Month: October 2023

Lower School Joins the 50 for 50 Challenge in Support of Naomi House

Today, Lower School joined forces with Alton Lions for the 50 for 50 challenge, a heartwarming initiative to raise funds for Naomi House and Jacks Place. This remarkable hospice provides crucial support to young people and their families in our local community during challenging times.

The Lower School pupils embraced this cause, participating in a series of challenges. From baking 50 delicious cakes for a sale to completing 50 laps around the playground track and school fields, swimming 50 laps of the swimming pool and scoring 50 netball/football goals. Their efforts were both inspiring and impactful.

Tash Haji, the Senior Regional Fundraiser at Naomi House said: ‘We were so pleased that the Lower School teamed up with the Alton Lions and took on their 50 for 50 challenge! It was fantastic to see and hear all the inventive challenges that the students came up with and how enthusiastic everyone was to complete their challenges and to raise as much as they can for our hospices. Thank you, Alton School, for your support, the money raised will help us to support local life-threatened and life-limited children, young adults and their families.’

We extend our sincere gratitude to Alton Lions and the representatives from Naomi House for their enthusiastic involvement in our activities this afternoon. Together, we’ve contributed to an amazing cause and made a positive difference in our community.

Creative Arts Day Where Magic Was Unleashed

On Wednesday 18 October, our school transformed into a haven of magic as we unveiled our reimagined Creative Arts Day. A captivating spectacle of talent and creativity unfolded, with pupils delving into their chosen disciplines, each turning the day into a spirited house competition.

The results were nothing short of magical, the winners were:

Film: Oscar Romero House who storyboarded, shot, and edited a captivating short film about magic.

Devising: Cicley Saunders House who crafted and performed a spellbinding piece based on six stimuli.

Musical Theatre: Oscar Romero House who choreographed a magical performance blending all elements of musical theatre.

Scripted: Cicley Saunders House who performed and directed a version of a script without using prompts.

Band/Composition: Nelsen Mandela House who composed, rehearsed, and performed an original piece of music.

Comic Strip: Nelsen Mandela House who wove magic into their original comic strip, showcasing storytelling and drawing skills.

3D Art: Nelsen Mandela House who designed captivating magical creatures that captured the imagination.

Digital Art: Oscar Romero House who crafted mesmerising magical art on their devices.

Congratulations to all houses for their extraordinary contributions, making Creative Arts Day an enchanting tapestry of artistic brilliance!

GCSE Historians step back in time

Year 11 took the train to London for a sunny Monday visit to the Herb Garrett and Old Operating Theatre in late September. The students received a talk from the museum representative and had the unique experience of sitting in the theatre, where medical students once stood in centuries past. Located in the attic of an old church, the museum is accessible via a long, winding spiral staircase and houses a vast collection of medical instruments and herbal medicines.

In the afternoon, we set out for a guided walking tour of Southwark, exploring markets, the Thames River, and historical hospitals and prisons that no longer exist. It was a highly engaging day of revision, complementing their study of Medicine through Time.

Lower School Harvest Celebration: A Heartfelt Gathering of Gratitude and Generosity

This morning, our Lower School came together in a touching Harvest celebration that beautifully captured the essence of gratitude and community spirit. The children, along with their teachers, expressed their appreciation to God for the bountiful food resources we enjoy daily. In a poignant moment of reflection, they also offered their prayers for those less fortunate, recognising the importance of compassion and helping others in need.

Throughout the week leading up to the celebration, Lower School pupils actively engaged in a donation drive for the Alton Food Bank. The response was overwhelming, resulting in a substantial collection of food items. This remarkable act of generosity will undoubtedly have a meaningful impact on those in our local area who require assistance.

The celebration assembly was a joyous and unifying occasion. Pupils, parents, and staff came together, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The event featured a delightful blend of talents, with pupils singing heartfelt songs, reciting thought-provoking poems, and showcasing their creative artwork.

This heartfelt celebration wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity and active participation of everyone involved. We extend our sincere gratitude to all the pupils, parents, and staff who contributed to making this event a resounding success.

Year 13 Shine in EPQ Showcase: A Window into Academic Excellence

Our Year 13 students exhibited their Extended Project Qualifications (EPQs) to Year 11 students and staff, offering an insightful window into the world of academic exploration and dedication. EPQs are much more than academic endeavours; they are a preparation for the rigors of university life. They instil critical skills such as referencing, the ability to collect relevant information, and effectively present their findings—competencies that serve as strong foundations for their future education.

Each student presented their project with poise, with a 15-minute talk through their findings and the challenges they encountered along the way. Their hard work was visible through presentation boards and 5000-word essays.

The presentations covered a myriad of subjects, each chosen by the students based on their personal passions. Examples included a study of how the Bloomsbury Group defied social norms in the 1920s, a detailed comparison of physiotherapy and occupational therapy in treating paralysis patients, a thought-provoking analysis of the effects of social media on adolescent suicide rates, and an exploration of the ethics and medical impacts of breeding flat-nosed dog breeds.

These subjects are not randomly assigned but are thoughtfully selected by the students, reflecting their individual interests and enthusiasm for these areas of study. The presentations were informative and inspiring, showcasing our Year 13s’ knowledge and commitment to their projects.

Moreover, this event served as an excellent opportunity for our Year 12 students, who will soon embark on their own EPQ journey. Witnessing the achievements and challenges of the Year 13s provided valuable insights into what a final EPQ can look like and inspired these younger students as they prepare to commence their own projects.

This event was a celebration of academic curiosity and dedication, where knowledge is nurtured, and students are encouraged to explore and express their passions. The Year 13s’ EPQ showcase was not just a testament to their academic growth but a reminder of their unwavering spirit of learning.

Mylee, Year 10 Pupil, Embarks on a Journey of Martial Arts Excellence

Mylee’s journey to excellence in Karate and Taekwondo is nothing short of inspiring:

A Year of Dedication: Throughout her Year 9, Mylee’s weekends weren’t filled with typical teenage activities. Instead, they were dedicated to training and competing. From Norfolk to Birmingham, and even in Wales, she honed her skills, setting the foundation for what was to come.

Conquering the World: July took Mylee across the Atlantic to the World Games in America. There, under the bright lights and intense pressure, she became a 4-time World Champion and secured 6 runner-up positions.

A Place on the National Team: Mylee’s exceptional talents didn’t go unnoticed. She earned a coveted spot on the English Goju Ryuu National team, a recognition of her skill and dedication. Her training regimen included weekly sessions in Hemel Hempstead, alongside her regular school commitments.

European Glory: September saw Mylee competing in the European Goju Ryuu Games in Belgium. Despite fierce competition and large categories, she emerged as the 4th best in both Kata and Kumite. Her tenacity and determination were on full display.

A Double Success Story: Mylee’s achievements aren’t confined to a single discipline. Alongside her remarkable journey in Karate, she excelled in Taekwondo. Her accolades include becoming a 4-time English Champion, 1-time Welsh Champion, and securing the runner-up position once. In September, she added 3-time Scottish Champion and another runner-up accolade to her collection.

Future Pursuits: Mylee’s journey is far from over. She’s been selected for the GB team, ready to compete in the European Games. Her training has already begun, and the anticipation is palpable. Additionally, she’s gearing up for Austria as part of the England Team in September.

Mylee’s story is more than a tale of trophies and medals; it’s a testament to the values of perseverance, ambition, and hard work. Her journey from an Alton School pupil to a martial arts sensation serves as an inspiration to her peers and a source of pride for the entire school community.

As Mylee continues to chase her dreams in the world of martial arts, the Alton School community eagerly anticipates her future achievements and supports her every step of the way.

Senior School Harvest Assembly: Sharing Kindness and Food for a Cause

Monday morning saw the Senior School Harvest Assembly taking place. Pupils had brought in lots of non-perishable food produce during the week before and this was displayed in the hall during the assembly. The Head talked about the importance of thinking of others and how important it is to provide donations to good causes. All of the provisions will be taken to Alton Food Bank after the Lower School Assembly which is taking place on Thursday. Our donations will provide the volunteers at Alton Food bank with lots of produce that they can distribute out to those in our local community that are struggling with providing food for their families. The assembly was drawn to a close by the Head of RE, Mrs Burchell, who read a poem and then led the school in a prayer of thanksgiving.