THIS WEEK AT FRENSHAM
Friday 10th March, 2023
A MESSAGE FROM RICK
Dear Parents
Thank you very much for the good wishes I have received this week as my family and I plan our exciting move to Somerset. I appreciate that the news of my departure from Frensham may have been surprising, but as you all know, Laura and I have been working closely together for the last four years, and I continue to work with Laura and the Governors to ensure a smooth handover by the end of term. Please see a message from Laura below.
The much anticipated snow finally arrived this week, and inevitably caused challenges for us all. As Becks said, making a decision on school closure is never easy, and we are sorry that it caused inconvenience. I do hope that your children managed to have some fun in the snow, something we see at Frensham as an important rite of passage. Thank you to the residential and catering staff who did a fantastic job of looking after the boarders so well. I had a wonderful time joining in a mass snowball fight with boarders on the astro with a few other staff members; some of the students were delighted that they had a chance to pelt staff with snowballs, but we managed to get in a few good shots too!
Senior School students heard an excellent Morning Talk today from Lyall, Head of Business Studies and Head of Careers, on the world of work during National Careers Week. Our guest speaker was Jamie Pollard-Jones from Challenger Escapes, who spoke about his varied career and his experiences as an entrepreneur. I hope the students were inspired by his story – there were some excellent messages that chimed perfectly with our school values on being true to yourself and having the courage of your convictions.
In just over a week’s time, it is the Friends of Frensham Ball. Thank you to the parents who have been hard at work preparing for what promises to be an excellent evening. Please do get involved in the silent auction by visiting www.easydonate.org/fof_ball to bid on some of the fantastic items that have been donated. Remember that all funds raised go back to the school for the benefit of all children, and to a very worthy cause in the Eikon Charity.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Best wishes
Rick
A MESSAGE FROM LAURA
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope by now you have seen the letter sent by the Chair of Governors on Monday, and I am now very happy to write to you as incoming Acting Head of Frensham from next term.
I appreciate that the news of Rick’s decision to leave Frensham will have been a surprise to many of you. Rick has been a massive part of school life for more than four years and has seen the school through the very difficult period of the global pandemic. I would like to join all of you in wishing Rick and his family the very best as they prepare their move to Somerset. I am continuing to work closely with Rick to ensure there is a smooth transition during the remainder of this term.
I thought it might be useful for me to introduce myself to those parents who may not have had direct contact with me, and also to outline some of my experience which I believe will ensure we can, not just maintain Frensham as the school that develops well rounded, confident and happy children, but also grow, develop and thrive in the future.
I have been working in education for the past 18 years in various teaching and management positions, the last four of which have been at Frensham Heights as Deputy Head (Academic). Prior to this I worked in various business roles, working in PR, communications and marketing in both the financial services and charity sectors.
Having worked in various types of schools, from state provision in low income areas to a very academically selective independent boys school, I am so happy to be at home at Frensham. It's about balance, opportunity and individual relationships. Frensham provides a broad education, and opportunity for each student to find their spark, their future, whatever their specific talents and challenges. I look forward to sharing examples of that fundamental Frensham tenet with you in the coming months
The last four years have been challenging and hugely rewarding for me. My aim now is to ensure that we continue to build on all that we have achieved, continue to listen to you as our parents, and continue to develop an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Frensham is an extraordinary school, with extraordinary students – I've taught many of them - and extraordinary teachers and staff who give absolutely everything to provide the type of education you want for your children. I know that because I want it too. Both my daughter and son attend Frensham and are absolutely thriving. I am passionate about working with governors to continue to uphold and develop all that makes Frensham unique.
The next few weeks will be a time for me to continue to learn, to work closely with Rick and the governors, and to plan the short and medium term future of the school. I look forward to getting to know every parent here at Frensham in the coming weeks and months.
Best wishes
Laura
SCHOOL NOTICES
**FRENSHAMS GOT TALENT - RESCHEDULED FOR MONDAY 13TH MARCH AT 6PM**
MOCK INTERVIEW DAYS - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are looking for some more volunteers for mock interview days. Many thanks for those who replied previously (if you can confirm to Lyall that you’re still available, that would be appreciated).
Last year we ran a brilliant and successful set of mock job interviews with Year 10 as part of a full day of careers’ skills and workshops. This year we're already planning similar, but need to run two sessions – if you like the sound of putting our Year 10 or Year 11 students through their paces in a mock job interview, please get in touch with Lyall (lyallreynolds@frensham.org) – he will provide all information you need such as questions, scenarios, etc.
Dates and timing:
Year 11s on Tuesday, 21st March - Six (or more) interviewers required between 10.40am and 12.45pm (lunch can be provided). This is for the students’ coursework for their BTEC in Business qualification.
Year 10 on Monday, 15th May - A dozen or more interviewers required! Between 10.40am and 12.45pm (lunch can be provided). This is part of their careers’ day workshop.
SCIENCE WEEK - CONNECTIONS
We have a variety of activities happening in the science lessons. Junior school will be following a variety of sessions, including a science show for Year 6. Years 7 and 8 will be doing some fun practicals with a Biology, Chemistry and Physics theme about Connections. Year 10 are entered into the Biology challenge, please bring a laptop or similar internet enabled device (a phone is not sufficient) to both their Biology lessons next week.
Morning Talk this week will be on a variety of topics all based on the topic of connections
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Teenagers who would have them? Development of the teenage brain
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Why people commit violent crimes, connecting the explanations
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Go to bed! The connection between sleep, happiness, creativity and pretty much everything else…
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Science vs the meaning of life
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Connections to the oceans
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Connections with nature
SAVE THE DATE - FOUNDERS' DAY - SATURDAY 1ST JULY
Please put Founders' Day in the diary - all students are expected to be here for our whole school celebration.
JUNIOR SCHOOL DISCOS - THURSDAY 4TH MAY
Get your diary out, Friends of Frensham are busy organising Junior School Discos for after the Easter break. Click here for more info and to book tickets.
CONFERENCES AND BUSINESS NETWORKING
Kerry Guy, our Enterprises Manager, is looking at the possibilities of offering conferences and business networking at Frensham Heights. She would really appreciate your ideas and suggestions on this. Please click here to fill in a quick survey.
FOOD BANK DONATIONS
Please click here to see what is currently needed. Any donations can be dropped off either in the Junior School office or the Years 4-6 atrium. Thanks in advance for your support.
SCL EASTER CAMP
SCL will be offering a holiday camp at Frensham Heights as usual over the Easter break. Please click here for more info.
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.
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.
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.
FRIENDS OF FRENSHAM
FOF Silent Auction is LIVE!
Thank you to all of the Frensham Heights community who have helped us put together some fabulous Auction lots. We have some wonderful and generous donations- thank you. Please read on to see what grabs your interest as more lots have been added, including:
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Original film poster
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More skincare and makeup workshops
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An original painting by Suzana Hunter
And more!
Please head to www.easydonate.org/fof_ball or scan the QR code.
Bidding will close 10pm on Saturday 18th March.
FOF Ball Saturday March 18th
Thanks to everyone for getting the food and pre ordered wines in to us, a bar will also be available on the night. The FOF ball team are busy putting everything in place to make this a fantastic, fun night. There will be a briefing on specific timings, and further details coming out to you next week. In the meantime FOF would like to thank VGT Taxis for generously sponsoring this event. Don’t forget to book your taxis – welcome reception 6:30pm and carriages at 12:30am.
Come and Join the fun
Missed out on ball tickets? We are opening up the event after the dinner, fancy coming to have a dance or try your luck in the casino? Limited tickets are available for an entrance fee of £10, this includes 100 Elvis pounds to use in the casino on the night. So glam up and join us- to buy tickets please head to https://www.tickettailor.com/events/friendsoffrensham/847428#
to get your ticket.
SCHOOL EVENTS
MAYOR'S CHARITY CONCERT
Friday 17th March | 7.30pm
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.
ESPORTS TOURNAMENT
Thursday 30th March | 4.30 - 6pm
Ballroom | FREE
Come and see for yourself what Esports is all about. This will be a live tournament.
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 AND THE BEAST
Last week saw our absolutely spectacular production of Beauty and the Beast. It was a true Frensham experience with students and staff coming together onstage, back stage, in the box, in the orchestra pit and behind the bar to go above and beyond, as always. Audiences at all performances were astounded and amazed yet again by the courage and talent that develops at our school. Huge well done and thank you to everyone involved.
FRENSHAM IN THE SNOW
The boarders and residential staff shared some wonderful photos of our beautiful school in the snow.
YEAR 4 TRIP TO HENLEY FORT
This week Year 4 went on their first residential to Henley Fort. The trip was linked to their topic of World War 2. The children were polite, well behaved and a real asset to Frensham Heights! During our trip the children enjoyed becoming ARP Wardens – putting out fires, experiencing blackouts, dealing with injuries and bombing raids. They also enjoyed some wartime cookery, digging for victory and learning about women in the war. Their final training was to become part of the Homeguard – they learnt to march, throw grenades, set up road blocks and charge. They also slept in Yurts and woke up to a blanket of snow, which increased the excitement and made the trip even more fun! It was an amazing experience for all of the children.
GREENPOWER
This week the Greenpower team were thrilled to start to find out what we were doing next. This week Harrison and Elijah put the motor in whilst Aragon attached the 4-point seatbelt harness and worked on pumping the tires up to the correct PSI. Frankie put the headrest in and Ava and Maria fitted the steering wheel column. Nearer the end of the session the whole team worked together to put the body panels on as this was quite a time consuming, tricky job.
Team profile:
Name: CJ
Likes: Climbing
Dislikes: Football
Favorite subject: ICT
Why I applied: I thought it would be a great opportunity to practice ICT and DT, I also thought it would be a great and fun, exciting experience.
NEW ARRIVALS IN THE EARLY YEARS
We were super excited by the arrival of the duck eggs on Monday and have watched intently through the window of the incubator to see if we may see any hatch. Unfortunately, we were not lucky to catch any hatching in action, but we have had a lovely surprise in the mornings to come into class and see our ducklings – three in total, so far. They have absolutely captured the children’s, and adults, attention this week.
CAREERS WEEK
This week it’s National Careers Week, so Lyall – our Head of Careers – led the morning talk. He gave an overview of what Careers at Frensham looks like. Careers guidance is the process of helping our students make educational and employment choices with an understanding of how to achieve their end goal and next steps; whether they’re in Year 2 or Year 12 – everyone can look at how their interests can lead to the next steps in life. Lyall discussed skills for life and what we currently provide under the Careers banner such as Tea and Biscuits (the conversational audience with industry experts with Q&A), the Unifrog website, a cyber security day, a palaeontologist visit, university fairs, Morrisby profiling, and careers day workshops including mock interviews.
We were delighted to be joined by guest speaker Jamie Pollard-Jones, the Managing Director of Challenger Escapes, who was originally in the army before setting up a corporate escape room agency supporting clients’ marketing, training and internal communications. He spoke about the risk and reward of launching a business and adapted Katharine Whitehorn’s definition of a “career” to his own version – a more realistic approach…
A really interesting listen, with the key to creating an experience, and how to turn your business idea into your career.
Thanks again to Jamie for coming to talk to us on Friday.
For any careers’ related questions about what we offer at Frensham, please contact Lyall
LANGUAGES IN EARLY YEARS
We have had great fun in Junior Languages this week! Reception learnt about Henri Matisse and produced their own pieces of art using his famous “cut out” style.
YEAR 9 POWERFUL POSES
" am interested in a political art, that is to say an art of ambiguity, contradiction, uncompleted gestures and uncertain ending - an art (and a politics) in which optimism is kept in check, and nihilism at bay." Willam Kentridge May 2022
Students were inspired by the work of South African artist William Kentridge, in particular how he animates, draws and redraws the figure, changing ground, scale, and medium. As elusive as it is allusive, Kentridge's art is shaped by apartheid and grounded in the politics of the post-apartheid era, and in science, literature and history, while always maintaining space for contradiction and uncertainty.
He says, "There was an absurdity to the basic logic of apartheid that we grew up with. There was something wrong with the logic, and that false logic then gets carried through to the nth degree-with pencils in people's hair, with the fifty-two different categorisations of what races were. So, the absurd was built in. We understood that the absurd was where we lived."
Students struck and photographed powerful and emotive poses to convey feelings about their positions as young people in our rapidly changing world, using acrylic paint to develop their work.
We hope you enjoy exploring the work as much as they enjoyed making it.