Upton Update Summer 2019

Upton

Update

Summer 19

SPECIAL FEATURES Technology for The Future | Value of Drama | Little Upton 48 weeks UPTONHOUSE.ORG.UK | @UPTONHOUSESCH

As we look to the future at Upton our success for each pupil, whether girl or boy, is at the forefront of our minds. @UptonHead

Special Feature Little Upton open 48 weeks a year

Little Upton is now open during the holidays

@UptonPreNursery

Rhian Thornton Headmistress

@UptonNursery

Welcome from Mrs Thornton Performing, Success, Freedom and the Future It’s Show Time! Upton certainly knows how to put on a performance. Aladdin epitomised the Upton spirit. The most incredible show, transporting us back to Agrabah, with the fabulous cast from Form 2 upwards. Singing, dancing and performing are at the heart of Upton Life.

Success – scholarships, senior school offers and sport. So much to celebrate! We had eight scholarships offered this year from a class of sixteen pupils and 94% success with senior school offers.

Well done Form 6.

Our sporting success goes from strength to strength. Girls’ cricket has been incredibly popular this term as a new addition. We were delighted to win our first cricket tournament of the term held at the York Club. We look forward to holding sporting events at the York Club next year, starting with a highly competitive staff v parents cricket match in September!

Keeping with the outdoor theme, Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Pre-Prep throw themselves into outdoor Upton life. Seeing the world through their eyes inspires us daily.

The future always brings change, and Mr Jonathan Story moves on this year as Chair of Council. He has been an inspirational Chair and a much loved and humble contributor to Upton life. We thank Mr Story for all his hard work, commitment and dedication. We welcome Mrs Barker as our new Chair of Council, experienced, wise and a pleasure to work with.

With our Nursery and Transition classes full and thriving with boys and girls, we look forward to those children moving through the school and celebrating their successes in the years ahead. Our ‘Drop in the Ocean’ initiative highlights our focus on our future, the world and our planet.

In the 75th anniversary year of the D-Day landings Upton thanks those who took part and those who gave their lives on that day.

The Form 6 girls laid a living rose wreath on the Menin Gate in May in honour of all those who lost their lives in World War One. Without their bravery we would not have a future. For us they gave their futures.

I wish you all a wonderful summer holiday.

Kind regards, Rhian Thornton

The introduction this year of our 48-week provision of extended hours for our Pre-Nursery and Nursery children has proved popular and has been enormously beneficial to working parents as well as hugely enjoyable for the children.

The flexibility of signing up in advance for single days or whole weeks when a little help has been needed has also been popular. Up to 48 weeks a year are available; parents may, however, choose as much or as little provision as they require.

Parents may select up to 48 weeks a year of their choice Only one week’s notice is required

The children have enjoyed activities such as cookery, parachute games, music and movement, cultural stories and the opportunity to explore more of the school, such as weekly trips to the library.

Little Upton children have access to the whole school environment, benefitting from activities in the hall, drama studio, music room, as well as the netball court, pirate ship and garden areas. The extended hours provision is organised by Mrs Zainab Adnan, our Pre-Nursery Co-ordinator and is assisted by Mrs Lucia Oliver and Mrs Denita Todd.

Mrs Sue Bish Head of Early Years

As we look to the future at Upton our success for each pupil, whether girl or boy, is at the forefront of our minds. The mutual life skills needed by girls and boys underpin all we do.

Resilience, knowledge, confidence, creative thinking, innovation, empathy and leadership.

Welcome from Mrs Thornton

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Special feature - Little Upton open 48 weeks a year 3

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Music at Upton

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Fond Farewells

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Computing and Technology

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Trips this Term

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WELCOME

Drama at Upton

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Showtime 2019

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Sports at Upton

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PTA News

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Future Events - Autumn Term

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Flexible days are available during holiday periods

SPECIAL FEATURE

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Music at Upton

Computing and Technology

News from Classes

@UptonMusic

@UptonComputing

Future-Proofing Our Children’s Skills Did you know...

78% of children in Form 2–6 at Upton House have individual music lessons

The Fourth Industrial Revolution has arrived and a new world of work is emerging for our children.

Fond Farewells This term we waved goodbye to our class of 2019 and looked back at all they have achieved during their time at Upton House. Our Form 6 leavers have been offered places at exceptional senior schools including The Abbey, St George’s Ascot, Lady Eleanor Holles, Sir William Perkins’s, St George’s Weybridge, Luckley House, The Marist, Wellington College, Kendrick Grammar and Heathfield.

Many of the girls have been with us since Nursery or Transition and it has been a pleasure to watch their Upton journeys. They have flourished into confident and capable young ladies. Their academic results have been remarkable and we are confident in their continued success as they move on to an impressive set of senior schools.

Farewell Form 6!

Upton children benefit from computing skills from the earliest age – in Nursery we have BeeBots and directional caterpillars, while touch screen programs on whiteboards grace every year group classroom.

Marcia Strong Head of Computing and Media

have gained Distinction in music examinations since last summer

MUSIC | NEWS FROM CLASSES

We do this by nurturing essential skills such as curiosity, problem -solving, critical thinking, collaboration, resourcefulness and resilience – by continually investing in and delivering invigorating IT, and ensuring its part in an absorbing, all-encompassing curriculum. Engagement levels are high, with a myriad of self-led learning opportunities as pupils eagerly research, document and record their work on a daily basis.

“Our pupils in Forms 3-6 readily embrace coding and robotics, Microsoft packages, databases and digital music and film making. Our wonderful green screen, Media Studies and new banks of iPads are invaluable as we continue to provide strong, foundational learning to prepare Upton children for a world where they will be working digitally, flexibly and collaboratively. Global technology has indeed arrived and the classrooms of tomorrow are very much here today at Upton!”

42%

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Here at Upton we continue to lead the way with a significant and ongoing investment in technology, and a commitment to embracing the need for change in the way our children learn and develop. While core subjects continue to be key, it is essential we equip our pupils to face the challenges of today’s fast-paced generation and an ever more fluid workplace of the future – creating adaptable, independent thinkers with a lifelong thirst for and love of learning.

of Form 6 students over the past 3 years have achieved scholarships to their chosen Senior School

of Form 2 boys over the past 3 years have achieved academic scholarships to their next school

offer rate across all assessments sat to chosen seniors chools

scholarships from a class of 16 students in 2018/19

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COMPUTING

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Trips this Term

Trips this Term

@UptonTrips

@UptonTrips

Trips away from the school site are a vital part of education at Upton House. Children develop their understanding of the world around them and learn critical life skills such as teamwork, resilience, communication and courage.

Form 4 Courage at Liddington Form 2 Discover the London Wetlands Transition’s magical day at Hobbledown Transition had a magical day out in the sunshine exploring the enchanted grounds of Hobbledown Farm. On our adventures we came across otters, meerkats, wallabies, camels and piglets who were all enjoying the sunshine as much as us. After lunch we all made some ‘glime’, a pot of bright green or pink slime that we could bring home with us, and then we ended our day with fun on the bouncy pillows after a quick hunt for crystallite in the Hobbledown mine.

A fabulous day out!

Mrs Broad and Miss Shaw

Form 1 Animal encounters at Marwell Zoo

We saw otters at the London Wetlands and they were good swimmers. We went pond dipping and saw diving beetles. We saw water snails and lots of ducks and birds. In the activity room we saw some chicks and a nest with some eggs that were hatching. I had so much fun at the Wetlands.

- Amrit, Form 2P

Form 3 Wildlife at Waltham Place Farm We learnt about so many different animals at the farm. It was fun feeding the pigs and collecting the insects on our mini-beast hunt. I found out about the different types of chicken and we picked up their colourful feathers. We even built our own bird nests using leaves, twigs and sticks.

There were so many exciting activities at PGL. In raft building we had to work as a team, supporting each other all the way. We shared our ideas and tried not to fall in. The climbing wall was tall and scary but also good fun. There was a Jacob’s Ladder, a sensory trail, and abseiling which I loved.

I am proud and happy that I achieved so much on this trip. It was more fun than I ever imagined.

- Marina, Form 4

Form 5 Beaudesert Adventures We learnt so much on our camping trip. We faced arduous challenges but had plenty of fun.

We all achieved things we’d never done before like abseiling, canoeing and putting up tents.

The adventure track was a great opportunity to explore nature and learn how to find our own way using a map. There is surely nowhere greener than Beaudesert! ” - Lynn, Form 5S

Form 6 Vive la France!

Form 6 went on a trip to France for 5 days and it was such great fun! One of my favourite days out was exploring Ypres with my friends. At the Menin Gate I was surprised to see nine soldiers with my surname and I was very honoured to lay a wreath in memory.

I learnt so much French on this trip as well as information about WW1 in the Flanders Field Museum. Most importantly I spent time with my friends and got to know them even better.

- Ava, Form 6

- Martha, Form 3

I saw a cool penguin. I saw an egg in the penguin pool. I liked the snake neck turtle. It has a long neck to catch insects or meat. My favourite animal was a penguin and the raccoon had a black and white tail. This trip was the best one in the whole wide world!

- Rupert, Form 1M 6

TRIPS THIS TERM

TRIPS THIS TERM

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Drama at Upton

Showtime 2019

@UptonDramaDept

@UptonDramaDept

Teaching Life Skills through Drama Here at Upton, drama plays an important role in our students’ journey throughout their school life.

There are many vital life skills that drama offers. We believe these skills are so crucial that, unlike other schools, drama and LAMDA preparation form part of our weekly timetable for all year groups.

Drama begins in Pre-Nursery with ‘Story Sack’ acting. Little Upton and Transition benefit from many performances on stage in front of staff and parents and these continue into Pre-Prep and Prep.

Confidence - Drama allows children safe space in which to use their imagination and creativity, but also the opportunity to increase their confidence. No matter the age of the child, they all love the freedom to be able to express themselves during their lessons. The confidence they gain during their time at Upton will prove to be invaluable in their later life, whether it be at a new school, university, an interview, board meeting or space mission!

Drama starts early at Upton

Aladdin Production 2019 This term we have been incredibly busy putting together our spectacular summer production of Aladdin and we were so excited to perform for you all at Agrabah!

It has been wonderful to see how each year group has grown in both performance skill and confidence and we were all blown away by the talent on our stage. We are so incredibly proud of all our pupils and we hope that they will have wonderful lasting memories of performing ‘Aladdin’. Further photos will shortly be available on Twitter @UptonDramaDept, Facebook and Instagram. #UptonAladdin2019

Imagination & Creativity - Drama offers our pupils the chance to share their wonderful imaginations and cultivate their creative side. It is extremely important that every child feels that their ideas can be heard but also be seen by bringing them to life through drama. We develop stories and characters through the creative use of improvisation, puppetry, comedy, poetry and musical theatre (amongst many more!).

Teamwork & Collaboration - Working creatively with others is an extremely important skill that we try to develop within our students. We want them to have the confidence to share their ideas and listen to other people’s ideas and learn how to offer positive feedback to each other. Being able to work in a team is a skill that can be applied to many other areas of not only their school life, but also their lives as they grow older.

Mental Health & Wellbeing - Performing is such a joy for everyone involved, whether you’re an audience member or the performer.

Most drama lessons begin with some sort of mindfulness exercise to focus our creative energy. It is important that our students have the chance to freely express who they are in drama and release those happy hormones!

Miss Duncan, Head of Drama

Drama Examination Results

100%

LAMDA* examination pass rate *London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art 2018/19

64%

Distinction Spring 2019 8

DRAMA AT UPTON

11%

of pupils achieved 100% DRAMA AT UPTON

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Sports at Upton

Sports at Upton

@UptonSports

@UptonSports

New Sports Training Ground: The York Club

Nursery and Pre-Nursery Sports Day

This fabulous facility is located 5 minutes from school in Windsor Great Park and is an ideal location for rugby, football, cricket, rounders and lacrosse. An exciting opening event will be held here for all Upton families on:

Little Upton athletes There was a spirit of great determination and resilience at the Nursery and Pre-Nursery Sports Days this year. The children gave it their all and were cheered on, thanks to all the parents.

Friday 27th September 6-8pm.

Save the date!

Sports Day 2019 Sports day was a triumph for for St George this year who regained the cup from St Christopher.

All the children competed for their houses in running, jumping and throwing events and many records were broken once again.

The team spirit was fantastic and energy levels and enthusiasm remarkable. Sport continues to be celebrated at Upton and goes from strength to strength.

Introducing Ms Walsh, Head of Sport Ms Walsh joined the Upton Sports team in 2017 and has recently taken the role of Head of Sport. Our Form 6 Heads of Sport Alice, Ece and Lois were keen to interview her and find out all they could!

How did you become interested in sport?

I have always loved sport but was inspired by an amazing sports teacher at school called Mrs Milton. She motivated me and her lessons were such great fun that I decided that I wanted to be like her and inspire others.

Who is your Role Model?

Tracy Neville, Head Coach of the England Netball team. I was on a netball coaching course with her recently which was amazing.

She is an incredible, empowering woman.

What is your favourite sport?

That would have to be netball. It’s such an exciting game, fast-moving and always changing. I was introduced to it at a young age and started playing for a club outside of school when I was in Year 3.

What to you love most about Upton?

The children are the best! I love the Upton ethos of hard work but kindness, manners and good behaviour. You really don’t see that in all schools. The emphasis on sport at Upton is great to be part of.

What other sports do you play?

I also love rowing, rugby and cricket. I used to play rugby for Windsor Rugby Club Dames but I did end up with a lot of bruises! Cricket is also a special passion of mine and I am a level 2 UKCC cricket coach.

What is your best sporting achievement?

Probably getting into the GB Rowing Team age 17 and training for London 2012 Olympics. I trained in Oxford and Manchester before going to university.

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SPORTS AT UPTON

What are your plans for sport at Upton?

There are so many exciting plans! When boys join our Prep department there will be an even more expansive sports programme. We plan to hold cricket and rugby festivals and host more tournaments. I would also like to see Upton entering teams into many more IAPS/National events for boys and girls.

The York Club in Windsor Great Park is our exciting new training ground which offers amazing facilities for us and so much space.

SPORTS AT UPTON

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PTA News @UptonPTA

Open Air Cinema Come rain or shine Upton parents and children know how to have fun together!

In May the PTA organised a wonderful open-air cinema event for an evening showing of Mamma Mia 2. The school grounds were full of picnic rugs, hampers, a few umbrellas and some delicious pizza.

Our thanks to all involved in organising and running this popular family event.

Thank you to our PTA! We would like to express our sincere thanks to Mr and Mrs Maskell-Smith who stand down this year in their role as Co-chairs of the PTA. Their commitment over 3 years has been outstanding, organising many successful events for the school and bringing a refreshing new approach to many of our PTA fund-raising activities. They now hand over to the very dedicated Miss Young and Mr Yeomans.

The PTA is a great chance to get involved in the school events and meet new families. All help is very welcome so please do get in touch with Sam or your Class Rep if you would like to get involved in any of our events. Thank you to all our parents involved with our wonderful PTA.

Upton Rocks!

The Upton Rocks family festival was a gathering full of fabulous Upton spirit.

Held in our school grounds, this was an opportunity for families and staff to enjoy time relaxing together. What a wonderful year we’ve had at Upton. The festival was a chance to celebrate with music, dancing, food and family festivities!

OPEN MORNING

Wednesday 16th October - Tours start 9.30am - 11am

Come and meet staff and see classes in action.

UPTONHOUSE.ORG.UK | 01753 862610

Future Events - Autumn Term Prize Day - Thursday 11th July 10am Pre-Prep and Transition and 3pm Prep

Harvest Festival - Friday 11th October 9.15am at Holy Trinity and Garrison Church

Summer Term Ends - Friday 12th July 12 noon

Open Morning - Wednesday 16th October 9.30 – 11.30am

Autumn Term Begins - Tuesday 10th September

Nativity Performances - Friday 6th December - Nursery - 9.30am - Transition - 11am - Pre-Prep - 2.15pm Term Ends - Friday 13th December 12 noon

York Club Family Sports Event - Friday 27th September 6-8pm at The York Club Half Term - Monday 21st October to Friday 1st November

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PTA NEWS