Upton Update Summer 2018

Upton Update Summer 2018

Termly update for parents of Upton House School

Nursery Benefits at Upton House School

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he beauty of being in Nursery at Upton House School, is evident in the title.

We are a school. An inspiring and wonderful, high achieving learning environment. The children are very much part of our school. This allows them a full school experience. They join us for assembly in the mornings, they eat daily in the school dining hall, they enjoy P.E. in the school hall and the size does not daunt them one bit. They are used to it and become confident in a whole school setting and environment.

Welcome from Mrs Thornton

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hat a busy term! The Royal theme could not be ignored as we relished being involved in the Royal Wedding celebrations, watched the Order of the Garter ceremony and waved to the Queen and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their way to Ascot. The Upton boys dipped their caps and were met with huge smiles from the Queen. Much fun! We are privileged to be a town school right in the heart of Windsor.

As a working Mum of three, I went back to work when my children were They watch closely and learn from young, and I have much experience the older children. The older girls of Nursery provision. To be part of and boys interact and support an Independent school setting at them. Our Little Upton Nursery two or three years of age is a huge children are very used to being privilege with so many benefits. with the older children. They are The children move smoothly into comfortable in their presence Transition with friends, comfortable and have fun with them. Children in their surroundings and knowing learn from those around them and the teachers well. It is not a daunting are pulled forward and scary start to ‘big’ educationally and No tears on day one school, it is a natural socially by the as they start their new and normal transition outstanding role at Upton. No tears on models around them school, just smiles and day one as they start happiness as they run their new school, just at Upton. confidently through smiles and happiness Expectations are as they run confidently the UHS gate high in our Nursery through the UHS gate as the children see what the older on that first morning in Transition, pupils can do, and seek to emulate. knowing the school well and the The children see the boys and girls exciting day that lies ahead. singing and performing and feel that is the norm. Why would you not get The difference is immense in up on stage and sing! The Nursery terms of progress, love of learning, children are exposed to spectacular self-confidence and experiences. productions such as The Lion A knowledge and true understanding King, Alice in Wonderland and this of phonics and how words are formed year Beauty and the Beast. They and read comes from such a setting. themselves participate in so many I hear and see the Nursery children special events. having so much fun each day. Fun in an inspiring and exciting setting.

As part of a thriving Independent school our Little Upton Nursery Being in Nursery at UHS comes children benefit from subject with so many wonderful advantages. specialist teachers; Mr Milner for We look forward to sharing them Music, Mrs Ramm for Mandarin, with you.

Miss Corless for sport, Miss Mrs Rhian Thornton, Headmistress Hoskins for ballet and many more.

Alongside the celebrations, the children are to be congratulated on their hard work, successes and many achievements this term. Our sporting wins have grown considerably, much cause for celebration. Swimming, netball, hockey, biathlons – a very successful sporting term. The Pre-Nursery and Nursery Sports day was fabulous. Well done to all our Pre-Nursery and Nursery children.

Musical soirée’s, class assemblies and the incredible Beauty and the Beast have filled Upton with song throughout the term.

Form 6 will join a group of outstanding Senior schools in September and we celebrate everything the girls have accomplished in their time with us. They will be missed but they leave us as wonderful young ladies, confident and ready for the next chapter in their education.

Form 2 boys are a credit to Upton and will also be missed.

They have achieved scholarships and successes to be admired and applauded. Well done boys.

Speech Day will be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the last year, my second at Upton, and also to look ahead at the future. We do not stand still here at Upton.

We treasure our strong values, and carefully blend the traditional with the innovative and modern. I do hope you enjoy our Summer Term Update.

Wishing you all a wonderful summer.

Mrs Rhian Thornton, Headmistress

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The children’s experiences are broad and enriched by being active and cherished members of a whole school community. Little Upton Nursery children are able to make full use of our wonderful school facilities such as the hall and gym apparatus for PE, our dance studio for music and movement and ballet, our playgrounds and wonderful outdoor grounds. We are proud of the provision for them and they flourish as a result.

Upton Update - Summer 2018

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Little Upton Stories PRE-NURSERY AND NURSERY LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM IN EARLY YEARS All aspects of the curriculum can be explored outside. The sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors, the closeness to nature, the excitement most children feel, like wonder and curiosity all serve to enhance and stimulate learning.

Learning outside promotes discovery and independence.

It also supports young children’s basic need for well being and involvement.

Their urge to explore and make sense of the world is developed through high quality play in an outdoor environment.

This term the children in Nursery have been busy planting and growing their vegetables. We are growing a great selection of vegetables including potatoes, runner beans and carrots ready to harvest and eat later in the year.

We discovered that our caterpillars formed into glittering chrysalises and after 8 days patiently waiting they became beautiful butterflies.

We released them with great care into the Nursery garden and were pleased to

NURSERY’S AMAZING ASTRONAUT TRAINING! The children in Nursery loved learning all about space. Astronaut Commander Hadfield who is now back on earth after three space flights, taught us what life is like without gravity and how to brush our teeth in space.

Understanding the world around us is an important part of the Early Years curriculum and PreNursery children embraced this with interest and a great sense of fun. We made our own pizza, played with noodles and sang songs from around the world.

NURSERY PEDAL PUSH A fantastic £935.55 was raised for Upton’s annual pedal push in aid of Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice. Well done everyone and thank you for your support towards this fabulous charity.

PRE-NURSERY GO INTERNATIONAL Children in Pre-Nursery had great fun this term learning all about foods from around the world and then tasting them!

Transition Stories

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In ‘Little Upton’ Nursery we know that nature provides endless variety, multi-sensory stimulation, physical and cognitive challenge and opportunities for problem solving as well as physical and mental health benefits.

Outdoor learning enhances the development of children’s brains, making them more adaptable and resilient as they grow, fostering challenge and a thirst for adventure!

Sue Bish

”

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see them settling on to our very own Bug Hotel!

Mrs Sue Bish

EXPLORING OUTSIDE Transition have been learning all about mini-beasts in their project this term… and eating them! We have a great sense of adventure in Transition and we now love all things creepy and crawly.

Upton Royal Wedding Celebration Day

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n Friday 4th May, Upton House held a Royal Wedding celebration day for all children and staff. The school was beautifully decorated and a range of activities was planned throughout the day.

Children from Pre-Nursery to Form 6 took part in a Guinness World Record attempt with Busy Buttons Creative Studio, to help make the World’s longest folded wedding card for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It is hoped that all the cards, when pieced together from across Windsor will be over 1 mile long and will be gifted to the Royal Couple for their wedding.

Children and staff enjoyed dressing up in delightful Royal costumes to celebrate the occasion. A Royal picnic was held on the school lawn and children pedalled fast on a fabulous ‘smoothie bike’ to make their own red, white and blue smoothies!

“It has been a delightful day here at Upton House School. We are proud of our royal connections and wish Harry and Meghan all the best for their future together.”

Mrs Rhian Thornton, Headmistress

BUNTING FOR THE ROYAL COUPLE Pre-prep and Prep children were delighted to visit the Long Walk, the day before the Royal Wedding to see the school bunting designed for the royal couple. The bunting was organised by BBC Radio Berkshire and Upton’s beautiful designs were proudly displayed along the barriers of the Long Walk to decorate Harry and Meghan’s carriage journey together.

The children experienced media relations first hand as many children were interviewed for TV, Radio and photographed for newspaper coverage. What a wonderful experience!

A VERY SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM MEGHAN AND HARRY We were delighted to receive a special thank you message from Meghan and Harry for all the children who had designed the bunting. Congratulations everyone!

“We are incredibly grateful to all of those who made the Long walk look so beautiful on Saturday. The entire world got to see Windsor at its best and it is great to know that it was a community effort that made it happen.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

We have written our own versions of ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’, been on mini-beast hunts in the garden, counted all their legs and even tasted some mealworms and crickets.

How delicious! In art we created some lovely tissue paper insects inspired by the work of author and illustrator, Eric Carle.

Upton Update - Summer 2018

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Little Upton Sports Day

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re-Nursery and Nursery children demonstrated their great agility and determination at their Sports days this term.

Balance and co-ordination as well as strength and stamina were all demonstrated to loud applause from parents and staff.

Sport is highly valued amongst the Early Years team at Little Upton as children acquire skills such as selfesteem, resilience, problem solving and confidence as well the benefit of developing muscle movements and overall fitness. Nursery entertained us with the ‘Space Race Olympics’ and Pre-Nursery held an impressive array of agility course activities and races.

The children were fantastic. Thank you to Form 6 for your help and encouragement on the day.

Serious about Sport & Sporting Success

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pton House are delighted to have been awarded the Youth Sports Trust Gold Quality Mark for commitment to Physical Education and sport at school. The Youth Sports Trust is a national charity that builds a brighter future for young people through the power of sport. The trust visited Upton House and spent time with sports staff in order to validate the review of sports provision for all ages.

The GOLD Quality Mark recognises the efforts and achievements in sport provision and in raising achievements throughout the school.

Alison Oliver, Chief Executive at the Youth Sports Trust, said: “Congratulations to Upton House School for achieving the Youth Sport Trust GOLD Quality Mark.

Schools which achieve the Quality Mark, share our belief in the value of high quality PE and sport and the positive impact it has on young people’s journey through education.”

SPORTS DAY Sports day was a tremendous success this year and some outstanding sporting achievements were made. Boys and Girls aged 4-11 were able to compete in running, hurdles and relay races on a superb 8 lane 400m track at the Thames Valley Athletic Centre.

Specialist provision was made for javelin, discus and shot put as well as high jump and long jump.

Records broken included Keira Brooke 14.90m for discus, Eden Brooke 12.10m for javelin and Isabelle Moore equalled the time of the current 600m record of 2.32min. Congratulations to St Christopher house, who won the day! Great celebrations!

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Upton Update - Summer 2018

SPORTS FIXTURES SUMMER TERM We have enjoyed a wonderful selection of sporting successes this term in Hockey, Netball, Biathlon, Cross country, Swimming and Football.

Highlights include...

Form 3, 4, 5 and 6 girls competed in the Marist biathlon in May. They all performed well with a smashing performance by Kate Nicholas in Form 3 achieving 4th place out of 50. Form 5 achieved 2nd team place and Form 3 gained 4th team place.

In the Marist Cross Country event in March, Keira Brooke came 2nd, Eden Brooke 4th and Erin Redmond 6th out of 43.

Form 4 played hockey against The Marist and won 3 out of 4 matches in an exciting afternoon of games.

Form 2 participated in a summer sports event at Papplewick and enjoyed an afternoon of cricket, running, high jumping and tennis.

Form 4 won all three netball matches at Coworth Flexlands.

Form 3 won all three hockey matches at Marist School and won both netball matches at Coworth Flexlands.

Forms 3, 4, 5 and 6 gave excellent performances across all year groups in the swimming gala at Marist School.

Form 5 won rounders and Form 6 were narrowly defeated in rounders against Marist.

“

We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the GOLD quality Mark from the Youth Sport Trust. Upton House is committed to excellent sports provision throughout the school and we see on a regular basis the benefit this offers in all our children. In addition to the health and fitness advantages it is a pleasure to observe the development of qualities such as teamwork, communication, resilience and empathy.

Well done Upton House Sports department!

Mrs Rhian Thornton

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Farewell…

Trips - Learning Outside the Classroom

FAREWELL FORM 2 BOYS At this time of the year it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our Form 2 boys. All our boys have made fantastic academic progress with us at Upton as well as some considerable achievements in sport, drama and music. We are incredibly proud of all that they have experienced and achieved with us. As a result, they have all been awarded places at excellent Prep schools in the local area and they are now ready and prepared for their next adventure and the challenges that lie ahead of them. We wish them all the very best of luck for the future and hope that they will always feel welcome to come back and visit us whenever they have the opportunity. Congratulations boys!

Mr Craig McEvoy

TRANSITION HOBBLEDOWN FARM Transition had a magical time at Hobbledown farm. They listened to a story about the magical fairies and naughty Skibbler’s that live on the farm and helped hunt for crystals in the mine. We visited many animals and got to stroke the second softest breed of rabbit in the world!

FORM 1 MARWELL ZOO Form 1 had a ‘marwellous’ time at Marwell Zoo, just outside Twyford. We were blessed with good weather and had the opportunity to see zebras, giraffes, rhinos, flamingos, leopards, ostriches and a tiger; ... very close up. At one point we thought the giraffe might actually try to eat the sandwiches in our backpacks! After a short lesson all about vertebrates in the zoo school, we had the opportunity to stroke a python and rat! It was a really enjoyable day and we had tremendous fun meeting so many different animal species in the flesh.

FAREWELL FORM 6 This year our Form 6 girls have been offered Senior School places at some excellent schools with whom we have strong links such as Wellington College, Lady Eleanor Holles, St. George’s Ascot, Marist, Wycombe Abbey and Heathfield as well as many others. Our entry results at 11+ are excellent and unrivalled amongst other Windsor schools.

Congratulations to all our Form 6 girls.

We are incredibly proud of all you have achieved during your time at Upton.

Please come back and visit us!

FORM 6 LEAVERS AND THEIR DESTINATIONS Helena Heath-Davey Cranford

Emily Elderfield The Marist

Anaya Kothari Eagle House/Wellington College

Florence Gayton The Marist

Allegra Tuomey Heathfield

Amber Woods St Edward’s

Johanna Totays Heathfield

Emily O’Neill St George’s Ascot

Isobel Massey Heathfield

Daisy Gratton St George’s Ascot

Violet Balaes Heathfield

Alice Grant St George’s Ascot

Tara Thomas-Krstovic Luckley House

Heather Young Sir William Perkin’s

(Drama and Music Scholarship, Luckley House)

Isabella Foat Piper’s Corner (Drama Scholarship, Piper’s Corner & Performing Arts Scholarship, St. George’s Ascot)

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Leena Tageldin Sir William Perkin’s Gia Sandu Sir William Perkin’s

Ashbury Warnes Sir William Perkin’s (Art Scholarship, The Abbey & Academic Scholarship, The Abbey)

Inaara Jalali Sir William Perkin’s Amelie Houghton Sir William Perkin’s (Academic Scholarship, Sir William Perkin’s & Academic Exhibition, St George’s Ascot)

Diya Hothi Sir William Perkin’s (Maths Exhibition, St George’s Ascot)

Silvia Eleftheriadis Sir William Perkin’s Gabriella McDade Wycombe Abbey Lara Davies Wycombe Abbey

FORM 2 WETLANDS Form 2 had a wonderful day at the London Wetlands Centre in Barnes.

We discovered beautiful birds and wildlife, had great fun pond dipping and found some amazing creatures in their natural habitats.

FORM 3 HURLEY LOCK Form 3 had a wet and wild time this term canoeing and kayaking on the Thames at Hurley Lock.

They worked on their paddling skills and had great fun with all activities building their confidence and independence in the water. Well done girls!

Upton Update - Summer 2018

FORM 4 LIDDINGTON PGL Form 4 went to the Liddington PGL for three days at the end of May. They challenged themselves to complete a range of tasks including: the vertical leap, quad biking, the giant swing and problem solving.

The girls worked hard and pushed themselves to reach their goals and cheered on their team mates.

FORM 5 BROADSTONE WARREN Great team work, leadership, resilience and communication skills were shown on the Year 5 camping trip to Broadstone Warren activity centre in Sussex.

The girls built camp fires, rafts, went climbing, hiking and tackled the ropes course with great determination. Everyone immersed themselves in the experience, demonstrating independence and a willingness to support and encourage each other.

FORM 6 FRANCE Form 6 had a wonderful time in France this year. We visited a snail farm and tried snails in garlic butter! A French chef taught us how to make proper mayonnaise. At the château we had great fun in our dorms and played lots of games. We spoke French in the market in Étaples and we interviewed local people in Le Touquet, where we also visited a factory to see biscuits being made by hand. On the last day we visited the Albert museum on the Somme as well as some war graves and the Memorial of the Missing. It was very sad but a great experience.

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Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

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he PTA Masquerade ball was a stunning evening held at the Oakley Court hotel, Windsor, and a fabulous opportunity for parents and staff to get together and celebrate good times. A huge thank you to Mr and Mrs Maskell-Smith, Mrs Jalali and the PTA team for making this such an outstanding success!

It’s Show Time!

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his term has been a fantastic showcase of the talent we have here at Upton, from gaining excellent results in LAMDA exams, to ‘treading the boards’ in Beauty & the Beast. It has been wonderful to see all of the children flourish in drama this term, and I would like to say a huge well done to all of them for their hard work and dedication. Drama is such an important subject as it improves confidence with public speaking, utilises creative imagination, and helps the children learn how to work creatively together in a fun and safe sharing space. Beauty & the Beast presented new challenges with learning music, choreography and script - I’m pleased to say they all rose to the occasion with energy and professionalism and delivered a wonderfully captivating performance. Thank you to everybody involved, particularly to Form 6 who delivered wonderful animated roles and worked exceptionally hard with their characterisation, choreography and singing.

What a performance!

Miss Jessica Duncan

We are delighted to be able to support the Red Cross.

SOUND THE HORNS The music department have been very busy this term with Musical recitals, assemblies and workshops.

We were recently treated to a wonderful Musical assembly with outstanding performances by all students who played with great skill and confidence in front of their audience. Our new trumpet and trombone teacher Allun Proon gave an exciting introduction to the instruments in a brass assembly. Mr Proon is a professional trumpeter and previous brass section finalist of the BBC Young Musician of the year.

Please sign up for lessons as places are limited.

Miss Olya Shafikova

Approximately £7,500 was raised with donations being made to our chosen charity. This was raised via a silent auction which offered some wonderful prizes. We are delighted to be able to support the Red Cross who help millions of people around the world get the support they need in crisis.

GREATEST SHOWMAN OPEN AIR MOVIE NIGHT Good times were had by all at our Open Air cinema night on Friday 8th June. After a busy week at school including Sports Day, music ensembles, and trips out for some classes, children and parents enjoyed a relaxing evening with picnic on the lawn watching The Greatest Showman.

The celebrations began with a brief movie covering Upton’s media involvement in Royal Wedding activities. Thank you Mr Scott for putting this together so the children could see themselves in a selection of TV and Radio coverage.

The Greatest Showman followed and was enjoyed by all with much singing and dancing. Great fun!

Open Morning

LAMDA Our LAMDA examiners this year were very complimentary about all of our students and I think the results accurately reflect the brilliant talent we have at the school. We had over 70% of children achieve a Distinction grade - well done everybody! I would also like to say thank you to the parents as I know you all helped the children practise their poems and scenes and this is much appreciated. Next term we will be working on the art of storytelling, creating characters and our new LAMDA grades.

Miss Jessica Duncan

Come and discover the Upton difference.

Wednesday, 10th October 9.30am onwards Headmistress talk at 10.30am Register online at www.uptonhouse.org.uk or email Carla on admissions@uptonhouse.org.uk

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Upton Update - Summer 2018

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Future Events THURSDAY 5TH JULY Prize Day Pre-Prep and Transition: 10am Prize Day Prep: 3pm WEDNESDAY 12TH SEPT Autumn Term Begins MONDAY 17TH SEPT Internet Safety Day with Parent Session: 4.15pm All welcome SATURDAY 22ND SEPT PTA Family Music Festival Day with Live Music: 3-6pm

Contact Us UPTONHOUSE.ORG.UK INFO@UPTONHOUSE.ORG.UK

WEDNESDAY 10TH OCT Open Morning: 9.30 - 11.30am Headmistress Talk: 10.30am FRIDAY 12TH OCTOBER Harvest Festival: 9.15am Holy Trinity Garrison Church WEEK COMMENCING 15TH OCTOBER Science Week

01753 862610 FOLLOW US ON

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