STONAR NEWSSPRI NG 2013

ExceedingExpectations

Olympic silver-medallist Tina Cook visits | Prep boys enjoy first rugby season

New Head at the helm | Fellowship for Darrell Scaife

Spring 2013

IN ThIS ISSuE…

Prep Informal Concert p15

Allotment to gain pigs p5

PluS6 Academic News

8 Performing Arts

10 Equestrian News

11 Sport

14 Prep News

16 Meet Nik Hawkins

DATES fOR ThE DIARy

March8 March Open Morning20 March Raiders of the Lost Lark

Year 9 Production, 7.00pm22 March Term ends23 March Old Stonarians’

London Reunion

April 16 April Summer term commences

May18 May Open Morning18-19 May Mini ISODE25 May Half term commences

June3 June Term recommences22 June Speech Day & Prize Giving22 June Summer Ball25-26 June BE

July5 July Term ends

fROm ThE hEADDear Parents and Friends,

It is a pleasure and privilege to be leading Stonar’s community. Seven years ago I was particularly attracted to the school by its intimate feel, the friendliness of the staff and pupils and its care and support for each and every person. I still feel now as I did then, that Stonar has huge potential and a unique ethos, which all the pupils buy into. Part of this is their ‘can-do’ attitude – pupils never say that they cannot do something – it’s almost an unwritten code. They also have an unshakeable desire to do their best academically and a mutual respect and support of each other.

Stonar’s first and foremost priority is to bring out the best in each individual pupil by knowing, acknowledging and supporting them personally. Every term yields plentiful examples of pupils growing in confidence and developing both academically and personally. We are delighted that our Year 6 pupils have all been offered places at their senior school of choice (mostly Stonar, pleasingly) with a record number being offered scholarships. They are a real credit to the school and their outcomes bear testament to the excellent individual preparation and progress that the staff in the Prep School achieve.

Pupils have enjoyed the varied and inspirational opportunities available: the debating teams dazzled audiences in the Rotary Young Speakers competitions; Year 7 pupils enjoyed considerable success at the Lego Robotics Challenge and our senior sports teams have had an outstanding term with an almost unbeaten record to date. The pupils in the prep school gave us a lovely informal concert, impressing all with their quality, poise and confidence. I am very much looking forward to seeing them perform as part of the whole school Spring Concert.

We have welcomed an array of inspirational guests to enrich pupils’ academic and sporting endeavours. Whilst our teachers continue to inspire and educate, it is always a great pleasure to witness their own personal development – we are therefore extremely proud that Director of Riding, Darrell Scaife has been awarded a Fellowship of the BHS, the very highest recognition of professional standing within the equestrian industry.

Toby Nutt, Head

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ShINING AChIEVEmENTSPupils aim high in all aspects of their school life and are supported and stretched to ensure they are rewarded by discovering and fulfilling their potential.

STONAR REVAmPS CATERING Stonar has updated its dining experience, bringing an exciting new bistro-style service to the dining room. As well as improvements to food and presentation, more self service items are now on offer to speed up the experience. “It’s much

better. There’s now a wider variety of food with more flavour and the self service really helps cut down on wastage as you can choose how much you want to eat,” commented Emma Double, Head Girl.

CElEbRATING SuCCESSPupils have excelled out of school as well as in. Congratulations to Connie Holmes who has been selected by the English Youth Ballet, an offshoot of the English National Ballet, to take part in their production of Sleeping Beauty in the Playhouse Theatre in Weston-super-Mare. Connie was selected after a rigorous audition process. The English Youth Ballet perform full-length productions of classical ballets with professional principal dancers in the leading roles in regional theatres across the UK.

Congratulations to Dominica Rogan-Pfaff, Year 10, who after winning the National Novice Pony Club Eventing Championships at the end of September, has been making great strides in British Show Jumping this season. Dominica has been regularly placed in the 1m and 1m10 categories on her pony, Lady, and has now qualified for highly prestigious Blue Chip Winter Championship Finals which take place in April at Hartpury.

Megan Cookson was invited to perform

at an ABRSM High Scorers’ Concert at the Wiltshire Music Centre, following a high achievement in her Grade 5 Cello Exam. Megan gave a recital of Dvorak’s Humoresque.

Following a fantastic performance at the recent Avon Vale Triathlon hosted at Stonar, Katherine Townsend has qualified for the Nationals of the Pony Club Triathlon. Katherine was placed 1st in the Swimming and 3rd overall. She has also been selected to represent Wiltshire at the National Cross Country Championships, following success in the County Championships.

Good luck to Hilary Casey, Year 11 who has been training hard and is running the Bath Half Marathon to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust, which is very close to her heart.

NEW SENIOR TEAmIn January 2013 Toby Nutt became the first male Head of Stonar in the school’s long and distinguished history. His appointment, has been widely welcomed by parents and pupils alike. The school management structure is now as follows:

• Mr Mark Brain, Head of Prep, responsible for all matters relating to the Prep School.

• Dr Sally Divall, Assistant Head, Curriculum, responsible for all academic matters and will deputise for Toby Nutt in his absence.

• Mrs Nik Hawkins, Assistant Head, Pastoral, responsible for all pastoral matters, both day and boarding.

• Mrs Alison Rivers, Senior Teacher, responsible for organising many of the whole school events in addition to her current roles.

lEGO ChAllENGEA team of Year 7s participated in the South West Lego Robotics Challenge culminating in a competition at HP Labs in Bristol in November. The challenge theme was solving problems faced by the elderly. As well as building a robot to complete a task, pupils also had to present on a solution to a problem. The girls gave a presentation about a stair lift that, instead of having a chair attached to it, could take a small wheelchair, so the person would have the use of a wheelchair both upstairs and downstairs. The idea was well received and the Stonar team came second for the presentation element of the competition, as well as 12th out of 27 teams overall – an outstanding result as Stonar were one of the youngest teams competing.

STONAR NEWS

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EXPlORATIONPupils’ learning is enhanced by a varied programme of trips and visits which directly correlate to their studies.

OuT AND AbOuT IN GEOGRAPhyYear 10 girls took a trip to The Somerset Earth Science Centre, to visit a super-quarry (Whatley), and experience first-hand the attempts made by Hanson to minimise the effects on the environment of extracting limestone on such a vast scale. It was a surprise to many girls that they couldn’t actually see the quarry until they were in fact, in it, dispelling all accepted thoughts that quarries are an eyesore.

Next came a trip for Year 11 pupils to Lyndhurst to collect primary data for their controlled assessment. Torrential rain all day meant that work booklets quickly became sodden! This did not deter the girls however, who stoically carried on, making the most of every available minute before they had to

PARlIAmENTIn September, Year 12 visited the Houses of Parliament. Pupils were shown the lobby and the House of Lords before visiting the House of Commons, where they watched a live debate on mental discrimination being given by Dame Anne Beggs. The girls then participated in a workshop, where they spilt into three parties and had to devise policies, followed by a vote for the winning party. The ‘green rosette’ party with Mona Klau as their leader won by far. Pupils had a fascinating day, and now feel more informed about how Britain’s government works.

leave…..clearly getting good grades for their GCSE outweighing any thought of personal discomfort.

Sun shone on the Year 13 A2 group the following week when they headed to the South Haven Dunes at Studland Bay. Here the focus was on geographical skills and vegetation succession on dunes. Rosie, Sophie and Gabriela collected a huge amount of data using a wide variety of equipment – the wet/dry bulb hygrometer being a particular favourite.

INDuSTRIAl PhySICSIn November, the L6 Physics set, visited Avon Rubber PLC with Head of Science, David Wicks. The visit forms an important component of the AS Physics coursework, where pupils are expected to visit a business organisation that uses physics principles or materials science as an integral part of their service or production process.

Avon Rubber PLC is a high tech organisation that uses the latest materials science technology to shape and bond polymers to form a wide range of products. At this particular site, the organisation produces gas masks (respirators) for the US Armed Forces. The girls were given a fascinating tour of the site and were then invited to take part in a fitting-trial for a new type of respirator.

Louise said “It was good to see how tensile tests are done in an industrial setting”. Emma commented “This was the first factory I have ever been in, and I was impressed by the way such a large organisation is run”.

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DukE Of EDINbuRGhIn the Autumn term the D of E Silver Award candidates completed their assessed expedition on Exmoor while new D of E Gold award candidates completed their practise expedition. Typically, the weather went from wet, cold and windy to sunny and windy and, occasionally, quite pleasant, as the girls trekked over challenging terrain through woods, along streams, up hills and across the open moor over three days. Assessed and practise groups all completed their expeditions successfully.

CulTuRE AND ChRISTmAS IN PARISA group of Year 11 and Sixth Form pupils travelled to Paris for the weekend in December, arriving in time for a scenic boat ride along the Seine taking in the sights of Paris by night. Pupils visited the Louvre to view famous works of art such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. They then headed to the Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. After enjoying the views over Paris and the girls hit the Christmas markets on the Champs Elysees and ‘shopped ‘til they dropped’. There was a final visit to the Sacré Coeur on Sunday morning before heading back.

GEORGINA’S PIG PROjECTDuke of Edinburgh Gold candidate and Year 12 pupil Georgina Hall is working with a team of pupils to help her rebuild Stonar’s pig stys, hopefully in the original stone, with a view to housing two pigs by the summer term. A voluntary project is a component of the Gold Award, and Georgina has chosen to make a contribution to Stonar’s allotment. The first stage is well under way and the excess rubble and weeds are being cleared so the site can be properly assessed. Parents who wish to contribute or get involved with the project should contact Pam Nix at p.nix@stonarschool.com. The more pairs of helping hands we have, the quicker we will be able to move the pigs in.

STONAR NEWS

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ACADEmIC Pupils are given the opportunity to explore beyond the curriculum to enrich their understanding and develop their skills.

GP WORk EXPERIENCE fOR PuPIlS Stonar has been selected to be part of a pilot group of south west schools and colleges to link up with the NHS Deanery, Bristol University and local GP practices to offer work experience placements to Sixth Form students. Anthony Curtis, Head of Careers, was part of a team that recently won a research bid from the University of Bristol to conduct research into widening access for school pupils so that they can gain work experience prior to entering medical school. Stonar pupils interested in entering medicine will be interviewed about factors that help and hinder their medical school applications and encouraged to attend work placements at selected GP practices.

yEAR 9 EmbARk ON bRONzE CREST AWARDYear 9 pupils are undertaking a small scale biology research project which involves researching, designing and carrying out various experiments within a topic area. Topics include diverse areas from yeast and vitamin C to investigating fabrics. Within the scope of this project a number of girls have been entered for the CREST bronze awards. These are national awards in science and engineering aimed at inspiring young people aged 5-19, and recognised by universities and colleges. The awards promote transferrable skills including teamwork, problem solving and self-motivation. The projects will culminate in the production of posters and presentations later this term.

DEbATING Lauren Fairley, Izzy Journeaux and Nina Fowler in Year 10 ably represented Stonar in the Rotary Public Speaking competition at Melksham Oaks School. The motion they chose to put forward was that dating lessons should be compulsory in schools. Through a mixture of witty one-liners and more serious points Lauren presented a powerful argument convincingly, and with style. She dealt well too, with probing questions from the audience. The debate was chaired by Izzy and the vote of thanks was concisely expressed by Nina rounding off proceedings with aplomb. With nine teams in total (most of which contained Year 12 and 13 pupils) competition was fierce.

fIRST-hAND IN ThE fACTORy A Level Business Studies pupils visited Cereal Partners UK, a Nestle joint venture company based in Staverton, Wiltshire.

Pupils were given a guided tour of the factory floor, where they were shown each stage of the production of ‘Shreddies’. To conclude, they were given a presentation by the Operations manager, which outlined the corporate objectives and how each department helps to achieve those objectives. Pupils asked questions that aided their understanding of the A2 Business Studies course and how strategies are implemented in the real business environment.

Emma Double

PARTIClE PhySICS mASTERClASS 2013In February, the Year 12 Physics class attended a Particle Physics Masterclass at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire.

The day started with two lectures – the first, ‘A Very Brief Guide to Accelerators’ and the second, ‘The Fundamentals of Particle Physics’. After this the group visited a computer workshop where we were taught how to interpret data produced by the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. This included viewing some of the actual data used to identify the Higgs Boson for the first time last summer.

After lunch, there was a fascinating talk on the Large Hadron Collider by one of the leading UK scientists involved in the project, before visiting ‘Diamond’, a 500m particle accelerator.

The day finished with a concise lecture on how the theoretical knowledge gained from CERN and other particle accelerators is finding its way into practical situations, especially in medical physics.

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INSPIRATIONA lively programme of visiting guests and speakers provides an insight into different walks of life and inspires pupils to choose paths in life that are out of the ordinary as well as communicating the qualities and motivation for success.

TINA COOkOlympic Silver Medallist, Tina Cook, visited Stonar in February to deliver a day of riding clinics to pupils. Tina Cook was part of the British Olympic eventing team, taking silver in London 2012 and individual bronze in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. A full-time eventer since the age of 16, she also took team gold at the World Equestrian Games in 2010 and has represented the UK in 10 European Championships

Twenty one pupils took part in the clinic. Tina’s focus was on preparing the riders for cross-country jumping.

ThERESA fOOTE Pupils, parents, staff and alumni enjoyed an evening with Theresa Foote, an Old Stonarian and now a highly successful business woman. Theresa’s talk on ‘Building Your Brand’ encouraged pupils to identify their unique strengths and value to others and then equipped them to tell their story with confidence and impact, through interactive role play sessions.

Anthony Curtis, Head of Careers, described the evening as an “inspiring and thought-provoking evening for our pupils, and Theresa’s lively and engaging delivery encouraged all pupils to venture out of their ‘comfort zone’ and focus on their unique and special qualities.” The group sessions also enabled pupils to anticipate their audience, focus on how they will be received by others and deliver messages about themselves in confident and positive ways.

AlASTAIR hIGNEllIn a memorable and moving evening attended by pupils, parents, staff and the wider community, ex-rugby international, BBC commentator and county cricketer, Alastair Hignell CBE spoke at Stonar in the Autumn term. He described his shock diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis at 43; his transformation from fit and healthy sportsman facing a comfortable future, to disability and the unknown. Alastair shared his journey from denial and anger through to understanding and acceptance. He rounded off the talk by highlighting the lessons he’s learnt as part of this life journey; honour your talent and be honest were key messages here that resonated with pupils.

The evening ended with a raffle, raising money for the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre and a book signing.

Tina said “We’ve been focussing on learning to keep a rhythm going, as well as control and balance so the girls are prepared for jumping out in fields. I’ve also been looking at how to manage change of pace.”

“We were delighted to welcome Tina. Stonar is committed to training the young riders of the future, and providing access to world class trainers such as Tina is an important part of this,” commented Darrell Scaife, Director of Riding.

STONAR NEWS

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lONDON GAllERIESThis term, Year 11 and Sixth Form Art and Photography students visited London galleries in preparation for the forthcoming exams. They took in the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery and the Tate Modern. One Sixth Former commented that “just being in the National Gallery was interesting as the rooms were so beautifully presented

as well the artwork being so incredible.” Another girl enjoyed sketching one of the paintings in the Kurt Schwitters exhibition. Seeing paintings, sculptures and photographs first-hand is always a worthwhile experience as so much can be learnt about the way an artist thinks and works that cannot be learnt in any other way.

CREATIVITyA vibrant programme of arts and drama involves every pupil at Stonar, no matter what their talent.

Illustrator Anna Currey visited Stonar to run a workshop with pupils. Anna shared her work, The Christmas Unicorn.

WhERE ARE ThEy NOW?

Theresa Foote Stonar 1981-89

Since leaving Stonar, Theresa’s journey has been one of ongoing learning, persistence and patience in overcoming obstacles and of creating opportunities.

After a variety of work experiences, Theresa completed a degree in Psychology and Theatre Studies, Drama at the University of Liverpool. On graduating, Theresa took on a business psychology role in the US which was to prove fundamental to her future career. She then spent several years honing her skills, learning a range of people skills, psychology tools and management, which saw her achieve the position of Executive Director.

Theresa took a career break in 2002 travelling across Australasia, Asia and Africa. She says, “the people I met taught me lots and lead to future work opportunities.”

Now running her own business Aurora, since 2009, she combines her psychology training with her ongoing theatre study and she was recently accepted onto the Masters in Voice Studies at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Theresa is particularly interested in how we change mindsets, build confidence and use language and voice for successful outcomes.

Looking back on her time at Stonar Theresa said, “When I think of Stonarians a few words come to mind: warmth, high quality work, commitment to results, care for others, individuality and a sense of fun. An impressive set of words for the Stonar brand.”

PhOTOGRAPhERS TO lACOCkYear 10 photographers enjoyed a trip to Lacock this term visiting the birthplace of photography and the Fox Talbot Museum. The girls also had the opportunity to take photographs of each other in the beautiful grounds of the Abbey using natural lighting. They had planned what they wanted to do beforehand and had researched photographers so that they had a better idea about composition and viewpoint.

TROPhy fOR OlD STONARIANThe organising team behind BE’s Jumping and Style series have donated a new trophy for future JAS Championships in memory of Kenneth Clawson who passed away in December 2012.

The inaugural winner of this memorial trophy is Old Stonarian, twenty year old Amber Woodhouse. Andrew commented on the winner: “Amber has been extremely consistent throughout the JAS series this year. She rides very beautifully, is always incredibly polite and enthusiastic but most of all puts in a lot of effort with her horses. There were of course others who were equally deserving of the recognition but for us Amber had the winning edge.”

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DRAmA STuDENTS ‘ACE’ EXAm

Both the AS and A2 drama classes presented their practical pieces in February. The AS candidates presented extracts from Brecht’s ‘Caucasian Chalk Circle.’ Three Year 9 students joined the cast for a fantastic chance to experience an A Level play. The girls worked extremely hard and the examiner could not believe they were only in Year 9. The candidates all achieved ‘Top Band’ mark. The A2 actors presented their own play which was a farce based around a classroom situation, where the teacher had not turned up. The climax involved a highly elaborate chase scene and a great cream pie fight. The A2 candidates again achieved ‘Top Band’ marks.

jOSEPhStonar’s annual production is always a highlight on the school calendar and this year was no exception as the Senior School presented a musical performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Stonar pupils delivered a slick and polished performance, thoroughly enjoyed by performers and audience alike. Parents lavishly praised the feel-good factor that resonated throughout the production, an extravaganza of music and dance.

The production was a true whole school production with many young cast members, not least Olivia Anniss from Year 9 who starred as Joseph.

“Stonar pupils are always up for a dramatic and musical challenge. The 40-strong cast, made up entirely of girls from all year groups, truly delivered that feel good factor the musical demands.

The Chamber Choir performed a varied programme of Christmas music as entertainment for the Ladies Member’s Christmas lunch at Cumberwell Park Golf Club in December. Pupils also gave concerts in Atworth and at the Rachel Fowler Centre in Melksham which were warmly received.

This is a relatively young cast and it is wonderful to see all the new talent we now have. This was a great musical, and it also means there is so much to look

forward to for the next few years at Stonar,” commented Nic Proud, Head of Drama.

STONAR NEWS

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EquESTRIAN NEWS

STONAR CROWNED NATIONAl ChAmPIONSStonar teams excelled at the NSEA (National Schools Eventing Association) Championships at Addington in October and were crowned Open JWS National Champions, as well as being Reserve Champions in the Intermediate JWS Finals.

Stonar also had two individual winners, Sophie Andrews is now the Open Team Dressage National winner and Chelsea Pearce is the JWS National Champion.

Darrell Scaife, Director of Riding commented, “I am very proud of Stonar’s riders. I would like to say a huge well done to everyone who contributed towards this success and to the many wins and placings at ISODE and the Hartpury qualifier.”

The full teams and placings can be seen on the right:

STONAR EquESTRIAN DEPARTmENT STRENGThENS WITh NEW APPOINTmENTS

Stonar’s Equestrian Department is pleased to announce the appointments of Fiona Hobby who joins as Assistant Director of Riding and Jeni Edge as Yard Manager.

Fiona Hobby is a professional event rider, and has ridden at numerous CCI**** events including Badminton and Burghley. As a Young Rider, Fiona represented the UK numerous times in show-jumping teams. Until recently Fiona was running her own business, producing and training horses. Her experience as a trainer is extensive having trained all levels of rider from beginners to top level show-jumpers and eventers.

Jeni Edge has worked for 4 years in racing, helping to keep racehorses fit and healthy. Jeni has always had a passion for horses and after graduating, completed an HNC in Horse Studies. With a wider interest in healing and rehabilitation, she then trained in Massage and worked as a self-employed masseur for people before also qualifying in Equine Sports Massage.

“We are delighted to welcome Fiona and Jeni to the team here at Stonar. This top notch provision will enable to us to strengthen the programme we offer to pupils while continuing to ensure a well run department,” commented Darrell Scaife.

NSEA Championships Addington 20–21 October

Open JWS Championships Stonar Team 1st Katie Bastable & Tatty Keel Sophie Andrews & Playtime II Kirstie Johnson & Arancara Dominica Rogan-Pfaff & Another Lady 2

Intermediate JWS Championships Stonar Team 2nd Grace Bibby & Summerhouse Coconut Harriet Martin & Ballymaloe Boy Katie Bastable & Tatty Keel Poppy Blokland & Mr Skipps

Open JWS Individual Winner Chelsea Pearce & Catherston Nutsafe

Team Dressage Championships Stonar Team 4th Poppy Blokland & Mr Skipps Harriet Martin & Ballymaloe Boy Sophie Andrews & Playtime II(Section winner) Kirstie Johnson & Arancara

The Stonar winning team at ISODE

Fiona Hobby (l) and Jeni Edge

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SPORTING SuCCESSAn exceptional term as Stonar pupils hold their own in swimming, netball, hockey and cross country.

hOCkEyThe U13A and U12A teams had a terrific hockey season, with the U13As unbeaten in all eight of their matches and the U12As winning six out of seven.

CROSS COuNTRyStonar teams were highly successful overall in the West Wiltshire Area Cross Country, coming first in the Junior, Intermediate and Senior categories and second in the Minors. As a result, several pupils qualified to represent West Wiltshire and went on to compete in the County Cross Country Championships where they represented the school and West Wiltshire athletics extremely well.

Three pupils have now qualified to represent Wiltshire at the National Finals in Derbyshire in March, an exceptional achievement. Senior Girls: Valeria Shunina (finished 5th) and Bethan White (6th) Inter Girls: Katherine Townsend (9th)

NETbAllStonar’s First team has won four out of five netball matches of the season so far, defeating Warminster, Prior Park, St Laurence and Bristol Cathedral School. Results were as follows - Warminster: 11-9, Prior Park: 20-8, St Laurence: 26-16, Bristol Cathedral School: 29-14 Congratulations to all the girls. Stonar also enjoyed a clean sweep at Warminster with all teams winning their matches.

DARREll SCAIfE fEllOWShIPStonar is delighted to announce that Darrell Scaife FBHS, UKCC & British Eventing Accredited Coach has been awarded the highly respected Fellowship of the British Horse Society. Darrell is only the 77th Fellow to have been recognised since 1949 when the first award was made.

The Fellowship is the highest recognition of professional standing within the equestrian industry. The BHS state that “only by dedication, hard work, open mindedness, fairness and a willingness to never stop learning, will you pass this prestigious examination”.

“I was over the moon to learn that I had passed because I have always stood by my coaching philosophy and training techniques – with the welfare of the horse at its heart. So I feel incredibly honoured that those ideals have been judged to be correct. It’s a resounding affirmation of who I am and that what I do is correct; this has really fuelled my desire to learn more.”

Linda Haworth, Senior Executive, Examinations at the BHS said of Darrell’s achievement:

“I never fail to get excited by a new Fellow because it is the highest recognition of professional standing in the equestrian industry. It’s particularly enlightening when someone as unpretentious as Darrell Scaife gains the prestigious title of Fellow because it can only send out a message to others that if they have a real work ethos and a desire to keep learning as Darrell does, then the Fellowship is achievable to all who set their sights on it.”

At the Regional Championships, held at Millfield, Stonar swimmers beat off fierce competition from 44 schools. All teams acquitted themselves well, but particular congratulations go to the Inter Girls teams who came first in the 200m Medley Team event and second

in the 200m Freestyle event. As well as topping the Wiltshire league tables, Stonar are now in the top 20 schools for swimming in the South West. Stonar swimmers were also victorious in recent galas at Westonbirt and Badminton.

TOP Of ThE TAblES fOR SWImmING

STONAR NEWS

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ChARITyCharity work is part of the fabric of life at Stonar, instilling pupils with respect and compassion for others.

ROmANIASeven Sixth Formers travelled out to Iasi, a deprived area of Romania with charity People Against Poverty at the end of October. Having each raised at least £400, pupils undertook the challenge of building a new home for a family in a shanty town outside the city.

Despite a number of unexpected setbacks, pupils worked incredibly hard to complete the project on time. The new house is a secure wooden construction, fully insulated and has a stove for warmth and cooking.

“I hadn’t considered the depth to which we would become emotionally involved. Seeing how little they have, we so badly

PREP ChARITy uPDATEAfter raising over £7,000 for a new guide dog puppy last year, the Prep School have received an update on their named puppy. ‘Johnson’ is now four months old and doing very well in his initial training and socialisation. We hope to arrange a visit for Johnson to Stonar soon.

Bristol Children’s Hospital The Prep School’s chosen charity this year is the Children’s Heart Appeal at Bristol Children’s Heart Hospital. Children have embarked on an enormous range of activities, both collectively and individually. The Funky

STONAR VISITS EbONy hORSE Club, bRIXTONFour Stonar Sixth Formers visited the Ebony Horse Club, a charity that works with disadvantaged children, in Brixton. Stonar supports the Ebony Club and riders from the charity visited Stonar earlier in the year.

Ebony Horse Club aims to improve the life skills, education and aspirations of disadvantaged children and young people growing up in Brixton, one of the UK’s most deprived communities, by providing access to horse riding and mentoring.

Working with volunteers at the stables, pupils gained an insight in to how the club provides a safe place for children to be and gives them a positive interest away from the gang life which is rife in that area.

Footwear Day at the start of the year was a big success with pupils exercising their creativity and raising funds.

Ysobel Andrews - raised £23.00 from a sprout eating challenge. Oliver Bagnall - raised £10.00 by wearing his shorts all term during all weather conditions. Rebecca Fairley – raised £20.00 by reading every day of the Christmas holiday. Pollyanna and Jemima Horton - raised £40.00 by writing and performing a nativity play for their families.

essential items and also ran a craft workshop.

Having become very involved with another family at the site, pupils have undertaken to raise a further £1,000 to fund legal work which could lead to a new, permanent home for them. The Romania expedition, along with other opportunities and overseas trips allows Stonar pupils to move out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges.

wanted to help them,” commented one pupil. “Although there was a language barrier – we broke through it and grew a strong connection through the shared endeavour of building the new house,” added another. Pupils took a group of sponsored children shopping to buy

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CuRNOWAs always, the past weeks have been busy for Curnow girls - packed with well-earned successes and fun-filled activities. Curnow’s determination has shone through this term with our accomplishments in the Inter-House Singing competition where, incredibly, we won all three categories. House speaking was another highlight with an overall 1st place. On top of that there has been ‘gingerbread house making’, a boarder’s activity that was later judged. (We also won!)

House charity plans have progressed swiftly thanks to our new heads of fundraising, Alice Finch and Louise Harris. The annual ‘Easter Riding Show’ is now being replaced with a ‘Riding Show with a Twist’ to raise money for our chosen charity, Rainbow Trust. In addition a charity photography competition was held in which girls could submit a picture for a donation of 50p. Plans are being made for participation in Bath’s ‘Race for Life’, a 5km race from Bath University in June.

Boarders have taken part in many fun, social outings in recent weeks. Year 12 pupils enjoyed an outing to local pub, The Bell in Atworth for a meal and the Year 7s and 8s have had an ‘Ice cream and Strawberry Night In’ with Miss Jones.

House Captain, Emma Rowe

hARTThese first two terms have been very eventful for Hart girls. Hart’s great atmosphere of mutual support and house pride, allows the girls to enjoy house competitions, such as: Inter-house cross-country, singing and dancing where

the junior girls won their category and the seniors were just beaten to the post and came second. The girls are looking forward to showcasing their many talents and skills in the Head’s Challenge, but also determined to win.

Before Easter the houses will compete in the Inter-house swimming. The girls are ready to jump right in and represent Hart!

Hart girls are supporting Teenage Cancer Trust this year. I am sure that Hart girls will make the most of this wonderful year 2013, as well as continuing to succeed.

House Captain, Elyssia Beck.

GANbROOkFor the past term and a half, Ganbrook may not have been as successful as we would have liked. Nevertheless, our spirits have remained high, particularly after our muddy victory in the cross country fields. Well done to everyone who participated and special congratulations to Bethan White for 1st place in the Seniors and Josephine Southey for 2nd place in the Juniors. As we start final preparations for the talent show, hopes are running high and rehearsals are well under way.

We may have a reputation of being the loudest, craziest house but we are all … proud of it. A huge thank you to everyone in Ganbrook for their copious efforts and contributions both in and out of house this year; we may not be in the lead for house points but we certainly have the most laughs, particularly with the newly appointed Lord and Lady Ganbrook and the effervescent Bentley.

House Captain, Tilly Thompson

yORk The end of the Christmas term culminated with the annual house Christmas party, which included the obligatory party games which were once again fiercely contested, pass the polo proving slightly harder to master than pass the parcel.

Hard work was the name of the game for much of the last two terms and the ladies of York house worked incredibly hard in the run up to their A-Level examinations in January. Since then, with a little more time for R&R they have developed a penchant for action movies and pizza. Friday night is movie night in house with Vin Diesel, Bruce Willis, or Daniel Craig regularly featuring on the menu along with a large margarita pizza!

Spring is in the air and with a spring in their step several girls have taken to running, complementing the regular Wii dance battles with a spot of fresh air. The heavy snowfalls earlier this term provided an opportunity for alternative entertainment with numerous snow sculptures appearing outside and even an igloo.

mOVERS & ShAkERSWelcome to:• Tacey Atwell, Reception Teacher• Lucy Noad, Prep School Teaching

Assistant• Fiona Hobby, Assistant Director of

Riding• Jeni Edge, Yard Manager • Mary Button, Nursery Assistant• Robert Essex, PGCE Bath Spa

Student working in Science• Heather Dziedzic returns to teach

A level Biology

Farewell and thank you to:• Sophie Van Gerwen, Head of Pre-

Prep• Alison Alderton, Yard Manager

who recently gave birth to a baby boy

Congratulations to the following staff who have new positions in Stonar:• Lucy Havranek, Houseparent of

Hart• Emelia Sowels, Equine Secretary• Nicki Teasdale, Assistant

Houseparent Hart House, Pastoral Co-ordinator and teacher of RS & PSHE

• Kathryn Willder, Head of Early Years

SENIOR hOuSE NEWS

STONAR NEWS

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fullER NEWSThe girls in Fuller house have enjoyed a busy start to the term which kicked off with a trip to the Theatre Royal Bath to watch a wonderful performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This was followed by a weekend of snow and then the next weekend was spent doing what girls like doing best - shopping. A recent evening of pizza and pampering was enjoyed by everyone and the weekend was rounded off nicely on Sunday afternoon with bowling and swimming. Fuller also had great fun devising and performing a show piece in the senior school dance competition to Jitterbug.

STONAR PREPEvery child in Prep benefits from creative and imaginative learning and the space to expand their independence

CREATIVE ARTS WEEkA celebration of all creative arts, including drama, music and art, Creative Arts Week was a colourful and vibrant week involving all Prep school children in a diverse range of activities.

The week started with a visiting company called ‘Artists in School.’ After an interactive assembly about the life of Kandinsky the Year 1-6 children looked at how to use sketches and painting to suggest a picture using lines and colour.

The Forest School proved a stimulating venue. Years 3 and 4 created their own natural art pictures with patterns and shapes using autumnal colours, inspired by the work of the artist Goldsworthy. The Pre-prep classes made collages, finding a wide range of natural materials and colours in the Forest School.

Years 5 and 6 worked with light sensitive

ChESS Club PROVES A TREmENDOuS SuCCESS

Every boy and girl from Year 3 to Year 6 are now being taught how to play chess as part of their study skills lesson. Younger children can also learn by coming to chess club. Children now know how to play a full board game and a whole school tournament has been introduced.

We teach chess because we believe that there are so many benefits such as memory, concentration, logical thinking, predicting consequences and imagination.

Chess reaches far into the school curriculum developing scientific ways of thinking, using the brain as a computer, making mathematical calculations, testing patience, nerves and will-power. It enhances the children’s ability to interact with other people and tests their sportsmanship in a competitive environment. It has proved very popular.

paper to make pictures using objects that made interesting silhouettes. These were placed onto the paper to form an interesting composition and then the pictures were placed in daylight for 4 minutes so that the paper could ‘develop’. The pictures were then rinsed and dried, leaving beautiful patterns. The Pre-prep classes also worked with clay to create tiles and shields.

Other activities included a drama workshop provided by the visiting company Pyjama Drama, a funky dance workshop and a singing workshop with Miss Meehan.

On the final day all the children were involved in workshops using recyclable materials to create 3D models of their choice. There were many wonderful machines, robots, animals and cards. It was a chance for the children to use their imaginations to design and make using a full range of materials.

Congratulations to the Stonar Prep pupils who gained Scholarships in to the Senior School. Academic: Georgia Munnings, Hermione Titcombe, Georgina Henwood (who also gained an academic scholarship to Dauntseys). Riding: Harriet Blokland & Sophie Spratling. Sports: Anna Watson, Sophie Spratling & Hermione Titcombe. Drama: Ysobel Andrews, Poppy Hedley, Anna Watson.

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“A VICTORIAN ChRISTmAS” IN TROWbRIDGE

Just before Christmas, Pre-prep children visited Trowbridge Museum to participate in workshops entitled “A Victorian Christmas”. Mr Birks from the museum showed the children real Victorian toys and talked about what they were made of and what they were for. We saw spinning tops, jigsaws, tin soldiers, paper puppets, marbles and a wooden chess set. The children learnt about the customs introduced by Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert such as having a decorated tree in our houses, sending Christmas cards and enjoying Christmas puddings. The next activity was to make and decorate a Christmas wreath. The children really enjoyed this hands-on activity run by “Miss Davinia”, a lady wearing full Victorian dress including a bustle, before ending with a visit from a Victorian Father Christmas.

yOGA IN NuRSERyUpper Nursery children are now taking part in a yoga session on Wednesday afternoons lead by Mrs Willder. The session begins with a warm up to music, and then the children are taken on a yoga safari. They travel in an imaginary vehicle to a far-away island where they land on a beach and pretend to be hot rocks in the sun, before being taken through a series of animals on the island and imitating their poses. The children end with a relaxation session.

PREP INfORmAl CONCERTParents enjoyed an informal concert given by Prep children in February. This was an opportunity for children to perform to an audience and demonstrate their achievements so far this year. There were nearly 40 items, ranging from solos to whole class musical performances, poetry and acting. A special mention must go to Oscar Davies in the Lower Nursery who stole the show playing the drums!

TOy mAkING ClubToy making club is an addition to our regular after school activities adding further breadth to an already varied programme. The club gives opportunities for those children who learn best through practical activities to learn how planning, methodology, attention to detail and evaluation can produce excellence. It is also great fun!

The girls and boys have now started making their toy using a variety of skills. Much fun was had cutting up boxes,

SPORTThe boys from Years 1 to 3 are making the most of Stonar’s great outdoor space and excellent sporting facilities. Having enjoyed their first rugby season last term they are now playing spring term hockey and football fixtures. The children travelled to their first ever away match at Warminster Prep recently. A fun, joint training session in netball for the girls and hockey for the boys, was followed by matches. Congratulations to all of the children who competed so well.

card and sawing wood (with adult supervision!) We look forward to seeing the finished products which range from spinning tops to marble runs to rocking toys.

Nursery children enjoy learning about space and planets

STONAR NEWS

mEET NIk hAWkINS, ASSISTANT hEAD, PASTORAl

Stonar School Cottles Park, Atworth, Wiltshire, SN12 8NT

T: +44 (0) 1225 701740 F: +44 (0) 1225 790830 E: office@stonarschool.com

www.stonarschool.com REGISTERED CHARITY NO: 309481

What are your memories of school life? Friends, inspirational teachers and lots of sport and outdoor activities; I spent most of my time sailing, mountain walking and playing hockey when I didn’t have my head in a book.

What was your favourite/least favourite subject? I really loved Biology and Geography and did not dislike any subjects; I just loved school.

What made you decide to pursue teaching? After completing my MSc I spent a year volunteering at a residential outdoor education centre in North Devon. As well as doing lots of coasteering, climbing and hill walking I was asked to teach Biology and Geography and from this point on I was hooked.

Prior to joining Stonar, how did your career path develop? After my year out I completed a PGCE and then landed a job in a small monastic boarding school working as a science teacher and assistant houseparent, from there I moved on to working at the largest co-educational boarding school in the UK, where I taught biology, and ran the Gold DofE for many years as well as working in numerous boarding houses in a variety of roles.

Who has inspired you the most and been a role model? And why? I had the most amazing PE teacher at school, Jayne (or Mrs Ives as we called her then) took us on adventure trips overseas, sailing after school and took me up my first mountain when I was 11 years old (Snowdon via Crib Goch). we went on to do just about every gnarly ridge scramble in the Lake District and Snowdonia she could find, if it was covered in snow and ice all the better. Jayne helped me dare to be different, gave me a belief in my own abilities and the determination never to give in.

What attracted you to work at Stonar? I saw the job advert and the role appealed to me; however, before applying I came to look around. The friendliness of the staff and students I met and the supportive family atmosphere really resonated with me.

In your role as Assistant Head, Pastoral, you oversee Stonar’s boarding provision; describe some of the developments in Boarding at Stonar (and which you are most proud of!) I am really pleased with the enhanced program of weekend activities, the girls now have a direct input into this. Their suggestions via the boarding committee have also helped drive forward the on-going program of refurbishments. The common rooms and offices are now far more welcoming, and several bathrooms have certainly improved too. Prep in houses has been one of the biggest changes and works really well.

What are the challenges for pupils who are about to board for the first time? Saying goodbye to family and friends is always really difficult, as is getting used to school routines and doing prep at set times. Living in a school community, you learn to tolerate your friends’ foibles.

In the Senior School, over 50% of pupils

board, many from homes relatively close to the school. What makes boarding at Stonar so successful? According to the Sixth Form, it’s the availability of chocolate spread and the fact the week goes so quickly when you board. That said, the homely feel my team of superb house mummies create and the incredible amount of time they and all the house staff spend with the girls means that boarders here thrive.

If stranded on a Desert Island, what three things would you take with you and why? Assuming I already have the complete works of Shakespeare, and a Bible, which seem to be available on all good desert islands, I would take along a snorkelling kit (to hunt for food and occupy my time), my husband (can I take him?) and a lifetime supply of gin and tonic which should be completely self-explanatory.

Who would you most like to have dinner with? My family and friends - it would be a huge dinner party!

What are your hobbies outside work? I love travelling. My husband and I try to escape every holiday, often in our camper van called Myfanwy, mainly to places that allow us to ski or hill walk or snorkel.