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Yarlet School’s half-termly newsletter Easter 2018 Issue 81

Dear Parents, The weather has certainly taken its toll on school life during the last few weeks but we hope that this is now behind us as we look forward to warmer Spring weather and longer days. Fortunately, the weather has not impacted on the success of our Form 8 pupils, and we are delighted to be able to report that Grace Darby has been awarded a C B Fry Scholarship to Repton School. This is an incredibly prestigious award, with further details being included in this edition of Y Sir. Grace joins Sam Archer, Charlie Belfield, Charlie Capewell, Jessica Cartmail, Toby Morris Roe and Kirstie Shiner, all of whom have won awards to their senior school. Many congratulations to all these children on their amazing achievements which are testament to their talent, hard work and dedication. As I write, we look forward to the welcome return of local story teller, Alan Barrett, who will join us as we celebrate World Book Day and many thanks to all parents who have so generously supported our Book Fair. Our exchange programme with Humanitas School in Madrid continues to thrive as we were joined by 32 pupils for the last week of term. Our visitors enjoyed learning alongside pupils in both Pre-Prep and Main School, as well as visiting many places of interest. A disco was organised as a way for pupils to cement new friendships. We look forward to our return visit to Madrid at the end of June and to many other events in what promises to be an exciting term ahead. I hope you have a lovely Easter break and look forward to seeing you on Monday 16th April. Best wishes, Ian Raybould

YARLET’S WRITING HEROES!

On Friday 23rd February, Scarlet and Lucia, along with their parents, were invited to attend a celebration and awards ceremony at Shrewsbury School as their entries to the Sir Philip Sidney 500 words essay competition (based on heroes) were shortlisted for the final. To start the event, various members of staff delivered presentations about their heroes in relation to their subjects: Classics, History, Chemistry, Biology and Art. The children had the opportunity to get involved with some of the talks and a lucky few got to wear t-shirts which then enabled an iPad to show the inner workings of their bodies! The chemistry talk was a real hit with the audience as they saw nylon being made for Batman's suit and the hall being set alight (well almost!) when testing fuels for the batmobile. A range of workshops then followed which were linked to the earlier presentations. In these, the children got to undertake a range of activities from studying an ox heart and drawing a real heart to using compounds to make superhero moulds. To end the event, the winners were announced. Unfortunately, we didn't scoop any prizes but Scarlet and Lucia's entries were worthy finalists and will be in display in the main entrance if you wish to read their thoughts on the question 'Do we still need heroes?' Well done girls - true writing heroes of Yarlet!

DARWIN SCIENCE QUIZ

Four of our Form 7 scientists went to Shrewsbury School to have a go at cracking the Darwin Challenge. With famous Alumni such as Charles Darwin, the children knew they were going to be stretched and they certainly were. The staff at Shrewsbury put together a fantastic quiz which included smells, noises from exotic species, space and physics/ mathematical problems and famous scientists to identify. After a delicious lunch it was off to do some practical chemistry followed by making the strongest electromagnet in physics and identifying skulls and drawing microscopic diatoms in biology. Thanks go to Dr Briggs and his team for making this a most enjoyable challenge. Our team: Jamie, Joseph, Jonathan and Henry made a good account of themselves coming third in the Biology section against some strong opposition.

SKI TRIP 2018 With only a small number of skiers this year, Yarlet hit the slopes. In near perfect snow conditions, the children made rapid progress under the expert guidance of Luca and Fabrio, our instructors. By the end of week many could tackle the steep black runs with confidence fuelled by hearty bowls of pasta, hot chocolate and delicious Italian food. Reluctant to leave the snow, the children tobogganed most afternoons after skiing only returning to the hotel for dinner. It was a fabulous trip, one that we hope to repeat in the very near future.

MAIN SCHOOL MUSIC AWARDS

Huge congratulations to the following children for their fantastic awards in music:

Henry Shaw - Grade 2 singing with Distinction Freya Lloyd - Grade 3 singing Amelia Lucas - Grade 1 clarinet with Merit Ellen Clark - Grade 2 piano with Merit Danielle Rotchell - Grade 4 singing with Merit

PUPILS EXPLORE SIKH CULTURE!

Five Form 8 pupils travelled to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara near Stoke-on-Trent to witness Sikh culture first-hand. This forms part of their learning on Sikhism in Religious Studies this term with Mrs Berry, who enjoyed celebrating her birthday at the Gurdwara. Whilst at the Sikh temple, the boys were entertained with an in-depth discussion on the history, beliefs and identity of the Sikhs, and were amazed at the detail and splendour of the inside of the temple, including the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book) and the Langar (dining hall) in which they enjoyed seva, a delicious meal of pakora's, bhaji's and biscuits! The pupils were outstanding in their behaviour, curiosity and enthusiasm, and it was also wonderful to be visited by former Yarletian Jay Bains!

PANCAKE RACES

The whole school gathered for the slightly overdue but eagerly awaited House Pancake Race. The children had a fantastic time racing with a frying pan and pancake, flipping it, then running back. A great atmosphere with lots of cheering and supporting and only a few pancakes got lost in the wind! Well done to Knight who won the race.

DISCO FEVER

A fantastic night was had by all at our Friendship Disco. The dance floor was jam packed all evening as the children boogied and bopped and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. Well done to Archie C and Adelaide who were crowned the winners of the dancing competitions!

FORM 4 CONQUER CONKERS! Form 4 travelled through the Beastly Easterly winds to Conkers Discovery Centre, to put their Map Skills lessons in Geography to practise. They thoroughly enjoyed exploring the nature and science zones inside, and when split into teams they showed maturity and passion for orienteering. It was another victory for Miss Davis' team this time round, with Mr. Pass' team in a very close second. All pupils used their map reading and localisation techniques to great effect and gained a lot from this excursion today.

SPRING DELIGHTS FOR FORM 5 AT PEAK WILDLIFE PARK

FARADAY CHALLENGE Yarlet attended Allestree Woodlands School in Derby on the 13th March to take part in a Science project, "The Faraday Challenge." The format involved 7 teams from different schools with 6 students in each team. We were represented by Kirstie, Harriet, Danielle, Victor, Jonathan and Grace all of whom had to take on a different role in the project of designing a new attraction for a given space at Thorpe Park Amusement Park. Not only did the teams have to design the new attraction, but they also had to construct a working part of their design as a prototype and present this as a team at the end of the working day to all the other contestants. The team did Yarlet proud and although we did not win, their design ideas along with their subsequent presentation, were commended by the judges for their originality and effort. A really enjoyable day was had by all – well done!

FORM 4 MUMMIFY HANNAH!

Form 4 embalmed and mummified Pharaoh Hannah as part of their learning on Ancient Egypt in History. The pupils greatly enjoyed cutting open the deceased Pharaoh, removing her organs and brain through her nostrils, salting her with natron and stuffing her with linen and herbs to keep her body smelling good for the Afterlife, before decorating her in jewels and death mask, and placing inside a sarcophagus!

C B FRY SCHOLARSHIP SUCCESS FOR GRACE

Huge congratulations to Grace who has been awarded the highly sought-after CB Fry Scholarship at Repton. The CB Fry scholarship recognises potential leadership as well as academic and sporting success. The award is named after Charles Burgess Fry who was not only Repton's greatest all-rounder but probably the most celebrated all-rounder of his generation. Well done Grace!

YOUNG ARTISTS REUBEN & LUCIA SHINE IN SHREWSBURY SCHOOL ART &

DESIGN/TECHNOLOGY COMPETITION

Mrs Hamplett is delighted to be able to announce that we have two winners in this year's Shrewsbury School Art and Design/Technology Competition. Shrewsbury School were extremely impressed with the varied interpretation of all our submissions, so a very well done to everyone who took part. In Form 5, Reuben Whitby-Samways was awarded 2nd Prize and in Form 6, Lucia Cyples was awarded Highly Commended. Many congratulations to Reuben and Lucia who have been invited to attend a special Winners’ Workshop at Shrewsbury, which we are sure they will thoroughly enjoy.

Form 5 travelled to Peak Wildlife Park to explore living ecosystems, and examine animals in their natural habitats, as part of their learning on Ecosystems in Geography. Whilst at the park, we were enthralled with several new arrivals, including baby otters, adolescent meerkats and new-born goats and wallabies! The pupils were very respectful and approached each animal with care and caution, and as a result were able to touch and stroke a variety of interesting creatures, alongside exploring their habitats and working out where in the world they lived.

U11 & U10 BOYS’ SPORT Yarlet's U11 have adapted very well to Hockey from Football this term with Morgan C and Henry S showing confidence when dribbling the ball into space. Fraser D has enthusiastically taken on the role as goalkeeper and communicates well to his defence. The rest of the team are improving on receiving a ball on the move as well as using a V drag in a game situation. The U11 match v Packwood started off well with some great passes from Henry and Yarlet dominated the ball for almost 65% of the match. Elliot, Izaak and Jake passed amazingly to each other and fooled Packwood’s defence system. After many attempts, Henry scored the first goal but Packwood managed to trick Yarlet’s amazing goalkeeper making the score 1-1. Our defence team were really proving themselves and Cameron and Morgan’s interception skills were proving to be extremely useful. Both teams scored again and the final result was a 2-2 draw.

U9 & U8 BOYS’ SPORT This term we have been participating in a variety of sports, including football, tag rugby and even some hockey. Due to the extreme conditions several matches have been cancelled, but we have been fortunate in that our players continue to shine in our Games lessons. I have been noticeably impressed with the efforts of William B, Robbie H, Harvey H, Henry S and William G for their perseverance, dedication and overall sportsmanship this term; they amongst others have really enjoyed proving their sporting prowess. Next term we are beginning our lessons in Kwik-Cricket, which Form 4 immensely enjoyed last year, and they are eager to help Form 3 get to grips with this exciting and fast-paced sport.

U13 FOOTBALL Yarlet took on Penkridge Middle School in the 2018 District Football Cup away from home. Yarlet went behind due to poor defending and things went from bad to worse when Penkridge scored two more goals after quick attacking play. Yarlet began to make inroads with Jon and Sam going close with shots and Charlie also had a clear chance well saved. However, it was the stronger home side who went further ahead just after half time to make it 4-0. Yarlet did pull a goal back after a great shot from Jon, but Penkridge killed off any hope of Yarlet getting back into the game with two further quick goals. The final score was a disappointing 6-1 defeat. During the U13s hockey sessions the boys have progressed in their control of the ball, both stick side and reverse. Their passing is much faster, more accurate and some boys are even passing into space for a team player to run onto. Victor has taken on the responsibility for U13s goalkeeper and is amazing, clearing the shots to the half way line! Both Jon C and Jamie C show great enthusiasm and knowledge when it comes to a short corner with Henry P and Sam A backing up if needed. A great hockey term boys with a fixture still to play against Packwood later this half term.

U13 & U10S NETBALL – A DOUBLE VICTORY AGAINST PRESTFELDE U13s vs Prestfelde: In the first quarter, the U13s didn't have the best start. Prestfelde's passing was good and we found ourselves struggling. By the end of the first quarter the score was 4-0 to Prestfelde. After some pointers, we were determined to fight back and soon, with some great defending from Jess and Harriet, we found ourselves shooting basket after basket. By the end of the second quarter the score was 7-6 to Yarlet. In the third quarter Yarlet got off to a great start with Sophie and Kirstie carrying out some great attacking, Ellen was working really hard at the wing and we finished the third quarter 12-8 to Yarlet. During the final quarter, Prestfelde were determined to fight back. Danielle and Grace were working hard in the centre not letting Prestfelde in their attacking third. A superb game, resulting in a resounding 16-11 win to Yarlet. U10s vs Prestfelde: Prestfelde had the first centre pass which Freya quickly intercepted to give Yarlet possession. Katie and Raphie showed superb skill in centre court by sneaking around the opponents and into space. Within the first few minutes, Amelia was in possession of the ball and, whilst shooting, the ball got knocked out of the D. Raphie was quick to respond and snatched the ball back giving Louiza the ball, who found the U10s first goal of the match. Chloe was waiting with anticpation to intercept a centre and she did, passing the ball again to the shooters. In Yarlet's defence, Emily and Freya worked relentlessly to distract and intercept passes between their GS and GA. The final score was 5-3 to Yarlet (Louiza 3 and Amelia 2) - a superb game girls very well done! U10s v Wrekin: A cold day and a bitter wind awaited us at Wrekin College. During all 3 fixtures we had great possession and worked really well as a team. Our first match summed up our overall performance - we had 80% possession and 10 shots, we dominated the opposition but sadly lost. They had two shots on target all game and scored both. A great day had by all and an excellent team spirit with all the team meant a good day out.

U9 NETBALL This was the girls first netball away fixture and the minibus was buzzing with excitement! As soon as we arrived, the team warmed up, getting themselves ready, talking to one another thinking about their area on the court. Yarlet U9s played Edenhurst first and we controlled from the off, sadly Bella and Lucy had lovely shots at the hoop but couldn't find the goal. Edenhurst vs Yarlet 0-0. The U9s final match was against the hosts (The Ryleys). They were much faster at passing the ball and moving into space but this didn't faze the girls and we intercepted quicker and matched their passes. Again the score was 0-0. Fantastic two games where the girls kept possession, used the space and communicated really well together. Well done U9s!

Pre-Prep News Easter 2018

Happy Easter, to all our Yarlet Pre‐Prep families. I hope you have a lovely holiday and that the Easter bunny is very generous!

EYFS NEWS Nursery: What a fun few weeks we have had in Nursery. We have been so happy to welcome our new friends Ivy and Betsy into our Nursery group. Our topic has been all about ‘colours’ and ‘Easter’. We have been on colour treasure trails, made colourful chameleons and played colourful twister games. The 12th March was ‘science week’ at Yarlet and so the Nursery children experimented with fizzy, exploding colour potions which we thought were magical! We made lots of colourful creations in our Easter themed week including crowns, chicks, rabbits and, of course, yummy Easter nests. Kindergarten: Kindergarten have enjoyed their topic People Who Help Us. We have walked around Yarlet accosting everyone we saw and asked them to explain to us how they help at Yarlet. We have thought about everyone who helps us at school, at home and out and about in the wider community. We loved our visits from the police, fire service and paramedics, especially when we got to sit in the police car and ambulance. Our Easter Fun Day saw us all crowned with Easter bonnets and crowns of our own design and we had a great time finding all the eggs on the egg hunt. It has certainly been a busy four weeks! Reception: Space has been our topic this half term and it has felt like the half term has indeed gone like the speed of light. We have still managed to fit a whole lot in to a very short time. We have learned about our solar system and what their characteristics are and then decided which of these planets we would like to visit using our space travel agents. We have also met some very scary aliens on the way which look awfully similar to some of our Reception children except with blue or pink or even yellow bodies and a variety of eyes. As well as all this fun, we have been practising our handwriting and counting using money as well. We have even used our money to buy sweets in our Reception sweet shop. Yummy!

KEY STAGE 1 NEWS It’s been a cold, snowy and short half term, but we have managed to make the most of our time and have had some great experiences in Key Stage One. We had a great time on our trip to The Thinktank in Birmingham. It was wonderful to see the children so excited to see their scientific knowledge put to practical use. The Lego workshop was quite tricky, but they all sat and listened intently and were able to make a geared robot man that could hit a ball with his stick! We had to return home a bit early as the snow was falling so thickly at Yarlet, which came as a surprise as we were in clear blue skies in Birmingham, with not a flake of snow to be seen! The annual arrival of the Spanish overseas students is always a great event and this year was no exception. The whole of Pre-Prep met with our Spanish friends and we sang songs to each other, did some artwork and even had a little afternoon tea of churros and scones delicio s a! Form One even had their end of day story read to them in Spanish, by several of our new friends. All in all, a great afternoon. Have a wonderful Easter holiday and we look forward to seeing you all for the final term of the year. The Key Stage One team Have a super Easter and I look forward to seeing everyone after the holidays, all ready for the summer term and all the outdoor activities that it brings with it. Mrs Fowlie