Weekly Newsletter

Bethany is a leading independent co-educational day
and boarding school for pupils aged 11-18

May 2, 2025

Headmaster’s Welcome

Dear Parents and Guardians,

What a glorious week’s weather we’ve just had. How nice everything looks in warm sunny weather. It has been great to see the pupils play so openly and freely on our green spaces.

The Year 7 and 8 pupils seem to have coped pretty well with their assessments this week. The Year 11 examinations started this week, and the initial feedback has been very positive. Long may this continue.

Mrs Healy and I were delighted to host our annual boarders barbecue on Wednesday. We couldn’t have asked for better weather and if the gratitude of the pupils and the end of the evening was anything to go by, they really enjoyed it as well.

I am looking forward to attending the LAMDA evening next Wednesday. There is no better way to spend an evening than to see pupils perform so effortlessly and so well on stage.

I am looking forward to the Year 13 Leavers’ Ball tonight at the Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells. It is always nice to see our Year 13 dressed in formal attire and no doubt another great evening awaits.

I will leave you with this quote from the American actress Lucille Ball. “The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly and lie about your age”.

I hope you all enjoy the bank holiday weekend.

Yours sincerely,

Francie Healy

Headmaster

Latest Bethany Blog

The first blog of the summer term has been written by Mrs Hill, Deputy Head Academic at Bethany School. She updates us on teacher development at Bethany and how all staff are encouraged to be lifelong learners.

Teacher Development at Bethany

At Bethany, teachers, just like pupils, are encouraged to be lifelong learners. By having an ongoing focus on teacher development, we ensure that we continue to raise standards in regard to the development of subject knowledge, pedagogy and practice.

One of the ways we do this is through the use of a system called IRIS Connect. This enables us to record and then review our teaching and learning. We can quickly and easily edit clips from our lessons to share with other members of our teams to both share and develop our practice.

Another way that we are building our skills as educators this year is through a focus on Microsoft 21st Century Learning, a learning pathway that supports the development of learning activities that enable our pupils to develop the skills they need for life and work in the globally connected world of the 21st century. 

There are 6 21st century learning skills; these are:

1. Knowledge construction 

2. Collaboration 

3. Real-world problem solving and innovation 

4. Skilled communication 

5. Self-regulation  

6. Information and communication technology (ICT) for learning 

Over the course of the year, teachers have been exploring how they can build these skills into their own classrooms. As well as this, Year 7-9 pupils are given further opportunity to explicitly explore these skills through the completion of Project Based Learning weeks. During the course of the projects pupils are asked to reflect on their skills development using specially designed rubrics

As a result of the most recent Year 8 project, two of the winning teams presented their projects about Phoebe’s Garden to the chair of FOBS (Friends of Bethany School), Mrs Morey the Bursar and Mr Preddy the Assistant Bursar. They were so impressed that they are now taking their ideas forward and transforming this memorial garden space into a calm and tranquil garden for all the Bethany community to enjoy.

This is the current garden space (this morning enjoyed by Mr Reilly with his cup of coffee):

Mrs Hill
Deputy Head Academic

Latest Sports News

The latest sports news from Bethany School. The beginning of the summer term means one thing for Bethany sport…the cricket season begins. Four teams kicked off their seasons this week as the glorious sunshine made for perfect, if hot, conditions.

Before we delve into match reports we’d like to remind all parents of pupil’s who are representing the school in any sporting fixture that the details of the fixture and timings can be found on SOCS. You can log into SOCS by clicking here or via the main menu on our website.

As we are currently in the cricket season it is very likely that pupils will return to Bethany after the end of the school day if they are playing in an away fixture. If your child is a bus user, please remember to make them absent on Baton Route and note that you will need to arrange for your child to be picked up from school.

If you have any issues with this process, please contact Matt Payne, Director of Sport, via email on mpayne@bethanyschool.org.uk or transport@bethanyschool.org.uk for any issues with Baton Route. Wherever possible we will contact parents if there is a delay in the team’s return.

If pick up is inconvenient for you, or you are struggling to do so at the required time, you can always book in advance for your child to attend tea and prep on any of these days. Please contact the School Office in the first instance and they can relay to the necessary staff. There is a small cost for tea and prep, currently £17 per session.

Cricket | Bethany U13A v King’s Rochester

The U13A cricket team travelled to King’s Rochester on Wednesday for their first match of the season.

Bethany went into bat first and an opening partnership between Andrew Stubblefield and Rowen Blake was very effective, taking the score to over 40 runs from the opening 5 overs with some well-placed attacking shots. The loss of the first wicket saw captain Oliver Scott arrive at the crease, and with some effective play, the score was pushed to over 60 runs off 10 overs.

A fall of key batting wickets from some accurate Rochester bowling and good catches in the field from the next few overs slowed the run rate. The Bethany middle and lower order batsmen took the final score to 100 runs from 20 overs.

Bethany started their fielding innings very well, taking opening wickets and bowling well to limit scoring opportunities. Rochester scored slowly, making their way to 30 runs off 8 overs due to some fine bowling and wicket taking from Andrew Stubblefield, Oliver Scott and Nico De Widt. As the innings developed, the Rochester middle order found it’s rhythm and played some excellent shots to score several quick fire boundaries and move the score to a winning position with overs to spare. With the match entering its final stages and Rochester looking likely to win comfortably, Arthur Seal came on to bowl and took a wicket with his first delivery. This was quickly followed by Oliver Scott taking wickets in his over to make it a very tense finish. Rochester did find the wining runs with 12 balls to spare and claim a hard fought victory. A good competitive start to the season from the team and a special mention to Gus Tomlinson for playing wicket keeper for the very first time.

Final score: King’s Rochester beat Bethany

Player of the Match: Andrew Stubblefield

Coaches Player of the Match: Oliver Scott

Cricket | Bethany U13B v King’s Rochester

The Bethany U13B cricket team began their season with an away fixture against King’s Rochester, taking to the field first after losing the toss.

Despite facing a strong batting line up, the team displayed commitment and energy throughout their time in the field. Daniel Stroude provided the breakthrough, claiming the only wicket of the innings with a well-directed delivery that broke a promising partnership.

The bowlers toiled admirably on a flat surface, with tight fielding and consistent line and length helping to keep the scoring rate under control. Ultimately, King’s Rochester posted a competitive total of 147 for 1 from their allotted overs.

In reply, Bethany approached their chase with a positive mindset, showing intent from the outset. The top order looked to rotate the strike and capitalise on loose deliveries, with several batters playing fluent strokes around the wicket. However, King’s Rochester’s disciplined bowling attack and sharp fielding made run-scoring difficult in the latter stages of the innings. Bethany continued to fight until the end but fell short of the target, finishing 40 runs behind.

Despite the result, there were plenty of encouraging signs for the team. Their performance showed clear progress and potential, especially considering it was their first competitive outing of the season. With more matches to come, this opening fixture provided a strong foundation to build on.

Final score: King’s Rochester beat Bethany

Player of the Match: Daniel Stroude

Cricket | Bethany U15A v King’s Rochester

The U15A cricket team travelled to King’s Rochester on Tuesday for their first match of the season.

King’s Rochester went into bat first and after a few loose balls from Bethany in the opening overs, the bowling attack found their line and length to slow down the extras rate and challenge the Rochester batsmen. Dominic Holmes was the pick of the opening bowlers as Rochester made their way to 57 runs off 11 overs. Rochester accelerated the run rate at this point, and a flurry of strong attacking shots to any ball short of line and length saw them increase the score to 95 runs off 16 overs. A equally good batting performance against the final few overs saw the Rochester innings finish at 129 runs off 20 overs.

Bethany started with an attacking mindset, playing on the front foot to challenge the Rochester bowlers. The opening pair of Lucas Schippers and Jacob Chesterton scored 22 runs off 4 overs. Gus Tuson came in at number 4 and when joined by Henry Greig, the scoreboard started to gain momentum and Rochester struggled with bowling accuracy and their fielding set up to prevent boundaries. The pair took the total to 72 runs off 11 overs with some excellent attacking shots.

A well taken catch saw the dismissal of Henry and in turn the run rate slowed. Gus continued to bat very well, as supporting batsmen came and went, picking off bowlers with several excellent shots driven back over the bowlers head. With the scorecard at 112 runs in the 18th over, Gus was bowled out for an excellent score of 60 runs. The tail enders took the score to 119 off 20 overs, falling just short of the 129 target by 10 runs.

A close match with some skilled batting and accurate fielding on display from both teams.

Final score: King’s Rochester beat Bethany

Player of the Match: Gus Tuson

Coaches Player of the Match: Henry Grieg

Cricket | Bethany U15B v King’s Rochester

The Bethany U15B cricket team got their season off to a strong start with a confident all-round performance against King’s Rochester.

Winning the toss, Bethany opted to bowl first on a pitch offering some early movement. The decision paid immediate dividends as opening bowler Jago Veale struck with the very first delivery of the match, setting the tone for a disciplined and determined bowling display.

Jago continued to bowl with control and accuracy, finishing his spell with excellent figures of 2 overs, 1 maiden, 1 wicket for just 6 runs. He was well supported by the rest of the bowling attack, who kept the pressure on throughout the innings with tight lines and effective variations. Fielding standards were high, with good catching and energetic work in the outfield helping to maintain momentum. The team’s collective effort limited King’s Rochester to a modest total of 83 for 8 from their allotted overs.

Chasing 84 for victory, Bethany approached the run chase with composure and confidence. Once again, Jago Veale played a crucial role, contributing a fluent 26 at the top of the order and giving the innings early impetus. His knock included a number of well-timed strokes that pierced the field and kept the scoreboard ticking.

As wickets fell at intervals, the middle order held firm. Lucien Franklin showed great maturity under pressure, remaining unbeaten on 12 and guiding Bethany across the line with a calm and measured approach. The team reached their target with five wickets in hand, finishing on 84 for 5 and sealing a well-earned victory.

This was a highly promising performance from the U15B team. With both bat and ball, the squad showed signs of real potential for the season ahead.

Final score: Bethany beat King’s Rochester

Player of the Match: Jago Veale

Sam’s Garden Biz is Mowing Ahead!

At Bethany, we pride ourselves on nurturing the next generation of innovators and Year 8 pupil Sam is already proving himself to be one to watch. At just 13 years old, Sam has launched his very own lawn mowing and garden tidying business in his local village, showing impressive entrepreneurial flair and a strong sense of community spirit.

Operating under the catchy slogan “Keeping lawns neat and streets sweet”, Sam has been putting his weekends and spare time to excellent use, offering residents a reliable and affordable solution for garden maintenance. From mowing unruly lawns to tidying flower beds and clearing leaves, Sam approaches each job with dedication, professionalism and a smile.

We’re incredibly proud of Sam for embodying the values we hold dear at Bethany, hard work, creativity and service to others. Whether he’s in the classroom or out in the community, he’s setting a brilliant example for what young people can achieve with a little initiative and a lot of heart.

Keep up the great work, Sam—and remember us when you’re running your own landscaping empire someday!

Annual Boarders’ BBQ

On a glorious Wednesday evening, Mr & Mrs Healy were delighted to welcome boarders and pupils in Year 7 and 8 (who had remained behind after school to attend revision classes) to their garden for a BBQ.

Music abounded and a compilation of Summer Garden BBQ Party Anthems were played on the PA system throughout the evening to add to the party atmosphere.

The catering team created some wonderful BBQ food and the pupils feasted on copious amounts of burgers, sausages and chicken legs as well as freshly prepared salad. For dessert, the children had a choice of Magnum ice creams which went down a treat.

The pupils were wonderful guests and had a great time, chatting, laughing, relaxing as well as playing various garden games which allowed then to expend some pent-up energy from a hard day’s work at School.

The photograph below shows two siblings, Karen and Karson, whose mother and two aunts where pupils at Bethany in the 1990s. The painting that they are holding was created by their aunt, Shirley, as a thank you gift to Mr and Mrs Healy when she left Bethany – this painting takes pride of place in their kitchen.

There are already some pupils looking forward to next year’s event with one Year 7 pupil offering Mr Healy some “pointers” on how he could improve it further for next year!

Year 7 & 8 Assessment Week

As Year 7 & 8 Assessment Week draws to a close, Mr Clough (Head of Year 7) and Miss King (Head of Year 8) reflect on what has been a successful week and celebrate the positive introduction of after school revision sessions and boarding opportunities.

Though some were fortunate enough to get a bit of a lie in by boarding onsite, we are sure many pupils in Year 7 & 8 may be feeling slightly more tired than usual and no doubt many will have fun things planned at home to mark the end of week and to celebrate the hard work that they have put in while tackling their assessments. How lucky they are that we have a three-day weekend ahead of us.

Assessment Week provides lots of opportunities for pupils in both Year 7 and Year 8 to find out a little bit more about themselves. The assessments are, of course, low stakes, and one of the main benefits of holding them—alongside being a useful measure of progress—is that they offer valuable experience. Pupils get used to what it feels like to prepare for and manage their time during “formal” tests. Holding some assessments in the Assembly Hall gives them the chance to become familiar with the environment of an “exam hall” before they encounter external examinations later in their school journey.

We have found great benefit in providing this experience at Bethany from Year 7 onwards and by the time pupils reach Year 11 and begin sitting their GCSE examinations, we hope they can look back on these early experiences and feel reassured knowing that exams are not as daunting as they might have once seemed.

We hope both Year 7 and Year 8 have found the week a valuable experience. For those who took the opportunity to board or attend after-school revision sessions, we hope you enjoyed those as well – the photo’s depict that they were both enjoyable and a great success. Mr Healy certainly picked a fine day to host his boarders’ BBQ on Wednesday, and we know from speaking to pupils that it was a highlight of the week.

We’d like to end by saying a huge well done to all of Year 7 and Year 8. We have been impressed with how both year groups have prepared and applied themselves throughout the week. Pupils will begin to receive feedback and marks over the next couple of weeks, and for parents, results will be visible in the final set of grades published at the end of the academic year.

Mr Clough – Head of Year 7

Miss King – Head of Year 8

Fun Filled Boarding Experience for Years 7 & 8

This week, some of our Year 7 and Year 8 pupils had the chance to enjoy a lively and engaging boarding experience alongside their examinations. It was a great opportunity for them to unwind and relax after the stress of their academic assessments.

Pupils in The Orchard were treated to a variety of fun activities designed to help them de-stress and recharge. After the intensity of their exams, they took part in exciting games like air hockey and table football, offering a perfect way to blow off some steam and have fun with friends.

The lively atmosphere in The Orchard allowed pupils to engage in friendly competition, creating a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. It also gave them a well-deserved break, balancing the rigors of academic life with enjoyable recreational time. Evening activities not only provided relaxation but also helped the pupils to build social connections and improve their communication skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Meanwhile, pupils in The Mount had a similar experience, making full use of the table tennis table and games console. Pupils also prepared snacks and light meals using the spacious communal kitchen in The Mount.

Overall, the experience was a wonderful way for our pupils to recharge, while also maintaining a healthy balance between their academic responsibilities and personal well-being. It was a memorable and enriching experience for all involved.

To find out more about boarding at Bethany, please click the button below. We are able to offer flexi, weekly and full boarding, all of which have their own individual benefits.

Boarding at Bethany

Bethany School Flying Club

Following an expression of interest by some pupils and parents, Bethany School is investigating the possibility of launching a School Flying Club in partnership with British Young Pilots (BYP) for September 2025 and would like to gauge interest.

This really is a fabulous co-curricular opportunity that we would be running in collaboration with British Young Pilots (BYP). Pupils who join the flying club will have a weekly class with a BYP flying instructor where they learn practical flying skills in a classroom/desktop simulator as well as theoretical knowledge covering everything from physics and meteorology to navigation and engineering.

Each half term, pupils will have the opportunity to fly a real aircraft and put their skills to the test.

As well as being a fun, adventurous and exciting activity, flying can have a very positive impact on confidence and self-esteem and fosters real world interest in STEM.

Pupils can sign up and do just a single term but those who choose to stay with the club can progress through the BYP syllabus and pass civilian flying tests and exams as they go – for a committed pupil, it’s possible to leave school with a private pilots licence.

The school will try to arrange the timetable so that as many pupils as possible are able to to take part. As the club is run by an external BYP flying instructor, there is an extra charge equal to £30 per week (paid termly). Physical flying lessons are optional and booked separately with BYP, they recommend two 30 minute flights per term at £90 each.

Please contact Mr Cooper directly by emailing ccooper@bethanyschool.org.uk to register your child’s interest in the club. Once sufficient interest has been confirmed, an enrolment form will be shared with parents, along with further details such as the club’s schedule.

Mr Cooper

Director of Extra Curricular Activities

Enrichment Spotlight: Tag Archery

At Bethany, Friday afternoons aren’t just the wind-down to a busy week, they’re a chance for pupils to challenge themselves, connect with peers and dive into exciting enrichment activities. One standout is Tag Archery, a fast-paced fusion of skill, strategy and just the right amount of friendly fire.

This thrilling onsite activity starts with the basics. Pupils suit up in protective gear, arm guards and helmets, learn how to string a bow, perfect their stance and take aim at distant targets. But the real excitement begins once the foundations are in place.

That’s when Tag Archery transforms into a high-energy showdown.

Split into two teams, pupils take their positions behind barricades, channel their inner Katniss or Legolas (minus the danger) and launch into a dynamic match where strategy and teamwork are key. With foam-tipped arrows flying, the goal is simple: score points by hitting targets, tagging opponents, or—if you’re bold—catching an arrow mid-air.

Each round lasts five intense minutes, where reflexes, aim and a dash of courage can lead your team to victory. It’s action-packed, safe and seriously fun.

Whether you’re an aspiring archer or just in it for the thrill, Tag Archery turns Friday afternoons into something epic.

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 Zach

Deciding on a pupil of the week was very tough this week. All of Year 7 have approached their assessments in a mature and confident way. However, there can be but one winner and this week it goes to Zach. Well done, Zach!

Year 8 Pupil of the Week is Darcey

Darcey has been an excellent shadow to a new pupil this week, balancing her role with assessment week. Well done, Darcey!

Year 9 Pupil of the Week is Bea

Bea has had a very positive start to the summer term. She is always caring, hard working, happy to help and an all round wonderful pupil. Well done, Bea!

KS4 Pupil of the Week is Grace

Grace has made a great effort in RS as of late, improving her 12 markers and attending RS Clinic every week. Grace has been making a real effort to focus on her academic studies this term which is pleasing to see. Well done, Grace!

Orchard Boarder of the Week is Wilson

We’re delighted to say that our Pupil of the Week in The Orchard, for his cheerfulness and trustworthiness, as well as for his consistent academic excellence throughout the year, is Wilson. This week he has had excellent results in his Finance e-test meaning that he is in an excellent position for a top grade overall. Well done, Wilson!

Food & Nutrition Reminder

Please remember to send your child to school with a medium to large sized plastic container if they have cooking that day including Cookery Club. We are phasing out use of disposables and need all to come prepared to their lessons.

Pupils will be informed the week before if they are cooking the following week so they can come prepared. Please ensure they have the necessary containers ready.

Thank you for your support in making this a more sustainable and organised process.

Mrs Iles

Food & Nutrition Department

Year 7 Bring Fruit to Life in Art

Last term, Bethany’s 7L art pupils took a tasty twist in their creativity by diving into the colourful world of food-themed art. What began as a simple exploration of still life turned into a full-blown celebration of colour, creativity and collaboration, now proudly displayed for all to enjoy in the school dining room.

The project kicked off with an artistic deep-dive into the world of Paul Cézanne and other great still life painters. Pupils observed how master artists use warm and cool tones to bring depth, contrast and emotion to everyday objects like fruit, jugs and bowls. Inspired and intrigued, the class began to look at food not just as something to eat, but as something beautiful to study and recreate.

Next came hands-on experimentation. Pupils observed cross-sections of real fruits and vegetables, taking in every seed, shade and texture. Armed with an exciting variety of materials, from coloured pencils and oil pastels to felt tips and markers, they began developing their own interpretations of the classic food still life.

With techniques sharpened and preferences discovered, each pupil then selected their favourite medium to create a final bowl of fruit artwork. These vibrant creations were carefully cut out and mounted onto bold, eye-catching backgrounds of the pupils’ choosing, making every piece stand out.

The class collaborated to assemble their individual artworks into one striking mural, which now brightens the wall of the school dining room.

Latest Library News

All the latest news from the Bethany School Library including a Reading Challenge and recommended reads. Mrs Rendell also recently caught up with pupils and asked them what the Bethany School library means to them.

“The library is where me and all my friends go at break time. For us it is a place that is quiet and a place to relax. We also get work done in there and it has a very nice feel to the place. My book recommendation is my favourite book – Toms Midnight Garden.”

“The library is a calm, quiet, safe and happy place. Whether you would like to read, do your homework, or quietly chat to your friends, everyone is welcome. The library is always open.”

“When you have had a bad day then you can come to the library and just sit down and relax. The library to me is safe, welcoming and a peaceful place to go.”

“The library in 5 words is: calm, peaceful, safe, welcoming and quiet.”

Read Library Newsletter

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 1.30pm and 2pm.

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

Click here for Bethany calendar

Visit us

Be at Bethany

Enrichment Spotlight: Tag Archery

Annual Boarders’ BBQ

Sam’s Garden Biz is Mowing Ahead!

Teacher Development at Bethany

Enrichment Spotlight: Team Building

Healthy Friendships at Bethany