Newsletter - Lent Term - 28.03.2018

Lent Term 2018: Review

Cottesmorians have accomplished a great deal this term academically, in sport and in the Arts. Our visiting lecturers (including acclaimed wildlife photographer Fergus Beeley and our MP, the Rt Hon Jeremy Quin) have commented on their attentive listening and perceptiveness as well as the high standards of their ‘soft’ skills: courtesy, kindness and good manners.

Congratulations to our scholars who have already secured their scholarships with Benenden, Wellington, Eastbourne College, Shrewsbury and Worth. Our younger pupils have shown great application throughout the term, following the superb example set by their seniors.

The Concert

‘Cottesmore Goes Iconic’ provided a fabulous afternoon of musical excellence, showcasing pieces from Orff to Elton John. From solo renditions and duets, class and ensemble performances through to the whole-school choir, this was an afternoon of splendid musicianship and celebration of eclectic selections. The contemplative ‘Canon in D’ by Pachelbel was contrasted with the foot-stomping ‘Crocodile Rock’ by Elton John, with familiar and not-so-familiar composers in between. Our audience were quite rightly enthralled and were highly complimentary about our young musicians and their teachers.

World Awareness Week

This year Cottesmorians have been transported to two contrasting locations for this immersive learning experience. Thailand and Russia have provided a wealth of opportunities for study, as well as cultural activities including Russian dancing. Our talented chef and his team produced a tasty Russian and Thai supper, while in the classroom lots of activities took place throughout the week.

World Book Day

Some fine costumes were on display when Cottesmore celebrated World Book Day. Known for their bookish inclinations, pupils joined in with gusto and we saw Gangsta Granny, Captain Hook, Harry Potter and many other memorable literary heroes. Not to be outdone, the staff joined in too with the Fantastic Mr Fox, Darth Vader and many more joining in the fun.

Sports Round-up

A very full fixture card saw Cottesmorians displaying grit, determination and endurance as the weather tested their resolve in some very unpleasant playing conditions. It’s entirely to their credit that they produced some formidable play and excellent results.

In the first half of term the 1st XV rugby team enjoyed a very successful season finishing with their best result in over 30 years; beating their opponents 75-5. Elsewhere the results were equally superb, with the U13s and U10s crushing the opposition; we have become accustomed to score lines of 45-15 and 30-15 as they too proved themselves to be valiant players.

After half term the boys’ hockey season also saw some excellent play in both fixtures and tournaments with a number of victories, while the U9 girls’ hockey players proved themselves to be determined opponents.

Our girls’ netball teams have enjoyed a fantastic season and they too deserve to be commended for their fearless play in some very trying conditions.

The 1st team regularly produced results illustrating their skills and prowess, with 19-1 and 24-10 two very memorable results. The 2nd and 3rd teams too overcame their opponents with scores including 16-1 and 15-2.

The junior teams were equally up to the task and produced a string of victories with some colossal results including 18-0; our very youngest U9 team added to the victory tally, clearly showing great future promise.

The Staff v Girls was a memorable and fun match; diplomatically it was an almost-draw at 34-33.

Easter 2018 Trip to Iceland

A fantastic adventure awaits immediately after the end of term for a group of Cottesmorians travelling to Iceland for a four-day trip. With a packed itinerary they will experience so much of the country’s other-worldly landscape, including geysers and glaciers, waterfalls and lagoons, black basalt beaches and an interactive visit to the Lava Centre.

Carson Cup

As we go to press Cottesmorians are preparing for the annual, cross-country event the, Carson Cup. In a term where the weather has disrupted the fixture schedule, we wish them a fine, dry day and a following wind for their endeavours.

Poetry Declamation

Our hall once again provided a perfect setting for our performers. Our judges never fail to be impressed by the range and enthusiasm shown, from the more seasoned senior performers through to the very youngest.

Our judges once again found themselves with an immensely difficult task, but after deliberation were able to select winners and runners-up in the Junior and Senior sections. Everyone deserved a mention in what was an incredibly strong field.

Chapel

We have continued to welcome visiting preachers to our evensong services this term. Our parents are able to meet afterwards with visiting Head teachers and registrars from Cottesmorians’ senior school destinations providing a welcome opportunity to chat informally over a glass of wine in a relaxing setting.

Our traditional service to admit new choristers to the chapel choir took place at the end of term. A moving yet joyful service sees each new chorister make their promise to God and receive their surplice.

Fun Activities

Once again, a fine choice of activities both in and out of school gave Cottesmorians plenty of scope to test their abilities in their leisure time. Trips out included the ever-popular Laser Quest, Air hop, Clip’n’Climb, 10 pin bowling, the cinema, skiing and archery.

‘Cottesmore’s Got Talent’ gave our judging team yet another difficult task as pupils gave some truly talented and effervescent performances to an enthusiastic audience.

The final night of term sees everyone wind down with a movie night when all the tasks are completed and the packing is done. There’s always a hope that Easter chocolate treats will be in evidence, possibly courtesy of the Easter Bunny.

Pre-prep News

Another vibrant term in the Pre-prep has seen the children enjoy lots of topic learning, including Fairy Tales, Dinosaurs, the Great Fire of London and Under the Sea. They all enjoyed a visit from storyteller John Harris and an Outer Space theatre workshop. World Book Day saw a beautiful array of costumes, with children honing their skills of persuasion in Book Battles. Learning about Chinese culture was enjoyed for Chinese New Year and on Pancake Day the pancake races were as popular as ever. The entire Pre-prep enjoyed performing a very special assembly for Mother’s Day.

Staff News: Salvete

Four new gap students arrived in January from Australia and they have all settled in very quickly to the Cottesmore community. Each one immediately began making significant contributions to their duties in school, as well as on the sports field.

We wish you all a restful holiday and a happy Easter.