep were split into groups across different year groups and spent the morning exploring, discovering, building dens, doing wax crayon leaf rubbings, and took part in an exciting spring scavenger hunt. Siblings were mostly excited to be in the same group as each other! Outdoor learning is an excellent way to build on confidence, independence, self-esteem, and helps to develop not only language skills, but also social and physical skills.

The groups rotated different activities which took part in different parts of the glorious grounds. Rolling down the hills was a firm favourite as well as making dens in Plantation. There were some determined faces when collecting huge sticks and tree stumps to begin making their dens. It was amazing to see the older children supporting the younger ones and working as a team. Next was a spring scavenger hunt, starting from Alec’s House. Working in pairs, the children had to find a whole host of items, such as a crocus, something soft and even something to jump over!

Finally, we ventured up to the woods, where the children explored the natural textures around them by creating wax rubbings of leaves, bark, pinecones and lots of other natural materials.

After a delicious lunch, each child planted a ‘bee bomb’ of wildflower seeds in our newly renovated vegetable patch at the edge of Farmyard. They are excited to see what grows! What did the children think?

When asked what their favourite part of the day was, Ned Harrison (RR), liked the leaf rubbing because he enjoyed seeing all of the different bumps. Ophelia Cross (NT) , loved the den building and Teddy Barton (NT) , liked planting the seeds. Henry Barton (2S) , enjoyed making dens with his friends and Florence Morse (2B) , liked using crayons for her wax rubbings. LP

“Den building in Plantation was the best!”

Azad Sraw, 2S

“I made a bug hotel for a beetle!” Beetle Addington, 1P

History off the Page

We were delighted to welcome Sophie from the company ‘History off the Page’ to deliver a workshop on the Great Fire of London. In the morning the children learnt about the size of London Town in 1666. They all sat around a huge map and watched how the fire spread due to the wind and saw how a change in the wind helped to put the fire out. The children had the opportunity to try out candle making, creating black ink from charcoal and writing using ink and a quill. They tried weaving and embroidery, learned about making bread and had a turn at making moulds for metal buttons. They also learned about an apothecary and each made a herbal cure for an ailment of the time. In the midst of their activities they were called to help put out fires using leather buckets, to pull down buildings using building hooks, catch rats and were even called to bring out their dead and put them in a cart!

After lunch everyone had a chance to become an archaeologist. They dug and brushed clean artefacts that were left after the fire. Then they had to try and work out who had lived in a house that was now ash. There were extra clues to look at in the bag of items. They finally learned the name of the person and discovered if the deductions they had made from the clues were correct. It was a very interactive and exciting day. The children loved all the activities and were delighted to take home a bag of the goodies they had made throughout the day to share with their families.

“My best part was ringing the bell and telling people to bring out the dead!”

Harry Long, 2B

“I loved making a mould for a button and Sophie melted some pewter and she put it into my mould.”

Sasha Marianos, 2S

“I used the building hook and I was pretending to pull down a house.”

Maud Gaskell, 2B

“We had a line of people passing a leather bucket. It got to me and I had to pretend to throw the water on the house and put out the fire.”

Mabel Shanks, 2C

Year 1 Rushall Farm Trip

Year 1 were so excited for this much-awaited trip. With Mrs Kidd and Mrs Robertson driving the school minibuses, the children arrived at Rushall Farm and had to walk through two huge sponges to disinfect their wellies!

A bumpy tractor ride was the first activity and they had lots of fun spotting the wildlife and looking out over the green fields. Ollie Ni learnt the fact that ‘the red mark on the sheep means they are having one baby.’

The class had great fun feeding the chickens and collecting eggs and were interested by the different sizes and colours of all the eggs, some even speckled. Rufus Robertson was amazed that ‘chickens can lay blue eggs!’

Before tucking into a delicious packed lunch, the children listened to a story all about bees. Eliza Drury learnt that ‘bees dance’ as a way of communicating.

Just before the class headed home, they were taught all about ‘field to plate’, and the children sorted some different pictures of crops and the food they produce. There were a few surprises so it was a little trickier than the children first expected!

It was a wonderful day and we look forward to returning next year. When asked what she most enjoyed, Iris Brims exclaimed ‘I loved everything!’

Poetry Performances

With 17 performers in our PrePrep poetry final, it was a magical morning to hear such confidence and enthusiasm from every pupil, from Nursery through to Year 2. Each poem was delivered with expression, a varied use of tone and pitch, and even actions to bring the recitals to life. From snowballs, lions, crocodiles, dolphins, homework and even the Titanic – there were rhymes about everything!

One Nursery child commented how he enjoyed making everyone laugh and another Reception pupil was filled with relief when his older brother helped stepped in to help with a few words that had escaped his mind!

Head of English, Mrs Payne, listened to all the recitals and gave thoughtful feedback to every child. You could see from the children’s smiles how thrilled they were to receive their certificates in front of their friends and families.

Story Museum

After an exciting bus journey to Oxford, the children were ready for the Story Museum adventure to begin. The children arrived in a low-lit room where they heard a story about Bakunawa, a dragon who liked to eat moons. With lots of actions and roars, the children were captivated and involved throughout.

The bear hunt continued, until they found a giant teddy bear on the most enormous bed! After a wonderful bear version of A Squash and a Squeeze, the children explored the ‘Small World’ area. Lots of fun was had in Traction Man’s kitchen and with torches and binoculars in the Space Room – but best of all were the many great stories read together on the big bed.

The children then found the dinosaur tails just in time for a visit from the His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, who, luckily, was not at all phased as one of the children shook their tail at him! Tired but very happy children returned to school, ready to dream of their adventures that night.

Pre-Prep Early Years Concert

What a wonderful occasion the Early Years Concert was. It was a beautiful sunny morning and what better way to start the day with lots of happy faces and lovely voices. The Nursery began singing their warm up song, Bottom on a Bug. This was lots of fun, the children were all engaged and giggles could be heard from the parents as the children put heads and elbows on the bugs. They also worked hard to sing a song with lots of movement. They had to change directions in a circle which was fun to watch and with a little prompting at times, it was completed successfully! They also sang an old favourite beautifully, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Once I Caught a Fish Alive

It was then turn for the Reception children to perform. Mrs Rose’s class sang Five Little Worms on the Garden Wall followed by a great song about the Three Little Pigs They sang beautifully and clearly enjoyed performing to their parents as well as the rest of the Pre-Prep. Miss Postlethwaite’s class sang A B-U-G and a song about minibeasts to the tune, Heads Shoulders Knees and Toes with ‘free style actions’! The two classes then sang a firm favourite from this term, If I were a Minibeast They sang their hearts out and used sign language as well! What an achievement, well done! To end a lovely concert, the Early Years Children sang together. The Penguin Song delighted the parents, with particular giggles being heard at the end.

What a lovely morning. Thank you to the parents for coming to watch the children, we hope you enjoyed the performances and thank you to Miss Collins for teaching the children to sing along so beautifully!

Minibeasts Workshop

The children in Nursery and Reception have been learning about minibeasts this term and they were thrilled to have the chance to see some up close when Jungle Jonathan visited Elstree. First, he brought out a bright red millipede called Scarlett and then he introduced a giant African Millipede called Martha – Martha Parsloe, RP was very excited to meet her millipede twin!

After this, we met some eight-legged minibeasts. We met three tarantulas, including one called George that was only 17 days old and discussed lots of facts about spiders. He asked for a volunteer (Olive Shanks, RR) to face the video camera, so that her picture was on the whiteboard. To show that the spider can grip onto any surface, Jonathan placed it onto the whiteboard so that it looked like the spider was climbing all over Olive’s face. He even asked her to open her mouth, so that she could pretend to eat it!

The children studied three different insects called Orlando, Bruno and Twiglet and had a close look at their legs and eyes through the camera.

Jonathan also brought a ‘bonus’ animal that was not a minibeast. Lucas Jones, RR knew that this animal was not a minibeast as it had bones. Rafiki the snake was a highlight for many children and we were so impressed with how brave they were at holding the snake. George Owens, RR, said that he liked holding the snake, as it was soft and squishy. Johannes Hill, NT, commented that he could feel its bones.

A great morning was had by all!

LP and CR

Reception leading Combined Prayers

Reception led a wonderful Combined Prayers about minibeasts to the whole school.

We were all amazed by the confidence they showed when delivering their lines. They performed three minibeast songs beautifully. During the assembly, they showed off their artwork, including doodle beetles and Matisse snails.

The children also told the school about the minibeast hunts and the bug hotels that they have made on our Woodland Wednesdays.

To finish, the children spoke about their visit from Jungle Jonathan and all of the different animals that they were able to hold.

Well done everyone, you were brilliant! LP

Den Building Day

We were so lucky that the sun shone for our annual Reception den building day. The children eagerly awaited the arrival of their special guests and were delighted when they spotted them walking towards Plantation with all the kit for the day. It was a sight to behold as the children greeted their adults by running across the grass to welcome them.

The first activity that we challenged the children and their adults to, was going on a minibeast hunt. Clipboards and magnifying glasses in hand, they all set off to see what they could find. There was great enthusiasm to spot as many on the tick sheet as they could. The children found woodlice, beetles, centipedes and worms to name a few. Some keen adventurers went out into the grass to find some flying insects and were delighted to spot dragonflies and butterflies.

After enjoying a lovely woodland feast we were ready for the next challenge, den building. Some chose to work in teams and others to work on their own but all the creativeness and ingenuity was brilliant. Dens were constructed with branches, camo nets, tarpaulin and leaves. Many added some decorations with pom-poms, fairy lights, cushions and mats and one even had a wellconstructed boobie trap! We were thoroughly impressed with them all, as were the children and their adults.

We finished our time in Plantation with a big game of hide and seek and the children happily rolled down roly poly hill at the end. We all then walked across the trip trap bridge and headed back to the Early Years garden for tea, coffee and juice.

A great day was had by all and it was such a wonderful occasion for the children to spend it with a special adult.

“I liked the bunting and Christmas lights on my den.”St Andrew’s Lucas Jones, RR

“I liked Daddy coming, he helped me build a den.”

Evie

Stephenson, RP

“I made a unicorn castle den with Felicity.”

Meredith Stoneman, RR

“I liked building a den. We made a fire outside.”

Sam Blackwell, RP

Years 1 and 2 Summer Concert

The Years 1 and 2 children thoroughly enjoyed performing their songs to parents and friends in their Summer Concert. Year 1 entertained us with songs and actions and always had smiles on their faces. Listening to the Year 2 recorders was a particular treat! Each of the classes sang a song, followed by the choir performing their own rendition of doh ray me. The children finished with a grand finale where all the Years 1 and 2 children sang together. A fabulous morning was had by all!

“I loved playing the recorder!”

Ralph Poole, 2C

“I enjoyed singing the choir song, I love singing.”

Beatrix Owens, 2C

“It was easy to learn all the words.”

Milo Turner, 2B

Sports Day

Disney was the theme for this year’s Sports Day and what a huge success the afternoon was. Parents, Grandparents and younger siblings all gathered at the athletics track for a glass of rosé, before welcoming the Pre-Prep children for their afternoon races.

The first to show off their running skills, were the courageous little Nursery lion cubs, who sprinted to the end, held Simba up high and gave their loudest ‘rrrrrroooaaaaarrrrs!’ Next came the Reception children who collected a grass skirt, a flower necklace and pineapple sunglasses and finished with their best ‘Moana Mayhem’ hula dance. Year 1 ran with a friend, to the theme ‘You’ve got a friend in me’ from Toy Story, whilst Year 2 did a Ratatouille ‘rat dash’ to the finish line, trying not to lose their rat tails, noses and ears!

The second round of races continued with Nursery bravely jumping over hurdles wearing bear ears, to the Jungle Book ‘Jump’ song. Reception showed off their super balancing skills with ‘a spoonful of sugar’ on their teaspoons, from Mary Poppins. Year 1 demonstrated their best running, racing to the end line to fit the ‘glass slipper’ on Cinderella, whilst Year 2 dived ‘under the sea’ to the Little Mermaid.

‘Do you want to build a snowman?’ Well, this is exactly what Nursery did, and they certainly wowed the crowds with their speed, ensuring every snowman had the carrot nose, stick arms, hat, buttons and eyes firmly attached! Reception showed off their driving skills, and gave Lightning McQueen a run for his money, as they manoeuvred their way around the hurdle obstacles on the ‘highway’. Meanwhile Year 1 Aladdins were busy thinking up their three wishes, as they collected their fez hats and lamps, and rubbed them in hope of a genie appearing. Year 2 ended with a ‘Circle of Life’ relay run around the 200m track.

And not forgetting the Mothers’, Fathers’, Grandparents’, Under/Over 2s races - a healthy competitive balance for most! All rounded up with a welldeserved ice lolly. Thank you Pre-Prep for a fantastic afternoon of sunshine, laughter, sportsmanship and teamwork.

“I liked the snowman.”

Oliver du Pré, NT

“I loved running with a friend in Toy Story.”

Nestor Philpott, 1P

“My favourite was the Moana hula dance.”

Felicity Norman-Butler, RR

SPORT

Boys’ Football

1st XI

Played 13

Won 9

Drawn 1 Lost 3

This is the first time that we have truly had a squad feel about the 1st XI team. There have been a few changes in and out of the team, with players being adaptable and willing to learn new positions. This group have shown the biggest improvement over a season at this level, ending in an 8-game unbeaten run in their regular season. The Summer Fields match was clearly the watershed moment, with players realising what is expected of being a 1st XI and what is needed each time they put on that shirt.

The change in attitude, work rate and togetherness were palpable. What followed was determination and energy. Our Back 5, including our outstanding goalkeeper, became a real unit, revelling in achieving a clean sheet. Those in mid-field learnt the most and delivered the most. Learning to keep the ball moving, that then showed Elstree at their best. This fed a front two who realised there was no such thing as chasing a lost cause. This was never more evident than in our match against a good Twyford side, who were hounded and harassed all game.

Overall, this was a most enjoyable season, not because of the results, but because of the growth that each player has shown. Well done to those that were awarded their thoroughly deserved Colours. Here’s to those returning next season, on whose shoulders the continuing development of Elstree football, falls.

TDW

2nd XI

Played 12 Won 6

Drawn 1 Lost 5

A thoroughly enjoyable season for the 2nd XI was book ended by two very contrasting matches. A one-sided affair at Cranford School and the best performance and match of the season against Horris Hill 1st XI; winning by a single goal. In between these two games, we had excellent wins against Papplewick and Crosfields, losses to Lambrook, Cheam and Ludgrove and a commendable 0-0 draw against Summer Fields in the wind and rain.

Our strength lay in the consistency of our defence. Henry Dalton was excellent all season in goal and several of his saves will live long in the memory. Jonty Shaw, Seb Black and Caspar Williams played almost every match – and were steadfast in their roles. We were delighted to get such a strong footballer as Harry Anderson for the second part of the season, he added a touch of calmness and an array of skills to our defence.

The centre of midfield was a real ying and yang, Harry Goodbourn’s skill and passing was matched by Freddie Carlbom’s strength and determination. Jack Hedley was excellent on the right and his link-up play with Shaw was one of the highlights of the season. Archie Campbell Slight found his home on the left and contributed a couple of well-taken goals – not least his winner at Horris Hill!

Due to the nature of the 2nd XI, players came up and down with reasonable regularity. This meant our attacking players varied throughout the season. Thanks to all of them who played: Seb Buck, Jacob Gearing, Hector Crosthwaite, Freddie James and Oli Duffield. Although not his usual position, Duffield showed how important a good first touch and retaining the ball is and took his goals well when the chances came.

SJV

3rd XI

Played 12

Won 1

Drawn 2 Lost 9

Reflecting on the 3rd XI’s season, it is hard to look past the win/loss column. However, there is much to celebrate and be proud of. Our players showcased remarkable skill development, treating us to moments of beautiful interplay and unforgettable goals. Seb Buck’s ‘top bins’ shot against Twyford was just one of them. While the season had its challenges, our focus on growth and improvement shines through.

Hewitt, our home pitch, witnessed some fantastic displays of skill and teamwork, and the highlight reel is brimming with wonderful goals that left us all in awe. The one touch football connecting almost every player on the pitch for Alan Song to score a half volley from a crossed ball against Ludgrove a good example. From precise passes to clinical finishes, our players demonstrated their dedication to elevating their game.

However, like any journey, our season had its share of challenges, particularly in conceding goals. The scorelines do not tell the full story of the heart and determination our team exhibited in every match. Despite facing setbacks, our players continued to push themselves and each other, showing resilience and a commendable team spirit.

As we celebrate the positives, it’s crucial to acknowledge the areas for improvement. Conceding goals too easily was a challenge we faced, and this will undoubtedly be a focus for our continued development. FAW

Played 11 Won 2

Drawn 2 Lost 7

The 4th XI enjoyed a challenging and varied season this year, evolving our game week by week. It was evident to those watching from the sidelines that each member of the team enjoyed getting stuck in and learning new techniques and tactics. Come the end of the season, the boys were playing some brilliant football which was reflected in much tighter and more competitive games.

Warren Pak led the team from between the posts, with a solid defensive line consisting of Julian Foxon, Alfie Burles, Dang Dang Liu and James Marshall; all of whom liked to play progressive and positive football into the midfield where Kevin Hu would distribute to either Sat Li or Hayato Chiba on the left wing or Jack Li on the right wing. Dew Sakamoto was the target man who enjoyed some freedom high up the pitch and netted several important goals for us.

Our season started brilliantly with a 3-2 showcase victory over Cranford School, the football was outshone only by the exceptional weather which made the victory even sweeter. Back-to-back heavy defeats to Lambrook and Papplewick followed, but were not enough to dampen the spirits of the 4ths, who accepted each challenge stoically and never let their heads drop. Testament to their character was the fact that on the morning of the match against Lambrook most of the boys had completed the dreaded ‘Bleep-Test’ in Physical Education, which left them suitably exhausted come kick-off. Regardless, the boys battled, competed and ran hard for the whole game, which was a theme that carried on throughout the season.

Week after week, it was evident that the hard work that the boys were putting in on the training pitch was starting to pay off. The football became more fluid and after two very competitive draws against Sunningdale and Ludgrove, which could have easily been victories, we felt that a win was near. What was so pleasing to see was the boys’ willingness to play in any position they were asked to in order to help the team. For example, Warren Pak did not start the season in goal, evidenced by his lack of goalkeeping gloves in training when he had to fill in for a player that got moved up to the 3rd XI. Alfie Burles had stints charging up and down the right wing as well as providing a stable base for us to launch our counter attacks from, as did Jack Li who was happy to play anywhere.

Our final victory of the season came against Twyford, who were not shy of imposing themselves on the boys physically. Needless to say, the boys were not put off and played them off the park. The goals were excellently taken, and the standout goal came from a throw-in deep in our half, which was followed by some fabulous onetouch-football from Kevin Hu, Sat Li, Alfie Burles and Dew Sakamoto before being neatly tucked away.

As tough as some of the games were for the 4th XI, each player stood up and accepted the challenge that was laid before them and gave all their effort, which resulted in an excellent team environment which I hope they enjoyed being a part of.

5th IX

Played 10 Won 5

Drawn 0 Lost 5

This term has been a mixed bag of fortune and loss. Many players in the team have performed well and most have improved markedly.

We had a tough start to the season with a heavy loss against Lambrook (0-8), before strong performances against Papplewick (4-2) and Sunnningdale (5-1) before some tighter matches against Summer Fields (1-4) and Ludgrove (1-0). Crosfields (0-5) and Cothill (1-0) were next. We had a challenging afternoon against Cheam going down, 11-8, before bouncing back with a 3-0 win against Horris Hill to round off our season in style.

Overall, we had a brave goalie, a steady midfield and a solid and increasingly determined defence. The main problem at this level is learning to keep to positions before moving the ball into space. Our distribution skills improved throughout the season, although on too many occasions we lacked the finishing skills up front to punish teams.

The team must be congratulated, nevertheless, for their efforts this season.

SCA

U11A

Played 20 Won 16

Drawn 2 Lost 2

What a memorable and successful season for the Under 11As of 2023!

From the sunny, hope filled, September trials to the dark and damp November away days, the boys were both brilliant and unrelenting. An energetic and lively set of characters, the U11As started the season with comprehensive victories against Cranford School and Sunningdale along with a frustrating draw away at Lambrook. Sam Norris quickly became the focal point up front with a great first touch and cool finishing. From this solid start came more challenging victories in the rain at Ludgrove and the mud at Pilgrims with Charlie Rash, a recent transfer from West London, pulling the strings in central midfield.

The passing and control improved as the season progressed but most pleasingly was the boys’ improved resilience and tenacity. This determination, bravery and doggedness was best demonstrated by captain Jasper Vere Nicoll; his performance in our 2-1 win away at Cheam

will go down in folklore. This newfound commitment was evident with victory at Cothill as well as at home to an impressive Twyford side. This latter victory was mainly thanks to our goalkeeper, Harry Crocker.

Of course, the true highlight of the season was the victory at the ISFA Under 11 Regionals, hosted here at Elstree HQ. Four pool wins, with calm and composed defending from Jack ‘Maldini’ Sanford, followed by quarter-final and semi-final success brought into view an excellent Cheam side in the final. On a raucous Uppers, Inigo Barker’s wand of a left foot sent Elstree to St. George’s Park, and the Nationals; his goal still lives on in the memory. Football was coming home!

A real squad effort with Henry Britton, James Fane and Charlie Utley selflessly working on the flanks to apply pressure and then quickly release the ball. The Nationals will follow in May and I look forward to hearing of the boys’ future footballing endeavours: a real gem of a side!

U11 ISFA Football Finals

Really well done to our incredible U11 football team who had a fantastic time taking part in the ISFA Football Finals at St George’s Park, the home of England football. They played some brilliant football against strong competition, with exciting wins and tough losses. It was an amazing experience for the boys to play where the England team prepared for the Euros!

The boys were all so well behaved throughout their stay and enthusiastic on their tour of the grounds. We were also very lucky to have the most supportive parents on the sidelines!

LJO

U11B

Played 12

Won 6

Drawn 2 Lost 4

The U11B team wrapped up their term with an exciting display of football that reflected their growth and unity on the field.

From day one, it was clear this squad meant business. Each game became a canvas for them to showcase their ever-evolving skills, with players like Ollie Cook and Ferdy Dugdale standing out not just as exceptional goalkeepers but also as adept outfield players.

Tristan Anderson Wheeler emerged as the team’s talismanic striker, showcasing remarkable footwork that improved with each passing game. Meanwhile, Wilf Ward’s performances on the wing, including a memorable goal from the halfway line, added a touch of flair and finesse to their attacking play.

The leadership of Captain Thomas Bevan was pivotal, instilling confidence in the team while George Zhao’s solid defensive presence provided a reliable shield against opponents’ attacks. Rupert Chisholm’s versatility across the pitch contributed immensely to the team’s fluidity and adaptability.

Additionally, the collective efforts of James Fane, Charlie Utley, and Harry Crocker showcased brilliant teamwork, skill, and enthusiasm both in the B and A teams.

What truly set this team apart was their exceptional teamwork and camaraderie. Their unity was evident in their telepathic passing and mutual trust, making their games not just about the scoreline but about the joy of playing together.

As the term concluded, the U11B team left an enduring mark on the field, showcasing that in football, success isn’t just about wins and losses but about the passion, growth, and friendships formed along the way. Here’s to a fantastic season filled with moments that will be cherished for years to come! It was a pleasure to be your coach this season. AEP

U11C

Played 12 Won 1

Drawn 3 Lost 8

The U11Cs have had a competitive season of football this term. All players involved have learnt many important aspects of the sport and continued to develop as a team all throughout the season.

Whilst we have faced some challenging opponents this season, the boys have shown great resilience and determination in playing to the final minute every match. A

highlight of the boys’ season was a 7-1 victory in our match against St Andrew’s earlier in the term and a widespread of goal-scorers has also brought great enjoyment to the team. Towards the end of the season the team improved at holding their positions and keeping their shape when moving around the pitch. Their effort was also commendable against Cothill and Cheam where we had very exciting 1-1 draws.

All players involved should be very proud of their efforts this season and I wish them all the best as they move towards senior football next year. TC

U10A

Played 10 Won 8

Drawn 0

Lost 2

The U10A season was one for the memories, collecting high scoring wins and playing out some nervy finishes, with some of the best team spirit I can remember.

We began with a fairly deflating 3-1 home loss against Lambrook, learning quickly that there are certain ‘red lines’ – we stick to a certain way of playing, and we give a hearty three cheers in any situation – before a series of eight wins on the trot. Scores included 6-1 against Papplewick, 3-0 at St Andrew’s, 2-0 at Summer Fields, 5-0 against Pilgrims, 3-2 against Ludgrove (with a half time volley from Jonty Ridley-Day and a top left winner from Reuben Ruddick), 5-4 against Crosfields (with a post-full-time kick-off halfway line winner from William Hedley – ask anyone), 5-0 at Twyford (with Aki Akinola and Zach Chabva peppering and sliding in the goals), and 6-0 against Cothill (with super solid performances from William Cropper and Gaby Caloia). Praise also goes to Oliver Lloyd for his first-time long balls from goal. I will remember the deep-voiced Sixth Formers at the Winchester Tournament declaring to each other, “What a pass!”, when he once pinged a stunning diagonal with his first touch.

We ended the season with a last-moments 3-4 loss against Cheam, but giving a mighty three cheers as if they’d won. A really super group and one I look forward to following as they carry on up the school.

AJP

U10B

Played 10

Won 2

Drawn 1 Lost 7

The U10B football squad navigated a season filled with highs and lows. Starting with a tough match against Lambrook that resulted in a heavy defeat, the team then rallied together, found their rhythm and began playing some slick football that was easy on the eye.

In a nail-biting game with Papplewick, the team were unlucky to lose out in the final minutes of the game, narrowly losing 2-1. It is testament to the players that they were able to rebound from this defeat quickly and respond appropriately with a resound 5-2 victory against Brockhurst in the following match.

As confidence grew, so did the boys’ flair in the game as they began to play some great passing moves around the back and into the channels. A highlight of this play came in a great team goal against Cothill in our penultimate match, thanks to Charlie Pannell’s quick reflexes. The dedication to learning and improvement by every player became evident as the season unfolded, leading to some jawdropping clashes against Twyford and Cheam.

Yet, despite the hard work and flashes of brilliance, the overall season results fell short of reflecting the team’s commitment and do not do justice to the immense effort and progress witnessed in training and on the field. Here’s to hoping next season brings the victories that eluded them this time around.

U10C

Played 10 Won 2

Drawn 0 Lost 8

The U10Cs have made huge improvements in each training session and with each match played. They started the season as nine individuals with a distinct set of skills and ended as a cohesive team – one where each member had learned the strengths of his team-mates and could use this knowledge in a match situation.

The team had a season in which they showed much improved skills, fitness and match etiquette. As the training sessions unfolded, we settled into our positions. Raef Salvesen played in goal where his saves became better and more instinctive with each match. Our valiant defenders were Henry Mount, who managed to run tirelessly all over the pitch to defend and keep the ball in the opposition’s half, and Kingsley Cui, who grew more and more bold going in for tackles to foil their attempts to gain ground.

In midfield, we had a small group, from Ned Rollo, Felix Brims, Lance Kneeshaw, George Rollo and Nico Yannaghas taking turns to play in midfield and going up front. When in midfield, they focused on going in for tackles to win the ball and then act quickly, to pass the ball up the pitch to the players up front. Our striker, Harry Pan, proved to be excellent at reading the play and being exactly where he needed to be; he developed his skills of dribbling the ball forwards towards the goal and took quite a few shots which became increasingly on target as the term unfolded.

Early on, we won our match against St Andrew’s and we ended our season with a nail-biting win against Cheam. Our dribbling, decision-making, and passing grew quicker and more accurate which meant we started to have the ball in the opposition’s half much more of the time, enabling strikes on goal. The support from parents on the side line really helped the boys to play their best. It was a pleasure to take their matches with them this season and watch how much they have grown as a team.

EGG

U9A

The U9A football team has had an encouraging season, witnessing significant improvement in all players from the beginning to the end. What adds to the satisfaction is the style of football we’ve embraced, focusing on building up play from the back and executing well-aimed passes out wide during attacks. Individual skills were honed at the start of sessions with each player having their own ball, enhancing coordination and skill.

Throughout the season, the players engaged in various drills, including attack vs. defence scenarios, throw-ins, corners, and extensive shooting practices. The U9As experienced a well-rounded set of fixtures, facing both strong and evenly matched teams. Notable were the three thrilling draws against Crosfields, Thorngrove, and Pilgrims. Despite formidable opponents like Papplewick, Ludgrove, and Lambrook, the team displayed resilience and delivered strong collective performances.

Particularly pleasing were the close games against Hall Grove

and Summer Fields, where the boys exhibited real belief and determination, resulting in commendable performances with only one goal separating the teams. Victories were celebrated against St Andrew’s, Cothill, and Horris Hill. While most games were played with 7 players on each side, a few were 6-a-side, showcasing the team’s adaptability.

Working with this group has been a joy, as the boys proved to be coachable and receptive to improvement. With more practice, the team holds promising potential for the future. Well done, the U9A football team!

BJC

U9B

Played 11 Won 3

Drawn 1 Lost 7

The U9Bs endured a difficult season of football this term. Starting strongly with a 3-1 win against St Andrew’s we then began to face some tougher opponents and we suffered some heavy defeats.

A defining point in our season came in a 4-0 loss to Ludgrove where, after playing our best football so far and going into the break with the game all square at 0-0, we then watched as some superb finishes in the second half led to a 4-0 loss. This was a heavy and unfair scoreline to the team and one which could make or break the rest of the season.

However, the team managed to come back and win against a fantastic Lambrook team in our next game 2-0. This was due to some fine solo goals from Harry Mills and Laurie Weatherill and a real testament to the character and determination of the team. Across the whole season the progress and development of each player was dramatic and I am pleased to say that in our penultimate game against Pilgrims the result of all their hard work was evident. The team performed admirably in every game making it a hard-fought contest for any team we faced. The team responded well to feedback, were hardworking in every instance and supportive of one another in the face of defeat. I have no doubt this team will become a fantastic footballing side as they move up the school. Well done on a great season.

BJC

Played 10

6 Drawn 1

Everyone who played for the U9C football team should be very proud of themselves. All aspects of their football improved greatly throughout the term: shooting, passing, supporting each other and moving into space. This is all due to the team listening well in their daily games sessions and then applying what they had learnt in matches.

At the start of the season everyone would follow the ball around the pitch, but very quickly they adapted their play and started to keep their positions on the pitch. This meant they had more space and time to pass the ball to team-mates. They have been involved in some great matches, with end-to-end football being played.

The team has scored a good number of goals, resulting in a positive goal difference; special mention has to go to Freddie Knox who scored the vast majority of them. Attackers tend to get most of the glory, because they score most of the goals but the defence has played their part in helping the team concede relatively few goals. Percy Norris, in goal, pulled off fine saves, which also helped. Finally, my thanks to parents who came and supported the team.

PNS

Played 16 Won 9

This term the Year 3 boys have enjoyed a fantastic term of football and have worked hard in Games sessions in order to prepare themselves well for matches and improve their general skills.

The focus has always been on match play and giving the children as much opportunity as possible to succeed and/ or make mistakes and subsequently learn from them. With regards to the fixtures against other schools, we started our season against St Andrew’s and enjoyed some good victories across the board. Next were matches away at Thorngrove with our boys demonstrating an impressive ability to keep possession of the ball. This resulted in another impressive set of results. Our next set of matches, against Hall Grove, proved to be a tough contest. With the A Team suffering a heavy defeat, both the B and C Teams faired a little better. Some impressive performances against Crosfields and Pilgrims capped off a thoroughly enjoyable season for the Year 3 boys. I have been so pleased with how they have approached their football this term and I am unsurprised that every single one of them has noticeably improved. Well done to them all on what has been a thoroughly enjoyable term.

JCM

U8A

U8B

U8C

3rd XI

4th XI

1st XI

2nd XI

5th XI

Girls’ Hockey

1st VII

Played 10 Won 8

Drawn 1 Lost 1

The 1st VII Hockey team have had a fantastic season of hockey. It started with a strong performance at Cranford School resulting in a convincing 2-1 win. From there the girls worked exceptionally hard in training and went from strength to strength.

The highlight of the season was winning the Hall Grove tournament, facing tough opposition along the way. The girls were so proud to return to school with their gold medals and could not wait to share the news with their teachers. The season came to a close with convincing wins over Downe House and Thorngrove. Thorngrove had proven themselves to be a tough team to beat, having won the Pangbourne College tournament earlier in the season, so a 5-1 win was a great achievement and one that the girls thoroughly deserved.

Each member of the team has shown great sportsmanship throughout the term and have done Elstree proud on every outing. Well done on a fantastic season, girls. ELB

2nd VII

Played 10 Won 7

Drawn 1 Lost 2

The 2nd VII Hockey team have enjoyed a great season which began with a convincing win at Cranford School. The girls were still getting used to playing as a new team but it was clear from the start what a great team they were going to be.

The girls put a lot of hard work into their training sessions, focussing on positioning and set plays, and really came together as a team. A strong performance at Lambrook resulted in a high scoring 6-3 win and this was followed by an exciting 1-1 at The Dragon. Despite two losses against Hall Grove 1st team and Cheam, the girls kept their heads high and continued to compete with grit and determination. This positive and enthusiastic approach helped the girls come out on top in a closely fought match against Crosfields. Having been 1-0 down at half time, the girls kept fighting until the final whistle, winning the match 4-3. The final three games of the season saw the team keep three clean sheets with impressive wins over Aldro, Thorngrove and Downe House. Well done on a fantastic season, girls.

KJS

3rd VII

Played 4

The 3rd VII Hockey team have worked hard this season. Their hockey skills and confidence on the pitch improved greatly over the weeks. They started the season with a win at The Oratory Prep. From there they went from strength to strength and had an amazing season, only losing one match to Crosfields.

In the final two matches of the season, the team did not concede a goal, winning convincingly against Aldro and Thorngrove. Every member of the team has represented Elstree with pride and demonstrated great sportsmanship.

Well done on a fantastic season, girls.

Colts A

The Colts A Girls’ Hockey team included four girls from Year 6 and three girls from Year 5. Opposing teams were usually drawn entirely from Year 6, so the Elstree Colts As were at a disadvantage, in terms of experience and age. However, the match statistics speak for themselves. Our opening match at home against Cranford School was closely contested with Elstree winning 4-2. The next fixture was against an altogether tougher opposition; Lambrook won 5-0, which was a blow to the team’s morale after such a promising start to the season.

The side continued to show great character to win their next match against Brockhurst & Marlston, draws against Hall Grove and The Oratory Prep were followed by wins against The Dragon, Cheam, Crosfields and Aldro. Above all, the team demonstrated true grit and determination in all their matches; they were not at all intimidated when we played taller or tougher sides.

Notable players in the team were Florence Allison in the centre and Alice Fawcett on the wing. Phoebe McEwen was a commanding presence in goal, and Isobel Clark fought hard in defence. Next year, Honour Yarrow, Sophie Singh and Annabelle De Souza (our Year 5s) will hopefully form a strong nucleus in the Colts squad. I wish the older girls the best of luck when they join the Senior teams in September.

CLP

Colts B & C

Played 10

Drawn 1 Lost 6

The Colts B team had a tough start to the season with a couple of early defeats. However, this did not stop this young and determined team from making progress on the hockey pitch. Raphaella Courage-Simond put on a goal keeping kit for the first time and for her first match faced 20 odd shots, defending all but 3. With Megan Roberts stepping out of the goal, she quickly became a crucial and varied positional player on the pitch scoring a number of goals across the season. Katerina Marianos, Olivia Gaskell and Harriet Burnett formed a formidable front line. Their

passing out wide to the wings only improved as the season progressed. In defence, Iris Yao, Alyssa Marianos, Georgina Foulkes and Jessica Si were great at holding the fort - Iris, with a particularly accurate and strong tackle. With this team changing due to opposition numbers, having extra support from Lucy Park, Victoria Ajia, and Grace Zhou was always an added bonus. One highlight was the calling of ‘sister’ between the Marianos sisters when passing on the pitch. We ended the season with three wins. One against The Dragon, and another against Aldro with a result of 4-0. We finished on an absolute high with an 8-3 defeat of Thorngrove, in which each player in the team scored at least one goal. RB

& B

Played 8 Won 4

U9B

Played 8 Won 1

Dr awn 3 Lost 4

The U9A team had a great season of hockey. Overall, they played 8 matches starting with a friendly against Cranford School. They then had a tough match against Cheam where they narrowly lost 5-3. This was only the start of what proved to be a strong season for the girls where they worked hard out on the pitch and overcame tough opponents such as The Dragon and Thorngrove.

The Under 9B team had a good season of hockey. They all worked hard on their basic hockey skills and the matches allowed them to put what they had learnt into action. They had several tough matches against Cheam, The Dragon and The Oratory Prep School. The girls kept their heads up and continued to work hard and their determination paid off in a tough game against Lambrook where they drew 0-0. Well done girls! CJJ

U8A & B

U8A

Played 5 Won 2

Drawn 1 Lost 2

U8B

Played 5 Won 2

Drawn 1 Lost 2

The U8As had a fantastic season of hockey. For many of the girls this was their first experience of competitive sport, and for all of them, it was their first time representing Elstree. The girls started the season with a friendly match against Cranford School where they were able to practice and develop the basic skills that they had been working so hard on in practice.

This was followed by a tough match against Cheam where they narrowly lost 3-1. This was followed by an exciting 1-1 draw against Thorngrove. The girls were clearly learning a lot from these close, competitive games and their hard work was rewarded with a 3-1 win at Hall Grove. The girls ended their season with a thrilling 5-0 win over Lambrook. It was wonderful to see them play with such confidence and big smiles on their faces.

The U8B team have enjoyed a very promising hockey season. There was a real sense of excitement ahead of their first match against Cranford School, with all girls looking forward to representing Elstree on the pitch for the first time. This friendly match was followed by two competitive and close matches against Cheam and Thorngrove, in which we narrowly lost both by just one goal. The girls worked hard in their training sessions to refine their skills and the progress they made over the term was incredible. They finished the season with two convincing wins over The Oratory Prep and Lambrook. Well done girls on a great season.

U9B

U8B

U8A

U9A & B

1st VII

U9A & B

3rd VII

1st VII

U8A & B

Colts B&C

Colts A

2nd VII

Judo

Brown Belt

Many congratulations to both Monty Robinson (Year 8), Elstree’s joint captain of judo, and Mide Sonuga (Year 7) who have been awarded their Brown Belts this year. This is

the highest accolade that a child can attain as the only belt above this is the Black Belt, for which you have to have reached at least fourteen years of age. It’s very rare for an Elstree pupil to achieve Brown Belt status so many congratulations to Monty and Mide!

This was achieved after years of hard training, dedication and self-discipline, under the watchful eye of Sensei Martin Small.

Mr Schuman, Master in charge of Judo, said, “In all my time at Elstree, we’ve never had two pupils receive a Brown Belt in the same academic year, with Monty receiving his in December and now Mide. The future’s clearly bright when it comes to Elstree Judo!”

Well done Monty and Mide, we are all very proud of you.

CMS

Judo Championships at High Wycombe – Saturday 4th November

Elstree School came away with 2 gold medals (Tristan Anderson Wheeler and Tomisin Abudiore), 4 silvers (Isaac Turner, Jasper Turner, Noah Challenger and Charlie Anderson Wheeler) and 2 bronzes (Henry Singh and Percy Norris). In addition to this, Akinniran Akinola won a “Spirit of Judo” award.

The actual name of the event was “Inter Schools Judo Development Event” which was designed to give judo players the chance to improve their judo skills in a safe and fun way. Colin and Martin Small masterminded the event and there was a real buzz about the place, particularly in the Year 3 and 4 categories. They started with some fun and exciting warm-ups, led by two expert black belt trainers. Everyone seemed to have a smile on their face as the young judo players could be seen somersaulting, leapfrogging and tumbling as part of their warm-up routine.

The fights were serious but not too serious. The day was slickly organised, and events ran to schedule. Special mention must be made of Tristan Anderson Wheeler who looked strong, confident and tall in his fights. His body language oozed confidence as if to say “no one’s gonna beat

me”! The look of delight (and sheer disbelief) on Tomisin Abudiore’s face said it all as his gold medal was announced. He certainly fought hard in all his matches and fully deserved the highest accolade of gold medal.

There was a wonderful contingent of Elstree parents to cheer on the boys and this helped to create the electric atmosphere needed to bring out the best in all competitors. There is something very wholesome and almost spiritual in the sport of judo and this is encouraged through bowing at your partner at both the beginning and end of each fight.

Lastly, special mention must be made of the fantastic Martin Small who trains the Elstree judo players in such a special way which means they will always remember their judo days with affection. They will also become wiser, fitter and more confident citizens of the world.

Next term sees the girls’ event at High Wycombe and we look forward to this with much excitement.

CMS

Played 10 Won 10

Drawn 0 Lost 0

The rugby season kicked off with a bang as promising individuals displayed their thirst for scoring tries during trials. The pre-season tournament at Hall Grove set the stage for a thrilling journey, with our team facing a formidable Ludgrove squad. A rollercoaster of a match saw us taking the lead, then falling behind and running out of time (7-minute halves) before we could get back at them. A quick turnaround before emerging victorious against Hall Grove. Pre-season over and plenty of lessons to be learned.

The first two matches saw our free-flowing backs dazzle with cross-field kicks and slick hands, making quick work of Crosfields and St Andrew’s before Christmas. Caspar Williams and Jacob Gearing’s cross-field kick tries became gems for spectators, but the team recognised the need to enhance tackle technique and defensive structure. The players embraced the challenge, committing to intense training sessions focused on technically strong tackles and a 3-man blitz defence.

Post-holidays, the team continued their dominant attack, scoring 13 tries against Pilgrims, James Morris-Weston’s spectacular 80-meter solo try, a highlight. The commitment to scoring was evident, but questions arose about the defensive strategy against top-tier teams. Unfortunately, frozen pitches prevented tests against Summer Fields and Papplewick, but a strong showing at Lambrook, despite missing a key attacking weapon, proved the team’s mettle in a thrilling comeback. After falling behind, the first half ended at three tries all and the call to arms was laid out in the half-time team talk: Who was going to do the painful defensive work; who would put themselves in harm’s way to defend our try line? The Captain... Monty Robinson (colours awarded) stepped up and made a big early tackle, then just as we were about to concede he intercepts with that fast line speed we had been working on and scores to take us ahead again. Two more tires and none conceded… none! What a difference this game can be with a solid defence.

The Cothill match delivered a nail-biting encounter, with a strong first half giving way to a close finish. The team’s attack saved the day, securing a 35-30 victory. Great lines of running from Mofe Adeyinka (colours awarded), violently strong runs from Freddie Carlbom (colours awarded) and a well taken try from Harry Goodbourn were important. Close, too close.

The highly anticipated derby match against Cheam was nothing short of exhilarating! Both teams entered the field with the singular goal of ‘nilling’ their opponents, and our players were on the brink of achieving a perfect game. However, the game took an unexpected turn as the referee (yours truly) seemed to be ‘managing’ the game in favour of a struggling Cheam side.

Despite the controversial officiating, the final score of 45-15 in our favour highlighted a dominant performance that left spectators on the edge of their seats. Our players were hungry for success, and although the ‘nilling’ goal was robbed from them, they displayed exceptional skill and determination in defence. Harry Clothier (colours awarded) and James Morris-Weston (colours awarded) delivered a colossal effort with their tackling, leaving a lasting impact on the match.

The subsequent clash against Farleigh witnessed another masterclass of physical tackles and lightning-fast line speed. Monty stole the spotlight with three intercept tries, adding a thrilling dimension to the game. And of course, our trademark cross-field kicks were on full display, with Caspar delivering yet another sensational try. The 40-5 victory over Farleigh underscored our team’s prowess and versatility.

The climax of our regular season was nothing short of an intense showdown, with an unblemished record of nine wins behind us. Only Ludgrove, our pre-season tournament opponents, stood between us and a perfect season. This match was destined to be our ultimate

trial, made even more challenging by the absence of our captain and Archie Campbell Slight, who were busy with scholarship exams. Also, our hooker Harry Anderson (colours awarded) to an injury.

The message from our coaches was crystal clear: dominate. And dominate we did, unleashing a relentless assault in the first 15 minutes of the game. Three rapid and unmatched tries, coupled with a monumental defensive effort, left Ludgrove scoreless in the first half. A brilliantly executed try before halftime pushed the score to 20-nil against a fiercely strong and aggressive opposition.

However, adversity struck with injuries and necessary reshuffling, compounded by the uphill battle against the wind. The rallying cry became ‘Hang on’ - not just for victory, but for each other, for Monty, for our Headmaster, for the season, for Elstree. The tension escalated as Ludgrove mounted a comeback, scoring two quick tries. Tackles were flying in all directions, and we hung on to anything we could grasp until help arrived.

In a pivotal moment, James delivered a bone-crushing tackle that brought down Ludgrove’s biggest threat. He stayed down, signalling surrender. Ludgrove’s confidence shattered, panic set in. Mofe seized the opportunity, finding space against the relentless Ludgrove pressure, scoring a try deserving of the team’s efforts. It was a triumph against the odds, snatching victory from the old enemy.

The game was masterfully managed in the last moments, and the final score stood at 25-15 in our favour. The glory belonged to the good guys. While individual mentions were deservedly given to Caspar, Wilf Foulds (colours awarded), Harry C, Mofe, and Freddie for their influential performances in this match, every player elevated their game to new heights. Immense pride filled the air as the team collectively rose to the challenge, cementing their legacy in a season of intensity, determination, and ultimate dominance.

A heartfelt thank you is extended to Mr Attwood for his unwavering support and Mr Champkin for orchestrating a challenging and purposeful set of fixtures. The Invincibles of 2024 have etched their names in glory, and every player’s contribution was celebrated in a season that will be remembered for its excitement, resilience, and ultimate success.

FAW

U13B

Played 7

Drawn 0

The Under 13B team was disturbed, more than most, with poor health and early term absences. That said, the boys continued in good spirits enjoying their rugby and getting stuck in to challenging matches and game sessions.

Highlights of the season involved a comprehensive win at Farleigh and a close victory over St Andrew’s at home.

Well done to Sebastian Fowler for captaining the side and special mention to Hector Crosthwaite and Jack Li; two impressive players.

LJO

U12A

Played 7

Drawn 0

The U12A rugby team’s journey through the season was a testament to their collective spirit and individual brilliance. From their first match against Crosfields to their final showdown with Ludgrove, every player contributed their unique talents to the team’s success.

This season we focused on positivity and the enjoyment of playing good rugby with your friends. We embraced the process, not the outcome, and worked on supporting each other to collectively overcome a challenge. Throughout the season all U12s played their part and should be extremely proud of their efforts.

In their opening fixture against Crosfields, Alfie Burles demonstrated his newfound confidence in tackling, setting the tone for the team’s defensive efforts. Hayato Chiba’s relentless running earned him a place in the A team, showcasing his dedication and hard work. Jack Hedley’s lightning-fast feet led to some spectacular tries, while Freddie James’ unwavering commitment in the rucks and Dew Sakamoto’s versatility across the field provided crucial support.

Against Pilgrims, James Marshall’s impeccable technique in tackles and ball presentation stood out, complemented by Joshua Singleton’s lightning speed tries and improved tackling.

When in training, despite Charles Chen’s unfortunate injury, Kevin Hu, Ryan Wang, Toby Bi, Sat Li, Jayden Pak

and Thomas Mitchell stepped up admirably with improved passing and tackling skills. Dang Dang Liu’s progress in tackling and handling earned him a spot in the A team, showcasing his dedication to improvement.

Lambrook witnessed Henry Pritchard’s boundless energy and improved handling, alongside Leo Raphael’s relentless tackling and ball-carrying prowess. Mide Sonuga’s powerful runs and improved rucking added depth to the team’s attacking play, supported by Oliver Duffield’s captaincy and bone-crunching tackles.

At Cothill, Archie Hindley’s leadership as Captain shone through, alongside Willem Loader’s dominance in the scrum and improved passing and tackling. Otis Pearey’s selfless play and vision on the field proved invaluable, while Jonty Shaw’s positive attitude and incredible tackling inspired his teammates to push harder.

In their final match against Ludgrove, every player left everything on the field, demonstrating the culmination of their hard work and dedication throughout the season. Their unity as a team, combined with their individual talents, resulted in a resounding victory, capping off an unforgettable – and unbeaten - season of growth, camaraderie, and achievement.

A heartfelt thank you from Mr Parks, Mr Edwards, Mr Westley, and Mr Baxter goes out to the boys for their outstanding efforts in making this season truly fantastic. Many thanks also to the parents for their unwavering support and cheers from the sidelines, which played an essential role in motivating and encouraging the team throughout their journey.

For once, don’t be a goldfish boys - remember this season.

AEP

U12B

Played 7 Won 7

Drawn 0 Lost 0

The U12B rugby team worked really hard this season –they trained with the U12A players and contributed hugely to the success of the U12s through positivity and a strong ethos of teamwork, with a never give up attitude. They played a mixture of touch and contact matches with some close-fought contests.

The boys should be proud of their progress and effort this term. It was great to see them gain confidence in playing for the A team at points through the season. A special mention goes to Toby Bi, Charles Chen, Kevin Hu, Sat Li, Thomas Mitchell, Jayden Pak, Ryan Wang and Hayato Chiba.

AEP

U11A

Played 7 Won 0

Drawn 0 Lost 7

It would be fair to say that this term has been a tough one for players, coaches and parents, with regard to the results. We have come up against some very good teams. But this does not take away from the fact that everyone who played for the team gave their all. Despite being on the wrong side of some big scores, the team were never despondent and kept battling away until the final whistle.

Improvement throughout the term has been great, with the skill level in all aspects of the game, especially tackling, taking great steps forward. Special mention to Ollie Cook and Thomas Bevan who shared the captaincy and lead from the front; they were a fine example to their teammates as to how the game should be played. The spirit and camaraderie of the team has been great, with everyone supporting and encouraging each other. My thanks to all those who played for the team, be it occasionally or every game. Also, to the loyal band of parents who have put up with some terrible weather but continued to show great support and encouragement to the team.

PNS

U11B

Played 5 Won 1

Drawn 1 Lost 3

This was definitely a season of great development. The players worked really hard on improving both their individual skills and their team play. In a group where rugby is not their sport of choice, I commend them for their efforts and willingness to improve. Their handling skills were always better than the opposition - which made the matches well contested and they put in some exciting performances against Pilgrims and Cheam. Building confidence in the tackle was always key and it was really pleasing to see many more of them making a tackle than at the beginning of the season. I commend them all for their attitude and perseverance this season. Well done.

TDW

U10A

Played 5 Won 1

Drawn 1 Lost 3

The U10A rugby team have emerged as an unstoppable force this season, leaving a trail of victories and showcasing exceptional teamwork, skill development, and sportsmanship. The squad has not only had great success in matches but has also demonstrated significant growth and camaraderie as a team on and off the field.

The season kicked off with a resounding statement of intent against Crosfields with a focus on quick rucking and recycling the ball. Combined with some creative handling skills and lots of determination. We went on to beat St Andrew’s and Pilgrims before bad weather hit. You always expect to lose a couple of matches to the weather in January but disappointingly both the Papplewick and Summer Fields fixtures were cancelled due to frozen pitches.

However, the players’ commitment to improvement was evident by their hard work and dedication in training sessions which paid off against Lambrook. The team exhibited a dynamic style of play that was good to watch, keeping opponents on their toes. In attack we showed strong ball carrying coupled with strategic passing and offloading skills, unleashing deadly pace out wide, which resulted in a very exciting game with Elstree winning by two tries.

Against Cothill, the players were able to execute their skills, resulting in an impressive number of tries. Equally commendable was the team’s defensive structure with players showing resilience with their tackling and teamwork, with an organised defensive line.

One of the best days was the Cothill 7s tournament which showed all aspects of this U10 team, including the improvement and development seen in each player. Coming 2nd overall and only losing to a very strong Monmouth team was a great achievement. The players were also very happy to join a Barbarians team on the day to enjoy playing with other players from different schools which was great to see.

The final two games against Farleigh and Ludgrove were played with grit, determination, skill and quality and were close physical contests. With trust in our skills and belief in each other, the team performed brilliantly to win both games.

I am very proud of the team’s accomplishments this season not only on winning matches but each player has grown in terms of their understanding and love for the game. We have instilled values that will serve them well both on and off the field and their teamwork is very special. We have a group of budding rugby stars which bodes well for the future of Elstree rugby! With a solid foundation laid this season, the team is poised for continued success in higher age categories, promising an exciting journey ahead.

Congratulations to the players, and support on the touchline for a season filled with triumphs, growth, and unforgettable moments on the rugby field. Well done to all!

BJC

U10B

Played 8 Won 4

Drawn 1 Lost 3

The 2024 season was memorable for many reasons. Not least for the draw with Ludgrove in the mud bath on Lower, but in the main because of the outstanding attitude of all of those who trained and played for the team.

Not only were they an effective and successful team, but they understood the importance of improvement. All of them had respect for the game and the opposition – and played with smiles on their faces.

Bertie Barton was our Captain, he ran and tackled hard and played for the team. Sean Chen was quietly brilliant, never wanting the spotlight on him, his rucking and tackling were immense. Henry Allison tackled harder than anyone, a tribute to his bravery and highlights that technique and not size is imperative in rugby. Tom Marshall used his speed and size to good effect. Jashn Sraw and Zach Chabva were our fleet of foot finishers and Henry Mount surprised himself with his tackling and running.

Well done on a fantastic season! (Don’t forget the ‘secret weapon’ next year and keep on singing… “another one bites the dust!”)

SJV

U10C

Played 6 Won 1

Drawn 1 Lost 4

The U10Cs had a great time in their first season of full contact rugby, facing some big teams and enjoying the scrap on the pitch. Whilst we did have some touch and ‘touch union’ games, which were immense fun, the boys were happiest getting stuck into the tackles, and they each celebrated the news when a match was declared ‘contact!’.

In terms of results, the team beat Cothill, but lost their share of matches against Pilgrims, Lambrook, Farleigh and Ludgrove - but it was the last of these that painted the clearest picture of how far the boys had come. The score was close throughout the game, Ludgrove always leading after a fast first half, and it almost swung to an Elstree win in the dying moments. Some try-saving tackles to stop them taking the score away from us kept us in the game, but some dogged defending stopped us equalising as the clock ran out and the game ended 45-50. They will remember that one –all involved, each playing to their strengths (and speeds!). Well done the team!

AJP

U9B & C

The U9A team had a thoroughly enjoyable season with some truly memorable matches against some strong opposition. Brilliant victories over Cothill, Ludgrove and Crosfields, to name but a few, paid tribute to how well the boys played as a team throughout the season.

We tried hard to develop a passing style of rugby that, coupled with strong tackling, would make the game fun to play. We had some tough days along the way too but finished with two superb performances against St Andrew’s and Cheam winning both matches by adopting the fluid, attacking style of play that we had been striving to find all season. Well done and thank you to all the children involved.

JCM

The U9B rugby team had a fantastic start to contact rugby this season. As is often the case when starting contact rugby there is a certain reluctance to put yourself at risk of injury and to have a fear of the tackling element of the game. Starting with a win in a touch rugby match against Crosfields, the boys then began to grow to love the physicality and determination that is required in rugby and began to make serious progress in training sessions resulting in another win against Thorngrove. As the season wore on so did the boys core skills with the main element of our training sessions being around getting the boys to analyse where the space was and to keep the same process of “two passes then a carry”.

Three more convincing wins came in our next three games against Pilgrims, Cothill and Crosfields on the reverse fixture before facing our toughest opponent of the season Ludgrove. After working hard to keep Ludgrove to a draw at half time we unfortunately then let the results slip away from us in the second half. Our tackling and carrying in the game were admirable and special mentions go out to Laurie Weatherill and Hugo Kayser-Booth for some fantastic performances in the game.

Two days later we travelled to the Brockhurst Rugby Festival which always promises to be a competitive affair, facing some of the best Prep Schools in the area and we managed to take 4 wins out of 5, narrowly losing out to Summer Fields. Possibly our best tackling of the season with the majority of the tackles coming from our two smallest, but most adept tacklers, George Corbett and Jago Crosthwaite.

U9B

U9C

The Under 9C Team enjoyed their rugby season very much with all of these boys managing to represent the successful B Team at some stage during the season. The contact element of the game is very much about confidence and it was fantastic to see these boys really getting to grips with it much more towards the end of term.

U8A Tag Rugby

Played

The conclusion of the U8A Tag Rugby season marks a delightful journey filled with enthusiasm, growth and success. Throughout the season, the U8A team have exhibited a remarkable blend of passion and sportsmanship characterized by moments of sheer brilliance on the field, as well as invaluable lessons learned along the way. With every match, the players demonstrated not only their developing skills but also their unwavering determination and teamwork.

Many of the matches were very close with some exciting tries and good turnovers. As a team we worked on our defence and staying aligned for as long as possible as well as working on our tagging ability. In attack we worked

on sidestepping with acceleration to beat a defender and then having a support player close to receive a quick pass. We have done lots of work on developing hand-eye coordination in training and practicing passing techniques as well as building up speed and stamina.

The U8A squad have blossomed into a cohesive team where each player found their role and contributed to the team’s success. From mastering the fundamentals of the game to embracing the spirit of fair play, the boys embraced every challenge with enthusiasm. The team can definitely look back with pride on their accomplishments this season.

Well done to this team.

U8B Tag Rugby

Throughout the rugby season, this year’s Under 8Bs worked tremendously hard and put in a fantastic effort to further acquire their rugby skills. Training was approached with enthusiasm to really learn and improve their game; this was evident in their huge successes against a wide variety of skilled opposition with many wins across the board. Further, each child got their chance to captain their side which proved successful as each player was pictured a leader on game day.

Richard Ajia was a relentless tagger throughout the season and got involved in every single tackle while also being creative with the ball by using his serious pace to fly by opponents. Moreover, Mickey Caloia and Bruce Blackwell could always slither through opponents with great ease and caused an array of problems amongst the defence on the way towards spectacular tries to get us back in the game. This was also the case with Leo Bond who was great in finding his way through the field and towards the try-line while greatly strengthening the defensive line. Furthermore, Isaac Turner had substantially improved his rugby knowledge in being able to get involved with the team both in offence and defence, using his voice to strongly guide the team into position. Finally, Tomisin Abudiore was the engine of the team in defence whilst

BJC

also taking charge in running on offence with his pace and unique stepping ability.

Thanks for an amazing and highly successful season and best of luck to you in your future rugby endeavours!

U8C Tag Rugby

Played 13 Won 7

Drawn 5 Lost 1

The U8C Team has worked hard throughout the term and it has been wonderful to see all members of the team making sound progress. The statistics reveal a succession of keenly fought matches but it should be pointed out that we were victorious in all the matches at both the Brockhurst and Cheam Tag Rugby Festivals, beating such prestigious schools as Pilgrims, Farleigh, Summer Fields, Eagle House and Brockhurst.

Johnny Ruck Keene and Captain Laith Kalaji scored a large number of superb tries in the Pilgrims match. It was at this match that Raffy Addington became our outstanding and number one tagger, demonstrating excellent hand-eye coordination. He also developed well as a runner, hence his move up into the Bs for the last match. Oberon Dugdale started to develop his confidence in the St Andrew’s match and demonstrated some strong running. Hector Philpott also developed his skills and set up some magnificent tries.

Special mention should be made of Tom Lloyd Harris who, by the final match, played the best rugby on the pitch and captained us at Cheam with great maturity and determination. By this stage of the term, we were passing the ball around and most boys in the team managed to score. I couldn’t have been prouder of the team and I wish them all the best for next year.

CMS

U10C

U10A

U13B

U9A

U10B

U12A

Rosslyn Park 7s

The U13 Sevens squad embarked on a thrilling adventure at the Rosslyn Park 7s Festival, and boy, did they bring the excitement! Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on the first day of the holidays, they set off with eager anticipation, ready to take on whatever challenges came their way.

Despite the dreaded London traffic, spirits were high as they faced their first opponents, Orwell Park. With clear messages ringing in their ears from intensive training sessions, the team executed their game plan flawlessly. Quick passes and keeping the ball alive (KBA) led to a

barrage of tries, leaving their opponents in the dust with a resounding 35-0 victory. Talk about a flying start!

As newcomers to the Tournament, expectations were mixed, but the boys were determined to make their mark. After a quick pit stop at the tuck shop (because even athletes need their snacks!), they soaked up the atmosphere, mingling with senior school teams and taking in the sights.

Facing off against seasoned competitors like Dubai College (15-30 loss) and Sedbergh (25-20 win), the team faced challenges head-on, showcasing their skills and resilience on the field. Of course there were moments where instincts took over and players slipped into 13 a-side habits, but that’s all part of the experience.

Amidst the adrenaline-fuelled action, the boys even had time to indulge in a bit of friendly competition, testing out a GPS monitoring tool (Mofe was 4th overall for the day including the U18 and U16 speeds!) and fuelling up for the next bout with a hearty lunch.

In a nail-biting finish against Dean Close (20-25 loss), victory slipped through their fingers in the dying moments, but the team rallied for one final showdown against Thomas’s Clapham. With determination in their hearts and a spring in their step, they delivered a KBA masterclass in rugby sevens, ending the day on an exhilarating high with a whopping 45-20 win.

Through highs and heartbreaks, triumphs and trials, this fine group of players showed what it means to play with passion and sportsmanship. Rosslyn Park 7s wasn’t just a tournament; it was a thrilling rollercoaster ride of fun, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories. Cheers to a fantastic experience, I hope many of these players will get another chance to compete for their senior schools.

FAW

Rugby Tour

The Rugby Tour was a huge success, with the squad managing to win both games against teams from Jersey Rugby Club. The three days were packed with fun activities, the first of which being a fish and chips lunch on the beach, along with various games like tug of war. The hotel was greeted with great enthusiasm by all of us, and we all loved the big buffet for both breakfast and dinner.

Of course, the most important part were the two thrilling games against teams from Jersey Rugby Club, who kindly hosted us twice. Both games were filled with physical battles and elaborate moves from the backs. Despite a good performance from the opposition, we won both games with a comfortable gap between the two scores and celebrated with a lunch at Pizza Express and the Water Park, followed by watching England vs Wales with the parents. Most of us were satisfied with a win

for England, whilst our captain controversially supported Wales. Before we left the almost tropical setting of Jersey, we had a good time bowling along with a lunch of either ribs or steak baguette. Overall, it was a phenomenal triumph for the squad, in both the rugby matches and the activities alongside it.

James Morris-Weston

Netball

Senior U13A

It has been a busy and enjoyable term on the netball court for the Senior Girls’ 1st Team. It was the first time that we had combined Year 7 & 8 girls but it didn’t take long for the girls to settle into their new teams and positions. The season started slowly, with defeat by a well-drilled Thorngrove team. Under the leadership of their Captain, Isla Sanford, the girls demonstrated great resilience to bounce back from this and play some impressive netball against Wellesley 1st and 2nd team. A highlight of the season was our trip to Cheam. On a wild and windy Saturday afternoon, the girls played some of their best netball. The dynamic defensive duo of Maisie Brown and Kitty Butler kept the Cheam attacking opportunities to a minimum. Arabella Pannell and Valentina Ridley-Day displayed great athleticism in attack, linking well with our shooters to create many goal scoring opportunities along the way to a 13-9 victory. Shortly after the Christmas break, we returned to Thorngrove for an eagerly anticipated re-match. The improvement that the girls had made over such a short period of time did not go unnoticed by spectators, opposition players and coaches alike. Although we did not walk away with the win, the girls demonstrated great grit and determination to keep the game within their grasp. Next up was a thrilling one

goal win over The Dragon, closely followed by a convincing 31-7 win at Eagle House. For the first time in Elstree history, the 1st team travelled to St George’s Ascot for the Small Schools IAPS tournament. Unsure of what to expect, nerves were quickly settled in our first game against Dolphin School. With GS, Isla Sanford, shooting at 90%, and excellent interceptions from WD, Naomi Chan, the team came off the court happy with a 17-0 victory. A narrow one goal defeat and another convincing win meant that we had qualified for the Cup quarter-finals. It wasn’t long before the results were in and it was confirmed that we were once again up against Thorngrove. In the opening minutes of the quarter-final the score could have gone either way but Thorngrove found their rhythm and managed to squeeze the win. The sun was finally shining for the last game of the season against Cranford School. Kate Oliver and Tilly Lloyd put in their best performances of the season – both making vital interceptions when needed and also linking well in mid-court. Sophie Payne demonstrated great athleticism and impressed in three different positions during the game, showing just how brilliantly versatile she is as a netballer. Well done girls on such an enjoyable season. I can’t wait to hear more news of your netballing successes at your senior schools.

Senior U13B

Played 11

The Senior Girls 2nd team have enjoyed an impressive term on the netball court. With several weeks of training under their belt, the season began with a narrow loss at Thorngrove. It didn’t take long for the girls to bounce back from this, securing resounding victories over Wellesley 3rd and 4th team. Shortly after the Christmas break, the girls returned to Thorngrove, this time walking away with a very well-deserved 8-8 draw. Their hard work in training sessions was soon to pay off and the girls were beginning to look confident and comfortable on the court. Next up were two closely fought matches against The Dragon. The team were starting to gel, with our defensive players communicating well, our shooters hitting the target more often than not, and our mid-court players moving and passing more accurately. Despite a tough afternoon at Eagle House, the 2nd team ended the season on a high, with two convincing wins over Aldro and Cranford School. Well done girls on a brilliant season of netball.

KJS

Colts U11A

Played 11

Drawn 2

The U11A Netball team demonstrated exceptional performance in their recent matches, showcasing formidable defensive skills and impressive shooting accuracy. Megan Roberts, Alice Fawcett and Florence Allison were an indomitable team when on the offensive, with precision shooting and accurate passing. As the season progressed, our marking became tighter and footwork quicker. A determined defence thwarted numerous scoring opportunities from opponents, exhibiting strong interceptions; Alyssa Marianos was the queen of the interception, with her far reaching arms. In defence, Isobel Clark was very talented at anticipating and then disrupting opposition attacks. When on the offensive, Honour Yarrow was accurate with her passing and remarkably agile, often repositioning herself with speed. The highfive netball rotation system has offered the girls a deeper understanding of the game’s dynamics, enabling them to practise playing in all positions. Despite facing tough opposition from strong teams like Thorngrove and Cheam, the U11A Netball girls have demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the term. Our successful match against Eagle House, left a memorable and lasting impression.

CLP

Colts B

Played 7 Won 3

Drawn 0 Lost 4

The Colts B had a great season of Netball. In training they worked hard on their basic netball skills such as passing and footwork. They had some fantastic matches against Lambrook, St Helen & St Katharine and Cranford School where they came out triumphant as the girls started settling into their positions and roles within the team. This was followed by some tougher, more competitive matches against Cheam and Thorngrove but the girls fought hard and should be proud of the way they played. With many weeks of hard work and training sessions under their belt, it was becoming apparent how much the girls were improving with their amplified confidence and skill level out on the netball court.

KJS

Colts C

Played 8 Won 3

Drawn 0 Lost 5

The Colts C Netball Team have worked hard this season and shown great dedication in improving their basic netball skills like footwork and positioning. They won matches against Thorngrove, St Helen & St Katharine, and Cranford School, highlighting their progress. However, they had some challenging matches against schools such as Aldro and The Dragon where the score did not necessarily reflect the hard work they put in. These matches provided valuable learning opportunities for the team to work on consistency and tactical awareness. Well done on a great season girls.

ELB

U9A & B

U9A

Played 6 Won 4

Drawn 0 Lost 2

U9B

Played 6 Won 1

Dr awn 1 Lost 4

What a pleasure it has been to take this fantastic group of girls this season. They have all improved so much,

U9A

particularly their movement around the court, footwork and changing direction. The season started with a fun afternoon of friendly matches at Thorngrove, this was followed by a more competitive triangular with Yateley Manor and Crosfields, we did not fare so well but we learnt a lot and as a consequence, improved greatly. The most memorable game was against St Helen and St Katharine - we arrived very early to find that there were no small goal posts, instead we would be playing with full size posts. Some of our team could not even throw the ball high enough to reach the ring let alone, score a goal! It was a slow start from our U9As however thankfully, Aggie Foulds, got her eye in when it was her turn to be a shooter and scored a very impressive 8 goals giving us a final victory of 10-4. The Bs battled it out on the next door court -six rotations later the final score was a 2-2 draw. The end of season tournament at Cheam had some excellent matches with victories again Farleigh (5-1) and Cheam B (5-2), a (3-2) loss to St Piran’s, and a (7-2) loss to the Cheam As. The Bs did not hold up quite as well under very strong opposition. I am really proud of all the girls, and look forward to seeing their netball develop as they move up through the school.

JCJ

U8 A & B

U8A

Played 5 Won 4

Lost 1 plus 3 friendly matches/festivals

U8B

Played 5 Won 3

Lost 2 plus 3 friendly matches/festivals

The U8 girls have made a brilliant start to netball at Elstree. For many, this was their first experience of the game and netball is arguably one of the hardest sports to learn as a beginner. In the first couple of weeks of term the girls worked exceptionally hard on their basic skills of passing, catching and shooting as well as their understanding of the game. This prepared them well for their first friendly match against Thorngrove. With the focus of the day being on teamwork, skill development and gaining experience of match play, the teams were all mixed together for a fun afternoon of 4-a-side games. They then had a more competitive triangular with Yateley Manor and Crosfields. On a very cold and wintery afternoon, the A team had the luxury of playing indoors and left with their first two wins under their belt. The B team didn’t let the cold weather dampen their spirits, playing their two matches with grit and determination. Towards the end of the term, the girls moved on to playing 5-a-side games. For these matches the girls played in specific netball positions and rotated positions every quarter. This enabled the girls to gain experience playing as an attacking player, a defensive player and a mid-court player. The girls ended the season with two closely fought victories over Lambrook and The Dragon and a narrow loss to strong Cranford teams. Our final afternoon of netball was played in the sunshine at the Cheam Netball Festival. Each team played three matches against Cheam, Farleigh and St Piran’s. It was so lovely to see the huge improvements that both teams had made over the term and I have been so impressed with how much work and effort the girls have put into their training sessions and matches. Well done!

U9B

U8A

U8B

Colts B

Pre season training

U13B

U13A

Colts A

Girls’ Sports Tour

The 2024 Girls’ Sports Tour kicked off with an early coach ride to Gatwick with the help of the legendary Mr Parks. When we arrived at Edinburgh we were warmly greeted by Andy Robinson, the Head of Outdoor Education at Ardvreck School, who kindly hosted us. After a lovely sunny drive we arrived at Ardvreck and were greeted with mince and tatties - a proper Scottish lunch. After lunch we headed to the netball court where we had the delight of playing two matches against Ardvreck. In glorious sunshine we fought strongly and came out victorious in both matches.

The next morning we had a lovely breakfast and then kitted up for mountain biking. It was an incredible experience lead by Andy who taught us many useful skills including how to do an M check of the bike and how to keep safe on the trails. Then off we went up the mountain with

the temperature at a rather chilly -5. Although some of us looked as if we had never ridden a bike before, by the end everybody was whizzing down blue and red runs with massive smiles on our faces. It was then back to school, the time had arrived for our first hockey match and we all walked down to the Ardvreck astro. Despite the cold, we played our hardest but conceded an early goal. We came out fighting in the second half and before long we were winning 2-1. Ardvreck then levelled making it 2-2 . With five minutes to go and everybody on the edge of their seats, Arabella scored a goal putting us 3-2 up. In the dying minutes of the game, Ardvreck managed to ping a final goal off the post, leaving the score at 3-3. Certainly a match never to forget. After dinner, we were given the incredible opportunity to participate in Scottish dancing which we all thoroughly enjoyed and it was certainly a highlight of the tour. As we headed back to the dorms we were joined by Maisie and Sophie who had flown up with Mr Inglis after sitting their scholarships. There was huge excitement in the dorm when the karaoke machine was brought out. We all had fun giving it a go and we were even treated to a song from Mrs Sanford.

We woke with great excitement on Friday morning to find out that it had snowed overnight! We all had great fun sledding, throwing snowballs, making snowmen and snow angels. After breakfast it was time to see if we could complete the Ardvreck tree climbing challenge - the record being 29 seconds. We all had a go at climbing the tree to ring the bell at the top, with Sophie being the fastest of us all

with a time of 1 minute. After a lovely warm hot chocolate we headed back outside to the snow where we would work as a team to complete the crate stacking challenge. In the challenge, Valentina and Arabella were hooked into harnesses and with the support of the other girls had to see how tall they could build a tower of crates. We managed to stack 21 crates before they eventually fell down (along with Valentina). We then packed our bags and boarded the bus to Strathallen for another game of hockey. It was end to end with both goalkeepers having to pull off crucial saves to keep their teams in the game. By halftime we were 1-0 down but after an inspirational half time talk from Miss Boyd, we played our hardest and quickly levelled the score to 1-1 after scoring from a short corner. With less than 10 minutes to go, Sophie charged into the top of the D and scored the winning goal. Strathallen presented each of us with a gift as well as their school shield. It was now time to travel back to Edinburgh Airport. Once through security we had a small Tour Awards Ceremony where each of us received a hockey stick keychain and a personalised certificate. We arrived back in the early hours of the morning, exhausted but fulfilled after such a brilliant few days.

We would like to say thank you to the staff that helped make the Tour happen. It was an immense success and it wouldn’t have been so without your help. Thank you to Mr Inglis for flying up with Maisie and Sophie after their scholarships. Thank you Mr Parks for driving us up to the airport so early in the morning - I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to have to sit in a bus full of excited girls at 4:30am. Most of all, we would like to say a huge, huge thank you to Miss Boyd and Mrs Sanford. We know how much time and effort you put into this Tour and we cannot express our gratitude enough. Finally I would like to say well done to my peers for all the work they put into hockey and netball this season. You have all done Elstree proud.

Isla Sanford

Boys’ Hockey

1st VII

U13 Berkshire Tournament - 2nd Place.

U13 South Central Areas Tournament - 5th Place.

The 1st VII Boys Hockey team have enjoyed a successful season with some commendable performances in both tournaments and matches. Having trained effectively every Monday since September, the boys have really developed in terms of their skills and tactical awareness and were ready for matches to start at the February half term start of the season.

The Berkshire Schools County Tournament was a highlight securing a notable 2nd place; reaching the final and qualifying for the next stage, the South Central Areas Tournament. This achievement not only reflects the team’s commitment but also serves as a testament to their collective skill and dedication. By qualifying for the South Central Areas Tournament, the team were able to showcase their skills on a broader stage against more formidable opponents from across Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Throughout the season, in matches, the team exhibited resilience and determination coupled with strong execution of skills and tactics, demonstrating the extent of talent

within the team. Each game was marked by memorable encounters and thrilling matches. The 1-1 result against Eagle House was a very close game determined by small margins but an excellent match. As was the thrilling victory against Hall Grove where the scoreline ebbed and flowed throughout the match and won by Elstree with a last-minute short corner goal! The Crosfields game was again very close and determined by a last-minute short corner this time to the benefit of Crosfields. Whether it was impressive performances or hard-fought battles, the 1st VII Boys Hockey team displayed strong teamwork and sportsmanship.

As we reflect on the season, it becomes evident that the success of the Hockey over the past few seasons is a culmination of various factors. It is a testament to the strong coaching pathway of hockey throughout the school and hard work from the coaching staff even as early as Year 3, whose guidance has shaped the players and the team. Also, having a fantastic facility and to be able to play four games of hockey at the same time.

This 1st VII Boys Hockey team carries with them the pride of their achievements this season and also the determination to reach even greater heights as hockey players in the future. Well done to the following players. Jacob Gearing (C, GK,), Wilf Foulds (VC), Monty Robinson, Harry Clothier, Lachy McGeoch, James Morris-Weston, Leo Raphael, Harry Anderson, Jack Hedley.

BJC

U13B

Played 4

It has been a very positive season for the U13B Boys’ Hockey team, winning two of their four fixtures. Harry Goodbourn has shown great leadership of this team of boys, remaining determined and positive on the pitch.

The front, always made up of a number of the following players: Joshua Singleton, Archie Campbell-Slight, Toby Walker, Hugo Cropper and Hector Crosthwaite, has been a formidable one. Joshua and Hugo showing great skill out on the wings, and Toby always demonstrating brilliant positional play, always being in the right place to score. Our defensive lines included Jack Hedley, Archie Hindley, Hugo Cropper and Jonty Shaw, all demonstrating huge improvement in their defensive and tackling skills as the season progressed. Two goal keepers, Henry Dalton and Otis Pearey, took turns in this team and were vital to the overall success and progress. Henry in particular, managed to keep the strong attack of Hall Grove School at bay!

The team experienced two unfortunate loses to Hall Grove School and Eagle House, but managed to turn these around with a win against St Andrew’s, and Crosfields. Their determination and display of sportsmanship shone through during their final match of the season against Crosfields. The boys managed to turn a 2-0 losing score at half-time into a 2-3 win by the end of the match.

It was a pleasure to help and watch each player develop their game this season.

RAB

U13C

Played 4 Won 4

Drawn 0 Lost 0

The U13C Hockey team had an impressive season, finishing with an unbeaten record of four wins. Their performance on the field showcased not only their growing confidence and skill but also their strong teamwork and understanding of tactical concepts.

The season began with a hard-fought victory against Eagle House, demonstrating the team’s resilience and narrowly winning 3-2. Building upon their success, the team secured another convincing win against St Andrew’s, displaying growing confidence and proficiency in executing strategic plays. Continuing their dominance, the team secured a resounding victory against Hall Grove School, showcasing their ability to perform effectively even in away matches. The term concluded with an impressive win against Crosfields, away from home, highlighting the team’s adaptability and skill in different environments.

Clement Chow, Henry Dalton and Otis Pearey displayed exceptional skill and reliability as goalkeepers throughout the season, ensuring a solid defensive foundation for the team. Oliver Duffield, Caspar Williams and Hector Crosthwaite demonstrated solidity in defence, actively seeking opportunities for the through ball to advance the team’s play.

On the wings, Jonty Shaw, Freddie Carlbom and Freddie James notably improved their ball travelling skills, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive efforts. In the midfield, Mofe Adeyinka stood out for his strength and precision, often supplying key passes to Archie Campbell Slight, who finished off numerous scoring opportunities, contributing to the team’s success on the pitch.

Well done on such a great season, I enjoyed being your coach. AEP

U13D

Played 6 Won 3

Drawn 1 Lost 2

The U13D Hockey Team had a season filled with great progress and determination. Despite a challenging start with losses to Summer Fields (6-2) and Cheam (3-1), the team kept their heads up and continued to work hard. Their perseverance paid off with a narrow win against Eagle House, followed by two comprehensive victories against St Andrew’s and Crosfields. These wins showcased the team’s growth and hard work they had put in throughout the season. Well done boys on a great season.

ELB

U13E

Played 4 Won 3

Drawn 1 Lost 0

The U13E Hockey team have had a busy season, playing four matches in total. The side have shown great character as the term has progressed, demonstrating a high work rate on the pitch, fighting for every ball. During our second fixture against an altogether tougher opposition, Hall Grove, the team showed real grit and determination in a very fast-paced, high-intensity game to claw back the score and end with a draw. Bobby Blackwell made some amazing saves. Notable players on the field were Ethan Lockhart in the centre. James Marshall and Alfie Burles kept themselves very busy on the wings, providing a strong link between the defensive end and the attacking end. Dang Dang Liu managed to make some blistering shots at goal as did Edison Brown. The backs, Sat Li and Thomas Mitchell, were heroic in their defence of the Elstree half.

CLP

U13F

Played 4 Won 4

Drawn 0 Lost 0

This fun and determined team have come on in leaps and bounds this term. They have displayed very impressive improvement of their overall hockey skills this term. Kevin Hu, Charles Chen, Willem Loader and Harry Haskell

Horsey all proving to be invaluable and versatile players, contributing to both the defensive, mid and forward lines. In our attacking line, Henry Pritchard and Mide Sonuga were formidable, working together and scoring the majority of the team’s goals this season. Mide has been named the Team’s top goal scorer. Our most solid defenders were Toby Bi, whose sweep could clear the ball for miles, Kevin Hu and Willem Loader. This team had heaps of fun while playing but also took winning and their sportsmanship very seriously. They ended the season unbeaten in all four fixtures that they played. Their performance against St Andrew’s, being particularly impressive, ended in a 7-1 win which left spirits high for their final match of the season against Crosfields which they won 5-1. Well done to this team, it was great fun coaching and watching their improvement this season.

RAB

U11A

Played 4 Won 2

Drawn 1 Lost 1

This has been a season of real progress, starting from way back in September. Team practices were competitive and showed good development, but it is in matches which is the best measure of the players. The In2Hockey tournament was a good introduction to the season and the squad did well to qualify for the Cup side of the competition. The first real match against Eagle House was a real eye-opener of how to play good hockey and they learned a lot from watching good players. What followed, was particularly pleasing. As the squad looked to attempt and include more hockey skills into their

individual play, it meant Elstree were much more competitive in the final matches narrowly missing out on a win against St Andrew’s but being comprehensive winners against Cranford School and Crosfields. Well done to them all for their willingness to improve and develop their skills throughout.

TDW

U11B

Played 4 Won 4

Drawn 0 Lost 0

There was a strange sense of disappointment and elation when the season ended on the B3349 somewhere between Barkham and Finchampstead. Gone was our chance of a fifth win of the season. But, the cancellation of our final match - whilst on route to it - meant that the team remained unbeaten.

There were strong performances from everyone involved. Ethan Thiemert was excellent in goal and was superbly aided in defence by George Zhao and Ollie Cook. Cook is an excellent prospect, he reads the game well and his strong passing allowed us to break forward quickly. The midfield had Tristan Anderson Wheeler in the centre, who was tireless and selfless in attack and defence, Wilf Ward on the left and Henry Britton on the right. The wide players held their positions well and showed plenty of skill. Charlie Utley was superb in attack. He scored plenty of goals and his positional and link-up play allowed the midfield to get into threatening areas.

A very enjoyable season, well done boys!

SJV

Played 3 Won 2

Drawn 0 Lost 1

The U11C team were a joy to coach this term and I have been so impressed by how much effort they have put in throughout. Our passing style of play was extremely effective, and it was also lovely to see us being so clinical in front of goal in our last match against Crosfields. Having lost our first game against Eagle House, the team went from strength to strength from then on and really started to see the benefits of hard work, quick decision making and good quality passing. I wish them all the best with their hockey as they make their way up through the school.

JCM

U10A

Played 2 Won 2

Drawn 0 Lost 0

The U10A Hockey team had an excellent season and really started to get to grips with the passing style of play that we worked so hard on during Games. Our short season started with a brilliant tournament at St Edward’s School in Oxford. We played 6 short matches against strong opposition and finished third out of eight schools - an excellent achievement. A comfortable victory over Crosfields followed and then, sadly, our final match against Lambrook was cancelled. I look forward to seeing how the team develop on the hockey pitch as they make their way up through the school.

JCM

U10B

Played 3 Won 2

Drawn 1 Lost 0

The short hockey season yielded some exciting games against Eagle House (W 6-1), St Andrew’s (W 6-1) and Crosfields (D 0-0). The team set up in their usual 3-3-1 formation to control the pitch, and they were especially strong against the St Andrew’s team where we played a minimum three-pass rule in the second half, which produced some better quality passing and goal creation. The boys got very stuck in and also learned a range of positions, while trying to play expansively and use the whole space. Well done team!

AJP

U10C

Played 2 Won 0

Drawn 1 Lost 1

This has been a season full of progress, culminating in a greater understanding of the game. Skills were built upon from last year, with an emphasis placed on individual skills within a team setting. Weekly practices became more and more competitive and laid good foundations for the season ahead. They had hard fought matches against Cranford School and Crosfields, narrowly missing out on a win with the final hit of the game! A particular well done to the brave souls who volunteered to play in goal. Well done one and all.

TDW

U9A

Played 1 Won 0

Drawn 0 Lost 1

The Under 9A Team enjoyed one competitive match this season towards the end of term. We came up against a very strong Crosfields side who showed us what we had to aspire to. There is plenty of natural ability amongst the year group but hockey is a game best played by plenty of quick passing and good decision making. I am sure this will come as the children are exposed to the game a little more as they make their way up through the school.

JCM

U9B

Played 1 Won 0

Drawn 1 Lost 0

A short but enjoyable time spent on the hockey pitch from the U9Bs this year, an outing to Crosfields being their only fixture. Well prepared, excited to show their best and wanting to attempt an unbeaten season, the team listened well to feedback from the umpires and had a good go at getting some goals early in the match.

Led by Laurie Weatherill, the team played a lot of the game in the Crosfields half, and great defence from Freddie Knox, George Corbett and Noah Challenger kept the game competitive and exciting for both teams. Oliver Eldridge and Alexander Fowler had great enjoyment trying to find a way through the Crosfields defence, hitting the post several times showing how close they were to gaining the lead! Everyone was able to demonstrate their passing, with very accurate short and impressive long-range passing on display! Powerful dribbling from Charlie Anderson Wheeler brought Elstree very close to scoring, only for some well appreciated defence from Crosfields to see out the match 0-0. An undefeated season, well done boys!

U8A

Played 3 Won 0

Drawn 0 Lost 1

The Under 8A team has had a great introduction to hockey this season. In practices they have learnt valuable skills such as ball control and how to apply accuracy and power to a pass or shot at goal. They have also started to look at more complex skills such as how to hold position in a match. Their match against Crosfields was a great introduction to hockey matches and they fought hard against a strong team showcasing what they had learnt this season. Well done on a great season boys.

ECB

U8B

Played 1 Won 1

Drawn 0 Lost 0

The Under 8B Team had only one match (v. Crosfields) and they fought hard and won it (1-0) with great spirit and gusto. Richard Ajia was rock solid in defence and stopped and cleared many a shot on our goal. Leo Bond and Laith Kalaji added further strength to our defensive area. Mickey Caloia captained the team and played in midfield. Jasper Turner and Albie Williams played up front, both showing tremendous potential. Albie had the ability to dribble the ball right up into the opposition’s D but it was Raffy Addington who finally succeeded in scoring the winning goal, right towards the end of the game. Hector Philpott and Oberon Dugdale made some accurate and crucial passes.

The team has worked hard in training sessions and all members of the team have made tremendous progress over the course of the short hockey season.

CMS

U13E

U11A

1st VII

U13B

1st VII

Girls’ Football

1st XI

Played 3 Won 2

Drawn 1 Lost 0

The Elstree Girls’ 1st XI football team has had a commendable season, demonstrating improving skills on the field under the leadership of their captain, Mila Tryon. With a record of three matches played, they secured victories in two close encounters against Edgeborough and Lambrook but had to settle for a draw against a strong Thorngrove side.

The girls exhibited resilience and unity always representing the school with great commitment. A real highlight for me was watching the increased sense of composure and poise when in possession of the ball.

Special mentions to Sophie Payne, Dariya Maximova and Tilly Lloyd who became stand out players for the team. I look forward to hearing of the girls’ future footballing successes.

2nd XI

Played 3 Won 3

Drawn 0 Lost 0

It has been so lovely to watch the Senior Girls’ 2nd football team play with such enthusiasm and determination on the pitch. The season began with a convincing win over a tough Oratory Prep side. This was followed by a great 8-1 victory at Edgeborough and the girls were quickly showing that their hard work in training sessions was paying off. They were beginning to gel as a team, with slick passing and powerful shooting. In what was to be their last game of the season, the 2nd team were split into two 5-a-side teams to play against Thorngrove. The performances from all girls on that sunny afternoon was a real highlight, with both teams leaving the pitch with a well-deserved win. Well done girls!

KJS

LJO

Colts (Years 5 & 6)

Team

In Friday practice, we have tried to improve our first touch on receiving the ball and our techniques in passing the ball accurately to another player on our team. We found that we played in a set way, always being attracted to the ball, so we had too many players close to the ball a lot of the time. As we improved, and this will remain a target for the future, we began to move into areas of space so that other players could pass to us. As we found out when we played the boys in November, they were considerably better than us at doing this! The enthusiasm in all the teams has been very good and they are beginning to listen carefully, as well as give me plenty of advice on how to play.

In matches, the A team won their matches against Oratory Prep A and B, defeated both Hall Grove and Edgeborough in a triangular tournament, and Thorngrove, scoring 20 goals and conceding only 3. Well done to Annabelle, Issy, Sophie and Florence in defence and Alice, Megan, Honour and Florence in attack, who all learnt the joy of scoring a goal this season. Sadly, our final test against Lambrook, which might, perhaps, have been more of a true judge of our encouraging progress, was cancelled and we therefore created a wonderful mixed game of ABC for our parents to watch. Well done and great team spirit all through the season.

Team

The B team had a tough opening match against The Oratory Prep. They showed great resilience however, and came back stronger in their following game against Hall Grove, leaving the pitch with a well-deserved draw. Their final match of the season was a very closely fought match against Thorngrove. The result could have gone either way, with both teams having chances to win the match but Thorngrove just managed to squeeze the win.

C Team

The C team fought really hard in matches against a very strong Oratory Prep side, followed by a very convincing 6-0 win at Hall Grove. The girls demonstrated great teamwork in this match and did not stop working until the final whistle. The team finished their season on a high with a strong 3-1 victory over Thorngrove.

KJS

U8

Played 2 Won 2

Dr awn 0 Lost 0

The U8A team have had a brilliantly successful football season. The girls played their first match at The Oratory Prep and what an exciting match it was. All of the girls settled into the game well and at full-time the score was 2-2. The decision was made to play an extra 5 minutes of sudden death. With both sides having chances to win the game, it was Elstree who finally made the break through and won the match 3-2. Their second and final match was at Lambrook. We made a slightly shaky start to the match, conceding a goal within the first 30 seconds. However, the girls didn’t let their heads drop and within a couple of minutes the score was 1-1. As the game went on, Elstree found their rhythm and worked together as a team to create several goal-scoring opportunities. Charlotte Rose scored an impressive hat-trick from midfield, with Jojo Sandwith proving that she had a dangerous left foot, scoring a brilliant goal from just inside the box. Christabel Ridley-Day scored the final goal beating the keeper with her quick feet. Safiya Francis and India Gayner worked tirelessly in defence, keeping the Lambrook attack very quiet. Sophie Nicholls made her debut in goal and made some crucial one-on-one saves. The final score was 5-1 to Elstree. Well done girls on a fantastic season.

KJS

U8B

Played 2 Won 2

The U8B football team have had a hugely successful season. Their first match was against The Oratory Prep. This was their first competitive football match for Elstree and it didn’t take the girls long to find their rhythm. With strong passing and tackling, Elstree quickly took the lead. With both teams having many shots on goal, it was clear that this was going to be a close game. The final whistle blew with Elstree winning 3-2. The second match was against Lambrook. After a good team warm up, the girls started strongly, and it wasn’t long before the goals started to come. With 4 goals from Hermione Bond and a hat-trick from Rosie Shaw, the girls left the pitch with a convincing 7-2 win. Well done girls!

KJS

Chess

Very well done to the Elstree Chess team who had a really delightful match with St Andrew’s, Pangbourne. With two very close matches in Years 6 and 7 and a good win against their Year 8 team, the overall result was Elstree 19, St Andrew’s 11.

More importantly, the confidence, good manners and etiquette of both teams were excellent. Well done, everyone.

JRB

House Cross-Country

The House Cross-Country Competition has to be one of the highlights of the Elstree year, at least for the majority of pupils. This year we were awash with mud and puddles but at least the course was soft under-foot. Pupils stormed round their respective courses (Junior, Intermediate and Senior), spurred on by a faithful gathering of loyal supporters, marshals and, of course, the Elstree paparazzi!

It was lovely to see the children galvanized into action, warming up and ready to go, all for the good of their house – North, East, South and West. What was most apparent, and you can see it in the photographs, were the beaming smiles on everyone’s faces. And then at the end, one could witness the sheer elation of the runners, having finished the course, thereby scoring points for the house. No mean feat considering the Senior course is a challenging 3.5km, both for the girls and the boys.

The winner of the Juniors (Years 3 & 4) was George Blakelock (West) who was just nine seconds off the school record. He runs with such grit and determination that nobody really has a chance of beating him. In second place was the amazing Aggie Foulds (North), proving that girls can be just as fast as the boys, particularly at this age. In third place was Zac Champkin (South), the first of the Year 3s to finish.

The Intermediate race was won by Tristan Anderson Wheeler (East), an impressive nineteen seconds in front of the next runner, Sam Norris (West), closely followed by Akinniran Akinola (North), the first of the Year 5s. The first girl to finish was Alice Fawcett (North), In the senior race, Wilf Foulds (North) romped home in 14 minutes, just ahead of Harry Clothier (West) and Hector Crosthwaite (North). The first senior girl to finish was Sophie Payne (East).

It was interesting to see East house winning all three of the age categories and the overall trophy, with North in second place, West in third place and South rather trailing behind. Congratulations to all runners for competing in the right spirit and for completing what, for some, was a gruelling course. As ever, the off games pupils proved to be very helpful timekeepers and marshals. Lastly, a massive thank you to all the staff involved which allowed the event to proceed very smoothly.

CMS

The Manor

Cross-Country Competition

Elstree struck gold twice at The Manor, Abingdon Cross-Country competition! Not only did George Blakelock and Akinniran Akinola win their races, but the Elstree boys’ team won the overall competition – well done everyone, fantastic results!

Seven cross-country teams from Elstree set off for The Manor, Abingdon, there were eighteen schools present at this beautifully organised event including The Dragon, Summer Fields, The Abbey, Magdalen, Oxford High, Cothill, Cranford School, Abingdon Prep, Warwick Prep, St Hugh’s and St Gabriel’s.

First off were the Year 3 boys. In a field of about 50 runners, special mention must be made of Rex Ruddick who finished in 5th place, very closely followed by captain William Yarrow in 6th place. Richard Ajia was 8th. In the girls’ race, captain Rosie Shaw finished in a very respectable 9th place.

The Year 4 boys’ race was won by captain George Blakelock. Judging by the determined look on his face, no one was going to beat him! Miles Gordon-Smith completed the course in 8th position with Oscar SydneySmith in 10th place. In the girls’ race captain Aggie Foulds finished in a fantastic 6th position.

The Year 5 boys’ race was won by Akinniran Akinola. Watching him run was like watching a future pro. Every step was commanding and powerful. William Cropper finished in 7th place and captain William Hedley in 9th place. In the girls’ race captain Honour Yarrow was 5th.

In the Year 6 boys’ race captain Tristan Anderson Wheeler finished in a very respectable 8th place with James Fane coming 10th.

Well done to all the runners for putting in such a valiant effort. I have never been prouder of Elstree runners. Every runner deserves a mention so here is a complete list of all the wonderful teams:

Year 3/Under 8 Girls

Rosie Shaw (Capt)

Sophie Nicholls

Charlotte Rose

Christabel Ridley-Day

Hermione Bond

Sophia Hop de Chillaz

Year 3/Under 8 Boys

William Yarrow (Capt)

Jasper Turner

Richard Ajia

Zac Champkin

Rex Ruddick

Albie Williams

Year 4/Under 9 Girls

Aggie Foulds(Capt)

Amber Gearing

Felicita Burnett

Laurie Hooper

Caragh Smales

Year 4/Under 9 Boys

George Blakelock (Capt)

Charlie Anderson Wheeler

Miles Gordon-Smith

Oscar Sydney-Smith

Oliver Eldridge

George Corbett

Year 5/Under 10 Girls

Honour Yarrow (Capt)

Sophie Singh

Olivia Gaskell

Katerina Marianos

Megan Roberts

Annabelle De Souza

Year 5/Under 10 Boys

William Hedley (Capt)

Akinniran Akinola

Jonty Ridley-Day

William Cropper

Felix Brims

Year 6/Under 11 Boys

Tristan Anderson Wheeler (Capt)

James Fane

Inigo Barker

Jack Sanford

Sam Norris

Charlie Utley

CMS

Tennis Seniors

Played 5 Won 4

Lost 1

The senior tennis team have had a very successful season, winning four out of their five matches. The ten boys and one girl, who have represented Elstree in the U13 tennis team, have shown great depth of talent. Demonstrating both resilience and sportsmanship, the team maintained their composure under pressure, leading to a series of impressive victories throughout the season. Despite facing a formidable and highly skilled opponent, the team demonstrated remarkable tenacity against Summer Fields, battling hard to the end. Overall, the team spirit in tennis matches is palpable as our players have encouraged one another through every rally, celebrating each point won and providing unwavering support during the challenging moments, especially in our match against Ludgrove. This was the first time, in many years, that we have managed to come out victorious!

It has been heartening to see the Elstree children playing tennis on Bates every day during break. In parallel to the normal weekly Games and matches, we also run five tennis tournaments, throughout the summer term, for the seniors. The tennis here at Elstree has never been so strong. After a nail-biter final, Jack Hedley managed to successfully win the Senior Singles Tennis Tournament, winning 6-2, 7-5. Archie Hindley and Freddie James were the triumphant Senior Doubles champions, winning 7-5.

Overall, it has been a great pleasure to take the Senior Tennis team led by our captain, Sophie Payne. They have behaved impeccably both on and off court and made Elstree proud.

CLP

Juniors

Played 7 Won 6 Lost 1

What a privilege and pleasure it has been to take the U11 tennis.

There was so much talent and such enthusiasm amongst this age group; they sought out opportunities to play during 2nd break, during lunch, during games lessons and whilst boarding. The fairest system which encouraged lots of game play was the U11 ladder, and from this the team list was selected. We had a very successful season, only losing one match against Summer Fields who unfortunately had a handful of county players - even if some of them were in Year 4!

We had close fixtures against Cothill, St Andrew’s and Crosfields, all of which went our way. Congratulations to Harry Crocker and Henry Britton, our 1st pair who were instrumental in securing some of those victories.

We were able to field an U11 and U10 team against Cothill, and while we won both 5-4, there was a moment, with one round to go, where it looked like we were going to win one and lose one - but everyone played their part to secure the win! It was a fantastic afternoon, topped off by listening to the England game on the way home!

Congratulations to all those who played for the U11s and U10s - keep playing lots of tennis.

JCJ

Athletics

Despite the rather unseasonal weather, every child in the school has been able to participate in all of their athletic sessions during games. During these sessions the children have been coached how to sprint, jump and throw correctly. As a result of this, the children’s personal bests (PBs) improved throughout the term. The determination of the children to improve their PBs resulted in some fine performances.

The Caldicott meeting took place at the start of May, where once again those in the team gave their all. Later in the term a team consisting of boys from Years 5 & 6 attended the Radley School Meeting. The result of this meeting was a very commendable 4th place. It was also good to catch up with Old Boys Oscar and Luca Hargreave, Arthur Ward and Toby Cook who took the time to come and say hello.

This year we attended the Mercia Area Championships in Stourport-on-Severn, where a team of twenty four, the

largest team we have sent to the Areas, competed in events for boys and girls from Years 6, 7 and 8. There were some fine performances by everybody in the team, some taking part for the first time at such a large meeting, but special mention needs to go to Joshua Singelton who qualified for the Nationals in 100m and high jump, Mofe Adeyinka in the triple jump, Freddie Carlbom in the 100m and Arabella Pannell in the high jump. This, I believe, is the first time Elstree has had four athletes representing the school at the National Championships.

The 50th National Prep Schools Athletic Championships were held at the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham (where the Commonwealth Games were held in 2022). All four athletes performed tremendously well, with Joshua winning a bronze medal in the high jump and Mofe also winning a bronze in the triple jump. A fantastic performance by both of them for which they should be very proud of.

Sports Day was a great success with Years 3 and 4 holding their own event on the Friday. In the Junior Sports Day, a piece of history was made, when the first all-girls race was held. Girls were able to compete in their own races across all events at both sports days. The scores from the Junior Sports Day and inter house relay were carried over to the Years 5-8 Sports Day on the Saturday. Due to time constraints the tug-of-war was not concluded but the result would not have made any difference to the overall result which saw North came out as overall winners. All Sports Day medallists, Victor & Victrix Ludorum winners, second and third place winners and their performances, can be seen later in Salvo. PNS

Seniors

Juniors with Senior Captain, Mofe Adeyinka

Swimming

We had a record number of pupils volunteering to join the Swim Squad training sessions this term. The sessions grew progressively warmer as the term unfolded and had a focus on building stamina, improving strokes, practising diving and tumble turns. We enjoyed afternoon Galas against Horris Hill and St Andrew’s in glorious sunshine as well as House Galas and Swimming Finals.

The Years 3 & 4 House Gala was a lovely afternoon which saw all the pupils involved in a race for points for their Houses; East were victorious. However, North managed to win both the Years 5 & 6 and the Years 7 & 8 House Galas. I would like to thank our Captain, Clement Chow for leading his team with commitment to all events. All Elstree swimmers have had high spirits throughout the season and have always supported and cheered each other on during competitions. There were notable performances throughout the season from Charles Chen, Arabella Pannell, Alethea Whittall, Dariya Maximova, Alice Fawcett and Caragh Smales.

EGG

“I have enjoyed doing more swimming this term and being part of the swimming team. I’m especially proud of myself when I stepped in to swim the Individual Medley against St Andrew’s.”

Dariya Maximova, 7EGG

“I have enjoyed the competitive element of swimming this term.”

Alethea Whittall, 7EGG

“I’ve enjoyed doing so much swimming this term and I’ve especially enjoyed doing Individual Medleys which I never would have done last year!”

Alice Fawcett, 6EC

“I really loved the House Swimming Gala, especially the medley relays which I hadn’t done before.”

Isobel Clark, 6CLP

Clement Chow competing at the Hampshire County ASA Championships

Riding

The Elstree Show Jumping team have had another successful year.

Gaby Caloia (Year 5) riding Fireman Sam and Felicita Burnett (Year 4) riding Blue Treasure, represented Elstree at the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) series of grass roots competitions.

The first competition was in April, where Gaby jumped a lovely clear in the warm up 50cm class and then both Felicita & Gaby jumped fast clears in the 60cm class to come 8th and 12th respectively out of over 50 riders. Felicita then went on to contest the 70cm class - she was the trailblazer jumping first and therefore not able to watch anyone ahead of her. She jumped a fast clear, leading for much of the class, but eventually coming 5th, three seconds from the winner. This top six placing also earned her qualification to the NSEA championships at Hickstead in August.

More recently, Felicita competed in May. She rode a textbook clear to come 5th in a competitive 70cm class and then she stepped up in height to jump 75cm for the first time in the main arena at Rectory Farm, Cirencester. She had an unfortunate run out but gained lots of experience and really enjoyed the atmosphere.

It is an exciting time with lots of young riders coming through from Pre-Prep and next year we are aiming to have a grassroots team jumping 40cm as well as Gaby, Felicita and some older riders competing over the bigger courses.

Gaby & Felicita have been supported so well at competitions by all their Elstree friends this year.

Thank you!

Golf

Elstree was delighted to compete in the annual Prep School’s Golf tournament at Bradfield College Golf Club. The format was slightly different this year, with only one pupil from each age group playing instead of two. Our captain of Golf, Wilf Foulds was our U13 player and Ollie Cook, our U11 player.

It was a cloudy, but dry afternoon and the course was in excellent condition, although the rough was very long and boys were advised beforehand to keep out of it as much as possible. There were eight schools taking part this year – Bishopsgate, St Andrew’s, Pinewood, Thorngrove, Wellesley, Woodcote House, Amesbury and Elstree.

Wilf and Ollie played well against some tough opposition. Their golfing skills, particularly their driving, were hugely impressive and I really hope both these boys will continue with their golf in the future as they are very talented for their age. Not only that, but both Wilf and Ollie were excellent company and very good ambassadors for the school. I was very proud of the way they conducted themselves both on and off the course.

The standard of play from all the those playing was particularly high and the boys from Woodcote School were the overall winners of the tournament this year.

I would like to thank Bradfield College for hosting such a fun competition and for providing everyone with a delicious tea afterwards.

CMK

Cricket

1st XI

The 1st XI have enjoyed a fantastic season this term and I want to start by thanking them all for their hard work, good humour and dedication to their School from start to finish. Pavilion became something of a fortress over the course of the season and, other than a close loss to Ludgrove, we managed to win all our matches at home. The season began with a comfortable victory over St Andrew’s and there were already indications that this team had real potential to play an exciting and attacking brand of cricket. Excellent victories over Farleigh and Cothill were interspersed by an agonisingly tight loss to Summer Fields in what was probably the game of the season.

Convincing wins against Pilgrims and Crosfields proved to be strong indicators of how much this team had progressed since the beginning of the season. I always think that you can tell a lot from how a team fields and we were often able to create strong pressure on opposition sides through energetic fielding, tight bowling and plenty of team encouragement.

The season finished with the annual Berkshire Bash, this year hosted at Cheam and a great way for the children to end a fantastic season. They should be proud of their achievements but also, and more importantly, what brilliant company they have been to Mr Champkin and myself.

I would like to thank Harry Clothier and Wilf Foulds for their brilliant leadership and all the parents for their unrivalled support from the boundary edge. I wish all the Leavers the very best of luck with their cricket in the future. Please do keep us updated as to how you are getting on.

JCM

Played 7

Played 8 Won 4

It has been a hugely enjoyable and successful season for this group. The team adhered to the key themes of collaboration and support and each player looked to improve their skills and support others to achieve overall success.

Through the team, Harry Anderson, Lachie McGeoch and Leo Raphael led the batting unit from the front, with 100 partnerships and so many nearly-fifties. Then came the allrounders: Freddie James and Archie Campbell Slight chipping in with useful runs, but also being key contributors with the ball, taking wickets and catches at crucial times. Oli Duffield became a really reliable Keeper who grew confidently through the season, taking some ‘proper’ catches behind the stumps. The main bowling group of Kitty Butler, Harry Goodbourn, Seb Black and Hugo Cropper could be relied upon to collect the majority of the wickets and all returned match winning figures at times through the season. However, all of this needed juggling, encouraging, leading and congratulating and Sophie Payne, as Captain, was at the forefront of this. She always put the Team’s success ahead of her own.

The results thus followed with wins against Summer Fields, Ludgrove, Pilgrims and St Andrew’s. The most astonishing game was against Cothill, that despite looking like losing it, the team clawed themselves back into contention with great fielding and the final Cothill wicket was taken with the scores level! Well done one and all and good luck to those moving on.

TDW

Drawn 0 Lost 4

The Elstree 3rd XI season was a blend of excitement and development. Against St Andrew’s, Alfie Burles and Otis Pearey set the pace with scores in the high teens, while Freddie quickened things up with a brisk 34 off 26 balls. With extras contributing a generous 75, Elstree posted a solid 166. Dew Sakamoto led the bowling attack, nearly snagging a hat-trick, and the team wrapped up the opposition for 107, despite a few dropped catches. The energy on the field was infectious, setting a positive tone for the season and plenty to work on.

In a thrilling match against Summer Fields, Elstree clinched victory by a mere 2 runs. Seb Fowler won his first toss, signalling good fortune. Burles, Pearey and Fowler steadily accumulated runs, bringing the total to a respectable 119. The game turned dramatically in the final over with Julian Foxon maintaining his composure under pressure. The fielders, strategically placed on the boundary, ensured no late surprises, much to the delight of our supporters.

In the encounter with Cothill, Elstree was put into the field first, allowing 121 runs. The opening batsmen fell quickly, but the middle order showed resilience, keeping the score ticking over. Though Elstree was ahead of the required rate initially, they ultimately lacked the firepower to chase the target. This game highlighted the team’s growth, showing that what could have been a walkover weeks ago was now a competitive match.

The match against Pilgrims showcased a superb professional effort from Elstree. The bowling unit kept things tight, limiting the opposition to 74 runs. Alfie batted brilliantly, retiring on 25, while Seb added 21, including a memorable attempt at a Dilshan scoop. Arabella Pannell provided solid support and Kate Oliver confidently saw the team over the line, securing a comfortable win.

In the grand finale against Crosfields, Elstree put on a spectacular performance amassing 171 runs in just 16 overs. Josh Singleton shone with a fifty, and Dew dazzled with a five-wicket haul. Otis, always entertaining, flirted with a hattrick twice and added 48 runs. The opposition crumbled for a mere 19 runs ensuring a triumphant end to the season. The team’s camaraderie and improvement throughout the season were evident, well done for all their efforts. FAW

5th XI

Played 6 Won 2

Drawn 0

Lost 4

It has been such a good but challenging lesson for the 4th team players this season. In short, we were not good enough in all aspects of our game: batting, bowling and fielding, to compete with opposing sides. They put us under constant pressure by either batting or bowling much better than us, which then caused us to struggle in defence of our position, again with both our bowling and batting. With memorable exceptions like Toby Bi’s outstanding onehanded catch against Summer Fields, we were also not able to contain them with our fielding. It sounds like doom and gloom, but it is not easy to keep struggling in matches when defeat seems almost inevitable.

It would therefore not be surprising to see this attitude affecting our practice sessions negatively. However, by and large, we have come to realise that the harder we try to improve our skills, the more positive effect we can have in a match. In our final game of the term against Crosfields, we faced an opposition target of 97 runs from 15 overs, which was 22 more than our highest total of the term. Tom Utley’s spirited 22 gave us a chance, but at 39 for 3 after 7 overs, the challenge was 59 runs from 8 overs.

Edison Brown, in his highly exuberant way (and constant recalculating of the target after every ball) and James Marshall played with great composure and with some excellent shots managed to win the game at 100 for 3 with 3 balls to spare to the delight of their team-mates and coach. Edison scored 35* and James 23* in an unbroken stand of 61 runs. Importantly, those two now know they can bat well rather than hope they might.

JRB

The 5th XI have enjoyed a happy and successful season. The team was established in the first couple of weeks of term and worked hard on their bowling, batting and fielding skills throughout. Positive results are nice to get, but results are not the be-all and end-all. Enjoyment, participation and a good grounding in the basic techniques are more vital.

We started the season with two confident victories against St Andrew’s and Papplewick with runs aplenty from Jack Li and Sat Li. We came up against tougher opposition in our next matches against Ludgrove, Farleigh, Summer Fields and Cothill. We bowled well in these matches with plenty of wickets coming from the likes of Bobby Blackwell, Valentina Ridley-Day and Kevin Hu. However, we struggled to score runs and didn’t always take our chances when presented to us. The pick of the batsmen were Ethan Lockhart, Willem Loader and towards the end the season Mide Sonuga.

This team were good fun and rewarding to coach and keen to improve. They will have learned a good deal this season. As always, we were supported by a loyal bunch of supporters from the sidelines.

SCA

6th XI

Played 4 Won 3

As the cricket season draws to an end and we reflect on the performances of our 6th cricket team we can be proud of their achievements. The 6ths have trained on Mondays and Thursdays this term working on their skills in training and playing in the Elstree Premier League (EPL) games. They have exceeded expectations by winning 3 out of their 4 school matches and demonstrated plenty of progress showing determination to improve.

The season started with a narrow victory against Ludgrove, where our batting line-up laid a solid foundation for success. In the field, the team showed sharpness and good fielding positions, with Dariya Maximova putting in a great performance behind the stumps as wicket-keeper and then bowled the last two overs taking a crucial wicket. Another highlight was also Maisie Brown’s bowling: offering her coaching expertise to the opposition batsmen whilst bowling at them!

In the second match against Farleigh, Mr Inglis and the team headed off down the A303 for the long ‘far away Farleigh’ road trip. Although we faced a tough opponent and suffered our only defeat in a high scoring game, the team showed resilience. A strong batting performance from Mide Sonuga, demonstrating good footwork and playing with a straight bat, held things together. It also showed that the format of hardball pairs, as used in the EPL, is a better option for this level of cricket as opposed to normal 20 overs-a-side which doesn’t give a second chance to the batters.

The third match saw an exciting win against Summer Fields 8ths where our bowlers shone through, with Mila Tryon taking a wicket and a catch restricting the opposition’s total. Our batsmen displayed maturity and composure, achieving a 2 run victory in an exciting finish.

This confidence gained by the team after the previous matches was evident in the final match against Cothill, where a spirited all-round performance led to a 27 run win. Eva Lockhart took 3 wickets and Mila Tryon and Tilly Lloyd took 2 wickets each. Then some impressive batting from Bella Tryon and Eva Lockhart set a strong platform at the start of the innings followed by some exciting batting from Kweji Sameke and Dariya Maximova to confidently bring the team home.

Well done to all involved with the 6ths this season and also to the coaches and supporters for a memorable and successful season.

Played 9 Won 4

Drawn 1 Lost 3 Cancelled 1

If a season was judged by results alone, it could be argued that the U11A season was a slight disappointment. However, there was lots to be proud of. Two games went down to the last over, a thrilling win at Pilgrims and an equally entertaining tie in the sunshine (a rarity this summer) at Elstree against Lambrook. After half term the team went unbeaten, which is testament to the work they put in and the improvement made in ‘game management’.

All of whom had their moments and look to play in a positive manner. Cook and Crocker’s opening partnership against Lambrook was superb and laid the platform for a competitive total. The middle order was powered by Jasper Vere Nicoll, Charlie Rash and the Captain and his Vice, Sam Norris and Jack Sanford. At times these two played like a couple of seasoned pros. They rotated the strike well, hit the bad ball to the boundary and put a high price on their wicket. This is a slightly antiquated view in the days of switch hitting and strike rates of 200, but is still invaluable.

I always felt that the bowling was stronger than the batting and that is how it played out. Harry Crocker bowled fast, Charlie Utley swung it away, we had two useful spinners in Jack Sandford and Henry Britton. James Fane bowled accurately, Henry Britton took important wickets, Ollie Cook generated bounce and speed and Sam Norris kept it tight with swing and pace. This is a team with many genuine

Four players tried their hand at opening the batting; Charlie Rash, Ferdy Dugdale, Harry Crocker and Ollie Cook.

all-rounders and bodes well for the next couple of seasons at the top end of the school.

Catches were held and dropped, run outs were executed and missed but most importantly – the boys approached the game with a sense of fun and unity. My thanks to them all for a very enjoyable and successful season.

SJV

U11B

Played 10 Won 5

Drawn 0 Lost 5

This was a very pleasing term considering its frosty and shaky beginnings. Despite a peppering of St Andrew’s in what was really a mismatch, we faced two formidable sides in Papplewick and Ludgrove who gave us the same treatment, defeats by 9 wickets and 136 runs respectively. Beautifully, this led to a good range of results over the rest of the term with a win over Kent College (on tour) by 14 runs, a defeat by Farleigh by 43 runs, an emphatic demolition of Summer Fields by 10 wickets, a tighterthan-it-sounded loss at Cothill by 5 wickets, a perfect performance against Pilgrims with a win by 41 runs (and five wickets for Wilf Ward), a loss to Lambrook by 1 run which could have gone either way, and a closing, winning mismatch with Crosfields.

Particular ‘well dones’ go to Charles McAdam who captained the most games in this, his first cricket season, Tristan Anderson Wheeler for the term’s top score of 27 runs, Ethan Thiemart for topping the bowling statistics, George Zhou’s excellent ‘keeping’, and the whole team for their wild celebrations on Wilf’s last wicket. Well done everyone!

AJP

U11C

Played 6 Won 1

Drawn 0 Lost 5

The U11C cricket team had a challenging yet rewarding season, playing matches against Ludgrove, Kent College, Farleigh, Summer Fields, Cothill, Pilgrims and Lambrook. Despite losing most of their matches, the team demonstrated significant growth and cohesion, culminating in a memorable victory against Pilgrims. The season began with tough losses to Ludgrove and Kent College, where the team showed promise and improved technique with their batting and bowling. Facing Farleigh and Summer Fields, the team displayed better batting techniques and fielding, despite the defeats. Progress in teamwork and strategy was evident against Cothill, though they were unable to secure a win. The standout moment of the season was a thrilling 2-run victory against Pilgrims, showcasing their hard work and synergy. The final match against Lambrook ended in a loss, but the team exhibited their best fielding and fighting spirit.

ELB

U10A

Played 7 Won 6

Drawn 0 Lost 1

The Under 10A team were a true joy to coach. Their constant energy, good company and generally affable natures were only exceeded by their skill and determination. Wins against Cothill, Pilgrims, St Andrew’s and Lambrook were relativity light work but the exciting victory at Ludgrove, having been 6 for 3, and only defending 62 will go down in folklore. The rain saved Papplewick who were 9 down and chasing hundreds. Special mentions to the captain, Charlie Pannell and the all-round sensations: Reuben Ruddick and William Hedley. A real depth in talent was demonstrated each week and Alfie Steward’s hattrick at Lambrook is a personal highlight. I look forward to hearing of their future successes; a talented group. More importantly, a proper Elstree team: polite, determined and generally top characters.

LJO

U10B

Played 8 Won 3

Drawn 0 Lost 5

Throughout the cricket season, the U10Bs worked tremendously hard and put in a fantastic effort to improve their all-around cricket skills. Training was approached with enthusiasm and a determination to really learn and improve their game. This was done in the nets and in the ‘middle’ and then transferred onto the cricket field against some competitive teams.

Starting the season with two home games against Ludgrove and Papplewick, we came a close second to two cricketing sides that were experienced and well prepared. The next match, away against Farleigh, was played on a small pitch which we took advantage of quite well before losing closely. Megan Roberts batted fantastically and Zac Chabva bowled superbly. Next, away at Summer Fields, was always going to be our toughest match. We bowled adequately against some strong batters however the team couldn’t keep up with the run rate when batting. The next few training sessions saw the focus lean heavily towards batting technique. On Farmyard against Cothill, Tom Marshall starred when batting and the team posted an admirable score for the opposition to chase down. Despite key wickets from Lance Kneeshaw and Honour Yarrow, we couldn’t escape with a win. Another home match against Pilgrims in a pairs format saw dominant batting performances from Tom Marshall, Timi Sonuga, Honour Yarrow and Harriet Burnett as we secured our first win of the season. Our final away match against Lambrook was another pairs format match, where Zac Chabva and Ned Rollo hit the ball powerfully scoring boundaries while Tom

Marshall took 3 wickets to bring another victory. Finally, our last game of the season against Crosfields was an excellent way to end a fantastic season as George Rollo took 4 wickets, while Tom Marshall scored 27 and Megan Roberts hit 31 runs.

Thanks for an enjoyable and successful season, you have all made this season fun and competitive and I wish you all the very best in your future cricketing journeys.

U10C

A season highlight was our win against Lambrook, with Harry Pan, Grace Zhou, Kingsley Cui, George Grodnev, Olivia Gaskell and Matteo Bonavita all taking at least one wicket in their bowling spells. While all were new to the game, Kingsley, Matteo, Jessica Si and Sally Zhen must all receive special mention for such rapid progress this season.

Sophie Singh, Annabelle De Souza, Iris Yao, and Katerina Marianos have been brilliant all-rounders, communicating with the team and trying their hardest in every match. Raef Salvesen is a rarity in his ability to bowl ambidextrously, keeping the batsman on his toes. Both Felix Brims and Nico Yannaghas have been terrific company this season. Not only for improving in all aspects of their game but also for providing much entertainment and for their gentlemenlike sportsmanship.

Out of the two losses and three wins they have shared this season, the most notable match was the final one against Crosfields. This was the team’s highest score (72 runs), winning by 47 runs. As their coach, the highlight of my season was a one-handed catch taken by Olivia Gaskell, behind the stumps in this match. Well done to all players, they can be very proud of the progress made this season.

RAB

U9A

Played 7 Won 4

Drawn 0 Lost 3

The U10C cricket team has had a fun-filled and educational season. This young team showed remarkable enthusiasm, spirit and a love for the game. Playing a total of 5 softball pairs matches, they showed remarkable improvement in their cricketing ability as the season progressed, leading to three consecutive wins to end the season. The team was chosen from a squad of players, each taking it in turn to play the various matches. Sean Chen has been our highest wicket-taker this season, with great pace and consistency in his bowling. There have been fielding improvements by all of the players but special mention goes to Georgina Foulkes and Raphaella Courage-Simond, who have both stopped several boundaries this season, perfecting their long barriers.

The Elstree U9A cricket team of Summer 2024 showed remarkable growth and cohesion, demonstrating significant improvement in their skills and teamwork. They started strong with wins against Papplewick and Crosfields, both by 10 wickets, showcasing their enhanced bowling and strategic batting. Despite losses to Ludgrove, Summer Fields, and Pilgrims, the team displayed resilience and learning in each match. Notably, they rebounded with emphatic victories over The Oratory Prep and St Andrew’s, both again by 10 wickets, highlighting their adaptability and unity. The season emphasized their development in shot selection, field positioning, and effective communication, laying a solid foundation for future success. Well done from Mr Parks, Mr Edwards and Mr Morris.

AEP

U9C

Played 4

After a bitterly chilly Lent Term the U9Bs were very much looking forward to getting stuck into their cricket. The season ended up being slightly more disjointed than we had expected due to poor weather, with three matches being cancelled before a ball was even bowled.

When the children were able to get out and demonstrate their ability however, they enjoyed a very competitive season against some tricky opponents. With their fair share of wins, the U9Bs have been a superb group of children to coach, always striving to improve yet never taking themselves too seriously, and never losing the love of being outside and active with their friends in the process.

They brought home victories against Papplewick, Crosfields, The Oratory Prep and St Andrew’s with some excellent performances in these matches. A very impressive all-round Elstree performance against The Oratory on Lower in the baking afternoon sun, was my personal highlight. Our season also threw us many challenges, some impressive wickets against a strong Summer Fields side were not enough to halt their rapid progress in a match that saw us well beaten in the end.

Looking back, each child had such an important part to play in the overall success and enjoyment of this season, and everyone should be proud of themselves and the excellent progress they have all made this year, I hope that the children enjoyed it as much as I did.

Well done U9Bs!

The U9C cricket team had a great season, playing four matches with a record of two losses, one win, and one draw. The team faced strong opponents and showed remarkable progress in their cricketing skills throughout the season.

The season began with challenging matches against Ludgrove and Crosfields, both resulting in losses. Despite these setbacks, the team’s hard work on their basic cricket skills started to shine through.

In their third match, the U9C team secured a welldeserved victory against Summer Fields, showcasing their improved techniques and teamwork. The final match of the season was a hard-fought draw with Pilgrims, demonstrating the team’s resilience and continuous improvement.

ELB

U8A

Played 4 Won 4

Drawn 0 Lost 0

As the summer term comes to a close, we can take pride in reflecting on the U8A team’s first cricket season at Elstree. This season has been full of dedication, hard work, and passion exhibited by the players, culminating in match performances that at times have exceeded expectations. The improvement in all of the players has been great to see with noticeable progress in their batting techniques, bowling accuracy and fielding agility. Our young cricketers have developed a keen understanding of pairs cricket and the game’s fundamentals including fielding positions.

A few standout moments deserve a special mention. From the very first match against Thorngrove, the team showcased an impressive blend of enthusiasm and growing skill. The game was marked by some promising batting performances, some tight bowling and some spirited fielding, laying a solid foundation for an impressive 38 run win. The game against Crosfields was both very exciting and a great team performance. Our bowlers demonstrated control conceding fewer wides and no balls than the opposition. Our batsmen set a strong foundation at the top allowing some of our later batting pairs to come in and play some expansive attacking shots to win the game by 10 runs. The fielding was also impressive thanks to players maintaining a good focus, holding their positions and demonstrating some accurate throwing.

The inaugural U8 6-a-side cricket festival was a real success, hosting four other schools and both the Elstree Eagles and Elstree Energy teams played some fantastic cricket. With convincing wins over St Andrew’s and St. Neot’s and a very close and exciting game against Wellesley Prep, the Eagles won all three of their games.

The season has been a great learning experience for the U8A team and they have been a fantastic group to coach. The team spirit and camaraderie has been evident, with players supporting each other through highs and lows, offering encouragement to each other especially to the bowlers when it is their turn to bowl. Their performance and improvement has set a high standard for the coming years. We look forward to witnessing more exciting cricket and continued development in the future. Well done!

BJC

Played 5 Won 2

Drawn 1 Lost 2

Throughout the cricket season, the U8Bs worked tremendously hard and put in a fantastic effort to improve their all-around cricket skills. Training was approached with enthusiasm to really learn and improve their game, which was evident in their success against some skilled opposition, seeing the team bat and bowl with confidence.

Richard Ajia and Raffy Addington’s energy were shown as they were both often seen being highly active on the field, chasing the ball down to limit the opposition’s runs, while also being quite handy with the bat, striking the ball hard enough to hit the boundary. Bruce Blackwell and Tom Lloyd-Harris were great leaders for the team, holding us together to secure a few wins as they bowled consistently well in most games while being aware fielders and batters. Furthermore, Oberon Dugdale really shone with his bowling this season as he would often cause opposition batters to struggle against his lightning quick pace, while Jojo Sandwith had progressed and improved very well as she often bowled on the stumps and was a great leader in the field stopping quite a few powerful shots that came her way. Moreover, Safiya Francis was seen as a highly reliable batter and bowler who was always a threat whether she was batting or bowling. Charlotte Rose, who improved her bowling skills, also gained a few wickets and scored some runs. Finally, Christabel Ridley-Day had an amazing season; starting as a steady cricketer she gained much confidence and became a real handful for the opposition to deal with, while Leo Bond also grew in confidence and enjoyed learning the game, improving with bat and ball.

Thank you for an amazing and highly successful season and the best of luck to you in your future cricket endeavors.

The U8C team has made remarkable progress this term.

Their bowling has significantly improved and by the end of the season, we saw a noticeable reduction in wides and no-balls. This is a testament to the hard work the boys and girls have put into honing this skill.

The season started with two narrow losses to strong Crosfields and Pilgrims teams. However, as the team gained more match experience, their tactical understanding grew. When batting, they began to find spaces in the field, hitting the ball into gaps and scoring more runs. Their fielding also became more energetic and urgent.

The season concluded with a decisive win at The Oratory Prep. The team scored freely, with boundaries coming frequently, and they hit their first six of the season. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate for our final game, which had to be cancelled. Well done to each and every member of the team for working so hard this season!

KJS

House Cricket winners Yrs 5-6 North

Yrs 5 & 6 Cricket at Marlborough

Junior Sports Day

Years 3 and 4 held their own Sports Day the day before the Years 5-8 Sports Day. The finishing straight was lined with parents, grandparents and siblings from higher up the school, supporting their children, grandchildren or younger brother or sister. Sports Day is the culmination of the athletics season and all competitors were keen to put in some fine performances, not only for themselves but for their House. The first event of the afternoon was an historical one as it was the first girls only race to be held at any Sports Day. This year, girls were able to compete in their own events, which was great to see. All events were keenly fought with appreciation coming for those who came first or those who didn’t quite manage to but still earnt valuable points for their House. Medals were handed out by Mr Inglis throughout the afternoon to some worthy winners as well as some Cups being presented at the end of certain events. Before the Cups were handed out, the children in Years 3 and 4 competed in their own ‘Inter House Relay’, which required careful passing of the baton to the next runner. The results of this and the points from all the other events were carried over to the Year 5-8 Sports Day. It was a great afternoon, with many great performances, held in perfect weather and a lovely atmosphere. Details of all event winners can be found later in Salvo.

PNS

Senior Sports Day 2024

Headmaster’s Speech

“ Mr Inglis, there is such an energetic, positive feel to the school. The pupils are open, communicative and full of spirit.”

“Everyone is so polite and welcoming. There really does seem to be a genuine sense of family and community.”

And from a current parent:

“I love Elstree’s ambition but really appreciate its ability to remain down-to-earth. I think you and the school should be very proud of what you do.”

Olivia and I have the pleasure of showing round multiple visitors to Elstree, whether they are prospective parents, former pupils and their families or potential new staff members, and we are proud to do so. We delight in the positive messages we receive from parents and also visitors when they kindly write to us to thank us and when they give their thoughts on the school.

And this from someone who came for an interview earlier this term:

“I was sold the moment I walked through the door and was greeted on four separate occasions by children who asked me if I was being looked after.”

I will leave you to guess whether that individual got the job or not!

Chairman of Governors, ladies and gentlemen, guests, families, boys and girls. Welcome to our Sports Day 2024. It is a great pleasure to stand here as we celebrate and reflect on the year that has passed. I am hugely grateful to Beccy Robinson and Clare Payne for being here this afternoon as the mums of our Head Boy Monty and Head Girl Sophie. Thank you.

Today also gives me the opportunity to congratulate and reward our current group of outstanding Year 8s as they come to end of their time at the school. Some have been here since the Nursery – over 11 years – and others for a shorter time but each and every one of them, in their own way, has made an impact on the happiness and the success of the school.

I don’t know about you but I am very excited about England’s chances in the Euros – the team’s success could, in many ways, determine the mood of the nation. Despite the rather lacklustre performance against Denmark on Thursday evening, we still hold out hope for the team. The England Manager, Gareth Southgate, is admired hugely for his leadership skills, his good sense, his tactical awareness and his player management – all qualities that a new Prime Minister should embody but I am sure that he will be happier leading out the England football team than running the country at the moment. I had the privilege of listening to

the Gaffer Gareth speak at a conference and today I will use some of his quotes to develop a theme to my words to you this afternoon.

The first quote from Gareth reads as follows:

“First and foremost, I love the job I’m in. I’m proud to be England manager.”

Well, I love being the Headmaster at Elstree and I’m very proud of everything that the children and the school in general have achieved this year.

Gareth goes on:

“In a team, you need players who are technically good and can perform under pressure.”

I am fortunate to have an outstanding team and I would like to pay tribute to the wonderful staff who support me and work so hard to give the children the best possible education that we can provide. People are sometimes kind and congratulate me for a marvellous concert or a brilliant play; a wonderful art display or a fantastic sporting victory, or stunning grounds and gardens but it should certainly not be me who is being congratulated; it is the dedicated team of staff who enable it all to happen.

I am delighted that 20 staff members and four Governors are coming together for our Beacons of Light Challenge in August and I want to thank you for your tremendous support for the Challenge – we have currently raised a magnificent £7,000 for the Charlie Waller Trust which, as

you know, is a charity very close to our hearts here at Elstree.

Whether it is the grounds team and cleaners, the kitchen or maintenance teams, the teaching staff, the gappers, the brilliant ladies in the office, the boarding team, they all play their part in the success of Elstree. I am hugely grateful for their hard work and commitment to the school. I am particularly well supported by Mr Attwood, my senior Deputy Head, Tom Wyatt, Luke Owens and Sarah Attwood as my senior management team, together with Will Aird, our Director of Finance & Operations, and Daisy Robertson as Head of the Pre-Prep. I feel very fortunate to have such an excellent senior team. I must also thank Olivia for the amazing way that she leads the school with me and supports me with everything. We have an on-going battle with our French and Latin sets, the make-up of which is very similar. Needless to say, she won again with her French set scoring A*s and As in Common Entrance. She is filled with such positivity and optimism, and I know that you too appreciate all that she does for the school.

Gareth continues:

“My job is to allow people to dream. Make the impossible seem possible.”

We hope this wonderful group of Year 8s have been allowed to dream and what might have seemed impossible a few years ago has finally come to fruition. Hard work has paid off. They have accumulated a record-equalling haul of scholarships– 13 in total – across all disciplines and I want to congratulate them all on their successes in school alphabetical order:

Kitty Butler Drama Scholarship to Canford

Jack Li Academic Scholarship to Charterhouse

Maisie Brown Academic Exhibition to Downe House

Kate Oliver Drama Scholarship to Downe House

Sophie Payne Sport Scholarship to Downe House

Matilda Lloyd Art Scholarship to Downe House

Henry Dalton DT Scholarship to Marlborough College

Wilf Foulds Sport Scholarship to Marlborough College

Freddie Carlbom Sport Scholarship to Marlborough College

Alexander Wu Academic Scholarship to Radley College

Tom Utley Drama Exhibition to Radley College

James Morris-Weston Music Scholarship to Winchester College

Harry Clothier Sport Exhibition to Winchester College

In addition, I had the pleasure of giving out the results to Common Entrance classes on their return from their Leavers’ trip at the end of last week. They achieved some outstanding results with several gaining A*s, As and Bs in their different subjects. Special mention to Seb Buck for his 6 As, Tilly Lloyd for her 3 A*s and 6As, Wilf Foulds for his 7 As, April Ouyang for her 2 A*s and 5 As, Hector Crosthwaite for his 7 As and 5 Bs, Toby Walker for his 2 A*s and 5 As, Henry Dalton for his 7As. It’s also important that

I acknowledge those boys and girls who have found certain subjects difficult and who still achieved some amazing results.

These children combine academic industry and success, with sporting achievement, artistic and dramatic talent and simply being terrific company with a healthy dose of mischief.

I would like to give them some wise advice from the remarkable Rob Burrow, the Rugby League legend, who very sadly died recently of Motor Neurone Disease, and who recorded this message just before he died, which I have abbreviated a little:

He said:

“By the time that you watch this I will no longer be here.

I hope I have left a mark on the disease. I hope it shows to live in the moment.

I hope you find inspiration from the whole story.

My final message to you is whatever your personal battle be brave and face it.

Every single day is precious. Don’t waste a moment.

In a world full of adversity we must still dare to dream. Rob Burrow, over and out.”

It doesn’t get much more powerful than that.

Someone asked me the other day what it is that makes Elstree special? What is it that sets Elstree apart? How do we generate these important memories? How do we convey confidence with humility, conviction with kindness, aspiration and ambition with integrity and modesty? In spending time at Elstree, we soon realise that we are part of something special. That there is a timelessness to the school that brings everyone together. We realise that there is an enduring spirit and a genuine soul to Elstree.

We all love the summer sound of cricket, of leather on willow, and this in many ways summarises this sense of endurance. Leather on willow – leather symbolises flexibility, durability and strength – all qualities needed in our schools during these times of political and economic uncertainty. A willow tree is a symbol of new life. Its ability to grow and survive is powerfully symbolic and shows how we can thrive even in challenging conditions.

Please be reassured that the school is in very good heart, with record pupil numbers and a terrifically supportive and talented staff. In 13 days’ time we are very likely to have a new Prime Minister who has plans that will challenge our sector and our school. We have a team of Governors who are lobbying, planning, pressing local candidates, as well as senior figures in the shadow cabinet, and engaging with our professional bodies such as IAPS and ISC. We are committed to supporting Elstree families as much as we are able, whilst also recognising our responsibility to support our community, our local schools, our church and our charities. We want to support. We want to help. I genuinely believe that, despite the darkening clouds ahead, these are exciting times for the school.

So, back to Gareth and in his words:

“We always have to believe in what is possible in life and not be hindered by history or by what may lie ahead in the future.”

My own manifesto is committed to providing the best possible academic and pastoral care for your children, and to enrich their lives with an array of opportunities, and to ensure that they approach life with all its complexities with kindness, good grace and a positive mindset.

We have to be nimble and must never allow ourselves to be complacent. What would Gareth have to say about this?:

“If we want to be a top team, we can’t get to 3-0 and suddenly decide not to play without the ball. We have to play with intelligence right through the game.”

I am immensely proud of all that we have achieved this year but I am not too complacent to think that things are always done perfectly. Good schools never stand still and we have some exciting plans in the pipeline which we hope to share with parents once the political landscape is better known. Schools and businesses should always take time to reflect and analyse and see where they might improve. We must consider what, when and how we do things to give all children maximum opportunity to thrive in today’s increasingly complicated world.

Inevitably we cannot do this alone and we have to have the understanding, trust, and active support of the surrounding community and an ever expectant group of clients who all want the very best for their charges. For all of this, I am particularly grateful for your support. The Friends of Elstree and Pre-Prep Friends groups are integral to maintaining this sense of community and I want to thank them publicly for their hard work. Particularly today, I would like to thank Becks Mills for leading the Friends’ Teams so brilliantly.

There have been so many highlights this year – unbeaten rugby seasons for three teams, our U11A Football team reaching the finals of the ISFA Cup, Maths winners in the UKMT Challenge, outstanding LAMDA results with scores of children gaining Distinction and Merit, scholarship success as we’ve heard, James Morris-Weston gaining Distinction in his violin diploma – a remarkable achievement and more recently three athletes – Mofe Adeyinka, Arabella Pannell and Josh Singleton qualifying for the National Athletics Championships.

But perhaps what gives us as much pleasure are the Elstree specific things which make the school so special: Grandparents’ Days, stirring hymn singing in St. Peter’s, Declamations competition, Poetry Performance, a rainy summer social squished into the dining room, a dog show in the busiest week of the year – what a barking idea from Mrs Inglis but a great fun afternoon nonetheless, the Elstree Award, a revamped co-curricular programme with scores of children enjoying paddling time on the lake, taking part in the entrepreneur club, judo, Big Weekends with Ready Steady Cook and Bushcraft, STEAM days, triathlon, debating, charity work with PALS, community litter picks, DT Maker Space activity, yoga, horse riding, ballet. The list goes on.

Gareth, what have you got to say about your commitment? He says:

“I’m determined to give everything I have to give the country a team that they’re proud of and one that they’re going to enjoy watching play and develop.”

Well, I’m determined to give everything, to give you a school that we are all proud of and one that you are going to continue to enjoying watching develop and thrive. Thank you.

As a bit of a change, this year I have decided to write a poem about our departing Year 8s – please forgive the amateur rhyming. See if you can pick out the 41 names of the Year 8s weaved into the poem:

A Poem for the Year 8sSummer

Term 2024

At the end of this term there’s no question I feel a very lucky Headmaster With so much fun and a little bit of sun This term’s been an absolute blaster

The boys and girls in Year 8, there is no debate Always thoughtful, hard-working and kind They’re busy and smiley, we rate them so highly Though messy and noisy you’ll find

But… when up in the classrooms while teachers are teaching They know they should have listened to what they are preaching It’s not very easy to work as they ought When their thoughts keep returning to music or sport

Back in April we began our term with a bang Clement weather we did not have now Miss Butler’s so witty, her name it is Kitty She’s always so busy somehow

Before you can blinka, it’s Mofe Adeyinka Off to Wellington with Naomi and Lachy Not one to slack, the great Warren Pak They drive us so dreadfully potty

This next one’s real class, his name is Sea Bass A boy friendly and funny, you’ll find, We’ve had some good luck with the terrific Seb Buck He’s hard-working and gentle and kind

The laid-back Jules Foxon, often he shocks ‘em With jokes that are witty and dry Anderson Harry, he really does carry Our hopes, when at Eton, he’ll fly

There’s a Yunny named James, who likes playing games

But as a singer, real talent he shows We have never lacked, a great boy called Jack To Charterhouse with a scholarship he goes

Don’t be so silly, it’s only our Tilly Her Art is so brilliant and fine Harry Clothier loves cricket, I think he will stick it On the spot, at Winchester he’ll shine (15 so far)

A person so friendly is a Dalton named Henry

With floppy hair flying round and about

If anyone’s classy, it’s that top girl our Darcey Who has a future in fashion no doubt

There’s really no question that James Morris-Weston Is the finest musician we’ve seen So modest and calm, and no shortage of charm

He’s a great man to have on your team

Now what a great sight, it’s Arch Campbell-Slight Arms and legs like a giraffe everywhere

To Radley he’s bound, I hope here he’s found

Some good friends to spend time and to share

We’ll always admire, as she sits by the fire

Mila head in her book she’ll be seen

Of course she’s not lazy, nor our good friend Maisie

Who’s smiley and kind and so keen

Our scholarship success is simply the best

There are 13 of them for this year

It must be true that bright Alex Wu

Was the strongest performer I hear

I would have thought that cricket’s a sport

Fine young men and women it moulds

Batters are fearing our great bowler Gearing Or top batsman and keeper Wilf Foulds

I don’t know how, the quick Clement Chow Swims like a fish in the pool

And Alan and Goodie, dressed in a hoodie

Look dashing and slick and so cool.

Kate can be quite scatty, and so very chatty

Sometimes it’s tricky to stop her

Next calm and cool, and certainly no fool

It’s our friend the great Hugo Cropper

Maths is a subject that Edison loves, He’s one of the best in the year

Going with Harry to Eton, they’ll rarely be beaten

As long as they kick into gear

Tom, Caspar and Toby, have really shown me

That Radley’s a place where they’ll thrive

On stage and in cricket, they’re just the ticket

Into all things they’ll certainly dive

Hector moved to Elstree from Horris this year

To Marlborough he’s going with Seb Fowler

They’re both pretty steady, and they’re joined by big Freddie

Let’s hope they don’t start with a howler

Next comes our Ethan whose life it was sweetened

When in Maths, Latin and French he got As Daydreaming’s his best quality, he’s prone to frivolity

At Sherborne, he’ll thrive so they say

There’s a girl who’s a smiler, her name it is Isla

A great singer and actress we’ve seen

She’s happy as larry, with Seb, Ted and Harry

To Bradfield they’ll go, what a team!

There should be a trophy for our Head Girl Sophie

She’s talented, bright and mature

She runs even faster than her poor old Headmaster

She’s taller than him too, that’s for sure

Monty’s quite coy, as this term’s Head Boy

He’s done well to stay calm and keep cool

He’ll wear shorts in the snow and all that I know

Is he’s hard-working and liked here at school

So, we wish this crew well and I hope you can tell

They’re a great bunch who come in all shapes and sizes

Thanks to Beccy and Clare, they’ve got so much flair

It’s time to hand out all of these prizes.

Thank you for all your support and I hope you’ve had a lovely day. Now over to Monty and Sophie.

Sid Inglis

June 2024

Sports Day 2024

Head Boy and Head Girl Speech

Good afternoon Chairman, Governors, Headmaster and Mrs Inglis, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. As I begin, I would just like to clarify that there are indeed two of us standing here in front of you today – I know you suspected you had double vision given our uncanny resemblance to each other, but actually, for the first time in Elstree’s illustrious history we are privileged to be the first double act to stand before you – Elstree’s very own Antonia and Dec...if you will. This is a fitting development since the introduction of full co-education, and shows just how completely and seamlessly girls have been integrated into the school, although, as most of you will know, Sophie is not just representative of this, but the girls’ pioneer, as she

has been here at Elstree since Year 1, (when I could still beat her in a sprint...). Times certainly change!

What a memorable day this has been: watching the school compete on the athletics field and in the swimming pool, as well as visiting the art and design exhibitions in the McMullen Hall; followed by a grand picnic on the lawn.

For the Year 8 Leavers, today is our last Elstree Sports Day. Looking back on our time at school here, there have been many noteworthy events. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrated 70 years on the Throne in 2022 but very sadly died before the year was out. She was succeeded by His Majesty King Charles III. The last seven years have seen four Prime Ministers and Great Britain has left the European Union. But the event that was most celebrated across the country took place in September 2020: Elstree went co-ed!

Our time at Elstree has been a great adventure. As well as educating us in the classroom, this school has coached us

on the playing fields, where we have learnt the importance of having a strong team spirit. Not to mention the constant hive of activity in the music and art schools. Every single pupil is encouraged to find their ‘thing’ by the time they leave Elstree. We have also been given opportunities to get up on stage. This year alone, we’ve travelled Around the World in 80 Days, visited an Ogre’s swamp and we’re soon to descend on Mount Olympus. Our school teaches us the importance of laughter, gives us a passion for life and the confidence to approach anything that comes our way. Elstree has encouraged us to be independent, but we also know that we can depend on our friends. Whilst we have learnt the importance of showing respect for others, we’re encouraged to be ambitious. In a sea of change, there are no more re-assuring symbols of continuity than the Wellingtonia tree, outside the Long Room, and the sight of Mr Inglis on his rounds...

Family is at the heart of Elstree and what a diverse and supportive extended family it is. The benefit we gain from the different perspectives and skill sets and the depth and breadth of experience of the Elstree community, cannot be overestimated. The willingness and joy with which so many members of staff approach their relationships with us is above and beyond the call of their duties. It makes us feel cared for and nurtured, which is priceless. Nowhere is this more obvious than in Mr and Mrs Morris and the Boarding team.

My ambition for the first two or three years at Elstree was to stick my head in as many puddles as possible and propel myself half way across the Home Farm playground from the slide. Or leaping from the roof of the wooden fort! I like to think we’ve been encouraged, by some extraordinarily

dedicated staff, to aim a little higher since then! However, ambition is only possible when you seize opportunity and have the support to carry it through.

Most of the children here today will be itching for these speeches to end. But I hope you’ll allow us this chance to say a few more things about this amazing school. Firstly, I encourage you to make the most of your time at Elstree; don’t wish it away. It’s such a special place, treasure it while you can. We’re really lucky to go to a school in such inspiring surroundings, to be taught by such dedicated teachers and to be able to enjoy the friendships that emerge through all the activities we’re encouraged to take part in.

There are many memories we’ll take away from Elstree: from hockey and tennis on Bates, will leave a lasting impression; walking back after Games down the Pineapple Walk towards the striking South Front. Over the winter, the best feeling is walking into the Front Hall, from the cold outside, to be greeted by a roaring fire. We will also miss

Elstree for its quirks; morning breaktime would just not have been the same without Bat Room Cricket or the reward of kitkats for the winning House. Playing ‘chopstix and screws’ and putting on Lowers, are two of the many Round the House Games at the end of the Christmas Term, that stand out. An event that does so much to encourage the family atmosphere of the school.

We still remember looking in awe at the big boys who helped with our mini Olympics when we were in Reception or the football tournament in Yr 2. As Year 8s, we’ve loved the opportunities we have been given to spend time with and help the younger children at Elstree and elsewhere. They have encouraged us to think about others, and to try and give a little back.

Elstree is happy to embrace change, but tradition is also an essential part of life here. Two activities show this better than anything; unchanged since Mr Prichard joined the staff (in 1945)... Colditz is always a highlight of the Autumn Term: stumbling in the dark through the woods, getting tangled up in brambles and trying to avoid the torch beams of prowling prison guards. And then there’s Convoy, another wartime classic, and bewilderingly complicated involving frigates, submarines, aircraft carriers and something called a Q ship. After 15 terms here, I still don’t really understand the rules! Neither do I!

Elstree’s boys and girls are encouraged to fulfil their ambition, be that academic, musical, sporting, dramatic, or artistic by a premiership winning team. Mr Inglis, our fly half, the playmaker and the captain, intelligently leading the attack is incredible, but he can only be as successful as he is with his scrum half (apologies Mrs Inglis!) feeding him the ball and making sure the team knows what it’s doing. “Headmaster’s Wife” is not a title which does justice to all she does, from new pupils and Year 8 teas and suppers to encouraging our confidence in public speaking by practising our readings with us and preparing us for school interviews, handing out French vocab, the list goes on and on and on!

In the second row, the engine room of the team, we have people with the ability to make or break this Elstree XV, the Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock of Berkshire, Mr Attwood and the senior management team, I doubt you will see a time when Mr Attwood doesn’t have a cheery expression on his face, (although there might have been a slight grimace when my brother drilled through his

hand) It’s a good thing it recovered, as he turns that hand to anything and everything – from teaching us PSHE to kayaking, to the endless chair setting out, and, one of my mother’s favourite moments, when he conducted but also replaced half the choir, depleted through illness, at one Saturday morning service – Sir, your soprano is quite something. Backed up by the unassailable management team they are undefeatable.

The centres are the teaching staff as a whole: they prepare the plays and help us all make ground, sometimes in the face of fairly stubborn resistance! An unwavering barrage of knowledge pummelled into sometimes switched off students.

Leading the charge is the all important front row, the people who work harder than anyone without the medals and flowers: the groundsmen and the catering team, who put in so much effort all year round, but the result of whose dedication is never shown off better than on Sports Day – the grounds look spectacular and our Leavers’ lunch was incredible. The cleaners who put up with so much from us and do it all with a smile, the ladies in the office, Mrs Cook and the house staff. The team only works if all its members pull their weight, it is only successful as the sum of its parts.

Any of us who has shown prospective parents around the school will have been asked the question: “What makes Elstree special?” Well, you don’t have to put much thought into answering! Elstree is not just a school, it is homefrom-home; a place we can feed our imaginations, grow in confidence and build friendships for life. We will all really miss Elstree, this stunning school and its fantastic grounds.

To echo Monty’s words, thank you to our Headmaster, Mr Inglis and all the school staff; thank you for all your support and for your commitment to our education.

And as we embark on the next chapter in our lives, we would like to say to you, the Elstree pupils; believe in yourselves, show kindness to others, and when things don’t go to plan, take on the challenge with good humour and a positive spirit. Always be a team player and grab every opportunity to do good work.

On behalf of the Year 8 leavers, thank you Elstree for everything you have given us.

Monty Robinson and Sophie Payne