Maths puzzles day at The Grange!
On 8th September Paul Godding returned to The Grange, once again bringing a wealth of new maths games and puzzles to challenge the boys. Throughout the day, the boys enjoyed working in teams, applying their mathematical knowledge and skills to the tasks. They celebrated their achievements with novelty stickers.
The Liberation of Walcheren talk
On the first day back after half term PIV boys experienced first-hand recollections from Dr de Witt and his wife of the liberation of Walcheren. As young children they actually experienced the liberation by the allies of this important strategic place as the gateway to Antwerp and therefore the ability to supply the army in its push into Germany. The lives of children at the time were vividly described and amazing anecdotes were told which left us wondering how we would manage in such a situation.
JEREMY STRONG VISIT
The Grange, Monmouth Preparatory School, was recently lucky enough to secure a visit to school by Jeremy Strong, the hugely popular children’s author. He has long been a writer for readers of 6+, gathering several awards along the way. His work is characterised by humour and direct child appeal. His best-selling books have got many young children reading avidly for sheer pleasure. He claims his sense of humour got stuck at age ten! He talked to his audience about his books and how he goes about writing them. He helped to dispel the idea that authors are all very good at spelling and grammar from an early age by showing them some of his earliest work as well as encouraging them to have a go themselves. Girls from Inglefield House were invited to join the audience. Jeremy Strong gave different performances to different aged pupils throughout the day and spoke animatedly and with great humour. Everyone was delighted that he took the time to sign copies of his books afterwards.
CONCERN UNIVERSAL
Nelson Makezi from Concern Universal visited The Grange and gave the boys a fascinating talk in assembly on life in Kenya. Nelson has now been working for four years for CU where he is helping to fight poverty in Kenya and raise awareness of this issue amongst the younger generation.
The boys now have a clearer picture of how Concern Universal helps rural communities make a living and improve their food security through both agriculture and livestock rearing. Nelson brought in brightly coloured traditional garments and jewellery made from hundreds of intricately sewn tiny beads, both of which he allowed the boys to try on. In addition, he discussed how recycling plays an important part in their lives and showed the boys sandals made of old car tyres. He said that the sandals are not only very long lasting – they also help you walk with a bounce in your step! Nelson held the boys enthralled and was even willing to come back later to help three boys with their projects on Kenya.
A TALK BY DR MFON AKPASO
Dr Akpaso is a Director of Cares Initiative, one of Concern Universal's a partner to Concern Universal in Nigeria. The Grange was honoured to welcome her to school to listen to a most enlightening talk on Human Rights and the role of women in Nigeria. Concern Universal has been invited to set up workshops to help further educate the children about fighting poverty worldwide.
EAST IS EAST AND WEST IS WEST AND NEVER THE TWAIN SHALL MEET?
Not so for Monmouth School and The Grange.
March once again saw the coming together of East and West when pupils from Osaka made their annual visit. Boys in The Grange were intrigued to hear the visitors' opinions on how they viewed the differences between Monmouth and Osaka. They were further delighted to be shown the basics of Kendo, a sport which is on the visitors' P.E. curriculum, and the skillful art of origami.
EARLY VISIT TO ST DAVID
Boys from Prep IV visited the ceramic artist, Dee Hardwicke, in her Monmouth studio where she is preparing a large mosaic of St David for Monmouth School Chapel.
The boys were fascinated by the technique and the process by which the mosaic is being made.
Mrs Hardwicke took great pains to explain how the mosaic will take shape from start to finish.“It was amazing - all the little mosaic pieces are cut by hand and real 18 carat gold is used.” said Max D. The boys felt very fortunate to be able to witness the initial work on this large, impressive mosaic. “It was great to see how it is all made, I can’t wait to see it finished and in the chapel.” said Ieuan G. It is hoped the mosaic will be ready for ‘unveiling’ on St David’s Day 2008.
Boys with Dee Hardwicke and Mr Doug Webb, co-ordinator for Art and IT at The Grange
WORKING WITH WOOD
Boys at The Grange were delighted to welcome back to school Mr Ben Casson, from Ross-on-Wye, who had made the Lectern which was presented to the school by Dr Jenny Cook last term. Mr Casson gave a splendid talk and slide-show demonstrating how he makes his furniture, especially how he bends wood. The ability to turn a piece of wood into a beautiful object had greatly intrigued the boys and they very much appreciated the opportunity to close-question Mr Casson after his talk, and see examples of his work.
Ben Casson works to commission and can be contacted on 01989 780495 www.ben.casson@virgin.net
Mr Poynton, gave a most enlightening talk in assembly on how the modern day Olympic Games started.
Mr Turner successfully completed his North Pole expedition, and as a thank you to the boys he gave a talk illustrated with a splendid slide show about his trials and tribulations throughout his arduous journey. Click here to see more phoographs.
