30th March 2012

What a glorious end to the Spring Term.  The sun has shone all week and the pupils have been enjoying the weather during breaktimes, lunchtimes and even some lesson times!

Wednesday saw the final of the GIFA - won by The Viral Nomads.

The term came to an end with an Easter Egg Hunt for the Prep School children organised by the Laos team.  It was lovely to see so many excited faces looking for laminated eggs.

Have a lovely Easter - we look forward to welcoming the pupils back on Tuesday 24 April.

DRAGON'S DEN

On Thursday six students entered the Gosfield Dragons’ Den to present their own ideas for a new product. The students, judged by Mr Sakal, Chair of Governors, Dr Welch, Mr Davies and Ethan Gilbert, Head Boy, presented their ideas including how their product would be marketed, considering the pricing, place and promotion, as well as the unique selling points of their innovative ideas. This was the final week of a weekly activity in which the students developed their ideas into an authentic pitch.

The students were judged on the innovativeness of their idea as well as the marketing mix for their product and their presentation skills.

As well as informative PowerPoint presentations, one pitch, that of winner Harry Willis, Year 7, included a role play demonstrating the use of his product, the ‘Secret Safe’. The results were very close and the judges were all impressed with the quality of the pitches and their innovative ideas, including ideas for new apps, a clip ring allowing interchangeable gadgets to be fitted and the new T100 toothbrush! The runner up place was awarded to Alfie Sexton, Year 9, for his incredible idea for an app, cleverly combining the top three app genres: battle, farming and business!

DECORATED EASTER EGG COMPETITION

Thank you for all those who took part in this competition.  The quality and standard of the work was amazing and it was difficult to choose the winners.  Winners had to be chosen though, and they were:

Reception
1st Sophia Everitt
2nd  Harley Pearson
3rd Edward Flynn-Hadden

Year 1
1st Johnny Lynch
2nd George Bowers
3rd Zac Mathews
4th Sam Hope

Year 2
1st Olivia Selt
2nd Amelia Stubbs
3rd Zac Claydon

Year 3
1st Grace Paisley
2nd Lucia Gutiarrez
3rd Gabriela Spindler

Year 4
1st Michael Freeman
2nd Ben Wyss
3rd Alex Allen

Year 5
1st Connall Cairns
2nd Kyron Moon

Year 6
1st Charlotte Moulden
2nd Chelsea Cullen
3rd  Lydia Benbrook

Special mentions go to:
Dan Greaves-Park
Lewis Perkins and Ellie Bichara

Winning parent entries:
Mrs Jones Year 4
Mr Hope Year 1
Mr Claydon Year 2

Special mention goes to:
Mr Sirkett

ISA LOGO COMPETITION

The following pupils have been entered for the ISA Logo Competition.  The results will be announced after the Easter holiday:

Rob McAllister Yr 10
Megan Cullen Yr 10
Myles Dalton Yr 10
Natalie Pummell Yr 10
Bradley Childs Yr 10
Olivia Dench Yr 10
Ella McAllister Yr 7

DUKE OF EDINBURGH

ENRICHMENT DAY

The enrichment day on Wednesday 28 March the Prep School was magnificent.  Many thanks to Mrs Gwynne for organising the event and to all the staff who worked tirelessly on the day.  The pupils had the opportunity to take part in a number of enrichment activities throughout the day. Year 6 painted a collage of art on canvas and the end result is brilliant.  Years 4 and 5 made dens in the woods.  The infants took part in African drumming and African dancing.  Prep School children created flower displays in half-barrel tubs in the Prep School Playground.  The children had a wonderful time designing their colourful displays, which really do look superb in the recent sunshine!

GIFA FINAL

MATCH REPORTS

Well done to the girls in Years 3 to 6 who played netball against Stoke College on Monday. They drew one match and lost the other, but played really well in both matches.

The Year 9, 10 and 11 netball teams played against Finborough on Tuesday, again resulting in one win and one loss.

The U14 and U15 football teams played against Finborough on Tuesday. One win and one loss, with a mixed performance from the boys. They are obviously getting ready for the Easter holidays.

A huge well done to the Emma Lovegrove, Sophie Lebecq and Lucy Keedy Davies who all ran in the Cross Country Competition at New Hall School on Tuesday 27^th March.  Sophie and Lucy both finished within the top 36 participants which is a very good result.  Emma Lovegrove won the Year 7 and 8 race - a fantastic accomplishment, particularly as Emma is only year 7. 

Well done to the Year 7 girls who played hockey against Stoke College on Wednesday 28^th March.  The girls lost 1-0 but have had not much practice due to netball commitments.  Everyone played brilliantly with such enthusiasm and commitment

Full match reports can be read on the school website or by clicking on the link at the top of this newsletter.

PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to Alex Allen in Year 4 who completed the Sport Relief Mile at Braintree Leisure Centre on Sunday.

Congratulation to Thomas Lally in Year 8 who took part in The Repton Football Festival last weekend.  He was representing Herts and Essex in football.

An adventurous pupil is braving temperatures of minus 20 as he competes in Ski Cross competitions all over Europe.  15-year-old Alex Harris has just earned 4^th place in the British Ski Championships held in Laax, Switzerland.

Along with two other members of the UK Junior Boys’ Team, Alex recently competed against senior racers in Verbier on a course built to encompass both naturally occurring terrain and artificial features like jumps, rollers, and banks. 

Originally an Alpine Racer, Alex first saw Ski Cross during the Olympics in 2006 and was instantly hooked on the daring sport.  Alex commented: “I really enjoy the challenge and excitement of Ski Cross. It’s different from Alpine racing, and each race is different from the last. It’s good to be involved in something so unique.” 

Ski Cross certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted – as well as the physical obstacles of the courses Alex has to overcome, the sport involves many early mornings, gym sessions and preparation for races, all during which school life is kept to as normal a routine as possible.

Alex skis for the Suffolk Vikings Ski Team who train at the Suffolk Ski Centre in Ipswich. Rolf Toogood, Chairman of the Suffolk Vikings commented: “Alex is one of our brightest prospects.  He has a grit and determination which translates to aggressive skiing and a real desire to win.”  If you would be interested in taking a trial to join the Suffolk Vikings Ski Team then contact them at info@suffolkvikings.org.uk

STARS OF THE WEEK

FOGS

Tickets for the May Ball on Saturday 26 May are selling fast. There are fewer than 15 left, so if you want to go, don't miss out - get your tickets from the school office.

Spring Plants - orders need to be returned to the school office by 4th May. Forms are available from the prep school playground or the school office.

GIRLS' BOARDING

Girls' boarding is now open for business.  Refurbishments are  complete . There are 2 new bathrooms to compliment the high standard of décor that consists of  3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a lounge.

If you haven't thought about it before, read the news article on the home page of the website or contact Miss Connolly at j.connolly@gosfieldschool.org.uk.

VOUCHERS AND INK

Please remember to bring in you Sainsbury's and Tescos School Vouchers.  They really do soon start to add up, and will enable us to buy items for the school at the end of the year. 

We also collect old ink and toner cartridges, again to raise money for school.  Please bring in any vouchers and ink to the school office.

LAOS TEAM RACE NIGHT

... has been postponed until the Autumn term.

CLOTHING BANK

Thank anyone who has been using the Clothes recycling (Rag Bag) bank.  It has been steadily raising money every half-term and Mr Davies has been able to empty it and receive on average about £70 per load - so over £300 so far has been raised for the ‘expedition’ fund.  Keep on giving please!

CHANGE TO THE SCHOOL CALENDAR

Monday 3^rd September and Tuesday 4^th September will be INSET days. ALL pupils to return Wednesday 5^th September. (Boarders may return Tuesday evening).

26^th April 2012

A changeable start in terms of the weather to what is always a busy term at Gosfield.  Public examinations take place for Year 10, 11, 12 and 13 pupils and we wish them well with their revision over the next few weeks.  The term does, however, end on a more relaxed note with Activity Week.  Several senior pupils have already booked to go to Portugal, Cornwall or Derbyshire and Year 5 and 6 are looking forward to their residential trip, too. Those staying at home will soon get to choose the activities they would like to participate in.

Some senior pupils have been extremely fortunate this week and had the opportunity to work with professional film makers.  It is clear we have plenty of acting and technical talent at Gosfield.

The Pre Prep took part in a Mini Olympics tournament on Wednesday.  Years 1-3 took partcipated in five different sports to represent the five olympic rings.

Boarding Inspection

We have now received the report from the Independent School Inspectorate following our recent boarding inspection.  Please click on the following link to read it:

ISI Boarding Inspection Report, March 2012

School Uniform

TEAM PHOTOGRAPHS

Team photos are now being taken on Wednesday 2nd May. Pupils will need to have their full PE kit in school on that day.

MATCH REPORTS

There were no matches played this week.

Match Fixtures can be found on the school website or by clicking on the link at the top of this newsletter.

Sporting Events This Term

STARS OF THE WEEK

Pupil Achievements

FOGS

Tickets for the May Ball on Saturday 26 May are selling fast. There are fewer than 30 left, so if you want to go, don't miss out - get your tickets from the school office.

Spring Plants - orders need to be returned to the school office by 4th May. Forms are available from the prep school playground or the school office.

FOGS has secured some sponsorship and promotion for our Cricket Festival and Fireworks from a local Estate Agent. They are going to produce 20 signs - all we need are gardens to locate them in - so if you live in (or have a helpful friend or granny!) Gosfield, Sible Hedingham, Halstead, Earls Colne, Coggeshall areas and have a small space in your garden to house a sign advertising the event pleaselet us know. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Raffle Prizes: We are still looking for some raffle prizes - please could they be handed to Sara in the School office.

FOGS Kwik Cricket Tournament will take place on Sunday 8 July.

CHANGE TO THE SCHOOL CALENDAR

Monday 3^rd September and Tuesday 4^th September will be INSET days. ALL pupils to return Wednesday 5^th September. (Boarders may return Tuesday evening).

4^th May 2012

The weather may be poor, but the work ethic is excellent at school this week.  The senior pupils in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 are preparing for their external exams, and many have stayed late after school to join in revision classes or to complete coursework.  Public examinations start on the 14th May, whilst the internal exams begin on Monday 28 May.  We wish all students sitting exams, both internal and external, the very best of luck.  Now is their time to show us, and the exam boards, what they have learnt throughout the year.

Thank you to all those involved in hosting the Pre Prep Mini Olympics last week.  It was a tremendous success and fun was had by all those involved.

The whole of Pre Prep went on a wonderful trip this week to Rainbow Nursery in Weeley.  They were able to see for themsleves the whole life cycle of a plant and what plants need to survive and grow.  They all potted up a fuschia plant to take home and watch grow over the coming months.  Many thanks to Mrs Brownbridge for organising the visit.

Trial Boarding

School Uniform

We are pleased to announce that we now have a stock of school uniform at school.  We are finalising arrangements with a new supplier, but, in the meantime, please see Sara Bowles in the office if you wish to purchase any items.

If you have any unwanted school uniform which is in good condition, please donate it to FOGS who sell it on to raise money.  Please leave any items at the school office.

MATCH REPORTS

There were no matches played this week.

Match Fixtures can be found on the school website or by clicking on the link at the top of this newsletter.

Sporting Events This Term

STARS OF THE WEEK

Pupil Achievements

Well done to Raffy Mathews in Year 4 who has achieved his level 1 in gymnastics.  He also took part in the Sport Relief Swimathon where his team of six swam a mile.

Congratulations to Ben Wyss in Year 4 whose football team, The Maldon Saint Lions, won the final of the Blackwater Dengie Cup.

Well done to Chelsea Cullen in Year 6 who has achieved Sufolk County grade 3 in gymnastics.

Congratulations to Hannah Barlow in Year 6 on her tremendous swimming successes last weekend.  She competed in two different galas at the weekend and took four seconds off her personal best in one gala, and one second off her personal best at the other.  She also beat her personal best at the 50metres freestyle, gaining her Bronze sprint time.  Well done Hannah.

The following Year 6 prefects have been appointed:

Reception - Hannah Barlow
Year 1 - Tristan Smith
Year 2 - Reece Brooking
Year 3 - Will Tindall
Year 4 - Dan Greaves-Park

Activities Week

Scarecrow Making Activity

Please bring in any old tights, plain pillowcases and old unwanted clothes, especially kit and school uniform, for the scarecrow making activity in the Prep School.  Please leave items at the front office.

FOGS

Tickets for the May Ball on Saturday 26 May are selling fast. There are not many left, so if you want to go, don't miss out - get your tickets from the school office.

FOGS has secured some sponsorship and promotion for our Cricket Festival and Fireworks from a local Estate Agent. They are going to produce 20 signs - all we need are gardens to locate them in - so if you live in (or have a helpful friend or granny in!) Gosfield, Sible Hedingham, Halstead, Earls Colne, Coggeshall areas and have a small space in your garden to house a sign advertising the event, please let us know. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Raffle Prizes: We are still looking for some raffle prizes - please could they be handed to Sara in the School office.

FOGS Kwik Cricket Tournament will take place on Sunday 8 July.

Would You Like To Host a French Family This July?

Gosfield is twinned with Chouzé Sur Loire and it's our turn to host! There are a couple more families wishing to visit than they have host families for.

The families arrive on the evening of Friday July 6th and they fly home early afternoon on Monday July 9th.

It coincides with the Gosfield fete and there is a barn dance on the Saturday evening.  Those who have hosted before say they would highly recommend it.

If you would like more info, please visit www.gosfieldtwinning.co.uk or phone Mr Claydon on 07576198637.

CHANGE TO THE SCHOOL CALENDAR

Internal exams will now be held during the week commencing Monday 28th May, not Tuesday 8th May as previously stated in the diary.

Monday 3^rd September and Tuesday 4^th September will be INSET days. ALL pupils to return Wednesday 5^th September. (Boarders may return Tuesday evening).

11^th May 2012

The ISA East Anglian Athletics Competition in Cambridge went ahead on Wednesday despite the rain.  Twenty pupils represented the school and did extremely well, with a total of 23 medals being won.  This is by far our most successful year at the competition.  Every single person who took part was an absolute credit to the school and should be very proud of their achievements.

Please click on the following link to see the full results:

ISA Athletics 2012

The Reception class were lucky enough to have another trip this week - this time to the local fire station.  Both staff and pupils thoroughly enjoyed the morning out.

Trial Boarding

School Uniform

We are pleased to announce that we now have a stock of school uniform at school.  We are finalising arrangements with a new supplier, but, in the meantime, please see Sara Bowles in the office if you wish to purchase any items.

If you have any unwanted school uniform which is in good condition, please donate it to FOGS who sell it on to raise money.  Please leave any items at the school office.

MATCH REPORTS

There were no matches played this week.

Match Fixtures can be found on the school website or by clicking on the link at the top of this newsletter.

Sporting Events This Term

STARS OF THE WEEK

Pupil Achievements

Well done to Zachary Mathews who has achieved his Level 5 award at Gymnastics.

Congratulations to Luke Allen in Year 7.  He took part in a 6 mile race on Sunday and won the prize for first Junior, with a time of 45 minutes.  He was one of the youngest taking part, competing mostly against adults and teenagers. 

Activities Week

Scarecrow Making Activity

Please bring in any old tights, plain pillowcases and old unwanted clothes, especially kit and school uniform, for the scarecrow making activity in the Prep School.  Please leave items at the front office.

FOGS

Tickets for the May Ball on Saturday 26 May are selling fast. There are not many left, so if you want to go, don't miss out - get your tickets from the school office.

FOGS has secured some sponsorship and promotion for our Cricket Festival and Fireworks from a local Estate Agent. They are going to produce 20 signs - all we need are gardens to locate them in - so if you live in (or have a helpful friend or granny in!) Gosfield, Sible Hedingham, Halstead, Earls Colne, Coggeshall areas and have a small space in your garden to house a sign advertising the event, please let us know. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Raffle Prizes: We are still looking for some raffle prizes - please could they be handed to Sara in the School office.

FOGS Kwik Cricket Tournament will take place on Sunday 8 July.

Would You Like To Host a French Family This July?

Gosfield is twinned with Chouzé Sur Loire and it's our turn to host! There are a couple more families wishing to visit than they have host families for.

The families arrive on the evening of Friday July 6th and they fly home early afternoon on Monday July 9th.

It coincides with the Gosfield fete and there is a barn dance on the Saturday evening.  Those who have hosted before say they would highly recommend it.

If you would like more info, please visit www.gosfieldtwinning.co.uk or phone Mr Claydon on 07576198637.

CHANGE TO THE SCHOOL CALENDAR

Internal exams will now be held during the week commencing Monday 28th May, not Tuesday 8th May as previously stated in the diary.

Monday 3^rd September and Tuesday 4^th September will be INSET days. ALL pupils to return Wednesday 5^th September. (Boarders may return Tuesday evening).

18^th May 2012

A tense and nervous start to the week for senior school pupils as their GCSEs and A Levels began.  Whole school exam week begins on Monday 28 May.  Please see the page under the parents tab for more information, or click on the following link:

Exam Week

We say goodbye to Year 11 students today as they leave school on study leave to prepare for their exams.  We wish them all every success.

The Reception class have continued with their topic on 'People Who Help Us'.  Last week they visited a fire station, this week they have been visited by an undercover policeman and a uniformed policeman who all talked about their work.

A Message From Mrs Gwynne

I would like to wish all the Art pupils the very best of luck in their future studies. They have all completed their coursework and their 10 hour examination. They have been great fun to teach and we have travelled a varied and interesting journey! Well done, good luck, I will miss you, Mrs. Gwynne.

Year 11 officially go on study leave from the 21^st and we want to wish them every success in their examinations, and their future studies. As their tutor I would just like to say we have travelled an interesting journey this year and not at any point has it been dull! There have been some great achievements, both sporting and academic and the characters of all the pupils have contributed to a year group that is spirited, strong and humorous. I hope all the pupils have happy memories of their time at Gosfield, and wish them success and happiness as they step into young adulthood. I look forward to seeing some of you in September, well done Year 11.

School Uniform

We are pleased to announce that we now have a stock of school uniform at school.  We are finalising arrangements with a new supplier, but, in the meantime, please see Sara Bowles in the office if you wish to purchase any items.

If you have any unwanted school uniform which is in good condition, please donate it to FOGS who sell it on to raise money.  Please leave any items at the school office.

MATCH REPORTS

The individual results at the ISA Athleticsa Competition were outstanding this year with a total of 23 medals won.  Congratulations to every pupil who took part - you should all be very proud of your achievements and you were all an absolute credit to Gosfield School.  We are all looking forward to next year’s competition.

Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 played in a rounders match against Stoke this week.  The second half was extrememly close with an even number of rounders gained, but the winners were Stoke.

Match Fixtures can be found on the school website or by clicking on the link at the top of this newsletter.

Sporting Events This Term

STARS OF THE WEEK

Pupil Achievements

Well done Zac Claydon in year 2 who took part in a very exhausting football tournament and won a medal.

Congratulations to Sam Paisley in Year 4.   Playing 3 years up for Halstead under 12's in Cricket, this week he bowled 3 overs containing two maidens, and two wickets for just one run.  He has now been selected to play for Halstead third team tomorrow, which makes him the youngest player in the 125 years to play a competitive league game for Halstead.

A huge congratulations to members of Years 7, 8 and 9 who took part in the 'Have Your Say' Languages Speaking Competition. Preliminary rounds were held in March and this week Sophie Lebecq and Daisy Copping in Year 7, Amber Hume, Ella McAllister, Emily Beaumont and Laura Robinson in Year 8 and Jordan Willis and Ellisha Rahim in Year 9 all took part in the final.   All eight girls did well against stiff competition from many schools in East Anglia.  They performed dialogue that they had previously practised and were then given an unseen dialogue to perform.

Daisy Copping and Sophie Lebecq from Year 7 came second, whilst Amber Hume and Ella McAllister from Year 8 won their section.  Well done girls.

FOGS

FOGS has secured some sponsorship and promotion for our Cricket Festival and Fireworks from a local Estate Agent. They are going to produce 20 signs - all we need are gardens to locate them in - so if you live in (or have a helpful friend or granny in!) Gosfield, Sible Hedingham, Halstead, Earls Colne, Coggeshall areas and have a small space in your garden to house a sign advertising the event, please let us know. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Raffle Prizes: We are still looking for some raffle prizes - please could they be handed to Sara in the School office.

FOGS Kwik Cricket Tournament will take place on Sunday 8 July.

23^rd March 2012

Year 4 visited Saffron Walden Museum this week as part of their work on Ancient Greece. The weather was beautiful and all the children were able to find their way out of the maze!

Year 9 visited the Imperial War Museum and the London Dungeons this week. They primarily went to see the Holocaust exhibition at the Imperial War museum. Pupils were able to see and experience some of the stories and tragedies from this horrible event. However it is something we should all attempt to comprehend a little. Although not surprised, Mr Pilsworth was extremely impressed with the impeccable behavior of all of Year 9. We hope they all gained more of an understanding of a very difficult topic in history.

After refreshments in the afternoon, pupils and staff alike were thrown into the dungeons. Here students learnt a little about the more gruesome side of London’s history, such as Jack the Ripper. Eventually all pupils and staff were released. Mr. Sheehan had stopped crying by the time the bus was back at school and hopefully an education and enjoyable time was had by all. Many thanks to Mr Pilsworth for organising the trip.

BARNARDO'S WEMBLEY CONCERT

There was a professional photographer at last week's event. All photographs can now be seen at www.hiskett.net/Events. Pictures can be purchased from there and 25% of all sales goes to Barnardo's.

OUR DAY OUT

The first showing of the Senior School production 'Our Day Out' took place yesterday. It was highly entertaining and well-acted!  The play is on again tonight at 7pm. Come along and support the show if you can.

SPORT RELIEF MILE

SCIENCE WEEK

It’s amazing how much Science there is in our everyday lives. During National Science and Engineering week pupils of all ages at Gosfield experienced the importance, usefulness and fun of Science:

Reception We looked at the topic of Growth and Change. Mr Davies brought a chicken into our classroom. We looked at life cycles of chickens and planted a bean and sunflower seeds which have already sprouted. We also made hairy caterpillars with cress seeds.

Year 1 We learned that some objects are attracted to a magnet. We investigated our classroom to see which objects were magnetic and which were not. Then we drew mazes and a vehicle. We attached our vehicle to a magnet and moved it through the maze using another magnet beneath the maze to control it.

Year 2 We combined Mothers’ Day and Science week all into one. We investigated changes of state from solid to liquid and back to solid again……making chocolate truffles. We popped a square of chocolate into our mouths and waited for it to turn from a solid to a liquid. We weighed the chocolate, butter and cream and talked about the reversible change we would be going to do. We melted the butter and chocolate and mixed in the cream. This changed the mixture from solids and liquids to just liquid. We put the mixture into the freezer to make it solid again, so that we could shape them. We took them out of the freezer, shaped them into balls, dipped them in sparkles and then wrapped them in special paper ready for us to take them home for our Mummy’s.

Years 3 & 4 We made balloon racers by connecting a balloon to a straw and threading a piece of string through it. The balloons whizzed down the straw according to Newton’s laws of motion.

Year 5  We made Cartesian divers out of fizzy drink bottles to demonstrate changes in pressure in liquids and gases. This is how submarines are able to rise and dive.

Year 6  We made paddle boats out of fruit juice cartons and elastic bands and tested them out in the sink in the laboratory. In our second lesson we launched our boats from the platform on the pond.

Year 7 & 8 We used K’Nex materials to make three wheeled balloon powered vehicles. We spent time designing and modifying the vehicles before the final competition to see whose could travel the furthest distance.

Year 9 We looked at amusement park physics; looking at how energy conversions are used in roller coasters and the importance of structure strength in different rides. We experimented making different structures out of drinking straws.

Year 10 In our physics lessons we considered different types of waves and earthquakes to tie in with the work on the Richter scale being covered in Maths.

Cross Curricular Other areas of the school joined in by supporting competition entries for ‘The Great Global Adventure’. Some fantastic work has already been completed in Art and ICT lessons, with pupils really letting their creative side show. In English, pupils used the word ‘motion’ as a stem word and investigated the effects of adding prefixes and suffixes to it. They then had to make up a song lyric, rhyming poem or rap based on the theme.  In Maths, Key Stage 3 pupils were examining flight time tables of Singapore Airlines and making calculations from the data that they found. In PE, pupils and staff were equipped with pedometers to measure how far they travelled in the course of their matches.

TEAM PHOTOGRAPHS

Team photos are being taken on Wednesday 25^th April. Pupils will need to have their full PE kit in school on that day.

DECORATED EASTER EGG COMPETITION

Open to parents as well!
Boil an egg and then decorate the shell in any way you like - paint it, stick things on it, make it look like someone famous! Bring your eggs (labelled with your name and class) and £1 to enter, into Mrs Lyne's class any time during the week commencing Monday 26 March. The eggs will be judged by an 'eggspert' from the senior school on Thursday 29 March.

EASTER EGG HUNT

There will be an Easter Egg Hunt for the Prep school on the last Friday afternoon of term organised by the Laos team.  It costs £1.50 to enter and it all starts from the English classrooms after House assembly at 2.15pm.

ENRICHMENT DAY

On Wednesday 28 March the Prep School will have the opportunity to take part in a number of enrichment activities throughout the day. May we ask that all Prep School pupils come to school on that day in their school PE kits and include tracksuit tops, bottoms and fleeces. School will finish at 3.45pm that day for all Pre Prep and Prep pupils.

MATCH REPORTS

Well done to the girls in Years 3 to 6 who played netball against Stoke College on Monday. They drew one match and lost the other, but played really well in both matches.

The Year 9, 10 and 11 netball teams played against Finborough on Tuesday, again resulting in one win and one loss.

The U14 and U15 football teams played against Finborough on Tuesday. One win and one loss, with a mixed performance from the boys. They are obviously getting ready for the Easter holidays.

Full match reports can be read on the school website or by clicking on the link at the top of this newsletter.

PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to Kapil Pau, Connor Hume and Tom Bent who achieved silver and bronze awards in the National Maths Challenge.

Good luck to Rob McAllister who is entering the Royal Academy Open for 2012. This is a very prestigious Art event and highly prized. If he makes the entry he it will be a real accolade and a fitting recognition of his talent.

STARS OF THE WEEK

NESTLE CEREAL TOKENS

The 2011/2012 Nestle Box Tops for Books scheme ends on 31^st March. This allows us to get free books for our Library in return for collecting the special tokens on the top of Nestle cereal boxes. As it takes as little as 10 tokens to get one book, each token collected really counts. So please send any further tokens into school before the end of March, when we will be ‘banking’ them. There is a special collecting box in the Library. Thank you.

FOGS

Tickets for the May Ball on Saturday 26 May are selling fast. There are fewer than 30 left, so if you want to go, don't miss out - get your tickets from the school office.

Spring Plants - orders need to be returned to the school office by 4th May. Forms are available from the prep school playground or the school office.

LAOS TEAM RACE NIGHT

... is on 5th May at 7pm in the school sports hall. Put together a team and help raise funds for the school expedition to Laos. £2.50 entry for adults, and no charge for children.

Tickets can be bought from any of the Laos Team or Mr Davies in the English Department. Alternatively please ask at the school office.

You can buy horses and jockeys and/or sponsor a race (minimum £25 per race, which gets a mention in the programme and on the night). Horses are £10 per race - there are 9 horses in each race, and if your horse wins you win half of the takings from all the sponsored horses (so if all 9 horses are sold the winning owner wins £45) Jockeys are £5 per race with the same deal. There will also be other ‘spot’ prizes throughout the night.

There will be refreshments on sale and a raffle, but you can bring your own drink and nibbles if you like.

It looks like being a great evening, so join in and have some fun.

CHANGE TO THE SCHOOL CALENDAR

Monday 3^rd September and Tuesday 4^th September will be INSET days. ALL pupils to return Wednesday 5^th September. (Boarders may return Tuesday evening).

16^th March 2012

We have learned that Ernest Newson has gone into administration so they will no longer be supplying our uniform. We are making arrangements for another supplier to take over as soon as possible. In the meantime, please accept our apologies for any inconvenience and contact the Office should you have any questions.

OUR DAY OUT

The Senior School production 'Our Day Out' takes place on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 March from 7pm. Rehearsals are going well, lines have been learnt and songs practised and practised. Come along and support the show if you are free on either night.

SPORT RELIEF MILE

We are supporting this important charity fund raiser with a House Competition.

Each house will have a theme and all pupils in the House will take part to complete a mile. Dressing up in amusing costumes or as a group is part of the entertainment. Different age groups will complete part of the mile with an obstacle course or a specific piece of equipment. The last leg of the mile will be completed by each house in their own costumes and inspired by their own idea - the more comical the better! Houses will score points for their originality.

Pupils are asked to bring their costumes to school on Friday 23^rd March and the event will take the place during afternoon lessons. Pupils will be asked to donate £1 towards the charity. We hope it will be huge fun and raise money for this good cause.

SCIENCE WEEK

Science Week has been celebrated across the school. Year 7 and 8 have had great fun competing against each other to see who could build the best balloon racer and they hopefully took inspiration from their visit to the Science Museum on Tuesday.

A more detailed account of what has happened across the whole school will be in next week's newsletter.

ISA FESTIVAL OF SPORT LOGO COMPETITION

2012 is the year of the Olympics and of ISA’s first national Festival of Sport! To help promote this fantastic event the ISA are launching a competition to find a Festival of Sport logo and are asking all of our schools to get involved. Pupils are invited to come up with their own, original logo design, which will be used throughout the Festival. The design must be simple, clean and striking, using only the three ISA colours of red, white and dark blue. It should be no larger than A4 size, and simple enough to be reproduced in a smaller size. The logo can be produced either by hand or on a computer, and the competition is open to all current pupils aged 18 years and under. The winner will be announced after the Easter holidays and will receive a prize of £50 Sports Direct vouchers. The winning entry will feature on the ISA website and across all Festival merchandising. Submit your designs to Mrs. Gwynne by Tuesday 20th March ready for posting!

DECORATED EASTER EGG COMPETITION

Open to parents as well!
Boil an egg and then decorate the shell in any way you like - paint it, stick things on it, make it look like someone famous! Bring your eggs (labelled with your name and class) and £1 to enter, into Mrs Lyne's class any time during the week commencing Monday 26 March. The eggs will be judged by an 'eggspert' from the senior school on Thursday 29 March.

SCHOOL CHOIR

An exhausting but lovely day was had by all on Thursday when most of the Prep School (years 3-6), together with a smattering of Year 7 pupils sang their hearts out alongside children from all over the country at The Barnardos Young Supporter Concert at Wembley Arena. The pupils were a credit to the school.

ENRICHMENT DAY

On Wednesday 28 March the Prep School will have the opportunity to take part in a number of enrichment activities throughout the day. May we ask that all Prep School pupils come to school on that day in their school PE kits and include tracksuit tops, bottoms and fleeces. School will finish at 3.45pm that day for all Pre Prep and Prep pupils.

MATCH REPORTS

Well done to the U11 football team who drew against Stoke one all. The match was closely fought and the boys played well as a team.

The U14 rugby team played in incredibly tough match on Wednesday against St John's. The opposition were much older and bigger than the Gosfield team. Although the team lost, they played incredibly hard and fought well against such a formidable team.

Well done to the U16 football team who played against New Eccles Hall this week and won 8-2, clearly showing their development as a team.

The Year 10 and 11 girls played netball against New Eccles, winning 24-9. They also played against Friends School this week, but lost this match 16-10.

The Year 9 and 10 girls played their first hockey match this year against Stoke College. Although they lost 2-1 the girls thoroughly enjoyed the game and are now keen to play more hockey.

Full match reports can be read on the school website or by clicking on the link at the top of this newsletter.

SARACENS v HARLEQUINS RUGBY

Saturday 31 March at Wembley Stadium

Watch great rugby and raise funds for the PE Deparment's Portugal trip Click on the following links for more information:
General information
Online ticket information

PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to James Jones in Year 4. He will be playing for Braintree Town Hornets under 9's football team in the semi-final of the league cup this coming Sunday.

Ben King and Raffy Mathews in Year 4, and Alex Swift and Kyron Moon from Year 5 were chosen to take part in The Inter School Science Quiz which was held at Newhall School in Chelmsford on Tuesday. They came across stiff opposition but worked very cooperatively as a team and achieved a very respectable 9^th place. Well done to all four boys who were a credit to the school in their behaviour, effort and attitude. Thanks go to Mrs Bradbury for organizing the trip and to Mrs Lyne who drove. It was a fabulous experience for the boys involved and we look forward to participating again in the future.

STARS OF THE WEEK

NESTLE CEREAL TOKENS

The 2011/2012 Nestle Box Tops for Books scheme ends on 31^st March. This allows us to get free books for our Library in return for collecting the special tokens on the top of Nestle cereal boxes. As it takes as little as 10 tokens to get one book, each token collected really counts. So please send any further tokens into school before the end of March, when we will be ‘banking’ them. There is a special collecting box in the Library. Thank you.

FOGS

Tickets for the May Ball on Saturday 26 May are selling fast. There are less than 30 left, so if you want to go, don't miss out - get your tickets from the school office.

Spring Plants - orders need to be returned to the school office by 4th May.  Forms available from prep school playground or school office.

LAOS TEAM RACE NIGHT

... is on 5th May at 7pm in the school sports hall.  Put together a team and help raise funds for the school expedition to Laos.  £2.50 entry for adults, and no charge for children.

Tickets can be bought from any of the Laos Team or Mr Davies in the English Department. Alternatively please ask at the school office.

You can buy horses and jockeys and/or sponsor a race (minimum £25 per race, which gets a mention in the programme and on the night). Horses are £10 per race - there are 9 horses in each race, and if your horse wins you win half of the takings from all the sponsored horses (so if all 9 horses are sold the winning owner wins £45) Jockeys are £5 per race with the same deal. There will also be other ‘spot’ prizes throughout the night.

There will be refreshments on sale and a raffle but you can bring your own drink and nibbles if you like.

It looks like being a great evening, so join in and have some fun.

CHANGE TO THE SCHOOL CALENDAR

Monday 3^rd September and Tuesday 4^th September will be INSET days. ALL pupils to return Wednesday 5^th September. (Boarders may return Tuesday evening).