THIS WEEK AT FRENSHAM
Friday 15th September, 2023
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A MESSAGE FROM ANDREW
Dear Parents,
It has been so incredible being back at Frensham, renewing my understanding of the school and also my complete belief in the education and culture we provide. A lot of people have asked, “How’s it going?” with slightly raised eyebrows and a sense of concern in their voices, perhaps worried for me as I get through the information overload stage; honestly it is going better than I could have hoped. I am exhilarated by leading the school again and so humbled to have the chance to work with everyone in the community again.
It has been lovely to meet parents and children joining the school this year: again my warmest welcome to you all. It has been charming to meet young men and women now five years older, ‘all grown up’. Particularly wonderful has been when I have been able to sift my memory quickly enough, calculate the change in the faces and height and hair and then get their names right! Each time the student concerned has broken into a big smile (almost congratulating me) and we set off again on living and working together.
There is a lot to do, and I will do my best to improve the key areas raised by all parts of the school: communication (accuracy, timeliness, clarity), and the need for some clear and calm leadership. I am really confident we can achieve a lot on both of these, as well as starting to address some anomalies and making sure we are delivering the ethos and education you all believe in.
So rather than your warm “Welcome Back!” to me it's my chance to say "Welcome to a Great New Year" to all of you.
Andrew
Hear a few words from Andrew about his return to Frensham, his plans for the next year working alongside Ben McCarey, incoming Head, and Simon Wilcox.
A MESSAGE FROM NICK
SAFEGUARDING UPDATE FROM JO AND JACK
Welcome back from us in the Safeguarding Team! It is a busy time with all the children excited to see each other, meeting new teachers and signing up for new ECAs and activities. While everyone is happy to be back, this can also be a daunting time for new students or for any of us returning after the long break. Please remember that we are here for anyone who is finding things difficult. That goes for parents too - we are here for you as well! Jack will be hosting a Parents' Online Safety Coffee Morning on the 5th of October in the Aldridge first thing, look out for an email with more details. We will also be sending out information about the Horizons programme in the Senior School at the start of next week to give you lots of detail about what we cover and when. This is the lesson time when we cover PSHE topics and hope to help the children understand many of the different issues that they may face growing up and how to manage these important aspects of moving through adolescence! Do get in touch if you have any questions!
AUTUMN TERM FEE INVOICES
Thank you to everyone who has already settled their Autumn Term fees invoice. Please remember that all invoices should have been paid by the first day of the current term. If your invoice is still outstanding, could I ask you to settle it with out delay. Should you have any concerns, or wish to discuss your invoice, please do get in touch either by telephone or by email to juliebooker@frensham.org.
SINGLE CONSENT FORM
We are still waiting for a number of parents to fill in the Single Consent Form sent out at the beginning of the year. It is really important that you fill in this form. If you haven't already, please click to fill in the Single Consent Form now.
COVID ADVICE
The obligation to test for Covid-19 was removed some time ago. However, if, your child is unwell, and unable to be in school they are to stay at home and can return to school when they are feeling better. If there is a strong suspicion of covid infection or your child has tested positive for covid, we ask that your child stays at home for 3 days - day of symptoms starting/day of positive test is day zero and your child can return to school on day 4.
DfE Advice: What happens if my child tests positive for COVID-19?
For children and young people aged 18 and under who test positive for COVID-19, the advice is to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for three days. This is because children and young people tend to be infectious to other people for less time than adults.
INTRODUCING OUR NEW CATERERS - CH&CO
FARNHAM MALTINGS - FAMILY FESTIVAL - SATURDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER - CALL FOR ANNOUNCERS!
Farnham Maltings are holding a Family Festival on Saturday 23rd September. As well as offering a great day out, they are also on the look-out for a few students to help make announcements over the loudspeaker during the day. If you're interested please email events@frensham.org
ABF FARNHAM ANNUAL SPEAKERS DINNER - FRIDAY 3RD NOV
The Army Benevolent Fund are holding their Annual Speakers Dinner on Friday 3rd November. For more information and to sign up, click here.
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.
POSITIVE FEEDBACK
Got something amazing to shout about? Click the logo to use our Parent Voice Frensham Heights positive feedback link.
THIS WEEK AT FRENSHAM
YEAR 7 INDUCTION DAYS
Year 7 Induction (a little story): The First Moments of the First Day
Once upon a time, in the heights of the Surrey Hills…
"We have another thirty minutes before we start", was heard from a voice near reception. On arrival it was clear that the walls of Main House were not strong enough to contain the anticipation, excitement and energy of the new Year 7s, as each family arrived adding their own individual ingredients to this growing future. On time, the doors opened and our cherished families moved through the Ballroom and out onto a stunningly beautiful sun-drenched front lawn. The vision was perfect and a busy sound of happiness cascaded in all directions and over the wall and on downward into the valley. It was a perfect start, and the first example of so much fun to be enjoyed at Frensham. Now, our walk of 60 people to Alice Holt through trees, ferns and brambles was a different type of fun; and simply another story for another day.
YEAR 8 PGL INDUCTION DAYS
Year 8 had a fantastic start to the new year with a couple of days at PGL. It was wonderful to see everyone happily reunited with their friends and raring to give the challenges a go. The students tried out a huge variety of different activities, with the trapeze and giant swing being the firm favourites! A highlight for staff was seeing the encouragement and camaraderie on display...they were a real credit to the school and the Frensham spirit was coming through loud and clear. Well done all!
YEAR 9 VENTURE CAMP
Year 9 started with a Venture camp. Students and tutors trekked to Garner's Field campsite along footpaths and through the Bourne Woods, happily chatting. After a well deserved rest in leafy shade at the campsite the students set about pitching their tents for the night. This was a fantastic example of problem solving and teamwork. Once the tents were up it was free time to enjoy the site using the volleyball nets, playing football or quieter activities such as playing card games. All under the umbrella of a wonderful sun set. Enjoying the Indian Summer evening everyone gathered around the campfire with hot chocolate, s'mores and some guitar music. The beautiful country setting meant that some may have heard owls throughout the night. Not too early the campsite awoke to the sound of roosters and were greeted with a misty morning sunrise. After breakfast the days activities started on rotation comprising of archery, damper bread, climbing, team building activities, assault course and navigation skills. It was wonderful to see the new tutor groups working well together and to see new friendships build. Packing up the tents was another task where I witnessed staff and students helping and supporting each other with folding and the rolling of tents and hot tips on how to get a sleeping bag back into its bag! I think the majority were thankful that the return journey to school was via mini bus. Back at Frensham Year 9 gathered in the theatre to watch a slideshow of images from the trip. I am very proud of how all the students conducted themselves thoughout the trip, some great memories have been made.
YEAR 10 ACS PORTSMOUTH
It was so wonderful to welcome back our Year 10 students and also lovely to meet our new students joining the school for their GCSE journey. And what better way to start than with a outdoor activities day at Andrew Simpson Centre in Portsmouth! The sun was shining and everyone enjoyed the activities available-including SUP, Kayaking, Climbing and Archery. What a perfect way to start the term, reconnecting with friends, and making new ones.
YEAR 11 RESIDENTIAL
An excellent couple of days were had by Year 11 on our two day residential at Buddens outdoor Centre. How lucky we were to experience such stunning weather, whilst enjoying lake activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking and raft building. The lake was alive with squeals, shouts, competition and laughter. On dry land, we were able to learn the art of tomahawk throwing, thankfully contained! Staying in bell tents and eating hearty food, it was a relaxing way to start Year 11 and meet up with friends after the summer break.
SIXTH FORM INDUCTION
Last Friday the whole of the Sixth Form enjoyed a trip to the Campaign Laser Park near Cobham. We were grateful to be in the shade of the woodland trees, as the weather was still hot, yet despite this much fun was had by all! The first round showed a little nervousness, but it did not take long at all for team strategy and competitiveness to kick in, and it was clear to see that there were smiles and laughter all round.
We were taken to different themed 'fields' to change the scenery and try different locations, and we all enjoyed the quirky decorations that the Campaign staff had brought in...from barricades made from old oil drums, the odd jet ski, cargo netting, hideouts and even a dalek!
The Sixth Form team were really happy to see so many students in the Sixth Form joining the trip and having the courage to try, well done everyone!
Year 12 also dropped in to meet (or reconnect) with Andrew in his office.
BOARDERS WEEKEND
We had a fabulous, fun boarders weekend last weekend. This really is a great starting point each year for our boarders to build relationships with their house mates and house staff. On the agenda this year for the first time was pop up street food and a silent disco. There were a few people who were a little unsure about the silent disco but after 2 minutes on the dance floor it became a big hit with all students and staff dancing the night away. As the weather was so nice, we moved the silent disco to the front lawn which really was a perfect setting with the incredible view. The pop-up street food was a big hit with various beef and chicken dishes served and accompanied by rice and noodles. On returning to their houses HH had mocktails and cookies and RH enjoyed wine and cheese. On Saturday we went to Brighton for the day, and we couldn’t have chosen a better day weather wise to visit the beach. Students spent time at the beach, the pier and getting lost in the beautiful lanes. A lovely, sunny day had by all. On Sunday students enjoyed activities on site that our wonderful boarding staff and facilities can offer. Students were able to choose which activities they would like to do, the list included mountain biking, art, archery, high ropes, sports hall games, baking, pool fun, music and much more. After a busy weekend, the boarders then enjoyed cookies and hot chocolate followed by some down time to prepare for the week ahead. A fabulous weekend had by all.
"Last weekend was very eventful. On Friday night we went to main House to have a 'silent disco'! It wasn't very silent... lots of people sang and danced (loudly).After that, we went back to Hamilton House and had 'Cocktails & Biscuits'!"
"That was just the beginning of the activities, as the next day we went on a day trip to Brighton and this was one of the best school day trips I've every been on."
GREENPOWER
We’re back!! On Sunday 8th September we raced at Dunsfold Aerodrome and as always, the team got involved in any and every way they could. Like all the other races we have been to, it was a bright and very early start to our day, and after setting up we went straight to scrutineering, passing successfully, then started to prep for the practice laps which the team absolutely crushed! We had a small break to make sure we were prepped and ready for race 1 and Ava, Maria and Richie were our chosen drivers. During the race we had a few delays because of red flags and unfortunately this didn’t play well into our strategy. We tend to strike the balance of not over gearing the car and conserving our energy, otherwise we’d potentially run our batteries low, resulting in a very slow car. The race clock kept on ticking during the red flags which meant we had plenty of battery life left at the end and we didn’t use the full potential. We finished 6th kit car in the first race, a brilliant achievement! The second race started off brilliantly but unfortunately, we had a slight technical problem; one of the crimped cables came loose and we lost power. The team wasted no time whatsoever and right away worked out what the issue was and fixed it in time for our last driver of the day, which was Aragon, to get a few laps in. We finished the day by collecting our medals and trophy from the Lotus heat (from last terms race) and packed up the car and equipment, all of us with smiles on our faces. It was another memorable day, and we can’t wait for our next race this Sunday at the Castle Combe circuit. Written by Juno in Year 8
YEAR 1 MATHS
Year 1 enjoyed taking their learning outside this morning to practise using ten frames during maths.
MORNING TALK
As you all know, our Senior School have Morning Talk everyone Friday morning. This is something that has happened at Frensham since our founding days and it's a space for the older students to get together to listen and discuss current affairs and relevant issues. Sometimes this happens in tutor rooms and sometimes in the Aldridge with visiting speakers or members of our community up on stage.
This week Andrew started off Morning Talk by introducing himself and setting the stage for the year ahead. He was then followed by the team of staff and students who went to Malawi over the summer.
WORTHY EARTH
Year 7 have been introduced to our amazing Worthy Earth project. They toured the bountiful kitchen garden and learnt about what is growing. They even got to taste some of the wonderful produce. Over the year, our students will learn how to care for the land and grow their own food... and we are looking forward to enjoying the fruits of their labour!
SPORTS REPORT
Welcome back from PE! We have an action packed half term ahead with inter school fixtures commencing next week and in a few weeks’ time we take our Netball teams to Malta and Football teams to Madrid!
Exciting News! We were working hard over the summer to update the Fitness Suite and the results are simply unbelievable. We have now managed to create two wonderful training spaces to support students physical and mental health through exercise.
Do come and take a look the next time you are passing!
New Fitness Suite
Exciting News! We were working hard over the summer to update the Fitness Suite and the results are simply unbelievable. We have now managed to create two wonderful training spaces to support students physical and mental health through exercise.
Come and take a look the next time you are passing!
There is a Functional Training Room, with endless possibilities for exciting training and a little more space to allow for some more dynamic exercise, plus a Cardio Room.
Fixture Calendar
A reminder that you can see all fixtures for the half term on the SOCS sport frensham website, team selection activates on Thursdays the week before matches. Website can be found here.
OUTSIDE SCHOOL
SUMMER MUSIC GRADE SUCCESS
This summer, Minah in Year 9 got a distinction in her ABRSM Grade 5 Singing. Well done!
UK CADET CLASS NATIONALS
Ava in Year 8 competed in the UK Cadet Class National championships in Abersoch, north Wales.
Ava and her crew faced strong winds and rain for 6 days of competitive racing. After 12 races Ava came out on top and won the ‘Regatta Fleet’ championship.
Well done to her and here crew who now move up into the top fleet and will now race with kids up to 17 years of age. Watch this space…
FRENSHAM KITCHEN
As some might or might not know, CH&CO are now the school caterers, they have been fantastic over the summer holiday delivering bespoke catering for three weddings and feeding our hungry summer visitors.
They have some great ideas and lots of exciting additions to the menus.
There is also a new interactive feedback board, which will have a weekly question or food vote.
As a result some changes have already been put in place and the pasta and jacket station is back at lunchtime.
It was great to see our all the students back last week. It was a busy start to the term with over 280 packed lunches going out of the kitchen.
The Boarders were treated to a themed supper on Friday night as part of the first Boarders weekend. They enjoyed Korean BBQ chicken, Hoi sin beef stir fry, Gochujang Tofu sticky rice, pickles salads and sides and an Iced cardamom sponge.
NEXT WEEK
Sunday 17th September
05.30am Departure - Greenpower - Castle Combe Motor Circuit
Monday 18th September
ECA's start
13.55 - Year 9 to Year 11 School Notices (Aldridge Theatre)
13.55 - Year 7 & 8 Notices (Ballroom)
15.00 - U13 Boys ISFA Football Vs Westminster Under School (Away)
18.00 - Year 8 Meet the Tutor Parents' Evening & Overview of the Year (In person) (Main House)
Tuesday 19th September
14.30 - U15/14 Boys Football Vs Ditcham (Away)
14.30 - U15/14 Girls Netball Vs Ditcham (Home)
16.00 - U15 Boys ISFA Football vs Sherborne (Home)
18.00 - Year 10 Meet the Tutor Parents' Evening & Overview of the Year (In person) (Main House)
Wednesday 20th September
09.30 – 11.00 - Year 1 Trip to Rowledge Co-op
14.30 - U11/10 Girls Netball Vs Bedales Dunhurst (Home)
14.30 - U11/10 Boys Football Vs Ditcham (Home)
15.00 - U13/12 Boys Football Vs Ditcham (Away)
15.30 - U13/12 Girls Netball Vs Ditcham (Home)
18.30 – 21.30 - Sixth Form Tutors Supper event (Ballroom)
Thursday 21st September
15.30 - U16 Girls Netball Vs Ditcham (Home)
16.00 - U16 Boys Football Vs Sherfield (Away)
16.30 – 18.30 - Drama / Musical Rehearsals (Studios)
18.00 - Year 11 Meet the Tutor Parents' Evening & Overview of the Year (In person) (Roberts House)
Friday 22nd September
Noon Departure - Surf Trip Year 10 to Year 13
08.40 - Junior School Assembly (Aldridge Theatre)
9.15 – 10.25 - Year 7 to Year 13 Morning Talk: In form rooms to discuss Outreach ideas
Sunday 24th September
Surf Trip due to return by 6pm
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