Young Suttonian 24 April work in progress

THE YOUNG SUTTONIAN 2024 : EDITOR’S NOTE

Editorial Note

Sutton Valence Prep School

Headmaster: Mr J Thomas

Head: Mr M Scholey

Editor: Miss SJ Adams

Website: www.svs.org.uk

Phone: 01622 842 117

Email: svpsenquiries@svs.org.uk

Instagram: @suttonvalenceprepschool

Twitter: @svps_news

facebook.com/suttonvalenceprepschool

Youtube: youtube.com/ suttonvalenceschool

Welcome to an exciting new phase for the Young Suttonian Magazine. With a new marketing team in place and new Head in post, this 22/23 edition of your yearly School round-up features more stories and photographs than ever before, capturing the joy, achievements and community spirit that staff are able to enjoy every day, and that we now share with you. We hope it earns a much loved space on your coffee table to revisit time and again.

I have been lucky enough to act as resident photographer and reporter for many of the events and activities showcased within this issue, and have been able to capture many smiling faces, performance triumphs and the fun of day to day School life, getting to know children in every year group in the process. It is now a hugely enjoyable task to produce this magazine for you, with the reponsibility of creating a tome to be treasured by parents, grandparents and loved ones, as well as a keepsake for pupils to hold onto and look back on. the reponsibility of creating a tome to be treasured by parents, grandparents and loved ones, as well as a keepsake for pupils to hold onto and look back on. the reponsibility of creating a tome to be treasured by parents, grandparents and loved ones, as well as a keepsake for pupils to hold onto and look back on.

Sarah-Jane Adams

Marketing and Communications Manager for Sutton Valence School and Sutton Valence Prep School adamss@svs.org.uk

YOUNG SUTTONIAN: HEAD OF PREP

MR MARK SCHOLEY

Welcome to the 2023 edition of The Young Suttonian. Under the mantra ‘better never stops’, this has been another action-packed year at Sutton Valence Prep School. Inside this magazine you will find a staggering range of examples of children learning, competing, growing, displaying our School values, and challenging themselves to be the best they can be. These endeavours will always be partly in preparation for life beyond our School, but are also examples of the children simply enjoying themselves and thriving in the journey itself.

We would not be the School we are without the triumvirate of understanding, cooperation and shared purpose between our children, their families, and the School, including the staff working in myriad roles. This community makes Sutton Valence Prep a very special place for our children to grow up and this magazine also details the breadth of the curriculum, the sheer range of opportunities which exist here, and also the involvement of the parents, mostly through our remarkable Sutton Valence Prep School Parents’ Association (SVPSPA).

There are too many to list them all, but here are a few highlights I mentioned at Speech Day from across the year which demonstrate the great depth and breadth of our School:

• 16 children won 23 scholarships and exhibitions at 6 different Senior Schools in 5 different disciplines, being Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sport;

• 16 out of the 24 children who took the 11+ test passed, with 6 of those children taking up places at grammar schools, the rest going to Sutton Valence School or to other independent schools;

• Elliot and William, our Year 5 mathematicians, who arrived late to a local IAPS maths competition and yet swept all before them, and with total humility too;

• Our U11 Boys’ Cricket Team winning the IAPS South East competition and our U11 Girls being runners-up, having both been up against much bigger schools, and featuring various players from Year 5, and once again all played in the right spirit;

• Our recent LAMDA results, a fabulous mixture of Distinctions and Merits, and some from pupils new to the dramatic arts;

• Participating in Sky Access All Arts week, complete with Phoebe in Year 5 featuring on the Sky Arts channel;

• The Chamber Choir featuring on BBC Breakfast when singing the Carol of the Bells to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees back in December.

There are so many more moments we could celebrate. But it’s not just about these big occasions. Schools are also made up of countless daily interactions which shape lives.

From Frankie in Year 5 saying thank you to the catering staff every single day, to Aenifaer in Year 3 plucking up the courage to say good morning to me in his non-native language, Beck in Reception offering to help Mrs Empson at every turn, to Alice in Year 6 having the courage to talk to you at Speech Day about finding some learning tricky. These moments shape them, and they shape us.

Happy perusing!

Note from the Headmaster

And so another year has passed, and yet again we can look back with such fondness on all the wonderful things that have taken place in our lovely little corner of Chart Sutton here at Sutton Valence Prep School.

As Mr Scholey says on the page opposite, the ways in which the School and home work together to provide such a special and nurturing environment for the young people here is laudable and the results are inspirational. Of course it is important to applaud those who achieve the highest accolades, but it is equally relevant to acknowledge the quieter and gentler achievements of triumphs and progress on both individual and group levels. There are so many smiles and proud faces in the many images that follow in this edition and they are testament to our very happy and precious community.

I hope that you enjoy reflecting on this year as much as I have both as a parent and a leader, and that you too look forward to many more great years to come.

Mr James Thomas Headmaster, Sutton Valence School

THE YOUNG SUTTONIAN: LEARNING

Academic attainment is key to the values of Sutton Valence Prep School, as we prepare children for the challenges of Senior School, examinations, and ultimately, life beyond the classroom. This year has again seen a broad and rich curriculum being taught to students, with opportunities to shine for all levels of ability.

We have seen particular success in the field of mathematics, with two of our Year 5 pupils calculating their way to top place out of 52 teams at the Summerhill Year 5 Mathematical Challenge! We also sent a team to the annual Sutton Valence School Junior Maths Challenge, where our boys were competing against older children.

As well as entering into competitions, trips and outings are an important way for curious young minds to learn about the world around us, and find out more about a particualr topic in a practical environment. Whether that is getting up close with the natural world at the Big Cat Sanctuary and Tyland Barn, experimenting at Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre or taking in some culture in Northern France, our excursions add an extra layer to the knowledge gained in the classroom.

World Book Day is always a popular event in the academic calendar, as children (and staff!) come to School dressed as their favourite book heroes and villains - and the costumes never disappoint! It’s a great chance for the whole School community to come together and celebrate a shared love of reading.

Another community event that celebrates the success of our young learners, is Speech Day. With the main Prep ceremony taking place at the end of the Summer Term, staff and parents proudly watched on as prizes were given out, carefully considered speeches were made, and well rehearsed performances were delivered. And this year, both children and their families were surprised by a new comic twist, in the form of a Speech Day short film starring Mr Scholey, Mrs Leckie and a cast of brilliant students. A new tradition is born!

Well done to each child who has strived to reach their academic potential this year, and we wish our Year 6 leavers well as they begin a new journey of learning as they head off to their chosen Senior School.

MRS M DALLAMORE Director of Studies

Maths Week DT Visit

This year’s Science Week was another spectacle of experiments, workshops and guest speakers. Year 2 began proceedings with an environmental role play based on an oil spill disaster, having been learning about the high seas, coastal seas and fresh water as part of their Earth topic. They discussed the negative consequences an oil spill can have on the shoreline habitats of plants, animals and fish, and as a reconstruction, worked in teams to clean up olive oil from water and ensure their toy animals were left unpolluted.

Year 1 historians acted out the Great Fire of London in our Pudding Lane bakery set, taking turns to play the part of the baker, Samuel Pepys, King Charles II and the people of London as they tried to put out the fire.

In English lessons, they started their key text for that term, Toby and the Great Fire of London, using what they had learnt in their History lessons to study the text with more insight.

October saw Year 2 hold an out of this world week of space related activities. Firstly they thought about how moon craters might be made using rocks as asteroids in a tray of flour ‘moon dust’, before helping an astronaut to fix their glove. They did this by testing various methods of covering the hole, and testing the fix in a bowl of water. Their next mission was to play in the International Space Station in the role play area, using space photographs to create their own views out of the window.

Wonderdome, British Science Week, Year 4

This year’s Science Week was another spectacle of experiments, workshops and guest speakers. Year 2 began proceedings with an environmental role play based on an oil spill disaster, having been learning about the high seas, coastal seas and fresh water as part of their Earth topic. They discussed the negative consequences an oil spill can have on the shoreline habitats of plants, animals and fish, and as a reconstruction, worked in teams to clean up olive oil from water and ensure their toy animals were left unpolluted.

Story Here Story Here

Year 1 historians acted out the Great Fire of London in our Pudding Lane bakery set, taking turns to play the part of the baker, Samuel Pepys, King Charles II and the people of London as they tried to put out the fire.

In English lessons, they started their key text for that term, Toby and the Great Fire of London, using what they had learnt in their History lessons to study the text with more insight.

October saw Year 2 hold an out of this world week of space related activities. Firstly they thought about how moon craters might be made using rocks as asteroids in a tray of flour ‘moon dust’, before helping an astronaut to fix their glove. They did this by testing various methods of covering the hole, and testing the fix in a bowl of water. Their next mission was to play in the International Space Station in the role play area, using space photographs to create their own views out of the window.

Year 1 Dino Nests

This year’s Science Week was another spectacle of experiments, workshops and guest speakers. Year 2 began proceedings with an environmental role play based on an oil spill disaster, having been learning about the high seas, coastal seas and fresh water as part of their Earth topic. They discussed the negative consequences an oil spill can have on the shoreline habitats of plants, animals and fish, and as a reconstruction, worked in teams to clean up olive oil from water and ensure their toy animals were left unpolluted.

Diwali Workshop

Year 1 historians acted out the Great Fire of London in our Pudding Lane bakery set, taking turns to play the part of the baker, Samuel Pepys, King Charles II and the people of London as they tried to put out the fire.

In English lessons, they started their key text for that term, Toby and the Great Fire of London, using what they had learnt in their History lessons to study the text with more insight.

Karl Hopwood

October saw Year 2 hold an out of this world week of space related activities. Firstly they thought about how moon craters might be made using rocks as asteroids in a tray of flour ‘moon dust’, before helping an astronaut to fix their glove. They did this by testing various methods of covering the hole, and testing the fix in a bowl of water. Their next mission was to play in the International Space Station in the role play area, using space photographs to create their own views out of the window.

MATHS WEEK: DOME BUILDING

Ateam of SVPS maths whizzes attended the annual Mathematics Competition at Sutton Valence School on May the 12th, alongside a whole host of other schools keen to find the formula for glory! The youngest group present did well in their Under 12 contest, with the trophy won by Hilden Grange Preparatory School.

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

WORLD BOOK DAY

The joy of Christmas was heralded by the Reception Class taking to the stage to perform their Nativity play, Whoops-a-Daisy, Angel.

“The Pre-Prep staff, parents and grandparents gathered to watch the Reception Nativity. As Lola K stood up to sing a solo in front of her friends, something she had accomplished brilliantly in the first performance earlier in the week, she was suddenly overcome with cold. What do we all need in such circumstances? A friend to help us through, of course. Up stepped Mabel C who held her hand and uttered the words, ‘let’s do it together’. What a wonderful example of kindness and compassion!” Mr M Scholey, Head Of Prep

YEAR 3 ANCIENT GREEK DAY

WHOLE

lways an event to bookmark, Sutton Valence Prep School celebrated the chapter of World Book Day 2023 with a novel approach to dressing up! With pupils and staff

SCHOOL, MARCH 3 2023

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

BOOK SHARE

The joy of Christmas was heralded by the Reception Class taking to the stage to perform their Nativity play, Whoops-a-Daisy, Angel.

“The Pre-Prep staff, parents and grandparents gathered to watch the Reception Nativity. As Lola K stood up to sing a solo in front of her friends, something she had accomplished brilliantly in the first performance earlier in the week, she was suddenly overcome with cold. What do we all need in such circumstances? A friend to help us through, of course. Up stepped Mabel C who held her hand and uttered the words, ‘let’s do it together’. What a wonderful example of kindness and compassion!” Mr M Scholey, Head Of Prep

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

EGYPTIAN DAY, YEAR 1

Ateam of SVPS maths whizzes attended the annual Mathematics Competition at Sutton Valence School on May the 12th, alongside a whole host of other schools keen to find the formula for glory! The youngest group present did well in their Under 12 contest, with the trophy won by Hilden Grange Preparatory School.

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

THE YOUNG SUTTONIAN: MUSIC

Whether it is the sound of singing drifting down the stairs of School House, or the plinking of piano keys coming from an individual music lesson, there is always music to be heard at Sutton Valence Prep School.

Singing forms the bedrock of an SVPS musical education, with all children singing regularly in their class music lessons as well as in hymn practice, assemblies and School services at our neighbouring St Michael’s Church. There are also the Junior and Senior Choirs, as well as the opportunity for pupils in Year 5 and Year 6 to audition for a highly prized place in our only auditioned group, the Chamber Choir. Pupils also regularly enjoy singing as part of the cast of our many dramatic productions.

Individual music tuition is offered on a wide range of instruments and voice with demand for lessons at an all time high. For individuals, entering for external ABRSM or RSL music exams is also a popular option. With over 70% of the children entered passing with either Merit or Distinction our Visiting Music Teachers are justifiably proud of the standard of tuition they provide.

There are also wide ranging opportunities for participation in instrumental ensembles. Our

junior string players learn the nuts and bolts of ensemble playing in Super Strings before moving up into the Senior String Group as they advance. Similarly the Guitar, Ukulele, Clarinet and Rock Groups all provide opportunities for children to enjoy taking their music making from an individual to a group dimension, with all the additional skills that requires.

Our Informal Soloist Concerts are the ideal opportunity for parents and family to enjoy the results that have come from many, many hours of patience and practice (lots of these in bedrooms!) Taking place termly thoughout the year for our Prep students, it is always with a huge amount of pride that the progress from the first performance of the year to the last can be charted, and it is with no small amount of sadness that we watched our Year 6 students perform for the last time at SVPS in June.

Musicians also get a variety of opportunities to perform and compete externally, such as the first place success of the Senior String Group at the Maidstone Music Festival. Members of the Chamber Choir were once again invited to attend the Wealden Times Midsummer Fair and perform a set of songs, a tradition that we hope to continue moving forwards. To ensure every child leaves SVPS having enjoyed ample performance opportunities, the Christmas Carol Service and the Spring and Summer Concerts involve every child in Years 3 to 6.

MRS A LORDON Director of Music

Story Here

This year’s Science Week was another spectacle of experiments, workshops and guest speakers. Year 2 began proceedings with an environmental role play based on an oil spill disaster, having been learning about the high seas, coastal seas and fresh water as part of their Earth topic. They discussed the negative consequences an oil spill can have on the shoreline habitats of plants, animals and fish, and as a reconstruction, worked in teams to clean up olive oil from water and ensure their toy animals were left unpolluted.

Story Here Story Here

Year 1 historians acted out the Great Fire of London in our Pudding Lane bakery set, taking turns to play the part of the baker, Samuel Pepys, King Charles II and the people of London as they tried to put out the fire.

In English lessons, they started their key text for that term, Toby and the Great Fire of London, using what they had learnt in their History lessons to study the text with more insight.

October saw Year 2 hold an out of this world week of space related activities. Firstly they thought about how moon craters might be made using rocks as asteroids in a tray of flour ‘moon dust’, before helping an astronaut to fix their glove. They did this by testing various methods of covering the hole, and testing the fix in a bowl of water. Their next mission was to play in the International Space Station in the role play area, using space photographs to create their own views out of the window.

Djembe Drumming

This year’s Science Week was another spectacle of experiments, workshops and guest speakers. Year 2 began proceedings with an environmental role play based on an oil spill disaster, having been learning about the high seas, coastal seas and fresh water as part of their Earth topic. They discussed the negative consequences an oil spill can have on the shoreline habitats of plants, animals and fish, and as a reconstruction, worked in teams to clean up olive oil from water and ensure their toy animals were left unpolluted. Story Here

Year 1 historians acted out the Great Fire of London in our Pudding Lane bakery set, taking turns to play the part of the baker, Samuel Pepys, King Charles II and the people of London as they tried to put out the fire.

In English lessons, they started their key text for that term, Toby and the Great Fire of London, using what they had learnt in their History lessons to study the text with more insight.

October saw Year 2 hold an out of this world week of space related activities. Firstly they thought about how moon craters might be made using rocks as asteroids in a tray of flour ‘moon dust’, before helping an astronaut to fix their glove. They did this by testing various methods of covering the hole, and testing the fix in a bowl of water. Their next mission was to play in the International Space Station in the role play area, using space photographs to create their own views out of the window.

Story Here

This year’s Science Week was another spectacle of experiments, workshops and guest speakers. Year 2 began proceedings with an environmental role play based on an oil spill disaster, having been learning about the high seas, coastal seas and fresh water as part of their Earth topic. They discussed the negative consequences an oil spill can have on the shoreline habitats of plants, animals and fish, and as a reconstruction, worked in teams to clean up olive oil from water and ensure their toy animals were left unpolluted.

Story Here Brass Taster Year 4

Year 1 historians acted out the Great Fire of London in our Pudding Lane bakery set, taking turns to play the part of the baker, Samuel Pepys, King Charles II and the people of London as they tried to put out the fire.

In English lessons, they started their key text for that term, Toby and the Great Fire of London, using what they had learnt in their History lessons to study the text with more insight.

October saw Year 2 hold an out of this world week of space related activities. Firstly they thought about how moon craters might be made using rocks as asteroids in a tray of flour ‘moon dust’, before helping an astronaut to fix their glove. They did this by testing various methods of covering the hole, and testing the fix in a bowl of water. Their next mission was to play in the International Space Station in the role play area, using space photographs to create their own views out of the window.

Ukulele group in Pre-Prep Assembly

This year’s Science Week was another spectacle of experiments, workshops and guest speakers. Year 2 began proceedings with an environmental role play based on an oil spill disaster, having been learning about the high seas, coastal seas and fresh water as part of their Earth topic. They discussed the negative consequences an oil spill can have on the shoreline habitats of plants, animals and fish, and as a reconstruction, worked in teams to clean up olive oil from water and ensure their toy animals were left unpolluted.

Story Here Story Here

Year 1 historians acted out the Great Fire of London in our Pudding Lane bakery set, taking turns to play the part of the baker, Samuel Pepys, King Charles II and the people of London as they tried to put out the fire.

In English lessons, they started their key text for that term, Toby and the Great Fire of London, using what they had learnt in their History lessons to study the text with more insight.

October saw Year 2 hold an out of this world week of space related activities. Firstly they thought about how moon craters might be made using rocks as asteroids in a tray of flour ‘moon dust’, before helping an astronaut to fix their glove. They did this by testing various methods of covering the hole, and testing the fix in a bowl of water. Their next mission was to play in the International Space Station in the role play area, using space photographs to create their own views out of the window.

CAROL SERVICE

The show must go on! Despite Mrs Dallamore being unwell, the consummate performing professionals of Year 6 pulled together to deliver numerous rousing renditions of the end of term play Let Loose. The story follows a group of Sutton Valence Prep School students as they take a week long residential trip, and the antics they get up to as they take part in a boating competition and plot to pull off the perfect midnight feast!

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

CHAPEL OF ST. PETER, DECEMBER 2023

SVS CAROL SERVICE

The show must go on! Despite Mrs Dallamore being unwell, the consummate performing professionals of Year 6 pulled together to deliver numerous rousing renditions of the end of term play Let Loose. The story follows a group of Sutton Valence Prep School students as they take a week long residential trip, and the antics they get up to as they take part in a boating competition and plot to pull off the perfect midnight feast!

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

CHAPEL OF ST. PETER, DECEMBER 2023

JUNIOR INFORMAL CONCERTS

The joy of Christmas was heralded by the Reception Class taking to the stage to perform their Nativity play, Whoops-a-Daisy, Angel.

“The Pre-Prep staff, parents and grandparents gathered to watch the Reception Nativity. As Lola K stood up to sing a solo in front of her friends, something she had accomplished brilliantly in the first performance earlier in the week, she was suddenly overcome with cold. What do we all need in such circumstances? A friend to help us through, of course. Up stepped Mabel C who held her hand and uttered the words, ‘let’s do it together’. What a wonderful example of kindness and compassion!” Mr M Scholey, Head Of Prep

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

YEAR 5 INFORMAL CONCERTS

The joy of Christmas was heralded by the Reception Class taking to the stage to perform their Nativity play, Whoops-a-Daisy, Angel.

“The Pre-Prep staff, parents and grandparents gathered to watch the Reception Nativity. As Lola K stood up to sing a solo in front of her friends, something she had accomplished brilliantly in the first performance earlier in the week, she was suddenly overcome with cold. What do we all need in such circumstances? A friend to help us through, of course. Up stepped Mabel C who held her hand and uttered the words, ‘let’s do it together’. What a wonderful example of kindness and compassion!” Mr M Scholey, Head Of Prep

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

YEAR 6 INFORMAL CONCERTS

The joy of Christmas was heralded by the Reception Class taking to the stage to perform their Nativity play, Whoops-a-Daisy, Angel.

“The Pre-Prep staff, parents and grandparents gathered to watch the Reception Nativity. As Lola K stood up to sing a solo in front of her friends, something she had accomplished brilliantly in the first performance earlier in the week, she was suddenly overcome with cold. What do we all need in such circumstances? A friend to help us through, of course. Up stepped Mabel C who held her hand and uttered the words, ‘let’s do it together’. What a wonderful example of kindness and compassion!” Mr M Scholey, Head Of Prep

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

THE YOUNG SUTTONIAN: DRAMA

Regardless of academic ability, or success on the sports field, drama is for every child. It is gratifying to witness the transformation that can come from pupils who weren’t sure if being on stage was for them, to excited performers who have loved the bond of being part of a cast and delivering their lines in front of a captive audience. There are also opportunities to build organisational experience, comraderie and practical skills as part of the technical and backstage crews.

The ability to speak publicly with confidence is an important life skill, and we have again seen great success in LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) training and examinations.

This emphasis on speech was also reinforced with another much enjoyed annual Poetry Speaking Competition, which saw Years 3 to 6 reciting a favourite poem, or in one case, an original verse written for the occasion. Assisting me in judging duties was Director of Drama at Sutton Valence School, Mr Fewson.

It has been another busy schedule of productions - Year 6 wowed with their final dramatic offering, Let Loose, which saw them playing Prep School

characters that were quite familiar!

Year 4 brought the comedy with a mixture of animal and forest based slapstick in Cats in Boots, featuring a cameo role from our very shy Deputy Head, Mr Watkins!

Year 1 left the audience spellbound with their magical performances of Wiz, Wham, Alakazam, which portrayed a group of wizards working together to make the sun come out.

Starting their dramatic journey, our Reception classes really upped the ‘aww’ factor with their first Christmas Nativity play, Whoops-a-Daisy, Angel.

For our theatre loving pupils, we also had the opportunity to watch external productions this year, being invited to the Sutton Valence Senior School site to watch the dress run of Junior musical, Annie, in the Baughan Theatre. In a more educational visit, Years 5 and 6 also headed across to watch a French language play, Parlez-vous Francais?

Congratulations to all of our budding actors, singers and stage hands, who overcame nerves, made new friends, and helped everything to run smoothly.

MRS M MILLS Head of Drama

Story Here

This year’s Science Week was another spectacle of experiments, workshops and guest speakers. Year 2 began proceedings with an environmental role play based on an oil spill disaster, having been learning about the high seas, coastal seas and fresh water as part of their Earth topic. They discussed the negative consequences an oil spill can have on the shoreline habitats of plants, animals and fish, and as a reconstruction, worked in teams to clean up olive oil from water and ensure their toy animals were left unpolluted.

Story Here Story Here

Year 1 historians acted out the Great Fire of London in our Pudding Lane bakery set, taking turns to play the part of the baker, Samuel Pepys, King Charles II and the people of London as they tried to put out the fire.

In English lessons, they started their key text for that term, Toby and the Great Fire of London, using what they had learnt in their History lessons to study the text with more insight.

October saw Year 2 hold an out of this world week of space related activities. Firstly they thought about how moon craters might be made using rocks as asteroids in a tray of flour ‘moon dust’, before helping an astronaut to fix their glove. They did this by testing various methods of covering the hole, and testing the fix in a bowl of water. Their next mission was to play in the International Space Station in the role play area, using space photographs to create their own views out of the window.

RECEPTION NATIVITY

The joy of Christmas was heralded by the Reception Class taking to the stage to perform their Nativity play, Whoops-a-Daisy, Angel.

“The Pre-Prep staff, parents and grandparents gathered to watch the Reception Nativity. As Lola K stood up to sing a solo in front of her friends, something she had accomplished brilliantly in the first performance earlier in the week, she was suddenly overcome with cold. What do we all need in such circumstances? A friend to help us through, of course. Up stepped Mabel C who held her hand and uttered the words, ‘let’s do it together’. What a wonderful example of kindness and compassion!” Mr M Scholey, Head Of Prep

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

YEAR 6 PRODUCTION

PREP SCHOOL, JUNE 24 2023

Under the blazing sun on the Sutton Valence School athletics track, Years 3 to 6 went head to head in the biggest sporting event in the Prep calendar, the annual Sports Day. Events covered a wide range of disciplines such as long distance running, relays, sprints, javelin, long jump and high jump. Performance levels were so high on the day that a total of eight School records were broken!

In the contest of the Castles, Leeds came out on top, with Hever in second place, Rochester third and Bodiam fourth.

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

THE YOUNG SUTTONIAN: ART & DT

At Sutton Valence Prep School, everyone is an artist. The Art Room is always open, and creativity is encouraged at all levels. So it is no surprise that it has been another busy year of learning new techniques and making discoveries in Art and Design and Technology lessons, uncovering new skills and finding our own styles.

Pupils have been lucky to yet again receive expert tuition from outside providers this year, through a series of workshops in a variety of mediums. One such was a visit from felting specialist Sue Kimber, and Year 6 had to stay sharp during a glass workshop with artist Sarah Sillibourne. The children made glass flowers to go in the kiln and become lovely artworks - smashed it!

It has also been a year of big projects - Year 2 created a large scale piece based on the work of David Hockney for their Arts Showcase in March. Six teams replicated a section of one of his iPad paintings, A Closer Winter Tunnel. January also saw the Big Draw Community Artwork project, with SVPS children and their families submitting artworks; The Big Draw Festival and its theme, Come Back to Colour, inspired a variety of colourful, mixed media artworks and raised the

profile of drawing as a great tool for wellbeing, thought, creativity and cultural engagement.

The whole School also took part in Sky Arts Week, a nationwide initiative for primary age children. This year we saw particular success for two pupils, Phoebe R and Fiyi M, Year 5, whose portraits of Mr Scholey and Mrs Leckie were selected to be aired as part of the Sky Arts Portrait Challenge. Students gathered to watch the on-air gallery together.

As a School that is so strong in the arts, we have been working towards Artsmark recognition over the past couple of years, and hope to receive confirmation of an award over the summer of 2023. Artsmark is the only creative quality standard for schools and education settings. Artsmark is accredited by Arts Council England.

Thank you for supporting our creative children and their sketchbooks, by nuturing their design dreams.

MRS A SAVAGE Head of Art and Design and Technology

Fashion Design, Year 6 meets Lower Sixth

This year’s Science Week was another spectacle of experiments, workshops and guest speakers. Year 2 began proceedings with an environmental role play based on an oil spill disaster, having been learning about the high seas, coastal seas and fresh water as part of their Earth topic. They discussed the negative consequences an oil spill can have on the shoreline habitats of plants, animals and fish, and as a reconstruction, worked in teams to clean up olive oil from water and ensure their toy animals were left unpolluted.

World Puppetry Day Story Here

Year 1 historians acted out the Great Fire of London in our Pudding Lane bakery set, taking turns to play the part of the baker, Samuel Pepys, King Charles II and the people of London as they tried to put out the fire.

In English lessons, they started their key text for that term, Toby and the Great Fire of London, using what they had learnt in their History lessons to study the text with more insight.

October saw Year 2 hold an out of this world week of space related activities. Firstly they thought about how moon craters might be made using rocks as asteroids in a tray of flour ‘moon dust’, before helping an astronaut to fix their glove. They did this by testing various methods of covering the hole, and testing the fix in a bowl of water. Their next mission was to play in the International Space Station in the role play area, using space photographs to create their own views out of the window.

BILL SKINNER JEWELLERY WORKSHOP

Ateam of SVPS maths whizzes attended the annual Mathematics Competition at Sutton Valence School on May the 12th, alongside a whole host of other schools keen to find the formula for glory! The youngest group present did well in their Under 12 contest, with the trophy won by Hilden Grange Preparatory School.

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

FELTING WORKSHOP

The joy of Christmas was heralded by the Reception Class taking to the stage to perform their Nativity play, Whoops-a-Daisy, Angel.

“The Pre-Prep staff, parents and grandparents gathered to watch the Reception Nativity. As Lola K stood up to sing a solo in front of her friends, something she had accomplished brilliantly in the first performance earlier in the week, she was suddenly overcome with cold. What do we all need in such circumstances? A friend to help us through, of course. Up stepped Mabel C who held her hand and uttered the words, ‘let’s do it together’. What a wonderful example of kindness and compassion!” Mr M Scholey, Head Of Prep

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

LOVE CATS

EXHIBITION

Under the blazing sun on the Sutton Valence School athletics track, Years 3 to 6 went head to head in the biggest sporting event in the Prep calendar, the annual Sports Day. Events covered a wide range of disciplines such as long distance running, relays, sprints, javelin, long jump and high jump. Performance levels were so high on the day that a total of eight School records were broken!

In the contest of the Castles, Leeds came out on top, with Hever in second place, Rochester third and Bodiam fourth.

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

LITTLE LAMBS MAKE CLAY TILES IN ART ROOM

Ateam of SVPS maths whizzes attended the annual Mathematics Competition at Sutton Valence School on May the 12th, alongside a whole host of other schools keen to find the formula for glory! The youngest group present did well in their Under 12 contest, with the trophy won by Hilden Grange Preparatory School.

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

THE YOUNG SUTTONIAN: SPORT

There has been much to celebrate both on and off the sports field this year, with an abundance of fixtures, galas and tournaments to keep us busy. We are lucky to be part of a School community that considers sport to be integral to the development and wellbeing of our young charges, and that they themselves show such dedication and competitive spirit!

Cricket was an area of real success, with the under 11 boys being crowned as IAPS champions, and being ranked in the top ten of teams in the country is something to shout about. Our girls also did us proud, making it to the finals and becoming IAPS runners-up. We also successfully hosted our 8-a-side tournament for under 10 girls for another year, and the under 10 boys won the Sutton Valence School tournament, held at the Warmlake pitches.

Sports Days are an opportunity for the School to come together to celebrate being active, and with three of them, there are plenty of chances to cheer from the sidelines! Our Prep School Sports Day saw the fiercest competition, and in blazing sunshine this year, Leeds took away the trophy. The Pre-Prep Sports Day allowed Reception and Years 1 and 2 the chance to showcase their

skills (and energy levels!), whilst Nursery children also had the chance to take part on their own day, with the involvement of many bean bags!

Castles also competed in other activites throughout the year, such as the annual Tug of War, won by Hever in both the Junior and Senior sessions, and the Castle Swim Gala, held at Sutton Valence School.

Other opportunities to be active came in the form of a trip to the Senior School for the CCF Taster Day, where Year 5 tackled an obstacle course and got to grips with shooting. Kent County Council also delivered their road safety course, Bikeability, for our Year 6 riders.

My thanks go to all students (and parents!) for braving the early starts, cold days, wet fields and hoarse voices in the name of giving all of our children a solid grounding in competition, team work and fair play.

MR D TRACHONITIS Director of Sport

Netball Workshop at SVS

This year’s Science Week was another spectacle of experiments, workshops and guest speakers. Year 2 began proceedings with an environmental role play based on an oil spill disaster, having been learning about the high seas, coastal seas and fresh water as part of their Earth topic. They discussed the negative consequences an oil spill can have on the shoreline habitats of plants, animals and fish, and as a reconstruction, worked in teams to clean up olive oil from water and ensure their toy animals were left unpolluted.

Year 1 historians acted out the Great Fire of London in our Pudding Lane bakery set, taking turns to play the part of the baker, Samuel Pepys, King Charles II and the people of London as they tried to put out the fire.

In English lessons, they started their key text for that term, Toby and the Great Fire of London, using what they had learnt in their History lessons to study the text with more insight.

October saw Year 2 hold an out of this world week of space related activities. Firstly they thought about how moon craters might be made using rocks as asteroids in a tray of flour ‘moon dust’, before helping an astronaut to fix their glove. They did this by testing various methods of covering the hole, and testing the fix in a bowl of water. Their next mission was to play in the International Space Station in the role play area, using space photographs to create their own views out of the window.

Story Here

During June, several athletes from SVPS competed in the Kent Area Athletics Championships at the Julie Rose Stadium, Ashford.

On a blistering hot day, Shan H (Year 6) won the boys’ 100m final and long jump competition and Avia E won the girls’ 100m final and came 2nd in the 200m final.

Both athletes went on to represent Kent at the National Schools’ Athletics Championships being held in Birmingham. Watch this space for future Olympians!

Isla N Blue Peter Sport Badge

The start of the year gave our girls the opportunity to head to the large Sports Hall at Sutton Valence School to take part in a netball workshop in January.

They were also joined by some First and Second Form SVS Juniors, giving them the chance to also play and learn from older children.

Story Here

On Wednesday May 24th, the U10A and U10B Boys’ Cricket teams participated in the Sutton Valence School 6-a-side tournament at their Warmlake pitches.

It was a beautiful sunny day, and each team played six matches in a roundrobin format. The U10B team performed admirably in all their matches, showing great determination against tough opponents.

The U10A team showcased their attacking cricket style and emerged victorious in all their matches, earning them the title of champions. It was a fantastic day for all the boys involved, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Senior School for hosting such a wonderful event.

IStory Here

n May, SVPS took a squad of swimmers to compete against four other schools in a swimming gala hosted by Dulwich Prep School. All of our swimmers committed themselves admirably, recording some outstanding results. The U9, U10 and U11 Girls all won their Medley Relay races, with the U9 and U11 Girls also winning their Freestyle Relay races. We also had many winners in the U8, U9, U10 and U11 boys’ and girls’ individual races.

The overall standings were as follows:

U8 Team – 2nd Place

U9 Team – 3rd Place

U10 Team – 2nd Place

U11 Team - 2nd Place

Cross Country

On September 10th, two Senior School pupils and three Prep School pupils travelled to Felbridge in West Sussex to compete in an NSEA Schools Equestrian Competition. Charlotte L (Year 6) was attending her first School competition. In the 70-75cm Jumping with Style, as an individual, Amelia P (Year 5) came 6th out of 23 and as a team, Amelia, Isla D (Year 6) and Harriet Plummer (Second Form) placed 4th. In the 70-75cm Show Jumping, Amelia also came 8th out of 61 with only a 1.5 seconds difference between Amelia and 3rd place! Both classes were qualifiers for National Championships at Keysoe - this was the first time that SVPS pupils of the team have qualified for the Championships!

Story Here

Girls in Year 4 were invited to take part in some netball training games at Dulwich Prep School, ahead of the netball season starting in January. Not only was it their first netball match of the academic year, but it was also their first time ever playing ‘Bee Netball’ rules. Bee Netball is England Netball’s fun, high energy and nurturing programme for children at the beginning of their team sport journey. It is designed to introduce children to netball skills: throwing, catching, footwork and shooting. The girls were so excited to play and despite the cold, won two games and drew one! In total, across the three games, twelve goals were scored and only four conceded.

FStory Here

ebruary brought an excellent day of sevens rugby, with nine local prep schools heading to Sutton Valence School, playing some fantastic rugby in the true spirit of the game. Thank you to Marlborough House, Solefield School, SVPS, Ashford Prep, The New Beacon, Yardley Court, Bickley Park, Sevenoaks Prep and Hilden Grange for participating.

Awards on the day went to: Best Attacking Team – Solefield School Best Defensive Team – The New Beacon School Spirit of Rugby Award – Ashford Prep

U10 RUGBY FESTIVAL

WHOLE SCHOOL, MARCH 3 2023

Always an event to bookmark, Sutton Valence Prep School celebrated the chapter of World Book Day 2023 with a novel approach to dressing up! With pupils and staff getting into character from everything from Matilda to Where’s Wally?, the day was full of reading related fun to showcase our love of literature!

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

SWIMMING GALA

Under the blazing sun on the Sutton Valence School athletics track, Years 3 to 6 went head to head in the biggest sporting event in the Prep calendar, the annual Sports Day. Events covered a wide range of disciplines such as long distance running, relays, sprints, javelin, long jump and high jump. Performance levels were so high on the day that a total of eight School records were broken!

In the contest of the Castles, Leeds came out on top, with Hever in second place, Rochester third and Bodiam fourth.

PREP SCHOOL, JUNE 24 2023

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

THE YOUNG SUTTONIAN: TRIPS

We all remember the excitement of the School Trip - sticky fingers passing round bags of sweets on coaches full of singing children, teachers resolutely keeping everyone in their seats. These days away from School grounds provide a taste of freedom, the opportunity to strengthen friendships and experience new environments in which to learn practical lessons outside of the classroom.

Locally, we are able to make the most of the places on our doorstep, heading to attractions such as The Big Cat Sanctuary, and frequent visits to St Michael’s Church. We also try and give back to this community we are embraced by, visiting organisations such as Sutton Valence Care Home to meet and hopefully entertain the residents, bringing generations together to give joy to both the oldest and youngest participants. We are also lucky enough to make use of the facilities at our sister site, Sutton Valence School, being invited to watch special performances in the Baughan Theatre, swimming in the pool and battling through the highly anticipated CCF taster day for Year 5s.

Other trips have supporting academic learning, such as visiting Herstmonceux Observatory

Science Centre, and other days have embraced the great outdoors, such as going to Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and Hastings Aquarium. Despite the challenges of unpredictable weather, such days instill a respect for and curiosity about our natural surroundings, learning about both land and sea.

Of course, some of our planned outings last longer than others - residential trips for older students are always hugely popular, with stays in France and PGL Marchant’s Hill Adventure Centre allowing children to enjoy new cultures and let off steam being active. These trips away from home are an important right of passage, with dorm room memories made that will last well beyond the lifespan of this magazine issue.

Further trip opportunities exist for those who choose to participate in extra-curricular activities, with the Chamber Choir having their voices heard at external locations such as Hole Park.

I am always proud to hear the feedback from teaching staff who take such good care of their charges when outside of School premises. They are always keen to impart how well the children have behaved, and how well they have represented Sutton Valence Prep School when out and about.

MR J WATKINS Deputy Head

Story Here

Mrs Savage and Miss Essu took a group of Year 3s to Sutton Valence Care Home as part of their Art and P4L lesson. Year 3 have been looking at Henri Rousseau’s ‘Surprised!’ as part of the Take One Picture project and Sky Access All Arts Week 2023. Take One Picture is a national programme for primary schools, which aims to inspire a lifelong love of art and learning, thus it was very fitting that our pupils took the opportunity to visit Sutton Valence Care Home to explore themes from the image, such as gardens, foliage, animals, identity and emotions. It was also an opportunity for the pupils to explore the theme of respectful relationships as part of their PSHE. The pupils were commended on their exemplary behaviour.

Food Bank Year 4 Story Here

Reception children were excited to go on their first School trip in June, visiting Tyland Barn to continue their studies on mini beasts. They loved searching for different creatures and enjoyed pond dipping. The small adventurers also explored various habitats, and listened to a story about a caterpillar!

June saw Year 3 commune with nature on a trip to the ancient woodland of Kings Wood, Challock. Art was the first order of the day, with images created of leaves and vegetation in charcoal, chalk and pastels, and wooden pendants made using natural inks.

The tree lovers also made themselves foraging baskets, used during a woodland wander to collect items for the next project. Back at Base Camp, messy fun was had using clay to sculpt woodland creatures. The pupils also enjoyed listening to the story of the bee, before buzzing back towards home.

Pictured left: The Reception trip to Tyland Barn

YEAR 5

CCF TASTER DAY

WHOLE SCHOOL, MARCH 3 2023

Always an event to bookmark, Sutton Valence Prep School celebrated the chapter of World Book Day 2023 with a novel approach to dressing up! With pupils and staff

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

REMEMBRANCE DAY

PREP SCHOOL, JULY 7 2023

Year 6 are off to Big School, and what better way to celebrate their time at SVPS coming to a close than a formal Leavers’ Service at St Michael’s Church.

Leaving students recited a piece of advice or favourite School memory, and there were readings and musical performances.

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

CHRISTINGLE

WHOLE SCHOOL, APRIL 18 2023

April once again saw the whole School body attend St Michael’s Church for the annual Easter service, participating in singing hymns, moments of prayer and listening to seasonal readings. Congratulations to the Chamber Choir, who donned their robes to perform beautiful renditions of seasonally appropriate songs Lord of the Dance and In My Garden.

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

PREP HARVEST FESTIVAL

Ateam of SVPS maths whizzes attended the annual Mathematics Competition at Sutton Valence School on May the 12th, alongside a whole host of other schools keen to find the formula for glory! The youngest group present did well in their Under 12 contest, with the trophy won by Hilden Grange Preparatory School.

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

THE YOUNG SUTTONIAN: CALENDAR

The School rhythm is of course dictated by the three Academic Terms, our time split into three blocks that starts with the falling of leaves in September and eventually ending with the blazing sunshine of July, but SVPS also operates to a timetable of annual traditions and seasonal events that ensure that the School calendar is bursting with opportunities for extracurricular fun for both students and parents alike.

It is at these events that staff and families mingle and network, a chance to socialise and catch up with no excuse necessary, with friendships formed beyond the casual greeting at drop off time, and the time to enjoy the beautiful grounds in which the School is set. There may even be a glass of something bubbly involved!

Many of these events are organised and funded by the hugely active SVPSPA, our army of keen parents who this year gave us special occasions to remember such as the Coronation Party, Christmas Fair and Leaver’s Barbecue – we thank them for all of their organisational power and proactive interest in providing lovely events for all, and reminding us of the strength of our family community.

Speaking of family connections, Grandparents’

Day remains one of the most anticipated events in the children’s diaries, when older relatives join their small charges for tours of the Schoola favourite memory that the whole family can share.

There are lots of memorable high points throughout the School year for our pupils, marking the changing of the seasons and a break from more strenuous learning, whether that is pumpkin carving, meeting the Easter Bunny for an egg and spoon race or being a helper to Father Christmas, who definitely isn’t Mr Thomas dressed up in a red suit.

Sometimes these dates are marked with a more formal activity, whether that be for Remembrance, or a celebration service for Easter or Christingle. We are so lucky to have access to both St Michael’s Church, and the Chapel at Sutton Valence School, to mark these moments together.

There are also times when less foreseen events join our schedule, with both the death of Queen Elizabeth, and the coronation of King Charles III both falling within the 2022/2023 School year and bringing their own moments of reflection, and much coronation crafting!

Whatever the occasion, thank you for continuing to support our programme of events - see you at the next one!

MISS SJ ADAMS Marketing and Communications Manager

Year 2 Drawing Chinese New Year Dragons

This year’s Science Week was another spectacle of experiments, workshops and guest speakers. Year 2 began proceedings with an environmental role play based on an oil spill disaster, having been learning about the high seas, coastal seas and fresh water as part of their Earth topic. They discussed the negative consequences an oil spill can have on the shoreline habitats of plants, animals and fish, and as a reconstruction, worked in teams to clean up olive oil from water and ensure their toy animals were left unpolluted.

International Women’s Day Story Here

Year 1 historians acted out the Great Fire of London in our Pudding Lane bakery set, taking turns to play the part of the baker, Samuel Pepys, King Charles II and the people of London as they tried to put out the fire.

In English lessons, they started their key text for that term, Toby and the Great Fire of London, using what they had learnt in their History lessons to study the text with more insight.

October saw Year 2 hold an out of this world week of space related activities. Firstly they thought about how moon craters might be made using rocks as asteroids in a tray of flour ‘moon dust’, before helping an astronaut to fix their glove. They did this by testing various methods of covering the hole, and testing the fix in a bowl of water. Their next mission was to play in the International Space Station in the role play area, using space photographs to create their own views out of the window.

SVPSPA PANCAKE DAY

The joy of Christmas was heralded by the Reception Class taking to the stage to perform their Nativity play, Whoops-a-Daisy, Angel.

“The Pre-Prep staff, parents and grandparents gathered to watch the Reception Nativity. As Lola K stood up to sing a solo in front of her friends, something she had accomplished brilliantly in the first performance earlier in the week, she was suddenly overcome with cold. What do we all need in such circumstances? A

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

SVPSPA CHRISTMAS FAIR

WHOLE SCHOOL, MAY 5 2023

The Parents’ Association did us proud on Friday 5th May, by organising a majestic Coronation party for the whole School! With stalls and ice cream van calling, the Chamber Choir led everyone in a rousing rendition of the national anthem before dispersing to play in the sunshine - a great way to flag up the importance of community (and frozen treats) here at SVPS.

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

LITTLE LAMBS

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

Ateam of SVPS maths whizzes attended the annual Mathematics Competition at Sutton Valence School on May the 12th, alongside a whole host of other schools keen to find the formula for glory! The youngest group present did well in their Under 12 contest, with the trophy won by Hilden Grange Preparatory School.

IMAGES: SARAH-JANE ADAMS

YOUNG SUTTONIAN: VIDEOS

WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/SUTTONVALENCESCHOOL

The use of video content has become an important way for the School to document daily life this year, from promotional content to messages directly from the Headmaster - and who could forget the use of special effects in Speech Day, The Movie? To keep up to date with the latest premieres, subscribe to our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/suttonvalenceschool, or scan the QR codes listed on this page to watch a specific episode. former staff to a reunion at Sutton House to celebrate girls' boarding at the School. The group included SVS leavers spanning from 1991 through to 2016,

World Book Day

Two First Form and two Second Form Juniors explain how they found the transition of moving up from Sutton Valence Prep School to Sutton Valence Senior School in this content created especially for Open Morning.

Year 5 CCF Taster Day

Get a backstage pass to the Baughan Theatre as we chat to the Senior cast of Little Shop of Horrors, many of whom are taking part in their final production at the School as Upper Sixth leavers.

Year 1’s Egyptian Day

Discover the history of the School’s publication, The Suttonian, dating back to 1880, as we meet the School Archivist in the video linked below. daily - now featured here for you to remember for years to come.

Year 6 Production

Headmaster Mr Thomas (and canine companions!) addressed parents and the student body, as he reflected on the academic year so far, and offered his best wishes for the holiday season.

The Young Suttonian

Discover the history of the School’s publication, The Suttonian, dating back to 1880, as we meet the School Archivist, and go behind the scenes of its partner publication, The Young Suttonian.

SVPS Christmas Message

The whole School competes in the annual battle of track and field events, with three seasons of weather in one day, two School records broken, and one trophy lifted by Founder’s House!

Christmas Carol Service

Join our Upper Sixth students as they return to School over the summer break to collect their impressive A Level results, in this video celebrating their academic achievements.

SVPS Earns Artsmark Gold!

Enjoy this walk down Easy Street as we look back on a sell out run of musical Annie, performed in our Baughan Theatre, as the Junior production for First to Third Form perfomers.

MORE TO WATCH FROM SUTTON VALENCE SCHOOL...

It’s not just SVPS where our access all areas cameras have been whirring - we’ve also been busy showcasing the activities that take place at our sister site, Sutton Valence School. You’ll find a range of entertaining short films featuring our older students alongside Prep School content on our Youtube channelsubscribe for free at www.youtube.com/suttonvalenceschoolon House to celebrate girls' boarding at the School. The group included SVS leavers spanning from 1991 through to 2016, as well as two former Sutton housemasters. Blessed with fantastic weather, the group enjoyed a champagne reception on the Sutton