U12-U13 Boys Swimming Gala v Reading Blue Coat
This was a fantastic gala for the team! The swimmers were evenly matched and it was difficult to predict who would win as the races were very close. Three races were won by the Oratory, which were the U12 Medley Relay with the team of David McDonald, Max Martin, Christopher Motha and Barnaby Charles and the same team took the U12 Freestyle Relay. These boys are obviously still riding high from their great swim in Southampton.
Christopher Motha won the U12 50m Backstroke with Leonid Iakovlev taking second place. Barnaby Charles did exceptionally well gaining second place in the U12 50m Freestyle in a time of 38.44. The Oratory performed well by taking second and third in most of the races.
The girls put in some fine performances against the boys, so well done to Lucy Bird, Abigail Leaver, Olivia Wilson and Charlotte Stanton. A brilliant score, the team won by four points – 82 to 78. We look forward to the Sonning Common gala on Monday.
Mrs Peters
My trip to Imperial War Museum Tuesday 1st May
At 9:00am we left to go to the Imperial War Museum. I was really looking forward to going. When we arrived at the museum there were two massive guns in the ground in front of the museum and shells from a World War Two battleship, very impressive. We were all split into groups. My group went to the Blitz Experience first. An ARP Warden told us stories about the Blitz during 1940. He then took us to sit in an Anderson shelter during a German Luftwaffe bombing raid. It was quite lifelike and scary as the shelter shook! After the ‘bombing’ had stopped we went into a recreated 1940’s London Street with damaged buildings and street lamps. After that we went to the World War One trench experience that was amazing. It seemed really real even down to the smells which were bad.
We also saw the Lord Ashcroft Gallery which had the history behind the men who had won the George Cross and Victoria Cross. Their stories were amazing! One story described how a man had taken out three Japanese machine gun positions in World War Two before he was killed saving his friends. Finally we went to the Secret War section which was all about spies. Really James Bond type stuff! After that we went to the gift shop where I bought a model tank (without glue and paint) and a pack of cards with pictures of tanks on them. It was the best day ever!
By Morgan MacRae 5H
ESSA South East Division Primary Relays 2012
The school had qualified towards the end of last term in both the Mixed Stroke relay and the Freestyle relay for ‘large’ primary schools being one of the top two teams in Oxfordshire. The boys’ first event was the Mixed Stroke relay in the second heat in which they had qualified in a time of 1.26.60 in 20th position of the 24 teams who were invited to attend. The team was very ably led by David who swam a fantastic backstroke leg, Max showed great determination in the breaststroke leg, Christopher kept the team in contention by swimming a great butterfly leg and Barnaby brought the team home in third place swimming his freestyle brilliantly.
The team finished in the fantastic time of 1.16.56, which had taken a massive 10.04s off the qualifying time. We held our breath to see if the team would qualify for the final eight as there was another heat to go! Fortunately the news was very good, they qualified as the eighth fastest, and the boys had to swim a race which they hadn’t expected!
The final arrived all too soon and the boys were on their marks and ready to go! As before all four swam extremely well, but their time of 1.17.09 was not enough to improve their seeding and they finished in eighth position, which is a fantastic achievement as swimmers had come from all over the South East to compete. After about a five minute rest when some other finals took place the boys then competed in the first heat of the Freestyle relay. The team had qualified for this event in a time of 1.10.16, which was 16th in the fastest time. There was a change of order in this event with David still taking the lead, Max in second, followed by Barnaby and then Christopher bringing the team home. All the boys had a brilliant race finishing in third place in a time of 1.07.57, taking almost 2.5s off their qualifying time. The competition was much tougher in this event and the boys had swum in the slowest heat of the three. They missed out on the final as their time was 11th fastest which was a great improvement on the qualifying position of 16th.
I would like to thank the boys for making such a big effort on this occasion. It was a great gala, with a lovely atmosphere and fantastic support, with the spectator gallery having standing room only. I would also like to thank Mr Charles, Mr McDonald and Mrs Motha for their brilliant help and support.
Mrs Peters
The House Music Competition
The House Music Competition epitomises the OPS approach to music; a belief that music is for all while allow the elite to take flight. While some academic staff members find the whole idea terrifying, the children are thrilled by the event and the expression on Craig Rintoul’s face as he hefted the trophy, sharing first place between Branksome and Caversham, says it all.
It is intensely moving to see our year eight boys and girls caring for the younger members of their houses and gently shepherding them on stage with encouraging words. It is inspiring to see children of seven or eight giving their all with a song learned in Junior Choir, practised at home and then performed on stage in front of the whole school. How splendid to hear a virtually faultless piano performance by Matthew Mackay, who bore off the Individual Performance cup, or a moving vocal solo by an experienced senior. Year Seven became something of a battle of the saxes, with some smoky Jazz and Latin sounds. What a great effort by some year eights, not individual music students, but who nevertheless put themselves on the line for the honour of the House, with some hilarious, engaging and moving results.
Best of all, though, were the Community Songs, this year chosen from the Queen Anthology. Every member of every house was fully committed and enthusiastic, learning words and tunes at high speed in only two days and putting on a performance which made us all very proud.
The result was justly close, the honours shared and we cheered on our friends whatever house they were in. This was a lovely afternoon and showed our school community at its very best.
A Double Win for the 1st VII
Our 1st VII Rugby team have won two Sevens Tournaments in the past week with a win last Sunday at Moulsford and again at Farleigh on Wednesday night.
Well done to all involved. A fantastic result!
Match details to follow shortly.
Oratory Prep School Boys Selected in Regional Independent Prep Schools Rugby Squads
Five boys from The Oratory Prep School were chosen to play for the South East U11 and U13 Independent Prep Schools Rugby squads.
This was a fantastic achievement especially as The Oratory Prep was the only Prep School in the South East to have four players in the U13 team.
The chosen boys were Henry Antonian at hooker, Charlie Sheppard (prop), Harry Derbyshire (second row) and Lucas Huysinga (wing). Jack Winterbottom represented the school at full-back for the U11s. On Sunday 11th March four of the five chosen played as part of the South East team at Rugby School against three other regions: The South West, The Midlands and The North. Lucas Huysinga was unfortunately unable to play due to injury. Following these matches, selection to the full U11 and U13 National Independent Prep Schools teams was announced and Charlie Sheppard has been selected for the U13 team.
Chris Winterbottom, Deputy Head of the Oratory Prep School and 1st XV coach said “All of us at the school, staff and fellow pupils alike, are tremendously proud of the boys involved. It’s a fantastic testament to the boys’ efforts and aspirations to achieve success, as well as the dedication and coaching skills of our sports department. Sport and physical activity is a cornerstone of our academic and personal development curriculum at the school, making achievements like this even more rewarding.”
Charlie Sheppard, Henry Antonian, Jack Winterbottom, Harry Derbyshire
Reception visit to The Natural History Museum - Friday 25th February
On Friday 25 February, 35 very excited children set off to learn all about dinosaurs at the Oxford Natural History Museum. The first thing we learnt was that dinosaurs had straight legs, like ours, which made them good for running. Reptiles, on the other hand have legs that are attached to the side of their body (a bit like our elbows) and they run in a very wobbly manner. We now know that met-eating dinosaurs had three toes and that a dinosaur’s leg measured exactly four times the length of his foot!
We held fossilized tail bones and teeth and, stroked an extremely rare piece of fossilized skin. We even investigated the smell and feel of fossilized poo! - No a dinosaur did not eat Weetabix for breakfast!
Back at the OPS we staged our own dinosaur hunt and archaeological dig, which was a lovely way to demonstrate and assimilate, some of our newly acquired knowledge.
We all had such a great day.
OPS Colts Rugby Sevens Tournament at the Oratory School - Saturday 3rd March
Saturday was an exciting day for the Colts boys as they entered the Colts Rugby Sevens Tournament as current holders of the trophy, and with Mr Winterbottom’s experience and wise words the boys were mentally prepared to bring the Trophy home again! Mr Mason, who currently plays for Reading University and The Berkshire U20 side has been coaching the Colts this season and was also there in attendance whilst Mr Clayson was event organisor.
It was a glorious sunny day and the tournament, which was held at The Oratory School in Woodcote, welcomed 16 teams from Prep Schools all across the country.
A rocky start, which saw us lose our first two games, culminated in a match where we showed resilience in our defence and solid scrums giving us a chance to play and we took it to the opposition. Will Powell showed a moment of class when he showed composure to let the defence draw to him and then used a fast side step to accelerate and score under the posts. We managed to hold tight, chopping down one on one tackles. The game was ours! A fantastic win of 12-5.
In the knockout stages we played a quick St John’s Beaumont side that managed to go around us, although this was not the end of the world as we didn’t concede anything through missed tackles in the middle of the defensive line. Although we went home empty handed it was a real squad effort where people pulled together well.
The smiles and buzz of the win in the group stages also showed what rugby 7’s is all about and that memory will stay with those boys for a long time.
Thank you to all the teams that travelled to The Oratory to make the tournament such a wonderful event.
Max Martin (Ball Carrier) supported by Zach Griggs in Satursday's Tournament
Oratory School Debating Competition - Thursday 23rd February
The Oratory school held its popular Prep School Debating Day this year. Eight prep schools took part in the day which began in the morning with three workshops led by Sixth Form boys. One of the workshops concentrated on the form of the debate and helped the prep school boys to hone their debating skills.
A second workshop encouraged the boys to think on their feet using the format of the popular game ‘Just a minute’ where they had to talk on the spot for one minute without hesitation, deviation, or repetition.
The last workshop concentrated on the boys’ ability to voice project and ‘act’ what they were saying in order to get a point across and convince an audience. In the afternoon all of the boys took part in a series of debates. They all did fantastically well, and congratulations to the The Oratory Prep School team who finished as runners up.
Sam Christie, David McDonald and Sebastian Smith receiving their certificates from Oratory School Headmaster, Mr Clive Dytor.
Friday 2 March - Choristers sing Vespers and Benediction at the Oratory School Chapel
Having prepared a suitably Lenten Vespers for Friday 2 March, Choristers heard at 12.00 on the day itself that it should be a festive occasion to celebrate St Chad's day, necessitating a wholesale change of plan.
At the same time the school had been plagued by illness and several of our number were required for play rehearsal so we were down to 2/3 normal strength. In 25 minutes on Friday afternoon the team learned two new psalms and one new canticle, a new set of responses and a different hymn. Charlie Reed sang the Laudate at two minute's notice, because Mrs Cox suddenly remembered in the middle of Benediction that the selected soloist had gone home sick that day and the three front row boys: Sebastian Smith, Benjamin Danks and Thor Cutler took the cantor role because our older boys were either turning into tenors or absent.
Charlotte Stanton was just about the only one who was doing what she had planned to do! She sang her solo in Panis Angelicus very well indeed. Many parents, not realising quite what a challenging time we had had, came to say how lovely the service had been and Mr Wilson from the OS said 'I don't know what you give your Choristers to make them sound like that, but could you please bottle some and sell it to me?' As Mr Mc remarked; 'there are no problems, only opportunities for greatness'. Choristers are undoubtedly great!
Thank you, Mrs Cox
Oratory Prep School pupil nets a place in the county squad
Olivia Wilson, a pupil at here at the Oratory Prep, has been selected to play for the Oxfordshire U12 squad. Olivia has gained a love of the sport during her time at school, (thanks to Mrs Packham) and has been training outside school in the evenings with Trinity Netball Club in Abingdon.
Olivia was put forward for county trials just after half term and is thrilled to have been picked to join the squad.
Well done Olivia!
Year 6 Mathematics Challenge Tuesday, January 31st
Sam Christie, Madelaine Hart, Jake Elliot and Hamish McAlpine joined young mathematicians from 47 other prep schools for an enjoyable afternoon of Mathematics at the Eagle House Year 6 Mathematics Challenge.
Working in pairs, the children answered a mental arithmetic test, participated in counting down, which was physically exhausting as well as mentally taxing, and solved a variety of complex problems in The Big Event. The challenge was split into two sections – the blue section and the red section. Sam Christie and Hamish McAlpine competed in the blue section and finished a highly commendable 11th with an overall score of 170. Madelaine Hart accompanied Jake Elliot in the stronger red section and scored 102 in total.
Jake Elliot will be eligible for this challenge next year and it is hoped that, having had the experience of taking part this year, he will pass on some tips to his peers in Year 5!
Year 2 Trip to Windsor castle - 6th February 2012
The 6th February 2012 marks the 60th anniversary of the day when King George VI died and Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne. Year 2 therefore felt very privileged to be visiting Windsor Castle on such a special day.
We arrived in Windsor to see small mounds of snow that had been swept off the walkways. Amazingly it was not cold and the snow provided an extra interest. The children quickly spotted the many castle defences that we had discussed in the classroom and were impressed by the thickness of the walls of St. George’s Gate.
In the Moat Education Centre we listened to an interesting talk titled ‘What are castles for?’ The speaker was called Jo and she showed the children pictures of castles through the ages, as well as a real Royal Standard flag. The children listened carefully and were able to answer many of her questions. We hastily left the Education Centre just in time to catch the Changing of the Guard. This is normally a short ceremony in February but to mark the significance of the day, we were delighted to watch and listen to a much larger military band than we have seen in previous years.
We then moved into St. George’s Chapel and the children were able to see the home of The Order of the Garter. They studied the banners of the knights of the Garter and spotted the banner belonging to Prince William. We had a poignant moment when we stood by the memorial chapel where George VI and Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother) are interred.
After lunch, we headed for Queen Mary’s Doll’s House which was built in 1924. The children were fascinated by the size and detail of the house and enjoyed spotting some of the thousands of objects all made on a tiny scale.
As we moved through the State Apartments we were impressed by how interested the children were in the paintings. There is so much to see and it was difficult to answer their questions in the time that we had.
We stopped in St. George’s Hall. This is one of the most historic rooms of the castle and is the principle place of assembly of the Knights of the Garter. The children were able to study the ceiling which is decorated with the coats of arms of all the Knights. They imagined what they would like to put on their shields if they were a Knight. It is difficult to imagine that all this was destroyed by fire in 1992 and rebuilt and restored so expertly.
Only too soon it was time to return to the bus, we had a wonderful time and were lucky to be in Windsor on such a historic day.
Mrs Stanton and Mrs Maher
Chinese New Year Workshop
On Thursday 26 January Year 4 took part in a Chinese New Year Workshop. The Chinese teacher – laoshi- was Mrs Swaddling and she introduced the children to a whole range of facts and engaged them in fun activities throughout the session.
The children learnt some Chinese words, along with facts about China and they now know that this is the year of the Dragon. The children also received presents such as fortune cookies, red envelopes, chopsticks, Chinese lanterns and Chinese knots.
Personally I was in awe at the ease at which laoshi could write the Chinese characters! This was a lovely way to celebrate the Chinese New Year!
Zaijian
K. T. Phillips
Roman and Anglo-Saxon Workshop Thursday 19th January
The Year 4 children arrived in their classrooms last Thursday looking amazing – in a variety of Roman and Anglo-Saxon outfits (including a few authentic looking weapons!). Our special visitor was Elswyth, an Anglo-Saxon lady, who told us many stories about the Romans and her fellow Anglo-Saxons. She was able to tell her tales with the help of her many Roman and Anglo-Saxon artefacts, which the children were able to handle, e.g. the strigil, snail spoon, Roman sauce (urrgh) and a replica ‘Alfred’ jewel. She used Diggory and George as good examples of an Anglo-Saxon and a Roman.
As for the ladies, Caitlyn in her Roman clothes and Beth in her Anglo-Saxon outfit helped Elswyth to demonstrate female clothes and accessories. Elswyth showed us how to separate wool for weaving and use a spindle to make thread, followed by weaving. She also showed us how to play the Roman game ‘knucklebones’ and explained why the Romans had a special room called a vomitorium! Cameron was obliging as he helped Elswyth explain the Anglo-Saxon ‘trial by ordeal’. Four children, Alice, Will Nugent, Archie Mew and Jack Gray also helped Elswyth with her story about early Christianity.
Finally, she told the story of Beowulf and his dramatic death; and she literally had the children in the palm of her hand as she wove her tail. We all had an excellent time!
Mrs Phillips
Year 7 Visit to Natural History Museum 24th January 2012
Year 7 were all assembled and keen to be off on our trip to London. The weather and traffic were rather against us, but we made it safely to the Museum. After booking in and arranging lunch time – very important – the group headed for the Human Biology gallery, passing through the Central Hall where you can see a diplodocus skeleton, towering above your head.
The main focus of this visit was to complete a booklet which covered the topic of Human Growth. The pupils were expected to look carefully at all the exhibits and to answer questions either with illustrations or text. This was to consolidate and further their knowledge on the way that humans develop as they go through various stages of their lives. Once the hard work was over, the pupils had fun looking at their reflections in the concave and convex mirrors, making it look as if their bodies were all sorts of shapes and sizes. There were other challenges such as using your memory and perception skills, tricking your brain into seeing things that weren’t actually there!
The group then assembled to travel through space and up through the centre of the earth, travelling on a long escalator. We arrived at the gallery which gives lots of information about the moving earth, the study of volcanoes and earthquakes. The children visited the local supermarket, where they were surprised to experience some earth tremors.
After lunch, by popular request, we visited the dinosaur section, always an experience not to be missed. Who can resist seeing these enormous beasts, with the fully grown, fully automated model of the Tyrannosaurus Rex, roaring and snarling as we pass by as close as we dare!
Our visit finished with a trip to the gift shop, where the money was soon spent on souvenirs to remind us of our day at the Natural History Museum. All the children had a great time and I am sure that many are inspired to visit the museum again. I know of at least one boy who would have liked to have spent more time looking at the dinosaurs!
I would like to thank Mrs Goodwin, Mrs Sutton, Mrs Elkes, Mr Hogan, Miss Crook and Mr McConochie for their invaluable help on this trip and for making the day such a success. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Mrs Peters
Christmas Concert - Tuesday 6 December
The first ever Christmas Concert that anyone can remember took place on Tuesday 6 December. It featured all our large ensembles and some small groups with just one special soloist; Marta Punti Turrull, who has contributed so fully in the short time that she has been with us, and leaves us at Christmas. Junior Choir, despite their tiredness, sang a lovely song about the Night Sky and Inch Worm, in harmony.
Orchestra opened in fine form with the Raiders March.Year Five Violin Group gave a surround sound rendition of I Saw Three Ships with far more than violins and Senior Choir closed the first half with some very seasonal songs! Choristers enjoyed singing somewhat out of repertoire with Jingle Bells and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Of the many enjoyable small ensembles; flute, brass, clarinet and violins, the Sax Group impressed greatly with their maturity and the newly formed Ukelele Club with their enthusiastic self motivation! Jazz Band, as so often, brought the evening to a rousing conclusion.
Particularly stunning was an unusual arrangement of White Christmas; here’s hoping for a very Merry, Restful and, perhaps, White one for us all!
Crosfields Year 2 Football Festival (Boys and Girls)
On Friday 25 November the Year 2s set off for Crosfields School excited at taking part in their very first football festival. The girls had been given two lessons of football coaching by Mr Chaffey prior to the event and as one would expect, they were very nervous. We arrived just in time, due to bad traffic in Reading. The boys and girls quickly raced to the pitches to begin their first matches. Everyone enjoyed playing three games against other schools which included Moulsford and Chandlings which allowed them to demonstrate their football skills and teamwork.
The boys played exceptionally well in their matches, being coached by Mr Chaffey and Mr Clayson . The Oratory As were defeated by Moulsford As for 2nd place and the Oratory Bs were defeated by Moulsford Bs for 3rd place.
In the girls league, the Oratory Lioness’s were defeated by Crosfields Blues for 4th place. All the boys and girls played with excellent team spirit throughout the tournament. In the girls league the Vixens played with such gusto and a determination to succeed that I thought at one point they were going to have to stop playing due to exhaustion. Grace Pavey had so many opportunities to score in the first two games, but the goal keepers were too good. However, she didn’t give up and in the final game she scored a triumphant goal, much to the delight of her team and parents who were both at the festival to support her.
Laura Elliott and Adele Cockings (the captain) demonstrated excellent defense and attack skills and I can honesty say that they both played outstanding football with the support of their team mates Francesca Malcolm, Hanna Swaddling, Chantal Born (who scored two goals), Bizzi Dowsett and Ingrid Rees. In fact, the Crosfields referee’s commented on how well our girls played. We won one game and drew two to get through to the final. The final match was against Crosfields Hoops. The girls were now very tired but full of enthusiasm and excitement. Having gotten to grips with their positioning on the field they played with better organization and were ready for the ball when it came to them. All the girls played a magnificent game and I was so very proud of them.
The final score was OPS Vixens 4, Crosfields Hoops 0. OPS Vixen had just become the winners of the Year 2 Girls League and Adele Cockings received the trophy on behalf of the team. Well done everyone. You were fantastic.
My Utopia and other reflections
The Oratory Preparatory School’s English Department has published a 400-page anthology – 'My Utopia and other reflections' – which includes interesting, sometimes humorous and often exciting writing from children at all levels.
The creative pieces – collected by the English Department over the last six or seven years – have come from across the age-groups and are certainly not confined to top-set – or high-ability – pupils.
The editors did not stick to any set criteria, although the advice of one anthology editor proved invaluable in suggesting that a piece should ‘say something, and, say it well’.
There were a number of reasons for publishing a selection of the pupils’ writing. It provides an opportunity for them to see their work in print; it creates interest in the reading and writing of prose and poetry; and it establishes a vibrant and poignant record of pupils’ work at an important time in their lives.
Teachers will find value in the fact that pieces can be used in the classroom to stimulate discussion as pupils are taught to compare and analyse their own and others’ writing.
In the course of each year, children are encouraged to become involved in internal and external competitions in order to compare standards and be assessed by outside adjudicators. The anthology has provided an opportunity to publish those pieces that have done well.
The publication also provides an appendix which includes a record of all competition winners; a list of distinction recipients in the English Speaking Board examination; reports of entries to the Shakespeare Schools Festival; details of success in public speaking and debating, and commentaries on department outings.
It is hoped that 'My Utopia and other reflections' will be of interest to teachers and pupils of schools in the area, as well as former pupils. Copies may be obtained from the School reception.
Some of the younger pupils who have had their work published in 'My Utopia and other reflections' include (top): Anastasia Harrison-Moore and (in front): Lloyd Langley, Antonia Hogan, Jake Elliott, Alfie Seymour, Emilienne Dowsett and Aoife Jones
Success for the U9As at the Abingdon Prep Tournament
The sun was shining yesterday as we set off for the Abingdon Under Nine A Tournament.
This is the first year that this event has been held and it was great that we had been invited.
We were due to play five other schools at the tournament only one of which we have played before - Abingdon Prep. As it was a tournament Mr Webber and I decided to take along an extra three boys – and I am happy to say that every one had a game.
Last week I wrote the following in my report – ‘We face a Tournament next Thursday. This will be tough but I do believe that we can do well. If we play like we did against Caldicott we should easily win the trophy.’
One could say that we did ‘easily’ win the tournament but with all these things you cannot take anything for granted.
Match results –
OPS v Cokethorpe – 35 – 0
OPS v Abingdon A – 15 – 0
OPS v Christchurch – 30 – 0
OPS v Abingdon B – 40 – 0
OPS v Chandlings – 5 – 0
The last game was very exciting and we showed our great rucking and defending. Freddy scored a terrific try and although up until this point Chandlings had also been unbeaten, we would not let them through. Well done to all the lads who showed great guts and determination. We wanted this trophy and were not going to be denied our win. Ridgeway up next – lets go for it! Thank you to Mr Webber for coming along.
St Cecilia's day
When Choristers play away it is in a spirit of co operation rather than competition and so we always come away with a win. Thus it was on 22 November, St Cecilia’s Day. She is the patron saint of music and musicians and it has become a tradition to mark her day with a special Vespers and Benediction followed by a short concert.
All Choristers joined with our friends in the Schola of the Oratory School to sing music beyond our usual reach, using their tenors and basses. The outer movements of Pergolesi’s Magnificat framed the central verses in plainchant and there were other examples of rarely heard chant proper to the day. The motet, Bullock’s Give us the wings of faith soared above the congregation also featuring Mr Jones on the organ with trumpet stops. I noticed him too, in the final verse of O Praise ye the Lord with a dazzling display of footwork. I am a beginner organist so I know how extraordinarily virtuosic it was.
Two quotes will also help to describe the feelings of those listening and those singing; ‘A haven of calm’ said Mrs Willson and Alice, when asked by Mrs Tompkins if she found Choristers’ work difficult, replied, ‘yes, mummy, but it is important’. The boys and girl benefit in so many ways from this experience and it is lovely for them to realise that they are giving something special to those who attend, serving their school and contributing to worship.
Chorister News
The Year Eight Choristers went to London on 10 November to sing at the Annual Requiem for Old Oratorians. This has become my favourite event of the school year. It has a very special, unique quality formed of the various parts of the occasion.
We travel by coach and arrive at Brompton in mid afternoon. Leaving our packed tea upstairs in the ‘green room’ we enter the Little Oratory Church and the Choristers are always impressed by the particular atmosphere; collegiate, warm in colour and enclosed. As we go into the choir loft they realise how high and exposed that feels, by contrast, but as we begin to sing and our voices fill the space we populate it and have a sense of the community that will materialise when the congregation arrives.
After rehearsal we enjoy our packed tea and then go for a walk along Knightsbridge. We form into ‘family groups’; me with my two sons and daughters, Miss Cox with two nieces and a male cousin, Miss Sage with a nephew and two female cousins. We enter Harrods (which has a ‘no school parties’ rule) by three different doors and have no problems, politely greeting the doormen who smile and wave us through. Gathered in the shop we then decide on our priorities. I have all boys: food and toys top the list. I wonder what the girls chose? It is very pretty and festive at Harrods, inside and out. We find our way to the toy department through a beautifully decorated restaurant; I feeling a little out of place, the children unbothered.
Walking back we arrive in perfect time to see the guests arriving for Mass. This is a splendid though intimate occasion. We realise, with no sense of gloom, that we are remembering in friendship Oratorians who have died and gone before us. The sermon reinforces this thought: friendship across time and space, at the inception of the Oratorian movement, at the founding of our School and holding us all still. Having done our good work (and I am proud and pleased to report that Choristers delivered of their best) we go for our reward; Pizza in Beauchamp Place. This is splendid good fun and fellowship. We hear of the latest ‘Long Service’ awards for those who have sung at five Annual Requiems in a row! Our own old boy, Paul Dempsey, is the youngest ever winner having attended his first while still a year six. Unlikely to happen again any time soon, Choristers being so large and splendid a group at the moment that I was more inclined to miss a year eight out than to have to consider taking a younger or less experienced singer in.
Well done all, another Requiem safely placed into the long history of our school.
Mrs Cox
Year 2 Trip
Science Oxford Live’ proved to be an exciting hands-on science gallery with lots of wonderful, interactive experiments which allowed the children to explore themes such as light, sound, senses, forces and magnets. Indeed, we had a taste of the whole science curriculum for Year Two in one morning!
The children loved learning through play and began to think about their investigative skills, which we will continue to develop as the academic year progresses. Brian, our science helper was knowledgeable and interesting and the children paid careful attention to him. They particularly enjoyed a workshop called ‘Isobel’s Inventions’, which focussed on different materials, (our science topic next term is all about material so this was a good introduction for the children).
It was wonderful to observe how eager the children were to put their hands up to answer Brian’s questions and the prospect of him throwing an egg on the floor to see what would happen was particularly entertaining. Brian talked about the need for a fair test and the children felt like real scientists! This was a successful and fun trip for the children , staff and parents and our thanks must go to our lovely parents – Mrs. Ellard, Mrs. Lamsdale, Mrs. Leaver and Mrs. O’Sullivan, who came along to help.
Mrs. Stanton and Mrs. Maher
OPS Big Draw 2011
On Wednesday 19 October we had our annual OPS Big Draw, this is an opportunity for all the children in the school to take part in an art project. This year the theme was Andy Goldsworthy.
OPS U11 Hockey Festival (Sat 15th Oct)
A fantastic afternoon of Hockey was enjoyed by all on Saturday 15th October. Our visiting teams were Holme Grange, The Abbey, St.Andrew’s, Chandlings and Thorngrove. Both of our U11 teams played in the festival and were well supported by both parents and staff from the OPS. Our B team enjoyed a victory against The Abbey, but they succumbed to Holme Grange and our own A team in the group stages, meaning they just missed out on the semi finals.
After a nail biting group match to decide the winners of group 1, the U11A team progressed through to the semis, meeting Thorngrove. There they endured another tough match, which went into extra time. A golden goal just 90 seconds before the end of extra time secured their place in the final against St.Andrew’s – and what a final it was!
Both teams fought so hard that at times it was unbearable to watch! Toni Hogan hit the post, shattering already frail nerves! At the full time whistle, tantalizingly, the score remained 0-0 and so we entered a period of 5 minutes extra time, where a golden goal would decide the winners of the festival. The two teams fought harder and there was absolutely nothing between them. With just 10 seconds to go, St.Andrew’s scored the goal that both teams were so desperate for, snatching victory away from the OPS. A well fought battle and a truly memorable match.
Well done to all of the U11 girls for their contribution to the great display of hockey!
MAGDALEN COLLEGE SCHOOL PREP SCHOOLS’ QUIZ
On Friday 14th October, five of our year 8 pupils, James Knight, Craig Rintoul, Angus Williams, Ben Hatton and Robert Whitfield competed against twenty-three teams from seventeen schools in a senior prep schools’quiz challenge.
Rounds of ten questions on Geography, History, Science, High Culture, Pop Culture, General Knowledge and a last quick fire round of twenty additional questions tested the most cerebral minds of all competing participants. Our lads acquitted themselves with great credit, managing second place in the Geography round and excelling themselves with first place in the History round.
After two rounds we were in second place overall, behind the eventual winners the Dragon. Subsequent rounds saw us stabilise our position near the top, but a poor performance in the science and the pop culture rounds meant that by the end of the evening we had come fifth overall out of the twenty-three teams competing.
Very well done. One question that our team couldn’t answer: If you add up the numbers in the names of the top 3 albums in the album charts on the 17th July 2011 what number do you get ? CLUE: THEY ARE ALL BY FEMALE SINGERS.
Answers to Mr. P. Smith
Junior Choir Beulah Trip
Twenty members of the Year 4 Oratory Prep School Junior Choir spent a long weekend in Wales and participated in the Beulah festival. The children camped out in Mrs Cox's house and had a fantastic time. Mrs Cox reported that she was very proud of the children and they were incredibly well behaved.
Downe House Orchestral Fun Day
Experienced members of the Orchestra attended the Downe House Orchestral Fun Day on 4 October. We always enjoy this occasion, playing with over 150 other prep school children and our solo spot was, as usual, one of the highlights! We performed Mambo No 5 and Mrs Anderson was very proud of all the team members, especially those for whom this was their first outing. We always enjoy the biscuits and lunch at Downe; they make us very welcome, and Mr Gunningham was his usual cheerful self with nerves of steel in the concert!
Henley Literary Festival
All of Year 3 and 4 went to the Henley Literary Festival on Thursday 29th September. We went to listen to Kaye Umansky, the famous author of the books about Pongwiffy the witch. We were treated to a lively and enormously fun session! Kaye read from a wide range of her books, including poems and picture books. Mrs Phillips was delighted because she read ‘Dodo doo-doo’ especially for the O.P.S! K.Phillips
CHESS TOURNAMENT AT WELLINGTON COLLEGE.
On Friday 23rd September, four year 8 pupils, Luc Kendall, Henry Antonian, James Knight and Craig Rintoul went to Wellington College to participate in an all day chess tournament, designed to really test their mental stamina and attention, organised by John Rawlinson in a truly stunning setting.
Wellington is now the bastion of Independent Schools Chess and can boast a formidable number of sixth-formers who are the best in their age range in the country and they challenged the prep school children to earn a tenner by trying to defeat them in between the tournament rounds. Needless to say they kept their money as they nonchalantly dispatched pupil after pupil. They also demonstrated astonishing skill and breathtaking speed in demonstration matches which involved them playing all their moves in one minute against the clock. These matches more often than not resulted in a checkmate.
In the main competition Aldro School decided not to turn up to defend their trophy as they realised they would be no competition for Yateley Manor, the eventual winners in all categories. Both Yateley Manor and Aldro have long been regarded as the two main chess schools in the country, boasting tournament chess coaches and some formidable young players; some as young as eight.
Schools participating included Eagle House, Davenies, Wetherby and Papplewick to name but a few. Our boys acquitted themselves reasonably well but showed a degree of inexperience when playing matches involving clocks and 15 minutes for all their moves. Much more time than they realised. Luc Kendall won 4 of his 7 matches, the others won 3 of their 7 matches. But all agreed that it was an exciting day out and enjoyed the fantastic Wellington hospitality and a top notch lunch.
Kindergarten Trip to Beale Park on Thursday 22nd September, 2011
Animals of all shapes and sizes, colours and squawks greeted Kindergarden on their first Oratory Prep School trip, to Beale Park, Pangbourne on Thursday 22nd September 2011. After an exciting start travelling in two school mini buses, a first for many of the three year olds, we arrived at the Park early, so had time for a welcomed drink and snack.
As we walked through the park we saw a variety of birds, some of which came very close to us, and then saw brightly coloured parrots, and some obliging small monkeys which climbed around in front of us, and a group of playful lemmas. We then took a longer stroll to see the owls, visit the deer park complete with its very own Bambi and back through the pungently smelyl pig pens, and through the park via pets corner, where several children braved an underground tunnel, to the much favoured train ride which took us on a leisurely tour of the park which included wallaby, meerkats and pigmy goats.
The children behaved beautifully, were intrigued by what they saw and join in with enthusiasm. We were back at the mini buses in perfect time to arrive back at school not a minute late.
Thank you to the Kindergarten staff, Mrs Smith and special thanks to our wonder parent helpers, Mrs Waller and Mrs Nugent. Same again next year?
Congratulations to the Rugby 1st XV who won their first match of the season 46-5 against Magdalen College School, Lucas Huysinga scoring 5 tries!
Congratulations to Henry Antonian, appointed as Captain of Rugby for the 2011-2012 season.
Congratulations to the following pupils, recently appointed as School Prefects for the academic year 2011-2012:
Henry Antonian
Lucas Huysinga
Blake Jones
Byron Langley
Abigail Leaver
Charlotte Stanton
