Dear Parents
This has been a week with two very significant events, which will affect the future of the school.
Firstly there will be a very exciting announcement made at the end of next week about my successor. But we must all wait patiently!
Secondly, as you can read elsewhere, Battle Abbey School was selected as a leading centre for educational excellence in the use of digital technology to improve pupils’ learning. As one of only six schools nationwide, we will have access to and be part of digital educational resources and research in 19 other European countries. I cannot tell you quite how honoured I feel on behalf of the school that this immense achievement has been won by a small independent school. Dr Eric Demoncheaux has led this project, very ably abetted by Tony Payton, Phil Usher, John Norbury and Damian Baldry and a host of other staff. Eric has always kept an eye on the scientific and digital revolution which goes on in the big, wide world and in the world-wide web. Once again, I
commend our excellent staff to you. I feel privileged to work alongside so many very high calibre colleagues.
The Abbot’s Hall is, in so many ways, the epicentre of the school and this beautiful building reverted briefly to its spiritual origins as we celebrated Evensong last Sunday with the whole boarding community, the full choir and some fifty parents. This room - and the services we hold in it - will always be one of my abiding memories of life at school. The Hall is warm, welcoming and the echoes of its past reverberate around it, if you stop and are still enough to listen and hear. With the Christmas tree in place, it has a very special atmosphere every year and we look forward to “Carols round the Fire”, which has long been a favourite evening for many generations of pupils, staff, parents and governors and is very often their first Christmas event. I hope parents will want to join us on Tuesday 4th December at 7pm. It was the first event that I attended after I had been appointed to the Headship of the school some 15 years ago and it is an evening which is very special for me and for many others. You are all welcome.
With my best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 23 November 2012
Friday, 16 November 2012
16th November 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
Evensong on Sunday 6pm – it is advertised separately but please do come along, if you would like to.
Scholars’ Concert – the very best of Battle Abbey School music was on display this Tuesday. Twenty of our finest musicians played, sang and entertained us. One guest thought that there could be very few schools in the South East of England who could match the depth of talent. This statement is probably impossible to prove but I, for one, was bursting with pride, as I often am, because of the achievements of our pupils and teachers.
Sixth Form Open Evening – there was a very good turn out and a larger than usual number of visitors from outside of the school. We talked, among much else, of the possibility of starting new A Level subjects. At the moment, out of Politics, Philosophy and Photography, the latter two seem the most popular. I also informed students and parents that a significant upgrade to the Sixth Form area would take place in time for September. However, above all, I talked about the excitement of study at this level and the sea change that our pupils encounter after GCSE. The Sixth Form experience at BAS is very special – the icing on the cake for our pupils and staff!
FOBAS Quiz Night – a sell-out! Former parent and quizmaster of longstanding, Alan Covall, will again remind all those present of the two disastrous years when the Headmaster joined a hapless and unsuspecting team and how the Headmaster had to come and receive the wooden spoon on behalf of the team. For many years I have hidden shamefaced behind the bar on the night of the quiz not daring to attach myself and my unenviable reputation to any group but tonight I’m making a come-back. I think that my team is called the “Likely Losers”.
“The Boyfriend” – this term’s senior musical. You will have seen the advertisements. Do come along and enjoy some high quality, live theatre.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Evensong on Sunday 6pm – it is advertised separately but please do come along, if you would like to.
Scholars’ Concert – the very best of Battle Abbey School music was on display this Tuesday. Twenty of our finest musicians played, sang and entertained us. One guest thought that there could be very few schools in the South East of England who could match the depth of talent. This statement is probably impossible to prove but I, for one, was bursting with pride, as I often am, because of the achievements of our pupils and teachers.
Sixth Form Open Evening – there was a very good turn out and a larger than usual number of visitors from outside of the school. We talked, among much else, of the possibility of starting new A Level subjects. At the moment, out of Politics, Philosophy and Photography, the latter two seem the most popular. I also informed students and parents that a significant upgrade to the Sixth Form area would take place in time for September. However, above all, I talked about the excitement of study at this level and the sea change that our pupils encounter after GCSE. The Sixth Form experience at BAS is very special – the icing on the cake for our pupils and staff!
FOBAS Quiz Night – a sell-out! Former parent and quizmaster of longstanding, Alan Covall, will again remind all those present of the two disastrous years when the Headmaster joined a hapless and unsuspecting team and how the Headmaster had to come and receive the wooden spoon on behalf of the team. For many years I have hidden shamefaced behind the bar on the night of the quiz not daring to attach myself and my unenviable reputation to any group but tonight I’m making a come-back. I think that my team is called the “Likely Losers”.
“The Boyfriend” – this term’s senior musical. You will have seen the advertisements. Do come along and enjoy some high quality, live theatre.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
Friday, 19 October 2012
19th October 2012 - Message from the Headmaster
Dear Parents
“Most Battle Abbey people care deeply about others and leave their mark as ambassadors for humanity wherever they go.” (extract from a letter from a former pupil)
As a statement this could well be flawed and impossible to prove but, as an aspiration, it fits so well into all that I would hope we instill in our pupils as they go through the school and move on.
Two young ladies came to see me a few weeks ago, because they had family members afflicted by Alzheimer’s disease and they wanted to do something to help. Thus, today, is a Pyjama/Mufti Day to raise money for Alzheimer’s research. I am delighted that the children look beyond our walls and think about the concerns of the wider world.
At the meeting of the School Council after half-term, representatives are asked to bring suggestions about improving their life at school and secondly for how we can make a difference to help in the world outside of their school.
I was extremely proud this week to attend the Centenary History lectures, when Mike Ansar-Carver, our Head of History and Dr Marc Morris, leading expert on the Norman Conquest, entertained us to two excellent talks on the period.
During half-term do give thought to our 22 pupils and 3 staff members who will spend four days trudging through and over the Derbyshire Dales. Let us hope that they get some good weather!
There is also an A Level History trip to the battlefields of Derbyshire for eight Upper Sixth formers and finally a Performing Arts day on the second Tuesday lead by one of our recent former pupils,
Catherine Anderson, who is a graduate of the Guildford School of Acting and now teaches in two different stage schools as well as pursuing a professional career.
As always, I ask you to contact me, if you have any concerns about your child’s education at Battle Abbey School. It is a great privilege to help in your children’s education and I am always striving to do the very best for all these wonderful children you entrust to us.
Best wishes
Roger Clark
“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, 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
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