Dear Parents
I was delighted to see many of the Lower Sixth pupils and parents at our second Preparing for University Evening on Thursday. There are all kinds of markers along the road when young people are growing up. Last night saw a roomful of our pupils concentrating their thoughts on leaving school, a few short months after taking their GCSE examinations. There will be at least three other whole days devoted to helping the Lower Sixth choose the right course at the right University. Later this term they will be spending a day at a Universities Fair in Surrey and after completing their AS levels there will be days devoted to the writing of personal statements, an introduction to which took place last night.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank Zofia Malewicz our Head of Sixth Form for all that she does to help prepare our young people for the next stage of their education.
Our top five Year 10 Mathematicians all achieved awards this year in the National Maths Challenge with Sophie Adams and Jean-Jacques Choron achieving gold awards. Jean -Jacques will now also proceed to the European leg of the competition, bizarrely called “The Pink Kangaroo” well done to Mr Roberts and the Maths Department for all they do to encourage excellence in their subject.
I do hope that many of you will take the opportunity to come and see ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ on March 14th to 16th and also to attend our first Centenary Concert which this year will take place at The Memorial Hall in Battle on Tuesday, 20th March.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 24 February 2012
Friday, 10 February 2012
10th Feb 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
If you have never been to a whole school disco and seen the House Masters and Mistresses dancing at 08.45, you have missed a treat. As we enter half-term, it is “Mufti-Day”. Inspired by the request of one pupil in Year 13, Oliver Rowlatt, we have all been asked to come to school in casual clothes, wear something yellow and donate £2 to St Michael’s Hospice. Cakes will be sold at break and prefects will clean pupils’ shoes. On top of organising this special fund raising day, Oliver Rowlatt, Sam Bunday and Tom Collins are all going to
attempt the arduous “3 Peaks Challenge” in April. These young men will attempt to climb the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales (Scafell Pike 978 metres, Ben Nevis 1344 metres and Snowden 1085) in a 24 hour period. The money they raise by doing this will go to help support the vitally important work that St Michael’s Hospice do within our community. One of their staff will be speaking to the school in the second half of term.
After all the excitement of the final day, half-term offers our
examination candidates an opportunity to revise and consolidate. Parents of pupils in year 11 – 13, please help your children keep focussed on their academic work. There are just 8 teaching weeks left till the public exams start and 5 weeks available for revision.
Have a good break!
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Headmaster
If you have never been to a whole school disco and seen the House Masters and Mistresses dancing at 08.45, you have missed a treat. As we enter half-term, it is “Mufti-Day”. Inspired by the request of one pupil in Year 13, Oliver Rowlatt, we have all been asked to come to school in casual clothes, wear something yellow and donate £2 to St Michael’s Hospice. Cakes will be sold at break and prefects will clean pupils’ shoes. On top of organising this special fund raising day, Oliver Rowlatt, Sam Bunday and Tom Collins are all going to
attempt the arduous “3 Peaks Challenge” in April. These young men will attempt to climb the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales (Scafell Pike 978 metres, Ben Nevis 1344 metres and Snowden 1085) in a 24 hour period. The money they raise by doing this will go to help support the vitally important work that St Michael’s Hospice do within our community. One of their staff will be speaking to the school in the second half of term.
After all the excitement of the final day, half-term offers our
examination candidates an opportunity to revise and consolidate. Parents of pupils in year 11 – 13, please help your children keep focussed on their academic work. There are just 8 teaching weeks left till the public exams start and 5 weeks available for revision.
Have a good break!
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Headmaster
Friday, 3 February 2012
3rd February 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
You will appreciate, I am sure, that part of achieving the excellent things your children do achieve here involves self discipline and training and I thought this week I would emphasise that the school cares greatly about your children’s behaviour and the way that they respond to the rules of the school. I was delighted to congratulate the school this morning on how smart they were all looking. Many, many children automatically have their top button done up all day long, their tie straight, their shirts tucked in and those who push to flex their teenage muscles are constantly reminded by staff here of the need to take pride in their appearance. We remind them, as I am sure you do, that when they are in Battle High Street or on public transport, wearing their school uniform, people make judgements about their appearance.
Going back to my school days I remember being taught the maxim “judgements of great importance are often based on very superficial evidence”, which ties in with the other rather trite saying: “you only have one chance to make a first impression.” On a very regular basis as prospective parents walk round the school for the first time they comment on the good manners of our children, the welcome afforded to them by the teachers and the friendly atmosphere that they perceive exists within the community. This apparently lucky balance of relaxed, good behaviour is achieved as a result of
constant effort. The rigid discipline, commonly associated with military life, is not something I have ever wanted to be associated with a school, that I have been in charge of. I believe in high standards of behaviour, I believe in good discipline but in the ideal world these are achieved as a result of mutual respect which actually lies deeper than the threat of punishment or reprimand and is more difficult to achieve.
So we will continue, just as you do, to remind your children about their behaviour and we will pull them up if they break the school rules but, as I have just said, the easy charm and natural good
manners that so many of our pupils and your children have in abundance, comes, I believe, because they care about each other and we care about them in the family of the school.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Headmaster
You will appreciate, I am sure, that part of achieving the excellent things your children do achieve here involves self discipline and training and I thought this week I would emphasise that the school cares greatly about your children’s behaviour and the way that they respond to the rules of the school. I was delighted to congratulate the school this morning on how smart they were all looking. Many, many children automatically have their top button done up all day long, their tie straight, their shirts tucked in and those who push to flex their teenage muscles are constantly reminded by staff here of the need to take pride in their appearance. We remind them, as I am sure you do, that when they are in Battle High Street or on public transport, wearing their school uniform, people make judgements about their appearance.
Going back to my school days I remember being taught the maxim “judgements of great importance are often based on very superficial evidence”, which ties in with the other rather trite saying: “you only have one chance to make a first impression.” On a very regular basis as prospective parents walk round the school for the first time they comment on the good manners of our children, the welcome afforded to them by the teachers and the friendly atmosphere that they perceive exists within the community. This apparently lucky balance of relaxed, good behaviour is achieved as a result of
constant effort. The rigid discipline, commonly associated with military life, is not something I have ever wanted to be associated with a school, that I have been in charge of. I believe in high standards of behaviour, I believe in good discipline but in the ideal world these are achieved as a result of mutual respect which actually lies deeper than the threat of punishment or reprimand and is more difficult to achieve.
So we will continue, just as you do, to remind your children about their behaviour and we will pull them up if they break the school rules but, as I have just said, the easy charm and natural good
manners that so many of our pupils and your children have in abundance, comes, I believe, because they care about each other and we care about them in the family of the school.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Headmaster
Friday, 27 January 2012
27th January - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
I spent much of last weekend in the Boarding House. I was delighted and almost humbled by the determination displayed by the Senior Boarders to make the most of their academic opportunity at our school. A member of the boarding team walks round every half hour to ensure all is well. It was clear that the Upper Sixth and Lower Sixth students were studying very hard and taking sensible short breaks as well. Nearly all of them have faced AS or A level papers this week. Their work ethic is admirable, and will be the reason for their future success. (I am sure that many day parents are witnessing the same levels of application at the moment).
It is also the custom in the Boarding House for the senior boarders to tutor the Junior boarders both in academic subjects but also in some cases the acquisition of the English Language – an aspect much admired by our recent Inspectors.
At the end of the weekend, Mr Patel had arranged for the boarders to celebrate the Chinese New Year with a special meal and the excellent catering team swung into action. I was honoured to be asked to present all boarders with a small red purse with money in and to wish them happiness and prosperity for the year ahead.
It is the Year of the Dragon, the king of the animals. The dragon is not to be feared as in Western mythology but to be respected and seen as the bringer of good fortune.
I hope this year brings you all good fortune too, in the widest sense of the word.
Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Best wishes
Roger Clark Headmaster
Friday, 20 January 2012
20th January - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
Much planning is going into the centenary events for this special year in the school’s history. The calendar of events is being
finalised and members of the various school’s communities are being mobilised.
For instance, Founders’ Day this year will see the return of former pupils from all over the world and we are looking forward to
performances from former pupils in our two special music concerts.
I look forward to sharing more news with you as we draw nearer to the various events and celebrations.
As we look back over one hundred years many interesting things are emerging. We have discovered that Battle Choral Society, aided by Battle Abbey School pupils performed the first ever live
broadcast of Mozart’s Requiem in St. Mary’s church in 1931 on BBC Radio. The then school Director of Music lead Battle Choral Society in the same way as John Langridge today leads our school music and Battle Choral Society. We will be performing extracts from Mozart’s Requiem in our Centenary Concert this term. John, coincidentally, used to be a music producer for BBC Radio.
Back to the present and I am aware that many of our senior pupils have been working very hard for the academic challenges of this term’s examinations and we are, of course, trying to support them in this and will continue to do so in the crucial months ahead.
I am also pleased to report that I am seeing many prospective
parents and pupils, who are seeking places here in September.
Best wishes
Roger Clark Headmaster
Much planning is going into the centenary events for this special year in the school’s history. The calendar of events is being
finalised and members of the various school’s communities are being mobilised.
For instance, Founders’ Day this year will see the return of former pupils from all over the world and we are looking forward to
performances from former pupils in our two special music concerts.
I look forward to sharing more news with you as we draw nearer to the various events and celebrations.
As we look back over one hundred years many interesting things are emerging. We have discovered that Battle Choral Society, aided by Battle Abbey School pupils performed the first ever live
broadcast of Mozart’s Requiem in St. Mary’s church in 1931 on BBC Radio. The then school Director of Music lead Battle Choral Society in the same way as John Langridge today leads our school music and Battle Choral Society. We will be performing extracts from Mozart’s Requiem in our Centenary Concert this term. John, coincidentally, used to be a music producer for BBC Radio.
Back to the present and I am aware that many of our senior pupils have been working very hard for the academic challenges of this term’s examinations and we are, of course, trying to support them in this and will continue to do so in the crucial months ahead.
I am also pleased to report that I am seeing many prospective
parents and pupils, who are seeking places here in September.
Best wishes
Roger Clark Headmaster
Friday, 13 January 2012
13th January 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
Happy 100th Birthday Battle Abbey School!
This is the beginning of the year in which we celebrate 100 years of the school’s existence. It is a year to look back with gratitude on all the pupils and staff who have made up that extraordinary tapestry which is our school. It is also a year in which to look forward to all the excitement of education on this ancient site in an ever-changing world. Gratitude and ambition can go hand-in-hand as we move through the year. We can be proud that we are centenarians and proud of the traditions, values and people who have delivered us safely here. We can be ambitious for the future as we work together to improve. No complacency here!
The school has needed to change and adapt to stay strong but we have also needed to maintain core values to stay upright and focused. The sense of family, with all that this implies, which lies at the heart of the school is still a guiding principle and the belief that each individual has it in them to succeed is there too in strong measure.
I have the privilege this year to teach both Year 7 and Year 9 and I know that the school’s future will be safe – what a great group of young people they are – disarmingly bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (similar to the Upper Sixth Formers too!). Sharing in the development of these young people is what the school exists for, helping them to discover the very best of themselves and sharing in their awe and wonder, as they discover the world and go on to improve it. Sometimes they will need to stumble to grow but we will be there to pick them up and always there to celebrate their success.
Enough reflective and speculative romance and back to reality!
I hope the New Year brings you health, happiness and success in equal measure and I look forward to many opportunities to work with you and to meet up.
Best wishes
Roger Clark Headmaster
Happy 100th Birthday Battle Abbey School!
This is the beginning of the year in which we celebrate 100 years of the school’s existence. It is a year to look back with gratitude on all the pupils and staff who have made up that extraordinary tapestry which is our school. It is also a year in which to look forward to all the excitement of education on this ancient site in an ever-changing world. Gratitude and ambition can go hand-in-hand as we move through the year. We can be proud that we are centenarians and proud of the traditions, values and people who have delivered us safely here. We can be ambitious for the future as we work together to improve. No complacency here!
The school has needed to change and adapt to stay strong but we have also needed to maintain core values to stay upright and focused. The sense of family, with all that this implies, which lies at the heart of the school is still a guiding principle and the belief that each individual has it in them to succeed is there too in strong measure.
I have the privilege this year to teach both Year 7 and Year 9 and I know that the school’s future will be safe – what a great group of young people they are – disarmingly bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (similar to the Upper Sixth Formers too!). Sharing in the development of these young people is what the school exists for, helping them to discover the very best of themselves and sharing in their awe and wonder, as they discover the world and go on to improve it. Sometimes they will need to stumble to grow but we will be there to pick them up and always there to celebrate their success.
Enough reflective and speculative romance and back to reality!
I hope the New Year brings you health, happiness and success in equal measure and I look forward to many opportunities to work with you and to meet up.
Best wishes
Roger Clark Headmaster
Friday, 9 December 2011
December 9th - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
The sounds of Christmas are ringing in my ears and through the school. On Tuesday evening, a packed house enjoyed Carols round the Fire – the smell of log smoke, the Choir of 71, the wind and string ensembles, all gave us an evening to remember. Every year group in the school was represented and over 80 pupils had a role to play in making Christmas music. The programme was varied with an extract from Handel’s Messiah, which was outstandingly performed, as well as an extract from Blackadder’s Christmas and other brief readings, interspersed with congregational hymns. Many Battle residents again joined us for this special celebration.
Yesterday the whole school sat down together for Christmas lunch and after the excellent meal, provided by our high class catering team, the traditional paper fight and the singing of Christmas songs brought fun, laughter and a sense of belonging to a special group – the family of the school. The Upper Sixth were as excited as Year 7. "Tis the season to be jolly" and we jolly well were!
Now, as I write, the Sixth Form are putting on a marvellous entertainment for the rest of the school and I am looking forward to the Carol Service.
The week began with Richard Malewicz and Rob Mercers Year 10 Modern Nativity. Amidst much humour, a serious message was put over and nearly £500 raised for the homeless this Christmas.
It has been a term full of good things, high achievements and happy days. Behind the scenes there has been also enormous hard work and some tensions, which are inevitable as the hectic programme of school life unfolds. It has once again been a real privilege to lead a dedicated and highly experienced team of teachers and support staff on three sites, to work with wonderfully supportive parents but above all to be part of the education of some remarkable young people of whom I am very proud. We are handing them back to you for Christmas. I hope the season brings you great happiness and good cheer and that the New Year is filled with health, happiness and prosperity for us all.
Thank you, parents, for all your support.
Warmest wishes Roger Clark
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