Dear Parents
“Most Battle Abbey people care deeply about others and leave their mark as ambassadors for humanity wherever they go.” (extract from a letter from a former pupil)
As a statement this could well be flawed and impossible to prove but, as an aspiration, it fits so well into all that I would hope we instill in our pupils as they go through the school and move on.
Two young ladies came to see me a few weeks ago, because they had family members afflicted by Alzheimer’s disease and they wanted to do something to help. Thus, today, is a Pyjama/Mufti Day to raise money for Alzheimer’s research. I am delighted that the children look beyond our walls and think about the concerns of the wider world.
At the meeting of the School Council after half-term, representatives are asked to bring suggestions about improving their life at school and secondly for how we can make a difference to help in the world outside of their school.
I was extremely proud this week to attend the Centenary History lectures, when Mike Ansar-Carver, our Head of History and Dr Marc Morris, leading expert on the Norman Conquest, entertained us to two excellent talks on the period.
During half-term do give thought to our 22 pupils and 3 staff members who will spend four days trudging through and over the Derbyshire Dales. Let us hope that they get some good weather!
There is also an A Level History trip to the battlefields of Derbyshire for eight Upper Sixth formers and finally a Performing Arts day on the second Tuesday lead by one of our recent former pupils,
Catherine Anderson, who is a graduate of the Guildford School of Acting and now teaches in two different stage schools as well as pursuing a professional career.
As always, I ask you to contact me, if you have any concerns about your child’s education at Battle Abbey School. It is a great privilege to help in your children’s education and I am always striving to do the very best for all these wonderful children you entrust to us.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 19 October 2012
Friday, 12 October 2012
12th October 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
Founders’ Day was very special for the many former pupils who returned. Letters and e-mails of thanks have flooded in. They mention the very friendly reception given by our present pupils who were there to meet and greet. They praise the organisation and the catering. They delight in the fact that they were able to meet up and they remember with real affection the school and the beauty of the building.
“With the sun shining incessantly, the school I’ve always been so proud to be a pupil of, looked resplendent in its glorious and historical setting. It was a day I shall never ever forget. “(Left 1966)
“The pupils were all very articulate and pleasant and attentive. After 60 years the Abbey still holds a chunk of my heart!”
“I was particularly struck by the present young ambassadors of the Abbey who two by two took charge of each of the guests. I had two charming girls who had only been at the school for a month but who had obviously very quickly absorbed the atmosphere and the tradition of caring and making guests feel welcome….It was a great pleasure to see once again those ancient ruins and to remind oneself that all Battle Abbey pupils are privileged to have spent their education in one of our most famous monuments with such a long history. It is a place of great beauty and peace.” (Left 1962)
The Centenary Science Day on Wednesday was another great success and a great tribute to the vision of the governors with the opening of the third new Science laboratory and to the leadership of Dr Demoncheaux.
I now particularly recommend to you the Centenary History lectures next Wednesday evening. Come and listen to two top speakers on the Norman Conquest. Mike Ansar-Carver is one of these two speakers and another example of the high quality staff who educate your children.
I cannot finish without thanking those parents who have hosted the German pupils on the first leg of this year’s German exchange. Despite the weather, our visitors are enjoying their week in Battle very much.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Founders’ Day was very special for the many former pupils who returned. Letters and e-mails of thanks have flooded in. They mention the very friendly reception given by our present pupils who were there to meet and greet. They praise the organisation and the catering. They delight in the fact that they were able to meet up and they remember with real affection the school and the beauty of the building.
“With the sun shining incessantly, the school I’ve always been so proud to be a pupil of, looked resplendent in its glorious and historical setting. It was a day I shall never ever forget. “(Left 1966)
“The pupils were all very articulate and pleasant and attentive. After 60 years the Abbey still holds a chunk of my heart!”
“I was particularly struck by the present young ambassadors of the Abbey who two by two took charge of each of the guests. I had two charming girls who had only been at the school for a month but who had obviously very quickly absorbed the atmosphere and the tradition of caring and making guests feel welcome….It was a great pleasure to see once again those ancient ruins and to remind oneself that all Battle Abbey pupils are privileged to have spent their education in one of our most famous monuments with such a long history. It is a place of great beauty and peace.” (Left 1962)
The Centenary Science Day on Wednesday was another great success and a great tribute to the vision of the governors with the opening of the third new Science laboratory and to the leadership of Dr Demoncheaux.
I now particularly recommend to you the Centenary History lectures next Wednesday evening. Come and listen to two top speakers on the Norman Conquest. Mike Ansar-Carver is one of these two speakers and another example of the high quality staff who educate your children.
I cannot finish without thanking those parents who have hosted the German pupils on the first leg of this year’s German exchange. Despite the weather, our visitors are enjoying their week in Battle very much.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 5 October 2012
5th October 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
Why am I excited?
Because:
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Why am I excited?
Because:
- at least 350 former pupils, representing nine, yes nine decades of the school are returning on Saturday for a seven hour trip down memory lane.
- two famous TV scientists, Richard Robinson and Jonathan Hare will spend all of Wednesday next week at school and share some of their love of science with Yrs 6 to 9, along with some welcome visitors from Vinehall.
- they will also open our new Biology Laboratory on that day.
- three history professors, leading authorities on the Norman Conquest and TV historians, will deliver lectures on Sunday 14th October, the 946th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, to A Level students from Eton, Westminster, Marlborough, Berkhampstead, Bryanston, King’s Wimbledon, King’s Ely and Battle Abbey. This is an annual BAS event organized by our excellent Head of History, Michael Ansar-Carver.
- the Centenary History Lectures take place on Wednesday October 17th. Mr Ansar-Carver will talk on “Harold – the Lost English King” and Dr Marc Morris will talk on “The Norman Conquest” – why not come along?
- on Monday our German exchange partners arrive from Munich to spend a week with us.
- there will be three trips out of school next week to the theatre in London on both Monday and Thursday and to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace.
- there will be five sporting fixtures against other schools
- on Friday evening it’s the Harold’s Night Disco (not quite so excited but I’ll be there!)
- there will be 54 opportunities for your children to take part in extra-curricular activities, as there are every week!
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Monday, 17 September 2012
14th September 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
The second week of term has spun to an end at what seems a frantic pace. I think it is because so much is happening. There is also much to look forward to in the next few weeks.
The staff are delighted with the pupils and I have done several whistle-stop tours of lessons already this term and there is lively, creative and disciplined learning going on at every level. The teaching has started very strongly from all that I can observe and the children are all responding appropriately. It is a very stimulating environment here.
Equally, there has been a very good response to extra-curricular clubs and pupils are taking advantage of the many opportunities on offer. SEVEN clubs and activities a week is not an exception.
We look forward to Open Day next week and do come along, if you would like to see the school. We are open to present parents as well as visitors. You will be very welcome. Check out the new Biology laboratory for a start!
The Schools Centenary Founders Day weekend will take place on Saturday October 6th and Sunday the 7th and the School is anticipating a record number of former pupils returning to the Abbey. As such we will unfortunately only be able to accommodate a significantly smaller number of current parents and pupils than usual. All parents will be contacted shortly by email with further information.
Finally, do keep in touch! Tell us , if all is going well. We love to hear good news!
Best wishes
Roger Clark
The second week of term has spun to an end at what seems a frantic pace. I think it is because so much is happening. There is also much to look forward to in the next few weeks.
The staff are delighted with the pupils and I have done several whistle-stop tours of lessons already this term and there is lively, creative and disciplined learning going on at every level. The teaching has started very strongly from all that I can observe and the children are all responding appropriately. It is a very stimulating environment here.
Equally, there has been a very good response to extra-curricular clubs and pupils are taking advantage of the many opportunities on offer. SEVEN clubs and activities a week is not an exception.
We look forward to Open Day next week and do come along, if you would like to see the school. We are open to present parents as well as visitors. You will be very welcome. Check out the new Biology laboratory for a start!
The Schools Centenary Founders Day weekend will take place on Saturday October 6th and Sunday the 7th and the School is anticipating a record number of former pupils returning to the Abbey. As such we will unfortunately only be able to accommodate a significantly smaller number of current parents and pupils than usual. All parents will be contacted shortly by email with further information.
Finally, do keep in touch! Tell us , if all is going well. We love to hear good news!
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 7 September 2012
7th September 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
I hope you all summered well.
We were absolutely delighted with best ever A Level results. 16 pupils gained at least 3 A grades and you will see from the list of leavers’ destinations, that they have gone on to study at some prestigious universities. The GCSE results were more modest but still our candidates achieved 98% 5 A* to C passes, although we had less high fliers than for some time this year. Like thousands and thousands of candidates across the country our GCSE English pupils were marked down 5% in comparison with last year and this moving of the goal posts reflected very unfairly on their efforts and capability. The protest from schools continues and there is still the possibility of combined legal action.
We have taken 68 new pupils into the senior school and I have been thrilled with the new pupils’ enthusiasm, personal standards and varied talents. I am on record as saying that I think that this is our best intake for many years and these new pupils add generously to our already rich store of talent.
New too for this term is the totally re-furbished, all-singing and all-dancing Biology Laboratory. The pupils learning will be enhanced by the use of excellent IT facilities, including a bank of 10 i-PADs. Planning permission (always a sensitive issue at the Abbey) has delayed the move of the maintenance department to new accommodation and the creation of an excellent, new and much-needed changing facility for the girls. All should be in place now by the start of next term at the very latest.
The staff here are very excited about the promise of the year ahead. Thank you for entrusting some of the education of your wonderful children to us and please do let us know how you think we are doing.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
I hope you all summered well.
We were absolutely delighted with best ever A Level results. 16 pupils gained at least 3 A grades and you will see from the list of leavers’ destinations, that they have gone on to study at some prestigious universities. The GCSE results were more modest but still our candidates achieved 98% 5 A* to C passes, although we had less high fliers than for some time this year. Like thousands and thousands of candidates across the country our GCSE English pupils were marked down 5% in comparison with last year and this moving of the goal posts reflected very unfairly on their efforts and capability. The protest from schools continues and there is still the possibility of combined legal action.
We have taken 68 new pupils into the senior school and I have been thrilled with the new pupils’ enthusiasm, personal standards and varied talents. I am on record as saying that I think that this is our best intake for many years and these new pupils add generously to our already rich store of talent.
New too for this term is the totally re-furbished, all-singing and all-dancing Biology Laboratory. The pupils learning will be enhanced by the use of excellent IT facilities, including a bank of 10 i-PADs. Planning permission (always a sensitive issue at the Abbey) has delayed the move of the maintenance department to new accommodation and the creation of an excellent, new and much-needed changing facility for the girls. All should be in place now by the start of next term at the very latest.
The staff here are very excited about the promise of the year ahead. Thank you for entrusting some of the education of your wonderful children to us and please do let us know how you think we are doing.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 29 June 2012
29th June 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
1.30pm and oh the sinful pleasures of school lunch! Rare beef salad and Tiramasu on a Friday – calorific overkill but so tasty! Catering at the Abbey just keeps on getting better and this happy eater carries the evidence to prove it. My diet always begins tomorrow.
You will read of the successes of the last week, as the term spins madly towards its crescendo.
Mr Mercer’s Activity Week was a fabulous educational opportunity for Yr 7-9 to think outside the confines of the regular curriculum. The Junior Dance and Drama evening, with its large audience proved that in the area of performing arts we are as strong at the lower ends of the school as we are at the top.
And then the concert on Saturday evening was a triumph and the culmination of seven years hard work by Mr Langridge and his team.
Not a day will go by next week which does not offer something special to our students. Do come along to the Art exhibition in the library, open each evening next week 6pm - 8pm.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
1.30pm and oh the sinful pleasures of school lunch! Rare beef salad and Tiramasu on a Friday – calorific overkill but so tasty! Catering at the Abbey just keeps on getting better and this happy eater carries the evidence to prove it. My diet always begins tomorrow.
You will read of the successes of the last week, as the term spins madly towards its crescendo.
Mr Mercer’s Activity Week was a fabulous educational opportunity for Yr 7-9 to think outside the confines of the regular curriculum. The Junior Dance and Drama evening, with its large audience proved that in the area of performing arts we are as strong at the lower ends of the school as we are at the top.
And then the concert on Saturday evening was a triumph and the culmination of seven years hard work by Mr Langridge and his team.
Not a day will go by next week which does not offer something special to our students. Do come along to the Art exhibition in the library, open each evening next week 6pm - 8pm.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Thursday, 7 June 2012
1st June 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
The second half of term offers several opportunities for you to join in and attend a range of events. Among these will be the Family Fun Day. This is a social get-together to celebrate the centenary and I do hope that lots and lots of you will come along with your children and join in. There is such a thing as a free lunch!
Other events include our Centenary Concert and the Dads v Lads cricket match. All tickets for the Summer Ball have already been sold, so we know that this will be well-supported and then of course there is Speech Day.
There is a special joint Sports Day on Tuesday 3rd July at the Abbey with Prep School athletes joining in with their senior colleagues.
I hope that you all have a very good half-term.
With my best wishes
Roger Clark
The second half of term offers several opportunities for you to join in and attend a range of events. Among these will be the Family Fun Day. This is a social get-together to celebrate the centenary and I do hope that lots and lots of you will come along with your children and join in. There is such a thing as a free lunch!
Other events include our Centenary Concert and the Dads v Lads cricket match. All tickets for the Summer Ball have already been sold, so we know that this will be well-supported and then of course there is Speech Day.
There is a special joint Sports Day on Tuesday 3rd July at the Abbey with Prep School athletes joining in with their senior colleagues.
I hope that you all have a very good half-term.
With my best wishes
Roger Clark
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