MICHAELMAS TERM 2024
OSE CAKE DESIGN WINNER FREYA C,
DESCRIPTIVE, SENSORY WRITING
BY MAGNUS LG, FORM 7
AUTUMN
Autumn leaves tumble to the ground like tiny Canadian flags, jagged edges curling into star shapes. Their golden edges shimmer like copper pennies, glinting in the bitter, cold air. A smoky earthy scent waits, mingled with the aroma of waiting rain. The leaves are rough and rigid yet slimy with dew, their surfaces bumpy like braille. As they crunch underfoot, they whisper frosty secrets crackling like sweet wrappers or paper lit in a welcoming cosy fire. The season whispers change, wrapping the forest in a golden, ruby, amber and vermilion blanket of beauty.
FROM THE HEADMASTER
Dear Parents,
The Michaelmas term is always a busy one and one full of change. As our pupils move up to the next year group, often joined by some new friends, the challenges increase and the level of the children’s ambitions and achievements adjust accordingly. It is the term when I see the greatest number of prospective parents considering sending their children to St Edmund’s, and this term’s 11+ entrance assessments saw the highest ever number of candidates sitting for a place in Form 7 next September.
Many of those parents visiting come as a result of your recommendations, for which I am truly grateful. From my experience over the years, I can tell you that there are fundamentally two types of prospective parents: those who see the Dalek on the way in, and those who see it on the way out. As for what it means in terms of psychometric profiling – my lips are sealed. When I first meet with parents in the study, often with the fire blazing and Sapphi snoring by my side, I talk about how normal it is to have the room filled with children: lunching with me, collecting their rewards at break-times, or simply coming in to have a heart to heart with the dog. I tell them that the time I get to spend with the children is the time I enjoy most at school. Whether it is watching our Under 16 1st XI football team winning 3-0 on the top field two days ago, joining the Warhammer club for painting duties during prep, to yesterday’s Nativity in Chapel, my weeks are filled with opportunities to celebrate and support the children doing their stuff.
I tell prospective parents that, whenever I inspect at a school, I always stand outside at break time as unstructured times often give great insight into a school’s culture. During break time at St Edmund’s, you will see children across the age groups moving freely amongst each other on their way to snacks and activities, cheerfully confident of the kindness and respect that pervade our community. And what a range of activities there are. Pupils immerse themselves in all sorts, reflecting their diverse interests and personalities: playing giant chess, laughing and holding hands with friends, playing hopscotch, building with Lego in the Heritage room, diving into novels in our newly updated library, kicking a football around, or simply catching up with each other on a school bench. Teachers on duty engage in conversation with
pupils, adding to the warmth and security that surrounds them. St. Edmund’s is a place where structure, politeness, and good behaviour come naturally; these are simply part of the St. Edmund’s way of life. Our term so far has been filled with exciting activities that have brought our pupils immense joy. From the Great Escape evenings for Prep and Senior pupils to our internal Boats swimming gala (where the energy and enthusiasm were palpable!), the school is alive with laughter and learning. Our extra-curricular programme has been equally rich, with workshops and talks. Highlights have included a Shakespeare workshop, Zoolab, an Anglo-Saxon history session, an anti-bullying workshop, and the popular Elevate exam revision sessions designed to help our older pupils excel.
Looking ahead, as we approach the Christmas holidays, our younger pupils will gather around the fire in the old school building, to read their letters to Father Christmas and post them “up the chimney.” We cherish these magical moments of childhood, and though our traditions evolve as pupils grow, we’re thrilled to preserve this spirit throughout the school. From Christmas jumper days to Carol Concerts, Nativities for the younger years and Christmas lunches for all, St. Edmund’s remains a place where pupils can build cherished memories alongside their academic growth.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in the St. Edmund’s community. Emma joins me in wishing each and every one of you a very happy Christmas.
NEWS FROM EYFS
NURSERY AND RECEPTION
FOREST SCHOOL
Before Half term our Reception pupils had fun making and preparing and then cooking damper bread over a campfire at forest school.
RECEPTION BRING
CHRISTMAS JOY TO HUNTINGTON HOUSE
Reception did a wonderful performance of their Nativity play to the residents at the local care home.
EYFS CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Children had lots of fun being entertained by ‘Magic Marty’ at their Christmas Party this year.
ZOOLAB!
Children in Nursery - Form 2 enjoyed a fabulous visit from Zoolab this term. We met Mango the millipede. Shelob the tarantula. Jaja the tree frog, Gary the giant land snail, Stevie the corn snake.
A MAGICAL NATIVITY BY
NURSERY 2 AND RECEPTION
Our Nursery 2 and Reception classes delighted parents with a Nativity performance that was truly magical. The children brought the traditional Christmas story to life with their enthusiasm, creativity, and confidence. From angelic singing to beautifully crafted costumes, every detail added to the charm of the production. A huge well done to all the children and the staff who helped make the show so wonderful.
NEWS FROM THE LOWER PREP
TRIP TO MARWELL ZOO FOR FORMS 3 AND 4
This week, Forms 3 and 4 had an incredible visit to Marwell Zoo! The highlights were seeing baby giraffes less than a month old and spotting a snow leopard for the first time in years! The trip tied in perfectly with our geography lessons on continents and science topics on vertebrates and teeth.
EGYPTIAN FEAST
To support their learning about ancient farming, Form 3 were really brave and tried some ‘Egyptian foods’ such as dates, figs, honey and pomegranates.
FIRE OF LONDON EVENT
Bringing history to life, pupils in Forms 1-4 listened to a fascinating interactive talk about the Great Fire of London in the Jubilee Hall this term.
FORMS 1 AND 2 SHINE IN THE TWINKLY NATIVITY
Forms 1 and 2 delivered a fantastic performance of The Twinkly Nativity, an upbeat and dazzling retelling of the traditional Christmas story. The show began with the children singing the lively title song, The Twinkly Nativity, and concluded with a joyful rendition of We’ll Have a Party, performed by everyone together.
After the show, parents were invited to enjoy mince pies and tea in the Heritage Library, rounding off a truly special afternoon. Well done to all the children in Forms 1 and 2 for their hard work and wonderful performance!
BUG HOTELS
Form 4 had fun designing and making bug hotels in their LOTC (Learning Outside the Classroom) sessions this term. They used their imagination and creativity, and the end results looked fantastic. Some even had spas and hospitals!
NEWS FROM THE PREP
Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat! At St Ed’s we are enjoying getting out our board games to play as a Christmas treat for the pupils.
In the Maths Department we enjoy playing different kinds of games to support the children improve their maths skills.
There are the traditional dice-based board games like snakes and ladders and ludo. These are excellent for counting on skills, played with two dice they are brilliant to practise adding up. Just don’t forget to roll a 6 to start!
We have invited the Happy Puzzle Company to visit us again in the Lent term. Their range of logical games like Genius Square and Genuis Star are fun for all the family. We enjoy using these games to create league tables and play off against each other. Chess is another very traditional game to play, to practice for the St Edmund’s Chess tournament later in the academic year.
For those long and boring car journeys to visit relatives over the Christmas period, try fizz buzz! Count in 1s but every multiple of 3 is fizz and every multiple of 5 is buzz.
BRINGING ENGLISH LESSONS OUTDOORS
This term has been extremely busy for our pupils at the Prep School, with some fantastic highlights throughout.
As part of their English lessons some of our Form 6s took their learning outside for an immersive experience in the woods. They brought to life key scenes from The Silver Donkey, a powerful novel by Sonya Hartnett, through creative re-enactments. Surrounded by nature, the pupils deepened their understanding of the book’s themes and characters, stepping into the shoes of its characters. This handson approach allowed them to engage with the story in a dynamic way, blending literature and drama in an outdoor setting that sparked their imaginations!
Multiples of 3 and 5 are fizz buzz! Times tables competitions are always fun - who can answer 7 x 8 first? Or reverse it - which two numbers multiply together to make 24? How many can you think of?
Playing card games is also excellent fun for building maths skills. Try 21, remember picture cards are 10 and aces are 1. Who gets to 21 first - or will you go bust? How about Rummy, creating runs of numbers or collecting suits. Make it more mathematical by allowing sets of odd numbers or even numbers or multiples of three!
The Maths Department at St Ed’s wishes all our pupils and their families a very merry mathematical Christmas with lots of lovely games to bring fun and joy!
PREP CLASSICS
Diving into the world of the Iliad and the Trojan Horse in our Classics class! Bringing ancient history to life in every lesson.
CUPS OF KINDNESS
In Form 6 as part of our PSHE lesson during Anti- bullying week we talked about complements, how they can make people feel and how they must always be accepted! All the pupils filled a ‘cup of kindness’ with complements for every member of the form. The children were told to hang their cups somewhere visible so they can be reminded regularly of how wonderful their friends think they are.
CELEBRATING CREATIVITY: ENGLISH DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATES IN ANNUAL POETRY WRITING COMPETITION
The English Department celebrated National Poetry Day with our annual Poetry Writing Competition in which every child wrote a poem, this year on the theme of Counting. Here are just a few examples showcasing imagination, word play, and the creative freedom shown by our young writers.
ANNUAL DIVISIONAL DEBATE
As part of our Prep School public speaking programme, pupils from Forms 5 to 8 participated in our annual divisional debate. Pupils either joined the judging panel or attended as part of the debating audience.
FORMS 5 AND 6
ROUND 1: This house believes that David Walliams is a funnier writer than Roald Dahl.
Wolf vs. Crown
WINNING DIVISION: Wolf
ROUND 2: This house believes that gaming time should be limited to 30 minutes per day for children in Years 5 and 6.
Arrow vs. Martyr
WINNING DIVISION: Arrow
FINAL: This house believes that footballers are paid too much money.
Arrow vs. Wolf
WINNING DIVISION: Arrow
FORMS 7 AND 8
ROUND 1: Should social media apps be banned on mobile phones for children?
Martyr vs. Crown
WINNING DIVISION: Martyr
ROUND 2: Should it be mandatory to study a modern language up to the age of 16?
Wolf vs. Arrow
WINNING DIVISION: Wolf
FINAL: Martyr vs. Wolf
DEBATE TOPIC: This house believes that Studying the history of Britain is more important than studying the history of the World
WINNERS: Wolf
FORM 5 ANGLOSAXON TALK
This term Form 5 welcomed The History Man to St. Edmund’s to run an Anglo Saxon workshop. The pupils enjoyed an informative morning interviewing the warrior ‘Rafe’, handling and sketching artefacts, and finding out more about life in Anglo Saxon times. It was a wonderful morning which enhanced our Anglo Saxon topic.
NEWS FROM THE THE SENIOR SCHOOL
SENIOR ACADEMIC SIMON HYETT, DEPUTY HEAD
Fresh from the high of a great set of GCSE results we have dived straight back into another academic year. The Senior School is at its largest ever size and the number of opportunities for pupils keeps everyone busy. Form 9’s have had the privilege of their first set of Senior School examinations, (no thank you cards received yet!), with exams happening in both the Jubilee Hall and the expanded access arrangement provision in the ICT rooms. My thanks to the GCSE invigilation team that have been in school, some with us for a decade, to give pupils the best possible environment for examinations. Form 10 and 11 will sit their exams during the first half of the Lent term.
My thanks to Mr Taylor for his incredible 150 th Exhibition for the whole school community.
Our GCSE historians benefitted from some hands-on time artefacts and many a good story.
These subjects often mean a great deal to individual pupils and the push to learn skills they might once thought beyond them has been wonderful to see.
This term sees a lot of practical assessment with the Form 11 devised Drama pieces, GCSE PE practical’s, Food Tech and Art practice examinations.
A significant amount of the Michaelmas term is spent planning students’ futures. The Form 10 Future Schools talk and many one-to-one practice interviews for Form 11.
St. Edmund’s pupils continue to be in high demand, and I am delighted by the feedback from our local Sixth Form providers. All parents should feel they can come speak to us about securing their child’s future pathway.
SENIOR PASTORAL JESS WEETMAN, DEPUTY HEAD
As the term speeds by, much like the winds of Storm Bert, it’s a joy and privilege to reflect on the accomplishments, adventures, and a few unexpected successes that have made the start of this school term so memorable. From our vibrant school clubs and community projects to exciting new initiatives, it’s been a wonderful term at St Edmund’s Senior School, where we’re not only nurturing young minds and building community but also sneaking in a little pizza, thanks to the Headmaster’s much loved lunches!
STUDENT VOICE: THE SCHOOL COUNCIL’S BIG PLANS
Our newly elected School Council has been tackling important topics with enthusiasm—from uniforms to lunch menus. We’re eagerly anticipating the next meeting with the Catering Department, where they’ll dive into food-related ideas and feedback. There is also a high probability someone will suggest more pizza too!
THE NEW DIVISIONAL SYSTEM: FRIENDLY COMPETITION MEETS COMMUNITY FUN
We recently relaunched our Divisional system, creating small communities within the school for closer friendships across year groups. With our newly elected Heads of Division, students can look forward to more competitions – ranging from Christmas bake-offs to Art competitions — plus daily updates of Division results in the Hunstanton building!
BOOK CLUB & HERITAGE LIBRARY: NEW HANGOUT FOR BOOK LOVERS
The Heritage Library is buzzing mid-week, thanks to our Senior School Book Club! It’s a wonderful gathering for students to swap book recommendations, dissect storylines, and chat over everything literary. We meet every Wednesday during first break, and it is bliss!
VILLAGE VISITS: EXPANDING HORIZONS BEYOND SCHOOL WALLS
We’re thrilled to have increased our Village Visit numbers, giving more students the chance to visit our local community. Every time I visit the Village for feedback, I hear glowing reports about our students—something we are all extremely proud of.
GIRLS ON BOARD: EMPOWERMENT WITH A SIDE OF TEAM SPIRIT
As part of our ongoing commitment to the well-being of our pupils, we are proud to announce that we are now a ‘Girls on Board’ school. This initiative is designed to equip girls with the tools and strategies they need to navigate friendship dynamics with confidence and resilience. During a recent assembly, the concept was described to the girls by Mrs Le Guyader (Assistant Head, Senior Girls) who explained that we will be working closely with the girls to empower them in their friendships, helping them to build positive relationships and manage any challenges they may face.
We hope parents will find Girls on Board valuable in understanding the support the girls at St. Edmund’s will be receiving and how you can assist them in this important aspect of their development.
FOSTERING BELONGING, VOICE, AND WELL-BEING
At St Edmund’s, we’re committed to creating an environment that’s welcoming, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of every student. As we look forward to the rest of the year, we’ll continue building a community where each student can grow, thrive, and be their best selves. As always, thank you for being part of this journey with us, and we wish you all a wonderful Christmas!
ASSEMBLIES
FORM 3C
Pupils wowed us this term with an incredible Egyptian-themed assembly! The highlight of the assembly was a creative reenactment of a Pharaoh’s life and journey to the afterlife, where the children brought history to life with enthusiasm and flair. Well done, 3C!
FORM 4T FITNESS ASSEMBLY
4T’s assembly focused on the power of sport – highlighting how it benefits our health and how fortunate we are at St Ed’s to have such a wide range of opportunities to stay active and engaged.
FORM 5BVO LITTERING ASSEMBLY
Littering is a scourge and unfortunately it affects us here at St. Edmund’s too. 5BvO’s assembly highlighted some of the problems of litter; eyesore, attracts vermin, destroys natural habitats and costs the country millions of pounds to clean up.
We hoped that our assembly would make people/pupils more aware of where their rubbish lands up and be more inclined to ensure it’s in the bin.
FORM 9SB
Held an assembly about the differences between the recent Paris Olympics and the next Olympics which will be held in LA in 2028. They discussed the differences between the cultures and how LA are trying to make their Olympics more environmentally friendly.
FORM 8HM WORLD PHARMACY DAY
8HM decided to celebrate World Pharmacists Day in recognition of all the brilliant and talented work pharmacists do to keep us healthy. Not only do they give us the right dosage of medications, but they can also offer support, give recommendations, and need a vast knowledge about a huge range of medications and how they work in the body.
Most recently, pharmacists have been given even more responsibility with the ability to now diagnose and prescribe for a variety of illnesses such as ear and eye problems to relieve pressure from our GP’s. 8HM felt they needed to celebrate the wonderful work they do!
FORM 6LP REMEMBERING
Form 6LP’s assembly was all about ‘remembering’. They focussed on Remembrance Day and its significance, and they even performed a version of the famous football match in WW1 between the Germans and British on Christmas Day 1914.
PREP SCHOOL CELEBRATION ASSEMBLY
FORM 4R
Acted out the Legend of Gilgamesh, an epic poem from ancient Mesopotamia and one of the oldest ever written (c. 2100–1200 BC).
Mr B-P and our Heads of School, Ralph G and Millie G, handed out trophies and certificates to pupils in our Prep School in celebration of their achievements both in and out of school. These included awards such as ‘golden moments’ and ‘tutor commendations.’
FORM 7VO
FORM 6PR
Delivered a wonderful assembly on the theme of “Autumn Changes,” highlighting how the start of the school year is a time for building new friendships and embracing change.
MOUNT
RUSHMORE
They chose and researched someone inspirational and influential that they would carve onto the granite in the Black Mountains, USA.
There was: Rory McIlroy, Sha ‘Carri Richardson, Nicolaus Otto, Nelson Mandela, Leah Williamson, Sir David Attenborough, grandma Audrey, Joris Daudet, Taylor Swift, Ryan Reynolds, Cressy and Stuart Neads, Walter Wingfield, JK Rowling, Barack Obama, the Brownlee brothers, and Victor Hovland. This was linked to PSHE lessons on ‘Being Me In My World’ and life influences.
HEADS OF SCHOOL & HEADS OF PREP
HEADS OF SENIOR SCHOOL
Max D & Sophia T (Form 11)
Interview with St. Edmund’s Heads of School: Sophia T and Max D
Being a Head of School is a highly regarded role that demands responsibility, leadership, and integrity. We recently caught up with our Heads of School, Sophia T and Max D, to learn more about what their positions entail, what they’ve enjoyed the most so far, and their aspirations for life after St. Edmund’s.
HOW HAS YOUR FIRST TERM GONE AS HEAD OF SCHOOL?
Sophia T: My first term has been an incredible experience. It’s been both challenging and rewarding, getting to know pupils and staff around the school better, especially the Heads of the Prep School. There’s a lot to juggle with exams and speech prep for Open Mornings, but I’ve been learning so much along the way. I watched previous Heads of school in their roles and feel honoured that I get the chance to continue this responsibility.
Max D: It’s been a really fulfilling term! I’ve loved working alongside Sophia and the other leaders to support our peers and encourage a real sense of community. We’ve had the chance to be involved in various events and initiatives, and seeing the impact we can have has been one of the highlights. I’ve enjoyed taking this responsibility especially after having been
at the school for a long time. It feels like home here! It’s been a great opportunity for my public speaking and enjoyed taking part in the Governors’ lunch and placing a wreath in the Remembrance service. It was nice to acknowledge those that lost their lives personally.
WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU THINK ARE DESIRABLE FOR A HEAD OF SCHOOL TO POSSESS?
Sophia T: I think the most important qualities are strong communication skills, empathy, compassion and the ability to inspire others. As Heads of School, we’re in a position where we need to listen to pupils’ concerns, see other people’s points of view, advocate for their needs, and also lead by example. Being approachable and open-minded is key in building trust within the school community.
Max D: I completely agree. I’d also add that being decisive and maintaining a sense of integrity is crucial. As Heads, we sometimes have to make tough decisions, and it’s important that pupils feel we’re doing so in the best interests of everyone. Leadership isn’t just about being at the forefront; it’s about being a good listener and taking responsibility for our actions. I was surprised to be chosen as a Head of school but am so happy to have been given this opportunity. I thought I’d be the last person to be chosen! St. Edmund’s has taught me to never underestimate myself. I think the ability to get along with others and influence situations in a positive and kind way is super important. I also think it’s important we are ourselves because that why we were chosen.
WHAT SKILLS DO YOU BRING TO THE ROLE?
Sophia T: I’ve always had a passion for public speaking and organisation, which has really helped me in this role. Whether it’s leading assemblies, coordinating events, or working with staff, these skills help me to stay on top of everything and communicate effectively. I also bring a collaborative spirit — I believe in working together as a team to achieve the best outcomes for everyone.
Max D: I like taking things into our own hands. We’ve recently organised some gifts for teachers. I’ve always been someone who thrives in a team environment, so I think my ability to work with others, build strong relationships, and bring people together has been really beneficial and look forward to making change.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS FOR CHANGE DURING YOUR TIME AS HEAD OF SCHOOL?
Sophia T: I’m passionate about making sure every pupil feels heard and valued, so one of my main goals is to create more opportunities for pupils to share their ideas and feedback. I’d love to work on initiatives that increase pupil involvement across different areas of school life, from academic to extracurricular, so we can continue to strengthen the sense of community at St. Edmund’s. We’d also like to work together on our career advice programme and providing help on next steps from St. Ed’s.
Max D: I think it’s important to focus on ensuring that St. Edmund’s remains an inclusive and supportive environment for all and would like to look at how we can increase the amount of tutor time and more common room space. One thing I’d love to see is greater cross-year collaboration, whether through more joint activities or mentorship programs. I also think there’s a lot of potential for improving our sustainability efforts, so I’d like to work with the school to explore eco-friendly initiatives that the whole community can get behind.
SENIOR HEADS OF DIVISION AND SCHOOL PREFECTS
EDWARD S & SOPHIA W
KYLE G & HARRIET T
FORM 8 TIES (PREFECTS)
Jay A
Eliska H
Imogen H
Rosie L
Seb T
JOSH B & LUCY L
SEB B & SOPHIE N
HEADS OF PREP SCHOOL
Ralph G & Millie G (Form 8)
Our Divisional Leaders are nominated in Form 8 to lead and guide their Divisions, as well as set an example to the younger children in their Divisions.
LEADERS: SEBE B AND LILY S DEPUTIES: JAKE D AND FINTY B
LEADERS: ZACHARY D AND GEORGIA S, DEPUTIES: FREYA C AND TOBY AH
LEADERS: DIGBY S AND ROSIE L, DEPUTIES: JACOB P AND MILLIE T
LEADERS: WILL V, IMOGEN H, DEPUTIES: BEN S, IRIS M
SPANISH TRIP
Our Senior School Spanish language trip visited Murcia in Spain this October. 29 pupils from Forms 9-11 spent four days immersing themselves in Spanish language classes at the Arbolar Language Centre, visiting the local town and street markets, as well as taking part in flamenco classes, paella making classes and water sports.
WORLD WAR EXHIBITION
This October, as part of our 150th celebrations of St. Edmund`s School, we hosted a World War exhibition in the Jubilee Hall. The event welcomed both past and present pupils, as well as the broader St. Edmund’s community, including Form 5 and 6 pupils from local primary schools – Camelsdale, Grayshott, and St. Mary’s Chiddingfold – as well as parents and residents from Huntington House Care Home.
The exhibition served as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of the two World Wars, honouring the immense sacrifices made and reflecting on the lessons learned over the past century. The lives of all Old St Edmund’s (OSEs) who were lost in the wars were researched and shared through personal stories, allowing attendees to understand the individual contributions of former students.
Visitors were invited to explore the wars through a variety of immersive exhibits, including personal accounts from soldiers and discussions on the cultural changes that followed the conflicts. A wide range of military uniforms and helmets were available for pupils to try on, while air raid shelters and recreated trenches offered a hands-on experience of wartime life. The ‘Great Escape’ tunnel—complete with a home-made buggy for escaping—was a particular highlight, and the students greatly enjoyed trying their hand at this adventurous challenge.
that the legacies of these conflicts remain a source of reflection for future generations.
St Edmunds’ 150 th OSE’s At War exhibition, curated by Mr Taylor was incredible! The interactive trenches and bunkers were a fun experience, but also demonstrated the types of conditions the soldiers faced at war amazingly!
The goal of the commemoration was to deepen students’ understanding of how these wars shaped modern society. By emphasising the importance of remembrance, reconciliation, and ongoing dialogue, the event highlighted the need for continued cooperation in the pursuit of global peace, ensuring
It was really nice to reflect on the old St. Edmund’s pupils who had fought in the wars. For example, LT RE Soames, who was on the East Surrey football charge on the 1st of July, 1916. In addition, to be given the opportunity to see close up objects such as a blood transfusion box, only one of 2 known to exist was very special, and gave me a clear insight into life at war, especially for the OSE students.’’
EXTERNAL SPEAKERS
This term, we’ve welcomed a variety of external speakers who have shared their expertise on a range of topics, engaging our pupils across the school. Read on to learn more about some of the inspiring speakers who have visited us this term.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
FORMS 9-11
NUTRITIONAL WELLBEING TALK
Nutrition and Well-being Talk: Food for Thought with Nicola Vaughan
This term, we hosted a talk on nutrition and lifestyle, offering students and parents practical tips for living healthier, happier lives—both for better school performance and personal wellbeing. For anyone who missed it, the session was recorded and is available to watch at your convenience. A huge thank you to Nicola Vaughan for delivering such an engaging and insightful talk. We’re also looking forward to a future session in the Summer term with the charity Charlie’s Promise.
On Friday 29 November we welcomed, Satveer Nijjar to St. Edmund’s to deliver a session on ‘Mental Health Awareness’ to our older pupils in Forms 7-8 as well as a separate session for pupils in Forms 9-11. The sessions covered the following issues:
• Stigma and mental health
• Importance of seeking support when in distress
• Language use around mental health
Satveer touched upon the topics of self-harm and suicide awareness, support methods (both personal and for friends), how to manage distress, the importance of talking and where to go for support. These are very important subjects and the talk were age-appropriate, with support offered to the pupils.
ELEVATE WORKSHOPS
Pupils from Reception to Form 8 took part in ‘Brave the Rage’ anti-bullying workshops this term run by Julie Wilkinson. Throughout the workshops pupils learned about the impact of our words and actions, exploring what can upset ‘Krumpled Kirsty’ and how we can all do our part to be kind and mindful. Each workshop ended on a high note with powerful affirmations: “I am the best! I am the best! I am the best!”
On Tuesday 12 November, in support of Anti-Bullying Week, pupils wore their ‘odd socks’ to school (see photos.) For Elevate workshops for parents click here:
On 6 November, St. Edmund’s held an Anti-Bullying Online Webinar for parents titled ‘The 5 Steps to Success’.
NEW STAFF FOCUS
BEN BELLAK, HEAD OF ENGLISH
Before joining St. Edmund’s
I taught English up to A-Level at Guildford High School and Cranleigh School. Prior to this, I lived in Wandsworth with my family and worked at City of London School as Head of Year and Head of House. Before that, I was a stockbroker!
I have two teenage sons, so am only just now starting to return to the hobbies I was able to pursue before they came along: I love to cook at home in my spare time and l and have started branching out into Japanese dishes. I also enjoy going on long, cathartic walks. My current favourite book is called ‘The Lincoln Highway’ by Amor Towles; it renews your faith in humanity.
SPORT UPDATE BOOK REVIEWS
MY NAME: Arthur E
MY CLASS: 6PR
TITLE OF THE BOOK: October, October
AUTHOR: Katya Balen
GENRE: Nature and relationships
THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED IN THE BOOK (A SHORT SUMMARY OF THE STORY): A girl called October lives in the woods with her owl Stig and her Dad. October is a wild girl and goes not go to school. Her mum left the woods when October was little so she doesn’t like her for this reason. Her Dad has an accident so October, reluctantly, goes to live with her mum who puts Stig into an animal sanctuary. While living with her mum October finds a love for mudlarking. After a while October becomes closer to her mum, goes to school and makes a friend, they do a project on mudlarking. Stig is set free into the wild and Dad comes out of hospital.
WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: I enjoyed this book because it is about building a relationship with someone after it has broken down. It is a calm book almost like poetry. I feel the author is also a poet as she describes the feelings of October.
HOW MANY STARS WOULD YOU GIVE THIS BOOK:
MY NAME: Reece K
MY CLASS: 6D
TITLE OF THE BOOK: The 169 Storey Treehouse
AUTHOR: Terry Denton
GENRE: Magic/Adventure
THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED IN THE BOOK
(A SHORT SUMMARY OF THE STORY): There is a group of characters, they don’t always agree and they are really funny. The book is about the adventure they go on and each book has different things added.
WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: It is really funny and easy to read, not too big if you are put of by books like this.
HOW MANY STARS WOULD YOU GIVE THIS BOOK:
MY NAME: Emily L
MY CLASS: 7A
TITLE OF THE BOOK: Beauty Sleep
AUTHOR: Kathryn Evans
GENRE: Fantasy
THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED IN THE BOOK
(A SHORT SUMMARY OF THE STORY): A girl called Laura wakes up after 40 years in a special pod. Laura tries to remember who she is and what happened. Then she tries to forget the past as she finds this too difficult in her new modern life.
Laura discovers a boy but then he gets lost, she finds him in the basement of her house. Other boys are there too and it seems there is a reason why they are there.
WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories with twists and turns and a surprise ending.
HOW MANY STARS WOULD YOU GIVE THIS BOOK:
MY NAME: Maggie T
MY CLASS: 6PR
TITLE OF THE BOOK: A Spoonful of Murder
AUTHOR: Robin Stevens
THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED IN THE BOOK
(A SHORT SUMMARY OF THE STORY): The Detective Society are called to investigate the disappearance of Hazel Wong’s grandfather. Thrilling and lots of fun. These books hook me in right from the start as I like mysteries. Its always interesting to find out who did it. The book is not too hard to understand and has a very interesting plot.
WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: If you like mysteries you will really like this book, full of red herrings and twists.
HOW MANY STARS WOULD YOU GIVE THIS BOOK:
SUBJECT FOCUS: SPORT SCIENCE
Sport Science is a course which St. Ed’s has offered for the last few years. Run through OCR as a Cambridge National, Sport Science benefits pupils who prefer to complete more coursework and are not accessed in three practical sports. It is currently by taught by Mrs Stoneman-Boorn, Mr Hall and Mr Evans who each bring different areas of expertise to the course.
Sports Science is a course which St. Ed’s has offered for the last few years. Run through OCR as a Cambridge National, Sports Science benefits pupils who prefer to complete more coursework and are not accessed in three practical sports. It is currently by taught by Mrs Stoneman-Boorn, Mr Hall and Mr Evans who each bring different areas of expertise to the course.
The course is currently broken up into three sections which are completed over the three-year course.
In Form 9 the children study Nutrition in Sport made up of topics including nutrition and balanced diet, the diet requirements for different types of athletes and the impact of under or overeating. This involves the pupils tracking and analysing their own diets, as well as the diets of professional athletes. Pupils also complete various practical lessons, either after having a heavy meal or by being under-fuelled and then comparing the difference in performance and/or feeling.
In the second half of Form 9, pupils look at the Principles of Training unit, which includes fitness testing, types of training and risk assessments. This involves a lot of practical lessons where students complete the traditional fitness tests such as the dreaded Multi-Stage Fitness Test and 12-minute Cooper Run, in addition to creating their own fitness tests which are trialled by their class. Pupils are also introduced to
different types of training including basic Weight Training and Plyometrics which are led by the expert fitness instructors in the department in Mrs Stoneman-Boorn and Miss Lewis.
In Form 10, pupils complete their coursework, as well as tasks including evaluating and altering a nutrition plan and creating a training programme for the athlete in the scenario. Preparation for the Sport Science exam in Form 11 covers injuries and rehabilitation.
Sport Science can be very useful upon leaving St Edmund’s, it caters for pupils who wish to study A-Level PE and BTEC Sport at 6 form, as well as those who have a passion for Sport and are interested in learning how their body works during exercise. It can also lead to future university course such as Sport Science, Sport Coaching and Sport Conditioning and Rehabilitation. Future career paths include the obvious PE Teacher as well as Physiotherapy, Performance Analysis, Coaching and Personal Training in addition to many other sport career pathways.
Sport Science is a Senior School course which is open to all abilities, pupils are not assessed practically but they must have a passion and understanding for sport. A key characteristic is having a keen interest to learn about how they human body works in relation to exercise and nutrition.
SPORT UPDATE
The Michaelmas term has been an exciting and action-packed time for sport at St. Ed’s with a wide variety of sports taking centre stage across all year groups. From thrilling matches to impressive individual displays of skill and teamwork, our pupils have shown dedication and passion for their respective sports. Here’s a roundup of the key highlights from this term:
HOCKEY
The girls’ hockey teams have shown exceptional progress throughout the term, with a focus on teamwork, strategic play, and resilience. The U13 girls’ team has been a particular standout, displaying an impressive run across several fixtures including 16-1 and 9-3 victories. Their win at the Highfield tournament was a true testament to their skill.
Our U13 Prep 1st Team fought hard on a day of torrential rain and soggy pitches at the Prep School IAPS competition in November. They won their pool but and fought hard for the Cup but against some extremely competitive teams came in 4th place.
The U11 girls have also demonstrated their potential in hockey, showing great improvement from the start of the season.
The teams have worked positively in their squads, with the A team being lucky enough to have 2 willing goal keepers at times. They have had some close games, played with good team spirit and in a competitive manner, achieving more wins than losses overall. The girls have tried to incorporate the skills developed in their lessons into their match play. A fantastic season for all!
SENIOR DIVISIONAL HOCKEY
1ST WOLF
2ND ARROW 3RD MARTYR 4TH CROWN
FOOTBALL
Boys’ football has been competitive and energetic, with all teams displaying a strong work ethic on the field.
The Senior Boys’ 1st Team have had a fantastic season, culminating in a memorable draw against KES. Their dynamic attacking play and solid defence have made them a force to be reckoned with. Not to be outdone, the U15A team were involved in an incredible national cup fixture against Ormiston Six Villages where they recovered from twice being down by 3 goals to take the match to extra time and complete the comeback by winning 8-6.
The Prep School boys have had a successful football season where a number of boys played 11 a-side for the first time, and in many weeks this term we managed to put out an impressive ten teams competing against various schools. The highlights of the season have to be the impressive IAPS campaign by the Prep School 1st Team who competed against a range schools across the South of England and managed to win the Plate Competition.
The Prep School 2nd Team were also involved in a unforgettable tournament which was hosted at St Ed’s where they fought off competition from 19 other schools to win the “St. Edmund’s Tournament” culminating in a thrilling penalty shoutout victory over Mayville.
The Form 3-6 boys also had a positive season, with all students developing their skills in the 7 a-side matches. The boys all demonstrated an array of skills and characteristics including technical ability, tactical understanding, and sportsmanship, instilling values that extend beyond the game. The highlight would be the U9A team who won all but one of their matches this term and showing real potential as they move up the prep school.
LOWER PREP GIRLS’ NETBALL
The Lower Prep girls have taken to the netball court with enthusiasm and determination. The U9A team showed great promise, with their ability to communicate effectively on the court improving match by match. They had an impressive wining streak this season.
LOWER PREP BOYS’ RUGBY
Rugby in the Lower Prep has been a source of great energy, with the boys demonstrating courage, sportsmanship, and tactical awareness.
The U9 team have enjoyed a brilliant season, playing some hard-fought matches against local prep schools.
The U8 boys, who are new to the sport, have shown exceptional promise. Their enthusiasm and fearlessness on the pitch have been impressive.
HANDBALL
Handball has continued to grow in popularity across the school, providing a fast-paced and strategic sport that pupils have embraced with vigour.
FITNESS
The school’s fitness programme has been integral in helping pupils improve their overall physical strength, agility, and endurance. Sessions have focused on a mixture of cardiovascular fitness, strength training, and flexibility. Pupils across all year groups have taken part enthusiastically and with great grit.
SWIMMING GALAS
This term saw a number of exciting swimming galas, with both senior and lower prep pupils taking part in races ranging from freestyle sprints to medley relays. A highlight of the term was Boats with Form 8HM wining the first round.
GYMNASTICS
Gymnastics continues to be a popular sport among our pupils, with a focus on both artistic and rhythmic gymnastics this term. Pupils have learnt lots of new skills and have shown them in performances in games lessons.
SPORTS SCHOLARS
The sports scholarship programme continues to thrive with pupils really committing to their athletic development and injury prevention programme. It has been great to see the Senior Scholars taking the younger pupils under their wing and mentoring them in sport and general school life.
COUNTY SELECTION
Congratulations to our pupils who have been selected to represent their County this season in sport.
HOCKEY
CRICKET
U14 – ESME A (HAMPSHIRE)
U13: LAUREN F (HAMPSHIRE)
U10: JACK W (HAMPSHIRE)
U9: FELIX H, HUDSON A & TEDDY W (HAMPSHIRE)
U12: FLORENCE H, MATTY H & ARCHIE D (HAMPSHIRE)
U11: GRACE F, NOAH M, FREDDIE D & DYLAN O’F (HAMPSHIRE)
HAMPSHIRE GIRLS
U13: ROSIE L (HAMPSHIRE) LILY S (SURREY)
WAVERLEY DISTRICT CROSS COUNTRY TRIALS
Pupils in Forms 7-11 were selected to take part in this competitive event in November at Charterhouse School. We are now waiting to see who has qualified for Surrey Team selection. Congratulations to the following pupils who took part:
CROSS COUNTRY
The annual St. Edmund’s Inter-School Cross Country was a huge success with around 1000 pupils taking part. We welcomed schools from the area to take on our taxing course. Special mentions go to the following pupils for winning their races:
F6 – CLEMMIE S
F8 – LILY S
F9 – ISABELLE G
F11 – ED W AND HARRIET T
FORM 7 GIRLS & BOYS
Erin B (2nd ) and Isla D (3rd )
Harry W (5th), Archie D (7th) and Rory OC (9 th)
FORM 8+9 GIRLS & BOYS
Lily S (4th), Rosie L (11th) and Immy H-C (15th)
Patrick T (5th), Thomas B (10 th) and Theo H (15th)
FORM 10+11 GIRLS & BOYS
Evangeline R (4th)
Ed W (8 th) and Jake B (17th)
As the Michaelmas term draws to a close, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of all our pupils. The dedication and spirit shown by all pupils have been remarkable, and we look forward to even more success in the upcoming term. A big thank you to all the coaches and PE staff for their hard work in supporting the development of our young athletes.
BOATS UPDATE
WHAT IS BOATS?
Boats is an annual front crawl swimming competition which runs in the Prep School. There are three Boats events, one in the Michaelmas Term and two in the Lent Term. It was first brought to St. Edmund’s in 1999 by Mr Taylor who had been running Boats since 1987 at his old school in Kenya before he joined St. Ed’s. Over the years, it has evolved into a massive, community event for the Prep School!
HOW DOES BOATS WORK?
• The first rule of Boats, - there are no boats!
• Each form is split into either 3 or 4 ‘Boats’.
• The ‘Boat’ is made up of 4 pupils
• The 4 pupils swim in a relay style
• The ‘Boats’ are then split into the division table, with Boat 1 in the highest division available
• The races will start at the lowest Division and then work up to Div 1
• The winning team will get promoted into the next Division for their next race
• The team that comes last will be relegated to previous Division for their next race
SEE EXAMPLE (RIGHT) OF A RUNNING ORDER
The final day is where the 2 pupil teams will compete against 2 staff teams! The staff have not lost in a while!!!
PRODUCTIONS
FORM 3 & 4
Finding Nemo The Musical
FORM 5 & 6
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
DRAMA UPDATE
DRAMA STAR OF THE TERM
LAMDA UPDATE
We nominate Nina as our Drama star this term. Nina has shown one of the key components to be being a brilliant actor, empathy. She has shown kindness to her group, realising when they need extra support. She also shows clear problem-solving skills, moving scenes forward successfully and ensuring that everyone feels heard and encouraged. Nina listens carefully to instructions and contributes her ideas in front of the class. She is brave and kind. Well done, Nina, you’re a star!
We are delighted to share with you the outstanding results from our LAMDA examinations, which took place in June last term. We entered 72 candidates and achieved 100% pass rate, with 91% of learners achieving a Distinction. Our two highest scorers achieved an exceptional 98/100: Isabella V (Form 6) & Kit G (Form 9), with recent leaver Rohan S achieving 100/100 at Grade 7.
HOW DOES LAMDA WORK AT ST.ED’S?
LAMDA at St. Edmund’s is offered as an extracurricular activity which children take part in as a group, pair or individual. Lessons can focus on various aspects of performance such as acting, devising drama, speaking of verse and prose and public speaking skills. Students usually have scheduled sessions where they work towards taking an exam at the end of the academic year. For some of our seniors, they achieve valuable UCAS points from their exams.
HOW ARE THE LAMDA COURSES INTEGRATED INTO THE OVERALL CURRICULUM?
LAMDA lessons are timetabled during the school day, rotating each week. Our students do brilliantly balancing academic demands alongside their extra circular activities. Every student takes time during the first half of Michaelmas Term to hone their presentation skills which feed back into their studies when they’re asked to present in class or during house activities and events.
WHAT DO STUDENTS ENJOY MOST ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN LAMDA CLASSES?
We are so lucky to have an amazingly diverse student base in the LAMDA department, each of whom brings their own flair to LAMDA! Some would say they love the confidence it gives them, for some it’s the joy and freedom of creative performance. Many adore creating a variety of characters, immersing themselves in new worlds.
HOW DO PUPILS TYPICALLY PREPARE FOR LAMDA EXAMS?
Preparation involves regular practice in performing monologues, duologues, or reading prose/poetry, depending on the chosen LAMDA syllabus. We guide students through character exercises, vocal exercises, and feedback sessions. Memorising pieces, understanding characters, and practicing articulation and delivery are key aspects.
WHAT MRS DARRINGTON LOVES ABOUT LAMDA?
LAMDA provides a platform for what I am passionate about – confidence building. Whether you are someone who loves or loathes performing, it’s for you! It allows students to explore their own, unique qualities and skills in a safe environment, where they can learn to celebrate their individuality. It’s empowering and can be transformative. And it is a privilege to help students to recognise how much they have to offer.
One of my favourites quotes is one we live by in lessons – “You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.” From ‘We Bought a Zoo’.
Great things really do come from taking LAMDA lessons.
WHAT MRS BARR LOVES ABOUT LAMDA?
I absolutely love teaching LAMDA, especially since I went through all the grades myself whilst at school and sixth form. I still remember my lessons so clearly, and the skills I picked up back then are things I’ve used every single day since.
LAMDA is such a great opportunity for students to build lifelong skills, especially when it comes to communicating clearly and confidently. It’s amazing to be able to pass that on and see how it helps them, both in school and beyond.
LAMDA is the perfect place to play, create, and discover. It’s where you can step into new worlds, invent exciting characters, and explore a wide range of emotions.
Storytelling and imagination are essential skills that are encouraged and nurtured every step of the way. I still remember so many of the characters I fell in love with while taking my LAMDA grades—characters who have stayed with me to this day! From the petulant king in The King’s Breakfast by A.A. Milne to the outraged and fiery Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare. The possibilities are truly endless!
WHAT ARE THE MAIN BENEFITS FOR PUPILS WHO PARTICIPATE IN LAMDA?
It’s hard to whittle down the many benefits LAMDA offers, but without a doubt pupils leave with improved public speaking, confidence, self-expression, teamwork, and performance skills. LAMDA also offers recognised qualifications that can enhance a student’s profile for sixth form scholarships and university applications for which UCAS points can be awarded.
“Having achieved my Gold Medal Grade 8 LAMDA with Distinction while at St Ed’s, I have been involved in a number of productions at Churcher’s Sixth Form, including roles in ‘Treasure Island’, ‘Westside Story’, and as Bottom in ‘A Midsommer Night’s Dream’, for which I was awarded Half Colours for Drama. I also perform with Churcher’s Barbershop and the Senior Choir, including performances at Cadogan Hall, London. I would definitely recommend LAMDA lessons with Miss Barr, and am really grateful for all the encouragement she gave me.”
Scott Adams OSE 2023
Taking LAMDA lessons, whilst at St Ed’s, aided my journey both as a performer and an individual. Through my lessons I have learnt skills that benefit me both on and offstage. LAMDA has helped me develop as a performer and important aspects of what I have learnt can be applied to certain areas of everyday life, such as public speaking and appreciation of the arts and culture. This is due to the in-depth knowledge and understanding of texts that comes with the performance aspect of the course.
Having not taken drama GCSE, it was LAMDA that continued my love for drama throughout my GCSE period and motivated me to continue into my A levels. The syllabus for LAMDA Silver Award has provided a base for my Drama A level, which has been extremely valuable and I am currently completing my Gold Award. On a practical level, I feel as though I have taken the skills gained from my experience with LAMDA through my transition to sixth form, including recently taking part in Charterhouse’s production of The Cherry Orchard, and I am incredibly grateful to Miss Barr for her support and guidance as I have done so.
Katie Mein OSE 2024
We onboard new pupils for LAMDA lessons at the start of the academic year. Please look out for details in the Summer Term copy of ‘The Arrow’.
HOW DOES THE SCHOOL PLAN TO EXPAND OR ENHANCE THE LAMDA PROGRAMME IN THE COMING YEARS?
As the school grows, so too does the LAMDA department. We look forward to offering more performance opportunities, alongside hiring additional instructors in the coming years.
MUSIC UPDATE
SENIOR SCHOOL
MUSICIAN OF THE TERM
ESME B (FORM 9)
My musical journey has been a blast! Everyone has been so supportive- especially the teachers, no matter what question I ask I know they are going to give me the best answer that will improve myself. I will never forget my first show - The Witches by Roald Dahl, it was so much fun! The Witches took place during covid (which was a hard time for everyone) and we couldn’t have done it better! I played the role of the grandmother, and many of my friends were also great roles in the show although I couldn’t do anything about that since everyone was social distancing, but we didn’t let that stop us! The songs were amazing, the singing was amazing and the whole production came together so well. I still remember when me and my friend did lots of dancing together during an amazing song. In Form 6 I got my first major role as scar in the lion king, which was my first challenge with singing and acting which made me know that this was my passion. In Form 7 I got the super fun role of donkey which was such a core memory that will never leave my heart. One of my favourite songs to sing was: make a move because of the different dynamics and voices I got to sing it in. Form 8 I got a music colour which is such a proud achievement I will never forget. In Form 9 I can’t wait for Les Misérables, it will be fantastic, the songs are so deep and meaningful that I can’t wait to sing.
PREP SCHOOL
HEAD CHORISTERS
ZACHARY D AND IMOGEN H (FORM 8)
LOWER &
PREP SCHOOL
MUSICIAN OF THE TERM
BRIONY D (FORM 7)
Hi, I’m Briony Davies, and I’m so excited to have been named Musician of the Term! I’ve been attending Stagecoach for the last eight years, and it’s one of my favourite places to be because I get to do what I love most – performing! Music is a big part of my life, and I especially love playing the violin. I’m currently working towards my Grade 1, and it’s been such a fun challenge. I also love singing and will sing just about anywhere I go, whether I’m at home, in the car, or with friends.
Aside from music, I really enjoy dancing and being on stage. I’m super excited to be part of my school’s production of Les Misérables this year – it’s going to be an amazing experience! Performing makes me so happy, and I can’t wait to keep learning and growing as a musician and dancer.
DISNEY CONCERT
This term we brought the magic of Disney to life at our 'Disney Gala concert' for Forms 5 to 11. A fantastic evening with stunning solos, duets and an amazing performance from our brilliant Show Choir. Well done to all those who took part.
‘All our dreams come true if we have the courage to pursue them.’
Walt Disney
ADVENT CONCERT
Our Advent Concert showcased the incredible talents of pupils from the Lower Prep, Prep, and Senior School. This cherished tradition brought our school community together, featuring a mix of choral and instrumental performances.
ART UPDATE
Form 4 have been learning about Sandra Silberzweig and her abstract portraits. The children have developed their own abstract pictures using bright chalk pastels.
Pupils in Form 10 have been working on their GCSE art.
Form 6 made some incredible skulls this term in their art lessons.
GCSE pupils visited Tate Britain and Tate Modern this term.
Brilliant work from Forms 3 & 4 who have been creating a beautiful piece of weaving in art club with Mrs Drinkwater. A long process but it has paid off. Well done!
DT UPDATE
Form 6 have been working hard in the DT room this term. They have been creating a lizard pencil holder from a block of wood. They have cut and shaped their block into their chosen style and decorated them. Well done!
Form 4 have been busy in the DT room with Mrs Drinkwater. The children have built their own spinning top and launcher, decorating them whilst spinning. We then made a start and finish line, holding races for the first spinning top to cross the line. Well done!
Form 3 have been making wooden marble mazes in DT with Mrs Drinkwater. They have learnt how to use a hacksaw to create their mazes. Well done!
FOOD TECH UPDATE
Form 11 pupils Coursework.
Form 10 practising their food presentation skills.
Form 9 making homemade jaffa cakes whilst learning about food processing.
Saturday cookery club Forms 3-8 gingerbread. Form 6 Christmas baking - candy cane cookies.
Form 9 technical challenge - scones.
Form 4 Diwali sweets as part of their ce3lebrations project with cross curricular links to Religious Studies.
Form 10 making ravioli as they learn high level skills in preparation for coursework.
WINNER OF THE TECHNICAL CHALLENGE ELIZABETH P (FORM 9)
Form 7 this term have completed their cross curricular modern foreign languages and food technology project. They learnt how to create dishes from Spain, Italy and France whilst learning how to identify each ingredient and cooking method in that language! Here they are making some fresh pesto to go with their handmade pasta.
Form 6 made five-a-day pizzas as part of their food labelling project. They learnt how to read and create a good label and understand the importance of food labelling.
Form 5 have been learning to make healthy ‘on the go’ foods this term. We made pea and mint falafels. Well done!
Form 6 made cheese twists from scratch with Mrs Drinkwater. They learnt how to make the dough, shape them and add that classic twist before baking and eating them.
CHRISTMAS BAKE OFF COMPETITION
LOWER PREP WINNERS
1ST PLACE – EMILY B (FORM 4) AND THOMAS B (FORM 8)
2ND PLACE – ZACHARY T (FORM 4) AND SEBBY T (FORM 3)
3RD PLACE – HUDSON A (FORM 4)
PREP WINNERS
1ST PLACE – BEA MB (FORM 8) AND HECTOR MB (FORM 5)
2ND PLACE – MILLE T (FORM 8)
3RD PLACE – LUKE
SENIOR WINNERS
1ST PLACE MILLIE L (FORM 10)
3RD PLACE ALFRED S (FORM 11)
2ND PLACE CASSIE S (FORM 9)
S (FORM 8)
LANGUAGES UPDATE
Form 2 have been learning and signing traditional French songs this term and have been working really hard on the words and actions.
FORM 6 PEN PAL EXCHANGE
This term Form 6 have exchanged Powepoint slides! Sounds strange we know but, in an effort, to cut down on paper, we have both received and sent introductory slides to our link school Collège Cleunay, Rennes. The children have been really
excited to learn about school in France and their exchange partners, giving them a real-life language learning experience! We are looking forward to developing our vocabulary skills and building relationships further in the new year.
LINGUISTS OF THE MONTH
AMELIE H (FORM 6)
BELLA K (FORM 8)
PRESTON E (FORM 7)
TOM DC (FORM 11)
INTERNAL CALENDAR
BONFIRE NIGHT
Bonfire Night this year was truly spectacular, marking our 150 th Anniversary in style! Families and friends gathered for an evening filled with breathtaking fireworks, delicious waffles, mulled wine and hot chocolate.
HARVEST FESTIVAL
A special Harvest Celebration service was held in our Chapel in October for Reception, Form 1 and Form 2.
CHRISTMAS LUNCHES
REMEMBRANCE DAY
On Remembrance Day this year, St. Edmund’s staff, parents and pupils remembered the OSEs who lost their lives during wartime; 37 OSEs in the First World War, 42 OSEs in the Second World War and one OSE in the Iraq War. St. Edmund’s will forever be grateful to them for their sacrifice. Thank you to the pupils for beautifully sharing their stories of four former pupils who made the ultimate sacrifice. We also listened to Kim Drummond (Chief Petty Officer, Logistics) who spoke to us about the role that women played during war time and their bravery.
CAROL SERVICES
The traditional St. Edmund’s Carol Services took place at St. Luke’s Church in Grayshott with one service for Seniors, one for Reception to Form 6 and one service for Prep - Forms 7 to 8. They were a wonderful finale to a busy term.
GREAT ESCAPE SENIOR
NEW CLUBS
JEWELLERY MAKING CLUB (FORMS 7-11)
Run by Mrs. Le Guyader and Sister Moxey for pupils in Forms 7 to 11, Jewellery Making Club takes place every Monday. Pupils can relax and get creative by making earrings, bracelets, and necklaces in a calm and chilled atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to unwind, make something special for Christmas, FOSE festive fun, or thoughtful gifts for loved ones—all while supporting health and wellbeing.
SENIOR PSYCHOLOGY CLUB (FORMS 9-11)
The new Senior Psychology Club is an exciting addition this term, providing a unique platform for senior pupils to dive deeper into the world of Psychology. Open to all Senior School Pupils who have with an interest in understanding human behaviour, the club offers an engaging environment to explore topics such as cognition, emotion, mental health, and social influences. This club not only supports those considering Psychology as a future field of study but also provides valuable insights into human behaviour that benefits a variety of academic and personal pursuits.
SPORTS CULTURE (FORMS 6-11)
Sports Culture focuses on the different sports that are favoured around the world and allows pupils to learn about the different rules and tactics. These include a range of sports such as American Football, Kabaddi and Australian Rules.
ULTIMATE FRISBEE (FORMS 3-5)
Run by Mr Evans and taking place every Monday after school, Ultimate Frisbee is a fun non-contact, selfrefereed team sport played with a flying disc frisbee.
STRONG GIRLS (FORMS 9-11)
Strong Girls is a Senior Girls sports club that gives them the opportunity to take part in different types of fitness including weight training, interval training and HIIT (high intensity internal training).
LEGO CLUB
Every day during morning break we have a wonderful Lego Club on offer for all Prep School children. It’s a place for them to come and switch off from the school day and immerse themselves into the world of Lego. The Children have been creating some wonderful modelsfrom stables for their horses to full spaceships! We are now based in the Heritage Room which is a fantastic space for the children, and we even welcome anyone who wants to come and read or relax on the sofas. We have created Lego Club to ensure there is space for children to go to that is away from the playground if they need it.
ORIENTEERING (FORMS 6-8)
Orienteering Club at St. Ed’s is an exciting outdoor adventure sport that exercises mind and body. The aim is to navigate between checkpoints or controls marked on a special St. Ed’s orienteering map. There is no set route, so the skill and fun come from trying to find the best way to go in ideally the quickest time!
STAR PUPILS
Luke S (Form 8) travelled to Lake Balaton in Hungary over the Summer for the Techno 293 World Championships where he represented Great Britain in the U13 category and came 35th U13 out of 72. In September, Luke also became the 5.8m windsurfing national champion and his team, were also awarded the Champions Cup for the best windsurfing team.
A huge well done to Ed N (Form 5) as he reached his 1,000-day Doodlemaths streak. Ever since the school started the DoodleMaths campaign, he has worked hard to keep his streak.
Rory OC (Form 7) achieved his 2kyu (brown belt with black tip) in September. This is a very high level, and he now only has one more level before a black belt.
Caia N (Form 8) has qualified to take part in the London International Horse Show on 22nd December, with her horse Chester. The Championship involves jumping a course of obstacles, followed by an individual show showing the pony’s paces off and then finally the pony is presented in hand. Marks from all three parts will then be totalled to crown the London International working hunter pony champion of 2024! We wish Caia the best of luck!
Congratulations to Jacob E (Form 4) who after 2 years of racing got his first win!
Bea MB and Imogen H (Form 8) were accepted into the senior section of the Farnham Youth Choir this year. They have already sung at The Barbican and will be performing at The Royal Albert Hall in the Summer. They also performed most recently at the Advent Service at St Andrews Church in Farnham
Madeline L (Form 9) is hoping to pursue a career in Astrophysics in the future. This term she competed in an online competition hosted by the UK Space Agency called ‘#keepspacetidy’. She had to design and a create a space ‘junk’ removal machine to tackle the problem of space junk and produce a report on how her machine worked and why it is important to #keepspacetidy. She was awarded the Runner Up prize in her age category – a phenomenal achievement amidst so many entries!
Congratulations to Reece K, Noah M and Clemmie S (F6), Zach K and Harry W (F7), Eben F, Lily S and Isabella Williams (F8) who were all selected to represent the Prep Schools’ Lions football team at the Gothia Cup in Sweden this summer.
Welldone to Aimee, Charlotte and Ottilie from 4T who all took part in the 2.5 km North chapel Run.
Eliška H (Form 8) swam at the London Aquatics Centre on 8 September in the Surrey County Relays and has progressed up to the Junior Competitive Squad at Haslemere Swimming Club. This term she got an award (see photo) for her work last year in Development.
STAFF NEWS
Mrs Tuhill is studying for a post graduate certificate in academic assessment at Cambridge University! She also wrote the first ever PGCE for food teachers this year. The PGCE has been launched at Roehampton University in collaboration with Leiths Education.
Starting this academic year, alongside his role as Director of Music, Mr Fabian is also lecturing at the University of Leeds’ School of Music. He is teaching the module Collaborative Performance (Undergraduate Level), where he assesses reflective reports that students submit following their participation in ensemble performance projects. These reports provide insights into the students’ experiences and learning processes within group performance settings .
Congratulations to Miss Humfress who completed the ‘Swim the Night Challenge’ in October. Miss Humfress swam 1km every hour on the hour for 12 hours in an open-air lido, all to support Aspire – a charity dedicated to helping those who have been paralysed. This challenge was inspired by the incredible men and women at her triathlon club who have faced lifechanging injuries yet continue to compete with determination and resilience. If you would like to donate, please see link below.
Miss Barr got engaged to Matthew Bell, a music teacher at a secondary school in Reading, in Greece over the summer. Miss Barr is looking forward to gaining a very musical surname when she gets married!
Congratulations to Mrs King and her daughter Phoebe (OSE 2020) who completed the Richmond Marathon on 15 September. Phoebe ran the full marathon and Mrs King ran the half.
Striving for St. Edmund’s to be a local hub for digital learning and online safety in the future Dr Carlin attended an extremely useful course this term Who are NCA-CEOP? The National Crime Agency’s CEOP Education team (NCA-CEOP) aim to help protect children and young people from the threat of online child sexual abuse.
Congratulations to Miss Adkin and her partner Joseph; baby Rowan was born on Monday 25 November weighing 7lb 13oz.
WELL BEING AND SAFEGUARDING
MONICA BLOOMFIELD – SCHOOL COUNSELLING: ST. EDMUND’S MARKETING QUESTIONS FOR THE ARROW
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A SCHOOL COUNSELLOR?
The school counsellor’s role is to support students in coping with difficult feelings or challenging experiences they may be facing by giving them a calm, confidential and safe place to talk within the school setting. They also play a crucial role in safeguarding against harm, signposting parents and facilitating access to appropriate external help when young people are at risk or struggling with their mental health.
Speaking to someone neutral about their feelings helps children and adolescents to better understand themselves and develop healthy coping skills to deal with emotional challenges. During the complex developmental stage of adolescence, counselling can offer vital assistance to young people in navigating through a multitude of changes. Appropriate and sufficient intervention results in enhanced mood state, ability to focus, learn and access school.
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER TO THE SCHOOL?
For the most part, I offer weekly individual counselling sessions to students and also provide safeguarding guidance and advice to Saint Edmund’s on how best to support students’ emotional wellbeing and mental health. The service is open to all year groups (year R to year 11).
Safeguarding is an important element of my role. This entails liaising with parents, external agencies and the school’s Safeguarding Lead, Dr Carlin. When necessary, and with the parents/child’s permission, I make referrals to external agencies and signpost for further support, provide advice and guidance to manage risk between sessions. If risk of harm is present or suspected, a full risk assessment is conducted and safety plans implemented involving the student, parents and school.
HOW CAN MY CHILD ACCESS THE SCHOOL COUNSELLOR?
Students, staff and parents may put in a referral for counselling support via School Surgery, who speak with the student and parents to assess whether counselling support is appropriate and co-ordinate the set-up of sessions. Referrals may also be made via the child’s tutor, Head of Year or other teachers.
WHAT KINDS OF ISSUES CAN STUDENTS TALK TO THE SCHOOL COUNSELLOR ABOUT?
There is no limit on the type of issues students can bring to session. It is entirely their choice how they use their time with me anything discussed remains confidential unless there are safeguarding concerns.
Students are informed at the outset that if there are concerns of them being at risk of harm (either from others or to themselves), information may be shared in the essence of best helping and supporting them.
Having worked with children and young people in primary and secondary schools (state and independent sector) and within community settings, I have managed a broad and complex range of issues including friend/peer relationships; family issues; parental divorce/separation; school/academic/learning pressures; eating; sleep; anger; anxiety; depression; self-esteem; neurodivergence; health/medical issues; phobias; trauma; selfharm; suicide ideation; OCD; school refusal; bereavement/loss; gender & sexual identity; bullying; abuse; neglect.
HOW DO YOU SUPPORT STUDENT’S MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING?
I am an integrative counsellor, which means I draw on different theoretical approaches and vary how I work to best suit the child/ young person. Counselling sessions may incorporate talking, creative activities, play and body/breath work.
I take a two-pronged approach to facilitating balance and emotional wellbeing - working both on body awareness and thought-processes. Assisting with calming and regulating feeling states provides the foundation to manage exploration of challenging thoughts, habits and behaviours, before testing alternative coping strategies and healthy thinking patterns. I also introduce psychoeducation, to help students understand the link between the body and mind and empower them to autonomously support their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Overall, students gain tremendous healing through feeling fully heard and understood, with warmth and non-judgement. Counselling provides valuable space and time to regain hope and belief they can manage difficulties, along with developing the skills to do so.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PARENTS ON SUPPORTING THEIR CHILD’S EMOTIONAL HEALTH?
3 simple ways to support your child’s emotional health
• Regular family time and activities. Family meals, outings and game play help children regulate, develop social skills and naturally share feelings.
• Pull a positive each day. Note an achievement they have completed, something which went well or moments of delight to counter negative thoughts/feelings.
• Encourage consistent eating and sleeping habits. Healthy eating and sleeping provide the building blocks for stable emotional and mental health. Establishing a set bedtime routine and balanced diet can be challenging with young people, but vital for their emotional wellbeing!
WELLBEING
MUSIC THERAPY AT ST ED’S
We are excited to announce the introduction of Music Therapy as a new part of our pupil wellbeing support provision. This innovative approach will be available for small groups in both our Lower Prep, Prep and Senior School, offering pupils a unique outlet for emotional expression and personal growth.
Music Therapy is widely recognised for its therapeutic benefits, particularly in enhancing mental health and emotional wellbeing. Through the use of musical activities—such as improvisation, listening, and composition—pupils can explore their emotions in a safe and creative environment. This process helps to build resilience, reduce stress, and foster self-awareness. Music Therapy also strengthens social connections, as pupils work collaboratively, supporting one another in a non-verbal form of communication that surpasses language.
At St Edmund’s, we believe in a holistic approach to education, ensuring our pupils are not only academically equipped but emotionally supported as well. By incorporating Music Therapy into our wellbeing provision, we aim to offer a valuable tool for those who may be struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, or other emotional challenges. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to nurturing the whole child, helping each pupil to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
SAFEGUARDING
Keep your children safe with Surrey Police’s free Online Safety sessions. The Southeast Cyber Crime Unit offer free online sessions to individuals and businesses within the community on various topics. We recommend the Online Safety for Parents sessions. Here is a list of the available themes:
• Cyber Security for Business.
• General Online Safety.
• Online Safety for Parents.
• Online Safety For Women and Girls.
• Safeguarding HumanityRisks of AI and Deepfakes.
Tickets can be booked through Eventbrite by clicking the relevant topic link above.
Second Hand Uniform sale in November at the village hall, thank you to everyone for their donations and coming along and supporting. Our next sale will be early in the New Year.
FOSE transformed the Farley Hall into a Magical Winter Wonderland on Saturday 30th November. With lots of festive games, a human sized Snow Globe and not forgetting the amazing Grotto, it is safe to say everyone had a fantastic time! Thank you to those who helped make it such a huge success.
FOSE Run Clubgood uptake this term and looking forward to continuing in the New Year.
FOSE took over The Heritage Room for two nights of Wreath Making with our very own Phoebe from Hummingbird Floral Designs who expertly guided us to create the most stunning wreaths.
Lovely to see everyone at our coffee mornings and Christmas Jumper Swap.
We are looking forward to the New Year and all we have to come; some key dates for your diary’s with more to follow soon:
• FOSE Quiz, Friday 31st January
• Second Hand Uniform Sale, Saturday 18th January
OSE 150TH LUNCH AND TOUR
For the three days leading up to the OSE sesquicentenary event, the rain poured, and the wind blew. As it turns out, we were blessed with a beautiful September day of clear blue skies and bright sunshine. We were also blessed with a great turnout of OSEs, both in terms of quality and quantity.
The Morgan Brown and Bulley families were represented by some of their grandchildren and great grandchildren, Peter and Pam Weeks were represented by their son Jeremy and Toni Pull was there to represent both herself and Tony. Amongst the 160 or so alumni in attendance, we had OSEs from the current and previous nine decades, with our oldest visitor on the day being 95-year-old David Trafford-Roberts, who left St Ed’s as a 10-year-old boy in 1939 at the outbreak of the Second World War!
There were artefacts out on display in the George Bernard Shaw Library that included back issues from the Arrow magazine from the 1970s and early 80s, all the school chronicles, some old calendars and prospectuses and Pauline McCausland’s meticulously kept pupil records, that allowed individuals to look up what number pupil they were to arrive at St Ed’s.
Also on display was a magnificent homage to OSEs who fell during the wars and subsequently on active duty with the armed forces. This amazing display, which was lapped up by our alumni, was curated and provided by the Head of History, Richard Taylor, with the help of his wife Kathryn and members of Estates team and a couple of current and former pupils.
It was a real pleasure to watch our alumni greet old friends and make connections with new ones. This was done with a 150 th Birthday cake on arrival, whilst perusing the archives,
as they toured the school (taking some of their guides on a steep learning curve in respect of how things were back in the old days!!) or across a delicious toad-in-the-hole and crumble lunch in the new Dining Hall with, of course, ‘stodge’ as a reward for signing the visitor’s book.
Our thanks must go to Dr Walliker and also to so many staff who put together a truly magnificent 150 th birthday party for our alumni to attend.
Per Manendo Vincimus!
OSE 150th anniversary Cake design competition – winner Alex V, Form 9 and runner up Freya C , Form 8 with design on the front cover.
Outstanding activity day camps for 4* to 14 year olds from 8am to 6pm during the Easter and Summer holidays
