PREP WEEKLY NEWSLETTERPREP WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

HEADlines ...Star Wars Day tomorrow – and several people’s birthdays I’m coming to understand – I hope you all have a good time and any gifts are to your liking. Bank Holiday means some exciting plans ahead and I know a smattering will be at Badminton Horse Trials, family gatherings, mini-breaks, camping trips, canoeing and there is also the celebration of 50 Years of Co-education at King’s. Plenty going on and whilst it won’t be as hot as Easter it seems the weekend will be largely dry in this region.

There has been a leitmotif of giving this week and first we welcomed His Excellency Sheikh Mansoor Al Thani to our schools on Monday. His Excellency is the Chair of the Board of King’s College Doha and we certainly benefit from his generosity of spirit, time and sponsorship. This weekend will see Mrs Hardy and Mrs Gompels head out for a few days as we continue giving our experience and enthusiasm as our strong partnership with them grows.

At our Thursday service, Father Mark ensured we took time to reflect on and be grateful for those past and current benefactors of our schools who so generously share their time or their talent or their material wealth (often a combination) for the enhancement of the school and the benefit of the children. A prime and immediate example is here for us all to see in the form of the Adventure Playground. We followed the service by heading down to bless the new kit with a chance for staff and children to have a first clamber over it – there are some fab pictures in the Newsletter and on social media.

Finally on this theme, tonight I am going (along with some of you reading this, no doubt) to a fundraiser built around Pig Racing! No livestock involved but it promises to be a fun way to kick into the weekend.

See you on Tuesday (not Monday) as we move deeper into the Summer term.

Justin Chippendale

3rd May 2019

www.kingshalltaunton.co.uk facebook.com/KingsHallSchoolTaunton

https://twitter.com/KingsHallSchool

6th - 12th May 2019

Monday

BANK HOLIDAY

Wednesday

Girls’ cricket v Hazlegrove & Blundell’sRounders v Hazlegrove

Boys’ cricket v SherborneOutdoor pursuits

Thursday

School governors’ meetingsIAPS Science Leaders’ meeting

Athletics v St Peter’sY5 & Y6 Book Club

Four Schools Swimming Gala

Please refer to the school diary or website for timings and more information

Sunday

Boarders: in-house activities and cinema

Tuesday

Book FairPupil Council meeting

Saturday

Saturday morning activitiesRounders & girls’ tennis v West Buckland

Boys’ cricket v Millfield & Blundell’s

Friday

COMING UP ...

MONDAYSBLOCK 1: 29 April; 13 May; 20 May; 1 JulyBLOCK 2: 3 June; 10 June; 17 June; 24 June

SUMMERHOCKEYACADEMY5.00pm - 6.00pm 9-11 years6.00pm - 7.00pm 12 years +

Please click here for more information

You are warmly invited to our

Family Eucharist on Thursday 16th May

at 8.30 am

Coffee will be served afterwards

We very much hope you will be able to join us

Please RSVP by emailing Schooloffice@kingshalltaunton.co.uk

or phoning 01823 285920 to let us know how many of you

will be attending, as places are limited.

ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND PHASE TWO –NOT JUST FOR KIDS!On Thursday we unveiled phase two of our Adventure Playground – a fantastic play area boasting apparatus that includes a lookout tower, swings and traversing ropes. Thanks to the generosity of the King’s Schools community, we have now been able to add to the mix, a series of climbing routes, a two-man basket swing, and everyone’s favourite, a sprawling cargo net for crawling, climbing and … catching your breath on. This further development has also made room for a quiet space where pupils can relax, read and socialise with their friends.

Father Mark gathered the children for a ceremonial blessing, before the staff and pupils eagerly tested out the new equipment. Officially signed off by the relevant authorities, it is now free for everyone to enjoy. Our staff seemed to enjoy jumping and swinging as much as the children!

If you would like further information regarding the next phase of the project, please contact our Director of Development, Julian Mack, on 01823 328238 or email JJMack@kings-taunton.co.uk.

A VIEW FROM THE ROSE GARDEN ...3G have started the new term ‘running’… acting out legends in the Big Woods, being ‘meteorologists’ in geography, devising some rules of use for our new exciting Adventure Playground and celebrating a birthday!

Mrs Gompels’ bank holiday weekend includes a visit to King’s College, Doha and 3G have been busy recording videos and writing jokes to further the relationships we made last term – some of which linked nicely to Mr Chippendale’s assembly about Qatar’s newly acquired dairy herd: Why did the cow cross the road? To get to the moo n!

ACADEMIC LIFEIn maths, many of the older pupils are increasingly turning their thoughts towards their upcoming examinations and lots of revision will be taking place in the coming weeks to ensure they are prepared. The Year 8 scholars have their exams behind them for this year and they have spent the last few weeks undertaking a number of mathematical investigations where they have been able to work independently, whilst applying the algebraic skills that they have been developing over the past two years. They also undertook a study into a famous mathematician; people such as Pythagoras, Fibonacci, Euler and Pascal and presented a slide show to their peers about the life and work of the person they chose.

Together, many thousands of other pupils around the country, our Year 7 & 8 scholars and those in 8CE1 have taken part in the UKMT (United Kingdom Mathematical Trust) maths challenge this week. As well as being very challenging and good fun, this also presents the opportunity for those who do particularly well, to participate in a national finals event.

Lower down the school, Year 3 have been getting to grips with the complicated business of time and have also used their ICT skills on the Nrich Maths website to do some ‘dicey additions’.

We also welcomed Mr Andrew Perrins to King’s Hall this week. Andrew is the Head of Maths at King’s College and he spent a morning observing our children in their maths lessons and discussing with me the excellent young mathematicians who will move on to King’s College in September.

A message from the DT department!

This term the Year 7 pupils have embarked on a new project which involves designing and making a ‘mood lamp’ from recycled materials.

The pupils will be given a circuit board and components (which includes a colour-changing LED), but now they need to design a lampshade.

There will be a prize for the best design and the most original use of recycled materials in each class.

Perhaps this could be a topic of discussion over the weekend?

Many thanks for supporting your children with this fun activity.

WHAT WE HAVE BEEN UP TO... Mr Halls’ tutor group

Following Mrs Brazier’s fantastic assembly about learning skills and developing current skills, during PSHE this week, the Year 5s have been thinking about their forthcoming exams.

We would like pupils (and parents) to stay calm and use this first set of exams as a learning experience. A little careful work is advised, and revision will be done during lesson times. Pupils should not be stressing and revising for hours over the weekends.

Mrs Keirle’s tutor group

For the first time, Year 5 have received their ‘Exam Booklets/Revision Guides’ and although they are feeling grown up and independent, as well as pleased to be progressing through the school (almost at the end of Year 5!), they are also a little nervous of the unknown and the word ‘exam’!

In class we have been talking about ‘exams’, how they make you feel and what you can do to ensure that the word ‘exam’ brings a smile to your face.

RevisitEducationVisionIndependenceSuper standardsIn controlOrganisedNot Nervous

Revision, revision, enjoy your day,So we'll do our best in May.

I hope I will do well in my exam, And get a better mark than Sam.I will try and pass my examination, So one day I can explore the nation.I'll try and remember the important facts,Like in drama, remembering each act.

For my revision,I'll need to use my vision.And if I take my time,I am sure I will be fine.

Here are some of our worries:• Some subjects are just so

hard.• Will I get into trouble if I

don’t do well?• Will I have enough time?• What if I don’t have the

correct information to learn?

• If I get a low grade I will feel bad.

We all understand that we need to think positively:• Exams are just like assessments and we have been

doing them since Year 3! • Some exam subjects are hard and you might not

do so well in them but think of all the brilliant subjects you can excel in without an exam such as drama, music, art, DT and games!

• If you work hard and do the best you can, then everyone will be pleased with you. If you do get a lower grade, be even more determined to improve a little more next time.

• In the exams we will pace ourselves just like on a ‘park run’!

• If we think we don’t have the correct information we will speak and ask.

We have created some funny pictures showing you what also helps!• Eat plenty of healthy food to keep your

mind active.• Drink plenty of fluids to help your brain.• Exercise and relax in hobbies and out of

school activities• Sleep lots!• Revise in class and listen carefully. Revise

a little at home if you would like.

Soon we will have a test,I hope we all try our best.We will start our revision soon,And not day-dream about the moon.Exams shouldn't cause me to worry,When writing, I should try not to hurry.I will read each question twice,And try to follow my teacher's advice.

A FEW WORDS FROM ... ... Emily Ogle, this term’s Head Girl

THIS WEEK IN THE LIBRARY

Year 7 and 8 Book Breakfast

It was a full house on Tuesday morning as 23 eager readers from Year 7 and Year 8 gathered bright and early to discuss their thoughts about the book that they had all read over the Easter holidays: The Boy Who Lied by Kim Slater.

Fuelled by a delicious spread of Danish pastries and fruit juice (thank you, Liz and the catering team!) our bookworms exchanged views on the story and spent time thinking about its plot, characters, setting and style. A truly booktastic time was had by all!

Year 4 Book Club

On Tuesday afternoon, a merry band of Year 4 bookworms got together to talk about The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd. There was much laughter as we recalled some of the funniest parts of this charming story which had had us giggling from page 1. We would never have imagined that owning a baby dragon could be quite so hazardous. (By the way, as book clubbers have found out, if you ever find yourself taking care of one, you might like to remember to keep an oven glove and a water pistol to hand at all times!) We had lots of fun imagining and designing our own dragon pets and we can’t wait to get stuck into the next Book Club read.

Returning for my last term at King’s Hall was made extra exciting because on Wednesday, twelve Year 8s who are participating in the Exmoor Challenge had a practice walk from Horner Farm all the way up to Dunkery Beacon. It was really fun navigating using maps with my group of four and although the rain was relentless we were able to find shelter under some trees and enjoy our well deserved lunch. We were welcomed back to school with a cup of hot chocolate!

What I was even more excited about was our 8S trip to London! On Friday we left school at 6:30am and we excitedly boarded the Berry’s coach for London.

We visited the V and A, the Natural History Museum and later took a night walk where we were amazed at all of the colourful street art and the beautifully lit millennium bridge.

The next day we went to the Globe Theatre where we had a guided tour, a costume workshop (where two of the boys dressed up as a poor lady and a rich lady!!) and we watched a choreographed sword fight.

We then went to the Tate Modern and finally to Covent Garden where we enjoyed a shopping experience in London before we departed for home.

8S trip to London

As part of their post-scholarship curriculum, 8S are currently following a unique cross-curricular programme. The theme for this year’s programme is ‘Bright Star’ and the aim is for the pupils to put together a presentation and display which will be showcased to parents and staff on the Friday before half-term.

As part of the programme, 8S were taken on an overnight cultural trip to London. As you can see from their itinerary, the pupils had a fantastic, action packed time!

Friday 26th April

6.45 am Arrive Elm’s Parade/King’s Arms, Taunton7.00 am Depart on Berry’s London SuperFast coach 10.30 am Arrive London Hammersmith11.45 am Arrive at the Science Museum: the Sun exhibition1.50 pm Arrive at the Natural History Museum2.50 pm Depart 3.15 pm Arrive V&A: Mary Quant exhibition6.00 pm Depart7.00 pm Arrive YHA St Paul’s7.30 pm Evening meal8.30 pm Night walk on the South Bank10.00 pm Bedtime

Saturday 27th April

9.00 am Depart Youth Hostel after breakfast9.30 am Walk across Millennium Bridge to Globe Theatre10.00 am Arrive at Globe Theatre10.00 am Shakespeare Exhibition & tour -12.30 pm and costume demonstration 12.30 pm Picnic lunch outside Tate Modern12.45 pm Tate Modern1.45 pm Depart 2.15 pm Arrive at South Kensington Museums3.30 pm Depart4.00 pm Arrive Covent Garden 5.30 pm Depart Covent Garden6.30 pm Arrive at Hammersmith (ready to depart at 7.00 pm)10.30 pm Arrive Taunton

All went smoothly and the pupils had a fantastic time – despite some trepidation about tube travel, no one got lost, the exhibitions were stunning and we even managed to get some sleep at the youth hostel.

The class are now working hard to put together individual projects and presentations on this year’s theme: ‘Bright Star’.

OUT OF THE CLASSROOMIn preparation for the Exmoor Challenge, there was a practice hike from Horner Woods to Dunkery Beacon on the first Wednesday of term. It was just as well that we had laminated maps as it rained heavily the whole time! At one point, we were also enveloped in fog and the temperature plummeted to just above freezing! Fingers crossed for better weather conditions on Sunday!

Year 5 pupil Maisie Henderson has raised a fantastic sum of money for CLIC Sargent, a children’s cancer charity, by holding a cake sale and an auction sale at Broomfield Village Hall.

In recognition of this, she won a number of prizes including ‘Junior Teen Charity’ and a certificate for the ‘Most Driven Contestant’ at a charity pageant which took place on Saturday.

Well done Maisie, this is a wonderful achievement.

New additions to this term’s Saturday morning activities programme ...

Mr Halls will be coaching pupils in all three elements of a triathlon with some being new to the sport and others looking to compete soon.

We have also secured golf sessions at Oake Manor Golf Course at the cost of £8 per session, which includes the use of clubs and coaching with one of the club professionals. There are still a few places available so if your child is interested please contact Mr Hands: DHands@kingshalltaunton.

Tuesday lunch-time saw the return of the popular King’s Loop with three new pupils taking part and one pupil running his 13th!

Click here for some video footage of the start!

On Wednesday a group of 11 very enthusiastic children went to Durleigh Sailing Club for a familiarisation session on all things nautical! Everyone is now looking forward to venturing out on the lake next week ...

Push the boat out is an RYA initiative to introduce more people to sailing. One day events are taking place at sailing clubs around the UK over the May Bank Holiday weekends: https://www.rya.org.uk/programmes/push-the-boat-out/Pages/Search.aspx

On Saturday 15th June, Mr Hands will be taking a group of children to the Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre, based at the world-class Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

This is a fantastic opportunity for those with some experience to try out different craft and sail in different surroundings. Who knows, we may even bump into (hopefully not literally!) some of the national and Olympic sailors in their training sessions.

The cost of the day will be £30 and for more information please contact Mr Hands: DHands@kingshalltaunton.co.uk.

S

A

I

L

I

N

G

SPORTS On Saturday the under 10 girls had their first pairs cricket experience in the form of a training game away at Hazlegrove.

The gusty winds, hail stones and sun did not dampen the players’ enthusiasm, and a good opening start was made by all!

The older girls had their first rounders match of the season against Queen’s on Wednesday.

This was the first rounders match of the season and it was great to see the girls trying out different positions and sharing the bowling/back stop and fielding responsibilities. They were playing a less experienced side but, nevertheless, the girls kept fielding well and hitting the ball well throughout. They were great sports and were behaved impeccably.

Last Friday, Theo Lamey and Thomas Rew competed in the IAPS 2019 squash championships which took place at the University of Nottingham.

Both boys started well with wins, with Thomas getting through to the quarter finals of the cup and Theo to the quarter finals of the plate competitions.

Last weekend, Year 8 pupil Grace Fielder took part in the Somerset Schools Athletics Association Combined Events Championships U15 pentathlon event (75m hurdles, shot, high jump, long jump, 800m) which took place at Millfield S c h o o l . Achieving PBs in the hurdles, high jump and 800m, she finished in 3rd place overall.

Well done, Grace – another fantastic achievement!

The 1st XI and U11 boys’ cricket team hosted Moulsford prep school on Saturday.

The 1sts bowled well and kept the fielding tight but despite a good start with the bat, the team faced a crumble and were all out quite quickly.

The U11s batted first and special mention should go to Charlie and Thomas who both scored 50 runs each, giving our team a healthy total of 141. Each player bowled well, but with one over to go, the guests needed 14 runs to win. It was extremely tense, and the boys won their first match gracefully. A great start to the season.

On Wednesday, all of our boys were in action against Hazlegrove – it was brilliant to have every boy involved at the beginning of the season.

With a wet afternoon predicted, the U11 boys did not waste any time. They started extremely strong but had to stop play in the 19th over at 180-5. This was an excellent display of batting and the boys look keen for the next game.

Match reports, results and team sheets are available on our sports website:

http://www.kingshalltauntonsport.co.uk/

For up-to-date information, photos and much more

on Twitter@KingsHallSport

THE BOARDERS’ WORLD

S

N

O

O

P

S’

D

I

A

R

Y

Well, what a fantastic Easter break.

To complement the amazing weather, I holidayed in Cornwall and spent many long, glorious hours on the beach perfecting the cool, shaggy surfer look.

Later in the holidays I stayed with my miniature Daschund cousin in the Lake District and we thoroughly enjoyed boating on Lake Windermere and playing in his garden. It was still a little early in the year to go kayaking and paddle boarding but you’ll be pleased to know that those mischievous ducks that I chased last summer, didn’t trick me into falling off the jetty this time.

I’ve been told that there are lots of exciting things to look forward to this term and I can’t wait to get stuck into as many of them as possible. I’ll keep you posted about my adventures.

Did I tell you it’s my birthday this month (wink, wink, nudge nudge!)?

Wow it really doesn’t take long to get back into the swing of things!

With any jet lag behind us and the children back into the school routine, Sunday was spent at Crealy Adventure Park. Undeterred by the rain, cold and wind, the children had an absolute ball on the indoor slides, the outdoor rides and meeting some of the animals.

Finally, exhaustion set in and we went back home for our first BBQ of the term.

Happy days in the boarding house!

With only eight beds left in the boarding house it’s going to be a very busy term so if you would like your child to board at any point this term, please contact Mrs Masters as soon as possible as space is limited:(Houseparents@kingshalltaunton.co.uk)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUEach week we will be asking a different member (or group) of staff to tell us a little bit about themselves through a varying collection of questions ...

... and this week it is the turn of our Head of English, Jane Stuckes and Librarian, Emily Marcuccilli

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? JS Learn Russian so I could read War and Peace and Doctor Zhivago properly.EM That’s easy; read of course!

What was the last film you saw? JS Josie Rourke’s brilliantly disturbing Mary Queen of Scots.EM Captain Marvel – my teenage son’s choice!

What’s your favourite holiday and why? JS Active and cultural with my family. Location wise: Murten on the side of the beautiful Murtensee – a little slice of Swiss heaven!EM A palm-fringed beach and a big pile of books; heaven!

What makes you laugh the most? JS Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers: “It’s the wrong trousers, Gromit, and they’ve gone wrong!”EM Colleagues and pupils at King’s Hall make me laugh every single day.

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you like to meet? JS The notorious, stylish Mitford sisters so that I might learn about their extraordinary hilarious childhood and find out about the incredible range of fascinating, sometimes appalling, people they knew.EM I would love to have met the suffragettes like Emmeline Pankhurst who fought courageously for women to have the vote.

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do? JS Plant trees!EM Splurge on books!

What was your favourite subject in school? JS Well, I didn’t have a middle gear at school: I was either zooming around at high speed or crashed out with a good book, so English or games.EM Spanish

What is one of your favourite smells? JS English sweet peasEM The scent of lilac

What is something you learned in the last week? JS The oldest known sundial dates from around 1500 BC.EM That during the 17th century, female spies would send messages by hiding notes inside seemingly unbroken eggs. You learn some weird and wonderful things by reading fiction!