Weekly Newsletter

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

March 15, 2024

Headmaster’s Welcome

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope you are having a good week.

Sadly my trip to Twickenham last Saturday afternoon was not as enjoyable as I had hoped, although my son, who is an evangelical English supporter, was over the moon. It did not help that we were sitting beside each other during the match! I have to admit that the better team won.

Abi Foster who spoke to pupils in Years 9 and 12 last Monday regarding their personal online and offline safety was most impressed with how mature they were and in their very sensible contributions.

On Tuesday evening there were some excellent LAMDA performances, and it was a great way to spend an hour.

The Open Morning on Wednesday went very well and I am pleased that the weather held up given that it rained very heavily on Tuesday morning. What a difference 24 hours can make to the weather!

Yesterday, pupils gained a lot from attending personal finance workshops and once again, the presenter had great praise for the participation levels of our pupils.

I hope that as many Year 7 parents as possible can attend tonight’s parent teacher meeting. Unfortunately, I am unable to be there as I have to attend an alumni function in London tonight. I hope you hear nice things about your children.

I am looking forward to the Year 10 Drama performance next Tuesday evening, as well as the next meeting of the Sixth Form Cultural Society, The Pengelly Society, which takes place after school on Thursday.

This week is Cheltenham week, tomorrow has the last round of matches in the Six Nations rugby championship and Sunday, of course, is St Patrick’s Day. I thought I should finish with a suitable joke.

An Englishman and a Scotsman each had a horse but they couldn’t tell them apart. So the Englishman cut the tail off his horse and all went well for a while. But then the Scotsman’s horse lost its tail in an accident so they were back where they started. Finally, they consulted an Irishman and he said: “You two are a right pair of fools, anyone can see that the black horse is 3 inches taller than the white horse”.

Have a good weekend.

Yours sincerely,

Francie Healy

Headmaster

Latest Bethany Blog

The latest Bethany Blog of the Spring Term has been written by Mrs Wareham, Head of Year 9. She writes about how a survey completed by Year 9 revealed some interesting answers about friendships, achievements and success.

Reflecting On The Year So Far…

Having been a Head of Year and Housemistress for all the different years at school, I am very aware that Year 9 can be one of the toughest. Pupils are neither young nor grown up, they have conflicting hormones, puberty onset (or continuation) and friendships seem to be a challenge for even the most hardy.

This week, I asked Year 9 to complete a survey to see how they think the year is going for them. The answers were interesting; questions about what they wished they had known often included higher expectations, more prep and harder work. When asked what they would change, the length of the school day was raised and one pupil actually said they would like to start at 10am!

However, most seemed to feel they were navigating friendships well and felt comfortable and secure within the year group. This does not mean that they all do, but it gives hope for those who are struggling with this aspect currently.

When asked about their achievements, pupils were keen to share their successes and feel (justifiably) proud of their growth. The answers included participating in school activities, helping others, building friendships, learning how to resolve conflict and recognising when my actions may not be welcome. The pupils have certainly given some thought to this question and some of the replies are below:

However, for me, the best answers came from the question asking, ‘If you were asked to describe Bethany to a new Year 9 pupil joining, which words would you use?’ Sometimes, when they are struggling, our pupils feel that school is the problem and that they do not fit it. It is heartening to read that many of them are very aware of the time and effort spent by those in the school to ensure it is the best experience possible. How lovely that the word ‘fun’ stands out for our pupils, that ‘great school’ and ‘nice pupils’ and ‘lovely teachers’ are words that they think of when they think about Bethany.

Year 9 is racing away and my current cohort will soon be approaching the next two very significant years of their school careers. I am proud of the way they are dealing with the challenges and my team and the other staff are school are working hard to help them navigate the trials and successes along the way.

Mrs Wareham

Head of Year 9

Latest Sports News

The latest sports news from Bethany School. Fixtures succumbed to the weather this week, however there were final games of the netball season for the 1st VII and U16 teams. For some, this was the last game of their entire Bethany netball career.

The 1st XI football team were away to Kent College in their final game of the season, whilst our U15 hockey teams took on King’s School Rochester.

Netball | Bethany U16 v Ashford School

On Thursday it was the last match of the season for the U16 team against Ashford School. Ashford started very strongly, having a lot more height across the court and some good skill and movement within their team. In the first quarter we struggled to get on the score board and Ashford quickly ran away to 13-0 lead.

In the rest of the game we saw some improvement, with Ashford scoring less goals. In defence Emma Kuhepa (GD) and Emilia Dillon (GK) did a good job of keeping their shooters high and wide in the circle forcing them to take long range shots, but Ashford had good accuracy. In mid court, Emily Fraser did a good job stepping in to centre bringing the ball through court and into the shooters, and we had an improved final quarter with both shooters securing goals.

A big well done to Emma Kuhepa for receiving Player of the Match in every game for her second season in a row – a great way to lead by example as Captain!

Final score: Bethany 3-31 Ashford School

Player of the Match: Emma Kuhepa

Coaches Player of the Match: Emily Fraser

Netball | Bethany 1st VII v Ashford School

This was the last match of the season for the 1st VII and for some of them, the last fixture at Bethany.

Unfortunately the game didn’t go our way from the off set and we threw the ball away too often and didn’t manage to capitalise on the numerous interceptions we did make. Ella Smith and Tilly Hatton both worked extremely hard throughout the court in every position they played, whether this be in the shooting circle, defence or holding the middle in centre court.

Tilly has been a fantastic captain, she has lead by example and always encouraged others as well as liaising with staff.

Special mention should also go to Millie James who has played in the 1st VII since joining us in Year 12 and to Frances Lye who has played netball, hockey and cricket throughout her 7 years at Bethany.

It is unfortunate to finish the season with a loss however it has been a good season with many highlights.

Final score: Bethany 8-23 Ashford School

Player of the Match: Lucy Shaw

Coaches Player of the Match: Tilly Hatton

Football | Bethany 1st XI v Kent College (away)

The last game of the football calendar was away to Kent College this week. Bethany started the stronger side, dominating possession in every aspect of the game. Femi Folarin began extremely well on the right, coming close to scoring Bethany’s opening goal on a few occasions. The hosts had a couple of chances that were quickly stopped by our very good defensive line. Therefore, it was a bit of a surprise when Kent College attacked and scored the first goal of the game, a goal that gave them a degree of confidence and hope.

Bethany continued to probe, Archie Cashman and Femi coming close. After a move down our right wing, Femi collected the ball elegantly, passing the left back by cutting inside on the edge of the opposition’s eighteen yard box, before releasing a thunderous shot into the bottom corner of the goal, to bring the scores level.

VIDEO: Femi equalises for Bethany

Our delight didn’t last for long as Kent College retook the lead quickly after their kick off, a defensive mistake combined with good closing down by the striker, caused our goalkeeper George Vincent to strike his attempted clearance against the oppositions back, which ricocheted into the Bethany net. 2-1 to Kent College.

A few changes made at half time saw Josh Maynard replace George Vincent in goal, and George replacing Henry Brown up front.

Kent College started the second half the stronger side, winning a few early corners. One of which was headed home from six yards to extend the hosts lead to 3-1. Both teams battled away with Bethany trying their best to gain an upper hand. Changes were made to ensure everyone that had travelled had a fair share of game time. Usually this would prove to be detrimental to the sides performance and balance, but not today!

Femi was on form and had two chances to score Bethany’s second, the first saved by the goalkeeper, the second whistling just wide past the opposition’s top corner. It was third time lucky for Femi, as he ghosted past the opposition defence, before showing supreme composure to score his second goal, and bring the score back to 2-3.

VIDEO: Femi scores his second to reduce the deficit

A bold move was then made from the Bethany coach, substituting the captain James Candeloro and vice captain Archie Cashman with 15 minutes to go. With Luca Chettiar and Sam Denny moving into the midfield, we had a little more bite rather than the flair of James and Archie. Bethany started to gain a firm advantage all over the pitch, with Sam Aberenika, Monty Farmer and the impassable Josh Hughes standing firm in defence.

In a last throw of dice, Archie was subbed back on the pitch for George, who looks promising as a sole striker. A corner for Bethany, taken superbly well by Sam Denny, saw Archie charging in from beyond the far post, rising above everyone and powering his header against the back of the net.

VIDEO: Archie’s header completes the Bethany comeback

Final score: Bethany 3-3 Kent College

Player of the Match: Femi Folarin

Coaches Player of the Match: Josh Hughes

Hockey | Bethany U15A v King’s School Rochester

The U15A boys hockey team travelled to Holcombe Hockey Club on Tuesday to play King’s Rochester.

Bethany started well with Hux Maunder Allen and Ollie Hughes dominating the midfield battle and feeding balls through the channels to Oscar Scott, Lucas Schippers and Jonah Burrows. After several near misses and a couple of short corners defended by the home team, Hux drove into the circle, where Oscar picked up the ball and rounded the goalkeeper to slot the ball in for a 1-0 lead.

VIDEO: Oscar opens the scoring for Bethany

A second goal followed when Ollie Hughes drove towards the top of the D, played a slick one-two with Oscar Scott and then accurately fired the ball into the bottom corner for a 2-0 lead. Rochester gained some attacking territory as the half entered the final quarter, but Bethany defenders Michael Sargent and Noah Mund stood firm and with the whistle imminent, Ollie Hughes picked up a loose ball, passed to Hux Maunder Allen who squared the ball for Oscar Scott to score a very well worked goal and a three 3-0 lead at the break.

VIDEO: Oscar makes it 3-0 shortly before half time

Bethany continued to play well in the second half and developing passing skills and ball retention wherever possible. Rochester posed a threat and with positional changes for Bethany, effective tackles and good defensive shape was required at times. After a couple of opportunities drifted wide, Ollie Hughes won the ball in a Shooting circle scramble and reacted quickly to strike the ball into the goal for a 4-0 lead. In the final minute of the half, Bethany had a short corner and the ball eventually fell to Hux Maunder Allen who fired the ball towards goal and it bounced in off the goalkeeper for a 5-0 scoreline to Bethany and a match win.

Final score: Bethany 5-0 King’s School Rochester

Player of the Match: Ollie Hughes

Coaches Player of the Match: Oscar Scott and Hux Maunder Allen

Hockey | Bethany U15B v King’s School Rochester

Following a slight delay to the start of match and with the rain finally relenting, the U15B’s hockey team were champing at the bit to take on King’s School Rochester in the warm hazy sunshine at Marden.

From early on, it was clear that both sides were evenly matched which showed in their play which made it exciting to watch as both teams battled to gain dominance over the other. Both teams also were forced to have stand-in goalkeepers and for the U15B’s, it was Henry Shaw who stepped forward and had a good first game in goal with some excellent saves.

The U15B’s defence held up well despite a lot of pressure from a skilled and very fast King’s School Rochester Forward. Chris Hanslip-Ward was the pick of the U15B’s defenders with his control and calmness under pressure. One of the moves of the match was his long slap pass out of defence which cut through the highline of the opposition towards Charlie Eddy on the left wing. Even though it didn’t end in a goal, it was the pass of the match.

However, after about 10 minutes it was the U15B’s who took the lead. After snuffing out another King’s School attack down the left, Thomas Gerrish and Chris Hanslip-Ward combined to pass the ball into Samuel Lobo in the Midfield. He them swept the ball out wide to Ben Henry on the right wing. He then drove the ball to the backline and hit a pass into the scoring ‘D’ whereupon Leo Lyndon-Stanford placed the ball into the righthand corner of the goal. Brilliant hockey!

In addition, there were two goals (and one assist) from a very focused Leo Lyndon-Stanford, one goal each from Ben Henry (and two assists) and Charlie Eddy (and one assist). There was good control of the game from our Midfield players Samuel Lobo (Captain) and once again from the skilful Sebastian Baines.

King’s Rochester didn’t give up and kept applying pressure onto the U15B’s goal and won several Penalty Corners but couldn’t quite find the goals that their play deserved.

In the end, the difference between the two sides were the U15B’s goalkeeper and the clinical finishing of our forwards.

Final score: Bethany 4-0 King’s School Rochester

Players of the Match: Samuel Lobo and Sebastian Baines

Coaches Player of the Match: Henry Shaw and Chris Hanslip-Ward

Dancing Queen Photobooks

As part of the Young Enterprise Scheme at Bethany School, sponsored by Maslins, the Young Enterprise Team have put together a collection of photos of the Dancing Queen Production and placed them in a hardback book.

These are a collection of photos from dress rehearsals taken by professional photographer Ali Tuson. The photobook is 8” x 8” (inches) and wraps up the amazing production that was held earlier this term, providing you with the perfect memento.

A sample of the photobook can be found by click the button below, it includes all pages and a cast list. On the last page of the photobook there is a QR code leading you to our Instagram page, where you can find other products we are selling. We have tried to include everyone who has taken part in the Production including musicians, and we can only apologise if your child took part but is not included in the photobook. We were very much dependent on the photos provided.

If you would like to buy a photobook, which we are selling at £24.99, please message our email address: astra.kent@outlook.com with your child’s name; we will then send a follow up email including our payment details.

The deadline for orders is Thursday 28th March. This will enable us to get the books out to you shortly after the Easter holiday. They will be given to your child and taken home by them.

If there are any problems, please email us with any queries, not Mr Bolton. 

Thank You.

Astra

Young Enterprise Company

View photobook sample

A Level Politics Conference

After a hiatus of a good number of years, our A Level Politics pupils were able to attend the immensely popular “Polecon” A Level Politics Conference in Westminster this week.

Our A Level Politicians listened to a range of speakers representing a range of views from across the UK political spectrum including Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, Wes Streeting, Lord Dubs and Richard Tice along with a number of other MPs and peers. They spoke on a range of issues under the umbrella theme “The Election Cometh”. Rounding off the day were Rory Stewart and Alaistair Campbell who hosted an episode of their popular “The Rest Is Politics” series with a Q&A session from the audience.

Running throughout the event was a poll conducted by Public First with the results being shared at the end of the session. This reported several interesting findings. The big one was that the majority of the 1200 pupils said that they believed Labour would win the next general election but starkly the majority also believed that this was not because of the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer.

It was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to gain further insight into Politics and hear a range of views from across the political spectrum which will no doubt complement the work they have been doing in the classroom.

Mr Clough

History & Politics Department

The Value of Community Spirit

Last year, Goudhurst & Kilndown Primary School (GKPS) faced the loss of their school minibus due to an accident. This minibus was not just a vehicle; it was a testament to the community spirit of the school, as funds for its purchase had been gathered through various fundraising efforts by the school.

The challenge of securing adequate funding for a replacement bus has proved to be a daunting task, presenting a significant hurdle for the school in its pursuit to ensure continuous transportation for its pupils.

Recognising the predicament faced by GKPS and understanding the importance of maintaining the educational routines and extracurricular activities of the children, Bethany kindly offered our support. This gesture of goodwill was not only timely but critical, bridging the gap in transportation needs in the short term, thereby allowing the school the necessary time to raise funds for a new bus.

Throughout the past few months, Bethany’s contribution has extended beyond merely providing a solution to a logistical challenge; it has enabled the children of GKPS to continue their visits to Forest School, a hugely popular activity, enjoyed by all pupils at GKPS.

One of the minibus drivers at Bethany School, Sarah, has found particular joy and fulfilment in her role of transporting the children to and from Forest School. Her interactions with the children has forged a connection that is both heartwarming and emblematic of the positive impact of community assistance. The children, in turn, have warmly welcomed Sarah, an affection reflected in the playful and endearing nicknames they’ve bestowed upon her: ‘Moley’ and ‘Super Sarah’.

Judging by the photos, you can see just how fun and enriching the GKPS Forest School looks and Bethany’s assistance during this period has underscored the value of community support and collaboration in times of need.

Go Karting Fun in the Sun

It was an exhilarating race to the finish line last Saturday, when Bethany boarding pupils enjoyed a shopping spree to Lakeside shopping centre, followed by adrenaline-fueled races at the go karting track.

After a chance to shop and buy a spot of lunch it was off to the race track and time to get the engines running. With the sun shining and a dry track, the excitement built as all drivers pulled out of the pit lane. A competitive race ensued with full throttle racing around the track corners and along the straights and, some slick overtaking moves to gain race positions. Overall race times were impressive from several pupils and an overall winner was crowned.

All boarders enjoyed the event and the chance to experience motor sport racing. The next go-karting event will take place in the summer term, and many boarders will be keen to return to the race track, and once again pit their racing skills against each other.

Enrichment Spotlight: Bewl Water

Bethany School pupils swapped textbooks for axes, venturing to Bewl Water for a great day of team building and axe throwing. As part of the enrichment activities, pupils honed their aim during axe throwing contests. They also swung out on rope swings or balanced precariously on self made bridges as part of a challenge course within the forest.

Celebrating 100 days at Bethany School

This week we were delighted to celebrate having our latest Year 7 pupils with us for 100 days.

As part of the 100-day celebrations, Year 7 maths pupils enthusiastically embraced the challenge of constructing the tallest tower using only mini marshmallows and cocktail sticks. Their creation had to be made from exactly 100 items. Pupils worked together to explore innovative designs and the tower that claimed victory belonged to the dynamic duo of Pip De Haldevang and Ewan Aikman, reaching an impressive 32cm tall.

The Modern Foreign Languages department chose a creative way to mark this milestone is by inviting pupils to choose their favourite or a new word they’ve learned in the language. They were encouraged to choose a word that resonates with them personally, perhaps one that they find intriguing, amusing, or useful in everyday conversation. This activity not only celebrates their progress but also reinforces vocabulary retention and encourages active engagement with the language.

In Science, Miss Mills’s set embarked on an electrifying adventure in celebration of both learning and creativity; pupils took on the challenge of constructing an electrical circuit using 100 paper clips! It reinforced concepts of conductivity, resistance, and circuitry, bridging the gap between theory and practice in a hands-on, engaging task. Pupils collaborated, exchanged ideas, and experimented with various configurations to complete the circuit – Juniper, Mille, Ollie, Seb and Stephen were the successful team.

DLS chose to celebrate by adding an element of humour to the learning environment, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging among students. The pupils explored wordplay, puns and humour using comprehension and interpretation skills to select their favourites with the winning jokes chosen by Mrs Harper:

Seb

Teacher: What is the most common phrase used in school?

Pupil: I don’t know!

Teacher: Correct!

Holly

Q: Why were the teacher’s eyes crossed?

A: She couldn’t control her pupils!

Isobella

In Art, pupils were challenged to combine marking 100 days at Bethany and International Women’s Day by researching the style of work of a female artist born in the last 100 years and creating a piece of artwork int their style, incorporating the number 100. Isabelle Hindley created the below, inspired by Nessie Ramm (mother of pupils Betsy and Martha) who works with road signs and kindly donated one for this project.

100 days down, a lifetime of success ahead. Congratulations to all the Year 7’s at Bethany School, here’s to the next 100 days and beyond!

Celebrating World Book Day

World Book Day was celebrated globally on Thursday 7th March. Bethany School embraced the annual event by hosting various literary events across the school day, including guessing the identities of Bethany staff, who were dressed as famous literary characters, and solving their riddles.

World Book Day is a global celebration of books and reading, and it’s a day where the world comes together to appreciate the power and joy of literature. It’s a day to celebrate the authors who create the stories that so many people love, the characters who inspire, and the books that transport readers to new worlds.

But World Book Day is about more than just reading. It’s about the importance of literacy and education, and the role that books play in shaping understanding of the world. It’s about the power of stories to connect, to teach, and to inspire to be better.

The day began with the arrival of staff dressed as their favourite literary characters. This year, we were also proud to invite our Year 13 Prefect Team to also take part in dressing up in book themed costumes for the day.

Pupils were then divided by their Tutor Groups and were tasked with locating and guessing who staff were and solving their respective riddle. Pupils were only able to obtain the riddle itself by speaking the password… ‘Read your way on World Book Day.’

Can you solve them from the photos in this article and the riddles below?

Mr Reilly – I am a tree that weeps, with branches that sway, I am a guardian of water, where I lay. I am a symbol of sorrow, with leaves that play, I am a tree of the river, what am I, do you say?

Mrs Rendell – I’m filled with stories, both old and new, I’m read by many, but not by few. I’m folded and printed, then sent out to you, I’m a daily source of news, what am I?

Mr Allsopp – I’m a tool that’s small, but mighty in sight, I make things bigger, but not with might. I’m used to read books, or to see bugs close, I’m a lens of glass, what am I, do you suppose?

Mrs Clough – I’m slender and sharp, but not for a fight, I’m used to mend clothes, or to sew things tight. I’m made of metal, with an eye that’s small, I’m a tool for the tailor, what am I, standing tall?

Mr Bell – I am made of metal or wood, strong and stout, I protect the bearer, in battle and rout. I’m adorned with symbols, both fierce and proud, I’m a guardian of warriors, what am I, standing proud?

Mrs Hill – I’m slender and sleek, with ink that flows, I’m used to write, to draw, to compose. I’m held in the hand, with a point that’s fine, I’m a tool for expression, what am I to thine?

Mr Evans – I am round and I spin, but not like a top, I have countries and oceans, but no place to stop. I’m a model of Earth, with mountains and seas, I’m a tool for learning, what am I, if you please?

Mrs Sanjaya – I dance in the breeze, but never take flight, I’m kissed by the sun, but fade in the night. I’m painted in hues, of green and gold sheen, Yet fragile and delicate, easily unseen.

Mr Beckham – I am a symbol of power, held high and proud, I am adorned with jewels, shining bright and loud. I am a staff of authority, a sign of command, I am a regal accessory, what am I, so grand?

Mrs Sturrock – I start as a crawler, but I don’t stay that way, I’m a creature of transformation, a beauty in display. I’m a symbol of change, of growth, and of flight, I’m a fluttering wonder, what am I, in the light?

The Wellness Centre – I’m a pain, a throb that’s felt, I’m a tension that tightens, a discomfort dealt. I’m a signal of stress, a reminder to rest, I’m a nuisance to bear, what am I, at best?

Mr Sturrock – I’m a symbol of wealth, a treasure so rare, I’m a metal that’s precious, beyond compare. I’m a colour that gleams, a shine that’s bold, I’m a substance of value, what am I, behold?

The answers can be found at the bottom of this article.

In the English department, pupils were tasked with delving into the lives of illustrious figures from various walks of life. This explorative process was not merely about learning dates or facts; rather, it was a quest to understand the essence of overcoming adversity, a theme for this year’s World Book Day.

As the research phase concluded, pupils moved into the creative segment of the project, using their newfound knowledge and insights as a springboard for their own creativity. The task was open-ended, offering pupils the freedom to choose how they wished to express their understanding for their chosen figure. Some opted for creative writing, crafting narratives and presentations that recounted their subject’s journey. Some pupils even wrote their own unique and original short stories around the topic of overcoming adversity itself.

A selection of pupil’s work can be found by clicking the button at the bottom of this article.

Over in the Library, a unique and engaging event captured the imagination and creative spirit of pupils – a World Book Day ‘Dress the Door’ competition.

This innovative contest invited pupils to merge their artistic talents with their love for literature. Each participant was tasked with transforming the facade of a door into a captivating canvas that reflected their favourite book by designing its cover, whether it be an original idea or a twist on an already published book.

The ‘Dress the Door’ competition not only showcased the literary and creative skills of Bethany pupils but also served as a vibrant testament to the power of imagination and the deep connection between art and literature.

In addition to the competition, there was the annual distribution of World Book Day vouchers that will help pupils to purchase their next book!

Some of the ‘Dress the Door’ designs created by pupils can be found at the bottom of this article.

There were even World Book Day themed treats in the dining hall at lunch time. Our wonderful catering provider, Holroyd Howe, spent a lot of time and effort getting involved with the day, creating beautifully themed desserts and fruit. There were Gruffalo themed cookies, cupcakes and fruit pots as well as a selection of Beatrix Potter themed fruits and snacks. There was even a MASSIVE chocolate cake, inspired by the one that Bruce Bogtrotter successfully ate in Matilda, that was shared with all those wanting a piece.

2024 was another hugely successful World Book Day celebrated at Bethany School, as we hope to inspire the love of literacy with our pupils. We tell all our pupils that reading matters, and World Book Day is one of our opportunities to show them. We look forward to celebrating World Book Day again next year!

Character and Riddle Answers:

Mr Reilly: Tom Bombadil | Riddle: Willow Tree
Mrs Rendell: Greg Heffley | Riddle: Newspaper
Mr Allsopp: Sherlock Holmes | Riddle: Magnifying Glass
Mrs Clough: Snail (from Snail and the Whale) | Riddle: Needle
Mr Bell: Macbeth | Riddle: Shield
Mrs Hill: Coraline | Riddle: Pen
Mr Evans: Cat in the Hat | Riddle: Globe
Mrs Sanjaya: Stickman | Riddle: Leaf
Mr Beckham: King of Hearts | Riddle: Sceptre
Mrs Sturrock: Hungry Caterpillar | Riddle: Butterfly
The Wellness Centre: Thing 1, 2 and 3 | Riddle: Headache
Mr Sturrock: Willy Wonka | Riddle: Gold

Meet Justin: Bethany’s EAL Star of The Week

Ms Rendall-Jones, Head of English as an Additional Language, has begun nominating pupils for EAL Star of the Week. This week’s star is Junwoo Jung, or Justin as he known to his teachers and friends, from South Korea. Ms Rendall-Jones caught up with Justin to ask a few questions about his time here at Bethany.

Q. Tell us about your time before Bethany?

A. I went to international school in China for 8 years before coming to the UK in Year 7.

Q. How long have you been learning English?

A. This is the 5th year of me properly studying English.

Q. How is Bethany different to school in your own country?

A. There is a lot of different. I think the teachers is the main one, teachers at Bethany take care of every student very well, in education and psychology. Teachers at Bethany always support every single pupil, even if they don’t teach you any lesson.

Q. How do you feel about boarding?

A. Boarding is a very good thing for improving your independence skills, that’s why I enjoy it.

Q. What is your favourite part of boarding?

A. Spending time with my mates, I enjoy the games room, pool table room, gym and sports hall after prep time. There is just more social time, these are my favourite parts about boarding.

Q. Are you able to use the school facilities during your spare time? If so, what?

A. We can use the gym, swimming pool, pool table room and sometimes we can use swimming pool as well.

Q. What is your favourite subject and why?

A. Art, because I can just enjoy my own time and be in my own world while I’m drawing something.

Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?

A. I like to watch films, and having video calls with my friends in other countries.

Q. What are you going to do after your time at Bethany?

A. If I am smart enough, I will do something related to finance. Failing that I will do something that I enjoy, like art.

Q. Where do you hope to be and doing what in five years’ time?

A. Hopefully have my own hedge fund or be an artist.

Q. If you could take one thing from Bethany to your next place, what would it be?

A. Friends I made in here and few of my favourite teachers, not that the school would let me!

Q. If you could change one thing about Bethany what would it be?

A. No comment!

Finance Advice Workshops

On Thursday, Abi Foster, CEO of Elent, came in to present workshops for our pupils. Year 9 and 10 pupils benefitted from discussions about savings and investing money. Year 12 learned about advanced payslips, student loans, pensions, Investing, buying their first home.

The day culminated with Year 7 & 8, who were given a chance to learn about money mindset, money & work, budgeting/savings, debt and credit scores.

All sessions were informative and allowed for questions and involvement of all pupils. Thanks, as always to Abi for her enthusiasm and energy.

Mrs Wareham

Head of Careers

Fundraising for Tanzania Continues

Ms Rendall-Jones, Mr Duff and pupils taking part in this summers True Adventure trip to Tanzania have continued to be busy raising funds.

The latest fundraiser was a doughnut sale that helped to raise £80 towards the Bethany fundraiser for Tanzanian School.

Please keep eye out for future events.

Our current total on our JustGiving page is as below and if you can donate please click the “Fundraising Page” button below.

Fundraising Page

Friends of Bethany School Update

A short update from the Friends of Bethany School (FOBS).

FOBS Update

If you have any unused, good quality second hand uniform and are able to donate it to FOBS we would really appreciate it. We plan to open the second hand uniform shop on a couple of occasions at pick up/drop off soon. So it would be brilliant to get any donations as soon as possible.

Please leave the items with the reception team.

FOBS are looking for any parents with businesses to sponsor art activities. The finished results will be displayed in the day rooms and also act as decoration to brighten them up. Funds are needed to buy the materials and also to have them professionally displayed. The total cost is likely to be circa £500. If you have a business and would like to sponsor some or all of the costs please get in touch with us via Andrea Discombe, Mr Healy’s secretary at hmsec@bethanyschool.org.uk

Finally, the next FOBS meeting dates are Tuesday 23rd April at 6.45pm in the staff room (above the school office) and Tuesday 4th June at 8.30am in the Old Bethanians room off the dining hall. Everyone is welcome to come and join us.

We hope to see you soon!

Kate Foster

FOBS Chair

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