Events
On Tuesday 22nd January, Form I went on a trip to the beautiful city of Rochester.
We went to the castle bailey first to talk about what we had learnt about medieval castles in history, and then we went inside to explore the ruins. Even from the first floor of the castle, people were scared of what would happen if they fell, so when we got to the top, we were terrified! We also stopped off at a few places along the way: the well, the chapel, the great hall, and the dreaded cess pit. The battlements at the very top had to be the best; you could see everything, and there were some beautiful views of Rochester.
On Wednesday 23rd January, we played against St Margaret's School. It was anybody's game in the first quarter, and by half time it was 6-4. We then started to do a lot of bounce passes to get the ball up to Natasha and Wendy, but St Margaret's were quick and scored seven more goals. In the end, the score was 13-4, but the match was played fairly and in a good spirit. Player of the match was Emily, for her fantastic defending. The whole team put in a ton of effort, and should be congratulated for their fantastic performance.
A very good match from Alton with some lovely passing and teamwork agaisnt a strong Perins side. A deserved win of 3 - 1
On 29th January, the U11B team played Andrew's Endowed. It was a tough match but we played well. In the first quarter, Harriet scored two great goals. In the second, they scored one, and just before the whistle I managed to score a goal. The final score was 3-1 to us, and we were all really pleased with ourselves!
The game was all set for a torrid affair as Alton were so desperate to play a game of real rugby. Both teams knew a weak performance would be a major setback. Alton kicked off down hill and immediately placed Ditcham under pressure with strong tackling from Josh R and Tom. Ditcham could not make any dent across the game line as Alton's defence was outstanding. Whenever Ditcham had posession in the first 10 minutes, they couldn't make any headway. Jack and Harry together put in excellent strong low tackles. Alton's scrum looked vunerable as they continually were pushed off and this resulted in one of Ditcham's early tries. Another defensive lapse soon after saw Ditcham go to 14 point lead. Alton did drop their heads and kept going and after a couple of forward pushes, lead by Aislinn and James, we saw Josh break wide to the right. His run was stopped by a last ditch tackle, however he laid the ball perfectly for a rampant Henry who charged 20m to score a great try. This was converted by Tom. From the restart Ditcham capitalised on an ill judged catch and nearly scored, but Max completed a copy book tackle. Ditcham's third try came from some questionable rucking techniques by the opposition, so at half time Alton faced 21 to 7 score line.
Away, vs Farnborough Hill
A good match for our year 7s who are still finding their feet with Hockey and especially playing on Astroturf. At this age they play 7-a-side. Final results of :
A team drew 0 - 0
B team lost 0 - 2
On 30th January, Year 4 set off on their trip to Petersfield to attend a concert. We got in he minibuses with Mr Hoffman driving one and Mrs Whicher the other. The journey was about half an hour, but we kept ourselves entertained. When we got there, we sat on the bus for a bit and ate our snacks. Then we had a very short but pleasant walk to the theatre. When we went in it was astonishing to see all the instruments; there were violins, flutes, cellos, trumpets and much, much more. We sat near the top and I think we had the best seats there.
Away, vs Lord Wandsworth
U14s - A fantastic match from this fastly improving Alton team. All players are improving dramatically and the team is really beginning to gel and the shooters scoring consistently. It was a very tight match with both teams working hard and very focussed throughout the game. Alton got to 6 - 4 up and then let LWC get a crafty one back! We managed to hold on though with a very deserving win of 6- 5. Player of the match - Emily (GS)
U16s - This team had an even tougher game and were lacking a bit of match practice due to GCSE mock exams. Even so they did work hard and only really had one bad quarter.
Away, vs Frensham Heights
Due to a number of illnesses and injuries Miss O'Donnell combined two age groups to give the stronger year 7s a chance to mix with the year 8s. This proved very successful and Alton were dominant throughout. We had many shots on target and were very attacking for the whole game. A resounding win for a team who had never played together before of 4 - 0 - well done Alton!
After wrestling with the tube barriers, wheelie bags, metro maps and passport control at Eurostar, the Lower Sixth eventually arrived at their hotel in Paris. All the hustle and bustle was soon forgotten once we took a boat ride along the river Seine. We sailed towards the Latin Quarter, gliding past the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay which stunned us into silence. Despite the rain and losing several personal items including many Metro tickets, Paris introduced us to a whole new world.
Enjoying such sights and witnessing the great art masterpieces from Monet and Picasso, viewing their work first hand allowed many to wonder at the context in which such art could be created. The majesty of the classical architecture experienced by visiting the Sacré Coeur and Notre Dame and its contrast with the futuristic, jigsaw design of the Centre Pompidou was also plain to see. Inevitably a visit to the Champs Elysees with its grand, luxurious gold plated stores was a must and only served to highlight the alternate world of the city’s backstreet emporiums. As a shopping capital it didn’t fail although many would agree perhaps their purses did.
The annual girls' football match against Prince's Mead was played last Friday. The team, skippered by Emily, looked very strong on paper. The dual strike force of Hattie and the formidable Francesca would make any team quake in their boots. Aislinn, Lissy and Alicia as the midfield force built on valuable service from the defencive trio of Emily, "Rocky" Jasmine and Rachel .
The die was cast within 2 minutes as Francesca unleashed a wicked right foot volley just past the post from 20 metres out. Hattie took thinitiative and followed with a powerful shot which was deflected into the back of the Prince's Mead's net. Prince's Mead mounted an attack but Emily cleared cofidently up field for Aislinn to run left and present the ball to Francesca. She in turn took on the opposition defence and knocked the ball forward to have Hattie to slam past a wanting keeper. Two goals up and there seemed more to come as Jasmine "Rocky" harrassed the Prince's Mead midfield constantly to feed either Alicia or Aislinn. Lissy supported the enthusiastic Rachel in her defensive role. Another deflected goal was scored before half time. Alton led 3-0 at the break.
After wrestling with the tube barriers, wheelie bags, metro maps and passport control at Eurostar, the Lower Sixth eventually arrived at their hotel in Paris. All the hustle and bustle was soon forgotten once we took a boat ride along the river Seine. We sailed towards the Latin Quarter, gliding past the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay which stunned us into silence. Despite the rain and losing several personal items including many Metro tickets, Paris introduced us to a whole new world.
Enjoying such sights and witnessing the great art masterpieces from Monet and Picasso, viewing their work first hand allowed many to wonder at the context in which such art could be created. The majesty of the classical architecture experienced by visiting the Sacré Coeur and Notre Dame and its contrast with the futuristic, jigsaw design of the Centre Pompidou was also plain to see. Inevitably a visit to the Champs Elysees with its grand, luxurious gold plated stores was a must and only served to highlight the alternate world of the city’s backstreet emporiums. As a shopping capital it didn’t fail although many would agree perhaps their purses did.
After wrestling with the tube barriers, wheelie bags, metro maps and passport control at Eurostar, the Lower Sixth eventually arrived at their hotel in Paris. All the hustle and bustle was soon forgotten once we took a boat ride along the river Seine. We sailed towards the Latin Quarter, gliding past the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay which stunned us into silence. Despite the rain and losing several personal items including many Metro tickets, Paris introduced us to a whole new world.
Enjoying such sights and witnessing the great art masterpieces from Monet and Picasso, viewing their work first hand allowed many to wonder at the context in which such art could be created. The majesty of the classical architecture experienced by visiting the Sacré Coeur and Notre Dame and its contrast with the futuristic, jigsaw design of the Centre Pompidou was also plain to see. Inevitably a visit to the Champs Elysees with its grand, luxurious gold plated stores was a must and only served to highlight the alternate world of the city’s backstreet emporiums. As a shopping capital it didn’t fail although many would agree perhaps their purses did.
After wrestling with the tube barriers, wheelie bags, metro maps and passport control at Eurostar, the Lower Sixth eventually arrived at their hotel in Paris. All the hustle and bustle was soon forgotten once we took a boat ride along the river Seine. We sailed towards the Latin Quarter, gliding past the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay which stunned us into silence. Despite the rain and losing several personal items including many Metro tickets, Paris introduced us to a whole new world.
Enjoying such sights and witnessing the great art masterpieces from Monet and Picasso, viewing their work first hand allowed many to wonder at the context in which such art could be created. The majesty of the classical architecture experienced by visiting the Sacré Coeur and Notre Dame and its contrast with the futuristic, jigsaw design of the Centre Pompidou was also plain to see. Inevitably a visit to the Champs Elysees with its grand, luxurious gold plated stores was a must and only served to highlight the alternate world of the city’s backstreet emporiums. As a shopping capital it didn’t fail although many would agree perhaps their purses did.
Away, vs Robert Mays
U15s - Another friendly against this team's arch rivals - we lost to them in the semi finals of the District tournament! Unfortunately we could not field our full team due to illness but even so we put out a strong side. It was neck and neck through every quarter with alton determined to get revenge! Unfortunately we then lost a couple of centre passes and subsequently a couple of goals and then could not get this back. Result a loss of 16 - 23. Player of the match - Rochelle (GD).
U16s - The year 11s have never beaten this team so it was tough from the start. Although our centre court play was excellent we could not get the ball into the circle to give our shooters a chance to shoot! Everyone worked hard but it was not to be, a loss of 11- 21.
Fourth and Fifth Form girls studying French were able to benefit from a day of French when they attended a conference in London recently. The lively French presenters kept the girls on their toes with a wide range of activities ranging from television adverts and sketches to finding out about "Notre ami, l'infinitif" - most of which required their participation in some way. All the girls agreed they had enjoyed the day and learnt something new
The psychological advantage Mayville always has with this fixture made Alton quake in their boots. This was a game of two halves, in the first Alton did not compete, resulting in a 28 point deficit. In the second, Alton played resounding rugby particularly in the forwards. The tackling and the pressure Alton placed on Mayville was superb. James, Tom and Aislinn drove forward into Mayville to create gaps and breaks for Henry and Josh. One such forward brought Alton’s only try and it was a beaut! James took the ball on with the pack driving forward into the opposition’s 22. Aislinn linked to create another driving maul, releasing the ball back to James who fed Jack, who then peeled off the maul to the blindside to pass the ball to Josh who sprinted to the corner to score a great team try.
Away, vs St Nicholas
U12A - A brilliant game from this very strong year 7 team. To begin Alton were a bit sloppy with some loose passing and shooting but after 5 mins they settled down and started to assert their authority. Passing then became easy and so resulting in giving the shooters lots of chances. A fantastic win of 10 - 5 which was brilliant practice for the District tournament. Player of the match - Rebecca (c).
U12 B - This team had a much tougher match agaisnt some very good opponents. Alton were very keen and worked very hard but the ball would not go in the goal! A result of 6 - 9 but a close game.
Notoriously strong, this match proved no exception for Alton. Dunhurst showed excellent passing and ball skills to get ahead of Alton. Although we had lots of shots on goal, none would go in! Result of 0 - 2. Players of the match - Fiona and Francesca.
On 7th February, the Fourth Form set off for a four day residential to Bristol. We visited several major tourist attractions in Bath as well, such as the ancient Roman bath house, where we discovered about the social pass time that was bathing. We later went to another meeting place, where th wealthiest socialites would have gone in the 18th Century, the Bath Assembly Room. We also visited the fashion museum, where we could compare authentic, designer constumes of different eras, even trying some on for ourselves.
Bird World came to visit us and we saw a parrot called Fred and Fred started to speak. Then we saw a barn owl called Whisper and she was as white as snow. She was very nice. We saw a family of mice and a guinea pig. The mouse was called Smokey and the guinea pig was called Joy. The mice were very small and I got to touch one. we saw a snake called Eddie. He was very friendly. Next we saw a stick insect and an Australian cockroach, which hissed when it was frightened. Its bones were on its outside and it was very firm. We saw a tarantula spider called Chili. She had eight legs and eyes and when she was scared she shoots out hairs.
A very powerful production of the Phantom of the Opera delighted members of the Lower Sixth when they joined members of Salesian College Sixth Form for an evening out in London last week. The previous week the Lower Sixth girls had marvelled at the Opera House in Paris where the musical is set, although they did not set foot in the Phantom's box!
On 7th February, the Fourth Form set off for a four day residential to Bristol. We visited several major tourist attractions in Bath as well, such as the ancient Roman bath house, where we discovered about the social pass time that was bathing. We later went to another meeting place, where th wealthiest socialites would have gone in the 18th Century, the Bath Assembly Room. We also visited the fashion museum, where we could compare authentic, designer constumes of different eras, even trying some on for ourselves.
The Prep School today launched its annual Lenten Good Shepherd Appeal for the Catholic Children's Society. This charity works hard to support children and family life, both within and beyond the dioceses of Portsmouth, Arundel and Brighton and Southwark. Fundraising for this very worthy cause during Lent does much to broaden the children's social concern for those far less fortunate than themselves.
Our fundraising activities will include our traditional Easter Egg hunt and an Easter Bonnet parade for the Lower Prep, details of these events will follow in due course. Your child will also be bringing home a ‘Fruit Baa Baa' box, into which loose change, perhaps particularly that which might otherwise have gone on chocolates and sweeties, can be donated. I'd encourage you to support your children's generosity.
On 7th February, the Fourth Form set off for a four day residential to Bristol. We visited several major tourist attractions in Bath as well, such as the ancient Roman bath house, where we discovered about the social pass time that was bathing. We later went to another meeting place, where th wealthiest socialites would have gone in the 18th Century, the Bath Assembly Room. We also visited the fashion museum, where we could compare authentic, designer constumes of different eras, even trying some on for ourselves.
On 7th February, the Fourth Form set off for a four day residential to Bristol. We visited several major tourist attractions in Bath as well, such as the ancient Roman bath house, where we discovered about the social pass time that was bathing. We later went to another meeting place, where th wealthiest socialites would have gone in the 18th Century, the Bath Assembly Room. We also visited the fashion museum, where we could compare authentic, designer constumes of different eras, even trying some on for ourselves.
Science Week here in the Prep School has been an undoubted triumph. As a mathematician, and thus almost a scientist, it has been a real delight to me to see the way the week’s events and activities have captured the imagination and enthusiasm of our children. A deep and abiding interest in the world around them is something I’m keen to see all our pupils develop, and an understanding of scientific method and ideas is going to be crucial for the children as they grow up in an increasingly technological society.It’s been a particular pleasure to welcome a number of senior school scientists into prep school classrooms over the course of the week, with Dr Gate talking on numbers in nature and scuba diving, Mrs Dell introducing Years 3 and 4 to psychology, Mrs Jakubowski speaking on volcanoes to Year 5, Mr Hicks explaining the inner workings of computers, Dr Otter and Mrs Duffy running a biology quiz and Mr Pluck’s chemistry experiments with Year 4 and 5. Being able to draw on expertise like this is a great strength of the close relationship between the prep and senior schools. We were also delighted to welcome one of our governors, Mr Charles, to talk to Year 5 on sound, and sixth formers Alice and Emily to lead electricity experiments.
On Monday early years enjoyed a visit from the Ivydale Science and Technology Workshop. The sessions were led by Paul Newham, who was accompanied by all sorts of spikey, scaley and crawly creatures.
The children in reception enjoyed a design technology workshop, where they learnt how to make and create wind up toys. The theme was creepy crawlies, and great fun was had by all! The children developed their own “scuttlebugs”, through a particularly hands on and practical approach, and they were all very proud of their newly created species! Cardboard, cotton reels, pipe cleaners and elastic bands were all put to good use, as the bugs gradually came to life. The session culminated in a “scuttlebug” race across the classroom, and we were surprised to see how quickly the models moved! The bugs then enjoyed a well earned rest, before being taken home at the end of the day!
After play, the children in nursery and Pre prep, joined in with the activities, as the whole department enjoyed an animal and insect show. The snakes, stick insects, millipedes, lizards, and even spiders were an unusual but very much welcome sight in our classrooms, with nearly all the children volunteering to hold and look after the creepy crawly visitors. We learned all about where they came from, and how to look after them, as well as some of their more disgusting habits! All the children had a wonderful time, and even some of the staff overcame their fears!
Year 3 were blessed with near perfect weather for Monday’s visit to the Royal Horticultural Society’s gardens at Wisley. Strolling through the beautifully landscaped gardens we caught sight of snowdrops, crocuses and early daffodils as we made our way to the splendid new glasshouse where we spent much of the morning. We explored dry and moist temperate zones, looking carefully at the differences and similarities between the plants in these contrasting climates, as well as being overawed by the vibrancy of colour in the tropical zone, particularly from the many orchids on display. The root zone provided opportunities for hands-on interaction with the below the surface life of plants. Our walk back took in the wild woods and the rockery, before we settled down to our picnic lunch.
In rugby there is no such thing as a “friendly”, especially playing a match against Mayville. Our team was based around a couple of players who play for a club. Mayville had a few boys with previous rugby experience. This showed in the result of six tries to one. However, the team did not give up and particular credit goes to the Year 3 members who gave a good account for themselves against bigger lads. James ”Egg” showed determination in attack as did our solo try scorer Jimmie. Harry, Tom and Katya were always in the thick of it . Harry “GG” showed great courage with his brave tackles. William was clearing away scraps of possession. All in all, Alton played with heart and commitment. Tom was Alton’s best player on the day.
Science Week here in the Prep School has been an undoubted triumph. As a mathematician, and thus almost a scientist, it has been a real delight to me to see the way the week’s events and activities have captured the imagination and enthusiasm of our children. A deep and abiding interest in the world around them is something I’m keen to see all our pupils develop, and an understanding of scientific method and ideas is going to be crucial for the children as they grow up in an increasingly technological society.It’s been a particular pleasure to welcome a number of senior school scientists into prep school classrooms over the course of the week, with Dr Gate talking on numbers in nature and scuba diving, Mrs Dell introducing Years 3 and 4 to psychology, Mrs Jakubowski speaking on volcanoes to Year 5, Mr Hicks explaining the inner workings of computers, Dr Otter and Mrs Duffy running a biology quiz and Mr Pluck’s chemistry experiments with Year 4 and 5. Being able to draw on expertise like this is a great strength of the close relationship between the prep and senior schools. We were also delighted to welcome one of our governors, Mr Charles, to talk to Year 5 on sound, and sixth formers Alice and Emily to lead electricity experiments.
The IV Form visited St Lucy's Convent for a retreat. The theme of the day was working conditions; we re-enacted a day's work in a Mexican computer factory. We learnt a lot about how workers are treated and how unfair the hierarchy of status is in the factories. We were also very lucky with the weather and thoroughly enjoyed our day out. The day ended with mass, allowing us to reflect on what we had learnt during the day. Many thanks to all teachers, especially Miss Hobday, who made it a memorable experience.
We had Ian Dunne come to our school for science week. He told us that science is in everything, even in shopping! He blew up a balloon and rubbed it on a cloth, then he got a plastic lifesaver and he could make the balloon go anywhere without his hands. We listened to Ian talking about science. We learned that dinosaur poo turns into rock after it gets fossilized. Luckily it didn't smell!
Millie, 5B
Science Week here in the Prep School has been an undoubted triumph. As a mathematician, and thus almost a scientist, it has been a real delight to me to see the way the week’s events and activities have captured the imagination and enthusiasm of our children. A deep and abiding interest in the world around them is something I’m keen to see all our pupils develop, and an understanding of scientific method and ideas is going to be crucial for the children as they grow up in an increasingly technological society.It’s been a particular pleasure to welcome a number of senior school scientists into prep school classrooms over the course of the week, with Dr Gate talking on numbers in nature and scuba diving, Mrs Dell introducing Years 3 and 4 to psychology, Mrs Jakubowski speaking on volcanoes to Year 5, Mr Hicks explaining the inner workings of computers, Dr Otter and Mrs Duffy running a biology quiz and Mr Pluck’s chemistry experiments with Year 4 and 5. Being able to draw on expertise like this is a great strength of the close relationship between the prep and senior schools. We were also delighted to welcome one of our governors, Mr Charles, to talk to Year 5 on sound, and sixth formers Alice and Emily to lead electricity experiments.
Science Week here in the Prep School has been an undoubted triumph. As a mathematician, and thus almost a scientist, it has been a real delight to me to see the way the week’s events and activities have captured the imagination and enthusiasm of our children. A deep and abiding interest in the world around them is something I’m keen to see all our pupils develop, and an understanding of scientific method and ideas is going to be crucial for the children as they grow up in an increasingly technological society.It’s been a particular pleasure to welcome a number of senior school scientists into prep school classrooms over the course of the week, with Dr Gate talking on numbers in nature and scuba diving, Mrs Dell introducing Years 3 and 4 to psychology, Mrs Jakubowski speaking on volcanoes to Year 5, Mr Hicks explaining the inner workings of computers, Dr Otter and Mrs Duffy running a biology quiz and Mr Pluck’s chemistry experiments with Year 4 and 5. Being able to draw on expertise like this is a great strength of the close relationship between the prep and senior schools. We were also delighted to welcome one of our governors, Mr Charles, to talk to Year 5 on sound, and sixth formers Alice and Emily to lead electricity experiments.
Equipped with little more than dowel, elastic bands, teamwork and wonderful imagination, Upper Prep classes took part in a brace of architecture workshops on Thursday. Year 5 and 6 revised recent work on 3D shape as they were taken on a journey from single struts through tripods, tetrahedrons and Wallis trusses to their own designs of cantilevered and beam bridges. Later in the day, Year 3 and 4 designed and built their own shelters, making the best possible use of the human and physical resources to hand.
Sounds of laughter and enjoyment could be heard from the Marian Hall on Thursday when Alton Convent Sixth Form joined with students from Salesian College to provide an evening of comedy, music and drama. The second of its kind, the aim was to raise funds in order to send handicapped children to Lourdes.
After the chance to socialise over a delicious ploughman's supper, the audience were in for a treat! The first displays of talent came from Katie and Izzi with their portrayal of two politicians- as always making perfect sense!
Science Week here in the Prep School has been an undoubted triumph. As a mathematician, and thus almost a scientist, it has been a real delight to me to see the way the week’s events and activities have captured the imagination and enthusiasm of our children. A deep and abiding interest in the world around them is something I’m keen to see all our pupils develop, and an understanding of scientific method and ideas is going to be crucial for the children as they grow up in an increasingly technological society.It’s been a particular pleasure to welcome a number of senior school scientists into prep school classrooms over the course of the week, with Dr Gate talking on numbers in nature and scuba diving, Mrs Dell introducing Years 3 and 4 to psychology, Mrs Jakubowski speaking on volcanoes to Year 5, Mr Hicks explaining the inner workings of computers, Dr Otter and Mrs Duffy running a biology quiz and Mr Pluck’s chemistry experiments with Year 4 and 5. Being able to draw on expertise like this is a great strength of the close relationship between the prep and senior schools. We were also delighted to welcome one of our governors, Mr Charles, to talk to Year 5 on sound, and sixth formers Alice and Emily to lead electricity experiments.
We went to Selborne today to look at the Gilbert White Museum. A woman called Jenny showed us around before we went on a three hour walk across the countryside to collect woodland items. We all got very dirty! We finally went down the zig-zag path. It had about twenty zig-zags! It was tiring, but we made it and got back to the Museum safely. We got back to the field studies centre and looked through a bucket of dead leaves (leaf litter) with a magnifying glass to search for insects and then put them onto a big television screen to see them close up. We really enjoyed the day and learnt a lot about the woodland ecosystem
