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CASTLE COURT SCHOOL

AU T U M N TE RM 2 0 2 3

A SUMMARY O F T H E T E R M We have embarked on our historic 75th anniversary year with gusto and purpose. When we were planning for this special year, we set ourselves three clear aims: Connecting the Castle Court Community.

Scott Montague (Old Castellan, Drama fanatic, Ex Canford Head Boy) and next term the Scott Lecture series continues with Rosie Hellewell, who played at the funeral of Prince Phillip and the Coronation of King Charles III.

Fundraising for both the Castle Court Community and the Global Community. Service to others for pupils, staff and parents.

OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTRE

Connecting: This began on a sultry end of summer evening in September when we all enjoyed the annual Parent Foodfest prepared by Chef Mike and his team. Since then, we have reignited our Castle Court Parents and Friends Association (CCP&F) who have organised a parents’ Christmas Party and planning has begun for an evening of ‘Art, Wine and Cheese’ in March and a Summer Festival in July. On Friday 24th May at 3pm in Wimborne Minster we will have our 75th Anniversary Service to give thanks for the great history of Castle Court School. All parents, Old Castellans and friends of Castle Court are most welcome to attend. The pupils have enjoyed guest ‘Scott Lectures’ from Eddie Jack (Old Castellan, England U19 Cricketer, Canford Head Boy) and

Fundraising The ‘1948 Club’ was launched for Old Castellans and kind supporters of the school. In our first dinner we thanked those who had given generously to the building of our outdoor classroom and the landscaping up near the astro. Service to others The children started the term with a wonderful Harvest Festival, giving

generously to our local foodbank in Corfe Mullen. Over this term the whole of the Castle Court community has been working to raise money for the One Connection Charity and specifically to raise money for a new playground for disabled children at the Matumaini Rehabilitation Centre in Kenya. We have had sponsored walks, toy sales, bracelet sales, nursery fairs and much more. The school has been a hive of activity in serving this excellent charity. I am delighted to inform you that we have completed our first project and we have raised the required funds to build a new playground. As I write this letter, the hairs on the back of my neck are standing up as our choristers are downstairs singing the descant to ‘O Come All Ye Fathful’. Prep Schools are truly magical places at Christmas, full of joy, hustle, bustle and happiness. I wish to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very happy and peaceful Christmas. I very much look forward to welcoming you back to school in 2024. Enjoy revisiting memories from the Autumn Term 2023. Mr Andy Pilkington Head

Harvest Festival

Macmillan Coffee Morning

Year 8 Purbeck Hike

O UR YEA R 7 AND 8 PUPIL S H AV E M AD E A G R E AT S TART TO THEIR JOUR NEY T H ROUG H OU R U PPE R S E C T I O N T H I S TE R M .

Year 8 began the term navigating their way across the Purbeck hills in a teamwork challenge and have been setting a wonderful tone as pupil leaders across the school, looking after the much younger children in their House Family groups, leading them into morning assemblies and helping them out all over our campus and modelling excellent learning attitudes. They have been full-on with pre-exam academic challenges in class; lunchtime and after school sports training; drama, dance, choir, art and DT, but also finding time to enjoy some Year 8 privileges: breaktime toast; pool and table footy in their common room; relaxed lunches at our picnic tables on the lawns (back in the nicer weather!) They’ve also been at the forefront of some of the key moments in the term for the school community: leading the school service at the Harvest Festival; laying wreaths on Remembrance Day; reading and singing key parts at the Minster Carol Service.

Year 7, meanwhile, have also made an excellent start to the year, showing outstanding enthusiasm and commitment for learning as a group.They have enjoyed immersing themselves in the world of the Tudors at Hampton Court; undertook some impressive analytical geography fieldwork on the streets of Poole to work out whether or not the town is a ‘clone town’; and were inspired by the visit to school of film producer Guy De Beaujeu to film episodes of Private Peaceful for themselves during recent English lessons. Both groups have been a joy to work with this term. They are full of ideas, energy and joie de vivre; their commitment and resilience are admirable; we can’t wait for the next two terms! Mr Dave Higgins Year 7 and Year 8 Section Leader

Remembrance

Year 7 Private Peaceful filming

Sport

SPORT I N G H I G H L I G H T S Sports clubs and activities:

Football:

Potential sport scholar programme Yrs. 7&8 (Monday lunchtime)

U11 Quarter Finalists ISFA South West

U11 Sherborne Festival Runners up Harry Millfield Sports Scholarship

Rugby & Football club (Monday after school)

Myles & Harry JPL South West regional representative squad

Mixed Hockey club Yrs. 4-8 (Monday after school)

Table Tennis Yrs. 3-8 (Monday after school)

Myles & Harry ISFA South West regional trialists

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Golf Yrs. 4-8 (Tuesday after school)

U13 IAPS Plate Runners up

Netball club Yrs. 5-8 (Tuesday after school)

U13 County Plate Winners

U11 County Champions – Regional Finals March 22nd at Clifton College

Rugby: l

Potential sport scholar programme Strength and Conditioning Yrs. 7&8 (Tuesday Lunchtime)

Hockey (Girls): l

U11 Team spirit award – Canford Prep Fest tournament

Biathlon:

Swimming development Yrs. 3-5 (Tuesday after school up to half term) Physical literacy, invasion games and decision-making Yrs. 3-4 (Wednesday after school) Physical literacy, invasion games and decision-making Yrs. 5-8 (Thursday after school)

Biathlon/Running club Yrs. 4-8 (Thursday lunchtime)

Karate/Martial Arts club Yrs. 4-8 (Thursday after school)

Multi-sport Yrs. 5-8 (Friday after school)

Arhtur – 2nd place individual Yr. 6 South West regional

Early morning swimming (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday)

Hugo – 2 place individual Yr. 3 South West regional

Early morning tennis (Monday)

Arlo – 1 place individual Yr. 3 South West regional

Early morning running Yrs. 3-8 (Friday)

Josh, Ralph, Luan – 3 place team South West regional

Outside of school (representative achievements): l

Motor cross – Finley

Boxing – Lochlan

Team Bath pathway – Lauren & Bess

Aim Academy Netball – Maddie

Southampton FC Academy – Arthur & Josh

Swimming – Arthur

Dorset Cricket – Henry, Harry & Benjy

Mr Alex Fermor-Dunman Director of Sport

Scott Speakers – Eddie Jack and Scott Montague

Scott Day

SU MMARY OF T H E T E R M : Y E AR 5 AN D Y E AR 6 It has been such an incredible start to the academic year! Our Year 5s moved up to this section with much enthusiasm, notably excited when they were given their own pro-books and lockers! They are enjoying having greater independence and responsibility as they move around the school more for their lessons. I have been so impressed with how they have tackled all the newness, and I can only commend them for adjusting so well! The Year 5s have had a range of activities that they have enjoyed this Autumn term. Their Scott Day was particularly memorable with them learning and performing “A Play in a Day” based on our school play Matilda. They wowed us with their talent and I look forward to seeing this develop as they grow in the school! Year 5s performed to their parents at the first of our performing arts evenings; It was delightful to see our talented musicians play with such confidence. We welcomed a visitor from the NSPCC who carried out a workshop entitled, ‘Speak Out, Stay Safe,’ to link in with our work in PSHE lessons and this tied in beautifully with our Anti-Bullying week. We endeavour to foster kindness in our pupils, and it was wonderful to see them embrace this week so positively. For our Year 6s the start of the Autumn term was a little different with many sitting the Grammar tests and later some the ISEB Pre-tests – it was a more academic and rigorous start. I was so proud of how the Year 6s rose to the challenge, and I have been amazed at their true grit and determination in this time. It was wonderful to then take a little breather when our Scott Day came around and we had a fun time at Bryanston where they got to try their hand at ultimate frisbee, rowing, climbing and abseiling. There were lots of personal challenges achieved throughout the morning and a

fun session in the pool with the inflatables was the perfect way to end this experience! Upon our return to school, the section was faced with further team building activities where they had collaborative team challenges, including what will now be known as the infamous ‘Egg Drop challenge of 2023!’ On the sporting front, our Year 6 boys enjoyed a day at Canford where they took part in the Canford ‘Prep-Fest’ rugby tournament. We were very proud that our boys won the Under 11 Team Spirit award for their excellent team work! Our under 11 girls hockey team won the Dorset County tournament, where they qualified for the regional competitions which was just fantastic. Our Year 6s are to be commended for their efforts on the sports field, for their resilience, enthusiasm and dedication to their teams. Well done to all of you! The Canford Earthshot competition brought much excitement to our section as we explored the different categories. Some of our pupils went on to become the overall winner for Year 5 and the overall winner for Year 6! We also received a ‘highly commended’ entry for one of our Year 6 pupils! These are incredible results! It is so encouraging to see our pupils embrace these opportunities, and to show how much thought is going in to safeguarding our planet! Overall, this has been a wonderful term to kickstart the academic year with the Year 5s and 6s taking on every challenge that has come their way. I look forward to seeing what next term holds for all our pupils. Have an incredible Christmas break and I will see you in the Spring term. Mrs Louise Munns Year 5 and 6 Section Leader

In the Classroom

Out and About

SU MMARY OF T H E T E R M : Y E AR 3 AN D Y E AR 4 It was a warm and sunny September morning as the Jubilee Block came alive with the excited voices of both new and returning pupils. Happy to see friends again, meet new pupils and to be greeted by their form teachers. The children settled in quickly and soon had their first fixtures for sports matches both home and away, showing enthusiasm and comradery on the pitches. The end of the month brought local dentist, Jonathan Gollings, into school teaching the Year 4s about healthy teeth. Disclosing tablets and brushing teeth to a pop music timer was great fun. October brought our first Scott Day of the year. The Year 3s learnt more about their Celtic topic and built mini round houses in the school grounds. Getting messy making daub to add to the woven twigs of the huts. Meanwhile Year 4 toured Kingston Lacy, stretching the room guides with the questions they asked! The afternoon was spent solving puzzles and challenges in the estate grounds, as well as some fun on the adventure playgrounds. November was the perfect time for Year 3 to be working on their shadow puppets. A small theatre was set up and the children entertained each other and the staff with their shows. The afternoon of the much-anticipated toy sale was soon upon us, and the dining rooms were quickly filled with tables piled high with toys, books and games to sell. There was a lovely atmosphere as the Pre-Prep children carefully selected the toys to purchase that the older Year 3s and 4s no longer used. A lovely way to provide toys with a new home, promote recycling and support the Matumaini Rehabilitation Centre in Kenya. Keeping with the sustainability theme as we entered December a plethora of eco-home projects arrived in school created by Year 4 as part of their English topic based on the book “Cool Architecture”. An exhibition of models and drawings was enjoyed by many of the staff and children

throughout the school. The children in Year 3 have been busy writing a variety of poems on a school based theme and enjoyed sharing with each other. The penultimate week of term brought some cheer to the classroom as the children arrived in school wearing their Christmas jumpers.The Santa Dash this year became a true fun run with various challenges to complete on the way around. The children have also been busy voting for their favourite Christmas song with a countdown and winner revealed on the final Friday of term. The sound of singing can be heard drifting from the hall as the Year 3 and 4 children are practising their song, “This Christmas Time” for the Carol Service on the last day of term. Readers are rehearsing their lines in preparation to present to us all in Wimborne Minster. It has been a fantastic term for Year 3 and 4 and we are all looking forward to more to come in January 2024! Mr Andy Laidler Year 3 and 4 Section Leader

Year 3 and Year 4 - Toy Sale

Performing Arts

PER F OR MIN G ART S H I G H L I G H T S

Creation of new community choir for parents to sing at key events throughout the year. Exciting growth of senior choir with inclusion of lunchtime rehearsal. Harvest Festival – singing by pre-prep, school and senior & community choir “Play in a Day” with Year 5 on SCOTT day – Matildathemed workshops in dance, drama and music leading to a showcase performance. 3 x Friday afternoon informal concerts involving over 40 pupils.

Prep Schools’ Orchestral Day at Bryanston School.

ABRSM exam 100% success.

Performing Arts Presentation, involving more than 40 pupils in total from Years 5 to 8 – performing LAMDA monologues and duologues, solos/duets (as creative choreographic responses to dance pioneer Isadora Duncan) and group dances (in street and contemporary).

2 Christmas Nativities, involving all pre-prep pupils from Nursery to Y2 in acting, singing and dancing. A ‘mini pantomime’ performed by the Year 5 and 6 drama club to an audience of Year 3 and 4 pupils. Taking the senior & community choirs carol singing to Waitrose in Wimborne. Whole School Carol Service. Live jazz performed in school assembly by pupils in a nod to Duke Ellington. Exciting growth for Senior Dance with twice weekly clubs. Pre-Prep additional Performing Arts clubs. Drama scholarship success for Elsie (Clayesmore School) Mr James Smith Director of Performing Arts

Art and DT

Year 4 - Eco Homes

Christmas Art and Crafts

THE PR E-PR EP H AV E E N J OY E D AN AC T I O N - PAC K E D AU T U M N T E R M A real highlight was our ‘Awesome Autumn Day’, a wonderful collaborative event with the whole of the PrePrep coming together in the beautiful outdoors. Children worked together creating Andy Goldsworthy inspired Art (with natural materials) in teams ranging from ages 2 to 7 years old. The younger children were inspired by their older role models and it was incredible to see early signs of Leadership from our Year 2 pupils. Other fun activities that day included rolling pumpkins down the bumps as well as toasting marshmallows on the campfire. Christmas is a time for Nativities and the children across Pre-Prep came together to produce two amazing performances where they all had their moment to shine on stage. Distinguished wise men, comedy camels, dancing lambs, shining stars and all the usual Nativity characters sang and acted their hearts out. We were so proud of all the children, as were their beaming parents! In the Nursery, children have been experiencing engaging activities both inside and outside the classroom.The ‘Badgers achievement cheque book’ has been such a success and showcases learning at school which is then demonstrated at home. The children helped to make and run the stalls at the Nursery Fete in November giving them a huge sense of ownership and pride in raising money for charity. In September our Reception children visited Moors Valley Country Park. They had a wonderful day exploring the woodland play trail and climbing on the adventure playgrounds, with the highlight being the ride on a steam train! Fun was had by all!

We always enjoy inviting parents to share learning opportunities with the children. As part of our Autumn topic, our parents came in for a sewing workshop. The children made some beautiful hedgehogs using needle and thread and memories were made. Year 1 were blessed with such a beautiful, sunny day for their visit to the farm in September. It was great for them to be outside learning about the workings on a farm. Back in the classroom the children were so excited to see that The Gingerbread Man had made a secret visit. It inspired lots (and lots) of questions and theories. It made the children so eager to write! Year 2 enjoyed a super trip to Brownsea Island in September. It was an exciting boat trip prior to finding out more about the life of Baden-Powell and where he set up the first ever Scout camp. Not forgetting the successful search of the famous red squirrels that reside there. They have loved learning about famous people and Isambard Kingdom Brunel was a real favourite. Children were challenged to work in a team where they were designers who planned and constructed their own bridge or boat. Autumn has truly been AWESOME in Pre-Prep! Mr Graham Antell Badger Cubs to Year 2 Section Leader

Pre-Prep Sponsored Walk

Badger Cubs and Badgers Fair

Badger Cubs to Year 2 - Nativity Plays

Carol Service

The Knoll House, Knoll Lane, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3RF t: 01202 694438 e: office@castlecourt.com w: www.castlecourt.com