Sutton Views - December 2014 (59)

Edition 59 December 2014

SUTTON VIEWS The Voice of Sutton Valence School

Prestigious Scholarship for Senior School Violinist Phoebe and the Duchess

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Cheerleading Champion

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Sixth Form student Ioana Pupaza is celebrating, having been awarded a scholarship to continue her violin studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. The award was made following auditions in mid-November and Ioana will now join Annabelle Pullar, who left last year, at this esteemed institution.

CCF’s Momentous Term Page 10

Ioana came to Sutton Valence Sixth Form in 2013 as one of only six Romanians to win an HMC scholarship to study in the UK. Balancing her academic work with her musical commitments, Ioana has worked incredibly hard over the last year and a half to achieve her goal. Along Continued on page 2

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

Sutton Views December 2014

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

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Continued from front page with the School’s other accomplished violinists, she was fortunate to receive termly lessons with Nicholas Miller, Professor of Violin at the Royal Academy of Music. Ioana also performed in a number of masterclasses, both as a soloist and as a chamber musician.

“The dream that I had before coming to Sutton Valence”, she said, “was to study the violin in a British conservatoire. Now that I have achieved this, I am very thankful for all the help that I have received from my teachers here at Sutton Valence and for all the opportunities that the School has given me. I am tremendously honoured to have

won a scholarship at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and I cannot wait for my course to start in September."

During her time at the School, Ioana has led Senior Strings and has formed a Piano Trio. She is also preparing to perform a concerto movement with the Chamber Orchestra later in the academic year.

“Scholarships are notoriously difficult to win,” said David Holmes, Head of Strings, who was a student of Professor Miller’s at the Academy. “We are all tremendously proud of Ioana’s achievement.”

Ukuleles, Ocarinas and so much more Music has always been, and will always be, a great strength and love of the Prep School.

The Christmas Concert at the end of term was most impressive. We saw the appearance of ocarinas and ukuleles for the first time, which involved all the Years 4 and 5 respectively, to compliment the wonderful singing and more traditional instrumental contributions we so enjoy.

Today, 5A played ‘London Bridge is Falling Down’ on our ukuleles; it was such fun! Mrs Geering taught us how to play C and G7 (a little trickier). We found out that the gold bars are called frets and that we need to hold the ukulele against our tummies when we play. We were really excited because we haven't played them before! I hope that we might learn another chord next week and play another new tune. I like Music, especially now that Mrs Geering is here to teach us new and exciting tunes.

George Baster 5A

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Discovery learning: a weapon in the teaching arsenal “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” It is this Benjamin Franklin quotation that pithily sums up the theory of “discovery learning.”

A Sutton Trust study, released at the start of November, suggests that some schools and teachers continue using methods that cause little or no improvement in student progress, and instead rely on anecdotal evidence to back fashionable techniques such as “discovery learning,” where pupils are meant to uncover key ideas for themselves.

Instead, more traditional styles that reward effort, use class time efficiently and insist on clear rules to manage pupil behaviour, are more likely to succeed, according to the report – touching on a raw nerve within the British teaching profession, which has seen vigorous debates between “progressive” and “traditional” best practice.

Of course, as in most things, the answer is not clear cut, it is not black and white. We must inhabit the world of grey if we are to be as effective as we can as educators. The answer is two-fold: effective learning takes place in and out of the classroom and requires a variety of experiences and teaching styles if it is to be truly effective.

The danger of abandoning traditional teaching methods in favour of the latest, “on trend” popular educational theory is that of throwing the baby out with the bathwater: good teaching comes in many guises and pupils learn in a variety of ways.

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Education is not just about learning within a classroom setting, it is so much more than that, what at Sutton Valence we call our Total Curriculum where discovery learning definitely has a significant role to play. The experiences and opportunities we offer outside of the classroom to complement our academic lessons allow all of our pupils the chance to learn through discovery and involvement.

Discovery out of the classroom is, in my opinion, vital if pupils are to learn. Whether it be pursuing an Extended Project Qualification, being involved in the Young Enterprise scheme, building a car or a World War One replica plane, partaking in a Model United Nations event or preparing for a public debate, all require independent research that embeds good learning. Our cocurricular programme of sport, music, drama and activities builds self-esteem, allowing pupils to understand their strengths and weaknesses and that nothing is achieved

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without commitment and effort. Trips to the theatre, or to help in overseas charity work, being a member of a sports tour or undertaking a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition all educate through experience.

Leading a team, coaching younger pupils or serving the local community allow pupils to discover humility, communication skills and more about themselves. At Sutton Valence, our Academic, Community, Co-curricular and Leadership Journeys all exist to promote discovery learning and independent growth, experiences and thought.

However, within a classroom setting, best teaching practice is an amalgam of techniques not slavishly adhering to any one

style, trend or theory. Incorporating the best of traditional and progressive methods, to create an impressive arsenal of teaching tools to call upon as necessary to aid and interest, is vital if proper differentiation is taking place within the classroom.

It was Abraham Lincoln who said “give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe”. To sharpen our pupils’ metaphorical axes we need to teach in a variety of styles and in a variety of contexts. All of our pupils are individuals and, therefore, there is not a onesize-fits-all solution. That is the joy of working with the uniqueness of human beings.

Bruce Grindlay Headmaster

Phoebe and the Duchess To mark the visit of The Duchess of Cornwall to Chapel Down vineyard, Phoebe Tresnan (Year 4) designed and helped to make the bouquet she would then present to Her Royal Highness.

Phoebe looked at the Duchess's wedding bouquet for inspiration and researched her preferred flowers. A selection were used for the bouquet, along with some of Phoebe's favourite flowers.

Marketing Director at Chapel Down, said, "Phoebe was terrific. The Duchess of Cornwall spent some time talking to Phoebe when she presented the bouquet. She was delighted with the flowers Phoebe had chosen. I'm terribly proud of her; she was a great ambassador for the School and Chapel Down at such a prestigious occasion."

Her Royal Highness was visiting Chapel Down in her capacity as president of the United Kingdom Vineyards Association (UKVA) to commend the winery on its outstanding performance in the UKVA English and Welsh Wine of the Year Awards, earlier this year.

Phoebe's father, Guy Tresnan, Sales and

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Sutton Views

Ones to Watch Anna Baker Tell us a bit about yourself I’m in Upper Sixth and live just outside of Biddenden, with my Mum and Dad and my sister Emily, who left Sutton Valence two years ago. My passion is hockey, but I also love golf; I have a low handicap, which has helped the School golf team reach three regional finals in four years and I have played for Kent. I play hockey at least three times a week and I have to commit to fitness and training sessions, both at School and for my club. I’m also studying for A levels in Geography, RS and Maths, plus BTEC level 3.

What is it that inspires you?

Playing with world-class team mates at Canterbury. Watching what they can achieve and how they improve, in the hope that I can accomplish what they have done. Seeing the Olympics and other sport on the television and thinking ‘that’s where I want to be’.

What would be your top tip for other pupils hoping to follow in your path?

If you know what you want to achieve go out and get it and give it your best shot. Have no regrets, as with sport, especially, age is a factor and time is limited. Whatever your skill, be organised, committed and determined; but balance is key.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I hope that I will have a good degree in Geography and will still be playing for Canterbury’s 1st XI, having had a season abroad in, perhaps, the USA, Germany or Holland. I would also wish to be involved in England Hockey.

Good friends, family and school teachers will show you support and understanding, which will make completing work and socialising less pressured. This will only be available to you if you work hard and give something back, which they will appreciate and respect you for what you are trying to achieve.

How do you like to relax in your spare time?

I like to spend time with my family and seeing my friends whenever possible.

However, with all my sport and school commitments, my time is limited.

This is what I have experienced, especially through Sutton Valence, who have supported me and continually asked about my progress. They recognised what was needed in order for me to improve and I can’t thank my coaches and tutor enough.

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Summary of achievements: • Selected for the England Hockey High Performance Assessment Camps at age 14, one year early; • Four seasons with Sutton Valence School 1st XI and two for England Hockey U16; • GCSEs: 2 A*, 7 A and 2 B grades; • School Prefect and CCF Army Sergeant; • School ‘Blue’ for sustained academic endeavour, community contribution and co-curricular involvement;

• Two seasons with Premier League Canterbury Ladies 1st XI; • Captain, Saxon Tigers (England Hockey’s SE regional squad) who won the Futures Cup 2014 in October this year; • Trialling for England U18 from November 2014; • Nominated for Higgins Award: Hockey Writers’ Association Junior/Youth ‘Player of the Year’; • Canterbury’s ‘Most Promising Player’ award.

(Abridged from an interview for A+ Education)

The Sparticle Mystery Series 3 for Oli Oli Dillon (Fifth Form) spent three months in Belfast earlier in the year filming the third series of The Sparticle Mystery, a CBBC action adventure, science fiction drama.

Set in a modern-day world without adults, the new series follows the tribe Sparticles as they try to solve their biggest mystery to date. Oli is reprising his role as Fizzy, who is short tempered, violent and power hungry and rules his empire with an iron fist.

The show premieres on the CBBC channel early in January 2015.

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Sutton Views

Cheerleading Champion Calia Cordell (Year 5) took part in a National Cheerleading Competition last Saturday, held at Crystal Palace. It was attended by approximately 60 teams from all over the country. After a gruelling day of fierce competition Calia’s team gained a seventh place, two seconds and two firsts giving them first place overall. They were crowned Grand Champions!

Max and Katie step up in style During the last weekend of November, Max and Katie Harrison (Fourth and Third Forms) travelled to their latest dance competition and came home as English Junior Ballroom Champions for 2014; a fantastic achievement.

Their versatility and expertise were judged across a range of dance styles, winning the Open Masters Viennese Waltz and the Open Masters Jive and they were runners up in the UK Open Latin Masters.

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Award-winning School Gardens Over the past four years, Guy Pullen, Head Gardener, has worked with his team to strike a balance between creating formal gardens that befit the stature of a school such as Sutton Valence and the wish to create an environment that encourages wildlife and is ecologically sound. Winning a Silver award at their first attempt in the Kent Wildlife Trust’s ‘Garden Award Scheme’ this year has seen their efforts across the whole site recognised.

feature on the schemes of work.

Mr Kennedy (Head of Biology), Mr Pullen and a number of students attended the awards ceremony in Faversham at the end of term. Mariana Mason and Harvey Sladden (First Form), who are in the Gardening Club, received the award on behalf of the School.

“To win a Silver in our first year is very rewarding, said Guy. “The judging criteria are quite wide-ranging, but in most areas we either meet them, or are significantly down the road to meeting them. For example, we have a wide range of pollinating flowers for insects, nest boxes (with insect houses as the next stage), undisturbed areas for small mammals and we are working towards full organic practice.

We have spotted hedgehogs, foxes and sparrow hawks on site, so there must be food here for them, which shows that we are providing the right habitats.”

In addition to the main gardens, the School’s Wildlife Site, including a pond and meadow developed over a number of years, at various stages has involved Lower Sixth students involved in Community Service – both to originally establish the pond and site in general and to maintain it over the years.

It not only provides an area to attract wildlife such as newts, wild flowers, a host of insects and birds, but also provides an outdoor classroom, which has been visited by many Biology classes as part of their studies of the more ecological topics that

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Sutton Views

U10 and U11 girls both triumph in Coursehorn Cup! The Under 11C and Under 10 B/C teams travelled to Dulwich Prep School to take part in their tournament, the Coursehorn Cup, in September. The Under 10s were particularly excited as, for most, it was their first tournament. Both teams started strongly with wins in their sections, remembering the skills they had practiced in their lessons. On the whole, they managed to keep their positions well and played the ball wide rather than up the middle of the pitch.

The Under 11s won two games against Dulwich and lost against Holmewood House 1-0. When the points were totted up, the U11s had the same as Holmewood, but won on goal difference! The Under 10s also won

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two matches against Dulwich teams, drew with Holmewood and finished winners of their league!

A special mention must be given to Clémence Reading who was presented with the Under 10 ‘Player of the Tournament’ award.

Since then, the U11A team have successfully reached the regionals in two hockey championships for a second successive year. The girls will be representing Kent, in March, alongside Junior King’s. This is a fantastic achievement and testament to how the girls have been playing this season.

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CCF’s Momentous Term From the Headmaster: I am delighted to inform you that I heard from the MOD this week that, following representation from schools and other interested parties, the Defence Secretary has decided not to change the funding arrangements for Combined Cadet Force units. This means that we will be able to continue offering and growing the CCF, which is a vital part of our Total Curriculum and gives our pupils opportunities which shape their lives in such positive ways.

Biennial Inspection

Centenary celebrations

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WW1 football match

I am enormously grateful to all staff, parents, Old Suttonians and, of course, Governors who voiced their support and helped to bring about this favourable outcome.

BCW Grindlay

Lord Lt. Cadet of the Year

School Ypres trip

WW1 commemorative football match

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Romeo and Juliet Just before the end of term, audiences were treated to Sutton Valence’s interpretation of Romeo and Juliet. Set in the 1990s, the production focused on a group of teenagers caught up in a long-standing family feud, which transpired as two opposing basketball teams. Symbolically, the Prince was the referee to this violent game that the families played, as she tried her best to control the situation. Friar Lawrence’s incompetency is highlighted through her plant-loving, hippy characteristics that placed her in no stable position to make such life-changing decisions for Romeo and Juliet.

Romeo’s cousin Benvolio and best friend Mercutio were also played by girls and this created a very interesting relationship between the three, none of whom were afraid to physically fight for what they believed in. Romeo and Juliet continued to be head-over-heels in love and completely blind, to not only their naivety, but also to the situation that they were putting themselves in, as young, immature and attention-seeking teenagers; they found themselves having to grow up all too quickly.

actors need to understand what they are saying; secondly, the actors need to be able to communicate the story visually as well as through the language, and, finally, the cast need confidence and energy. All of this combined aids the audience in understanding the story, even if they are unsure of the language. The cast and crew achieved this in abundance, the talent that was on display, especially from the leads was exceptional.

For many involved, this will be their last School production, before they head off to university and beyond. The discipline, enthusiasm and commitment that they have shown throughout this project will serve them exceptionally well as they move on to these new challenges.

When it comes to putting on a piece of Shakespeare, there are a number of elements that need to be right in order for it to be engaging for the audience. Firstly, the

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Sutton Views

140th Rugby Season

The game against Colfe’s on Saturday 6th December 2014 marked the end of the 140th Rugby XV season. Over 100 parents, Old Suttonians and staff gathered to support the 1st XV play on a beautiful, clear, crisp afternoon.

brought commitment, discipline, team spirit and camaraderie into everything they do.”

The match was well fought, with the home team making several attacking surges into Colfe’s half. Both teams scored, finishing the first half 5 – 5. In the second half, Sutton Valence attacked with determination and vigour creating several try-scoring opportunities. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be and the match ended 5-5.

After the match, supporters and players gathered in the Refectory for an informal meal. Mark Howell, Head of Rugby offered the School’s thanks to Colfe’s for supporting the game and said, “I’m very pleased with and proud of the squad this year. They have

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Several have gained RFU coaching qualifications, which they have put to good use in training our younger teams and our Prep School rugby teams. This has allowed our players to develop leadership and communication skills that will assist them both on and off the rugby pitch.”

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Richard Mant (St Margaret’s ’61) and Andrew Scott (Founder’s ’71) awarded Man of the Match trophies to Sutton Valence flanker Tom Mitchell and Colfe’s hooker.

Not many schools were playing rugby football pre-1874 and possibly only Rugby, Marlborough, Cheltenham, Clifton, Haileybury and Wellington College. Of these schools, only Marlborough, Cheltenham and Clifton had inter-school matches pre-1874.

Somewhat surprisingly, Wellington College did not play its first inter-school match until 1887 (against Marlborough) and even more surprising perhaps, Rugby did not play its first inter-school match until 1896 (against Cheltenham). In those days, and before the formation of the Rugby Football Union in 1871, the schools largely played in accordance with local rules.

if we were only playing internal matches in 1874, that still puts Sutton Valence in the first cohort of schools to turn to rugby football.

Many schools took up rugby football after us in the nineteenth century, for example Giggleswick (1875), Warwick (1885) and Exeter School (1898), and many others did not adopt the game until the twentieth century: Greshams (1902), Felsted (1916) and Queen’s College, Taunton (1925).

So 140 years of rugby football at Sutton Valence School is certainly something to celebrate!

Historical contribution by Richard Mant (St Margaret’s ’61)

Sutton Valence’s first recorded match was in 1880, but there are references to matches played before this date. If Sutton Valence played an inter-school match in 1874, then we were certainly in the forefront of schools playing rugby football in the early days. Even

Sutton Valence brings home the silver!

The Rotary Club's Youth Speaks competition took place at the beginning of December at Benenden School and, yet again, Sutton Valence triumphed as best team, coming home with a silver rose bowl.

Our speakers were Freddy Parker (chairman, nobly standing in on the day for Louisa West, who had unfortunately fallen ill), Graham Falconer (senior speaker), Alexander Gurtovoi (intermediate speaker) and Josh Craven (vote of thanks).

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All our speakers did very well, showing spirit and character. We were the only team with any humorous touches and this was commended by the judges.

It is notable that both main speakers are recent arrivals at the School, but readily agreed to take part in the major roles.

Alexander is not an English native speaker, but he performed excellently. Of all those who spoke in the competition, he was perhaps best at engaging with the audience.

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No other school even comes close to Sutton Valence's record in this competition over the last few years and we now progress

to the second round next term, when we are also entering the English Speaking Union's competition for the first time.

Turkey claws and dog biscuit skeletons!

Year 4 have been learning about bones and skeletons in their Science lessons this term.

To find out how tendons work, they all had a chance to experiment with turkey claws to see if they could make them curl up. Then out came the dog biscuits so that they could all practice using the different shapes to represent the bones of a skeleton.

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Prep School pupils saw stars!

Pupils from the Prep School were the first to get an extraordinary view of the heavens, through a magnificent new telescope donated to the Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre in East Sussex.

The Year 2 children’s visit coincided with the handing over of a Coronado 90mm solar telescope to the centre, by Stephen W. Ramsden the director of the US-based Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project in the USA. The scientist was in the UK to attend the astronomy photography awards in London and to give talks, lectures and promote solar outreach activities, so decided to visit in person to hand over the mammoth telescope.

The Prep School pupils listened in awe as Mr Ramsden told them about space, answered their questions and gave them solar glasses so they could look at the sun,

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before inviting them to be the first to look through the enormous new telescope.

Prep School Head Malcolm Gough said, “The visit was part of the pupil’s study into ‘infinity and beyond’. They explored handson science exhibits through hearing, seeing and feeling, focusing on the earth and beyond and worked together to balance platforms, create sound waves and investigate pulleys – and were in awe when the Observatory roof opened to reveal the skies beyond.

The fact their trip coincided with the handover of the telescope was a real coup and they were thrilled to meet a ‘real’ scientist and quiz him about space.”

The day ended with a fascinating science show where the children were dressed as famous scientists and allowed to create explosions.

Compiled and edited by Helen Knott, Development Manager

Sutton Views