Head News
What a full and magnificent Summer Term we have had! I hope those of you that attended Speech Day last weekend enjoyed the occasion and felt a sense of pride in all your son's or daughter's achievements throughout the year. We were delighted to welcome our Guest Speaker, Christopher Hunter, European Director of the Round Square Organisation, and enjoyed hearing about what the organisation will bring to Felsted. For those unable to attend Speech Day, please contact reception@felsted.org for a copy of my speech. It was a memorable day for many, but particularly for our leavers, both staff and pupils, to whom we wish much success for the future.
Conor Turner handing over the Head Pupil gown to new Head Boy Thomas Coleby
IB Results were issued this week. Felsted’s average IB score this year was slightly below 33 points, which is an excellent result, reflecting all the hard work that the students have put in to this very demanding academic course. All but one of the 21 students passed the Diploma. In terms of conversion to the more well known Advanced Levels, 33 points gains a UCAS tariff of 457 points, so that is the same as the average Felsted IB student gaining three of the new, more demanding/rigorous A* Grades at Advanced Level. This is a truly astounding achievement and the students are to be congratulated on this. Top scorer was Caroline Nagel-Held on 41 points [equivalent to 4.5 A* at A Level], which matches Felsted’s previous highest point score. In all, 11 students gained 32 points or better.
A Level Results will be available on 17th August and GCSE Results on 24th August - a full team of staff will be available at the school to support students and we wish them every success in all their examinations. More details on this can be found elsewhere in this enewsletter.
A number of exciting trips are taking place for students this summer holidays, including the World Challenge Expedition to Namibia, a cultural trip to Jerusalem, the National Shooting Championships at Bisley and the Drama trip to Buenos Aires, in preparation for the School Play, Evita, in November.
I wish you all an enjoyable, safe and relaxing summer and I look forward to seeing you all in September. Headmaster Commendations
Headmaster Commendations were awarded to Camille Brien and Mike Vtulkin. Mike received his for a project entitled 'Generating Electricity'.
Voucher Prizes were awarded to: Enrique Piera Serra, Hugo Chaplin, Alix Walther, Alicia Wilkinson, Pernilla Craig, Araminta Jerram, Olivia Boyce, Kieran Norris, Matthew Poulton, Harry Robins, Bertie Wells, Harry Hazlem, Camille Brien, Amy Harding, Alexandra Back, Akua Appiah, Sam McArdle, James Duncan, Tamara Evans, Lauren Attwood, Alice Dipper, Amy McFadzean, Jess Stockell, Eliz Peck & Emma Stone. GCSE Results Day
Full GCSE results for Year 11 will be issued on Wednesday 24th August as well as the Unit marks [i.e. marks for the specific units entered but not the complete GCSE] for Year 10.
All Year 10 and 11 pupils will receive an email on the morning of Wednesday 24th August outlining:
For Year 11 - their overall results in terms of subject grades and the marks achieved in the various components making up each subject.
For Year 10 – their unit marks for the specific components entered. There will be no overall GCSE subject grades available for Year 10.
A telephone helpline will be available on the morning of 24th August to deal with any issues that may arise from the issuing of the results. In the unlikely case of a major concern arising, students and their parents will be invited into school for an interview with a Senior Teacher later that day.
Requests for re-marks should be emailed through to the Examinations Officer at nlo@felsted.org. The email should make it clear which component[s] is/are to be re-marked. A GCSE usually consists of between three or four components/units. Parents need to be aware that a re-mark may mean that the total mark for a component is reduced rather than increased, which could have a negative effect on the overall subject grade. Each component re-mark costs £32.35, and the 20th of September 2010 is the deadline date for requests. Re-marks can, therefore, be requested after the start of the new academic year, when the student has had the opportunity to discuss such a move with the relevant subject teacher. Coursework components cannot be re-marked on an individual basis.The individual examination boards’ statements of results will be issued to Year 10 and 11 students shortly after their return to Felsted on Monday 6th September. Statements of results will be posted on 24th August to those students who are leaving Felsted in case they are required by their new school.
The Helpline numbers for use between 9.00am and 1.00pm on the 24th August are: (01371) 822668 or 822790.
Written by Mr John Weiner Round Square members visit Germany
A group of nine pupils, along with Mr Lucius-Clarke and Mrs Tye spent a truly memorable four days in our partner school, Landheim Schondorf. Our pupils were given the opportunity to talk to their opposite numbers from Gordonstoun, Abbotsholm, Beau Soleil (Switzerland) and of course our German hosts.
On our arrival the scene was set, as we were greeted by pupils in national costume, beautiful Dirndls and young men dressed in Lederhosen and treated to the delights of Bavarian Dancing of the knee slapping variety!
After this exciting evening we set off to Munich, here we enjoyed Weiss Wurst and other delicacies. In the afternoon we were treated to a truly unforgettable visit to the BMW works. Inside the BMW museum we witnessed motorbike stunt riding and also gained an insight into the way in which a multi national company markets its products.
On the following day we took the challenge of following the ascent of the mountain Brauneck, which was tiring to say the least. After three and a half hours our brave little group arrived at a mountain hut where we spent the night. Here we truly bonded with our fellow delegates and discussed the strengths and weaknesses of our Schools and also their many similarities.
On our return to Felsted we were exhausted but inspired. This was a truly international meeting of minds. We at Felsted can count ourselves fortunate to have such good friends in Europe.
Written by Mr David Lucius-Clarke Geographers visit Morzine
As part of the A2 syllabus students travelled to Morzine to complete their fieldwork projects. Click here to read a full report by Lower Sixth pupil Toby Seers. Junior Musicians' Concert
A small but supportive and enthusiastic audience gathered in the Barbara Karan Auditorium last Wednesday for the Junior Musicians' Concert. We heard performances from a variety of pupils in Years 9, 10 and 11, many of whom had also performed in the recent vocal and instrumental competitions. We had contributions from pianists, string players, woodwind players and singers, with a particularly emotionally committed rendition of 'Tom Bowling' from Dominic Oxnam to finish the evening off.
We are most grateful to all of the performers for finding time during the busy exam season to support this event.
Written by Mr James Lowry Ascension Eagles success story to become a movie
Felsted Schools' Chaplain Jonathan Brice and his American wife Shara, who founded the Ascension Eagles 15 years ago, have been approached by UK Production Outfit, Big Talk Pictures, to turn the success of their work into a movie. This will be written by American born actress and writer Daisy Donovan. Click here to read full review by the Herts and Essex Observer. Leavers' Ball
This year’s theme was ‘Mardi Gras’ and the 370 guests embraced the carnival atmosphere to celebrate the time at Felsted of the leavers of 2010. The sun shone brightly as guests sipped cocktails beside the Grignon Hall with the sound of the steel drums ringing out across the Front. Hannah Grace’s excellent design skills were illustrated in transforming the Lord Riche Hall, and the Catering Department should also be congratulated for their efforts, particularly after a demanding Speech Day programme. It was also pleasing to see some OFs behind the bar, including previous Head of School, Chris McLeod. Following the meal, guests strutted their stuff on the dance floor or screamed with delight on the dodgems and Insania ride. The caricaturist and silhouette cutter were both popular, as was the charity casino. Donations will be made to Farleigh Hospice and the charity established in memory of Mo Beyer (Stocks’s 2009-2010). All too soon it was the final song and the leavers were sent into the next chapter of their lives with ‘Jerusalem’ being belted out.
Good luck to all the leavers of 2010 and many thanks to all those who made this year’s ball a success, in particular a mention to those behind the scenes, Tina Read, Susanna Law, Brenda Keeble and the Stewards Department.
Written by Miss Alex Simpson D of E News
Bronze Expedition to Danbury
We left school on Friday the 25th of June for our Bronze Expedition. We were dropped off at Paper Mill Lodge, and began walking to Danbury Outdoor Learning Centre. We walked four miles and finally reached our destination at 6:00pm.
We set up our tents and began to prepare our food of pasta and a sauce using the trangia and fuel. After spending the night there, we made an early start in the morning and packed away our tents and started to cook our breakfast of pancakes.
We made a few stops which included a walk through Maldon, Little Baddow and the border of Chelmsford and stopped for lunch by Paper Mill Lock to walk down the river and admire the flora and fauna of the area. There were many different plants and we also saw some new baby ducklings!
After an extremely hot day of walking with our heavy packs, we finally reached Hoemill Lock at 2:00pm, after walking eight miles in the heat.
After completing the walk I felt very fulfilled and proud of what I had achieved. This trip has taught me to take care of the environment and to take the time to stop and admire the natural beauty of the environment. I also learnt valuable skills about how to work as a team and survive without the home comforts that I have become reliant on.
Written by Beth Speakman Year 10 Felsted 'Swish' for charity
On Friday 25th June Felsted Schools’ sustainability team, driven by Miss Hampson-Smith, hosted their first Swishing event in the Grignon Hall to raise money for the Magic Bus charity.
“To Swish [verb] means to rustle silk or to rustle clothes from friends; to swap an item or items of clothing, accessories, jewellery, shoes with friends and acquaintances. Parties must be willing to give an item to participate in the transaction; once they have given willingly they are free to choose something of interest from what others have offered.”
Swishers dropped off their donations, and were delighted to be given a goodie bag containing a selection of cosmetics, discount vouchers for online shopping and sweets, what heaven..... they were also given the opportunity to exchange any old brand of mascara for a brand new Bad Gal Lash produced by the evening's sponsors, Benefit Cosmetics.
As the clock struck 7.30pm and on the sound of the whistle every woman had the chance to grab great bargains, ranging from Ralph Lauren, Dune, Laura Ashley, Bowden, Louis Vuitton, Topshop, Mini Boden, to vintage pieces and many many more well known labels.
The evening was great fun with lots of things on offer, including drinks, snacks, a jewellery stall with handmade jewellery and a fabulous raffle consisting of Tiffany bracelets, Links of London charms, cosmetics from Benefit and much, much more.
All the money raised will go to the Magic Bus Charity which is close to our hearts. Many thanks to the sustainability team led by Miss Hampson-Smith for organising this great evening, to the volunteers for giving up their time and to Benefit Cosmetics for their large donations of goodies.
Felsted is looking forward to the next one. Remember swapping is the new shopping ladies........
Written by Miss Sarah Kay Brian Ashton coaches at Felsted!
On Wednesday 30th June Felsted School hosted the RFU's 'Teacher Development Day' with Brian Ashton. This was a wonderful opportunity for not only teachers at Felsted and other schools, but also the Felsted players to be coached by the Ex-England Head Coach. Brian is a coach with over 40 years experience, starting as a teacher leading to working with Bath RFC, England Attack Coach for the 2003 World Cup Team and finally taking England through to the Final of the 2007 World Cup.
In the morning session Brian spoke about his career and his philosophy of coaching. This gave the teachers plenty of opportunity to understand Brian's mind set of coaching rugby. In the seminar he talked about his vision of Integrated Coaching with its benefits and the dangers of tick-box coaching. In the afternoon the teachers had the opportunity to watch Brian in action.
Brian was given Felsted Schools' top players from the U14-U18 age groups. The players were put through their paces with a 90 minute session. This session also gave the opportunity for the players to question Brian about coaching and answer the many questions he posed to the players.
Written by Mr Andy Finch Vacancy
Tailor's Shop Assistant - Required September 2010
We are seeking to appoint two friendly and energetic Tailor’s Shop Assistants each working 13½ hours per week Monday to Friday, term time only (33 weeks per annum) but with some flexibility and an additional 13½ flexible hours Monday to Friday during Felsted summer holidays (5 weeks per annum) to accommodate school uniform appointments.
The successful candidates will be required to serve pupils and parents, take receipt of deliveries and update the stock system.
Application forms for this post can be obtained via the website (www.felsted.org) or from Mrs Lorraine Baker (vacancies@felsted.org or 01371 822622). Felsted School, Dunmow, Essex CM6 3LL. Tel: 01371 822622. e-mail: vacancies@felsted.org Fax: 01371 822629
Closing date for applications is Friday 30 July 2010.
Felsted are committed to equal opportunities and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employees are required to undertake a CRB check. |
Jack Petchey Award
Lower Sixth pupil Sam Purkiss from Elwyn's has received the June Jack Petchey Award for his leadership skills in masterminding the sales of Cancer Research badges to pupils and staff to raise money for this worthwhile cause. Sports Results
Cricket
Felsted v Uppingham: 1st XI won by 8 wickets. Uppingham 190 a.o. Felsted 194-2. 2nd XI won by 8 wickets. Uppingham 147 a.o. Felsted 150-2.
Felsted Cricket Week
Gents of Essex 259-6 dec, Felsted 1st XI 181-9 (Paternott 68) Match drawn.
Felsted 1st XI 324-3 dec, (J Wells 131, J Hunter-Jordan 57, R Howell 53), Framlingham 164 all out (A Majoribanks 3-16, A Ross 3-16, J Foley 3-49). Felsted won by 160 runs.
Felsted 1st XI 238-8 (50 overs) (L Paternott 85, St Kevin's, Melbourne 221 all out (J Foley 3-40). Felsted won by 18 runs.
Felsted 1st XI 221 all out. (J Hunter-Jordan 46), Felsted Robins (Old Boys) 152-9 (C George 6-28). Match drawn.
International Cricket Festival is taking place this week - these are the results so far ...
Felsted 1st XI (50 overs) 158 all out. (J Hunter-Jordan 42, Tommy Hammond Academy, South Africa 101 all out. (L Paternott 4-17, C George 3-28). Felsted won by 57 runs.
St John's College, South Africa (50 overs) 240-7, Merchant Taylors, Liverpool 120 all out. St John's College won by 120 runs.
Please click on the link to view all recent sports results on www.felsted.org. Tug of War
Last Thursday the annual Tug of War and Road Relay took place on The Front. It was very competitive, with tensions running high as all the Houses wanted to win!
Despite great efforts from Manor and Stocks’s it was Follies who won the Junior Girls' Tug of War. Good sportsmanship and encouragement was evident all round! Whilst the Boys’ Houses tried to impress the crowds of girls, Gepp’s managed to swipe the boys off their feet, winning the Junior house title!
In the Senior event, Stocks’s were up against Manor to start with and after a tough battle Stocks’s were to reign victorious. A victory against Follies in the next heat would have seen them as champions; unfortunately it was not to be. Follies put in a strong performance and then dispatched Manor without losing a single pull. The boys put in equally strong performances and after much banter the Elwyn's boys came out victorious with a victory against Deacon's in the final.
After both boys and girls had fought to exhaustion in the Tug of War it was time for the Barker Edmondson Relays, one of the highlights of the school year. With Mr Thomson on the starting gun for the last time in his long 34 years of service at Felsted School, it was certainly a night to remember. The Junior Girls' relay was led by Manor right up until the final lap of the race, when Stocks’s pushed through and gave it their all to pull a victory out of the hat. This was followed by the Junior Boys – many people were surprised by the pace at which the boys emerged when the gun was heard but this was well sustained throughout the race. Mont’s were victorious with some very fast runners in their team, but it certainly proved to be an eventful race.
With the Juniors out of the way it was the turn of the Seniors. The Senior Girls were started by the sound of the gun and the race was intense. Follies were strongest in the end with some very quick runners and they pulled through to win the race by a considerable margin.
This left only one race; the most hotly contested of the evening. Joined by the visiting Australian cricket side the competition was now not Inter-House, but International. The Aussies put up a good fight and maintained second throughout the race while running in jeans and flip flops, but at the end of the day Elwyn's showed their strength in the Seniors by taking the title of the Barker Edmondson Relays as well as the Tug of War.
Written by Bryony Males, Yr 10 Polo Tournaments
The Felsted Polo Team took part in the National Schools U16 and Intermediate Polo Tournament at Longdole Polo Club, Gloucestershire recently. Please see results below.
Intermediate Tournament
The team consisted of Jil Thuir, Ann- Catherine May, Will Hopkins (Captain) and Sian Barnacle (guest player from Oakham). Sian is a talented player (0 handicap) and it is very pleasing that her high standard encouraged her team mates to play their best polo for their ability level. Will responded particularly well to the challenge of captaining the team.
Felsted beat Dean Close 1-0, lost to Stowe B on a run down and beat Stowe C 1-0 to finish 3rd in Division 1.
U16 Tournament
The team consisted of Alex Back, Emma Sunnucks, Max Kendrick and Grant Polkinghorne (Captain).
The team played well, enjoyed themselves thoroughly and learnt from the experience. However I am sure they would agree that they need to work together as a team more and avoid giving away penalties. They have a lot of potential and will hopefully do even better in the future.
Felsted drew with Dean Close 1-1 and lost to Rugby B 4-0, to finish 2nd equal in division 2.
Well done to all those who took part and thank you for the parental support, which is much appreciated.
Written by Miss Alex Simpson Pupils try their hand at Fly Fishing
The sky was bright as were the hopes of the six fishermen, one instructor and his grandson.
When we arrived at Chigbrough Lake with some fuss we unpacked the rods and rigged them up. Everyone was excited and impatient to go for a fish, as we had high hopes for a good catch as the fish were jumping clean out of the still water and re-entering it with a splash. As we approached the bank we saw that this might not be as easy as we had first envisioned, as there was a mass of weed.
We split up into groups of three and four and we fished for around twenty minutes, when we realised that we needed to move round to the other side of the lake for better fishing. There were plenty of fish taunting us but we knew we were not going to be very lucky as there were still too many weeds.
We decided to head back but had all enjoyed our evening, though disappointed that we had not caught a single fish! Never mind: it's called 'fishing' not 'catching'!
Written by Oliver Hays, Yr 10 Tailor's Shop Information
The Tailor's Shop will be open during the Summer holidays by appointment only. For those of you wishing to purchase uniform for September, please telephone 01371 822636 and our staff will be happy to arrange an appointment to suit you.
We would like to extend our thanks to Anita Marlborough who has left the Tailor's Shop after 6 years service. We wish her well for the future. Summer Courses
Felsted is running a varied range of activities this summer holidays, including Rugby and Hockey Camps and back by popular demand the Circus Skills Workshop. For more information please call our Courses Officer on 01371 822634, email courses@felsted.org or click here for a pdf copy of the full brochure and booking form. Ladies Tennis Day raises over £1000 for Air Ambulance
The third Felsted Essex Air Ambulance Tournament took place last week on a beautiful sunny day. The whole tournament was played on grass which was a wonderful opportunity that few of us normally enjoy.
Soozi Rowbotham came first with Andrea Darlington coming 2nd and Bec Morley-Jacob taking 3rd place.
After the tournament all the players were treated to a delicious lunch. A raffle with splendid prizes raised £1,140 for the Essex Air Ambulance.
Many thanks to all those who took part.
Written by Mrs Kathryn Wilkes, Parent
Felsted Five Fun Run
A new five mile running race took place on Friday 18th June from Felsted School. The race, organised by Felsted Fitness will be an annual event with all proceeds going to the School. Numbers were lower than expected as the race clashed with an all important England game that night, but those who ran enjoyed the race and will be back next year.
The winner of the race was Steve Read from the local running club Grange Farm & Dunmow Runners who ran the course in 28.37. The same club also won the male team prize with fellow runners, Craig Hooke & David Andrews making up the 3 to score. In the Ladies race Chelmsford AC had the 1st 3 ladies back and easily won the team prize. They were led home by Katie Ann Tuttlebury in 31.04, with Wendy King and Carys Sutton completing the scoring line up. For details of next years race contact Howard or Chris at Felsted Fitness on 01371 822709. Essex 100 Charity Bike Ride
Mr Bennett, Mr Lowry, Derek Charman and Dave Price (peripatetic trumpet teacher) are taking part in the Essex 100 charity cycle ride on September 5th to raise money for Action Medical Research. If you're interested in joining them, or just sponsoring them, then please log on to: http://www.action.org.uk/get_involved/essex_100 to reserve your place. Two routes are available - 100 miles and 100 kilometers. Save The DateThe Senior School play this year will be Evita, which will run from Wednesday 17th to Saturday 20th November, 2010. Further details will be issued early next term.
|
