Weekly Newsletter

June 26, 2026

Headmaster’s Welcome

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope you have coped well with the tropical temperatures this week. Thank you for making last Saturday such a special day for me, Frances and our three children. The gifts I received have been far too generous and the comments written have been so effusive that they are most humbling to read although they have been great for my ego!

I was very disappointed that Bethany had to postpone Grandparents Day on Wednesday and the Year 5 Taster Day today as well as our sports fixtures. However, the welfare of our pupils and our guests are our number one priority and it was the right thing to do.

Apart from these cancellations, life at Bethany continued pretty much as normal this week with just a few room changes. Our younger pupils were busy rehearsing the Junior Production, Joseph, and they were delighted to be working in an air-conditioned Performing Arts Centre! Last night’s performance was excellent and I’m also looking forward to seeing tonight’s second and final performance.

Next week, of course, is the final week of term. We have normal School lessons on Monday and Tuesday and activities for the various year groups on Wednesday Thursday and Friday. You and your children should have received the required information related to these activities.

The summer term finishes at 5 pm on Friday. There will be a final School assembly at 4 pm on Tuesday and just after this there will be afternoon tea for all the pupils.

Please note that with temperatures set to drop over the weekend, all pupils are to revert back to wearing normal school uniform (shirt sleeve order) on Monday.

I hope you all enjoy the weekend, that England win their World Cup Football match on Saturday and that all of you stay hydrated.

I will leave you with a comment I found last night that made me smile. “The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true.”

Yours sincerely,

Francie Healy

Headmaster

Bethany Speech Day 2026

Bethany’s annual Speech Day on Saturday was a celebration of achievement, reflection, reunion and, above all, gratitude.

A Year to Remember

It has been another fantastic year for the English and Media Department at Bethany School—one filled with creativity, curiosity, and no shortage of memorable moments. From the buzz of classrooms to the excitement of trips beyond the school gates, it has been a year that reminds us exactly why these subjects matter so much.

For many of our pupils, the undeniable highlights were our trips. The Sky Studios visit offered a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of the media industry, bringing classroom learning vividly to life. It is always a joy to see pupils connect their ideas about media production to the real world, and this trip certainly sparked plenty of inspiration (and perhaps a few future filmmakers). Equally impactful was our visit to the Imperial War Museum, where history, storytelling and human experience converged powerfully. It is one thing to study texts in a classroom, but quite another to stand in a space where stories of the past are preserved so vividly. The thoughtful conversations that followed were testament to just how deeply these experiences resonated.

And yet, while trips and events often take centre stage, one of my personal highlights has been something much quieter: marking the end-of-year exams. It may not sound glamorous, but it is in those papers that we truly see the journey our pupils have taken. The progress made, the confidence gained in writing and the increasingly perceptive analysis on display have all been incredibly rewarding to witness. It is a privilege to see pupils grow not only in skill, but in their willingness to take intellectual risks and express their ideas with clarity and individuality.

As ever, the final weeks of term have been filled with that unique end-of-year energy—lighter, celebratory and full of anticipation for the summer ahead. However, this year also carries a bittersweet note as we say goodbye to two much-valued members of our department.

Mrs Hill is moving on to take up a Headship, an exciting and well-deserved next step. We have no doubt that she will bring her trademark energy, wisdom and sense of humour to the role, embracing both the joys and the challenges it will undoubtedly bring. Still, one cannot help but wonder: what will she do without teaching Macbeth for what must feel like the millionth time?

Meanwhile, Mrs Healy embarks on a different kind of adventure—retirement. I must admit to a certain amount of jealousy here, as her plans undoubtedly include more theatre trips (without a cohort of pupils in tow!) and plenty of time to read. It is a wonderful, well-earned new chapter, and we wish her all the happiness it will bring.

Endings are never easy, but they do remind us that schools are places of constant renewal. Every goodbye creates space for new beginnings, new ideas and new stories yet to be written. And while we take a moment to reflect on this year with pride, we are already looking ahead with excitement.

We cannot wait to welcome all of our pupils back in September—ready for another year of words, stories, creativity and discovery.

Mrs Shapland

Head of English

The Future’s Looking Bright for Bethany Football

A huge congratulations to Jasper, who has recently been selected to represent the West Kent District football team next season!

Jasper will join fellow Year 8 pupils Connor, Thomas and Oliver, meaning Bethany will have four Year 8 pupils representing West Kent District next season, an outstanding achievement for both the boys and the school.

Three of the four boys – Thomas, Oliver and Jasper – are already part of Bethany’s Football Excellence Pathway, with Connor set to join the programme in September. Their selections are a fantastic reflection of their dedication, talent and hard work.

We are incredibly proud of all four boys and wish them every success in their West Kent District campaign. Well done, Jasper, Connor, Thomas and Oliver!

Bethany at The Kent County Show

Bethany School is delighted to be sponsoring the Kent County Show on 3rd, 4th and 5th July.

As one of Kent’s premier agricultural events, the show brings together families, local businesses and countryside enthusiasts for three days of entertainment, education and celebration of rural life.

Visitors can enjoy a packed programme of activities and displays throughout the event. If you are attending the Kent County Show, be sure to stop by and say hello to the Bethany School team. We look forward to meeting visitors and sharing more about our fantastic school community.

Junior Production of Joseph

The curtain rose this week on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, as Bethany’s junior performers took to the stage for two nights in the Pengelly Performance Centre.

Packed with unforgettable songs, vibrant storytelling and boundless energy, this beloved musical has been brought to life by a talented junior cast whose dedication, enthusiasm and confidence have shone throughout rehearsals.

The entire technical production is once again being led by a fully pupil-run tech team, whose creativity and professionalism have helped make the show possible.

A true celebration of teamwork, talent and commitment across the School.

Full gallery and article in next weeks newsletter.

Photos by Ali Tuson photographs

Milestone Moments for Mrs Healy and Mr Norman

This week, we were delighted to celebrate two remarkable milestones. Mrs Healy marked an incredible 29 years of dedicated service to the school, while Mr Norman celebrated an outstanding 30 years as a valued member of the Bethany community.

Between them, they have contributed over half a century of commitment, care and support, helping to shape the lives of countless pupils. Their knowledge, experience and unwavering dedication have made a lasting impact on generations of pupils and colleagues alike.

Whilst Mrs Healy leaves for a well earned rest in retirement at the end of the school year, Mr Norman is ready to go for another 30 years(!).

We thank them both for their exceptional service and congratulate them on these wonderful achievements.

Year 7 Summer Book Exchange

This summer, Year 7 pupils are taking part in an exciting Book Swap Challenge. Before the end of term, each pupil must bring in a book they have already enjoyed and are happy to exchange with a classmate. The new book will be theirs to keep!

During the summer holidays, pupils should read their chosen book, enjoy the experience, and discuss it with an adult at home. After the break, they will be ready to share their thoughts through speaking and writing activities in English lessons. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover new authors, stories, and ideas while developing a love of reading.

Immersed in Nature

Immersion pupils from Bethany School recently enjoyed a wonderful trip to Ladysden Farm, accompanied by the Headmaster.

The pupils spent the day exploring the strawberry fields and carefully selecting the ripest fruit to fill their baskets.

Along the way, they learned about how strawberries are grown and harvested, while enjoying the beautiful countryside surroundings. The visit provided a fantastic opportunity for pupils to practise their English in a real-world setting, build confidence, and spend time together outside the classroom. The trip was a great success and delicious strawberries were enjoyed by all.

98 Miles of Friendship

This summer, a group of four Year 11 Bethany pupils will be taking on an extraordinary ‘Steps for Strands’ challenge as they walk 98 miles through the Scottish Highlands, raising funds and awareness for Alopecia UK.

The walk has been organised in support of their friend and fellow Bethany pupil, Jonathan, who lives with alopecia. To raise awareness of the condition and show their support, Jonathan and his friends Thomas, Chris and Lucas have chosen to spend part of their summer holidays tackling one of the UK’s most demanding long-distance walking routes.

The challenge will require determination, resilience and teamwork, but above all it is a wonderful example of friendship, compassion and selflessness. Their decision to support one of their own in such a meaningful way reflects the values we strive to nurture every day at Bethany.

We are incredibly proud of the boys for taking on this challenge and wish them every success as they prepare for their Highland adventure. We look forward to hearing about their journey when they return.

A Sweeping Success

Bethany’s latest enrichment activity of curling is proving mightily popular. For many pupils, this is their first experience of stepping onto the ice, making the day activity memorable and full of new challenges.

After learning the basic rules and techniques, pupils quickly discover that curling is about much more than simply sliding a stone across the ice. The sport requires communication, teamwork, strategy and precision, as players work together to guide their stones as close to the target as possible. Pupils embrace the challenge with enthusiasm, encouraging one another and celebrating every successful shot.

The session provided a wonderful opportunity to develop strategy and confidence while trying something completely new.

The activity forms part of Bethany’s enrichment programme, which aims to broaden pupils’ experiences beyond the classroom and inspire them to discover new interests and talents. It is fantastic to see pupils supporting one another, building friendships and enjoying an active, engaging activity together.

Year 7 on Building a Greener Bethany

What does a more sustainable Bethany look like? Last week, our Year 7 pupils set out to answer exactly that during an exciting Project-Based Learning (PBL) Week inspired by the school’s upcoming solar panel installation on the swimming pool roof.

Working in teams, pupils tackled the challenge question: “What else can we do to make Bethany more sustainable?”

Armed with curiosity, creativity and plenty of teamwork, pupils explored key environmental topics including energy use, water conservation and biodiversity. Through research, discussion and problem-solving, they developed a range of innovative ideas that could help make a real difference around the school.

The proposals were both imaginative and practical. Suggestions included creating wildlife habitats and wildflower gardens, growing food on site, keeping animals, encouraging greener travel options and finding more sustainable approaches to school uniform provision.

The week concluded with a series of impressive presentations, where each group confidently shared their ideas and recommendations. Pupils demonstrated fantastic teamwork, creativity and critical thinking, while also showing a growing understanding of how we can all play a part in protecting the environment.

Who will be crowned the winners? You’ll have to wait until next week’s newsletter to find out!

A huge well done to all of our Year 7 pupils for their enthusiasm, dedication and brilliant ideas throughout the week. They showed that even the smallest changes can help create a greener, more sustainable future for Bethany.

Building Bushcraft Skills

During one of last Friday’s enrichment sessions, pupils headed into the school’s forest area for another exciting afternoon of outdoor learning in Bushcraft.

Pupils developed practical survival skills by creating their own tent pegs from natural materials, carefully shaping and carving them to make them fit for purpose.

They then put their teamwork and problem-solving abilities to the test by learning how to safely set up hammocks between the trees.

The session encouraged resilience, creativity and confidence while allowing pupils to enjoy the natural environment.

Bushcraft continues to be a popular enrichment activity, helping pupils learn valuable skills beyond the classroom.

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 Lorcan

Lorcan has made excellent progress over the past year, and he has wrapped the year up excellently with a role in the Junior Production. Well done, Lorcan!

Year 7 Pupil Of The Term is Will

Each week during our Friday Year 7 Assembly, Pupil Of The Week is awarded. The winners of this are automatically then put in contention for our Pupil Of The Term award. The names are put onto a wheel of names and in this morning’s assembly after a good spin, the winner was announced. Up for grabs is the highly coveted “Top Banana Award”.

We are delighted to say that Pupil Of The Term went to Will and we would like to extend a huge well done again to each Year 7 pupil who has been awarded Pupil Of The Week during the Summer Term.

Year 8 Pupil of the Week is Hazel

Hazel is always hard working and an excellent model pupil. She has topped it off this week with her participation in the Junior Production. Well done, Hazel!

Year 8 Pupils of the Term are Lily and Genevieve

It was too close to seperate these two pupils. Both Lily and Gen are brilliant all round pupils, both in and out the classroom, on the sports pitch and more latterly in the Junior Production. Well done, Lily and Genevieve!

Year 9 Pupil of the Week for Year is Oliver

Oliver has shown outstanding improvements over recent weeks and has really stood out. His week has been topped off by his excellent portrayal of Pharaoh (Elvis) in the Junior Production. Well done, Oliver!

Year 9 Pupil of the Term is Sydney

As Miss King puts it, ‘What a legend!’. Sydney only joined Bethany at the start of the school year and has settled in as if she has been here forever. Always kind and considerate of others, Sydney has always taken advantage of opportunities that have come her way, including most latterly her performance at Bethany’s Got Talent, her participation in the choir and being part of the Junior Production. Well done, Sydney!

The Orchard Boarder of the Week is Jules

A thoroughly deserved GOAT this week for The Orchard, it’s the wonderful Jules, one of our Immersion Boarders. He has settled in so quickly and so positively despite switching from Year 9 to 10 and then back again due to Exam Week, he is always cheerful and friendly and he has made such a brilliant impression on everyone, both teachers and staff.

Great Bethany Bake Off

Latest Library News

This months Library Newsletter is packed full of information including Author Visits, Club information and The Summer Read Challenge.

Click the link below to read more.

Library News

A Parent’s Guide to Among Us

Written by online safety expert, Yasmin London – Former Police Officer

Set aboard a virtual spaceship, Among Us! is a ‘whodunit’ style game app for mobile, console, PC, and Mac devices. In the game, players team up to work together, completing assigned tasks aboard the ship while trying to avoid being killed by the imposters among them. One or more players are assigned the imposter role and tasked with secretly sabotaging and killing their crewmates. Crewmates win the game if they complete all assigned tasks before being killed or figure out who the imposters are and vote them off the ship. Among Us! can be played privately with friends or online with strangers.

Read more here

Lost Property

We have added a new Lost Items application, available via the button below or on MySchoolPortal. This 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.

Items that cannot be reunited with their owner will be donated to charity.

Bethany School Lost Property

Prayer Requests

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

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Weekly Newsletter

Headmaster’s Welcome

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Miss Kaycey Offen

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Miss Maria Cotterill

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Miss Paula Whitehead

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Miss Stacey Kirby

Cleaner

Mr Andrew Austen

Maintenance

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Mr Barry Gregory

Minibus Driver

Mr Christian Hindley

Minibus Driver

Mr Danny Sears

Maintenance Co-ordinator

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Mr Ian Butler

Minibus Driver

Mr Jakub Sleczka

Maintenance

Mr James Harris

Minibus Driver, Caretaker and Compliance Officer

Mr Jonathon Bourne

Head Groundsman

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Mr Mark Stubblefield

Minibus Driver

Mr Martin Sunderland

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Mr Matt Tatnell

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Mr Nigel Edwards

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Mr Richard Smith

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Mr Vinny Boxall

Minibus Driver

Mrs Jane Marrable

Cleaner

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Mrs Karina Austen

Lead Housekeeper, The Orchard

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Mrs Lucia Jaramba

Cleaner

Mrs Sarah Butler

Minibus Driver

Mrs Sarah J Butler

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Mrs Shirley Goldsmith

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Mrs Sue Wilson

Cleaner

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Mrs Tracey Masterman

Cleaning Manager

Dr Clare Notley

Lead Teacher of Biology

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Miss Leaf Ye Zhao

Teacher of Maths

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Miss Mathilda Fuller

Teacher of Mathematics, Second Assistant Housemistress The Orchard

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Miss Sam King

Head of Girls’ Sport, Head of Year 8 & 9

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Mr Adam Manktelow

Head of Maths

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Mr Alex Bolton

Director of Performing Arts, Head of Key Stage 4

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