Autumn 2019 edition The Falcons

Issue 4 | Autumn 2019 | falconsprep.co.uk

PREPARATORY

In this issue

Merry Christm as

F ro m e veryon e at Fa P re p R lcons ichmo nd

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

WELCOME

WELCOME Welcome & Contents ........................2 Head Boy and Deputy Head Boy.......3 Year 3 Welcome & Upper School Round-up..........................................4

“Change is inevitable.

Growth is optional!”

SCHOOL EVENTS Eco-schools......................................5 Nativity .............................................6 Expedition Earth................................7 Poetry Competition............................7 Fed Talk, Good Neighbours..............8 Falcons Alumni Launch....................10

FUTURE SCHOOLS Brighton College..............................11

BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES Year 3 - Brighton Beach Art.............12 Year 3 - Natural History Museum ....12 Year 3 - Richmond Museum............13 Year 3 - Science Museum................13 Year 4 - Bandi Namco.....................14 Year 4 - Kew Gardens.....................14 Year 4 - Richmond Museum............15 Year 4 - Art Trip to V&A....................15 Year 5 - Art Trip to Winchester Cathedral.........................................16 Year 6 - London Zoo........................16 Year 6 - Art Trip National Portrait Gallery.............................................17 Year 7 - Art Trip to Kew Gardens.....17 Year 8 - Imperial War Museum.........18

SPORT St Georges Tournament...................19 Swimming.......................................19 Football ..........................................19

HOUSES Bake Off Competition......................20 Harvest Competition........................20 Public Speaking ..............................20 Vegetable Growing.............................20 House Football...................................21 Christmas Card making.......................21 Bowling Trip.......................................21

PA NEWS PA News................................... 22-24

2

For some, change is scary. It brings with it the unknown, some doubt and uncertainty. But it also brings hope, excitement and progress. I suppose it depends on how you look at it. However, whether we like it or not, the world is changing, education is changing and our end goal, what we are preparing our boys for, is changing. We don’t know what the future brings but we certainly intend to provide the foundation our boys need in order to find out!

F

or Falcons Prep, change over the last year has meant new staff, new pupils, new subjects, new policies and new learning and social spaces. For us, change has been about growth and ensuring a strong and successful future! Although the dampest and darkest of the school terms, the Autumn Term has been nothing but full of energy, excitement and adventure! The year started with the opening of our new Innovation Hub and Gallery. Housing a range of new robotics equipment, the Innovation Hub has certainly been a hit with the boys who love to venture into this room and delve into a world of discovery and curiosity. The Gallery has also become a comfortable and welcoming ‘break away’ space for boys to enjoy during their free time. The energy and atmosphere around the school has been hugely positive and I was so impressed with the boys and the way in which they quickly settled into our new school routine. The boys seem more polite than ever and have a calming sense of belonging which is such a joy to observe. A super

well done to all our new boys who have settled in so well and already seem to be making excellent progress both academically and socially. Starting a new school can be very daunting (I still remember that feeling from last year!) but we are so proud of your bravery and willingness to adapt and get on with it, well done and thank you!

As well as new spaces, this term has also seen a number of other new initiatives take flight. We have a new morning form time, giving boys 30 minutes in their form groups each morning for weekly planning, silent reading, wellbeing activities, life skills lessons, current affairs, year group meetings, house meetings, school council meetings and much, much more!! We have also developed new and existing pupil leadership positions such as Junior and Senior Prefects and created the Children that Care Community, as well as the Eco-Schools and FEd Talk Ambassador’s.

We hosted a fantastic Senior School Preparation Week for Year 6 welcoming a range of visitors and external providers. We also had the terrific formal FEd Talk dinner for Year 7 and Year 8 as well as a show stopping performance by Year 3, Year 4 and Mr Peckham in our original Falcons Nativity.

It has and continues to be a very successful era for Falcons. But what is success? What does it look like and how does it feel? I believe that success can be measured and accomplished in a number of ways, through achieving your aims, dreams, aspirations or goals. It can be very personal, or it can be a shared vision of success. For us at Falcons, success is about providing our boys with the very best start in life, in allowing them to discover, grow and learn in an environment that nurtures and encourages curiosity, adventure and risk-taking. It is about supporting each individual, allowing them to find themselves and reach their true potential, whatever that may look like for them. Last year, we developed our language for learning (the 5 Learning Habits) aimed at helping our school community to focus not only on the process of learning but the traits we believe allow us to be a successful learner. So, linking those to the theme of success, here’s a bit of advice, taken from a book I recently read, which I hope will inspire the boys as we enter 2020:

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

WELCOME

2. Focus on things that you can control (Reflection)

Stop worrying about what you can’t control and moaning about it. It’s a total waste of your time and energy! Instead use that energy to focus on what you can influence.

1. Turn work into play (Creativity)

Don’t let ‘work’ take over and get you down. Think about what it is allowing you to do and the doors that it is opening for your future. Isn’t it exciting?!

Create the right environment around you so that the work feels less ‘effort’ and more ‘progress’!

Have you got a designated study/homework area at home? Could you make one? Set it up so you have all the right stationary to hand. Has it got good lighting? Are you away from distraction? Make this your space and one that you enjoy ‘working’ in!

3. Know when to ask for help (Resilience)

It’s OK, in fact it is totally and utterly normal, to need help. Saying ‘I don’t know’ takes guts, it’s brave but it is such a positive reaction and a clear sign that you are human and on the path of learning!

Knowing when you don’t know the answer and being honest about it is one of the greatest skills you can have. Your teachers are here for you, all the time, and welcome, in fact encourage and want, your questions!!

4. Be a lifelong learner (Curiosity)

you understand yourself better, you will be able to optimize your personality through maximising your strengths and managing your weaknesses.

I hope you enjoy reading about the school as much as we enjoy being a part of it. Each term the staff seem to outdo themselves with the number of trips, events and initiatives they put on for the boys, and this term has been no exception! Falcons Prep is one of a kind. It’s not something you can easily put a word to, it is a feeling. A very strong feeling that I felt as soon as I joined and I continue to feel honoured and proud to lead such a fantastic school.

I wish you all a restful and enjoyable Christmas holiday with your families and look forward to seeing you in the New Year – let’s make it a year to remember!

Miss Olivia Buchanan Headmistress

‘Once you stop learning, you start dying’, this was said by Albert Einstein and could come across as a little ridiculous. But, I think it is meant to suggest that you never stop learning. Life is constantly teaching us things and it is important to be open to that learning process. Learning is not simply a task or activity, it is a mindset – a mindset of listening, exploring and adapting.

5. Know yourself (Independence)

Get to know yourself. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are you passionate about?

What interests you and what switches you off? Once

Head Boy and Deputy Head Boy Head Boy, Ben E

M

y name is Ben and I have been at the Falcons since Year 3. Being made Head Boy is a responsibility I will never forget. Already the duties I have done have been exciting, fun and innovative. One of my highlights of this half-term has been laying the wreath at remembrance day alongside George, Miss Buchanan and Father Neil. Personally I am a big fan of Sport, Maths and Science. I love chairing the School Council as at Falcons we can actually make a difference. Charity and Community has always been a big part of Falcons, and we don’t expect that to change. We have already had our Good Neighbours event where we invited all the elderly neighbours to join us for board games, snacks and tea along with the Year 4’s giving us a few Christmassy Carols which raised the roof. In conclusion this was an amazing half-term and I am looking forward to the thrilling future here at the Falcons.

Deputy Head Boy, George H

M

y name is George and am excited to tell you what Ben and I have accomplished over just this first term at falcons 2019/2020 but first just a bit of background about me. I only joined the school a year ago and live around Mortlake which is a few bus stops away. I also love sport, art and science and excited about the near and far future at falcons. Now you know a bit about me I’ll tell you what Ben, Miss Buchanan and I have achieved over the last term. First of all, we have given many tours to future staff and pupils of Falcons and have represented Falcons through charities and sporting events. We have also been lucky enough to be able to go on trips such as St George’s and visit Kew Gardens for Art and many more. Also only a few weeks ago we had our Remembrance Assembly where Miss Duckworth performed the last post and even had a military veteran who waved a flag in honour of the soldiers that fallen.

I’m excited to see what fantastic things that will be going on in the next couple of terms and hope that you’ve enjoyed the first term this year.

3

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

WELCOME

Year 3 Welcome We are very proud of how well our new Year 3 boys have settled into Falcons Prep. We soon discovered that they are a lovely bunch of boys with many talents, interests and a variety of bubbly personalities. They adapted well to being the smallest and youngest pupils in the school and have shown over and over again that they can follow rules, do their best and live up to our Learning Habits. Our Year 3 boys are resilient, curious, reflective, independent and courageous!

F

or our first week in September the Year 3 Classroom was turned into a Superhero Factory. It was our chance as teachers to see what the boys could do and it was the boys’ chance to find out about this vibrant and exciting school that they had joined. They started the term as superheroes and are still living up to

good sportsmanship. They have thrown themselves into our House Competitions with enthusiasm and we have even had some winners!

We think our Year 3s are brimming with potential and can’t wait to see what the rest of the year holds for these delightful boys.

Mrs C Cowdery

that reputation.

Look out for articles giving more information about the Year 3 trips in this newspaper – Richmond Museum, the Natural History Museum, Brighton Beach and the Science Museum. They have taken part in some exciting fixtures where they have played well and demonstrated

Upper School Round-Up

4

It has been a busy first term in the Upper School, with FEd Talks, trips, mock exams and normal school life keeping us all busy. The Upper School entrance on Kew Road has been a real success, the entrance leads straight up into the Upper School corridor where the boys form rooms and lockers are. This area is a hive of activity every morning where the boys prepare for their morning lessons, catching up with friends and sometimes putting last minute touches to their homework.

The Upper School has also trialled the use of the boys own school bags instead of our branded Falcons bags, this has been a success with the boys and they may continue to use their own bags for the academic year.

Miss Buchanan, the Upper School form staff and myself are very proud of the sense of community and maturity the boys have demonstrated this term – giving school tours, public speaking and participating at school events such as our Good Neighbours tea party. We look forward to the coming terms and the further development of Falcons Prep Upper School.

A

Mr M Flynn Head of Upper School

long with the Upper School entrance each boy in Year 7 and 8 has been given an iPad to use in lessons and during our twice weekly ICT drop in sessions with Miss Spilsbury, our IT Operations

Engineer who works across the Alpha Plus Group.

Miss Spilsbury is able to fix any issues and also gives weekly workshops on different software programmes to help with the boys’ studies.

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

SCHOOL EVENTS

Eco-Schools Report Our new committee this year:

Y

ear 3 – Sanya and Mohammed, Year 4 - Teddy and Oliver, Year 5 - Sam, Year 7 - Reuben, Isaac and Sam, Year 8 - Jasper, Josh, Ben and Jervaan.

We have had considerable success since the Eco-school’s committee was formed a year or so ago achieving both our Bronze and Silver Ecoschool’s awards.

Our first aim last year was to complete all of the seven steps of the eco-school’s pathway https:// www.eco-schools.org.uk/primary-pathway/sevensteps/ culminating in our school eco-code:

THE FALCONS ECO–CODE

We are the first generation to realise that we are destroying the planet and the last generation who can make a difference.

Use less plastic

school grounds would not turn up very much even when taking into account the minimal ‘front garden’ with a bit of grass and a few bushes, and two pots with one plant each is not quite the Amazon Rainforest! We have pigeons fly over occasionally and I’ve seen a pair of pied wagtails on the changing room roof. BUT WE THINK WE CAN DO BETTER THAN THAT!

crates full of compost for a range of vegetables – potatoes, runner beans, carrots, parsnips, squashes? Who knows! And the potential for a house veg growing competition.

We will be taking our ideas to Miss Buchanan in the near future to get the go-ahead.

So what are our ideas?

1. The front garden – cut back the hedges (or replace with indigenous bio-diversity friendly hedges eg hawthorn), reseed the lawn area but also cut out a section for veg and a section for flowers (UK bee and butterfly friendly) 2. Vertical gardens against the playground fence

Use less paper Use less water Buy less food Less food waste Bring in reusable water bottles

4. A bit more of a punt - working with London Scottish / Richmond RFU to create an allotmentstyle ‘garden’ in an under-utilised patch of the grounds. Good community activity that would offer in so many different ways.

Pick up your rubbish Pick up plastic from the beach Turn off lights when not in use Reduce carbon emissions by travelling by school bus, bike or walking Walk or cycle often Reduce! Reuse! Recycle!

Our focus topics are:

growing herbs, flowering plants and hanging plants – attractive and sensory 3. The flat roof next to the library – hopefully 4

Biodiversity Energy

Global Citizenship Healthy Living Litter Marine School Grounds Transport Waste Water Our main focus is Energy, Litter, Transport, Waste and Water. However, we also looked at Healthy Living, Global Citizenship and touched on Marine.

We will continue to maintain our progress in these areas BUT; Now we are targeting the prestigious Green Flag Award! We are looking forward to a really exciting year, this year, by focusing on School Grounds and Bio-diversity.

Clearly a survey of the bio-diversity of the

Fingers crossed!

If anybody has any good contacts in the garden centre business to access some donations we would love to hear about it.

Finally, if you, our parents, have any ideas that you think we could action or you would like to help us with, do please, get in touch!

Mr Martin Eco-Schools Committee

5

SCHOOL EVENTS

The One Show: A modern Nativity

Boys in Year 3 and 4 have been living in the fast moving world of live TV for the past few weeks in preparation of their exciting performance of “The One Show: A modern Nativity” telling the Christmas story through the duration of a chat show.

G

uests, interviews, music and dance entertained the whole school on Friday the 6th of Decemeber in their memorable premier performance. The boys in Year 3 and 4 have worked fantastically hard and it has been a complete joy to compose original music and give Falcons Prep a unique and memorable theatrical event that is sure to keep them humming throughout the Christmas break.

There is most definitely a “New King in Town”.

6

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

SCHOOL EVENTS

Expedition Earth Visit

O

n Friday 29th November Falcons Prep were lucky enough to be visited by the Expedition Earth team who came into school to lead an assembly and explore Gunther, their powerful, globe conquering Jeep. Topher Richwhite and Bridget Thackwray have been travelling around the globe in Gunther and are halfway across their journey, having travelled from Alaska, through the Americas, onto Antarctica before making their way over to Africa and through Europe. They shared stories, videos and amazing photographs that mapped their route.

As a special treat every boy got to sit inside the Jeep and see what it would be like to be a world explorer. The school will now follow Topher and Bridget as they go through their epic journey. We will be sending good luck messages long the way! Take a look at www.expeditionearth.live and follow their incredible journey so far.

Mr C Shaw

Poetry

Competition

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of National Poetry Day, Falcons boys wrote their own poems based on this year’s theme: Truth. Each year group built their truth theme around the topic or reader studied in class.

A

s our Year 7 and 8 have been studying war poetry and Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo, our upper school boys focussed their efforts around war and produced some wonderful material. Selected boys were subsequently asked to read their work in the recent Remembrance Assembly.

They clambered out of the Trench, Started running to their demise Only remembering the lies The last remaining hope in their eyes Peter, Year 8 Mr T Westby

elow is an example of some of the exceptional and B poignant poetry our boys were able to produce.

The silhouette of bodies stained the sky A reminder of those we’d lost The sting of steel ever present The echoes of gunfire merely heard over the groans of the dying Proud men now blurs of their former beings As we walk upon fields stained by disillusioned memories It’s faded my vision tinged red as I see them My proud country has lost its value My fortress is crumbling under their reign The end has come So I shall greet it.

Caleb, Year 8.

7

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

SCHOOL EVENTS

What an amazing start to the Falcons Preparatory FEd Talks this academic year.

I

n October, we were visited by Pavita Cooper to discuss Building a Gender Inclusive World. There was a very hands-on session for our Year 7 and 8 boys before parents were invited for an evening with Pavita Cooper and friends.

In November, we had a visit from Ray Fellows and Tom O’Neill, two ex-Special Forces Soldiers, who put the boys through their paces whilst

8

showing them their expert opinion on ideas around safety and awareness.

There was also some amazing SAS kit brought in for the boys to explore, from torches to alarms. A formal meal then took place in school with our guests. Three courses, good conversation and exemplary table manners were all on show in the evening. This led us to our evening FEd Talk, led by Lt Col Charlie Antelme. A magnificent, inspirational and funny evening, which gave the boys excellent leadership tips, some life lessons and showcased the ability to keep moving forward.

Mr C Shaw

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

SCHOOL EVENTS

Richmond Good Neighbours A

nother spectacular event held at Falcons Prep this year, with more guests joining us than ever before. Our Year 4 boys sang Christmas carols, along with a few senior boys, which was a real highlight on the day for our guests. When all the carols were sung, the boys played board games, cards and dominoes, to the delight of our guests. All of our visitors then left with a beautifully presented Christmas hamper to take home with them.

Mr C Shaw

9

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

SCHOOL EVENTS

Falcons Prep Old Boys Alumni Launch

Falcons Prep Honours Ten Successful Years with Alumni

F

10

alcons Prep, Richmond, has celebrated its 10 Year Anniversary, hosting a prestigious event to launch the Falcons Prep Old Boys Alumni Club.

The leading independent school opened its doors and welcomed over 70 guests including previous pupils, parents and staff members, to mark the momentous occasion.

Returning pupils, who are currently commencing their studies at university, spoke of the further progress they have made since leaving Falcons Prep as they embark on their next academic journey, such as reading English at Oxford University, Geography at Newcastle University, Business at Durham University and Engineering at UCL. The event also saw the opening of a time capsule which had been put together by the founding boys and staff some 10 years ago. The capsule held personal mementos such as Lego, photographs and even a cricket ball! The capsule also contained letters written by the boys when they were 7 or 8 detailing what they wanted to be when

they were older – this provided much entertainment as the boys read this allowed to the audience before highlighting what they were actually going off to do!

The group of alumni were taken on a trip down memory lane as they were given a tour of the school delivered by current Year 8 pupils, enabling them the opportunity to see how the school has changed, and to view the new reception classroom and the exciting Innovation Hub. Headmistress, Miss Olivia Buchanan commented: “The school’s 10-year anniversary presented a prime opportunity to host our inaugural alumni event and launch the Falcons Prep Old Boys Alumni Club. We are an ambitious school with a strong set of values focused on providing every boy with the opportunity to reach their full potential, and it was inspiring to hear stories of what our previous pupils have achieved.”

“Many of our past students and parents still live locally in the Richmond, Chiswick, Barnes and Ealing area, enabling us to continue celebrating their successes and supporting our whole school

community closely through our alumni club.”

Tina Nagle, a Teaching Assistant who has worked at the school since it opened added: “It was delightful to welcome our first cohort of pupils back to the school for such a significant, commemorative event. After supporting the boys during their time with us and witnessing their journeys, it was exciting to hear of their accomplishments. We look forward to learning more about their further developments through the Falcons Prep Old Boys.”

Keeping the school community connected, Falcons Prep has launched an online alumni network for former pupils and staff of the school.

For more information or to join The Club please visit, www.falconsprep.co.uk/alumni/ Our next Open Morning for prospective parents will take place on Friday 6 March 2020 from 9:30 to 11:30am or you can visit the school for a personalised tour and coffee with the Headmistress.

Please call 020 8948 9490 or email registrar@falconsprep.co.uk for further information.

Mrs T Ward

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

Schools I

n the last decade, Brighton College has twice been named ‘England’s Independent School of the Year’ by The Sunday Times. A record thirdplace ranking in the newspaper’s 2020 Parent Power Schools Guide has officially made the College the UK’s highest performing co-educational school ever. brightoncollege.org.uk For our first interview of the year we are very lucky to hear from the 201617 Head Boy, Ben Smith. A gifted English student and passionate sportsman, Ben was a leading light throughout his time here at Falcons. We are delighted to hear how well he doing in his new environment at Brighton College.

1. What are your lasting memories from Falcons?

The intense football matches every breaktime in the cage, especially when the teachers got involved.

2. How did you find starting at your new school? How was settling in, making friends etc?

Brighton College definitely felt daunting and a lot bigger with nearly 200 people in my year - but I got to know the campus and the other pupils quickly and found it sociable with the help of being in my House for the most of my free time.

3. Are there any similarities between your new school and Falcons?

I was well-prepared from all the sport I played at the Falcons. We play the same main termly sports at Brighton College: Rugby, Football and then Cricket, so it was good to continue with that. However, we are offered a lot more choices of new sports to try.

SCHOOL EVENTS

Brighton College is one of the country’s leading independent schools for girls and boys aged 3-18.

The College regularly achieves the best A-level and GCSE results of any co-educational school in the UK, whilst ensuring children enjoy a wealth of extracurricular opportunities. Renowned for its focus on kindness, the College also excels in art, music, dance, drama and sporting achievements.

4. What were the new challenges you faced?

Balancing and staying on top of my schoolwork, sport, music as well as other extra-curricular activities.

5. What are the new opportunities you have?

Sport, clubs etc…

Playing sport every weekend and having the chance to play in big tournaments and going on tour to places like the South of France for rugby and Lisbon for football. Also, as my school is near the seafront in Brighton, we played beach volleyball after school last year.

7. What advice would you give to current Falcons pupils?

To appreciate, enjoy and make the most of your time at Falcons because then you can look back with lots of fond memories, especially if you get involved with as much as possible, for example, sport, drama, music, and any other activities.

6. What new skills have you had to develop?

I’ve learnt new study skills to help revising for exams and I’ve also learnt to perform under pressure not just in exams but also in music and sport.

11

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES

Year 3

Brighton Beach Trip As we boarded the mini bus we were surrounded by fog, rain and wind.

W

e were wondering why we had decided that the beach in November was a good idea. Our drive to Brighton went surprisingly quick with only the occasional ‘are we there yet?’ but as we got closer to the sea we couldn’t believe our eyes. It was glorious sunshine! We disembarked and had a play on the beach exploring the patterns we could find in nature. It was such good weather that we were

able to take off our coats! We then headed for the pier and began our landscape paintings. The boys remembered their composition lesson perfectly and produced a lovely piece. We finished off the day with a play in the amusements before saying goodbye to the sunshine and headed back to the grey of London.

Miss D Peters

Year 3

Natural History Museum On the 15th October Year 3 visited the Natural History Museum to complete our Science topic about Teeth and Healthy Eating. This time we went on the London Underground which was very exciting!

T

12

he Museum was very busy with lots of other schools visiting too but we were wearing our Falcons Tabards and we represented our school with pride. Our first visit was to the wonderful Dinosaur Gallery. We loved it! We saw so many dinosaurs – most of them were bigger than us!

Some of them moved and some of them even roared. We were looking in particular at their teeth. We were trying to recognise the incisors, canines and molars and use these to identify if the dinosaur had been

a carnivore, herbivore or omnivore.

Once we had made our decision we read the information posters to check and we were generally accurate.

We then went to an exciting workshop called ‘Cutting Edge’. We were the only class there and we had the opportunity to handle real or replica skulls. We used our detective skills once again to identify the types of teeth, leading to the types of diets but this time we also had to identify the mammal itself. Some of

the skulls were tiny but some were quite large. All of them had to be handled carefully, especially the real ones as the jaws were quite fragile.

This time we had to show the rest of the class our skull and explain our reasoning about its teeth and name.

The others had to agree or disagree with us. Once again we were mostly accurate although the pig skull surprised us all – it was huge.

On our way out of the Museum we were able to visit the Blue Gallery which had so many animals on display – including an immense blue whale. We loved our day at the Museum and many of us decided we wanted to go back again with our families.

Mrs C Cowdery

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES

Year 3

Richmond

Museum

On the 17th September Year 3 visited Richmond Museum as an introduction to our new History topic: ‘Stone Age to Iron Age.’ We were excited to go on our first trip at Falcons Prep.

W

hen we arrived at the Museum we were transported on a journey back through time. Some of us dressed up as Victorians, Tudors or Romans and eventually we ended up back in the Stone Age around 13,000BC. Next we discovered how to be archaeologists. We learnt how to carefully excavate artefacts so as not to damage them.

Our next job was to become archaeologists! Using a range of special tools including brushes and a range of trowels we excavated three separate ‘digs’ from three periods of prehistory – the Stone Age, the Bronze Age and the Iron Age. In each dig there were a variety of artefacts to be discovered and

carefully removed. Once we had safely excavated them we had to draw each one in detail and measure it. Archaeologists are also detectives so we had to follow the clues to decide which period of history had been discovered in each dig.

We were skilled archaeologists by the end of our trip and had successfully excavated and identified a range of tools, weapons and household items made from either bone, stone, bronze or iron.

It was an exciting start to our new topic and motivated us to want to learn more and more.

Mrs C Cowdery

Year 3

Science Museum On the 25th November Year 3 visited the Science Museum to explore the Wonderlab. We arrived early so we had the chance to wander the Flight Gallery first. We didn’t know where to look first – up, across or through! There were engines and wings, hot air balloons, even whole aeroplanes and helicopters. We found out about how early flight was discovered and tested. We even went inside the cockpit of a modern plane.

T

hen we went to the Wonderlab Theatre for the Wonder Show. We were amazed by all the experiments that were done right in front of us.

We saw flames that danced in time to music, chemical reactions that created glowing lights and chemical reactions that produced explosions

of foam. We learnt about matter, sound, light and forces. It was exciting and fast paced.

After that we had the opportunity to explore the Wonderlab for ourselves. We had to follow three rules: don’t run, don’t leave the Lab and don’t go on the friction slides without an adult. Apart from that we were free to explore, experiment and examine! The Lab is massive.

There were areas for sound, light, space, forces, senses, matter… the list goes on. We pushed, pulled, bounced, danced, shook, climbed, roamed, experimented, laughed, collaborated, hit, built, slid, challenged, listened, walked, looked and learnt! We had a brilliant time. We lived the Falcons Learning Habits in the Wonderlab: we were resilient, curious, reflective, independent and courageous. What an experience.

After a well-earned lunch we visited the Medicine and Bodies Gallery where we were fascinated and a bit disgusted by the models of what is inside our body before returning to school tired and happy.

Mrs C Cowdery

13

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES

Year 4

Bandai Namco This term the Year 4 boys had the wonderful opportunity to team up with our friends, gaming company Bandai Namco, to test their exciting new product, Tori!

T

he boys were treated to a gaming presentation all about Bandai Namco, their history, inspiration and future projects. They were able to ask questions to Bandai Namco’s Director of Marketing and Chief Pac-Man Officer, Lee Kirton, allowing them to gain an insight into the world of a gaming production.

Then the real fun came: testing Tori! The boys got to try out Bandai’s new interactive, educational product and learn how it helps

children to be creative and have fun through gaming.

Suffice to say, the boys had a brilliant experience! After a final game of giant PacMan it was home time, and following the trip the boys wrote a Tori Game Review, using their experience as a stimulus for some nonfiction writing in their English lessons.

Mr T Westby

Year 4

Kew Gardens T

he Year 4s were very privileged to be able to spend the day at Kew Gardens to learn about ‘Maths in Nature’. The walk started early and with much anticipation, we arrived at Kew Gardens and had some fun exploring the grounds and finding as many Chihuly sculptures as possible.

We were then introduced to our guide, who took us around the massive grounds of Kew Gardens, where we learnt how to estimate a tree’s height using special tools, estimate a tree’s age by looking at its girth (obviously we didn’t cut any down to count

14

the rings), and we even managed to orienteer ourselves around using a map and some compass skills.

After an exhausting morning, we were able to enjoy our lunches before getting to use the newly opened playground. We climbed, slid, splashed and played until we were (begrudgingly) asked for some quiet reading time under a tree which links well with our mindfulness drive at Falcons.

A fun, educational day was had by all.

Ms L Haynes

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES

Year 4

Richmond

Museum

During the Autumn term, Year 4 walked to Richmond Museum. It was a lovely walk over Richmond Common and along the river where we stopped to take some photos.

Richmond Museum is on the top floor of an old building which also houses Richmond Town Hall.

D

uring the Roman Workshop, boys dressed up in Roman costumes and learnt about the culture of ancient Rome, including how they buried their dead. We were very lucky to be able to look at what the ancient Romans ate and how they were taught in schools.

We then became archaeologists and we learnt how to carefully excavate buried artefacts using trowels and brushes. We

examined these objects using magnifying glasses and measured them using rulers.

We had a brilliant time at Richmond Museum and learnt so much about Ancient Rome. The Year 4s can’t wait to go back to learn about many other topics available at the Museum.

Ms L Haynes

Year 4

In October, Year 4 went on an Art Trip to the V&A Museum to investigate patterns. In Art the boys created their own repetitive pattern inspired by their research on Michael Craig Martin and later developed their own digital pattern.

Their trip to the V&A played an important role in helping them understand patterns and their histories.

T

he day started in the Middle East room and we looked at the tessellations in their patterns. The boys also learnt about perspective and how The Ardabil Carpet is larger on one end to ensure the pattern is ‘symmetrical’ when viewed from the other.

Then we went to see William Morris patterns and learnt about how the industrial revolution meant textiles became mass produced, much to Morris’s dismay. The boys were very impressed with the manpower it took to create Morris designs by hand.

In the afternoon we explored materials in the China gallery and learnt about the different textures, patterns, noises and appearances of different materials. This was followed by a scavenger hunt to find each material aided by a single clue. The day ended by making the Emperor gifts out of different materials including a fidget spinner, weapons and mugs.

Miss D Peters

15

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES

Year 5

Winchester Cathedral

U

pon arrival, we were greeted by the lovely education team who prepared us for the day ahead. Our tour guide, Mr Robertson, was enthusiastic and his love for the cathedral was apparent. The boys learnt about the different eras of architecture throughout the building including the different style windows and how half of the building is subsiding. We were delighted that a recital was taking place that day so our day was accompanied by the most beautiful music!

During our workshop, we explored the different styles of tiles used for the flooring and their religious

symbolism. The boys chose their favourites and then drew them to be turned into poly board tiles.

Once inked-up the tiles could then be stamped into a repetitive pattern and boys enjoyed seeing their creations come to life.

In their Art lessons the boys have been designing their buildings and looking at artists such as Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Having visited such a magnificent building with so many different styles of architecture really helped to inspire the boys and their designs.

Miss D Peters

Year 6

London Zoo

After a long week of exam preparation and interview practice, Year 6 were rewarded for their efforts with a visit to London Zoo.

T

here was immediate cause for celebration as there was a birthday amongst the ranks!

Jake O was given a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday and the merriment was palpable as the trip progressed.

Zookeeper Heather walked us through the different ways that animals have been able to adjust to their habitat during our workshop on Adaptation. There were numerous stations to explore, camels, owls, snakes and turtles to name a few.

The session disappeared in a flash and after a short stop for lunch, the group set out to visit as many enclosures as possible. The boys’ excitement rose more and more with every stop,

16

past the giraffe house, through gorilla kingdom and on to the tiger territory.

We were greeted by a tiger leaping from his perch to prowl around his enclosure. Land of the lions wasn’t to be outdone with all three lionesses basking in the early November sunshine as we arrived. This was then surpassed by the enormous male lion emerging from indoors and stalking his way around the perimeter.

Our visit concluded with some time at penguin beach where we made sure to say hello Jake’s adopted penguin Ryan. It was a wonderful day out with tales that will be shared for some time to come.

Mr M Bendelow

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES

Year 6

National Portrait Gallery Year 6 visited the National Portrait Gallery, they have been looking at portraiture in their Art lessons, so a workshop at the Gallery was a perfect inspiration for their own pieces.

W

e spent some time with our tutor Ian looking at symbolism and how the frame was as significant as the paintings themselves when it comes to telling a story. The boys designed their own symbols which would tell the viewer about who they were.

‘The Fortunate Slave’ by William Hoare and the history of the sitter Ayuba Suleiman Diallo were discussed and the significance of the Qur’an that Diallo wore around his neck which he himself wrote from memory.

The boys then enjoyed some mark making

exercises looking at communication and finally collating all they had learnt into giant group pieces. It was a fantastic day filled with a lot of different workshops, discussions and debates.

It inspired the boys to look beyond the painting and to consider how to develop their own selfportraits with symbolism and imagery.

Miss D Peters

Year 7

Year 7 visited Kew Gardens and explored patterns in Nature this term.

T

he boys spent time exploring the gardens and completing drawings to support their artwork in class.

They then took part in a workshop where they completed viewfinder drawings, sgraffito studies, wire sculptures and negative space chalk pieces.

In Art this term the Year 7 boys are looking at natural form and have produced their own viewfinder studies of fruit which have now been turned into needle feltings.

The trip to Kew Gardens helped the Year 7 boys to understand the patterns and colours found in nature.

Kew Gardens was amazing! From the Sgraffito drawings to the natural form sketches, everybody loved the trip (especially the tree top walk way). My favourite moment was when we went into the greenhouses and learnt how to sgraffito draw and explored the house.

Overall I hope we go back there. It was a great fun day and I loved every moment of it.

Miss D Peters

17

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES

Year 8

Imperial War

Museum Y

ear 8 had an amazing day at the Imperial War Museum including an unexpected demonstration with a real Falcon, well a hawk but close enough. We went to two exhibitions called ‘Art in exile’ and ‘What Remains’ which were about the destruction, restoration and evacuation of our cultural heritage. The boys were fascinated to learn that during WW2 museums and galleries were tasked with choosing which works should be evacuated and protected.

18

We learnt about why art and pieces of cultural importance were stored in mines and country estates outside of London and the different reasons why these were targets for not only WW2 but many other wars. The boys learnt a lot about how art played such a significant part in the war and conflict.

Miss D Peters

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

SPORT

St George’s Park, National Football Centre

F

or the second year running we took our U11A and 1st XI squads to St George’s Park, home to Englands football teams. This was the first year the boys played on the David Beckham pitch, the exact dimensions of Wembley Stadium.

The groups spent two days living out their dreams, playing on the same turf as Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling and Trent Alexander-Arnold as well as preparing in the same changing rooms as their idols.

Mr C Shaw

Football Season

Broomfield House Swimming Gala

W

ell done to all the boys from Year 3 to Year 8 who took part in football matches this term. The senior boys have had successful fixtures against Tower House, Newland House, Arnold House and Fulham Prep. Their gutsy, tireless performances have been a real highlight this season and set the standard for the rest of the school.

Boys in Years 3, 4 and 5 played out some fantastic matches against a number of schools with goals galore! Well done to the U11 sides who played in the Royal Russell and Surrey Cup Tournaments this season.

A great standard played with huge developments made throughout the season.

W

ell done to all the boys that took part in the Broomfield House Swimming Gala in November. Returning as runners up from the year before was a nice feeling for the boys who performed well to finish in third place. A fantastic effort and a nice moment to share with the Falcons Girls School.

19

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

HOUSES

House Competitions This term the Houses have been working hard to achieve their very best. The pupils have participated in a number of different events to earn points for their house. These include the House Writing Competition, House Cup Stacking, the House Bake Off and a whole array of sporting events.

Teddington were also crowned the Autumn Term Winners, and enjoyed a tremendous ‘Pizza Party’ to celebrate their success. Keep up the good work boys!

Vegetable growing T

his year’s House Competitions started the term with the House Vegetable Growing Competition. We had so many fantastic entries with little diaries and logs of the step by step process of the boys tending to their crops.

Congratulations to the winner of this year’s event, Monty A (Sunbury) who made a fantastic diary of his vegetables journey.

Harvest Bake off

T

he Harvest Bake off was the best yet this year, with a new set up, of all four houses competing in the same room to complete the best harvest loaf they could make. The Year 7 and 8 boys took charge of their house, guiding the different age groups to create the finished products.

Congratulations to Richmond, the winning house who donated their loaf to the Church during Harvest.

20

Public Speaking

T

he Public Speaking competition had record entries this year! The boys had an official audition in their house meetings, and the 4 finalists competed in the Grand Final on the last day of the half term. They spoke convincingly about all sorts of things including electric cars, dogs and Greta Thunberg. Congratulations to the winner, Sebastian B (Molesey) on his ideas regarding Brexit.

Miss S Wyatt

HOUSES

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

House Football Winners Year 3 – Sunbury Year 4 – Teddington Year 5 – Teddington Year 6 – Richmond

Christmas Card Making A

new house competition this year, and a popular one too! Over 50 entries! Congratulations to Alex V (Teddington) who won the competition alongside the runners up, Maximo S (Richmond) and Will P (Molesey).

Years 7 & 8 – Richmond

Teddington House Bowling Trip C

ongratulations to Teddington on a fantastic merit scoring year last year. They celebrated their House Cup win with a House Bowling Trip. Congratulations on a fabulous 2018-2019 year!

Spring Term Events • House Bake Off (Recipe) Competition • House Writing competition • House Cup Stacking Competition • House Rugby Competition

21

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

PA NEWS

Message from Falcons Prep Parents’ Association W

e have enjoyed another busy start to a new school year and thrilled to welcome new members to our Parents’ Association team from across each of the school years. Thanks again to everyone for giving their valuable time and ideas and of course for your seemingly never-ending energy supplies to manage and support the various activities.

As many of you already know, the PA work to support the school across various charity and community efforts and convey to our boys the importance of giving to those less fortunate. We also create and manage a number of seasonal social events through the year bringing parents together and of course the fun events for our boys. As ever, we have an action-packed year to look forward to.

We have started the new school year after the significant celebrations to mark 10 years of Falcons Prep. This included the record-breaking 12 months of charity fund-raising with our boys, parents, staff, family and friends of Falcons breaking through the £100k cumulative 10 Year total! The final funds achieving an astonishing £103,909.45! An incredible achievement we can all be proud of.

There is always a door open to more PA members joining us whether on individual projects or events so please do get in touch if you have any spare time or indeed ideas for future events.

We would just like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you in 2020!

Best wishes

Falcons Prep PA Calendar We were delighted to arrange with the school the following events this year and please note the dates for events 2020 (with the Summer Term events due to be confirmed in the New Year):

AUTUMN TERM 2020

Friday 29th Nov

Friday 29th Nov

Wednesday 11th Dec

YEAR 5 Baking/Donating

FALCONS PA CHRISTMAS PARTY Revolution Richmond

CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGING RICHMOND STATION For Skylarks Charity

Thursday 12th Dec

Judith & Sally

BAKE SALE

CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY FOR SKYLARKS BEAUTY & THE BEAST PERFORMANCE

Judith le Fleming, Thursday 12th Dec

Chair, Judith Le Fleming, judith.lefleming@iprlicensing.co.uk Deputy Chair, Sally Ricketts, smjtaylor@hotmail.com Treasurer, Anna Harrisson

In School for Years 3, 4, 5 & 6

Movie Afternoon For Years 7 & 8

SPRING TERM 2020 PA CLASS REPS

22

Kate Wray, Year 3

Mihaela Wiseman, Year 6

Sandra Ekrami Year 3

Rosie Orringe, Year 6

Nikol Athousak Year 3

Melissa Appleton, Year 6

Christie Wright, Year 4

Nicola Dawson, Year 7

Luli Bloomfield, Year 4

Rebecca Towlerton, Year 8

Sonya Abraham, Year 5

Lucy Hockey, Year 8

Lara Jackson, Year 5

Leah Studer, 8G

CALABASH CHARITY – UPDATE ON FUNDS RAISED 2019

Friday 14th February

Valentine Bake Sale YEAR 3 & 4 Baking/Donating

FALCONS PA Friday 6th March

QUIZ NIGHT Dukes Meadows

Tuesday 24th March

Friday 1st May

EASTER BUNNY VISITS FALCONS MAY BAKE SALE Year 6 & Year 8

Summer Term 2020 Events Schedule will be shared soon.

F

alcons completed a second year supporting the Calabash Trust, helping underprivileged communities in the Port Elizabeth area of South Africa.

Falcons teams up each year with Reed’s School on this clean water initiative and our boys raised an impressive £487 from this single initiative!

Well done boys.

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

PA NEWS

We are delighted to continue our involvement with Skylarks charity.

S

kylarks, founded in 2006, is based in St Margarets Twickenham, and operates as a drop-in centre with kids play sessions, music therapy, drama, sensory group sessions and lots more for disabled young children and those with additional needs.

They also provide invaluable support to parents too. There’s nothing under one roof quite like Skylarks out there. www.skylarks.charity

Last year, Falcons Prep raised £10,500 and this has already made a huge difference to Skylarks. We are excited to continue our support and build the relationship through to 2020.

We thought to share examples of how Falcons funds have been spent so far - the following provides various examples:

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION

ACTIVITY

£50

A month’s supply of snacks and drinks for the drop-in centre

£100

3 Relax and Recharge sessions for Parents & Carers

£500

Cycling Course for 9 children

£1000

1:1 Yoga Course for 8 Children

£2000

1 year of Drama Classes

£3000

4 Hydrotherapy Courses for 24 Children

Beauty and the Beast F

alcons PA was thrilled to provide funds and invite Liz Mance Productions to come into school on 12th December and perform the panto production of Beauty and the Beast for our Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 boys.

A message from Skylarks Patron, Sally Phillips hank you so much to all the Falcons boys, staff, parents and their families and friends for all your fund-raising efforts so far.

It means such a lot to all of us at Skylarks to have your incredible support.

T

23

| Issue 4 | Autumn 2019

PA NEWS

FALCONS PARENTS PARTY TIME!

A5-Christmas_Invite_p3a.pdf

A

01/10/2019

12:00

FALCONS PREP PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Touch of Sparkle… and plenty of festive cheer to kick off the Christmas season.

The annual Christmas get together was another huge success.

1

K

FRIDAY 29TH NOVEMBER 7.30pm ’til late!

REVOLUTION BAR Riverfront Richmond Whittaker Ave, TW9 1EH (upstairs private bar) Welcome Drink Festive Buffet Dancing Dress Code: Touch of Sparkle

Tickets: £25 each AVAILABLE ONLINE WWW.FALCONSPA.ORG

24