BULLETIN
24 February 2023
Queen ’ s College Whole School Newsletter
The year is going by so quickly!
Open Afternoon
Mr Julian Noad - Head of College
The Prep School ’ s Pancake Day Races this week were super fun. Amidst the jollity, the message of Lent and its theme of sacrifice will not be
This evening, the Wyvern Hall will be abuzz with excitement for the QCC Quiz night. Two staff teams, one Prep and one Senior, are also in the mix to battle it out with all the other teams. My thanks go to the QCC for all their hard work in organising this event and to Mr Green for being quiz master. Mrs N wishes to flag up the regular parents' coffees mornings, every first Friday in the month, so next up on Friday 3 March, 8.15am, straight after drop off. These are great opportunities to catch up with other parents and a few staff. I am always on hand to answer any little questions. There is a more formal opportunity for feedback on Wednesday 8 March, again from 8.15am, with a Parent Forum; questions might include our ‘ bring your own device ’ policy, uniform updates, or sport; but I hope to be responding to anything that is on your mind: just pop along. We turn now to the weekend. There are, as ever, sporting events aplenty: senior boys hockey versus West Buckland and girls netball versus Wellington and Downside; and prep hockey, football and netball festivals at
Millfield. I must mention our growing basketball provision. On Wednesday Queen ’ s College Basketball squad travelled to Wells Cathedral School, for their first away match and in new kit. Queen ’ s came away with a solid win, 41 - 20. Six nations rugby might also be a focus for many of us: there is some relief that England will get to play Wales in Cardiff this weekend. There will be further bronze Duke of Edinburgh training and performing arts rehearsals, including Moana. On Sunday, boarders have options to visit Tropicana in Weston and Zaza Bazaar in Bristol (eat - as - much - as - you - like world banquet). Next week, I will be away for the first couple of days at the annual Society of Heads conference, this year in Cheshire; this is a great chance to share experiences and I always come back full of ideas. I shall be around from Wednesday onwards.
forgotten. In a week in which the war in Ukraine unbelievably and tragically reaches its first anniversary, this is brought home strongly. Looking ahead has been a theme for the week, with Year 9 Parents meetings including GCSE options decisions. Mr Green and I have also been meeting with all Year 11 for a ‘ Futures meeting ’ which has looked at final GCSE preparations through to careers discussions. Today ’ s Open Afternoon was busy in both Prep and Senior, with lots of families new to us, with more than 50 pupils interested. This does not happen without validation and I am very grateful for your support in spreading the good word. Queen ’ s really is becoming the place to consider in Taunton: the ‘ family school of choice ’.
Best wishes, Julian
Prep School Mr Henry Matthews - Head of Prep
Year 3
netball tournaments as well as our U10s heading off on their first ever football tournament. Good luck to you all! This week has been one full of visitors. As I write, final preparations for Open Afternoon are taking place and once again we will be joined by many prospective families. Earlier in the week, we welcomed our Highgrove families into Pre - Prep as they begin their transitions. The children in Pre - Prep were so welcoming, enthusiastic and friendly when visitors appeared in classrooms and many of our nursery children wanted to move up already! Today, we are delighted to welcome prospective families to Queen ’ s. I must take the opportunity to give a big shout out to our wonderful Year 6 leadership team who have taken on their roles as House Captains, Librarians, Form Leads, Boarding Reps, Playground Leaders and Prefects with great commitment and enthusiasm. This afternoon they will help to welcome visitors to the school and I am sure they will do an amazing job. As we move into the second half of the term, there are several upcoming events and
opportunities I would like to draw your attention to. Our school production of Moana is fast approaching, and rehearsals are in full swing. that If you have not yet purchased tickets, please do so through the box office. Additionally, we will be celebrating World Book Day next week. On Wednesday, we will be welcoming children's author Claire Barker, who will be talking to the students about her work and inspirations. Then, on Thursday, we will have a day of World Book Day activities, including a ‘ masked reader ’ competition and of course, the opportunity for children to dress up as their favourite book character for the day. I look forward to seeing many Upper Prep children tomorrow for another busy day of activities and I wish you all a restful weekend.
Welcome back to the second half of the Spring Term. I hope that you all had an enjoyable half term break. As ever, it has been an exciting return with much to read about in the following pages.
On
Tuesday,
we
held
the
inaugural annual House Pancake Race, which was a great success. The children had a fantastic time competing against each other and showing off their pancake - flipping skills. The whole of the Prep School were on the upper completing the course and it was brilliant to see children of all ages working together. Thank you to Miss Hyland and Mrs Gardner for organising the event - they have plenty more planned for the house activities so watch this space. Congratulations to the winning team, Blackdowns, who are now the proud winners of the ‘ golden frying pan ’ which is on display in the Birchall foyer. Our U11 netball teams headed off to St Peter ’ s on Wednesday and put in an excellent performance, displaying great teamwork and determination. This week, most of our sports fixtures fall on Saturday and we look forward to the U9s taking part in both hockey and
Best Wishes, Henry
Nursery Round - up Nursery News From Mrs Donna Kershaw - Highgrove Nursery Manager The whole nursery had fun on pancake day. Not only did all the children and staff enjoy pancakes with fruit and a raspberry coulis for tea on Tuesday, but the Puddleducks children also enjoyed some pancake races in the garden! Puddleducks have been looking at people who help us this week. The children have been learning about what a firefighter, dentist, nurse and doctor does, as well as looking at their uniforms. The children have also enjoyed spending time with some of the staff from the Nursery School as a beginning to the transition activities we have planned over the next couple of months in preparation for September. Tiggywinkles have had ‘ The Gruffalo ’ as their focus book this week, focusing on the animals has been a real interest. Some of the older children in the room have also started to show an interest in mixing colours during arts and craft activities so there have been many painting opportunities this week to allow the children to experiment. Cottontails have been taking advantage of the nicer weather this week and have spent some lovely time in the garden which has allowed a bigger space for the children to focus on their physical skills, using the walkers as well as starting to build upon their strength climbing the small slide.
Nursery School News From Miss Lizzie Hayes - Head of Nursery School The Nursery School children had a very busy pancake themed day on Shrove Tuesday this week. They enjoyed mixing, stirring and whisking concoctions of soil, water and any vegetation that they could find to create a 'pancake on a plate'. This was so much fun and that there were lots of splattered muddy faces for their Forest School session. This was followed by pancake tasting for their morning snack with a choice of syrup, honey or lemon toppings on offer to try. During the afternoon the children participated in a variety of pancake races where they had a go at tossing their pancakes as they raced against each other in two teams, and negotiated their way through an obstacle course trying not to drop their pancake as they went.
Prep School Prep Sports Round - up
Beautiful Spring weather accompanied the girls down to St Peters in Lympstone and a stunning position looking over the Exe estuary. Although we are very lucky with our position here on the hill at Queen ’ s we did wonder how the staff and children get anything done when there is such fantastic scenery.
We played four great matches, all played with great enthusiasm with some fantastic play by some of our U10 girls who have been playing with the U11s of late and it has certainly helped their tenacity! Today the boys play against Exeter. On Saturday all our U9 children are off to Millfield for festivals in Netball and Hockey! Last weekend at the NSEA Grassroots competition, Imogen in Year 3 had her first outing on her new pony, taking 3rd place.
Former pupil and now top Nutritionist launches cookbook
A former Queen's College pupil and now a top nutritionist and chef, Hope Pointing has launched a family cookbook. Hope is now a personal chef and nutritionist after receiving a prestigious first - class degree in Nutrition and Food Science BSc, at the University of Reading after Queen's College.
The cookbook entitled ‘ GRUB ’ is a collection of 26 of her most delicious, easy - to - follow recipes that are great for children keen to start learning to cook and for families wanting to eat nutritious and balanced meals. The mouth - watering collection of simple, delicious and healthy recipes were taught to our pupils in Prep this week as part of learning about creating balanced and tasty foods. The collection of traditional and new family favourites, from breakfast snacks through to delicious desserts, are beautifully illustrated with easy - to - follow step - by - step instructions and cooking tips throughout. This week, Years 4, 5 and 6 made and cooked the homemade Cheesy Corn Fritters from the cookbook. Hope said, "I want to teach children and adults about the power of fresh ingredients, the importance of sustainability, and the fun of creating balanced and tasty meals". "I particularly loved the vibrant, bold colours of the easy - to - use flip book", said Mr Mann, Head of Food and Nutrition, "The illustrations are fun and beautiful and the recipes both nutritious and delicious for budding young bakers". To order your copy of the GRUB cookbook you can email Hope at hopepointing@hotmail.co.uk
William Year 6 William had a busy half term competing in The Polden Hills Triathlon where he gained 2 personal bests in the swimming and running. He finished in 4th Place and helped his Taunton Vale Pony Club team come 2nd. He also played in a Rugby Festival for the Taunton RFC Raptors at Hornets RFC where his team won all their games.
Prep School
Year 6 Egg Drop Challenge
As part of the Year 6 transition activities this term, Year 6 came over to the Senior School for an Egg Drop Challenge with Mrs Bloxham, Year 7 Lead. They were given an egg pilot and pupils in small groups were challenged to create a structure in which to protect their egg being thrown from a significant height. Pupils were given £50 worth of “ Percy Pounds ” to purchase materials. A number of our Year 12s supported individual groups. Some weird and wonderful designs were created and 5 out of 9 egg pilots survived. Design winners were team 8 Brainy Egg: Isabelle R, Eva - Bella and Maurice and pilot design winners were team 3, Flaming Wyverns: Charlotte, Harrison, Minty and Alex.
Other team names were: Winner Winner Chicken Dinner, Sticky Situation, Geralditus, Team Harry, Eggcellent, Chickens, Captain Egg.
A smashing and “ eggcellent ” time was had by all and Mrs Bloxham is looking forward to meeting Year 6 for future planned transition activities.
Prep School Pancake Races We held our first - ever Pancake Race Day where all year groups from Reception to Year 6 took part in their House teams.
A huge well done to everyone, as they all took part with great enthusiasm and there was some expert flipping to be seen! The winning house was Blackdowns who received an amazing gold frying pan! More photos on Flickr.
Senior School Sports Round - up
U13A A strong performance from the U13A Team this week with some fantastic additions to the team, making their debuts (Mia and Hattie). The ball followed nicely through the mid court and the girls provided excellent passing options throughout the game. At times when we rushed or forced the pass it was turned over, but the players worked hard to regain possession and the effort from all could not be criticised. A competitive match and really enjoyable to watch.
Basketball Queen ’ s College Basketball squad travelled to Wells Cathedral School, for a friendly encounter - our first away match in our new strip. Queen ’ s came away with a solid Win - 41 : 20. A new team set up, allowed us to try some new tactical options, and the very welcome arrival of recently new student, Daniel, has offered us still more potential. We continue the term with very positive developments to continue to learn from.
Equestrian
Francesca in Year 11 produced a fabulous double clear at Bicton in the 1.10m finishing second and qualifying for the National Championships at Keysoe and also the Hickstead Elite Championships in August. At the NSEA Grassroots competition, Harriet in Year 7 and her horse Bower Pegasus were 3rd and 4th in their
Netball Vs St Peter's Prep School U12A
This was a mixed team and a good opportunity to play up some of our U12B players. Even with the disruption of numerous changes and trying new positions, the commitment from all to work to their best, ensured another well - deserved win. There were some brilliant individual performances and it was pleasing to see the group playing in such a positive manner. Well done everyone.
classes. Imogen in Year 3 had her first outing on her new pony, taking 3rd place.
Senior School Shrove Tuesday - Perfect Pancakes
Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is the traditional feast day before Ash Wednesday which marks the start of Lent.
The six weeks of Lent, remind us of the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, and is traditionally used as a time to give up certain foods. In the past people gave up items such as eggs and dairy and pancakes quickly became associated
with Shrove Tuesday as they were the perfect way to use up these perishable ingredients.
Our avid young bakers at Queen's College have been impressing us with their pancake - flipping skills this week passing with 'frying' colours! Pupils have made both sweet thin English - style pancakes and American - style, fluffy pancakes as well as savoury buckwheat French Ham, Egg, and Gruyère Galette Complète pancakes.
If you're planning to whisk up a pancake treat with the perfect blend of crispiness and fluffiness, and not drop them on the floor when you flip them. Mr. Mann, Head of Food and Nutrition has a few tasty teaching tips for you.
To find out more click here.
Year 8 Art
Music Feature: Flute
With so many styles of music, it can be quite bewildering to even start a playlist or library. However the internet has certainly made listening to music far easier than any time in history and I certainly enjoy exploring lots of different styles of music, as well as returning to old stomping grounds. When choosing an instrument to learn, what you listen to can often be a major factor but it is worth remembering that even instruments considered ‘ classical ’ can be found in all sorts of styles, such as EDM, hip hop and jazz. This week ’ s focus instrument is an excellent example of this. The flute has an ancient lineage, going back 35,000 years and developing in a wide variety of separate cultures, but is still in wide use in contemporary music styles, as well as classical music. And here with more information about the instrument that Leonardo de Vinci and George Washington enjoyed playing is our flute teacher, Mrs Sally Hedges. Click here to watch the video.
Year 8 have done a wonderful job with their patterned animals.
They worked as a group learning about the artist Clare Youngs and also about how to work well with each other. Mr Noad came to judge the final animal outcomes and the Giraffe won. Certificates were awarded to the group. Mrs Cade is very proud of all the year 8 pupils.
Senior School Pupils Plate - Up Lunch for School VIP's
VIP guests, including our Heads, Governors and Foundation Trustees, were treated to a three - course meal from our pupils. The event was held in our ‘ Kitchen Garden Restaurant ’. What made the experience so exceptional is that the pupils wrote the menus, as well as preparing, cooking and serving all the dishes, with each dish linked to at least one food grown or reared by pupils at Queen's. The pupils designed a starter that was a slow - cooked soy, ginger and scallion of Queen ’ s College pork ribs with a seasonal pear and radish salad. The pork was from the school - reared pigs that were butchered
here at Queen's with garlic grown by pupils outside the restaurant in the school kitchen garden. For mains, the restaurant served roast Queen ’ s College pork porchetta, thousand - layer potatoes, and seasonal honey roast heritage carrots served with a pork jus. Once again pupils used meat from are school - reared pigs together pupil grown potatoes from the school kitchen garden. Finally, for dessert, an indulgent chocolate tart with enriched homemade sweet shortcrust pastry, and homemade salted caramel sauce topped with homemade honeycomb crumble, served with homemade real vanilla ice cream. When it came to the ice cream pupils used bunches of real vanilla pods sustainably sourced courtesy of the local LittlePod company that imports direct for us from the communities abroad. It was wonderful to see the older Sixth Form pupils together with those being taught GCSE Food, Preparation and Nutrition help and support and mentor the younger school pupils to make and serve all the dishes. In the kitchen classroom, Year 12 and Year 13 taught a group of Year 7 pupils about the menu, food preparation, and food presentation while another group of from Year 7 smartly dressed in bow ties and black aprons were instructed on serving the dishes. Head Governor, Mark Edwards, said, "It was a delight and the students were fantastic all very attentive and the food was perfect".
Senior School Mr Trafford (Artistic Director) tells us a little about The Crucible
‘ The Crucible ’ is a landmark play in 20 th Century American theatre and quite a challenge for our senior students to perform. Following the stylized physicality of ‘ Animal Farm ’ and the heightened poetic language of ‘ The Tempest ’, our Senior performers are preparing this masterpiece of theatrical realism in which the complex relationships – ‘ wheels within wheels ’ of power - are presented in this story of suspicion, persecution and revenge.
So far in the ‘ Wonders of the World ’ season we have seen spectacular sets, costumes and lighting for ‘ Into the Woods ’ and ‘ Mother Courage ’. In a change of style, ‘ The Crucible ’ will be given a low - tech production by candlelight in the atmospheric Wyvern Hall! The space is perfect to allow us to conjure up a time of formality and ritual, much in the aesthetic of London ’ s Wanamaker Theatre, where all performances are given by candlelight. ‘ The Crucible ’, rather like ‘ The Handmaid ’ s Tale ’ mixes past, present and future to conjure a nightmarish world where the individual must battle larger authority. It is an epic fable - no wonder it is a popular choice for GCSE study, too!
The seating in our Wyvern Hall is limited, so early booking is advised.
To book your ticket click here.
Boarder Corner Boarding Round - Up Will in Year 10 joined the NWBP U17 Badminton tournament last Sunday and obtained a silver medal on BD. Congratulations Will!
This week Hutton House enjoyed making pancakes to mark Shrove Tuesday.
News and Announcements
Upcoming Parent Social Events
Parents' Coffee Mornings This Term
Friday 3 March, 8.15 - 9.30am
Thursday 23 March 8.15 - 9.30am (Easter Theme)
These are very much relaxed events and a chance to catch up or make new friends. Please come to the main reception office in the Senior School and we will show you through to the Dining Hall where this is hosted
Other Social Events
Quiz Night - Friday 24 February (Tonight)
Summer Family Event - Saturday 13 May
Book
Now
News and Announcements
Upcoming Dates
Prep School Musical: 'Moana' Rehearsal
25 February 10:00 - 12:00
Year 6 John Muir Award Conservation Project
25 February 12:00 – 16:00
Bronze Walk 2 ( Holman Clavel)
26 February 12:00 - 16:30
Year 11 trip to Science Live! 2023 @ Bath
27 February
Scholars Event: Year 12 in Sociology
27 February
Year 8 Parents' meeting (in person)
28 February 16:45 - 18:15
Author visit
1 March
Geography Worldwise Quiz
1 March
Prep School: World Book Day (Children can dress up as their favourite book character)
2 March
Year 8 Parents' meeting (remote)
2 March 17:30 - 19:00
Barnicott: Charity Own clothes Day - MSF UK (Medecins San Frontieres)
3 March
Parents' Coffee
3 March 08:15 - 09:30
Prep School Lunchtime Concert
3 March 12:30 - 13:30
Kingswood MUN
3 March 14:00
Scholars Event: Years 9 and 10 in Maths
3 March
Our online whole school calendar can be found here. Our sports portal can be accessed here.
Parent Notices
Thursday 2 March - On Thursday 2 March we will be hosting a careers event for Year 11, exhibitors will be arriving from 07:45 and coaches will be arriving from 08:30, please be mindful of the extra traffic on the driveway.
Minimum suggested donation £5 per person payable on arrival
Please complete this form to tell us who is coming
All proceeds will go towards a Story Telling Chair for the Outdoor Willow Classroom in the Prep School and the Onatti Theatre Company visit (a play in French) for Years 5 - 8, if proceeds allow
There will be a fully stocked bar, please bring your own nibbles
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