Dear Parents
This has been a week with two very significant events, which will affect the future of the school.
Firstly there will be a very exciting announcement made at the end of next week about my successor. But we must all wait patiently!
Secondly, as you can read elsewhere, Battle Abbey School was selected as a leading centre for educational excellence in the use of digital technology to improve pupils’ learning. As one of only six schools nationwide, we will have access to and be part of digital educational resources and research in 19 other European countries. I cannot tell you quite how honoured I feel on behalf of the school that this immense achievement has been won by a small independent school. Dr Eric Demoncheaux has led this project, very ably abetted by Tony Payton, Phil Usher, John Norbury and Damian Baldry and a host of other staff. Eric has always kept an eye on the scientific and digital revolution which goes on in the big, wide world and in the world-wide web. Once again, I
commend our excellent staff to you. I feel privileged to work alongside so many very high calibre colleagues.
The Abbot’s Hall is, in so many ways, the epicentre of the school and this beautiful building reverted briefly to its spiritual origins as we celebrated Evensong last Sunday with the whole boarding community, the full choir and some fifty parents. This room - and the services we hold in it - will always be one of my abiding memories of life at school. The Hall is warm, welcoming and the echoes of its past reverberate around it, if you stop and are still enough to listen and hear. With the Christmas tree in place, it has a very special atmosphere every year and we look forward to “Carols round the Fire”, which has long been a favourite evening for many generations of pupils, staff, parents and governors and is very often their first Christmas event. I hope parents will want to join us on Tuesday 4th December at 7pm. It was the first event that I attended after I had been appointed to the Headship of the school some 15 years ago and it is an evening which is very special for me and for many others. You are all welcome.
With my best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 23 November 2012
Friday, 16 November 2012
16th November 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
Evensong on Sunday 6pm – it is advertised separately but please do come along, if you would like to.
Scholars’ Concert – the very best of Battle Abbey School music was on display this Tuesday. Twenty of our finest musicians played, sang and entertained us. One guest thought that there could be very few schools in the South East of England who could match the depth of talent. This statement is probably impossible to prove but I, for one, was bursting with pride, as I often am, because of the achievements of our pupils and teachers.
Sixth Form Open Evening – there was a very good turn out and a larger than usual number of visitors from outside of the school. We talked, among much else, of the possibility of starting new A Level subjects. At the moment, out of Politics, Philosophy and Photography, the latter two seem the most popular. I also informed students and parents that a significant upgrade to the Sixth Form area would take place in time for September. However, above all, I talked about the excitement of study at this level and the sea change that our pupils encounter after GCSE. The Sixth Form experience at BAS is very special – the icing on the cake for our pupils and staff!
FOBAS Quiz Night – a sell-out! Former parent and quizmaster of longstanding, Alan Covall, will again remind all those present of the two disastrous years when the Headmaster joined a hapless and unsuspecting team and how the Headmaster had to come and receive the wooden spoon on behalf of the team. For many years I have hidden shamefaced behind the bar on the night of the quiz not daring to attach myself and my unenviable reputation to any group but tonight I’m making a come-back. I think that my team is called the “Likely Losers”.
“The Boyfriend” – this term’s senior musical. You will have seen the advertisements. Do come along and enjoy some high quality, live theatre.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Evensong on Sunday 6pm – it is advertised separately but please do come along, if you would like to.
Scholars’ Concert – the very best of Battle Abbey School music was on display this Tuesday. Twenty of our finest musicians played, sang and entertained us. One guest thought that there could be very few schools in the South East of England who could match the depth of talent. This statement is probably impossible to prove but I, for one, was bursting with pride, as I often am, because of the achievements of our pupils and teachers.
Sixth Form Open Evening – there was a very good turn out and a larger than usual number of visitors from outside of the school. We talked, among much else, of the possibility of starting new A Level subjects. At the moment, out of Politics, Philosophy and Photography, the latter two seem the most popular. I also informed students and parents that a significant upgrade to the Sixth Form area would take place in time for September. However, above all, I talked about the excitement of study at this level and the sea change that our pupils encounter after GCSE. The Sixth Form experience at BAS is very special – the icing on the cake for our pupils and staff!
FOBAS Quiz Night – a sell-out! Former parent and quizmaster of longstanding, Alan Covall, will again remind all those present of the two disastrous years when the Headmaster joined a hapless and unsuspecting team and how the Headmaster had to come and receive the wooden spoon on behalf of the team. For many years I have hidden shamefaced behind the bar on the night of the quiz not daring to attach myself and my unenviable reputation to any group but tonight I’m making a come-back. I think that my team is called the “Likely Losers”.
“The Boyfriend” – this term’s senior musical. You will have seen the advertisements. Do come along and enjoy some high quality, live theatre.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 19 October 2012
19th October 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
“Most Battle Abbey people care deeply about others and leave their mark as ambassadors for humanity wherever they go.” (extract from a letter from a former pupil)
As a statement this could well be flawed and impossible to prove but, as an aspiration, it fits so well into all that I would hope we instill in our pupils as they go through the school and move on.
Two young ladies came to see me a few weeks ago, because they had family members afflicted by Alzheimer’s disease and they wanted to do something to help. Thus, today, is a Pyjama/Mufti Day to raise money for Alzheimer’s research. I am delighted that the children look beyond our walls and think about the concerns of the wider world.
At the meeting of the School Council after half-term, representatives are asked to bring suggestions about improving their life at school and secondly for how we can make a difference to help in the world outside of their school.
I was extremely proud this week to attend the Centenary History lectures, when Mike Ansar-Carver, our Head of History and Dr Marc Morris, leading expert on the Norman Conquest, entertained us to two excellent talks on the period.
During half-term do give thought to our 22 pupils and 3 staff members who will spend four days trudging through and over the Derbyshire Dales. Let us hope that they get some good weather!
There is also an A Level History trip to the battlefields of Derbyshire for eight Upper Sixth formers and finally a Performing Arts day on the second Tuesday lead by one of our recent former pupils,
Catherine Anderson, who is a graduate of the Guildford School of Acting and now teaches in two different stage schools as well as pursuing a professional career.
As always, I ask you to contact me, if you have any concerns about your child’s education at Battle Abbey School. It is a great privilege to help in your children’s education and I am always striving to do the very best for all these wonderful children you entrust to us.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
“Most Battle Abbey people care deeply about others and leave their mark as ambassadors for humanity wherever they go.” (extract from a letter from a former pupil)
As a statement this could well be flawed and impossible to prove but, as an aspiration, it fits so well into all that I would hope we instill in our pupils as they go through the school and move on.
Two young ladies came to see me a few weeks ago, because they had family members afflicted by Alzheimer’s disease and they wanted to do something to help. Thus, today, is a Pyjama/Mufti Day to raise money for Alzheimer’s research. I am delighted that the children look beyond our walls and think about the concerns of the wider world.
At the meeting of the School Council after half-term, representatives are asked to bring suggestions about improving their life at school and secondly for how we can make a difference to help in the world outside of their school.
I was extremely proud this week to attend the Centenary History lectures, when Mike Ansar-Carver, our Head of History and Dr Marc Morris, leading expert on the Norman Conquest, entertained us to two excellent talks on the period.
During half-term do give thought to our 22 pupils and 3 staff members who will spend four days trudging through and over the Derbyshire Dales. Let us hope that they get some good weather!
There is also an A Level History trip to the battlefields of Derbyshire for eight Upper Sixth formers and finally a Performing Arts day on the second Tuesday lead by one of our recent former pupils,
Catherine Anderson, who is a graduate of the Guildford School of Acting and now teaches in two different stage schools as well as pursuing a professional career.
As always, I ask you to contact me, if you have any concerns about your child’s education at Battle Abbey School. It is a great privilege to help in your children’s education and I am always striving to do the very best for all these wonderful children you entrust to us.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 12 October 2012
12th October 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
Founders’ Day was very special for the many former pupils who returned. Letters and e-mails of thanks have flooded in. They mention the very friendly reception given by our present pupils who were there to meet and greet. They praise the organisation and the catering. They delight in the fact that they were able to meet up and they remember with real affection the school and the beauty of the building.
“With the sun shining incessantly, the school I’ve always been so proud to be a pupil of, looked resplendent in its glorious and historical setting. It was a day I shall never ever forget. “(Left 1966)
“The pupils were all very articulate and pleasant and attentive. After 60 years the Abbey still holds a chunk of my heart!”
“I was particularly struck by the present young ambassadors of the Abbey who two by two took charge of each of the guests. I had two charming girls who had only been at the school for a month but who had obviously very quickly absorbed the atmosphere and the tradition of caring and making guests feel welcome….It was a great pleasure to see once again those ancient ruins and to remind oneself that all Battle Abbey pupils are privileged to have spent their education in one of our most famous monuments with such a long history. It is a place of great beauty and peace.” (Left 1962)
The Centenary Science Day on Wednesday was another great success and a great tribute to the vision of the governors with the opening of the third new Science laboratory and to the leadership of Dr Demoncheaux.
I now particularly recommend to you the Centenary History lectures next Wednesday evening. Come and listen to two top speakers on the Norman Conquest. Mike Ansar-Carver is one of these two speakers and another example of the high quality staff who educate your children.
I cannot finish without thanking those parents who have hosted the German pupils on the first leg of this year’s German exchange. Despite the weather, our visitors are enjoying their week in Battle very much.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Founders’ Day was very special for the many former pupils who returned. Letters and e-mails of thanks have flooded in. They mention the very friendly reception given by our present pupils who were there to meet and greet. They praise the organisation and the catering. They delight in the fact that they were able to meet up and they remember with real affection the school and the beauty of the building.
“With the sun shining incessantly, the school I’ve always been so proud to be a pupil of, looked resplendent in its glorious and historical setting. It was a day I shall never ever forget. “(Left 1966)
“The pupils were all very articulate and pleasant and attentive. After 60 years the Abbey still holds a chunk of my heart!”
“I was particularly struck by the present young ambassadors of the Abbey who two by two took charge of each of the guests. I had two charming girls who had only been at the school for a month but who had obviously very quickly absorbed the atmosphere and the tradition of caring and making guests feel welcome….It was a great pleasure to see once again those ancient ruins and to remind oneself that all Battle Abbey pupils are privileged to have spent their education in one of our most famous monuments with such a long history. It is a place of great beauty and peace.” (Left 1962)
The Centenary Science Day on Wednesday was another great success and a great tribute to the vision of the governors with the opening of the third new Science laboratory and to the leadership of Dr Demoncheaux.
I now particularly recommend to you the Centenary History lectures next Wednesday evening. Come and listen to two top speakers on the Norman Conquest. Mike Ansar-Carver is one of these two speakers and another example of the high quality staff who educate your children.
I cannot finish without thanking those parents who have hosted the German pupils on the first leg of this year’s German exchange. Despite the weather, our visitors are enjoying their week in Battle very much.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 5 October 2012
5th October 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
Why am I excited?
Because:
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Why am I excited?
Because:
- at least 350 former pupils, representing nine, yes nine decades of the school are returning on Saturday for a seven hour trip down memory lane.
- two famous TV scientists, Richard Robinson and Jonathan Hare will spend all of Wednesday next week at school and share some of their love of science with Yrs 6 to 9, along with some welcome visitors from Vinehall.
- they will also open our new Biology Laboratory on that day.
- three history professors, leading authorities on the Norman Conquest and TV historians, will deliver lectures on Sunday 14th October, the 946th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, to A Level students from Eton, Westminster, Marlborough, Berkhampstead, Bryanston, King’s Wimbledon, King’s Ely and Battle Abbey. This is an annual BAS event organized by our excellent Head of History, Michael Ansar-Carver.
- the Centenary History Lectures take place on Wednesday October 17th. Mr Ansar-Carver will talk on “Harold – the Lost English King” and Dr Marc Morris will talk on “The Norman Conquest” – why not come along?
- on Monday our German exchange partners arrive from Munich to spend a week with us.
- there will be three trips out of school next week to the theatre in London on both Monday and Thursday and to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace.
- there will be five sporting fixtures against other schools
- on Friday evening it’s the Harold’s Night Disco (not quite so excited but I’ll be there!)
- there will be 54 opportunities for your children to take part in extra-curricular activities, as there are every week!
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Monday, 17 September 2012
14th September 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
The second week of term has spun to an end at what seems a frantic pace. I think it is because so much is happening. There is also much to look forward to in the next few weeks.
The staff are delighted with the pupils and I have done several whistle-stop tours of lessons already this term and there is lively, creative and disciplined learning going on at every level. The teaching has started very strongly from all that I can observe and the children are all responding appropriately. It is a very stimulating environment here.
Equally, there has been a very good response to extra-curricular clubs and pupils are taking advantage of the many opportunities on offer. SEVEN clubs and activities a week is not an exception.
We look forward to Open Day next week and do come along, if you would like to see the school. We are open to present parents as well as visitors. You will be very welcome. Check out the new Biology laboratory for a start!
The Schools Centenary Founders Day weekend will take place on Saturday October 6th and Sunday the 7th and the School is anticipating a record number of former pupils returning to the Abbey. As such we will unfortunately only be able to accommodate a significantly smaller number of current parents and pupils than usual. All parents will be contacted shortly by email with further information.
Finally, do keep in touch! Tell us , if all is going well. We love to hear good news!
Best wishes
Roger Clark
The second week of term has spun to an end at what seems a frantic pace. I think it is because so much is happening. There is also much to look forward to in the next few weeks.
The staff are delighted with the pupils and I have done several whistle-stop tours of lessons already this term and there is lively, creative and disciplined learning going on at every level. The teaching has started very strongly from all that I can observe and the children are all responding appropriately. It is a very stimulating environment here.
Equally, there has been a very good response to extra-curricular clubs and pupils are taking advantage of the many opportunities on offer. SEVEN clubs and activities a week is not an exception.
We look forward to Open Day next week and do come along, if you would like to see the school. We are open to present parents as well as visitors. You will be very welcome. Check out the new Biology laboratory for a start!
The Schools Centenary Founders Day weekend will take place on Saturday October 6th and Sunday the 7th and the School is anticipating a record number of former pupils returning to the Abbey. As such we will unfortunately only be able to accommodate a significantly smaller number of current parents and pupils than usual. All parents will be contacted shortly by email with further information.
Finally, do keep in touch! Tell us , if all is going well. We love to hear good news!
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 7 September 2012
7th September 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
I hope you all summered well.
We were absolutely delighted with best ever A Level results. 16 pupils gained at least 3 A grades and you will see from the list of leavers’ destinations, that they have gone on to study at some prestigious universities. The GCSE results were more modest but still our candidates achieved 98% 5 A* to C passes, although we had less high fliers than for some time this year. Like thousands and thousands of candidates across the country our GCSE English pupils were marked down 5% in comparison with last year and this moving of the goal posts reflected very unfairly on their efforts and capability. The protest from schools continues and there is still the possibility of combined legal action.
We have taken 68 new pupils into the senior school and I have been thrilled with the new pupils’ enthusiasm, personal standards and varied talents. I am on record as saying that I think that this is our best intake for many years and these new pupils add generously to our already rich store of talent.
New too for this term is the totally re-furbished, all-singing and all-dancing Biology Laboratory. The pupils learning will be enhanced by the use of excellent IT facilities, including a bank of 10 i-PADs. Planning permission (always a sensitive issue at the Abbey) has delayed the move of the maintenance department to new accommodation and the creation of an excellent, new and much-needed changing facility for the girls. All should be in place now by the start of next term at the very latest.
The staff here are very excited about the promise of the year ahead. Thank you for entrusting some of the education of your wonderful children to us and please do let us know how you think we are doing.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
I hope you all summered well.
We were absolutely delighted with best ever A Level results. 16 pupils gained at least 3 A grades and you will see from the list of leavers’ destinations, that they have gone on to study at some prestigious universities. The GCSE results were more modest but still our candidates achieved 98% 5 A* to C passes, although we had less high fliers than for some time this year. Like thousands and thousands of candidates across the country our GCSE English pupils were marked down 5% in comparison with last year and this moving of the goal posts reflected very unfairly on their efforts and capability. The protest from schools continues and there is still the possibility of combined legal action.
We have taken 68 new pupils into the senior school and I have been thrilled with the new pupils’ enthusiasm, personal standards and varied talents. I am on record as saying that I think that this is our best intake for many years and these new pupils add generously to our already rich store of talent.
New too for this term is the totally re-furbished, all-singing and all-dancing Biology Laboratory. The pupils learning will be enhanced by the use of excellent IT facilities, including a bank of 10 i-PADs. Planning permission (always a sensitive issue at the Abbey) has delayed the move of the maintenance department to new accommodation and the creation of an excellent, new and much-needed changing facility for the girls. All should be in place now by the start of next term at the very latest.
The staff here are very excited about the promise of the year ahead. Thank you for entrusting some of the education of your wonderful children to us and please do let us know how you think we are doing.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 29 June 2012
29th June 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
1.30pm and oh the sinful pleasures of school lunch! Rare beef salad and Tiramasu on a Friday – calorific overkill but so tasty! Catering at the Abbey just keeps on getting better and this happy eater carries the evidence to prove it. My diet always begins tomorrow.
You will read of the successes of the last week, as the term spins madly towards its crescendo.
Mr Mercer’s Activity Week was a fabulous educational opportunity for Yr 7-9 to think outside the confines of the regular curriculum. The Junior Dance and Drama evening, with its large audience proved that in the area of performing arts we are as strong at the lower ends of the school as we are at the top.
And then the concert on Saturday evening was a triumph and the culmination of seven years hard work by Mr Langridge and his team.
Not a day will go by next week which does not offer something special to our students. Do come along to the Art exhibition in the library, open each evening next week 6pm - 8pm.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
1.30pm and oh the sinful pleasures of school lunch! Rare beef salad and Tiramasu on a Friday – calorific overkill but so tasty! Catering at the Abbey just keeps on getting better and this happy eater carries the evidence to prove it. My diet always begins tomorrow.
You will read of the successes of the last week, as the term spins madly towards its crescendo.
Mr Mercer’s Activity Week was a fabulous educational opportunity for Yr 7-9 to think outside the confines of the regular curriculum. The Junior Dance and Drama evening, with its large audience proved that in the area of performing arts we are as strong at the lower ends of the school as we are at the top.
And then the concert on Saturday evening was a triumph and the culmination of seven years hard work by Mr Langridge and his team.
Not a day will go by next week which does not offer something special to our students. Do come along to the Art exhibition in the library, open each evening next week 6pm - 8pm.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Thursday, 7 June 2012
1st June 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
The second half of term offers several opportunities for you to join in and attend a range of events. Among these will be the Family Fun Day. This is a social get-together to celebrate the centenary and I do hope that lots and lots of you will come along with your children and join in. There is such a thing as a free lunch!
Other events include our Centenary Concert and the Dads v Lads cricket match. All tickets for the Summer Ball have already been sold, so we know that this will be well-supported and then of course there is Speech Day.
There is a special joint Sports Day on Tuesday 3rd July at the Abbey with Prep School athletes joining in with their senior colleagues.
I hope that you all have a very good half-term.
With my best wishes
Roger Clark
The second half of term offers several opportunities for you to join in and attend a range of events. Among these will be the Family Fun Day. This is a social get-together to celebrate the centenary and I do hope that lots and lots of you will come along with your children and join in. There is such a thing as a free lunch!
Other events include our Centenary Concert and the Dads v Lads cricket match. All tickets for the Summer Ball have already been sold, so we know that this will be well-supported and then of course there is Speech Day.
There is a special joint Sports Day on Tuesday 3rd July at the Abbey with Prep School athletes joining in with their senior colleagues.
I hope that you all have a very good half-term.
With my best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 25 May 2012
25th May 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
The English summer sound of leather hitting willow announced the start of the cricket season this week, delayed so badly by the rain. A win against Bethany and two nail-biting, final over defeats against Eastbourne College and Dover College have allowed our boys to display their competitive spirit and skills in different age groups. At the same time, the girls enjoyed a win and a loss in Rounders matches and we take on Vinehall at Athletics this afternoon. The heat is on.
Talking of cricket, the Dads have been dusting down their cover drives, square cuts and googlies in the nets at Horntye in preparation for the annual, and this year, centenary Dads v Lads cricket match later in the term. Crowhurst Park is the delightful venue for this event on 24th June.
The Abbot’s Hall was full on Sunday afternoon for the Centenary Service, when the anthem written especially by Kevin Anderson, with music by John Langridge, to commemorate our hundred years, was given its world premiere. The Choir did full justice to this special composition. At the book launch three weeks ago we were privileged to receive her Majesty’s good wishes for the future of the school and very fortunately her senior representative in the county, Lord Lieutenant Peter Field, was a highly supportive attendee at the service with his wife.
I wish you all a good weekend in the sun!
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 18 May 2012
18th May 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
A third Battle Abbey baby arrived in the third week of May! This time it was me, who had the opportunity to celebrate the miracle of new life, as I became a grandfather to William, who weighed in at a healthy 8lb11ozs, born very magically on his mother’s birthday.
May 14th will be a doubly special day in my family in future!
In a Centenary year, we are able to celebrate both the past hundred years and the new beginnings at the start of the next one hundred. We look forward, while learning from and being grateful to all that brought us thus far.
On Sunday we will remember our school in a special service in the Abbot’s Hall, led by Father Kevin Taggart, the Benedictine Abbot of Worth. Battle Abbey was a Benedictine foundation and we are very privileged to have Father Kevin with us to lead our worship. We are also delighted to welcome the Lord Lieutenant and his wife for this special occasion.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
A third Battle Abbey baby arrived in the third week of May! This time it was me, who had the opportunity to celebrate the miracle of new life, as I became a grandfather to William, who weighed in at a healthy 8lb11ozs, born very magically on his mother’s birthday.
May 14th will be a doubly special day in my family in future!
In a Centenary year, we are able to celebrate both the past hundred years and the new beginnings at the start of the next one hundred. We look forward, while learning from and being grateful to all that brought us thus far.
On Sunday we will remember our school in a special service in the Abbot’s Hall, led by Father Kevin Taggart, the Benedictine Abbot of Worth. Battle Abbey was a Benedictine foundation and we are very privileged to have Father Kevin with us to lead our worship. We are also delighted to welcome the Lord Lieutenant and his wife for this special occasion.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 11 May 2012
11th May 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
Another week, another baby! Aaron Pawson, our wonderful Catering Manager, has become a father. Rufus and Mrs Pawson are both doing well. It offers us another brief moment to reflect on what is important in life.
At the end of this week, I am enjoying meeting some of the excellent candidates who have been selected for interview to fill the posts left vacant by the departure of Mrs Heasmer and Mr Patel, in terms of his PE commitment. I have been very pleased with the strength of the field and we are of course looking for the person who is the very best fit for our school. I will be able to share the news of the appointments with you next week. Whilst it is always sad to see high quality staff leave us, it is also very exciting to see new faces and the school looks forward to the different expertise and enthusiasm that new staff inevitably bring with them. A certain amount of staff movement is very healthy for a school, which must be a dynamic organisation to function at its best.
This is the time of year when the Art and Textiles examination classes are producing their final pieces and it has been a privilege to see some of the astonishing work being produced at the moment. My room has always been used as a mini art gallery and visitors are able to admire the latest creations of our students. There will be an opportunity for all parents to see samples of this year’s work at a special Centenary Art Exhibition at the end of term.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 4 May 2012
4th May 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
Every cloud has a silver lining and at the end of the wettest and dullest month of the year so far, the school can celebrate another birth. Dr Demoncheaux and Beatrice celebrated the birth of a baby boy on May 1st, saying goodbye to the month of April and heralding in new life and hope. Pierre-Eric’s adventure starts now and just like your children, he will be the most precious part of his parents’ lives. It serves to remind all those who work at the school of the enormous responsibility that lies on our shoulders, as well as on the parents’ shoulders. From this very fact arise some of the great joys of parenting and teaching but also some of the inevitable tensions and disappointments and the closer that we can work with each other, the better the result will be for the young people in our care.
In May, the more silver linings we can discover, the less influence the clouds will have on us. Our best way is to go back to the children, who are naturally optimistic, laughing and smiling. They are the ones who make teaching so fulfilling and compensate for a dull April, with its hosepipe bans and its flood warnings!
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Every cloud has a silver lining and at the end of the wettest and dullest month of the year so far, the school can celebrate another birth. Dr Demoncheaux and Beatrice celebrated the birth of a baby boy on May 1st, saying goodbye to the month of April and heralding in new life and hope. Pierre-Eric’s adventure starts now and just like your children, he will be the most precious part of his parents’ lives. It serves to remind all those who work at the school of the enormous responsibility that lies on our shoulders, as well as on the parents’ shoulders. From this very fact arise some of the great joys of parenting and teaching but also some of the inevitable tensions and disappointments and the closer that we can work with each other, the better the result will be for the young people in our care.
In May, the more silver linings we can discover, the less influence the clouds will have on us. Our best way is to go back to the children, who are naturally optimistic, laughing and smiling. They are the ones who make teaching so fulfilling and compensate for a dull April, with its hosepipe bans and its flood warnings!
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 27 April 2012
27th April 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
With the launch of the "Celebration of Battle Abbey School", we were reminded on Saturday of the centenary year and the many memories which so many people have of a hundred years of history. One of the most special and memorable parts of the day was when the Chairman of Governors read out a letter from Her Majesty, the Queen, wishing the school a successful year and sending her warmest good wishes for the future happiness and welfare of the school.
You will read details of the day elsewhere in the newsletter but I would simply like to thank all those involved in the production of the book and especially Uta Acuna and Monica Steward and also thank Jo Henry, former pupil and publisher, for officially launching the book. Jo and her sisters all attended the school, as did her mother and Jo’s father was our Chairman of Governors for many years. The Henry family’s collective contribution to the school was immense and it was very good to have both mother and daughter with us for the "launch".
A copy of the book can be purchased from the school and I commend it to you.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Headmaster
Friday, 20 April 2012
20th April 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
The Easter holiday was a welcome break but also a busy time for many of our pupils. Apart from the obvious revision, which will have kept the top half of the school occupied, there was a very successful ski-trip at the start of the holidays. Mr Eckhoff, Miss Bryant and Mr Flutter are to be thanked for running this.
Five intrepid pupils went off for five days on the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award expedition in the Brecon Beacons and lived to tell the tale. The weather was not in their favour, which made their achievement even more impressive. Two of the girls, Dani Edmunds and Polly Sapsford returned and less than 24 hours later were singing with the Chamber Choir in Canterbury Cathedral! We were honoured to receive the invitation to sing a concert in such a prestigious venue.
Additionally, three of our pupils in the last week of the holidays, Sam Bunday, Tom Collins and Oliver Rowlatt completed the Three Peaks Challenge (climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours.). They raised a substantial sum for St Michael’s Hospice in completing this amazing feat.
To prove that the fund raising habit continues after leaving school, one of our former pupils, Julius Malewicz, with some sponsorship from existing pupils, completed a Land’s End to John O’Groats bike ride to raise money for BEAT (Beating Eating Disorders).
I look forward to a very busy term with several very special Centenary events and hope to see many of you on these occasions as well as at other times.
Best wishes Roger Clark
Friday, 23 March 2012
23rd March 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
Another exceptionally busy term has come to an end. Different age groups in the school have had different imperatives and activities. The rich mixture has been recounted in the newsletters that many of you will have read.
Following the triumph that was “Merrily we roll along” last week, well over sixty senior school pupils performed in the first of two centenary concerts on Tuesday evening and I was delighted to have the opportunity to welcome the splendid Prep School choir to this special evening. The smiling and animated faces of the eight, nine and ten year old children were a very special memory of the evening, further enhanced by their excellent singing and movement. The concert gave the 60-strong senior choir a chance to display their extraordinary virtuosity. We were also dazzled by individual performances of grade 8 standard and above. Jasmine Munns, in her final year, sang two beautiful Schumann Lieder, with an impeccable German accent. Other stunning performances came from Amy and Mandy Chan, Leah Cave, Isobel Richardson and Olly Grainge, Helen Butcher, Rocky Bullin, Leon Fung, Lily Lindon, Charles Snelling-Colyer and Danielle Edmunds. The Chamber Choir, the Ladies Choir and the String Ensemble gave further stunning performances. The show stopper in some ways were the two excepts from Mozart’s ‘Requiem,’ which enjoyed its first outside broadcast performance transmitted by the BBC in St Mary’s church in 1932. It was performed by Battle Choral Society, conducted by the Battle Abbey School director of music and with participation by pupils at the school. History repeated itself.
Those doing examinations will be steeling themselves for a holiday full of revision but I hope some relaxation.
I hope you enjoy some quality time with your children this Easter break.
Best wishes,
Roger Clark
PS
Easter eggs. I have just watched 18 year old boys and girls (along with the rest of St. E’s) rushing around the Abbot’s Hall desperate to find a clue to lead them to an Easter egg. Seeing their excitement reminded me that, while we sometimes fear that our teenagers grow up too quickly, it does not take long to find the child again inside them and what a refreshing thing that is!
Another exceptionally busy term has come to an end. Different age groups in the school have had different imperatives and activities. The rich mixture has been recounted in the newsletters that many of you will have read.
Following the triumph that was “Merrily we roll along” last week, well over sixty senior school pupils performed in the first of two centenary concerts on Tuesday evening and I was delighted to have the opportunity to welcome the splendid Prep School choir to this special evening. The smiling and animated faces of the eight, nine and ten year old children were a very special memory of the evening, further enhanced by their excellent singing and movement. The concert gave the 60-strong senior choir a chance to display their extraordinary virtuosity. We were also dazzled by individual performances of grade 8 standard and above. Jasmine Munns, in her final year, sang two beautiful Schumann Lieder, with an impeccable German accent. Other stunning performances came from Amy and Mandy Chan, Leah Cave, Isobel Richardson and Olly Grainge, Helen Butcher, Rocky Bullin, Leon Fung, Lily Lindon, Charles Snelling-Colyer and Danielle Edmunds. The Chamber Choir, the Ladies Choir and the String Ensemble gave further stunning performances. The show stopper in some ways were the two excepts from Mozart’s ‘Requiem,’ which enjoyed its first outside broadcast performance transmitted by the BBC in St Mary’s church in 1932. It was performed by Battle Choral Society, conducted by the Battle Abbey School director of music and with participation by pupils at the school. History repeated itself.
Those doing examinations will be steeling themselves for a holiday full of revision but I hope some relaxation.
I hope you enjoy some quality time with your children this Easter break.
Best wishes,
Roger Clark
PS
Easter eggs. I have just watched 18 year old boys and girls (along with the rest of St. E’s) rushing around the Abbot’s Hall desperate to find a clue to lead them to an Easter egg. Seeing their excitement reminded me that, while we sometimes fear that our teenagers grow up too quickly, it does not take long to find the child again inside them and what a refreshing thing that is!
Friday, 16 March 2012
16th March 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
One of the parents commented kindly that it was interesting to hear a little about what my life is like from the last newsletter. I was
enormously flattered but herewith promise not to talk about myself more than is absolutely necessary. Weeks are often busy. This is a frantic week.
I will have completed 64 hours at school in the last five days by the end of today and that is why my newsletter letter is being written at great haste, at the last minute but does reflect the pace of my working life this week. This is not a complaint, because I love my job, and this is not true of every week.
However, staff in our schools do work very long hours during term time and I am extremely grateful to all those who give up so much of their time to do extra for the pupils. The wealth of extracurricular
opportunities depends on this.
The reward for the adult community is to see your children blossom and push themselves very hard indeed.
I will write at much greater length next week.
Best wishes, as always,
Roger Clark
Headmaster
One of the parents commented kindly that it was interesting to hear a little about what my life is like from the last newsletter. I was
enormously flattered but herewith promise not to talk about myself more than is absolutely necessary. Weeks are often busy. This is a frantic week.
I will have completed 64 hours at school in the last five days by the end of today and that is why my newsletter letter is being written at great haste, at the last minute but does reflect the pace of my working life this week. This is not a complaint, because I love my job, and this is not true of every week.
However, staff in our schools do work very long hours during term time and I am extremely grateful to all those who give up so much of their time to do extra for the pupils. The wealth of extracurricular
opportunities depends on this.
The reward for the adult community is to see your children blossom and push themselves very hard indeed.
I will write at much greater length next week.
Best wishes, as always,
Roger Clark
Headmaster
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
9th March 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
This was the week of my annual conference. Each year the head teachers of the Society of Head Teachers of Independent Schools get together for seminars, opportunities to visit trade stands, opportunities to network and stand back from the detail of everyday life and get a wider perspective on our job. I always return refreshed and energised mentally as well as physically. This year as always there were inspirational speakers on subjects ranging from leadership to learning.
At 9am on Tuesday morning 90 head teachers were in hopeless fits of laughter, being addressed on the subject of making children think. The humour was not at the expense of the children but directed more at us as teachers!
The title of the conference was “Walking the tightrope – keeping your balance.” It was all good, relevant in-service training. There was inevitably a session on stress management, not just our own, but an insight into how we all deal with stress and how to cope, how to keep the balance.
At the final dinner, we were treated to an uplifting speech from the Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin a Jamaican born priest from Montego Bay, who is now chaplain to the Queen and to the Speaker of the House of Commons, as well as having an Inner-London parish. She reminded us all that high standards and discipline are essential for our young people.
So if you see me bouncing around the school, full of unexpected energy, remember the old maxim: “Beware of people who have been on courses”!
Best wishes, as always,
Roger Clark
Headmaster
This was the week of my annual conference. Each year the head teachers of the Society of Head Teachers of Independent Schools get together for seminars, opportunities to visit trade stands, opportunities to network and stand back from the detail of everyday life and get a wider perspective on our job. I always return refreshed and energised mentally as well as physically. This year as always there were inspirational speakers on subjects ranging from leadership to learning.
At 9am on Tuesday morning 90 head teachers were in hopeless fits of laughter, being addressed on the subject of making children think. The humour was not at the expense of the children but directed more at us as teachers!
The title of the conference was “Walking the tightrope – keeping your balance.” It was all good, relevant in-service training. There was inevitably a session on stress management, not just our own, but an insight into how we all deal with stress and how to cope, how to keep the balance.
At the final dinner, we were treated to an uplifting speech from the Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin a Jamaican born priest from Montego Bay, who is now chaplain to the Queen and to the Speaker of the House of Commons, as well as having an Inner-London parish. She reminded us all that high standards and discipline are essential for our young people.
So if you see me bouncing around the school, full of unexpected energy, remember the old maxim: “Beware of people who have been on courses”!
Best wishes, as always,
Roger Clark
Headmaster
Friday, 2 March 2012
2nd March 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
My admiration for the achievements of our young people sometimes knows no bounds. (What are you doing this weekend?) As I write, 7 intrepid 16 year olds (five girls and two boys), are about to set off for an 80 kilometre hike over Dartmoor, watched remotely but essentially on their own, in unfamiliar territory. They will carry 50lb packs on their shoulders, camp out in whatever weather Dartmoor throws at them and then return to AS Chemistry practicals, performances in the Hastings Festival, participation in the last rehearsals of this term’s musical and much more. This major undertaking is merely the practice for the real thing – the Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition. In preparation for the Bronze equivalent, last weekend another 19 Year 10 pupils were learning the skills of campcraft and navigation. They gave up the whole of their weekend and will have much more training yet, before they too will undertake their Bronze expedition in June.
I am extremely proud of all these youngsters and very grateful to the teachers, Aaron Eckhoff and Charlotte Bryant, who are facilitating this.
As I survey this short period of school history (2 weeks), there is evidence all around me of teachers giving many hours more than I could reasonably expect, of pupils driving themselves physically and mentally to perform beyond expectation and of a resultant sense of success, achievement and endeavour in which we all should take quiet pride. Whether it be our recent victorious rugby and hockey teams; the Year 10 Maths medallists; those who rehearse hours upon hours for their drama and music performances; the evidence in almost every corner of the school of high quality art and textiles; the determined hard work being put in daily by our exam candidates; the many staff who are laying on extra revision classes; the opportunities next week for pupils to go to see "Warhorse"; the 60 pupils who will be going to hear the Last Post at the Menin Gate on Friday – it all adds up to a very positive picture. To accompany all of this, there are the daily smiles and laughter that make up a largely happy and hardworking school community and I am very pleased that the inspection report captured at least some of this.
I would like to finish by sharing with you, somewhat immodestly, what one parent wrote to Mrs Maslin and I. He captured the essence of the report, in just the way that I would hope it would be interpreted:
" Whilst I don’t think I needed a formal Report to tell me what a good start BAS is giving my children, it’s nice to see the core strengths properly recorded and acknowledged. These reports are inadequate in many ways and one should be wary of straying from Kipling’s mantra (treating triumph and disaster just the same..); but I think you should both allow yourselves a congratulatory pat on the back – particularly in relation to the quality of your pupils’ personal development. When all is said and done and exam results long forgotten, such is the true measure and legacy of the learning experience you deliver. Outstanding!"
Best wishes
Roger Clark Headmaster
Friday, 24 February 2012
24th February 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
I was delighted to see many of the Lower Sixth pupils and parents at our second Preparing for University Evening on Thursday. There are all kinds of markers along the road when young people are growing up. Last night saw a roomful of our pupils concentrating their thoughts on leaving school, a few short months after taking their GCSE examinations. There will be at least three other whole days devoted to helping the Lower Sixth choose the right course at the right University. Later this term they will be spending a day at a Universities Fair in Surrey and after completing their AS levels there will be days devoted to the writing of personal statements, an introduction to which took place last night.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank Zofia Malewicz our Head of Sixth Form for all that she does to help prepare our young people for the next stage of their education.
Our top five Year 10 Mathematicians all achieved awards this year in the National Maths Challenge with Sophie Adams and Jean-Jacques Choron achieving gold awards. Jean -Jacques will now also proceed to the European leg of the competition, bizarrely called “The Pink Kangaroo” well done to Mr Roberts and the Maths Department for all they do to encourage excellence in their subject.
I do hope that many of you will take the opportunity to come and see ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ on March 14th to 16th and also to attend our first Centenary Concert which this year will take place at The Memorial Hall in Battle on Tuesday, 20th March.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
I was delighted to see many of the Lower Sixth pupils and parents at our second Preparing for University Evening on Thursday. There are all kinds of markers along the road when young people are growing up. Last night saw a roomful of our pupils concentrating their thoughts on leaving school, a few short months after taking their GCSE examinations. There will be at least three other whole days devoted to helping the Lower Sixth choose the right course at the right University. Later this term they will be spending a day at a Universities Fair in Surrey and after completing their AS levels there will be days devoted to the writing of personal statements, an introduction to which took place last night.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank Zofia Malewicz our Head of Sixth Form for all that she does to help prepare our young people for the next stage of their education.
Our top five Year 10 Mathematicians all achieved awards this year in the National Maths Challenge with Sophie Adams and Jean-Jacques Choron achieving gold awards. Jean -Jacques will now also proceed to the European leg of the competition, bizarrely called “The Pink Kangaroo” well done to Mr Roberts and the Maths Department for all they do to encourage excellence in their subject.
I do hope that many of you will take the opportunity to come and see ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ on March 14th to 16th and also to attend our first Centenary Concert which this year will take place at The Memorial Hall in Battle on Tuesday, 20th March.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 10 February 2012
10th Feb 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
If you have never been to a whole school disco and seen the House Masters and Mistresses dancing at 08.45, you have missed a treat. As we enter half-term, it is “Mufti-Day”. Inspired by the request of one pupil in Year 13, Oliver Rowlatt, we have all been asked to come to school in casual clothes, wear something yellow and donate £2 to St Michael’s Hospice. Cakes will be sold at break and prefects will clean pupils’ shoes. On top of organising this special fund raising day, Oliver Rowlatt, Sam Bunday and Tom Collins are all going to
attempt the arduous “3 Peaks Challenge” in April. These young men will attempt to climb the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales (Scafell Pike 978 metres, Ben Nevis 1344 metres and Snowden 1085) in a 24 hour period. The money they raise by doing this will go to help support the vitally important work that St Michael’s Hospice do within our community. One of their staff will be speaking to the school in the second half of term.
After all the excitement of the final day, half-term offers our
examination candidates an opportunity to revise and consolidate. Parents of pupils in year 11 – 13, please help your children keep focussed on their academic work. There are just 8 teaching weeks left till the public exams start and 5 weeks available for revision.
Have a good break!
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Headmaster
If you have never been to a whole school disco and seen the House Masters and Mistresses dancing at 08.45, you have missed a treat. As we enter half-term, it is “Mufti-Day”. Inspired by the request of one pupil in Year 13, Oliver Rowlatt, we have all been asked to come to school in casual clothes, wear something yellow and donate £2 to St Michael’s Hospice. Cakes will be sold at break and prefects will clean pupils’ shoes. On top of organising this special fund raising day, Oliver Rowlatt, Sam Bunday and Tom Collins are all going to
attempt the arduous “3 Peaks Challenge” in April. These young men will attempt to climb the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales (Scafell Pike 978 metres, Ben Nevis 1344 metres and Snowden 1085) in a 24 hour period. The money they raise by doing this will go to help support the vitally important work that St Michael’s Hospice do within our community. One of their staff will be speaking to the school in the second half of term.
After all the excitement of the final day, half-term offers our
examination candidates an opportunity to revise and consolidate. Parents of pupils in year 11 – 13, please help your children keep focussed on their academic work. There are just 8 teaching weeks left till the public exams start and 5 weeks available for revision.
Have a good break!
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Headmaster
Friday, 3 February 2012
3rd February 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
You will appreciate, I am sure, that part of achieving the excellent things your children do achieve here involves self discipline and training and I thought this week I would emphasise that the school cares greatly about your children’s behaviour and the way that they respond to the rules of the school. I was delighted to congratulate the school this morning on how smart they were all looking. Many, many children automatically have their top button done up all day long, their tie straight, their shirts tucked in and those who push to flex their teenage muscles are constantly reminded by staff here of the need to take pride in their appearance. We remind them, as I am sure you do, that when they are in Battle High Street or on public transport, wearing their school uniform, people make judgements about their appearance.
Going back to my school days I remember being taught the maxim “judgements of great importance are often based on very superficial evidence”, which ties in with the other rather trite saying: “you only have one chance to make a first impression.” On a very regular basis as prospective parents walk round the school for the first time they comment on the good manners of our children, the welcome afforded to them by the teachers and the friendly atmosphere that they perceive exists within the community. This apparently lucky balance of relaxed, good behaviour is achieved as a result of
constant effort. The rigid discipline, commonly associated with military life, is not something I have ever wanted to be associated with a school, that I have been in charge of. I believe in high standards of behaviour, I believe in good discipline but in the ideal world these are achieved as a result of mutual respect which actually lies deeper than the threat of punishment or reprimand and is more difficult to achieve.
So we will continue, just as you do, to remind your children about their behaviour and we will pull them up if they break the school rules but, as I have just said, the easy charm and natural good
manners that so many of our pupils and your children have in abundance, comes, I believe, because they care about each other and we care about them in the family of the school.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Headmaster
You will appreciate, I am sure, that part of achieving the excellent things your children do achieve here involves self discipline and training and I thought this week I would emphasise that the school cares greatly about your children’s behaviour and the way that they respond to the rules of the school. I was delighted to congratulate the school this morning on how smart they were all looking. Many, many children automatically have their top button done up all day long, their tie straight, their shirts tucked in and those who push to flex their teenage muscles are constantly reminded by staff here of the need to take pride in their appearance. We remind them, as I am sure you do, that when they are in Battle High Street or on public transport, wearing their school uniform, people make judgements about their appearance.
Going back to my school days I remember being taught the maxim “judgements of great importance are often based on very superficial evidence”, which ties in with the other rather trite saying: “you only have one chance to make a first impression.” On a very regular basis as prospective parents walk round the school for the first time they comment on the good manners of our children, the welcome afforded to them by the teachers and the friendly atmosphere that they perceive exists within the community. This apparently lucky balance of relaxed, good behaviour is achieved as a result of
constant effort. The rigid discipline, commonly associated with military life, is not something I have ever wanted to be associated with a school, that I have been in charge of. I believe in high standards of behaviour, I believe in good discipline but in the ideal world these are achieved as a result of mutual respect which actually lies deeper than the threat of punishment or reprimand and is more difficult to achieve.
So we will continue, just as you do, to remind your children about their behaviour and we will pull them up if they break the school rules but, as I have just said, the easy charm and natural good
manners that so many of our pupils and your children have in abundance, comes, I believe, because they care about each other and we care about them in the family of the school.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Headmaster
Friday, 27 January 2012
27th January - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
I spent much of last weekend in the Boarding House. I was delighted and almost humbled by the determination displayed by the Senior Boarders to make the most of their academic opportunity at our school. A member of the boarding team walks round every half hour to ensure all is well. It was clear that the Upper Sixth and Lower Sixth students were studying very hard and taking sensible short breaks as well. Nearly all of them have faced AS or A level papers this week. Their work ethic is admirable, and will be the reason for their future success. (I am sure that many day parents are witnessing the same levels of application at the moment).
It is also the custom in the Boarding House for the senior boarders to tutor the Junior boarders both in academic subjects but also in some cases the acquisition of the English Language – an aspect much admired by our recent Inspectors.
At the end of the weekend, Mr Patel had arranged for the boarders to celebrate the Chinese New Year with a special meal and the excellent catering team swung into action. I was honoured to be asked to present all boarders with a small red purse with money in and to wish them happiness and prosperity for the year ahead.
It is the Year of the Dragon, the king of the animals. The dragon is not to be feared as in Western mythology but to be respected and seen as the bringer of good fortune.
I hope this year brings you all good fortune too, in the widest sense of the word.
Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Best wishes
Roger Clark Headmaster
Friday, 20 January 2012
20th January - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
Much planning is going into the centenary events for this special year in the school’s history. The calendar of events is being
finalised and members of the various school’s communities are being mobilised.
For instance, Founders’ Day this year will see the return of former pupils from all over the world and we are looking forward to
performances from former pupils in our two special music concerts.
I look forward to sharing more news with you as we draw nearer to the various events and celebrations.
As we look back over one hundred years many interesting things are emerging. We have discovered that Battle Choral Society, aided by Battle Abbey School pupils performed the first ever live
broadcast of Mozart’s Requiem in St. Mary’s church in 1931 on BBC Radio. The then school Director of Music lead Battle Choral Society in the same way as John Langridge today leads our school music and Battle Choral Society. We will be performing extracts from Mozart’s Requiem in our Centenary Concert this term. John, coincidentally, used to be a music producer for BBC Radio.
Back to the present and I am aware that many of our senior pupils have been working very hard for the academic challenges of this term’s examinations and we are, of course, trying to support them in this and will continue to do so in the crucial months ahead.
I am also pleased to report that I am seeing many prospective
parents and pupils, who are seeking places here in September.
Best wishes
Roger Clark Headmaster
Much planning is going into the centenary events for this special year in the school’s history. The calendar of events is being
finalised and members of the various school’s communities are being mobilised.
For instance, Founders’ Day this year will see the return of former pupils from all over the world and we are looking forward to
performances from former pupils in our two special music concerts.
I look forward to sharing more news with you as we draw nearer to the various events and celebrations.
As we look back over one hundred years many interesting things are emerging. We have discovered that Battle Choral Society, aided by Battle Abbey School pupils performed the first ever live
broadcast of Mozart’s Requiem in St. Mary’s church in 1931 on BBC Radio. The then school Director of Music lead Battle Choral Society in the same way as John Langridge today leads our school music and Battle Choral Society. We will be performing extracts from Mozart’s Requiem in our Centenary Concert this term. John, coincidentally, used to be a music producer for BBC Radio.
Back to the present and I am aware that many of our senior pupils have been working very hard for the academic challenges of this term’s examinations and we are, of course, trying to support them in this and will continue to do so in the crucial months ahead.
I am also pleased to report that I am seeing many prospective
parents and pupils, who are seeking places here in September.
Best wishes
Roger Clark Headmaster
Friday, 13 January 2012
13th January 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
Happy 100th Birthday Battle Abbey School!
This is the beginning of the year in which we celebrate 100 years of the school’s existence. It is a year to look back with gratitude on all the pupils and staff who have made up that extraordinary tapestry which is our school. It is also a year in which to look forward to all the excitement of education on this ancient site in an ever-changing world. Gratitude and ambition can go hand-in-hand as we move through the year. We can be proud that we are centenarians and proud of the traditions, values and people who have delivered us safely here. We can be ambitious for the future as we work together to improve. No complacency here!
The school has needed to change and adapt to stay strong but we have also needed to maintain core values to stay upright and focused. The sense of family, with all that this implies, which lies at the heart of the school is still a guiding principle and the belief that each individual has it in them to succeed is there too in strong measure.
I have the privilege this year to teach both Year 7 and Year 9 and I know that the school’s future will be safe – what a great group of young people they are – disarmingly bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (similar to the Upper Sixth Formers too!). Sharing in the development of these young people is what the school exists for, helping them to discover the very best of themselves and sharing in their awe and wonder, as they discover the world and go on to improve it. Sometimes they will need to stumble to grow but we will be there to pick them up and always there to celebrate their success.
Enough reflective and speculative romance and back to reality!
I hope the New Year brings you health, happiness and success in equal measure and I look forward to many opportunities to work with you and to meet up.
Best wishes
Roger Clark Headmaster
Happy 100th Birthday Battle Abbey School!
This is the beginning of the year in which we celebrate 100 years of the school’s existence. It is a year to look back with gratitude on all the pupils and staff who have made up that extraordinary tapestry which is our school. It is also a year in which to look forward to all the excitement of education on this ancient site in an ever-changing world. Gratitude and ambition can go hand-in-hand as we move through the year. We can be proud that we are centenarians and proud of the traditions, values and people who have delivered us safely here. We can be ambitious for the future as we work together to improve. No complacency here!
The school has needed to change and adapt to stay strong but we have also needed to maintain core values to stay upright and focused. The sense of family, with all that this implies, which lies at the heart of the school is still a guiding principle and the belief that each individual has it in them to succeed is there too in strong measure.
I have the privilege this year to teach both Year 7 and Year 9 and I know that the school’s future will be safe – what a great group of young people they are – disarmingly bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (similar to the Upper Sixth Formers too!). Sharing in the development of these young people is what the school exists for, helping them to discover the very best of themselves and sharing in their awe and wonder, as they discover the world and go on to improve it. Sometimes they will need to stumble to grow but we will be there to pick them up and always there to celebrate their success.
Enough reflective and speculative romance and back to reality!
I hope the New Year brings you health, happiness and success in equal measure and I look forward to many opportunities to work with you and to meet up.
Best wishes
Roger Clark Headmaster
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)