Bexley
Grammar
School
N EWSLETTER
Friday 14 t h November 2014
www.bexleygs.co.uk
having not one, but two Mad Hatters! Set in the 21 st
Juniper Hall
Last week 44 IB Biology and Environmental Systems and
Societies students spent
4 days at Juniper Hall, a
field studies centre in
Surrey.
The
students
experienced a variety of
ecological
investigation
techniques. We looked
at
the
effects
of
trampling on Box Hill,
investigated
river
invertebrates and a
particular
favourite
was the sampling of
small mammals (Fatima
century, a traumatic event in Alice’s life leads to her
delving down into Wonderland, where excitement and
danger await.
Rehearsals have been a great success so far. Despite being
twice a week and a huge commitment, everyone is loving
the process. As always, it is satisfying to see Year 7s acting
alongside Year 13s to create a high standard performance,
and with the Year 13 Drama prefects helping out at every
rehearsal, there is a real sense of student participation.
That being said, Mrs Dawson’s hard work, backed by Ms
Gabriel and Mr Otley, has been irreplaceable in creating
such a wonderful play.
We have puppets, we have songs and we have a giant
caterpillar! I could not recommend coming to see the play
enough; it’s looking like it will be truly magical.
Emily Wilcox Year 13
and Surong are proudly
displaying
their
Bank
Vole in the picture - it
Year 12s Fieldtrip to Dorset
was only in the bag for a
During the 10th - 14th of October A-level Geography
short time!). Mr Ward,
students visited the Jurassic coast in Swanage, Dorset to
Miss Skinner and I were pleased with the hard work the
study the abundance of wonderful landmarks and the
students put into their coursework despite the long days
remarkably
and, at times, slightly grotty weather.
geographical scenery.
Miss Shaughnessy
beautiful
We arrived on Friday at
the
Countdown to Alice:
Tickets for this year’s Christmas Production are available
from Friday 14th November ... hurry: you don’t want to be
late!
Perfect for sparking your Christmas spirit, come and see
Bexley Grammar School’s 2014 production of Alice in
Wonderland from Wednesday 3
rd
December - Friday 5
th
Townsend
centre
where we were greeted
by
Kate
-
a
keen
geographer who took us
out to study the local river of Swanbrook. We learnt
about the dangers of a town within a floodplain and the
precautions Swanage had to take to reduce the risk of
flooding. We studied a whole variety of river management
techniques from telemetry sensors which recorded the
volume of the water, to an underground reservoir which
stored water during high precipitation. Whilst venturing
out upon the Jurassic coast to witness the truly breathtaking landforms from Durdle Door to Man of War, none
was as majestic as Lulworth Cove.
Not only did we look at coastal landforms, but we also
December 2014.
visited Worth Matravers – a peaceful village with a
Every autumn term, the school prepares itself for the
beautiful landscape; and Putlake Farm which was once an
Christmas play and this year preparations are underway
ordinary farm but had been diversified into an adventure
for Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. With modern
farm, attracting a wider range of people from childish 17
twists along the way, the cast of 50 has added a breath of
year olds and little children to adults. The main attraction
fresh air to the children’s classic: for instance, we’re
of the farm is the great indoor adventure playground
Bexley Grammar School
Page |2
which is ideal for rainy days – which are quite common in
I would highly recommend that any Sixth Form student
Swanage.
who has begun learning Japanese at IB or A-level take up
Despite the terrible weather, the trip was very beneficial
the opportunity to take part next year to both further
and entertaining. We would like say a huge thank you to
their
Miss Thurlow for her efforts in organising and leading the
opportunities available for studying Japanese at university.
fieldtrip.
On 6
interest
and
learn
Mahdi Ahmed & Kyle Heslin-Reece, Year 12
Sixth Form Japan Day
th
own
November 2014, I travelled to the School of
more
about
the
Connor Robson, Year 12
Year 7 Rochester Castle visit – October
2014
Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London to attend
Today I would like to share my tremendous experience
the Sixth Form Japan Day, held by the Japan Society of the
with you. In Year 7 we received an amazing opportunity
UK, in association with Ritsumeikan University. This was
to visit Rochester Castle. In one word I can describe the
to give Sixth Formers, who have an interest in Japanese,
castle as: prodigious! It’s so big ...
an insight into both traditional and modern Japan.
Incorporated into the day were several workshops based
around various parts of Japanese culture including,
amongst other things, learning to draw manga (Japanese
comics), calligraphy, and practising Kendo, a martial art
based on the sword training and practice of the samurai.
Additionally, there was also a series of short and
The castle was full of windows that expanded as the
floors got higher. This protected the castle from the
rivals. The idea was that if the windows on the lower
floors were narrower people wouldn’t be able to come in
through there, whereas if the upper floors were bigger no
one could climb up as ladders weren’t even invented! The
castle’s appearance itself looks quite old but still
captivating because of the stone effect!
Going slowly up the spiralling stairs, you can see such
phenomenal views from every single floor. Now, if you go
up to the highest floor you’ll realise you’re very very high
entertaining lectures, delivered by several university
up. Everything you look at turns microscopic. You’re a
professors from around the UK and a member of the
giant spying on innocent ants. It’s 113 feet tall ...
Foreign Office.
Rochester Castle is great for fun trips, however, it can
Both the lectures and workshops gave me a practical
also be very educational. We learnt tons of new things!
insight into both Japan as a country and the work of the
One thing we learnt was that the castle has so many ways
Japanese British Embassy, fuelling both my curiosity and
to protect it. Some ways are very simple, like the
enthusiasm towards learning about the culture and the
windows as I mentioned earlier. Another protective
language.
defence is the draw bridge.
Having spent the duration of the event immersed in
We also entered Rochester Cathedral and that was very
Japanese culture, I can honestly say that I felt honoured to
inspirational. At first we had a small discussion and then
be able to attend, and gain such a valuable experience.
we explored the depths of the colossal Cathedral. The
Throughout the day, I found myself enjoying every
original founder was St Justus, however, the Cathedral
moment I got to spend doing things I never imagined I
kept getting demolished due to many different reasons so
would get the opportunity to try.
Gundulf (a Norman monk) constructed the new
Cathedral. In one of the areas there was a small room
Bexley Grammar School
Page |3
which I found inspirational. When we occupied the room
that we took the coach back and immediately after half an
there were rows full of benches and on the walls there
hour a chorus of moans of “Are we there yet?” started.
were stained glass of beautiful pictures.
When we arrived, there were a few hours to spend in the
My point of view towards our breath-taking trip to the
pool and then have a shower and be ready for dinner.
castle (and cathedral) was that it was mind-blowing; I’m
After dinner, free-time was given until 10.00pm and lights
happy we could go there.
out shortly after.
Cecilia Bhandari, Year 7
The next morning Mr Mackle read out the day’s activities
which were all training sessions for the footballers and
Barcelona Football and Netball Tour
2014
netballers. Training was tough over a period of 2 hours.
When we arrived
On Friday 24th October, 64 Bexley Grammar pupils stood
back it was time for
in the Sports Hall chattering, half-asleep, having been
lunch
woken up at 2.30am. After being allocated our travel
after it was pool
groups and waving goodbye to our parents, the pupils and
time
accompanying teachers left for Heathrow to begin our
some, then dinner.
Netball and Football tour. We arrived at Heathrow in the
However prior to dinner the boys played a football
pouring rain and were ushered through check-in and
match: Bexley Bears against Bexley Bobcats. The match
security, then teachers split us up into groups to get
was at a local football ground and was refereed by a local.
breakfast and food. The flight was comfortable and we
The final score was 5-2. After dinner, announcements
were all in a jovial mood, our adventure had begun.
were made about what time to meet for breakfast and the
Stepping out at Barcelona airport we were greeted with a
time lights had to be out.
wave of Spanish heat instead of the British rain. Viva
The next morning after breakfast we were told to come
Espana! The deathly silence of the airport was broken by
down in our sports gear ready for another training
the chatter and excitement of the BGS team.
The
session. That night was the fixture against Spanish
journey to the hotel meandered through Barcelona city
opposition and both teams played very well. The match
and a bit of the sleepy Spanish countryside. On arrival at
venue was at a nearby football stadium. Both the A and B
the hotel we were quickly given our room keys and we all
team supported each other with gusto and shouts of
settled in well. The rest of the day was for our leisure.
“Come on you blues” and “Bexley” whether they
Students and teachers were playing water polo with
conceded a goal or scored one. For me being in the B
everyone. Other fun
team and winning 2-0 was a great start to our tour. Soon
activities
included
after, we arrived for dinner very late and had to go to
Table - Tennis, pool
sleep early for yet another training session at RCD
and an air hockey
Espanyol B’s training ground near Barcelona. The stadium
table. Day one down
was stunning with authentic astro-turf and trained
and
coaches. The session was very long and improved all of
we
were
exhausted.
and
soon
again
for
our abilities. We had another fixture later that night and
After a great night’s sleep everyone woke up at 7.00am
both teams again played Spanish opposition; a draw wasn’t
and assembled to have breakfast. Day two saw another
bad
sun drenched day and we headed off with our packed
teams. Soon after this
lunch for the day in Barcelona. We waited with bated
we went bowling and
breath to reach the holy grail of Camp Nou! The tour
later
was fantastic seeing all Barca’s trophies and taking a step
awards
back in time through the club’s history in all sports. The
was held where many
tour was long and at the end everyone stopped at the
got great awards for
club store to buy something.
improvements in their sport and being the Player’s Player
We headed over for some lunch near the town centre
for their squad.
and then walked through the chaotic streets of Las
After a late sleep, the next day a big pool gathering was
Ramblas. We were then given time in groups to admire
held where Mr Martin and Mr Bradley chucked everyone
the statues and buy things from the shops nearby. After
in. It was a relaxing day, no training sessions or matches
for
on
both
a
the
final
ceremony
Bexley Grammar School
Page |4
just sitting or swimming in the pool. We left the hotel and
on Thursday 6th November. The squad worked hard to
arrived at the airport for 5.00pm. The flight wasn’t until
win three out of 5 matches.
Miss Leffen
8.00pm and everyone, even the teachers, were sad to be
leaving the great Spanish weather. When we arrived in
England the temperature was very low and it was very
Year 11 Bexley Netball Tournament
late. Arriving at school for 11.45pm all parents were
On Tuesday 4th November Bexley Grammar hosted the
delighted to see their children and carried their heavy
Year 11 Bexley Schools’ Netball tournament. The BGS
suitcases for them. This trip was amazing and I thoroughly
team played very well winning 3 out of 4 matches, only
enjoyed every moment of it and if asked again, my answer
losing to Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School. Tilly
would be a resounding YES!
Evans, GK/GD, was awarded Player of the Tournament
Joshua Pereira, Year 8
for her excellent defensive skills throughout the
U16 Kent Netball Tournament
afternoon. Congratulations to the team crowned 2 nd in
Bexley Borough!
Miss Leffen
On Thursday last week girls from the Year 11 and Year
10 netball teams represented BGS at the Kent U16
schools netball tournament. The Kent Netball tournament
was held at Rainham and had over 48 schools competing.
The team consisted of the following 7 players; Tilly Evans,
Madison Wright, Olivia Clark and Shania Dodd from Year
11 and Sarah Cotter, Ellie Barnes and Kaeto Nwankwo
from Year 10.
The team had never played together before resulting in
World Challenge Oxleas Wood Training
Sessions
Sunday 16th November - The time of this session
has changed. For this day only, the session will start at
10am for 45 minutes. Meet at the top of Shooters Hill,
by the Oxleas Wood Café. Please contact Katie Harris
([email protected]) if you are interested.
Miss Brand
the first game against Bromley High being a loss. However
the team bounced back to win their next 2 games against
Hayes and St Gregory's. In the fourth match against
Year 7 Form Competition:
Congratulations
to
7NSS
on
winning
the
Form
competition for the third week in a row. I believe it was
touch and go for a while but Mr Shackleton made sure
that some tactics were put into place to keep the Form
trophy.
This week’s competition is for the form who receives the
most CAS merits. Pupils receive these by being helpful
and polite around the school.
Miss McCarron
Year 7 Merits
Well done to the following students on reaching 50
merits. 7SFG: Ella Warren, William Adomako and
Invicta the team lost focus and made lots of mistakes
resulting in a heavy loss. The final match was another win
against Dane Court.
Sarah was voted the Player of the Tournament by the
team because she stepped in to play every position
without a complaint and played well in each one. All the
girls would like to say a big thank you to Dot for umpiring
for us and Miss Leffen for taking us.
Tilly Evans, Year 11
Madelene Hansford. 7NSS: Patrick Westcott-Deane,
Sophia Szczegolski-Jacobs, Serena McKay, James Hunt,
Francesca Handscombe, Jeevan Ghag, Marie-Reine Fotso
and Maia Bourrelly. 7EA: Joseph Hooton.
Congratulations to Thomas Yeadon on achieving 100
merits. Keep up the good work.
Forthcoming Events
Tuesday 18th November - PA Meeting
Well done to the U16 Netball squad for their
Friday 21st November – PA Quiz Night
performance in the Kent Netball tournament at Rainham
Friday 28th November - Inset Day
Mr Skinner