Weekly Newsletter

April 4, 2025

Headmaster’s Welcome

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to the last newsletter of this term. January seems a long time ago now. The weather has once again been warm and sunny this week, and by the looks of things, this will continue for a few more days which is great.

I hope the weather remains kind to the Duke of Edinburgh pupils who are on their practice Gold expedition in the Lake District.

The Easter Concert last night was lovely. The auditorium was full, the performers once again played, sang and danced to very high standards indeed. What was even more impressive to see was the joy on the pupils’ faces as they performed. Pupils are both talented and humble in equal measure which is a terrific combination. It was a lovely way to spend the evening and it reminds me (not that I needed reminding) why being Head of this wonderful School is such a great privilege.

I am pleased with the number of Year 11 pupils who have opted to attend some GCSE revision classes in English, Mathematics and Science next week. There are also a good number of Year 7 and 8 pupils who have decided to attend the revision classes and experience boarding during their assessment week next term.

The Easter holidays are relatively short and School reopens on the Wednesday after Easter, which is Wednesday 23^rd April with boarders returning the evening before.

I wish you all a lovely Easter and for my part, Frances and I are off to Lanzarote tomorrow for a week. It is rather ironic we are leaving some sunshine behind in search of sunshine!

The following is a powerful quote I read this morning. “The very first Easter taught us this: that life never ends and love never dies”. In this world where international tariffs are dominating the news – we would all do well to remember that what unites us is far greater than what divides us.

Yours sincerely,

Francie Healy
Headmaster

Latest Bethany Blog

This final blog of this term has been written by Mrs Sturrock, Head of DLS at Bethany School, she writes about how to help pupils manage emotions, promoting emotional literacy and self-regulation.

Mastering the Zones of Regulation

How do you feel?

It’s a simple enough question on the face of it, but when you delve a little deeper can actually be hard to answer. ‘How I feel’ is not a subject we study in school with a useful supporting text book and a teacher qualified with a degree in emotional literacy! Following the pandemic and with more children than ever surgically attached to their mobile devices, equipping young people with the tools to manage their emotions is more important than ever. Recognising this fact, we as a school will be looking to extend our use of the Zones of Regulation framework after Easter, which is presently used very successfully in the Wellness Centre.

In recent years education has shifted somewhat, recognising the importance of emotional intelligence alongside academic success and that the ability to self-regulate leads to better grades. The Department for Education’s emphasis on wellbeing and mental health aligns with the principles of the Zones of Regulation, promoting emotional literacy as a key skill for future success. In addition, research in neuroscience and psychology highlights that self-regulation is fundamental to effective learning. When pupils can manage their emotions, they are more engaged, focused and able to retain information.

What Are the Zones of Regulation?

Developed by occupational therapist Leah Kuypers, the Zones of Regulation is an approach that helps pupils recognise and manage their emotions. This is an approach that is used in many primary schools so some of our pupils come to Bethany with an understanding of the language. The framework categorises emotions and states of alertness into four colour-coded zones:

Blue Zone: Low energy emotions, such as sadness, tiredness, or feeling unwell.
Green Zone: A regulated, calm, and focused state, ideal for learning and social interactions.
Yellow Zone: Heightened emotions, such as stress, frustration, excitement, or nervousness.
Red Zone: Intense emotions, including anger, panic, or extreme excitement, where control may be lost.

Rather than labelling emotions as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, the Zones model encourages pupils to recognise their current emotional state and develop appropriate strategies to regulate themselves effectively.

Navigating the challenges of adolescence can be overwhelming for both parents and pupils. From academic pressures to social dynamics, learning how to manage your own emotions as well as being able to identify emotions in others is a critical life skill. The Zones of Regulation provides a structured way for pupils to reflect on their emotional state, identify triggers and develop personalised coping strategies. For parents, understanding this framework can provide a shared language to discuss emotions at home. Encouraging conversations about which zone a young person is in and how they can regulate themselves can give greater emotional awareness and resilience. It also enables parents to support their child’s emotional development in a constructive and consistent way.

How Can Parents Support This at Home?

Use the language of the Zones: Regularly discussing emotions in the context of the Zones helps normalise self-reflection and regulation. Rather than saying, “How was your day?” lead with “What zone were you in today?”
Model emotional regulation: Demonstrating how you manage your own emotions provides children with real-life examples to learn from. Rather than venting your frustration when discovering all the cereal bowls in the house under your teen’s bed try, “When all the bowls are missing and I can’t make everyone breakfast, this moves me towards the red zone. I would rather start our day together more positively – can you help me with this?”
Encourage the use of strategies: Techniques such as deep breathing, movement breaks, mindfulness, and structured reflection can help young people move between zones effectively.

The Zones of Regulation is not just a tool for school—it’s a lifelong approach to managing emotions, relationships, and challenges in an ever-changing world. Some might say, the most important thing you will ever learn in school as this is a skill our young people will use every day.

Mrs Sturrock
Head of DLS

Zones of Regulation Download

Staff v Leavers Football Match

With sporting seasons wrapped up for the Easter holidays, all eyes turned to the eagerly anticipated Staff v Year 13 Leavers annual football match on Friday 28th March.

As it turned out, it was the Bethany staff who gave the Year 13s a lesson in football diplomacy in the 7-a-side game on the school’s astro turf.

The Leavers had a deep squad this year, with some players regularly turning out for weekend teams. The staff, on the other hand, boasted an average age of 44 with several players already having pre-booked weekend appointments at the chiropractors!

The first half was a tight affair, with the Leavers restricted to shots from distance, which Mr Forde (Housemaster, Mount) handled with ease. Mr Forde even tried to make things interesting with some questionable distribution from the back, but the Leavers failed to capitalise. The half ended with Mr Duff (Head of Sixth Form) hitting the post following a long throw from Mr Henson (PE teacher and Assistant Housemaster, Mount) – a sign of things to come. The half-time whistle was welcomed by the staff, with the match finely balanced at 0-0. Sides were switched for the second half, and a few substitutions were made by both teams.

The second half began in a similar fashion as the first, with some Year 7-11 spectators growing restless, chanting, “We want our ball back!” and “Are you even playing, Henry?”

Mr Duff subbed himself off and took on the manager role, rotating Mr Evans (Head of Geography), who was full of enthusiasm, to left-back and pushing Mr Harris (Marketing & Communications) up front. This tactical change opened things up, and the staff responded with three quick goals.

The year was 1996 when David Beckham burst onto the scene with a halfway-line lob over the Wimbledon goalkeeper – and Mr Henson wasn’t even born yet! But he pulled off a similar feat, lobbing the floundering Josh Malin, in goal for the Leavers, to put the staff 1-0 up.

VIDEO: Mr Henson puts the staff 1-0 up

With their tails up, the staff pressed on. Mr Garcia (Spanish teacher and a Galáctico in disguise) buried another well-worked goal, making it 2-0.

VIDEO: Mr Garcia makes it 2-0

The Leavers were now reeling, and when Mr Harris rolled back the years to pounce and bundle in a scrappy goal, the staff found themselves 3-0 ahead.

VIDEO: Mr Harris fires in a rebound to make it 3-0

James Candeloro, Luca Chettiar, Sam Denny and Archie Cashman were restricted to shots from distance for the Leavers, which Mr Forde did well to gobble up or parry wide. Had the Leavers been more clinical in front of goal in the later stages, the match could have been very different. However, Mr DeSouza (PE teacher) kept the Year 13 attackers in his back pocket for most of the game with a solid performance at centre-back. The staff saw out the match and welcomed the final whistle, allowing them to rest and celebrate a 3-0 victory.

Final score: Staff 3-0 Year 13 Leavers

Staff Player of the Match: Mr Henson

Leavers Player of the Match: Elsa Taylor

In all seriousness, the match was played in the right spirit and remains a wonderful annual Bethany tradition. The Year 13s were unlucky not to break through the staff’s low block – but football is a game about taking chances, and that was the difference between the two teams this year.

Mr Duff
Head of Sixth Form

Bethany Boarders Hit the Range

Boarders left Bethany just after 10am last weekend, ready for an exciting day out, and to our delight, the weather decided to play along! The sun was out, the sky was clear and the conditions were just perfect for a day at the Tonbridge Golf Driving Range.

As soon as we arrived, everyone grabbed their clubs and got straight to work. For the next two hours, the range was filled with laughter, concentration and the satisfying thwack of golf balls being sent soaring into the distance. It was all about perfecting those swings—though some pupils seemed to be aiming more for the clouds than the target! But hey, it was all part of the fun!

The air was filled with good-natured banter and plenty of cheering as everyone took turns analysing each other’s form. Some might’ve discovered a few “creative” techniques, including Elias convincing himself he played better without shoes, but it was all part of the learning process. Whether balls were hit straight down the fairway or off into the wild unknown, everyone was having fun.

After working up an appetite and giving their arms a solid workout, boarders decided to continue the adventure with a little trip into Royal Tunbridge Wells. And what’s a day out without a bit of retail therapy? The pupils had the chance to roam the charming streets and stock up on their favourite snacks and supplies.

The vibe was relaxed as pupils explored the shops, with everyone happily chatting about their best (and funniest) moments at the golf range. It was the perfect way to wind down after an energetic morning.

All in all, it was a fantastic day filled with fun, laughter and maybe a few future golf pros in the making!

Mr Norman
Trip Leader

Pupils Hit All the Right Notes at Easter Concert

The Bethany School community came together on Thursday evening for an unforgettable Easter Concert, showcasing the extraordinary musical and theatrical talents of our pupils.

The Pengelly Performance Centre (PPC) was alive with energy as over 150 parents, staff, and friends filled the venue to witness a spectacular display of musical excellence and artistic flair. With over 60 pupils taking part in the show and an impressive 16 acts in total, the evening was a testament to the thriving creative spirit at Bethany.

The event was expertly hosted by Year 12 drama pupils, Harry and Toby, who kept the audience entertained with their charismatic stage presence, witty introductions, and engaging commentary. Their effortless chemistry and light-hearted humour set the perfect tone for an evening that was both professionally executed and filled with warmth and camaraderie.

From the very first note to the final applause, the audience was treated to a diverse array of performances, with musicians and singers stepping onto the stage to share their passion for music. Year 7 flute player Samuel captivated the crowd with his delicate and expressive playing, while saxophonist Johnathan delivered a powerful and emotive performance that left the audience spellbound. The concert’s setlist was a true celebration of musical diversity, featuring beloved songs from Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, and Coldplay. Each performance was delivered with confidence, skill, and a genuine love for the craft.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the evening was the opportunity for our younger pupils to perform alongside more seasoned musicians from Years 11 and 13. This unique experience not only allowed them to showcase their talents in a supportive environment but also provided them with a valuable opportunity to learn from older peers. Watching the different year groups collaborate and encourage one another was a powerful reminder of the nurturing, inclusive culture that makes Bethany School such a special place.

The PPC, once again, proved to be the perfect venue for an event of this magnitude. Its vibrant and exciting atmosphere accommodated the wealth of talent on display, creating an immersive experience for both performers, dancers and audience members alike. The acoustics and lighting, combined with the enthusiasm of those in attendance, transformed the evening into something truly magical.

As the final notes of the closing performance faded, the rapturous applause and standing ovation were a clear indication of the evening’s success. It was an event that celebrated not just music, but the dedication, hard work, and passion of our pupils and staff. Moments like these remind us all of the transformative power of the arts and their ability to bring people together, to inspire, and to uplift.

Bethany School continues to nurture and develop talent, and the Easter Concert was yet another shining example of the extraordinary creativity that thrives within our community. With each performance, the love for music at Bethany grows stronger, and this concert will no doubt serve as a catalyst for future musical achievements.

To all the pupils who performed, the dedicated teachers who guided them, and the families who came to support – thank you. Your enthusiasm and commitment ensure that music and the arts remain an integral part of life at Bethany.

Mr Bolton
Director of Performing Arts

Page Turners Gala: A Night to Remember

What a fantastic evening we had celebrating books! On the 27th March, six pupils from the Page Turners reading group travelled to Weald of Kent Grammar School in Tonbridge for our culminating event after reading a shortlist of 12 books.

The evening was buzzing with excitement, as up to 200 pupils and staff gathered to celebrate literature. The first event of the night was a dress-up contest, where pupils showed off their creativity by dressing up as characters from the books. The winner was an underwater creature from The Haunting of Aveline Jones.

Throughout the event, we were able to admire the amazing stage props created by the participating schools. Each prop was inspired by events from the books we read. Among the displays were an inflatable flamingo, a creepy hand protruding from a black window, a skeleton, seagulls, an arcade machine, scarecrows, a sea-stack, a blood-stained lab coat, stags, several maps, a washing line, and more.

With 12 books on the shortlist this year, there was plenty to take in, including a mix of video messages and live talks from authors. First, we watched video messages from Manjeet Mann, Sue Cheung, Phil Hickes, and Lesley Parr. The settings in their books were inspired by their own personal experiences.

Our first live author was Simon James Green, who shared insights into Alex in Wonderland. His story draws from the seaside towns where he grew up and enjoyed visiting, and his books often feature LGBTQ+ characters with humour. Next, Catherine Johnson joined us to talk about Sawbones, set in Victorian London. Her inspiration for the story came from a visit to a museum where she saw body parts preserved in glass jars. Catherine shared her love for history, which influenced the book’s setting.

After a short break to visit the bookshop and collect author autographs, we returned for video recordings from Laura Bates, Geraldine McCaughrean, and Mareen Johnson.

The final in-person author, M.A. Bennett, captivated us with a personal story of her childhood. She grew up in a small cottage with her grandmother, spending time at a stately home where her grandmother worked. As a child, she enjoyed sliding on polished floors, whizzing down banisters, and exploring the vast grounds. But as she grew older, she began to notice the differences between herself and her friends, two boys who grew up in the stately home. While they attended a prestigious private school, she went to a local state school. The differences between them remained even when they all attended Cambridge University. Inspired by the class divides, her experiences at the stately home, and the traditions of her friends’ families, she wrote S.T.A.G.S..

The evening’s grand finale began with the announcement of the creative challenge results, voted on by all participants. The winners were Genevieve W (1st place) and Izzy R (2nd place). Darcie V also received a special prize from the Headmaster of Weald of Kent. We were thrilled to walk away with three prizes! Well done Bethany, for being such a creative school!

The atmosphere was electric as we awaited the final voting results for the book awards. S.T.A.G.S. won several categories, including the overall winner. We wholeheartedly agree that M.A. Bennett’s book is a very deserving champion!

I caught up with pupils after the evening for their thoughts about the Page Turners Gala.

Mia said, “The gala was so much fun! It felt like such an intense moment to see who was going to be announced as the winner! The authors were very hilarious and nice, and it was great being able to get books at the fair. It was an amazing experience to be with people who also like books!”

Izzy said, “I had an amazing night, and it was lovely to see the variety of creative responses. I loved the authors speeches and certain books I would never have thought of reading; I might consider now.”

Ten said, “The Page Turners event was quite lovely, it allowed us as the pupils to see other people’s creative responses and get to meet some of the authors. They also had a mini bookshop where we were able to buy books for ourselves and for the authors to sign. Overall, I really loved the gala event I even got to meet my favourite author M.A Bennett.”

Mrs Rendell
Librarian and Archivist

Year 10 Serve Up a Five-Star Feast

Year 10 Hospitality and Catering pupils stepped up to the plate this week, impressing staff with an afternoon tea that was anything but ordinary.

Tasked with creating two sweet and two savoury items—at least one of which had to involve pastry—the brief was clear: no sandwiches, no shortcuts and definitely no skimping on creativity.

From delicate choux buns and glossy mini lemon meringue pies to perfectly baked sausage rolls and savoury puff pastry parcels, the variety on offer was as impressive as the presentation. Mini quiches, lemon drizzle cake, and even meringue tea cakes made appearances, each plate showcasing serious skill and attention to detail.

Staff were invited to enjoy the results, and the feedback was unanimous: delicious, professional and full of flair.

The whole cohort smashed it—giving The Ritz a serious run for its money!

Mrs Iles
Food & Nutrition

Pupils Of The Week

Each week in Assembly, ‘Pupil of the Week’ awards are given to pupils across the various year groups who have been nominated by their tutor.

This could go to an individual who has perhaps shone that week academically; demonstrated the values of kindness, tolerance, and respect particularly well; or represented the school or county in a positive way.

Year 7 Pupil of the Week is Genevieve

Genevieve has really flourished this term academically and a worthy winner of Pupil of the Week. A massive well done!

Year 7 Pupil of the Term is Samuel

Each week during our Friday Year 7 Assembly, Pupil Of The Week is awarded. The winners of this are automatically then put in contention for our Pupil Of The Term award. The names are put into the hat and in this morning’s assembly after a good shake of the hat, a name was pulled out by a volunteer. Up for grabs is an Amazon Voucher and perhaps the world’s most garish but highly coveted trophy…

I am delighted to say that Pupil Of The Spring Term went to Samuel and I would like to extend a huge well done again to each Year 7 pupil who has been awarded Pupil Of The Week this term.

Mr Clough
Head of Year 7

Year 8 Pupil of the Week is Alex

Alex is always hard working, polite and well mannered. A well deserved Pupil of the Week.

Year 8 Pupil of the Term is Izzy

Simply put, Izzy has been consistently excellent throughout the entire term. Well done, Izzy!

Year 9 Pupil of the Week is Dasha

Dasha has been an unsung hero this week. She consistently gets on well across the board, often under the radar, but never unnoticed. Well done, Dasha!

Year 9 Pupil of the Term is Alfie

Alfie has had a very busy term, including stepping up at the last minute in the whole school production. He has demonstrated excellent resilience as well as performing brilliantly in the Easter Concert. Well done, Alfie!

This Week’s KS4 Pupil of the Week is Willow

As well as making huge improvements in progress and study over the last term, this week Willow has quietly looked out for a good friend ‘behind the scenes’, demonstrating a tremendously kind and nurturing character.

Orchard Boarding Pupil of the Week is Matt

Matt has – once again – the best prep grade average in the House – and for the third time in a row it’s a perfect 4.00. Well done Matt!

Second Hand Uniform Shop

As the Easter break approaches, FOBS (Friends of Bethany School) would like to remind you all that the Bethany School second-hand uniform shop is open during the holidays.

If you would like to make any purchases, please email uniform@bethanyschool.org.uk and request the items and sizes you are looking for and a member of staff will get back to you informing you if we have the items you have requested in stock, ways that you can pay for the items and when they will be available for you to collect from the school office.

We would also like to say thank you for your help in labelling your child’s/children’s school items, we are delighted to say this has been a huge success and resulted in all labelled items being returned to pupils and very minimal items being left in lost property. We would greatly appreciate your help in continuing to label all items.

Kind regards,

FOBS
Friends of Bethany School

Friends of Bethany School

An Eggcellent Easter Treat

Pupils and staff alike were treated to a delightful surprise, courtesy of our fantastic catering partners, Holroyd Howe, this afternoon. Known for their fresh, high-quality meals and commitment to nourishing young minds, Holroyd Howe pulled out all the stops with a festive Easter spread that brought smiles all round.

The dining hall was transformed into a haven of indulgence, featuring an eye-catching display of Easter-themed cookies, cupcakes and handcrafted desserts. From pastel-colored bakes to chocolatey delights, every treat was made with care and creativity, perfect for celebrating the season.

Holroyd Howe’s dedication to creating memorable food moments continues to impress, and this Easter celebration was no exception. Here’s to many more joyful (and tasty) occasions!

Easter Bunny Visits The Orchard

Amid the busy time of year, we were both surprised and delighted to discover that the Easter Bunny made a special visit while Orchard boarding pupils were in class on Wednesday.

Taking a break from its hectic schedule, the Easter Bunny hid small treats in every room, bringing smiles to everyone.

However, the smiles quickly faded at 6:30 Thursday morning when the blaring sound of the fire drill woke everyone from their sleep. Despite the early disturbance, the unexpected visit from the Easter Bunny certainly added some festive cheer to the week.

Mr Davies
Housemaster, The Orchard

All the latest news from the Bethany School Library including Club Information and fantastic fun at the Page Turners Gala.

Read Latest Library Newsletter

Easter Holiday Sports Camp

Bethany School have teamed up with mSPORTi to provide an Easter Multi-Sport Camp during the holidays. It is open to all children, both those who already attend Bethany and those who do not, and are aged from 8 to 14 years old.

The camp will run from Monday 7th to Friday 11th April 2025 at Bethany School.

Find out more and register your place by clicking below.

Find out more

Looking for ways to keep your kids entertained during the long Easter and Summer breaks? Camp Bethany offers an exciting range of holiday camps for children aged 8-14.

This year, mSPORTi are thrilled to celebrate 20 years of delivering their Multi-Sports holiday camp.

All the courses will provide a great opportunity to learn new skills, make friends and most importantly have fun! It is also a fantastic opportunity for children to develop their skills, stay active and make new friends in a fun and inclusive environment.

Book your place

Lost Property Made Easy

We have added a new Lost Items application, available via the button below or on MySchoolPortal. This new application allows parents, and pupils, to check if we have found your lost item(s)

If you spot something that is yours, please send your child to the Lost Property Office (top of the Food Tech/Textiles building) between 1.30

Access the items list by either logging into the parent portal and then heading to School Information where the list can be accessed or by clicking the button below.

Bethany School Lost Property

Prayer Requests

In addition to the prayer group which meets as per the message below – If you would like the chaplain to pray for you or for someone you know, you can send your prayer requests to him using the link below and he will include them in his prayers for the school. All submissions are anonymous and won’t be seen by anyone other than the chaplain.

Submit a Prayer Request Form

Prayer Group

Upcoming Events

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