Newsletter

20 September 2024

The start of a new academic year always brings a unique buzz of energy and excitement throughout the School. It’s a joy to see the pupils ​embracing their learning with such enthusiasm and curiosity.

I’m delighted to report that we’re off to a strong and positive start. There’s a real sense of focus and engagement across every year group. It’s ​been encouraging to watch the children settle into their routines—balancing their lessons, forming new friendships, and exploring a wide range ​of activities, from clubs to music and sports. Our sports fixtures have begun, and the House competitions are already in full swing, with plenty ​of friendly rivalry. We're truly making the most of our beautiful campus.

One of the highlights of my role is having the opportunity to walk around the ​School, from Nursery through to Year 8, and step into classrooms to witness ​the joy of learning firsthand. The pupils’ enthusiasm, alongside the dedication ​of their teachers, is a constant reminder of why I love this profession. Seeing ​the school day through the eyes of the children is both uplifting and ​motivating.

I’m already so proud of our youngest children, who have shown great ​resilience and confidence as they’ve adjusted to school life, and equally ​proud of our senior pupils, who have stepped into their new roles with such ​poise. It was a pleasure to announce our new leadership team during the ​start-of-term assembly, and I have every confidence that they will rise to the ​responsibilities of the year ahead, continuing to build their leadership skills.

This first newsletter of the year provides just a glimpse of the vibrant activity happening each day at Feltonfleet. It’s a busy, dynamic, ​environment, and I look forward to the exciting year that lies ahead.

Wishing you all a relaxing weekend.

#FeltonfleetWhereIndividualsReallyMatter

On Tuesday morning the Prep School gathered for a special assembly in order to announce the new Year 8 Positions of Responsibility. A ​highly anticipated moment for both pupils and staff alike, this assembly announces the new Pupil Leadership Team, House Captains, Prefects ​and Sports Captains and highlights the various roles within the School community.

The Year 8 pupils, will lead by their example, role modelling the Four Core Values, which form the basis of all that we do here at Feltonfleet. ​They will also, supported by the teachers and staff at school, develop their ability to listen and see others, solve problems, be creative and ​work together as a team to build a happy and inclusive school.

#FeltonfleetDestination13

#FeltonfleetWellbeingAndCommunity

The first two weeks of school at Feltonfleet for Nursery Oak children was important for their transition. The children were filled with ​excitement, new experiences, and emotions and collectively, they definitely set the tone for their entire school experience at ​Feltonfleet.

The Nursery children have engaged in lots of arts and crafts which they have thoroughly enjoyed. The children created some amazing ​paintings and drawings using their own creative thinking to tell a story that is unique to them.

Jessica Hunte

#FeltonfleetNursery

#FeltonfleetCreativeArts

The end of summer and the beginning of autumn is always a wonderful time to observe seasonal changes in the woods and the ​Reception children have really enjoyed reacquainting themselves with the Forest School site, investigating and exploring ​through creative and imaginary play and shared experiences.The changeable weather with a few heavy rain showers hasn't ​stopped our fun as we are always suitably dressed and it has enabled more sensory exploration, encouraging the children to ​represent their own culinary ideas in the Mud Kitchen leading to the creation of “muddy mud pancakes” “chocolate soup” and ​“pine cone pizzas”.

A favourite activity has been the game - What’s in the bag? This touch and explore experience involves describing a variety of different ​natural resources from inside a feely bag, promoting spontaneous and amusing descriptive vocabulary - “I think it has hairy toes.”

This child led play and safe sensory exploration enables the children to engage their senses and become more comfortable and confident in ​the natural environment, all the time being especially mindful of the “No Picky No Licky” Forest School Rule. The children are reminded of the ​Forest School rules at the start of each session and this rule reinforces the importance of keeping our fingers out of our mouths, not eating ​anything we pick up around the Forest School site and washing our hands at the end of the session.

The arrival of the cooler weather has seen the increase in different fungi popping up overnight in the woods and we have been learning the ​names of some of them from The Tales of the Mushroom Folk. This book is helping us to identify different mushrooms and their individual ​features through short stories, in particular the ones to beware of! We decide which mushroom tale we’ll share that day by voting on our ​favourite from a choice of two tales, usually the winner has the funniest name, like the Slimy Stinkhorn or the Slippery Jack!

We will be engaging in lots more seasonal fun and activities throughout the term.

Anne Mossop

#FeltonfleetReception

#FeltonfleetCrossCurricularLearning

EW

#FeltonfleetYear1

#FeltonfleetPerformingArts

Year Two certainly were ‘Busy Things’ during their first Computing lesson! Tasked with the Learning Objective to ‘communicate ideas ​using technology’, they used the paint and drawing toolset within the online platform Busy Things to produce posters communicating ​aspects of themselves (what they like doing, favourite things, pets etc.

With Year Two Computing now taught in the Prep School Computing Suite, all the pupils were very grown up using iPad Pro devices equipped ​with Apple Pencil styluses and keyboards. They logged into their accounts using individual QR codes and focused on using specific tools to ​achieve their designs. The children carefully selected specific geometric shapes, varying pen widths and colours, whilst the lifesaving UNDO ​and REDO options came to the rescue on occasion. Hunt the letter was a popular activity whilst using the QWERTY keyboard to add text ​labels, whilst my hairstyle depicted on my ‘Busy Body’ user profile was also a subject of much debate!

A super start to Year Two Computing.

Graham Starkey

#FeltonfleetYear2

#FeltonfleetDigitalLearning

I am excited to share the fantastic progress that our Year 3 pupils have made in French so far this term! Their enthusiasm for ​learning the language has been wonderful to see, and I have introduced a range of fun and interactive activities to support their ​learning.

The children have been engaging in various playful learning activities, which make language acquisition more enjoyable and memorable.

Songs and Rhymes: Music is a great tool for language learning, and the children have been singing songs that reinforce vocabulary. They’ve ​learned catchy tunes about the days of the week, numbers and simple greetings

Learning through Play: We’ve introduced simple games that encourage vocabulary building, such as labelling games with days of the week ​and food. These activities help reinforce their new words while developing thinking and problem-solving skills.

In the coming weeks we will be studying the French version of The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, titled La Chenille Qui Fait des Trous.

The children will:

• Learn the life-cycle of the butterfly
• Practise new food-related vocabulary through the caterpillar’s journey
• Revisit the days of the week as they follow the caterpillar’s story.
• Learn a variety of foods, do their shopping using our own French Café and props.
• Engage in creative storytelling, mimes, and art projects that bring the story to life in French!

This will be a wonderful way for the children to expand their vocabulary and develop confidence in their language skills.

We are looking forward to a fun and productive term in French!

Edith Horton

#FeltonfleetYear3

#FeltonfleetLanguages

Our Year 4 pupils have started exploring how to create movement in Design and Technology this term. They kicked off their project ​by creating a perpetual calendar, developing their drawing skills as well as the art of cutting accurate circles with scissors.

Next, they’ll explore the mechanics of motion by designing and making moving CAM pictures. This exciting phase will teach them how various ​cams can produce different types of linear movement, adding a dynamic twist to their creations

Beth Day

#FeltonfleetYear4

#FeltonfleetCreativeArts

Smashing Saxons and Vicious Vikings!

This term, our Year 5 pupils have embarked on an exciting journey back in time to explore the fascinating world of the Anglo-​Saxons and Vikings. We’ve delved into who these early settlers were and uncovered the reasons why they came to England - ​ranging from adventure and conquest to farming and trade!

Our young historians have also become place name detectives, learning how to spot Anglo-Saxon origins in the names of towns and villages ​across the country. They’ve been amazed to discover that many of these ancient names still exist today, hiding in plain sight!

The class has been filled with lively discussions, and the pupils are eager to continue their exploration of this thrilling period in British history. ​Who knows what they’ll uncover next?

Melissa Williamson

#FeltonfleetYear5

#FeltonfleetHumanities

IT’S ALL ABOUT ERUPTIONS

This term in Year 6, we’ve been diving into one of the most exciting and explosive topics in Geography—volcanoes! From understanding ​tectonic plates and plate boundaries and why eruptions happen, to the ways people live with volcanoes, we’ve gained a new appreciation for ​the dynamic planet we live on. We can’t wait to continue exploring more exciting Geography topics in the terms to come!

Janet Woodward

#FeltonfleetYear6

#FeltonfleetHumanities

Exploring Worldviews: Diverse Beliefs, Big ​Questions, and Lively Debates

Year 7 RE lessons kicked off by diving into the concept of ‘worldviews’ - exploring what they are, reflecting on our own, and learning about ​those of others. As part of their prep, pupils interviewed friends, family, and community members about their worldviews, and their findings ​have been eye-opening. From diverse religious beliefs to unique personal philosophies, they gathered a rich tapestry of perspectives.

We then moved on to examine non-religious perspectives, including atheism, and engaged in lively discussions. Now, we're gearing up to ​tackle one of life’s ultimate questions: Does God exist? But that’s not all - we will also be exploring religious signs and symbols later in the ​term, unlocking the deeper meanings behind these fascinating elements of faith. It’s been a great start to Year 7, with exploration, debate, ​and discovery, and we can't wait to see where our inquisitive minds will take us next!

Jennifer Butcher

#FeltonfleetYear7

#FeltonfleetHumanities

This week the Year 8 pupils had a dedicated day set aside to develop their leadership skills and build team spirit in order to help ​them with their new roles and responsibilities.

The task, set up on the field, varied from the physical to mental, with pupils sharing the load of leading on some tasks and supporting on ​others. The focus and commitment from the Year 8 pupils was fantastic, they embraced all the challenges, and faced genuine adversity in ​overcoming some of the more complex activities. We were supported by Wise Up, a company who specialise in team building events and ​whose staff were amazing with the pupils.

#FeltonfleetYear8

#FeltonfleetDestination13

Laboratory of fuN

Our Science Club enthusiasts have already built their own catapults, launching a ping pong ball and learning how forces and engineering ​work to make them fly through the air. It was a total showdown to see who could get the balls into cups across the room.

They also dived into the wonders of Chemistry by creating giant bubbles, observing the role of surface tension and chemical reactions in ​bubble formation. It has been hands-on, messy, and full of fun, with even more exciting experiments and challenges just around the corner!

Kate Chubb

#FeltonfleetScience

#FeltonfleetCrossCurricularLearning

Performing Arts

New Year, new Music!

An exciting year of music lies ahead as so many pupils have joined a choir or ensembles this year! Here are some photos from our first ​rehearsals...

Chris Andrews

#FeltonfleetPerformingArts

Over the summer we created a beautiful break out reading space in Lower School. Full of topic books and fun reads. We also amalgamated ​the libraries together giving the whole school greater access to the library and lots more lovely books to read. The books are now shelved by ​genre, giving pupils greater independence when choosing their next read.

Pupil comments have included ‘Wow, I love the new library’, ‘This is amazing’, ‘This must have taken so much hard work’, ‘Wow, This is so ​nice’, ‘I don’t want to leave’.

Pupils have been asked to create a Reading Target. This could be for the term or the whole year. It could be to read for 5 minutes every night ​or to finish 4 books by Christmas, please do share these targets at home and encourage your child to read every day. A certificate will be ​given to your child upon completion of their Reading Target along with a notification home so you can share in congratulating them upon their ​achievement.

Certificates will continue to be issued this year for achieving word millionaire status or working towards it. These can be achieved by quizzing ​after every book read on your child's Accelerated Reader account in Years 5-8. They should know how to do this, but if they are unsure please ​do direct them to the library. Year 3 and 4 will come on board with this later in the year.

Boom Reader, a digital reading log, has been soft launched to pupils this week, more details will follow to parents in due course from Ms ​Watts Head of English.

Lastly we have decided to keep our Summer Reading Challenge photo board running year round. It will now be a permanent feature in the ​library. Our theme is reading with family, so we invite parents to send in photos of pupils reading with family members to ​library@feltonfleet.co.uk

Francesca Kinghorn & Emma Burnside

#FeltonfleetLiteracy

Congratulations to Finn W (6NWa)

Finlay continually read and AR quizzed throughout the summer, well done Finlay.

Fledging Jason Steed

By Mark A Cooper

Jason Steed is the perfect book for people who like Cherub and ​Alex Rider. Jason Steed grew up in Hong Kong learning karate to a ​high level, when he moves back to England he is enlisted into the ​Sea Cadets and they invite him on a week trip to Australia. The ​cadets become involved with a group of Navy Seals who are trying ​to retrieve the cassette for nuclear bombs.

It is an exciting action read with plot twists.

Suitable for Age 11+

knighting Ceremony

This week, the boarding community gathered to celebrate our new pupil Heads of Boarding in a special ceremony that marked the beginning ​of the new school year. In a time-honoured tradition, Mrs Lance ceremonially knighted the newly appointed pupil leaders using a sword, ​symbolising their responsibility and leadership within the Boarding House. I delivered a speech, emphasising the importance of community, ​leadership, and compassion and enjoyment while other pupils gave readings that reflected on the shared values of friendship and support.

After the formal proceedings, pupils, parents, and staff came together to enjoy a relaxed tea and cake reception. The warm atmosphere was ​filled with conversations, laughter, and anticipation for the year ahead, as everyone caught up after the summer. It was wonderful to meet ​many of the new families who have joined Feltonfleet and the boarding house this term. This heartening event has set a positive tone for the ​boarding community, as we look forward to another exciting and successful year.

#FeltonfleetBoarding

SPORT

Football Is Back!

Three weeks in, 38 football fixtures, 3 House competitions and 2 Saturday tournaments, Football is in full flow at Feltonfleet. The weather ​didn’t play ball during the first week back, meaning a couple of the games lessons had to resort to a wet weather plan. This was not ideal ​with some year groups not being able to train before their first games of the season. Especially with the action packed schedule including the ​House Football competitions.

Congratulations must go to all boys who took part in the House matches. Along with a huge thank you to all parents who came along to ​support. A huge congratulations must go to the OTTERS who managed to win all three competitions!

First round of fixtures for our U10 & U11 sides saw us take on Rokeby School - with Feltonfleet winning seven, drawing four, and losing only ​the one fixture.

Our Seniors had a tough start against some very strong Cranmore sides, winning just the one fixture out of five. The U13 Boys then went to the ​annual Parkside 7-a-side tournament where they played brilliantly! Qualifying for the quarter finals of the cup with a win over Daneshill in ​Extra Time, and only narrowly losing 1-0 with less than two minutes left to play, to the eventual Winners, Downsend in the semi final. The boys ​were a true credit to the School with their levels of determination and passion for the game.

Our U10’s travelled to Hall Grove’s Football Festival losing just the one game and finishing 3rd overall. Also, representing the School in a ​superb manner. With only one training session to date, Our U9 teams struggled against a well drilled Shrewsbury House, winning just the one ​game. Lots to work on in the next few weeks, but also lots to be encouraged by.

Seniors were back in action this week against Cranleigh. A goal fest almost all round, with the 1st team losing 6-4 in a very close end to end ​game. A win for our 2nd’s, but losses from 1st, 3rd, 4th & 5th.

Our U10’s all travelled to Downsend School on Thursday afternoon which will be a good test now that they have had some training sessions ​together.

We wish the U11 A team the best of luck at IAPS this weekend.

Mike Cooper

#FeltonfleetSport

Hockey Happenings & Netball News

As we begin another exciting year at Feltonfleet, it's fantastic to see the pupils and staff dive right back into our sports programme with such ​enthusiasm! Despite the classic British weather doing its best to dampen our spirits in the first week, our pupils have been keen to get stuck in, ​and it's been brilliant to watch.

The girls have been especially enjoying the return to hockey, and it’s clear they’ve missed it over the break. With their energy and dedication ​on full display, we've seen some impressive sessions already! It’s not just hockey that’s buzzing, though. Our netball clubs have also had a ​fantastic start, with an impressive 43 girls signing up and 21 joining our hockey clubs.

At the pre-season Epsom College tournament, our 1st and 2nd teams had an impressive start to the year. The 1st team faced tough ​competition, losing just one match to Epsom in a hard-fought battle that went from a short corner to a shuffle to a flick. However, they bounced ​back by drawing one match and winning four, demonstrating how well they are already working together as a unit. The 2nd team also had a ​strong showing, competing against all U13 sides. Mr. Rishton was particularly impressed with their tenacity and determination, which set a ​high standard for the season ahead.

Our U11A and B teams kicked off their season with a fantastic tournament at Cranleigh, and the girls were full of excitement for their first ​fixture of the year. It was an early start, but the stunning morning at Cranleigh Senior School set the perfect scene. The A team began strong ​with a 1-0 victory over St George’s, and they carried that momentum into wins against Hoebridge and Cranleigh. They also secured hard-​fought draws against Hurst and the second St George’s team. Despite the early season fitness and teamwork challenges, the girls performed ​incredibly well, finishing in an impressive second place! 

Our U11B team had a brilliant morning, with clear progress made as the tournament went on. Starting with a 1-1 draw with Danes Hill and a ​draw also against Cranleigh. We fought hard to fall narrowly short against Hurst, however with wins against Hoe Bridge and St Georges ​Weybridge Junior School the girls finished 4th in their tournament and was certainly a promising start to their season. 

With training sessions and after-school clubs in full flow, we're off to a tremendous start. Here’s to an exciting year ahead, full of growth, ​teamwork, and memorable moments on and off the field!

#FeltonfleetSport

Pre-Prep

Theodora C (2Sla) - For taking a deep breath and ​overcoming a challenge in her RE lesson - For not ​giving up!

Lower School

Sebbie P (3KMo) - For setting an exemplary example ​and displaying our four Core Values at all times.

Middle School

Kevin J (6CCo) - For demonstrating remarkable ​perseverance and effort whilst navigating a new school ​and a new language

Upper School

Paloma B (8NKu) - Paloma has returned to school with a ​strong motivation and drive for the new school year.

#FeltonfleetCharacterAndCulture

Holly Donoghue

#FriendsOfFeltonfleet

#FeltonfleetWellbeingAndCommunity

#FeltonfleetResponsibility

Audition registration is now open for London Children’s Ballet’s production of Ella's Big Chance - A ​Cinderella Story 2025 at the Peacock Theatre.

LCB gives talented young dancers the unique experience of training and performing as part of an all-​child ballet company in a way that fits with their regular ballet classes and schooling, working ​towards an original two-act narrative ballet. The company comes together on Sunday afternoons over ​a 6-month period, leading up to 8 shows at the Peacock Theatre in the West End 3-6 July 2024. ​LCB encourages applications from ALL passionate young dancers; looking for a cast who are ​engaging and enjoy telling a story.

Register by 25 September: www.londonchildrensballet.com

Miss Georgina

#FeltonfleetPerformingArts

On Saturday 21 September a dedicated team of five Pre Prep staff will be participating in the Shine Walk 26 miles overnight to support ​cancer research. We’re walking to raise awareness and funds for this important cause, and we’d love your support! If you’d like to contribute, ​please see our fundraising page here. Your generosity will make a difference in the fight against cancer. Thank you for your support!

Helen Offen, Emma Spratley, Simi Kaur, Zsuzsa Kemenyffy and Charlie Panes.

#FeltonfleetWellbeingAndCommunity

On Sunday 27 October, Leila from our catering team would greatly appreciate your support at a charity football match in aid of CALM ​(Campaign Against Living Miserably). The event, organised by her son Luke, holds special significance for their family, as Luke has faced his ​own challenges with mental health over the years. Your support for this meaningful cause would mean the world to them - thank you!

#FeltonfleetWellbeingAndCommunity

VPA weekly classes on Wednesday evenings & Saturday's at Feltonfleet. Join for a FREE trial for any timetabled classes. Also bookings are now ​open for October VPA workshop on the 28 - 30 October. Limited availability!"

#FeltonfleetPeopleAndCommunity

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