March 2013
Dear Parents
Congratulations to all boys in Prep IV who sat the Monmouth School General Entry Paper; they were all successful in being offered a place at Monmouth School. No fewer than five of the six Academic Scholarships awarded by Monmouth School went to Grange pupils: Timothy (who was also awarded a Sports Scholarship) Joseph H, James R, Edward and Joseph S. In addition Roderick was awarded a Music Scholarship and James H a Music Exhibition. Ieuan was awarded a Sports Award. Well done to all of the boys for all their hard work and congratulations to all the staff who steer them so carefully to succeed.
In the Bonus Round of the Mathematical Association Primary Maths Challenge, Head Boy, Tim, went on to receive a Gold award dropping just one mark in the final round. This places him in the top 40 of the 70,000 pupils who entered the competition from 1,875 schools across the UK and beyond, and therefore in the top 0.06% of those who entered. Joe received a Bronze award placing him in the top 314, or the top 0.45%. These are the highest scores that The Grange has ever achieved in this event. In the English Speaking Board exams again all the boys were successful, with eleven boys achieving a Distinction – a fantastic result. Grange boys impress in other ways too: they have proved that they can double (and in some cases triple) flip pancakes in the playground following helping to make them in assembly on Shrove Tuesday.
It has been a busy half term. On World Book Day the answers to the game where boys had to match the favourite childhood book to the teacher were announced and boys in PIV went to the senior school where they were inspired in their writing by poet Chris d’Lacey. A particularly successful trip, and a new venture, was the Prep IV maths trip to Chepstow Racecourse where the boys applied their maths skills in real life situations such as in the weighing room. The Prep III concert was a huge success, as was the Prep II concert, in the final week of term. In both concerts the wide array of instruments played and the high standard of performance was much in evidence. Twenty boys sat, and were successful in, their Associated Board Music Exams with many gaining Distinctions and Merits. The Grange entered Junior Monmouth’s Got Talent where Zac played electric guitar and Rui drums; they rose to the occasion to belt out an old rock favourite in spite of feeling decidedly under the weather. Collaboration with Inglefield House saw a joint quiz which gave plenty of opportunity for the boys and girls to share their general knowledge for their team; it looks as if this is becoming an annual event. The soccer and cross country teams have been enjoying another successful season – please find enclosed a Sports Newsletter. A Chess Newsletter is also enclosed outlining some of the boys’ achievements and giving further news.
Many thanks to those parents who came in to organise the Mothers’ Day Bring and Buy and who wrapped so beautifully the presents chosen by the boys; £289 was raised for the FROGs fund from this event. Many thanks too to the FROGs for funding a rubber surface to surround the fort so that the boys can use it in all weathers and not get too muddy! Raising money for charity has also been to the fore. The Mufti Day in aid of the Head Boy’s charity, Back-up , raised £208.10, making a total of £1043.09 to date this academic year for that charity alone. The Red Nose Day “Bake Off” raised £184.25 for Comic Relief. Again, many thanks for your generosity.
Daffodils, dragons and castles decorated the Library area for St David’s Day and this year the boys excelled themselves in their creativity – and the Welsh Cakes made by Prep IV boys were splendid, too. Very well done to all who participated in the craft competitions, the recitations and the music events either in the heats (all of which earned House Points) or on the stage on the day. Congratulations go to winners of the craft and cookery competitions: Christopher (daffodil) Toby (dragon) Hamish (castle)and Joe (Welsh Cakes). The cup for the musical element of the celebrations, the Eisteddfod, went to Nelson.
With Easter now in mind Prep IV visited local churches for a re-enactment entitled “Easter Experience” run by “Churches Together”. It made the story come alive and provoked some interesting discussion. In complete contrast, as I write, a group of Japanese pupils are teaching our Prep IV boys all about origami by making a fearsome large construction which, when flicked, gives an ear-splitting report. They also are teaching them about Kendo, a modern form of traditional Japanese sword fighting using Shinai (bamboo swords).
At the end of February The Grange played host to an IAPS (Independent Association of Preparatory Schools) regional group meeting, involving Heads of Junior and Prep schools from across the south and west. Some of the Prep IV boys gave a presentation of their involvement in the Eels in Schools project and Mrs Wilderspin gave a presentation to Deputy Heads. We are always keen to share good practice and are used to showing Heads from other schools around and visiting other schools ourselves.
Following my last letter I wish to thank those of you who have adhered to the school procedures regarding the dropping off and picking up of pupils at the beginning and end of the school day. My thanks, too, to those of you who only arrange holidays, travel and special events out of term time. Your co-operation with both these matters is much appreciated.
Boarding places at Chapel House are again rapidly filling up for September. Andy Jones, Housemaster at Chapel House, has advised that anyone considering boarding for September or prior to that should book it now. Although flexible boarding is an option if spaces permit, full time boarders take precedence. Please contact school to arrange to look around the facilities or to arrange a taster session if interested. In addition, please pass on our details to anyone you know who may be interested in their son attending The Grange in the future and encourage them to contact the school to arrange a visit. We rely on our parents to be our ambassadors!
Summer may seem a long way off but it will be upon us before we know where we are. The end of term sees a Summer Ball organised by the Old Monmothians. Do get your booking in for tickets in good time!
My best wishes to you and your family for a happy Easter.