11th October 2024

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Headmaster’s Blog 9th October 2024

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Pre-Prep Open Afternoon

Nursery

THIS WEEK IN... NURSERY

Play to Learn: We have used our stretchy worms and small rugby balls for Squiggle Disco and couldn’t resist using the 70s track ‘Rock the Boat!’ The water tray has been full of boats and objects to see which float or sink.

Let’s Make, Let’s Create: We scooped out the flesh of half an orange and filled it with jelly to make an edible boat.

Phonics: Our sound this week is the short, bouncy sound ‘d’ for dinosaur.

Messy Workshop: We rolled conkers in paints and made pictures in the style of the artist Jackson Pollack.

This Week: The week has been full of stories and songs about boats, culminating in a fun dressing-up day on Friday. We enjoyed dressing as Pirates and pretending to sail the seven seas!

Maths: We have searched for ‘treasure’ shapes in shredded paper as well as various gems in a beach scene, which we counted to see who had collected the most. Maths: We have searched for ‘treasure’ shapes in shredded paper as well as various gems in a beach scene, which we counted to see who had collected the most.

Reception

THIS WEEK IN... RECEPTION This week, we have been celebrating Autumn.

Book of the Week: ‘The Leaf Thief’ by Alice Hemming WOW words: gratified, fret, holler, whirling, disgruntled

In Forest School, we went on an Autumn walk around the school grounds and made nature bracelets with the beautiful leaves that had fallen from the trees. We read the story ‘The Leaf Thief’ and thought about what changes occur during the season. We also learnt about what some animals do in Autumn. Can you remember what hibernation and migration mean?

In Maths, we have been comparing two groups of non- identical objects, drawing out the misconception that objects must be the same to compare them. We have used the vocabulary of ‘more’, ‘fewer’ and ‘equal’ which means ‘the same amount’.

In Phonics, we learnt the sounds u, b, f, ff and e. We have been using ‘Fred Talk’ to blend the sounds to read words and ‘Fred Fingers’ to help us spell the words. Everyone is trying so hard. Great perseverance! We also learnt the Tricky Word ‘go’.

Year 1

THIS WEEK IN... YEAR 1

MATHS: We have begun a new Maths unit focusing on addition and subtraction within 10. We are continuing to use the part-whole model to show the links between the two parts and the whole. Number bonds to 10 and within 10 are key elements for supporting future learning. Can you find all the pairs that make 10? How many do I need to add to 6 to make 10? Can you draw this as a part-whole model?

A special mention to our Year 1 Ballet dancers this week, who are working so hard this term and are making brilliant progress!

LITERACY: We have enjoyed reading and listening to a range of poems all about Dragons! We discussed how poems can look and sound and how they differ to stories and non-fiction texts. We used the poems as a springboard for writing amazing descriptions of what our dragon looks like and can do! We talked about using adjectives and linking our ideas together with ‘and’.

HISTORY OFF THE PAGE: The Pre-Prep Hall was transformed into a medieval township on Thursday. The children dressed up as knights, maidens or peasants and emersed themselves into medieval activities of soap making, sewing money pockets, weaving and personalising leather archery finger guards! Year 1 Medieval Day

Year 1 Medieval Day

YEAR 2 THIS WEEK IN... Year 2

TOPIC: We have been looking at dinosaur habitats, learning about which dinosaurs lived in the desert, woodland or plains.

We all enjoyed wearing something yellow on Hello Yellow Day!

MATHS: This week we have continued to explore addition & subtraction using the vertical column method.

Middle School

THIS WEEK IN... MIDDLE SCHOOL

YEAR 3 In Topic, we have been using our research skills to learn all about the different Ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddesses. To showcase this new learning, we’ve had lots of fun creating our own Egyptian God themed Top Trump cards. These include descriptions of their appearance, what they represented, fun facts, and their skills! Linked to this topic, we have begun to create artwork of the different Ancient Egyptian Gods this week. We have taken lots of care with our use of line and pattern. Next lesson, we will be learning about complimentary colours, using oil pastels to complete this project. In Topic, we cannot wait to learn all about the process of mummification next! Year 3 enjoyed a wonderful morning of Wellbeing on Thursday. The children, along with Year 4, created a ‘positivitree’ to help us remember all the ways we can improve our wellbeing. Additions to the tree included: ‘For my wellbeing I dance’, ‘For my wellbeing I draw’, ‘For my wellbeing I swim’, ‘For my wellbeing I doodle’.

ACCELERATED READER: This week the house winners are Chislehurst with an average word count of 14,737. Well done, Chislehurst!

Middle School

YEAR 4 In Maths, we have come to the end of our Place Value Maths unit and are now moving on to Addition and Subtraction. It has been a fantastic topic, and the children are moving towards their next unit with a strong foundation of knowledge. In English, after reading all of our story, ‘FArTHER’, we have begun planning out a sequel! We will follow the same structure but give it our own special twist. The children will be challenged by writing in role and to include a variety of engaging sentence openers, adverbials to make links between paragraphs and conjunctions to extend sentences. After learning about wheels, axles and chassis in DT, construction of our own chariots is now underway. Our chassis, made from lollipops, are taking shape!

In Science, we have been learning about different habitats and how they support various plants and animals. We have been exploring the local surroundings around our school, including the carpark, meadow and Forest School area. We have been observing how these environments create different conditions for wildlife, such as how the hard surfaces of a carpark limit plant growth or how the meadow offers shelter and food for insects.

Recently, in Year 4, we have covered 'Quel âge as-tu?' and ''Quel temps fait-il?' We have learnt how to ask and answer questions about our age, as well as describe the weather. Feel free to test us!

Middle School Wellbeing

Hello Yellow!

On Thursday, children were colourfully accessorised in yellow as we marked Mental Health Awareness Day and supported the ‘Hello Yellow’ campaign raising £305.25 through donations for the Young Minds charity. Monday's assembly was themed around wellbeing and throughout the week pupils were invited to ‘doodle what makes you happy’ on bright yellow pages that have been turned into bunting that is currently hanging throughout the dining hall. We thank you all for joining in to raise awareness and show children and young people they’re not alone with their mental health, and to raise vital funds for this worthwhile cause.

Hello Yellow!

Year 5 Forest School

THIS WEEK IN... BOARDING Boarding News

The Boarding House was again alive and thriving this week. The Monday boarders enjoyed the free swim and there were other activities to enjoy such as multi-sports in the Sports Hall and quieter games on the Boarders’ Landing such as Pictionary and Five-Second Rule. This Friday evening, we will be enjoying a half-term treat at Mollie’s Diner. We had the pleasure of inviting Mrs Hilary Lloyd, our Independent Person, to supper this Wednesday and next Wednesday we have another special guest: Mr Dan Paynter, our new Boarding Governor, who is also a Housemaster at Cheltenham College. And finally, well done to JJ, our Boarder of the Week, for his positive, kind and helpful attitude around the Boarding House.

Boarding News

Year 3 Hockey Tournament

The U8s tournament on Saturday 5th October was a big success. The St Hugh’s Tigers had a terrific couple of hours, drawing their first match two all and winning their last few matches by quite a substantial amount. Everyone in the team tried their absolute best during the tournament and we had some really positive moments. Thank you to all the girls who took part in playing with the St Hugh’s Tigers and thank you to all the people who made it possible to do so. Written by Isabella D and Cassie W (Year 8 Sports Scholars)

The St Hugh's Lions had an awesome time on Saturday at their first Hockey Festival. All the girls showed perseverance and determination throughout the day. We gave the rising Star award to Florence U and most improved player of the day to Ellie B. All the girls played fabulously, and it was an honour to see that the future of St Hugh's Hockey is in good hands. Written my Mariella M-S and Lulu S

Year 3 Rugby Tournament

Last Saturday morning we hosted a Year 3 Tag Rugby Festival. We had 10 teams taking part including all the boys in Year 3. The morning was a fantastic day filled with enthusiasm, teamwork, and fun! St Hugh's proudly fielded three energetic teams – Lions, Tigers, and Rhinos – each of which displayed incredible Rugby skills for their age. The Lions, Tigers, and Rhinos gave it their all on the field, showing impressive speed, agility, and understanding of the game. Across the matches, there were countless moments of fantastic play, with the boys scoring numerous tries and making tag after tag to stop the opposition in their tracks. Their defensive awareness and close support play in attack was impressive, as they worked together to stop the opposition while keeping the game exciting. Beyond the Rugby, it was their outstanding sportsmanship and team spirit that really stood out. It was wonderful to see such a positive atmosphere, with players supporting one another throughout the festival, as well as parents supporting on the side-line. We thank Abingdon Prep, Dragon, and Oratory for attending and helping make the festival a success. We look forward to the next one!

Girls’ Sport

‘Another Day in Paradise’ It was a pleasing afternoon against new opposition. Sherfield welcomed the Under 13A, and the team clicked to produce some delightful Hockey, proving on this occasion that When the going gets tough, the tough get going to score 5 unanswered goals. This included a brace from Eliza H, as Mariella MS skippered the side superbly to pick up MVP. The Under 12s seized the chance to get some much needed time together on the pitch ahead of IAPS. It was great to see them Relax on the ball, scoring freely to earn a morale boosting victory by a comfortable margin. Rosie Clarke was the MVP. The Chain reaction continued into the 3rds as they took control in their match in spite of some slightly antiquated umpiring. The term ‘bully-off’ appears to have made something of a renaissance on the outskirts of Basingstoke, but in spite of this somewhat unwelcome return to the 80s, Time after time they surged forwards to score. Jess H netted a brace, Poppy B and Rosanna also hit the mark, and Ellie C was MVP. You win again was the cry from the 4ths as another shut out at the back was coupled with 6 well finished goals; back to back wins for this set of girls, with Olivia L the MVP. Throughout this season the Colts have been told, Don’t Stop Believing, and today showed why. The As dominated, Olive V-L MVP for her all round ability, notably her natural ability to read the game. The Bs found themselves Under Pressure, but they started to play some cohesive Hockey, and were rewarded with a goal from Maggie D. They suffered a Sledgehammer blow as Sherfield found an equaliser, but honours even at 1 - 1 with Amelie H MVP. Against All Odds The Colts Cs won a seven goal thriller, Eliza U spearheading the forward momentum, with quickly taken 16s resulting in goals from Edit (2) and Nea - as they say, The winner takes it all, and on this occasion St Hugh’s were the beneficiaries. More than This the Colts Ds won as well; 4 - 1 the result including a hat-trick from Edit, but the most pleasing element was the quality of the Hockey on show, and the determination to put into practice what has been worked on in the week. Ellis and Yuki MVPs. There’s a general feeling after a day like today, that Nothing’s Gonna Stop us now.

Girls’ Sport

Boys’ Sport

BOYS’ SPORT -MIDDLE SCHOOL The U9 Rugby teams enjoyed the rain and mud on Tuesday afternoon as they took on the Dragon School. The U9A played some sensational Rugby, our defence was organised and we made almost everyone of our tackles. Even more impressive was our improved attack, as we off loaded out the tackle and moved the ball to the space to score some outstanding team tries. Nico C-S showed some great footwork, Theo ran forward busting through tackles and MVP Henry H made lots of tackles and scored some great tries with direct running. 5 wins from 5 games this season for the U9A.

The U9B also made it 5 wins from 5 matches with another impressive performance. Lots of good footwork on show and direct running to score some good tries and the tackling is continuing to improve every week. George playing his first match for the B team was very impressive and Rory C was MVP after scoring several tries. The U9C competed against a strong opposition, it was an improved performance with more structure in defence and we used the space well. Henry K scored another great try and Oliver E was MVP for his relentless tackling and brilliant running.

Boys’ Sport BOYS’ SPORT -UPPER SCHOOL

Another superb afternoon of Rugby on Wednesday, with lots of close competitive matches and some excellent results. The U11A continued their very impressive season, winning all 3 matches at the Hatherop Festival. The team improved in each match, playing some outstanding Rugby in particularly in their final match. Edward W carried the ball forward well and created space for the speed of Bertie H and Llywi G. Edward F was MVP for an all round excellent performance. The U10A were also at the Hatherop festival, they started with a below par performance resulting in a narrow loss in their first match, but looked far more like their normal self in winning the other two matches with Jude S impressing with his strong running. The U10B team had the most exciting match of the day, winning 13 - 12 against Dragon School. Our teamwork led to some excellent team tries, Henry R was superb in the ruck and MVP went to Lysander for his excellent attacking play. The U11B had a more comfortable 8 - 1 victory with their best performance of the season, Arthur Y was MVP, who is making excellent progress in what is a new sport for him. The U11C had a tougher match and despite losing the match showed great character in the second half which was drawn 4-4. Ethan H was MVP for his excellent tackling and attitude. The touch team had a very close first half, trailing 5-4 at half time, Dragon pulled away in the second half, but Ibrahim A had another excellent match. The 1st team came up against a strong Cokethorpe team and despite two excellent tries from Tom R and great work at the break down by Jake B, we lost 35 - 10. The U12A had a fantastic game of Rugby against another strong Cokethorpe team, a thrilling match finishing 20-20. Louis H-B, Ralphie B and William B (2) scored the tries, with Rory C winning MVP for his physicality in the tackle and when carrying the ball. The U12B enjoyed a 12-8 victory against Cokethorpe in a strong performance, including a fantastic team try, scored by JJ after a brilliant pass by Thomas H. Oscar C was the MVP.

Boys’ Sport

Cross-Country - The Manor

On Thursday evening, the Years 3–6 Cross-Country teams were in action for the first time this academic year at the event held at The Manor school. We were proud of all our runners who showed superb effort and determination. We had some very impressive results both individually and as a team. Highlights included Kit C who won the U10 boys race with a tactically perfect race, he was about 25 metres behind the leaders at the half-way point, but gradually he caught them up before overtaking them with a sprint finish in the last 30 metres. Clara C achieved an impressive 2nd position in the U11 Girls’ races and both Rafferty M and Frey T finished 3rd in the U9 and U8 boys’ races. At the time of writing, the other team results have not been released yet. We are very hopeful of more success with all 5 U8 Boys’ runners (Frey T, Luca N, Olly P, Freddie B & Charlie C) finishing in the top 12, the U9 boys had 4 runners finishing in the 13 and for the U9 Girls, 4 runners finished in the top 16.

We will update you in next week’s Cygnet with the team results. Well done to all the runners, we are very proud of your efforts.

Leviathan

Here’s our Leviathan questions for this week...

Upper School 1. Where did the Orient Express route originally start and finish? 2. The peak of which terrestrial mountain is farthest from the centre of the Earth? 3. What is the most abundant element in the universe? 4. What are the first 22 cards in a Tarot deck known as? 5. Which UK cities begin with the letter A? 6. What is the colour of Central Line on the London Underground? 7. What was Eleanor Roosevelt's maiden name before she married Franklin D Roosevelt? 8. At what temperature are Celsius and Fahrenheit equal? Middle School 1. What is the colour of Central Line on the London Underground? 2. What is the name of the tallest-growing grass on Earth? 3. Where did the Orient Express originally start and finish? 4. What is the final leg of a relay race often called?

Half term activities

Before you know it, October Half term will be upon us. You’ll be working and the kids will be at home in need of childcare. Don’t worry though. St Hugh’s School, have it covered.

St Hugh’s Swim School

These run during the school holidays (Oct, Feb, March/April, May, July and August). Enrolment is for 5 x 30-minute swimming lessons, running at the same time each day from Monday - Friday (one-off lessons are not available). The cost of the week's course is £178.50 for one-to-one or £99.25 per child for two-to-one lessons. Week 1 Monday 21st October – Friday 25th October 2024 Week 2 Monday 28th October – Friday 1st November 2024 Lessons available between 08:30 – 11:00 hours - subject to availability

To book email poolmanager@st-hughs.co.uk

St Hugh’s Tennis Academy

These run during the school holidays (Oct, Feb, March/April, May, July and August). Drop off at 10:00 hours and collection at 16:00 hours each day. A week-long Tennis camp costing £180 for the week (£36 a day - £6 per hour!). Max capacity of 12 so limited places. All abilities welcome. Camp dates - Monday 28th October – Friday 1st November 2024 To book email poolmanager@st-hughs.co.uk

Half term activities

Ultimate Activity Ultimate Activity Camps are returning to our school this October half-term with their exciting activity programme, specially designed for children aged 4 to 14. Using our fantastic facilities. Children will enjoy a wide range of activities, including sports, games, and creative activities. Led by dedicated staff, children can learn new skills and make new friends! The camps are Ofsted-registered, guaranteeing high standards and safety.

Camp Dates: October Half Term: Monday 28th October to Friday 1st November 2024 Flexible booking by the day or week Drop off from 8.30am (or 8:00am with Extended Day Pass) until 9.30am Pick up between 4.30pm and 5:15pm (or 6:00pm with Extended Day Pass) Early Bird Offer £52 per day | Saving £5 off the standard rate of £57 £230 per week | Saving £30 off the standard rate of £260 Finally...Did you know that we are expanding the Swim School into Tuesday evenings after the October Half term holidays, and we still have limited spaces on the existing programme. You can check what spaces are left by viewing the attached Autumn Term 24 SWIM Course availability document. ALSO NEW for St Hugh’s School Term time Tennis lessons Thursday and Friday Evenings and Saturday mornings available to all. Check out our programme and availability on the attached Autumn Term 24 TENNIS Course availability. To book Swimming or Tennis lessons email poolmanager@st-hughs.co.uk Offer available online until Tuesday 8th October. To find out more or to reserve your child’s spot, visit: https://www.ultimateactivity.co.uk/locations/faringdon

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