From the Headmaster’s Study
I spoke in my Headmaster’s Assembly about the creativity and flair that members of the Wellesley community have demonstrated throughout lockdown. It has been genuinely overwhelming and inspiring to see – not just in the more vocational and practical subjects – but in the everyday learning of our pupils. Furthermore, the ability of our parents to support the pupils throughout Wellesley Online has been essential to the on-going overall success of the programme. We are all learning – and my staff and I will continue to do all that we can to stimulate, motivate and engage our pupils in this second half of term. Enjoy your week.
Gavin Franklin
Digital Open Day
We have put together a Digital Open Day Pack for prospective parents. It includes a video introduction to the school, a link to our virtual prospectus and an invitation to a virtual meeting with our Headmaster. If you know anyone who may be interested in the school, please ask them to email: admissions@wellesleyhouse.net.
School Last week
Common Entrance
Our Block 1 pupils sat their Common Entrance examinations from their homes last week (under exam conditions),with their final exam taking place on Monday afternoon (French speaking). They now begin their virtual Leavers’ programme and will enjoy a broad, fun and engaging programme including (but not limited to) activities this week such as: Bake Off competition, Wellesley TV Cribs video, Mandarin workshop, Sign language workshop, virtual Leavers’ Song preparation and a Sugarcraft workshop. We hope that they enjoy it.
Scholarship update
One of our Block 1 pupils, Barnaby Carter, received the results of his Research project and interview – part of the academic scholarship process – to The King’s School, Canterbury. Barnaby was awarded an A* for his project, which he chose to do on “Genetic Modification on Human Embryos” – the highest possible grade. Congratulations, Barnaby.
History
Since half-term the children have continued with their various online lessons in history. JH has been studying various famous people over the course of this term. This week, they have been looking at Mary Anning, the fossil hunter, whose discoveries changed our very understanding of life on Earth. They have been encouraged to find or create a fossil. Children from JH are pictured with some of their efforts.
JL have been working with Mr Latteur on the Celts. They have been studying the Celtic Warrior and their use of woad in battle. The children have been encouraged to prepare for battle by painting their faces with various terrifying designs. You can see a few of their efforts here.
Block 4 have been studying the Vikings, and as we all probably remember
doing, their task was to create a Viking Longship. A few children have all sent in photos of their excellent models. Well done to them!
At the top end of the school, the Block 3 pupils have just begun work on the Hundred Years’ War, Block 2 are studying the English Civil War and Block 1 have been preparing, and doing, their exam papers.
JH English
JH started studying their new book this week in English. We have looked at the first eight pages in detail but have not seen the front cover or title yet. On one page, the main character dreams about a ‘jungle full of wild forest animals’.
The children got very creative imagining what this would look like in some drawings and collages. Well done and keep up the super work!
JL making smoothies and potions in maths
For our lesson on capacity to measure liquids in millilitres, JL were asked to make a potion or drink. There was some super measuring and it looked great fun. Some of the smoothies sound healthy and delicious!
School This Week
Leavers’ Programme
Block 1 pupils begin their post-CE programme this week, which is full of online workshops, media projects, quizzes, a Bake Off, the Dragon’s Apprentice project and more. We are really looking forward to seeing how our Block 1 pupils embrace the virtual challenges that have been set for them. While there is not a lot that can beat Bubble Football and Trampoline Dodgeball, we hope that what we have come up with will be fun and enriching. Block 1 pupils and parents should look out for information that has been emailed to them and should join the Google Classroom if they have not already done so.
Six of the Best
The Six of the Best winner for this half term is Kaspar Lear. The artworks below were inspired by the artist Andy Goldworthy who uses natural forms to create temporary sculptures in the landscape. Mr Parfitt set this as a whole school project and has had some excellent work returned from Felix Butterfill, Lottie and Freddie Southorn and the Wainman brothers to name just a few, he was somewhat spoiled for choice! However Kaspar was his pick in the end, because he has produced some excellent work during lockdown and thoroughly deserves to be recognised.
Music on Monday
Music on Monday was provided by Pip Viner (JL) who played his own composition on the Piano. Well done, Pip.
Ebook by Bradfield teacher with proceeds going to NHS – features sports superstars!
The Head of Bradfield Sixth Form: Phil Clegg, and Old Bradfieldian: Laura Hutchinson, have written a charming illustrated children’s ebook featuring global sporting superstars:
· Jordan Henderson, Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck from football
· Joe Root, Mark Wood and Danni Wyatt from cricket and
· George Kruis, Tom Curry and Anthony Watson from rugby.
As the book is written for children aged 4-9, we thought you would like to know about it and hopefully promote it to your pupils and parents given it is for a wonderful cause.
The ebook launched on Amazon this week and only costs £3.99
100% of the proceeds are going to the NHS.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nightingales-Song-Phil-Clegg-ebook/dp/B088C414TQ
Additional Information and Events
Social Media
As we cannot see you in person at the moment, we want you to be aware of much of the fun activity that is taking place within our community. A snapshot of this is communicated through our social media channels facebook, twitter and instagram. Do please follow us and share these links with your families should you wish and we hope that you enjoy some of the footage and information!
Billings and Edmonds – Uniform
The school uniform supplier, Billings and Edmonds is currently offering the following promotions:
10% discount on all online orders placed before 30th June 2020.
5% discount on all online orders placed during July 2020.
Items can be returned (for a refund or exchange) for a period of 6 months after the purchase date (please refer to their website for full Ts and Cs).
For a limited period only, free delivery to a UK address is offered.
If you are planning to visit the Chiswick store (please note this is the only branch to stock Wellesley Haddon Dene uniform), an online appointment system is being launched later this month. You must make an appointment prior to visiting and please click here to book or contact the store on 020 8742 0201. For further details, please visit their website.
Senior School Virtual Open Days
Parents with children in Year 4 upwards may be interested in accessing the following virtual Senior School Open Mornings:
The King’s School, Canterbury – the first digital Open Morning is scheduled for Saturday 13th June.
Sevenoaks School – Mrs Arabella Stuart, Director of Admissions, is hosting online presentations every Wednesday at 1pm (UK time).
Tonbridge is offering virtual tours with online Meet the Headmaster sessions where you will hear from Mr James Priory and have the opportunity to ask questions. Please visit their website for booking information.
Earlier this month, Wellington College held its first Virtual Visitors Day. Mr Ed Venables, Director of Admissions is available for daily question and answer sessions. Further Virtual Visitor Days are being scheduled – please see their website for further details..
Benenden School is hosting a live video Open Morning on Tuesday 16th June.
Eastbourne College is holding a virtual Open Morning on Saturday 6th June.
Please visit the appropriate website and ensure you book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Matches This Week
Please always refer to the website calendar as it is the most up-to-date place to check for fixture changes and locations.