The Magpie 2014 - 2015 by Monkton Combe School

THE MAG PIE 2014 - 2015

Introduction W

elcome to this year’s edition of the Magpie. Time really has marched on and it is difficult to believe that we are already looking back and reviewing the year.

A huge amount happens in the space of a year and a quick look through this edition certainly supports this. The pupils have had many opportunities to try new things and to develop existing gifts and talents and it has been good to see so many make the most of all that is on offer here. It is fair to say that this year has certainly been one of a change and development. The birth of our daughter Lucie has been a good marker for me, as she was born a week before the start of the school year! Her arrival brought big changes to our family life. For Years 7 and 8, there have been quite a few changes too. We have introduced new uniform and new responsibilities for them, as well as a new curriculum which includes Current Affairs, Mandarin and Outdoor Education. This has been a very popular addition so it was good to be able to erect a tipi in the grounds which serves as an outdoor classroom for many of the sessions.

The year in numbers Before reading this year’s addition, I thought I would whet your appetite with the following highlights of the past year in statistic form:

The most significant change this year, however, has been the transformation of the driveway and entrance making everything look much smarter and drop-off much less stressful! At the same time a new all-weather netball surface was laid and opened by the Mayor of Bath, Cherry Beath, significantly improving the facility for the girls. Looking ahead it will be exciting to carry on our developments with the new prep school build starting this coming year. This will provide us with a new Nursery and PrePrep, a refurbished swimming pool, new car parking and a new play area. In conclusion, a special thank you to Mrs Burchill who has worked so hard to produce the magazine. My thanks, also, to all the staff who give so generously of their time to run activities and events of such high quality, to all the parents who have supported and encouraged at the many different events and finally, my thanks to the pupils whose enthusiasm and contribution make Monkton such an enjoyable and inspiring community for us all. Andrew Marshall-Taylor Headmaster

21,904:

97:

the number of lessons that have been taught this year.

the number of pupils involved in the superb Year 5&6 Roald Dahl Spectacular.

for Hope for Harmonie on the 1st of February. 190 pupils and staff swam 5 times across the channel. Hatton House featured on ITV news in the build-up.

the number of A grades at CE and the third highest A and B tally in the last 10 years.

6000: this was the amount raised

84: 80:

5000: the number of bulbs

the number of grandparents who visited for a tour and tea on grandparents’ day.

1200: the amount raised in a day

the number of different musicians who played on the stage at one time in the Summer Concert.

we planted around the site one wet November morning.

for the ABEC Foundation, supporting a deprived area in Sierra Leone.

934:

the number of individual entries for sports day – a truly inclusive event.

70: 52:

a record number competing in the regional athletics championships.

50:

the number of Latin tests this year set by Mr Bray.

the number of pupils who went away on boarders’ camp and the number of pupils across the school who played at the same time in the Joint Concert.

percentage pass rate for the 54 music exams taken this year.

number of pupils on the joint U11 Sports Tour to Sussex.

153: 100:

23:

Contents Pre Prep 4 Nursery 5 Kindergarten 6 Reception 8 Year 1 10 Year 2 12 Book Week 14 School Trips 16 Sports Day 18 A Year in Pictures

20: number of pupils going to

the Gresham’s U13 Hockey Festival and the number of awards and scholarships given to the Year 8s.

11: the day in November the

boarders went to see the amazing poppy installation at the Tower of London.

Place of the U10 boys’ biathlon team, Place for our athletics team in the big 6 schools competition,

Place out of 20 teams in the regional round of the UK Maths Challenge.

New music group set up – The Monkton Youth Jazz Orchestra.

matches held.

First and last time Pre-Prep lit a fire in the tipi without opening the overhead vents!

7: most number of swimmers to go

The first Monkton triathlon.

6: the number of those swimmers

Lawrence Martindale in the National Biathlon, William Mitchell fastest swim.

who made the finals at the nationals’ event and the boys who were selected for the South West Lambs Rugby Squad at U11/U13

U11 and U13 boys’ became county champions at hockey.

National Swimming Finals and Lawrence Martindale at the National Triathlon.

Pupil, Edward Wilmott who swam Lake Windermere.

2: Place of Will Mitchell – in the

New Link set up with Pentathlon GB. Inspiring opera workshop run for Year 5.

1: Our first mixed inter house cricket

to the national finals and the number of athletes to qualify for the nationals.

New link set up with Team Bath Tennis.

Number of categories in which Olivia Lewis is national judo champion,

8: out of eleven matches won by the 1st XV in the season.

Prep 20 Drama 25 Music 28 English 30 Book Week 32 Library 34 Art 36 Design Tech 38 Geography 40 Trips 48 French 52 Spiritual Life 53 Charities 54 SAMP 55 Boarding 58 Activities 68 Computing 69 Sports 90 Year 8 Leavers 94 We Say Farewell To… 100 Head Boy / Head Girl 102 Prize Giving

Winners of our T20 Cricket tournament.

0: number of games lost by the 1st XI hockey in the season.

Number of training sessions and games lost to rain on the new allweather netball surface. Number of complaints to the inspectors about the school food – incidentally a first for the inspectors!

Pre-Prep | Nursery

A year in the life… W

hat a busy year we’ve had in Nursery! We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each and every one of the children this year, they have been such super stars! There has been so much going on, there is never a dull moment in Nursery! We have loved our exciting new gym sessions with Mr Sim and music with Mrs Gabe. We’ve been cooking with Chef Stuart and had some fabulous visitors come into Nursery. We loved it when Bella’s Grandma, who had come all the way from India, came in to talk to us about her job as a doctor; and when Dr Jellicoe (Max’s Mummy) came in and helped us to do experiments with rockets! There have been so many highlights this year but the staples of everyday life in Nursery have also brought us lots of joy – from digging in the secret garden, to exploring the school’s new Tipi and not forgetting, our special Christmas Nativity play.

We have loved watching the Nursery children grow and develop over the year; their language has come on so much and it has been lovely to watch their characters develop and friendships blossom. This year’s children have been so supportive of one another, as evidenced by the way they cheered one another on during Sports Day. We want to say a big thank you to the parents who have helped to make this year so special. We have so many memories to cherish of your children’s time with us.

Pre-Prep | Kindergarten

Donkeys & butterflies K

indergarten children were very accustomed to visitors, but none had got us quite as excited as our visit from Mr Adams and Don Don the donkey. Having walked for an hour and a half to get to us, Don Don was appropriately rewarded with his favourite brown bread and carrots. We learnt that Don Don has a special marking on his back in the shape of a cross and that he is thirty five years young! The children were all able to stroke Don Don who very quickly became known as “Don Don the gentle donkey”. Whoever said “never work with children or animals” has clearly never been to Monkton.

“Whoever said “never work with children or animals” has clearly never been to Monkton.” Kindergarten remained fascinated with our caterpillars who genuinely were changing before our very eyes. The children were amazed at how good they were at climbing and thought “it’s because they have sticketty legs!” We kept a close eye on them and noticed they made amazing shapes, including a “c” for caterpillar. Inspired by our caterpillars, the children created a beautiful butterfly garden design on one of our display boards. The children cleverly worked with and around one another to draw and paint their stunning scene which included “a new skin for our caterpillars” and “a butterfly with spots on her wings to scare the birds away”. Sam Phillips

Caterpillar watching

Mr Adams and Don Don the donkey

Butterfly garden

Pre-Prep | Reception

Who lives here? I

n the Lent term a mysterious door appeared in the Reception classroom and strange things were left in front of it. Who could possibly be leaving straw, sticks and bricks behind? Of course it was the Three Little Pigs. The children had fun making their own houses for the pigs, both at school and at home. We even took some little pigs in to the woods to build them houses using the materials we found there and we decided that stones made the best houses, just like in the story! We heard different versions of the story. In some, the wolf eats the little pigs and in another the pigs end up eating the wolf in a stew! We also learned that every time someone tells a story they tell it in a slightly different way. We made some collage pictures of the different houses and we used our ordering skills to sort pigs and houses of different sizes. However, very soon the house was ‘on the market’ and a new resident moved in. We discovered a red cloak outside the door and realised that it was Red Riding Hood. We all knew the story quite well so we thought about what sort of characters Red Riding Hood and the wolf might be. It was generally agreed that the wolf was big and bad and probably fierce and hungry, while Red Riding Hood was kind, helpful and well-mannered! We made some cakes to take to Granny’s house and then realised that we would need a map to find the way there. Everyone had their own ideas about what to put on the map, such as the wolf’s cave and lots of trees along the path between the two cottages. One sunny afternoon we took our cakes into the wood to find Granny, but we were a little worried about meeting the wolf so we made some wolf traps in case he happened to be around.

“We made some wolf traps in case he happened to be around.” 6

Brick house collage

Stick house collage

Straw house collage

The next week, imagine our surprise when we found a bowl of porridge in the classroom and we realised that Red Riding Hood had moved out and the three bears now lived in the house behind our mysterious door. Not all the children knew the story of Goldilocks and it prompted discussion about whether she should have gone into the house uninvited. We did attempt to make a new chair for Baby Bear while we were out in the woods, but this was a very challenging task and not everyone was able to complete it. However, once again the children had lovely ideas. It is amazing what you can learn from a few simple traditional tales.

Miriamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pig House A pig house made from lego

A chair swing for Baby Bear

We made pig houses in the woods

The Three Little Pigs have moved in

We took our cakes to Granny in the woods

Little Red Riding Hood took cakes to Granny 7

Pre-Prep | Year 1

Fire & ice

Penguin adoption

Captain Scott

Ice Queen workshop

ur learning journey always begins with a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Stunning Startâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Our Stunning Start was receiving a letter from Bristol Zoo asking us to adopt some emperor penguins as they had too many.

We were very excited to discover a trail of snowflakes from the car park one morning leading up to our school kitchen. We found the penguins huddling in the freezer trying to keep cold! We adopted a penguin each, named them and made an outfit and adoption certificate for them. We then needed to learn lots of things about penguins to find out how to care for them. So we booked a visit to Bristol Zoo to find out what we needed to know. 8

Visit from Fire Brigade

Making fire engines

Fire of London - setting fire to houses we made

We enjoyed learning about other animals that live in the Arctic and Antarctic and about the Inuit people. We delved into some history too, learning about Captain Scott who explored the Antarctic. Of course we did lots of science, exploring what actually happens when water turns to ice and set up an experiment to find where ice melts the fastest around school. With the film Frozen being so popular with the children we had a workshop with Perform 4 Schools where the children got to dress up as Frozen characters. We sang and danced and played games until we just had to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Let it goâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. All the time we were taking our penguins home with us and bringing them to school each day and recording the highlights of their weeks in a special diary. The most exciting thing was when the mummy penguins laid eggs and we hatched some baby penguins!

We moved onto fire after half term. We lit fires and explored what makes a fire burn. We learnt lots about volcanoes and made our own. We also made our volcanoes explode and learnt about the tragedy of what happened in Pompeii. We made fire engines in a DT workshop with Mr Salmon at the Prep School and had a visit from the fire brigade. We learnt a lot about fire engines, fire safety, and we got to squirt the hose! We finished our topic by learning all about the Plague and Fire of London. Our Fabulous Finish to our topic was a brilliant drama workshop by the Freshwater Theatre Company. We were terrific at pretending to die from The Plague! Claire Carr

Pre-Prep | Year 2

This is Bath D

uring the summer term we focussed our learning on our fair city, Bath, with the intention of designing a simple garden using some of the exquisite features you might see around town. Whilst taking a rest in our very own Folly, listening to all the sounds that surrounded us, one of us found an old bottle with a letter addressed to John Nash… we couldn’t believe our luck!

We discovered George IV had heard all about the talents of this local architect and of Bath’s beautiful honey-coloured stone and requested help with turning Buckingham House into Buckingham Palace. After such a find, we decided that we should design a Georgian garden instead. During our learning about neo-classical architecture and its origins, we wondered who could claim responsibility for turning Bath into one of the most beautiful cities in the world and so we decided to hold a debate! The candidates were John Wood the Elder and John Wood the Younger as a collective force, against Ralph Allen. Avoid eye contact when in shops, parents, we have become extremely persuasive!

Highly aware that we live in an area of outstanding natural beauty with very strict building regulations, we realised that before we constructed our gardens we must first ask Bath City Council for permission. In support of the letter, we created a map of our gardens from a bird’s eye view to show the footprint of land required. This also provided an opportunity to learn about the plants, trees, hedges, bulbs and bushes that would have been available to very wealthy Georgians, which we subsequently added to our designs with a key. Using everything we had learnt in Science, we were able to choose which plants would flourish in particular areas of the garden and those that would flounder. Just in case the planning application was approved, we thought we’d prepare a prototype of what our gardens would look like if they were built. Again, putting our scientific knowledge to good use, we planted grass and cress seeds to represent the lawn and box hedges, and knowing that the Georgians wouldn’t want to get their satin shoes dirty, we used gravel for the paths. After creating our prototypes by following our designs, we accumulated all our learning from our Georgian gardens project and produced a mood board each, to show off all of our hard work.

“We thought we’d prepare a prototype of what our gardens would look like if they were built.” 10

Pre-Prep

Book Week B

ook Week will undoubtedly be remembered for a long time to come. There were so many things to enjoy such as: spending time in our Art Gallery, the many questions we posed to Laurence Anholt to help us write stories with an ‘arty crafty’ theme and sharing several stories by Anholt and James Mayhew. We also learned to read paintings using all our senses and knowledge of an artist. One special moment was our trip to the Holburne Museum. Our skills acquired at the beginning of the week came in very handy as we were tasked with ‘reading’ several portraits in the main gallery. We learned all about staging a portrait, from the stance to the props (demonstrated brilliantly by some of us), and discovered many artists, such as Gainsborough and Reynolds, painted portraits as a way of making money; despite actually preferring to paint landscapes. In pairs we chose and discussed our favourite portraits, which later became the stimulus for our truly outstanding stories. Every story was approached differently, with each of us choosing to write from the perspective of either: the artist, the apprentice, the customer, or ourselves. At the end of the week the Pre-Prep dressed up as a character inspired by a piece of art or as an artist!

Year 1 at the Holbourne Museum

Teachers dress up as crayons for a special book week assembly

Pirate dress up

Pre-Prep

School Trips

h Year 2 feeding the fis at Bristol Aquarium Reception visit the allotments

useum

Visit to the Holburne M

Reception visit Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ark Zoo Farm

Year 2 trip to No. 1 Royal Crescent

Year 1 SS Great Britain Trip

Year 1 Trip to Cardiff Castle

Pre-Prep

Sports Day

he much anticipated Pre-Prep Sports Day took place in mixed weather this year but great fun was enjoyed by all as the children enthusiastically participated. Lots of mums and dads, grandparents and siblings came along to enjoy the afternoon and so there was plenty of crowd support as the children took part in their various races; from the quintessentially British ‘sack ’ and ‘egg and spoon’ races, to the fiercely contested House Relay. Even our very youngest two year old pupils in the Nursery competed!

All the children were keen to take part and try their best and the day showcased true Monkton qualities of perseverance, teamwork and good sportsmanship. The afternoon ended with the endearing ‘Little Visitors’ race and then it was time for our headmaster, Andrew Marshall- Taylor to present the medals to the victors and shields to the Sports Girl and Sports Boy of the Year. This year Anna Bichard and Finley Colebourne were the worthy recipients and were recognised for their good sportsmanship. Finally, it was time to enjoy a lovely afternoon tea. Pre-Prep Sports Day proved to be, yet again, a most wonderful afternoon filled with excitement, determination and most importantly many smiling happy faces!

Year 1 Tour of Britain

Kindergarten sharing stories

Pre-Prep

A Year in Pictures Year 2 recive certificates for partaking in a fun swimming gala with KES

Nursery cooking

Pre Prep harvest festival

Activity Assembly with Mr Sim 18

A winning Easter bonnet

Big Ted with Monkton Reception Reception posted letters to Father Christmas

Year 2 children all get Distinction in ESB

Year 1 visit from Lord Robert

Monkton Pre Prep nativity

Monkton Preprep nativity - Kindergarten

Year 2 had a visit from Kim Donaldson to help us look closely at animal body shapes Kindergarten secret garden digging

Nursery Nativity

Prep | Drama

The Demon Headmaster F

ifteen years on and the school made another welcome return to The Demon Headmaster. The original story written by Gillian Cross is a favourite still to children who enjoy the plot of a group of pupils who conspire to thwart their Headmaster in his quest to rule the country. A schoolful of robots may be a dream to some Headteachers but here at Monkton Prep individualism is still admired and the audiences applauded the individual efforts of every member of the cast.

The Normals, led by Archie Griffiths and Toby Waddington and ably assisted by Bea BayntunCoward, executed masterly performances in their battle against Jack Carpenter, the Demon Headmaster. The robotic acting of the pupils provided a glimpse of what the Headmaster was trying to achieve and they are to be commended for maintaining a straight face throughout the performances! Set against a magnificent backdrop which was painted by a talented group of parents led by Mrs Pilkington the school was privileged to stage a well-received production of The Demon Headmaster. Will he return in fifteen yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time, I askâ&#x20AC;Ś PCS

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A schoolful of robots may be a dream to some Headteachers but here at Monkton Prep individualism is still admired.â&#x20AC;?

Prep | Drama

A Gloriumptious Roald Dahl Spectacular! I

n the Lent term Years 5 and 6 performed ‘A Gloriumptious Roald Dahl Spectacular!’ This was a first for MPS, with a variety of items from Performing Arts lessons and Activity Slots, and every single pupil in Years 5 & 6 appearing on the stage, together with a few from Years 3 and 4, a total of 96 in all!

“I loved performing because I loved my funny characters. I also just love being on stage! I also loved watching everybody perform.” the Chrissie Haynes (Willy Wonka and Prince in Cinderella)

“I thought the play was amazing! I thought there were some really clever bits like the Wonka bars, the Gum Machine and turning someone into a raspberry!” Amelia Grant (Cinderella & Mr Bucket)

“My favourite part was doing an American accent and turning into a raspberry!”

Sky Pilkington (Violet Beauregarde)

oper “It was amazing to be in a pr umes, cost production. The make-up, the l!” the hair... It was such a thril ) Bea Baker (Willy Wonka

“I enjoyed doing the play very much and I want to do more drama and acting in the future.” Piers Rowell (Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk)

“I really liked being Veruca Sa lt be I could show how loud I could cause be!” Olivia Stocking er (Veruca Salt & Jack’s

mum)

Prep | Drama

Nativity

“I really enjoyed singing a solo all by myself and I loved being Mary. It was the best play ever!”

Lucy Curtis

“The best part of the play for me was the dancing in ‘There’s no room at the Inn’ song; it was really fun to watch.”

Grace Mansfield

“I was so anxious when I took my first step onto the stage but then I got used to it. I knew I would fit as a wise man.”

Jonathan Ochero

“I really liked the way that the kings repeated their lines ‘amazing, incredible, wonderful’ three times and everyone laughed.”

Elliott Hardisty, Liz Tozer, Ben Gundle and Joe Buxton

“I especially liked the way Olly (Wise Man 3) deliberately held the props the wrong way around!”

Elliot Shaw

“I liked King Herod’s costume!”

Harvey Adams

“I was an angel in the Nativity Play. At first I didn’t really think that I would suit being an angel, but when I gave it a try I really enjoyed it.”

Fern Deshon

“I liked the shepherds’ costumes and the fire.”

Joseph Martindale

“My favourite moment in the play was when Ernie (Assistant 1) and Charlie (Assistant 2) shouted at each other!”

Dio Taylor 24

Prep | Music

Music Highlights Year 5 Opera Day A fantastic day, given by Tessitoura, a professional touring opera company that provides performances and workshops for schools. The opera: Hansel and Gretel by the 19th century composer Engelbert Humperdinck Quotes: “I liked it when the witch came on.” “The witch was a bit scary. “ Nursery pupil who watched it avidly all through “I enjoyed making the masks to wear and things to carry.” “I never thought I could learn all the music we had to sing.” “The children were so well prepared and the slumber song made me well up.” Tessitoura’s Producer “I’m glad I didn’t have to play the piano for it.” Mr Sibley – they had their own amazing pianist!

Sherborne Percussion Day

Primary Schools Orchestral Day MPS hosted the very popular Primary Schools Orchestral Day. Eight local schools sent musicians to form an orchestra of over 80 players. As well as rehearsing four pieces as a complete orchestra, pupils were divided into four groups and rehearsed some improvisation and percussion pieces to play in the final concert to parents and friends. The end result was a splendid example of children concentrating hard and showing superb ensemble skills. The day was rounded off with a famous Monkton tea! 25

Hand Bells This year it was the turn of the girls, no boys volunteered, that is, until we roped in Mr Sim to stand in for an absentee one week. He loved it so much he stayed for the rest of that term and the next! Our highlights were ringing at the Advent Carol Service, this year in the Senior School chapel – a beautiful candle-lit service thinking about Jesus the Light of the world. We rang Unto Us a Boy is Born – it sounded beautiful. In the Lent Term we rang at the HRGB festival held at MPS, at the Easter Service and at the end of the Summer Term we rang Mrs Herbert’s favourite song “Trust and Obey” to accompany the piano in chapel. Well done to Millie, Mimi, Olivia, Hannah, Evie, Freya, Grace and Manuella – oh, and not forgetting Mr Sim! We thank Mrs Gabe for her wonderful conducting and we thank Mrs Herbert for all she’s done to keep hand bells ringing at MPS. JLH and RG

Joint Concert

A few statistics.

Average of 200 individual weekly lessons, 12 Lunchtime concerts, 6 evening recitals, 1 Joint Concert with MSS, an Advent Carol Service, a whole school Carol Service in Bath Abbey, an Easter service, a Leavers’ Service, 2 daytime Master classes (piano and strings), 2 concerts, 1 in Holy Trinity Church for an old peoples’ Christmas Lunch and 1 for Grandparents’ Day, 2 Orchestral Days at Millfield and Sherborne School, 1 Primary Schools Orchestra of 90 pupils, a Jameson whitewash in the House Music, 6 performances for Year 5 and Year 6 Performing Arts classes, 30+ soloists as Musician of the Week on Mondays, 15+ solo performers in the Mid-Somerset Festival, 50+ pupils in the Orchestra, 150+ pupils in our Summer Concert, 54 pupils taking (and passing!) music exams, all Year 5 pupils performing in an Opera Workshop, 2 Music Scholarships (well done, Gabriella Watt and Julia Ju), several things I have undoubtedly forgotten, - and this has been a relatively quiet year! These represent another year in the department and go some way to celebrating and recording success for our pupils in so many ways. But there are other ways of marking success that are not so obvious. How about these: a very first performance by a pupil at a Lunchtime concert given to proud parents, a pupil proudly playing a part written especially to enable taking part in an ensemble, a Year 8 boy who is a national sportsman singing in the Choir throughout his time at MPS, a pupil who is around Grade 7 level but who is always first to get to the orchestra rehearsal, numerous Year 8 pupils who will never reach a high standard on their instrument but who want to carry on learning their instrument or continue singing at their senior school, the Year 5 pupil with many learning difficulties who went around the school humming tunes from a serious 19th century romantic opera, the Year 4 pupil who instigated a Year 4 guitar group, or the pupil who is really ‘in’ to hand bells or steel pans (thank you, MSS, for the new pans), the look of delight on the faces of pupils playing for the first time in a Big-Band, the pupil who is a different person when sitting behind a drum kit, the pupil (there have been several but they are properly in the minority!) who doesn’t learn an instrument and who has never really shown much interest who suddenly blossoms in performing in a group composition, the smile of wonder from a Year 3 pupil who really listens to the full sound of a symphony orchestra at full belt for the first time, the look on the face of a MPPS pupil playing in the middle of our school orchestra and experiencing true surround-sound: The list is endless! To me, those are the real triumphs in a music department. None of this is possible, however, without a great team of peripatetic teachers and I salute them as I leave. Several have ‘seen me off’ having been here longer than me (19 years!) and it is testament to their ability and personal loyalty that there is very little turnover of music teachers in this department. However, it is time for me to hang up my baton for the last time and make way for younger blood to take over. My exhortation to the school at Final Assembly was: ‘if you play a musical instrument, keep playing: If you don’t pay a musical instrument, start one!’ Enjoy!

Prep | Music

Music Results Associated Board Prep Test: Anna Bichard (MPPS) Violin, Sophie Parnell Piano, Olivia Websper Piano, Liz Tozer Piano, Ava Ubogu Piano, Sienna Websper - Piano Grade 1: Clementine Alford Singing, Sam Fletcher Piano, Sienna Websper Flute, Jack Bennett Clarinet (Merit), Evie Maya Flute (Merit), Mimi Ogilvie Clarinet (Merit), Emma Parnell Piano (Merit), Elliott Hardisty Piano (Merit), Anna Hutchison Cello (Distinction), Olivia Websper Clarinet (Distinction) Grade 2: Hannah Pook Piano, Eve ClarkTrumpet, Alex Bichard Violin, Matthew Marshall Clarinet, Lucy Curtis Piano (Merit), Oliver Dickerson Guitar (Merit), Lily Hopper – Oboe (Distinction), Grade 3: Matthew Charles Trumpet, Amelia Grant Piano, Freya Haynes Piano, Zachary Sharp Trumpet, Archie Campbell-Colquhoun Trumpet, Rebecca Watt French Horn (Merit) Grade 4: Luke Singleton Trumpet

Trinity Initial: Aidan Chawla-Duggan Cello, Harvey Adams Guitar Cesare Mencarini Guitar (Merit), Ava Ubogu Violin (Merit) Grade 1: Anna Bichard (MPPS)Violin (Merit), Liz Tozer Guitar (Merit), Elliott Hardisty Guitar (Merit), Nicholas Fourie Guitar (Merit) Emil Goddard - Guitar (Merit)

London College of Music – Music Theatre Grade 1: Georgina Gundle (Distinction) Grade 3: Sophia Shone, Kitty Nutt (Distinction), Bea Baker (Distinction) Grade 4: Honor Coury (Distinction)

Rockshcool Grade 2: Rory Coulson Grade 4: Honor Letheren

MidSomerset Festival Music results Favourite Song : Lucy Curtis (Commended), Lily Hopper (Merit), Alice Stanley-Smith (Distinction and 2nd place), Clementine Alford (Distinction) Show Song age 11: Matthew Marshall, Amelia Grant, Bea Baker (Joint 3rd and all distinctions), Georgina Gundle (Merit), Lily Hopper (Commended) Show Song age 10: Lucy Curtis (2nd and distinction), Sophia Shone (3rd and distinction) Art song: Lily Hopper (Commended) Unaccompanied Folk Song: Lily Hopper (Distinction and winner – 2nd year in a row!) Show Song age 12: Beatrice Bayntun-Coward (Commended) String duet: Nell Boobbyer and Augusta Haynes (Commended and 2nd) Woodwind elementary: Lily Hopper (Commended and equal 2nd place)

Grade 2: Henry Vening Double Bass, Tigerlilly Kellers Cello (Merit) Grade 3: James Ibell Violin, Gracie Smith Flute (Merit), Alice Pymer Saxophone (Merit), Evie Glasgow – Violin (Distinction) Grade 5: Julia Ju Theory, Augusta Haynes Theory, Edward Wilmott Violin (Merit) Grade 6: Julia Ju Violin (Merit)

Prep | English

The Mid-Somerset Festival 2015 T

he Mid-Somerset Festival provides an amazing opportunity for children of diverse talents to shine in front of a small audience. The range of classes seems to get bigger each year but Monkton Prep School has been well represented in a number of categories.

These range from creative writing through to verse speaking, acting, mime and musical classes during the second week of the festival. The pupils always enter into the spirit of the festival by preparing themselves well in advance and then enjoy presenting their various acts with confidence. This year was an exceptionally good year for our pupils gaining certificates with Outstanding, Distinction and Commended as well as being placed in the top three of their respective classes. The icing on the cake was when the Under 12 Mime Group was invited to take part in the Winnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Concert and performed before an appreciative audience in the Banqueting Room in the Guildhall.

The school has now been awarded the Mime Trophy for the fourth consecutive year whilst Freya Haynes won her creative writing class for the second year running! The pupils who entered the Festival are to be congratulated on their preparation and willingness to perform to the best of their ability. First places were awarded to the following: Under 12 Mime: Jack Fry, Oscar Gordon, Archie Campbell-Colquhoun Under 14 Duo Acting: Bea Bayntun-Coward, Archie Griffiths Verse Speaking: Amelia Grant, Lucy Curtis, Charlie Maggs Creative writing: Freya Haynes PCS

Verse Speaking Competition 2015 T

his yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competition was yet another occasion when the competitors presented their speaking skills with confidence and flair, some of whom progressed on to the MidSomerset Festival later in the term.

It is interesting to note that the younger the competitor the funnier was their choice of poem. Roald Dahl is always a favourite choice for a poem due to his wicked sense of humour and this year was no exception as no less than five of the finalists recited his poems! Whichever poem is chosen the audience and adjudicators are always guaranteed an entertaining hour of poetry recitation. Congratulations to all those pupils who were chosen by their teachers to take part in the Finals.

Year 3: 1st William Alexander, 2nd Rose Stanley-Smith, 3rd Clemmie Alford Year 4: 1st Fern Deshon, 2nd Oliver Dickerson, 3rd Evie Maya Year 5: 1st Matty Garrod, 2nd Stanley Sertin, 3rd Eve Billing Year 6: 1st Amelia Grant, 2nd= Bea Baker & Lily Hopper, 3rd Sky Pilkington Year 7: 1st Honor Coury, 2nd Tabitha Gallen, 3rd= Amelia Clamp & Archie Campbell-Colquhoun Year 8: 1st Olivia Lewis, 2nd Gabriella Watt, 3rd= Bea Bayntun-Coward & Michael Langsford PCS

Prep | English

Book Week T

his year’s Book Week was both stimulating and colourful. It was a week when all the staff was involved with the encouragement of reading through a range of enjoyable activities. The cake competition proved to be as popular as in previous years and it was a delight to see such a vast range of beautifully made and decorated creations based upon the theme of Roald Dahl.

The queue for the subsequent cake sale was eager to sample the wares and the total raised was £180.10! This was very much appreciated by our local charity, Send a Cow, chosen by the competition’s winner. The results of the competition were: 1st Michael Langsford, 2nd Abby Shrubb 3rd= Clementine Alford & Amelia Grant

“The queue for the subsequent cake sale was eager to sample the wares and the total raised was £180.10!” 30

Marie-Louise Jensen, a local author, came in to lead writing workshops for Year 8 pupils and guided them in how to hook the reader through an exciting story start. We were very privileged to welcome David Almond to the school who spoke to the Upper School about what inspired his writing. Another author, Jennifer Gray, visited the school on Character Day to speak to the Lower School about her novels for the younger readers. The competition for this year was ‘Scene in a Box’ in which over 40 entries were submitted. It was a very difficult decision to judge and the placings went to the following pupils: 1st Rebecca Watt, 2nd Honor Coury, 3rd Freya Haynes Well done to everyone, pupils and staff, for entering into the spirit of Book Week and a big thank you to our parents for supporting the various activities. PCS

Minibooks

Character Day

Prep | English

Library Library Competitions – Celebrating Christmas Busy break – Fern:

“I’ve made this card for someone special.”

Launching our Book Week Challenge – ‘Book in a box’ Library Monitors: William, Ben and Michael Evie and her ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ entry: “I had great fun making it, although my

brother kept wanting to eat the sweets.”

Languages Day 2014 Matthew: “I’m

learning about Paris. There is so much to see and do!”

Book Character Day Amelia: “ I love books because they take you to another world!”

Roald Dahl Day Alex: “I found the answer by reading this bit, in this Roald Dahl biography.”

ook Biscuits Book Week B d Bea. ass by Emma an Made for the cl

Bath Big Read Year 5 girls in Reading Group, read Chris Riddell’s ‘Goth Girl’ .

World Book Day 2015 Michael: “We had to hold the crowds back!’”

Mimi: “It was the best book we read all year in Reading Group.” Freya: “Chris Riddell is now the new Children’s Laureate.”

Guardian Newspaper Visit

Our visit to not The Somerset Gua rdian but THE Guardian newspaper in London! Matty: “I sat in the SUPER comfy chai rs.” We interviewed Francesca Simon, who writes The Horrid Henry books, Chr is Riddell, who writes Ottoline and Got h Girl stories and finally, the very fun ny Andy Stanton, author of the fabulo usly infamous Mr Gum series. Matthew: “Oh, what the heck, I’ll just

tell you straight, I’m Matthew and today I’m going to have an exciting day.” Hannah: “It was the best day of my life.

I learned that Chris Riddell bases his characters on people he knows!”

Eve: “We went to the book cupboard and

were allowed to choose three free books! I especially loved interviewing Andy Stanton because he was so funny.” 33

Prep | Art

ear 3 have created lots of exciting and vibrant art work this year. The work reflects 2 the enthusiasm and imagination that they have all put in. They have explored a range of techniques and materials this year with the focus on trying things out and learning to be bold. This has included collage, painting, drawing with a wide range of materials and using mixed media. We have had a lot of fun, made A LOT of mess and enjoyed our lessons together.

Artists on this page 1 Rose Stanley-Smith, 2 BC Tobias, 3 John Brehme, 4 Chloe Craig, 5 Harry Lye, 6 Noah Dyson, 7 Zack Glasgow, 8 Miriam Bowden, 9 Poppy Goode

6 34

Examples of work in progress by the amazing artists at MPS.

Prep | Design & Technology

Magnificent models T

here have been some magnificent models on display throughout the year in the DT room. Once again the Year 4 have been making Lighthouses and learning various skills including wood joining techniques. Year 5 have been building box model vehicles, they have also explored lolly stick modelling and a graphics Toothpaste box project.

Year 6 have designed some amazing SOS houses, and as well as some graphics, have each built and displayed an air fix model. Year 7 started with an elastic band car challenge and then converted their chassis into a land yacht, they have also built bridges and designed their dream boat for the 2015 boat show. Year 8 finished their time off with a motorised vehicle, a revision of their graphics skills and a project based on areas of History they have covered. This has been a most rewarding year in the DT room. I know that the department will go from strength to strength in the future. PMS

Year 4

Year 6

Year 8 Year 5

Year 6

Year 7

D-Day

Year 7

The Year 7s have been wo rking hard this year in cr eating an awesome spectacle in Law lobby. In tune with it being 70 years from the begin ning of D-Day this year they have each helped re-create on e of the famous beach lan dings. Each pupil built an Air fix model and using pla ster of Paris designed the topograph y. They have all really en joyed themselves and it has he lped them to visualize bo th the scale of the attack as we ll as some of the challen ges faced. Pete Salmon

Prep | Geography

Year 8 at Lulworth Cove T

he Geography department has been very busy as Mr Creeth together with Miss Hinton, Miss Powell and Mr Coombe all took the Year 8 sets to Lulworth Cove on three different days. Each set were there to take Geography out of the classroom and to gain some understanding of the forces that help shape our beautiful coastline.

“The pupils and staff had a great time in one of the country’s top world Heritage sites.”

The pupils used skills taught back at school and re-capped upon arrival on the beach, on how to measure beach profiles, cliff profiles, gather data from the random sampling of the long axis of the pebbles at each transect studied, wind direction and strength and the study of wave frequency and height. They then took this data collected from four transects around the Cove and tried to show how the beach at Lulworth changes over time from a normal structure to a structure containing berms due to wave refraction in the Cove. This is the practical coursework element of the pupils geography syllabus in Year 8. We had brilliant sunny weather each day and the pupils and staff had a great time in one of the country’s top world Heritage sites. A huge thank you to the three GTAs as their input with the groups they were looking after was invaluable.

Prep | Geography

Food & Farming

ood and Farming has been an exciting part of the Creative Curriculum in Year 3 this term. Starting with a search for our bread, on Expeditions Day, the children investigated different types of grain which could be used to make flour and then bread … or pizza! Happy, hungry faces were a delight to see, as we all munched our bespoke pizza al fresco!

This was followed by a walk to Rainbow Woods, where we were on the lookout for signs of farming in our neighbourhood, we observed the Countryside Code and had great fun building shelters, designing fridges to keep our drinks cool, and eating flapjack oats was our focus grain at this point! During the term we investigated milk, beef, eggs and other food we like to eat! Our trip to Warleigh Lodge Farm was a real highlight and we all experienced some fantastic hands on learning … did you know that cows can have their calves by caesarean, that you can age a tree by hugging it, or that stinging nettles don’t always sting?!

Dear Julian and Rose Thank you for the fun we part of the day was wh had at Warleigh Lodge Farm. My favourite en didn’t know that sheep we had a chance to feed the sheep. I could eat so much! Th ere were lots of thing I didn’t know, but my s favou or that chicken bites act rite fact was that cows had caesareans ually hurt! I was fascinated by ho w much milk a cow can pr noisy piglets can be! I was most impressed tha oduce and how produce two hundred and eighty eggs in a yea t a chicken can r! The funniest experienc e was when we went ins ide the big oak tree and all the sheep star ted running away. When we climbed out of the tree the sheep were st ill ru eight hundred metre ra nning! It was like they were having an ce! It was the best school trip ever! I hope we can come again! Best wishes William Alexander 39

Prep | Trips | Year 3

1940: Back in time T

he Year 3s stepped back in time: they packed their suitcases and tied on their labels; picked up their gas masks and a sandwich wrapped up in a brown paper bag. Where were they going? They weren’t quite sure; off to the countryside somewhere.

They were experiencing what it was like to be an evacuee in 1940. They even got on a steam train and discovered what it felt like to wait to be chosen by a new family. To add to the adventure they also found themselves being ushered into a public air raid shelter as the sirens went off. Sitting in the dark, squashed and uncomfortable they sang songs to pass the time until we got the all clear from the air raid warden. Carbolic soap, shrapnel and stirrup pumps all added a sense of authenticity. At the end of the day we ‘came “Back to the Future” to 2015, with a fresh perspective on and renewed appreciation of, our modern lives. HH

because we “We went to the Steam Museum in Swindon uees. I liked wanted to learn about World War II and evac ly surprised it when the teachers dressed up; I was real ” when the florist picked me to be her evacuee! Sophie Parnell

eum but my “I liked learning about everything at the mus and what favourite part was learning about the rations to it!” they ate; I got really hungry while listening Scarlet Kellers

, because when “The best bit was the public air raid shelter h black.” the warden turned out the lights it was pitc John Brehme

gas masks “The really interesting bit was looking at the . I loved the and the Micky Mouse gas mask for toddlers trip to Steam!“ Alice Stanley-Smith

“I was really surprised to learn that they had food and drank tea in the air raid shelter.” Ruby Brooks 40

Prep | Trips | Year 4

Mary Rose Museum “It was amazing seeing the real Mary Rose! I can’t believe there were 500 people on board and only 35 survived.” Flo Rolfe

“The Mary Rose was a War Ship for 34 years. In 2017 you will be able to walk on it again because they are treating it to make it strong enough.” Joseph Martindale

“I found it amazing that a wooden ship didn’t rot after 437 years under water! The artefacts were brilliant, too!” Alex Bichard

“I was amazed at how much damage the canon did to the wood – it just went straight through. It would sink a boat.” Archie Clamp

“They put me in the stocks and pretended to throw rotten food at me – rotten lot!” Joe Buxton

“We liked dressing up the most because Livy was a posh officer and Grace was a poor crew member. We pretended that Grace was Livy’s servant.” Grace Mansfield and Olivia Parnell

“The ship was really cool because it was crooked and old. We learnt about all the different jobs on board the Mary Rose.” Elliott Hardisty and Owen Goodman

“Henry VIII’s ship was strong and they thought they were making it stronger by putting bigger canons on it, but then it sank!”

Ben Gundle 41

Prep | Trips | Year 4

Cherry Wood

his year the sun shone upon us at Cherry Wood as the Year 4s explored living in a sustainable way, first-hand. The experiences were certainly different to everyday life: cooking food on the open fire on sticks, using compost toilets in a tree with a rope bridge, learning the art of woodworking without machines and discovering just what fun can be had in the great outdoors away from the distractions of technology!

For many it was their first night sleeping in a tent and the children really impressed us with their organisation and teamwork. The mud slide has a certain reputation from those who have been before but another highlight this year was running around the woods playing manhunt as well as discovering an enormous number of tadpoles in the lake. The children were thrilled to have a visit from Mr Marshall-Taylor who joined us for the woodland walk but sadly had to leave before sampling the hand-made pizzas, cooked outside in the wood-fired oven. They were delicious! All in all, a very happy and successful adventure was had by everyone. RDC

“Having a roll mat across my back attached to my rucksack made me feel really adventurous, like I was going to explore a new world that no foot had ever stepped on before (apart from the odd chicken, of course!).“ Charlie Maggs

“In the tent I was hearing the wind and the birds. My last activity was making arrows, we had to get some sticky tape and put it round the top and cut it aerodynamically so it would fly better.” Ernie Eatwell

“I was amazed to see huts made of wood which were handmade! For lunch we had a hot dog and mine didn’t fall into the fire.” Florence Rolfe

“For lunch we got a stick, the teachers handed us some dough to put on it and we cooked it on the fire. We were making buns for our hot dog. When I looked up from the tadpoles I saw an extremely colourful pink tree. The girls picked the flowers and put them in their hair. Elliot put one in his hair too!” Mac Pilkington

“When we got there I needed the toilet. We went over to this tiny wooden hut and everyone went in and almost straight out because it smelled. It had two holes, one that had a sign “pee” and the other “poo”. I think they made fertilizer, and I guessed right.” Zak Ubugo

Prep | Trips | Year 5

CYE Sailing Centre I

n September, Year 5 went to the Christian Youth Enterprises Sailing Centre, near Chichester, for a 3 day residential trip. The children experienced Pico sailing, raft building, rescue boat driving, an assault course and much more!

“My favourite activity was the Pico sailing because when me and Phoebe were meant to capsize David tipped us the wrong way on purpose so I fell in into the water doing a back flip but Phoebe jumped off before she could fall off backwards.” Tallulah Alford

“The activity I found most challenging was the assault course. It was really challenging because of all the team effort parts. The cob-web was by far the hardest because we had to lift people through the holes!” Jack Bennett

“The 3 days at CYE were the best 3 days of my life (and that’s saying something!) The food had loads of flavour, the ship was extremely tidy and I will always remember the super cool glow-stick night walk!” Matthew Charles

“One of my favourite activities was the rafting because at the end I got thrown in and we pushed Mr Salmon in the water. Before that we had a water fight with the paddles.” Evie Glasgow

Prep | Trips | Year 6

Skern Lodge

highlight of Year 6 is the Skern Lodge trip. It’s a chance for children to overcome their fears of heights, to try things they never thought they’d do, and have some fun on surfboards. It was great to welcome back Mr Gollings and Abbie, and we also had great weather for the trip.

The memorable experience is the day on the North Devon coast – abseiling down a 100 foot cliff, squeezing through the tightest of rocks, scrambling around outcrops 20 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and those unfortunates who slip into rockpools and get soaked through! We also enjoyed the Sunday morning learning how to surf (and it was a good swell this year!) and the team bonding when belaying and encouraging our peers to get to the top of the High Ropes course. The Skern Lodge trip is a great way to make new friends (and welcome back old ones) and I am sure that the weekend helped Year 6 become a tighter, close-knit group. AP

Prep | Trips | Year 5

Salisbury Y

ear 5 enjoyed a Field Trip to Old Sarum, Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge. Thankfully, we were blessed with glorious weather and the children were able to explore the remains of Old Sarum looking at â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;clues from the pastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, then we sat in the sunshine for a picnic lunch.

We moved on to Salisbury Cathedral, where the children looked at the design and style of the building and the important areas inside and were also able to visit the Chapter House and see the Magna Carta. We finished our trip with Stonehenge to try to gain a better understanding of the people who built it and what it might have been designed for. When asked, what was the best thing about the day? Old Sarum -we could run around looking at everything. What was the best thing in the Cathedral? The font - it was really beautiful. ATO

Prep | Trips | Year 6

Lifeskills Centre Y

ear 6 took a trip to the Lifeskills Centre in Bristol this week to try and help themselves become safer. The Lifeskills Centre is an old tobacco factory which has been completely renovated to simulate a village with a shop, a railway line, a pond, dark alleys and a dangerous road. Year 6 looked at how to stay safe in different scenarios and all had to make a 999 call. I can hopefully guarantee that none of them will ever try to cross a railway line again!

Prep | Trips | Year 5

The Big Pit Y

ear 5 went to Blaenavon in Wales to visit The Big Pit on Expeditions Day. All were slightly apprehensive about the thought of going underground into the mine and were incredibly quiet during the experience! However, once back at the surface it was agreed that it was great fun being kitted out with helmet and lamp and everyone was keen to go down again. There was then time in the museum in the old pit head baths and the opportunity to learn about life as a coal miner. They were surprised and shocked to learn that even children as young as six years old were put to work in the mine! ATO 46

Prep | Trips | Year 6

Intech

What is Intech?

“Intech is a fun experience and it also teaches you at the same time. There are lots of activities that involved Science and fun” Bethany and Ella

“You can learn a lot of things and have fun, it was the best trip!”

Alex and Zak

“Fun and amazing, it’s really cool!”

Matt

“The planetarium is magical”

Hamish and Matthew

enjoy? Which exhibit did you

, we “We enjoyed the colon café ordered our food and gotanad receipt that we scanned r found out how squishy ou poo would be.” Blanca and Emma

you went into a big “The planetarium was so cool seats that were tilted dome and sat in really comfy backwards.” Anna

to many beautiful “The planetarium introduced us atmosphere. I liked sights which lie just beyond our rs.” sta spotting the constellations of Mrs Ross

that this dome “We liked the different voices waves to change how it changed. It was using sound sounded. It was very funny.” Bethany and Ella

ause you got lots of

“I like the Olympics exhibit bec exercise.

What did you learn?

“If the sun had n gravity, it would bo bigger than the so e lar system.” Piers, S am and Arthu r

“Octopi have three

hearts.”

“On Venus it rains

tin and lead.”

Ella and Sophie

Bea

“If you could driv e up only have to travel wards, you would 60 miles until you reached space!” have

Emma and Bla nca

“Depending on the he calculate your spri ight you jump, you can nt speed.” Bethany

Lizzie

Prep | Trips

French trip

American War Cemetery

Jack Fry: The gun emplacements at Pointe du Hoc were magnificent and extremely large; I most definitely would have been terrified if I was facing this in World War II. Holly Brennan: Nous avons mangé des escargots et des cuisses de I grenouille. (They tasted better than thought they would!) Satchen Bilan-Sharp: We went to the American war cemetery to pay our respects- I felt very honoured to

Bayeux Cathedral

be there.

Augusta Haynes: Nous avons mangé une baguette avec du fromage qui s’appelle Tomme de montagne. C’était délicieux. Harry Gladwin: We went to one of the most famous things in history; the Bayeux Tapestry. It was amazing, I learnt so much about it and it was interesting to see the whole story in a line. Jemima Adams: We had to get up at 4am! And trust me; I am not a morning person! Jonah Bowden: I really enjoyed Pegasus Bridge because of the es fascinating story of the glider plan that landed 20 feet away from the target-it was somewhere they had never been before and it was in the dark. Eve Clark: At the beach we splashed, we jumped, we got wet and we had fun! Theodore Goddard: At the D-day Landing Museum we had a guided tour with models of the Mulberry Harbour. It was followed by a film that was so moving about the story of the soldiers who pushed the German soldiers back all the way to Berlin.

Snails and frogs legs

Picnics

Ice cream

Bayeux market

Beach

Biscuit factory D-Day

Aerobics

Nell Boobbyer: We went to a Cider Farm and found out all we need to know about cider and how you make it - C’ét ait intéressant!

Supermarket

Issa Saddiq: We visited a 360˚ cinem a; it had 9 screens and it felt like you wer e really experiencing some of World War II.

Pegasus Bridge war veteran

Ferry

Tabitha Gallen: We had to speak in French to order the cheese and me at- it was hard but fun. North Goodwin: We ate our food tha t we ordered from the supermarket. It was very nice except for the rabbit and herb pâté – overall we chose well. Gabriel McCulloch: We went to a Biscuit Factory and the man taught us how to make biscuits and they wer e lovely…they were so lovely I then had to buy some! Honor Coury: I had an amazing tim e in France and enjoyed trying new foo d, doing new things, learning French words and spending time with my friends. 49

Prep | Trips

French trip

Poems Nell Boobbyer

Archie Campbell-Colquhoun

Holly Brennan

Crosses White Crosses So many losses Children crying Men are dying.

6th of June, dreadful day Bloody battlefield where heroes lay The crosses stand row on row The suns bright light makes the stone glow.

The Graves that mark Those soldiers who never lost heart. Great white crosses Mark so many losses.

Roses and flowers Rainbows and towers Guns and bombs Depressing songs. All of which Teaches us a bit For all the lives And terrible sadness. So think of them at this time Cause crosses always stand tall.

The war’s big gleam makes the enemy wrong But they still merry and sing their song. The families of those have lost almost all But this was the time of Hitler’s fall. Those days have passed And we have grown steady. Even if it is emotional We have to be ready.

D-day came, Many soldiers brought to fame For they fought for their lives However, they won no prize. Soldiers shot down Trying to win the crown. Brave men carried on Hoping it would all soon be gone. There’s nothing we can do, But to remember the spirit Of those soldiers who fought And never made it home.

Prep | Languages | Year 8

Languages Day 26th September 2014

ollowing the success of our very first Languages Day last year we decided to continue this new tradition with Year 8, from both the Senior and Prep School. They dipped their toes into the rich diversity of language and culture that make up our world. As a result, the pupils were given the opportunity to try their hand at some practical skills from French Cookery and Music to Pétanque, Brochure Making and the ever popular Salsa. They also had taster lessons in Spanish, German, Italian and even Hungarian! Another year, another triumph from the catering team as the whole school was treated to culinary delights from all corners of the globe. The dining room had a wonderful ambiance as the animated pupils were served Chinese duck, fresh sardines, and spicy patas brava to name but a few. Once again staff and pupils seized the chance to dress up in the national dress of a country and the array of ensembles was amazing. However, Victor Webb, George Denning, Gracie Smith and Olivia Lewis, were the overall Fashion Contest Kings and Queens! En tout, nous nous sommes tellement amusés – à la prochaine!

Prep | Spiritual Life

Ichthus Committee “I really enjoyed Ichthus because I overcame my fear of stage fright.” Henry Bennett

“Ichthus has helped me overcome some of my fears and helped me have a good time and work together.” George Denning

“Ichthus this term was amazing! The dramas were some of the most fun things plus the games were fab!” Michael Langsford

“It was really fun and helped me to get more confidence when I was on stage. It teaches you about the Bible in a fun and active way.” Georgia Caesar

“I really enjoyed being on the Ichthus Committee because it’s really fun to put games and dramas together and show the rest of the school.” Honor Letheren

Who killed Jesus?

Over the Easter holidays 6M were challenged to write about who should be held responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus. The challenge was optional, but there were several good responses. One was from Sophie Goodman who wrote a play entitled “Who killed Jesus?” Mrs Overeynder got to hear about it and asked if 6M could perform it the following day for Year 5/6 Ichthus. This left 6M with one lesson and

a break to read it through and then rehearse! They were all up for it and the next day they pulled off a very entertaining, clever, and smooth performance, helping the audience engage with what is perhaps one of the biggest and most thought-provoking questions of all: Who was responsible for the death of Jesus? Well done to Sophie, not only for writing the script, but also, together with Olivia, Emma and Blanca, for holding the whole thing together. Juliet Herbert

Prep | Charity

Charity round-up T

Hope 4 Harmonie

his year we have once again shown a real generosity and compassion through the amount and the range of giving that has taken place. We have had our weekly chapel collections for different causes and our collections at our different services such as Harvest and Advent.

New this year has been Ice cream Fridays, coordinated by volunteer parents, the amount raised each week is around £70. Alongside this ongoing giving there are three key events which have been highlights in our giving this year. Firstly, our shoe box appeal for Operation Christmas Child, run by Mrs Herbert. This year it was a competition between the tutor groups for the most shoe box presents packed. It was fantastic to see many families packing two or three boxes. In the end the total number was 266 – over one per pupil – a great achievement. In the Lent term, and one of this year’s highlights, was the swimathon in aid of Harmonie Rose, a local, baby girl who, as a result of an infection, had all four limbs amputated. The pupils in Hatton House led the way, organising and running the event. The aim was for the school to swim the equivalent of the channel. In the end it was swum five times and over £6000 was raised! A fantastic example of what can be achieved when something captures the pupils’ imagination. Lastly in the summer term, the Year 8 pupils were given the task of running a charity day in aid of the ABEC Foundation – a charity set up by a parent to help a deprived area in Sierra Leone. The Years 8s showed their teamwork and initiative and set up and ran a mini-fete for the school, raising over £1200 in the process.

Shoeboxes – the winning tutor group

The Wells Walk

This year’s walk was a very different walk from previous years but a beautiful route nonetheless, scaling Ebbor Gorge and then following the high ridge across the Mendips before returning to Wells. The boarders turned out in force, walking the full ten mile route and were joined by some twenty day-pupil families. We managed to raise just over £1000.

Looking beyond ourselves to help transform the lives of others is a key part of being a Monkton pupil so it has been encouraging to see the initiative and the generosity of the pupils for the different causes. The bar has been set high for next year and it will be a challenge to improve on this year’s total but I have no doubt that we will give it a good go! 53

Prep | Sustainability at Monkton Prep

Great Monkton bulb plant

big thank you to those of you who contributed towards the cost of our Great Monkton Bulb Plant. We purchased a large number of bulbs and set out one morning to plant them! We were rewarded in the Spring, when all of the bulbs opened to produce a colourful array of flowers.

Green and Red Day

hank you to everyone for dressing up for Green and Red Day. It was lovely to see the combinations put together and it certainly brightened up the field at break time. The proceeds went towards outdoor seating which will be enjoyed by all the pupils and staff at MPS!

Prep | Boarding

Hatton House H

atton House has enjoyed a fantastic year with many different events and activities for all to enjoy. The boarding numbers have grown and with flexi boarding becoming more and more popular it adds to the buzz and positive atmosphere in the house. The year has flown by with so many highlights. Below is a little glimpse into the mind of a boarder!

New houseparentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, earlier bed times, unlucky! Fantastic September weather making it easy to have lots of fun outside after supper. Head of house, Archie Griffiths, what a superb job he has done, lots of flexi boarders, very busy tuck and film nights on a Friday. House meeting on a Monday led by prefects, cream tea and cake in rainbow woods. Smelly socks beginning to be found in random places, wonderful trip to Bowood house, half term. Hooray! Tower of London on Remembrance Sunday, seeing the poppies, amazing experience. New friendships becoming closer all the time. Mr Hutchinson comes in to speak to the boarders from the bible on a Sunday evening, dodge ball in the gym on Wednesday evenings. Our own bonfire night with sparklers, seeing the lions at Longleat! Free swim on a Tuesday evening, bonfire with marshmallows, yummy!

Prep | Boarding

Hatton House

Bath vs Newcastle Falcons at the Rec, ICT on a Thursday evening, cosy hot chocolate evenings in the Goodeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, fabric fun for everyone! Hatton beanies #everyone wants one! Carol singing in Combe Down, boarding numbers growing, Christmas party! Inflatable obstacle course in the gym, sumo suits. Stockings on the stairs, I wonder what sweet I have in mine today? Christmas sing song in common room, secret santa, Christmas holidays! Hooray! Back to school and everyone enjoying a treat in the Goodeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flat, lots of stories to share, feels like being back in my extended family again! Lazer quest in woods, Wow! @Bristol science museum, can we go again next year?! Indoor climbing in Bristol, I never thought I could do that!

Trip to Blenheim Palace, that was so cool. I can tell Mr Lloyd Williams about that! Easter egg hunt, sharing them with everyone. Shelter building in the woods. Hope for Harmonie sponsored Swim, £6000 raised, I still love wearing my t-shirt! Easter holidays! Hooray! Summer term, summer sun, summer fun. Tipi arrives, marshmallows in the tipi how exciting! Visit to Downing Street, high tea at the Ritz! Mountain biking in the Forest of Dean, boarder’s camp. Outside Wednesday night concerts, G.O.B’s (Glimpse of Brilliance) of the week. Boarding numbers full, paintballing, wide game, BBQ’s. Hatton family having fun, did I mention boarding inspection? Summer holiday. Hooray!

Prep | Activities | Year 2 & 3

Beavers T

he 3rd Bath Monkton Combe Beaver Scouts have had another busy year collecting a handful of badges along the way. They started the year learning how to stay safe: on the roads; by the water; and around the house. They then moved onto earning the Imagination Activity badge by acting out stories, building models and imagining what life might be like in the future.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;With two new badges on their arms there was no stopping them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;

With two new badges on their arms there was no stopping them. Next they were busy being creative; acting, making, colouring, building. One sunny afternoon they created wonderful pictures using natural materials. All the Beavers spent time sharing their hobbies and collections with each other; they all enjoyed developing their skills and knowledge and inspiring their friends to take up new interests. The Year 3s are moving on to Cubs with lots of new exciting challenges ahead and we look forward to welcoming lots of new Year 2s who will be joining in with Scouting at Monkton. HH

Prep | Activities | Year 4

Cubs T

he Cubs have been on lots of trips this year, canoeing, climbing and an activity day that included archery, zip wire, high rope crate stacking and a muddy assault course, - all the things they (and we, as Leaders,) enjoy. We have been outside as much as possible, building obstacle courses and playing boisterous outside games. Next year is a significant one â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the centenary of the founding of Cubs in 1916 by Lord Baden-Powell himself with lots of celebrations and events planned locally and nationally. Watch this space!

Prep | Activities | Years 3 & 4

Gardening A

lan Titchmarsh and Monty Don had better watch out! The Year 3 and 4 gardeners sowed seeds; potted on and planted out; and learned all about how to look after plants. For all their hard work they picked a bumper crop this year: juicy beans, tasty salad leaves, crisp radish and fresh new potatoes. HH

“Gardening is fun, we can grow our own plants from scratch and learn how to look after them.” Scarlet Kellers

“I really enjoy planting seeds and watching them grow.”

Ernie Eatwell

“We grew lots of vegetables and herbs, and sunflowers too. It has all been super fun!”

“We choose what to sow; we enjoy watching the plants grow and eating our crops.”

Tigerlilly Kellers

Afonso Gomez-Guillamon

Prep | Activities | Years 5 & 6

Drama

Year 5 and 6 Drama Club enjoyed learning the skills of stagecraft and the freedom to explore their own story telling. From mishaps at the old people’s home to grumpy teachers, pupils brought a range of characters to life through their own improvisations and miniplays. Fairy tales told through mime were particularly effective and many came with a comic twist. My thanks to all the pupils involved for an exciting and dramatic term! FLH 60

Prep | Activities | Years 3 & 4

Explore outdoors T

he intrepid explorers have been exploring all over the beautiful school grounds looking for birds, bugs, and badgers; theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made nettle tea, gone on scavenger hunts, hugged trees, sown wildflower seeds and toasted marshmallows on a carefully made camp fire â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Arkela would be proud of them! May there be many more natureloving explorers at MPS in the future. JLH

Prep | Activities | Years 3 & 4

Fun Science Each term this year, a merry band of white coated and safety bespectacled band of Year 3 and 4 pupils have enjoyed a variety of experiments in Science Lab 2. The most requested and greatly anticipated event was, as ever, the making of a model volcano. Other investigations have included tricks of the light, dissolving challenges and fire writing. Using forensic science to fight crime has also been highly successful in recovering stolen sweets from the dastardly hands of some dubious characters such as the Gruffalo and Horrid Henry. Many thanks to all who came to have a go and have some fun! DER 61

Prep | Activities | Years 3 & 4

Sewing Y

ear 3 and 4 pupils developed their creative skills this year; learning to sew, designing and making their own soft toys.

‘It’s a place wher e chat and relax an you can d importantly, sew. most Y make anything you ou can lik made a toy cupcak e; I e.’ Katy Pook

‘I like sewing. I’m always excited about it on Wednesday afternoons. I like making toys for my sister.’ Poppy Goode

‘You can design anything from your imagination and then make it. It’s a really good way of relaxing, chatting and having fun with your friends but also learning at the same time.’

Tabi Waddington and Grace Mansfield

I’m really proud y; to ar be y dd te a e ad ‘I m bear I’ve ever y dd te t rs fi e th ’s It of it. to design a toy made. I’ve learned how and how to stitch.’ Oliver Knatchbull

Prep | Activities | Years 3 & 4

Craft

it’s “I like doing candles because like doing art with wax.” Alfonso

“You do a differen t thing each week a nd it’s really fun – especially the mag ic books.”

Alex

“I love craft because we get to make things.” Chloe

Prep | Activities | Year 5

Maths Challenge! 63

Prep | Activities

Judo

Joseph Martindale, Owen Goodman, Zac Ubogu and Paddy Bennett

his has again been a very good year for the Judo club with excellent attendance from the pupils. Every judoka (judo player) attained an excellent standard within their grade band and the Years 7 and 8 group achieved knowledge of judo techniques normally only taught to high adult grades. All the Judo club members attained higher grades and the appropriate colour belts. The pupils are as always very keen and competitive during the training sessions and a complete pleasure to teach. The highlight of the judo club year is the Monkton Combe school championship. This always produces some excellent judo skills and tremendous rivalry between the members but with a good sense of fair play. In the Year 7 and 8 group Jonathan Roth has been very enthusiastic and a great help to me by helping to teach lower graded members the theory 64

Freddie Billing, Jack Bennett, Edward Pope and Caleb Bowden

requirements for their grades. He is this year’s winner of the Williams trophy. His enthusiasm, competitive skills and the demonstration of the throws and holds used in judo has reached a very high standard for a pupil of his age. He has also proved to be the strongest contest fighter and technical player in the club. The Thatcher trophy for girls’ judo is awarded to Olivia Lewis. Olivia won the Gold medal last year in the 35 kilo class at the Bushido national championships and again proved that she is a top class player by winning the Gold medal in the under 40 kilo weight group in this year’s event. The Year 3 and 4 class produced very good technical and practical players this year with Joseph Martindale winning the gold medal with convincing wins in all his contests. Owen Goodman overcame a disadvantage of being a lower grade by being very fast with his throwing skills to take the silver medal, Zac Ubogu and Paddy Bennett won bronze medals in this group. In a hard fought final contest for the gold medal in the Year 5 section Freddie Billing managed to

Prep | Activities | Years 3 & 4

Tennis T Lawrence Martindale, Charlie Gully, Nathaniel Jelf and John Richardson

he tennis stars of the future had a very successful term on the tennis courts thanks to the great weather. The initial difficulty was getting to grips with putting up the pop up tennis nets but once that was established, the tennis playing went from strength to strength. Everyone had a turn playing against each other and it was all done with good gamesmanship. Only a couple of balls went flying off towards Midford which was a record. There was some very good tennis being played by the majority of the children and those new to the game, soon got their forehand into full swing and managed to hit some balls over the net. Well done to everyone who took part.

Jonathan Roth, Babalo Hale, Issa Saddiq and Amelia Clamp edge out Jack Bennett who took the silver medal after many hard competitive contests fought with determination and competitive skills. Edward Pope and Caleb Bowden took the bronze medals with both players putting up good resistance to the first and second place players. The Year 6 category winner was Lawrence Martindale who won all his contests with major scores. He produced some of the fastest throws seen in the club for many years. Charlie Gully only lost one contest to convincingly take the silver medal whilst club mates Nathaniel Jelf and John Richardson after many hard fought contests took the bronze medals. In the Years 7 and 8 group Jonathan Roth won all his contests with good throwing skills to take the gold medal, Babalo Hale who has made excellent progress this year won the silver medal whilst Issa Saddiq and Amelia Clamp took the bronze medals. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most courageous player is Aidan ChawlaDuggan who was presented with a certificate for his determination and enthusiasm.

Prep | Activities | Years 5 & 6

Cookery C

ookery Club was great fun this term as we made so many delicious things to eat. Some of our favourites included mini quiches, marble cake, lemon drizzle cake and chocolate chip cookies. The pizza was really lovely and we ate it all before we went home! Every week we make different cakes, cookies and savoury bites which our families enjoy too. Emma Parnell and Blanca Gomez. 65

Prep | Activities | Year 7

Science afternoon Y

ear 7 headed down the road to the Senior School science labs where they were rotated through three different activities. In the Biology labs they got the opportunity to look at the microscopic life within a pond. In Physics they saw manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early attempts made at trying to fly and how these have led to the development of the current aeroplane wing. They then had a go at building their own dream aircraft that was fired across the lab. The Chemistry labs were filled with bangs, colourful flames and burning ÂŁ5 notes as Mr Coulson demonstrated some fun Chemistry experiments.

SEC

Prep | Activities

Interhouse quiz

ear 8 were split into groups and produced a general quiz for all the pupils in each year group, which they delivered to each class. From this, the best 16 were chosen in each year, four representing each house. Pupils were all given a buzzer and the display highlighted who had buzzed first. It was all very tense and exciting.

Several pupils were outstanding Yr 3: Zack Glasgow, William Alexander and Noah Dyson Yr 4: Paddy Bennett, Oliver Dickerson and Elliot Shaw Yr 5: Jack Bennett, Mattie Garrod and Stanley Sertin Yr 6: John Richardson, Lawrence Martindale and Amelia Grant Yr 7: Jack Fry and Raphi Douglas Yr 8: Toby Waddington, Georgia Caesar and Michael Langsford The overall results were: 1st: Easterfield (203) 2nd: Jameson (170) 3rd: Howard (123) 4th: Kearns (104) Well done, Year 8 for all your hard work. PMW

Sports drink competition Over the Easter holidays the science and catering department ran a competition for the children to design a natural sports drink based on the ingredients that could be found at home. We had some great entries to the competition. Lots of thought and tasting had gone on over the half term to produce the final products. The science department initially judged the entries based on the science behind the ingredients in the

drink. Four finalists; Mimi Ogilvie, Freya Haynes, Evie Glasgow and Andrew Ross were sent through to the next round where they were invited to the kitchens to help the chefs prepare the drinks. The rest of the school then had an opportunity to taste the drinks. The winner was Freya Haynes with her â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cherry Blasterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; drink. SEC 67

Prep | Computing

Spot the difference The Film Posters were created by Year 6 using Serif PhotoPlus, while Year 5 made Spot the Difference pictures using RM Colour Magic.

Prep | Sport

Centre of Excellence

ehind all that goes on at Monkton is the idea of encouraging each child to discover the gifts and talents that they have and to encourage them to work on them and develop them during their time at the school. The huge range of activities, curriculum subjects and events, evidenced in this magazine, enable all pupils to have a go at many different things to find out what they enjoy and what they love doing. It has been hugely exciting this year to be able to extend our provision further, working in partnership with some local providers who have an established reputation for excellence in Bath. As a hub or satellite centre for Baskervilles Gym, Team Bath Tennis and Pentathlon GB we are able to offer an outstanding level of coaching in these sports to Monkton pupils and also to the local community.

Baskervilles has grown from strength to strength with sessions offered on a Wednesday for Nursery pupils through to Year 8. The Team Bath Tennis sessions have proved hugely popular and pupils have enjoyed the high level of coaching that is provided on a Tuesday after school and on a Saturday morning. This has also helped to reinforce our relationship with the Academy where a number of the pupils play as part of the elite player programme. Pentathlon GB has a healthy number attend its Friday evening session. The sports hall turns into a shooting range, the Law hall becomes a Fencing salle and the members then use the swimming pool and the grounds to run in. We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite managed to sort out the horse ridingâ&#x20AC;Ś. yet! We are looking to build on the great progress made in 2014/15 next year as we look to partner with more providers so that we make the most of every opportunity that our wonderful 30 acre site affords. 69

Prep | Sport

Boys’ Rugby T

he first few days of any term are always exciting and challenging in equal measure, as the pupils return to a new sport after an extended break. The rugby season of 2014/15 certainly followed the pattern, as we returned to gloriously dry and warm September weather, lots of new faces across all the teams and perhaps the best rugby pitches in the Bath and Somerset area. The 1st XV, albeit with the notable absence of Rory Myers, began the season in positive fashion, winning two of their first three matches, against Beaudesert 38-7 and All Hallows 52-7. The team gelled quickly and played some attractive, open and exciting rugby. Adam Wortelhock was a constant threat from centre, Jonathan Roth epitomised the dogged determination required from a forward and Daniel Hammond was a pest to opponents all season. With Josh Davies and Victor Webb pulling the strings at half back, plenty of tries were scored by powerful runners such as Kyohei Takechi, William Mitchell and Caleb Stockinger. The season ended with a valiant defeat to a muscular Kingswood side, but not before Monkton had put KES (47-0), Beechen Cliff (24-7), Prior Park (57-0), Dauntsey’s (33-12) and Clifton College (19-7) to the sword. A superb season from an excellent group of boys. The 2nd XV had an equally positive start, including a ‘nil-ing’ of All Hallows in a fine home performance (36-0), where the intelligence of Piers Lloyd and the scavenging ability of Toby Waddington came to the fore. The loss of Henry Bennett’s pace, due to an injury, did not dampen their spirits, as they soon went on to beat KES 38-12, thanks to some mature play by Ethan Morris and Rory Coulson, who controlled the game from fly-half. There were many Year 7 boys in this side, so we hope that the experience of senior rugby will stand them in good stead as they seek 1st XV honours in 2015/16. The thirds and fourths were motivationally marshalled and enthusiastically coached by 70

Mr Gordon, Mr Coling and Mr Chatten. The boys at this level truly love the opportunity to get stuck in, but pitching the games right is important. The 3rd XV had to take on some stiff challenges, including two 2nd teams, but stood up to the test, with Dmitry Barsukov rampaging over all and sundry, Ben Parry leading from the front and North Goodwin providing some kicking options. The 4th XV had a thrilling ‘double-header’ versus Clayesmore, with Freddie Maw the star with ball in hand and Michael Langsford being an excellent captain. The Colts teams enjoyed successful seasons, which began in earnest with a pleasing sweep of three wins versus Perrott Hill. In the A team, the half back axis of Lawrence Martindale and Tommy Davies was always threatening, with the likes of John Richardson, Charlie Gully and Rowan Smith also providing attacking options. It was great to see them record comfortable wins versus Kingswood, KES and The Paragon. The B team was unbeaten at the Bath Schools’ Festival, with five victories and some outstanding play from Kuber Berry, Dmitry Krivenko and Alexander Sell; even in the occasional defeat, as against Hazlegrove 15-20, Hamish Campbell-Colquhoun excelled with a hat trick. The U10s boast some wonderfully gifted runners, who also began to gel as a defensive unit through the season. The A team was a very committed group, with victories earned through hard work, honest effort and great support play. Jack Bennett, Jack Webb and Harley Sandford all represented the year above and helped their own team to record a winning season, with

highlights being the tight win away at Kingswood, 15-10, and the great 25-15 win versus The Paragon. The B team was nigh on unbeaten, with Matthew Charles, Caleb Bowden and Hugo Caesar proving too hot to handle for many an opponent. In the Juniors, it is all about participation and enjoyment, but try telling that to the boys - they want to win! So they did, with the U9s beginning the season by winning five of five at the All Hallows Festival - essentially being the champions. Their team ethic and defensive diligence means that individual praise is tricky, but Elliott Hardisty and Joseph Martindale must be commended for their elusive running and try scoring; Will Rees of the B team was aggressive and effective also. The U8s

were equally as successful, with a host of intelligent boys quickly working out how best to play under the rules of tag. Jamie Dod, Billy Baker and Zack Glasgow made for excellent playmakers, setting off the likes of Isaac Mears and William Alexander to help record wins against The Paragon, Kingswood and at All Hallows. Finally, Monkton is proud of the fact that four U13s represented Somerset Prep Schools in the match versus Devon and that in the final year of its existence, six boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; secured places in the South West Prep Schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Squads. A superb effort and the icing on the rugby cake for 2014/15, bravo! BWS 71

Prep | Sport

Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hockey

superb season in every way outstanding players across the age levels, top quality coaching, one of the best surfaces in the area and (almost) friendly weather conditions. The headline should read that, as well as up to eighteen teams being regularly fielded, Monkton Prep School boys are the County Hockey Champions U11 and U13 - a quite magnificent result. Indeed, in addition to the 1st team and Colts A VII winning their County Tournaments, once again hosted at Monkton, they both went to the West Finals, where the former finished third in the South West, as well as having had an unbeaten regular season. The 1st team squad was full of talented, hardworking and most importantly of all, passionate players. The desire they showed to come back from 1-3 down in the opening fixture versus Kingswood to win 4-3 in the dying minutes was quite sensational and epitomised their will to win and willingness to give everything for the team. Players such as Herbie Shone and Rory Myers would run their socks off up front, Adam Wortelhock, John Holdoway and Archie Carr would provide the attacking flair through the middle, with Rory Coulson and Daniel Hammond offering some defensive calm and coolness respectively. Local wins against Prior Park and Beechen Cliff, as well as a high quality draw versus Chayfn Grove were perhaps only eclipsed by that victory over Kingswood. The team thoroughly deserved the Stafford Cup. The remaining senior teams had mixed seasons, with equalling thrilling highs, such as the goal-laden wins versus Prior Park and the 3-2 away win against All Hallows for the 2nd team, despite the opposition having their 1st team captain in the side! However, there were some frustrating moments, including last gasp defeats to Hazlegrove for the 3rd XI and to Kingswood for the 2nd XI. Nonetheless, many Year 7 players demonstrated potential in these sides, such as Felix Gomez-Guillamon, William Hughes and Gabriel McCulloch. The 5ths and 6ths was a breeding ground for goalkeepers, with Zachary Sharp and Oscar Gordon emerging as possible future contenders, as well as being home to the freescoring North Goodwin. In the Colts, Mr Goode’s influence and impact was strong, enthusiastically turning a group of committed ‘fighters’ into a truly cohesive, capable and astute team, with floating positions yet a pleasing defensive structure. Zak Dinning was outstanding in goal, with Nat Jelf and Rowan Smith developing well as outfielders. Wins against most

of their local rivals in the County tournament and representing Monkton at the West IAPS and West In2Hockey Finals really were fine achievements from a very coachable group. In the B and C VIIs, as well as helping to earn pleasing victories versus All Hallows and The Paragon, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Matthew Marshall and Luke Buxton looked like players with a promising future and Felix Barson did well in goal for the C team. The U10 group proved themselves to be a talented bunch, who seem to love hockey, with many of them playing outside of school. This additional exposure to the game paid off, with wins versus The Paragon, Colston’s and Kingswood. Indeed, with the goalscoring of Andrew Ross, the midfield composure of Matty Garrod and the pace and tenacity of the Jacks, Webb and Bennett, the team provided many of the Colts squad that was so successful at regional level, and themselves went unbeaten at the Millfield festival. As a result of this strength, the B team was also rather dominant through the season, with wins versus all of their local rivals and then a fabulous victory at the Millfield festival against some of the top schools in Somerset. Freddie Billing, Harrison Blake and Evan McCulloch, among others, will all hopefully push for A team honours in future years. The juniors enjoyed many fixtures against local neighbours, as well as hosting both Bath Schools’ Festivals. The U9s worked hard to emulate the attacking structure of the senior teams, with Ben Gundle leading the line and new players such as Will Rees and Edward Burgess impressing across the A, B and C teams. The U8s were unbeaten in five matches against Kingswood, performed well at their festival and were lucky to have many boys to whom the skills and tactics of hockey came naturally. Indeed, Benjamin Tobias and George Espley demonstrated great control and stick work, to name but two. Hockey is on the up at Monkton Prep School. A number of pupils play for a club, a handful have been playing with the Avon JDC and all should certainly aspire to emulate Adam Wortelhock, who was a most superb 1st XI captain and one of the best ‘3D’ players of recent times. Well done to all the boys in 2015. Can 2016 match such a golden year? BWS

“Monkton Prep School boys are the County Hockey Champions U11 and U13 - a quite magnificent result.” 73

Prep | Sport

Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cricket

he summer term is always packed with sporting opportunity, from athletics to swimming, triathlon to tennis. Fitting in enough cricket is, therefore, a veritable juggling act. Fortunately, the weather played with a straight bat for once, allowing the vast majority of scheduled matches to take place. Coupled with decent cup runs for the Colts, U12s and U13s, it made for a more than pleasing cricket season, and certainly one that seemed to catch the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; imagination, based on the extensive informal play that took place every break time. The 1st XI certainly worked hard in practice, putting in the hours in training and lunch breaks. They battled hard against Millfield but came unstuck 74

against some scintillating spin bowling, and had narrow losses to Kingswood and The Downs, despite fine batting from Adam Wortelhock and tight bowling from Dan Hammond and Rory Myers. The latter came good with the bat against Dauntseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as the XI recorded a pleasing win to cap the first half of the season. After half term, a draw against Hazlegrove, thanks in large part to some responsible and positive batting from Captain Josh Davies and Herbie Shone, was the prelude to the thrilling T20 day against Kingswood and Cornwall Hill (South Africa). Ruthlessly brutal revenge was exacted upon our Bath rivals, as Kingswood were blown away for 68, Monkton chasing down inside eight overs for no loss. In what then became the final, against our South African visitors, Monkton produced perhaps their best team performance of the season, posting 144, with runs from Rory, Dan, Caleb Stockinger and Archie Carr, then wickets for Josh Davies and

5th and 6th XIs worked hard to develop their skills, playing in some keenly contested matches against Prior Park and Hazlegrove to name but a couple. Michael Langsford led the 5th XI with pride, James Furnivall showed that he could score quickly and Oscar Hird took two wickets in his first over for the school. A solid season by the seniors. The Colts demonstrated excellent enthusiasm for cricket all term, from enjoyable victories, such as those against Kingswood and in making the semifinals of the Colston’s 6-a-side, to the more quirky moments, including the amusing 100m sprint in batting pads! Tommy Davies provided the majority of the runs, ably assisted at times by Lawrence Martindale, Zak Dinning and Haydn Thompson, the latter also proving to be a useful bowler, alongside Luke Buxton, Rowan Smith and Felix Barson, whose flight and guile snared many a victim. In the B team, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Kuber Berry, Matt Baker and Matthew Marshall all performed well, pushing for places in the A squad. They enjoyed fine victories versus The Paragon and Kingswood and fought hard in a narrow loss to Hazlegrove.

“The Colts demonstrated excellent enthusiasm for cricket all term, from enjoyable victories to the more quirky moments.”

Ed Walker. A superb win to cap a season of real endeavour from this committed bunch of players. The 2nd XI played positive cricket throughout the season, perhaps just lacking the batting required to truly trouble some of the better sides. Against U12 A teams it is always a challenge, but some boys had their moments, such as Rory Coulson, Tom Cook and Henry Wilkinson with the bat and Jonah Bowden, Archie Hughes and North Goodwin with the ball, helping them come close against Kingswood and The Downs. The 3rd XI also experienced a ‘nearly’ season, but certainly helped develop players who should go well next year, such as Harry Gladwin, Logan Cornock and Oscar Gordon, the latter hitting the winning runs in a memorable victory away at Dauntsey’s. The 4th XI produced perhaps the highlight of the season, in beating Millfield in their first match of the term, thanks to excellent bowling by Felix Gomez-Guillamon and Jonathan Roth. The

The U10s have great potential in cricket and have really enjoyed the move to ‘hard ball’. Indeed, the A group’s unbeaten season, including wins against Hazlegrove, The Downs, Kingswood and Millfield, is testament to the talent and hard work of cricketers such as Matty Garrod, Evan McCulloch (who took a hat-trick) and Freddie Billing, to name but a few. As a result of the success of this year group, the B squad boasted fine bowling and batting options in Sachin Padiachy, Hugo Caesar and Nicholas Fourie, meaning that exciting victories against Kingswood and The Paragon were the result of this strength in depth. The U9s and U8s played at their Bath Schools’ Festivals, against The Paragon, in a lovely mixed year group match versus St Stephen’s and, for the first time, in mixed gender cricket house matches. There were many wins and numerous fine performances. With the bat, Joe Buxton, Zak Ubogu, Isaac Mears and Billy Baker all look powerful and Joseph Martindale, Joshua Brooks, William Alexander, George Epsley and Aidan Chawla-Duggan all impressed with the ball. Well done to all the cricketers of Summer 2015. 75

Prep | Sport

Girls’ Hockey

e have had a great term in many ways down on the astro. There have been lots of ‘first times!’ The first time we have taken an U11 Hockey Team on Tour. The first time the 3rds and 4ths scored a goal! The first time, for many new Year 7s to stand on a hockey pitch. The 1st VII led by Olivia Lewis, had some great results; beating Dauntseys, Warminster, Prior Park and Port Regis. They drew with far larger schools like Millfield, Sherborne and King Edwards. The 2nds went from strength to strength, building up their skill base and tactical knowledge 76

along the way. Miss Hern, their coach, was delighted with the way their team play built and how they really worked together to gain some great results! Many of the girls in the 3rd and 4th teams were completely new to hockey. They had a lot to learn. However, Miss Hughesdon and Miss Hinton kept them buoyant throughout the term. The 4th VII finished with a win against Port Regis and for both teams, the goal set, of scoring a goal, kept the mood up and the desire to learn high! The girls will now be able to build on what they learnt next year. The U11 A team won some fantastic matches. They beat Clifton College! They came a little unstuck against the likes of Hazlegrove but they are now learning to believe in themselves, all that was missing. There were

some great performances by Amelia Grant and Eve Deshon but they were supported well by all of the other girls who played in this team, 11 in total! The U11 B team were the team of the season, they worked well together and the instinctive nature of Georgie Gundle in front of goal ensured they buried many goals. Melissa and Blanca were strong in defence; Sky Pilkington and Ella Firmstone were strong down the wings with Mia Calver holding the middle of the pitch together. Not to forget Anna Hutchison in goal who was quick to react to good shots. They won 8 out of 9 games, even beating The Downs! The U10 teams made huge amounts of progress. They started to learn how the game needs to piece together and what the different positions require. They came 3rd in the Monkton Prep School tournament and beat many schools including Clifton, The Paragon, Colstons to mention a few! It was great to see Harriett Brehme, Olivia and Sienna

Websper really start to get to grips with the game. The U9 girls really enjoyed the opportunity to play on a half pitch and to start to learn how to use the vast amount of space. Many of them became far more confident to run with the ball on the stick and were starting to look up to make a pass. Fern Deshon was tenacious around the pitch, Grace Mansfield was strong in defence, Leila Norman and Olivia Parnell were both great on the wings. Well done to all the girls who all gave of their best. The U8s started their sporting lives at Monkton strongly. They showed real aptitude for Hockey. Some picked up the skills incredibly quickly whilst others showed their determination in the game. Sophie Parnell proved herself to be an amazing goal scorer and Ruby Brookes was dynamic with the ball on her stick! They will enjoy learning to play 6 a-side next year! REM 77

Prep | Sport

Girls’ Netball W

hat a difference a year makes, no more water on the netball courts! A huge relief for everybody. The upgraded netball courts look fantastic and the fact we didn’t lose one session this year to the weather made for a great term of netball. The 1st VII had some great matches led by their Captain Evie Catt. They had some close games where they came out on the wrong side of the result but took some notable scalps in Port Regis and Prior Park amongst others. The team work improved dramatically as the season went on and some of the linking play was beautiful to watch. The 2nd VII started the season slowly but gained momentum and ended up with a winning season. The Clark twins took to netball really well, so along with Tabitha Gallen and Natalya Shaw the U12 girls really started to shine. They had two spectacular wins against Clifton and Colstons. The 3rd and 4th VIIs had a tough season. There were many new girls who had to learn the basics. They worked extremely hard and have made great progress. This will help them when they come back to this sport next year. The U11As had a good season. They had some great wins against The Paragon, King Edwards and The Royal High and were 4th in the Rowland Jones Tournament. They also had some great games which they lost narrowly. They need to work on their ‘killer instinct’ to enable these to be turned into wins next season. The Bs went from strength to strength. They beat a very strong Hazlegrove team which is always a good marker for the season. It was also great to finish with a win against King Edwards. The U10s worked super hard all term. They listened well and apart from their matches against Port Regis, they used what they had learnt in their matches. Between them they only lost 3 games all season. They moved the ball down the court really well and all understood the role they were asked to play. The U9s were really starting to get to grips with 78

the basics required to play and were starting to think about the tactics they could employ. They had some tough matches but I was particularly pleased with the improvement from the beginning to the end of the season. The U8s took to netball well; they only lost one of their matches. They quickly picked up the complicated footwork rule and their throwing and catching was really safe. I think that they are going to enjoy their netball in the future. REM

“The team work improved dramatically as the season went on and some of the linking play was beautiful to watch.”

Prep | Sport

Girls’ Girls’ Rounders Cricket F

or the first half of the term the girls concentrated on Rounders. The U8s enjoyed their Bath Schools Skills Festival where they started to learn the basics that they would need for the season ahead.

They had some great matches with the Paragon where the girls were split into groups according to their class. Both games were won by Monkton which was a great way to start their rounders careers! Meanwhile the U9s won every match at their Bath Schools Festival, the younger girls were on a role! The rest of the girls in the school started the season with some very tough fixtures against Hazlegrove but the girls all came away having learnt something. The following week the weather beat us but this is always to be expected at this stage of the year, if we get away with just the once we know we have done well! The Seniors had some good matches with Prior Park College where the 1st IX led ably by Abby Shrubb and the 2nd IX both won. The 3rd and 4ths had competitive matches but unfortunately both lost. The U11s and U10s all played in Bath Schools festivals. We took 12 girls to the U11 tournament which was held at Bathampton so there was lots of rotating around. All of the girls did extremely well. We played 5 games in total. We lost 2, won 2 and drew 1 eventually finishing in 5th place. The U10s and U11Bs festival was held at The Royal High School. The A team won 2, drew 1 and lost 1. The B team won 2 and lost 2. There was some great bowling by Rebecca Watt, reliable fielding by Tallulah Alford and Blanca Gomez Guillamon had a safe pair of hands. The Middle and Junior Girls enjoyed Rounders so much that they requested their Inter-House matches were Rounders! The Middles were won by Howard after a close final with Easterfield, the Seniors was won by Howard again! REM

t was decided that introducing Cricket to the girls last year had been a huge success so we switched after half term again this season. The girls have enjoyed the opportunity to learn the basics required to play and the opportunity to play matches with other schools. The Bath Schools had got together to provide two festivals to ensure plenty of ‘game time’ for every pupil in Years 5 and 6. Many of these games were won and Monkton’s young ladies showed real promise. Emma Parnell and Eve Billing were demons with the ball, Tallulah Alford, Eve Deshon and Jo Jo Keating Gardner were able to slog the ball for 4s and 6s! Alert fielding was noted by Amelia Grant, Melissa Ochero, Mia Calver, Blanca Gomez Guillamon, Kitty Nutt and Ella Otenaike. The Junior girls had some great matches with King Edwards, The Paragon and Kingswood. Matches were won, matches were lost, however, one thing was clear, the girls have really taken to this sport! They have also managed to sneak in some handstand time at the change of overs! The Senior Girls took on Kingswood, Warminster and Millfield. They won many of these matches, the time spent with Mr Staunton during activities was obviously time extremely well spent. Mr Staunton tells me that these girls are ‘real quality!’ Well done to all of the girls for really throwing themselves into this activity, more to come next year! REM

“The girls have really taken to this sport! They have also managed to sneak in some handstand time at the change of overs!”

Prep | Sport

Regional Athletics at Millfield

Results Regional Champions

(all of whom qualified for National Finals at Birmingham) Archie Carr - U14 800m Jack Fry - U13 High Jump Tabitha Gallen - U13 Hurdles Lawrence Martindale - U12 800m Marnus Oosthuizen - U12 1500m Amelia Grant - U12 Long Jump

Runners-Up

(*also qualified for National Finals) Archie Carr* - U14 800m John Holdoway - U13 Shot Put Tommy Davies - U12 Long Jump JoJo Keating-Gardner* - U12 Hurdles Eve Deshon - U12 High Jump U12 Boys 4x100m Relay - Tommy Davies, Lawrence Martindale, Charlie Gully, Marnus Oosthuizen

Third Place

William Mitchell - U14 Long Jump John Holdoway - U13 Hurdles Eve Deshon - U12 800m

Prep | Sport

he U10 and U11s started with the Bath Schools Gala in October. This is always a well fought gala and this year was no different. However, Monkton’s team was victorious. There were individual wins for Jack Bennett, Eve Deshon, Lawrence Martindale, Freddie Billing, Amelia Grant, Tommy Davies, Eve Billing, Oliver Tobias, Harley Sandford, Georgie Gundle, JoJo Keating Gardner, Edward Pope, Freya Haynes, as well as for many of the relays demonstrating the strength and depth we have at Monkton. There were also two Bath Schools records broken by our swimmers; the Year 5 girls Medley Relay and Lawrence Martindale in the 100 Individual Medley. A team then travelled to Warwick to the highly prestigious Warwick 50’s. The standard at this event is superb, there were wins for William Mitchell (50m Breast stroke) and Jack Fry 100m Individual Medley. The team finished a hugely creditable 3rd place overall. Before we knew it we were into the Lent term and the IAPS qualifying round which was hosted at Monkton, it also doubled up as a gala for the Year 7 and 8s against Prior Park College. It was a period of time when many Monkton children were ill which did hit the relays hard. The gala with Prior Park ended up as a draw! Seven children qualified in individual races for the National Finals: Jack Bennett, Edward Pope, Lawrence Martindale, Jack Fry, William Mitchell, Archie Carr and Evie Catt. We also had two relay teams qualify, the U12 and U13 boys which included Scott Curtis, John Holdoway, Freddie Maw, Edward Wilmott and Henry Bennett. The competition was hot! Six of our Individual swimmers made finals with William Mitchell winning a Silver Medal. Bromsgrove relays have become a regular fixture in the Monkton Prep Diary so four relay teams travelled to Worcester to participate again this year. The standard of this event is always extremely high and we were hit by illness once again. However, the U13 boys came away with a very creditable 3rd place in the Front crawl Relay.

An addition to the calendar was a Gala against Daunsteys for the Year 7 and 8s. Thirty two children swam in this event. There was some superb swimming led by Monkton’s swimming Captain, William Mitchell. The boys won their encounter, the girls lost but overall Monkton were the winners. The Seniors had their Inter-House Gala. There was some top class swimming with new records being set by William Mitchell in the 25m Breast Stroke and 50m Front crawl and Evie Catt in the girls 50m Front crawl. The Victor Aquarum was shared between William Mitchell and Jack Fry. The Victrix Aquarum was won by Evie Catt. There were also wins for: Archie Carr, Jack Fry, Natalya Shaw and Tabitha Gallen. Jameson were the victorious team. The Summer term is always the turn of the younger swimmers to swim in their Bath Schools Gala. The Year 3 and 4 event was hosted by Monkton. This event is always one of the noisiest of the year and this year was certainly no different! There was some great racing from all children and Monkton won half of the 26 races! There were wins for: Joseph Martindale, Miriam Bowden, Alex Bichard, Libby Ross, Fern Deshon, Lucy Curtis, Elliott Hardisty, the Year 3 and 4 Girls relays and the Year 4 Boys relays. Well done to all those who swam. Before we knew it, it was the last week of the Summer term; this can only mean one thing, Swimming Gala’s! First, was the turn of the Year 5 and 6. There was some fantastic swimming and five records in total. The Easterfield team destroyed the house Medley Relay record, they even swam faster than the school record! The individual records were also lowered by Easterfield swimmers. Eve Deshon set new records in the 25m Backstroke and 25m Butterfly whilst Lawrence Martindale set new records in the 4x25m Individual Medley and the 25m Breast stroke. There were also individual wins for Jack Bennett, 25m Butterfly and 25m Front crawl, Bethany Bowerman in the 25m Front crawl, Tommy Davies in the 25m Backstroke and Sophie Goodman in the 25m Breast stroke. The Victrix Aquarum was won by Eve Deshon; the Victor Aquarum was shared by Jack Bennett and Lawrence Martindale. Well done to everyone in Years 5 and 6 who all swam in at least one race.

IAPS Swimming Report 7 Individuals and 2 relay teams qualified for the National swimming finals in Crawley which were held on Saturday 9th May. Every athlete swam superbly well and did personal best times. The standard at this event just goes up and up! The U12 Boys Medley Relay team took 4 seconds of the time they qualified in. The Year 8 boys swam 54 for the FS relay, the fastest time by a Monkton team ever to come 5th. 6 of the individuals made finals which is a record for Monkton Prep: Jack Bennet 5th Lawrence Martindale 5th Jack Fry 6th Archie Carr 6th Evie Catt 8th William Mitchell 2nd! Just to put into perspective the standard, 3 years ago the 850m breaststroke was won in a time of 37 seconds, this year Will swam 34 seconds to come second! A huge well done to the following children for qualifying for these finals. Edward Pope Scott Curtis Freddie Maw John Holdoway Edward Wilmott Henry Bennett

Then it was the turn of the Year 3 and 4s. Again, some great swimming on the hottest day on record! There were wins for Fern Deshon in the Individual Medley and 25m Front crawl in a new record time, Olivia Parnell in the 25m Butterfly, Lottie Hobbs in the 25m Backstroke, Leila Norman in the 25m Breast stroke, Elliott Hardisty in the 25m Butterfly and 25m Front crawl, Joseph Martindale in the Individual Medley and 25m Breast stroke and Alex Bichard in the 25m Backstroke. Easterfield were victorious with 133 points. The points were added up from all of the galas and after such strong performances in the Junior and Middle Gala it was Easterfield that came out on top! REM

Prep | Sport

Cross Country It was a bumper year for our athletes in crosscountry events, as we once again held the Bath Schools’ U11 and U10 competitions, with wins and high placings for many of our runners on home soil. The focus then shifted to the Westonbirt Invitational for Years Three to Six and the National Prep Schools’ Cross Country at Malvern College. Monkton boys and girls did well at both of these, with the win for Fern Deshon at Westonbirt and Lawrence Martindale’s placing of 6th at the Nationals being perhaps the stand out results. However, it should be noted that all of the Monkton Nationals teams, at U13 and U11, finished inside the top 14 in the country, with the U11 boys beating Millfield, Bedford and The Dragon to come 8th. Or perhaps the pupils only remember the day for seeing David Beckham cheering on his son?! 83

Prep | Sport

Biathlon & Aquathlon M

onkton hosted a Biathlon event which saw 250 children from all over the South West compete in a 50m swim and 800m run. It was a great event and brilliant to see how every child enjoyed the experience. Monkton also had a huge amount of success:

As soon as we had broken up after the Easter Service 19 childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attentions turned to the National Biathlon Championships which were held during the first weekend of the Easter holidays.

Individuals: 1st: Eve Billing, U10 Girls 1st: Harley Sandford, U10 Boys 1st: Lawrence Martindale, U11 Boys

Sunday meant that it was time for the boys to compete. The tricky run had now become wet and windy too! At one point the barriers blew across the course! All of the boys dug deep and performed to the best of their ability. Archie Carr ran beautifully to register the 4th fastest run. Lawrence Martindale also registered a 4th fastest run. In the pool, again, every child gave of his or her best. Will Mitchell came away with the best swim times of any U13 Boy competing.

Teams: 1st: U10 Boys, U10 Girls & U11 Boys, U11 Girls, U12 Boys & U12 Girls The U13 age group now move to longer distance, 100m swim and 1600m so William Mitchell, Evie Catt , Henry Bennett and Archie Carr went to Ascot and Lincoln to participate. 1st: William Mitchell (Ascot) & Archie Carr (Lincoln) 3rd: Evie Catt (Ascot) & Henry Bennett (Lincoln) All in all 10 children qualified for the National Biathlon Championships which were held in Solihull at the end of November. The success continued. Every child ran and swam personal best times. They started to understand that they were working for each other as well as competing for themselves. The U11 Boys team of Tommy Davies, Jack Bennett and Lawrence Martindale went into the Swim after the run in second place but they were determined to defend their crown which they did superbly well finishing 1st! For the U10 boys team of Harley Sandford, Jack Webb and Freddie Billing, it was their first attempt at this competition and they also battled hard for a very well deserved 2nd place. Many of our children finished in high positions but special mention should go to those who finished in the top 10. Well done to William Mitchell (7th), Jack Fry (7th) and Lawrence Martindale (1st) and also to Eve Billing who was our only girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; qualifier on this occasion. 84

Saturday saw the turn of the girls, Jo Jo Keating Gardner and Eve Billing, they both performed extremely well and pushed themselves to their limits. The run was a tricky technical course but they both made improvements.

To summarise the final results: 8th: U12 Boys 3rd: U10 Boys & U13 Boys 1st: U11 Boys Top 20 individual finishers: 15th: William Mitchell 4th: Archie Carr 1st: Lawrence Martindale

Stonar Aquathlon Results

Thirty-two girls and boys competed in an Aquathlon one afternoon. This is part of the Triathlon group and is a swim followed by a run. Unlike the Biathlon, where you score points for each of the disciplines, the clock runs from the word go at the start of the swim and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop until you finish the run. This adds to the excitement of pulling on your trainers with wet feet and running in your swimming costume! You can imagine the panic when you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pull the back of your trainer on!

Prep | Sport

Duathlon

The Monkton Athletes all really enjoyed this challenge and performed extremely well, we had some fantastic results: Teams: 1st: U10 Boys A Team & U11 Boys B Team 2nd: U11 Girls B & U11 Girls A Individual: 1st: Jack Bennett, U10 A Boy 1st: Charlie Gully, U11 B Boy 1st: Lawrence Martindale, U11 A Boy 2nd: Edward Pope, U10 A Boy A huge well done to all those who took part. REM

Prep | Sport

Triathlon

The Inaugural Monkton Triathlon 2015

id you do the triathlon? What was it like? Are you going to do it next year? It looked amazing. I am definitely going toâ&#x20AC;Ś

This was surely the conversation had by many a pupil with their friends in the aftermath of this sensational event. It was a step into the unknown for Monkton, but with 85 competitors swimming, cycling and running around the Prep School, this is one day that will live long in the memory. Certainly the finishers crossed the line exhausted but with beaming smiles - there was a real feel-good factor on the day. The event, enthusiastically championed by Mr Goode, will almost certainly double in size next year - parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; race anyone?! BWS 86

Prep | Sport

Sports tours

U13 Hockey Tour to the Greshamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Festival 2015 Monkton finally acquired a place at this prestigious and nationally-renowned tournament and the 1st hockey squads, both boys and girls, travelled to Norfolk in March 2015 to represent the school in outdoor and indoor hockey matches. The damp weather didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bother the pupils, who performed very well indeed, especially in the outdoor festival. The girls scored freely, playing perhaps their best

hockey of the year, as the boys also impressed, taking on and beating national finalists. Indoors, the girls shone, with both the A and B Vs reaching the semi-finals of their competitions. There was barely a moment when the pupils werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t playing, but they all thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Thanks to Mr Creeth, Mr Goode and Miss Hinton for their energy and enthusiasm.

U11 Sports Tour to Sussex In November, 23 pupils travelled to Sussex to play rugby and hockey. The boys and girls represented the school with dignity, pride and enthusiasm, playing against Great Walstead, Westbourne House and Hurstpierpoint. The girls battled hard against the larger schools, scoring plenty of goals in the process. The boys demonstrated simply superb commitment and determination to record an unbeaten tour, winning three from three, managing not to concede in two of the games. Thanks must go to all the pupils, who were great company and excellent ambassadors for the school and to Mr Watt, Mrs Martindale and Miss Powell for their support. 87

Prep | Sport

Sports Day

935 individual entries processed. 846 individual events completed on Sports Day.

96 races on the track. 38 field events. 10 new records. 4 fiercely competitive houses. 2 amazing days andâ&#x20AC;Ś 1 worthy winner (Howard). Sports Day 2015 was a special day that was made by the sheer effort, endeavour and enthusiasm of every athlete, from Year 3 to 8, who gave their all, whether in breaking a record, winning an event, or just for the pride of competing. Thanks to all the staff and parents who supported this incredible day. 88

Year 8 Leavers

Matthieu Barrois Urquhart

George Denning

Spain The best thing about Monkton is everything!

Monkton Senior School The support that the teachers give during exams is the best thing about Monkton.

*Bea Bayntun-Coward

Nuria Fernandez Novo

Monkton Senior School The best thing is friends and activities.

Spain Boarding and meeting new people is the best thing about Monkton.

Henry Bennett

*Archie Griffiths

Monkton Senior School The best thing is all the sport, teachers and classrooms.

Monkton Senior School The best thing about Monkton is everything!

*Georgia Caesar

Daniel Hammond

Monkton Senior School The best thing about Monkton is the amazing opportunities we get given.

Monkton Senior School

Jack Carpenter

Matthew Hancock

Canford The best thing is to play for your school with your friends in a wide range of sports.

Monkton Senior School The best thing for me is the friendship. We get to know all the years, even the teachers.

*Archie Carr

Violetta Janes

Prior Park College The people are the best thing about Monkton.

Monkton Senior School Being with my friends and the sport is the best thing about Monkton.

*Evie Catt

*Julia Ju

Millfield School The best thing about Monkton is the sport and being with my friends.

Monkton Senior School Chilling in the sun and my friends are the best thing about Monkton.

*Anna Charles

Michael Langsford

Monkton Senior School The best thing about Monkton is the lovely people here.

Monkton Senior School The teachers have been very encouraging. This has made my time here amazing.

*Rory Coulson

Honor Letheren

Monkton Senior School The friendly atmosphere is the best thing about Monkton.

Bryanston School The people are the best thing.

Josh Davies

Olivia Lewis

Canford The best thing is the opportunities it gives you and your friends.

Prior Park College The best is all my friends, the people I have met and all the opportunities to learn.

Other leavers Matt Baker, Jaime Deleito Reiris, Eve Deshon , Noah Dyson, George Epsley, Marsel Faizrakhmanov, Ella Firmstone, Inigo Garcia de Santiago, Alfonso Gomez-Guillamon, Blanca Gomez-Guillamon, Felix Gomez-Guillamon, Ollie Hird, Freddie Hopper, Lily Hopper, Tigerlily Kellers, Scarlet Kellers, Dmitry Krivenko, Grace Lawrie, Harry Lye, Cesare Mencarini, Emma Parnell, Gonzalo Rodriguez Conde, Elizabeth Rogers, Bertie Sweet and Dio Taylor

Catherine Lodwick

Gracie Smith

Monkton Senior School The best thing about Monkton is all the opportunities it gives you.

Monkton Senior School The best thing about Monkton is hanging out with my friends.

*William Mitchell

Caleb Stockinger

Millfield School The staff have been great throughout my four years here.

Monkton Senior School The education and leadership skills we learn and the friends that I have made.

**Rory Myers

Kyohei Takechi

Monkton Senior School The sports we play and the friends we make and have are the best things.

Monkton Senior School The people and the sport are the best things about Monkton.

Alex Ogilvie

Harry Tayler

Monkton Senior School The best thing is the people around me and the support the teachers give.

Brymore School The best thing about Monkton is all the kind staff.

Ben Parry

Toby Waddington

King Edwardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School The class sizes is the best thing about Monkton.

Monkton Senior School The best thing about Monkton is my friends.

Jonathan Roth

**Gabriella Watt

Monkton Senior School By far the best thing is having lots of friends and the opportunity to play sport.

Monkton Senior School The best thing is all the happy memories I have with Bea Bayntun-Coward!

Joshua Saksida

*Victor Webb

Monkton Senior School The best thing about Monkton is the atmosphere, teachers and friends.

Millfield School The best thing is the sport, when I run on to the pitches with my friends.

Herbie Shone

Henry Wilkinson

Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School, Bruton The best thing about Monkton is the community.

Monkton Senior School The best thing about Monkton has to be the facilities and sport fields.

Abby Shrubb

Edward Wilmott

Kingswood School The best thing about Monkton is my friends and the sport.

Monkton Senior School The best thing is the way everyone is included no matter who you are.

*Luke Singleton

*Adam Wortelhock

Prior Park College The best thing about Monkton is the atmosphere.

Prior Park College Sport is the best thing about Monkton.

** Top Scholarship * 13+ Scholarship

Leavers’ Trip Jacob’s Ladder “While watching other people it was SO funny because everyone was clambering on top of each other but when we got on it, it was actually really hard. It was still fun though!” “I found it really fun watching others but when it was my turn and we got near the top I froze and couldn’t move but Anna helped me stand up and be brave!”

Totem Pole “Also fun but really windy at the top making it quite hard to stand up!” “It was so cold at the top and the pole was waving from side to side in the wind!”

The walk in the evening We did a long walk following a pair of bearings which took us in different directions across a MASSIVE field which had wet and uneven ground! However it was really funny as everyone was falling into bogs and getting covered in mud!

Climbing Cadair Idris “Climbing Cadair was really fun because when I was looking back down where we had come from it felt like such an achievement to get to the top when it was so windy!” “It was really fun as we got to catch up with people in our year who we don’t necessarily talk to at school. The weather was horrible though.”

Climbing, Abseiling and Caving “The climbing again was rather scary as it was up high and I didn’t feel safe just on the rope. The caving was also quite scary because the holes where tiny and I felt slightly claustrophobic.” “Climbing was really fun and physically demanding which made it a challenge for me, which I enjoyed. Abseiling however wasn’t so I didn’t enjoy it as much. Caving was amazing as I went outside my comfort zone and squeezed through a really small hole!”

We say farewell to… Pete Salmon

ete arrived at Monkton seven years ago to take over the DT department from Shaun Redden. Pete’s connections with Monkton go back many more years than that as he was a boy at the Junior school, MCJS as it was known, under the Headship of the late Michael Coates. Also his father was once the school chaplain. Pete has seen many changes at Monkton over the years of his association with the place, some good, some not so good. Pete is a real gentleman he always has a smile on his face, is always prepared go that extra mile, to ‘pick up the ball and run with it’ sort of chap, someone you really can rely on and who will always have time for you however busy he is. He came to Monkton with a wealth of experience from teaching DT and coaching hockey at The Old Malthouse and later at Sandroyd. He brought with him exciting new ideas and changed the whole approach to teaching DT to being much more model based, introducing Computer Aided Design and the use of 3D laser printers involving the handling of plastics. As well as heading up DT with a full timetable he took on the coaching of Hockey at Colts level and produced many a team that achieved success at County and Regional level. One of his interests in later years was the issue of Sustainability and two years ago he was appointed the MPS Green Champion. Through a variety of fund raising initiatives he has managed to equip the school with a host of flower boxes, water buts and in his final term a variety of different benches for everyone to sit on. Pete has a passion for all that he does and this is evident from everything that he has been involved in over his seven years at Monkton. He has moved on to take up the challenge of setting up a DT department at Walhampton School where their gain will be our loss. We wish him all the best but doubtless we will see him from time to time as his third son Tom starts his last year at Monkton Senior in September. Watch out there is a Salmon about! MLC

Fiona Hughesdon

o the delight of all, in September 2013, Fiona rejoined the Prep following her sabbatical year in Turi, Kenya. Doing justice to her talents, in a short piece of writing, is not easy. Miss H. has had an effect on every part of the school: English, drama, music, sport and extra-curricular activities. Fiona directed ‘Maid Marion and her Merry Men’, adapted ‘Ho-de-Ho’ and directed and created ‘Pirate Potential’, in addition to supporting many other productions. A lover of words, wigs and warbling (actually she has a beautiful singing voice!) meant that the children excelled and audiences were wowed. Musically, she led her house, Howard, to many victories in the House Music competitions. Also, she couldn’t resist singing in her English lessons, with pupils remembering fondly ‘Stand by your chair’. Cello and piano playing were also part of her repertoire, as she enthusiastically supported choirs and the staff band. On the sports field enthusiasm sometimes tipped in to megalomania as she wielded the whistle in girls’ games with her exuberant coaching style. Fiona’s main role has been her huge contribution to English teaching. Her effervescent, energetic, enthusiastic and, above all, effective style of teaching, marked her out as special. As she takes with her to Danes Hill School, Surrey, her fond memories of us; sledging on Sham, boarders’ BBQs, Year 7 French Trips, Year 5 summer re-enactments of ‘The Highwayman’ and post-exam origami reading comprehensions with Year 6. So we reflect that from stage, music rooms and pitches to the classroom she did it all. Fiona has left an indelible mark on staff, pupils and parents at Monkton. We wish you a very happy future Miss H, congratulations from us all on your engagement and don’t forget to send us some wedding pictures when you become Mrs C. in 2016. KD

Back row, left to right: David Sibley, Phil Sampey, Simon Chatten and Pete Salmon

Front row, left to right: Juliet Herbert, Olivia Powell, and Lucy Hinton

Anne Muat

t the end of the Lent term we said goodbye to Anne. Anne began working at Monkton Prep School in 1998 as Catering Manager. She then moved into her role of Matron in 2000, which is where she stayed for 15 years! It is difficult to say in words exactly how much Anne has contributed to the School over this time and what an important part she played in the lives of so many pupils. The list of things Anne did to maintain the smooth-running of Hatton House are endless. Giving that important, reassuring cuddle and bedtime story to the new boarder, who is away from home for the first time; making sure that all the uniform needs are met and new shoes bought for overseas pupils; sewing costumes together at the last minute for ‘World Book Day’! Looking after the general health and well-being of the boarders, from head lice checks to accompanying many children to doctors and dentists appointments. Anne has helped and supported many pupils through the Boarding House and has seen them develop from quiet and nervous Year 4s to confident and responsible Year 8s. Her calm manner, empathy and enthusiasm will be missed by pupils, staff and parents. I greatly appreciated her friendship and support, her sense of humour and even teaching me a few Scottish words along the way! Sue Graham

nne Muat was such a blessing to us and Hatton house. Under her calm, steadying influence, order reigned in the boarding house. She had an amazing ability of knowing where everything and everyone was in the boarding house at all times. Apart from the massive task of sorting laundry, she was always there as a mother figure, giving words of comfort or a hug to those who were home sick, dealing with scrapes and bruises and generally organising the daily lives of the boarders. As a boarder’s parent, relinquishing control of your child’s day to day life and handing that responsibility over to someone else is one of the hardest things I have done, but Anne made it easier. She was a wonderful part of the Hatton house team and will be sorely missed by everyone. Lynn Rowell, Parent

ind, caring and committed, Anne Muat was all of these and so much more. Always prepared to give a smile and encouraging support not only to the children but often to parents as well. Anne always appreciated that ‘pick up and drop off’ was a busy and stressful time for parents trying to remember all of the ‘boring but important’ things that need to be mentioned; lost shoes, missing games kit, wobbly teeth, dentist appointments and the never ending laundry and labels! She was always ready with a reassuring smile and a hug often required for Mums! Although she was ready to move on to a new challenge, she is greatly missed around Hatton House and fondly remembered by many parents and children who have been part of the Monkton Prep Family. Vanessa Waddington, Parent 95

We say farewell to… Simon Chatten

imon has completed his second stint at Monkton Prep. His first one was as Head of Science and he left to join a travel company operating in Africa, especially Zimbabwe. After a couple of years he returned to teaching and the profession was the richer for it. When he returned to Monkton another year after that he came with a wife, Sophie, who everyone has really enjoyed getting to know. He is now a very proud father to Benjamin and he leaves to become a house husband as Sophie is ordained and takes her place as a curate in Guildford, Surrey. Simon epitomised what it was to be a schoolmaster. In the classroom he energised and enthused pupils; whether this was using pizza to explain fractions or by attention to detail and care for pupils who found this a difficult subject. His time in the classroom was characterised by patience, quality of delivery and an empathy that was his hallmark. On the rugby and hockey pitches Simon took the 4ths, 5ths and even the 6ths. Again he coached with an infectious enthusiasm and love of the game that the pupils related to. He got the balance between fun and technical improvement just right and always involved every player as much as he could. Even those who couldn’t stand rugby enjoyed their sessions with Mr Chatten. He also coached the 1st XI cricket. This was his sport and his technical input as a coach superb. His time honing skills on a one to one basis paid dividends and his record as a coach was outstanding. I can remember Simon taking a cricket session for the 5/6th XIs when the 1st team were doing tennis one Wednesday afternoon. I could hear his enthusiasm on the next door pitch as he cajoled and encouraged every player. He made the two hour session thoroughly enjoyable and a great cricketing experience no matter what the level of ability. Simon was also great fun on the French trip. His grasp of the language was good and his aerobics sessions at the hotel will be long remembered by those who took part as will the games he took in the evenings, especially the motorbike!

Simon’s input into the Christian side of the school was also very noticeable. He helped run the Ichthus committee and spoke in chapels with a clarity and to all ages 7 to 13. He was a very humble and approachable individual who always cared more about others and how they were, or what they were doing. As a tutor he got to know and understand his pupils and he quietly got the best out of them, following up concerns and helping them overcome obstacles and giving them confidence. His tutees always knew he was on their side and that he was there for them. Simon was a natural, very gifted and respected member of the common room. It is a loss to the teaching profession that he is no longer “on the staff” and I hope that it will not be long before he takes it up again. You never know there might even be a third coming! Simon will be very much missed both as a teacher and as a colleague. We all wish him well in Guildford and I know that he will keep in touch especially with the scores from all the teams. RJLW

“As a tutor he got to know and understand his pupils and he quietly got the best out of them, following up concerns and helping them overcome obstacles and giving them confidence.”

Frances Dodds

Juliet Herbert

Her sense of fun, encouragement and enthusiasm will be greatly missed by pupils, staff and parents. I will miss her willing, generous support and huge enthusiasm for seeking the very best for every pupil that she taught.

Kind, selfless, loyal and reliable; Mrs Herbert’s listening ear, wise counsel and words of affirmation and guidance have helped so many of her tutees, pupils and colleagues over the years, for which we are truly grateful. She has a steadfast faith in God and has been committed in praying regularly for the school over many years.

t the end of the Summer term we said goodbye to Mrs Dodds. Mrs Dodds began by teaching Maths at the Senior School and then moved to teach Maths in the Learning Development Centre at the Prep school. Mrs Dodds has been a great source of support to many pupils, parents and staff during her time at Monkton. She has helped many pupils to achieve their desired for grades at Common Entrance and encouraged them when they found the Maths a challenge to understand and master. She was always keen to support staff to find inventive approaches to help pupils grasp mathematical concepts.

t is with great regret that we say goodbye to Juliet. She probably knows Monkton Combe School better than most, having supported her husband in his role as chaplain for thirteen years at the Senior School, seen all three of her children through what were then called Glenburnie, the Junior and Senior Schools and then, most recently, coming back to the Prep School to teach RS for another thirteen years. In her own words she has ‘come full circle’ having taught James Goodman in her Sixth Form Bible Study Group at the Senior School to, this year, teaching his daughter, Sophie.

With Juliet, it’s not just a case of what she has done, but the way she has done it; showing an interest in each child as an individual, most of her service was unseen and yet invaluable. We will miss the cheerful smile with which she greets us after those early morning swims, her fantastic Bible knowledge in Ichthus, fun dressing up and drama in RS lessons, her enthusiasm in leading the hand bell group, the wonderful team spirit she brought to the French trips, those inspirational presentations to encourage us to fill as many shoe boxes as possible for disadvantaged children and her sterling contribution to the lower school activities programme, running football come rain or shine, creative craft and engaging our youngsters in exploring God’s amazing natural world in this age of computer game frenzy. Thank you, Juliet; we truly have been blessed by you. VCM

We say farewell to… Lucy Hinton A parent commented ‘Miss Hinton is a very special person and you’re really going to miss her when she leaves’. I think the phrase ‘understatement’ fits perfectly in here after that comment, for those who don’t know Lucy Hinton or what she has brought to the Monkton Community over the last two years. Have a think about what her top trumps card would look like after we have gone through the long and distinguished list of her talents and gifts. For a start, Lucy has been a wonderful French teacher, helping Miss Hern in the Languages department and guiding many a pupil in discovering what it’s like to take the simple steps in speaking another language for the first time. Lucy does speak four languages fluently as well by the way. In Music, Lucy has been at the forefront of the staff band playing the bass in Chapel each week. In band practices, ensembles, orchestra or concerts, she has motivated pupils to give their best and learn to love the experience of playing an instrument with their friends. Did I mention she plays four instruments to an incredibly high standard? In Games, Lucy has run girls teams in all the major sports. Coaching and inspiring girls to give their all and learn new techniques and skills that develop their abilities. On the Hockey tour this year at Greshams, Lucy was invited to play in a staff hockey match alongside other schools staff. It worked out there were seven ex International players on her team; she didn’t look out of place. When we talk about how she worked in the boarding house we could use the words efficient, dedicated, hardworking, trustworthy, caring, and fair but I think the word that sticks is loyal. Lucy was loyal to all that Hatton is. She was always there for the children and had their best interests at heart, although they might not see that when she was telling them to quieten down after lights out time. She acquired the nick name Miss Trunchbull, not because she is anything like the scary Headmistress from the book ‘Matilda’, she happened to dress up as her on character day! 98

The children respected her. The children went to her. The children knew she was there for them, loyal. So thinking about the top trump card, there aren’t many areas where she can be beaten. Hang on, I’ve got a feeling she doesn’t like peppers?! Monkton waves goodbye and wishes Lucy all the very best as she moves on to study a PGCE at Kings College, London next year. Whatever school Lucy ends up teaching in they will have landed themselves a top trump. Thank you, Lucy.

Olivia Powell Olivia arrived in Hatton house with a bell on her foot and smile on her face. She has since lost the bell but the smile has remained, as well as her tan! Olivia has given so much in so many ways to Hatton House and Monkton Prep school over the course of this year. She has been extremely efficient and organised in helping to deal with the running of the house, particularly the girls’ corridor. Here a short thank you which gives you some idea of the impact she has created. “We loved Miss Powell because she was always there to give us hugs when we needed them. She has been so encouraging and we have learnt so much. She was always around to help you with anything from Maths to Sport and she would never give up on you. Thank you very much. We will miss you! Love the Hatton House girls.” Olivia heads off to do her PGCE at Worcester University and we wish her all the very best and thank her for all she has done. Miranda Goode

David Sibley In September 1996, David Sibley joined Monkton Junior School, as it was then, as the new Director of Music. Including all David’s achievements and involvement in school life, in a short piece of writing, is not easy. During his years at Monkton, Mr Sibley has had an effect on many parts of the school: editor of the Magpie Magazine for many years, he also masterminded the annual Wells Walk for Save the Children for 17 years, enabling Monkton families to raise more than £400,000. As Head of Easterfield, David has lead his team of trusty staff and pupils to some great victories. David has been a loyal leader of the Monkton cub pack for many, many years, allowing hundreds of children to experience the cameradery of the Scouting Association - rock climbing, camping and canoeing have all been enjoyed under David’s watch as Arkala! Bear Grylls personally recently wrote to thank him for his committed services to scouting during his time at Monkton – what an honour. David’s main role has been his huge contribution and development of the Music Department. His gentle manner, patience and tireless dedication to the delivery of peripetetic music lessons has enabled hundreds of children to develop a love of music something which will stay with them throughout their lives. The piano performance at the Summer Concert by former pupil, George Hyde, was a real tribute to David’s impact on others as well as a real inspiration to our current pupils. Orchestral days, Choral days, lunchtime concerts, evening concerts, leavers and scholars concerts – the list goes on. Combined Schools Concerts were always a favourite, with pupils from all three sites joining together for an informal evening of inspiring music. The annual Christmas Carol Service has been a special moment in the school year for David and many Monkton families, and the pupils have been privileged to sing in such a prestigious place of worship. Of course, as Director of Music, David has

had a huge involvement in many school productions. His dry sense of humour, seemingly unflappable nature and ability to cope with the changing wims of his producers have made him an invaluable member of any team! Recent favourites which the pupils have enjoyed include ‘Pirates of Penzance’, ‘Joseph’ and ‘The Roahl Dahl Extravaganza’! David’s mission has always been to give pupils opportunities to explore and enjoy creating music and to appreciate it. We all have our own special memories of music at Monkton under David’s leadership. We wish you a very happy future, Mr Sibley. Thank you for all you have contributed to this special school. AJO 99

Head Girl Anna Charles

hank you Mrs Duncombe-Anderson for your kind and encouraging words. It has really been inspiring to hear of your journeys around the world and to hear how Monktonians can change the world. I’m sure everyone remembers that dreaded time of the year when we get our reports. So I’ve decided, whilst I have this chance, which I might not get again, to turn the tables and give a report on some of my teachers and subjects. Although I am grateful for all that you have taught me. General comments, I have never in all my school life, experienced teaching as appalling as this…, no I’m just joking! Mr Chatten, Maths. Thank you for teaching me Maths in the best way possible. Bringing in pizza, garlic bread and chocolate. Now, each time I’m asked to simplify a fraction a piece of pizza pops into my head! However the smell of garlic was unpleasant until lunch! Thank you also for being patient with me. We’ve all had that time in Maths where we just don’t get it, thank you for explaining it so well. To those who find Maths hard, I did too, but even I passed my Common Entrance just by persevering. So keep going! Miss Hern, French. When I came I couldn’t speak a word of French. I could speak Mandarin but that wasn’t too useful! I would often sit there mixing them up, “um… ice-cream in French… um, bing qi ling, no! um… la glace, that’s it!” Thank you for teaching me a language I now know and love and for keeping calm and explaining so well when I had no idea what you were saying!

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Mr Sampey, English. Thank you for inspiring me in my English learning. Thank you for not pushing us too hard when we all looked like zombies at the end of the day! My fondest memory is lying across tables to watch a movie at the end of term. We will all miss you and those who won’t be taught by you, are definitely missing out. Mr Lloyd-Williams, History. Thank you firstly for teaching me history so well. I remember re-enacting The Battle of Hastings, running around sham field, proving my level of unfitness! Thank you for lifting my spirits when I felt low, thank you for teaching me to be a leader and inspiring me in your leadership. Mr Creeth, Geography and Hockey. Thank you for teaching me Geography in a different and fun unique way, like the lesson where we learnt cloud names by playing on the field! Also, learning the fact that, wow, you can eat pizza on our tour! Thank you for encouraging me and teaching me to play hockey, I’ve enjoyed it! Mr Bray, Latin. What can I say? Coming to MPS in Year 6 I was absolutely petrified of you. But now, don’t worry guys, he isn’t actually that scary! However going into your classroom knowing I am about to learn how to do CPR, to save someone’s life is still slightly daunting! Mr Marshall-Taylor. As my second Headmaster I’m really glad that I’ve got to know you, (and having two extremely cute daughters is a definite bonus!) Last year I seem to remember you breaking the last Head Girl, Jess’s toe. Thank you for not breaking mine! Monkton isn’t only about the teachers and subjects, I would like to thank also those who make it such a lovely place to be. The cooks, the cleaners, the matrons and the groundsmen. Thank you so much. Finally, thank you to my whole year. You guys have been amazing and I couldn’t have wished for any better!

Head Boy Jonathan Roth

istinguished guests, Governors, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, it is a great honour for me to stand here as Head Boy and speak to you on such a wonderful occasion. I would like to thank Mrs Duncombe-Anderson for her wise words and encouragement that she has given to the Monkton family.

To me, Monkton has been my extended family for the past three years. I have loved having the opportunity to be in a school that is so kind and caring, so caring that they quickly accepted my array of hairstyles that rivalled David Beckham’s variety! I am sure that many, if not all of you, understand when I say, Monkton is a very special place. When I started in Year 6, one of the things I took pride in was standing in front of the Law building just before Chapel. I would hold the door open for everyone to walk through. This became something I loved to do and opened the door for two years! In a way you could say this is a metaphor for everything that Monkton Prep has done for me and all of you sitting here today.

Monkton has opened the door in so many ways. For example, I have been lucky enough to learn four new sports, take part in drama productions, even though it was behind the scenes in the lighting box, been taught by the best teachers and coaches, cared for by amazing house parents and GTA’s, fed by amazing chefs and had the privilege of playing on amazing grounds that have been tended to by the groundsmen. I don’t just speak for myself, I speak for the whole year group in wanting to thank each member of the staff team for their hard work and devotion in making Monkton the place it is, from the kitchen and maintenance to the teachers and support staff. Thank you for everything that you have done for us. The door has been opened and we are able to walk out into the world with our heads held high having had the amazing experiences that we have enjoyed together at Monkton. My final words are to all the leavers and pupils staying here, the challenge is to make the most of each opportunity that you have in front of you. Hold the door open, you never know where it might lead you.

“I don’t just speak for myself, I speak for the whole year group in wanting to thank each member of the staff team for their hard work and devotion in making Monkton the place it is, from the kitchen and maintenance to the teachers and support staff.” 101

Prize Giving PRIZES AWARDED ON PRIZE GIVING DAY 2015 Guest of Honour: Rachel Duncombe-Anderson, OM (1989-1991)

3M 3P 4M 4P 5M 5P 6M 6P 6S 7M 7P 7S 8M 8P 8S

Achievement Prize

Progress Prize

Form Prize

William Alexander Freddie Hopper Grace Mansfield Jonathan Ochero Rebecca Watt Stanley Sertin Sophie Goodman Oscar Eatwell Sky Pilkington Jemima Adams Zachary Sharp Jack Fry

Jasper Trevithick John Brehme Florence Rolfe Alphonso Gomez-G Amelia Ogilvie Jojo Keating-G Blanca Gomez-G Taka Yabe Bertie Sweet Honor Coury Felix Trevithick Amelia Burgess Violetta Janes Alex Ogilvie Honor Letheren

Zak Glasgow Alice Stanley-Smith Paddy Bennett Evie Maya Arthur Calver Nicholas Fourie Charlie Gully Nat Jelf Kuber Berry Piers Lloyd Sam Stringer Raphaela Douglas Herbie Shone/Victor Webb Matt Hancock/Nuria F-Novo Josh Davies

Subject Prizes The Aston Prize (for English) The Darrah Prize (for Maths) Classics French The Watling-Read Trophy (For science) History Geography Religious Studies Computing The Baker Prize (for progress in Art) The FitzJohn Cup for Art The Blatchford Technology Prize (practical) The Miles Technology Prize (design) Outdoor Education Prize 102

Gabriella Watt Kyohei Takechi Ben Parry Gracie Smith Toby Waddington Michael Langsford Georgia Caesar Anna Charles George Denning Rory Coulson Rory Myers Harry Tayler Kyohei Takechi Henry Wilkisnson

Special Prizes The Sheppard Drama Cup The Neill Declamation Prize Middle Drama Junior Drama Prize Junior Instrumental (Year 5 and below Senior Instrumental (Year 6 and above) The Hinton Music Prize (highest mark in grade examination) The Stubbs Music Prize (awarded to a music scholar) Chorister’s Prize Most improved games player (girls) Most improved games player (boys) Sportswoman of the Year The Wyld Cup (Sportsman of the Year) The Hamilton Cup (unexpected sporting achievement) The Stafford Cup (Top sporting team) Monkton Community Contribution Prizes (MCC Award Outstanding contribution to the Monkton Community)

The David Law Prize (pastoral care - boarder) The Eager Award (pastoral care - day pupil) The Aspden Award (all round contribution) The David Hodges Prize (All round contribution to boarding) The Hooper Prize (best CE to MCS) The Vine Rudder (for leadership) The Dann Prize (For special achievement The Kane Cup (For inspiring others) The Millard Cup (For endeavour) House Cup

Bea B-C & Archie Griffiths Olivia Lewis Chrissie Haynes Charlie Maggs Rebecca Watt Ed Wilmott Anna Hutchison Julia Ju Will Mitchell Abby Shrubb Caleb Stockinger Evie Catt Adam Wortelhock Olivia Lewis 1st XI Hockey Dan Hammond (Music/sport) Jack Carpenter (Drama/sport) Henry Bennett (High level sport) Archie Carr (High level sport) Luke Singleton (Sport/music/scholar) Josh Saksida (Boarding contribution) Catherine Lodwick Harry Tayler Gabriella Watt Archie Griffiths Bea Bayntun-Coward Anna Charles Jonathan Roth Will Mitchell Rory Myers 1st Howard; 2nd Jameson; 3rd Easterfield; 4th Kearns

Headmaster’s Prizes Head Boy’s Prize Head Girl’s Prize

Jonathan Roth Anna Charles 103

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