Newsletter - Easter Term, 30.02.12
From Australia to Everest (with thoughts of Dubai), time travelling to the Middle Ages and the Victorian era, new activities after tea and rehearsals for Cottesmore’s Got Talent – it’s no wonder Cottesmorians were ready for their exeat break!
Academic News
History
The 3rd Form took part in a ‘Terrible Tudors’ workshop at nearby Christ’s Hospital School last week – leaving them clamouring to see the full stage production. Another part of the ‘Horrible Histories’ series the ‘Vile Victorians’ was performed at our local theatre in Horsham and the 1st and 2nd forms were entranced as the wicked workhouse and the rotten railway were revealed, as well as discovering just what it was like to work in the mines.
Sports News
Rugby
The 1st XV’s improvements continued with an error-free first half against Handcross Park on Wednesday, which saw them going into the break with a 12-0 lead thanks to a superb opening score by skipper Tom and converted by Benji. A second try by Nacho came after a menacing rumbling pick up and drive move by the pack. After half time the opposition surged back into the game and came close to scoring twice before they finally crossed to put the game into another phase with the score at 12-5.
From the restart Frank called a switched kick which Benji executed to perfection, Frank bursting to take the ball off the first bounce to get within inches of the Handcross line. In the ensuing panic the Cottesmore forwards piled in causing mayhem and Felix scored his first try with a touchdown underneath the posts which Benji promptly slotted to bring the score to 19-5 the closing score at the end of this well fought contest.
The following morning Frank and Tom were awarded the full 1st XV colours and more will certainly follow if this rich vein of form continues. Congratulation to them both and well done to the entire team for this well-earned victory.
The 2nd XII continued their unbeaten season with a solid 27-10 victory with Edu scoring four tries. Every time a player is rested from the first team he seems to score a hat trick for the seconds! Good play all round but clearly there was only one contender for Man of the Match award: Edu. Congratulations.
Netball
The Netball teams were jubilant after a very successful afternoon of fixtures against Skippers Hill School.
The 1st team worked hard to keep their opponents to a 15-15 draw and the 2nd team won their match, while the U11s also managed to beat their opponents 13-12. The U9s are on fine form, continuing their unbeaten season.
Pre-Prep
Six of the Year 3 children joined the U9B team for their first match of Tag Rugby, with Matilda Bertelsen making history as the first girl to play for a Cottesmore Rugby Team. They had a great "training match" and learned a lot, with the result being an amicable draw. All the children enjoyed the chocolate doughnuts which were served for match tea!
Other News
Another distinguished visiting speaker came to Cottesmore on Thursday. Adventurer Tom Clowes kept the entire school riveted with his detailed account of his conquest of Everest which was undertaken with his brother. Aided by a powerful and moving slide show and DVD, Tom also supported his presentation with a tent, crampons and ice picks as well as an immersion survival suit.
His lecture was followed avidly by every member of the school and led to a thunderous, cheering ovation which led him to comment “Wow. Nobody has ever responded like that before!” He was probed by some intelligent and thoughtful questions at the end before accepting the thanks of the school in a short but gracious speech by Head Boy Ned Stewart.
Dubai Trip Jazz and Curry Night
Mr Walker and his band were on storming form on Friday at the highly successful fund-raising evening for the UAE trip.
Authentic and delicious curries were served by the New Curry Centre and the raffle and auctions provided more high points in a lively and sociable evening. Thank you to everyone for their support and especially to Mr Walker for all his hard work behind the scenes.
The new ‘Gappers’
Our Antipodean gap student arrivals are already immersed in Cottesmore life, serving some themed food at lunchtime on Australia Day last Thursday wearing the swagman’s headgear of floppy bush hats fringed with dangling corks - though we have yet to see any bush flies at Cottesmore!
Mr Owers is a nationally rated swimmer and hopes to add his expertise to the successful swimming squad that has been shaped by Mr. Holdway. His other interests include playing the saxophone, dodge ball, drama and (of course) Aussie Rules football. He has also made a strong impression on the Rugby field supporting the First game coaches.
Miss Haines is interested in cookery and craft. She has been very busy around the school since her arrival getting to know everyone. Both she and Mr Owers will be running extra activity clubs for the pupils after Big Tea every night. The new activity clubs are the result of an ongoing review at Cottesmore and listening to the opinions of parents, pupils and staff
Miss Lanning is settling very well into ‘upstairs’ life at Cottesmore, supporting the Matrons and providing another reassuring presence as the children begin and end their day.
Looking Forward
The swimming squad have a busy week ahead with a gala and an IAPS event, while the Netball teams travel to Cranleigh for a tournament. Our best wishes go with them, as well to the 6th Form who will be taking part in the UKMT Maths Challenge.
Cottesmore’s Got Talent gets under way next week when we look forward to some terrific performances at this now regular event.