Newsletter

1 december 2023

Our Christmas lights and trees and our Feltonfleet Reindeer were all unveiled this week in the build-up to the end of term festivities. While academic lessons and learning activities will continue right through until the last day of term, the festive season is well underway, with rehearsals in full swing for all the Christmas performances, including the Pre-Prep ‘Boogie Woogie Nativity’, Grandparents’ Carols and the Prep School Carol Services that return to St Andrew’s Church this year. Mr Andrews and Mrs Weinel are expertly leading our preparations for the festive season.

I have been super impressed with the Pre-Prep and Lower School pupils the past two weeks. They are a joy to be around and have continued to demonstrate determination and enthusiasm in their engagement with classroom activities, as well as participation in sport, music and the wide variety of after school clubs. Their commitment to learning is evident and this fosters an atmosphere of purpose and growth.

Middle School pupils are also on course to complete an excellent term. Year 5 showed that every single second of focus, energy, commitment to learning lines and teamwork paid off when they performed Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Just So Stories’ in the Ashbee Theatre last week. I was so proud of every pupil as they delivered each story with enthusiasm and commitment. Pupils gain so much from being part of a year group production. It is much more than the actual performances. The process and learning experience builds self-confidence, empathy, learning esteem, collaboration skills and strengthens community. It was wonderful to see them working so happily and collaboratively. Year 6 pupils have worked diligently throughout the term and are to to be commended on their work ethic this term in their preparations for the challenging pre-test process which is now underway. We wish them every success and the outcomes they all deserve.

On the sports front we are thrilled to announce the continued success of the Senior girls U13 Hockey team, adding another achievement to their incredible season. After securing a bronze medal at the National IAPS Competition, they went on to clinch victory in the UKSA U13 Surrey Cup. Witnessing the team's hard work, dedication, and cohesive teamwork culminate in such accomplishments is truly rewarding. This success is sure to instil a genuine sense of pride and motivation for the future. Well done, girls!

Our school is just brimming with energy and opportunities. Most importantly, our pupils have a ‘can-do’ attitude which breeds happiness, and success. I look forward to seeing you at the festive events in the next two weeks. Have a happy weekend.

Anti-bullying assembly

Over the past two weeks we have been focusing on ARK Week (Acts of Random Kindness). As part of this, we had a visit from singer/songwriter Liv Layne.

Liv is a senior school pupil and has recently become Miss Junior Teen Great Britain. This competition is a platform to celebrate teenagers, their achievements and their goals. For Liv, the competition gave her the platform for her #keepitkind campaign.

During her presentation to pupils in Years 3-6, Liv explained how and why she started an anti-bullying campaign and why she is a RAKTIVIST (Random Act of Kindness Activist). Liv has been visiting local schools in the area and left us all with an important message, ‘Kindness is loving yourself enough to love those around you’.

Helen Marland

The Reception children were fortunate to have a clear, crisp sunny day for their visit to Painshill Park. They enjoyed a really good ​walk around the beautiful grounds, getting close to nature including forest bathing among the autumn leaves.

In our own stunning school gardens and Forest School, the children are making good use of their cold weather gear, wellies and school waterproofs to get outside and enjoy playing collaboratively.

Across the Pre-Prep, children are developing their mathematical skills using a range of practical manipulative resources to consolidate numerical ​patterns that underpin the basic operation of addition. Early concepts of repeating patterns, shapes and counting develop in Nursery maths.

Nursery children exploring 'rolling' forces with tyres, and exploring measures and forces through block play.

The story of the Christian celebration of Christmas has been the focus of RE this week to underpin the reason behind the songs the children have been learning for the forthcoming Nativity and the arrival of Christmas trees, lights and reindeer around the school campus.

With a focus on kindness, children have each created a Christmas card for Elmbridge senior residents, considering with thoughtfulness how this is a time of year for giving.

Focus on english

In Year 3, pupils have been completely engrossed with their text, The BFG by Roald Dahl. The pupils have listened with interest and thoroughly ​enjoyed being whisked away into the world of mystery and magic. This week, they created their own ‘Dream Jars.’ This involved decorating their ​jars and writing about their imaginative dreams, using plenty of ‘wow’ words to add excitement and interest! Year 3 should be incredibly proud ​of their wonderful creativity; their dreams were “flushbunking” and “swashboggling!”

Pupils in Year 4 have been working on an array of different English skills this week, including writing full sentences for their comprehension answers. In creative lessons, they have been planning their ‘Summer’s Child’ stories, as a sequel to Winter’s Child. They have spent time brainstorming characters, the setting, the plot and have come up with impressive figurative and descriptive language - I look forward to reading the finished stories in due course. I have visited all the English sets this week and can honestly say that I am blown away by the hard-work and focus that I have witnessed. Year 4 pupils are developing into mature, reflective learners.

Julianne Stewart

Just so stories

All three Year 5 classes have worked very hard since the start of term towards the performance of the Just So Stories. This being my first production with Feltonfleet, I was so impressed at how much each and every child wanted to learn their lines, actions, and present their own unique character throughout the process. Every child contributed into making the show the fantastic final product that it turned out to be and they should all be very proud of themselves. I know I am.

Harry Smith

biology

Pupils in Mr Pomeroy’s Year 7 Science class have been learning all about photosynthesis, extracting xylems from celery, conducting ​light and dark experiments on basil plants, testing a leaf for starch and learning about the different layers of a leaf.

Photosynthesis Following the photosynthesis practicals; showing how to learn the process using plasticine.

Breathing We are testing for carbon dioxide. You can test to see if a gas is carbon dioxide by bubbling it through limewater. If the limewater turns cloudy, carbon dioxide is present.

chemistry

Acids and Alkalis We have been testing substances to see if they are acids or alkalis, using universal indicator.

Ms Chubb’s class have been busy learning about Elements and Compounds, exploring the effect of atmospheric pressure with a ‘Crushing Can Experiment’ and modelling elements and compounds.

Elements and Compounds Making Molymod Models

Physics

Inspired by the work in class on energy transfers, Oscar spent half term designing, building, testing and refining his Rube Goldberg Machine.

In RE lessons, we have been discussing what the purpose/meaning of life is. For prep, the pupils were asked to interview a selection ​of people about what their purpose in life was. They then presented their findings in various formats, here is a selection of the ​outcome of their research.

Oboe & Bassoon concert

Thank you to our oboe and bassoon players for treating us to a wonderful “coffee concert” this week. Both instruments use a double reed and are challenging for beginners, but they played us a wonderful range of pieces - including two ensemble items, James Bond Theme and Can You Feel The Love - guided superbly by our tutors Anne Glover and Lindsay Dubrey.

Many thanks to the parents who came to support the concert.

Chris Andrews

Ava K, 4DP - March of the Ducks; Sophia W, 4ER - Give me Joy in my Heart; Tommy A, 6JB - Tycoon; Ben A, 3SS - Bocalising;

Georgie S, 6JB - Walking in the Air; Alana K, 3SS - Catchy Toon; ; Freddie RL, 3SR - Bocalising; Molly F, 4DP - Sludge Pump;

Pippa M, 4DP - Loony Toon; Anna M, 6JWO - Over the Rainbow

ABRSM Success

Many congratulations to the students below who passed their latest ABRSM music exam with flying colours!

dance update

This has been a wonderful term for dance. Year 7 pupils Clara H and Elise R have been selected as Dance Scholars. As part of their responsibly they assist with Year 1 ballet in Pre-Prep. Last week we were very lucky to be able to demonstrate some of our work in a special Dance Assembly. Boys and girls performed in front of the Lower and Middle School and teachers. From Year 2 up to Year 7 they showcased moves from the Royal Academy of Dance Ballet syllabus as well as Acro/Jazz. Well done to all those involved. We look forward to another one in 2024.

Georgina Smith

PARENT PUPIL BOOK CLUBS

This past fortnight we have welcomed Year 4, as well as Years 7 & 8, to the final two Parent and Pupil Book Clubs that we are holding in the Cabin Library this term.

Year 4 read and discussed the funny ‘The Beast and The Bethany’ by Jack Meggitt-Phillip - an author who will be visiting Feltonfleet to talk to the children in March 2024. A beautifully illustrated book about a Beast who demands to be fed all manner of things (from animals to household objects) in return for giving his owner everlasting life. Then one day the Beast sets his sights on orphan Bethany as his next meal, but Bethany has other ideas. Year 4 certainly had some interesting suggestions about how they would defeat the Beast and what they would do for everlasting life!

Year 7 & 8 enjoyed reading ‘The Inheritance Games’ by Jennifer Lynn-Barnes. Avery Grambs’ fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why, or even who Tobias Hawthorne is and a series of dangerous games and puzzles with his four grandsons follow. We had a very interesting discussion over what Year 7 & 8 would do if they suddenly inherited billions and what they might spend their new found fortune on.

Francesca Kinghorn & Emma Burnside

Christmas is coming!

We are looking forward to December in the library, with not only our Christmas books being out on the shelves, but it also means it’s time to make the ever popular book Christmas trees out of old books. Pop in while stocks last!

Congratulations to Melaniia M (5BBa

The Changing Man by Tomi Oyemakinde

Every school has an urban myth: a creature that lurks in the ​shadows. At this boarding school it's the Changing Man. He ​hunts on the loneliest, most homesick pupils. The Changing ​Man always gets what and who he wants until he chooses the ​wrong person to change - Ife. Ife is new to Nithercott ​Boarding school and as part of the urban achievers program ​she gets pulled into an investigation about the Changing Man. ​Which ends with her making two lifelong friends while finding ​herself again.

This is a brilliant horror book that I suggest for the brave ​readers of Year 7 and 8. I wish you luck, don't let this book ​change you. Watch out for what lurks in the shadows!

By Faris H, Pupil Librarian.

boarding pupils survey

Over the last week all our boarders have taken an online survey about their experience in the boarding house. The purpose of this ​was to get a feel for our strengths and weaknesses and see where we are able to improve what we do to make the experience as ​positive as possible for the children who are part of our community. Since we gathered the results I have sat down with the ​Boarding Committee and the Heads of Boarding to discuss them and develop an action plan going forward for the house. This will ​see some work completed to improve our shower and bathroom facilities, discussions with our catering staff to improve our dining ​experience and an improved effort to ensure that there is consistency between the boarding tutors.

We also asked the pupils what their favourite thing about boarding is and why they board and the responses were amazing. Here ​is a selection of what our boarders said:

spring term boarding

As we approach the end of the Autumn term I am looking toward confirming bookings for Spring term boarding. Booking forms ​for boarding, day boarding and breakfast club have been sent out in the Friday post today. Please do look to get your bookings ​in over the next week. Priority will be given to those who already board on their current night and boarding places will be ​confirmed via email on Monday, December 11th.

We are also planning two trial nights for the Spring term. There will be a Year 5 and 6 trial night on Monday, January 22nd ​and a Year 3 and 4 trial night on Monday, February 26th. I will send out reminder details of these closer to the time but if you ​are interested in your child trying out a boarding night please do keep these nights in mind. If your child is in Year 7 and 8 we ​can organise a trial night for them on an individual basis at any point going through the term, please just drop me an email at ​james.thompson@feltonfleet.co.uk.

James Thompson

iaps national finals & UKSA Tournament

girls win gold.....again

The recent success of the 1st team at Feltonfleet stands as a testament to the exceptional talent of the girls in Year 7 and 8. This group has surpassed the achievements of any previous Feltonfleet hockey team, making history with their outstanding performance. Following their victory in the IAPS Regional competition, the team advanced to the IAPS National Finals, securing an impressive 3rd place in the country. Notable victories against formidable opponents such as Bromsgrove and St Faiths highlighted their skill and teamwork. In a closely contested semi finals match against Repton, the girls showcased their tenacity, ultimately experiencing a narrow loss in sudden death flicks. This momentary setback, however, did not overshadow their remarkable achievements, and they rebounded with resilience. The girls not only demonstrated exceptional ability on the field but also exemplified the school's core values when faced with challenging opposition.

Their success continued at the UKSA tournament at Marden, where they went undefeated throughout the day, once again claiming the title of champions. The achievements of the 1st team reflect not only their sporting abilities but also their embodiment of Feltonfleet's values and commitment to excellence.

girls’ sport round up

As we approach the end of the hockey season, the girls' teams have left an indelible mark on the hockey pitch, collectively playing a total of ​107 games and emerging victorious in an impressive 62% of them. Notably, the 1st and 3rd teams have maintained an undefeated record ​throughout the entire season, a testament to the dedication, skill, and teamwork exhibited by the girls. Standout achievements also include the ​undefeated status of the U8 Sky Blue, U10As, and U11B, C, and D teams, showcasing not only their talent but also the depth and consistency ​across multiple age groups. Well done to each and every girl that has represented Feltonfleet on the hockey pitch this term we look forward to ​the continued success of Feltonfleet girls' sports program as we head into netball season.

Charlotte Collard-Rowe

Rugby update

We have continued with rugby and achieved some fantastic success. The U11s have seen clean sweeps against Cranmore and Danes Hill. The U10s won all their matches against Danes Hill and our U9s enjoyed their first block of contact fixtures. On the Senior side, the U12s and U13s found success away to Highfield, as well as more recently against Danes Hill. I’ve been incredibly impressed with the levels of commitment all the boys have shown on the field and I know the U8 boys can’t wait for their House matches and first round of fixtures.

Looking ahead to the Christmas break, we’re not slowing down. We have fixtures against Rokeby, Kings House and (you guessed it) Danes Hill, as well as Lower and Middle School House Rugby.

Andrew Rishton

swimming update

Overall results

Feltonfleet v Shrewsbury House School – 177 Feltonfleet; 158 Shrewsbury House School Win

ACS Cobham v Feltonfleet – 235 ACS Cobham; 254 Feltonfleet Win

Feltonfleet v Danes Hill – Feltonfleet 191; Danes Hill 144 Win

It has been an amazing half term for our swimming team with all age groups performing in the pool, both home and away. Firstly we ​welcomed Shrewsbury’s House and, as always, the atmosphere was fantastic. Well done to our Year 3 and 4 team who just get stronger ​and stronger with every gala as they gain more experience. It was also a great performance for Year 5 and 6 who worked very hard and ​have improved so much this term. In a closely contested gala, showcasing some excellent swimming from both schools, Feltonfleet ran out ​deserved winners. There were some highly impressive swims and it was wonderful to see some of our Year 8 squad members supporting the ​team on the day.

The U11-U13 mixed team travelled to ACS Cobham where we were challenged to swim 50m Individual and 4x25m relay races. I am so ​thrilled for our team, they smashed another win with an absolutely superb performance. There were many exciting races with fantastic ​starts, turns and finishes, it was a joy to watch and thrilling for all - one of the best galas for Feltonfleet.

In the final gala we hosted Danes Hill and once again Feltonfleet dominated in every race, winning almost every event in both individual ​and relay races.

There have been some school records broken this term:

U10 Girls 30m Breaststroke 29.03secs Ophelia J

U10 Boys 30m Freestyle 20.23secs Issac K

U12 Girls 30m Butterfly 19.05secs Sophia S

Mixed age squadron 1.17.97secs

Athena B, Eden W, Chloe A, Isla DJ, Sophia S, Oscar S, Benji S, Alex W

There have been some amazing performances and achievements for our swimmers this term. Congratulations team, I am very excited for the ​season ahead!

Rita Szalma

As part of National Maths week, we asked pupils to take part in The A3 challenge, to help them to realise that there is far more to mathematics than just calculations and tests.

Pupils were asked produce a piece of artwork which celebrates the number 3 in some way, on a piece of A3 paper!

Catrional Carradine

Congratulations to our winners!

The winners were Gia (N), Lachie (R), Atticus (Y1), Hugo (Y2), Max (Y2), Ding (Y3), Camilla (Y4), Elodie (Y5), Jolie (Y6), Freddie (Y7) and Charlie (Y8)

Thank you to all those who entered; the judges were so impressed with your creations!

Pre-Prep

Leo S (RRo) - For developing in his use of mathematical ​resources.

Lower School

Isla N (3SRa) - For showing respect and kindness to her ​peers and teachers on a daily basis.

Middle School

Hugo B-B (5BBa) - For his hard work and for always ​being diligent and organised in everything he does.

Upper School

Charlie A (7BDa), Chloe F (8NSh), Cecile H (7CCo), ​Libby R (8DHi), Bluebell S (8NKu), Amelie T (8DHi), ​Tahlia T (8BWh), Charlotte W (8DHi), Willow W (8NKu) ​- For outstanding contribution to School sport.

cricket success

We would like to congratulate the 14 boys and girls who have been offered selection into a cricket performance pathway for this winter. This rigorous process has tested their techniques, temperament and skills under pressure. We trust they will continue to represent Feltonfleet well through this process with their attitude and commitment for improvement, and wish them luck in their training over the coming months!

Ben McC Y6, Alex H Y6, Sam H Y7, George B, Y6, Sam P Y8, Charlie A Y7, Benji S Y8, Will T Y8, Chloe T Y6, ​Tommy H Y7, Josh O Y8, Joe H Y5, Harry H Y8, Monty C Y5

swimming success for sophie

Last weekend our girls’ Swimming Captain, Sophie R (Year 8), had a fantastic meet as she achieved numerous personal bests, medals, and a fantastic county qualifying time for the 200 backstroke. After a difficult year of injury, Sophie has worked incredibly hard to regain her fitness and is overjoyed to have achieved a county time!

shooting success for rose

Rose E (Year 7) was crowned champion of Surrey and gained a gold medal at a recent air rifle competition. Rose works incredibly hard at her shooting and only started the sport 3 years ago. Well done Rose!

Rose is pictured receiving her award from Feltonfleet’s Air Rifle Shooting Coach, Jeanette Leivers.

let the festive season begin!

Christmas preparations and fundraising began early in November with a pop-up Christmas bauble session for pupils, courtesy of Jayne Redmond ​and a parents’ Christmas wreath making workshop by Emma from Wild Alice Flowers in Walton. Everyone had a fantastic time and set the ​Christmas season off to a great start!

Katie Selman

Please send your news, or any feedback, to ​marketing@feltonfleet.co.uk.