Newsletter - Lent Term- Half Term
Cottesmorians have accomplished a great deal this term academically, in sport and in the Arts. We must congratulate everyone as, in January, we were awarded the TES Boarding School of the Year 2019 as well as being in the Top 3 of the Independent School of the Year.
Following on from this, Cottesmore has been given the Crystal Award 2019 for Academic Results by Best Schools. Well done!
Congratulations to our scholars who have already secured their scholarships to Stowe, Tudor Hall, St. Edward’s, Oxford and Worth. Our younger pupils have shown great application throughout the term, following the superb example set by their seniors.
The Concert
Cottesmore musicians provided a fabulous afternoon of musical excellence, showcasing pieces from Chopin to Eric Clapton. 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. 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. Japan have provided a wealth of opportunities for study, as well as cultural activities including Japanese dancing. Our talented chef and his team produced a tasty Japanese 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. The staff made a huge effort too!
Sports Round-up
This Easter term saw fewer cancellations than usual on account of the generally good weather.
The U11 boys were the standout rugby team, undefeated through the Spring, and the U9 boys won all but one of their games.
Switching to Hockey at half term, the senior boys won 60% of their matches and the junior boys 65% of theirs. These included a clean sweep of Brambletye towards the end of term.
The 2nd and U10 Netball teams enjoyed an unbeaten term with several convincing wins over strong opposition, and the U11 Girls’ Soccer team performed brilliantly at two tournaments, with Nancy & Ellen amongst the goal scorers and Layla making several fine saves as goalkeeper.
Set Matches were vigorously contested at all levels. In Hockey, Haigs won the Senior Boys’ event, and Clives the Juniors. In the Mixed Hockey, Haigs won the senior competition and Clives again won for the juniors. Set Netball was won by Scotts.
In swimming, both senior and junior teams won their Galas with Ashdown.
The girls enjoyed an evening lacrosse session taught by an Old Cottesmorian.
All matches were followed, as usual, by a sumptuous match tea.
Easter 2019 Ski Trip to Austria
A fantastic adventure awaits immediately after the end of term for a group of Cottesmorians travelling to Heiligenblut, Austria’s highest resort for a week of skiing. The pupils will have four hours of ski lessons a day with lunch on the mountain followed by a variety of evening activities including swimming, pizza making and ski races.
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, taken by Rev. Nick Tilley, the Chaplain of Harrow. 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 and go-karting.
‘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
An exciting and busy term in the Pre-prep has seen the children enjoy lots of topic learning, including Fairy Tales, Cookery, Scotland and the British Isles, Antarctica, Rainforests and Fantastic Mr Fox. They all enjoyed a visit from a storyteller bringing the BFG to life and fantastic trip to Herstmonceux science observatory. Some other highlights were pancake relay racing and taking part in the Carson Cup cross-country race.
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 New Zealand 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.