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

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

5th October 2012 - Message from the Headmaster

Dear Parents

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