Weekly Newsletter

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

September 20, 2024

Headmaster’s Welcome

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The return of fine weather this week has been great. I always believe that bright sunny weather lifts everyone’s spirits.

I have had some very positive feedback about how well the pupils behaved during the annual Charity Walk last Friday. There are impressive amounts of monies being donated to the JustGiving pages and it is great that these very worthwhile charities selected by the pupils will benefit from their endeavours.

There are some School trips next week including Year 9 and Year 12 Media pupils going to the Imperial War Museum in London on Monday and our Year 12 artists will visit the Wallis Workshop and Gallery on Thursday.

Next Saturday, of course, is Open Morning. It is a compulsory day of School. Buses collect pupils one hour later than normal as School starts one hour later. The Open Morning itself starts at 10am and pupils should be ready to go home around 12.30pm. PLEASE NOTE: there is no return bus service.

I am pleased to report that our football teams won their respective matches this week.

Tonight is Meet the Tutors evening. It starts at 5.30pm to avoid traffic congestion at the end of the School day. Please park in the field by the Assembly Hall which can be accessed via the gate on the bottom left hand side of the main school car park. There are four locations:

Year 7 are in the Performing Arts Centre

Years 8 & 9 are in the Assembly Hall

Years 10 & 11 are in the Science Lecture Theatre

Sixth Form are in the Sixth Form Centre

The Annual General Meeting of our parent teacher association, FOBS, takes place in Room 1 in the Hayward building at 6.30pm. I also hope that you will be able to attend this. FOBS are very supportive of all that we do at Bethany. These meetings are always good humoured and good natured.

Hope you have a nice weekend.

PS. I was reminded of this quotation from Nelson Mandela the other day. “ Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. In an increasingly selfish world, education has never been more important.

Yours sincerely

Francie Healy

Headmaster

Latest Bethany Blog

Once again the English and Media Department are celebrating amazing examination results. Every pupil that passed through our department on an examination course in 2024 achieved a pass grade, many with grades higher than we predicted. This is a notable achievement and it made me think about how we measure and celebrate success in English and Media.

There have been lots of lovely conversations with colleagues, pupils and parents about being successful (again); being exceptional (again); being proud of the pupils (again). These celebratory conversations are affirming as they give us the feedback we need about how our relationships have worked to build an environment in which our pupils can be successful. We all know that those relationships are at the heart of the wider Bethany ethos and we know that they will be there to support the success of future groups but for some reason, I always have that nagging doubt in September about the following year and start to play down what has gone before because… what if we can’t do it again? What if pride really does come before a fall? What if we don’t have a winning formula? What if? what if? what if?

The key here is to hone in on a piece of sagely wisdom from Mr Bolton (Head of Key Stage 4): a little bit of anxiety is a good thing.

The department has proven to itself that the results are achievable and each year we step forward with more things that work to scaffold our pupils to success, but being anxious, and the “what ifs”, are also about maintaining a focus on sustaining great outcomes for our pupils in the future. We can use this to support future cohorts of pupils.

One of the things we know in English and Media is that it is important to scaffold and managing pupil examination anxieties: sometimes with leniency and gentle nudging; sometimes with “tough love” and unwavering expectations that high standards and great things are completely possible, even if that means a bit of supervised study in lunchtimes! The trick is knowing what to use when.

Bethany is known for treating all pupils as exceptional individuals and when the English and Media Department celebrate their 2024 results, it is a department celebrating that we got that bit right (again) and signalling to the next cohort that they too can be successful.

Too often I hear pupils say they are “not good” at English, as if this is some ingrained truth. Coaching them to understand that success should be about what they achieve in the moment, measuring themselves against their own efforts and endeavours, is key to building the self belief necessary to ensure that, when they are on their own in the examination room, they know they can produce what pupils who are “good at English” (and Media) can.

“Yes you can!” Will always be a reply that I give to a pupil saying they “can’t” do something, but I also know it will fall on deaf ears of every teen I say it too as feeling successful and adolescence don’t easily go hand in hand. However, there are key questions that are very useful for when the self-doubt creeps in for our young people: Can you do more than you did last year? Have you given this your best effort and are you willing to do a little more? If the answer to both of those things is yes, we can measure ourselves as successful.

Yes, we celebrate our exceptional students: A* at A Level and Grade 9 at GCSE show that some of our pupils are capable of being in the top 10% of candidates nationally. Equally though we celebrate our grade 4s, for those pupils the effort that went into the grade was exceptional and admirable too. And the more subtle measures of has a pupil made progress, and are they willing to keep trying? are an important part of the process of tracking whether the pupils will achieve their desired results at the end of their courses: a process that begins as early as year 7.

And so, whilst there is always a place for humility and not being complacent about the future, actually taking a huge amount of pride in what we achieved with the examination results this summer is important: the next cohort need to know the extent of what is possible.

Well done to all of the pupils that passed through the English and Media Department in in 2023/24. Well done to the parents family and friends of those pupils that made their success possible. Well done to the English and Media department and their amazingly positive and supportive colleagues around the school. Enjoy basking in the success for a little bit before the days get shorter and the “What Ifs” creep back in, and when they do – remember a little anxiety is a good thing, it means we are hungry for more success next year.

Latest Sports News

The latest sports news from Bethany School. Football and hockey teams were back in action this week, all looking to build on their positive starts to the season.

Football | Bethany 1st XI v Battle Abbey

Bethany U18s put on a dominant display against Battle Abbey, securing an impressive 6-2 victory.

The first half saw Bethany take full control of the game, showcasing impressive passing patterns that left Battle struggling to keep up. Their fluid teamwork and relentless pressure resulted in four goals before the halftime whistle, leaving Battle on the back foot.

In the second half, Bethany maintained their momentum and added two more goals to their tally. Battle Abbey managed to net two consolation goals late in the game, but it was too little, too late.

The match ended with a final score of Bethany 6 – Battle Abbey 2, a deserved victory for Bethany after a comprehensive performance.

Football | Bethany 2nd XI v Battle Abbey

Bethany’s Second team delivered a commanding performance with a 5-2 victory against Battle, highlighted by an extraordinary goal from Bethany’s goalkeeper.

The match started with a strong tempo from both sides, but Bethany quickly took control of the game. A moment of magic came when Bethany’s goalkeeper launched a powerful goal kick that sailed over everyone’s heads, bouncing past the Battle keeper and finding its way into the net. This rare goal not only sent the crowd into a frenzy but also gave Bethany a crucial momentum boost.

As the game progressed, Ben Henry added to Bethany’s tally with a cooly converted penalty, securing their fifth goal and cementing a dominant performance. Battle responded with two goals of their own, showing resilience, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the hosts.

Bethany’s well-organized defence and clinical finishing proved too much for Battle, who struggled to match their opponents’ intensity throughout the match. Despite Battle’s efforts, Bethany’s consistent pressure and sharp attack were the decisive factors in this deserved victory.

Final score 5-2

MOM = Will Sutton

Coaches player = Ben henry

Football | Bethany U13A v Battle Abbey

Match Overview: The game between Bethany U13 and Battle Abbey was a spirited contest with both teams showcasing their skills and determination on the field. The energy from the young players was high, with both sides looking to make their mark early in the match.

First Half: The match started with Battle Abbey & Bethany quickly finding their rhythm, controlling possession, and applying equal pressure. Their midfielders worked tirelessly, creating several opportunities. Bethany scored their first with a well taken corner by Freddy Cavill, who’s effort went straight into the back of the Battle Abbey goal, giving Bethany an early advantage. Battle Abbey responded immediately from their kick off. 1-1

Bethany again scored directly from a Freddy Cavill corner. And once again Battle scored immediately from their Kick Off 2-2 at half time!

Second Half: In the second half, Bethany came out with renewed energy, pushing forward in search of a winner. Their efforts paid off as they scored midway through the half, shifting momentum in their favour. Battle, however, showed resilience, responding with sharp passing and disciplined play. Their hard work paid off as they scored an equaliser, before capitalising on a few more chances to end up 5-3 winners.

Key Players:

Bethany’s captain Freddy Cavill was instrumental in earning Bethany the lead on two occasions. With our inform striker Jake McNair who was pivotal in our attack, scoring his third goal in as many games.

Bethany goalkeeper Stephen Kalkouris made several crucial saves, keeping his team in the game for most of the game.

Final Score: Bethany U13 3-5 Battle Abbey

A close and competitive match, with Battle U13 coming out on top thanks to their clinical finishing and solid defence. Bethany put up a strong fight but couldn’t quite overcome the late goals scored by Battle Abbey.

Football | Bethany U13B v Battle Abbey

In a fiercely contested encounter, Bethany School emerged victorious with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Battle FC, in a match that could have gone either way.

Bethany started brightly, showing early intent and pressing high up the pitch. Their efforts were rewarded midway through the first half when they broke the deadlock with a well-worked team goal. A swift move down the right flank saw Bethany’s midfield link up brilliantly, culminating in a composed finish from Greg Ejifor to give them a 1-0 lead.

Battle FC, however, was undeterred. They fought back strongly and found their equalizer just before halftime. A series of passes allowed their forward to slip in behind Bethany’s defence, calmly slotting the ball past the keeper to make it 1-1.

The second half saw both teams creating chances, with Battle FC pushing for the lead. However, Bethany stood firm, defending resolutely and absorbing the pressure. It was in the final quarter of the game that the decisive moment came. Gus Tomlinson, the standout performer of the match, found himself in space at the edge of the box. He struck a powerful shot that left the Battle goalkeeper with no chance, giving Bethany a 2-1 lead.

Final score 2-1

Mom = Gus Tomlinson

Coaches player Rafferty Mahoney

Football | Bethany U13A v Farringtons (Away)

Bethany U13A secured a hard-fought 4-1 victory away at Farringtons, despite dealing with numerous injuries that led to a reshuffled squad. The team struggled early, with players out of their usual positions, and Farringtons took advantage by breaking the defence and scoring after a well-placed through ball over the top.

However, goalkeeper Stephen Kakouris kept Bethany in the match with three crucial one-on-one saves, preventing Farringtons from extending their lead. Despite a challenging first half, Bethany found their rhythm towards the break but couldn’t find the back of the net.

The second half saw a transformed Bethany side. Frank Cavill pulled the strings in midfield, distributing the ball excellently and scoring a fantastic free kick to equalise. Soon after, Ben Cossins took his chance with an ambitious 25-yard strike, putting Bethany ahead.

The team continued to dominate, with Connor Matthews adding a third and Jake McNair rounding off the win with a fourth goal. Bethany’s superb work rate and determination, especially in the hot conditions, ensured a well-earned 4-1 victory.

Final score: Bethany 4-1 Farringtons

Player of the Match: Frank Cavill

Coaches Player of the Match: Connor Matthews and Jake McNair

Football | Bethany U13B v Farringtons (Away)

The Bethany U13B team were away at Farringtons on a sunny afternoon, which resulted in a epic comeback from Bethany.

The match began cautiously for both teams, with Farringtons enjoying early possession and applying pressure on Bethany’s defence. Their persistence paid off in the 30th minute when Farringtons took the lead with a well-worked team goal. Despite Bethany’s best efforts, they went into the break trailing 1-0.

However, the second half saw a rejuvenated Bethany side take the field, displaying the kind of intensity that was missing in the first half. The breakthrough came swiftly after the restart, with Rafferty Mahoney finding the back of the net to level the score. Just minutes later, he added a second from the spot after Farringtons gave away a penalty for a handball.

With momentum firmly on their side, Greg Ejior quickly joined the act, scoring twice in quick succession to put the game beyond Farringtons’ reach. His first was a precise finish from close range, while his second saw him calmly slot home after a slick passing move.

Bethany continued to dominate, and Rollo Jenson added a fifth with a composed finish after some clever build-up play. Jack Shimmin put the icing on the cake with a spectacular strike from distance, catching the keeper off guard to complete the 6-1 rout.

The comeback win underlined Bethany’s resilience and attacking prowess, turning what seemed like a difficult away fixture into a statement victory. The team now looks to carry this momentum forward into their next match.

Final score: Bethany 6-1 Farringtons

Player of the Match: Leo Rousham

Coaches Player of the Match: Rafferty Mahoney

Football | Bethany U13C v Battle Abbey

Both teams began the match with lots of enthusiasm. However, with that excitement the football that was played early on was more ‘follow the ball in a pack and then kick it away when it comes to you’ rather than the more conventional style of looking after the ball with players moving into space to allow the ball to be passed around more.

After the initial stages though, it was Bethany that began to settle down into more of a fluid style of football. The first goal came from an excellent pass from Harry Morgan on the right hand side towards Leo Etherington, who then slammed the ball home from a tight angle to give Bethany the lead.

The crucial moment in the match came towards the end of the first half, with the Battle Abbey striker in a one on one with the Bethany keeper (at that moment), Thomas Geach. The Battle Abbey player looked certain to score but Thomas Geach pulled off an excellent save to his left to ensure that Bethany kept the lead going into the second half.

Bethany then began to play with more confidence, especially at the back with Alex Munthali controlling the defence and feeding the midfield. The move of the match was instigated by Callum Rae, whose confidence grew through the match as he enjoyed playing in his new position at left back. The move started when Callum called for the ball to be played back, as no other options were on, he and the rest of the defence quickly transitioned the ball to the right, where Harry Morgan played the ball down the line to Leo Etherington who then put away his second goal of the game.

Bethany were in full control of the match and went onto score three more goals. The pick of those was from Seb Pateman, who struck the ball home with his weaker left foot. A well deserved goal for all his efforts in the match. Special mentions also to Arthur Seale, who led the team well with his excellent performance in midfield; Harry Morgan and Kip Duncan who played with excellent skills both on and off the ball.

A great start to the new season!

Final score: Bethany 5-0 Battle Abbey School

Player of the Match: Leo Etherington

Coaches Players of the Match: Callum Rae

Football | Bethany U15A v Battle Abbey

The Bethany U15A team secured a thrilling 4-2 victory at home against Battle, with Max Morgan delivering an unforgettable performance, scoring all four of Bethany’s goals.

The match began with both sides showing intent, but it was Bethany who struck first, with Max Morgan opening his account after a well-worked team move saw him slot home from close range. However, Battle responded quickly, levelling the score with a well-taken effort, bringing the score to 1-1.

Despite the early exchange, Battle soon found themselves ahead, making it 2-1 after a moment of brilliance caught the Bethany defence off guard. The visitors looked poised to take control of the game, had it not been for some great goalkeeping from Gus Tuson to thwart their efforts.

In the second half, Bethany came out with renewed determination, and it didn’t take long for Max Morgan to find the back of the net again, equalising with a powerful shot from the edge of the box. With the game finely poised at 2-2, Morgan continued to dominate proceedings, completing his hat-trick with a clinical finish following a swift counterattack.

Bethany’s defence stood firm as Battle pressed for another equaliser, but Max Morgan put the game beyond doubt with his fourth goal in the closing stages, calmly finishing a one-on-one opportunity after latching onto a precise through ball.

Morgan’s stunning four-goal haul was the difference on the day, leading Bethany to a deserved 4-2 victory.

Final score: Bethany 4-2 Battle Abbey

Player of the Match: Max Morgan

Coaches Player of the Match: Gus Tuson

Football | Bethany U15B v Battle Abbey

Bethany U15B started their season in style with a 4-0 win over Battle Abbey on Tuesday afternoon. The first half was evenly contested, but just before the break, Jacob Chesterton broke the deadlock with a powerful strike into the roof of the net, giving Bethany a 1-0 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Bethany took full advantage of playing downhill with the wind behind them. They dominated play, and Jaime Marin Aventin added two quick goals to extend the lead. Benji Stapleton then sealed the win with a fourth goal, rounding off a commanding performance. A solid defensive effort ensured a clean sheet and a convincing victory to kick off the season.

Bethany U15B 4-0 Battle Abbey

player of the match – Jaime Marin Aventin

Coaches player – Alfie Munthali

Hockey | Bethany U15 v Ashford School

The U15 Hockey team played their opening game of the season on Tuesday, despite only being able to train on once occasion so far this term. For some of the team this was their first experience in an 11aside game of hockey, having previously played 7aside in younger age groups.

This was predominantly treated as a training game for the Bethany team with a focus on working out formations, strengths and areas to work on. All players gave 100% throughout the game with special mentions going to Cecily Chettier for leading the team well as captain and to Ruby Peters who stepped in as goalkeeper in the 2nd half due to an injury.

Final score: Bethany 1-6 Ashford School

Players Player of the Match: Cecily Chettier – Great captaincy and first goal of the season

Coaches Player of the Match: Sophie Finnamore – Tireless work in defence, moving the ball up and into the opposition’s half.

Hockey | Bethany U13A v Ashford School

The first fixture of the season saw the Year 7 and 8 girls face Ashford school at Marden as Bethany’s home fixture.

It was the first time the new year 7 had played with the year 8s from last year and they did well. The girls had some good attacks as well as some incredible saves from Juni throughout the whole game. Darcey got the ball in to Bethany’s attacking D by pure determination with the assistance of Ciara, Grace and Daisy.

A special mention to the Year 7s who played their first game for Bethany in the right spirit without giving up. It wasn’t the result we would’ve hoped for, however, it gives us a good base to practice from!

Bethany U13A v Ashford U13A

Result – 0 – 4

Player of the Match – Juniper Ambrose -Gordon and Darcey Stone

Coach’s player – Ciara Carnegie

Well done girls!

Hockey | Bethany U13B v Ashford School

The U13B team started off their hockey season in style with a 3-2 win against Ashford School.

With many of our girls new to hockey, their effort and determination never faltered, as they managed to overturn a 2-0 deficit in the last quarter. It was an excellent showing from everyone, but a special mention goes to Arabella in goal making some crucial saves. Well done girls!

Players player: Holly Sole – great passing and dribbling all over the pitch.

Coaches player: Betsy Spruce – great skills and speed attacking at goal, a huge help for the team’s comeback.

The Power and Purpose of Drawing

Sports Afternoon 2024

GCSE Results 2024: Bethany pupils achieve record breaking results

A Level Results 2024: Record number of A* and A grades for Bethany Pupils

Expedition to Tanzania with True Adventure

Bethany Enrichment Week