Remembrance Day 2016 - Shebbear College · Remembrance Day 2016. Weekly Newsletter from the...

Weekly Newsletter from the Headmaster www.shebbearcollege.co.uk

11th November 2016Issue No 118

Dear Parents,

The centrepiece of today was a very moving Remembrance Service. We were blessed with a crisp sunny morning and we were able to honour our fallen Shebbearians. There were some sublime moments, particularly the choir’s rendition of Mozart’s ‘Ave verum corpus’ and Archie Boycott’s accomplished playing of ‘The Last Post’.

Statistically this has been a very very good week. By that I mean we received information from Durham University about the performance of our A Level students which showed that across the board our A Level results were one third of a grade above the UK norm. The most stunning result was in Maths, not a huge surprise in that nine of the ten grades were A*- B, but a revelation in that our students achieved (on average) a grade and a half above the usual outcome for people of their ability. The class of 2016 have proven they are a match for any other year.

Meanwhile the current Upper Sixth had their parents’ evening this week and there was quite a bit of discussion about the offers that some pupils are beginning to receive for university. It is reassuring to learn of our students getting interviews and/or achievable offers on competitive courses from world renowned universities such as Imperial College, UCL, Bath and Bristol.

Tomorrow we have a major block fixture against Mount Kelly in both rugby and hockey, so it should be a very exciting day of sport, but if you have any spare time (and you are of a certain age) then make your way to the Burton Gallery in Bideford where there is an exhibition of the animated work of the children’s tv legend Oliver Postgate - the Clangers, Ivor the Engine and the original Bagpuss - how can you resist?

Simon Weale

Remembrance Day 2016



learnt about the many destinations that the SS Great Britain sailed to during its working life. They then became history detectives, piecing together evidence from letters, diary extracts and artifacts to discover more about some of the passengers from those voyages years ago.

This was followed by a wonderful tour around the ship itself, where the children gained a real sense of what life was like for passengers and crew in both First class or Steerage. Pupils had the chance to try out the rather cramped bunks, to take a bath in one of the ship’s original bath tubs, to spot the rats scuttling around the ship’s galley and even to meet Mr Brunel himself.

News from the Prep SchoolThe value of giving our pupils first hand experience both to capture their interest and bring a real depth of understanding to their learning, was certainly evident this week with visits to Exmoor Zoo, @Bristol and the SS Great Britain.

On Tuesday, Years 3, 4 and 5 braved the chilly Exmoor winds to visit the zoo. Pupils and staff alike stared enviously at the Sand Cats warming their fur under heat lamps and tried their best to get the Singing Dogs to perform, but were not quite sure which tunes they knew. Everyone fell in love with ‘Simples’ the meerkat and Mr Willetts had to be stopped from trying to smuggle him home. However, he wasn’t quite so keen on poor old ‘Car Park Dave’ the snake and made a hasty retreat (to the car park I suspect!). However, pupils had most difficulty identifying the rather unusual creature that turned up near the gift shop later in the day. Perhaps you can help us identify it from the picture below?

Year 5 were then off again on a trip to @Bristol on Thursday, and what an amazing time they had. The visit started with a demonstration of how space rockets are launched, including a balloon full of hydrogen being set alight to create the necessary boom. Then it was downstairs to the interactive activity area where the children experienced a range of scientific phenomena. This included a full-size hamster wheel and a series of fascinating water pumps and devices. Mrs Partridge had to interrupt Heidi and Emily’s birth so they didn’t miss the Chemistry lesson that followed!

This workshop proved the most popular part of the day, as the children got to see how firework colours are created by burning mixtures of chemicals and included a demonstration of the science behind glow-sticks. My thanks to Helen Brown for accompanying the children on this trip.

Year 6 joined them on this trip, but our port of call was the SS Great Britain, Burnel’s famous steam liner, now residing back in the same dry dock where it was designed and built over 170 years ago.

As we arrived in Bristol, the children spotted the Clifton Suspension Bridge first, another of Brunel’s triumphs of engineering, and shortly afterwards his wonderful steamship came into sight.

The tour started with a fascinating workshop, where the children



I would like to thank Mrs Kirby, Mrs Twomey and Mrs Gee for accompanying the children on the trip. Their support and enthusiasm was much appreciated. However, all three were last spotted in the ship’s ‘Boudoir’ (women only) deep in conversation. The word ‘boudoir’ comes from the French word for sulking or moaning, so I wonder who exactly they could have been moaning about at the time? My ears were burning of course!

It was a long journey to and from Bristol but certainly worth it, and I must commend all of the children on their outstanding behaviour throughout the day, something that was commented on by a number of the staff and visitors from both settings.

The week ended of course with the Prep School joining the rest of the college in a day of remembrance for the many soldiers who fought for their country on the battle grounds of the 1st and 2nd World Wars. While Mr Barnes led a service for our younger pupils in the Assembly Hall, Year 6 attended the Chapel service with the Senior School students.

Mike Furber

Next Week in the Prep School:Wednesday 16th NovemberYear 6 visit to Rosemoor Victorian ArtYear 3 and 4 first swimming lessonPrep School Parents Evening

Thursday 17th NovemberPrep School Parents Evening

Friday 18th NovemberAssembly: Mr J. SandersU11 Rugby and Netball v West Buckland School, home 1.40pm

A Busy Week for Pre-SchoolA big thank you to Tyler, Delilah and Bethany for bringing in some amazing items for our African display. Our literacy block on the text Handa’s surprise has gone really well with all the children memorising parts of the text and writing their own questions. In fact some of the older children really enjoyed taking their beautiful written work to show to Mrs Jones. Coming back with one of her special stickers was a very proud moment for them.

This week we have welcomed Patrick Drake to our class and all the children have enjoyed showing him how we do things during the day.

Our visit to the Senior School Art Department kindly hosted by Mr Barlow was a “wow” experience! This is the word that most of the children used whilst enjoying looking at some fabulous artwork.

We were very pleased to award two Stars of the week for bravery and kindness but I will let the children tell you about those awards. Next week we are off to Asia and you can look forward to some Sushi arriving home at some point.

Hopefully you have all had the note about meeting for a chat about your children which I much look forward to arranging with you at a time that suits. It will be great opportunity for you to see what great learning has been going on in our class and enable you to make the link with your child about life at school.

Hetty Thompson

Pre-School and Prep Prep BlogOur Pre-School and Pre-Prep classes now have their own Blog onto which they are posting regular news and updates about the activities they are doing in class. Follow them at:https://shebbearpreschool.wordpress.com/

Ruddle Christmas MarketThursday 24th November, 5.00pm - 8.00pmWe are delighted to announce that the following vendors have confirmed they will be selling at Ruddle’s Christmas Market - Chilton Liqueurs, Body Shop, Usborne Books, Phoenix Trading and ‘In House’. If anyone else is interested in having a stall please contact Laura Clewley on [email protected]

The girls of Ruddle House invite everyone to come and join them for their fun Christmas themed evening in Ruddle House. Have fun and stock up on your Christmas presents.

We will be selling raffle tickets on the night to raise funds to buy the girls a new stereo for the boarding house. Everyone is welcome. Day pupils and their parents are welcome to come and have a tour of Ruddle Boarding House to see what it is like to flexi-board. All day pupils who attend will receive a flexi-boarding voucher to enjoy a free night flexi-boarding before the end of December.



National Citizenship Award for CallumOver the summer Callum took part two residential activity courses and two weeks of social action projects organised by the National Citizen Service. He raised over £1000 for a local community farm and has received a certificate personally signed by the Prime Minister.

Ten Tors Training BeginsWhat a beautiful way to start this year’s Ten Tors training, perfect sunny weather and a big enthusiastic team!

On Sunday morning, 23 students set off from Okehampton army camp on their first ‘35 mile team’ training walk. Thanks to Robin Dalton, a good pace was set and before long, the team were at Winter Tor. With the sun shining, morale seemed high and this, for most, made the walking enjoyable.

At Oke Tor, the team were challenged to make their way to the top of Steeperton in which ever way they wanted. It was at this point in the day that prior knowledge and experience came into its own, with the more experienced moor walkers sticking to the paths and walking to the top in no time. The less experienced and more enthusiastic students of course took the straight line route, meaning they ended up walking through knee high grass tufts and then dropping into Steeperton Gorge before having to climb steeply back out the other side! Lessons learned the hard way, we all met back up at the top to discuss the pros and cons of ‘walking further along well trodden paths’ against ‘cutting corners’.

From there, and well ahead of time, we wandered to Wild Tor for a team photo and then with the wind picking up in small groups, the teams made their way to the top of Cosdon Hill. A quick lunch stop was had before we headed back down to the ford, up and over Irishman’s Wall and back to the minibuses. A fabulous days walking had by all.

Lucy Body

361 Renewable Energy FairWe would like to thank Toby for his help at the 361 Energy Fair in Barnstaple last Sunday. As always he was very enthusiastic and represented the school very well.

Children in Need Fundraising GigOn Thursday 17th November everyone is invited to a charity gig organised and performed by pupils to raise money for Children in Need. From from 3.50 to 4.50pm in the Assembly Hall - see you there!



Flexi Boarding for Day PupilsOur boarding pupils are enjoying a wealth of exciting activities at weekends and day pupils are welcome to stay on and enjoy these activities along with their friends in boarding.

Effectively a sleep-over, flexi boarding is ideal for busy parents and unexpected situations. It offers pupils the chance to stay on after school, benefit from structured prep sessions before spending leisure time with their friends in a safe, homely environment. It also avoids the need for long bus journeys, time which could be better spent on studies. Flexi boarding includes evening activities, prep supervision, bed and breakfast.

For more information or to book flexi boarding please contact Naomi Giddy: [email protected]

What’s On:Saturday 12th NovemberWorld AIMS WeekendPrimary School Art Workshop Morning

Sunday 13th NovemberWorld AIMS Weekend10.30am - 5.00pm, Boarders’ Exeter Trip

Monday 14th NovemberF2 Learning Skills Workshop

Wednesday 16th November1.30pm, Woman in Black, Northcott Theatre, Form 4

Thursday 17th NovemberU6 R.S. Philosophy and Ethics Conference, ExeterChildren in Need Fundraising Gig, 3.50 - 4.50pm in the Assembly Hall

Friday 18th NovemberChildren in Need - Mufti Day

Saturday 19th NovemberFCE Speaking Exam, Exeter

Sunday 20th NovemberBoarders’ Trip to Clovelly Herring Festival5.30pm, Informal Chapel

RugbyOn the first Saturday back after half term the 1st XV traveled with the U15s to Milton Abbey in Dorset for a triangular v the hosts and neighbouring Clayesmore. It was a cold and windy day and the boys had to run the long journey and the half term break out of their legs.

Sione Funaki on his debut was strong at the breakdown in the opening game against Milton Abbey helping Shebbear secure their ball. The boys looked tired as they made hard work of the game but following tries from centre Jabez Weale and wing Olly Arden and finally a penalty from fly half Will Cowan-Dickie the game finished 15-7 to Shebbear. It was an ugly win, but you learn the most from them.

Our second game against Clayesmore was to be much harder as they had just beaten West Buckland and looked well organised, but Shebbear seem well motivated in the 1st half creating plenty of opportunities. Clayesmore’s only attack of the half resulted in a penalty in front of the posts which they duly converted to take the lead 3-0 at half time. Captain James Hibben made a nice break and offloaded to Will Cowan-Dickie who finished the try with a 50m run, 7-3 to Shebbear. The game ebbed and flowed but with 5 minutes to go Clayesmore scored the crucial try and finished the game 10-3. It was a disappointing loss after so much possession and pressure, but a very respectable score against a school almost 3 times the size of ours.

Final results, 1st Clayesmore, 2nd Shebbear, 3rd Milton Abbey, 4th West Buckland. Player of the tournament - Charlie Short.

Jamie SandersHockeyU12 Girls v Exeter CathedralOn Wednesday 12th October, Shebbear College’s amazing U12s team faced the tough opposition that was Exeter Cathedral. It was a warm day with a slight breeze.

The match got off to a fine start with a great goal from Evie. However Exeter fought back. Shebbear’s defenders worked well under the pressure with some great tackles and clearances. In the last few minutes of the first half, Evie made a great run, resulting in another spectacular goal. This meant we were 2-0 up at half time. The second half started with some ferocious attacking from Exeter. Shebbear were unfased by this and some fantastic clearances down field were made. With 10 minutes to go, there was still time for Exeter to fight back, although never quite reaching the circle. With a few minutes left to the end of play, Evie made another terrific run. With Emily on the post all she had to do was tap it in.

It was great to see a vast improvement in play, working superbly as a team, with great teamwork in both attack and defence.A great victory for the team. Player of the match: Evie Cunningham for some outstanding runs and some amazing goals.

Eliza Stenning and Evie Cunningham

U14/15 Girls v St Johns, SidmouthOn Tuesday 1st November the U14/15 hockey team made their way to play at St Johns International School in Sidmouth. We eventually made it there after asking for directions several times and some excellent mini bus maneuvers. Once we had arrived we found out that our match was on grass, which we knew would be interesting as it was the first time any of us had played on grass and hopefully will be our last! It took a while for us all to get the hang of playing on the grass pitch. We went 1-0 down initially but soon levelled it out as we got use to the ptich. By the end of the first half it was 1-1.

The second half started and amongst all the chaos of the grass pitch and nutmegs, we scored another four goals with the final score being 5-1. Great play from the younger players; Maggie Dory, Laura Priest, Eliza Banbury and Hazel Coward and amazing play from Katie Slee, Maddie Traxton and Cloe Westaway!

Cara Phillips - Captain



U12/13 Girls v St Johns, Sidmouth On Wednesday 9th November St John’s Sidmouth travelled to Shebbear College to play a mixed under 12’s and under 13’s hockey match. Many of the Sidmouth team didn’t have much Hockey experience, so the Shebbear side played a ‘conditioned’ match, meaning Shebbear had to obey certain rules such as some players not being able to shoot at goal or having more than three touches on the ball. It was an incredible match with Shebbear using some great techniques and passing skills. In the end Shebbear won 15-2 with Izzy Carey scoring 5, Lauren Nancekivell 3, Blythe Hill 3, Ellie Phillips 2 and Sophie temple 2. Blythe managed to collect yet another ‘player of match’ award for her amazing effort and scoring.

Elli Phillips - Captain

NetballU16 North Devon Netball TournamentThe U16 Netball team travelled to Park School this week for their North Devon tournament. The standard of the competition was high, so we knew it was going to be tough. Unfortunately it took us some time to find our stride on court, meaning we lost our first two matches against Chumleigh and Torrington, 5-3 both matches.

By our third match we had began to find our feet on court, however we faced the best teams in our group,West Buckland and Holsworthy, which we unfortunately lost.

Our last match was against South Molton, where we finally managed to play our own game and performed very well. Well done to all the girls for their efforts on the day and for persevering and working hard.

Mrs Burges

U14 North Devon Netball TournamentThe U14 Netball team travelled to Bideford School last week for their North Devon tournament. They worked well as a team throughout with some excellent team and individual efforts. Poppy Daniel played superbly at GD making some excellent interceptions and fighting for every loose ball. Ellerker Singltton hardly missed shot at goal and Bridget Mathew’s movement at GA was extremely effective. Billie Powell captained the team brilliantly. She was organised, hard working and played some excellent netball, making lots of interceptions at WD.

Unfortunately despite their great potential and talent we didn’t quite manage to end up in the top two teams in our group, as the opposition was very strong.

There were lots of positives as well as things to work on, in preparation for the upcoming Netball season and the Barbados tour.

Mrs Burges



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