Farringtons School - Junior - Academic Programme - RECENT LETTERS FROM THE HEADMISTRESS

No doubt some of our older students, working towards public examinations, will have some work to do, but I hope for all there will be time to rest and relax and replenish our energy stores as we move towards the winter months. After an extremely damp start to the term we have, of late, enjoyed some autumnal days of sunshine. All sections of the School community have been busy engaging with new programmes of study; sports and music activities; a variety of clubs and still find time to support charity initiatives including the Harvest Festival. Thank you to everyone who contributed so generously in aid of the Whitechapel Mission in London.

This weekend sees us saying goodbye to our friends from Colegio Santa Maria. These girls have integrated so fully with the full time Farringtons School community that their last Chapel time with us was memorable and very emotional. We have been entertained by their music and dance; have learned so much about Colombia and, in particular, Bogota. We wish them all a safe journey home and hope that we might realise the dream of one day taking a School group from here to Bogota.

Talking of dreams, one is soon to become more of a reality for the School. I am delighted to be able to confirm that the contractors for the Swimming Pool development will be moving on site next week to begin this project. More than any other of the building projects that I have been involved in here at Farringtons, this has been top of the wish list of many parents for as long as I have been here and probably before. These building works should be completed by the May Bank holiday, so that the pool can be swiftly brought into use for our summer term sports programmes. When School returns after the half term break, access to the Sports Hall will be down the path leading from the tennis courts.

It is inevitable that the presence of contractors on site and their need for a safe working area will impinge on the availability of parking. Please do not leave your vehicle parked anywhere on the school grounds for any longer than is absolutely necessary. I believe some parents are using the school site as a safe area to leave their cars as they walk down to catch a train from Chislehurst Station! Please refrain from this practice. I respectfully also request that no car is left parked around the flag pole at any time in the school day including drop off and pick up times. Parking here seems to add considerably to the congestion and inhibits vehicles from moving freely through the site.

When we all return after the half term break, it would greatly help the situation if parents of Junior pupils came onto the School site using the entrance at Shepherds Green and then exit onto Perry Street. Parents of Senior students, who wish to drive their children onto the site should use the entrance on Old Perry Street by the Sports Hall and exit using the same gate, driving around the flowerbed roundabout to facilitate this. Vehicles will not be able to drive through the Chapel cloister gap during morning drop off and afternoon pick up times. All pupils may use the cloister door as a way of walking into School, because of restricted access.

The Parents’ Association held a very successful Music Quiz evening and I believe approximately £1500 was raised. Thank you to everyone who helped to organise such a successful occasion, and also to everybody who bought tickets, turned up at the evening, and ensured it was a great success. It is thanks to everyone contributing in their different ways which has enabled the School to embark on the swimming pool project. Final costs are likely to be in the region of £700,000 and we have made a good start in raising the funds for this. Once the pool is completed, we will of course use it for School needs, but will also look at opportunities for extending its use to outside companies who might want to buy pool time.

After the half term break, the FPA will be sending home an exciting flier regarding the opportunity for you to win a family day trip to Lapland, generously donated by Monarch Holidays, I encourage you all to enter this exciting draw.

Some more good news reached us on October 1^st when we heard that Mrs Allen’s daughters, Sienna and Fruschia, arrived. Revd Samuel reports that mother and babies are now home and all adjusting to their new lifestyles! The School offers them all our very best wishes.

The winter weather will soon be here. I would like every pupil to return after the half term break in their winter uniform. In the Seniors this means that every girl should wear her blazer; in the Juniors no more summer dresses, but tunics and long socks or tights. Additionally I remind all parents that school bags should be either the Green school bag or a plain black bag with no logo or writing on either side; no student should bring carrier bags into school.

I look forward to seeing you during the course of next half term at one or more of the many events; FPA Christmas Market, one of the Soirées or one of our Christmas celebrations. All pupils in both the Senior and Junior School (Years 3 - 13) are expected to attend their respective Carol Service. Please ensure these dates are securely fixed in your calendar.

With every good wish for the half term.

Yours sincerely

Catherine James MA

Headmistress

BEGINNING OF TERM LETTER FROM MRS JAMES, HEADMISTRESS

5 September 2008

Dear Parents/Guardians

Welcome back to the new academic year. I hope that all families have found time to enjoy some rest and relaxation during the break. The summer vacation is always a busy time for the School as we are able to complete maintenance and some reorganisation of classrooms when the School is not in attendance.

This summer we welcomed the Kings English Language School (based in Beckenham) who arrived on the Saturday immediately after we finished and stayed until the end of July. On their departure many Junior and young senior aged pupils joined in a full Activities and Sports Programme run by Barracudas. I also found time between A Level and GCSE results days to attend another Education Exhibition in order to continue to promote the School to International students.

The results at all levels this year were once again a credit to all the students and their teachers. In many areas steady and sustained improvement in attainment is noted. Despite the press coverage surrounding the publication of Year 6 results, we were fortunate in that all our papers were marked and returned appropriately apart from being late. Many Year 6 pupils achieved significantly in their KS2 SATs levels, with half the year group achieving Level 5 in Science. At KS3, Year 9 succeeded in achieving 100% at level 5 and above, with approximately three quarters of the year group achieving Level 6 in both English and Maths. Farringtons girls fared extremely well when compared to the national averages.

At GCSE, 38% of grades achieved were either A* or A, with 91% of the year group achieving five or more A* - C grades. Eleven of the year group achieved eight or more of their grades at A* or A - an outstanding set of results. Lower Sixth worked hard and achieved a good set of results which will be a solid foundation for their second year in the Sixth Form. Our Upper Sixth pulled out all the stops and by will be preparing for University. 82% of their grades were Grade C or above. Girls are on their way to study Medicine, Geography, Mathematics, History, Accounts, Journalism, and Law amongst others. All our results can be found on the School website. This has been a really successful year and congratulations to all girls and staff who have worked so hard.

The summer was also a time when various maintenance tasks were completed. Both Ferens Hall and the Junior Hall have had their own makeover. The ceiling in Ferens Hall has been repaired and redecorated, as has Queens Court. The Junior Hall sports a new carpet and ‘wet play’ area and has also been decorated. Other classrooms and office spaces have had repairs to ceilings and walls and redecoration. We are making steady progress with the Swimming Pool Project, and are waiting now for the return of tenders at the end of the month.

Many new students have started this term – Year 7 is our most complete year of entry for several years, but we also have new students in almost every other year group in the School. The first day of term passed very smoothly in terms of our organisation of the day, despite the terrible downpour that greeted everyone as they arrived between 8.00 and 8.30 that morning. On 14September we will welcome students from one of our partner Schools in Colombia – Colegio Santa Maria. These students traditionally arrive and share their very lively and colourful Latin American culture for the period of time they are with us. All our students who are learning Spanish should find their presence in School of great benefit in order to practise their Spanish speaking skills.

I hope that all parents have now received a copy of my letter which accompanied the news leaflet announcing our exciting move towards Co-Education in the Senior School from 2010. I truly believe this will secure the future for the School and enable us to continue to develop as a secure and strong provider of independent Christian education for a broad ability intake in this part of South East London. There will be many more meetings and bridges to cross before 2010, but I am encouraged by the strong and positive team of staff that is fully committed to making this step towards the future. This week everyone has become aware of all the initiatives and changes that DCSF is bringing into Secondary Education, and we too must embrace some of these. It is perhaps worth noting that our current Year 7 will be the first cohort that will be required to stay in education until the age of 17. There will also be many curriculum developments that the staff will assimilate as they come on stream as we continue to provide the best possible education to all the children who attend Farringtons.

I’ve mentioned new pupils/students, but this term also sees new members of staff joining the team. Mr Close has been appointed Deputy Head for the Junior School, Dr Mannion as Head of Science, teaching Physics and Science; Miss Henry as teacher of Art during Mrs Allen’s maternity leave; Miss Sweeney as English/French teacher and also Residential Housemistress in South House; Mrs Heighway as Housemistress in West House; Miss Stanton as teacher of Music in the Junior School and Mr Wadley as Assistant Network Manager with responsibility for the School’s Database and Management Information System. I hope they and the new students/pupils will enjoy being part of the Farringtons community.

The girls in the Junior School who have returned in the new winter uniform look very smart. I hope that by the time we return at the start of the next academic year all the Junior girls in the School will have adopted the new look. The girls may continue to wear their summer uniform, if you feel it is warm enough, until half term.

The Parents’ Association has also been busy during the summer and has donated some new role play toys for the Foundation Stage children. I strongly encourage you to support the various fun and fundraising events that are organised throughout the year. The first of these will be on 11 October – Quiz Night. Quiz Nights are usually very popular and provide the opportunity for old and new parents to meet and socialise. Each Form has a parent representative whom I am sure will be contacting class members in order to get tables together for this event. I hope to see many of you on this occasion.

Our whole School Open Day this year is planned for Saturday 27 September. Many pupils/students in both Junior and Senior parts of the School will be expected to attend on that day. They will either be engaged in some class/subject based activity or act as guides and hosts to our visitors. Pupils/students will need to be in School by 9.00 am and be free to leave sometime between 12.00 and 1.00 pm. Thank you in advance for allowing your child to come in on this important day for the School.

There are many opportunities for pupils/students to expand on their taught academic curriculum by becoming involved in extracurricular clubs and activities. Instrumental Music lessons, Speech and Drama, Drama productions, Sports for teams and fitness, Art, Science, Reading and Craft clubs plus many more, including all those that are offered by FIZ are available here at Farringtons. Every girl in the Senior and Junior School should attend at least one School extracurricular activity. Please encourage your child to make sure they have signed up for something. Should your child wishes to receive individual tuition in either Music or Speech and Drama, please contact Mrs Worth or Mr James as soon as possible as timetables for these lessons are now being organised.

In addition to the minibus route that is running for pupils from the Dartford, Swanley, Bexley areas, we are also going to run another minibus from Green Street Green, via Orpington and Petts Wood. Please contact the School Office should you wish your child to use either of these routes. I would encourage as many parents as possible to encourage their child/ren to use either these mini buses, or public transport, or car share in order to alleviate some of the congestion that seems to be increasing each year. I remind parents, once again, about the need to consider others when dropping off your child or parking on the School site. Some students cycle into School and if this can be done safely, I am very happy to provide a storage facility for the bikes and the helmets during the School day. Again please contact the School Office if this is the means by which your child/ren will come to School.

I would like to ask all parents to discourage their child/ren from bringing in any drink other than water – even for School trips. Fizzy drinks, cans and glass bottles of drink of any kind should not be brought into School. ‘Red Bull’ or any other stimulant type drink is not allowed at any School event or trip.

I look forward to a very busy but success filled year in every way. There will be many opportunities to meet you this term at the different occasions - some formal as in information evenings, and some more social as in the Quiz Night.

With every good wish.

Yours sincerely

Mrs C E James MA
Headmistress

END OF TERM LETTER FROM MRS JAMES, HEADMISTRESS

4 July 2008

Dear Parents/Guardians

We are finally at the end of a very busy Summer Term. It has been truly remarkable with all the many very successful events that have been held recently. Traditionally, the term is remembered for its domination by the public examination system. This year must be the one that is linked to the weather and Sports days!

I am sorry if parents were inconvenienced either on the first scheduled day or indeed the two subsequent attempts to run these events for both Junior and Senior pupils. In both, we managed to complete the swimming, but unfortunately due to the vagaries of our summer, track and field were somewhat curtailed. Thank you for being prepared to come along on any one of these days – let’s hope for better weather next year.

This term is always a time when we say goodbye to pupils and staff. Good wishes are sent to Mrs Bainbridge, Mrs Clarke, Mrs Dunckley, Mr Eastwood, Mrs Halls, Mrs Lloyd, Mr Mahoney and Miss Wiseman as they leave to pursue either alternative employment or other pursuits including retirement; additionally Mrs Allen begins her maternity leave, and the Chapel will be the venue for the forthcoming marriage of Mr Gardner to his fiancée.

We had so many end of year events: the Upper Sixth held a successful Prom with a masquerade theme, the Parents’ Association ran another Fun Day continuing their fundraising campaign in support of the Pool Project, Year 6 gave an outstanding performance of Pinafore Pirates, Infant Sports and Foundation Fun Day, Junior Presentation Afternoon and Senior Prize Giving have all occurred during the last two weeks of term. Thank you to all the parents, guardians and friends of the School for turning up at one, or indeed all of these events.

It is always good to reflect on the year that is past, and to give thanks to God for the many joys and blessings, and for others this has been tinged with sadness. There have been more bereavements associated with the Schools’ families this year than ever before…. I hope that for all our families who have been through this experience you have also felt the strength and support of the School community.

I remind all parents of Junior girls that we will be gradually moving the Junior aged pupils over to the new plaid uniform (the same design as in the Senior School). I would hope that by next September (2009) all Junior girls will have migrated into the new look. I am told that Oz, the School Outfitters, have now received their delivery of the new pinafores. Oz would also like me to point out that, contrary to some speculation, they have no plans to move their business from Petts Wood, although they might at some stage consider moving into alternative premises, but still in Petts Wood. The Nearly New Uniform shop, run by the Parents’ Association, will be open on Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 September at the usual times.

In June we had a visit from Ofsted to review our Foundation Stage facilities, its Curriculum and our practice. I am pleased to report that the School received a very glowing report and I encourage parents to read it. It can be found on the Ofsted website: www.ofsted.gov.uk;

· The quality and standards of the nursery education are good;

· Children continue to receive an ongoing strong and stimulating learning environment. Staff work well together as a team and are committed to providing consistent, high quality provision for children.

There were two points for action:

extend the use of the garden to provide opportunities for children to be able to take part in digging and planting activities to increase their understanding of nature;
use snack time to further children's independent and self help skills by allowing them to pour out their own drinks and serve themselves snacks.

With regard to the first point, the garden area will be completed during the summer holiday to facilitate this activity more easily; however, children did have opportunity to grow plants in pots etc. The practice of encouraging independent self help skills is fostered through a variety of ways, and it is normal practice that children help in the distribution of the snack, when the staff deem it is safe so to do. In all other regards the School is meeting the required standard.

During the recent Presentation Afternoon and Prize Giving, the School received a cheque from the Parents’ Association for £50,000, representing the money raised during the course of this last school year in support of the swimming pool project. I understand this did not include the proceeds form the Fun Day which were £11,000. This represents a lot of hard work on behalf of the Committee and your generosity in responding to the various events. Where are we now? Planning has been received from Bromley, the architect is finalising his drawings and specifications will be going out to tender. We hope this next process will be completed inside 14 weeks and we aim to start the build in the Autumn Term finishing in time for the end of the Spring Term.

In their very different ways, we had two very interesting speeches by our invited guests, Mr N Close (incoming Deputy Head for the Junior School September 2008) and The Reverend the Lord Griffiths of Pembrey and Burry Port – currently Minister of Wesley Chapel in London. I hope many Junior parents had the opportunity to meet Mr Close and speak with him during the refreshments at the end of the afternoon.

I have been asked by parents to request that when driving through the School grounds the 5 mph speed limit be observed and that drivers ‘use hands free’ when using their mobile telephone as they move around the site.

It was wonderful to see so many bikes brought into School as part of National Bike Week. I would encourage you to consider if your child could arrive at School using some other mode than being driven by car.

I shall be attending an Education Exhibition in Hong Kong, 16-17 August, and will take the A level results sheets that will have been released in School on Thursday 14 August. I am happy to meet any parents of current students and those waiting to receive their results either at the Fair, or on either of the two days following i.e. 18-19 August. Please contact the School to confirm, should this be of benefit to you.

School re-opens for Year 7 and the Sixth Form on Monday 1 September, and for the rest of the School on Tuesday 2 September.

I wish all parents, guardians, staff and pupils a happy summer vacation and hope that all families benefit from the break. I look forward to seeing you all in the new academic year.

Yours sincerely

Mrs C E James MA
Headmistress

BEGINNING OF TERM LETTER FROM MRS JAMES, HEADMISTRESS

11 April 2008

Dear Parents/Guardian

I trust that all families had an enjoyable Easter break and benefited from time away from School. It was good to welcome the Senior skiers back on Easter Sunday and I am grateful to the staff who organised and accompanied this trip.

Some Senior pupils attended revision classes during the first week of the holiday in preparation for their GCSE and A Level examinations, which start in earnest in a few weeks time. The FIZ Club also operated throughout the Easter break providing younger pupils with somewhat more relaxing pursuits than academic work. It was good to see everyone returning promptly for the start of the new term - lessons, activities and trips are already fully underway.

The end of the Spring term saw the departure of Miss Mann one of our Drama teachers. Miss Mann is currently producing a show in a central London theatre. Following this she will be touring in Europe as Director to a Theatre company, staging productions in various venues. We wish her every success with these ventures. With some slight reorganisation of the two timetables (Senior and Junior) the Senior Drama curriculum will be taught by Miss Bliss; Miss Kilgallon and Mrs Vail will teach Junior Drama for the remainder of this academic year. Speech and Drama examinations are planned for the beginning of May so lessons will continue until then for those who have indicated they wish to take their examination this term. New arrangements for these extra activities will be in place for the start of the Autumn term. The Year 6 pupils with their teachers are planning to work on a production which will be performed at the end of term.

I remind parents that pupils (Juniors) may wear either their summer or winter uniform from the start of this term. However all Junior pupils must be in full summer uniform from Tuesday 6 May until the end of term. I refer back to my letter at the end of the Spring term, and remind you that girls (Seniors) should wear their blazers to School this term if they need an external jacket and not bring black coats or scarves to School.

Tuesday 6 May also marks the beginning of the Key Stage 3 SATs examinations. All Year 9 pupils should ensure they are in School promptly each day. I would ask parents to ensure any necessary medical appointments during that week occur out of School hours. The following week, 12 – 16 May, Year 6 will be taking their Key Stage 2 SATS and will also need to be in School promptly each day. Mrs Trill, our Examinations Officer, retired at the end of last term and we are delighted that Mrs Garforth has quickly taken up the reins of this significant part of School management. We hope that Mrs Garforth will soon feel at home with us at Farringtons as she steps into her role at one of the busiest periods for examinations.

Following the success of last year’s event, Sports Day for all Junior and Senior pupils is Saturday 21 June. All pupils (except Pre-Reception, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 who have their own events) are expected to attend. Monday 23 June is a training day for the teaching staff and therefore pupils are not expected to attend on that day (unless they are timetabled for a public examination). FIZ Club will be operating for those parents who usually use that facility during holiday periods. Prizegiving for Junior and Senior pupils will be on Wednesday 2 July, during the afternoon and evening respectively. As these are compulsory events, Senior girls who do not attend either Sports Day or Prizegiving will be expected to remain in School on the afternoon of the 4 July and will leave at 4.00 pm and not with the rest of the School at about 2.00 pm.

The new weekly bulletin for parents of Senior girls will be emailed from next week. This will contain weekly updates of fixtures, events and items of general information. Most parents have submitted an email address as part of their contact information. Please ensure we have your contact details should you wish to receive this regular update. The office address is head@farringtons.kent.sch.uk.

This term the Parents’ Association have already been busy preparing for the various events. The first of these takes place in a week’s time – 21 April - a Fashion Show with a difference - high street fashion at bargain prices, modelled by some well known members of our School community! Senior girls are welcome to attend if accompanied by an adult – tickets are £5.00 and available from either School Office. This is followed by our themed May Ball on Saturday 19 May. At the end of term, the Association is planning a repeat (apart from the weather) of the Fun Day from last year. Class Reps will be in touch about creating the hampers for auction that were a huge success last year. Please respond positively to parents who have volunteered to coordinate each class’s efforts. The Association also intends to hold another raffle and tickets will be sent home after half term for you to buy and sell to your friends and family. All proceeds from these initiatives are going towards the swimming pool development. The AGM of the Association will be held on the evening of the 1 July – again an important date for your diary.

Please check the School Calendar carefully. This is sent out termly, usually at the end of the preceding term to which it refers, and accompanies either a report or grade card (Seniors) or with the end of term correspondence for Juniors. Not on the calendar but recently arranged, The Lady Mayoress of Bromley is visiting the Senior School on Wednesday 16 April. She will be here from 12.00 pm until 2.00 pm. I am really pleased that following her visit to our opening of the Pre-Reception building she has shown an interest in wishing to view the rest of the School.

The snow last weekend was quite a shock, although many children enjoyed the opportunity to play with sledges and to build snowmen. The first of the Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions gets underway next week so I hope we are now set for some warmer weather.

I look forward to seeing many of you at one or more of the many events that are scheduled for this term.

With every good wish.

Yours sincerely

Mrs C E James MA
Headmistress