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Weekly Newsletter from the Headmaster

Issue No 8416th October 2015

Dear Parents,Careers were very much on the agenda this week as we sent off the first UCAS application forms for our Upper Sixth students and we hosted ‘Life Beyond 18’, our annual Careers’ Fair organised by Mrs Aliberti and Mr Rogers. The event was a superb opportunity for the Upper School to tap into the knowledge of a wide range of professionals and underlined the great advantages of our old pupil network and the potential we have for linking current students with our alumni - we will continue to develop this. The Upper School finish the week with a hog roast and Ceilidh tonight.

There have been a number of close-run sporting fixtures involving our pupils this week, but our U13 fixture against Hampton School in the last 32 of the Independent Schools National Cup wasn’t one of them. We knew this would be tough as Hampton are one of the strongest sporting schools in the country (they won the U15 cup last year) and the final score line would suggest that Hampton converted most of their tries. Such is the beauty of sport that a few days later our same boys won a convincing rugby victory against St Joseph’s, Launceston and therefore have a positive goal difference ... just. What was it that Rudyard Kipling said about the twin imposters?

A sad piece of news this week was the passing of Bill Daniel (left), a former Head Boy of the School and grandfather to former Head Boy, George and current pupils Will and Poppy. A much loved and revered figure, his memorial service will be at 12 noon on 28th October at Lake Chapel

with a reception afterwards at the Beach at Bude Hotel. The family would welcome any old school friends who wish to come.

Just a reminder that we break up for Half Term next Wednesday evening. The weeks have rushed by and by the time we return winter will have arrived and the clocks changed. Our plan is to send out Half Term grades by email - please make sure you let us know your most up to date email address if you have not already done so.

Simon Weale

News from the Prep SchoolDear Parents,The visit of author Ian Thomas (below) to the Prep School this week has certainly got the ‘creative juices flowing’ and many of our pupils are either burying their heads in one of his wonderful books or busy writing their own fantasy stories to meet the challenge he left us with at the end of his inspiring presentation.

‘Life Beyond 18’ presentations to 5th and 6th Forms

better when I get home because my brother is there and he is the worst of all. I really hate my life.’

Lillie Sealey

‘The long wooden planks creaked as the ferocious warrior stepped along the pathway towards the tavern.The tavern door burst open and silence fell. Every single thief and bandit stopped and stared. The warrior walked up to the bar, ordered a drink, and took his place at the table.’

Hamish MacDougall

‘Angus slumped onto his bed, kicking up the dusty carpet as angry tears began to prickle his green eyes. He let out a cry of frustration, punching his mattress and burying his head in the duvet. Angus had had it. He could no longer bare the drunken shouts of his father and the ordering voice that he carried. But Angus had to obey or his father would hit him with his shepherd’s crook, right across his fingers.’

Lola Frisby-Williams

I am sure these brief extracts from the children’s stories have left you, as they have me, wanting to read more.

Finally, and continuing with the creative theme of this week’s newsletter, I would like to say a huge well done to the three Prep School pupils who performed musical pieces at last week’s Chapel Service celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Bible Christians. Well done Lola Frisby-Williams, Aleyna Singleton and Niamh Shaw. The three girls certainly did us proud and Mr Parker, Shebbear’s Head of Music, wishes to add that throughout the service, their behaviour was exemplary and they were brilliant ambassadors for the College in general and the Prep School in particular.

Mike Furber

Next Week in the Prep School:Sunday 18th OctoberGliddon & Squire Cross Country Race Meetingat West Buckland School

Monday 19th OctoberPrincess Anne’s visit to Holsworthy Market

Monday 19th OctoberHigh 5 Netball Fixture v Black Torrington in Holsworthy 4.00pm

Wednesday 21st OctoberHalf term begins 5.00pm

It turns out that Ian, as well as being a successful writer of children’s fiction, is also a professional diver, cameraman and erstwhile colleague of Doug Anderson - who has previously visited the Prep school to share tales of his filming escapades for the BBC, making programmes such as Frozen Planet.

Ian’s similar adventures, diving in the Arctic Circle and in Antarctica, have provided him with the inspiration for his series of books, written in the first place he says, as a way of amusing his daughter and killing time during those long hours in cold climates waiting for various forms of wildlife to appear or perform. It’s hardly surprising therefore that his trilogy of tales about Emily and the Humpback Whale Pharoah, who she befriends, are based on the many wonderful natural phenomena of sealife he has been lucky enough to experience over the years.

Ian’s presentations began with some wonderful and amusing accounts of his dealings with sharks, whales, polar bears and a gang of somewhat ‘intellectually challenged’ penguins! The latter, causing much hilarity among the group.

Ian then went on to share with the pupils his passion for story writing and to encourage them to be brave and be willing to share their own stories with others. Finally, he finished his day with us with a book signing session.

This series of presentations, described by one of our youngest pupils as ‘highly inspirational’ has certainly encouraged the children to write their own stories and I have been wonderfully impressed with the first drafts of fantasy stories produced by our Prep 6 pupils since Ian’s talk. Just to give you a taste of the literary talent we have within the Prep School, here are some opening paragraphs from the stories they are currently working on.

‘They drove along in silence, lost in their thoughts, as they saw a first glimpse of the old, grey building called Ashton Court which would be their home for the years to come. Their Aunt and Uncle drove them towards the school, trying to lighten the mood, but nothing would make them happy.’

Aleyna Singleton

‘Wake up you lazy boy!’ yelled mother. Tom didn’t want to get up, he didn’t want to tend to the livestock, but had to ever since father had left. Tom walked wearily down the stairs. While his mother had a hearty breakfast he just had a few scraps. He was use to this as it happened everyday. ‘No, you have to do your chores before you have breakfast,’ said mother.’

William Robins

‘I rambled on, looking desperately in all the nooks and crannies, as the storm blew fiercely overhead. I was starting to lose hope, when the ground started to tremble, shifting rocks and boulders. Then suddenly, as fast as lightning, the ground opened up , swallowing many prickly pine trees as well as me.’

Eliza Stenning

‘Hey Fatty’, called one of the cool kids. Everyone stared and I could feel myself getting redder yet again.They all thought I was a nerd and really stupid because I liked reading and going to museums, and I couldn’t help being big. No one liked me, they were always calling me names. Even my teacher doesn’t like me. Things don’t get much

Weekly Newsletter from the Headmaster www.shebbearcollege.co.uk



Pre-Prep 1While the glorious weather continues the children in Pre Prep 1 have been enjoying Forest School lessons with Mrs Partridge. Recently they were taken on a walk around the campus, finding a variety of items to make a journey stick. On their return to the classroom they talked about their finds, remembering where they had found them and the ones that they liked the best. Blackberries seemed a firm favourite.

This week they have also been busy making kites, flags and bubble paintings, and also investigating how sails help boats move along in the wind - without getting too wet in the process!

Jacqueline Biddlecombe

Plymouth Theatre Royalby Elizabeth Flaherty

When we went to Plymouth for our trip to the Theatre Royal and the aquarium. We all had an amazing time and learnt a lot about skills used backstage to put on a production and how important those skills are.

We went to the aquarium first, where we saw displays of sharks, jellyfish and manta rays. There were many types of amazing fish, crustaceans and corals. It was fantastic to see the way the many animals interacted with each other in their natural environments.

Then we went to the Theatre Royal and visited their many departments, including costume design, set production and design, woodwork, prop design and steel works.

It was a great day out and it was extremely interesting to see all the work that goes into a theatre production.

Please Support Us!Catherine Short is taking part in a charity event in aid of North Devon Hospice and is looking for sponsorship herself and her team of 7 girls who are all working hard training for this gruelling event. The event is on 1st November and takes place in the countryside around North Molton and is a 10k Army Assault Challenge called Mission Unbreakable.

If you would like to sponsor Catherine and her team (every little helps) there is a Just Giving page at:

www.justgiving.com/Catherine-Short3

They have already raised over £300 but are aiming to hit at least £500, so please help drum up some support for this very worthwhile charity - thank you.

Midsummer Ball 2016 - UpdateFeaturing live music from ‘Joey the Lips’ and a Devon feast provided by Dartmoor Kitchen, this event is shaping up to be a great night.

Tickets will be released after Christmas so start gathering your friends for tables of 10, priced at £750. Individual tickets are priced at £75 each.

For further details or to reserve tickets or tables please contact Fiona Goode on 01409 282009 or [email protected]

If you would like to be a sponsor or support the event in some way please email Rebecca Weale on [email protected]

What’s on ...Monday 19th OctoberInterviews and CV writing TSB presentation Forms Four and Five - 1.45pm

Tuesday 20th OctoberWhat’s banking all about? TSB presentation Forms One and Two - 1.45pmSpanish Trip Departs - 1.45pm

Wednesday 21st OctoberHalf term commences - 5.00pm

Saturday 24th OctoberSpanish Trip Returns



What’s on ... SportsFor the latest updates on sports fixtures please see the document on the school website which is updated weekly.

RugbyLast Saturday morning saw the U15s travel away from home to take on Plymouth College. It was the second time the sides had met this season, with Shebbear comfortable winners on the first occasion. The boys made a quick start to the game and went ahead through an early Will Cowan-Dickie try. This score was added to by Stuart Williams, who touched down after some excellent football skills, and Alessandro Aliberti who powered over, as well as a second try for Will Cowan-Dickie to make the score 24-15 to the visitors at the break. The boys were aware of the importance of the first score in the second half having conceded sloppy tries leading up to half time, and Alessandro Aliberti duly delivered scoring from the first play. Further tries from Will Cowan-Dickie (2) and another from Alessandro Aliberti meant the boys ran out comfortable winners in the end by 52 points to 27. Special mention to Jose Crego for playing in his first rugby match for the school.

Nick Law

The U13s faced a Plymouth side they had beaten twice last year but with three key players missing it was always going to be a difficult day. Two intercepted passes resulting in tries for the visitors made the job even more difficult and the final score of 26-7 was probably a fair reflection of the game.

Andy BryanDue to a few injuries Shebbear 1st XV played v Plymouth in an U17 fixture. The game was an opportunity for the team to correct the mistakes from the previous week against Kelly. Ollie Ryder-Green set the tempo with a huge first tackle, allowing Shebbear to turn the ball over and counter. Captain Will Cox led from the front with some excellent carries and work at the breakdown. Once again James Hibben and Dave Badcock’s work in defence was a constant problem for Plymouth, and all the defensive organisation work we did in training paid off, putting Plymouth under a huge amount of pressure throughout. Jabez Weale at inside centre helped keep a



calm head in the back line which allowed us to move the ball well through the hands. Shebbear scored the better tries following big carries and patterns of controlled phase play.

Unfortunately two of Plymouth’s tries were directly from Shebbear’s mistakes, but that is the nature of the game and we ended up losing 21-19 in a hard-fought game. Well done to all for an excellent team performance, and especially Ollie Ryder-Green who won the man of the match award.

Jamie Sanders

HockeyThe U13’s had a very tense match against Plymouth College. From the start the play was end to end and when Plymouth went on the attack they looked certain to score. However, it was a cross from Maggie Dorey that Eliza Banbury slotted in for the first goal to be Shebbear’s and Poppy Daniel swiftly followed this up with a second. Plymouth then went on the attack and it was back to 2-all at half time.

Shebbear strengthened their defence and with 10 minutes to go the score was 3-all after Shebbear had conceded another goal but Poppy had also managed to score again. It was all to play for and either team’s game for the taking. With a minute to go Shebbear won a short corner and although the first shot at goal was stopped, Bess Scambler scored from the recycled ball. A great win, 4-3, with other players Bridget Mathews, Elleker Singleton, Hazel Coward, Billie Powell and Laura Priest contributing to a great team success.

Claire Cardoo

Shebbear 1st X1 v Plymouth College. It is a complement to the standard of hockey that the girls are now playing that we are able to have fixtures against such strong teams from far bigger schools. The Shebbear girls were up against an extremely talented Plymouth team and had to defend stoutly for long periods of the game. The opposition had several very capable players who played at a fast pace throughout.

Our hard-working girls still managed to mount several good attacks in each half, winning short corners and getting shots on goal. Plymouth’s strength saw them score 2 goals in the first half and 2 more early in the second half. Shebbear stuck to their task and were

rewarded with a goal scored by Eloise Maxa after some good work on the break by Niamh Martin. We conceded 1 more goal late in the game and came off exhausted but still positive.

Olivia Hill had an excellent game in her defensive position and all the girls worked even harder when we lost our captain Lucy Taylor early in the second half with an injury. More strong fixtures to come!

Alan Muller

Last weekend the U14 girls faced some tough opposition against Plymouth College. By half time they were leading 3-1. In the second half Plymouth College came back fighting to equalise the score and make it 3-all. However, Shebbear kept fighting and attacking Plymouth which resulted in Cara Phillips scoring the winning goal and putting all the spectators at ease. The outstanding work rate of the whole team really showed, resulting in a deserving win. Plymouth College were a talented and skilled side which gave the U14s a great opportunity to practice and prepare for their county tournament after half term, where they will face opposition of a similar standard.

Kate Gunning

U12 v Plymouth College (H) 2-6 (lost). A tough game for the girls. We were down by 4-1 at half time but with all the girls, especially the defence of Bridget and Sophie working hard to prevent Plymouth getting into the circle towards the end of the first half. In the second half the girls restricted Plymouth to 2 goals with Niamh making some great saves. Lauren and Katrina were the goal scorers, but both of these came from some great passages of play from the whole team. MOTM - Niamh Short.

U12 v Exeter Cathedral (H) 1-1 (drew). A brilliant performance by the girls. We took the lead in the 1st half with a goal from Katrina. The midfield (Lauren, Ellie, Katrina, Blythe) worked tirelessly to bring the ball out from defence and were good at looking wide for the options from the attackers. In the second half we unfortunately let in a goal after some great goal keeping by Niamh.

Hannah Little

FootballThe U15s welcomed Bournemouth Collegiate School in the second round of the ISFA cup this week and after a closely contested first half, turned around just 1-0 down. A second goal for the visitors early in the second half was followed by a missed penalty which might have brought the boys back into the match, but by the time Sean Nadin coolly slotted the ball home the game was already lost.

The final score of 4-1 to the visitors was not a true reflection of the game and man-of-the match Eddie Jones, skipper Stuart Williams, goalkeeper, James Bennett and Lion Grabau, who worked tirelessy in midfield, deserve full credit for their effort throughout the match.

The U13s bounced back from being well beaten in their ISFA Cup second round match on Wednesday against Hampton School, to record a convincing 46-0 victory over St. Joseph’s at rugby yesterday.

Tries for Dan Shaw (3), Jacob Luxton (2), Archie Boycott, Fergus Fong and Joe Faulkner ensured a comfortable victory and reflected the side’s ability to turn the ball over and recycle quickly.

Andy Bryan




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Shebbear College, Shebbear, Beaworthy, Devon EX21 5HJ Telephone: 01409 282001 Email: [email protected]

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