Spring Term 2

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope that this newsletter finds you and your families well and healthy during what is certainly a challenging time for us all. I have been impressed with how much work our pupils have been doing remotely during the past two weeks.  I recommend to all parents and carers the importance of maintaining routine, which your children are used to during school term i.e ensuring that pupils still get up at the same time and do their their academic work in the mornings. Creative work or physical activities can then be completed in the afternoons. Please remember that teachers are available for support Monday-Friday 9am-3pm and are constantly working hard to set e-learning and resources for all pupils.  Please do not hesitate to get in touch with your child’s teacher should you have questions or concerns.

I would like to thank our IT staff Mr Harris & Mr Pritchard for their amazing work in setting up the online learning platforms and systems for pupils so quickly.  It was a difficult time in which both members of staff worked long hours going above and beyond to ensure that all the IT systems and laptop computers were set up in order for learning to continue throughout this period.  

I will keep you updated as soon as I hear any further relevant information and guidance as to when schools are safe to re-open. Until then thank you for your continued support and efforts.

Please do remember to ensure that you are following the important government guidance on Coronavirus:

Stay at home

• Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)
• If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times
• Wash your hands as soon as you get home

Do not meet others, even friends or family

You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms

Following this guidance will mean that we will pass through this period as quickly as possible and be able to welcome the children back to school sooner. 

Best Wishes,

Principal

This year at Muntham House School we have invested in 3D design and to enable our pupils’ to realise their work, we also now have a 3D printer. By using the latest Tinkercad software and our Ultimaker printer we are getting our pupils to access cross curricular subjects in a new and exciting way. There are many different benefits to this new technology. It improves pupils participation, promotes active learning being able to interact at every stage of the process. It encourages creative thinking by getting the pupils to adjust their ideas through trial and error. It can also turn subjects into a career such as engineering or computer aided design. 3D printing can inspire curiosity in STEM subjects by giving pupils the chance to understand complex concepts and test theories.

These are some of the brilliant designs that the pupils have done over the past term.

by Piotr

by Levi

by Kaiden

Prevent came into Muntham House School on Monday morning to hold a training session for Staff and they also kindly came in again on Tuesday and held an assembly for our pupils.

They gave great insight into the prevention of radicalisation and violent extremism involving safeguarding vulnerable individuals from being radicalised into extremist behaviour and attitudes. Anyone from any area, ethnic group, socio-economic background, age group, gender can be in a vulnerable place for a variety of reasons and so be susceptible to radicalisation. This can happen in small villages as well as in big cities in any part of the country and the reach of the online world can be appealing for people when at their most isolated and vulnerable. 

As a school we have a part to play in preventing radicalisation and violent extremism. This is why the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places a Public Duty on all schools and local authorities to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”.

The staff found the talk extremely beneficial and I know that all pupils came away with a much greater understanding.

Creating the Muntham Orchard was a very special experience which the pupils will remember for a long time.  Pupils from each of the classes in primary helped to plant their own apple trees by preparing the holes, planting the trees and adding topsoil and bark chips.  Each pupil then had their name printed on a metal label placed around the tree giving them ownership.  The boys will be able to see their trees grow and develop and be involved in picking the apples when the time comes.  

Our school chef is looking forward to the trees growing and producing lovely apples in the  future that he can use in the school kitchen.  I  would like to say well done to all the pupils involved in this project. You all worked hard in planting your own trees and creating the Muntham Orchard.

The pupils celebrated World Book Day across the school by dressing up as characters from their favourite books.  We had some fabulous costumes and face painting across the school.  The pupils had extended tutor time in the morning and additional sessions playing story telling games together.  Pupils used the opportunity to learn and share more about each of their favourite books.  Every pupil and member of staff who took part made a donation to World Book Aid. 

There were several prizes given out for best costumes or for pupils who stood out across the day.

Muntham House boys have been very busy this term. They have played in various tournaments and leagues. Please see below for more information on the various venues.

Under 16's - South London Special League – Wednesday 26th February 2020

7 year 10s & 11s travelled to the SLSL to play in a Football Tournament against 3 other schools.

The first game Muntham came out of the traps and spent the whole game attacking against a very resolute defence. With Muntham camped into the oppositions half for the whole game it was only a matter of time before they would take the lead. FH had shot pushed past the post by the Goalkeeper before TK had a great volley also blocked off the line. Unfortunately with Muntham huffing and puffing they just couldn’t get the goal to win the game and it finished 0-0.

The second game was a stern test with the opposition winning their first match 5-0. Muntham had to defend for the first half of the match with AC making 3 excellent saves to keep us in the match. As the game went on Muntham grew confidence and started to pass and move and progress up the pitch and CM had a chance saved by the goalkeeper. Then with the last kick of the match DW placed a shot towards the corner of the goal which looked like it was going to go in but narrowly missed. The game finished 0-0.

With both games finishing as a draw Muntham knew they needed a win in the last game and this came in emphatic style. CM set the ball rolling closing down the goalkeeper with the goalkeeper’s clearance hitting him and going into the back of the net. TK then got on the scoresheet with some great footwork to fashion a shot which was powered past the Keeper. FH then scored with some lovely build up play down the left from TK and CM and squared across to FH who then side footed into the corner of the net. CM then got his second of the game when he went one on one with the keeper and calmly slotted the ball in. Then came the goal of the game and goal of the tournament and one of the best goals ever at SLSL and the ball bounced just inside the oppositions half way DM caught the ball sweet on the half volley and the ball rifled in of the top of the post. The Goalkeeper could only stand and watch.

Fantastic way to finish with a 5-0 win and secured 2^nd place in the Tournament.

Year 8s and 9s - South London Special League – Wednesday 4th March 2020

The first game we played the eventual winners of the tournament and Muntham started off strongly with some good passing from NN and CS in midfield and AL up some good positions in attack. Muntham with most of the possession in the game but couldn’t create many opportunities to score. AG in goal made a good save and CD made an outstanding block on the line to keep the score at 0-0 in the last minute.

The second game again against a strong team with the team relying on AG to make 2 great saves to keep the score 0-0 whilst good passing from SG and AC created a couple of chances for CS who shot narrowly wide. CD and SG stayed strong and the back and defended excellently to limit any shots at AG in goal. The game finished 0-0.

Knowing two wins in the last two matches a change of tactics to try and win the match with CD being the lone defender and no one would get past him. AC who was in attack made a great run taking it around 3 players but he just couldn’t find the finish which was deserved. CS had a great strike which went wide before NN had a shot smartly saved by the Goalkeeper. Muntham pushed and pushed to try and find a winner but couldn’t find it so it finished 0-0.

The last game there was still a chance to win the league but needed to win by 5 so all out attack with AG in goal and CD strong at the back it gave NN,CS,AC and AL licence forwards and Muntham had a great start with a poachers finish from AL which he beat the goalkeeper to the ball and smashed it into the corner. Muntham had attack after attack but couldn’t find the 2nd goal and were caught out on the counter attack which appeared to have been a foul on goalkeeper AG but the goal was given which was the last kick of the game 1-1.

Primary - South London Special League – Wednesday 11th March 2020

Glebe 1-2 Muntham Primary

Muntham Primary were in a group which all the children were at least a year above and would play later on against Muntham Year 7s.

The first match was against Glebe. Muntham Primary started very well and shocked Glebe by taking the lead thanks to a fantastic strike from JB. With great defending from JW and RW and an unbelievable save from MB which look like a certain goal. Then some confusion which saw a backpass being picked up by MB gave Glebe a free kick which resulted in an equaliser. 1-1 as the match was looking like it would be a draw LS and JB exchanged passes and JB places the ball into the corner for a 2-1 win.

Coinsborough 0-2

The second match against Coinsborough was a tough match. RW and JHF were running hard and pressing the ball and made some great tackles and RM working well with JB up front. JB had a good effort saved be the goalkeeper whilst RW made an excellent block the other end. Then Coinsborough took the lead as the shot just evaded MB and hit the post and just rolled over the line. Then Coinsborough grew in confidence had scored a 2nd from a great strike which just squirmed under the body of the diving MB. The game finished 2-0 which Muntham primary played so well in as the Coinsborough team towered over them.

Rowhill 1-1

Muntham started the 3rd game so well with some excellent passing and moving from JHF,LS and RM which created a chance for JW which just missed. Muntham were attacking but couldn’t quite get any shots in. Then disaster struck as Rowhill took the lead against the run of play when there player took it around 3 players and placed it into the corner of the goal. RW then made an excellent run towards goal and squared the ball to JB who smashed the ball into the goal to equalise. Muntham has a chance through JW to score just before the final whistle but his effort was smartly saved. The match finished 1-1

Muntham 0-1 Muntham Main

Muntham vs Muntham Primary vs Mainschool. It was a fantastic match from both teams with the year 7s dominating the ball early on but JW and RW had two chances to put the primary team into the lead but smartly stopped by OC. GA grew into the game and began to be more influential and ZK and AG were doing some good passing and tackling. The primary defence held strong with JB making 2 great saves from MB and RW making a last ditch block to also deny MB. As the game looked to be heading towards a draw GA squared the ball to MB who rifled the ball into the top corner of the net. The game finished 1-0 to the year 7s but the primary boys pushed them all the way.

Rowhill 0- 2 Muntham

The last game against Rowhill with Muntham Primary knowing that a win they would finish 3rd in a tournament for the year above. Muntham started shakily and MB made an excellent save. Munthams nerves seem to settle and RM making some excellent passes and made a great through ball for JB to run onto and score to give Muntham the lead. JHF and RW were chasing the ball and making tackles and JW was making some great runs out from the back. Muntham then sealed victory when JB chased down the Goalkeeper and won the ball and placed it into the empty goal.

Muntham Primary were excellent playing a team a year above and still managed to finish 3rd in the league. 

Year 7s - South London Special League – Wednesday 14th March 2020

Game 1 - Rowhill 0 - 0 Muntham A

A tense first game with not a lot of action. The only two noticeable chances came from George Ahearn and Zahn Kowlesser who both hit the wood work. Oliver Castle in goal didn't have a save to make. A solid start to the game not losing and not conceding a goal

Game 2 - Wood Hill 0 - 3 Muntham A

From start to finish Muntham House dominated this game. Chances galore and the star of the game was MB who scored all three of Muntham's goals. His first came after one minute. A long range effort was too much for the opposing keeper to handle, The second was a penalty and the third was a great team goal. AG, CF and GA all had a hand in the build up for MB to slot home.

Game 3 - Glebe 0 - 1 Muntham A

The opponents really took the game to Muntham and had several good chances to take the lead. OC in goal made several excellent saves and AG with his partner in defence CF were having a brilliant game making a host of last ditch tackles. When it looked like the game was heading for a goalless draw GA popped up with a cool finish. He received a pass from ZK and cooly slotted home. This was a big victory.

Game 4 - Coinsborough 1 - 1 Muntham A

This was the biggest test of the day and came from the eventual runners up of the group. It was a great start with GA scoring an excellent solo goal after just seven seconds. Chances from both teams were few and far between until the last few seconds of the game. MB tried a long range effort which hit the post only for the opponents to make the most of the rebound, attack and score with literally five seconds to go. A harsh blow for Muntham but the true reality of football.

Game 5 - Muntham B 0 - 1 Muntham A

Could Muntham B prevent Muntham A from winning the group. They certainly put on a good show and showed no loyalties to their peers. A good defensive performance from Muntham B meant the chances for very limited for Muntham A. It looked like a stalemate was about to happen only for a dramatic turn of events which meant a victory happened. A tackle from AG rebounded off the crossbar of the Muntham House A goal and looked to be heading out of play only for GA to make a last ditch attempt to prevent it from doing so.  GA then played a beautiful cross for MB to volley home. 

Muntham House A were victorious on the day and won the group.

An Inspector Called – or did he? 

We are all responsible for our own actions, and for each other. 

The utter genius of this production cannot be understated, and I was delighted to be able to share it with Year 10 pupils when we went to the Theatre Royal in February.  ‘An Inspector Calls’ is a play that we (and Year 11) have been studying for English Literature GCSE, and having read the script and studied the language use and the characters in depth, it was only right that they should enjoy the full version – indeed, how can our pupils be expected to completely understand something that is meant to be performed unless they have the experience of being an audience member?  

When the curtain rose, the pupils were stunned to see that the ‘dining room’ in which the whole play is set was actually within a small, almost dolls-house-like structure, in which the Birling family and Mr Gerald Croft did not seem to fit. Very quickly, our pupils realised that this reflected the larger-than-life characters whose actions were not contained within the four walls of their house, but in fact spilled out into wider society where they had a lethal effect. That the house was ‘raised up on stilts’ allowed for these characters to appear ‘above’ the rest of society and distanced from them, and towards the end of the play, meant that their lives could come ‘crashing down around them’ in a stunning, literal manner which made us all jump out of our seats!  

Central to the storyline is Inspector Goole (pronounced ‘ghoul’) who investigates and inspects the characters, although whether he is actually a Police Inspector is called into question. The main character, around whom the whole play is based, never speaks, is not seen, and does not appear on stage. The play is set in 1912 but was written in 1945, so that the original audience knew more about the future than the characters. The action takes place in real time over the course of one evening so that the audience piece together the fragments of the story at the same pace as the characters on stage. But having read and studied the play, we knew what was coming, and this added to our excitement and anticipation, and of course our bias against some of the cast members. 

An Inspector Calls is not only a mystery, but is also a ‘morality play’. The central message of the playwright JB Priestley is that our actions have consequences and that we all have a responsibility towards ourselves AND each other. While it links to the first and second world wars, it’s relevance today cannot be understated. Our actions have consequences. 

I am immensely proud of our Year 10 pupils. The discussions we have had since watching the performance revealed to me that our pupils: have an excellent grasp of the way that a single word can have multiple meanings; understand the hidden meanings in a text; and can explain how language can be used to manipulate an audiences’ interpretation. And of course, that they are delightful young men who appreciate the finer things in life! 

Year 11, regicide and the weird sisters

What is the link between seven Year 11 pupils, three weird sisters and the murder of a cousin? It’s Macbeth, of course! This term, Year 11 pupils had the privilege of watching a slightly modernised version of Shakespeare’s tragedy ‘Macbeth’ – a play which deals with very many deep, dark secrets, plots and schemes. And a whole lot of blood! The pupils were a little surprised to see the main characters dressed in suits rather than traditional dress from the early 1600s, but they listened beautifully, learned lots and through their excellent behaviour were great ambassadors for the school, demonstrating that pupils at Muntham House School are excellent young men who are capable of great things.

One of the things I am asked frequently is “Why do we study Shakespeare, and how is it relevant to life today?” Well, aside from being an immensely clever and intriguing storyline which we HAVE to study for English Literature GCSE, the play Macbeth is more relevant now than ever. In Act 5, scene 1, Lady Macbeth teaches us the importance of washing our hands (though she’s washing blood and guilt away, while we’re all just trying to stay well!); William Shakespeare wrote Macbeth in isolation when the playhouses in the City of London were closed and society was in lockdown because of the epidemic in 1606; and of course because it gives us one of the best historical descriptions of a plague in Act 4, Scene 3.  “The dead man’s knell / Is there scarce asked for who, and good men’s lives / Expire before the flowers in their caps / Dying or ere they sicken.” Historically, this is of great importance to England.

If you can bear it, during the next few days and weeks, you have the perfect opportunity to immerse yourselves, and your young men and boys in the works of Shakespeare – there are many fabulous films for the whole family to enjoy if reading is not your thing. Audible are also offering a free ‘spoken word’ service so you can listen to any book of your choice!

All pupils in year 10 participated in work experience over a two week period at Muntham House School this term.   As you will see from the list and pictures below our pupils attended a wide range of different employers to experience work in areas which they are personally interested in.  This is a valuable part of their education and something which we work hard every year to ensuring that pupils are placed with suitable employers.   

“Dylan was absolutely brilliant on the farm and with the animals. ​We would love Dylan to help us in the lambing season as we are very busy and Dylan has been a valued member of our team this week!”​

Louise Hurdsman – Manager at Holmbush Farm

“Callum was fantastic this week and could not have been more helpful, he always has a smile on his face and will always help out when needed, he has been a great member of staff this week.” 

Maureen Jones – Billingshurst Leisure Centr

"Alfie had a good understanding of the sort of work that Electric Square carry out and he was a popular and valued member of our team, we were very impressed with Alfie."

Nina - Electric Square

“The only thing wrong with Jack is that he is not 18! If he was, I would have offered him a job today.  Jack has worked alongside 18 & 21 year old trainees and has out performed them every day, well done Jack!"

Liam Wadey - JM Wadey's

“Reece is extremely capable and could easily go on the work with young people or as a carer, He has been great and we want him to come back as a volunteer in the summer holidays.”​

​Katie – Manager of Toy Box ​

“Jack is a cheeky chappie who gets on well with the lads on site and can put a good day’s work in, he could be fine in a building type job in the future.”

Kevin - Health & Safety Officer at NJS

​Some of the comments from employers were outstanding about our pupils and how hard they worked throughout this experience.  Well done boys, you have impressed us all with your efforts. 

I would also like to say a big thank you to the staff who worked tirelessly in setting this up particularly our Careers teacher Mr Hellyer. 

On Saturday 29th February we took a group of our pupils to FlipOut in Chichester, they were very excited but perfectly behaved on the journey.  

Once we arrived, the boys wasted no time in getting started and after 1 ½ hours of bouncing, were treated to lunch. 

It was a fantastic day with all the boys engaging positively with each other and being polite to staff members. They were a credit to Muntham House School.

On Sunday 1st March we took a group of pupils down to the Brighton Zip which is the longest and fastest zip wire along the South Coast. This is Brightons latest attraction and runs along the famous Brighton beach boasting a 300 metre dual zip wire. 

After climbing the impressive spiral staircase you are 32 metres above sea level where the views are impressive. You then race down the zip into the hull of a boat landing stage 300 metres along the beach reaching incredible high speeds. 

Despite the wind and the cold weather our pupils were amazing, they listened to the briefing and waited patiently in line until it was their time to enjoy the experience. All pupils were allowed to have an extra go as they were so well behaved, and had so much fun.

The pupils then had some lunch before being taken to Devils Dyke where they enjoyed spending time running about.  Before we returned to school we stopped off for an ice cream to finish off an excellent day out.  All the pupils were well behaved and a credit to Muntham House School and had a memorable day out in Brighton.

Here is a quick recap on some of the useful websites we have provided for our pupils to take a look at whilst the school is temporarily closed. 

PRIMARY PUPILS

Primary pupils will be bringing work folders home pupils will also be able to access online learning from the following websites:

https://login.mymaths.co.uk/  (Muntham is the user name/Angle is the password)

https://ec1.educationcity.com/

Learning Pack for Primary Pupils

SECONDARY PUPILS

To access e-learning over this period please use our Frog learning platform and the pupils emails through Microsoft 365 which will give the pupils access to their folders. The links are below. All lessons and correspondence will be completed using these platforms:

https://munthamhouse-wsussex.frogos.net

https://www.office.com

Remote Learning Guide for Pupils Parents and Carers - Muntham House School

Wellbeing for Parents and Pupils

These are links to websites that can offer advice and wellbeing support in the form of counselling and psychoeducation. It is very important that during uncertain times where anxiety may be higher than usual that people continue to feel as though they have support.  This is going to be even more important should the school close - those parents and careers with pupils in weekly therapy may wish to access these online services instead.

https://www.kooth.com/

https://www.qwell.io/

https://www.themix.org.uk/ 

http://mindhub.wales/

https://findgetgive.com/

https://youngminds.org.uk/

https://www.childline.org.uk/

https://www.samaritans.org/