King’s Hall School
Prep Newsletter
Edition 107
20th January 2017
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HEADlines
Every four years, 20th January is a big day in the US and for the world. Washington is gearing up for the Inauguration
today and at just about the time this is sent to you the 45th President of the US will be reciting the oath of office.
I thought I would share two markedly differing emotions I have experienced this week. The joyful one was yesterday
when I enjoyed the simple and palpable pleasure of watching a big piece of machinery reaching across the building site
to pump life into our new Science Faculty as the concrete was poured to form the foundations. Truck after truck of the
stuff went to and fro outside my window and this necessitated regular trips from me to watch the progress. I even
dragged the Headmaster of King’s College to look as he happened to be here briefly.
Earlier in the week, we had both been at the annual Woodard Heads’ Conference and the less optimistic emotion was
felt when I heard a talk from a US citizen, a Hillary Clinton supporter, who was, unsurprisingly, disappointed and anxious
over the election outcome. It was, though, her observation that she felt the line between fact and opinion had become
blurred that troubled me. Post-truth implications seem rife as people display a sense that they have the right to
consider their opinion good enough to be fact, even in the face of substantial evidence to the contrary.
Sorry – that last bit was getting a little ‘heavy’, but it is so far removed from what we are all trying to instil in the
children at King’s Hall that it does give you something to think about. Much easier is to comment on how wonderful the
beautiful days are that we have had recently - or perhaps I’ll head back to the big machines and talk to the site manager
about what might be coming next.
Justin Chippendale
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E-safety Presentation for Parents
On Monday afternoon, Alan Earl of South West Grid for Learning gave a presentation to parents on the subject
of E-safety. It was a very thought provoking session and a large number of good ideas on how to manage modern
day technology were discussed. A number of informative websites were reviewed and these are below:
www.swgfl.org.uk
www.k9webprotection.com
www.saferinternet.org.uk
www.vodafone.com
/content/digital-parenting.html
If you have any questions on this material or would like a parent checklist help flyer for Facebook, Twitter,
Snapchat or Instagram please contact Mr Webster.
A view from the Rose Garden
In English we have learnt about similes, homophones and homographs.
We are pictured here with some great similes: “Happy as a bunny” “As quick as a fox” “As blind as a bat”
At the end of last term we made some fabulous shields and took part in a Roman battle in the woods.
On Wednesday we visited the library to learn more about the Dewey system.
In Maths we have been revising our tables.
Mrs Thomas recommends http://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button .
We have also been doing some investigations from the http://nrich.maths.org website.
Academic Life...
Design Technology
All classes have been excited to find out what they are designing and making this term. Year 3 have been
learning about levers and linkages and have been making some models to demonstrate how they can be used
to make toys move.
Year 4 are using textiles again and have been researching ideas for their roaring monsters. Year 7 have been
looking at different shaped cams and how we can use them to create movement. Years 5 and 8 have been
learning how to solder accurately in order to make a steady hand game and an amplifier for their mobile devices.
Year 6 have learnt how to set up the sewing machine and have just taken a sewing driving test!
Below are some photos of a selection of some of the fantastic work produced last term.
French
Communication is the main function of language and it is great to
be able to learn about someone else by speaking their language. 6H
have been practising their skills by shopping for food and having
great fun pretending to be at the boulangerie. Year 5 have been
working in groups creating an imaginary family and will be
presenting them to the class once finished. Year 4 have
collaborated on a book in French, each making a page along the
lines of Brown Bear, Brown Bear.
Year 8 pupils are all working hard for exams; Madame Murray is running a French clinic this term on Mondays
from 4.45 pm. Your child does not have to attend every week but should look at what is being practised and
sign up on the day. The internet can be a great place for reinforcement and revision. MEMRISE is a very
motivating and competitive vocabulary learning website and our school subscribes to linguascope which is
suitable for all ages.
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Geography
Technology is always evolving and we endeavour to keep up with this in school and through our teaching. The
internet has become an invaluable tool in the teaching of Geography, enabling us to see that ‘Geography’ is
happening all around us, all the time. Please see below some of the ways we have been using ICT in the teaching
of Geography over the last few weeks.
Year 8 – Population and Settlement
World Population Clock – http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/
This is a live clock (screenshot taken at 9am Thursday 19th January), which is
constantly changing – look it up and see how much the population has grown since
then! Obviously it is based on estimates, but for pupils to be able to actually see
how quickly the world population is
growing is a very powerful tool which leads
to much discussion.
We also looked at this image to introduce
‘population distribution’. It is a satellite image taken at night of the
‘World Lights’ and clearly shows population distribution.
Year 7 – Weather and Climate
It is great to have our very own
weather station at King’s Hall, with
data streamed live into Room 6 all
day, every day. We refer to this data
on a regular basis throughout this
topic, helping pupils to distinguish
the elements of weather and the
instruments used to measure them.
We have also been using data from
the Dartmoor National Park website
to create climate graphs for
Princetown and compare them to the climate in London.
Year 6 – Europe
This topic incorporates a great deal of ICT and enables children to carry out
independent learning by researching a country of choice. To help children learn the
countries and their locations there are also fun websites such as
www.ilike2learn.com, that have map quizzes.
Year 5 – Antarctica
Children are able to get a real insight into what Antarctica is like seeing it through the eyes of Scott as he led
expeditions to the South Pole. There have been some fantastic documentaries made, including ‘Race to the
South Pole’, which is available on YouTube, for the children to watch.
Year 4 - The Caribbean
Google Earth has enabled us to look at the location
and make-up of the islands, as well as research the
complex history of some of the islands, the
barbaric slave trade and the present Caribbean.
The children develop their own research skills on
the computer, to find out about a particular island
and also how best to share this information with
others in the class. This is always an emotive topic,
but clearly one in which History plays so much part
in understanding the present Geography of the
region.
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Science
We have made a campaign for the dwarf planet, Pluto. Pluto was a planet until
the 3 Criteria were created in 2006. The 3 Criteria are the specialities that a
planet needs to have to be a planet.
1.
2.
3.
It must have a reasonably round structure
It must be in orbit around the sun
It must have cleared out it’s neighbourhood
Pluto did not reach the 3rd statement, as it is in the icy Kuiper Belt. We think that
Pluto should still be a planet because it has 5 moons orbiting it and it orbits the
Sun, but just at a slanted angle. Pluto should still be a planet! We feel so sorry
for poor Pluto, even Mrs Cole feels sorry for him! Thank you to everyone who
helped us !
Year 8 - Mrs Hardy’s Tutees
EXAMS, EXAMS, EXAMS!! The main focus currently is on exams – 8S only have three teaching weeks left until
they sit their scholarship exams and 8H and 8K have one week until their ‘Trial Exams’. So everyone is working
very hard, well almost everyone!
Also on Monday a man came in to school to talk to all of Year 7 and 8 about E-Safety and later spoke to
parents. The pupils found it very interesting and were very honest about how they use technology, whether
it was ‘legal’ or not!! There were some very important messages given to the children and in the ever evolving
world of technology, it struck me that, as adults, we also need to keep up with the changes in order to be
able to understand what our children are talking about, advise them how to use the tools for the amazing
benefit they can bring as well as help them avoid making mistakes! Following the talk, these were some of
the messages they have come away with to help avoid the pitfalls (you might need to ask your children if
some of them don’t make sense to you!):

Every photo or post you put on social media stays there forever and forms part of your ‘digital footprint’’.

We know more about social media and technology than our parents.

Don’t trust everything you read on the internet (Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus - http://zapatopi.net/treeoctopus/)

Tell somebody if you are being cyberbullied, but think carefully about who you tell and NEVER delete the texts/evidence.

Don’t create and post a musical..ly – it might come back to bite you!

Even if you think an app is private or safe, be aware it might not be.

Computer games are given age categories for a reason, so only play age specific games if you are old enough.

Don’t catfish!

Any nationality, gender, age, type of person could be an online predator.

Limit the amount of time spent online (we spend 4 years of our lives looking at social media).

It is easy and important to report anything we don’t like, find inappropriate or upsetting online.

Don’t ever write anything about or to anyone that you wouldn’t happily say to their face.

If you do want to meet someone you have met online, always take an adult with you.

Always think before you send anything – would you be happy showing it to your parents or grandparents, if not, DO NOT
send it.
This week in the Library....
Year 5 and 6 Book Club
“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J. K. Rowling
On Monday this week, our Year 5 and 6 Book Club brought a glimpse of Hogwarts to King’s Hall as an
excited group of bookworms met to discuss the first Harry Potter story, which they had read during the
Christmas holidays.
Favourite moments in the book included Harry’s first train journey to Hogwarts (Gus), Dudley being given
a pig’s tail by Hagrid (Huck), the moment Professor Quirrell takes off his turban (Elsa) and the description
of when Harry first finds out that he is a wizard (Gabriel). We talked about what we would most like to
see in the Mirror of Erised which, as Harry Potter fans know, shows us the deepest desires of our
hearts. Magnus would like to see himself with a shiny new bike, Elise would like to see herself at
Hogwarts and Terrence would like to see himself as his literary hero, Percy Jackson.
Book clubbers also brainstormed some
fabulous ideas for new Hogwarts
professors and made a start on their
entries for a national Harry Potter
competition. We all decided we would
LOVE to win the prize of a class trip to the
Harry Potter studios!
Out of the Classroom
Trampolining
Samia Sidhu competed in the South West Regional Qualifier, on Sunday. Samia placed 2nd at level
5 and now had 2 qualifying scores, which means she goes forward to the Regional finals in March.
New Science Faculty
Concrete pouring day!! The first concrete for the Science Faculty emerges from the pipe.
Expectant galleries during the day as the
coverage spreads.
This term’s Head Boy is Mathew Osborne
Hello all, it’s only the second week of term and it’s already been a busy
time for everyone. As Head Boy I have learned all the duties I have to do
like updating the Staff Duty board and taking some of the younger children
to Pre-Prep.
This week has been action packed with events like 11+ scholarship
assessments, the first pupil council meeting of the year and on Wednesday
this week we had an afternoon filled with sport fixtures.
Also this week Year 7 & 8 had an E-safety talk which was very interesting,
where we learnt how to be sensible and safe online.
Finally, I hope everyone has a good rest over the long weekend.
Sport Action and News...
Netball
U13A against Wellington
Super training game. Slow start to first quarter, with several mistakes made. Warmed to the game as it
continued and pulled away from Wellington steadily through the rest of the game. Super shooting by Lucy Kite
and Kezia Ogle. Great team effort. Captain Anna Flatt was voted player of the match. Lots of good vision and
energy shown today.
U13B against Wellington
Charlotte Sidwell was voted player of the match due to her excellent movement in the circle and good
communication with Florence Cole as Goal Attack. The two shooters worked well together despite some very
tall defenders. The centre court players managed to put into play the centre passes they had practised in
training. Anastasia Woodard’s speed worked to their advantage with Millie Masters and Olivia Boyd dominating
play in the centre. Our two defenders, Sienna Hill-Lamey and Amelie Ridley played a physical and committed
game. A good victory in the first match.
U13C against Wellington
The girls were excellent throughout their first match of the year and ran out deserved winners over Wellington.
In attack, Hannah Johnston, Kyla Stell and Isabel Ambler were too fast and accurate for the Wellington defence
and scored goals freely. In defence Alice Herbert and Kitty Messenger did well, but as a team a little work needs
to be done on marking. All looks set for an exciting season ahead.
U11A at the Bryanston Tournament
What a way to start the season; it has been a while since the girls played a competitive match and it took them
by surprise when we came up against Chafyn Grove first. The 8 minute match was not long enough for us to
claw back the goals we conceded early on, but after finding their form, and remembering that pace and power
are their main strengths, they went on to play some great netball and won the next 4 games. It was a cold day
and the girls coped well with the demands of a tournament. I was most proud of how they won the ball back
with many impressive interceptions from everyone. Flo Delafield-Cook and Hettie Chippendale defended very
well, preventing many goal opportunities for our opponents; Josie Woodard, Elise Roberts and Harriet Wrelton
worked tirelessly in the middle of the court marking very well; Peyton Broke-Smith and Sophie Flatt shot
brilliantly throughout the whole tournament and between them scored a total of 34 goals - wow! Special
mention goes to Emily Ogle who was player of the tournament, for her ability to intercept and reach balls that
most of us would not consider humanly impossible! All the girls showed real tenacity against Sherborne in the
semi-final and it was great to see them fight for what they wanted - the grit and determination paid off, getting
them to the final - which they won convincingly, gaining them a shield. A great bunch of talented girls who are
also a pleasure to spend time with! Well done.
Hockey
U13C against Taunton
An end to end game saw both sides have plenty of opportunities to win the match, in what was an exciting start
to the season. Sam Geddes was excellent throughout and Ali Hilton a determined, often alone, defender were
the key players for King's Hall. A little bit more discipline will see this team have a very successful season.
U13D against Taunton
An excellent start to the season with a convincing win but also some good team goals scored. All parts of the
team played their part with strong defence and goalkeeping, good passing in midfield and clinical finishing.
There will be sterner challenges ahead, but the quality of both defence and attack bodes well for the rest of the
season.
U12B against Taunton
In a most enjoyable and closely contested game the team displayed admirable levels of energy and discipline.
It was most pleasing to see the support that everyone gave, both in attack and defence. Combination and link
play were good, producing many chances throughout the match. Going into half time with a lead was reward
for all of the hard work put in. The second half proved to be even better, with both sides moving the ball quickly,
producing many goal mouth incidents. Fine saves from Freddie in goal, strong defence, great approach work
from Ronnie and the rest of the mid-field, coupled with clinical finishing from Justin ensured a most impressive
win.
U10B against Taunton
A pleasing first match, the eight players all tried hard and enjoyed the game, improving throughout. The first
third was very close, with both sides mounting attacks then having to chase back to defend their own goals. In
the second third, both sides showed greater shape and provided more support for each other; passing moves
were developing well; with all players showing improving stopping, passing and dribbling. An even final third
looked as if the two sides would cancel each other out for a well-earned draw; however, with seconds
remaining, a final attack was mounted and after a wonderful dribble by Matthew a winning goal was scored.
U13A against Hazlegrove
This was a fantastic game played on a difficult surface. I thought we adapted well to the surface and played
some excellent hockey going forward. At 5-2 up we were very disappointed to find ourselves at 5-5. However a
well worked team goal saw George Thomas, who also completed his hattrick, score with the last touch of the
game. Well done to all the boys for their efforts in such a competitive fixture.
U11A against Hazlegrove
The score line does not reflect a much improved team performance. In the first half the new formation worked
very well, with players holding their position and set plays, such as hit outs, being much more effective. The
work effort was excellent but took its toll after half time, as did having a squad of 9. In the second half we ran
out of steam and lost shape. The players need to trust each other to do their jobs and not get pulled out of
position. The team has potential, but there will be no quick fix and the players need to be robust enough to
understand we are building for the future and not get too hung up on results.
U10A against Hazlegrove
A much improved performance from the team in a game that was very closely matched. A strong defensive
display, including Terrance Chen as Goal Keeper, laid the foundations for some lovely inter play in the midfield,
using width and penetrating the opposition half with real effectiveness. Impressive communication was evident
resulting in a very encouraging performance for the weeks ahead. The three goals were very much 'team goals'
with all of the players decisive in decision making and high skill levels. Congratulations must go to Arthur
Webster who was the beneficiary of this team work, scoring all three goals in a hattrick performance. Well done
to all of today’s players and we look forward to our game against Perrott Hill.
Results round up ...
Netball
Hockey
Saturday 14th January
v Wellington
U13A
U13B
U13C
Won 17 – 6
Won 21 - 3
Won 24 - 11
Taunton Prep
Tournament
U12A
3rd in Group
Wednesday 18th January
Bryanston Tournament
U13A
U11A
Vase Semi-Final
Winners of The Vase
v St Peter’s
U13B
U13C
Lost 9 - 10
Won 21 - 6
v The Downs
U12A
U12/11B
Lost 3 – 20
Lost 7 - 9
Saturday 14th January
v Taunton Prep &
Wellington
U13A
U13B
Won 6-4 & Lost 1-2
Won 2-0 & Lost 0-2
v Taunton Prep
U13C
U13D
U12A
U12B
U12C
U11A
U11B
U10A
U10B
Drew 1 - 1
Won 4 - 0
Won 3 - 1
Won 5 - 2
Won 2 - 1
Lost 1 - 7
Lost 0 - 2
Lost 1 - 7
Won 2 - 1
Wednesday 18th January
v Hazlegrove
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
U11A
U11B
U10A
U10B
Won 6 - 5
Drew 2 - 2
Won 3 - 2
Lost 1 - 2
Won 6 - 0
Won 4 - 0
Lost 0 - 7
Lost 0 - 4
Won 3 - 1
Lost 1 - 6
Hobbies & Activities – so much fun!
Football
More football for King's Hall Girls...
The first of a bi weekly girls football lunchtime coaching session started today at King's Hall School.
Pictured are some of the almost 40 girls that have signed up for the sessions delivered by Chris Heayns,
Director of Football King's Schools, on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week.
Hill Walking
This Wednesday saw the turn of the year 5 and 6 girls out
on the Quantocks, hill walking. The weather was very
kind to us as the group ascended the first hill to the trig
point. From here the children were able to see across to
Wales, view the Brendon Hills and Exmoor, and get a
general idea of the lie of the land, to be able to use their
maps.
Half way around the route while in Frog Combe the
girls attempted and achieved a new school record,
23 children and staff all in one storm shelter, which I
think is sized for about twelve. The group made it
comfortably back to the buses with only a bit of
huffing and puffing from some individuals.
The Boarders’ World...
Having spent the morning chilling and generally taking it easy watching films and playing ball games in the sports
hall we all trouped off for an afternoon of laser shooting. The hardest part was splitting the children and staff
into groups with no arguments!! Everyone then spent the next hour in the apocalyptic, futuristic, Hunger Games
style arena! A lot of shouting and sweating and a vast amount of shooting filled the next hour while I sat with
my feet up with a coffee (I wish!). Rather tired and lethargic we returned to school for a roast meal and settled
down to write letters home to our family. A lovely day to complete the first week back.
Things you didn’t know about ...
Sienna Hill-Lamey
Y8 pupil
Charlie Brooke-Webb
Y8 pupil
How long have you been at King’s Hall School? Tell us more about your arrival.
I joined King’s Hall in the Lent term of Year 5. Martha I’ve been at King’s Hall for one year now and have
made lots of new friends. At first I was really
Lawford was my big sister and she helped me to
nervous
as I knew no one, I quickly got to know
settle down really quickly and even now we are really
people which made the move a lot easier.
good friends.
If you were going to appear in a book, which character would you play and what would be the plot?
I would be in a murder mystery and I would be the
If I was to appear in a book it would probably be a
detective, and someone gets murdered and I have to spy book and I would play the good guy as it would
mean I would get all the cool gadgets.
find out who it is and then accidently capture an
innocent person!
What do you like doing in your free time?
I like to spend time with my family and friends, and
I have a lot of hobbies but on a weekly basis my
favourite things are skateboarding and football.
visit my grandparents.
If you could try out any job for a day, what would you like to try?
I would like to be a skydiving instructor so I can tell
If I could try a job for a day it would probably be a
teacher as I could see what the teachers feel at
people how to skydive and actually do it myself. The
different parts of the day.
best of both worlds!
If you could appear on ‘Mastermind’ what would be your chosen field of knowledge?
Probably Art because I enjoy drawing and I think I
My chosen subject would be the England test
know quite a bit about it.
match cricket team.
Which three people, dead or alive, would you have to a dinner party if you could? Why?
I would invite Nelson Mandala so he can inspire me
Three people I would like to have a dinner party
with are Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Martin
to do work like him. Leonardo DiCaprio so he can tell
Luther
King as they were such good figures in
me about his acting career, and Adele so she can sing
reformation in changing people’s thoughts.
for us.
What is your favourite possession? Why?
My favourite possession is my pig stuffed animal,
My favorite possession would be my phone as it
means I can stay connected with my favourite
because I got it when I was a baby and it is very
people whenever I want.
special to me.
If you could meet and talk with anyone in the world, who would it be and what would you speak about?
I would like to meet Hitler, and I would ask him why If I could talk to anyone in the world I would talk to
Joe Root and talk about his general
he did the things he did to take the lives of many,
cricketing career.
many innocent people.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
I would like to go to Mürren because I have
If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to
Cape Town in Africa to surf and help the poor.
previously been there skiing and I fell in love with it.
Also, I love skiing!
What has been the most unusual or extravagant food you have ever eaten?
I tried frog’s legs in France, but I didn’t really like
The most extravagant food I’ve had would
probably be oysters, the taste is completely
them though!
unique. I probably wouldn’t have it again though as
I didn’t like it much.
What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?
One thing I would like to do that I have never
The one thing I would really like to do would be
done before would be deep sea scuba diving
skydive as I just can’t get enough of these
because it would be nice to see all the
types of sports.
different fish!
Would you rather travel back in time or into the future? Why?
I would really like to travel into the future so I can see
I would rather travel into the future to see what
new possibilities the world holds but only if I could
what is going to happen to me and if there is
get back to my time.
something bad going to happen then I can make it
stop or warn everyone.
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