YHS Yorkist Autumn 2024

Your adventure awaits...

Some highlights...

House Day page 4

Immersive Theatre page 12

Author virtual visit page 18

Year 6

Camp Out page 23

House Debate page 5

YH500 Words winners page 12

Waddesdon Manor page 18

Geography page 26

Autumn Concert page 7

Pre-Prep Christmas page 13

Harvest Festival page 19

Residential page 27

Long Break page 8

Smallholding page 14

Hindleap page 20

Sport page 28

Spotlight on French page 9

EYFS page 16

Synagogue page 22

Spotlight on Science page 10

Bhaaktivedanta Manor page 17

Maths Challenge page 23

FoYH page 39 YH Community page 40

Welcome...

A warm welcome to the first of three Yorkists this year. A new format of termly and virtual publication will ensure that stories are contemporary and vibrant at the time we read them.

As I write, we have enjoyed three excellent nativity performances from Nursery, Reception and Year One, with the biggest production from Year Two still to come. For lots of us, those charming events signal the start of a real Christmas Spirit, if the trees and lights around the school have not done so already.

The school was honoured earlier this term with a national award from School House Magazine as the winning school in the “Animal Champion” category – with particular praise for the use of our smallholding provision providing meaningful and highly positive mental health and wellbeing interventions to our pupils.

One of the other excellent finalists in that category have a remarkable range of exotic animals on site. One of our smallholding team – pupils who volunteer to help in that area of school life – was keen for us to use the following: #WeBeatAZoo.

Wellbeing is also the focus of our exciting “Alumni Foundation Garden” project which is under development and should open around the middle of the summer term. Lots of work, and some remarkable generosity, is building a really exceptional resource for the school which will be “New for 2025.”

A theme is coincidentally emerging to this short introduction. The staff team have completed a hugely rigorous audit in pursuit of an award regarding mental health and wellbeing in schools and by the end of term we should know the outcome of that process. The result, I feel sure, will be highly positive.

The independent sector faces challenging political and economic headwinds at present. It is worth noting that within our future planning from the beginning of 2025 we are now aiming for a maximum class size of twenty, which compares very well indeed with other independent schools in our area.

Sincere thanks to all the splendid staff who create the content for this excellent publication, and to the superb editorial team that put it all together with such skill.

My final thanks are to the pupils of York House – who are the reason we are all here.

Mr Jon Gray

House Day

Our Autumn Term House Day focused on the theme of Inclusion.

Pupils discovered what inclusion means while having fun alongside their friends from different year groups within their Houses.

Everyone worked together in a variety of enjoyable and engaging activities, learning and demonstrating what it means to be inclusive and respectful of others, developing a clear understanding of why it is so important.

The highlights of the day included singing a song about inclusivity, mastering budgeting skills to create a delicious recipe card for under £4, collaborating in a barrier game to test our communication skills and working together to keep balloons afloat and successfully tossing beanbags into targets. Seeing our older pupils mentor and guide the younger ones was simply inspiring! The day truly captured the essence of our school’s spirit –fostering teamwork, friendship, and inclusivity across all ages and backgrounds. Here’s to many more days filled with learning, laughter, and a true sense of belonging!

Upper School House Debate

This year saw another incredibly exciting House Debate which was closely contested by all teams. For the semi-finals, the topic up for debate was, ‘This House believes that artificial intelligence is a threat to humanity’. In the first semi-final the opposition, Wellington defeated Drake and in the second semi-final the proposition, Marlborough defeated Nelson. All teams displayed a great attention to facts, with an array of detail, humour and relevant information. Counter arguments and rebuttals were used and all the judges were impressed with the standard of argument.

In the finals, the topic was, ‘This House believes that air travel and tourism should be banned’. It was a very exciting topic and the speakers were a real step-up from the first round.

Overall winners Marlborough beat Wellington with the judges split 2-1. In the third/fourth place play-off, Drake beat Nelson.

Mr Cole

Peace Hospice Assembly

On Friday, 27th September we were delighted to invite John and Liz into York House to speak about the Peace Hospice in our Friday assembly. The Peace Hospice is based in Watford and forms an integral part of the local community. This year, York House will donate its proceeds from the Autumn Concert, House Day and other non-uniform days to the hospice. The pupils were told what a hospice’s role was in the local area and the difference between a hospital (makes you better) and a hospice (makes you feel better). Our pupils listened well to the description of palliative care and how the volunteers worked with the patients and pets are allowed into the centre. There is much to support in terms of buying arts and crafts equipment, gardening tools and other items for the caring of the patients and we, as a school, are delighted to be supporting this centre.

SAV Workshop

Students in Years 5-8 took part in a workshop on Wednesday 25th September, delivered by a charity called ‘Stand Against Violence’.

‘SAV’ deliver a range of workshops, assemblies and peer programmes tailored to the needs of young people. The topics of discussion were based around delivering life skills, emotional resilience and conflict resolution skills to prevent violence and enable young people to make positive future choices. Students engaged in tackling the factors which increase a young person’s risk of being involved in violence including, effects of alcohol and drugs on violent behaviour and raising awareness of the tactics of criminal gangs in exploiting young people.

The students found the workshop eye opening and informative and are beginning to make cross-curricular links in their PSHE lessons.

A huge thank you to Chloe Sullivan and ‘SAV’ for the informative morning.

Exceptional Performers Trip

It was a real pleasure taking our academic Academic Exceptional Performers back to my former workplace, King’s College London.

Pupils were able to talk with students and staff of this world leading university about what university life was like and how do you get into an institution such as KCL. The college’s debating society then organised a wonderful debate for York House to take part in which showed them what a real university exchange of ideas is like. It was a real privilege for pupils to debate in this environment as many former politicians and business leaders had cut their teeth in this same institution. After the debates of the morning, pupils went on a tour of the college which included the Victorian chapel, the round reading room of the library, which has featured in many films such as the Da Vinci Code, as well as a trip to the eighth floor roof with its majestic views of London.

Dr Glencross

Autumn Concert

The response from the children to the opportunity to perform in the Autumn Concert was overwhelming, as was the corresponding support from their families. We had thirtytwo performances, from first-timers to those who have performed many times; from violins to ukuleles; from Baroque to Bossa.

It was hard to remember we were only at the end of the first half of term. The evening began with the Orchestra, under the baton of Mrs James. It was encouraging to see the evident enjoyment on the faces of the children as they made music with their peers. There were other memorable ensemble performances from the Junior and Senior Choirs, the Rock Band (with a great rendition of “Helter Skelter”) and the Ukulele Club.

The variety of solos was also greatly encouraging, both in terms of musical styles and the instruments. It is a genuine joy to see children sharing their hard work in a live environment and then beaming with pleasure as the audience show their appreciation. There were many such moments during the course of the evening.

I would not normally single out any performances for particular praise, especially in the light of the plethora of encouraging playing on show. However, I will on this occasion. Myles S-J’s rendition of Chopin’s “Minute Waltz” was remarkable in its delicacy and range of expression. Having recently gained a Distinction in Grade 8 on the piano, it is lovely to see him beginning to explore the repertoire of the instrument in earnest.

Thanks should also go to our outstanding team of peripatetic teachers who do so much to inspire and develop the pupils’ musical achievements, and to all the staff who supported the evening.

Mr Biggs

Long Break

Once a half term, our staff and pupils in Year 3 to 8 have the opportunity to enjoy a long break. During the hour long session the pupils are free to roam and take advantage of our vast school grounds and unique natural environment.

This is always a highlight of the half term for pupils and staff alike. Having the freedom to explore is always an exhilarating experience.

It is always incredible to witness our pupils embrace this, inventing new games, relaxing under trees or by the lake, mountain biking, visiting the animals or just calmly walking and chatting with their friends. This was especially relevant as we support the mental health week. We can appreciate the huge benefits that the outdoors has on our mental, physical and emotional wellbeing and can be a powerful tool to help us regulate our emotions, staying happy and positive. Opportunities such as this are so important, using our animals and wide open spaces to help pupils and staff to be in the moment and enjoy the company of others in a setting that enhances every aspect of our wellbeing.

It also reminds us to be thankful and appreciate the incredible facilities we have and ensure that we are using them to benefit our pupils and give them those unique and memorable experiences that they will hold on to.

Spotlight on French

In French this term, one of our pupils (who was lucky enough to win a Willy Wonka YHPA ticket on firework night) enjoyed using their Eurostar tickets to take their friends on a virtual trip to Paris. Much to Mme Dewhurst and Mme Ford’s delight, they even managed to squeeze in some creative retail therapy as they whizzed around learning about key Parisian landmarks.

This autumn term throughout the school, many pupils have enjoyed learning about life in different French towns. Reception and Year 1 took Monsieur Pierre in his very own ice cream van to explore the streets

outside the French classroom; when they drove past a picture they needed to stop and say the name of the place in the town, for example, ‘un stade, un parc, un café’.

Year 2 and Year 3 pupils created their very own towns on large pieces of paper and used small vehicles to move around on their maps and say the names of the many different places they wished to visit, for example ‘une boulangerie, une gare, un cinéma’.

Year 4 and Year 5 pupils explored a town in France with the help of the iPads and Google Earth, they then

created their own imovies to show themselves visiting all these places.

Pupils in Years 6 and 8 researched towns in different countries and worked on their chromebooks to produce some detailed written brochures about what people could visit and experience in towns they have enjoyed visiting at home and abroad.

Our Year 7 pupils are excited to have the opportunity to stay in a beautiful chateau and experience French town life for themselves this summer.

Mme Ford and Mme Dewhurst

Spotlight on Science

A Term of Discovery and Achievement!

Throughout the Autumn Term our Middle and Upper School have made incredible progress in the Science Lab. Pupils have embraced their studies with enthusiasm and curiosity, making this term a standout for scientific inquiry and exploration. Here’s a closer look at what each year group has been working on.

Miss Ayrton has been incredibly impressed with the pupils’ engagement and curiosity throughout the term. Their thoughtful questions and enthusiasm for practical experiments have created a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere in the Science Lab. We can’t wait to see what the Spring Term brings!

Miss Ayrton Head of Science

Exploring the Wonders of Our Planet and Beyond

Year 5 pupils have had an exciting term delving into two fascinating topics: ‘Earth and Space’ and ‘Materials and Their Properties’. In Earth and Space, students explored the structure of our solar system, the phenomenal technological advances in this field, and the science behind day, night and seasons. Meanwhile, in Materials and Their Properties, they investigated different types of materials, their uses, and how their properties make them suitable for various applications. Their enthusiasm was palpable, especially during hands-on experiments that brought these concepts to life e.g. testing for thermal and electrical conductivity to name a few! Pupils have created outstanding projects in both these topics at home- some of their ‘useless objects based on properties’ made for good reading some great examples include a glass golf ball, ice gloves and a wooden mattress – ouch!

Classifying Life and Investigating Chemistry

Year 6 students have had a diverse and stimulating term, starting with the ‘Classification of Living Things’ topic. They learned how to group organisms based on shared characteristics and explored the importance of biodiversity whilst also understanding the advanced work of botanist Carl Linnaeus. The practical Chemistry topic ‘Acids, Alkalis, and Indicators’ saw students conducting experiments to test substances and identify pH levels, fostering a keen interest in chemical reactions and inspiring some at-home tests, Miss Ayrton can only thank parents for their involvement and support with this. Recently, they’ve tackled ‘The Circulatory System’, understanding how blood flows through the body and the impact of diet, drugs, and exercise on overall health.

A Packed Term of Fundamental Concepts

Year 7 hit the ground running, covering a broad range of foundational science topics. They began with ‘Cells and Organisation’, examining the building blocks of life under the microscope. This was followed by ‘The Particle Theory’ and ‘Mixtures and Separation Techniques’, where they explored the behaviour of particles and the methods used to separate substances practically and all have become more confident in the use of Bunsen Burners. Additionally, pupils developed their understanding of ‘Atoms, Elements, Compounds, and Molecules’ seeing the beginning of their relationship with chemical word equations. The topic ‘Energy Stores and Transfers’ has been an introduction to key stage 3 physics and has continued the practice of practical skills.

Welcome to Crush: Our Newest Science Lab Member!

We’re also thrilled to introduce Crush, the Mississippi Map turtle, who has quickly become a beloved member of our Science Lab. Crush has been settling in well, providing pupils with an opportunity to learn more about reptiles and their habitats. Observing and caring for Crush has sparked many insightful discussions and brought a new dynamic to the learning environment.

Preparing for Future Challenges

For Year 8, their final Autumn Term at York House School has been both rigorous and rewarding. They’ve explored ‘Combustion Reactions’ and ‘Oxidation of Metals’, deepening their understanding of chemical processes. In Biology, they have studied ‘Breathing, Respiration, and Photosynthesis’ and ‘Nutrition and Digestion’ where pupils became Biochemists testing food samples for protein, sugar, starch and fat content. Year 8 have wrapped up with learning on ‘Animal Reproduction’.

Immersive Theatre

On Monday 18th November, the YHPA generously organised an immersive theatre experience for the pupils. A seven-meter wide dome was assembled in the Archdale Hall ready for the children to embark on extraordinary adventures and enjoy a wonderful immersive experience. Inside the giant dome, the pupils travelled through the galaxy, trekked through snow with polar bears, and dived into the depths of the ocean –some even had to dodge asteroids and make way for a huge dinosaur coming their way! Through the highquality projections over the whole interior of the dome, all pupils gazed and marvelled at the magical and life-like worlds before them. We thank the FoYH for orchestrating such a fabulous and mesmerising event, which captivated all pupils.

winners

Pupils took part in the annual YH500; a 500 word short story competition for Years 5-8. They then gathered in the Music Room to hear all about the winners in each year group. The Gold Award winners were judged by guest judge, Spencer Hinton, from Merchant Taylor’s Prep School. Spencer spent a number of years as a Theatre Director in London before taking up the role as Head of Drama at MTP. Specialising in taking plays from the page to the stage, Spencer certainly knows a lot about story-telling and it was a pleasure to hear his feedback on our pupils’ writing.

The overall winners were as follows:

Year 5 – Archie M (Runner-up – Aaron K)

Year 6 – Lali M (Runner-up – Rohan H)

Year 7 – Erik K (Runner up – Arthur B-K)

Year 8 – Poppy D (Runner up – Zachary D)

Pre-Prep Christmas

Our Pre-Prep Christmas performances were nothing short of magical, showcasing the incredible talents and confidence of our Nursery, Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 children. The energy, enthusiasm, and Christmas cheer were contagious as families and staff gathered to enjoy each amazing show.

The youngest stars in Nursery and Reception stole hearts with their beautiful and confident singing. For many, this was their first time performing in front of such a large audience. Their joy and determination shone brightly, reminding us all of the excitement and wonder of this time of year. Watching these young performers was a special moment, and their smiles lit up the room as much as the twinkling Christmas lights.

Year 1 took to the stage with an energetic performance, their clear voices carrying festive tunes for all to enjoy. Adding to the charm, they proudly showcased their handmade Christmas headpieces, each one a testament to their creativity and enthusiasm. Their confidence and teamwork were evident, making their performance a real highlight with some brilliant dancing in the ‘Christmas Conga’ song also!

Year 2 rounded off the celebrations with a show-stopping Nativity performance titled ‘I’m Gonna Shine’. The children delivered their lines and songs with passion and poise, bringing the classic Christmas story to life with a fresh and heart-warming twist. Their hard work and dedication in rehearsals truly paid off, as they wowed the audience with their talent.

These performances were a perfect reminder of the joy and community that this time of year brings. A huge well done to all the children and a big thank you to the teachers and staff who worked so hard to bring these memorable moments to life.

Mrs Ferguson

Before half term, tortoise reading continued in Pre-Prep with pupils being chosen every week to read their stories to the tortoises. Being around animals and having the ability to stoke a tortoise whilst reading their books helped them gain confidence and enjoyment in reading, especially when the tortoises turn their heads at all the pictures and walk over towards the pupil’s voice. During smallholding club, the pupils made the most of the long days, caring for the tortoises outside and learning about how they prepare for hibernation and why. Their adaption is to hibernate through the winter due to the

Smallholding

All the animals within our smallholding enjoyed the summer break and were ready to welcome back the pupils to visit them once again in the smallholding. The afterschool smallholding clubs welcomed new pupils to assist in caring and looking after the animals, from feeding the pigs and sheep, to holding the chickens and searching for their eggs and feeding the pony and donkeys some straw whilst giving them a nice brush.

reduced temperatures and lack of food that they would find. Our tortoises can hibernate safely for up to 12-16 weeks with the optimum temperatures being between 4-5 degrees Celsius.

On the 1st November, the tortoises were safely prepared and ready for hibernation and they will now sleep until February.

This term, York House became a release site for hedgehogs on behalf of Pumpkins Wildlife Hospital. Hedgehogs that are either found abandoned without their mothers or that have minor injuries can be treated and cared for until they

are old enough to be released back into the wild. Those with more severe injuries cannot be released fully back into the wild and instead need a secure garden with no pets where they can be fed and checked on daily to ensure their injuries are not impacting their quality of life. If you think you could offer a hedgehog a home, please email Pumpkins Wildlife Hospital: info@ thewildlifehospital.org.uk. We were lucky enough to rehome three female hedgehogs. They stayed inside their house for a week to let them adapt to their new environment within the school grounds. The pupils visited the hedgehogs during the week. They learnt to be very quiet as hedgehogs are nocturnal and therefore sleep during the day. Next, the pupils discussed how hedgehogs adapt during the winter similarly to our tortoises. They hibernate due to the cold and reduction of food. The pupils have designed bug hotels, which have an area for hedgehogs at the bottom, and our wild paddock area has designated houses for the hedgehogs to use

with bedding inside if they wish to. We look forward to releasing more hedgehogs onto our school grounds throughout the year.

Our new Nursery children have enjoyed visiting the animals every week during their Outdoor Learning lessons. They have learnt how to feed each animal and recognise which food is for which animal. They then got to visit the small animal area and had the opportunity to hold and stroke a chicken, brush the rabbit and feed the tortoises some dandelions. As we headed towards winter, the pupils had a lesson on how the animals adapt for winter, discussing the sheep and their woolly coats and the need for a shelter and extra bedding for our other animals.

Reception also visited the smallholding before their Christmas performance. They sang their Christmas songs to the donkeys and sheep and the animals were thrilled. Plenty of ‘hee-haw’s’ all around. Year 2 also visited the smallholding during the science topic of how animals adapt. They had a questionand-answer session, understanding how resilient our animals are and what adaptions they have. Excellent questions asked by them all.

The first round of smallholding colours have been handed out this term. Very well-deserved full colours have been awarded to some Year 6 pupils for their commitment and care for all the animals and for the firsttime, commitment and half colours can be earnt in Year 5. I look forward to handing out many more colours during this academic year.

Donkey downtime has continued this term with the aim for the pupils to have a calm, mindful moment with the animals during the busy school day. A chance to relax and reflect and discuss any worries they may have with the comfort of the animals being next to them for support. The pupils also have the option to do some mindful colouring, or to read a story to the animals with the hope of adding a little more positivity into their day.

It was announced in October that York House School had won the award for the ‘Animal Support Champion’ in the ‘School House Magazine 2024’.

We are absolutely delighted that the positive impact our smallholding brings to the pupil’s mental health and wellbeing has been recognised and is now shared nationally.

We then entered into the Donkey Sanctuary Rehoming Showcase 2024 in the ‘wellbeing’ category and how our donkeys help to support our pupil’s mental health and wellbeing. We received a certificate

to show that we were awarded ‘highly commended’ in the wellbeing category. This further supports how our animals help our pupil’s mental health and wellbeing.

This academic year we have chosen to increase our flock of sheep and to have some lambs born in the spring. This process began in October when our ram ‘Mr Jigsaw’ was put with some of our ewes. When it reached November, the ewes were returned to valley paddock with the rest of the ewes and it looks like two of the ewes have been ‘tupped’. We are hopeful that they will produce lambs. To be certain, the ewes will be scanned in January. If successful, the ewes will then be brought up to the paddock next to the goats before the lambs are due which should be within the month of March. Our fingers are crossed for another successful year of lambing and sharing this miracle of life with all the pupils at our school.

Miss T Warren Smallholding Manager

EYFS

Nursery’s Bright and Exciting Start!

As September began, our Nursery and Reception children embarked on a term full of exciting adventures, learning, and growth. The beginning of the term was a time for familiarizing themselves with new routines. The children explored their learning environment, got used to visiting the dining room for lunch, and discovered the new equipment in the Orchard and EYFS garden. Most importantly, they made many new friends, forming bonds that will last throughout the year.

This term, the theme “Ourselves” helped the children explore their emotions through the RULER programme, using the mood meter to express how they felt. They celebrated both their similarities and differences by creating beautiful self-portraits. The children also marked Ian, the class puppet’s 2nd birthday, by making thoughtful cards, and enjoyed learning about families, building a sense of community in the classroom.

In Maths, the children explored numbers 1 to 10 through the “number of the week,” reinforcing their counting skills with fun activities. As autumn arrived, they learned about trees and seasonal changes, taking part in a “Looking Walk” and creating leaf people to celebrate the season.

November brought the excitement of Bonfire Night, where the children learned about fire safety and enjoyed role-playing camping with torches and marshmallow toasting. They also explored rhyming words and story sequencing with the stories Room on the Broom and Stickman. Outdoor learning was a highlight, with weekly visits to the Smallholding to interact with animals, a pumpkin hunt, and crafting stick people.

Reception’s Wonderful Term

The children in Reception have had a fantastic start to their year, filled with fun, creativity, and lots of new learning! One of the highlights of their day has been Phonics, where they eagerly discover a new letter and sound each day. The children have truly embraced the responsibility of being in charge of their own special letter, and they have loved taking part in lively, hands-on phonics sessions. Whether it’s showing the pigs how to write the letter “p” and feeding them pumpkins, going on a dinosaur hunt to practice “d,” or jumping over word waves while learning “w,” the children have been fully engaged and enjoying every moment.

Their growing phonics skills have shown up in their writing, with the children proudly using their new knowledge to create messages. A special highlight was when the children pretended to be baby owls, writing a message to Owl Mother, which they then hung on a tree. The next day, the children returned to discover a special message from Owl Mother just for them – a magical moment that brought the learning to life!

This term’s topic, Light and Dark, has sparked the children’s imaginations as they explore the wonders of space, nocturnal animals, and various celebrations. The children have been incredibly creative, designing and drawing space rockets, owls, and other nocturnal animals, bringing their understanding of light and dark into their artwork.

The Autumn term concluded in Nursery and Reception with a delightful array of Christmas crafts, where the children created festive decorations and artwork. They also participated in two heart warming Christmas performances, proudly wearing their colourful Christmas jumpers and singing a selection of festive songs for their families, spreading holiday cheer and creating lasting memories.

Year 1 Bhaktivedanta Manor

The Year 1 school trip to Bhaktivedanta Manor was an unforgettable experience!

The children were captivated by an engaging presentation on Hinduism, with a special focus on Lord Krishna. They enjoyed dressing up in colourful sarees and turbans, embodying the gods they learned about. Highlights included a delightful bullock ride, feeding the friendly cows, and visiting the beautiful shrine. The day culminated in watching the lunchtime aarti, where the children participated in the chanting of prayers, deepening their appreciation for this rich culture. It was a day filled with fun, learning, and wonderful memories!

Year 2 Virtual Author visit

Year 2 had a wonderful virtual visit from a famous author and illustrator. Bethan Woollvin is most known for writing and illustrating a series of fractured fairy tale books including ‘Little Red’, ‘Hansel and Gretel’ and ‘Rapunzel’. Her books link brilliantly with our fairy tale topic in English. During the virtual session, she focused on her text ‘Little Red’ and the children got to see some of her initial sketch ideas for this book as well as enjoying a tour around her studio. The session ended with the children drawing some of their own characters from her story in a draw along session. The children’s drawings looked fantastic and the session helped to inspire the children to write their own fairy tales.

Year 2 Waddesdon Manor Trip

Year 2 had a brilliant trip to Waddesdon Manor this term. The children had the opportunity to look at the famous Sleeping Beauty paintings by Leon Bakst. Children had great fun discovering the story of Sleeping Beauty through a role play workshop in the turret room using the paintings as stimuli, as well as exploring the grounds and the Aviary where they observed lots of different birds that were endangered.

It was a great day out that really helped inspire and engage the children.

Year 3 Celtic Harmony

Year 3 entered the Stone Age as we visited Celtic Harmony Camp to have a Stone Age day. Hunting, foraging and shelter building were all on the schedule as pupils experienced life in the Mesolithic Era.

Luckily the rain held our as the two tribes, Raven and Wolf, followed their expert guides into the forest on their adventures which ended in hearing a fantastic story round the camp fire experiencing entertainment as our very ancient ancestors would.

Year 3 Harvest Assembly

The Year 3 pupils wholeheartedly embraced this year’s Harvest Assembly with remarkable enthusiasm. They performed a splendid rendition of the Harvest Tale of Fields and Feasts, honouring the dedicated farmers who nurture our land and embodying the spirit of generosity as we gathered food donations for the Trussell Trust Foodbank in Rickmansworth.

With the joyful harmonies of beloved songs such as Cauliflowers Fluffy and the spirited new addition Farm with Me Before We Grow, Grow, our pupils truly displayed their exceptional talents and eagerness to support those in need.

“ A heartfelt thank you to all our wonderful York House families who generously contributed to our food collection. Your kindness and support have made a significant impact on the lives of local families who are experiencing hardship this winter. ”

Hindleap

Year 4

Hindleap was once again an amazing experience for all of our Year 4 cohort.

It was wonderful to see them all (literally) jumping into everything, ready to take on any adventure and any conditions thrown at them. As usual it was a wonderful range of activities, including archery, climbing wall, high ropes, forest adventure, earth walk, team building, challenge night and even a night walk. The pupils were brilliant over their time at Hindleap, helping clear the dishes, setting up their beds and keeping their dorms tidy. They were definitely leaving people and places better than they found them. We were all so proud of their bravery and enthusiasm towards all the challenges and hope they loved and learnt a lot from their experience.

Scuba Diving

Year

5

Year 5 pupils had an incredible opportunity to explore the world of scuba diving in the safety of the school pool. The session was designed to introduce them to the basics of this exciting activity, with a strong focus on learning and having fun. The experience began with an introduction to scuba diving equipment. Pupils learned how the gear works, including the regulator, buoyancy control device, and air tank, gaining a deeper understanding of how each piece helps divers explore underwater safely. Next, they practiced essential hand signals used to communicate beneath the surface, an important skill for any diver.

Once they were comfortable, the pupils donned their equipment and took their first steps into the water. Guided by experienced instructors, they got used to breathing underwater – a thrilling and unique sensation for most. With time and practice, they were able to spend several minutes submerged, developing confidence and enjoying the novelty of the experience.

“ The session was a huge success. Pupils described it as “amazing” and “unforgettable,” with many expressing a new found interest in the underwater world. They not only learned practical scuba skills but also gained confidence, teamwork experience, and an appreciation for trying something new. ”

Overall, the Year 5 scuba diving experience proved to be an enriching and enjoyable introduction to an activity that opens the door to adventure and discovery.

Year 5 Synagogue

On Thursday 14th November, Year 5 had the opportunity to visit Northwood United Synagogue. This was an enlightening experience, offering a glimpse into the heritage of Jewish traditions and celebrations. From the moment we entered, we were warmly welcomed by the Rabbi, who was eager to share his faith and culture with our York House Students. The session began with an introduction to the synagogue itself, highlighting key features such as the ark, which houses the Torah scrolls, and the bimah, the central platform used during services.

The highlight of the visit was exploring Jewish celebrations, especially Shabbat and major festivals like Passover, Hanukkah, and Yom Kippur. The Rabbi explained the rituals and customs associated with these events, from lighting the menorah during Hanukkah to the symbolic foods of a Passover Seder. Furthermore, active participation made the experience particularly engaging. Children had the opportunity to try on a kippah and a tallit to understand their significance. As well as holding the shofar and kiddush cup. The Rabbi was more than happy to answer the pupils’ many questions and was impressed with their curiosity and knowledge linked to the Jewish religion.

This visit not only consolidated our understanding of Judaism, but also fostered an appreciation for its cultural richness and values of family,

Year 6 Maths Challenge

On Wednesday, 16th October, Mr Hinton and I took a group of 14 boys to Merchant Taylors’ School for a Maths Challenge. Pupils worked in pairs to complete a Maths trail, answering a range of mathematical questions whilst walking around the fantastic grounds. They collaborated effectively, showing great teamwork as they tackled the trail. Afterward, they recharged with a jam doughnut and juice before moving on to the second part of the Challenge.

During this stage, two pupils, Nathaniel A and Myles S-J, represented York House School, competing against teams from seven other schools. The remaining pupils continued to work together at their tables, answering questions posed by the Head of Maths, and their explanations were excellent.

Nathaniel A and Myles S-J competed in three rounds of challenging questions, facing fierce competition. However, they made us proud by finishing first overall, a fantastic achievement that brought immense excitement to their peers. It was a great outcome, and seeing them beat all the other pairs was truly thrilling. It was an exceptional afternoon for everyone involved!

Ms Popat

“ It must be said that the pupils made an incredible impression of themselves to the staff at Merchant Taylors’ School and they upheld their York House Way values to the highest of standards. Well done to all. ”

IWM

Year 6

Year 6 enjoyed their combined History, Art and Computing trip to the Imperial War Museum in London.

The day consisted of three tours each looking at different aspects of this fascinating place. Dr Glencross took pupils to the First World War galleries where pupils got to sit in a full scale trench replica and reflected on frontline life in 1914. Mrs Fraser took pupils on a tour of some of the inspiring artworks kept in the museum, holding a mini workshop in front of each one. Whilst Mr Presky took his tour to the lofty heights of the museum where pupils looked at some of the technology on offer.

Camp Out Year 6

The recent Year 6 camp out proved to be a resounding success, providing students with an enriching mix of outdoor activities, teamwork, and fun.

One of the highlights was the orienteering challenge. Divided into small groups, students navigated the fields using a map, working collaboratively to locate specific points. This activity encouraged problem-solving and communication. Another activity that the pupils took part in was the radio exercise, which combined technology with teamwork. Students were introduced to basic radio communication and tasked with relaying messages across the school grounds. The final, and favourite activity for many, was the much-anticipated marshmallow roasting session. Armed with skewers and marshmallows, the pupils toasted their treats to perfection around the fire.

Throughout the camp out, the children displayed remarkable enthusiasm and teamwork. All teachers present commended their positive attitude and willingness to embrace challenges.

The campout not only honed the pupils’ outdoor learning skills, but also left everyone with favourable memories. Our Year 6 pupils went above and beyond what was expected of them, displaying the York House Way aims throughout the night.

Art & Drama

Year 7

On Thursday 21st November, Year 7 went on an Art and Drama trip to the Tate Britain and to see Mrs Doubtfire at the theatre. In the gallery, the pupils led each other on a self-guided tour of particular artworks they had picked out and researched in their Art lessons. In groups, they presented facts and artistic opinions about the specific artworks that they had chosen, such as David Hockney’s ‘A Bigger Splash’ and Sir John Everett Millais’ ‘Ophelia’. The pupils shared fascinating insights into their chosen pieces and explained their personal reflections to the artwork. Each pupil presented brilliantly and even captivated some members of the public with their speeches, who also began to listen and learn about the art.

After lunch, Year 7 then took their seats at the Shaftsbury Theatre in a matinee performance of Mrs Doubtfire. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon of skilful comedy, wonderful musical numbers, and of course, the magnificent Mrs Doubtfire herself. In their Drama lessons following the show, Year 7 explored different comedy skills and dived into specific comedic traits within theatre and why audiences find these so entertaining.

It was a wonderful trip and most certainly enjoyed by all.

Swinley Year 7

Year 7 students recently embarked on an exhilarating mountain biking adventure at Swinley Forest, diving into a world of trails and challenges that tested their skills and confidence. The experience offered pupils the chance to try something new, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the thrill of the ride. The group tackled a variety of trail features, including rolling terrain, sweeping berm corners, and exciting table tops. Each section of the trail provided a unique challenge, encouraging students to push their boundaries while developing balance, control, and resilience. For many, it was their first time navigating such technical features, but with determination and teamwork, they rose to the occasion.

The afternoon wasn’t just about biking –it was about building confidence and fostering a sense of achievement. The students supported one another with cheers and encouragement, creating a vibrant atmosphere of camaraderie and fun.

As they dismounted at the end of the day, there was a shared sense of pride in their efforts. Whether they were seasoned riders or complete beginners, every pupil had a moment to shine.

Swinley Forest proved to be the perfect playground for Year 7’s mountain biking journey, and for many, this marks the start of a new passion. The experience serves as a springboard for future adventures, inspiring students to keep exploring, challenging themselves, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Well done, Year 7 – you should be proud!

Year 8 Geography

On Friday, 11th October, Year 8 pupils visited the River Chess, a chalk stream in Buckinghamshire, as part of their Common Entrance Geography syllabus. The trip was designed to enhance their understanding of river processes through hands-on experience and primary data collection, as well as to develop key skills in analysis and presentation using tools such as Digimaps for Schools and Google Sheets. The day began with a briefing from the Amersham Fieldwork Centres staff who emphasised the importance of chalk streams like the River Chess and outlined the trip’s objectives. Divided into small groups, pupils worked at various sites along the river to observe and gather data. They measured the river’s velocity using hydroprops and assessed its width and depth. Observational drawings of surrounding vegetation and land use provided further context for understanding the river’s characteristics.

This practical fieldwork brought classroom lessons to life. Pupils witnessed key river processes, such as erosion and deposition, and were able to link these to the theoretical concepts they had studied. Back in the classroom, the focus shifted to analysing the data collected. Over the following weeks, pupils wrote up their findings.

The trip to the River Chess proved to be a valuable learning experience. It deepened pupils’ understanding of rivers and demonstrated the importance of fieldwork in Geography and of course, we had memorable fun in the river!

Ridgway Adventure, Northwest Scottish Highlands Residential Year 8

Year 8 students embarked on an exciting residential trip to Ridgway Adventure in the breathtaking northwest Scottish Highlands. The week was packed with adventurous outdoor activities that fostered teamwork, resilience, and personal growth. Pupils engaged in survival skills sessions, including fire lighting, wild cooking, and foraging, where they learned to identify edible shellfish and prepare meals in the wilderness. On the water, they experienced kayaking and wild swimming in the pristine lochs and coastlines.

They tried their hand at mackerel fishing and lobster creeling – though the lobsters were released back into the sea. The mackerel caught were used later during a “Survival Island” activity, where students cooked on an open fire, testing their newfound wilderness skills.

One of the stand out moments was visiting the legendary Atlantic rowing boat that John Ridgway used to cross the ocean, providing a unique glimpse into a historic feat of human endurance and adventure. The group also had a thrilling day rock climbing and abseiling, pushing their limits and conquering fears. During a mountain day hike up Arkle, they were rewarded with stunning views and a strong sense of accomplishment. The trip concluded with a fun-filled beach day, where students enjoyed bodyboarding and relaxed on the sands.

Year 8 went above and beyond throughout the trip, showing exceptional teamwork, enthusiasm, and resilience. They should be proud of their efforts and are encouraged to use this experience as a springboard for the year ahead.

Sport Autumn 2024

Football

Senior football

The 1st senior team had an outstanding season and should take great pride in their achievements. Their selfless style of play and the consistent level of effort they put in were exceptional. They showed tremendous commitment in every performance. The team exhibited a strong work ethic and impressive skill, allowing them to compete successfully against larger schools and achieve remarkable results. Munachi U led the team with great energy and passion, inspiring his teammates. Samuel I and Erik K were dynamic and creative in attack, always posing significant challenges for the opposition’s defence. A special mention must go to Kitan A, who displayed a calm demeanour and was a crucial member of the team. He was selfless and effective in playing the holding midfield role. Arthur B-K and Zak W performed consistently as wide attacking players, demonstrating their skills in both creating chances and maintaining possession. Monty B, Sam W, and Zach D were incredibly reliable and solid in defence, playing key roles in distribution and starting attacks. Krishna R had an outstanding season, being exceptional in goal and making critical saves when the team needed it most. The team played a dynamic, possession-based style of football, demonstrating both confidence and creativity. Every member of the squad made valuable contributions, and they should all be proud of their efforts this season.

Mr Gedye

It has been a pleasure to coach such a good group of adaptable footballers in the senior 2nd team this season. They have worked terrifically hard in training, developing their football knowledge of team and positional shape, as well as tactical awareness. This enabled the group to progress and gain a lot of positive results that the squad should be proud of over the season. A sign of the team’s development was reflected by an early heavy loss to St. John’s away at Lockers Park and then a return match at home, where the 2nd team gained a 3-0 victory against the same team. Hartley P-E, Rafferty Q and Koen T all made positive impacts when coming in the team. There were some amazing goal-keeping performances from Johnny P and solid defending from Shrey P, Aidan M and Zachary D. Mayan M and Edward B provided the vision and creativity in our midfield, as well as Johnny F and Max J-L giving us the energy, speed of attack and finishing ability. A wonderful and highly enjoyable season.

Mr Telfer

The senior 3rd team had a tough season, however the standard of football that was played by all clearly improved with every game and certain players have moved on their individual play massively. The team started with three tough games against St Martin’s (0-6 loss), Haileybury (0-4 loss) and Aldwickbury (1-6 loss). Lessons were learnt from that point forwards and the players worked hard on team shape shape and tightened up their play. Three more defeats followed, but each game was close and in the final game against St George’s, our creativity and width play drew special praise from the opposing coach. I have been so impressed by the attitude and the improvement in skill level by all the players this season and thank them so much for their efforts.

Mr Jones

The senior 4th team started off the season with a solid draw against a well organised St Martin’s outfit. In their second round of matches against Haileybury and Aldwickbury, our attacking threat was far more noticeable as we scored our first goal of the season. The team’s hard work from training continued to pay off when they faced Westbrook Hay next, securing an excellent 3-2 victory. It was an amazing match, made all the more special by cracking goals from Ivy C and Shrey P. Overall, the team should be proud of themselves for working hard every week and trying their best in every match.

Miss Shannon

Colts boys’ football

The Colts A’s season got off to an early competitive start with a tournament at Haileybury during the first week back. This was so beneficial for that group of boys to help them realise the expectations that they will face from other teams this season. During the first few matches, we played some attractive football and moved the ball quickly to find those players in space, which led to scoring opportunities. We had our final warm-up match before the St George’s Tournament where we struggled to put our stamp on the game. This was a good learning curve for that group of players. The St George’s tournament was a valuable experience for all of the boys. We struggled initially at the start of games, but built some pleasing composure against much bigger and stronger schools to reach the final of the plate competition. The ISFA regional tournament was a much harder test, yet we produced our best football of the season when it mattered. We progressed through the group stages before reaching the quarter-final stage for the second year in a row, only to lose to the eventual winners of the tournament. The season on the whole has been a great journey for this particular group, experiencing the highs and lows throughout. Next year again looks promising with an exciting group of Year 5 players coming through who showed their talents by winning the annual U10 Inter-School Tournament in November. I am so proud of all the boys and they should be proud of their achievements, too.

Mr Gurney

The Colts B team have enjoyed a superb season, defined by exceptional teamwork, adaptability and determination. Their sevenmatch unbeaten streak is a testament to their hard work and strategic play, reflecting both individual brilliance and teamwork. Orhan O controlled the midfield with skill and leadership, Henry H delivered consistent performances on the wing, Roman P showcased clinical finishing up front and Louis R excelled in goal with outstanding defensive organisation. Their contributions were pivotal to the team’s success. The team’s exceptional season has been recognised with the awarding of numerous colours, celebrating the players’ dedication and achievements. The Colts B’s efforts have set a high standard for the future and reinforced their standing as a formidable force on the pitch. This season stands as an excellent example of what can be accomplished through teamwork and perseverance. Congratulations to the Colts B football team for their outstanding achievements!

Mr McGee

The Colts C team demonstrated remarkable growth and determination throughout the season, steadily improving with each game. From the very first match, their commitment to developing both individually and as a team was evident, and they finished the season playing some of the best football Mr Langham-Lopez has ever seen from a Colts team. The players showcased tenacity and resilience, never backing down from a challenge. Their skills progressed significantly over the year, with improved passing, positioning and tactical awareness becoming clear highlights of their performance. Equally impressive was their unwavering team ethic; every player worked selflessly to benefit the group, creating a positive and united atmosphere on the field. The Colts C team should be proud of their dedication and accomplishments. They not only grew as footballers, but also embodied the values of teamwork and perseverance.

Mr Langham-Lopez

The Colts D team had a fantastic season, winning the majority of their matches and only losing two games over the eleven-week period. Our strike rate in front of goal was particularly impressive with lead scorer, Nihal L, scoring ten before his deserved promotion to the Colts C. Every player that has played in this team has brought individual brilliance from defending to team cohesion, sportsmanship and scoring goals. A special mention should go to Anay S, who captained the team magnificently and led from the front on the pitch, always setting a high standard. I have enjoyed every minute of coaching this team and thank them for creating some special memories.

Mr Davies

Colts boys’ football continued

It has been great to coach the Colts E team over this season and watch them develop both individually and as a team. Star performers include Eeshan P, who worked extremely hard in every game he played, making the defensive position his own as well as developing his understanding of when to attack. He also captained the team throughout the season and motivated his teammates well. Myles S J was a real success story and it has been wonderful to see his enthusiasm on the pitch, as well as his love for defending. He demonstrated that he was willing to put pressure on opponents and continue to work throughout the entirety of matches. Stand out matches include the fixture against Lockers Park where they won 5-0 with multiple goal scorers and where the team showed excellent passing skills. Additionally, against Westbrook Hay, where although they lost the match, it was a nine-goal thriller demonstrating the progression the team had made in both defence and attack. Well done to all those involved in the Colts E team throughout the season.

Mr Biggs

The Colts F team enjoyed a productive season and some good results. It is particularly pleasing to note that a number of pupils who started in the team progressed up in to the Colts E team as the season ran its course. The likes of Henry G, Theo A-A, Khayal S and Bertie F all started strongly and found their way into more senior teams. The core of the team was made up with the mercurial Raghav L, our brave and committed goalie, Eshan L and Dhruv K in defence, Ishaan S, Leo M and Shay D in midfield, and our main man upfront, Ishaan S, Raef B and Nivaan R also featuredon the teamsheet towards the end of the season. Ishaan S deserves a special mention as our leading goalscorer, with a knack of scoring some spectacular goals with his powerful right foot. All in all, it was a fun season and the boys conducted themselves with credit both on and off the field.

Mr Knight

The Colts G team have had a good season, with mixed success, but altogether a very enjoyable one. Edward E has been steady in goal and quite fearless at times. He has been supported well by Raef B and Raghav L in defence who have much improved in working together to snuff out attacks. The midfield of Shay D, Bertie C and Ishaan S have all been industrious and played as a team whilst Dhruv K and Nivaan R have been earnest up front and made sound improvement on their shooting skills. The real highlight of the term was beating Heath Mount twice in an afternoon with a 1-0 and a 2-1 victory.

Mr Cole

The Autumn term has been an exciting challenge for the Colts H team. Each and every pupil that has played for the team has been a real asset to the group. The team has experienced triumphs as well as some losses, but they have learnt from each game and continued to show developments of their own individual skills. Furthermore, the children have worked extremely hard to adapt to the play of a range of other schools, in a variety of conditions. Throughout every game, they have displayed the York House aims, especially Leaving People and Places better when playing away at other schools. One child who has been exceptionally resilient this season is Bertie C. He has been willing to play in a variety of positions and shown great communication skills during matches, which has positively impacted his team. Every player in the Colts H team should be extremely proud of their development and successes this term. Their effort and dedication to the team has been commendable.

Mrs Surey

Year 4 boys’ football

It has been a fantastic learning journey for the Year 4 teams this season. They have experienced some new ideas and have really focused on trying to play an attractive brand of football. The progress these boys have made was evident in each game, especially the final match, trying to control possession and taking their chances in front of the goal. Our annual inter-school U9 festival was evidence of their growing ability and they produced some fine results. The work ethic during training and matches is a great credit to this group of boys and only bodes well for next season’s football in Year 5.

Mr Gurney

Year 3 boys’ football

This football season has been fantastic for all involved. The pupils really enjoyed their first set of fixtures and learning how to be part of a team. Matches with Westbrook Hay, St. John’s, St. Martin’s and Heath Mount all showed pleasing progression and we were not short of scoring goals! Communication, which is at the heart of everything, also developed and players started to understand shape both in and out of possession. I look forward to seeing them develop further in Year 4.

Mr Gurney

Colts A & B girls’ football

The girls have had a successful season on the football pitch, displaying a fantastic attitude to learning during games sessions and great focus during competitive fixtures. It has been pleasing to see the Year 6 girls lead by example with their experience, allowing the Year 5s to collaborate effectively. Throughout the season, the girls have focused on their positioning in transition, working together to stretch the pitch in attack and condense the space whilst defending as a unit.

A selected group of Year 5 and 6 girls took part in the annual York House football tournament during the Autumn Term. There was a huge amount of talent on show and it was a joy to see the future trailblazers of the sport on our school circuit. The York House girls won 3 games and drew 2 throughout the afternoon and a particular highlight was an individual effort from Harriet E to secure the win against Westbrook Hay, with a surging run from the half way line. A long-range effort from Bernice I who connected with the ball sweetly against The Russell was also a moment that the girls celebrated. Grace R looked lively in her role as striker, whilst Robyn M and Isabelle W broke the lines in midfield brilliantly. In the game versus a physical Berkhamsted team, Amelia D pulled off a superb save to tip the ball over the bar and keep the girls in the game and maintain their unbeaten run for the afternoon. Overall, an enjoyable afternoon for all involved and I must commend the girls for their faultless effort in every game played. Congratulations to the girls for taking the crown for the York House U11 Girls Football tournament 2024.

Miss Kelly

Year 4 girls’ football

The Year 4 girls have made tremendous progress this year on the football pitch and I admire their commitment and desire to improve their skillset. This year, there has been a particular focus on positional awareness and transitioning from defence to attack with speed and purpose. They have furthered their knowledge of the game, understanding structure and the importance of press, cover and support. It was a true joy to see all of the girls implement this into their fixture against Godstowe at the beginning of the season. All of the teams in A-D were able to score a number of goals and deservedly won every match as a result of their discipline and determination. From this moment, every fixture followed suit and the girls improved with every match played. They should all be extremely proud of their efforts this term!

A selected group of girls took part in the York House U9 football festival, with a total of 7 teams involved. They got off to a storming win against Godstowe, with Willow G scoring a hattrick in her role as striker. They played their best match of the day versus Westbrook Hay, with goals from Devina S and Willow G to secure a 2-0 win. Sophie C in the goalkeeper role and Layah A as defender kept a sense of calm throughout the team, whilst Ruby A worked tirelessly on the left wing. The girls went unbeaten throughout the afternoon, with 4 wins and 2 draws, scoring 13 goals and only conceding 1 all afternoon. A huge achievement and a true reflection of their efforts and progress made this year. We look forward to supporting the Year 4 cohort as they make their transition into the Middle School next year, with more fixtures, tournaments and tours added to the calendar. A successful season for this talented year group!

Miss Kelly

Year 3 girls’ football

The Year 3 girls have had a fantastic football season, transitioning from hockey with ease for the second half of term. It was clear to see the talent from the very first week, with students’ exposure to club level football and weekly sessions at York House furthering their progress. In the first match of the season against Westbrook Hay, it was pleasing to see the girls keep their structure, proving to be a hard squad to break down. They looked dangerous in attack and made an effort to switch play to open up space in wide areas of the pitch. A special mention to the ‘A’ team who were involved in a thrilling 5-3 encounter. All of the girls rotated positions and showed tremendous teamwork defensively and on the break. A particular highlight of the day was when Sophie D scored from a driving run within her own half and slotted it into the bottom corner. This was followed by a team goal, starting with Shai G-W in defence and a through ball from Olivia L to find Leia T, who then produced a drag back to shift the defence, scoring with composure. The highlight of the season for all teams in A-D was against Godstowe towards the end of the season. There were 24 goals scored throughout the afternoon by York House, showing our strength in depth. Certainly, an exciting group of footballers and we look forward to seeing their ongoing progress next year.

Miss Kelly

2024 House Football Results

Age group House Winners

Year 3 Drake

Year 4 Nelson

Year 5 Marlborough

Year 6 Marlborough

Year 7 & 8 Nelson

Overall joint winners

Hockey

Colts girls hockey

The York House Colts A team have had an excellent term of hockey. They have progressed at a rapid pace and showed real determination in all fixtures and sessions. The girls worked hard on understanding the structure they were asked to play with and developed their understanding of how the games should be played. They had some amazing results for such a small number of girls to choose from; surprising a lot of bigger schools! All the girls can proud of their achievements this term and it is exciting to see what some of them can achieve in the future if they stick at the sport.

Lali M played as goalkeeper for the first time in her hockey career and she performed consistently well, making excellent progress each week. Amelia D relished the opportunity to play as the centre defender; showing calmness on the ball and a real ability to break lines with her passing. Bernice I, Robyn M and Grace R proved to be a good outlet for the team as well due to their strong ball carrying positions and pace on the ball. Harriet E in the middle meant that the team had a strong ball carrier and she worked wonders with linking defence and attack. All mentioned above played to a very high standard throughout the season. Finally, Arya C and Michelle G improved with every week and the finished the term strongly with some displays; linking up with teammates and getting into good positions to score goals.

There were impressive wins during the season against Beechwood Park, Piper’s Corner and Manor Lodge. These fixtures showed the potential the girls had; scoring an abundance of goals and keeping a clean sheet in most of these fixtures. The hardest challenge, in terms of fixtures came against Gayhurst; however, the girls continued to play in the right manner, and although lost the games, can be proud of their efforts. A strong start to the hockey season from the team meant that excitement was all around the squad.

The girls went into the IAPS regional tournament at Haileybury quietly confident after all the hard work they had put into the sport in previous months. It is often a big step up for the team as they have to quickly get used to playing on a larger and quicker pitch. On another day, many chances that the team created would have turned into more goals however this was not the case this tournament. They came up against some impressive schools including Kent College. The girls finished their group matches with 2 defeats, 2 draws and 1 win against Orley Farm School thanks to a goal from Harriet E. The team entered the quarter final stages of the plate and sadly lost the game 1-0. Although they played the better hockey and made several good chances, the goal never came. They can be proud of their efforts during the tournament.

The Colts B team showed, with plenty of hard work, what could be achieved over the season and we could not be prouder of their efforts. The team worked diligently in training to firstly develop their technical skills and then to push on tactically, ensuring their knowledge of transition and positioning would allow them a platform from which they could perform. Highlights of the season included outstanding wins against Manor Lodge, Beechwood Park, Heath Mount and St. Benedict’s, all of whom had far more numbers to choose from in those age groups. Elsa J grew into her role as goalkeeper and really came into her own in the back end of the season. Mia O found her true role in defence and was the team’s most improved player with sharp out-letting from the back. She was ably supported by Arya D and Ciara W who were both solid tacklers in that area of the pitch. Issy W was our creative force in the middle of the park and often provided the attacking platform for the dangerous Elayah D and Grace R to exploit. It was pleasing to see Grace R and Issy W push on to represent the ‘A’ team in the second half of the season and that experience will stand them in good stead for next year. Lots to build on ahead of next season and we thank them for all their hard work and patience!

Mr Smyth, Mr Woodford & Miss Burr

Year 4 girls hockey

Our Year 4 girls certainly pushed the hockey boundaries this season and they were an absolute pleasure to work with over the term. Their technical and tactical skill level (certainly in the higher two teams) was the best we have seen for this age group and it allowed the training sessions to be far more advanced, which in turn paid dividends during inter-school match play. Sadly, the inconsistent weather put pay to two of our fixtures. However, the hockey played against Manor Lodge, Gayhurst and Gateway was very pleasing to watch and it bodes well for next year’s colts teams. We kept our shape well in attack and learnt to squeeze space when out of possession, while the ball speed got progressively quicker. Lastly, a special mention to Sophie C, Lana S and Aryaa J whose progress in this sporting area over the past twelve months has been fantastic. Well done to the whole of Year 4!

Mr Woodford

Year 3 girls hockey

The Year 3 girls really enjoyed their first taste of competitive hockey this year and I was pleased with how quickly they picked up the basic fundamental skills of the game. Their ball carrying, passing accuracy and decision making under pressure all improved over the 7-week season and it was lovely to see them put those skills into practice against fixtures with Beechwood Park, Manor Lodge and Edge Grove. Even greater game exposure will follow when they move up to Year 4 and I look forward to seeing them build on the positive foundations they have laid this term.

Mr Woodford

Going the extra mile

YH Triathlon

Our annual triathlon proved to be a hit once again with our pupils as they swam, ran and biked around our amazing grounds in early September. It was fantastic to have so many Year 3 entrants this year who were doing the course for the first time and they, along with all 56 pupils, should be proud of their efforts on the morning. A special well done to all of our age group winners on the day and a huge thank you to our brilliant family turnout out in helping get the Autumn term off to another flying start!

YH Cyclo-Cross

It was fantastic once again to welcome the Batchworth Sea Scouts to our bi-annual cyclo-cross challenge event here at York House in mid-October. YH pupils and scouts mixed together to form two strong teams on the morning, as they worked hard to complete the three timed team challenges which certainly tested both their physical and mental capacity over the two hours. We look forward to the second event in the summer with hopefully a few more scout groups on board.

Badminton

The senior badminton squad had a ‘youthful’ look this season thanks to a large turnover of players at the end of last year. It also allowed for a senior ‘number of senior playersincluding Shrey P, Munachi U, Kitan A, Mayan M, Edward B, Krishna R, Erik K and Zak W to gain valuable doubles experience at this level and build on new components of their game. The squad’s foundation was built upon the experience of Zach D, Arthur B-K, Koen T, Monty B and Max J-L who have all been with me on their badminton journey since Year 5 and they provided a massive confidence boost for those in newer surroundings. We enjoyed matches with Locker’s Park, Westbrook Hay, St. Martin’s and Edge Grove with the only real competition coming from St. Martin’s, even though the final score was 15-9 in our favour. The annual trip to Badminton England was, as ever, well received by the pupils and to train on court next to current and future England players is always incredibly inspirational. Lastly, a special mention to Tom D, Kai T and Eshan L. All three pupils trained and played matches with the squad all term and although being in only Year 4 & 5 respectively, never at one stage looked out of place. All three are very exciting talents and will form the nucleus of a keen U11 group.

Mr Woodford

Table Tennis

In our recent table tennis matches against Westbrook Hay, Locker’s Park, St. Martin’s and Edge Grove, impressive performances came from Edward B and Kurosh R, who won most of their singles and doubles matches. Johnny P and Zak W also demonstrated impressive consistency in their matches working well together in pairs matches, in both defensive positions and in attack. Krishna R and Shrey Ps displayed some good tactical serves, powerful and accurate forehands mixed with some good backhands replies. These pairs were capable of winning long rallies and playing really well when under pressure. Dylan S, Ethan T, Sam W and Rafferty Q have displayed pleasing potential and talent for next year’s team. Our key senior player, Zach D, only played in one fixture due to his badminton commitments but made his presence felt against Edge Grove in the last match of the season only losing one solitary match. They were all capable of good matches and playing good points. Consistency levels need further improvements, which will help force their opponents into mistakes in future matches. A pleasing term by all.

Mr Telfer

Age group House Winners

Year 5

Year 6

Year 7 & 8

Overall winners

Nelson

Marlborough

Drake

YH Foundation

The York House Foundation has had a wonderful year brimming with exciting events and memorable moments. From the outset, 2024 proved to be a year of camaraderie, sporting spirit, and cherished reunions.

Annual Clay Pigeon Shooting Event at Holland & Holland

We kickstarted the year with our annual clay pigeon shooting event at Holland & Holland in March. This event was not only thoroughly enjoyed by all attendees but also played a crucial role in spreading awareness about the Foundation’s mission and its significance within the York House and the broader local community.

Golf Day at Moor Park Golf Club

May brought with it the ever-popular golf day, held at the prestigious Moor Park Golf Club. The event saw participation from numerous current families and Old Yorkists alike, who relished a delightful meal and refreshing drinks under the sun’s warm embrace. We were thrilled to discover that some of our teaching staff are quite adept golfers, showcasing their skills on the course.

York House Foundation Cricket Match

As summer unfolded, we had the pleasure of welcoming back some wonderful Old Yorkists for the annual York House Foundation Cricket Match. The returning alumni ranged from those who attended in the 1980s to more recent graduates from the past decade. The day was filled with nostalgic stories and heartfelt reunions, especially with Mr Woodford, who had the joy of reconnecting with former students he had taught in his early years at the school.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce a series of upcoming events in 2025...

Upcoming Events

Friday 9th May

At Moor Park Golf Club

York House Foundation Golf Day 2025

The format will be similar to that of the past two years, with some fun add-ons for our third event. In addition, for those who would like to try their hand at golf, there will be clinics given by the Moor Park pros. If your partner or family member would like to be part of the day, they are more than welcome to join us.

Friday 12th June @ 6pm YHF Garden Party

Friday 27th June @ 6pm HF Old Yorkist Cricket Match

York House Foundation Tree

If you would like to leave a lasting memory of your son or daughter’s time at York House School then there is no better way than buying a beautiful bronze leaf to go on the York House Foundation tree (located on the playing field side of the Gill Noach Building).

For more information then please email alumnifoundation@ york-house.com

Friends of YH

The Friends of York House have had another fun filled term.

The Fireworks Night was a fantastic evening, where 600 Friends of York House came to browse the stalls, eat hot dogs, support the Young Enterprise teams, warm up by the huge bonfire and, of course, watch the spectacular fireworks. As always, the school community created a great atmosphere and we are already planning next year!

The busy term has also seen us host lolly sales. We funded the Immersive Theatre Planetarium experience for all pupils which was a universal (pun intended) success, with pupils and staff enjoying different ‘worlds’ ranging from walking with dinosaurs to flying through space. We ended the term with our Christmas Event, only possible due to the generosity of the families of York House who donated to our Toy Tombola and the artistic skills of our Pre-Prep pupils who decorated the colourful jazzy jars.

Part of our aim as the FoYH is to contribute to and enhance all pupil’s school experiences . This term we have been proud to fund a number of new items for the school. These include new cricket equipment, new kayaks, a new table tennis table and new cellos.

The events we host, including the Spring Ball last year, raise considerable funds to enable us to support these items and it has been particularly fantastic to see families and pupils enjoying the teacher donated prizes, with many staff generously offering experiences ranging from being Head for the Day to fishing, tea-parties and samba music classes.

Thank you to everyone who supports the FoYH – the families, staff, volunteers and our wonderful pupils. We are already looking forward to next term and hosting our annual Quiz Night and Easter event.

This term, we are thrilled to spotlight Arjun S, whose remarkable journey is an inspiration to all.

Community Capsule Buried

Arjun’s story began with an incredible fight for survival when he was born premature. Born at just 828 grams, he spent 73 days in the hospital, including time on oxygen and undergoing multiple blood transfusions. Doctors initially believed surgery would be needed to close a significant PDA (hole in his heart), but against all odds, it began to close on its own.

Arjun’s resilience and determination have shone through since day one, making his achievements even more extraordinary.

His family’s commitment to giving back is equally inspiring. For Arjun’s first birthday, they donated iPads to the neonatal unit, enabling parents to stay connected with their babies. During the pandemic, these became a lifeline for families unable to visit due to restrictions. They have also actively raised awareness and funds for causes supporting premature babies. Arjun’s father has led several fundraising efforts, including organizing a Tough Mudder challenge and running the London Landmarks Half Marathon for Tommy’s, an effort covered by the local news. Arjun’s mother continues to contribute as a member of the East of England Neonatal Parent Advisory Group.

Arjun and his family were recently invited to cut the ribbon during a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the new SCBU unit at Watford General which was incredibly special. Arjun’s journey reminds us of the power of resilience, the impact of a supportive community, and the importance of giving back.

We are so proud of him and grateful to be part of his journey!

The school had the exciting opportunity to bury a time capsule in collaboration with the Hill Group. This fascinating event gave pupils the opportunity to contribute towards future historical studies of our local area. The school was tasked with choosing items that reflect everyday life in 2024, as it is sometimes these items that get lost to history due our preference to keep ‘wow’ things. Pupils did not disappoint with objects varying from a toothbrush to an iPhone. All pupils who contributed were invited to a ceremony to bury the capsule which was attended by historians and local dignitaries. Pupils will likewise be invited to the next ceremony in 70 years time when the capsule will again be dug up.

Head for the Day

Ioan N had a fantastic day this term when he stepped into Mr Gray’s shoes and took on the responsibility of being Headmaster

Ioan enjoyed welcoming pupils into school first thing in the morning and helped to lead an assembly. He had the opportunity to show some prospective parents around York House and he even managed to squeeze in a snack in the staffroom with some of the Pre-Prep teachers!

Trekking 25km for MacMillan Cancer Support

On Saturday 14th September, Mrs Riley, Mrs Davies and Mrs Barnes completed the 25km Thames Bridges Trek on behalf of MacMillan Cancer Support. Thanks to the generous sponsorship from friends, family and the amazing York House School community they raised over £1,300 for this wonderful charity.

Mr Langham-Lopez

Conquers 100-mile Ultra Marathon in Brecon Beacons

This summer, Mr Langham-Lopez, Head of Outdoor Education, pushed the limits of endurance and mental fortitude by completing a 100-mile ultra-marathon across the stunning yet unforgiving Brecon Beacons National Park.

The race, known for its relentless climbs, rugged terrain, and unpredictable weather, tested even the most seasoned runners. The challenge was not just about physical strength but also about mindset, preparation and the determination to keep moving forward when the going got tough.

In addition to achieving this personal milestone, Mr LanghamLopez raised £2,000 for Leukemia UK, combining his passion for adventure with a meaningful cause. His efforts have brought awareness and support to an organisation that makes a significant difference in the lives of many.

At the end of January, Mr Langham-Lopez will deliver a presentation about his adventure and how the lessons learned from such challenges can relate to school life. Students can look forward to an inspiring talk about resilience, determination, and the power of embracing challenges in their own lives.

Sarratt Primary School Year 6 pupils enjoy camp out at

York House

Twenty-five excited Year 6 pupils from Sarratt Primary School recently took part in a memorable charity camp out held on the grounds of York House School.

The event was packed with adventure, hands-on learning and teamwork, offering pupils an unforgettable outdoor experience while raising funds for a good cause.

The pupils immersed themselves in a range of activities designed to build resilience, collaboration and a love for the outdoors. Orienteering sessions had them navigating through the expansive grounds, honing their map-reading skills, and enjoying the thrill of finding hidden markers. They also worked with Mr Presky on an exciting STEM challenge that encouraged creativity and problem-solving skills. Meanwhile, Mr Woodford led team games such as “Trophies,” fostering camaraderie and friendly competition.

The camp out also included a smallholding activity, where pupils interacted with animals, learned about sustainability and gained insight into caring for livestock.

The success of the camp out has sparked excitement about future collaborations between the two schools, leaving pupils with fond memories and valuable skills gained from their adventure-filled day.

Staff News

We would like to share the news that Mrs Helena Warren and Mr Michael Biggs will be leaving our team at the end of this academic year to embark on an exciting new chapter in their professional journeys.

Mrs Warren will be joining Redbourn Park, a school dedicated to supporting children with Autism and complex needs, as the Head of Education. Whilst Mr Biggs will be joining St Margaret’s Junior School as their new Deputy Head.

Whilst we will be sad to say goodbye in July, we are immensely proud of their achievements and know that they will make a significant impact in their new roles. Please join us in wishing them all the best in their exciting new ventures.

Congratulations

Mrs Blackwell tells us about her wedding day: My husband and I got married in Devon during the summer holidays and we had the most wonderful day. It was lovely to have all our friends and family together to celebrate in a place that is very special to us!