Sutton Views - December 2009 (44)

The Voice of Sutton Valence School

Edition 44 December 2009

SUTTON VIEWS New Head of the Preparatory School My Sailing

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‘Outstanding candidate’ appointed as Head of the Preparatory School he Governors and Headmaster are delighted to announce that Richard Johnson has been appointed as Head of the Preparatory School from September 2010. Richard, who was the outstanding candidate in a strong field, was educated at Pocklington School and Gordounstoun before going on to Newcastle University to read Law. He has worked in preparatory schools in the Lake District and Hertfordshire before becoming Deputy Head of St Francis School, Wiltshire in 2004.

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Richard teaches History, English and Geography, coaches sport and has a wealth of educational experience gained in both schools and as an inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate. He said of the Prep School: “My first impressions were of a very happy and positive learning environment for both children and staff. I am delighted to be taking over at such an exciting time and am looking forward to

Murder Mystery Page 4

Nepal Expedition

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building on the school’s recognised strengths and getting to know pupils, staff and parents more in the coming months.”

He joins us with his wife Helen, their son Cameron (age 4) and two stepchildren, James (19) and Daisy (17). In his spare time, when not enjoying family life, Richard’s interests include offshore sailing, hill walking and travelling.

Information A member of the United Westminster Schools’ Foundation Registered Charity No. 309267 Founded in 1576 by William Lambe

Sutton Views: December 2009

For information about Sutton Valence School or to request a prospectus, please contact:

• the Admissions Office at Sutton Valence on 01622 845206 or email enquiries@svs.org.uk • Sutton Valence Preparatory School on 01622 842117 or email enquiries@svprep.svs.org.uk 1

Sutton Valence School

Is Cristina the European citizen of the future? ristina Paca has just returned from an all-expenses paid trip to Strasbourg, after being awarded a top European prize for her intuitive writing skills.

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During the trip, 16-year old Cristina Paca, from Braila in Romania, rubbed shoulders with the likes of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and former deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, now the UK’s lead representative in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Cristina joined the Sixth Form as an HMC Scholar this term. The scholarships, which can fund up to 100% of boarding fees, are designed to give able students from Eastern Europe the opportunity to study in the UK. Cristina’s year has undoubtedly got off to a flying start. She was among 15 students from all over Europe invited to Strasbourg, the seat of the European Parliament, after submitting prize-winning essays to the Council of Europe, which organised the competition as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, open to students throughout the EU.

Cristina, who was voted the Romanian winner, travelled to Strasbourg with Sutton Matron Jane Gerrard, where she was presented with her certificate at a VIP reception for 300 people at the Palais de la Musique congress centre, by the President of the Council of Europe, José Manuel Durão Barroso.

Cristina entered the 1,000-word essay competition in the Spring and learned of her win in the Summer. She said: “This has been the best start to an incredible time at Sutton Valence. The school is very different to my old school in Romania, where many subjects were compulsory. Here, I am able to study fewer subjects but in much greater depth – it’s wonderful!”

Cristina is studying for A Levels in Psychology, French, Geography and Maths and hopes to study Languages, Psychology or Anthropology at university.

During the three-day trip to Strasbourg, Cristina and her colleagues were able to sit in on a session of the Parliamentary Assembly, chaired by John Prescott, as well as enjoy a two-hour historical tour of the city.

She said: “It was truly amazing to visit the European Court of Human Rights, which deals with thousands of cases every year, and to see all the places where important decisions are taken on a daily basis.”

A translation of her essay is available on the news page of the school’s website.

Eco-Warriors on the march! or the last year an intrepid band of eco-warriors, led by Tilly Duffy and Tom Bennett with help from Mia van Diepen and Richard Cantillon among others, has been waging a quiet war on some of the school’s environmental bad habits. The Sutton Valence School EcoSchools Society conducted an environmental review, identified an action plan (with an emphasis on paper recycling) and carried it out. The result has been the achievement of the Bronze Award, the first step in the Eco-Schools Award structure. In the future we aim to liaise more closely with the boarding and support depart-

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Sutton Views: December 2009

ments to recycle plastic and tin. After halfterm, as the nights draw in, the team plan to monitor the wasteful habit of leaving lights on and windows open in unoccupied rooms. This is to help cut the school’s carbon footprint and of course to help cut the school’s electricity bills! There will be a name and shame policy sponsored by the Bursar, and the return of the popular and keenly-contested school Eco Awards at Christmas. The team has a notice board and communicates their initiatives via the school intranet.

Richard Plowden G

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My Sailing first started sailing in 2007 when I was 8 years old. I did my RYA Stage 1 and 2 at Bewl Water, which I am sure many of you will have cycled around. My Dad bought me my first Optimist and I called it DannyBouy. In summer I wear a wetsuit or if it is really warm just board shorts and rash vest, but in winter I have a drysuit with a ‘woolly bear’ suit underneath to keep me warm. In January this year even the lake was frozen over, so it can get very cold!

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Last year I started my race training and towards the end of the year I started racing competitively. I’ve travelled as far as Largs in Scotland, Restronguet in Cornwall, Lymington in Hampshire and occasionally back to Bewl. Clocking up approximately 5,000 miles a season with my Dad as

chauffeur, deckhand and sponsor! I have made lots of great friends and meet them at most events. Lately I have just completed the year’s five major events though only three count for my National ranking which tells me how good I am in Great Britain. I am currently ranked 168. This year I am hoping to get into the South East zone squad which took place over the last 3 weekends ending last weekend at the end of seasons Nationals in Rutland.

I go to most events with the other members of ‘Team Bewl Oppie Racing Squad’ and we have great fun on and off the water. I hope to carry on sailing optimists until I am 15 years old and then, who knows?

Daniel Discombe G (Year 6: Prep) G

New Deputy Head of the Senior School eremy Farrell is joining as Deputy Head from January 2010. He comes to us from Bedford School where he has been both a Day and Boarding House Master, has been master in charge of Cricket and Rugby Sevens and has also enjoyed running the Sixth Form lecture programme and the Wine Appreciation Society. He has previously taught at Blundell's School and The Edinburgh Academy. A history teacher, he is married to Jane and they have three daughters Charlotte, Olivia and Rachel.

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Prep School MacMillan Coffee Morning

he Parents’ Association held the ”Biggest Coffee Morning in the World” in the Dining Room at Sutton Valence Preparatory School on Friday 25th September. It was hugely supported by parents, grandparents, staff and friends of the school. There was an extraordinarily large selection of wonderful homemade cakes on sale along with fresh produce, charity t-shirts and a very well furnished raffle!

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Mrs Evans kindly agreed to draw the very extensive raffle and the prizes were of excellent calibre, due to the generous donations by parents. The whole event raised £1151.70 which was extremely pleasing for all involved. The Parents’ Association is most grateful to all those who came along and supported, and helped us make it such a successful event.

We are also indebted to all those who baked such scrumptious cakes and gave so many fabulous prizes. Let’s hope next year will be just as successful!

Melissa Alexander G SVPS Parents’ Association G

Jeremy has already visited Sutton Valence on several occasions during the summer break, as well as attending Open Morning and Governors’ meetings. “It seems a long time since I was appointed back in June”, he said. “I am eagerly looking forward to starting the new term at Sutton Valence.”

Sutton Views: December 2009

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Sutton Valence School

CSI solves murder! hursday 8th October saw the whole of the Third Form involved in a Forensic Science day (or as it has become popularly known, due to a certain TV programme, CSI). The day was part of the ‘Growing Scientists’ initiative that involves eight schools, including Sutton Valence, within the Maidstone area. The project is now in its second year following the Space Camp and related workshops that ran last year for the then Second Form The project is designed to cohort. highlight the relevance of science in a wider societal context and hopes to encourage pupils to consider pursuing science courses and careers in the future.

The scheme is backed by the Government’s Independent School State School Partnership (ISSP) funding. The school will again be running the Space Camp as a new cohort get their turn on the ‘Growing Scientists’ scheme.

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The Forensic Science day saw the pupils get trained in techniques such as fibre analysis, fingerprinting, blood spatter

patterns and examination of tyre tracks.

Having gained some new skills the forensic investigators visited a crime scene to gather evidence and scrutinise the area.

Many pieces of evidence were ‘bagged’ and returned to the lab for further analysis.

Assuming different roles the forensic scientists set about solving the crime by working together as a team. Could they piece together the clues and identify the culprit? their investigation sheets With completed, the teams assembled in the theatre for the concluding session. PC Paul Richardson was on hand and ready to pounce should the guilty party be identified. As the various parts of the puzzle were slowly revealed it was looking ominous for a certain member of staff.

Seeing that the game was up Dr Brown leapt into action and seizing a gun tried to flee the scene. Fortunately he was apprehended by PC Richardson. Once order had been restored it was revealed that team Delta Bravo had analysed most evidence correctly.

The day was good fun for all involved and also showed how significant the use of scientific methods has become in crime fighting.

Dr Hiscocks G (Head of Science and Chemistry) G

Detectives get their man at the Prep School ho killed Baroness Arabella Furness? At the reading of the last will and testament, Mrs Bracewell, dressed as Freddie Farr, lawyer to the Baroness, revealed that the Baroness had died under the most suspicious circumstances. Inspector Herring, aka Mr Bird, had found the conditions most fishy and was now investigating the case.

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Year 6 pupils dressed as a variety of characters from Dr Sue Diggett, the archaeologist to Arfur Dailly, the dodgy dealer, to Samantha Snoop, newspaper reporter and investigator to Miss Ivory Tinkle, famous pianist. The characters set out to question one another, examine the Baroness’s invaluable artefacts and consider the evidence brought forth in order to solve the mysterious death of their good friend Arabella.

The culprit was escorted sobbing from the party by Inspector Herring. She confessed all and surprisingly turned out to be Mrs Evans as Pinky Beasts!

The event was a great success and was highly effective in assisting the Year 6 children with the writing of detective stories. While most children are able to write a standard story with a structured beginning, middle and end, it is quite a different skill to enter into a specific genre which incorporates its own characteristics.

Alexia Bracewell

Sutton Views: December 2009

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Nepal: the highs and lows development of team-spirit, as well as a tremendous experience for young people about to embark on life.

It was without doubt an unforgettable experience, very demanding but very rewarding and a superb characterbuilding exercise for everyone involved.”

utton Valence School runs a major expedition for students in the Fifth and Sixth Forms once every two years. Last summer the trip was to Nepal.

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The school works in conjunction with Surreybased Adventure Life Signs in planning teambuilding trips to faraway places, teaching students all-important lessons about life, as well as more regular subjects like geography, biology and botany.

A vital part of the exercise is community involvement. The group worked in a village school, where the children were thrilled to receive gifts of pens, paper, new desks and chairs, Each pupil has to raise at least £2,500 to help fund the expedition, as well as planning the itinerary, travel and sustenance for the duration of the trip. Mr Sansom, who led the recent visit to Nepal, said the expeditions could involve lows as well as highs. In this case, one student tearing a ligament during a fall and another falling ill with altitude sickness.

During the expedition, the students climbed 4000 metres to the base camp of Annapurna and visited the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu.

Mr Sansom said, “It’s an exercise in endurance, survival and the

Stevenson’s Horses upils from Year 1 at the Preparatory School were given a tour of the world-famous Stevenson Brothers’ rocking horse shop at Bethersden, where some of the UK’s most magnificent steeds are stabled.

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Two groups of children were given a tour of the works, where they saw how the solid wood horses are designed, carved and created to give families a lifetime of pleasure.

They learned the importance of forces in governing how the horses move before going on to visit a local playground, where they saw similar theories in action on the

Sutton Views: December 2009

roundabouts, swings and other playground equipment.

Year 1 co-ordinator Mrs Philippa Crampton, who organised the visit, said: “The children were fascinated by the beautiful horses and it helped them to understand the basic concept of forces.

Later in the term, we are learning about toys of the past, so they will have another opportunity to apply what they learnt. The children asked some very thoughtful questions and are now busy writing their letters to Father Christmas!”

Phillipa Crampton G

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The sky’s the limit for high flier Tom om Hurrell (Upper Sixth) has received a top honour from the Lord Lieutenant of Kent.

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He has been made the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet of the Year, which means he will represent armed forces cadets throughout the county at major ceremonial events during the year, including royal visits.

CCF Commanding Officer, Major Anne Wilkinson nominated Tom for the role in recognition of his leadership qualities and responsible attitude in leading the RAF section of the school CCF, of which he has been a member for five years. Tom is the second Sutton Valence cadet to receive this prestigious award in the last four years.

Following the presentation Tom said he was thrilled and honoured to have been chosen from thousands of cadets throughout the county. Combining his duties with studying for A Levels in Maths, Physics and Geography, as well as learning to drive, was going to be a huge commitment, but a challenge which he relished, he said.

The honour is the second achievement in recent weeks for Tom, an academic scholar who hopes to become a commercial pilot.

Sutton Views by email e now have email addresses for nearly all our school families.

Consequently we would like to give those of you for whom we have addresses the option of having Sutton Views sent to you by email as a pdf. This would not only return a saving in handling, postal and printing costs, but would also reduce our paper usage. If you would prefer to continue to receive hard copy please inform Rebecca Riggs in the Development Office (01622 845271, riggsr@svs.org.uk). Thank you.

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Sutton Views: December 2009

He recently returned from two weeks flying training in Tayside, after winning a coveted RAF flying scholarship, during which he notched up almost 11 hours flying time with an instructor, plus an hours solo flight!

The scholarship is the highest award granted by the RAF to air cadets, given to those who show promise and a keen intention to pursue a flying career, so Tom was thrilled to learn he had been successful.

He said: “I’ve wanted to be a pilot for as long as I can remember and flying solo was an amazing experience. It’s real make or break time!”

Tom with the Lord Lieutenant

Headmaster Bruce Grindlay said: “Tom is a conscientious and dedicated member of the CCF as well as a very able student and we are confident he will be a great ambassador for the Lord Lieutenant during the year, as well as for the School.

We are delighted he has been selected for the role; it’s a great honour.”

Left to right: Major Anne Wilkinson, Tom, Flight Lieutenant Kay Andersen (CCF RAF Section)

Best results ever – the shape of things to come Top grades

% of passes

% improvement on last year

GCSE

A* and A

39

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A Level

A and B

56 (100% pass rate)

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In all public examinations last year there was a 31% improvement in top grades.

A notable achievement for students and staff alike.

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