Dear <<Salutation>>

It’s been a great week, which finished with an outstanding Curriculum Collapse day on Friday. As usual, many thanks to the sports department for the enormous number of hockey, swimming, football and cross-country fixtures they run. It is extra-difficult in the hockey season, with less space than for rugby and cricket. Nonetheless, the boys seem to be thoroughly enjoying their hockey. This was made clear to me at a new boys’ lunch recently, when three boys said that one of their best moments so far, was making a hockey team, even though they had not played hockey before they joined us.  Enjoyment is more important than success, but success is enjoyable too, so congratulations to the Y7 and Y8 cross-country teams who became District Champions this week.
 
The week also meant assessment feedback for boys in Y5-8, and I hope our boys have enjoyed their successes, and also reflected on how they can improve in other areas. Some of our boys have tried for a range of scholarships to the Upper School, and we have our fingers firmly crossed for them.
 
Yesterday, all our boys swapped their usual lessons for a range of activities and workshops designed to raise awareness of disabilities during our Curriculum Collapse Day. Boys participated in orienteering, and both a braille and a sign language workshop. The Mind-Map charity gave a workshop to all boys from Y5-Y8 on how to promote mental good health, and how to respond to someone who is suffering with mental health issues. Boys tried some Paralympic sports (some at the University of Bedfordshire). Perhaps the highlight, though, was meeting the incredible assistant dogs and staff from Canine Partners, who provide support for those with complex physical difficulties. The day was a lot of fun, and, importantly, offered an insight into how different disabilities affect people in their everyday lives.
 
It is time to draw breath over an exeat weekend and we look forward to welcoming Y5 parents for the Parent Consultation evenings next week. Please read below for forthcoming events and opportunities. 

Y5 Parents’ Evenings
5B and 5SR    Monday 27th January from 4.30 - 7pm in the EMH
5M and 5DR   Tuesday 28th January from 4.30 - 7pm in the EMH
Just a reminder that it is the Y5 Parents’ Evening on Monday and Tuesday. To ensure that parents get to speak to their son’s teacher at the allotted time, please can I urge all parents not to go beyond the 5 minute time slot per subject which you book. Should a longer discussion prove necessary, please make arrangements to speak to your son’s teacher at an alternative time, rather than taking the time booked by another parent. If you have any queries about your appointments please contact Mrs Johnson ljohnson@bedfordschool.org.uk. We look forward to seeing you next week.
 
Y4-5 Saturday Morning Activity Club starting next week
This term boys will be doing Hockey and Cricket in our Saturday morning club. Boys can do just one sport, or both. Hockey players will need to be dropped at Gordon Fields for a 9am start. Boys who are also playing cricket will get driven back to school. Otherwise please collect your son from Gordon Fields at 10am. There is always the potential of a frozen pitch and if this happens, we will try and communicate any decision as early as we can.
 
For hockey, the boys will need their games kit, trainers/astros, gumshield and shin pads.
For cricket, the boys will need their school cricket shirt, blue school tracksuit, trainers and all their cricket kit.
 
Dates are as follows:
 
Saturday 1st February
Stamford Hockey U9ABCD 10am (H) at Gordon Fields therefore no Hockey
Cricket 10.15 - 11.15am in Sports Hall
 
Saturday 8th February
Hockey at Gordon Fields 9am (10am pick up from Gordon Fields)
Cricket 10.15 - 11.15am in Sports Hall
 
Saturday 29th February
Hockey at Gordon Fields 9am (10am pick up from Gordon Fields)
Cricket 10.15 - 11.15am in Sports Hall
 
Saturday 7th March
Hockey at Gordon Fields 9am (10am pick up from Gordon Fields)
Cricket 10.15 - 11.15am in Sports Hall
 
Saturday 14th March
Exeat
 
Saturday 21st March
Hockey at Gordon Fields 9am (10am pick up from Gordon Fields)
Cricket 10.15 - 11.15am in Sports Hall

Prep School House Singing, Friday 14th February
Half term ends with our very popular and eagerly anticipated House Singing event in the Great Hall on Friday 14th February. Starting at 2.30pm and finishing at 4pm, doors open at 2pm and all families are welcome to attend. Boys are asked to wear white shirts please. A collection for the school’s charities will be made at the end of the event. Parking is via the Burnaby Road entrance where security will direct you.
 
Eagle Choir ‘Open House’, Thursday 30th January
Do you love to sing, or have you ever wanted to find out if you do? Now is your chance!  The Eagle choir, an adult choir kindly sponsored by Bedford School, are hosting an evening of singing at 7.30pm on Thursday 30th January in the Recital Hall.  This will be followed by time to chat with existing choir members over a glass of wine. The singing will feature ‘Songs from the Shows’ and all ages and abilities are welcome. So, come along and give us a try!  Find out more here
 
Bedfordshire Festival Showcase
The Festival Showcase is an informal non-ticketed event, which aims to give the Speech and Drama boys some practice at performing in a large space with an audience, in preparation for the Bedfordshire Festival. This year’s Showcases will be on the dates below and we hope you are able to come and watch the boys perform. Boys should please wear white shirts and bring a snack to eat after school if they would like to. Please contact Mrs Bell ebell@bedfordschool.org.uk if you have any questions.
 
Year 4 & 7 Showcase  Monday 10th Feb in the EMH
                                    from 4.30pm-6pm approx
Year 3 & 8 Showcase  Monday 24th Feb in the Quarry Studio
                                    from 4.30pm-6pm approx
Year 5 & 6 Showcase  Wednesday 26th Feb in the EMH
                                    from 5pm - 6.30pm approx 
                                    (a later start time due to fixtures)
 
Chapel Term Card, Spring 2020
Parents, families and members of the school community are always welcome at our Chapel services. For further details on all the various services taking place this term, please refer to the attached Chapel Term Card. If you have any questions, please contact the Chaplain, Mr McCleery.
 
Prep House Singing, Friday 14th February
Do remember that all the House Singing music is on Firefly.
House Singing
Bunyan
Harpur
Howard
Whitbread