Issue 102 • 13 February 2015 Dear Parents, You have to dig deep in February to make the most of the short days. Resilience is the name of the game and it is one of the key skills that we teach at Northbourne Park; resilience and agility in preparation for an ever-changing and an ever-challenging world. As they tend to at this time of year, our assemblies have developed a real poignancy, with thought-provoking presentations examining the relationship between the freedom of speech and expression and the freedom to offend. Mr Riley developed this further with an interesting talk about the history of the phrase ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’, tracking it back even to the 5th century B.C. and then drawing on his experiences in Zimbabwe. Exploration of our civil freedoms has been at the front of our minds with the recent Department for Education initiatives to promote British values in schools. NPS has always promoted the best British values in all that we do but we have always gone further. Ever since the foundation of the Section Français Bilingue in 1990 (25th anniversary in the next academic year), our community has been one that is culturally and linguistically diverse. Our school promotes not only British culture but that of France and Spain and more recently, China, Japan, Russia and Nigeria. We are used to English, French and Spanish intermingling in our corridors in a quite remarkable way and it is a privilege on a daily basis to witness the cultural exchange that takes place between children from different countries. There is a balance to be struck however. Whilst seeking to broaden perspectives, NPS, a few miles from the white cliffs, retains its essential Britishness. Even lessons taught to the 6e and the 5e in the Section Français Bilingue require a unique Anglo-French hybrid teaching style, which follows the prescriptive French curriculum, but teaches in a way in which to promote independent study, discussion and curiosity (scholarship!) Our pupils, particularly in the top two years, happily live and work alongside each other and learn to be open- minded future citizens of the world. This I believe is a true preparation for the modern Prep School child, to become more globally aware and to build understanding which will aid them in a long life of learning. The benefits at NPS come in many forms, in the promotion of languages, cultural exchange, openness and not least in the development of tolerance. Our children learn to celebrate rather than put down differences in others, which is why when they encounter old-fashioned arrogance, they are a bit bemused. The world has changed. Complementary to this theme of understanding has been the celebration of our three school partnerships. The first is in its infancy at present and is our growing relationship with Northbourne Church of England Primary School with NPS staff visiting the CEP and sharing curriculum ideas. Our second partnership has been very much in the spotlight recently with the tenth anniversary of our exchange with L’Ecole Jeanne D’Arc, Roubaix. I was honoured to deliver a speech at Roubaix town hall alongside Mme Tellier, the Headmistress of Jeanne D’Arc, celebrating our partnership and the benefits for our schools of cultural and linguistic exchange. Exchange, particularly in the light of the Charlie Hebdo attacks, again teaches tolerance and understanding in the young. It is, all at once, a peace-keeping mission and a shifter of horizons. I think Year 6 understood this, but they were managing the whirlwind of change FROM THE HEADMASTER... News NORTHBOURNE PARK SCHOOL Follow us on Pupils on the Roubaix exchange
Transcript
Issue 102 • 13 February 2015
Dear Parents,
You have to dig deep in February to make the most of the short days. Resilience is the name of the game and it isone of the key skills that we teach at Northbourne Park; resilience and agility in preparation for an ever-changingand an ever-challenging world.
As they tend to at this time of year, our assemblies have developed a real poignancy, with thought-provokingpresentations examining the relationship between the freedom of speech and expression and the freedom tooffend. Mr Riley developed this further with an interesting talk about the history of the phrase ‘the pen is mightierthan the sword’, tracking it back even to the 5th century B.C. and then drawing on his experiences in Zimbabwe.
Exploration of our civil freedoms has been at the front of our minds with the recent Department for Educationinitiatives to promote British values in schools. NPS has always promoted the best British values in all that we dobut we have always gone further. Ever since the foundation of the Section Français Bilingue in 1990 (25thanniversary in the next academic year), our community has been one that is culturally and linguistically diverse.Our school promotes not only British culture but that of France and Spain and more recently, China, Japan, Russiaand Nigeria. We are used to English, French and Spanish intermingling in our corridors in a quite remarkable wayand it is a privilege on a daily basis to witness the cultural exchange that takes place between children fromdifferent countries.
There is a balance to be struck however. Whilst seeking to broaden perspectives, NPS, a few miles from the whitecliffs, retains its essential Britishness. Even lessons taught to the 6e and the 5e in the Section Français Bilingue requirea unique Anglo-French hybrid teaching style, which follows the prescriptive French curriculum, but teaches in away in which to promote independent study, discussion and curiosity (scholarship!)
Our pupils, particularly in the top two years, happily live and work alongside each other and learn to be open-minded future citizens of the world. This I believe is a true preparation for the modern Prep School child, tobecome more globally aware and to build understanding which will aid them in a long life of learning. The benefitsat NPS come in many forms, in the promotion of languages, cultural exchange, openness and not least in thedevelopment of tolerance. Our children learn to celebrate rather than put down differences in others, which is whywhen they encounter old-fashioned arrogance, they are a bit bemused. The world has changed.
Complementary to this theme of understanding has been the celebration of our three school partnerships. The firstis in its infancy at present and is our growing relationship with Northbourne Church of England Primary School withNPS staff visiting the CEP and sharing curriculum ideas.
Our second partnership has beenvery much in the spotlight recentlywith the tenth anniversary of ourexchange with L’Ecole Jeanne D’Arc,Roubaix. I was honoured to deliver aspeech at Roubaix town hallalongside Mme Tellier, theHeadmistress of Jeanne D’Arc,celebrating our partnership and thebenefits for our schools of culturaland linguistic exchange. Exchange,particularly in the light of theCharlie Hebdo attacks, againteaches tolerance andunderstanding in the young. It is, allat once, a peace-keeping missionand a shifter of horizons. I think Year6 understood this, but they weremanaging the whirlwind of change
all around them, bowls of chocolat chaud for breakfast?Names? Places? Crowds of faces?? There were someother less frenetic moments for our intrepidadventurers, not least when one pupil (who shallremain nameless) realised that the word ‘LaserQuest’means pretty much the same in French as it does inEnglish! Well done to all Year 6 pupils for their courageand determination in the ‘vasty fields of France’. I amproud of you.
The Third Partnership has again featured in ourassemblies over the past weeks. The St Paul’s School,Kaaso partnership is developing fast, with a young andenthusiastic committee led by Miss Kirby. The pupilsare eagerly awaiting replies to their letters from Ugandaand Miss Kirby, Lizzie Hulton-Harrop and Elisa Esteveaim to travel to the St Paul’s Kaaso in the summer halfterm to strengthen the partnership further.
The Partnership Zumba session last Friday, organised byMichelle Matthews was a wonderful way for Pre-Prep,Prep, Staff, pupils and parents to come together todispel the February chills, raise a bit of money and tohave a lot of fun to some African rhythms.
Anna McGovern brought tears to my eyes this week inher characteristically modest acceptance of a DramaScholarship to St Edmund’s, Canterbury; how hard shehas worked both in and out of school perfecting hertalents. How richly deserved are the spoils! BothGeorge Titterton and Molly Gu had the drive anddetermination over many years to put in long hours ofpractice in preparation for the extraordinarily competitive music scholarships at The King’s School, Canterbury. Wehave enjoyed tantalising glimpses of their gifted musicianship in our informal and formal concerts over the yearsand it is a joy for me and their music teachers to hear that they have both been awarded scholarships. Well done tothem! Zoey Yang, another gifted pianist and musician sits her music scholarship to Worth in just a few days’ timeand I am sure will be rewarded with success. These are yet more examples of our exceptionally talented childrenworking at the top of their game and reaching for the stars.
Unsurprisingly, next year, more 6e (the equivalent of Year 7) pupils are staying at NPS for a second year than everbefore. Year 8 class, 5e class, Year 7 and 6e also will be bigger than ever. The boarding houses are bursting at theseams and not a little of this is to do with the excellent work of the senior Form Tutors, Elisa Esteve, KatieBrown and the rest of the boarding team. Boy, do they work hard!
Finally, thank you for all of your commitment to school matches and school events. We finish on Friday after avery happy and productive first half term. We have neither been swayed by the shortness of the days, nor thesnow or flu viruses. Resilience and agility have been ours!
Have a great half term! Edward
Forthcoming eventsSunday 22nd February Boarders returnMonday 23rd February Day Children return
Year 6 Parents’ Meeting Sunday 1st March Informal ConcertSaturday 7th March NPS Paris ReunionSunday 8th March, 10am Holy Communion (Bishop Michael Turnbull) Sunday 15th March Confirmation Service and Mothering Sunday. Saturday 21st March NPS Madrid Reunion
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Congratulations to the following children for receiving SpringTerm Headmaster Commendations during Week 4:-
NAME HAS BEEN AWARDED A COMMENDATION FOR Freddie Hendy Good citizenshipNat Thompson Good citizenshipOlivia Johnson Outstanding description of setting in PrepYear 4 Excellent achievement in French!Eléonore Haas A reliable and enthusiastic approach to singing
lessonsEmma Wardhaugh A reliable and enthusiastic approach to singing
lessons
Congratulations to the following children for receiving SpringTerm Headmaster Commendations during Week 5 :-
NAME HAS BEEN AWARDED A COMMENDATION FOR Harriet Balfour A very successful Roubaix exchange visitAnna Bevan A very successful Roubaix exchange visitAlexandra Bond A very successful Roubaix exchange visitJohn Rufus Carleton-Marsh A very successful Roubaix exchange visitOliver Martin A very successful Roubaix exchange visitAbigail Mead A very successful Roubaix exchange visitIsabella Savage A very successful Roubaix exchange visitSophia Scholfield A very successful Roubaix exchange visitJack Shipton A very successful Roubaix exchange visitLuke Skingle A very successful Roubaix exchange visitAimée-Rose Hawksworth A super piece of optional English prepHarriet Balfour Player of the match against Dover CollegeSophia Scholfield 88% in Half Term Maths ReviewGeorge Williams-Jones 88% in Half Term Maths ReviewHarriet Balfour 80% in Half Term Maths ReviewAlexandra Bond A great Half Term Maths ReviewMarsha Chen Making an excellent start to NPS lifeMarcus Yanni Excellent leadership in Band
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAYWe would very much like to hear from any parentswho could help us raise awareness of female rolemodels when we celebrate International Women’sDay in early March. Please email Francesca Modi [email protected] if you would like toparticipate in some way.
Want to know what the Friends of NorthbournePark School are up to?Follow us on the NPS Facebook page on and Twitter feed.The calendar and more is in the Parents' section of theschool website at www.northbournepark.com/friends.aspx
ROUBAIX, ROUBAIX, ROUBAIX!The Year 6 French Exchange 28th – 31st January 2015The pupils of Year 6 travelled to Lille at the end of January ready to take part in the 10th Anniversary FrenchExchange with the Ecole et Collège Jeanne d’Arc in Roubaix. The Eurostar took us smoothly to Lille Europe Stationwhere the pupils were welcomed warmly by their exchange partners and families. The pupils showed enormousresilience as they approached all of the new experiences with a positive and open mind. They even managed tocope with chocolat chaud “in a BOWL, Mrs Balfour” for breakfast! John Rufus declared that French coca coladefinitely tasted better than English coca cola and we all enjoyed tasting the local cakes and chocolates in thebeautiful city of Lille. In amongst the shopping and school lessons we also fitted in a little bit of culture: we had awonderful tour of the Swimming Pool Museum in Roubaix, a guided tour of old Lille and were even guests ofhonour at a special ceremony at the Town Hall inRoubaix where we were presented with gifts by theMayor’s Office. The speeches at the event celebratedthe friendship and partnership between the two schoolsand between our neighbouring countries. We werewelcomed with incredible warmth and generosity byour French hosts and we look forward to welcomingthem here early next term and to enjoying many moreFrench exchange visits in the future.My sincere thanks go to the Headmistress, staff,exchange pupils and their families at Jeanne d’Arc formaking our visit somemorable andhappy and Iwould like to saycongratulations tothe wonderful andenthusiastic Year 6pupils for showingtrue Northbournespirit. Bravo!
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www.schoolstrader.comTrade with other families.Completely free. Families canuse Schoolstrader free of charge to buy/sell anything from bikesto buggys, toys to trampolines, motors to musical instruments,even houses. The site has featured in most national mediaincluding Times, Telegraph and ITV. Schoolstrader covers all school and university communities in theUK. It is open to everyone aged 15 or over.
Northbourne Park Minibus ServiceNorthbourne Park minibus service provides our day pupilsand parents with a good alternative to a possibly stressfulcar journey at busy times of the day.We operate three routes morning and afternoon to providemaximum access to most school families.
Children from Reception through to Year eight enjoy travelto and from school on a safe, reliable and friendly busservice.The school currently operates two seventeen seat Transitminibuses and a smaller nine- seat Vauxhall minibus, drivenby capable and experienced drivers.
Occasional usersWe are usually able to accommodate occasional users in anemergency but ask for notice in other circumstances. Weaim to fulfil all needs whenever possible.
Current daily routesThese are set at the start of the academic year to cater forthe needs of families using the school and so are subject tochange from year to year.This year 2014/2015 we run buses to and from Ashford alsotaking children from Lympne and Boughton Lees; buses toand from Bridge also taking children from Wingham,Kingston, and Woolage Green; buses to and from Deal arealso taking children from Sandwich and Walmer.We try to accommodate all requests during the year foradditional stops and welcome any enquires.
Further information about current costs are available fromthe Bursar on +44(0)1304 610426 or by email [email protected].
Any other information or enquires should come to me on+44(0)1304 611215 or by email [email protected].
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News from the Boarding HouseDuring the last long weekend wetook the children off-site to enjoysome new activities and to get toexperience a little more of Kent.One group opted to go to LaserRush, a thrilling game combiningteam work with individual skill in thefabulous grounds of Quex Park. Thegame, lead by a specialist company,saw the boys don camouflage boilersuits and involved much hiding,running, zapping, cheering andmost of all, fun! The second group,meanwhile, were enjoying a calmer,though equally enjoyable, feltingworkshop in Eastry, just 5 minutesaway from school. Here the groupwere taught how to create a feltdesign and work it into a sturdy felthanging. The girls were given theopportunity to develop their ownunique design and choose their owncolours and thicknesses, giving riseto some stunning ideas and artisticdisplay. Over two hours ofdesigning, rubbing, washing,beating & shrinking later, the finalresults were fantastic! Everyonecame away feeling very proud oftheir work and fortunately were ableto keep their individual pieces! Whata great way for everyone to start theweekend!
Following the trips out, we had apicnic lunch and spent theafternoon back at school relaxingand playing netball, unihoc andfootball amongst other things. OnSunday morning we enjoyed brunchand welcomed a new boarder intothe girls’ house. Later in the day wetook the children for another ‘local’,English experience- a Pantomime ofPeter Pan, performed by peoplefrom the local area in NorthbourneParish Hall. Needless to say, thechildren were amused and baffledby the ‘bizarre’ audienceparticipation and characters onstage, but made the most of theirnew experience and can now saythat they have supported a localPantomime!
The school week, as ever, flew by,with sports fixtures, boarding clubs,school clubs, prep, assemblies andmore all finding their way in. Duringthe following short weekend the
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News from the Boarding House
children were in need of somedowntime and so we followed ourroutine of ‘Saturday Night, MovieNight’ and set up the beanbags andpopcorn for Wallace & Gromit, themovie!
On Sunday morning we visited theChurch for a thought provokingservice led by Bishop Michael ofDover and lots of beautiful singingfrom the school choir andcongregation alike! Following prep,lunch and a change of clothes, wetook the children out for a walk justoutside the grounds of the school.Enroute we came across some large,muddy puddles, which of course,pulled the children in like paperclipsto a magnet! Several minutes of splashing, stomping and squelching later, we were able to continue our walk!!Having enjoyed the mud and the beautiful scenery, we fished off in the Leadership woods back on site with toastedmarshmallows around the fire! Looking around at the muddy, grubby crowd, it was hard to believe that we werestill with the same group who just a few hours before in church had been smartly dressed and singing sweetly!!What a versatile bunch we are!
The school week has been as busy as ever, including several exciting sports fixtures, report reading and half termpreparations. While in the boarding houses we have been packing and organising for the half term holiday ahead!
On behalf of the boarding team, may I wish all of the children and their families a safe and happy holiday. I hopethey all come back refreshed and ready for another great half term!
As always, please do get in touch with any questions or queries about boarding, [email protected].
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FROM THE HEAD OF PRE-PREP
As I write the children are preparing to celebrate Mardi Gras(a little early as it falls during half-term). They will be takingpart in a brightly coloured, musical parade through thePrep School and enjoying some delicious pancakes for break(thank you Lesley!).
I am pleased to confirm that all the children will benefitfrom yoga lessons on Tuesday afternoons next half-term.These sessions are a wonderful way to encourage bothflexibility and strength, as well as a time for calming busyminds!
I hope the next half-term will be a healthier one foreveryone and we look forward to the prospect of Spring. Ihope you have a lovely half-term break with your children.
Alison Pouget
French Class 2 have been working on the story of ‘Le bonhommede neige at la nuit magique’ in their French lessons withMme Papougnot. They are learning how to say simplephrases and expressions and have made a booklet aboutthe story.
Class 2 visit to Canterbury CathedralClass Two have been learning about churches, and lookingmore closely at our school church. To extend this topic evenfurther, we visited Canterbury Cathedral. The children >
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were delighted to dress up as: KingHenry II, Thomas Becket, his monkEdward Grim, and four knights.In robes and gowns, and to theentertainment of other visitors, wetoured the Cathedral. We sawwhere the monks wrote books, andthe little boys played marbles in thechilly cloister. We learned howinfrequently they washed. In theChapter House we re-enacted thestory of Thomas Becket. Weadmired the Anthony Gormleysculpture, and we went up thestone Pilgrims' Stairs on our knees!Then we had time to try a range of activities in theEducation Room: carving sandstone like the masons,hoisting blocks with a pulley, writing with a quill, anddesigning "stained glass" candles.After a delicious picnic lunch we headed through ablizzard back to school.
Sainsbury VouchersIt’s time to get collecting again!Sainsbury’s Active Kids is back foranother year and we need your help toget as many vouchers as possible. Ourtarget this year is 5,000 vouchers.Please spread the word and let the rest
of your family and friends know we’re collecting andencourage them to pick up vouchers when they shop atSainsbury’s. The more vouchers we receive the moreresources we’ll be able to get. Donate these to us and wecan swap them for a wide range of active and cookingequipment and experiences for the children to use nextyear. You can find out more about Active Kids atSainsburys.co.uk/ActiveKids. Thank you for yoursupport.
Bourne to Have FunBookings are now open for the Easter holidays and Mayhalf-term: 30th March – 2nd April; 7th – 10th April;26th – 29th MayPlease see the website for prices and booking form.
Dates for your diary:Pre-Prep Coffee: Every Wednesday from 8.15 in thehall.French Café: Wednesday 25th February from 8.30 inthe hall. Refreshments will be on sale for parents andaccompanied children. Please come and enjoy someFrench conversation over your morning coffee andcroissantParent interviews: Monday 2nd – Thursday 5thMarchMothers Day Service: Tuesday 10th March at 9.30amin the School ChurchRed Nose Day: Friday 13th March ‘Make your facefunny for money!’
HEADMASTER’S COMMENDATIONS
Nursery: Farrah Steed Lovely artworkCiall Norris Lovely artworkElodie Single Progress in sounds activitiesIshaan Bhattacharya Role play and storiesNathaniel Payne Improved listening skills
Reception: Umaiza Malik Super readingTabitha Thomas Super reading Juliette Spencer Great effort at writingHarrison Saxby Super gymnastics in P.E. lessons
Class 1:Eloise Unitt A beautiful ‘cold colour’ paintingNoah Lucas Super investigation work in MathsFreddie Bennett Super improvement in handwritingCharlotte Mandry Super story writing skills
Class 2:Kitty Furneaux Excellent social skillsSimran Aiyagari Fabulous drawingErik Groth Fabulous poetry writing
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Sports NewsRUGBY
Saturday 7th February 2015
1st XV Rugby vs Wellesley House (Home)
This match was an example of the quality of play not truly reflected in the score line. Wellesley are always a well drilled andathletic side, so going toe to toe with them requires discipline and tenacity. Our game plans were simple, tackle and close theopposition down as early possible.
The game swung to and fro for the first 10 minutes, until one of their players broke through 8 tackles to score a very soft try!!!The same player crashed over again with another superb solo effort to take the score to 14-0 to Wellesley at half time.Unfortunately, the opposition were able to nullify our industrious rucking ability and were faster to the break down than us. Italso didn’t help that we only won 1 scrum the whole of the first half!!
Despite all this, we had enough possession and territory to suggest that the momentum was with us going into the second half.Once again the game ebbed and flowed in both directions and our rucking and scrummaging began to improve and dominatethe game. We created good platforms from which to attack from but alas continued to make wrong decisions at crucial times.
One of the main differences between the two teams was that we lacked the finishing power that Wellesley had. We defended heroically,stoically and to a man, the lads were very, very tenacious, especially whilst with our backs were against the wall. How we kept Wellesleyfrom scoring three or four more tries is testament to the discipline and courage each boy displayed. Well done – a fine effort.
We eventually went down 26-0, a score that didn’t prove how evenly matched the teams were. This was a resolute performancefrom the team and there was plenty to learn from. It is important that we take these lessons learnt and use them to improve ourown individual and team performances. Good job lads!
Wednesday 11th February 2015
Colts Rugby – Milner Cup
This is a fantastic annual tournament, hosted by Junior King’s. It is 7-a-side rugby beginning with 2 groups of 5 teams each. Youplay the teams in your group and the top two go through to the Cup semi-finals and those in 3rd and 4th place go to the Platesemi-finals.
We played Spring Grove first, a team that had beaten us at the start of the season, so we wanted revenge. We took the leadearly on through captain Oliver Martin but Spring Grove roared back and scored twice before the break. We composedourselves and kept to the game plan of patiently gaining ground until in sight of their try line. It worked well and two tries fromCharles Defour and Jayson Weaden gave us victory.
We were up against Junior King’s Bs in the next game and it was a perfect display of controlled, aggressive rugby with two triesfrom Oliver and one from Charles gave us a comprehensive victory.
Wellesley were our next opponents and they are a very well-drilled team. We gave them a good fight but their pack was toopowerful for us and this gave them possession of the ball and two tries for victory.
We would have to beat the national champions, New Beacon, to stay in the cup but they ran us ragged, scoring 6 times as theirpace men ran through us like a hot knife through butter. We did, however, manage a try ourselves, as substitute Luke Skingleran the whole length of the pitch to score in the corner.
We finished 3rd in the group and were drawn to play Ashford. It didn’t start well as they scored very early. It got worse whenOliver Martin went off injured and our heads dropped and we lost 3 tries to nil. Exit stage right.
All in all we played some good rugby but the lessons were there to be learnt. Tackle low and pick up the loose ball quicker.
Man-of-the-Tournament : Jayson Weaden – he never gave up.
NETBALL
Wednesday 4th February 2015
U13 Triangular Netball Fixture at Dover College
We travelled over to Dover College on Wednesday for a return fixture against both Dover and St Edmund’s. As we were able toplay the match indoors in their Sports Hall, there was no problem with biting winds or numb hands and our girls were able toshow how much they have improved as players over the last few weeks.
We completely dominated our first match against Dover College, demonstrating fluent passing up the court and excellentcomposure both in attack and defence. Kaya and Charlotte worked well together in the shooting circle, always looking to gainpossession of the ball close to the post and shooting well to make the final score 14 – 0 to NPS.
Next up was St. Edmund’s, a team that we had lost to quite heavily (2 – 12) a couple of weeks ago. So this was going to be areal test of how our training had been going since then. >
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With some superb, clinical play we immediately went into a 2-0 lead and kept up that momentum to win the first half 4-3. Ruthwas able to hold her space very effectively in the circle and was on form with her shooting, displaying textbook technique. Kayaand Saya’s athleticism and commitment shone through as they worked tirelessly, intercepting passes, moving with great speedaround the court and showing increasingly impressive tactical awareness. Carmen’s defensive play was outstanding as shethwarted numerous attacking moves by the opposition and contributed hugely to our own attacking play. Jess worked her socksoff as Wing Attack, getting free for passes and marking her opponent doggedly throughout the match. Ruby and Zoe showedgreat commitment in their roles as Wing Defence and Goal Keeper.
Half way through the second half and the match could not have been more evenly balanced. With the score at 6-6, however,fatigue started to show and we made one or two sloppy passes which allowed St. Edmund’s to pull ahead slightly and scorethree more goals before the final whistle.
The final score was 9-6 to St Edmund’s and although we were not quite able to win the match, both of the opposition’s coachesremarked on the quality of our play. Well done girls! This phenomenal performance was a culmination of the disciplined,mature and determined approach you have been displaying during training and I am very proud of you.
Players of the Match - Kaya Burrows, Saya Burrows, Carmen Babecki
U11 Netball vs Dover College (Home)
The girls have been working on the basics of passing, catching and footwork. This proved very successful against a young DoverCollege team. Our girls were organised with the centre passes and often managed to intercept their centre to gain possession.
After the first quarter NPS were 10-0 up so we started to swap positions to allow the reserves to get some match play. I was veryproud of the team. Nobody complained about the position they were in and all played to the best of their ability. This showedthat they really have got great team spirit. Well done, girls!
Final score: NPS- 17 : Dover College- 2. Player of the match: Harriet Balfour for being a super Goal Shooter
Tuesday 10th February 2015
U9 Netball vs St Faith’s (Home)
10 – 2.
Just as the girls were progressing in their Hockey play, the seasons changed, and now an abundance of new skills and rules mustbe learnt for the Netball season. If the girls’ enthusiasm was anything to go by, this is going to be another promising term ofsport. There has been a big emphasis in training on throwing accurately, catching on the move, and getting into space; as wellas ‘getting to grips’ with the footwork rules applied to Netball. The first game of the season always seems to bring aboutfeelings of apprehension and excitement for the players (and coaches), as all the children’s efforts and hard work in training areshowcased for the first time.
St Faith’s were able to take the lead in the first quarter of the match, as we settled in to our positions and became familiar withthe order of play. We tried our best to get the ball into space, but unfortunately the opposition were able to intercept our passesand pushed the ball into their shooting third. Aimee-Rose added pressure to the shooters in the circle, reaching out to interceptpasses and defending with confidence, but with good shooting technique, Saint Faith’s were able to score. Going into thesecond quarter, the girls began to show a fighting spirit. We started to get away from our defenders, but couldn’t get in front ofthem quick enough to receive the passes that we needed.
Shortly after half time the girls started to apply what they have worked on in training. A little repositioning of shooters anddefenders allowed us to intercept more passes and gain possession of the ball. Emma defended well, preventing the GA fromgetting into space; whilst Mariella, Poppy and Grace worked as a team to get the ball to our shooting third. A strong passage ofplay from these four players allowed an easy overhead pass from Poppy to Grace, finished off with a clean aim for goal, and theball glided through the net. This goal really did lift the girl’s spirits for the last quarter of the match, as they started to showdetermination to reach for the ball and prevent our opposition players finding space. The final quarter saw an extremely tensefew minutes of play as both teams endeavoured to gain possession of the ball; but eventually, Grace dodged past her defenderand with another good feed was able to score once more.
It is impossible to pick a player of the match, as today every single player on the court displayed tenacity and great team work.Although we did not win this match, the girls progressed tremendously as their understanding of the game increased. Ladies,you all contributed to the success of the team. Keep up the great work!
Wednesday 11th February 2015
U13 A Netball vs Wellesley House B (Home)
Plait power was in operation once again as our NPS A team took on Wellesley House Bs at home on Wednesday. From the firstwhistle the girls played with the composure, skill and tactical awareness that has been steadily developing over the last fewweeks and we quickly went ahead. By half time the score was 12-1 to NPS. >
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Sports NewsAt this point, Mrs Robinson decided to further challenge our players by putting them in positions that they would not normallybe asked to play. This was designed to allow Wellesley a few more opportunities to attack us. However, even out of position, ourgirls were able to produce good quality play (they must really be paying attention in training!!) and we continued to pull ahead.
The final score was 17-3 to NPS.
Well done girls – you are really gelling and developing as a team.
Players of the Match - Kaya Burrows and Jess Sainsbury
U13 B Netball vs Wellesley House (Home)
7 – 3.
The girls had been eagerly waiting for the next game of their season so that they can display skills that they have beenconcentrating on over the past few practices. We have developed our competitive nature, and the girls now demonstrate agreater aggression towards the ball. Wellesley House made strong, accurate centre passes which gave them clear channels ofplay towards the shooting circle. Maria Requijo and Maria Canero worked well together as a pair defending with confidence,and reaching out to intercept passes, but our opposition had very accurate aim at the post and were able to get the ballthrough the net on a number of occasions. Our girls continued to hold their space and move at the right time to receiveaccurate passes which allowed for a smooth flow of play in the centre third. Intelligent spatial awareness allowed Charlotte tofind free space and put herself in to a good shooting position to score. As the game progressed, all of the girls passing accuracyimproved, we also started to intercept more of Wellesley’s passes - leaping and snatching the ball out of the air. Increasedpossession generated a little pressure on Wellesley players in a close fought final quarter which stretched end to end of thenetball court.
It was great to see such a competitive attitude that you applied to the game today, you all played with guts and determination.
Player of the match: Marie de Talhouet
Bourne to Have Fun!30th March – 2nd April • 7th - 10th April • 26th - 29th May 2015
Holiday Ac�vity Club for boys and girls aged 38 years
Days of fun, filled with games, arts & cras, sports, nature trails, cookery & minibeas�ng
NORTHBOURNE PARK SCHOOLBetteshanger, Deal, Kent CT14 0NW. Telephone: (01304) 611792 www.northbournepark.com
Inspiring in every child the confidence to succeed
An exci�ng progressive course during which boys and girls, aged 814 years, develop their learningthrough explora�on and discovery in a variety of outdoor and survival ac�vi�es.
NORTHBOURNE PARK SCHOOLBetteshanger, Deal, Kent CT14 0NW. Telephone: (01304) 611792 www.northbournepark.com
Inspiring in every child the confidence to succeed
Spy Treasure Trail • Woodland Restaurant Cooking • Beach Art • Nature TrekCanoeing in Canterbury • Willow Work • Tree Top Challenge
