Month: September 2023

James (Year 11) and Lucy Shine at Home Counties Championships: A Dance Journey of Dedication and Success

James, a Year 11 student at Alton School, and his new dance partner, Lucy, recently showcased their incredible talent at the Home Counties Championships. This dynamic duo clinched the top spot in the U35 Ballroom category and secured a commendable second place in the U35 Latin category.

What makes their achievement even more remarkable is that this competition was only their fourth outing together. Their continuous improvement and undeniable chemistry on the dance floor are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for dance.

James and Lucy’s journey to success is a story of perseverance and lots of training. They have invested countless hours perfecting their routines, honing their technique, and synchronizing their movements to create captivating performances.

Their success at the Home Counties Championships not only reflects their individual talent but also highlights their ability to work harmoniously as a team. Dance partnerships require exceptional coordination, trust, and mutual support, qualities that James and Lucy have demonstrated admirably.

The Alton School community is immensely proud of James and Lucy’s achievements and we look forward to celebrating their future successes.

Lower School Celebrates Day of European Languages

Today, we joined the nationwide celebration of European Languages Day with fervour and enthusiasm. In the Lower School, our pupils were fully immersed in a day dedicated to exploring the richness of European languages and cultures.

The day was filled with exciting activities and highlights that left lasting impressions:

T-shirt Parade: The culmination of the day featured a vibrant T-shirt parade, where pupils proudly showcased the T-shirts they had creatively decorated throughout the day.

European Themed Lunch: Our caterers prepared a delectable European-themed lunch that delighted the senses and allowed our pupils to savour the culinary delights of Europe. It was a journey through the flavours of the continent.

Year 2 Culinary Adventure: Year 2 pupils learnt the art of crafting croissants and French pastries.

European Music Quiz: Pupils tested their knowledge of European music in a lively quiz that showcased the musical diversity of the continent. It was a harmonious exploration of European tunes and rhythms.

Musical Delights: The day was filled with musical moments, including singing an Austrian yodelling song and the spirited “Mambo Italiano.” These musical interludes transported our pupils to the heart of European melodies.

Team Identity: Our pupils embraced European identity by naming their football and netball teams after European countries.

Day of European Languages is a celebration of linguistic diversity and cultural exchange. It encourages our pupils to embrace languages as a gateway to understanding the world and connecting with people from different backgrounds.

Year 6 Pupils Embrace Leadership Roles with Enthusiasm

As the new academic year unfolds, we are proud to introduce its exceptional team of pupil leaders in Year 6. The journey to leadership began towards the end of the previous year when Year 5 pupils were invited to apply for positions of responsibility. The selection process included submitting applications and videos, followed by interviews.

Now, in Year 6, these young leaders have enthusiastically taken on their roles, exemplifying the qualities of responsibility, dedication, and leadership.

Leading the way around the Lower School are the Deputy Head Girl, Head Boy, and Head Girl, who inspire their peers by setting a positive example and fostering a sense of unity within the school community.

 

Additionally, we are pleased to introduce House Captains for Oscar Romero, Nelson Mandela, and Cicely Saunders, who will play vital roles in promoting teamwork and camaraderie among the pupils.

Year 7 Adventures at Calshot

The Calshot residential is an annual event that always delivers an exciting and fun-filled weekend for Year 7 pupils. This year was no exception, with the pupils enjoying a wide range of activities that provided plenty of opportunities for them to learn new skills and challenge themselves.

The first activity of the weekend was kayaking, which was made even more enjoyable by the warm and sunny weather. The pupils had a great time and returned with rosy cheeks and big smiles on their faces.

The fine weather continued throughout the weekend, allowing the pupils to participate in a range of activities such as skiing, archery, climbing, donutting, orienteering, and track cycling. The velodrome proved to be a particular favourite, with many of them testing their skills on the challenging track.

The evening activities were just as exciting, with a range of competitions and challenges to keep the pupils entertained. The beach treasure hunt was a hit, as was the competition to build the highest pebble tower, the winners built an impressive 43cm tall tower. The pupils also enjoyed a quiz and an egg drop competition, where all the eggs survived!

The highlight of the weekend was the epic engineering challenge, where the students were tasked with building swings and mechanical dogs ‘Dragon’s Den’ style. This was a great way for the pupils to demonstrate their creativity and problem-solving skills, and they all rose to the challenge.

The weekend ended with a fabulous roast dinner, just as thunderstorms and rain moved in. Despite the weather, the pupils remained in high spirits, having made new friends and achieved new goals throughout the weekend.

The Calshot residential was an excellent opportunity for team building. As Sophie said, “Calshot was brilliant for team building. We got to know each other better and built new friendships”. With Thomas adding, “Calshot was great fun! I loved doing all the different activities. I made new friends and found out interesting facts about them.”

Overall, the Calshot residential was a huge success, providing Year 7 pupils with an unforgettable weekend of adventure and fun.

Our PTFA

Our PTFA is a dedicated group of parents making a significant impact through their commitment to fundraising and community engagement. Led by six devoted parents, the PTFA contributes to the school, charities, and the local community.

In the last academic year, the PTFA made substantial donations to various charities, including Children in Need, Comic Relief, MacMillan Cancer Support, Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care, Rays of Sunshine, and Maddy’s Mark. Their contributions funded essential school projects such as defibrillators, first aid resources, playground enhancements, and more.

The PTFA also organized numerous events, including coffee mornings, fairs, and fundraising activities, bringing the school community together in support of these initiatives.

This academic year promises to be even more eventful, with a calendar filled with engaging events that benefit the school and the broader community.

The PTFA warmly welcomes new volunteers. If you’re interested in giving back and getting involved, please email ptfa@altonschool.co.uk to join their active community.

Mark your calendars for their upcoming events, where community spirit and generosity shine.