Monktonian 2025

MONKTONIAN 2025

WELCOME

As I sit down to write this final introduction for The Monktonian, I find myself humming a familiar refrain: “One last time, relax, have a drink with me...” The words of Washington in Hamilton have echoed often in my thoughts in recent weeks – not because of any plans to relax (not quite yet!), but because of their spirit: the mix of gratitude, humility, and quiet resolve to step aside, confident in what has been built, and hopeful for what is to come.

This year, perhaps more than any other, has been a powerful reminder of what it means to be part of a community shaped by creativity, courage, and faith. From the exuberant harmonies of Into the Woods – a production of stunning professionalism and depth – to the relentless commitment of our U18 boys’ hockey team, whose hard-fought journey culminated in beating Marlborough College to win the regional final of the national plate, Monkton pupils have once again shown that they are not merely performers, athletes, or scholars – they are passionate individuals who step into challenges with imagination and resilience.

Into the Woods was, in many ways, a metaphor for school life itself: a tangled, enchanted journey full of peril, growth, and unexpected wisdom. Sondheim’s masterpiece is no easy feat, demanding nuance, maturity and tremendous skill – and our pupils rose to the challenge magnificently. The production was a triumph not just of performance, but of collaboration – a shining example of what happens when Monktonians come together to aim high and support one another through every twist of the path.

And there were many other shining moments. From the two pupils who secured Oxbridge offers – a testament to their intellectual grit and the quiet dedication of the staff who walked beside them – to the everyday acts of kindness, creativity and perseverance that don’t make headlines but shape lives, this has been a year of rich achievement. Adventure, in all its forms, remains the heartbeat of Monkton: whether on the sports field, in the lab, on stage, or in the deep conversations that change how we see the world.

As I reflect on my time here, I am reminded of the words in 1 Peter 5: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them… not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be.” It has been the greatest privilege to shepherd this remarkable community. To have walked with so many extraordinary young people as they discover their gifts and begin to write their own songs – that is a joy I will carry with me always.

Monkton’s story is far from over – in fact, as another musical might remind us, “the sun’ll come out tomorrow.” But for me, it is time to say one last time, thank you – for your trust, your support, and for the music we have made together.

Chris Wheeler Principal (2015 -

2025)

Arthur Curtis Kambua Hillman Head Boy

People may be surprised to know I never enjoyed school – in fact, I hated it. I argued with teachers (not much has changed), got frustrated easily, and struggled to get along with others. Before Monkton, I spent more time in the principal’s office than in class.

But Monkton has completely reshaped me. The relationships I’ve had here with both staff and pupils have changed the way I see learning. At first, I still got into trouble for fights, arguments, or late nights in boarding. But over time, through my faith and the support of this community, I was inspired to do better, to try harder, and to learn to love learning.

If you’d told me in Year 10 that I’d ever be Head Prefect, I would have laughed. Even during the application, I didn’t believe I was “good enough.” What I’ve learned, though, is that the best leaders are often those who don’t chase leadership, but grow into it with encouragement from others.

Being Head Prefect has taught me a few things:

First, surround yourself with people you can trust. Despite our differences, Kambua has been an incredible partner and friend. Her wild ideas shaped everything we’ve done this year.

Second, you will fail. People will judge you. Don’t root your confidence in others’ opinions – find something deeper. For me, it’s been my faith.

Third, set goals and push yourself. Great things don’t just happen – leaders and teams make them happen.

And finally, don’t take yourself too seriously. Life’s too short to act like you’re in a movie. Be willing to laugh at yourself and embrace a bit of crazy.

The relationships I’ve built here have been a blessing, and it’s been an honour to serve as Head Prefect. I pray God continues to bless every pupil who passes through Monkton. To those of us leaving: live in the moment –otherwise you’ll only realise its value once it’s gone.

Head Girl

When I applied to be Head Prefect, I wrote about the Locard Principle: every contact leaves a trace. Back then, it was just a phrase that caught my imagination. Now, it sums up this year perfectly.

Monkton has been more than a school. It’s been a rehearsal space for life – where I found my voice, learned to take risks, and discovered that leadership isn’t about standing at the front, but about making space for others to rise. I’ve seen how fun matters, joy is powerful, and small acts – checking in, cheering someone on, just showing up – leave the deepest traces. That’s the trace I hoped to leave.

I never aimed to be the loudest voice (though the irony isn’t lost on me). I wanted to lead with heart, and to show that girls who look or speak like me can lead boldly, take up space, and do it authentically. I’ve been lucky to do it alongside one of my closest friends. Arthur, you’ve been steady, honest and, let’s be real, often chaotic but always there. I couldn’t have done this without you.

From “KFC” (Kam Friday Curtis) with Year 9s, to Prefect Fun Week, inflatable obstacle courses, skydiving for Genesis, taking over the Monkton Instagram – to serious conversations about inclusion – we’ve led with laughter, with purpose, and always with heart.

Back in Year 6, Mr Wheeler asked me what animal I’d be. I said a caterpillar in a cocoon, hoping to be a butterfly. Now, as I leave Monkton, I can honestly say: you gave me my wings.

From School of Rock to hockey on the Combe, to house dinners, Voluntrees, and every late-night laugh, Monkton has become home – and a beginning.

To the next Head Prefect: good luck, you’ve got this.

To younger students: say yes. Say yes to the scary stuff, the nearly-missed chances. Those are the moments you’ll never forget.

As Robin Williams said, “You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.” So hold onto that spark. Make mistakes. Lift others up. Trust that even the smallest moments are shaping you for what’s next.

What I’ve learned, though, is that the best leaders are often those who don’t chase leadership, but grow into it with encouragement from others.

To every teacher, staff member, and student – thank you. For the kindness, the challenges, and the belief that let us grow, dream, and dare. Monkton bursts with opportunity. It lets you become someone you didn’t know you could be. And that’s what makes leaving so hard.

So I’ll end with this:

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – Winnie the Pooh

MONKTON CHAPLAINCY

It has been a great year with the Chaplaincy at Monkton, full of opportunities for pupils to explore the Christian faith and its impact.

Crossfires were especially thought-provoking, tackling big life questions such as the sanctity of life, abortion, and euthanasia, with moving talks including Vanda Todman’s story of faith through suffering.

The GAP Year Fair gave our Sixth Form pupils a chance to explore options before university, and it’s exciting to see so many Year 13 heading off on gap years.

Lighthouse Events were another highlight: Tom Elliot opened with comedy and illusion, Tom Price challenged us with philosophy, and Lindz West (LZ7) closed with music and testimony. In Lent, Christians in Sport brought another inspiring one-day event.

Weekly Bible Studies and Christian Union have flourished, drawing big numbers. With Mrs Hutch’s famous desserts, Rev Hutch’s flapjack, and excellent leadership from the CU committee, these have been real spiritual hubs of the school.

The year’s most special moment was the Baptism and Confirmation service, with 8 baptised and 17 confirmed. Hearing their personal stories was deeply humbling, showing a genuine search for belonging and authenticity found in Jesus Christ, “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6).

CLARENDON HOUSE

September saw a strong start for Clarendon, alongside much admiration for how well the girls balanced settling into the new year with House Music preparation. The teamwork demonstrated by the new Year 13s, the amazing cooperation of the girls, and the mind-blowing talent in the ensembles led to another unforgettable House Music experience. In Clarendon, we believe that even if we don’t win any of the categories, if we have fun and bond together as a house, nothing is more important. Fortunately, we were lucky enough to celebrate both wins!

What I love about Clarendon is how well everyone always meshes together, makes mayhem and mingles across year groups; this year was no different. Within weeks, the girls seemed like they’d been friends for years. For inhouses, we enjoyed making a mess in the Goodman’s kitchen with pizzamaking, crafting various creations and being able to spend quality time with our separate year groups.

We then blasted off into outer space for our House Dinner, which was out of this world! One small step for man, one

giant leap for Mrs Goodman’s catering. We partied among the stars, alongside some aliens (just seeing how many space gags I can get away with).

Cheerleaders and competitors alike, Clarendon has exceeded at supporting each other in house competitions. Even though many are not on speaking terms with the cross-country track, that did not stop them from participating anyway for the good of the house.

We brought an end to an era of Clarendon, with the departure of the Goodmans, wishing them all the best blessings for whatever their journey takes them next, and know that they’ll hold a little piece of Clarendon wherever they go!

EDDYSTONE HOUSE

We started the year off with House Music which had been carefully thought out by our house prefects many months in advance. With careful coordination and leadership we were able to organise the ensembles and learn the lyrics. Thanks to our enthusiastic Year 9s and new sixth formers we were able to create choreography that captivated the audience, including backflips. After weeks of tireless effort from the whole house we were able to deliver a captivating performance that wowed the whole forum whilst having fun, which was most important as the process leading up to House Music was essential in strengthening the bonds built between year groups. To win the competition for the first time in 13 years was the icing on the cake!

We loved coming together as a house on multiple other occasions such as House Rugby, Cross Country, Ergos and Hockey. These events showcased the sportsmanship and interconnectedness of the house. Everyone got involved and it was great to see the boys supporting and encouraging one another to give their all and venture outside their comfort zones.

In November it was our formal dinner. Three words: Eddystone Jazz Night. The formal was jam packed with music and other jazz related elements paired with jazz music performed by members of the house. The entertainment provided by the various year groups provided laughter and excitement the whole evening. Yet again it would have been impossible without the Robinsons as well as the tremendous work of the catering staff. Overall it was a night filled with enjoyment and laughter that finished with a performance of Greased Lightning.

Some other highlights of the year were the various in-houses which included, amongst others, karaoke, open mic night, slip and slide and football. Every Tuesday evening the house was filled with a warm atmosphere that encouraged further integration in the house whilst also providing a mellow social aspect while enjoying yummy food and drinks. We worked to make in-houses inclusive by running multiple activities that allowed all members of the house to get involved and have fun, and many of these activities were run by the house prefect team.

This year has been outstanding for Eddystone House. One of the most noticeable developments being the continued growth in inter-year integration, which is now stronger than ever. This sense of community between older and younger boys supporting and uplifting one another was a key reason behind our success in winning House Music this year. It has also enabled us to retain the House Chess, Rugby and Football trophies. All of this has been made possible by the expert leadership and tireless effort of our house prefect team whose commitment has allowed us to foster camaraderie in the house and achieve success. This year’s vision was to embody the values of integrity, inclusivity and kindness. I believe that we have done that and much more. I want to acknowledge the unwavering support, leadership and guidance provided by the Robinsons, which has been the foundation of everything achieved this year. The future of Eddy is bright with an even stronger house prefect team to follow. I wish Kinna success as he steps into his role as Head of House.

FARM HOUSE

The early weeks, as we know, are dominated by House Music. It was remarkable to see the transformation in the boys. We were so proud of how polished and surprisingly tuneful they were. Head of House Chris B ran the house song and Josiah C led the ensembles and were supported by the other Year 13s. They did a stellar job.

In the new year, it was a pleasure for us and the boys to host so many parents for our first formal dinner ‘A Day at the Races’. With everyone donning their gladrags or riding jodhpurs, it really was an enjoyably successful evening down to the hard work and creativity of our boys!

The final highlight we will mention, which typifies Farm, was House Cross Country. Yes, Josh B, Timothy W, Noah G and Peter S all finished on the podium in their respective junior and senior events, but when the points for the competitive race were tallied, we were tied with Eddystone. Once they counted up how many extra boys had competed in the participation race, the fact that nearly every boy in Farm had run to represent the House meant we

were crowned winners. Evidence that the strength of the house is in part built on the talent and hard work of those who excel in certain areas, but in equal measure those who will turn up on the day, put aside their insecurities and say, ‘sure, I’ll give that a go!’.

It was a real joy to journey the year 2024-25 with the boys in Farm House. In many ways, it felt, under the lead of our Year 13s, as if the boys began to understand their identity as a House - what it looks like to be a family and have fun together, as well as what it looks like to bounce back from disappointment and grow in resilience. With huge thanks to Chris B, Nathan A and Silas H as the Head of House team and for the unwavering support to them from the other Year 13 House Prefects.

GRANGE HOUSE

It’s been a brilliant year in Grange, and the first with the Ashton’s as houseparents, having taken over from the much-loved Blair’s last summer. From the start, the house has been full of energy, warmth and fun, with the girls throwing themselves into every opportunity.

Highlights have included our firstever Grange Rodeo, an Alice in Wonderland-themed informal dinner and a trip to Thorpe Park that brought plenty of excitement (and a few soggy shoes!) House Music was, of course, a standout moment too – the girls embraced a minions theme with full enthusiasm and made the most of Mr

Ashton’s lack of hair to transform him into Gru - a moment some might say truly was “despicable!”

What continues to make Grange so special is the sense of connection between year groups. The girls support one another wholeheartedly, and friendships across the house remain a real strength. The Year 13s have been at the heart of this, leading with kindness, humour, and a real sense of togetherness.

It’s been a memorable year, and one that’s left the house in a strong and happy place as we look ahead to the next.

NUTFIELD HOUSE

This year Nutfield has been marked by unwavering support, genuine excitement across year groups, and, of course, Mr Gooddy’s famous sourdough. Our house spirit shone at House Music, where we earned the nickname “The Wall of Sound.”

Our house song, So What by P!nk, set the tone: loud, proud, and unapologetically Nutfield. With pink fishnet gloves and money guns, we made a lasting impression, winning the House Song category. The ensembles highlighted the house’s musical talent but, most importantly, rehearsals forged friendships and welcomed new girls into the fold. We carried this same spirit into House Ergs, securing another win, and gave strong performances in House Football and Hockey.

A highlight was our Wild Westthemed House Informal Dinner. The Chapel was transformed with hay

bales, lights, photo booths, and KFC buckets. Year groups entertained with games and performances, with the night ending with a house-wide line dance and reprise of our song—an unforgettable celebration. At Michaelmas, the Glasgows’ life-size advent calendar spread festive cheer, hiding daily chocolate surprises behind riddles and clues.

In-houses were a cornerstone of community life, from make-and-bake evenings to fondue, pizza, and movie nights. During Giving Week, we raised money for Justice and Care through bake sales and a car wash. Lent Term brought more success with Inter-House MUN, where our China delegation impressed and won the trophy. House Cross Country saw us place first in both Senior and Junior Girls’ categories, inspiring the creation of Monkton’s first morning run club.

Thank you to everyone in Nutfield for making this year so special. To our Year 13 prefects, especially Deputy Heads Hannah, Dami, and Riann, thank you for your leadership. To our incredible staff—Mr Call, Mrs Mason, Miss Bartholomew, Mr and Mrs Gooddy, Miss Steele-Falcone, Miss Evans, and Miss Miller—your support has meant everything. Special thanks to Mr and Mrs Glasgow for being such wonderful houseparents. We also bid a fond farewell to Mr and Mrs Gooddy, who will be deeply missed.

It has been a privilege to serve as Head of House and to see Nutfield thrive through achievements, friendships, and the strong community we’ve built together.

SCHOOL HOUSE

It’s been a fantastic year in School House, with a strong sense of energy, camaraderie and pride running throughout. The boys have embraced every opportunity, supporting one another and contributing to a positive and welcoming house environment.

Highlights across the year have brought everyone together, with plenty of memorable moments along the way. From house events to everyday life, there has been a real sense of unity and enjoyment, with boys across all year groups getting involved.

What continues to make School House so special is the strength of its

community. The older boys have led with encouragement and good humour, helping to create an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and included.

It has been a memorable year, and one that leaves School House in a strong position as it looks ahead to the future.

GCSE ART

A LEVEL

A LEVEL GRAPHICS

GCSE 3D DESIGN

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EXPRESSIVE ARTS

What another fantastic year of artistic endeavour in the Expressive Arts Faculty. It’s always worth reflecting that performances are merely the tops of icebergs. Behind the inspired brilliance of a piano solo, a monologue, an orchestral piece, a choir performance, a dance in a musical, a film, or a lighting cue, lie hours and hours of unseen work. The learning of skills, the regular practice to improve them, and the sheer guts and determination to overcome fear and publicly deliver at the right moment - this is the bit of the iceberg that appears above the waterline.

Monkton’s instrumentalists, actors, dancers, filmmakers, scriptwriters, directors, music producers, lighting designers, singers, stage managers, prop-makers and music technicians have again excelled themselves, stretching themselves far beyond what they felt was achievable. A perfect case in point was this year’s production of Into the Woods - a notoriously difficult musical filled with fiendish songs, tricky dialogue, and complicated plotlines. But while the cast and crew proved their immense talent by pulling off one of the most memorable Monkton shows in years, our Expressive Arts staff witness similar, quieter triumphs every single day. These moments are equally valuable - whether it is a pianist’s first public performance during an Open Morning, or a pupil finding the

courage to simply step onstage with their ensemble at Pieces of Nine.

There is a role for the Expressive Arts in all Monkton students’ lives. Added to this is our growing reputation for innovation. Creativity and innovation is at the heart of the faculty, whether it’s recording and releasing pupil-written audio drama on YouTube, writing brand new shows to perform at primary and prep schools, or live gaming accompanied by some of Monkton’s best musical ensembles, we never do the same old thing! Look out for some exciting new ventures in 2025-2026!

Wild Shakespeare ‘Twelfth Night’

Summer welcomed the return of Wild Shakespeare to the valley, showcasing the talents of our Year 12 actors in our open-air production of Twelfth Night. Friday and Sunday’s performances were blessed with good weather, and it was a particular delight to welcome so many families with their younger children to the Sunday Matinee and to watch them enjoy the Bard’s work. Congratulations to all the actors involved (especially those venturing onto the stage for the first time) as they delivered one of Shakespeare’s funniest plays with precision and panache, providing memorable moments that ranged from Olivia and her cushion to Sir Toby and his plots, finally ending with happiness for

‘Never Let Me Go’ Trip

On the evening of 7th November, our Year 11, 12, and 13 Drama students attended a breathtaking performance of Never Let Me Go at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre. The adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel, known for its haunting themes and powerful storytelling, was brought to life in a magnificent, moving performance that left the students deeply enthralled.

With impressive acting, immersive staging, and thoughtful direction, the production captured the emotional intensity of the story and resonated strongly with the audience. Our students were particularly struck by the characters’ vulnerability and the atmosphere created on stage—qualities that sparked rich discussions on the journey home. Observing these techniques and considering their effects will undoubtedly be invaluable for the students as they prepare for their drama exams, where analysing live performances is a key component.

Into the Woods

A huge congratulations to everyone who made the whole-school production of Into the Woods so special. It is sometimes difficult to appreciate just how much work goes into a show - from line learning, stage blocking, and character development, to the organisation of props, costumes, sound, and lighting. It requires everything from rehearsing the musicians to managing ticketing, posters, and programmes, culminating in the intense tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and final performances for the Prep School.

Putting on a production is a team effort, where everyone offers their talents to make something very special. And the performances last week were exactly that. We relished all of the moments of comedy and tragedy, the silly and profound, the spoken word and the music. So, a big thank you to the actors, the backstage crew, the technicians, the musicians, the front of house assistants, the staff, the caterers, the domestics team, and to you who came to support - a very special Monkton moment!

‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ Trip

Our visit to the Almeida Theatre to see Cat on a Hot Tin Roof was a fantastic experience for our group of A Level students. The production was gripping, with outstanding performances that brought Tennessee Williams’ characters to life.

Students were particularly impressed by the intensity of the staging, the use of lighting to reflect tension, and the actors’ powerful delivery. The minimalist set design added to the claustrophobic atmosphere of the play, enhancing its themes of truth and deception. With international superstars like Daisy Edgar-Jones, Kingsley Ben-Adir, and Lennie James leading the cast, the performances were truly mesmerising.

Overall, this was an invaluable experience that deepened students’ understanding of the play and live theatre.

Tooey GowarExcellence Workshop

For the first of this year’s Expressive Arts Excellence afternoons, we were visited by Tooey Gowar, General Manager of the National Youth Music Theatre organisation. Tooey gave our scholars a fascinating insight into the workings of the organisation, talked about her life in the Arts and the corporate world, and led the group in a series of mock-auditions, and how to make a good initial impression. It was an absolute pleasure to be joined by Tooey, and we hope that many of our students will look to audition for the NYMT courses later in the year.

We are very proud of our Expressive Arts Scholars at Monkton, and pride ourselves on being relatively unique in offering scholarships wider than the traditional performers in Music and Drama. Over the last few years, we have appointed music composers, music technologists, theatre designers and, this year, we are thrilled to add a creative writer to our range of roles!

Congratulations to flautist Emily W and guitarist Zach B, who join flautist Siena H as our new Music Scholars for 2024/25. We are also delighted to welcome new acting Drama Scholars: Esmee-Rose H, Lucia H, Alice K and writer, Joe M.

All of our scholars were treated to a fantastic workshop on Wednesday, presented by General Manager of the National Youth Music Theatre organisation, Tooey Gowar. An incredibly experienced artist and arts administrator, Tooey presented a fascinating talk and activities for our students, featuring some priceless advice on auditions and how to succeed in the arts business!

EMARTS Scholars

The Summer term saw the annual EMART awards ceremony take place in the Assembly Hall. This event is a celebration of the academic and co-curricular achievements of our Music, Drama and Media students. From captivating live performances to a delicious dinner, the night was filled with joy, pride and inspiration. A huge congratulations to all of our performers, nominees and winners - you made the night truly special.

Touring Theatre

GCSE Composer of the Year - Justen L

GCSE Performer of the Year - Tomos R

GCSE Drama Ensemble of the Year - Martha E and Tabby RW

GCSE Actor of the Year - Rose GH

A Level Actor of the Year - Kambua H

A Level Media Product of the Year - Julia R

A Level Musician of the Year - Eliza D

EMART Technical Award - Into the Woods Backstage Team

EMART Performance Award - Pippa C-C Glimpse-ofBrilliance

We have been delighted to launch our new venture in the faculty, Monkton Touring Theatre. The cast performed a superb new devised show at Combe Down Primary earlier in the week. Over 100 Year 3 and 4 pupils were entertained with a science of sound show entitled ‘Catch a Wave’. In it, super-sleuths Buxton-Mosley and Welsh Betty try to foil an evil plan to take over the world, hatched by the fiend Cecily Sesser (her pet gecko died after being bitten by a bat - the gecko contracted the terrible bit-on-the-bot-by-a-bat disease!). Professor S Esser and Professor Sesser also make appearances, along with 2 dancing bats and a surfer! And in the middle of this chaos, students learn the science behind sound waves.

The last LAMDA Live! of 2024 featured its usual array of actors performing superb monologues. But we were also joined this time by some of those studying public speaking, as well as being treated to a self-penned dark comedy sketch by one of our new Drama Scholars. Congratulations to Crown, Cassia, Lucas, Moritz, Federico, Joe and Charlotte for great performances!

The Open LAMDA Live! Ash Potterton

Script Writing

Many congratulations to this year’s members of the Monkton Audio Drama crew, who have been writing original scripts and stories. These are in the middle of being recorded in Studio 2, and similarly to last year, we will release them on our YouTube Channel next week. We’ll send you the link in next week’s newsletter. Well done to Milo, Aurora, Rebekah and Catherine for their work on these, and a big thank you to Mrs Absolon who has guided them over the last couple of terms.

The Open saw 20 performers from Years 9 to 13 take to the stage at the Open. Featuring a mix of group pieces, solo acts, and duologues, every single performance was excellent. Parents, pupils, and staff came together to celebrate our LAMDA and Drama students alike as they delivered fabulous performances - spanning everything from poetry to musical theatre, and tragedy to comedy.

TV Executive at Arrow Media, OM Ash Potterton, came back to Monkton last week to give a most insightful talk to our A Level Media Studies and Drama students, focussing on how the TV industry works. Ash showed clips from some of the series he has worked on, and talked everything from how the process of development (he helped create The Great British Bake Off), through the scheduling of multi-million pound TV productions, to how to get into the industry. Monkton students loved talking to him in the Q and A, and we hope that Ash will revisit us again soon!

Les Enfants Terribles Workshop

Year 12 and 13 Drama students were treated to an inspiring workshop by the renowned theatre company Les Enfants Terribles. Known for their immersive and visually stunning productions, the company offered students a firsthand look at their unique methods and artistic philosophy.

The workshop began with an introduction to Les Enfants Terribles’ signature style, which blends physical theatre, intricate storytelling, and rich, atmospheric design. Students were guided through exercises that focused on character creation, use of physicality, and collaborative storytelling. They experimented with techniques to capture the audience’s imagination, learning how simple objects, expressive movement, and voice can bring a scene to life.

The workshop left students buzzing with new ideas and techniques to explore in their own performances. It was a memorable experience that brought a fresh perspective to their studies, encouraging them to push the boundaries of traditional theatre.

Remix Concert

The Music Department treated the full Assembly Hall to an amazing Easter Concert last Friday. Entitled Remix, the gig was a chance for all of Monkton’s ensembles to showcase their hard work and talents, with all of the musical numbers rearranged into different genres and styles. There were amazing performances from Monkton Orchestra, Jazz@ Monkton, Gospel Choir, Wall of Sound, the Chapel Choir, our newly-formed Shanty Choir, and three remix recorded tracks from Beatmakers Club and scholars Samuel Culwick and Martin Tsui. From Down to the River to Pray to Creep, from The Wellerman to A Fifth of Beethoven, the evening was a fantastic way for the Music Department to celebrate a superb term of music-making. You can catch up with the gig on the Live Events page of the Monkton Portal. Well done to all!

Maki Sekiya Recital

OM Sir Tim Lankester brought concert pianist Maki Sekiya to Monkton for a wonderful day of piano music on Tuesday. In the afternoon, Music Scholars watched as Maki helped pianists Anna Hall, Anna Bichard and Grace Cain to refine their performances. And in the evening, an audience of OMs, students and staff were treated to an exquisite recital of Beethoven, Ravel, Gershwin and Schumann from Maki. It was great to see so many OMs gathering for a meal beforehand, all swapping stories about their inspirational music teacher from the 1960s, Sandy Youngman. We are indebted to both Sir Tim and Maki Sekiya for a truly memorable event. You can catch up with a beautiful film of the concert on our Live Events page on the Portal.

‘Play the Game’

A big congratulations to all those who contributed to the Music Department’s recent gig, the Play the Game! Concert. The evening featured Orchestra, Wall of Sound and Jazz@ Monkton, as well as new pieces of music composed by Oli Wright, Ollie Marchant and Martin Tsui, and a solo piece from Eliza Davies. There were also appearances from a number of students who played live games, including Subway Surfers, MarioKart and FIFA. The evening was a great celebration of the brilliant music written for games, and a big thank you to all who came to support the concert.

Longmead

Longmead 2025 was a very particularly special one. With perhaps our largest ever crowd, the audience enjoyed almost two hours of eclectic music provided by the entire family of schools: Monkton Prep, All Hallows and Monkton Senior School. The event began with our Samba opening ceremony featuring all three schools. Later we were treated to an allinclusive Orchestra set with popular singalongs for our audience to enjoy. In addition, there were superb performances from our Wall of Sound, Gospel Choir, Shanty Choir, Jazz and Staff Bands, all contributing to a high-quality and joyous evening. A huge thanks to all who came and, of course, to all of our fabulous performers.

Knight Lecture

Monkton musicians were upon the stage again, this time entertaining guests at the Knight Lecture supper. Quentin C made his public debut with a superb piano solo rendition of the beautiful theme from Spirited Away. He was followed by another relative newcomer, singer Tomos R. His crooning voice will definitely be something to listen out for in the future, and his version of Fly Me To The Moon, accompanied by Aidan, Eliza and Grace, was an absolute treat!

Soiree of Song

Congratulations to all of those who performed in last week’s Soiree of Song concert, hosted by Mr Wilson-Lambert and Mr Goody. As ever, the evening was an eclectic one, featuring our Chapel, Shanty and Gospel Choirs singing a large variety of contrasting repertoire. Particular congratulations to all solo singers who committed to solo singing performances, some of whom decided to sing in public for the very first time at this event.

Evensong

Well done to the Chapel Choir, who sang Evensong beautifully in St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol on Tuesday 5th November. The choir sang Psalm 11, Dyson in F, and ‘The Call of Wisdom’ by contemporary composer, Will Todd - an anthem which was written for Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral for the Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II. After losing so many Year 13s from the choir at the end of last year, the singing was impressive and confident, much to the praise of the St Mary Redcliffe music staff, and our visiting organist. The staff at the local Pizza Express where we refreshed ourselves afterwards were also complimentary of the students’ behaviour and maturity! Many thanks to Mr Wilson-Lambert, Miss Bartholomew, Mrs Herriott and Miss Miller for accompanying us on this trip, and supporting the singing so well.

Scott & Lynn Piano Thing

Around 50 guitarists, drummer and pianists participated in last week’s informal simultaneous performances, with an incredible range of styles and pieces, from hard rock to Debussy piano. A massive thank you to all of the students who performed, those who supported, and in particular, Mr Scott, Mr Lynn, piano teachers (Mr Skews, Miss Kerry, Mrs Bryson and Mrs Nieuwerf), and Mr Pilgrim and Mr Wilson-Lambert for all of their work in preparation and on the night!

Christmas Lollipop Concert

Michaelmas saw the return of the Christmas Lollipop Concert from the Music Department. This is always a wonderful, tinsel-strewn, Christmas-jumperified showcase for all of Monkton’s major musical ensembles, with around a quarter of the school participating! As a special treat, this year’s concert also featured a host of MET Office mobile phone alarms telling us of the imminent arrival of Storm Darragh! The evening featured four pieces from the 45-strong Orchestra (including a Viennese Waltz version of Mistletoe and Wine!), the beautiful song O Holy Night from Gospel Choir led by Pippa C-C, some cool jazz from our jazz ensembles Jazz@Monkton and Wall of Sound, three songs from the Rode group, two Chapel Choir renditions including the stunning Thou Who Wast Rich and the evening was rounded off with the obligatory White Christmas, complete with the audience aglow waving mobile phone torches (and those pesky alarms again!). A big thank you and congratulations to all of the performers, music staff and parents who made the evening so special.

Studio 1@1

The Music Department has begun its 2024/25 series of informal lunchtime concerts, Studio 1@1. We had five wonderful performers on offer - Siena on flute, Florence on piano, Ned and Jude on piano and vocals and Joshua on guitar. In our new rewards scheme, they’ve all earned themselves a free drink at Monkton’s cafe! It was also fantastic to see such a large and appreciative audience. The gigs are tremendous opportunities for our performers to challenge themselves, as well as offering us all the chance to hear such talented musicians. You can catch-up with the concert on the Portal https://portal.monkton. org.uk/page/222.

THE MAGPIE

WELCOME

It has been another great year at the Prep School! Congratulations to our pupils on a fabulous year, full of successes and incredible opportunities that have been eagerly embraced by all.

You will find many great treasures in these pages, stories of the memorable events and the learning that has taken place over the year, from our youngest pupils in Nursery to those all the way up to Year 8.

Enjoy flicking through, reading, looking back in time - whenever you read this magazine, I hope you will smile and enjoy it.

With very best wishes

Catherine Head of Prep

NURSERY

Michaelmas Term 2024

Little Robins settled happily into Nursery, learning about themselves through the All About Me topic. They explored Autumn by collecting leaves, investigating fruit and seeds, baking bread, and creating colourful art and fireworks displays. The children developed ICT skills with sensory lights and rocket designs and finished the term with a joyful Christmas Nativity performance.

Lent Term 2025

The children explored Winter—melting ice, feeding birds, and learning about caring and sharing. They celebrated Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, World Book Day, and Easter through creative crafts, songs, and stories. Learning about “People Who Help Us,” they enjoyed visits from parents, role play, and discussions about different jobs in the community.

Summer Term 2025

The Sowing and Growing topic took learning outdoors as the children planted and cared for fruit, vegetables, and flowers, creating a butterfly garden and releasing butterflies. They explored Music and Movement, making instruments, learning rhythms, and performing together. The term ended with the Tryathlon and Sports Day, celebrating teamwork, confidence, and friendship.

Kindergarten

What a wonderful year we have had in Owl Class, watching all of our fantastic little Owls grow and spread their wings. We started the year thinking about what makes us all unique and special and created some amazing self portraits. Before long everyone was settled in and begun to explore and make some wonderful new friendships. We learned all about Owls and had great fun in our dark den and exploring in the woods. We made the most of the rainy weather and did lots of splashing (and painting) in puddles!

The leaves began to fall and autumn was upon us. We learned about harvest and explored the beautiful autumn treasures provided for us by the changing season. We explored light and colours through Fireworks Night and Diwali and, before long, Christmas was upon us. Our Owls shone like little superstars in the Christmas Nativity and sent many letters and parcels from our very own North Pole Post Office before ending the term with a sparkle filled Christmas party.

As a cold and icy new year started we went on an expedition to the Arctic, celebrated Chinese New Year and flipped pancakes with Chef Will. Over the next term we became palaeontologists, doctors, vets, police officers, builders, firefighters, hairdressers and architects and welcomed many inspiring visitors to share their jobs with us. A real highlight was the visit from the fire service where we tried out the equipment

and even had a Kindergarten go at spraying the hose. As the leaves grew on the trees and the sun began to shine we began a musical tour of the world, learning to play djembe drums and performing on our very own stage. We prepared for our own carnival by making masks, shakers and decorations and had the most fantastic afternoon dancing and playing games at our Owl Class Carnival party. We were so proud of the children for taking part so confidently in the Tryathlon and Sports Day.

Finally the end of term arrived and it was time to say goodbye to all of our truly wonderful Owls. The room was filled with pride as they performed to their parents and celebrated completing a wonderful year in Kindergarten. We are proud to have been a part of their journey this year and know that each and every one will go on to achieve wonderful things as they continue their journey into Reception.

Reception

Grab your snorkels and flippers, take a deep breath and dive deep deep down to the bottom of the ocean. Not long after arriving in Reception, the Blackbirds found themselves floating amongst the coral and a myriad of wonderful sea creatures before launching themselves back in time to the time of the dinosaurs.

After Christmas we had to catch a very important flight and head over to Australia. Whilst there, we began to learn about the First Nation Australians, and even crafted our very own boomerangs and shields. We enjoyed art from artists such as Bronwyn Bancroft and Emily Kame Kngwarreye, learnt about the platypus and fell in love with the wombat. Upon our return to the UK we began learning about Mythical

After Easter we stayed much closer to home… following the childrens’ interests we learnt about beetles (including the rainbow leaf beetle), goldcrests, unusual UK caterpillars, bluebells and bullfinches. We honed our close observational skills, experimented with liquid watercolours and watercolour pencils, learnt to hammer nails into wood and even created puddles when it got super hot.

The Summer term was filled by Brunel, the SS Great Britain and of course our very first Monkton day trip, and what a trip it was! Avon Valley made us feel very welcome, and like all good trips, it began with pig racing. Of course! This followed a terrific Triathlon and

Year 1

The new year always heralds a new cohort of children, and the most exciting thing about being in Year 1 is the chance to be introduced to our Innovate curriculum, with all the fun and excitement that brings. What is so special is that every new cohort brings their own sparkle and magic touch to our topics, and this year was no exception.

The Romans were in town again! This time, togas were made and designs for the Colosseum were created. The children had a chance to extend these designs thanks to a visit to the amazing Museum of Bath Architecture as part of our topic, ‘This is Our House’. It was a real delve into the world of Roman and Georgian Bath, where they learned the different names for various architectural features.

‘A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars’, our space topic, was voted this year’s most popular by the children of the Kingfisher class. William and Caroline Herschel even paid a visit to us - or rather, the children wore wonderful costumes lent to us by the Herschel Museum as they recounted the story of how the famous siblings discovered so much about astronomy 250 years ago.

Our ‘Beautiful Biomimicry’, ‘India’, and ‘Treasure Island’ topics have brought so much curiosity to our classroom, whether through dance, collaborative painting, learning words of a new language, or measuring and creating. We have not only grown in stature this year, but also in knowledge, skill, and perseverance.

Year 2

What a brilliant year it’s been in Year 2! From the very start, the children have thrown themselves into every topic with curiosity, enthusiasm and creativity.

We kicked things off by learning about the human body with a real sheep’s brain, helping us explore how amazing our bodies are. After that, we travelled back in time to explore toys from the past. Inspired by what we discovered, we designed and built our own wooden cars, learning to saw and construct in the DT lab with care and confidence.

In December, the children shone brightly in our Nativity performance. Their singing, acting and dancing filled the hall with joy and festive spirit - a real highlight of the year.

After Christmas, we headed north to explore the Arctic. We learned about the animals, the landscape, and the incredible explorers who braved the icy wilderness. Then it was off to Ancient Egypt! We decoded hieroglyphs, studied mummies and artefacts, and even visited Bristol Museum to see real historical treasures.

As summer approached, the magic continued with our topic, ‘The Enchanted Garden’. The children created fairy homes, wrote imaginative stories, and even set a few secret traps for mischievous woodland creatures!

We ended the year with a wonderful design project, creating costumes for a fashion show that showcased their sewing, gluing and creative flair.

It’s been a year full of laughter, learning and growth. We’re so proud of all the children and wish them the very best as they take their next step into Year 3!

Year 3

Year 3 had an incredible year full of curiosity, adventure, and chocolate! From exploring dinosaurs to learning all about chocolate (and tasting some too), their enthusiasm for learning has been inspiring.

A standout moment was their unforgettable ‘camp in’ adventure. After Friday clubs, classrooms were transformed into cozy campsites with tents and fairy lights. The children unpacked their bags, enjoyed a hot dog supper, and inspected their tents with their teddies. Highlights included an action-packed wide game on the field with running, super-soakers, and very enthusiastic teachers. The campfire gathering was full of laughter, chocolate-chip roasted bananas, hot chocolate, and classic songs. After a bedtime story and tucking in with their teddies, the children woke up ready for an impromptu dance party before packing up and heading home.

Throughout it all, Year 3 impressed everyone with their kindness, impeccable manners, and can-do attitude, making the camp and the whole year truly memorable. Well done, Year 3, you were amazing!

Year 4

Year 4 started in terrifying fashion with some marauding Vikings as part of our Innovate inspired dress up day. The children used their knowledge and research of the Vikings to create their own costumes and weapons! Other highlights of the year have been the Christmas Performance, World Book Day as well as visiting the Holburne Museum in Bath for our museum-inspired Innovate topic.

During the Lent term Year 4 visited Mill on the Brue for three days of high octane fun. Ziplining, kayaking, climbing, archery and tunneling were some of the brilliant activities that took place. Collaboration within a team and completing activities outside the children’s comfort zones were some of the main themes that we wanted to instill in the children. The weather was fantastic, the food was great and the tents kept everyone warm.

The Summer term included a trip to the Bristol Zoo Project where the children learnt about the wildlife found in Madagascar and the devastating effects of deforestation on the native species of animals. A highlight was then a nerve wracking walk in Bear Woods hunting for bears. The children spotted one climbing up a tree, amazed that it could climb so high.

End of term celebrations included the famous Magpies vs Swifts running game as well as the Old Monktonian Tea Party. The children planned and then delivered a wonderful party full of entertainment, games, great food and, most importantly of all, lots of smiles whilst celebrating our wonderful school.

Year 5

The sun shone as Year 5 started the year with a brilliant trip to CYE. The children had a wonderful time enjoying a range of activities including sailing, raft-building, tunnelling and tackling the assault course. The sea swim and bonfire were particular highlights! The children demonstrated fantastic teamwork, courage and confidence as many tried activities they had never done before.

The Lent term saw Year 5 become secret agents in English as they enjoyed reading Alex RiderStormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz. This inspired the children to invent their own spectacular spy gadgets, characters and villains, helping them to write some brilliant spy stories. From spies to cats, the children performed amazingly in the Year 5 and 6 play The Aristocats

In History, Year 5 travelled back in time to learn about the Victorians, the Maya and the Space Race. Cooking Mayan hot chocolate over the fire in the woods was a real highlight - many loved the spicy taste with added chilli but others not so much! The children got creative making Maya houses and temples and loved trying out Pok-ta-pok, the ancient ball game the Maya played.

In Science, the children have loved earning their bunsen burner licences as well as working in the labs to conduct their own experiments.

Year 5 have embraced Saturday School this year and they enjoyed reenacting the Battle of Agincourt, paddleboarding down at Dundas, testing fizz pop rockets and creating moon landers.

The summer term brought lots of sunshine and cricket as well as the Monkton Camp out! Our trip to Salisbury Cathedral, Old Sarum and Wilton House was thoroughly enjoyed by all despite it being a very rainy day! It has been a fantastic year, full of fun and laughter, many adventures and lots of learning!

ART

DRAMA

SHOWS CHRISTMAS

Our Early Years children delighted audiences with a joyful festive performance, full of enthusiasm and charm.

Years 1 and 2 took to the stage with a lively show, bringing plenty of energy and festive spirit.

Meanwhile, Years 3 and 4 impressed with an entertaining performance, keeping the audience engaged throughout.

LION KING

The Lion King was an incredible performance, featuring stunning costumes, impressive acting and beautiful singing. It was a truly memorable show enjoyed by all.

ARISTOCATS

The Aristocats was a delightful performance, full of charm, character and lively energy. The children’s enthusiasm and teamwork shone through, making it a joy to watch.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Bringing the classic tale to life, A Christmas Carol was a fantastic performance, with many pupils taking on important roles. Their confidence and teamwork made it a truly memorable production.

DT

This year in Design and Technology, students from Year 3 to Year 8 have been working hard and developing their creativity and making skills through a range of exciting projects. From the simple Block Bot in Year 3 to the complex Articulated Light in Year 8, each project has offered unique challenges that students have embraced with enthusiasm and determination.

Year 3 students began their DT journey by creating Block Bots—simple wooden figures that introduced them to basic tools, construction methods, and the importance of following a design process. This project encouraged early problem-solving and gave students their first experience of bringing an idea to life through hands-on making.

At the other end of the school, Year 8 students took on the Articulated Light project, a far more demanding task that required precision, creativity, and a deeper understanding of materials, movement, and electronics. This project pushed students to think critically about design, refine their ideas, and apply advanced skills to produce a functional and visually striking final piece.

Throughout the year, all students have persevered and enjoyed the opportunity to design independently and tackle the challenges that come with making. Whether learning the basics in Year 3 or solving complex problems in Year 8, students have demonstrated resilience, creativity, and pride in their work. The projects they’ve completed not only showcase their progress in DT but also reflect valuable skills they will carry with them in future learning and beyond.

ENGLISH

Year 8

Year 8 started the year off with George Orwell’s classic novella, Animal Farm. They enjoyed discovering the intricate layers of the allegory and the history of the Russian Revolution. Revolutions tend to start off small and this theme continued into the Lent Term when Year 8 read The Hunger Games and immersed themselves in the dystopian world of Panem and the strength of Katniss Everdeen. We rounded off the year by learning about the various styles and techniques used in non-fiction writing. Overall, it has been a fantastic year of development, gaining an understanding of the world around us and the role we play within it.

Year 7

Year 7 has been on an English journey this year! From starting off the year with the harrowing and ever eye-opening novel by John Boyne, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, to learning about life on a dumpsite in the Philippines, to finishing off the year with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night - each protagonist’s experience has been a unique tale and has taught pupils about empathy, privilege and relationships.

Alongside this, they have dived into the world of creative writing and poetry. Looking at poets like Maya Angelou and Alice Walker, pupils gained an insight into the female voice as well as how to analyse poetic techniques and the voice of the persona. In addition, the stories they wrote proved how creative our pupils are at Monkton! Such flair and originality!

Year 6

Starting the year off strong, Year 6 got right into the acclaimed historical fiction novel Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian. Learning about evacuees and hard-hitting topics surrounding mental illness, Year 6 developed their empathy skills and their understanding of people who find themselves in challenging situations. Moving to the Lent Term, there was the opportunity to hear from a voice that may not always get to be in the limelight - Elle in The Infinite by Patience Agbabi let us see what life is like through the eyes of someone with not only superpowers but ASC too! Year 6 finished off the year by diving deep into the gothic world of Skellig. A great first year of skill-building, understanding character, and growth!

World Book and Poetry Slams

The school enjoyed celebrating World Book Day in March, where we were treated to a session with author (and Reception class teacher) Emma Perry. The annual Poetry Slams were a huge success, with children writing inspirational work on topics ranging from moving to a new school as a boarder to the pitfalls of school lunches.

GEOGRAPHY

geography, physical and human, throughout the and been on trips to places like the Big Pit, as well essays and the usual schoolwork.

The children have been learning about all aspects of Geography, Physical and Human throughout the year. They have made models, performed presentations, been on trips to places like the Big Pit as well as completing essays and the usual schoolwork. The newest addition to the curriculum was through Saturday School where the children linked their learning with The Economic Activity topic they had been learning about. They completed a unit called ‘Things Fall Apart’. They investigated how and where cotton is grown, how jeans are manufactured and researched how workers are treated in the workplace. In addition to this they made an item out of old Jeans, showing how we can recycle materials. A move to help them think about how we can move away from ‘Fast Fashion’.

The newest addition to the curriculum was through Saturday School, where the children linked their learning with the economic activity topic they had been learning about. They completed a unit called ‘Things Fall Apart’, where they investigated how where cotton is grown, how jeans are manufactured, and researched how workers are treated in the workplace. In addition to this, they made an item out of old jeans, showing how we can recycle materials - a move to help them think about how we can move away from ‘fast fashion’.

HISTORY

In History this year, Year 6 learned about the Norman Conquest and the construction of castles. They visited Chepstow Castle and were treated to a weapons demonstration as well as a tour around the 11th Century castle. Later in the year, they explored the stories of 5 ships: The Matthew, The Marie Seraphique, The ss Great Britain, Titanic and HMT Empire Windrush. Their highlight was our investigation and subsequent court case looking into who was responsible for the sinking of the Titanic.

Year 7 undertook a topic on the history of medicine, looking at theories from Hippocrates Four Humours to unpicking cholera maps from Victorian London. They went on a visit to Edward Jenner’s house and had the chance to learn about modern vaccination in the place where the first vaccine was distributed.

Year 8 looked at Revolutions: The Russian Revolution, the Haitian Revolution and the English Civil War. The Russian Revolution topic tied in with their English lessons where they studied while the Haitian Revolution topic sought to introduce them to inspirational individuals including Toussaint L’Ouverture. They ended the year completing their Humanities projects, bringing together their learning in History, RS and Geography.

MUSIC

ADVENT CAROL SERVICE

A wonderful start to the Advent season at the Senior School Chapel where all three Prep School choirs performed alongside the Cello Ensemble and Parent Community Choir. It was a beautiful service with readings and prayers.

Last week, Year 8 took to the Prep School stage for their final concert of the year. The audience enjoyed performances from all of the small ensembles, along with some stunning solo and duo performances by our talented Year 8 students.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2024

The Christmas Concert was a true celebration of everything musical at Monkton. All the ensembles performed and the audience were treated to some traditional Christmas favourites as well as some other toe tapping numbers. A particular thank you to Miss Cross, Mr West, Mr Scott, Mr Lynn and Mr Skews for their support on the evening with some of the ensembles. Well done to all performers.

LONGMEAD 2025

The sun shone as the Year 6 Samba band played, and our instrumentalists joined the Senior School Orchestra in a delightful performance of some favourite sing-along numbers. Well done to all performers.

HARMONY RISING

Harmony Rising is Bath Philharmonics inclusive creative choir for 11-14 year olds that celebrates youth voice and enables pupils to co-create and perform their own songs. This year Molly, Natallia, Lucy, Hannah, Dylis, Liliana, Juliet, Cameron, Tom & Barnaby took part in the project. The theme this year was ‘silver’ to celebrate the silver anniversary of the Bath Philharmonic Orchestra. We worked alongside professional musicians as well as pupils from the 12 secondary school in Bath. The final concert was at Bath Abbey as part of Party in the City on Friday evening. We wrote our song alongside pupils from Hayesfield and Broadlands school and it is called ‘Shine’.

EVENING OF SONG

On Tuesday evening Law was filled with the sound of music. With over 90 pupils from Years 3-8 taking part we were treated to choral, classical, pop and musical theatre performances. Well done to all performers.

HOUSE MUSIC 2025

In the final week of the term music has been on the forefront of everyone’s minds in the lead up to House Music. The atmosphere during the final preparations during the week have been tangible as excitement has grown. Every spare minute of every day soloists and ensemble have been busy putting the final touches to their performances.

The afternoon itself started with the solo categories in front of an audience of parents, a live stream and to the whole school. All soloists performed with an air of confidence and a high level of musical skill. The winners in the solo category were:

Year 3 & 4 - winner: Walty (Easterfield), runner up: Hannah (Jameson)

Year 5 & 6 - winner: Benjamin (Kearns), runner up : Daisy (Howard)

Year 7 & 8 and overall winnerHughie (Howard) runner up: Tom (Kearns)

The ensemble competition followed with four outstanding performances directed and choreographed by the house captains. The winner of this competition was Easterfield.

The whole-school House Song category saw four houses compete for the title of Best House Song. The theme this year was Coldplay. Kearns took to the stage first with an enthusiastic and tightly choreographed performance of Paradise. Next up we heard Easterfield with an exciting rendition of Every Teardrop is a Waterfall. This was followed by Howard demonstrating some sound ensemble singing with Viva la Vida. The final house Jameson gave a strong rendition of Sky Full of Stars. The winner of this round was Howard.

Points from all the semi-final rounds, solo performances, ensembles and house songs were added together to make the overall winner this year as Howard.

Well done to everyone!

MONKTON HARMONY

Last term Monkton Harmony choir submitted two recordings into the semi final junior round of the Choir of the Year Competition. Just before Christmas we found out that we had been selected to compete at the finals. The choir are now preparing for the final round on Tuesday 4th March where we will compete against some of the best choirs in the UK singing in Symphony Hall, Birmingham.

NATIONAL YOUTH BOYS CHOIR SUCCESS

Many congratulations to Cameron who has recently been accepted into the National Youth Choir (9-15 years). Cameron is an experienced singer who has been a Bath Abbey Chorister for almost four years as well as regularly singing in the school choirs. He is the third Monkton pupil to be successful in NYC and will join Bethany and former Monkton pupil Lizzie.

NATIONAL CHOIR

GBDO FINALS FINALS

In November, Monkton Harmony submitted their entry into the National Choir Competition. Over 70 entries were submitted from schools, youth choirs and youth theatre groups. We found out over Christmas that we were one of the 16 choirs to be selected for the finals at Symphony Hall Birmingham. The choir has worked exceptionally hard this term to perfect their performances until we were ‘note’ and ‘move’ perfect. A big thank you to Mrs Winfield who also helped with the choreography.

On Tuesday we left school at 7.30 to travel to Birmingham. Symphony Hall has an audience capacity of over 2000 and has the finest acoustics in the UK. The standard of all choirs was exceptionally high and we all learnt so much from watching the other choirs perform. The excitement (and nerves) before

MSF WINNERS!

Many Congratulations to all of our pupils and parents who have competed at the Mid Somerset Festival this year. Placed results are as follows:

Clemmie & Chloe - Yr 8 Duo Acting - Ist place

Natalie & Luke - Yr 4 Duo Acting - Ist place

Posie - Yr 5 Verse Speaking - Ist place

Gabriella - Yr 5 & 6 TV News Reading - Ist place

Frances - Yr 5 & 6 TV News Reading - 2nd Place

Alice & Margot - Year 4 Duo Acting - 2nd Place

Juno - Year 8 Solo Acting - 3rd Place

Frances - Brass Solo - Ist place

Parent community choir - Female Voice Choirs2nd Place

Monkton Prep School’s Senior Dance Team hit the stage at Cheltenham for the Great Big Dance Off National Finals!

After placing second in the regional heats, our talented pupils had an unforgettable experience competing against top dance academies at Cheltenham Town Hall.

we performed was tangible as we waited backstage to be called onto stage. Our choir was outstanding and, despite not being placed, they could not have done any better. The atmosphere after our performance as we left the stage was electric. What an amazing feeling to perform at such a prestigious event.

A big thank you to the staff who helped on the day, particularly Mr Skews for accompanying us on piano and to Mr Chapness for playing the cajon.

Do enjoy watching the videos of both pieces.

A huge congratulations to all the choir.

SCIENCE

In Year 6, pupils were introduced to the fundamentals of chemistry, including making compounds and understanding how different elements combine. One of the highlights of the year was the ever-popular Santa’s Sleigh Challenge.

Year 7 pupils developed investigative skills through a series of practical experiments. They explored how much energy is stored in a crisp, investigated whether mass changes during chemical reactions, and created saturated salt solutions, building a strong foundation in scientific enquiry and measurement.

In Year 8, pupils tackled more advanced concepts, including how temperature affects the rate of reaction, the principles of electromagnetism, and the reactivity of different metals. They also carried out food tests, including investigating starch, further developing their laboratory skills and confidence.

CHAPLAINCY

This year, Chaplaincy has been full of fun, faith, and friendship. Highlights included Film Club, Lighthouse, The Hub, Chester and Edna. Chester delighted younger children in assemblies, while Year 8s led Ichthus assemblies with drama and games that brought Bible stories to life. Film Club offered popcorn and thoughtful discussions, and Explore and Excite clubs were popular breaktime spaces for Bible stories, games, and lively discussions.

A particular highlight was the Christmas Carol Service at Bath Abbey, a joyful celebration of music, community, and the meaning of Christmas. It’s been a fantastic year of learning, laughter, and growing together in faith.

BOARDING

What a fantastic year it’s been in Hatton House! Our boarders have made the most of every moment, growing in confidence, forming close friendships, and embracing the fun and adventure of boarding life.

We were delighted to welcome lots of new boarders this year, and it has been wonderful to see how quickly they became part of the Hatton family. Our “Be a Boarder” weekends continue to be hugely successful, welcoming new faces and introducing them to boarding. We launched our brand new Sleepover Events for Years 6 to 8, a chance to enjoy their first boarding experience, while our Golden Ticket initiative saw over 90% of Year 6–8 day pupils experience a night in Hatton, an amazing response!

The year was filled with memorable moments, from thrilling trips to Legoland and the New Forest Waterpark, to the much-loved Hatton Camp Out under the stars. These events created laughter, new friendships, and stories that will be remembered for years.

We ended the year on a high with our Year 8 leavers’ celebration — an evening of blind karaoke, laughter, and heartfelt goodbyes, complete with leaving gifts and lots of cheer.

A huge thank you to Mr and Mrs Hurdle, who joined us as Assistant Houseparents this year. Their warmth and support have been invaluable. Hatton continues to be a place of belonging, adventure, and joy — a true home from home. We couldn’t be prouder of our boarders.

Mrs Winfield Houseparent, Hatton House

ENRICHMENT & ACTIVITIES

Monkton’s enrichment and activities programme offered an impressive variety of opportunities this year, allowing pupils to explore interests ranging from drama, design, and drawing to Forest School, sports, planting, and sustainability. The wide range of activities encouraged creativity, teamwork, and personal growth across the school.

Clubs were thoughtfully shaped around pupils’ preferences, ensuring they remained engaging and relevant throughout the year. We are excited to see the programme continue to grow and develop even further next year.

SPORT

CRICKET ATHLETICS

Just when you think Monkton couldn’t have another athletics season like last year, the children produce performances that don’t simply match, but perhaps surpass all previous efforts. Indeed, with 13 new records this year, success on the National stage and strong showings at the BaNES round and the ESAA Cup, it has been another stellar year of running, jumping and throwing. The highlight was almost certainly the magical day our Years 6 to 8 children delivered in June at the South West Prep Schools Athletics Championships - we had a large team of 42 athletes, but delivered quality as well as quantity, with fourteen separate events won by twelve different athletes. The Year Six boys in particular were in dominant form, featuring on the podium of every single event available to them, winning eight of the twelve disciplines! What a fabulous season - well done to every athlete.

An idyllic summer of warm, dry weather meant that the cricket bug was caught by many Monkton children. The nets had never seemed busier at breaktimes and games of cricket broke out on fields, in corridors and by tree stumps everywhere. The girls continue to progress apace in the game, with the U12A group being particularly passionate and successful. The U11A boys were a dangerous outfit on their day, with rapid bowling and brutal batting. The U13B boys and U10 softball girls also enjoyed seriously successful seasons. Zac F, Ethan B and Immy P, the leading lights in the U13A teams, depart the Prep school having been real role models in the game, but the future is bright with players like Matthew B and William S already representing their county and producing performances on the Prep playing fields.

CROSS-COUNTRY

National U13 Individual Champion (Zac F) and National Team Champions at the National Prep Schools Cross-country Championships - the end results of years of effort and endeavour by our crosscountry runners and teams, come rain or shine, over hill and down dale. The broader the base, the higher the pyramid, and the thirteen Year 2 children who braved the elements all winter, then ran so bravely at the Westonbirt event, are perhaps the next generation of champions. For now, we must also celebrate Jaden G (2nd) who achieved a stunning result at the highest Prep level in March, as well as all those who featured strongly through the BaNES/Avon/South West pathway, including Katherine O. Monkton loves running!

HOCKEY DANCE

Hockey activities after school are fit to bursting, such is the love of Monkton children for this amazing sport. With twenty-eight teams across both genders, superb coaches and a stunning facility, it is no surprise that the Prep school achieved so much success this year in this fast–paced game. Indeed, the U10A boys went unbeaten in regular matches and won the Millfield tournament. The U12A girls played some technically masterful hockey, as did the U9s. The U11A boys won the Avon County tournament and went to the West Finals, and the sensational U13A boys showed skills rarely seen at this age group, but just missed out in key quarter finals at regional level. It is perhaps our Y3 group, boys and girls, that most excite, given how far ahead they are of our local rivals in terms of skills and understanding - all down to the underpinning Monkton children get in games in Y1 and Y2.

This year, the Monkton Prep Dance Company has been an exciting opportunity for pupils to showcase their talent, dedication, and teamwork. Both our Junior and Senior Dance Teams competed at the Great Big Dance Off Regional Heats in Swindon, joining 20 other schools, including top-performing dance academies.

The Junior Team performed an energetic modern routine to The Cup Song, engaging the audience and demonstrating enthusiasm and commitment throughout.

Our Senior Team rose to the challenge with a contemporary routine to Space by French Fuse. Despite tough competition, they delivered a stunning performance, finishing Second Place and qualifying for the National Dance Finals, an outstanding achievement.

We are thrilled to see the Dance Company grow and develop and look forward to watching its continued success in the years to come.

PENTATHLON

Monkton children love running, swim superbly, and have the fabulous opportunity to learn pistol and laser shooting from a GB coach, so the recent growth in Pentathlon-based sports is perhaps unsurprising. Inspired by their peers’ success for Team GB, more children than ever are choosing to enter qualifying events around the country and, at the time of writing, Monkton now has eight members of the community qualified for either the European or World Biathle, Triathle and Laser Run Championships in Turkey and South Africa respectively - next year, can we make it nearer to 20?! To top it all, Callum LR was Biathlon National Champion!

IAPS TRIATHLON

SWIMMING

More galas than ever before, more children accessing swim squads than ever before, more hours spent training, more coaches delivering quality sessions to children and, inevitably, more success in competitions than in previous years. Ethan B’s stunning PB and 4th at IAPS Nationals, the U13 girls getting at team to the same finals and then Callum LR’s silver medal in the 50BK at the National Aquatic Centre, coupled with loads of PBs and county times for our Wiltshire and Somerset swimmers, all means that swimming is in a wonderful place at Monkton Prep.

NETBALL

Netball at Monkton Combe has thrived this year, with plenty of competitive opportunities for our students to test themselves, develop their skills, and enjoy the spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship. Across all age groups, the enthusiasm and dedication from the girls have been outstanding, especially during the colder months of the Lent Term, where resilience and commitment were truly on display.

One of the standout achievements came from our U13A team, who performed brilliantly at the IAPS competition, finishing 3rd in the Plate section; a fantastic result that reflected their determination, focus, and cohesion as a team. Their success was well deserved and highlights the high standard of netball being played at the school.

Beyond this, all age groups participated in a number of competitive festivals and fixtures throughout the season, with strong performances and many promising signs for the future. These events gave students valuable experience in match situations and the chance to put into practice what they’ve worked on during training.

What has been most impressive this year, however, is the effort and perseverance shown by every player. Whether new to the sport or more experienced, the girls have worked hard to improve individually and as teams, supporting one another and embracing every challenge.

We are very proud of what has been achieved this year and are excited to build on this momentum. We look forward to seeing what our pupils can accomplish on the netball court next season.

RUGBY

More children than ever before are playing rugby at Monkton Prep, thanks to ever-enthusiastic boys, as well as a rapidly growing girls programme. The U8s showed flair and fizz in almost all of their tag games, the U11s brought power and purpose to their play, dominating opponents physically, and the U13s has attacking options in abundance. Rugby is, however, sometimes about success in adversity and overcoming challenge, both physical and mental, and it was the U12s who maybe embodied this the most, bonding as a group, growing as individuals and as a team, and making genuine progress in their skills, understanding and results. The girls rounded off the winter with their customary strong showing at the Sibford 7s, losing in a keenly contested final.

SPORTS DAY

TRIPS Dartmoor

Way Ahead Year 6

COMMUNITY REPORT

The children have been busy this year supporting the school community and beyond. Year 6 had a lovely time at Holy Trinity Combe entertaining and serving the senior members of the church. They also looked to improve the environment for the local community by clearing Rainbow Woods of clutter. Through the work they have done on their Magpies Awards they have also been supporting their own local communities, visiting older people, helping out at their churches and at home too. They sent christmas cards to Old Monktonians and some even received a message back.

Each House supported an event: Harvest Festival, Children in Need, Christmas Jumper Day and Whacky Sock Day. Any money raised, outside of Children in Need, went to support The Genesis Trust. In the run up to Christmas, we collected food for this charity which provided a chance for the children to think about those not so fortunate.

Year 4 hosted a group of OMs for a tea party; they entertained them and gave them the loveliest of afternoons - playing Bingo, listening to tales of Monkton days gone by, and serving up cream teas.

The last event of the year was run by the outgoing Year 8s. They organised a fete where the rest of the school enjoyed activities such as a ‘Dance Off’, netball and football shootouts, and ‘Splat the Rat’. They all ate plenty of sweets as rewards for their efforts! The money raised, once again, was sent to the school charity, the Genesis Trust.

PRIZE GIVING

That’s all from the Magpie...

(see you next year!)

RUGBY SPORT

This year’s fifteen-a-side rugby season was one of significant progress, passion, and pride across all age groups at Monkton. From the seniors to the youngest players, the development in skill, character and culture was clear to see.

The 1st XV, superbly led by Tom Baker, enjoyed an outstanding campaign that culminated in reaching the Regional Final of the National Bowl competition – the furthest the school has progressed in recent memory. The team’s resilience and togetherness under pressure were hallmarks of a group that played with both heart and humility throughout the season.

The U15A side recorded a brilliant year, blending tight team cohesion with impressive big match temperament. Their ability to rise to the occasion and work as a unit speaks volumes about the culture being built within this age group and bodes well for the future.

Meanwhile, the U14A team showed remarkable growth over the course of the season. As their confidence grew, so too did their performances and they now look well set to become a formidable force in the years ahead.

None of this success would be possible without the dedication and support of a wider team. A sincere thank you must go to our coaching staff, the tireless ground staff, medical team and of course, the parents who support from the touchline and beyond. Most of all, thank you to the players for a brilliant season – your effort and spirit define what rugby at Monkton is all about.

Monkton Boys’ Rugby Sevens

The Lent term saw Monkton’s boys embrace the fast-paced world of Rugby Sevens with great enthusiasm and commitment. Across the school, players took to the shortened format of the game with energy and intent, showcasing their speed, skill, and decision-making in what was a thoroughly rewarding season.

A particular highlight was Monkton’s strong representation at the prestigious Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens, with U14, U16, and U18 teams all competing. It was a proud moment to see three sides representing the school at the world’s largest school sevens tournament – a reflection of the growing depth and ambition in our rugby programme.

In addition to Rosslyn Park, teams took part in a number of tournaments throughout the term, gaining valuable experience against strong opposition. Training matches, including those with Downside, offered great opportunities for development and allowed the boys to test combinations and sharpen their understanding of the game.

One of the most encouraging signs this season was the sheer number of boys involved in training, with Monday night and Tuesday afternoon sessions regularly buzzing with energy. The appetite to learn and improve was clear, and the camaraderie across year groups was a real strength.

With such strong foundations being laid, there is plenty to be excited about as Monkton Sevens continues to develop. A huge thank you to all coaches, players, and supporters for contributing to a brilliant season – the future of Monkton Rugby Sevens looks very bright indeed.

GIRLS’ HOCKEY

It’s been a fantastic year for Girls’ Hockey at Monkton, with huge progress and success across all age groups.

The season began with the 1st XI heading to Cardiff Metropolitan for a high-level pre-season tour. This tour offered matches against tough opposition, including Blundell’s, Sherborne Girls, and Teddington Girls, and a valuable insight into university-level hockey. This experience helped the team to bond and prepare ahead of a competitive season.

Strong performances followed across the club, with excellent wins in block fixtures against Downside and Warminster. The U14A team stood out with their impressive skill and potential, marking them as a group to watch in years to come.

The 1st XI also enjoyed a great run in the Tier 2 Plate, securing a memorable 4-1 win under the lights against Wells featuring a hat trick from Amelie Gould, before narrowly losing to the eventual Regional Semi-Finalists Redmaids.

Many of our girls continue to play outside of school at Bath Buccaneers HC and within the England Hockey Pathway. A special mention goes to Isla Game and Amelie Gould for their involvement in the EH Talent Academy, and to Lowen Young, whose nomination for an England Age Group trial reflects her incredible progress this year.

We’re also grateful to those who represented Monkton during Lent term fixtures, including the OM match and the Bath Hockey Festival.

Finally, we say a heartfelt thank you to our Year 13 leavers who have been outstanding role models and ambassadors for the “one club” spirit that defines Monkton hockey.

A brilliant year all round - well done, girls!

BOYS’ HOCKEY

It has been a fantastic year for boys’ hockey, with huge progress across all age groups. The commitment and development shown throughout the season have been exceptional, laying strong foundations for future success.

The Lent Term commenced with the 1st XI boys’ pre-season trip to Oakham School. This served as a brilliant opportunity to train alongside their 1st XI, play indoor hockey, and make full use of their high-performance facilities, including their lifting room, fitness suite, and the ever-popular inflatable water assault course for recovery.

The U14 and U15 boys faced a tough schedule against strong opposition but showed great resilience and teamwork throughout. Their potential was clear to see, and it was fantastic to see Reggie Johnson, Josh Kingsbury, and George Peill nominated for Avon County squad selection.

Our senior hockey programme has gone from strength to strength, fielding five competitive teams. The 1st XI boys had a historic cup run, starting with a commanding win over Downside (featuring a Fred Walker hat trick), followed by victories against Malvern College and Blundell’s. The boys secured a dramatic penalty flick win over Marlborough College in the regional final to reach the National Plate Semi-Finals, a Monkton first!

In front of a packed home crowd, Monkton hosted Alleyn’s School. Despite an immense effort and leaving everything on the pitch, the team narrowly lost 2-1 in a closely fought contest. This remarkable run marks the furthest any Monkton hockey team has gone in national competition, leaving a proud legacy. It has been a year defined by progress, passion, and perseverance and one that sets the tone for an even brighter future for hockey at Monkton.

Well done to all those involved!

NETBALL

This year has been a fantastic one for Netball at Monkton Combe, filled with achievement, excitement, and development across all year groups.

Standout moments include our debut in the Sisters n Sport competition, which provided a brilliant platform for our players to test themselves against strong opposition and sharpen their skills ahead of the Avon Schools Tournaments.

Our Year 9 students had a particularly memorable experience, taking on the role of ball crew at a Team Bath NXT Gen fixture. This gave them a unique insight into elite-level sport and the professionalism it demands.

The 1st Team also enjoyed success at the Collegiate 7s tournament, where their hard work and determination saw them bring home silverware in the Shield section. Throughout the Lent term, regular fixtures showcased the talent and commitment of all teams, with some excellent results across the board.

We wrapped up the season with the ever-competitive House Netball event. Congratulations to Clarendon for winning the Senior competition and to Nutfield for triumphing in the Junior competition.

A big thank you to all players and staff for their dedication; here’s to an even stronger season next year!

TENNIS

Tennis at Monkton has made great strides again this year, with more fixtures, stronger performances, and continued enthusiasm across all year groups. Our players have represented the school with determination, sportsmanship, and skill on courts around the region.

This year saw our entry into the LTA Schools Competitions for Senior Boys and Girls, as well as the U15 Boys and Girls teams. These national-level tournaments offered tough opposition, but our players rose to the occasion. Despite the challenges, all teams put out competitive performances, showcasing their technical ability and mental resilience against high-quality opposition.

In an exciting development, we also entered the U14 and U16 Boys and Girls teams into the new School Sport Magazine knockout competition. This presented a fresh challenge with a tough draw, but our players responded with great commitment. Though some matches were narrowly lost, the level of play and the closeness of the scorelines were a testament to the talent coming through the school.

Our regular season fixtures brought a full schedule of matches across all age groups. Every team showed growth, improving week by week and contributing to what has been a very successful year overall. Among many highlights, the U18 A Girls team deserves special mention for an outstanding unbeaten season. Their consistency, teamwork, and competitive edge set the standard for all school teams and have been a source of inspiration for younger players.

Away from competitive fixtures, individual and small group coaching sessions have continued to be hugely popular, with over 70 students receiving extra lessons throughout the year. These sessions have played a key role in player development, and we are very grateful to the dedicated coaches who deliver them so effectively.

With such strong foundations and growing interest, tennis at Monkton is thriving

ROWING

It has been a landmark year for Monkton Rowing, marked by growth, outstanding performances, and new beginnings under our new Head of Rowing, Nick Baker, formerly Team GB’s most successful Paralympic rowing coach.

A major highlight was the Easter Training Camp at the Temple-sur-Lot Watersports Centre in Bordeaux. 21 students enjoyed nine days of intensive training on world-class facilities, making huge strides in technique and teamwork. The camp also included a cultural visit to Bordeaux and a memorable team awards evening.

On the water, Monkton crews rose to new challenges at national events. Our first-ever girls’ quad competed at Henley Women’s Regatta, taking on the premier sculling event, the Bea Langridge Trophy, and achieving an impressive result against older, more experienced crews. The senior boys’ quad also showed great promise at Henley trials, beating 14 crews and finishing within 30 seconds of qualification in one of the toughest junior events in the country.

The Boat Club also welcomed two new Filippi quadruple sculls, both ex-Olympic boats, setting a new standard for future crews. With renewed ambition, clear goals, and growing talent, Monkton Rowing is building real momentum for the future.

CRICKET

The summer term delivered a fantastic season of cricket at Monkton, filled with memorable performances, exciting development, and a genuine love for the game across all levels of the school.

Our 1st XI Boys enjoyed a strong campaign, combining talent with resilience to reach the regional semi-final of the National Plate competition. A particular highlight was an extraordinary quarterfinal victory over Warminster, a match that showcased the team’s determination and ability to perform under pressure. The group played with pride throughout the season and set a brilliant example for the younger year groups.

It was also a landmark season for girls’ cricket, with two teams representing Monkton. Our 1st XI Girls competed at a high level, developing their skills and confidence with every outing. Alongside them, a softball 2nd XI team offered opportunities for wider participation and enjoyment, laying firm foundations for continued growth in the girls’ game.

Junior cricket continues to go from strength to strength, with boys and girls across the Prep and Senior Schools embracing the sport. Their enthusiasm and willingness to learn promises much for the future of Monkton cricket.

We were also delighted to host our annual Cricket Festival, welcoming teams from St Paul’s and The Leys. It was a fantastic celebration of the sport, spirit, and sportsmanship that define our cricketing ethos.

Thank you to all coaches, players, parents, and staff for a memorable season. Monkton Cricket is in a great place, and the future looks incredibly bright.

DISCOVER YOUR CHILD’S POTENTIAL:

INDIVIDUAL SPORTS FLOURISH AT MONKTON

At Monkton, we’re witnessing an exciting rise in the popularity of individual sports, offering a truly unique and powerful pathway for our students. For those children who naturally thrive in disciplines like cross country, athletics, swimming, badminton, basketball, table tennis, squash, triathlon, biathle, laser run, equestrian sports, and more, this focus is a real game-changer. It’s a key part of what makes Monkton so special and different!

We understand that not every child is drawn to traditional team sports, and that’s perfectly okay. Our extensive offering in individual disciplines means your child can pursue their passions, develop incredible skills, and build confidence in an environment that truly suits them. This isn’t just about competing; it’s about fostering resilience, self-discipline, and a strong sense of personal accomplishment.

Beyond the fantastic achievements of our top performers, we’re proud that 153 fixtures across all these individual sports have been contested, ranging from entry-level participation to national competitions. This commitment to broad engagement ensures opportunities for every student.

Our recent highlights underscore this dedication: Zac, Katherine, Olivia and Pene were selected to compete in the South West Cross Country Championships. Building on this success, Katherine, Immy, Seren, Lullah, Callum and Ethan also qualified for the IAPS Swimming Championships held at the iconic Olympic Pool in London! Furthermore, Callum, Freddie, William, Katherine and Charlotte qualified to represent Great Britain at the Laser Run, Biathle, and Triathle World and European Championships. Adding to these achievements, Noah and William were selected to represent Avon at the South

West Track and Field Championships. Meanwhile, Lullah was out many weekends representing Monkton in show jumping competitions. These achievements are a testament to their hard work and the quality of coaching and support they receive at Monkton. For parents, this means knowing your child has access to dedicated coaching, tailored training programmes, and fantastic facilities, all designed to help them reach their full potential.

Whether their goal is to achieve a personal best, gain regional recognition, or even national honours, Monkton provides the support and opportunities to make it happen. We believe that supporting individual sporting journeys not only enriches your child’s time at school but also equips them with invaluable life skills that extend far beyond the playing field. Come and see how your child can truly shine at Monkton!

CROSS COUNTRY

This year has been an excellent one for cross country at Monkton, with the team continuing to grow in both numbers and enthusiasm. Our runners have shown great determination and team spirit, achieving strong results at the Bryanston Relays and the BaNES County Championships. Many athletes have also been developing their endurance through the new Endurance Club, which sees pupils running into Bath for a well-deserved coffee. It’s been a year of progress, achievement, and plenty of muddy miles.

SPORTS DAY

For the second year running, Monkton’s Sports Day took place at the University of Bath and it was another spectacular success! Thanks to seamless organisation, the whole school gathered for an afternoon bursting with colour, energy, and competition.

House pride was on full display as events began with the 1500m and continued through a packed schedule of track and field. Cheers filled the stadium as students gave their all, resulting in 15 school records equalled or broken, a remarkable achievement showcasing Monkton’s sporting strength.

The day concluded in style with the Spirit of Monkton Relay, featuring students, staff, and parents, with Farm House taking victory in a thrilling finale.

In the overall standings, Clarendon claimed the Girls’ House Cup, while Eddystone narrowly secured the Boys’ Cup, rounding off a day full of excitement, determination, and true Monkton spirit.

CLUBS & SOCIETIES

TPE SOCIETY

This year, our students have taken part in a wide range of enriching Philosophy, Ethics, and Religious Studies activities. GCSE students enjoyed visits from Genesis Trust and Bath City Pastors, learning how faith is applied to real-world issues. As part of the Year 10 Christian Practices module, pupils took part in a mini pilgrimage to St Michael’s Church and the surrounding area.

Sixth Form students attended the Peter Vardy Candle Conference at Worcester Cathedral, where they heard directly from one of our course scholars on topics explored in Philosophy and Ethics. Across all year groups, pupils engaged in the Inter-House Philosothon competition - won this year by Farm House - and several students also represented the school at the Bath Schools Philosothon, founded by Monkton and hosted this year by Hayesfield, where Julia Gierschmann won the creativity award in her age category.

A number of students also attended The Mystery of Morality live theatre event in Mayfair, hosted by Premier Unbelievable, which featured a stimulating debate between Peter Singer, Alex O’Connor, Jessica Frazier, and Richard Swinburne. Finally, we were delighted to host Year 7 pupils from the Prep School for a firepit philosophy event, rounding off an inspiring and thought-provoking year.

CO-CURRICULAR

For Year 9 enrichment, four groups were in a carousel of new activities trying out Rowing, Baking, Adventure Ed and Imagineering. Year 11s tried their hand at Fencing, Lacrosse, Football and Golf while others joined the Monkton Touring Theatre or the Rowing Skills activity. Year 12s specialised further by choosing a skill that they could develop throughout the year including Golf, Culinary School, Sustainability and E-Sports.

SUSTAINABILITY CLUB

Year 12s also spent a four-week block each helping out at St Martin’s Garden Primary School. Here they were able to go into classes and read with the children, support with phonics, numeracy and craft projects, play games, lead activities, and even do some gardening.

ST MARTIN’S MODEL UNITED NATIONS GROUP GARDENS

It’s been a busy year for our Model United Nations group! In February, we held our first ever Inter-house MUN on the theme of democratic rights. Congratulations to all delegates and to the overall winners - Nutfield House. In March, we joined the Bath International Schools’ MUN with about 30 schools and 300 students present. The Monkton team were commended on their excellent contributions over the weekend.

GIVING COMMITTEE & PARTNERSHIPS

This year the Giving Committee has been ably led by Mikayla S and a fantastic group of Year 12 reps. As ever, the focus of this group has been on fostering social engagement, developing understanding and empathy, connecting and partnering with others to bring about positive change. Highlights of the year included the Fox Hill community Christmas lunch, supporting the Bath Half Genesis team in the baggage tent, and the many and varied House Giving Fortnights where awareness and funds were raised for a varied and exciting range of local and international charities.

As a school, we have raised over £6,000 this year for a range of charities, including the Genesis Trust, YoungMinds, Justice & Care, the Royal British Legion, Watoto, DFN Project SEARCH, Foxhill Focus, Julian House, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the Sumatran Orangutan Society and Fisherman’s Rest in Malawi. This has all been raised by pupils through social events, bake sales, candygrams, skydives, volunteering, running tuck shops, pancake making, sponsored activities

or events and games. In addition to raising funds, they have also collected over 50 care packages for community members to receive at Christmas or at other important points over the year, in collaboration with local charities. The group has been creative, energetic and passionate as they have led the school in reaching out to others in our community and beyond. Thank you, team, for all your efforts this year!

COMBINED CADET FORCES

CCF this year can be described in a single word: diverse. Pupils have taken part in flying, sailing, car mechanics, rifle shooting, ration cooking, rock climbing, hostage rescue, and go-karting, just to name a few of the activities on offer. The CCF has delivered an incredible variety of experiences, teaching us a wide range of skills while ensuring everyone has fun along the way. Each and every section brought an enthusiastic energy that resonated with every cadet throughout the year.

These programmes have also given us the opportunity to visit some brilliant places. The RAF section went flying in Grob Tutor aircraft, the Royal Navy experienced Britannia Royal Naval College, and the Army section went blank firing in Warminster. This is just a snapshot of what the CCF has offered, and we all cannot wait for next year!

SUMMER CAMPS

Year 10 enjoyed making memories in Dorset during the last week of term. Each student can name a different highlight whether that be coasteering off Portland, enjoying the sights of the Jurassic Coast on a coastal walk, kayaking, SUPing, rock climbing, indoor tunneling, ten pin bowling, the roar of F1 cars in the cinema, or simply enjoying an ice cream and game of volleyball as the sunset over Weymouth beach.

MONKTON

MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE

Over three thrilling trips, Monkton Year 10 students embraced the Mountain Challenge across Bannau Brycheiniog, Dartmoor, and Eryri. In the Brecon Beacons, they summited Corn Du and Pen y Fan, showcasing teamwork and resilience. Dartmoor brought challenging hikes to Yes Tor and High Willhays, and skill-building abseils on Sharpitor. Finally, in Snowdonia, students conquered Castell y Gwynt, Glyder Fach, and Moel Siabod, faced scrambling and rope work, and ended with a high-speed ride on Velocity – the world’s fastest zip line. Across all adventures, students grew in confidence, developed key mountain skills, and built lasting memories together.

GOLD DofE

BRONZE DofE

Over 50 Year 9s have been busy working on their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award this year, learning new skills: home cooking, chess, music tech, stage crew, touch typing and more.

They have volunteered in all sorts of ways, helping with after-school clubs at the Prep, in churches, sports clubs, and in their village communities.

They have pushed themselves physically, taking on the two expeditions with great commitment. The weather did help this year, being lovely on both (which is the first time in eight years that has been true!), but the challenge of the expedition remains high. It is physically demanding, requiring them to learn a range of essential new skills like navigation and cooking - as without those, they are lost and hungry! They also had to work out how to function effectively as a team, and it was amazing to see teams that grew in this area from the practice expedition to the assessed. Many of them have almost completed their award and will do so in the next few weeks. A fantastic year.

CERN TRIPS

On Wednesday 22nd January, 19 A Level Physics students set off from Bristol Airport for the CERN Trip 2025. After a long wait and a late arrival at 1:30am, we began our first day exploring Geneva’s lakeside views and the Museum of Science, enjoying interactive displays on animation and astronomy.

In the afternoon, we toured the United Nations Headquarters, exploring Building E and its impressive conference rooms, including one decorated by Saudi Arabia. We even sat in on a live conference before ending the day with delicious Swiss burgers at Holy Cow and a well-earned early night.

The next morning, we took Geneva’s excellent public transport to CERN, where two PhD students guided us through the antimatter factory. We learned how scientists create and study antiparticles such as antiprotons and positrons to investigate their properties—particularly their relationship with gravity. After lunch in the CERN café among world-class physicists, we explored the interactive exhibitions before ending the day with some friendly (and competitive) bowling and a quick dinner.

Our final day began with a visit to the Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, where exhibitions on music, conflict, and natural disasters offered a powerful reminder of the organisation’s humanitarian work. After lunch at Lidl, we had free time to explore Geneva—shopping for Swiss chocolate, admiring luxury cars, and debating the physics behind the 140 m lake fountain (with Toby’s calculator proving handy).

As our trip came to an end, we reflected on an inspiring few days filled with science, culture, and unforgettable experiences before heading home.

MALAWI

Just before October half term, 25 of us from Years 11–13 set off to Malawi with over £6,000 raised for Fisherman’s Rest. After an exciting flight to Ethiopia and a sleepy second leg, we arrived to 35°C heat and a warm welcome from Banis and his team. Our first bus ride to Fisherman’s Rest was filled with songs, smiles, and waves to locals, who amazed us with their friendliness.

The first day was spent settling in—swimming, frisbee, and relaxing—before our days filled with visits to the Tillitonse Community Centre. There, we played sports, did crafts, and sang with local children, creating unforgettable memories. Other highlights included swimming, endless Uno games, and an incredible 9-mile downhill bike ride into the Rift Valley, followed by chips, drinks, and a lift back up from friendly lorry drivers.

On our third day, we chose from five projects: Project Brave (supporting girls’ education), the Tree Project (planting new species), Changu Changu Moto (building stoves), the Water Project (repairing a well), and the Porridge Project, which we funded. At Kachere Primary, we served porridge—often the children’s only meal—taught lessons, and played football and netball with students.

Later, we visited Chikwawa Prison, sharing songs, football, and gifts of bread, squash, and soap—an emotional and eyeopening experience. We then headed to Majete Game Park, where we camped or stayed in treehouses, dug a water hole at dawn, and enjoyed a safari spotting lions, elephants, crocodiles, hippos, and giraffes, finishing with sunset drinks by the river.

Our final days were spent at Lake Malawi’s Makokola Lodge for some rest, boat trips, and a fun volleyball match with staff. Back at Fisherman’s Rest for our last night, we made pizzas, listened to a local band, and danced for hours, reminiscing on an unforgettable two weeks.

This trip was a true highlight of our time at Monkton—eyeopening, inspiring, and full of lasting friendships and gratitude to Mr Abington and the team who made it possible.

PRIZE GIVING

The Monkton community joined together to celebrate a wonderful year of achievement and growth. The day began with a reflective and uplifting service from Rev Hutch, setting the tone for a morning filled with gratitude and celebration. House drinks and speeches followed, offering a chance to recognise the successes and hard work of students across the school. The event was a fitting finale to the year, complete with a few surprise moments from Principal Chris Wheeler (One Last Time) and a joyful reminder of the spirit and togetherness that define life at Monkton.

Monkton Prep School

Bath BA2 7ET, UK

Email: admissions@monkton.org.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 1225 721133

www.monktoncombeschool.com