Victories galore
A vivid childhood memory of mine is the privilege of visiting a teacher’s house, with eleven year old friends, and having a McDonald’s as reward for an unbeaten football season. McDonald’s restaurants were rarer then and certainly not the place my parents ever ventured so the prospect of such a treat was what drove us on in all our victories. On Wednesday, I saw that same hunger (literally) in my son (mini-me) and his teammates in the U10s who were playing their final match with a similar promise on the table. They say history repeats itself and it was right there in front of me, making me smile at the memory.Bowling the opposition out for nine runs (yes nine in total) demonstrated the ambition of the team and ensured they completed their stellar season. So well done to them but they were not the only ones. The boys’ U12A and U12B teams both won all their matches this season too and did so, in many cases, comfortably. With news that Adam Ibrahim has made the U12 County Cricket squad this week, the school’s inclusion as one of Wisden’s top 50 cricketing prep schools is fully deserved.
Maintaining a sporting theme, the gloomy weather prevented the parents from coming to see the Nursery and Pre-prep Sports Days but that did not stop them running, jumping, throwing and balancing. The sports staff, led by Mrs Murray and Mrs Miles-Lewis, did an excellent job of adapting the programme to an indoor arena and, although it was frustrating not to have spectators there, the children competed and enjoyed themselves.
It was a similar story for the Pre-Prep and Nursery re-telling of Jack and the Beanstalk. Playing to a screen instead of a live audience, the children sang and danced beautifully. A video will be produced and sent to parents in due course.
On Monday it will be the turn of the prep school athletes to shine in their Sports Day although it is worth stating here and now that we are monitoring the weather and we may have a big call to make over the weekend. If it does go ahead, the large numbers of pupils combined with the continuing restrictions mean we cannot have parents on site spectating so instead we are streaming it live via the services of a film crew named Cheers Mate. With three cameras perched on two towers, we hope to capture most of the pursuits and there will be a live commentary to keep you updated on the action as well as all-important House scores.
All of that sounds exhausting as it is but I have been struck this week but the number of opportunities the children are given here at St Andrew’s. On Monday I was passed by two Year 3 girls dressed in Greek togas for ‘Invaders Day’ as I watched the Year 8s heading off to Go Ape for part one of their Challenge Week. They have also subsequently visited Bewl Water, Blackland Farm, Thorpe Park and, today, they have been walking (in the rain) part of the South Downs Way. What a week!
Meanwhile other year groups have been in on the action today too. Year 7 went wild at Port Lympne Safari Park; Year 6 sought mystery at Groombridge Place Gardens and Enchanted Forest; and Year 5 tasted the thrill of adventure at Branching Out. Thank you to all the staff who took them at such a busy time.
As well as all these extras though, the normal things have continued. LAMDA exams took place this week and some children will face ABRSM music exams on Monday showing that music and drama continue to thrive. Then there’s the activities programme with all of its variety. Last weekend was the last Saturday session of the year and I would like to thank Mr Cousins and all the staff who have laid on sessions and dealt with changing bubble arrangements through the year. Whether it has been Zumba dancing, shooting, pottery, art, DTI, fives, tennis, skiing, stoolball or ‘treading the boards’ – not to mention all the others – the children have been able to make choices, develop skills, learn new things and have fun. Education as it should be!
Finally, an abiding memory I shall carry with me when I depart is the Memory Garden and the poignant services that have taken place there. This week’s service for families who have suffered a bereavement was no exception and I am grateful to Sarah Piper and Armelle Wilkinson for the support they continue to give this compassionate feature of St Andrew’s school life. And well done to the Year 6 choir for their rendition of The Lord is My Shephard. Moving and humbling, and something I shall not forget.
Have a good weekend everyone!