Weekly Newsletter from the eadmaster · Pre-Prep 2 were very excited to bring their cuddly toys...

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

15th January 2016Issue No 92

Dear Parents,Given the conditions an amazing amount of sport has been played at school this week. On Saturday the ‘inclement weather plan for netball’ was ambushed when it started to pour down just before the start, but it was striking how well the girls (Form One and Two) coped with the challenge of miserable conditions and a very well drilled set of mostly taller opponents. Their smiles at the end said a great deal about their character and they also learned a valuable lesson about sticking to the footpath!

The U14 boys were also on the receiving end of a mighty hailstorm in their game against Blundell’s, but came away with an excellent victory.

That said the focus of most students at the moment is clearly academic and we started the week with a very beneficial parents’ meeting for Form Five. I reminded the students (somewhat cruelly?) that there are about one hundred days left before the GCSE exams start - a sobering statistic, but I think they are all on track.

Also on track is our Sixth Form Centre (left) and it is now days rather than weeks before the building is fully furnished. It will definitely be ready by Half Term - watch this space.

Shebbear goes on tour tomorrow with the annual OSA dinner in London. I find it extraordinary that we can get over one hundred former pupils to attend a dinner 200 miles from the campus, but that is the nature of the bond between the pupils here. Our careers event this year proved we are in the process of developing links with our alumni so that the notion of the old school tie really does have benefits for our students in the 21st century.

Simon Weale

Pre-Prep 2 wrote stories based on their favourite toys this week

2015



Prep 3 have been creating images when writing poetry:

I’m a sleepy cat, a weepy cat, a stretchy cat and lone; I’m a strong cat, a long cat, purring on my own;

I’m a angry cat, a grumpy cat, a silly cat;I love to sit and purr the moon, to keep happy souls from sleep.

Ellexia Carey

There is more sporting success to report on this week from the Prep School. On Monday evening, our High 5 netball team made it 3 from 3 with a comprehensive victory against Halwill Primary School.

In assembly on Monday we also celebrated the wonderful achievements of Harry Brown, who was awarded with a shield from the North Devon Athletics Club for his continued success in field events, and Savanah Whitechurch, who brought in an array of medals showing her continued success in swimming for her new team, the Okehampton Otters. Pre-Prep 2 were very excited to bring their cuddly toys into school this week. After some planning the children wrote wonderful adventures,inspired by the Mo Willems story Knuffle Bunny.

Mike Furber

Next Week in the Prep School:Monday 18th JanuaryUnder 9 Netball / Football Fixture v Kingsley School (A) 2.00pm Visit by Brough Girling, Founder of Readathon

Friday 22nd JanuaryAssembly - Mr M. Rodgers

News from the Prep SchoolDear Parents,In a change from the normal weekly format of the Prep School Newsletter, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you a small sample of some of the wonderful work produced by our pupils.

I would like to start with this book review written by Adam Pennington in Prep 6. I can assure you that this is all his own work, quite remarkable for a boy of his age I am sure you will agree.

The Hunger GamesBy Suzanne Collins

‘Many people, I am sure, would agree with me that ‘The Hunger Games’ is one of the outstanding literary works of the millennium. Following heroine Katniss Everdeen, living on the edge of poverty and single-handedly feeding her family, it is certainly one of the most heartfelt books I have ever read.

In conflict-struck Panem, the Capitol rules with an iron fist over the twelve districts. Each year the districts are forced to send off a teenage boy and girl to compete in the hunger games - essentially a brutal, all-against-all fight to the death. And when Katniss’s sister, Primrose, is selected to fight, she makes no hesitation in volunteering as ‘tribute’ in a desperate attempt to save her sister. And only one question remains for Katniss … will she survive?

A heart-rending account of political dispute, life-shattering conflict, crony capitalism and teen romance, this book left me totally breathless on the edge of my seat. Certainly an exemplary work of it’s generation, it’s tense and dramatic plot will take you on an emotional monster of a roller-coaster. The characters are so well developed, they linger in your head, sit firmly there and never let go. Action-packed, it never fails to excite and it sets the bar in every possible manner, it grips you right from the very first page and is so haunting and thought-provoking that it will leave you thinking about it for ages. And I think we all truly believe that Suzanne Collins hit absolute perfection’.

Adam Pennington

Prep 5 have been adding their own verses to well-known poems:

All of us Knocking on the Stable Door

Three great kings, three wise menTramp across the desert to Bethlehem,Arrive at the inn, don’t travel no more

They start knocking on the stable door.

Knocking at the door, knocking at the door,All of us are knocking at the stable door.

Travel to the inn, we’ve come so far,One travelled by elephant, isn’t that bizarre?

Mary and Joseph, baby in the straw,We can’t keep knocking on the stable door.

Amelia Bates



The Spice of Life for Boarding PrefectsOn Wednesday evening the Prefects of the Senior Boarding Houses accompanied by boarding house staff and other guests made their way to the ‘Bay of Bengal’ tandoori house in Holsworthy for a meal out.

The atmosphere of the evening was lovely, with everyone enjoying their food and a great sense of community was felt by all. Many thanks to Mr Sanders for organising the evening which was a great success.

Tim AldridgeWhat’s on ...Monday 18th JanuaryBrough Girling, founder of Readathon speaking to Prep Schoolpupils and Forms 1 - 3

Tuesday 19th JanuarySixth Form Parent Teacher Meeting - 5.15pm

Monday 25th JanuaryEntrance ExaminationsHPV mop-up clinic, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio and Meningitis C dose for Form 4 boys and girls

Wednesday 27th JanuaryForm Three Parent Teacher Meeting - 5.15pm

Thursday 28th JanuaryPoland Trip meeting for pupils/parents, 6.30pm, Assembly Hall(see details below)

Saturday 30th JanuaryGeography Controlled Assessment Surgery

Sunday 31st JanuaryBoarders’ National Trust Trip

Devon Girls 24 Hour BatathonLast Friday Eloise Maxa took part in the Devon Girls 24 hour batathon to raise funds for their cricket development tour to South Africa this coming Easter. This is the second time Devon are taking a girls squad abroad which offers an exciting and challenging opportunity to play in a different environment.

If you would like to support this wonderful opportunity you can donate via their fundraising page:

https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/warren-carr

Poland Trip MeetingAll pupils coming on the trip to Krakow in February, along with their parents, are invited to a meeting at 6.30pm on Thursday 28th January in the Assembly Hall. Tea, coffee and a selection of Polish cakes will be available along with the opportunity to meet all the staff on the trip and ask any questions.

Please also bring Passports and spending money (ideally cash) for collection. Hoodies will also be distributed on the evening to those pupils present.

If you can’t make the meeting, don’t worry, all important information will be sent out in a letter. Passports and spending money will need to be handed in to me by Monday 1st February.

I would be grateful if you would let me know if you are planning to attend so that I can arrange catering (I will have to eat all the leftover cakes). Email: [email protected]

Mark Charman

175 Years CelebrationTo commemorate our 175th year the College has produced a small range of merchandise, comprising a hoodie, teddy bear, and a mug.

Full details, photos and order form at:https://shebbearcollege175.wordpress.com/shop-2/

To place an order, please complete the form and return it to the Registrar’s office. Please mark it for attention of Mark Charman. Alternatively, you can place your order by emailing the order form to [email protected]. You can pay over the phone on 01409 282016 or send a cheque made payable to ‘Shebbear College’ along with your order form.Closing date for orders is Friday 18th March.



Midsummer Ball 2016Tickets for the much anticipated Midsummer Ball will go on sale next week. Don’t miss out, it is set to be a superb event. See the page at the end of this newsletter for full details.

Celebrating 175 Years of Shebbear College and hosted by The Friends of Shebbear College and The Old Shebbearians’ Association, the black tie event will be held in a grand marquee in the grounds of the College. Welcome drinks will be at 6.30pm and there will be a Champagne bar and three course gourmet meal from Dartmoor Kitchen, followed by a prize draw and charity auction. Live music will be provided by ‘Joey the Lips’.

Tickets are priced at £75.00 per head and tables of ten are available.

There are also opportunities to support the event and raise awareness for your business as a sponsor or by donating prizes for the charity auction and prize draw. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor please email Rebecca Weale [email protected]

Full details of the event can be found by visitingwww.midsummerball.co.uk

If you require any further information please email [email protected]

HockeyI was not sure what to expect when asked to take charge of the 1st XI hockey team to travel to Blundell’s last Saturday, given that I had never watched a full game of hockey and certainly had no idea of how to referee. However, my hopes of encouraging from the comfort of the marginally drier dugout were dashed when I was asked to referee one side of the pitch.

The boys, who had spent almost half an hour ‘warming up’ in torrential rain seemed totally oblivious to the driving rain that swept across the pitch throughout the first half as they took the lead with an excellent finish from skipper Will Murch-Seage. However, Blundell’s came back into the match as some of our marking was sloppy and we found ourselves 2-1 behind at half time.

Totally undaunted, the boys started the second half strongly, with Riou Thomas sweeping effectively at the back, Ross Bennett, Angus Cunningham and Harry Dymond making some excellent runs through midfield and so it was no surprise when Will scored again to bring the scores level. And that’s how it stayed, Ross Bennett hitting the post and the Blundells goalie making a number of outstanding saves.

So, an impressive opening match of the season in which the boys showed tremendous spirit in appalling conditions and I am sure that Ollie Arden will reduce the amount of time it takes him to put on his goalkeeper’s equipment as the season progresses!Andy Bryan

The under 14s played their first game of the seasons against a Blundell’s side on Saturday in very wet conditions. The boys dominated the game from the outset and but for some excellent saves from the opposition goalkeeper could have been ahead early on. The missed early opportunities did not phase the team though, and soon enough, Shebbear’s pressure was rewarded with the opening goal of the game, scored by Sean Nadin.

This gave Shebbear confidence and they upped their game further, with some excellent skills on show from Jack Joslin and Nathan Coates as well as captain Will Cunnigham, who duly added a second. As half time approached Sean Nadin added a 3rd to make the scoreline more comfortable at the break.

The boys withstood heavy pressure at the start of the second half before adding a 4th goal through the impressive Casper Griffin. Shebbear continued to press and some more good play resulted in Sean Nadin completing a personal milestone with a hat-trick goal. Blundell’s were able to grab a consolation goal before Will Cunningham found the back of the net again to add a 6th for Shebbear. A last play goal from Blundell’s made the score 6-2 at the final whistle in what was an excellent performance and brilliant start to the season for the under 14s.

Nick Law

The under 15s began their season with difficult fixture against a very accomplished Blundell’s side, a match which ended in disappointment for the boys, despite playing some very good hockey for large parts of the match. At half time the boys could consider themselves a little unfortunate to be two goals behind after an initial save by goalkeeper Charlie Short was parried into



the path of an attacker who doubled the opposition lead with an easy tap in. The third and fourth goals came from a counter attack and a little naivity in defense respectively but with the team pushing to get back into the game, inevitably Blundell’s would have further chances and took full advantage. Next up for the U15s, an away game at West Buckland.

Arron SteelNetballU14 vs West BucklandThe girls knew West Buckland would be tough opposition having already met them at the North Devon and County tournaments this year. The girls played well throughout, but in the first quarter the goals weren’t going in and there were too many loose balls being thrown.

At half time we were 26-9 down and had a major reshuffle of position. In the second half, Cara Phillips and Maddie Traxton worked well together as the shooters and the goals started flowing. West Buckland however were well disciplined and their shooters rarely missed leaving the final score 53-25 to West Buckland. Player of the Match: Maddie Traxton.

Claire Cardoo

U15 v Okehampton 10-4 (W)The girls made a slow start again but soon were working the ball down the court well. Antonia and Merryn we very strong in defence making lots of interceptions and not allowing Okehampton to get the ball into the circle. The attack struggled to get the ball into the shooters but when they got the ball shot very well.

U15 v West Buckland 29-2 (L)A tough first match for the girls. They took the first quarter to really get into the game. The rest of the game the girls worked hard in defence and made some really good interceptions which they then failed to capatalise on. Overall the score does not reflect they way the girls played as they all started to work well as a team.

1VII v West Buckland 2nds 8-22The 1sts had a tough first match of the season against West Buckland last weekend. The first three quarters of the match were fairly even with no more than a six goal difference throughout. However in the last quarter West Buckland were too strong and took the game away. There was some outstanding and impressive passes of play by Shebbear throughout the match. It was an excellent start to the season, despite the final score.

1VII v West Buckland 3rds 13-14A mix of our 1st and 2nd team took on West Buckland 3rd team. During this match we were able to play around with positions. It was a very close match throughout. In the last couple of minutes both teams were thirteen all, however West Buckland managed to score one more goal to take the win in the last two minutes.

The ten girls that took part in both matches should be extremely proud of their first match of the season, and the way in which they played as a squad, in formations that they are still settling into. Their work rate was remarkable and the potential they showed as a team was inspiring.

U14 v Okehampton 27-7The U14s had a successfully match against Okehampton this week. It took a while for the girls to settle in the match and by half time the score was 10-4. However the second half was when the girls really started to pull together as a team score more goals. The final score was 27-7. Cara Phillips was player of the match and had a great game, playing both centre and goal attack.

Kate Gunning

FootballThe 1st XI played their first match of the season against Kingsley on Wednesday and secured a comfortable 5-1 victory with skipper Harry Dymond’s hat-trick sandwiched by goals from Dominic Halasi and Jake Weeks.

The boys played some neat football in the first half but missed some good chances before Dominic slotted home a through ball from Edward Lindsay. Carl Stanbury out wide and the midfield trio of Edward Lindsay, Ross Bennett and Harry Dymond were in control and the win was sealed early in the second half allowing all 10 substitutes to get some playing time. A good start to the season - well done to all.

The U12s/13s had their first competitive football this week when they played 8-a-side matches against Stover, Kingsley and St Joseph’s.

The ‘A’ team did not concede a goal in their three matches, winning two and drawing the third to finish top of yhe group.

The ‘B’ and ‘C’ teams both had comfortable wins against Kingsley and then the ‘C’ team held St Joseph’s to a draw before beating their fellow students to finish joint top with St. Joseph’s. Well done to all who took part.

Andy Bryan

Not long now ...



New Sixth Form Centre ... We’re Nearly There!



Shebbear College, Shebbear, Beaworthy, Devon EX21 5HJ Telephone: 01409 282001 Email: [email protected]

New Sixth Form Centre ... We’re Nearly There!

175www.midsummerball.co.uk

25th June 2016

Celebrating 175 Years of Shebbear College

SHEBBEAR COLLEGE

MIDSUMMER BALL

A grand marquee in the grounds of Shebbear College Welcome drinks at 6.30pm

Champagne bar3 course gourmet meal from Dartmoor Kitchen

Prize draw & charity auctionLive music from ‘Joey the Lips’

Carriages 1.00amDress Code: Black Tie

Tickets: £75.00 per Head, Tables of 10 available

Hosted by The Friends of Shebbear College and The Old Shebbearians’ Association

To book:

or email [email protected]

For sponsorship and advertising please email [email protected]

Weekly Newsletter from the eadmaster · Pre-Prep 2 were very excited to bring their cuddly toys...

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