News

Autumn Term 2007

	Regional U9 Rugby and Hockey Tournament
	Last week Blundell's Prep hosted a South West regional U9 rugby and hockey tournament. This successful event was well attended by local schools and the rugby and hockey teams were supported by many parents. The very competitive matches in the early rounds led to both the Blundell's rugby and hockey teams reaching the finals. In the rugby final the U9 A team played Queen's Taunton and won 5 tries to 1. In the hockey final the U9 A team played Plymouth College who they had lost to in an earlier round. However they raised their game and won 1 goal to nil. A very successful afternoon!

	Christmas Bazaar
	The Christmas Bazaar was well attended as usual this year. Stalls included the selling of books, cakes, second-hand toys, jewellery and sports equipment. In addition fun could be had by competing in the Year 6 'beat the goalie' game or by being creative on the Pre-Prep play dough stall. And if a break was needed from the frantic shopping then festive mince pies or cookies were included with the tea and coffee in Matron's and Mrs Jeff's coffee shop!

	The Sound Of Christmas Play
	The Drama Club recently gave a great performance of 'The Sound of Christmas'. This thought-provoking musical included humorous references to 'The Sound of Music' and a more serious message which concurs with that of Charles Dickens in 'A Christmas Carol'. The cast from pupils in Years 4 and 5, included Sophie as Maria and James as Captain McTrapp. It was much enjoyed by a packed house of parents, staff and pupils.

	A visitor from the Philippines
	This week we were lucky enough to visited by Donato from the Philippines. Donato spoke to us all about life in his village, Kalinga, high up in the northern mountains of the Philippines. It was incredible to hear about the children of Kalinga walking an hour and a half to school each day - in bare feet. We were able to ask Donato many questions and he taught the younger pupils a traditional song and dance. He also wore his traditional dress before speaking to many older pupils at the senior school. This visit follows on from the contact made with Donato by the Year 3 pupils and Mrs Rhodes where they were able to write and email the children in his village. It is hoped in the future to successfully communicate with the children in his village via a web camera - however the children of Kalinga will have to walk for 8 hours to reach a place where they are able to use a computer!

	Operation Christmas Child
	This year pupils again put together parcels for the charity Operation Christmas Child. This is where pupils create a Christmas parcel for children around the world who otherwise would not receive a gift at Christmas. These parcels (wrapped shoe boxes) are labeled for a boy or girl and the age for which the parcel is aimed at. A great selection of parcels were sent from school to Operation Christmas Child.

	Bonfire Night
	Our annual Bonfire Night went off with a bang! Fantastically organised by the 'Friends of Blundell's Prep' the crowd of pupils and parents enjoyed great fireworks and a bonfire alongside the traditional refreshments.

	Blundell's Prep in the news following inspection success
	The local press photographer visited the school recently to take photos of the Headmaster and pupils following our excellent Inspection Report.

	Birds of Prey Show
	All the children were treated to a spectacular Birds of Prey Show, set up by our Chairman of Governors, Judge Taylor. A company called Devon Eagles arrived and the children were able to see a golden eagle up close and watch other birds of prey fly and swoop over their heads in the search for food. In the Pre Prep Charlie Cameron was chased by a falcon that swooped down and landed on his arm and at the Prep school Edward Blackmore amused us all by chasing around the field in a desperate attempt to outrun a falcon chasing him at 100 mph! Next came Mrs Shelbourne, who was captured a little more quickly! The children were fascinated and asked many excellent questions.

	Rugby success
	The U9 rugby teams have made a good start to the season with the A side winning all their matches at the recent Kings Hall Rugby Festival.

Rugby at home, Weds 19th Sept
A busy match day! All of the year 5's and 6's played in the first fixtures of the rugby season. Some fine displays of skills, speed and power helped create some entertaining rugby. The best competition was the under 11 C game where the game was tighter than the final score line indicates. Under 11A 56 - 0 Taunton A Under 11B 60 - 10 Taunton B Under 11C 0 - 30 Exeter Cathedral A

	Challenge the staff
	At the start of term staff took part in team building and leadership tasks organised by World Challenge. As well as being great fun, we learnt a great deal about working together and the challenge of leading your colleagues.

	World Challenge Day
	This term started brilliantly with the day set aside for team building challenges and tasks for all pupils in years 3 to 6. It gave the pupils the opportunity to get to know their class and form teachers with the aim of building strong friendships. At the same time pupils learnt a lot about themselves, their strengths and weaknesses and experienced leading the group. A much enjoyed and relaxed way in which to start the year.

	Gideons International visit
	Mr and Mrs Browse and Mr Chapple joined the assembly this morning to tell us about the work of Gideons International. At the end Mr Chapple lead us in prayer and handed out a Gideon's Bible to all the new pupils at the Prep School.

	Year 6 Art excursion
	Year 6 visited the canal at Halberton to do some sketching as part of their 'landscape' art topic this term. They will now use their sketches to create watercolour landscapes and batiks.