THIS WEEK AT FRENSHAM
Friday 24th February, 2023
A MESSAGE FROM RICK
Dear Parents
I trust that you all had a wonderful half term and that your children have returned refreshed and happy for a busy second half of term. There is a lot going on, and one of the highlights of the term promises to be the Senior School musical ‘Beauty and the Beast’. I know how hard the staff and students have been working to get this show ready and we can’t wait to see them in action. Do please book your tickets as soon as possible – click here to book tickets.
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Some staff news. After 9 years of unstinting service to the school, Charlotte Lee leaves us this week as one of our school nurses. I know that many of you will know Charlotte well from her fantastic care of your children, and we will miss her greatly when she goes. I want to thank Charlotte for her commitment, care and dedication to the school. Lorna d’Arcy, after two years at Frensham, has decided to retire at the end of this year. Lorna has turned her hand to many things in her time with us: she has been a fantastic Film Studies, Drama and EPQ teacher in the Senior School, and she has also helped out by taking on the teaching of Performance in the Junior School. We will of course be saying farewell to her more formally in the summer, but I wanted you to know about this now.
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Other exciting staff news in terms of new appointments. You will know that our wonderful Deputy Head Becks is leaving at the end of the year, and I have looked closely at her role and how we replace her. I have decided not to replace Becks like-for-like, and I have created some new roles internally. One of these is the role of Assistant Head (Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead), and I am pleased to announce that Jo Dalziel has been appointed to this role. Jo has extensive experience in pastoral care, she is very well known to students and parents and I know she will do a superb job overseeing the pastoral care and safeguarding at Frensham. I have also made a structural change to the leadership team, and I am pleased to announce that Giles Rudd has been appointed as Assistant Head (Teaching & Learning) from September. Giles is currently Assistant Head (Learning), and I am delighted that he is taking on this extra responsibility.
You will recall that last term many of you completed a Parent Survey. We have analysed the results and cross-referenced any issues raised through Parents’ Voice, and I plan to write to you next week with a follow-up on this.
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Have a wonderful weekend.
Best wishes
Rick
A MESSAGE FROM NICK
Dear JS Parents,
I hope you had a great half-term and that the return to school this week has been a good one.
I came out of the Parent Voice meeting this week with great comfort around the collaborative level of discussion and opportunity that goes on between Junior School staff and parents. These current channels of sharing ideas, discussing, asking key questions and providing context and feedback are so valuable within our Junior School and whole school community and I feel very lucky to be working with JS Reps. and parents who care so much. One of the areas we discussed was about sharing positive feedback with staff and saying thank you. While there are several different channels for this, I believe that still the most positive and impactful are the simplest. If you do want to recognise any member of staff then please do come and see them and tell them. The power of face-to-face thanks or positive feedback makes a wonderful impact. Beyond that, a direct email to the person will also make a massive difference and can be a brilliant energiser and provide that ‘feel good factor’ to the day and week ahead. Beyond that, please come and let me know and I will be sure to share it.
While we are on feedback, just a little bit of ‘JS Housekeeping’ and a reminder. In the Years 4-6 part of the school, please do not drop off your children before 8.15am. We have recently had a number of early arrivers and the reality is that pre-8.15am the class teachers are getting ready and are unable to supervise. Doors open and everyone is ready at 8.15am so please support us in working to that time to.
Other requests from staff on the reminder front are to please check and arm your child/children with a water bottle and the correct PE kit and clothes for their day. I also thought it might be helpful to offer a reminder on homework to continue to manage and set expectations. Children should receive:
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One piece of either English / Maths / Science within their week
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An expectation to read daily
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An expectation to practice timetables as often as possible – through TT Rockstars (or other methods if you prefer)
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An exciting ½ termly or termly Creative Project that links into the year group topic.
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This week has seen some of our Year 6s out on a maths enrichment session and Year 5 taking part in a Happy Space (our partner wellbeing charity – created and run by former Frenshamians) wellbeing workshop. Year 4 delivered a wonderful and immersive assembly in the Ballroom based around their work on WW2 and Year 3 are fully in the assembly preparation mix! Year 2 have been making hot air balloons this week and Year 1 have been focusing on their feelings. Reception have been constructing a shell museum and Early Years have been bubble painting and on Tuesday the whole of N-3 was out in the courtyard pancake flipping and racing (with great skill may I add!).
Next Thursday (2nd March) is a big day in the Junior School. The day itself will be spent celebrating World Book Day. A firm annual favourite at Frensham and one where we encourage all children to get dressed up as their favourite book inspired character. On the day there will also be storytelling across the school where groups of children will be taken off around the site and read stories by a range of Frensham Staff.
The end of Thursday sees Josh hosting a JS Music Drop-In Discussion (3.30-4.30pm in the Music Recital Room). This Drop-In will act as a space to share positive feedback on the current music provision in the JS and also as a space for parents to share their positive ideas and thoughts on how to develop the provision further.
Just a little nudge on the Whole School Production - Beauty and the Beast – which runs from the 2nd to the 4th of March. If you haven’t got your tickets yet, then please do click here to buy them. It’s promises to be another great Frensham Event!
For your information, I will not be here next Thursday and Friday (2nd and 3rd March) as I am on an IAPS Heads Training Course in Solihull. Therefore, on those days please do get in touch with any member of the JSLT if you need any support beyond the realms of the class teacher.
Wishing you all a lovely weekend full of fun and laughter.
Take care,
Nick O-T
SCHOOL NOTICES
NEW ALDRIDGE CAFÉ HOURS
The Aldridge Café will now be open on Friday afternoons for the rest of the term to see if this proves popular with parents. The new café hours are:
Mon to Thurs: 8am to 10am | 3pm to 5.30pm and Fridays 8am to 10am | 3pm to 4.30pm
RESIDENTIAL TRIPS - LOOKING AHEAD
We are very lucky that we have a large number of staff who are very happy to run school trips that enrich our school experience – including over weekends and holidays. We know that trips require a lot of planning and in general residential trips are scheduled a year in advance so that we can organise them and allow you time to plan/save as neede. Below is a live link to our working document that shows our plans so far. The further ahead the trip – the less details we may have – but hopefully it goes someway to help give the overview.
MORNING DROP OFF PROCEDURE - MESSAGE FROM BECKS
Can I please ask for all parents' support in making morning drop off safe for all students. I appreciate the challenges, but if we all follow the same guidance then we will not be in a situation where many parents are becoming frustrated and concerned for the safety of our children.
Here is a reminder of our Drop Off Procedure:
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As your children are leaving your house, please ensure everything is packed ready and easily accessible so that it is quick and easy for your child to jump out of the car when you arrive at school.
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When approaching the drop off zone, as you turn left by the wooden gate (first single yellow arrow at the top of the diagram) – check which queue is shortest and turn left/right as needed.
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Drive as far up the drop-off zone as you can (we should be able to fit 5 cars on each side). Please do not stop early (yellow-ish arrows) because your child prefers to use the side entrance/bridge access to Flottage.
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If it looks like the cars ahead are going to move (eg children shutting doors), please wait so that in a few seconds you can drive up as far as you can – meaning more cars would be able to pull in behind you – therefore increasing the traffic flow.
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If your child is dropped off on the grass/laurel side (right hand side as you drive in), please remind them to walk up to the zebra crossing and cross there – not in the middle of the drop off zone.
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Please do not drive down the ‘road’ / middle section: only staff/deliveries/coaches (who are not familiar with our campus!) would be expecting to drive in and not drop off in the drop off zone.
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If you need to stop and talk to a member of staff – please go to Reception and park up and walk back to talk to us.
THANK A TEACHER!
The Thank a Teacher campaign recognises all staff working in UK schools and colleges; school leaders, teachers, teaching assistants, and all support staff such as lunchtime supervisors, caretakers and cleaners. If you’re feeling shy you can send a card anonymously! Click here to send a thank you.
FOF SILENT AUCTION
Friends of Frensham are putting their Silent Auction online, so you can join in, win some great lots, and help us fundraise, whether or not you were lucky enough to get tickets for the Ball.
FOF are currently raising funds to purchase a garden pod for the students to meet in and use during the day. In addition, 10% of all profits will be going to the Eikon Charity who provide a wide range of wellbeing support for young people in Surrey. The ball is kicking off these efforts and promises to be a fun night while raising money and getting together.
We have had some fantastic donations already- a stay in a hotel, glider flight for two, Shynefest tickets, pilates and PT sessions, football corporate hospitality tickets, wine tasting and restaurant vouchers to name just a few already - thank you!
Are you able to sponsor the Ball, or offer a prize for the Silent Auction? If so, please let us know. Details of all donations / sponsorship will be on the programme which will be sent out ahead of time and available on the evening. If you would like to donate to the auction or sponsor this event please email gayle@fofrensham.com.
Thanks for your support.
INDIVIDUAL MUSIC LESSONS
Just a little reminder to check timetables for individual music lessons on your child’s Real Time Timetable, which have now been updated for this half term. We often have to make changes to allow for events that are added to the school calendar, hence worth checking on a regular basis please.
Students in years 7 and above have their timetables added to Teams (for two weeks in advance only).
As ever, should your child wish to have individual music lessons with us, then please complete our application form here.
FREE 20 MINUTE MUSIC TASTER LESSONS!
MUSIC TASTER SESSIONS
Some of our amazing Visiting Music Teachers are offering free 20 minute taster lessons. If your child would like to try any of the following wonderful musical instruments, then why not get in touch with Sally
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Clarinet
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Saxophone
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Violin
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Flute
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Trumpet
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Trombone
POSITIVE FEEDBACK
Got something amazing to shout about? Click the logo to use our Parent Voice Frensham Heights positive feedback link.
SCHOOL EVENTS
MFL GCSE MASTERCLASSES
Saturday 11th March | Aldridge Theatre
10am - 1pm: Spanish Masterclass
1pm - 2pm: Lunch
2pm - 5pm: French Masterclass
These sessions will provide students with motivational, informative and valuable revision techniques for GCSE French and/or Spanish. The sessions are specifically designed by a current senior examiner, who will give expert advice, guidance and examples - focusing on key points to maximise students’ exam achievements. The masterclasses are targeted at AQA and Edexcel GCSE students.
MAYOR'S CHARITY CONCERT
Friday 17th March | 7pm
Aldridge Theatre
The Mayor of Waverley, Cllr John Ward, invites you to a charity variety concert in aid of charities Creative Response and the Jigsaw Trust. The performance will feature the Farnham Rock Choir, performers from Frensham Heights, the Taiko Drummers and more.
Tickets are £20 including prosecco or a soft drink.
FRENSHAM COMMUNITY
ART EXHIBITION
In celebration of the wonderful talents past and present at Frensham Heights, our Creative Arts Department would like to invite everyone in our Frensham Community to be part of a printed Art Exhibition. Covering Art, Photography, Ceramics, Graphics and DT. There will be a launch event and the exhibition will be up in the Aldridge Theatre until Founders' Day.
Please click here to submit your artwork by 31st March, or email OF@frensham.org for more info.
THIS WEEK AT FRENSHAM
BEAUTY & THE BEAST
Costumes have arrived, Belle's 18th birthday is celebrated during rehearsal and we are nearly ready to go! The set arrives tomorrow and finally, we will get to see Beauty and the Beast in all its glory!
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YEAR 7 VISIT FROM RABBI ZVI
We were delighted to be able to welcome Rabbi Zvi Solomons from the Jewish Community of Berkshire to Frensham on Tuesday. Year 7 spent the afternoon with Rabbi Zvi, learning more about Shabbat, Passover & the Synagogue to support their study of Judaism. Students particularly enjoyed trying on Kippahs & Tallits (caps & prayer shawls), as well as sampling Challah bread, Matzah & grape juice, all of which feature in Jewish celebratory meals. We were really proud of how well the students listened & engaged, and they asked some fantastic questions showing that they were keen to understand more about the life & faith of other people. Rabbi Zvi commented that he was impressed with how lovely & well focused the Year 7 students were, and we hope that they enjoyed the experience, too!
YEAR 12 & 13 PRE TRIP TO SISTER ACT
6th Form PRE students were treated to a visit to the New Victoria Theatre in Woking on Wednesday afternoon to see Sister Act. Our students really enjoyed the singing & dancing, but were also able to appreciate the religious humour because of their deep understanding of Christianity & Theology. They behaved impeccably & were a real credit to the school – well done!
CERAMICS ECA
Clocks galore! Here are some wonderful creations made by Tuesday’s ceramics ECA group.
PANCAKE RACES
On Tuesday our Nursery to Year 3 children headed out into the courtyard for pancake races and pancake flipping contests. They showed some amazing skill!
GREENPOWER
As any car fanatic will know, the design of a new car is ALWAYS top secret and for Frensham’s green machine 2023, this is no different.
This week, we made some pretty radical changes to previous years car design. The start line at a Green Power race can be a sea of black cars and this is just not the Frensham way. To reflect our school, our community and the beautiful individuals that make Frensham Heights the special place it is, we have added..... just a touch of colour to the car.
Of course, in keeping with all the top F1 and Formula E teams we will be revealing all soon! But rest assured that the Green Power starting grid this year will have BIG splash of Frensham Heights, race ready and raring to go.
Written by Juno P (7TJJ)
PANCAKE DAY IN MAIN HOUSE
Our Main House boarders flipped up some tasty pancakes on Tuesday evening.
FOREST SCHOOL
Year 1 kicked off the week with some fantastic den building for their soft toys. We looked at a strong structure and how to waterproof their den using natural resources. In addition, they explored the use of a zip wire system to transport goods across a 'gorge' in the forest.
Year 3 was a hive of activity, with the introduction of a new rope ladder to our woodland space, alongside more den building, a woodland wedding and bridge building. Year 3 is flourishing into a very independent year group.
Year 4 untangled their way to success with a team building activity use one rope, knotted around a tree. They later learnt about the Frensham myth of Rupert, the boy whose garden spade got lost up the tree, ending with Year 4 creating their own stories about Frensham’s Woods.
In Year 5 and 6 outdoor Education both groups are undertaking 2 weeks of shelter building, looking at natural dens, tents and tarps.
YEAR 5 ASSEMBLY
We finished the Spring half term with an assembly showcasing our learning about David Attenborough, Space and Bridges. Children portrayed their learning through voiceovers of David Attenborough’s best moments, the Apollo 8 mission simulation, and a chat show about the global legend. In addition, children recited a poem about the significance of bridges and included their plastic band performance to get a glimpse of their learning in music. Finally, the class offered a dance and a song to celebrate the start of a new year of learning.
SPORTS REPORT
U18 Basketball v King Edwards
Our U18s were lucky enough to play at the Surrey Sports Park yesterday against King Ed’s Witley. It was a great venue to play at and the boys rose to the challenge brilliantly. We played some excellent attacking basketball where we moved the ball quickly creating open shots against a very good team. On the defensive side of the game we played an aggressive zone which put the opposition under constant pressure making them have to work very hard to score. Curtis top scored for us and played a great game but he was ably supported in terms of baskets by Ben, Lewis, Nik and Jake. The whole team showed great composure on the ball and some excellent rebounding at both ends of the court saw us win 41-34.
U15 Basketball v Ditcham
This was a very fast paced game with Ditcham starting the game very fast with one exceptional player who scored a number of early baskets and we struggled to react to this. Second and third quarters were very different and we were far more aggressive on defence which allowed us to draw level with Ditcham with some great baskets from Jack, Lewis and Harry. Unfortunately, Ditcham pulled away in the last quarter and won 39-22. I was really pleased with the way we adapted our play in the middle two quarters.
U13 Basketball v St Eds
This was our first game and I was really pleased with the boys effort levels throughout. We dominated the first 2 quarters with some excellent play from all the team. Special mention for Alfie for his amazing blocks and rebounds. It was great to see 5 different scorers as well with Yash top scoring. We lost our way a little near the end of the game and the oppositions height advantage started to tell. We ended up losing 22-15, but I was really pleased with this first performance.
U15 Girls Rugby v Heath End
A great first match of the season for the Under 15s girls contact rugby group. The girls have been training hard and were more than ready to get stuck into a full throttle match. They didn’t disappoint and from the first minute were smashing into the contact area to compete against a more experienced side. Willow, Lulu and Heidi all putting down the marker with big tackles early on. The girls took a little while to adapt to the runners and went down a few scores early but kept in touch with a breakaway from Lulu close finish from Esther. As the match went on it became end to end and a great competition. Heidi became ferocious in the tackle area and was on several occasions first to any loose balls. Willow showed impressive strength to reach the line for a score and Lulu continued to show superb speed and agility with a few more tries. A fair result to finish 10-10 on a very enjoyable afternoon.
U11 Rugby v Ditcham (Mixed)
On Wednesday afternoon the U11 rugby team travelled to Ditcham Park. Rugby has proved really popular with this year group and following the success at the St Ed’s tournament, we were able to take two teams to make a triangular with Ditcham. In the first game Frensham started really strongly and were showing a much better understanding of spacing, taking the ball into the oncoming defence and then moving the ball outside to our players in space. Lila, Finn and Luca ran with the ball particularly well to get us into scoring opportunities. The game ended 4-3 to Frensham. In the second game Ditcham started faster and Frensham had to defend well taking several last-ditch tags to turnover play. The team slowly grew into the game and eventually came out on top, using Otto’s ability to run with the ball to create our scoring opportunities. The game finished 2-1 to Frensham. Well done to all involved.