Leweston Light Spring Term 2022

SPRING TERM | 2022

LEWESTON LIGHT LEWESTON LIFE REFLECTS THE MANY ACHIEVEMENTS OF LEWESTON PUILS OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS

Music & Creative Arts Sports

Student Profiles

Academic

In The News

Whole School Open Morning 28 April 10.00am Dates For Your Diary

www.leweston.co.uk 01963 210691

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 Welcome from The Head

12 Life in Boarding

19 Sixth Form

8

4 Music & Creative Arts

Sports

15

16

11 Equestrian

18 Extra Curricular

In the Lab

Academic

20

21

23

Community

End of Term Activities

Study Trips

24 Dates For Your Diary

WELCOME FROM THE HEAD As always, Leweston Life reflects the many achievements of Leweston over the last few months. The number and variety of these accomplishments exemplify how for a relatively small

independent

school,

we

offer

the

opportunities of a much larger one across all areas of school life.

John Paget-Tomlinson

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 03

MUSIC & CREATIVE ARTS

ART SCHOLARS' EXHIBITION We welcomed the school community to view the work of our talented Art and Design Scholars at an exhibition on Thursday 10 March. Aspiring artist and art historian, Wiktoria, Year 13, helped to organise and curate the display. The opportunity to exhibit works from Years 7 to 13 in a salon style group show has been a great experience for all involved and was well received by students and staff alike.

GCSE FINE ART A snapshot of last year's GCSE Fine Art work has recently adorned the walls of the Black Hall. The works represent the culmination of a focused and explorative investigation into each pupil's interpretation of the theme Place.

Students chose artists and artwork which inspired them, developed and refined relevant techniques and styles, and employed a range materials and approaches.

YEAR 9 SWEETS Year 9 students have been inspired by artists Wayne Thiebaud and Joel Penkman, creating a whole selection of tasty treats!

Work has been produced in 2 and 3 Dimensions, exploring drawing, painting, and ceramics.

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 04

MUSIC & CREATIVE ARTS

TAUNTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Two choirs entered the Taunton Music Festival of the Arts Choir Competition in February.

Both Choirs returned home victorious, with our Year 7 and 8 Choir winning the Bishop Fox's Cup, and Schola Cantorum winning the John Cole Cup!

NATIONAL PRO CORDA COMPETITION Well done to our Recorder Trio who made it through to the National Pro Corda Competition after receiving fantastic feedback in round one in the Pro Corda Chamber Music Festival 2022.

Amazing rhythmic control and impressive performances

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 05

MUSIC & CREATIVE ARTS

MATILDA Roald Dahl’s Matilda may not seem like the obvious choice of show for a cast of discerning 12-18 year olds, but anyone who attended the Leweston’s performance of the Broadway Junior Version of this show could not argue that it is, in fact, the perfect choice for any age group.

For five performances, the cast’s high-octane energy and palpable enthusiasm permeated through audiences young and old. The benefit of MTI’s Junior Broadway show is that it takes all the best-loved tunes and compacts them into an hour’s-worth of fast-moving action that leaves audiences with little time to get distracted. Distraction, however, was never an issue at any point during this production as the extremely talented ensemble gave a strong, confident, and well-rehearsed performance, with not one weak link identified.

FASHION SHOW On Friday 11 March, we hosted our famous Art and Design Fashion Show showcasing work from Years 7, 8, 9, GCSE, A Level and Fashion Club. The students modelled their pieces brilliantly, showcasing the hard work that has gone into them over the past two years.

Organised by Sixth Form students, the Red Cross in Sherborne donated a clothes rail with hand picked clothes and a selection of accessories which were available to buy after the show. All proceeds went to the Red Cross work in Ukraine.

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 6

" W h a t a n a m a z i n g e v e n i n g ! W e f e l t t h a t e v e r y t h i n g a b o u t t h e p e r f o r m a n c e – th e m u s i c , th e d i r e c t i o n , t h e c h o r e o g r a p h y w a s p r e t t y w e l l t o a p r o f e s s i o n a l s ta n d a r d ; a n d th e c o n f i d e n t, j o y f u l a n d s c i n t i l l a t i n g p e r f o r m a n c e s f r o m a l l t h e c a s t w e r e t r u ly o u ts ta n d i n g . W e w a n te d more!"

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 7

SPORTS

NORTH DORSET NETBALL TOURNAMENT On Wednesday 9 February, eight schools joined us at Leweston, to take part in the U12 and U13 North Dorset Netball Tournament.

Our U12 team won five games and lost one (by 1 goal). They drew on league points with Port Regis but missed winning overall by 0.03 of a goal, based on goal average.

Well done to Leweston, and the five other schools who have qualified for the Country Finals!

GOLD AT NATIONAL SCHOOLS SHOOTING FINAL Leweston had great success at the National Schools Shooting Finals at Cannock Chase Leisure Centre.

Well done to Honor, Year 10, Reuben, Year 9, and Nikita, Year 10, who took team Gold and were crowned National Champions, winning by a clear margin of 34 points from Ellesmere College, and Ipswich High School.

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 08

SPORTS

GOLD FOR LEWESTON AT DOWNSIDE TROPHY On Saturday 15 January, two of our Junior teams travelled to Downside School in Bath, to participate in the Downside Trophy Cross Country.

Well done to Reuben, Year 9, who took Gold in the boys' race. This was followed by a superb Gold for Izzy, Year 8 and Silver for Freya, Year 9, in the girl’s race.

INTER-HOUSE GYMNASTICS AND DANCE COMPETITION We hosted our Inter-House Gymnastics and Dance Competition for Years 7 and 8 in March.

The competition allows students to showcase their interests and passion in an aesthetical sport and enables them to appreciate others as they perform in front of the rest of their class.

Historically the competition focused on gymnastic based routines but over the past three years we have incorporated dance.

Congratulations to our first place winners, Team 'Dandelions' (Bea, Evanna, Issy and Cecily, Year 8) who scored a total of 29 points.

Follow Lewestonsport on Instagram for the latest news and updates.

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 09

BATH RUGBY SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP Leweston students took a trip to Bath to watch Bath Rugby against the Worcester Warriors.

The students had a fantastic time supporting the team and even got the chance to be flag bearers. Thank you BathNextGen for a fun filled, action packed day!

Leweston is delighted to be a partner of the Bath Rugby Schools Programme. The programme provides our students with unique experiences and training and enables them to engage with the wider Rugby Club. We look forward to welcoming aged 11-16 boys in April for our Bath Rugby Residential. Designed to replicate a week in the life of a professional rugby player. Inspired by the club’s desire to not only develop better rugby players but also better people, these camps will challenge each individual on and off the pitch. These residential camps are fully inclusive, welcoming players of all abilities and nationalities.

See our Events page on our website to keep up top date with events happening at Leweston.

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 10

EQUESTRIAN

NSEA SW REGIONAL GRASS ROOTS SJ CHAMPIONS Well done to our riders, who took part in the NSEA SW Regional Grass Roots Show Jumping at Moreton Equestrian Centre on Saturday 15 January 2022.

Congratulations to Grace, Year 7, and Rosie, Year 9, who both became NSEA SW Regional Grass Roots SJ Champions, winning their individual classes (Grace at 50cm and Rosie at 75cm).

NSEA EVENTERS CHALLENGE AT BICTON ARENA Congratulations to, Jessica, Josie, Ruby and Henrietta who rode at their very best to produce four brilliant clears in the 70-75cm class. With three of our riders in the top four, the team won easily gaining their qualification for the Hickstead Championships in May.

WIN AT ROYAL WINDSOR QUALIFIER Well done to team ‘Jubilee’ for winning the 90-95cm class to take the Royal Windsor Intermediate qualifier and team ‘Marine’ who secured the win in the 1m - 1.05m for the Hickstead Elite qualifier.

Both teams also acquired their qualifications for the NSEA Keysoe National Championships.

Photo Credit: @espphotographic.co.uk

Follow our page on Facebook for the latest Equestrian news. - @LewestonEquestrian LEWESTON LIGHT | page 11

NEW BOARDING HOUSE EMBLEMS

Leweston Manor has a rich and fascinating history, passing through the hands of several distinguished families over the years. We have decided to recognise this by including heraldic images found on their coats of arms on our new boarding house emblems.

Eleanor House is named for Mother Eleanor, who was Headmistress when the school relocated to its present site from Sherborne. Eleanor House’s emblem is three broad axes.

Found on the crest of the last of the Lewestons, John Leweston, they signify execution of military duty. Sadly John Leweston was the last of his line and Leweston manor passed to his stepson John Fitzjames upon his death.

Antony House is named after the school’s original title ‘St Antony’s’, also our patron saint.

Their emblem is three arrows which signify readiness for battle. The three inward facing arrows are from the coat of arms of George Hamilton Fletcher, who purchased the manor in 1906. The full coat of arms can be seen on the front façade of the manor house.

Martha House is named for Saint Martha and their emblem is a dolphin. Found on the coat of arms of John Fitzjames, a dolphin symbolises swiftness and diligence. Fitzjames inherited Leweston on the death of his step-father John Leweston. The dolphin can also be found on the tomb of John Leweston and his wife Joan in Sherborne Abbey.

Cecilia House is named for St Cecilia, the patron saint of music. Their emblem is an anchor which symbolises hope and religious steadfastness. Leweston has long been associated with anchors. You can find one ­w ithin the crest of George Hamilton Fletcher who purchased the manor in 1906 and the grounds are home to two anchors.

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 12

LIFE IN BOARDING

PAINTBALLING On our paintballing trip boarders played in the woodlands and two other zones where they had to ‘capture’ a helicopter and a tank! The pupils played four games in two teams (Blue and Red). The Red team were crowned the victors! One of our boarders, Nicolas, Year 7, has written about his paintballing experience, see our website here.

GLOW IN THE DARK DODGEBALL In addition to the trips, our boarders enjoyed some on-site activities, but with a twist, they were all glow in the dark! They played glow in the dark dodgeball, working in teams (a mixture of all our boarding houses) to eliminate the opposite team.

CHINESE NEW YEAR For Chinese New Year, our boarders from China and Hong Kong, spent Saturday afternoon preparing authentic dishes from home to share with the rest of the boarders.

They even made a beautiful menu to accompany the dishes which included sweet and sour ribs, fish balls, stir fried Pak Choy and enoki mushrooms.

TRIP TO LONDON Some of our Sixth Form boarders took a day trip to London over the exeat weekend. The students took the early train to Waterloo and spent the day being tourists. They went to Big Ben, Hyde Park, the Sky Garden and even had time to look around M&M World London!

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 13

GO KARTING The boarders visited South West Karting for an adrenaline filled go karting activity racing around the track in 120cc Biz Cadet Karts. The boarders were split into three groups and raced for the best time.

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 14

IN THE LAB

LEGO PROGRAMMING Students in Year 8 have been working collaboratively building and programming Lego Spike Prime robots to solve problems in their computing lessons.

Not only does this develop teamwork and problemsolving skills, it provides an opportunity to transition from block-based programming tools to text-based coding in Python. Well done to Tom, for winning best design and Jessica, for the fastest robot!

VIDEO PRODUCTION In Year 8, students have been tackling challenging process of video production.

the

Their first steps were pre-production activities. Then, when all the shots had been filmed, it was time to return to the Computing Lab and ingest the media into Adobe’s Premiere Pro, ready for editing. Firstly, the students laid down their rough edit, finding the best takes and sequencing them in order. When the clips were all laid down in the timeline, work began on balancing audio levels, trimming cuts, generating on-screen graphics, adding sound effects, titles and credits. Each student edited their own version of the short film.

"Watch out YouTube – we’re coming for you!" - Mr Stephens, Head of Computer Science

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 15

ACADEMIC

POETRY COMPETITION Leweston launched its own poetry competition to celebrate National Poetry Day with the students exploring the idea of change. The variety and originality of their responses were inspiring. There were impassioned views on the need to change our society, urgent appeals for a change in our treatment of our environment and deeply thoughtful contemplations of the changes that we all will face in our lives.

The competition is Leweston's nod to the Eisteddfod tradition of 'Crowning the Bard'. All students entered under a pen name. The prizes were announced with due ceremony in an assembly which celebrated St David's Day including a wonderful rendition of Welsh National Anthem sang by Schola.

YOUNG SHAKESPEARE COMPANY VISIT YEARS 10 & 11 As part of our quest to provide our students with rich experiences of literature and Drama, the English Department hosted a visit by the Young Shakespeare Company, to which all students in Years 10 and 11 were invited.

The Young Shakespeare’s innovative and interactive approach to Shakespeare’s Macbeth was a perfect revision session for Year 11, and a great opportunity for Year 10 to enhance their understanding of the play, which they have been studying this term.

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 16

BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK For British Science Week 2022, Leweston has been busy getting creative and exploring new topics to help encourage a passion for science.

Students in Years 9 and 10 made their own perfume, choosing either vanilla or almond as the base and adding a selection of essential oils such as thyme, orange, jasmine or sandalwood.

Year 7 have been upcycling their plastic bottles from home in their chemistry lessons to make their own water powered rockets.

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 17

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

DUKE OF EDINBURGH TRAINING On Sunday 13 February, students enrolled in the Silver Duke of Edinburgh award completed their first aid and expedition training program. The pupils were not at all put off by the wind and rain and embraced a 5km walk to learn new navigational skills in the hostile conditions. They displayed great resilience and teamwork as well testing out Leweston’s new storm shelters!

Not to be outdone, Year 9 also fully embraced their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh training day. Students learnt a range of new skills such as first aid, navigation, stove safety and how to put up a tent.

They also participated in a 5km walk to improve their compass and map work and were rewarded by making hot chocolate with their new Trangia skills!

ROYAL NAVY VISIT YEAR 10 On Wednesday 2 February, Year 10 spent the morning with 4 representatives from the Royal Navy and the Royal Navy Reserves.

After an introduction, Year 10 took part in several team based activities. These included guiding their blindfolded partner through an obstacle course, moving tyres from one location to another without touching the floor, walking as a team on two planks with rope handles and carrying each other through a net made out of rope.

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 18

SIXTH FORM

SIXTH FORM CHARITY WEEK For the past few years, Year 13 have held a 24hour triathlon in aid of their chosen charity at the end of the Easter term. Last year the funds raised were donated to Young Minds, a charity dedicated to helping young people improve their mental health.

This year, we went even further holding our first ever Charities Week and Year 13 chose to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

For a week all income from the Tuck Shop was donated to JDRF. Additionally, the collection from the school’s Matilda production also went to the charity. There was a cake sale, staff Would I Lie to You and the 24-hour sportathlon with Just Dance, cycling and a colour fight with the Prep School. At time of press it looks like Year 13 will achieve their £2000 target - well done!

JAMES BOND BALL Dressed in ball gowns and dinner jackets Sixth Formers and their guests were treated to a full three-course meal by Chartwells before adjourning to the the balloon-filled Black Hall for after-dinner dancing and much laughter! It was a wonderful event and the Head of Sixth Form, Mr Ryan-East would like to thank all the students and staff who worked hard to make it possible.

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 19

SKI TRIP TO AUSTRIA At the start of the Easter holidays 88 pupils travelled to Austria for a week of skiing.

The pupils travelled in two groups and both trips left Leweston on Saturday 26 March and arrived safely at Flachau on the Sunday.

Our beginners smashed it on the slope on the first morning and our intermediates tackled red runs with style! Almost all ski groups made it up the mountain to witness the incredible views from the top!

All students have shown great resilience and should be proud of themselves.

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 20

COMMUNITY

NEW FLOODLIGHTS A big thank you to everyone who was involved in the Dinner and Auction fundraising event last November.

Organised by a group of parents, the event raised funds for sports equipment and a donation to the national charity Sporting Minds who encourage positive mental health in young sports people. We are delighted to announce this term the arrival of our new Flood Lights!

DONATIONS TO UKRAINE Responding to an appeal from the local community Leweston pupils, staff and parents organised a massive collection of much-needed items for Ukrainian refugees.

Thank you for all your donations, as a school we were overwhelmed with the phenomenal response, not just at Leweston, but around Dorset at collection points in Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford Forum and Shaftesbury.

PALS CURRY AND QUIZ NIGHT The PALS (Parents Association of Leweston School) hosted a hugely successful curry and quiz night this term. Hosted by quizmasters Mr Paget-Tomlinson and Mr Cannon over 80 parents and pupils joined together to answer a wide range of questions, some easier to answer than others.

Thank you to the PALS committee for organising the event, with a special mention to Mrs Darvill for the outstanding raffle.

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 22

CAFOD WALK AGAINST HUNGER Lent is a time of preparation for Easter when Christians are called to prayer and acts of charity and our school community joined thousands of others walking to help stamp out hunger by joining CAFOD's #WalkAgainstHunger appeal.

Each week after our liturgy, we walked from the Chapel as a whole school community down to the Prep school, even if was raining!

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 22

END OF TERM ACTIVITIES INTER-HOUSE SPORT

Congratulations to everyone involved in the end of term Inter-House competitions! On a beautiful afternoon it was amazing to see so many students involved in such a high standard of boys hockey girls and netball.

There were three netball competitions with each team fielding a player from every year group. The same format was followed in the hockey.

Congratulations to Campion, who dominated throughout and won both the Junior and Senior competitions! Second place went to Fisher, followed

by More and Mayne!

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 23

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Year 9 Retreat: Monday 25 April Whole School Open Morning: Thursday 28 April, 10.00am Run for Ukraine: Saturday 7 May Year 8 Retreat: Tuesday 10 May Music Staff Concert: Friday 13 May KS3 School Concert: Thursday 19 May KS4 and 5 School Concert: Thursday 26 May Senior Sports Day: Friday 17 June Move Up Day and Summer Concert: Friday 24 June Speech Day and Leavers' Ball: Friday 1 July

LEWESTON LIGHT | page 24

@LewestonSchool

Leweston School, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 6EN

@Leweston

01963 211 015 | admissions@leweston.dorset.sch.uk | www.leweston.co.uk

@leweston1891