Month: November 2023

Annual Feast Day Mass in Honour of Our Lady of Providence

Today, the entire Alton School Community united for our cherished annual Feast Day Mass dedicated to Our Lady of Providence. The atmosphere was filled with the melody of hymns, meaningful readings, and heartfelt prayers. 

A special thank you to Father Patrick Sherlock for leading us in this beautiful Mass and sharing insights into the origins of our beloved school. The Annual Feast Day Mass stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Our Lady of Providence, a guiding presence that continues to shape our community’s journey. 

Giant Cheque Presented to Lower School Fundraisers

Lower School at Alton School collaborated with Alton Lions for the heart-warming 50 for 50 challenge, an initiative celebrating 50 years of the Alton Lions and raising funds for Naomi House & Jacksplace. Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices provide vital support to local life limited and life threatened children, young adults and their families.

The Lower School pupils raised an amazing £465 by engaging in a variety of inventive challenges. From baking and selling 50 delicious cakes to completing 50 laps around the playground track and school fields, participating in a 50-lap swim, to scoring 50 netball/football goals, their collective efforts were not only inspiring but also had a meaningful impact. Alton Lions and Naomi House representatives actively participated in the afternoon’s activities, contributing to the success of the event.

Tash Haji, the Senior Regional Fundraiser at Naomi House & Jacksplace, expressed her delight: “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.”

In a special moment, Tash presented Alton School’s Student Council with a giant cheque, offering insights into how the raised funds will directly benefit those in need. This impactful gesture added a tangible dimension to the pupils’ efforts, making the connection between their challenges and the positive impact on the community more real.

Year 5s Unforgettable Space Adventure at Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

Year 5 embarked on a journey into space at the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, immersing themselves in the wonders of the cosmos. Check out the photos below that capture the joy and fascination as children enthusiastically participated in science experiments, wore beaming smiles, and even wearing a space suit for added flair!

This trip aligned with their current Earth and Space topic, providing a tangible experience to complement classroom learning. The children delved deep into the vastness of space, gaining profound insights into our solar system.

The highlight of the adventure included engaging workshops, a mesmerising Planetarium show, and exploration of exhibits. The immersive learning experience sparked curiosity and ignited a passion for space exploration.

Exploring Urban Regeneration: Year 11 Geographers Investigate Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth

In a recent field investigation, our Year 11 Geographers delved into the urban regeneration landscape of Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth. Tasked with evaluating the impact of GWQ on the locality, students assessed socio-economic and environmental aspects.

Using a variety of primary data collection techniques—questionnaires, land use surveys, traffic counts, and environmental quality surveys—the students showcased their dedication and analytical skills. Their diligence was not only reflected in the comprehensive data gathered but also in their exemplary conduct.

Politeness to members of the public during questionnaires and collaborative efforts in result-sharing highlighted the students’ commitment to representing our school admirably. As they embark on follow-up work, we anticipate the invaluable insights gained will greatly benefit their upcoming Geographical Applications GCSE paper.

Alton School Radiates Sunshine for Children in Need!

Our school transformed into a vibrant sea of yellow and spotty patterns as pupils embraced a cheerful Mufti Day in support of Children in Need. Some went head to toe in dazzling yellow, adding an extra touch of sunshine to the day!

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing PTFA for organizing a delightful cake sale. The sweet treats added a touch of sweetness to the day while contributing to a wonderful cause. Together, we’re making a difference for children in need

Tea Time Concert 2023

Our Lower and Senior School pupils, under the guidance of our Director of Music, Dr Shahov, and Head of Lower School Music, Mrs. Cowan, graced us with a beautiful Tea Time Concert. The stage was taken by pupils who showcased their musical talent on a variety of instruments, including piano, voice, electric guitar, flute, and violin.

Here’s what the experts say:

“The Senior School musicians impressed the audience with their musicality and maturity. We were treated to a wide range of repertoire, from the Baroque masters Couperin and Bach to the well-known highlights from Les Misérables and Grease. The pianists extracted magical sounds from the piano, the singers’ voices and the flute resonated with angelic sound quality… to add a bit of spice, the groovy guitar blues energised absolutely everybody! What an amazing evening!” – Dr Shahov, Director of Music

“Our Lower School pupils dazzled in the first Tea Time Concert of the year and certainly set the bar high for future events. With unwavering poise and confidence each musician delivered a captivating and polished performance showcasing a diverse array of musical genres and instruments. As always, the Lower School proved that when it comes to music they are accomplished and professional beyond their years.” – Mrs Cowan, Head of Lower School Music.

A Moving Tribute: Alton School Holds Annual Remembrance Day Service with Reverence

On Friday 10 November, We hosted our annual Remembrance Day Service, a poignant and heartfelt tribute to honour those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Despite the threat of rain, our resilient school community gathered indoors, creating a solemn atmosphere of remembrance. The event, a cherished tradition at Alton School, reaffirmed our commitment to paying tribute to the brave individuals who have served our nation.

Pupils, including Year 6 who led the Bidding prayers and the Lord’s Prayer, delivered touching speeches, sharing heartfelt reflections. Our dedicated Cadets led the service with grace and dignity. In an atmosphere of prayer and song, the entire school joined together to sing “Abide with Me,”.

This indoor service not only paid homage to the resilience and unity within our School but also emphasised the enduring importance of Remembrance Day as a moment for reflection, gratitude, and community strength.

Spectacular Bonfire Night Celebration Lights Up Our School

Last Friday, our School field transformed into a mesmerising spectacle, all thanks to our incredible PTFA. Families and friends gathered, bundled up in cosy bobble hats, for a memorable Bonfire Night celebration.

Our PTFA served up an array of treats, including the mouth-watering BBQ, along with warm and cold drinks. Light-up headbands and glow sticks added a touch of enchantment, with pupils wearing them gleefully. But the crowning moment was the breath-taking firework display, everyone couldn’t help but ‘Ooh’ and ‘Arr’. It was the best show yet, thanks to our PTFA.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our PTFA and all who supported this event. Special thanks go to our exceptional site staff, whose hard work made the setup and takedown seamless. Together, we created a night to remember, filled with warmth, wonder, and the magic of Bonfire Night.

Readathon: A Journey of Compassion and Literacy

Before the half term, we embarked on a unique literary adventure – the Readathon. This special initiative, organised by the dedicated team at Read for Good, is not just about reading; it’s about making a positive impact on the lives of others.

The Readathon is a sponsored read, and the money we raise is directed towards our local children’s hospitals. These funds serve a remarkable purpose – they provide the hospitals with books and even support staff to assist unwell children during their stay.

Our pupils have the freedom to read any genre they choose – be it fiction, biography, newspapers, non-fiction, eBooks, or traditional print books.

As we reach the halfway point of our Readathon, we’re delighted to share that we’ve already raised an impressive £380. This substantial amount, contributed by our compassionate and generous pupils, will undoubtedly make a meaningful difference to those in need.

We’re immensely proud of our pupils and their remarkable efforts in the Readathon.