Daneshill Diary 11/12/15

Headmaster’s Notes

Many of the children have struggled this week against the numerous ailments and tiredness that affect all schools at this time of the year. Nothing, however, was going to prevent the Pre-Prep and Nursery pupils from putting on their annual Christmas celebrations. The Nursery children were first to perform on Monday to a captive audience of family and friends. On Tuesday and Wednesday ‘The Magical Christmas Jigsaw’ filled the Sports Hall with glittering costumes and beautiful singing. If that wasn’t enough Thursday and Friday saw the pupils in Year 3 perform ‘The Stars Coming out for Christmas’, which was a delight to behold.

The significance and importance of performing arts at Daneshill is plain to see. The confidence and development of pupils of all abilities starts in these formative years through the enjoyment of participating in these ultimate team events. Much fun was had by all those who came to support these performances and the school is very fortunate to have such talented pupils and staff who are dedicated to delivering such high quality drama and music throughout the school.

This time of the year is a particularly busy time for Mr Soper as Director of Music. In addition to these performances we have had a Music recital, a Vocal recital and music exams. The finale will be our Carol Service on Tuesday which will undoubtedly be the pinnacle of a very large iceberg that is the development of music and performance at Daneshill School. I look forward to seeing you there.

I would also like to acknowledge the colossal efforts of our science team this week who won the latest round of the National Science Quiz. Well done to Tommy, Viola, Alex and Harry for this fantastic achievement.

Mr Spencer

National Science Quiz

As winners of the first round of our area heat of the National science quiz we set off, excited and full of anticipation, to St John’s Beaumont school in Windsor for the semi-final stage of the competition. Ten teams filled the sports hall having travelled from all areas of the country; from Taunton to Chiswick, from Eversley to Wales; there were teams from far and wide. Daneshill, in their customary fashion, made a tentative start and after ten questions had made it up to fourth place. As the quiz progressed we slowly climbed the ranks to first position after twenty eight questions. Then came the big points! Nine hundred points were up for grabs in the final round and at one stage we were in joint first position with the other Danes Hill School from Oxshott. But true to form our team held their nerve and were in the lead with one question to go. This was a particularly difficult question about the composition of gases on Jupiter but we played our tactics like a dream to steal the show; winning by just 50 points. An absolutely incredible but hugely nerve wracking experience saw our team storm through to the National finals which will be held next term. Huge congratulations to our Year 5 and 6 science quiz team made up of Viola Mansfield, Tommy Guy, Harry Aldred and Alex Harker. Onto the final we go!

Mrs Blomfield

News from the Pre-Prep

WOW what a week it has been in the Pre-Prep! All the children excelled themselves when performing ‘The Magical Christmas Jigsaw’ from the smallest white mouse to the golden angles. We are all so proud of the way in which the children have risen to the challenge of working as a Pre-Prep team and delivering such a special nativity play this year. As always a huge ‘thank-you’ goes to the parents for all their support with costumes and hard work behind the scenes. It has been hugely rewarding to witness the transformation that each child has made as they have grown in confidence and I am sure we have some future West-End stars amongst our ranks. We hope all the children have a well-earned rest this weekend.

Pre-Prep Teachers

Nursery Corner

I am sure that you will all agree we had a fabulous start to the week with the children performing their Nativity play to family and friends. The children looked fabulous in their costumes and Mrs Cole, Miss Reka and I were so proud of how well they did – remembering their lines and singing their hearts out – a perfect start to Christmas and a huge well done to them all!

We have changed the role play to dressing up and with Miss Reka soon to be married, the children seem to be dressing up with that in mind. We have enjoyed comments such as ‘I can’t think who to marry’ and overheard quite a few proposals throughout the week! The costumes and accessories have barely been left alone – great fun for all involved! Aside from weddings we have also had one extremely happy young man who has spent all week as a Transformer!

Have a wonderful weekend and see you next week for more festive fun.

Mrs Beeching