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Weekly Newsletter

December 6, 2024

This Week:

Headmaster’s Welcome

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Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

It is hard to believe that this is the second last newsletter of this term. The weather continues to keep us on our toes, and it looks like we are going to escape the worst of Storm Darragh – this is one of the many joys of living in the “sunny southeast”!

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I was very pleased that so many Year 9 parents came to the parent teacher meeting last night. It was a very positive evening. Further details about choosing GCSE options are on the parent portal.

 

With next week being the final week of term, it is a busy one with various year groups having their end of term parties.

 

On Tuesday next week, the annual Carol Service takes place in St Dunstan’s Church in Cranbrook starting at 7pm, this is a compulsory event for all pupils. Bethany will provide the pupils with tea and then transport them to Cranbrook. During the service, we expect parents to sit with their children and vice versa! Parents can park in the usual car parks in the Cranbrook area. If parents are unable to attend and are collecting their children at St Dunstan’s Church can you please come to the church to collect your child so that we can be reassured they have been safely collected. For parents wishing to collect their children back at Bethany we can also transport those day pupils back to School after the service. The service is scheduled to end at 8pm.

 

The last day of term is also Christmas Jumper Day. Children can wear Christmas jumpers to School provided they donate £2. All monies raised will be donated to the children’s charity Save the Children. Term ends at the end of the School day on Friday at 4.55pm.

 

In my weekly assembly to the pupils this term, I have focused on reflection and asked them to reflect on the positives and negatives of this term as it comes to an end. I reminded them that the only place where success comes before hard work is in the dictionary.

 

Have a good weekend.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Francie Healy

Headmaster

Latest Bethany Blog

This week’s blog has been written by Mr Norman, Head of DT at Bethany School. He talks of how DT serves as an important stepping stone for pupils, whether they are pursuing University, an Apprenticeship, or preparing to enter the workforce, emphasising key skills such as risk-taking, innovation, and creativity, while also helping pupils develop resilience and persistence.

Nurturing Creativity and Resilience: The Design and Technology Challenge
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I wanted to share with you what I set the Lower Sixth (Year 12) to do when they start their two year A Level course. GCSE is just a taster of what is to come when a pupil sensibly (in my opinion!) decides to take on Design and Technology as one of their stepping stones to either University, an Apprenticeship or to enter the world of work.

 

I set a project with a focus on risk-taking, innovation and creativity. Many mishaps happen when pupils push their own boundaries. They often have to start again be it with design work or practical work when their ideas don’t work out. I like to encourage the development of persistence and reflection in the subject and this project most certainly tests these as well as the pupils resilience to keep pushing themselves forward when things around them are just not going to plan.

 

The ‘brief’ I set pupils is quite simple: ‘Design and produce a set of placemats / coasters (min of 2) plus a holder.’

 

Pupils are asked to first of all investigate existing products. Decide on a context for themselves, carry out lots of research, investigate practical possibilities and produce concept ideas. All of this should happen within an ethos of experimentation and exploration and with the knowledge that most of what the pupil do may not go to plan, but I encourage the group to reflect on the phrase ‘Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.’

 

Pupils are given four lessons a week for the half term project and have to plan and direct their own time. This is quite a test of character and determination as valuable time can be lost by individuals through inactivity but the project also allows pupils to learn about themselves and how they work best (or not!). I often use a quote that I heard in a Spider-Man movie that states “With great power comes great responsibility”. The pupils have the power to work hard or waste time. Luckily this year all have decided to push themselves!

 

I hope you enjoy these pictures of some of the interesting practical pieces produced by my current Lower Sixth (David A, Toby A, Josh Hs, Samuel K, Emma K, Asma S and George V). I love seeing pupils push their own design and creative boundaries. This all leads to fantastic ‘problem solvers’ in later life, which has to be a good thing in our complicated and ever changing world.

 

Mr Norman

Head of Design & Technology

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latest Sports News

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The latest sports news from Bethany School. As football and hockey seasons wind down for the festive break, it was just the U13A and B hockey teams that had fixtures this week. Both teams impressed on the pitch and signed off for Christmas in style.

Hockey | Bethany U13A v Beechwood
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The U13A hockey team played their final game of the season against Beechwood this week. Despite the opposition arriving with fewer players than expected, the Bethany team demonstrated great adaptability and sportsmanship by agreeing to play the match 6-a-side. This adjustment didn’t faze the team; instead, they embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and determination.

 

The first quarter began as a tightly contested affair, with both teams working hard to break the deadlock. The defence held strong on both sides, and the quarter ended in a stalemate at 0-0. However, as the game progressed, Bethany began to find their rhythm and took full advantage of the opportunities created. Brilliant play from Ciara Carnegie in the midfield opened up the game, and Darcy Stone showcased her clinical finishing skills, converting chances into goals with precision and composure.

 

By the final whistle, the score line stood at an impressive 7-0 in Bethany’s favour, a testament to the team’s hard work, cohesion, and determination. It was a thrilling way to conclude what has been a remarkably successful season, full of growth and achievement. The match highlighted how much the team has progressed, with their practiced skills shining through in their gameplay. Whether it was their passing, positioning, or teamwork, every player contributed to the result, showcasing the hours of effort they’ve put in during training sessions.

 

A special mention goes to Juniper Ambrose-Gordon for her outstanding performance in goal. Her unwavering focus and confident saves ensured yet another clean sheet for the team, adding to her stellar record this season.

 

Final score: Bethany 7-0 Beechwood

Player of the Match: Ciara Carnegie

Coaches Player of the Match: Ella Pantony

 

Hockey | Bethany U13B v Beechwood
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The U13B hockey team capped off their season in impressive style with a commanding performance against Beechwood on the Marden Astro. Despite the game being played in a smaller-sided format, the team adapted seamlessly, showcasing the skills, teamwork, and confidence they’ve developed throughout the season. It was a performance that perfectly reflected their growth as a squad.

 

Bethany hit the ground running from the very first whistle, setting a blistering pace that immediately put the opposition on the back foot. Demonstrating their experience and cohesive play, the team excelled in passing the ball with precision, often slicing effortlessly through a static Beechwood defence. Their dominance was evident from the outset, as they opened the scoring within seconds of the start and maintained that momentum throughout the match. The goals were a true team effort, shared among multiple players, highlighting the depth of talent across the squad.

 

The game was played in four 10-minute quarters, and Bethany maintained their high energy and focus throughout. On the rare occasions Beechwood managed to advance into Bethany’s defensive ‘D,’ goalkeeper Olivia Garrett stood tall. Her excellent positioning and quick reflexes ensured she kept any threats at bay, preserving a well-earned clean sheet for the team.

 

The attacking play was led superbly by Betsy Spruce, whose determination and sharp instincts created numerous scoring opportunities. Equally impressive was Isla Oldridge, whose scanning of the field and pinpoint passing were a joy to watch, enabling the team to maintain their free-flowing style of hockey. Every player contributed to the game with enthusiasm and skill, making it a true team victory.

 

The match was a fitting conclusion to a successful and enjoyable season for the U13B team. Their performance was not only a testament to their hard work during training but also a clear indicator of the bright future ahead for this talented group.

 

Final score: Bethany 10-1 Beechwood

Player of the Match: Betsy Spruce

Coaches Player of the Match: Isla Oldridge

 

 

Boarders Christmas Celebration

It’s that time of year again, and so the boarders gathered in a state of magnificent excitement for the Christmas do.

 

A quick coach ride to Maidstone with the added frisson of a police stop (not us – some chap on the roundabout in town) and we arrived at Prison Island.

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We were divided into teams of four and set off in earnest competition. For those of you not acquainted with Prison Island, it’s like the Crystal Maze without the jumping around in a windy greenhouse to try to grab fake cash.

 

Everyone tried to avoid being on Miss Fuller’s team because she’s quite terrifyingly competitive.

 

After an hour of fevered competition, it was unclear which team had won (well, ok, it was Miss Fuller’s team, but that’s not important now), but in second place were the Delinquents – Karen, Laurie and Ryan. We are all very grateful to Karina, Mandy and Mrs Young (the Twenty Somethings – I’m not being rude, that was their team name) for propping up the table and ensuring that none of the pupils had to face the humiliation of finishing last.

 

With the promise of takeaway when we returned, everyone embarked the coach home with alacrity, and we all arrived back in our respective houses for food: Domino’s for The Orchard, Chinese for Mount. Leftovers for breakfast, anyone?

 

Secret Santa then delivered his gifts, with one or two standouts as ever. Wilson was very pleased with his edible BBQ crickets, although most other people decided to give them a wide berth, and Hanseo received a fairly horrific mug. It was Alvin who received 2024’s Mildly Improper Present Of Which We Will Never Speak Again, which – of course – provided everyone with the most amusement.

 

And then it was done. Everyone had a great time and ate too much. Just like Christmas at home, really.

 

Mr Davies

Housemaster, The Orchard