King’s Hall School

Prep Newsletter

Edition 35 17th October 2014 ___________________________________________________________________

HEADlines

As always, whenever breaks in the routine appear, as with the start of half-term today, it is almost as if they have jumped out from behind a door such is the suddenness with which the rhythm of our busy weeks is interrupted. There have been many highlights during the last seven weeks and last night’s concert was certainly amongst them. When the top year move on each July, it is always rewarding at the start of a subsequent new academic year to see the growth and development of individuals moving up the school to fill their spaces. The Music department is in very good shape as demonstrated by the very high quality of performances last night – it was a real treat for those of us lucky enough to be there. On Monday I was at the Year 7 Parents’ Evening both as Headmaster and a parent. It’s always good to observe the open discussions and depth of consideration shared in the children’s interest and I believe this is a real strength of King’s Hall. Later that evening I was party to another shared connection when I was on duty in the Senior Boys’ section of the boarding house. What a nice bunch they are and such easy company – I can certainly see them a decade or so on gathered around a table, chewing the fat, swapping tales, sharing a glass of raspberry crush and relaxing in the comfort of the strong bonds formed back in the King’s Hall dorms!! So, it is time for a bit of a rest before we embark on the run in to the season that shall remain nameless for a little longer. I hope you enjoy the longer break this year and I know there are many children who will certainly benefit from a chance to recharge. Out of interest, the Pemberton Room (the Reception area) is beginning its makeover during half-term .....

Justin Chippendale

Autumn Concert

Following last week’s excellent Informal Concert, last night’s Autumn Concert (the first formal concert of the school year) proved to be another great success and the wide range of performances was enjoyed by a capacity audience. With nearly 60 children taking part in total, it was a wonderful occasion and a sign of great things to come this year.

The Concert began with the Orchestra playing a couple of famous classical pieces that have featured prominently in film – the opening to Richard Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra (made famous by Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey) and then Shostakovich’s Waltz no 2 from his Jazz Suite no 2. With a number of new players this term, the Orchestra is already making a great sound after only a few weeks of rehearsal. The Clarinet Group followed with Clari-Nuts and, again after very few rehearsals, was particularly impressive. Felicity Gostling (Y4) was the first of the evening’s soloists with the charming Abdul the Magician which she sang with a terrific sense of style and fun. Julia Louw (Y5) dazzled on the piano with an impressive Beethoven Rondo, and Maggie Rundell (Y7) performed the hauntingly beautiful flute solo Eine Träne by Mussorgsky.

The Guitar Group gave delightful renditions of the main theme from Dvořák’s New World Symphony and then a Serenade by the ubiquitous (in guitar circles!) Peter Nuttall. A trio of Year 7 soloists then followed – Kitty Chapple singing the elegant and wistful The Bird’s Lament by Sir Richard Rodney Bennett; Oliver Mathew playing the flute in the virtuosic second movement from CPE Bach’s Sonata in E minor; and Jemima Lawson Johnston playing Squire’s rambunctious Danse Rustique. Throughout these latter pieces, the sound of heavy rain was beginning to intrude but ‘the show must go on’, and the Brass Group were able to ring out across the din with their terrific rock number Last Chance.

Isabel Burger (Y8) was the final vocal soloist, singing Ian Higginson’s beautiful setting of Robert Louis Stevenson’ Picture Books in Winter, and the rain just stopped in time for Joe Eakhurst (Y6) to perform the contemplative guitar piece Adagio by Leonhard von Call. The evening was rounded off perfectly by the Senior Choir performing a stirring setting of Dona Nobis Pacem by Mary Lynn Lightfoot and then, to close, Howard Goodall’s setting of Psalm 23 – more commonly known as the theme tune to The Vicar of Dibley! A thoroughly wonderful evening of music-making.

National Ballet Workshop

15 children from Year 3 to 5 attended a Ballet workshop led by dancers from the famous English National Ballet Company. Some had experienced dance before, some were complete beginners but all must be congratulated on participating with dedication and enthusiasm. King’s Hall certainly has some budding ballet dancers! The children worked together to create several scenes from the ballet Coppelia, dancing to the enchanting Delibes score.

A view from the Rose Garden

This week we each played a valuable role in the Year 4 assembly about our trip to New Barn. This formed part of our assessment in Literacy (Speaking and listening). We took a first look at the pottery we had made thanks to Lexis’s Mum.

A one armed snowman and a starfish pencil holder.

Freya and Hettie celebrated their birthday together this week. (Two yummy Mummy cakes)!

We thought we would celebrate our extracurricular activities this week. (Words written by the children themselves)

Cassius Hammick during Chess hobby “You get zoned in because of all the pieces and shapes. You feel like you are on the board” Cassius

Lexie , Amber and Elise during baking hobby “I think baking is a very good hobby. I like all the things we make “ Amber

Daisy just before Pyrland Pioneers “ I really like Pyrland Pioneers . Once we got in a very wet situation but I didn’t mind “

Elise and Harry at Fencing Hobby “Fencing is a really good hobby. There are lots of different moves to learn” Elise

The Knitters !! “We just love to knit “

Craft hobby

Kamal and Phoebe “Craft is really fun because you get to make something different every week”

Academic Life...

Drama

Drama is a very active part of the day. The photographs show how much fun the children are having but can you guess the lesson?

Which children are working on facial expressions of different moods? Can you spot Hettie following in Mr Chippendale’s footsteps! Is Lorcan pulling Nathaniel around the room you may ask? No he is trying to pull a bucket off Nathaniel’s foot which he stepped in – Year 8 Slapstick lesson! Which children are on a scary theme park ride with hands in the air? Or who is acting out a wedding? Year 3 Still Image work! Spot also the Year 8 ‘Jack, King, Queen’ warm up concentration game, the Year 7’s interviewing a person coming from Darkwood House, Year 5 being news reporters and so much more! Phew – all in one week!

Remember also to look out next term for tickets on sale for the Year 8 play:

A Midsummer Night’s Dream – The Musical! Wednesday 19th November and Friday 21st November

Wonderful entertainment ahead for all to enjoy

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Latin

Roman Feast

Following the work done on their Roman menus, Room 10 was cleared for 7S’ Roman banquet, when they had a chance to bring in foods, which would have been eaten at a typical Roman ‘cena’. The class reclined around platters of breads, fruits, honey, vegetables and Schloer (serving as the wine) and an extraordinary pudding from Maximilianus Banton, which tasted like a sweet paté. There was general consternation when senator Willelmus Goad tucked into a raw leek, but

otherwise debauchery was kept to a minimum.

The only entertainment provided was by Mr Sprague (slave for the day), who inadvertently knocked some ‘wine’ onto the ladies Jemima and Letitia (Lottie), for which he was condemned to work in the salt mines. Many thanks to all the parents, who helped to cook and provide the food and drink. As you can see, they had a great time!

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Art During the weekly Specialist Art group, pupils have been busy using first hand observation and viewfinders to capture sections of a still life. These studies have been drawn out in line and will form the basis for a piece of work based in relief.

In class, Year 7 pupils have been working extremely hard towards the completion of their work on Optical Illusions, displaying great thought towards their use of colour, background designs, blending, light sources and the overall composition. I am sure that you will agree that their efforts have resulted in a great array of eye-catching and contrasting designs that certainly fulfil the ‘op art’ brief.

Likewise, the Year 3 drawings of birds have really progressed. Pupils have taken their original observational studies forward into watercolours and have understood the importance of working into an image in different ways and media so as to add to or improve the outcome. As Miss Perkins explains to the class, we are beginning to work back into our art just like the great masters! Other art around the school has seen the commencement of work on the set for the Year 8 play. Miss Perkins has enjoyed extending this opportunity out to pupils Emma Hawkins and Ellie Clist, who, always up for a challenge handled the brushwork well despite a broken arm! This is the second pupil this week to have to become ambidextrous overnight, it’s amazing how well you can do with your opposite hand – go on, give it a try!

Artist of the month:

Albeto Giacometti

Born 10th October 1901 in an Italian-speaking area of Switzerland Died in 1966 His father was a well - known Post-Impressionist Painter Style of Art: Sculpture, Painting and Draughtsmanship Over his lifetime he experimented with Cubism and Surrealism, studied under the sculptor ‘Antoine Bourdelle’, an associate of ‘Rodin and was most famous for his figurative sculptures with their stretched out, elongated limbs. He is regarded as one of the leading Surrealist sculptors.

In the Library this week…. A Good Read It is always fantastic to hear what our pupils think about the books that they have read. This week, Bryony Griffiths (5H) reviews Scarlet Ibis, the latest book by Gill Lewis, whose animal stories are very popular here at King’s Hall.

“Scarlet Ibis is a brilliant book by Gill Lewis. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the description and it is easy to create a picture in your mind. At first it is quite hard to get, but you quickly get into it. It is about a girl called Scarlet who has a little brother called Red. Red is no ordinary eight-year-old, he’s different. He doesn’t run around and play with other children. He loves birds. But when they get split up, Scarlet is desperate to get her brother back. I recommend this to nine to twelve-year-olds.” Bryony Griffiths, 5H

Year 6 - Mrs McDermott’s Tutor Group

We have all had a really full final week of Half Term. Sport has been both good and bad! Some great Rugby and Hockey matches – the boys played Rugby against Hazlegrove and St Peter’s, winning comfortably, and the girls faced Taunton Prep, gaining a draw and a loss. The wet training session on Monday afternoon was much talked about! The boys played ‘mud rugby’ and the girls played a Hockey House Match. After the disappointment of having their River Study Trip postponed last week due to the poor weather, 6K where delighted to go on an English/History/Latin trip and felt that they had learnt loads. Several of the Tutor Group attend the Saturday morning Football and Tennis activities which they continue to enjoy. Many of the children stay behind for hobbies and the Photography Group have been taking Portraits and looking at colour in their photos this week. Scoobies have made a return appearance! The girls delighted in teaching Mrs McD to make one.

Out of the classroom...

Informal Concert

On Friday 10th October the first informal concert of the year was held in the Woodard Room. The audience turnout was so large, there was standing room only, and 22 children performed – some for the very first time. The standard was very high, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the concert. The programme for the concert can be viewed here http://www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk/informal-concert-michaelmas-2014/ .

Pupil Council at Work!

Pupil Council are busily preparing for Children in Need. The theme for 2014 is ‘The Great British Bake Off’ so we will be having a supremely scrumptious bake sale after school. We are hoping that as many children as possible will participate in the King’s Hall Bake Off. The children are also invited to dress in a chef’s hat and apron [which can be decorated at home as they wish] or their pyjama onesies. Those seem quite popular!

We suggest a donation of at least £2 for BBC Children in Need. We hope to have a series of sporting activities throughout the day [year group rotas] as well. These will be 30 minute sessions per year group. We are excited to participate in this national event and hope that King’s Hall will raise a lot of money for Children in Need!

Joe Messenger reporting from the Head Boy’s ‘Office’

I can’t believe we are at the end of the first Half Term. The time has gone so quickly. Our days have been filled with Play rehearsals, sporting fixtures and the school trips have been fun and educational. I especially loved my trip to Broomhill Sculpture Gardens. I’ve really enjoyed playing for the firsts because I love rugby but this week, frustratingly have found myself off games completely. I’ve tried to use the time to do Prep and read more because my weeks are normally so jam packed I never get time. I’ve really enjoyed lessons this Half Term especially French. It is not my best subject but my speaking has definitely improved and I am finding everything I do fun. I am looking forward to seeing my family on Friday and I hope you all have a lovely two week Half Term break.

Sport Action and News...

Rugby

Colts A against Hazlegrove

A great game of rugby against a spirited and talented team. The King's forwards really imposed themselves in the match, especially at scrums and rucks. A single try was the only reward from the first half, though three "nearly" tries were prevented by desperate scrambling and defence by the Hazlegrove side. The second half saw King's continue to hold the upper hand, though without producing more points. With both sides starting to tire, a delightful interchange of passes and recycling of the ball resulted in a second converted try. A very enjoyable game and a well earned congratulations to the whole side.

Colts B against Hazlegrove & St. Peter’s

The last two games, for the Colts ‘B’ , have really showcased how they are improving as a rugby team. Both fixtures were played against well drilled, strong teams and we came up trumps both times.

Hazlegrove was a compelling game, played with real intensity and exceptionally high level of skill. Two early tries; A great solo effort form Johnny Lawson Johnston and a fantastic team try, finished off by Joe Eakhurst, put King's Hall firmly in the driving seat. Hazlegrove fought very bravely and were very physical at the breakdown, however, we still continued to make chances which is a huge positive we can take away from the game. I am really very proud of the boys' performance in this game. Well done!

Colts B then backed this up on Wednesday with an equally impressive performance against St Peter’s, victorious, by 26 – 12 (Johnny Lawson Johnson 3 tries). What has impressed me the most, is their work rate, the intensity with which they attack and defend and their team spirit. An excellent half term, well done everyone!!

2nd XV against St. Peter’s The team played some good expansive rugby in tricky conditions. King’s Hall quickly proved to be a little too strong for the opposition and exploited gaps well. It was a good chance to experiment with people playing in different positions. It was encouraging to see the tackling being stronger than in the last game and there was also an improvement with the rucking.

Hockey

U9 A/B against Taunton These were two very strongly played matches. The teamwork and positioning amongst the 'A' team was excellent, allowing them to dominate the game. Elise Roberts was formidable as sweeper, letting absolutely nothing past her - giving Florence Delafield-Cook in goal a rather easy time whilst at the other end one goal was scored by Emily Ogle and a hattrick by Hettie Chippendale. The remaining 12 players played half a match each against Taunton's 'B's. The attacking duo of Eleanor Renville and Sophie Flatt scored two goals apiece. Such a good show by all of the players in this year and I was especially pleased with the energy and feistiness shown on pitch. Particular well done to the four girls who are completely new to Hockey this term who played their socks off!

1st VII against Taunton The skill levels shone today as we passed the ball smoothly between players and led from the first couple of minutes. Our defence were all solid at redistributing the ball and with her recent GK training sessions under her belt, Christa Arliss was only put under pressure on a couple of occasions throughout the whole match. In attack, Lucy Buckley hunted the ball with determination and goals were aplenty from Karis Chambers, Ellie Cooper and Eliza Chippendale. Well done to all 8 players - great team effort, good hockey, good composure, speed on the ball and above all team work created the biggest win to date. Well played girls!

U11B VII against Taunton The score line was a fair reflection of two evenly matched sides. It was pretty much end to end stuff which was hugely exciting for the spectators. We went ahead in the first half with a goal from Martha Lawford on the half time whistle, but Taunton pulled a goal back in the second half. This was a good team performance from the girls with the Player of the Match being Millie Masters.

U10B VII against Taunton This was a close battle, fought between the two teams who had an eye for attacking hockey. Both teams had equal opportunity to score goals but the King’s Hall defence was tighter and more proactive. Fortunately for us a good goal was converted by Saphie Goad towards the end of play. A really good game and a well deserved victory.

Results round up ...

Rugby Friday 10th October v West Buckland

U11A Won 28 - 0 U11 B Won 45 - 0

Saturday 11th October

v Hazlegrove 1st XV Lost 7 - 42

2nd XV Lost 12 - 24 Colts A Won 14 - 0

Colts B Won 12 - 0 Colts C Lost 4 - 7

Saturday 11th October

All Hallows Festival U9A Won 5 games and

Lost 1 game Wednesday 15th October

v St. Peter’s 1st XV Lost 14 - 27

2nd XV Won 41 - 7 Colts A Won 42 - 21 Colts B Won 26 - 12 Colts C Lost 3 - 7

Hockey Friday 10th October

v Taunton Prep U11’s Won 2 - 0 U10’s Won 5 - 0

Saturday 11th October v Taunton Prep

U9A VII Won 4 - 0 U9B VII Won 4 - 2

Wednesday 15th October v Taunton Prep

1st VII Won 8 - 0 2nd VII Won 4 - 1

3rd VII Won 3 - 2 4th VII Won 3 - 0 5th VII Won 2 - 0 U11A Lost 0 - 5 U11B Drew 1 - 1 U10A Won 4 - 1 U10B Won 1 - 0

The Boarders’ World...

Whoa, what a weekend! Friday was Movie Night and we had 69 children booked in to stay over. Hotdogs, chips and ketchup in the school dining room followed by the film ‘Five Children and It’ in the Arts Centre, with children munching on popcorn and half way through ice cream tubs were handed out. By the time the film was finished, it was straight upstairs to bed where, amazingly, all of the children settled quickly and not a peep was heard until 7am the next morning. Saturday was a mixture of matches, woodland play and complete wind down in the evening. On Sunday, the children decided to have breakfast in pyjamas and then chill until 11am, when they went out on bikes and boards. Sadly, we all waved off Mr Roodt, who has spent nearly a year with us and we will miss him, but we wish him well and hope that his dream comes true.

After lunch, a hockey match was organised, girls v boys and dare I say the boys won, however they had Mr Masters on their side as well as Mr Stanley (our new gap starting after half term) who said he isn’t a hockey player, but quite frankly showed some pretty nifty skills! So well done girls, we did extremely well all things considered! The rest of the day was spent relaxing. I have to say; I am certainly ready for half term, as I’m sure the children all are. Have a wonderful break and we look forward to seeing you back in two weeks to kick off the Christmas season.

Hobbies & Activities – so much fun!

Drama Club at King’s Hall School

Once we return from the half-term break. Mr Kirby (Speech & Drama teacher) is hoping to start running

an after-school drama club for pupils at King’s Hall. He would love to open this opportunity up to anyone who wants to get involved in all-things drama,

performing or pupils who just want to come along to gain some confidence and have some fun with friends and other children.

In drama club, each week we will look at drama games, performing different scenes and improvisations

together and some ice-breakers. Who knows, we may even end up putting together a short, informal performance to show friends, parents and staff at the school.

There will be a Junior Drama Club (Year 3 to 5) and a Senior Drama Club (Years 6 to 8). Details of how to join and timings will be sent out to parents and class-teachers at the beginning of next

half term. In the meantime, should you have any questions about the Drama Club, please e-mail AKirby@kingshalltaunton.co.uk I look forward to seeing you there.

Things you didn’t know about ...

Mr A. Kirby Head of Speech and Drama

Jessica Highton Y8 pupil

How long have you been at King’s Hall School? Tell us more about your arrival.

I came to King’s Hall as the Speech & Drama teacher in September, moving from Taunton School where I

had previously taught Drama. I am really enjoying my time here so far, it is a truly lovely school filled with

hard-working and creative students.

I have been at King’s Hall for just over a year. When I first arrived I was made to feel really welcome by both the people in my year and my teachers. I have

some great friends and I am very happy here!

If you were going to write a book, what would you call it and what would it be about?

I would love to write and publish my own play one day. I really don’t know what I would call it, maybe

‘Writer’s Block’.

If I was going to write a book I would probably write about sport. I have always loved playing sport

and it is an area that I can show everyone what I can do. I really enjoy it at the same time.

What do you like most in a friend?

Someone who I can have a real laugh and share some excellent memories with.

The things I like most in a friend are loyalty, humour and for them to be a nice person.

If you could try out any job for a day, what would you like to try?

I would probably want to be a professional golfer or footballer, as both are things I like to do for fun and in

my spare time, so I guess getting paid to do them would be fantastic! It would also help to keep my

handicap down.

If I were to try a job for a day it would have to be Prime Minister. This is simply because I would get

the chance to lead over 60 million people.

What is / was your favourite subject at school?

I am going to be completely predictable and say Drama…

My favourite subject is Science as I enjoy all of the experiments we get to do.

Which three people, dead or alive, would you have to a dinner party if you could? Why?

William Shakespeare – I would ask him whether he actually wrote all of his own plays, and I would also like to hear him recite ‘that famous Hamlet quote’.

Jack Nicholson – He is not only a fantastic actor, but a fascinating person who I am sure would be hilarious

and incredible company. Robin Williams – He was one of the finest comic

actors we have ever seen. I would also love to request impressions for him to do.

The three people I would have a dinner party with would be Jessica Ennis as she is so inspirational to

so many girls, the Prime Minister because he is very important and leads the country. My final

guest would be Kate Walsh the England Olympic hockey player who broke her jaw at London 2012

but carried on playing with a protective mask.

What takes up most of your time in the day?

General computer-based admin, things like e-mails, preparing lessons and preparing the Speech & Drama

timetable.

The things that take up most of my time in my day are riding, homework and sport.

If someone asked you for a random piece of advice, what would you say?

Don’t wish your life away, no matter how tempting it is to count down to the holidays. Savour every

moment and take lots of photographs!

If someone asked me for a random piece of advice I would tell them to do whatever they feel is right

but to think about it before they make the decision.

What is the first thing you do when you get home after school?

I usually check in with my wife about how her day has gone and we tend to compare lesson stories (good

and bad) and general anecdotes from the school day.

The first thing I do when I get home after school is to do my homework. I then enjoy my free time and

relax.

Do you like to plan things out in detail or be spontaneous? Why?

I see myself as fairly spontaneous. I think that it’s a good way to keep things fresh and interesting in life,

and I also love surprises!

I like to plan things out in detail so I don’t get muddled up and confused with what I’m doing.

What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?

I would really love to do the Running of the Bulls in

Pamplona, Spain. I am unsure whether I would have

the courage to actually run once there, but would

love to think that I could try...

One thing in my life that I haven’t done and I really want to do is travel around the world in 80 days. If

it took a little longer I wouldn’t be too upset!!

Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible? Why?

I think that I would rather fly, it would certainly save on petrol money and sounds rather fun!

I would rather have the ability to be invisible because I could get to watch everyone and listen to

them without them knowing.

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