Y11 went to the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton this week to watch the astounding ‘An Inspector Calls’ to support their GCSE revision. A great time was had by all, and the pyrotechnics were a must-see. The actors put on a great production which really brought the story to life with their dramatization of J.B Priestley’s morality play. I definitely recommend going to see it; one hour and 45 minutes you will not waste!
The Year 7 boys’ football team started their County Cup campaign with an impressive 6-1 win against Edgbarrow School. Players of the match were Baxter Finch, Thom Holland and Rayan Anouar.
Well done to the St Bart’s students who swam at the Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire County Championships last month.
Lucy, James, Stan, Emily, Freddie, Reiss, Olive, Amos, Brooke and Louise all represented Newbury District Swimming Club.
The medal winners were Amos, who won Bronze medals in the 800m, 400m and 200m Freestyle events and Olive who won Bronze in the 400m Individual Medley and Silver in the 100m Breaststroke. Congratulations!
Thank you to all those who attended the Commemorative Rose Planting last Friday held in memory of St Bart’s staff Eric Danvers, Phil Gray, Elizabeth Hopper (née Hughes), John King and John Wright.
It was so wonderful to see members of the families and so many former students and staff join us for the ceremony. Our particular thanks to Mike Hart, former Head of Curnock, who spoke about each of those we gathered to remember, and Gary Norman, Chair of Governors, who spoke about the vocation of teaching and the important role teachers play in so many young lives, while Dr Fitter planted the rose.
The Hansa rose will now be resplendent in our Heritage Garden rose bed and is accompanied by a plaque which reads ‘We remember those members of staff who gave great service to the school’.
After the planting of the rose, many of our guests joined us for tea, coffee and a delicious selection of cakes, organised by our catering team, and there was the opportunity to reminisce together and to catch up on the news of many in our school community. We hope the event was a fitting tribute to our wonderful former colleagues.
St Bart’s remembers distinguished former staff and recruitment for next year’s Sixth Form is in full swing in this week’s BartholoNews.
The Year 9 boys’ football team have had a great start to the season. They beat local rival Park House School, 1-0, in our first league game with Danny Smith-Mas as the player of the match.
The team then had a tough first round draw in the County Cup against Reading Blue Coat School. The team put in their best performance that Mr Bandy has seen and came away 7-1 winners! Eli Bodin was the player of the match scoring five goals!
As with both the RAF and RN sections, the Army cadets have had plenty to do. September saw the Year 10s embarking on the new CCF Army cadet syllabus which is now closely aligned with that of the ACF where cadets can achieve Basic/1*/2*/3*/4* qualifications. An early Field Day in October enabled cadets to cover some early basics including cooking in the field and elements of fieldcraft such as camouflage and concealment, while school-based activities have already covered aspects of military knowledge, first aid and the air rifle.
Year 11 cadets have continued to push on with elements that will enable them to complete either the Basic or Advanced Proficiency certificate. Field Day in October saw the Year 11 Army section participating with enthusiasm, and 39 cadets staying on for the Night Exercise through Friday evening into Saturday morning, when they undertook ambush drills and section attacks with many blank rounds fired. This enabled many to complete the fieldcraft syllabus. The Year 11 cadets participated in a range of problem solving and leadership activities led by the Army Engagement Team during one of their Friday afternoon timetabled sessions (see photo!). They have now begun the series of round-robin activities involving air rifle shooting, archery, a local mapex (A navigation exercise around Newbury/Speen Moor area) and first aid on a Friday afternoon.
We continue to be supported by a very good group of senior cadets in Years 12 and 13 who take the lead instructing in many activities. As always, the Year 12 cadets have completed the course on cadet instructional techniques.
CCF CVQ
In September 2023, the CCF re-introduced a BTEC course for those in Year 12, Personal Development and Leadership. Take-up was 16 cadets across all three sections with only one dropping out early on. Almost all have completed successfully already. This year’s take-up was smaller, but those involved are being given the excellent assistance by the visiting tutor on her four 2-hour visits.
CCF into 2025
The CCF already has plenty on the calendar for the coming year. Field Days are in the planning stage for both March and June, while the Easter Adventurous Training week will include climbing, watersports and mountain biking as well as a 2 day expedition. With both 35 and 45 mile teams participating in Ten Tors this year, those involved will be busy with Sunday walks through the Spring Term, followed by the final team selection weekend and then the Ten Tors event early in the Summer Term. Additionally, the Army section has been allocated 35 spaces on the Cadet Training Team run Summer Camp at Okehampton in July. As always, a wide range of opportunities to engage with as a part of the CCF, and plenty more to come!
Get ready, St Bart’s! Our Kenya School Link Club is launching an exciting new fundraising challenge, and we need your support!
Students and staff will be attempting to run, walk, or travel the distance from St Bart’s to our partner school, Ulafu School in Kenya. That’s an incredible 6,500 miles, and while we won’t be physically making the journey, every step, lap, or mile we complete will bring us closer to our goal.
The challenge aims to raise funds to support Ulafu School with essential resources, helping to improve the education and opportunities available to students there. Whether you’re running laps around the school field, walking your dog, or cycling at home, every contribution counts!
We encourage everyone to get involved by seeking sponsorship from friends and family to help us make a real difference. Together, we can go the distance and show our commitment to global community spirit!
How to Get Involved:
Let’s come together as a school and achieve something amazing! Every mile matters, and every step counts.
For more details, visit the Kenya School Link Club notice board (behind Patterson stairs) or speak to Miss Broome. Let’s make a difference—one step at a time!
St Bart’s A vs St Gabriel’s A: St Bart’s A faced a tough challenge against St Gabriel’s A but managed to maintain their lead throughout the game. A close and competitive match ended with St Bart’s A securing a 6-3 victory. Freya, excelling in the centre, and Maya, showcasing amazing defensive skills, were jointly awarded Player of the Match for their outstanding performances.
St Bart’s A vs Willink: St Bart’s A dominated their second match against Willink, delivering a commanding 11-1 win. The team worked seamlessly together, with Summer standing out for her excellent defending and earning the Player of the Match.
St Bart’s B vs Theale: The B team had a tightly contested game against Theale. Both sides battled hard, with the match finishing in an exciting 3-3 draw. Cece’s exceptional performance earned her the Player of the Match title.
St Bart’s B vs Kennet: In their second match, St Bart’s B showed their strength and teamwork to secure a 6-2 victory against Kennet B. Cece continued her impressive form, once again being named Player of the Match.
The U13 girls delivered a phenomenal performance in their match against Charters School in Ascot. The game began evenly, with both teams creating counterattacking opportunities, but it wasn’t long before St Bart’s began to dominate. St Bart’s quickly found their rhythm and produced moments of brilliance.
Freya (8P1) opened the scoring with a stunning shot from outside the box, assisted by Olivia (8E3). Taking on multiple players, Freya slotted the ball into the bottom left corner. Olivia (8E3) doubled the lead with a screamer into the top right corner, crossing the keeper from outside the box after an excellent pass from Alice (8D1). Alice (8D1) joined the scoresheet with a powerful left-footed strike from outside the box, assisted by Jessie (8D1). A shot from Freya (8P1), set up by Amy (7D2), was fumbled by the goalkeeper and rolled into the net to make it four. Jessie (8D1) added a fifth just before half-time, firing into the top left corner from just inside the box after being set up by Freya (8P1).
By half-time, we had stormed ahead with a 5-0 lead.
St Bart’s carried their momentum into the second half with outstanding linkage play. Alice (8D1), with a precise finish, scored her second goal, assisted by Tilly (7D3). Olivia (8E3) took advantage of a clever pass from Freya (8P1), slotting in a simple tap-in. A rebound from a shot by Amy (7D2) fell kindly to Alice (8D1), who completed her hattrick by calmly placing it in the back of the net. Another tap-in from Olivia (8E3), following excellent work and a pass from Alice (8D1), brought the score to 9-0. Alice (8D1) performed a side-footed finish, showing her strength and precision. Alice (8D1) then capped off her outstanding performance with yet another goal, a simple tap-in. Although Charters had one through ball that threatened St Bart’s goal, Rosie (8D1) and Isla (8E3) quickly stopped the attack, allowing Freya (7D2) in goal to safely collect the ball. The final goal came from Freya (8P1), who volleyed the ball down the middle of the goal after a pinpoint cross from Olivia (8E3).
An incredible 12-0 win!
Player Performances:
The entire team displayed incredible skill and determination:
Player of the Match: Alice (8D1) was awarded Player of the Match for her remarkable strength and finishing ability, scoring an incredible five goals. Mrs Stevens is super proud of their outstanding performance and exceptional teamwork, securing a dominant 12-0 victory and onto the next round of the County Cup!
