Michaelmas Review 2017

REVIEW

CLAREMONT SENIOR SCHOOL

End of Term Review | Michaelmas 2017

Edition: 1

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2 | MICHAELMAS REVIEW 2017 PRINCIPAL’S LETTER

Welcome The second was the notorious, three day, social care and
welfare inspection. In this, boarding welfare, pastoral
Welcome to the first edition of what will become a and safeguarding provision is heavily scrutinised. The
termly Review. It will showcase the events that have report, to be published shortly, is an amazing tribute to
taken place at Claremont during the previous term, as the staff and students that we have at this school and I
well as looking forward to what is coming up! look forward to sharing it with you all.
It has been another fantastically busy term at To conclude, it has been a fantastic start to the year
Claremont, with all departments, across the School, as we look ahead to 2018. In particular, we wait in
operating at full tilt. In the classroom, we continue to anticipation for the work to begin on the redevelopment
set the highest standards for ourselves, starting the project at the heart of the School site. Currently housing
year on the back of another bumper crop of public the salubrious girls’ locker room, changing areas and the
examination results. We are determined to maintain old orangery, this new development will give us some
the highest possible standards for our students. In much needed workroom, classroom and social space.
particular, many subject areas in our growing Sixth Form This will allow us to provide excellent accommodation
are showing outstanding progress. The growth of the for our growing number of students and will reflect
international element of our Sixth Form has brought our aspirations for growth in all aspects of the school
with it some outstanding students, who have, quite programme.
simply, raised the bar and expectations of this whole As ever, I write indebted to the extraordinary hard work
area of the School. We were delighted when Junita of our teaching staff, senior management team and
Sirait became the first person this year to gain a place support staff. A special mention to our catering team,
at university with an unconditional offer for Wellesly where there has been somewhat of a revolution this
College, located in the United States, one of the most term and we have been treated to some delicious food.
prestigious universities in the world. I wish you all a very, very happy Christmas and look
On the sports field, a record number of matches have forward to seeing you again in January.
taken place. Girls’ hockey has gone from strength to
strength and has become a huge success. Football Giles Perrin | Principal
continues to flourish, with teams from u14, u15, u16
and u18 progressing well in both county and national
cups. A full rugby fixture list has also taken place with
more and more members of the school community
representing the School.
The creative and performing arts have long been a
hallmark of the School’s success. The quite magnificent
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ involved over 50 members of the
school community and showcased all that is good at
Claremont; outstanding teamwork, professionalism,
and high standards of execution. The team staged five
incredible performances across three days and made
the entire school proud. Congratulations to Sarah
Cakebread, Amy Bartle, Claire Waller and their team
of staff and students who made the show such a huge
success.
Inspections come around every so often and this term
we have had two! The first, a compliance inspection,
which we passed with flying colours and rubber
stamped the School’s growth. The inspector was
particularly complimentary, telling me how much of a
pleasure it had been to have spent time at Claremont.

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REVIEW MICHAELMAS REVIEW 2017 | 3

Sixth Form Mathletics Success solving the questions, it was an incredibly important
e­ xperience for our learning.
On 21 November, four Sixth Form students: Prabidhik We had a chance to meet many other Mathematics
KC, Junita Sirait, Nicholas Huang and Olivia Marito students from different schools and backgrounds. We
were proud to represent Claremont Senior School in learnt to work as a team and discovered more about the
the regional finals of the UK Maths Challenge, held in British quiz system. We learnt about time management
Canterbury. and how to solve some very complex problems.
The team was excited to have been given the We would like to thank Claremont School for giving us
opportunity to visit beautiful Canterbury and learn a the opportunity to take part in the competition and
little about its history. Simon Langton School for organising the event.
The School hosting the event was massive and we felt Our biggest thank you goes to Mr Wood who organised
a little daunted as we entered the hall to see so many everything. He guided us from our initial preparations
students, representing so many different schools on right through to the end of the competition.
their respective tables. We were alloted table number We look forward to representing Claremont again in
19 and we easily solved the 10 warm up questions, mathletics in the future!
boosting our confidence in approaching the main
challenge. Prabidhik KC | Pestalozzi, Year 12, Bodiam
The main challenge was divided into three parts. The
first, to complete 10 questions in 40 minutes. The
second was a cross number puzzle. Our results from
these two initial rounds positioned us as one of the
leading teams going into the toughest, final round.
This was again divided into four sections. Each section
had four questions to be completed in eight minutes.
This round did not go quite as well as the previous two
and we ultimately finished 6th out of the 70 teams
competing.
Our result was a great effort and everyone contributed
in the team. The competition was not solely about

Mathematics, History & Computer Science Students Visit
Bletchley Park
Claremont students visited Bletchley Park to discover the
secrets of the historic, British (and subsequently, Allied),
World War II codebreaking site.
Students enjoyed codebreaking workshops, which included
an original German Enigma machine, in addition to looking
at some of the messages that were intercepted by British Y
stations for the codebreakers to decipher. This was followed
by an enjoyable tour and free time to explore the site,
Bletchley Park manor house, Alan Turing’s office and replicas
of the early computers that were built there during the war.

Sarah Wright | Mathematics Teacher

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4 | MICHAELMAS REVIEW 2017 CO - CURRICULAR

Duke of Edinburgh
Preparations in Full Swing

This year, sixteen Year 10 students have signed up for
the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Meeting every
Wednesday afternoon for two hours, we have spent most of
our time outdoors in the local Sussex and Kent countryside.
At first the walks were led by myself and Ms Hurton, so the
students were able to get used to interpreting Ordnance
Survey maps. They had to relate the features that they were
seeing in the countryside to the symbols that they could see
on the map. After a few of weeks of training, the students
were able to successfully navigate themselves back to school
via staffed check points. When we were unable to get out
and about, we had training sessions indoors, focussing on
the technical elements of the award. The students learned
how to erect tents, plan a route and discussed what kit is
required for a two day expedition.
We also have students working towards their Silver Award.
At this level the students spend longer on their Skill, Physical
and Volunteering sections of the award as well as spending
three days and two nights on expedition. Both DofE groups
are looking forward to their practice expeditions in the Lent
Term.

Mark Wood | Head of DofE

Model United Nations
Model United Nations, a role play simulation of the
United Nations, has seen students debating a range of
topics; from Israel’s nuclear weapons to global population
control to the Middle East conflict. Students have taken
on the position of a country and debated against others,
trying to come to a consensus on how to solve these
important world issues. The current political climate
has allowed for some very amusing and controversial
viewpoints, and students have particularly enjoyed
playing an antagonistic North Korea against Trump’s USA.
On the final Monday of term we will be representing
Cuba at Benenden School’s MUN Conference - good luck
to all!

Lydia Green | Head of MUN

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CO - CURRICULAR MICHAELMAS REVIEW 2017 | 5

Festive Help at Hartley House
Since September, a group of dedicated students have been
paying regular visits to Hartley House Residential Care Home
in Cranbrook. From the very beginning, this caring bunch
have shown themselves to be warm, patient and respectful.
They have all genuinely taken an interest in the lives of
the elderly residents, many of whom suffer from varying
degrees of dementia.
Residents and students alike have benefitted from the
experience, thoroughly enjoying a multitude of activities
ranging from carol singing, cake decorating, christmas
present wrapping and playing cards. Most recently, they
have been sharing special memories with mutually attentive
listeners.
I am proud to be their accompanying teacher and have
never failed to be impressed by the kindness and maturity
shown by our students; Mary, Cathryn, Amelia, Erin, Heidi,
Amaya and Cameron.
They have forged a wonderful link between our two
communities and bring a joy that lights the faces of those
they visit.
Congratulations to the parents of these wonderful students
and a massive thank you to the children for the happiness
you bring to Hartley House. Long may our visits continue!

Wendy Barnett | Head of Pevensey House

Co-curricular Italian

‘Lasciare ogni speranza voi ch’entrate.’
As the great Dante said of the entrance to Hell; Far from
leaving all hope behind, a small but very dedicated band
of four students in Italian co-cu have enjoyed a roller-
coaster of all things Italian. We have learned the language
in context with Italian culture, whilst also covering a
diverse range of topics including food, regional politics
and the latest Italian pop hits.
We are unanimous in saying that co-cu Italian is living
“la bella vita”. We are so looking forward to next term.
Anyone who wants to join us is ‘benvenuto’.
Ciao!

Anselm de Pleave | Modern Foreign Languages

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6 | MICHAELMAS REVIEW 2017 MUSIC & DRAMA

Fiddler On The Roof Production week saw students, staff and professionals
all working tirelessly together, tightening and polishing
In May 2017, we began thinking about our next whole every aspect of the musical.
school production. Keen to build on the success of Five very successful shows followed. The cast, crew
Back to the 80’s, we were looking for a musical that and band of musicians wowed their audiences, young
highlighted the versatility of our young performers, and old! Our audiences were clearly blown away by the
whilst also providing a challenge and a new way of presence and determination in the performances of the
working. Fiddler on the Roof was the perfect choice. An cast.
emotionally challenging story, musically complex, the The audience response was astounding and we received
potential for a beautiful rustic set and an opportunity so many fantastic comments.
for our students to commit themselves fully to the task One audience member wrote, ‘I was bowled over by
of creating a memorable, theatrical experience for their
audiences. Fiddler. From the moment we entered the theatre I was
In September, we began our rehearsals with a clear
vision of how the production should look and sound. caught. The colours of the set and the atmosphere with
We worked on creating an accent for all of our
characters that would unite them in one time and place, the actors frozen in their tableau were mesmerising.
whilst also feeling respectful and authentic to the piece.
The characters within the story range from young to When they came to life there was so much to look at -
old and it was so important that the cast worked on
portraying those differences. Bringing a gravitas to the from the costumes to the choreography, and the music
stage when playing the elder characters was tricky at
first, but as rehearsals went on, it became clear that was stupendous. Although it was not easy to see the
we had a cast of young actors who were willing to work
incredibly hard to make this musical something special. band from my seat, they sounded like a professional
Casting younger students in the lead roles was
potentially a risk, but we felt certain that we had outfit. Each pupil was on point in their part, whether
chosen performers that could hold an audience with
their focus, truthfulness and fabulous voices. We were speaking, singing or maintaining their stage presence. I
right! Soraya Khalesi and Arka Perrin as Golde and Tevye
would be at home on any professional stage. was so impressed’.
However, this was a true ensemble cast and every Another added, ‘Wow!!! Totally amazing production.
member of the production was determined to make
this a memorable show. We have never worked with Absolutely loved it. Such a talented group. Thank you
a group of students with so little ego and with such
ability to mix across year groups, friendship groups so much for the tremendous effort you and the drama/
and nationalities. Our Fiddler cast became the ultimate
team! music department put in towards this spectacular
We wanted our production to be a truly professional
experience for our audience. The incredible set, performance. We all loved it, from my 80 year old
lighting and sound design from industry professionals
really helped our cast to raise their game to match the mother in law, right down to my 7 year old son. Bravo,
wonderful production values. Multiple weekends were Bravo!’.
spent together rehearsing. This is always a shock to We are immensely proud of what we were able
students new to the performing arts, but it didn’t take to achieve and to have worked with so many new,
long for them to realise how much is achieved on those emerging talents. It goes to show that anything is
long days together. possible with unwavering determination, an eye for
detail and a group of young people who give their all!

SAarah Cakebread | Head of Drama &
my Bartle | Head of Music

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MUSIC & DRAMA MICHAELMAS REVIEW 2017 | 7

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8 | MICHAELMAS REVIEW 2017 ART & DESIGN

It has been a very busy term in the Art and Photography
department. Students from all year groups have been
building up their skills and ideas, which has resulted in
some fantastic plans for their final exam peices. Year 11
Art GCSE students have been steadily working towards
their final self portraits for their coursework, using
various artists to inspire their painting styles. Year 13 Art
A level students have been completing their personal
study essays. Down in Photography, Year 12 Photography
A Level students have been fast learning new techniques
in the dark room and photoshop. In short, a jam packed
term full of new creative challenges for all year groups!

Victoria Stewart | Head of Art

Year 11 Workshop with Artist Carne Griffith

Year 11 Art GCSE students recently took part in a fantastic workshop from talented artist Carne Griffith.
The students learnt how to use layers of tea and ink, finally adding more detail using cartridge pens to finish their self
portraits. The students thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and learning a new process.

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INTERNATIONAL MICHAELMAS REVIEW 2017 | 9

Claremont is now as international as the impressive panels In another corner of the school, students are practising
of students that participate in BBC’s University Challenge!
From our beautiful, rural corner of East Sussex, we are Chinese martial arts whilst an impressively large group of
preparing our students for their multicultural university
campus and global workplace. At a top university like students have opted to learn German and Italian for fun.
St Andrews, dear to Prince William and the Duchess
of Cambridge, 30% of the student population come It is a heart-warming experience to witness, on a Friday
from overseas, representing 120 different nationalities.
At Claremont, the geographic scope of our intake is afternoon, a whole room full of students, from all over the
somewhat more modest, but we nevertheless boast a
range of nationalities in our midst. These students bring a world, laughing whilst watching Faulty Towers - an attempt
different set of skills, working habits and values that enrich
our school environment. The ethos of the school unites all; at understanding British humour!
kind, caring, ambitious and positive, founded on traditional
values, whilst also being forward-looking. Every month Mr This term we will say ’au revoir’ to six fantastic students
Perrin introduces a group of international students to the
British tradition of afternoon tea! This has included much who have impressed all with their academic standards, in
debate about the correct way to eat a scone!
On Wednesday afternoons, our Year 13 Prefects organise addition to their kindness and the ease with which they
fun activities where a small group of students, British and
international, have the opportunity to meet in a more made friends. ‘Adios’ Jose, Juan, Mario and Carla, ‘Auf
intimate and relaxed context, to forge new friendships.
So far, we have enjoyed cricket and netball workshops, egg wiedersehen’ Chris and ‘ ’ Rain!
and spoon races and hula hoop competitions! Completing
jigsaws against the clock also remains a firm favourite. Francoise Armstrong | Assistant Head International
A small group of Year 9 and 11 students have discovered
the joys of kite making under the expert tutelage of our
Chinese teacher, Mr Zhang. They have designed several
kites completely from scratch over several weeks.

Dickens Brought to Life

Year 9 were treated to a performance by Ginificent
Productions of ‘A Christmas Carol’ on Tuesday the 5th
of December in the Space Theatre. With a cast of only
three, Ginificent succeeded in bringing to life Scrooge’s
past, present and future. The terrifying spirit of Christmas
Future created from just a coat stand, a pole and a
suggestively draped black sheet. The Dickens classic has
been this term’s set text for Year 9, so to see Scrooge in
the flesh provided a welcome and heart-warming end to
the unit.

Sinead Hemsley | Head of English

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10 | MICHAELMAS REVIEW 2017 SPORT | HOCKEY

U15 Senior

The U15 hockey team has been a delight to coach Our Claremont 1st XI hockey team has seen some
this term. They have worked hard at improving their great improvements this season. The team had not
skills and fitness, with their tactical awareness and played together before September, it was surprising
vision continuing to develop. They have scored some how well we took to playing as one unit. The start
brilliant goals throughout the season, complemented of the season was a bit rocky as we started with
by some solid defending and superb goal keeping. a loss against Sutton Valence. However, we learnt
Our most exciting match was against Bede’s School, a from our errors, focused on the positives and the
thrilling game that ended in a 2-2 draw. It was closely following week produced a win against Ashford. When
contested from start to finish and the battle was we weren’t playing in a match, we were training,
intense! Claremont’s fitness was put to the test but learning new skills and adapting our play to work as
they remained focused and did not allow their skill a team. With the guidance of Miss Blackman and the
level to diminish. exceptional goal keeping of Izzie Burrows, we won our
A special mention must go to Lucy Owen who was first hockey tournament at King’s School, Rochester. A
voted our ‘Player of the Season’ and to Annabel Wilson lovely triumph for the team and what a way to finish a
who has been a superstar in her role as captain. Well fantastic season. Well played everyone!
done to all.
Izzy Walsh | Year 13 Bodiam | 1 XI Captain
Heidi Smith | Girls’ Games Coach
We have had a mixed season, but as their coach I
Pictured above: cannot fault their committment and enthusiasm. There
U15: Leah Faircloth, Maisy Day, Millie White, Annabel Wilson has been a pervasive hunger within the whole team to
(captain) Emily Manning, Harveigh Treen and Lea-Lyne Rongier improve. Izzy Walsh has been an outstanding captain
Grace Spencer, Lucy Owen, Grace de Wilde, Heidi Weafer and Millicent and has really led her team well. It has been a fun
Park filled season with a brilliant amount of tumbles down
the astro from Tabitha Wylie, some excellent defence
from Chiara Kirkwood and a great partnership between
Betty Taylor and Hollie Pooke. We said our hockey
farewell to our Year 13 players Izzy Walsh, Chiara
Kirkwood and Rachael Mason as they play in their last
hockey match for the school. We wish them the best of
luck in the future. Well played girls.

Pippa Blackman | Head of Girls’ Games

Pictured on the right:
1st XI: Izzy Walsh (captain), Chiara Kirkwood, Rachael Mason, Emily
Bewsher, Amelia Phipps, Chloe Manning, Molly Newton, Victoria
Nard, Ruby Bowyer, Hollie Pooke, Betty Taylor, Izzie Burrows, Tabby
Wylie, Katie Farrant.

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SPORT | RUGBY MICHAELMAS REVIEW 2017 | 11

Junior Senior

The Claremont Junior rugby team has had a It has been a very difficult season for the Senior rugby
rollercoaster year playing against some very strong side. A lot of injuries meant that we have struggled to
opposition. We claimed victories against Bethany, find consistency within the team. Over 25 players have
Gildridge House and Lewes Old Grammar School. represented the side from Year 11 to Year 13.
Ethan Chambers, Junior Rugby Captain, said “Our We have come up against some really tough opposition
progress throughout the year has been massive. We including Eastbourne College 2s and Sutton Valance.
have had a few losses but the squad has really pulled However, there has also been some fantastic
together and performed well as a team”. performances to draw positives from. These include the
This year the rugby squad have changed their style of rematch against Eastbourne where we narrowly lost and
play, creating a more open and expansive game. The a very tight game against Bethany.
team has worked hard on keeping the ball alive and With a huge amount of players new to the game, it was
offloading in contact. The enthusiasm of the players, impressive to see a group of core players turn up to
throughout the season, has grown and grown. As a training every week with a positive mindset. This resulted
result, we will continue to run short training sessions, in our performances improving drastically and we started
during break times throughout the year in preparation to play some impressive rugby. Ross Chambers, Year 13
for next season. squad member said, “The commitment from the squad
I believe that although we are still developing the has been great, especially as so many of the players are
rugby at Claremont, the overall progress of the players new to the game. I have really enjoyed playing rugby this
has been great to see. They are definitely starting to year as even though things did not go our way, there was
make better decisions on the pitch and their skill set always good team spirit and comradery.”
in terms of moving and attacking space has vastly It was always going to be a hard season with the high
improved. number of new players and amount of injuries suffered.
With 20 players over two year groups to pick from, The players have been a real credit to themselves turning
it is a credit to the players for their attitude, grit and up and progressing every week. They have been a
desire to produce a performance and try to improve pleasure to coach.
each week. We look forward to what next season has
in store for us. Tom Ireland | Head of Boys’ Rugby

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12 | MICHAELMAS REVIEW 2017 SPORT

The Equestrian Basketball Squad
Team Perform at Finish the Season
Championship Qualifier Unbeaten

Claremont equestrian team members from both the The Senior basketball team has recorded more wins
Senior and Prep School performed well at Petley Wood than in any of the previous five seasons.
on 18 November. This event acted as a qualifier for the Several individuals set new single-game career highs in
Championships at Bay Farm in April 2018. Claremont points, rebounds, assists and steals.
had riders represented across all classes from 70cm The team showed marked improvements as the
to 110cm. All our riders looked smart and were season progressed, their perseverance and ‘never say
determined to have clear and quick rounds. In the die’ attitude resulted in the team going unbeaten all
80cm class, Matty Turck performed an unbelievably season.
tight and quick turn, to be rewarded with an individual Several individuals posted new career high statistical
2nd place. totals. Callum Hollingdale and Mathew McDermott
As the weather worsened and conditions deteriorated, topped the scoring chart, while Harrison Waldis and
our riders’ spirits remained high. Our 100cm team Hossein Eisa Nejad topped the rebound list, their
comprising of Anya, Tabby, Issy and Georgia finished contribution proving vital in the close games.
2nd in the team competition. A special mention Newcomers to the squad made their impact known,
also goes to Georgia for finishing 4th in the 100cm in particular, Alireza Sadeghinejad, who was notably
individual competition. This was particularly dominant against a strong Cranbrook team to bring
commendable considering her horse had been out of home victory.
competition for seven months. It was a pleasure to work with such a committed
The Claremont ‘rider of the day’ went to Anya White bunch of boys in both training and on match days.
who came top of the individual 110cm class and The squad has responded well to the strict regime
qualified for the Championships. implemented and I hope they are looking forward to
Our Equestrian team looks strong going into next next season as much as I am.
season, with one team and two individual riders
already qualified for the Championships in April. Well Rak Patel | Director of Sport
done all!

Pippa Blackman | Head of Equestrian

Photo: Georgia Thompson riding Super Snoop

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SPORT | FOOTBALL ACADEMY MICHAELMAS REVIEW 2017 | 13

County Football Selection Football Squad Highlights

Claremont Football Academy can now boast five This Michaelmas Term has seen our Football Squads
Sussex Schools County Football representatives to score over 60 goals and concede just 10 across all
add to their 17 East Sussex District players. Ben Evans, of our competitive age groups. See below for the
Callum Barlow, Sami Mehmedov, Kyle Jacques and highlights from each squad:
Emmanuel Paulker, all pictured on the right, were YEAR 9 - Unbeaten this season and champions of
chosen over the course of two assessment days in SESSFA pool A League. They will play the winners of
which boys from over 90 different Sussex Schools pool B in the play off for a place in the SESSFA final.
YEAR 10 - Have only lost once this season and are
Etrialled. currently at the top of the SESSFA Pool A league. They
mmanuel Trials for are in the third round of the County Cup and also
England Schooboys made it through to the third round of the National
Cup, following a fantastic 4-0 win in London against a
Emmanuel Paulker joined a number of selected strong Phoenix Academy side. They went on to lose in
schoolboy footballers at the ESFA (English Schools the third round 0-1 against Causeway in a hard fought
Football Association) trials day, held in Middlesex. battle.
If successful he will move on to the final selection YEAR 11 - Currently sit second in the SESSFA A league
process at Lilleshall, the former home of English after only losing one game this season. Have qualified
football. This development came immediately after into the third round of both the National and County
Emmanuel was invited for a professional trial with Cups.
professional Swedish football side, Örgryte IS. YEAR 12 - Unbeaten this season so far. Currently
await their opponents in the third round of the
‘This is a reward for all of Emmanuel’s hard work on National Cup following a fantastic 1-0 win away to
the Claremont Football Academy training programme. Dover Grammar School.
I have always believed that he had the talent and drive
to do well in the game and Claremont has opened Jim Colston | Football Academy Director
the doors for him to fulfil his potential. Everyone at
Claremont wishes him the very best in the important
weeks ahead;’ said Football Academy Director Jim
Colston.

We look forward to hearing more on Emmanuel’s
progress in the coming weeks.

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14 | MICHAELMAS REVIEW 2017 HOUSE NEWS

Camber Bodiam

Anti-Bullying Week 2017 ran from 13-17 November. Bodiam’s year started off with the whole House taking
This year’s theme was “All Different, All Equal”. a trip to neighbouring Bodiam Castle, as older students
Camber House used this year’s Anti-Bullying Week to showed the new Year 9s and Sixth Form our castle.
express creatively, through poetry and posters, how Anya and James took over as House Captains. They are
bullying can take different forms and how much of great role models, leaders and ambassadors for the
a negative impact it can have. The work produced House. I would like to thank them for all they’ve done
showed just how empathetic and kind our Camber so far.
community is. Each week we all meet together for our House
Camber House finished off the term with a seasonal meeting. In this time we have completed quizzes,
trip to the beautiful city of Canterbury, to enjoy ‘Peter given presentations, learnt about the Pestalozzi
Pan’, performed at the Marlowe theatre. students and kept abreast of current affairs. We used
Looking ahead to next term, Camber House will be anti-bullying week as a platform for each tutor group
looking to organise some exciting fundraising events to present their research on the impacts of bullying via
for our charity the Teenage Cancer Trust. poetry, role play and statistics.
Merry Christmas to all. I would like to congratulate the Bodiam students
who took part in the school play, Fiddler on the Roof.
Oliver Butcher | Head of Camber House It was a remarkably moving triumph. Well done to
Izzy, Tippie, Archie, Eleanor, Mingur and Tenzin. A
One More Day Pain special congratulations to Dan, Jess and Bella who
took on leading roles, I was truly blown away by
You think it’s funny, When you scoff, your performances. Lastly, Lea-Lyne, my word you
To bully me. I laugh it off, were brilliantly terrifying as you emerged as a ghost
I laugh it off, I always do, screaming from a bed!!
In front of you, Bodiam, it seems, is also particularly strong at Maths,
But you don’t see. no doubt thanks to our resident Maths teacher, Mr
I’m home alone, Always the same place, Wood! Junita, Nicholas and KC were three of four
I’m breaking down. Where I see your face, students who took part in the UK Maths Challenge.
So on my own, Bodiam is continuing in its tradition of being a strong
I’m hurting now. The angers fills it, sporting presence in the school. Jacob Ray has been
You go for the hit, accepted to train with the Harlequins Rugby Academy,
Hold it in, You stole my phone, Callum played football for Millwall and Emmanuel
Just leave it be. Paulker was asked to trial for the English School Boys
Don’t let them see, I feel alone, Football Association. Congratulations to you all.
They’re destroying me. You say it’s a game, On the last Friday of term Bodiam went to Brighton as
Too tired to move, a house to ice skate and eat pizza, which was a great
Pretend I’m ill. Oh, I’m so lame, success and a wonderful way to end the term.
But that’s a lie, My face is numb, Thank you to everyone for all their hard work and
I just can’t face it all. More is to come, effort this term. I wish you all a merry Christmas and
Cover my limp, Throwing egg yokes, look forward to seeing you again in the New Year.
Hide my face with my hair. You think it’s jokes,
Don’t want to talk, So many tears, Rebecca Hurton | Head of Bodiam House
It’s not like they care.
I’m facing you now, So many fears,
Don’t know what to say. You had the power,
I think to myself, It turned you sour,
Just one more day. Now, lying in a hospital bed,
It might get better, With an injury to the head,
It might go away, You sit next to me,
But now I’m scarred, And all you do is plea,
Just one more day. And say, “oh I’m so sorry”,

I forgive you,
I always do.

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HOUSE NEWS MICHAELMAS REVIEW 2017 | 15

Pevensey Scotney

It’s been a fantastic term for Pevensey. From the heady Scotney House has had a tremendously busy term.
first day together, frantically racing to solve the clues In sport we have dominated the pitches and courts,
in a treasure hunt, to preparing for our exciting trip coming first in senior boys basketball, first in junior
to Guildford, visiting the historic cobbled streets and boys basketball and joint first in junior hockey.
skating on an Olympic sized ice rink. Academically too we have had great success, placing
The sparkling new Year 9s have settled in comfortably, second in the house point totals. A particular mention
enjoying visits from our Pevensey Sixth Formers, here should go to Marcus and Sami who have topped
Harrison and Rachael, throwing themselves into co- the charts with 35 and 36 house points respectively.
curricular activities and rapidly perfecting their dinner Our Sixth Form too have had a superb term, Junita
queue technique! Amelia, Cathryn, Mary and Amaya was part of our most successful maths challenge team
have proved naturals at working with the elderly to date, achieving 6th place in the local heats against
residents of Hartley House, whilst Henry and Anthony other top independent schools. UCAS offers have been
made their debut performances in the stunning flooding in, with Cameron receiving four unconditional
performance of ‘Fiddler’ last week. offers. Junita has been accepted into the prestigious
We also welcomed Mahdi in Year 11 and our Wellesly College in the USA, a fantastic achievement.
inspirational Pestalozzi students, Dinah, Aashish and As the end of term approaches we are looking forward
Lemson. They leapt headfirst into our House meetings to the inaugural Scotney House Christmas Trip to
by each giving a very interesting account of their London; a mixture of ice-skating at Somerset House
experience joining Claremont and impressing us all and shopping in Covent Garden, the perfect festive
with their maturity and dedication. Our prefects, Ross, way to round off the year.
Chiara and Sachin have been as cheerful and reliable We sadly have some goodbyes too; Carla, Nacho and
as ever and House meetings have been varied and Jose have immersed themselves in all the CSS has to
interactive. Highlights have included an athletic boxing offer and are fully fledged members of Scotney House.
display by Oli Wright and a multi-cultural celebration They will be greatly missed and we wish them every
of languages and runes, presented by Aashish, success for the future.
Cosmo, Illia, Tom, Mahdi, Mohammed, Conor, Robert
and Abby. Lily worked hard designing our Pevensey Lydia Green | Head of Scotney House
panda logo and Cosmo has proved indispensable on
numerous occasions, fixing things technological and
rescuing a long lost projector remote.
Sadly, we must say goodbye to Rain and Mario, whose
cheery smiles and sunny personalities will be missed,
but we hope they will remember us fondly and visit in
the future.
Pevensey performed superbly in the ATL scores, with
Harrison scoring a perfect 1.0 and we are currently
basking in first position, which bodes well for next
year. It has been a great first term. I look forward to
some inventive fundraising next year, along with more
incredible ATL scores and some imaginative House
presentations.
Have a fabulous Christmas and a wonderful 2018.

Wendy Barnett | Head of Pevensey House

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16 | MICHAELMAS REVIEW 2017 BLOG | DEPUTY HEAD

Blog: It’s a boarding life them and their families. The chance to learn teamwork,
for them... communication and resilience within the boarding
house is tangible. Living alongside others has the effect
Welcome to our new end of term Review. In this and of bringing young people away from behind their
later editions, I hope to give you a little insight into screens and getting involved in activities both during
aspects of life as the Deputy Head at Claremont, the week and at weekends. The necessary routines,
looking at some of the issues that teenagers face at consistent boundaries and positive atmosphere of
school whilst also exploring some of the wider debates the boarding houses turns out to be the perfect
that education is addressing in 2018 and beyond! environment for young minds to flourish. Even prep has
I feel I can now confess that, throughout my teaching surprised me – students seem to positively welcome
career, I have never wanted anything to do with the opportunity to work in an environment that is
boarding. Having worked in independent schools for distraction free and 100% focussed on the task at hand!
many years there were always lots of opportunities to Claremont is a little different to most other schools
get involved in this aspect of school life but I always that offer a boarding provision. We proudly retain our
kept well away. I found excuses, claimed incompetence, identity as a day school and boarders benefit from
took on more responsibilities elsewhere – anything to that. We are a day school with boarders rather than
avoid having to work in boarding. I imagined draughty a boarding school. Our boarding community is drawn
dormitories, lots of homesick children and endless from more than 20 different nationalities, again giving
afternoons searching for students who had ‘gone for a the students a wonderful opportunity to communicate
walk’ (but in fact had headed to the local pub!). and work with people they may not otherwise meet.
Therefore, it is ironic that I have, somewhat accidently, The confidence that this brings is so valuable as
found myself managing the boarding provision at they head out into a world where they will need to
Claremont over the past twelve months. Whether one communicate and work with people from different
calls this ‘poacher turned gamekeeper’ I am not sure backgrounds and cultures.
– but what is certain, during this time, my previous Back in November, we finally had a visit from the
impressions of boarding and the boarding life, have people at Ofsted who had been threatening for some
been transformed. All of the stereotypes that I had time to give us a Social Care and Welfare inspection.
of what was involved, impacted by my own twentieth This notoriously rigorous process explores the extent
century experience of boarding school, have been to which we comply with the National Minimum
replaced by a recognition that residential education Standards for Boarding Schools (NMS) and provides an
often provides tremendous opportunities for young assessment of the boarding provision as a whole. We
people to develop the skills they will need to survive in are very proud of the results of this inspection and I am
a robust and changing world. It is an experience that sure that we will find lots of ways to make you aware
can open up opportunities, expand your horizons and of how it went! It is testament to the great work that
take you out of your comfort zone in a way few school Tony, Rak and their teams perform on a daily basis.
experiences can match. When the report is officially published, please do have
Our two boarding houses, Pyke House in Battle and a read. Perhaps, as a result, it might make you reassess
Clyde House in St Leonards, each bring into sharp focus what boarding in the 21st Century is about, just as the
the potential benefits of the boarding experience for last twelve months have done for me!
young people. Each house has a real identity, shaped I hope you all have a very happy Christmas and New
largely by their dedicated Housemasters, Mr Tony Year.
Tayson (Pyke) and Mr Rak Patel (Clyde), supported by
both teaching and non-teaching staff. These men and Ed Dickie | Deputy Head
women are not parents, and don’t try to be. What they
offer the children in their boarding house is individual
time, care and attention, which is consistent and always
available. For the students, there is the very real and
positive impact that living away from home can have on

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BOARDING | CLYDE MICHAELMAS REVIEW 2017 | 17

Clyde’s Inaugural Term

The start of term feels a distant memory, twenty
students moved into Clyde House, the smell of paint
still fresh. Three months later, the smell of paint long
gone, instead a faint whiff of football boots, rooms full
of laughter, the cries of Fifa tournaments and the odd
groan when a sock has gone missing again!
Much has happened over the past three months
in Clyde House. There have been numerous trips
to London, Tunbridge wells, Hastings, Eastbourne,
Brighton and Battle. The students attended the Battle
of Hastings re-enactment and then joined Pyke House
for an afternoon of games, football and ping pong. The
boarders also experienced the local tradition of Battle
Bonfire, complete with Battel Bonfire Boys and the
burning of the effigy! With Halloween came a pumpkin
carving competition - won by room 35, who enjoyed a
celebratory pizza curtesy of the house.
Clyde hosted Pyke House for a Casino Night, where
boarders dressed to impress, enjoyed card games,
roulette and ‘higher or lower’. Students used fake
money to play and at the end of the night prizes were
auctioned off to the highest bidders. These included a
VIP late night access to the Senior School Sports Hall,
cinema trip for two and breakfast in bed. The bidding
was furious!
Last weekend, as the end of the year drew ever nearer,
we had our first Christmas tree delivered. The juniors
have been furiously glittering pine cones, making paper
chains, and decorating the tree. We are nearly ready
for our first Christmas dinner and party, which will take
place on the last Monday of term.
The term has flown by and we are looking forward to
another jam packed Lent Term. Please feel free to come
and visit us in Clyde House if you wish to see the new
boarding house, you’re always welcome.
Merry Christmas and see you soon.

Clyde House Boarding Team

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18 | MICHAELMAS REVIEW 2017 BOARDING | PYKE

Pyke House Continues to
Thrive

The first term has gone by in a flash! It has been
fantastic fun working with students from 26 different
nationalities. All our boarders have mixed together,
studied hard and spent their free time together,
learning about each other, their cultures and
backgrounds.
Throughout this Michaelmas Term, boarders in Pyke
House have enjoyed many fun activities: bowling,
cinema, the re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings,
Battle Bonfire, as well as endless games of pool, FIFA
and countless movie nights in the boarding house.
For the second year in a row we have organised a
Secret Santa, which everyone enjoyed greatly. The hint
of mystery definitely makes it more exiting, even if a
few students didn’t quite grasp the concept of ‘secret’!
All of our boarders have been running around in the
last few weeks, trying to get presents for friends
and family whilst also decorating Pyke House in time
for our Christmas celebrations. Thank you to our
fantastic chef Roberto for providing us with a delicious
Christmas dinner, it was enjoyed by all!
We hope that all our boarders recognise what they
have achieved this term. Being away from home in
a new environment can be anxious and challenging,
but they have all contributed to making Pyke House
the inclusive and friendly community it is today. We
wish all of our boarders a happy Christmas and look
forward to seeing them in January.

Pyke House Boarding Team

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MICHAELMAS REVIEW 2017 | 19

Former Student Profile | Life After Claremont

Jonah Dickie, (Deputy Head of School 2016-2017) left Claremont last summer, gaining a place at the University of
Nottingham to study Veterinary Science. We received this photo of him getting to grips with the more hands on part of
the course!

EXAMINATION SUCCESS 2017

87% GCSE GRADES A*- C | 33% A LEVEL GRADES A*/A
UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS INCLUDE:

CAMBRIDGE | EXETER | NOTTINGHAM | EDINBURGH | FALMOUTH
SOUTHAMPTON | CARDIFF | LOUGHBOROUGH | MAASTRICHT |

TOP UNIVERSITY COURSES INCLUDE:

MATHEMATICS | MEDICINE | VETERINARY SCIENCE | GRAPHIC ARTS | LAW

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

LENT TERM | Monday 8 January 2018 - Friday 23 March 2018
LENT HALF TERM | Monday 12th February 2018 - Friday 16th February 2018
SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN MORNING | Saturday 20 January 2018 | 9.30am - 1pm
13+ SCHOLARSHIP ASSESSMENTS | For entry into Year 9 in September 2018 | 22, 23 & 24 January 2018

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CLAREMONT PREPARATORY CLAREMONT SENIOR
SCHOOL & NURSERY SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM
St Leonards-on-Sea Bodiam
East Sussex East Sussex
TN37 7PW TN32 5UJ
01424 751555 01580 830396
[email protected]
www.claremontschool.co.uk

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