Issue No 64 27th February Weekly Newsletter from the Headmaster

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Pauline Parks
5 years ago
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Dear Parents, I guess at various moments in my teaching career I have resorted to stereotypical comments and one of these has certainly been It is not a fashion show when trying to persuade a

Fashion is a hot topic at school at the minute because the Fifth Form have been enjoying a Sixth Form experience week and have embraced the country tweed look which we are adopting in our Sixth Form.

1 Dear Parents, I guess at various moments in my teaching career I have resorted to stereotypical comments and one of these has certainly been It is not a fashion show when trying to persuade a slightly rebellious teenager to abide by uniform regulations. Well, today it is a fashion show, so I look forward to seeing the fruits of all the hard work put in by the World AIMS team. Fashion is a hot topic at school at the minute because the Fifth Form have been enjoying a Sixth Form experience week and have embraced the country tweed look which we are adopting in our Sixth Form. I think this reflects something of the school s history and geography and there have been some very smart looking young men and women walking around the school. Yes, it does make them look very grown up, but actually they are grown up and have some challenging months ahead of them as they prepare for their GCSEs. As ever this has been a very busy week. It was a pleasure to attend the Form One Parent s Evening last night and very reassuring to hear that the pupils seem to be so happy and engaged with their work. The circle of life of education was brought home by talking with Mrs Honey - one of whose children is just starting out in the Senior School whilst two others prepare for serious public exams. I was delighted to learn the news that her eldest son Jack has just been offered a conditional place to read Physics at Imperial College, London. In some respects Imperial outshines every other university in the UK and Jack deserves enormous credit for this offer to a world class institution, although there will now be a bidding war between universities for his talents. Meanwhile in between hail, lightning, wind and pretty much every other weather event, our sports teams have continued to do well. Several Senior Boys brought their Sheb rugby careers to an end with a brave display at the Mount Kelly 10s, including a good win against Torquay Boys Grammar. Unfortunately they lost in the last minute to Petroc when OS Bailey Miles scored against his alma mater. However, the U13 girls hockey machine continued their excellent year with a fantastic victory in the North Devon final on Thursday and there is a real buzz about our netball teams at the moment. Behind this has been Miss Ham s shrewd recruitment of the Bude coaching mafia - Alan Muller (hockey) and Vicky Innes (netball). It is hard to imagine that the quality and depth of coaching in these sports has ever been stronger at the school. As you may have seen, the week concluded with the sentencing of Simon Harris, who taught at the school in the 1980s. His trial has been a challenge to everyone, but I am pleased justice has been served and hope that the result will bring some comfort to his victims. Simon Weale

However, our High 5s Netball team are still sitting in Second position in the Holsworthy League and next week face the team currently lying in First place.

2 However, our High 5s Netball team are still sitting in Second position in the Holsworthy League and next week face the team currently lying in First place. We wish them the best of luck in that crunch match. Our Year 1 and 2 class have also been out and about this week as part of their Science work, investigating materials and their purposes. They visited Yarde, on the Tarka Trail, to look at the different buildings (including barns, yurts and Victorian railway cottages) and compare the different forms of construction and the materials used. Also as part of their Science work, Year 3 and 4 pupils have been getting their hands dirty making their own fossils. This has proved to be a wonderful way of helping them to reinforce their understanding of sedimentary rock formation and the formation of real fossils. News from the Junior School Dear Parents, The second half of this Lent term is certainly off and running at a pace in the Junior School, as our pupils were involved in a variety of different events and activities in this first week back after the break. The North Devon Arts Festival continued throughout the week, with the Speech and Drama sections taking place at Petroc in Barnstaple. Many of our pupils took part and we are very proud of every one of them. Standing on an unfamiliar stage, watched by the other participants and their families is quite a daunting prospect. However, the character and self-assurance of our pupils shone through as they all performed their pieces with enthusiasm and confidence. Our pupils who participated in the Speech and Drama classes were: Holly Neaves Maddie Lovett Savanah Whitechurch Amelia Bates Jemima Johnstone Lydia Andrews William Priest Finn Carey William Robins Ellexia Carey Katherine Huxtable Sophie Temple Oliver Temple Jemima, William P and Finn came Third in their respective classes whilst Lydia, Ellexia, Katherine, Sophie and Oliver came Second. Special congratulations to William Robins, who won his class with a typically expressive performance! As with the Music section before half term, Mrs Goode was once again central to the planning and organisation of this section of the Festival, and without her tireless efforts our pupils (and many from other schools) would not have had this wonderful opportunity. So many thanks go to her. There were mixed fortunes for our U11 sports teams this week. Our footballers were in outstanding form and came away with a wonderful and well deserved victory against West Buckland School. Once again, it was a clinical finish from the right boot of Sam Heard that sealed the 2-1 victory. Our U11 netball team continued to impress with their teamwork and determination, but were perhaps no match for a well drilled West Buckland team who ran out winners in their match by On Thursday every class in the Junior School took part in a morning of Mandarin lessons as part of their work on the Chinese Spring Festival and Chinese New Year. Catherine Short (Gracie s mum) kindly gave up her time to come and teach us all some of the basics of what is quite a challenging language, and in the session she ran with Year 5 and 6 pupils, she was wonderfully assisted by Tony Chen, our resident Junior School Mandarin speaker. On Friday our week of experiences from around the world continued with a return visit from Doug Anderson, BAFTA award winning cameramen. Doug, who had previously come into school to talk to our younger pupils about his filming work in and around the Antarctic, took time to talk to all of our pupils this time about his various adventures and to show them video footage from his many trips including filming flying fish in Tobago. To round off our global week, Friday s assembly was taken by Mrs Lovett who, with the assistance of our Year 5 s, talked to the pupils about the wonderful work carried out around the world be the charity Fairtrade - who as you know we are big supporters of here at the College. What a tour we have all been on this week. From tea plantations in Uganda, to Tobago, to Mainland China, to yurts from Central Asia, and all via the exotic resort of Barnstaple! A Word from the Library Books crow bar the world open for you. Mike Furber Katherine Rundell in Rooftoppers Burton Art Gallery Schools Exhibition Don t miss the Annual Schools Art Exhibition at the Burton Art Gallery in Bideford, in which some of our pupils have pieces on show. The exhibition runs until Monday 16th March. Ashley Barlow

Performing Arts Festival Report Music Classes Once again the sounds of wonderful music making could be heard at Shebbear College when we hosted the Music Classes of the North Devon Performing Arts

Helen Deakin GRSM LRAM ARCM, the instrumental adjudicator, was very fair in her complimentary comments and, when time permitted, students were able to gain insight in how to improve.

3 Performing Arts Festival Report Music Classes Once again the sounds of wonderful music making could be heard at Shebbear College when we hosted the Music Classes of the North Devon Performing Arts Festival. As well as our own pupils, entrants came from across the county, both young people and adults, to take part in two days of instrumental classes and a day of vocal classes. Helen Deakin GRSM LRAM ARCM, the instrumental adjudicator, was very fair in her complimentary comments and, when time permitted, students were able to gain insight in how to improve. From the youngest beginner to the most experienced, advanced musician, many participants were treated to a mini-master class following their playing and given valuable advice on how to be in charge of the performance and not have the performance in charge of them. Following the Festival Helen wrote, I was delighted to return to Shebbear to adjudicate for the North Devon Performing Arts Festival. There was a really positive atmosphere with performances ranging from the very early stages right through to advanced recital playing. The performers were very receptive to new ideas and ready to try any suggestions. The Festival was well organised under the excellent direction of Fiona Goode and it was good to see so many parents helping with the many tasks that are necessary in order for the sessions to run smoothly. Our Senior School pianists who took part were Carla Fernandez, Daniel Chamberlain, Chloe Caudwell, Jabez Kent, Charlotte Nethacott, Cloe Westaway, Stanley Hill, Tara Twomey, Caitlin McCartney, Ellerker Singleton, Simon Cornish, Lydia Bowering- Sheehan Olivia Rolls, William Balkwill-Western, Lucy Taylor, Spencer Quance, Oscar Baker, Jason Mann, and Gigi Lai. All gave musical and rhythmical performances but special mention must go to Jabez Kent who won the Festival Plaque for Junior Piano, Caitlin McCartney for winning the Sydney Hill Memorial Shield and Simon Cornish who won the Festival Cup for Piano Solo in his age group. Olivia Rolls, William Balkwill-Western and Ellerker Singleton all won their classes and received Festival Medals. Jason Man and Gigi Lai competed for and shared the Lion s Shield in their classes (Piano solo Grades 7 and 8) after giving commended recitals. Our Junior School instrumentalists Cameron Watt, Harry Brown, Luke Honey, Aleyna Singleton, Sophie Temple, Lola Frisby- Williams and Gabriella Gee then gave spirited performances with well controlled playing. Aleyna won her class with a commended performance to gain the Gower Cup and Sophie gained a distinction and the North Devon Performing Arts Festival Award for Beginner Strings. The first day of the Festival commenced with the novice musician classes in which Junior pupils Holly Neaves, William Brown, Katherine Huxtable, Niamh Short, Sophie Temple and Oliver Temple took part with Niamh and Sophie winning their classes. In the piano solo classes Sebastian Crookes won his class and received The Festival Award cup, Chloe Stairs won her class and the Festival Award for Beginners Piano Duet, and Isobel Watt won The Jury Cup for her piano solo. Some promising performances were also given by Lillie Sealey, William Bird, Jesse-Mae Foster, Jessica Pritchard, Bridget Astley, Aleyna Singleton, Gracie Boycott, Lola Frisby-Williams and Timothy Parker. After a long and rewarding day the evening session moved up a gear with the Junior Young Musician Competition with entries from Theo Crookes and Simon Cornish, and Edward Tai who won the Young Musician Competition for the second year running but this time on piano, being described by the adjudicator as a very capable pianist. Congratulations Edward. On the second day we were joined by adjudicator Elizabeth Brazier GRSM LRAM ARCM, for the vocal classes. Harriot Allin, Annie Westlake and Georgia Stevens represented the singers with Georgia and Annie winning their duet class, and the Choirs of Shebbear College again did the College proud. This year the Senior Choir won the cup for best Choir of the Festival with a score a distinction score of 89. Helen Deakin continued to adjudicate the instrumental classes which took place in the Memorial Hall. The busy morning included solos from Timothy Parker, Lola Frisby- Williams, Luke Honey, Katie

Slee, Lydia Bowering Sheehan and Simon Cornish, Edward Tai and Jimmy So who all performed magnificently with Timothy coming first in his class winning a Festival Medal and Edward winning the Festival

In the afternoon the Memorial Hall was set for the ensemble classes which benefited form an extended master class from Helen Deakin who offered much insight into chamber music.

4 Slee, Lydia Bowering Sheehan and Simon Cornish, Edward Tai and Jimmy So who all performed magnificently with Timothy coming first in his class winning a Festival Medal and Edward winning the Festival Cup for Strings with his extremely sensitive playing. In the afternoon the Memorial Hall was set for the ensemble classes which benefited form an extended master class from Helen Deakin who offered much insight into chamber music. The Junior String ensemble, and String Quartet performed with flair but the Senior String Ensemble won the overall best Ensemble with their competent performance. As always with these events, they couldn t take place without a huge amount of help and forbearance from many of the staff and parents but it was so worthwhile to hear so much music happening and to receive so many positive responses from those who travelled to Shebbear to take part, such as, May I congratulate yourself and all helpers/committee members, not forgetting Shebbear College, for the super atmosphere generated when I visited yesterday and briefly on Tuesday. I am aware of the work required to make these events such a success. Thank you to all those who helped in any way. Congratulations and a huge thank you to all our pupils who took part you gave us a delightful two days of music making. If you would like to hear some of our winning pupils play then please join us at the Gala Concert at Kingsley School Theatre on Saturday 14th March at 6.15pm Netball The 1st VII had an easy win against Okehampton s 1st Team, scoring 10 goals in the first 10 minutes and 23 by the end of the second quarter. Our attacking players, Tabby Kirkwood, Harriett Squire, Lucy Taylor and Eloise Maxa could not be faulted with their passing into the circle and shooting. Our defence only conceded the 1 goal in 20 minutes. We then played a younger team for 10minutes who were clearly stronger, however the girls kept their cool and won their very short game 5-3. Serena Ham On Wednesday the 2nd VII team travelled to Okehampton College and played two short games. They started well, with Bianka Kalnai playing her first match for the school beginning at goalkeeper. Meg Ryder-Green continued to work hard in defence with her skills improving with every match. The same can be said for Summer Dunscombe. At the end of the first half Okehampton had pulled away 9-1. After a quick chat the 2nds went back on and held them to 6-4 in the next half with a final score or 15-5 to Okehampton. Katherine Huxtable was the youngest competitor who took part in one of the instrumental sections of the North Devon Performing Arts Festival recently. She played Lightly Row beautifully and received some wonderfully pleasing comments from the adjudicator. We are all very proud of her. Well done Katherine! Fiona Goode Chinese New Year in the Kindergarten Missing out on Chinese New Year Celebrations during half term, the children were fortunate to receive a visit from Mrs Boycott (pictured above right). Having lived in China herself, she taught them the different tones of speech, how to greet and say goodbye and how to say and write numbers up to 10. During the afternoon they all made lucky envelopes which contained a little treat for sitting and listening so nicely. Jacqueline Biddlecombe The second match was actually against the Okehampton Senior team and Shebbear settled quickly and took the lead 3-2 in the first half. They continued to keep calm and won the match 7-4. The girls should be congratulated for really committing themselves to becoming a team in this term and vastly improving their netball skills. Well done. Vicki Innes Football Two sides went to Budehaven and were just minutes away from coming away with a win and a draw. The U14s went behind but goals from Alessandro Aliberti - a wonderful strike from all of 40 yards - and Will Cowan-Dickie, saw the boys go in front before Budehaven scored an equaliser. The U15s were in front three times but allowed their lead to slip, before Budehaven scored the winner with the last kick of the match. The 1st XI who were missing some key players, welcomed Kingsley School and were a little fortunate not to go behind when Will Cox

range effort, this time from man of the match Harry Dymond. Sean Clark at the heart of the defence and Laurence Reinert in a wide midfield role were outstanding in the 4-0 victory.

5 first conceded, and then saved, a penalty. A great strike from 30 yards by Ross Bennett gave us a lead at half time, but a muchimproved second half performance brought further goals from Patrick Marks, Harry Scambler and then another long range effort, this time from man of the match Harry Dymond. Sean Clark at the heart of the defence and Laurence Reinert in a wide midfield role were outstanding in the 4-0 victory. The U15s travelled to Bude for a match and for the most part played very well. Bude took the lead at the crucial time which happened to be in the last play of the game, and ended up winning 4-3, taking the lead and the game from Shebbear. Laurence Reinert was excellent throughout, and Will Balwill-Western and Marton Busa were tireless in attack and defence. James Kerslake also looked good on the wing when he came on, making some dangerous breaks. Jamie Sanders Rugby The Senior rugby team travelled to Mount Kelly for their annual 10s competition. With a football match on the same day a few players could not play, but the boys that travelled put in some excellent performances. The Shebbear side beat Torquay Boys Grammar School in their first game, 14-7 with tries from George Daniel and Joe Gobara whilst Tom Squire added the extra points with two successful kicks. The boys then faced Petroc and unfortunately narrowly lost 7-5, our unsuccessful kick being the difference between the sides. Our final group game was against hosts Mount Kelly and despite us playing the entire game in their half they clung on to a draw. Emilio Aliberti and Salah Gobara were very strong at the breakdown, and Sam Westlake was a constant threat with ball in hand. These two games meant we qualified for the main Cup competition with Petroc and our semi-final was against Plymouth. The Plymouth side were too strong, and knocked us out of the competition at this stage. It was an excellent day of rugby, and the Shebbear side should be very proud of their Cup semi-finalist position after a day of playing some tough games. The Squad: Blake Simpson, Max Warren, Emilio Aliberti, Joe Gobara, George Daniel, Mark Withecome, James Hibben, Sam Westlake, Ollie Rogerson, Salah Gobara and Tom Squire. Jamie Sanders Hockey Our U13 girls retained their title as North Devon Hockey Champions on Thursday. Sailing through their first four games beating Bideford 7-0, Holsworthy 9-0, Kingsley 5-1 and Park 6-0. Their last game against West Buckland saw us dominate, with many scoring opportunities, but it was Sophie Gillies who found the back of the net with an excellent cross from Cara Phillips and we went on to win the game 1-0. Excellent result, well done ladies we are very proud of you. Serena Ham

6 Picture this... Shebbear College, Shebbear, Beaworthy, Devon EX21 5HJ Telephone:

7 Gala Concert Saturday 14th March 2015 at 6.15pm Kingsley School Theatre Northdown Rd, Bideford Featuring a selection of outstanding acts and presentation of awards Reservations in advance from Fiona Goode or on the door Contact: fgoode@shebbearcollege.co.uk Tickets: Adults: 6.00 Children/Concessions: 3.00 Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children): 15.00

Our Upper School trip to Kraków, Poland last week provided a life-changing experience for pupils and staff

Our Upper School trip to Kraków, Poland last week provided a life-changing experience for pupils and staff Dear Parents, We expected our trip to Poland to be a life-changing one for all involved and that