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
Friday, 3 May 2013
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
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