Half terms seem to go at an amazing rate of knots, no sooner are we  back at school we are breaking up.   As usual, in the short period  a lot of work has been covered, matches played, visits made,  with achievements all round.

Personal Achievements

Rudi B had pre-testing at Sherborne College and has been awarded an unconditional place at 13+ in 2019.  He faced strong competition so we are delighted with his success, although not surprised.  Well done Rudi!

Millie Bryant-Nichols has been awarded a Music & Drama Scholarship to Burgess Hill School for Girls in recognition of her talent in both music and drama.   She has given us such pleasure performing in concerts at Sompting Abbotts over the years – congratulations Millie!

Archie Heath, Year 6, raised £18 for Pudsey at the Christmas Fayre by selling the little book he wrote, Micro Mars III - Return of the Dark Knight.   Splendid Archie!

The 789 Challenge

Some of our top mathematicians from Years 6 and 7 went to Brighton College for a day of maths - 'The 789 Challenge'.

We found that there were close to 100 children present. We were divided into 2 groups and then it was time for some maths. Although there were lots of teachers there to oversee and introduce us, mainly the 6th Form Maths students were in charge of the events.  In our group of 40 children it was interesting that we took a group of 2 boys and 2 girls (on mathematical merit), and there were only 3 other girls in the room! I was glad to see that we are encouraging our female logical thinkers! 

We were taken to the Creative Learning Centre where we had 3 more rounds. These questions were presented on screens and were more visually orientated. Questions using BIDMAS and polygons, pictures that describe mathematical shapes, equipment, etc and then target sums (like countdown on TV). 

The day ended with presentations and as with most events the big schools often have the advantage on bigger numbers to choose from. When it came to the award for 'The Best Teamwork and Cooperation' it went to Sompting Abbotts Prep School and our team was called up to collect the prize. A big well done to Paris Pourani, Alexander Eve, Annabelle Owen and George Armstrong. 

Now we look forward to our Maths Day at Sompting Abbotts at the end of term.

Angela Farley

Maths Challenge

Hopefully all the parents of the Main School are aware of our Maths Challenges that are held roughly on a fortnightly basis. Jonny Townsend, our Maths Prefect, sets a fun problem solving maths problem for all the school. The question and copies to take away to fill in are on the maths board outside Year 4 classroom near the back door. The entries are put in the maths box in the hallway (made by the Year 8 students). Jonny then marks the entries, accounting for year group, and then puts all the worthy entrants into the winning 'lucky dip'. Mrs Sinclair picks out the lucky winner at Assembly and the winner receives a 'puzzle prize'. This is a great venture allowing all children to try out their maths skills in a different way than the classroom and to also experience some superb explanations by our very talented maths scholar.

Maths Success

Ms Farley invited an ex pupil she coached to tell the school  in Assembly how an interest in Maths can reap  rewards, even if you weren`t `the best` there was so much on offer.   Having finished his studies and not knowing what to do  he went to the Job Centre, saw a small advertisement, applied and got the job.   At nineteen he is now a Trader with his own team -  inspiration for young mathematicians.

Dance Club

On Fridays Dance Club has changed form slightly. The girls still choose their own music and 'freestyle' their movements but as we are a small group of 5, I help choreograph their ideas.  At 4.20pm most of the parents come in to be our 'audience'. Comments have been passed about how the girls are growing in confidence and the diversity of the styles.

Angela Farley

Skipathon

Year 7s have been working all half term to organise their 'charity event', the Skipathon, in aid of The British Heart Foundation. They have worked like a business team dividing responsibilities and have developed a well thought out plan of action. They delivered their Assembly on Wednesday 7th February, lead by Frankie Phillips, put up posters around the school, sent out emails to parents and handed out sponsor forms to the school. The skipping sessions have all been planned for games lessons after half term which we are looking forward to.

Angela Farley

Lego Club

Lego Club is going from strength to strength on Thursday break time. Toby Martin is doing a wonderful job leading the Year 3s through their creative building experience. He spends a lot of time thinking what all the children would enjoy and we are slowly building up our collection (any spare Lego always gratefully received). At the end of break the Year 3s take their creations to Mrs Kelly and she is always astonished and impressed with what she sees.

Angela Farley

Music

On Thursday 25th January some of our children who took Music Exams last term gave a recital to the residents of Greystoke Manor Care Home in Ferring.  The concert was a huge success and the children enjoyed performing to a very appreciative audience. We were featured in Worthing Herald newspaper and it was a very positive experience for all concerned.

Our Year 5 and 6 pupils are working hard towards the Young Voices Festival which takes place at Chichester Cathedral on Friday 9th March.  They are singing songs in English, German, Spanish, Swahili and Ghanaian!  

Children from Pre-Prep to Year 6 will be singing and playing music in the Teatime Concert on Thursday 1st March. They will perform music which has been studied in their one-to-one weekly music lessons.  It will showcase the work that is being done in their lessons. 

Finally, a belated thanks to the parents and children who attended the Christmas Concert at Bohunt College on 16th December.  Many people commented on the standard of singing from our small Choir and the behaviour of our pupils in rehearsal and in concert with Worthing Choral Society was excellent.  

Annette Williamson

U9s Tag Rugby

During a cold but beautifully sunny afternoon, the boys travelled to Seaford College last Wednesday 7th February.  The staff there amalgamated his boys and ours and organised a mini tournament during which each team played three 8 minute games.  Sompting Abbotts boys got on well with the others and scored 5 tries in all. Particular mention to Charlie Turner and Will Owen who showed great determination and skill.  We were then invited to tea where the boys mingled with the Seaford boys before heading back to Sompting. 

Stephane Cauley

Netball

I am very pleased with the progress I have seen with our girls this half term. The parents who come and watch the matches will certainly agree that all our teams are playing with some good skills and teamwork and although it is hard for us to win matches against often bigger and older opposition, we certainly give them a run for their money.

U12s have played 2 x matches. Although they lost them both by 2 goals, it was where we had our two Year 5s playing as we were hit by illness and injury, vs a Year 7 team. The opposition always commend us on the quality of our girls play. I am convinced with increased shooting practice we can start to win these matches.

U10s have played 2 x matches, both against U11 teams, and won one, lost one. Some fantastic netball in both matches, especially Katie Boothby's confident shooting.

U9s have played 2 x matches, and again won one and lost one. The first loss was at the beginning of term, but the match at the end of term showed our girls at their best and all the girls are growing in confidence and had a convincing win. 

Watch this space!  

Angela Farley

Pre Prep News

This rather wet and chilly first half term hasn't prevented the Pre-Prep children from enjoying the great outdoors. The temptation of sliding in the soft mud is always there at playtimes, the tracksuits on a Friday paint a very clear picture of who cannot resist! The Early Years pupils have made bird seed cakes within giant pine cones which they have hung in various areas of the school grounds, they have watched with glee as many winged visitors have tucked into their winter treats.  PP3 had great fun searching the woods for Mr Pusskins, having designed posters for the missing moggy, all based on the wonderful book by Sam Lloyd. PP4 have used the school grounds to explore and discover signs of winter. This has aided their poetry and descriptive writing as well as helping them with their science knowledge and understanding.

As part of our topic ‘The wondrous world of books’ all of the classes have visited Broadwater library. Everybody was excited by the visit and enjoyed listening to stories, finding out about how a library works and, for many of the children, using their library cards to borrow a book to take home. The children’s behaviour was commented on by the librarian for their good manners and their inquisitive natures.

PP2 were the first group to present their Class Assembly. We thoroughly enjoyed watching their performance; a delightful tale of a young boy learning that sharing and accepting differences makes for a much happier time, all based on the book ‘This is Our House’ by Michael Rosen.

We look forward to watching PP1, PP3 and PP4's Assemblies during the coming half term.

On Friday we will be spending the day making puppets in mixed age groups. We will also be reading stories and using our puppets to act them out.

On Thursday, 1st March, it is World Book Day when we celebrate the brilliance of books. Each class will take part in a variety of activities using a text chosen by their class teacher.  Pupils are invited to come into school dressed as a book character. If they are reluctant to be in costume they can simply bring in their favourite book to share with their friends. It is always a great day with lots of exciting learning opportunities.

Kirsty Miles

Immediately we return  from half term after long intensive studying Lancing College scholarship candidates will be taking their exams, we wish them well.

The above is a vignette of the  first half term with plenty more activities to come when we return for the second half.  In the meantime enjoy  the break. 

Patricia Sinclair