Dear Parents,
We have made it to the end of a very busy and successful term and there has been so much crammed into the last two weeks. The production of ‘Into the Woods’ was probably the most impressive student musical I have ever seen and the cast and staff are to be applauded for their extraordinary efforts in staging such a difficult yet captivating piece of theatre.
The dust had hardly settled on the play when the school launched itself into a simply amazing week of Christmas celebrations. Proceedings started on Sunday in the evocative setting of the ruins for the Evensong service. The choir did us proud as ever and we all enjoyed a very moving, very special occasion together. Attention turned to the Prep School on Monday as we took part in a wonderfully entertaining ‘Carols at the Gate’ which saw a combination of singing, dramatic story telling and the odd killer joke. Next, the Senior School hosted Carols round the Fire on Tuesday which was much appreciated by a packed audience in the Abbots Hall. Wednesday, unsurprisingly, didn’t give the students a chance to breathe as the 6th Form vs staff football match kicked off in front of a sell-out and highly partisan crowd. Thursday was soon upon us as we came to the memorable tradition of the Christmas lunch which, this year, was preceded by the 6th Form panto. The turkey and trimmings were accompanied by some hearty singing and the most astonishing (and wacky!) paper fight I have ever seen – ably ‘refereed’ by both Mr Malewicz and Mr Payton. We just about managed to digest our Christmas pud before we headed to the Prep School to watch their panto of Dick Whittington – which saw every student from year 3 upwards participating in one way or another. I don’t imagine that any other school in the land does Christmas quite like Battle Abbey – it has been a truly spectacular week*.
I hope that, like me, you enjoyed the recent Time Team Special on the controversy surrounding the site of the Battle of Hastings. It was fantastic to see our school featuring so prominently on mainstream television and seeing the aerial views just reinforced how lucky we are to be part of this internationally significant historical community.
Finally – can I take this opportunity to thank all our staff and students for their many contributions this term and to wish you all a restful holiday and a very happy Christmas?
David Clark
*Video highlights of Christmas week will be available to view on the school website in the new year.
Monday, 16 December 2013
Friday, 29 November 2013
David Clark, Headmaster of Battle Abbey School - Blog, 29th Nov 2013.
Dear Parents,
I have just had a fascinating hour with a former pupil who was at Battle Abbey School from 1957 to 1963. She reminisced fondly about various aspects of school life (though not about the lack of heating!) and then told me about how wonderful it was to celebrate the build-up to Christmas at the Abbey. Not surprisingly, she loved seeing the Christmas tree in the Abbott’s Hall and she was delighted to hear that many of the Christmas traditions that she enjoyed many years ago, were still going strong today. Needless to say, the whole school community is looking forward, with anticipation, to the many wonderful Christmas events over the next two weeks.
I experienced my first ever Scholar’s Music Concert last week and was completely overwhelmed by the talent on show that evening. It was particularly encouraging to see so many younger students performing with such confidence and assurance – music at Battle Abbey School is certainly in safe hands for many years to come. On that note, I do hope that as many of you as possible can join us next week for the production of ‘Into the Woods’ and for our Evensong in the Ruins – both are occasions not to be missed.
The boarding community at Battle Abbey plays a very special part in the wider family of the School. We are privileged to have students with us from 14 different countries ranging from Nigeria to Spain, from Hong Kong to Germany. I hope that, like me, you come to really value the unique contribution that they make to our School and I would urge all of us to continue to be as welcoming and hospitable as possible to our overseas contingent. Thanks also are due to all the boarding staff, teachers and matrons, who offer so much support to the boarders every day of the week.
Could I finally applaud my hockey team for their wholehearted commitment to the cause yesterday and also wish good luck to the equestrian team who are competing at Golden Cross this Saturday?
Best wishes
David Clark
I have just had a fascinating hour with a former pupil who was at Battle Abbey School from 1957 to 1963. She reminisced fondly about various aspects of school life (though not about the lack of heating!) and then told me about how wonderful it was to celebrate the build-up to Christmas at the Abbey. Not surprisingly, she loved seeing the Christmas tree in the Abbott’s Hall and she was delighted to hear that many of the Christmas traditions that she enjoyed many years ago, were still going strong today. Needless to say, the whole school community is looking forward, with anticipation, to the many wonderful Christmas events over the next two weeks.
I experienced my first ever Scholar’s Music Concert last week and was completely overwhelmed by the talent on show that evening. It was particularly encouraging to see so many younger students performing with such confidence and assurance – music at Battle Abbey School is certainly in safe hands for many years to come. On that note, I do hope that as many of you as possible can join us next week for the production of ‘Into the Woods’ and for our Evensong in the Ruins – both are occasions not to be missed.
The boarding community at Battle Abbey plays a very special part in the wider family of the School. We are privileged to have students with us from 14 different countries ranging from Nigeria to Spain, from Hong Kong to Germany. I hope that, like me, you come to really value the unique contribution that they make to our School and I would urge all of us to continue to be as welcoming and hospitable as possible to our overseas contingent. Thanks also are due to all the boarding staff, teachers and matrons, who offer so much support to the boarders every day of the week.
Could I finally applaud my hockey team for their wholehearted commitment to the cause yesterday and also wish good luck to the equestrian team who are competing at Golden Cross this Saturday?
Best wishes
David Clark
Friday, 15 November 2013
David Clark, Headmaster of Battle Abbey School - Blog, 15th Nov 2013.
Dear Parents
Many things about Battle Abbey School have impressed me this term, not least the selfless attitude of the staff and pupils towards charitable endeavours. It is wonderful to see students taking a lead in campaigning for and supporting a variety of worthwhile charities. The engagement with the ‘Love in a Box’ project was hugely encouraging as was the student body’s response to Remembrance Day and to Mr Carver’s excellent and moving Assembly.
Another special aspect of Battle Abbey School is the fact that we are effectively one school in three parts. On that note, I have particularly enjoyed visiting and hosting the Prep School and Nursery on several occasions this term. It is the best therapy imaginable popping down to the Bexhill site on a weekly basis and being greeted by a sea of smiling faces as well as a tsunami of energy and enthusiasm. Furthermore, I managed to spend time meeting each year 6 pupil individually this week and was impressed by their talents and with the way in which they interacted with me in such an open, confident and positive manner – they are a real tribute to their School.
Half-term has come and gone so quickly but I would like to thank all the staff who worked so hard to organise the very well-attended Harold’s Night Disco and the Languages Department for their efforts in overseeing another very successful German Exchange. I was also delighted with the success of the equestrian team over the holidays and I would like to congratulate Ms Malewicz on winning two silver medals in the recent Kick-Boxing World Championships – another exceptional achievement.
I was pleased to meet a good number of parents at the recent 6th Form Consultation Evening and I look forward to meeting more of you in the coming weeks. Finally – I hope to welcome as many of you as possible to the Music Scholar’s Concert next Tuesday.
Best wishes
David Clark
Many things about Battle Abbey School have impressed me this term, not least the selfless attitude of the staff and pupils towards charitable endeavours. It is wonderful to see students taking a lead in campaigning for and supporting a variety of worthwhile charities. The engagement with the ‘Love in a Box’ project was hugely encouraging as was the student body’s response to Remembrance Day and to Mr Carver’s excellent and moving Assembly.
Another special aspect of Battle Abbey School is the fact that we are effectively one school in three parts. On that note, I have particularly enjoyed visiting and hosting the Prep School and Nursery on several occasions this term. It is the best therapy imaginable popping down to the Bexhill site on a weekly basis and being greeted by a sea of smiling faces as well as a tsunami of energy and enthusiasm. Furthermore, I managed to spend time meeting each year 6 pupil individually this week and was impressed by their talents and with the way in which they interacted with me in such an open, confident and positive manner – they are a real tribute to their School.
Half-term has come and gone so quickly but I would like to thank all the staff who worked so hard to organise the very well-attended Harold’s Night Disco and the Languages Department for their efforts in overseeing another very successful German Exchange. I was also delighted with the success of the equestrian team over the holidays and I would like to congratulate Ms Malewicz on winning two silver medals in the recent Kick-Boxing World Championships – another exceptional achievement.
I was pleased to meet a good number of parents at the recent 6th Form Consultation Evening and I look forward to meeting more of you in the coming weeks. Finally – I hope to welcome as many of you as possible to the Music Scholar’s Concert next Tuesday.
Best wishes
David Clark
Friday, 18 October 2013
David Clark, Headmaster of Battle Abbey School - Blog, 18th Oct 2013.
Dear Parents,
It seems like only yesterday that I was addressing the School for the first time in whole School Assembly and already we have reached half-term – time really does fly when there is so much going on. On that note, I would like to thank all the staff and students for their efforts in making such a positive and purposeful start to the year.
One of the highlights for me over the last few weeks was Founders’ Day in early October. It was a very special
occasion and so good to see current and former students
mingling together. Equally, I will long remember the chat I had with a lady who joined the school in 1936, telling me in
amazing detail about how life was for her in those early days. Yesterday’s Harold’s Night Disco was another unique Battle Abbey occasion and I can’t imagine any other school in the country hosting a function that sees Prep School pupils and 6th formers enthusiastically sharing the same dance floor – just magical.
This term has also seen much success for students in academic pursuits, in sport, in music and the performing arts and you will be able to see details of that success in the pages of this newsletter. I would especially like to applaud the achievements of the martial arts students with many of them grading and some are doing so well in the sport that they are on the cusp of national recognition. Congratulations are also due to Ms Malewicz on her recent selection to join the England squad for the World Kickboxing Championships in Cyprus over
half-term – a tremendous achievement.
Finally, we were all very sad to hear about Mrs Adams, mother of former Battle Abbey pupils Liam, Sophie and Holly who tragically lost her battle with cancer this week. The whole
family were tremendous supporters of the school and they made a large number of friends amongst staff and pupils alike, and so our thoughts and prayers are very much with them at this difficult time. My predecessor Roger Clark will be
attending the funeral on behalf of the School.
Best wishes.
David Clark
It seems like only yesterday that I was addressing the School for the first time in whole School Assembly and already we have reached half-term – time really does fly when there is so much going on. On that note, I would like to thank all the staff and students for their efforts in making such a positive and purposeful start to the year.
One of the highlights for me over the last few weeks was Founders’ Day in early October. It was a very special
occasion and so good to see current and former students
mingling together. Equally, I will long remember the chat I had with a lady who joined the school in 1936, telling me in
amazing detail about how life was for her in those early days. Yesterday’s Harold’s Night Disco was another unique Battle Abbey occasion and I can’t imagine any other school in the country hosting a function that sees Prep School pupils and 6th formers enthusiastically sharing the same dance floor – just magical.
This term has also seen much success for students in academic pursuits, in sport, in music and the performing arts and you will be able to see details of that success in the pages of this newsletter. I would especially like to applaud the achievements of the martial arts students with many of them grading and some are doing so well in the sport that they are on the cusp of national recognition. Congratulations are also due to Ms Malewicz on her recent selection to join the England squad for the World Kickboxing Championships in Cyprus over
half-term – a tremendous achievement.
Finally, we were all very sad to hear about Mrs Adams, mother of former Battle Abbey pupils Liam, Sophie and Holly who tragically lost her battle with cancer this week. The whole
family were tremendous supporters of the school and they made a large number of friends amongst staff and pupils alike, and so our thoughts and prayers are very much with them at this difficult time. My predecessor Roger Clark will be
attending the funeral on behalf of the School.
Best wishes.
David Clark
Friday, 27 September 2013
David Clark, Headmaster of Battle Abbey School - Blog, 27th Sept 2013.
Dear Parents,
I have just made it to my desk after witnessing a very exciting afternoon of sport. The senior girls’ hockey squad played a 6-a-side match against Uplands – and over four quarters emerged with a 10-9 win. It was a fantastic effort and, as their coach, I was immensely proud of what they achieved especially as some of the girls hadn’t picked up a stick in nearly a year.
This bodes really well for the season ahead and I am looking forward to taking them to more matches in the coming months. Congratulations must also be extended to Mr Mercer and his football teams who have made excellent starts to the term – with a win / loss ratio of 4:1 in our favour so far.
Also on the sporting front – I hugely enjoyed my visit to the Prep School for the charity ‘Race for Life’ in aid of Cancer Research. It was a lovely family occasion and dozens of children were faced with the daunting challenge of running round as many laps of the Prep fields as possible within the hour. I was there with my 2 year old son Henry and was hugely impressed when he managed to complete 7 laps unaided – 3 more than me!
The FOBAS Cheese and Wine Evening was an equally special occasion and I was grateful to have been able to meet with a good number of new parents. I am greatly indebted to FOBAS for their wholehearted support of the school and for their efforts in bringing parents, staff and pupils together.
Finally, I hope that you managed to receive a copy of the 2013 Battle Abbey School magazine and I would like to take this opportunity to thank both James Dennett and Jo Simpson for producing such a fantastic publication that gives a real insight into the many aspects of the school and its very talented students.
Best wishes
David Clark
I have just made it to my desk after witnessing a very exciting afternoon of sport. The senior girls’ hockey squad played a 6-a-side match against Uplands – and over four quarters emerged with a 10-9 win. It was a fantastic effort and, as their coach, I was immensely proud of what they achieved especially as some of the girls hadn’t picked up a stick in nearly a year.
This bodes really well for the season ahead and I am looking forward to taking them to more matches in the coming months. Congratulations must also be extended to Mr Mercer and his football teams who have made excellent starts to the term – with a win / loss ratio of 4:1 in our favour so far.
Also on the sporting front – I hugely enjoyed my visit to the Prep School for the charity ‘Race for Life’ in aid of Cancer Research. It was a lovely family occasion and dozens of children were faced with the daunting challenge of running round as many laps of the Prep fields as possible within the hour. I was there with my 2 year old son Henry and was hugely impressed when he managed to complete 7 laps unaided – 3 more than me!
The FOBAS Cheese and Wine Evening was an equally special occasion and I was grateful to have been able to meet with a good number of new parents. I am greatly indebted to FOBAS for their wholehearted support of the school and for their efforts in bringing parents, staff and pupils together.
Finally, I hope that you managed to receive a copy of the 2013 Battle Abbey School magazine and I would like to take this opportunity to thank both James Dennett and Jo Simpson for producing such a fantastic publication that gives a real insight into the many aspects of the school and its very talented students.
Best wishes
David Clark
Friday, 13 September 2013
David Clark, Headmaster of Battle Abbey School - Blog, 13th Sept 2013.
Dear Parents,
I would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to you all as we return to School for the academic year 2013-14. It seems like only yesterday that I went through the interview process for the headship of BAS – and yet here we are, already two weeks into the Autumn term and so much that is good has already taken place.
We have been joined by a very impressive group of new pupils from a range of different schools and countries and I would like to wish them well as they settle into the very special rhythms and routines of life at Battle Abbey. Equally, I would like to salute the achievements of our existing students and particularly, to commend those who did so well in their public examinations last Summer. Furthermore, several talented new teachers have made their marks already in different aspects of School life and more information about them will be included in future newsletters.
We have experienced a very positive and purposeful start at the School and the student body seems refreshed by its Summer break and ready to take on the challenges ahead. This was evident only last Friday when we held the Activities Fair and there was a fantastic buzz in the Abbot’s Hall and Library as a host of sporting, dramatic, musical and cultural clubs and societies enticed the students to join their ranks. The extra-curricular life of the School is a great strength of BAS and we are working hard to widen the opportunities that are open to students. For example, we are keen to resurrect the Archery Club and some promising tentative steps have been made on that front – watch this space for a progress report.
I am so pleased to have been able to make contact with a large number of parents so soon into my tenure at the school. The new pupil’s tea party was a huge success and I very much appreciated the efforts that parents made to come along to the ‘Meet the Head’ sessions in the Library. If I haven’t been able to meet you yet, please rest assured that I will make every effort to do so in the coming weeks – be that at the front of School for drop off or pick up or at future Parent Consultation Evenings.
Finally, I would like to express my thanks to all those – staff, parents and pupils – who have made my first few weeks so enjoyable and who have offered so much help and support as I get to grips with this exciting challenge.
Best wishes
David Clark
I would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to you all as we return to School for the academic year 2013-14. It seems like only yesterday that I went through the interview process for the headship of BAS – and yet here we are, already two weeks into the Autumn term and so much that is good has already taken place.
We have been joined by a very impressive group of new pupils from a range of different schools and countries and I would like to wish them well as they settle into the very special rhythms and routines of life at Battle Abbey. Equally, I would like to salute the achievements of our existing students and particularly, to commend those who did so well in their public examinations last Summer. Furthermore, several talented new teachers have made their marks already in different aspects of School life and more information about them will be included in future newsletters.
We have experienced a very positive and purposeful start at the School and the student body seems refreshed by its Summer break and ready to take on the challenges ahead. This was evident only last Friday when we held the Activities Fair and there was a fantastic buzz in the Abbot’s Hall and Library as a host of sporting, dramatic, musical and cultural clubs and societies enticed the students to join their ranks. The extra-curricular life of the School is a great strength of BAS and we are working hard to widen the opportunities that are open to students. For example, we are keen to resurrect the Archery Club and some promising tentative steps have been made on that front – watch this space for a progress report.
I am so pleased to have been able to make contact with a large number of parents so soon into my tenure at the school. The new pupil’s tea party was a huge success and I very much appreciated the efforts that parents made to come along to the ‘Meet the Head’ sessions in the Library. If I haven’t been able to meet you yet, please rest assured that I will make every effort to do so in the coming weeks – be that at the front of School for drop off or pick up or at future Parent Consultation Evenings.
Finally, I would like to express my thanks to all those – staff, parents and pupils – who have made my first few weeks so enjoyable and who have offered so much help and support as I get to grips with this exciting challenge.
Best wishes
David Clark
Friday, 5 July 2013
5th July 2013 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
I was presented with a copy of “The Four Quartets” by my English teacher on the day I left school and I have always loved this great work by T S Eliot. There are several references to beginnings and ends.
“In my end is my beginning” and so here I am about to finish but also about to begin again. The next chapter is not retirement but a new life, at the moment full of uncertainty, but one which I am determined I will fill with productive activity. My memories of Battle Abbey are etched deep within me and I will miss it very much but it is time to go.
I have been privileged to work with some wonderfully talented children and adults and some very supportive parents. I thank them all.
As I come to leave, the school is in good financial health and we have some stunning pupils who will allow us to shine in the future and some dedicated teachers and an able and energetic new Headmaster. Our very talented Governors, led by Ian Mercer, who knows the school inside out, have some exciting plans which have been hatched with David Clark, the Bursar and I.
I look forward to hearing of the future successes of the school.
And so with a tear drop over my shoulder, it is time to sign off.
Wishing you all every future health and happiness.
Roger
I was presented with a copy of “The Four Quartets” by my English teacher on the day I left school and I have always loved this great work by T S Eliot. There are several references to beginnings and ends.
“In my end is my beginning” and so here I am about to finish but also about to begin again. The next chapter is not retirement but a new life, at the moment full of uncertainty, but one which I am determined I will fill with productive activity. My memories of Battle Abbey are etched deep within me and I will miss it very much but it is time to go.
I have been privileged to work with some wonderfully talented children and adults and some very supportive parents. I thank them all.
As I come to leave, the school is in good financial health and we have some stunning pupils who will allow us to shine in the future and some dedicated teachers and an able and energetic new Headmaster. Our very talented Governors, led by Ian Mercer, who knows the school inside out, have some exciting plans which have been hatched with David Clark, the Bursar and I.
I look forward to hearing of the future successes of the school.
And so with a tear drop over my shoulder, it is time to sign off.
Wishing you all every future health and happiness.
Roger
Friday, 28 June 2013
28th June 2013 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents,
My tears nearly flowed yesterday afternoon at the Prep School. It is hard some days to remember that I am leaving, because life is extremely busy just at the moment, but I was in Bexhill for my weekly formal meeting with Maria Maslin when I was suddenly confronted by all the staff and children of the Prep and Nursery, waiting for me in the Assembly Hall. “Surprise, surprise” – I was quite overwhelmed and then they sat me at the front with balloons on my seat and they sang and acted and danced and recited just for me and slowly I became more and more aware of what I would be leaving behind and I started to feel very emotional. Each form or Key Stage had something for me. Year 6 had composed a poem in my honour and as usual the children performed their pieces with great discipline but aboundant smiles. Much of the performance was orchestrated by Faye Neave, the very talented music teacher at the Prep School but who was also a pupil in the Lower Sixth at the school in my first year as Head, 15 years ago and we talked afterwards about those early days at the school. “Do you remember when…..?”
Maria Maslin has to take much of the blame for this extravagant deception but I have of course forgiven her! At the end I was presented with an apple tree, an Egremont Russett, and it was such a brilliant present. Firstly because when I left the headship of my last school I was presented with a flowering cherry tree which has grown strongly in the Headmaster’s garden here in Battle and will be bequeathed to my successor – so I need a tree to remind me of BAS. Secondly, the intention for my new garden is that it should be productive as well as ornamental so a fruit bearing tree is particularly appropriate. It will be a very special reminder to me of my many, many happy visits to the Prep School and of all the wonderful work that has been carried out there over the last 15 years.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
My tears nearly flowed yesterday afternoon at the Prep School. It is hard some days to remember that I am leaving, because life is extremely busy just at the moment, but I was in Bexhill for my weekly formal meeting with Maria Maslin when I was suddenly confronted by all the staff and children of the Prep and Nursery, waiting for me in the Assembly Hall. “Surprise, surprise” – I was quite overwhelmed and then they sat me at the front with balloons on my seat and they sang and acted and danced and recited just for me and slowly I became more and more aware of what I would be leaving behind and I started to feel very emotional. Each form or Key Stage had something for me. Year 6 had composed a poem in my honour and as usual the children performed their pieces with great discipline but aboundant smiles. Much of the performance was orchestrated by Faye Neave, the very talented music teacher at the Prep School but who was also a pupil in the Lower Sixth at the school in my first year as Head, 15 years ago and we talked afterwards about those early days at the school. “Do you remember when…..?”
Maria Maslin has to take much of the blame for this extravagant deception but I have of course forgiven her! At the end I was presented with an apple tree, an Egremont Russett, and it was such a brilliant present. Firstly because when I left the headship of my last school I was presented with a flowering cherry tree which has grown strongly in the Headmaster’s garden here in Battle and will be bequeathed to my successor – so I need a tree to remind me of BAS. Secondly, the intention for my new garden is that it should be productive as well as ornamental so a fruit bearing tree is particularly appropriate. It will be a very special reminder to me of my many, many happy visits to the Prep School and of all the wonderful work that has been carried out there over the last 15 years.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 21 June 2013
21st June 2013 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
“Exciting, talented, enthusiastic, dynamic, committed” – not adjectives that I am anticipating to describe my performance in the Dads v Lads match this Sunday but those I would use to describe the performance of “Joseph” last night. There was a cast of 31 Year 9 and below – many of whom are new to the school this year. Jessica Condon, also brand new this year, directed with great skill, ably abetted by Judith Colman in her first full-time year in the school as Choral Director. They in turn were supported by John Langridge and Tony Payton with the music and by Linda Hopkins.
A major production requires hours and hours of rehearsal and massive input from all sorts of people. Thus the team was supported by costume makers and drama technicians and make-up ladies and set designers, by the office staff and by the many parents who supported the weekend rehearsals and provided the parental taxi service to enable their children to participate.
BUT IT WAS ALL WORTHWHILE. It was wonderful to be there.
I spent a delightful hour yesterday showing my 13 month old grandson the school. I suspect my memory of that event will be deeper than his. William seemed much more interested in his rice cake than in what I was telling him about the history of the Abbott’s Hall!
Everything at the moment seems to be a series of lasts. Tonight will be the last school production and I have had my last FOBAS meeting, my last Full Court meeting, my last parents’ evening and many more. Two weeks and a day until Speech Day and many farewells and lots and lots of thanks to all the wonderful people I have been privileged to know and work with. Fortunately there is so much going on that I will have precious little time to reflect on the meaning of it all.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
“Exciting, talented, enthusiastic, dynamic, committed” – not adjectives that I am anticipating to describe my performance in the Dads v Lads match this Sunday but those I would use to describe the performance of “Joseph” last night. There was a cast of 31 Year 9 and below – many of whom are new to the school this year. Jessica Condon, also brand new this year, directed with great skill, ably abetted by Judith Colman in her first full-time year in the school as Choral Director. They in turn were supported by John Langridge and Tony Payton with the music and by Linda Hopkins.
A major production requires hours and hours of rehearsal and massive input from all sorts of people. Thus the team was supported by costume makers and drama technicians and make-up ladies and set designers, by the office staff and by the many parents who supported the weekend rehearsals and provided the parental taxi service to enable their children to participate.
BUT IT WAS ALL WORTHWHILE. It was wonderful to be there.
I spent a delightful hour yesterday showing my 13 month old grandson the school. I suspect my memory of that event will be deeper than his. William seemed much more interested in his rice cake than in what I was telling him about the history of the Abbott’s Hall!
Everything at the moment seems to be a series of lasts. Tonight will be the last school production and I have had my last FOBAS meeting, my last Full Court meeting, my last parents’ evening and many more. Two weeks and a day until Speech Day and many farewells and lots and lots of thanks to all the wonderful people I have been privileged to know and work with. Fortunately there is so much going on that I will have precious little time to reflect on the meaning of it all.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 14 June 2013
14th June 2013 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
What’s the old adage: “Dance like nobody’s watching”? Well, nobody’s watching when I dance and, if they are and they are kind people, they tend to feel instantly sorry for me. This was not so last night when Charlotte Bryant and Jane Coleman staged a truly magnificent Dance Show. Such improvement in one year is a massive tribute to Charlotte’s leadership and the dedication of the pupils. Like everything else in life high standards are rarely achieved without hours of hard work underlying them. It also lead me to appreciate once again the ephemeral quality of performance. If you were not there last night the moment has passed for ever and all the training and work was celebrated in an hour and a half of unrestrained enthusiasm, of energetic but disciplined, graceful, passionate performance. I was “blown away”! The variety and extensive repertoire were so impressive. Thanks to Jane Coleman the costumes were beautiful and there was a particularly enchanting interpretation of the “Nutcracker” when ballet pupils of all ages combined to stage a very convincing dance/drama. The Prep School dancers were not least among those who deserve mention. I have praise for all the dancers and in particular for Bethany Hill, the Dance Captain, who has given so much of herself to promote Dance at BAS. She certainly led from the front and showed how it should be done.
Dance, Drama and Music are not like Art where it is much easier to record and display your work. Performance is in the here and now and without video recording it is simply a memory, while talking about Art you are all invited to view the A Level Art and Textiles exhibition above and behind Costa in the High Street for the next seven days during opening hours. If you missed the Dance Show, be amazed by the creative force of our Fine Artists. Some of the work on display is equal to the very best Art and Textiles coming out of our schools nationally.
I will see many of you tomorrow at the hog roast counter, which is just one of many attractions of the Family Day.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
What’s the old adage: “Dance like nobody’s watching”? Well, nobody’s watching when I dance and, if they are and they are kind people, they tend to feel instantly sorry for me. This was not so last night when Charlotte Bryant and Jane Coleman staged a truly magnificent Dance Show. Such improvement in one year is a massive tribute to Charlotte’s leadership and the dedication of the pupils. Like everything else in life high standards are rarely achieved without hours of hard work underlying them. It also lead me to appreciate once again the ephemeral quality of performance. If you were not there last night the moment has passed for ever and all the training and work was celebrated in an hour and a half of unrestrained enthusiasm, of energetic but disciplined, graceful, passionate performance. I was “blown away”! The variety and extensive repertoire were so impressive. Thanks to Jane Coleman the costumes were beautiful and there was a particularly enchanting interpretation of the “Nutcracker” when ballet pupils of all ages combined to stage a very convincing dance/drama. The Prep School dancers were not least among those who deserve mention. I have praise for all the dancers and in particular for Bethany Hill, the Dance Captain, who has given so much of herself to promote Dance at BAS. She certainly led from the front and showed how it should be done.
Dance, Drama and Music are not like Art where it is much easier to record and display your work. Performance is in the here and now and without video recording it is simply a memory, while talking about Art you are all invited to view the A Level Art and Textiles exhibition above and behind Costa in the High Street for the next seven days during opening hours. If you missed the Dance Show, be amazed by the creative force of our Fine Artists. Some of the work on display is equal to the very best Art and Textiles coming out of our schools nationally.
I will see many of you tomorrow at the hog roast counter, which is just one of many attractions of the Family Day.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 7 June 2013
7th June 2013 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
It must be nearly 30 years ago that I gave up playing regular cricket and I have probably played no more than five times in the intervening years and only once in the early part of this century. Thus it was with trepidation that I approached the Dads v Lads net practice last evening and found myself wearing a protective helmet for the first time in my life when I was batting. This morning having exercised unfamiliar muscles in bowling I ache in places I had forgotten that I had places. David Young has captained the Dads v Lads team for several years now and has kindly allowed me to play in the “big match” in a few weeks’ time. So more net practice next week and onwards and upwards!
This week I attended my last ever FOBAS meeting and I wanted to write in praise of the excellent work that FOBAS do on behalf of the school. As a committee, there is hardly room for the 16 members to crowd around my big office table and these wonderful parents have never been more active in giving up hours and hours of time to help run events and raise money for the school. Without FOBAS the school would be very much a lesser place and their contribution has always been significant during my 15 years here. The Summer Ball is of course one of the major events of the FOBAS year and this has involved so many parents over a long time and again I would really like to express my public gratitude to all those parents who have supported the school and continue to do so.
Finally, I find myself removed from the front page so that we can draw attention to the FAMILY DAY, next Saturday. Yes there is such a thing as a free lunch, so bring your family and enjoy a sumptuous lunch and some fun post prandial activities all at no cost. This is the day in the year when the family of the school comes together. I hope to see you there.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
It must be nearly 30 years ago that I gave up playing regular cricket and I have probably played no more than five times in the intervening years and only once in the early part of this century. Thus it was with trepidation that I approached the Dads v Lads net practice last evening and found myself wearing a protective helmet for the first time in my life when I was batting. This morning having exercised unfamiliar muscles in bowling I ache in places I had forgotten that I had places. David Young has captained the Dads v Lads team for several years now and has kindly allowed me to play in the “big match” in a few weeks’ time. So more net practice next week and onwards and upwards!
This week I attended my last ever FOBAS meeting and I wanted to write in praise of the excellent work that FOBAS do on behalf of the school. As a committee, there is hardly room for the 16 members to crowd around my big office table and these wonderful parents have never been more active in giving up hours and hours of time to help run events and raise money for the school. Without FOBAS the school would be very much a lesser place and their contribution has always been significant during my 15 years here. The Summer Ball is of course one of the major events of the FOBAS year and this has involved so many parents over a long time and again I would really like to express my public gratitude to all those parents who have supported the school and continue to do so.
Finally, I find myself removed from the front page so that we can draw attention to the FAMILY DAY, next Saturday. Yes there is such a thing as a free lunch, so bring your family and enjoy a sumptuous lunch and some fun post prandial activities all at no cost. This is the day in the year when the family of the school comes together. I hope to see you there.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 24 May 2013
24th May 2013 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents,
I meet with the Bronzes every week and look forward to sharing 20 minutes of their excellent company. Year after year, I am able to say how proud I am of the leaders in the school and this year is no exception. Do you know, however, and as so often, above all they are really “nice” young people, caring, compassionate and high achievers. The leavers gave me a Leavers Hoodie this Wednesday and I will wear it with pride. They also paid me a most wonderful compliment, which I will remember with some pride, when they met separately with the “new” Mr Clark.
The deepest pleasures and satisfactions of this job are all about your children.
David Clark has been at school this week and has really enjoyed meeting more of the teachers at the Abbey and has been really impressed with their massive enthusiasm and commitment to the job that they do. Although children are the most important people in a school, no school can be good without good teachers and it is the teachers who determine the success of the school.
I will be spending much of half term with 30 Yr9 pupils, accompanying their trip to Germany. I will enjoy their company thoroughly. I imagine there could be some impromptu rehearsals for “Joseph”, which most of them will be performing shortly after the return to school on 20th and 21st June. Have you got your tickets yet?
Best wishes for half term,
Roger Clark
PS
David Clark will be visiting on four more days next half term and then there will be at least three occasions at the start of the new term in September for you to meet the new Head.
I meet with the Bronzes every week and look forward to sharing 20 minutes of their excellent company. Year after year, I am able to say how proud I am of the leaders in the school and this year is no exception. Do you know, however, and as so often, above all they are really “nice” young people, caring, compassionate and high achievers. The leavers gave me a Leavers Hoodie this Wednesday and I will wear it with pride. They also paid me a most wonderful compliment, which I will remember with some pride, when they met separately with the “new” Mr Clark.
The deepest pleasures and satisfactions of this job are all about your children.
David Clark has been at school this week and has really enjoyed meeting more of the teachers at the Abbey and has been really impressed with their massive enthusiasm and commitment to the job that they do. Although children are the most important people in a school, no school can be good without good teachers and it is the teachers who determine the success of the school.
I will be spending much of half term with 30 Yr9 pupils, accompanying their trip to Germany. I will enjoy their company thoroughly. I imagine there could be some impromptu rehearsals for “Joseph”, which most of them will be performing shortly after the return to school on 20th and 21st June. Have you got your tickets yet?
Best wishes for half term,
Roger Clark
PS
David Clark will be visiting on four more days next half term and then there will be at least three occasions at the start of the new term in September for you to meet the new Head.
Friday, 17 May 2013
17th May 2013 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
I went on a very stimulating course in London this week. Eight retiring heads were being advised on the skills needed to mentor newly appointed heads. It reminded me of the first course on headship that I attended 25 years ago in Oxford. Two bits of advice have stayed with me and there is an element of truth to both of them. The first was rather depressing and has only occasionally seemed true in real life. We were told that: “There will soon be so many alligators snapping at your heels that you will forget why you decided to drain the swamp.” Well at Battle Abbey, there has been little sign of a swamp, (although of course we have a “bloody” lake on the battlefield), and there have been very few alligators. The vast majority of people with whom I have had the privilege to work have been genuinely concerned to do the very best for the children or in the children’s case the very best for themselves and the school. But the odd alligator keeps you on your toes!
The second piece of advice was: “let the corridors of your school ring with love and laughter.” What great advice that was and I have tried my hardest to follow it. It doesn’t always work of course but without ideals we would be nowhere. This idea of encouraging “love and laughter” has been an internal driver for me throughout my career and I hope some of it is reflected in our corridors, along with much else.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
I went on a very stimulating course in London this week. Eight retiring heads were being advised on the skills needed to mentor newly appointed heads. It reminded me of the first course on headship that I attended 25 years ago in Oxford. Two bits of advice have stayed with me and there is an element of truth to both of them. The first was rather depressing and has only occasionally seemed true in real life. We were told that: “There will soon be so many alligators snapping at your heels that you will forget why you decided to drain the swamp.” Well at Battle Abbey, there has been little sign of a swamp, (although of course we have a “bloody” lake on the battlefield), and there have been very few alligators. The vast majority of people with whom I have had the privilege to work have been genuinely concerned to do the very best for the children or in the children’s case the very best for themselves and the school. But the odd alligator keeps you on your toes!
The second piece of advice was: “let the corridors of your school ring with love and laughter.” What great advice that was and I have tried my hardest to follow it. It doesn’t always work of course but without ideals we would be nowhere. This idea of encouraging “love and laughter” has been an internal driver for me throughout my career and I hope some of it is reflected in our corridors, along with much else.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 10 May 2013
10th May 2013 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
“School food” – two little words but with huge resonance. Despite many of us, who have fond and nostalgic memories of the highly calorific chocolate pudding dripping with chocolate sauce, served when we were at school, other memories are less positive. We, as a nation, are much more conscious today of what we eat and what we feed our children, than was the case forty years ago and in many schools the catering has stepped up to the mark. At the Abbey we are proud of the food that we offer our children. Until recently we have had three first class and widely experienced chefs. Aaron Pawson is in charge of the catering and is assisted by Jim Thompson. Aaron trained in London and worked in a Michelin starred restaurant and in the top restaurant in the Houses of Parliament and Jim was trained to provide food on board ships for hungry sailors for many years, working on the Royal Yacht Britannia and on HMS Invincible, which sailed up the Thames yesterday. Aaron and Jim both watch “Master Chef” and are always looking to change and improve what your children are offered each day.
Our third weekend chef, Michael Little, has just left us but lives locally. Michael is studying for an MA in anthropology and has a particular interest in soil and food. He is chairman of the south east branch of “Slow Food”. In 1986 an Italian called Carlo Petrini came to prominence for campaigning against the fast food chain Macdonald’s, who were seeking to open a store near the Spanish Steps in Rome. He invented the Slow Food movement, which has spread throughout the world and has many objectives. It is in favour of good quality, locally produced food and seeks to harmonise gastronomy and agriculture in an eco-friendly way. One of the movement’s objectives is to teach gardening skills to young people.
Without embracing the movement, I have offered Michael the opportunity to start not a “gardening” club but a “growing food” club at school and we hope to launch with immediate effect to catch the planting season. There is a little known patch of land which belongs to the school on the other side of the ruins and Michael will teach any pupil, who is interested, how to start a garden. He will tend it during the summer holidays and pupils can return to the garden in September.
If any one of you is interested in this project, do you have a spade, folk, trowel or rake unused and un-needed gathering dust in your potting shed? If so and if you would like to donate it to the new club, we should be able to set up with almost no cost. (Just pop them into the office!)
Have a good weekend!
Best wishes
Roger Clark
“School food” – two little words but with huge resonance. Despite many of us, who have fond and nostalgic memories of the highly calorific chocolate pudding dripping with chocolate sauce, served when we were at school, other memories are less positive. We, as a nation, are much more conscious today of what we eat and what we feed our children, than was the case forty years ago and in many schools the catering has stepped up to the mark. At the Abbey we are proud of the food that we offer our children. Until recently we have had three first class and widely experienced chefs. Aaron Pawson is in charge of the catering and is assisted by Jim Thompson. Aaron trained in London and worked in a Michelin starred restaurant and in the top restaurant in the Houses of Parliament and Jim was trained to provide food on board ships for hungry sailors for many years, working on the Royal Yacht Britannia and on HMS Invincible, which sailed up the Thames yesterday. Aaron and Jim both watch “Master Chef” and are always looking to change and improve what your children are offered each day.
Our third weekend chef, Michael Little, has just left us but lives locally. Michael is studying for an MA in anthropology and has a particular interest in soil and food. He is chairman of the south east branch of “Slow Food”. In 1986 an Italian called Carlo Petrini came to prominence for campaigning against the fast food chain Macdonald’s, who were seeking to open a store near the Spanish Steps in Rome. He invented the Slow Food movement, which has spread throughout the world and has many objectives. It is in favour of good quality, locally produced food and seeks to harmonise gastronomy and agriculture in an eco-friendly way. One of the movement’s objectives is to teach gardening skills to young people.
Without embracing the movement, I have offered Michael the opportunity to start not a “gardening” club but a “growing food” club at school and we hope to launch with immediate effect to catch the planting season. There is a little known patch of land which belongs to the school on the other side of the ruins and Michael will teach any pupil, who is interested, how to start a garden. He will tend it during the summer holidays and pupils can return to the garden in September.
If any one of you is interested in this project, do you have a spade, folk, trowel or rake unused and un-needed gathering dust in your potting shed? If so and if you would like to donate it to the new club, we should be able to set up with almost no cost. (Just pop them into the office!)
Have a good weekend!
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 3 May 2013
3rd May 2013 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
Has the spring/summer come at last? Whisper it not in Battle, proclaim it not in the streets of Hastings but there are reasons for cautious optimism and I hope the weather will be clement for the annual school photograph at 9am on Tuesday morning at the end of what, I hope, will be a very happy weekend for you all.
I am inevitably spending some part of this term looking back as I come towards my retirement after 41 years of teaching but I will try not to pontificate too often (or not more than usual!) and I hope that I will avoid sounding like Mr Chips. Indeed of the four members of staff retiring this summer, I am the one who has served the least time, with only 15 years at Battle Abbey School.
Next least senior in years of service is Kevin Anderson who will have completed 18 years at Battle. Kevin writes: ““I will complete 40 years’ teaching in July, and with the joints creaking just a little more these days, it seemed a quite appropriate time to make the decision. I am very lucky to have been involved in so many years of the School’s growth and success.” Kevin is having a sabbatical term as Head of KS3 and will be concentrating his many creative talents into the performing arts. Kevin was briefly Head of Music, when he first joined the school. Angela Valentino and I will pick up the few KS3 problems that occur. I have particularly enjoyed working more closely with Yr9 and Yr7 in the last two years and it reminds me of my 9 very happy years as a Prep School Head before I came to Battle.
Next comes Lyndall Davey who will complete 21 years with the school this summer. She has brought a stability and quality to the English department, which surely accounts for much of its long term success. There are many former pupils who will recognise that their examination success largely depended on the kind, patient, extra support given by Lyndall.
Finally and not least among us is Julia Hinde, who has served the school since February 1985, thus completing over 28 years with the school. Few people in any job can claim that length of loyal service. I have had the privilege of working very closely with Julia for all of my time at the school in her role as Headmaster’s secretary and she has been a wonderful supporter and ally. It has been particularly special for her that recent health problems that have beset her and her husband are now in abeyance.
It is not time to go yet but we are all looking forward to having more time to “smell the roses” and in my case there are three grandsons, recently arrived, to get to know.
However, I am not “demob happy”. The term is far from over and there is much still to do. I am delighted to say that David Clark will be coming to the school for 6 full days this term and I am sharing much of the planning of next year with him already. There are many new excitements round the corner for the school, as it gears up for the next phase of its journey.
And for me, a little later today, I look forward to my favourite moment of every week, spending a double lesson teaching English to the delightful Year 7s. They remind me of why I went into teaching in the first place.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Has the spring/summer come at last? Whisper it not in Battle, proclaim it not in the streets of Hastings but there are reasons for cautious optimism and I hope the weather will be clement for the annual school photograph at 9am on Tuesday morning at the end of what, I hope, will be a very happy weekend for you all.
I am inevitably spending some part of this term looking back as I come towards my retirement after 41 years of teaching but I will try not to pontificate too often (or not more than usual!) and I hope that I will avoid sounding like Mr Chips. Indeed of the four members of staff retiring this summer, I am the one who has served the least time, with only 15 years at Battle Abbey School.
Next least senior in years of service is Kevin Anderson who will have completed 18 years at Battle. Kevin writes: ““I will complete 40 years’ teaching in July, and with the joints creaking just a little more these days, it seemed a quite appropriate time to make the decision. I am very lucky to have been involved in so many years of the School’s growth and success.” Kevin is having a sabbatical term as Head of KS3 and will be concentrating his many creative talents into the performing arts. Kevin was briefly Head of Music, when he first joined the school. Angela Valentino and I will pick up the few KS3 problems that occur. I have particularly enjoyed working more closely with Yr9 and Yr7 in the last two years and it reminds me of my 9 very happy years as a Prep School Head before I came to Battle.
Next comes Lyndall Davey who will complete 21 years with the school this summer. She has brought a stability and quality to the English department, which surely accounts for much of its long term success. There are many former pupils who will recognise that their examination success largely depended on the kind, patient, extra support given by Lyndall.
Finally and not least among us is Julia Hinde, who has served the school since February 1985, thus completing over 28 years with the school. Few people in any job can claim that length of loyal service. I have had the privilege of working very closely with Julia for all of my time at the school in her role as Headmaster’s secretary and she has been a wonderful supporter and ally. It has been particularly special for her that recent health problems that have beset her and her husband are now in abeyance.
It is not time to go yet but we are all looking forward to having more time to “smell the roses” and in my case there are three grandsons, recently arrived, to get to know.
However, I am not “demob happy”. The term is far from over and there is much still to do. I am delighted to say that David Clark will be coming to the school for 6 full days this term and I am sharing much of the planning of next year with him already. There are many new excitements round the corner for the school, as it gears up for the next phase of its journey.
And for me, a little later today, I look forward to my favourite moment of every week, spending a double lesson teaching English to the delightful Year 7s. They remind me of why I went into teaching in the first place.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 26 April 2013
26th April 2013 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
For nearly 15 years I have come to work every day in an 800 year old office, which once was the Abbott’s “Great Chamber”. It is where successive Abbotts worked, slept and planned the future. It would have been much more austere then, with no wifi and no carpet and none of the children’s artwork but it clearly was the centre of operations. There was a time when the Abbotts had the power of life and death over local criminals, who threw themselves on their mercy. The Abbotts of Battle were powerful men in charge of vast estates ranging as far as Devon.
The room I occupy is a quarter of the size of what was once here. It was originally not dissimilar to the present Abbott’s Hall, just up one storey. What stories,( the other sort), this room could tell if buildings could talk!
I have always felt nothing but good Feng Shui in this room, which has served different generations in different ways. It was once a dormitory, where the present Chair of the former pupils’ association(BAFPA) slept. It was also part of the Head of Boarding’s flat and for the last twenty years has been the Headmaster’s office.
There is a small church in Tasmania where they claim to have the stained glass from the original Abbott’s “Great Chamber”, removed during Cromwell’s time, when his men ravished the churches of the country, removing signs of idolatory and smashing stained glass windows. Immediately adjacent to my office is the Abbott’s former private chapel, deconsecrated now, but still revealing traces of the old wall paintings with which it was once adorned. In addition to that, there are traces of the red lines the monks painted on top of the plaster of the Abbey, still there, since the great fire of 1931 did not reach the chapel. All of the stone work in the Abbott’s Hall was, until 1931, completely covered in white plaster.
Abutting my office on the north side is a hollow tower. Did a spiral staircase once offer the Abbott a second means of exit in case anyone knocked on his door, who he did not want to see? Now there’s a thought!
Best wishes,
Roger Clark
For nearly 15 years I have come to work every day in an 800 year old office, which once was the Abbott’s “Great Chamber”. It is where successive Abbotts worked, slept and planned the future. It would have been much more austere then, with no wifi and no carpet and none of the children’s artwork but it clearly was the centre of operations. There was a time when the Abbotts had the power of life and death over local criminals, who threw themselves on their mercy. The Abbotts of Battle were powerful men in charge of vast estates ranging as far as Devon.
The room I occupy is a quarter of the size of what was once here. It was originally not dissimilar to the present Abbott’s Hall, just up one storey. What stories,( the other sort), this room could tell if buildings could talk!
I have always felt nothing but good Feng Shui in this room, which has served different generations in different ways. It was once a dormitory, where the present Chair of the former pupils’ association(BAFPA) slept. It was also part of the Head of Boarding’s flat and for the last twenty years has been the Headmaster’s office.
There is a small church in Tasmania where they claim to have the stained glass from the original Abbott’s “Great Chamber”, removed during Cromwell’s time, when his men ravished the churches of the country, removing signs of idolatory and smashing stained glass windows. Immediately adjacent to my office is the Abbott’s former private chapel, deconsecrated now, but still revealing traces of the old wall paintings with which it was once adorned. In addition to that, there are traces of the red lines the monks painted on top of the plaster of the Abbey, still there, since the great fire of 1931 did not reach the chapel. All of the stone work in the Abbott’s Hall was, until 1931, completely covered in white plaster.
Abutting my office on the north side is a hollow tower. Did a spiral staircase once offer the Abbott a second means of exit in case anyone knocked on his door, who he did not want to see? Now there’s a thought!
Best wishes,
Roger Clark
Friday, 19 April 2013
19th April 2013 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
I wondered what it would be like to stand on the starting line for the last time after 24 years and 72 new terms as a Headmaster but I am not sure that I have had the time to take it in. I can certainly not see the finishing line nor am I rushing towards it. Schools are very busy places and the hustle and bustle of every day is all consuming. And the young people’s lives go on and they continue to bring their youth, commitment, energy and laughter into school each day and they enliven us all.
I continue to work closely with the “new Mr Clark” and I am delighted that he will be able to spend several whole days at school in the latter part of this term. I am also more and more certain that the governors have chosen wisely.
I am grateful to Martina Johnson, to Rob Mercer and to Mr Lenaghan for accompanying the trip to Barcelona with 30 of our pupils and equally to Aaron Eckhoff, Charlotte Bryant and Steven Flutter for accompanying the ski trip. I have heard nothing but good about these trips and I want to record my gratitude since without the teachers preparedness to give up their time in the holidays such trips would never take place. Mrs Johnson is also leading a trip to Cologne during half-term and to Munich at the end of term.
No sooner were Mr Eckhoff and Miss Bryant back from skiing, than they were off to Dartmoor with the Silver D of E group, who, I am told, covered themselves in glory, while being soaked, exhausted but finally triumphal at the end of their four day hike.
During the holidays the maintenance team were very busy and several of the Sixth Form rooms have had a significant “make-over” in preparation for next year. The “new” Sixth Form suite of rooms will be completed by September.
For over half the school there will be very important examinations and so for many weeks of this term the academic side of life will take its highest priority.
So we are off and I hope that the sun shines on us all both actually and metaphorically.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
I wondered what it would be like to stand on the starting line for the last time after 24 years and 72 new terms as a Headmaster but I am not sure that I have had the time to take it in. I can certainly not see the finishing line nor am I rushing towards it. Schools are very busy places and the hustle and bustle of every day is all consuming. And the young people’s lives go on and they continue to bring their youth, commitment, energy and laughter into school each day and they enliven us all.
I continue to work closely with the “new Mr Clark” and I am delighted that he will be able to spend several whole days at school in the latter part of this term. I am also more and more certain that the governors have chosen wisely.
I am grateful to Martina Johnson, to Rob Mercer and to Mr Lenaghan for accompanying the trip to Barcelona with 30 of our pupils and equally to Aaron Eckhoff, Charlotte Bryant and Steven Flutter for accompanying the ski trip. I have heard nothing but good about these trips and I want to record my gratitude since without the teachers preparedness to give up their time in the holidays such trips would never take place. Mrs Johnson is also leading a trip to Cologne during half-term and to Munich at the end of term.
No sooner were Mr Eckhoff and Miss Bryant back from skiing, than they were off to Dartmoor with the Silver D of E group, who, I am told, covered themselves in glory, while being soaked, exhausted but finally triumphal at the end of their four day hike.
During the holidays the maintenance team were very busy and several of the Sixth Form rooms have had a significant “make-over” in preparation for next year. The “new” Sixth Form suite of rooms will be completed by September.
For over half the school there will be very important examinations and so for many weeks of this term the academic side of life will take its highest priority.
So we are off and I hope that the sun shines on us all both actually and metaphorically.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Monday, 25 March 2013
22nd March 2013 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
As we rush towards the end of term, it is good to reflect on the achievements of your children, especially in the short second half of this term. I could very reasonably start by congratulating Maria Maslin, the staff and pupils of the Prep School on all that they have achieved, because the pupils have been showered with gold medals at the Hastings Festival and in the regional round of the national swimming competition.
Moving to the Senior School, I asked various groups to stand up in assembly this week. I wanted to see who had been involved in the marvellous production of the "Crucible", in the Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh training weekend, in the Kickboxing workshop, in helping at the Wedding Fayre, in the end of term music concert, as a guide on Open Day. Nearly the whole school stood up. I knew that all of them had also been involved in academic work – we take that for granted but it was comforting to see just how many of our pupils were also gainfully employed elsewhere.
Both the "Crucible" and the Concert were a great triumph. The pupils never fail to surprise and delight me with their talent and energy. There were some extraordinary performances from soloists, small groups and from four choirs, including, to everyone’s delight, the Prep School choir. There was a guest appearance from Tony Payton, whose repartee and facial expressions had everyone in stitches, whilst playing the piano accordion with great skill, accompanied by one of the school’s budding rock stars, Harry Osborne. Another memorable performance was from Rocky Bullin who played a piece by Scriabin with enormous sensitivity and notably with only one hand.
As at the Prep School, many of our pupils have been involved in the Hastings Festival and there have been many successes. Isobel Richardson probably claims the title for most "decorated" performer with seven first places and various other second and third places. It was no small triumph either for our Girls’ Choir to win the competition in the under 25 class!
We had such fun at lunchtime yesterday, hunting for Easter eggs. Polly Sapsford and Dr Demoncheaux organised a whole school Easter Egg hunt and, as a result of much careful planning, great excitement was to be seen on the top terrace and in the secret garden/outdoor theatre and almost everyone found at least one egg and so we were all winners!
I would like to finish by thanking not just the children but also the staff here who do so much to support the success of the pupils. I am proud to lead such a strong team!
I hope the holidays provide you with much family happiness and that you have a very happy Easter.
With my very best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 15 February 2013
15th February 2013 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
I have just had the pleasant duty of reading in depth the reports of nearly half our pupils. I am reminded as always what a privilege it is to be involved with the education of your children. The vast majority of pupils are doing well, engaged in a good variety of activities and, for me, perhaps most importantly, they are very decent human beings. It is their smiling faces, their kindness to one another and their easy charm, which takes much of the stress out of my job.
Another feature of Battle Abbey School life was on display last evening at the Valentines Disco. At one moment, a line of Yr 5 and 6 girls were dancing some practised steps which were really quite well synchronised and as I briefly admired their talent, I noticed another group, this time of 18 year olds, dancing right beside them and thought that this speaks volumes for the ethos of our school. The family of pupils was relaxing and enjoying dancing together.
Many of our pupils are approaching the all-important exam season and I hope that as well as relaxing many parents will be encouraging their children to get on with some revision this half-term and could I also bring to parents’ attention the many opportunities after half-term that exist for public exam candidates to take part in extra revision sessions after school.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
I have just had the pleasant duty of reading in depth the reports of nearly half our pupils. I am reminded as always what a privilege it is to be involved with the education of your children. The vast majority of pupils are doing well, engaged in a good variety of activities and, for me, perhaps most importantly, they are very decent human beings. It is their smiling faces, their kindness to one another and their easy charm, which takes much of the stress out of my job.
Another feature of Battle Abbey School life was on display last evening at the Valentines Disco. At one moment, a line of Yr 5 and 6 girls were dancing some practised steps which were really quite well synchronised and as I briefly admired their talent, I noticed another group, this time of 18 year olds, dancing right beside them and thought that this speaks volumes for the ethos of our school. The family of pupils was relaxing and enjoying dancing together.
Many of our pupils are approaching the all-important exam season and I hope that as well as relaxing many parents will be encouraging their children to get on with some revision this half-term and could I also bring to parents’ attention the many opportunities after half-term that exist for public exam candidates to take part in extra revision sessions after school.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 8 February 2013
8th February 2013 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents,
The Icelandic Expedition team returned safe and sound from their ascent of Snowdon last Saturday. They had to turn back right at the top because of treacherous ice but what an experience and what a cold place to be camping out!
Another busy seven days have passed and there is a very busy weekend in prospect for many of our pupils.
The Bronze and Gold Duke of Edinburgh groups are have a training weekend, lugging their packs around East Sussex and camping out.
I was delighted to hear yesterday of the success of Zach Lecheminant, who has gained a place at the prestigious American Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, a world-renowned conservatory and college located in New York and then this morning Bethany James gained a place at the London Academy of Contemporary Dance. 2,000 dancers, from all over the world, auditioned for 50 places.
Many congratulations to Zach and Bethany!
Representatives from Royal Holloway University will be speaking to our Yr12s today at the beginning of their programme of preparation for university application. How quickly they move on from GCSEs to thinking about what degree course they will study.
The public speaking team of Lucy Webb, Phoebe Crane and Isobel Haskell (pictured below) performed very well yesterday evening at Vinehall in the local Youth Speaks 2013 competition. Their argument was that some parents needed to do better and take more responsibility for their children’s education and behaviour. They felt that all parents should attend compulsory, good parenting classes. An interesting concept!
Best wishes
Roger Clark
The Icelandic Expedition team returned safe and sound from their ascent of Snowdon last Saturday. They had to turn back right at the top because of treacherous ice but what an experience and what a cold place to be camping out!
Another busy seven days have passed and there is a very busy weekend in prospect for many of our pupils.
The Bronze and Gold Duke of Edinburgh groups are have a training weekend, lugging their packs around East Sussex and camping out.
I was delighted to hear yesterday of the success of Zach Lecheminant, who has gained a place at the prestigious American Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, a world-renowned conservatory and college located in New York and then this morning Bethany James gained a place at the London Academy of Contemporary Dance. 2,000 dancers, from all over the world, auditioned for 50 places.
Many congratulations to Zach and Bethany!
Representatives from Royal Holloway University will be speaking to our Yr12s today at the beginning of their programme of preparation for university application. How quickly they move on from GCSEs to thinking about what degree course they will study.
The public speaking team of Lucy Webb, Phoebe Crane and Isobel Haskell (pictured below) performed very well yesterday evening at Vinehall in the local Youth Speaks 2013 competition. Their argument was that some parents needed to do better and take more responsibility for their children’s education and behaviour. They felt that all parents should attend compulsory, good parenting classes. An interesting concept!
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 1 February 2013
1st February 2013 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
I have just watched ten intrepid teenagers set off for Snowdonia. They will be training all weekend in preparation for their Icelandic adventure in the Summer. Miss Bryant will be leading the expedition with her brother who is an outdoor adventure specialist. I think that there will be some bleary eyes in assembly on Monday morning. But “you cannot discover new oceans unless you lose sight of the shore”.
As educators, we should all have this in mind for our young people. They must grow up adventurous and questioning.
They must dare to take on new challenges, to make mistakes and get things wrong to make progress. They must learn to fall over, because they are trying new things, and then get up again. I hope that our pupils do not fall over too often in Snowdonia but I admire their sense of adventure and commend the teachers who give our youngsters so many opportunities to be physically or, indeed intellectually adventurous.
I will finish with a prayer attributed to Sir Francis Drake:
“Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.”
Best wishes
Roger Clark
I have just watched ten intrepid teenagers set off for Snowdonia. They will be training all weekend in preparation for their Icelandic adventure in the Summer. Miss Bryant will be leading the expedition with her brother who is an outdoor adventure specialist. I think that there will be some bleary eyes in assembly on Monday morning. But “you cannot discover new oceans unless you lose sight of the shore”.
As educators, we should all have this in mind for our young people. They must grow up adventurous and questioning.
They must dare to take on new challenges, to make mistakes and get things wrong to make progress. They must learn to fall over, because they are trying new things, and then get up again. I hope that our pupils do not fall over too often in Snowdonia but I admire their sense of adventure and commend the teachers who give our youngsters so many opportunities to be physically or, indeed intellectually adventurous.
I will finish with a prayer attributed to Sir Francis Drake:
“Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.”
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 25 January 2013
25th January 2013 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
I always spend part of every day in the boarding house. I enjoy the company of these young people many of whom are a long way from home. They bring an important diversity to the school and they also allow the Abbott’s House to continue as a living building, more than just a school.
David and Prito Perry lead a dedicated team who care for the boarders and ensure their safety. This week’s inspection report will be published for all to see in about 6 weeks’ time and will report on regulatory compliance rather than make judgments of quality. I know that the boarders made our visitors welcome and were proud to talk about their school. There are always things that we can do better and inspections help us improve. So we look forward to their comments.
I see all the boarders at breakfast and I am flattered always by the friendly greeting I receive and from here comes my theme for next week. On Monday, I will ask all the pupils as they walk around during their busy school week to make a special effort always to remember to acknowledge one another, the adult community and visitors. A friendly greeting suggests mutual respect and it lies for me at the heart of good manners. I will repeat one of my favorite mantras at assembly: “Good manners cost you nothing and last you a life time.” The school have heard me say this before but good messages bear repetition. And, however charming your children are, we all benefit from being reminded to hold fast that which is good.
I can relax better this weekend because my Monday assembly is now planned. Inspired by the boarders, in particular, this week, I will talk about one of the several pillars that underpin the value system of the school and make it such a rewarding place to work.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
I always spend part of every day in the boarding house. I enjoy the company of these young people many of whom are a long way from home. They bring an important diversity to the school and they also allow the Abbott’s House to continue as a living building, more than just a school.
David and Prito Perry lead a dedicated team who care for the boarders and ensure their safety. This week’s inspection report will be published for all to see in about 6 weeks’ time and will report on regulatory compliance rather than make judgments of quality. I know that the boarders made our visitors welcome and were proud to talk about their school. There are always things that we can do better and inspections help us improve. So we look forward to their comments.
I see all the boarders at breakfast and I am flattered always by the friendly greeting I receive and from here comes my theme for next week. On Monday, I will ask all the pupils as they walk around during their busy school week to make a special effort always to remember to acknowledge one another, the adult community and visitors. A friendly greeting suggests mutual respect and it lies for me at the heart of good manners. I will repeat one of my favorite mantras at assembly: “Good manners cost you nothing and last you a life time.” The school have heard me say this before but good messages bear repetition. And, however charming your children are, we all benefit from being reminded to hold fast that which is good.
I can relax better this weekend because my Monday assembly is now planned. Inspired by the boarders, in particular, this week, I will talk about one of the several pillars that underpin the value system of the school and make it such a rewarding place to work.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 18 January 2013
18th January 2013 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
Once again, I am delighted to announce that one of our pupils has received yet another offer to study at Oxbridge. Dani Edmunds was thrilled to hear from Oxford University and to receive an offer to study Biological Sciences. Three offers from a class of 31 is a record for the school but I would add that there are plenty of other pupils who have received offers this year to study at this country’s leading universities. Equally, I would like to emphasise that we take great pride in all of our pupils’ achievements, whether academic or otherwise. We have a broad ability range at the school but assume that all children are talented and we share with you the task of helping to develop that talent, in whatever field it may lie.
James Young in Yr 10 has, for instance, just been selected for the Sussex Rugby squad and this reflects, as with all high achievements, hundreds of hours of dedicated work and determination.
Likewise, from Yr 9, Isobel Richardson has passed Grade 8 on the cello with Distinction. This means that Isobel is playing at top A Level standard already. She also achieved a Distinction in Recorder at Grade 6.
All three of these pupils mentioned above surely prove the old adage that high achievements are nearly always 5% inspiration and 95% perspiration! We know that the “Beatles” practised at great length and had endless performances before they became famous.
I take great pride in the fact that so many of your children are determined, hardworking and successful young people and it is a privilege to share in their triumphs when they come.
Next week form Tuesday to Thursday, we have inspectors looking at boarding in the school and all boarding parents are encouraged to reply to the questionnaire that has been sent to you.
I hope you all have some fun in the snow this weekend.
Best wishes,
Roger Clark
Once again, I am delighted to announce that one of our pupils has received yet another offer to study at Oxbridge. Dani Edmunds was thrilled to hear from Oxford University and to receive an offer to study Biological Sciences. Three offers from a class of 31 is a record for the school but I would add that there are plenty of other pupils who have received offers this year to study at this country’s leading universities. Equally, I would like to emphasise that we take great pride in all of our pupils’ achievements, whether academic or otherwise. We have a broad ability range at the school but assume that all children are talented and we share with you the task of helping to develop that talent, in whatever field it may lie.
James Young in Yr 10 has, for instance, just been selected for the Sussex Rugby squad and this reflects, as with all high achievements, hundreds of hours of dedicated work and determination.
Likewise, from Yr 9, Isobel Richardson has passed Grade 8 on the cello with Distinction. This means that Isobel is playing at top A Level standard already. She also achieved a Distinction in Recorder at Grade 6.
All three of these pupils mentioned above surely prove the old adage that high achievements are nearly always 5% inspiration and 95% perspiration! We know that the “Beatles” practised at great length and had endless performances before they became famous.
I take great pride in the fact that so many of your children are determined, hardworking and successful young people and it is a privilege to share in their triumphs when they come.
Next week form Tuesday to Thursday, we have inspectors looking at boarding in the school and all boarding parents are encouraged to reply to the questionnaire that has been sent to you.
I hope you all have some fun in the snow this weekend.
Best wishes,
Roger Clark
Friday, 11 January 2013
11th January 2013 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
What better way to start the new school year than to hear that we had two pupils with offers at Cambridge University for October 2013? Max Maher has an unconditional offer to read English at Robinson College and Lily Lindon has a conditional offer also to read English at Magdalene College. We are all delighted, none more so than the English department.
On top of this we are also very pleased to be in top 50 co-educational, day and boarding schools in the country based on the Times and Daily Telegraph’s league table of schools with the highest percentage of A and A* grades at A Level.
Mr Payton is e-mailing you all separately to tell you about a much improved method of booking appointments for parents’ evenings and he also will be asking you to confirm your most current e-mail contact details.
We are building a new maintenance workshop on part of the imprint of the Abbey church and this has given rise to some sensitive planning considerations and , after some delays, this will soon be accomplished and completion of the new girls’ changing rooms will follow in short order. In addition, the pupils are helping in the planning of a major refurbishment of the Sixth Form area in preparation for the new school year in September.
The holidays also produced some interesting archeology on our site. English Heritage were very busy over Christmas following the discovery of some footings of the old Abbey infirmary, which have lain unnoticed for nearly 500 years by the walled garden.
So, the new term is under way and I hope that you will, as always, feel free to contact me with any concerns, that you may have, whilst also saying to you that positive feedback is also most welcome. We need to know what we are doing right and wrong in order to keep on improving!
Best wishes
Roger Clark
What better way to start the new school year than to hear that we had two pupils with offers at Cambridge University for October 2013? Max Maher has an unconditional offer to read English at Robinson College and Lily Lindon has a conditional offer also to read English at Magdalene College. We are all delighted, none more so than the English department.
On top of this we are also very pleased to be in top 50 co-educational, day and boarding schools in the country based on the Times and Daily Telegraph’s league table of schools with the highest percentage of A and A* grades at A Level.
Mr Payton is e-mailing you all separately to tell you about a much improved method of booking appointments for parents’ evenings and he also will be asking you to confirm your most current e-mail contact details.
We are building a new maintenance workshop on part of the imprint of the Abbey church and this has given rise to some sensitive planning considerations and , after some delays, this will soon be accomplished and completion of the new girls’ changing rooms will follow in short order. In addition, the pupils are helping in the planning of a major refurbishment of the Sixth Form area in preparation for the new school year in September.
The holidays also produced some interesting archeology on our site. English Heritage were very busy over Christmas following the discovery of some footings of the old Abbey infirmary, which have lain unnoticed for nearly 500 years by the walled garden.
So, the new term is under way and I hope that you will, as always, feel free to contact me with any concerns, that you may have, whilst also saying to you that positive feedback is also most welcome. We need to know what we are doing right and wrong in order to keep on improving!
Best wishes
Roger Clark
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