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Weekly Newsletter

November 15, 2024

This Week:

Headmaster’s Welcome

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday this week we had remembrance services for the various year groups. As is the norm, the pupils were impeccably behaved and paid due deference to the sacrifices that so many people made in both World Wars so that we could enjoy the freedoms of today.

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We had a very pleasant group of prospective Year 7 pupils sit our entrance assessments last Tuesday. It was a real pleasure to spend some time with them.

 

I attended an excellent Pengelly Society meeting last night. The topic was gambling and how easy it is to become an addict particularly with the increasing rise of online gambling opportunities. In fact, gambling is, currently, the fastest growing addiction in young people.

 

Patrick Foster, who gave the talk, gambled over £2 million and when he stopped gambling he had debts of £500,000 which he will spend the rest of his life paying off. He also published a book called The Secret Life of a Gambling Addict, which is a very good read.

 

I am looking forward to the music concert and drama performances next Tuesday evening.  The music concert is being organised by the Year 11 pupils as part of their studies.

 

On Wednesday, we have a Sixth Form Taster Day for our Year 11 pupils, which I hope they will enjoy. On the same day, our Year 12 pupils visit Canterbury Christchurch University so that they can find out a little bit more about university entry and university life.

 

This year, there are Parent Teacher Meetings on Thursday evenings. Next Thursday is the Year 7 Parent Teacher meeting which starts at 5.15pm. Please do not arrive any earlier than 5.05pm as we want to avoid additional traffic congestion in the main car park at the end of the School day. Your child should either go home as normal or accompany you to the Parent Teacher meeting.

 

The Year 13 trial A Level examinations begin a week on Monday, and I hope that the Year 13 pupils are revising diligently for them.

 

This week at Bethany was Anti Bullying Week and so I thought it appropriate that I should leave you with this quote: “When people hurt you over and over, think of them like sand paper; they may scratch and hurt you a bit, but in the end, you end up polished and they end up useless.” That is easier said than done.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Francie Healy

Headmaster

Latest Bethany Blog

This week’s blog has been written by Mr Payne, Director of Sport at Bethany School. He writes about this term being outstanding for sports at Bethany, with high levels of participation across football, hockey, swimming, and PE activities.

An Enthusiasm For Sport At Bethany School
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Already this term pupils have shown great enthusiasm, camaraderie, and skill development, achieving notable results in fixtures and competitions while embracing a range of physical activities and academic sport studies.

 

I am very pleased to report we have steered clear of any ‘club v country’ conflicts, and quite the opposite in fact, with pupils incredibly keen, enthusiastic, committed and wanting to be involved in school team sports.

 

The U13 football team have played a challenging fixture card and performed with improving levels week in week out with an average of fifty pupils involved in match days across four teams.

 

The U13 hockey teams have competed very well in their fixture card, again seeing amazing numbers with three teams of twenty five pupils representing the school on various match days.

 

The inter level teams have not let the side down either with regular fixtures and some very competitive results. Two large football squads and a hockey squad has resulted in a very healthy percentage involved in match day sport.

 

The seniors have also represented the school with good numbers involved, and the 1st and 2nd XI football teams have achieved some notable results along with the 1st XI hockey team.

 

In addition, the Junior Girls’ football team have trained weekly and continue to progress key skill levels alongside playing matches for the first time against Farrington’s School – with Kings School, Rochester to come next Monday.

 

The swimming squad continue to train weekly and with the gala season getting underway, the girls’ squad performed superbly well against Sevenoaks School and Mayfield School this week, with the big highlight being an incredible first place finish for the U15 Medley relay team against high calibre opposition.

 

The winner has certainly been participation levels this term across a range of sports, which is fantastic to see. The comradery between players and the enjoyment level, alongside some competitiveness of course, has been some of the best I have witnessed in my time at Bethany.

 

We look forward to continued high levels of participation and further success in the spring term when the boys switch to hockey and girls will play netball, along with more junior girls football matches and swimming galas.

 

Outside of sports teams participation, all pupils have been very active in their PE programme, learning climbing wall skills, gym fitness training techniques and racket skills in badminton amongst other activities.

 

The exam groups continue to forge a path to success with studying academic sport areas alongside filming practical performance in a range of skill and competitive scenarios for their moderation assessment.

 

A fantastic and busy sporting term to date with plenty of success and much more to come!

 

Mr Payne

Director of Sport

Latest Sports News

The latest sports news from Bethany School. A busy week for the Bethany sports teams as the swimming, hockey and football teams were all in action, including the 1st XI hockey team who were looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

Swimming | Bethany v Sevenoaks v Mayfield
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Bethany’s swim team delivered an impressive performance at the gala held at Sevenoaks this week.

 

The gala opened with a standout performance from Lauren Baxter, who claimed 1st place in the 50m backstroke, showing both speed and determination. Verity Davidson, swimming up an age category, demonstrated her strength and versatility, securing two 3rd place finishes and a 2nd place finish. Meanwhile, Grace Holmes also swam up an age group, taking three 2nd places. She narrowly missed out on a win in the 50m breaststroke by a fraction of a second, a testament to her competitive edge.

 

The highlight of the event was the thrilling 50m medley relay, where Bethany’s team of Grace Holmes, Verity Davidson, Lauren Baxter, and team captain Hazeley Kalish came together to clinch 1st place in a hard-fought race. The coordination and skill displayed by the team in the medley relay underscored their teamwork and commitment.

 

Special recognition goes to the new juniors of Arabella Valentine-Brown, Darcey Branston and Genevieve Wise, who participated in their first gala for Bethany. They swam admirably, proving they are strong additions to the team. Many swimmers also overcame their nerves to take part, a significant achievement in itself and a sign of the dedication and sportsmanship that defines the Bethany swim team.

 

Swimmer of the Gala: Lauren Baxter

Captains’ Swimmer of the Gala: Arabella Valentine-Brown

Hockey | Bethany 1st XI v Ashford School
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The 1st XI hockey team stepped onto the pitch with determination this week, aiming to extend their unbeaten streak in a match against Ashford School. From the first whistle, the team showcased their skill and cohesion, starting the game with an impressive tempo. Their passing was sharp, and their movement off the ball was excellent, enabling them to take control early on. By halftime, Bethany had established a solid 3-1 lead, demonstrating their dominance in both attack and defence.

 

The second half continued in much the same vein, with the team maintaining their intensity and focus. While the attacking play caught the eye, it was the defensive efforts that truly stood out. Special recognition must go to Safi Chettiar, whose relentless pressing and impeccable positioning disrupted Ashford’s attempts to mount a comeback.

 

The match ended in a resounding 7-1 victory, with captain Elsa Taylor putting in an extraordinary performance by netting an incredible four goals, leading by example and inspiring her teammates. Another standout player was Lily Dowling, who was rock-solid in defence, reading the game superbly and making crucial interventions to keep the opposition at bay.

 

This match was yet another testament to the team’s hard work, spirit, and determination as they continue their remarkable season.

 

Final score: Bethany 7-1 Ashford School

Player of the Match: Safi Chettiar

Coaches Player of the Match: Lily Dowling

Hockey | Bethany U15A v Battle Abbey
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The U15A hockey team faced off against Battle Abbey in an exciting match. Right from the start, the team demonstrated outstanding teamwork and skill, taking control of the game with sharp passing, excellent communication, and fluid movement off the ball. Their coordinated efforts paid off as they pressed forward with confidence, scoring two impressive goals to lead 2-0 at halftime. The team’s performance in the first half set a high standard and gave them a well-deserved advantage.

 

After the break, however, Battle Abbey returned with renewed energy, significantly raising their level of play and putting the Bethany team under pressure. The intensity of the second half was undeniable, but the Bethany team displayed resilience and determination, managing to hold their ground and prevent further scoring opportunities from the opposition. Ultimately, they succeeded in securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

 

A special mention goes to Sophie Finnamore, who was outstanding in defence. Her focus and tenacity in keeping the ball out of the D were key to maintaining the lead. Additionally, congratulations to Beatrice Kay, who not only showed great enthusiasm and skill but also celebrated a personal milestone by scoring her first-ever goal!

 

Final score: Bethany 2-1 Battle Abbey

Player of the Match: Cecily Chettiar 

Coaches Player of the Match: Honor Cassleton Elliott

Hockey | Bethany U13B v Claremont
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The U13B hockey team took on Claremont in what proved to be a challenging matchup. Claremont fielded an exceptionally strong team, which made it a difficult day on the field for Bethany. From the outset, Claremont put the team under intense pressure, and despite their best efforts, the game ended in a 9-1 defeat. While the score line was not what they had hoped for, the team showed exemplary attitude and determination. They maintained their focus, effort, and positive spirits throughout all four quarters, never backing down despite the odds.

 

A special commendation goes to Genevieve Wise, whose skill and precision allowed her to score a fantastic goal – one of the highlights of the game for Bethany and a moment of well-deserved celebration. Additionally, Daisy Young stood out with her boundless energy, tireless tackling, and fearless defence. She was a constant force on the field, fighting hard to disrupt Claremont’s attacks and showing true sportsmanship and grit.

 

It was a tough game, but the experience is one the team can learn from. Their teamwork, perseverance, and supportive attitude toward each other made all the difference, and look forward to building on this performance in future matches.

 

Final score: Bethany 1-9 Claremont

Player of the Match: Betsy Spruce

Coaches Player of the Match: Daisy Young

Football | Bethany 1st XI v Radnor House
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The Bethany 1st XI football team faced a challenging match as they struggled to find their usual rhythm. From the outset, Radnor House demonstrated greater control of the game, pressing high and dominating possession. Bethany battled hard and showed plenty of grit to keep the contest competitive, but their performance was hampered by a lack of precision in passing and cohesion across the pitch, which made it difficult to build meaningful attacks.

 

Radnor House dictated much of the first half, and Bethany found themselves on the back foot, defending resolutely to keep the score line close. Despite their defensive efforts, Radnor broke through and took a deserved lead before halftime.

 

The second half began with Bethany still struggling to find their attacking spark, and it wasn’t until the 55th minute that they registered their first shot on target. However, when the chance came, it was worth the wait—Oscar Scott produced a moment of sheer brilliance, unleashing a beautiful 35-yard strike that left the goalkeeper no chance and brought Bethany back into the game.

 

VIDEO: Oscar gets Bethany back in it with a stunning goal

 

Unfortunately, Radnor responded quickly, capitalising on a lapse in concentration to restore their lead. Bethany worked tirelessly in the final stages, pushing forward in search of an equaliser, but they lacked the sharpness and creativity needed to break down Radnor’s solid defence.

 

Ultimately, this was a game that highlighted areas for improvement for the team, but despite the loss, the team will no doubt regroup and work hard to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.

 

Final Score: Bethany 1-2 Radnor House

Football | Bethany 2nd XI v Radnor House
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The Bethany 2nd XI football team emerged victorious in a thrilling and fiercely contested encounter against Radnor House, securing a memorable 3-2 win in an away match brimming with intensity, resilience, and late-game drama.

 

The visitors got off to an excellent start, pressing high and creating early chances. Their efforts were rewarded when JoJo Clements-Hunt broke the deadlock with a sharp and composed finish, giving Bethany a deserved lead and setting the tone for what would be an action-packed affair. However, Radnor House soon found their footing, utilising their physical presence and strong midfield play to turn the tide. Their pressure bore fruit as they equalised and then took a 2-1 lead, leaving Bethany with a significant challenge heading into the final stages of the match.

 

As the game entered its last 10 minutes, the tension reached its peak. Determined not to leave empty-handed, Bethany pushed forward with urgency. Their perseverance paid off when Michael Sargent delivered a moment of brilliance, striking a stunning left-footed shot from distance that left the Radnor goalkeeper rooted to the spot, levelling the score at 2-2. With time running out, JoJo Clements-Hunt proved to be the hero of the day, stepping up once again to net his second goal.

 

The drama wasn’t over, as Radnor House threw everything forward in search of an equaliser. Bethany’s goalkeeper, Harrison Strange, rose to the occasion with a string of remarkable saves. His heroics ensured that the visitors held firm, preserving their slender lead and securing a well-earned victory.

 

Final Score: Bethany 3-2 Radnor House

Player of the Match: Kudzai Thomas

Coaches Player of the Match: Harrison Strange

Football | Bethany U15A v Dulwich
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In a fiercely contested encounter, both teams displayed great determination and competitive spirit in their quest for victory. The match began at a high tempo, with Bethany immediately asserting their dominance through sharp, cohesive play. They broke the deadlock with an early goal that energised the team and followed it up with a second shortly after, putting them firmly in control. Their strong defensive structure and midfield composure ensured they carried a confident 2-0 lead into halftime.

 

Dulwich, however, refused to back down. They emerged revitalised after the break, and within ten minutes of the restart, their persistence paid off with a well-taken goal that narrowed the deficit.

 

Bethany, undeterred by Dulwich’s resurgence, quickly regrouped. Their tactical discipline and teamwork shone through as they reasserted their dominance, creating several opportunities. A third goal sealed the result and extinguished any hopes of a Dulwich come back. The final stages of the match saw Bethany manage the game with maturity, ensuring their hard-fought advantage remained intact.

 

Final score: Bethany 3-1 Dulwich

Football | Bethany U13A v Claremont v Marlborough House
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The Bethany U13A team took part in a mini 7aside tournament this week in a change from their usual fixture list.

 

Bethany faced a challenging start, losing their opening game to Claremont, who controlled the 12-minute match and deserved their win.

 

In their second game, Bethany found their rhythm, delivering a more cohesive performance. Accurate passing and better possession in advanced areas led to a hard-fought victory by a single goal.

 

The penultimate match was a tightly contested affair, played in good spirits. Despite dominating much of the game, Bethany conceded late against the run of play and, with little time to respond, lost narrowly by one goal.

 

Bethany ended the tournament on a high note with an emphatic final game. They dominated possession in the attacking third and capitalised on their control, scoring an impressive 6 unanswered goals to seal a convincing victory.

Football | Bethany U13B v Claremont v Marlborough House
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The Bethany U13B team travelled to Claremont for mini tournament, where they faced a mix of challenging teams and produced some commendable performances, finishing the day with one win, two losses, and one draw.

 

The standout performance of the day came in the final match against Claremont’s top team, who had been unbeaten throughout the tournament. In an intense and closely fought game, Bethany’s defence held firm, largely thanks to an extraordinary display by goalkeeper, Andrew Stubblefield. Andrew was in inspired form, making numerous crucial saves and thwarting every attempt the opposition threw his way, ensuring the game ended in a hard-fought 0-0 draw.

 

His heroics were not limited to the final match. In a previous game, he made a dramatic penalty save, showcasing his reflexes and composure under pressure. His performances across the tournament were instrumental in keeping Bethany competitive, and he was undoubtedly the standout player for the team this week.

 

While Bethany faced mixed results overall, they demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and a never-say-die attitude that will serve them well in future games. The defensive solidity and superb goalkeeping gave the team a reason to hold their heads high, especially with their impressive showing against the unbeaten team in the tournament’s concluding game.

 

Player of the Tournament: Andrew Stubblefield

Coaches Player of the Tournament: Ben Cossins

Football | Bethany U13B/C v Beechwood
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On sunny but chilly afternoon, a combined U13B and C team took on Beechwood School. Bethany started the game well but just couldn’t make that early break through that some of their good play deserved. Beechwood, with what appeared to be an experienced team, grew in confidence and began to put their stamp on the match and soon found the back of the net to take a 1-0 lead.

 

To ensure everyone in the large Bethany squad got some game time, the match was played in 4 quarters. At the end of the 1st quarter, a team talk with some positive reminders did the trick and Bethany began to get back into the game. Then early in the 2nd quarter, Bethany levelled at 1-1. Game on!

 

However, Beechwood then made it 2-1 and extended their lead with the flukiest of goals. As Bethany’s defence cleared their lines, the ball ricocheted off the side of the Beechwood’s strikers’ head and straight into the Bethany goal!

 

The game ebbed and flowed and goals for either team soon followed as it remained a competitive affair. The Bethany team couldn’t quite mount their comeback, however, as the game ended 4-2 to Beechwood.

 

Despite having lots of substitutes to choose from, the regular changes to the Bethany’s line up probably disrupted the team’s flow. However, the were stand out performances from Greg Ejiofor, whose pace upfront terrified the opposition defence every time he got the ball; Gus Tomlinson, whose tenacity in midfield never seemed to let up; Freddie Crampin, who always pressed the opposition well and Jack Shimmin, who was probably the pick of the defence line.

 

However, it was Callum Rae in Bethany’s goal, who was the standout player. He made many great saves and good decisions that shows how much his game has developed this season.

 

Not the result Bethany were hoping for, but it was still a close and competitive encounter.

 

Final score: Bethany 2-4 Beechwood

Coaches Player of the Match: Callum Rae