Dear Parents and Carers,

This school year has started well for our pupils across the school.  It has been nice to see the Year 6 pupils transition up into the Secondary part of the school so smoothly. Pupils have found their feet quickly and are enjoying the wider curriculum up in the secondary phase of the school.

It has certainly been a busy summer in school - we have successfully completed a number of school improvement projects.  Perhaps the most impressive new addition is our new Primary building consisting of two classrooms, two intervention rooms, and a multi-purpose hall.  The building is an exceptional facility providing the perfect space for our pupils to thrive and develop.    

All pupils in KS3 were offered the opportunity to attend a residential trip for three days at Blackland Farm Activity Centre. The pupils enjoyed a whole host of different outdoor and adventurous activities throughout the day and during the evenings also.  These trips have been organised to build and develop relationships between each of the groups and have been thoroughly enjoyed by pupils and staff. 

I am extremely proud of just how well our year 11 pupils did in their GCSE and BTEC examinations.  Not only did all pupils pass their examinations achieving their target grades, but many pupils also achieved above expectations.  Some pupils achieved Merits and even Distinctions, some achieved grade 4s, some grade 5s and we even had some grade 6s.  This demonstrates just how hard our pupils have worked throughout KS4, and how good our teaching staff are.

I hope you all enjoy some good quality family time over half term. We look forward to seeing all pupils back in school on Tuesday 8^th November.

Best wishes,

Mr Anderson
 

Our new Primary building is now open providing two state-of-the-art classrooms with adjacent intervention rooms to help meet the Special Educational Needs of our primary-aged pupils.

A multipurpose sports hall is included which pupils will use for indoor P.E, Gymnastics, and Dance.  The multipurpose hall will also be used for assemblies and as a dining hall.  This new space creates an outstanding environment for primary pupils to enjoy and flourish in.  

All pupils in years 7, 8, and 9 attended a three-day residential trip to Blackland Farm activity centre in East Grinstead. Pupils participated in various outdoor and adventurous activities throughout the trip such as rock climbing, abseiling, the crate challenge, Jacob's Ladder, archery, zip lining, a gladiator challenge, and team building activities.

These activities were organised for each group to help develop relationships and friendships between the groups.  Succeeding at each of the challenges develops pupils' self-confidence and raises their self-esteem.

All pupils enjoyed the experience and impressed staff with just how well they had all coped on their first night away from home on a residential trip with the school.  I hope you enjoy the pictures included in the gallery links below.

YEAR 7

YEAR 8

YEAR 9

VISITS TO WEMBLEY

Tuesday 20th September – Primary Wembley Stadium Tour 

Following their win of the Muntham Primary Sportsmanship Award, Vinnie and Theo enjoyed a trip to Wembley Stadium including a full Stadium tour, where they were able to tread the same steps as some of the greats. 

Upon entering, the first point of interest was the crossbar from the controversial goal, in the 1966 World Cup where England beat West Germany 4-2 to win their first World Cup. Along with this iconic wooden crossbar, was the 1966 cup itself, an old turnstile from the original Wembley Stadium (known as the Empire Stadium), and plenty of other memorabilia and relics of the past.  

After this pupils were taken through to one of the first-tier grandstands, from where we had an amazing view of an empty, vast Stadium. The tour guides did a fantastic job of filling us in on all sorts of facts about Wembley, including the fact that it has more toilets than any other Stadium in the world - a fact that Vinnie and Theo very much enjoyed!

From there the tour led us down to the media conference room. Here pupils had the chance to sit behind the interview desk where so many of their heroes, along with pop icons and world champions had sat before. 

After the conference room, they were led to the England Team change rooms, where Theo and Vinnie made it their mission to take a photo of every single one of the superstar's jerseys that were hanging up around the walls. This was a humbling place to be, knowing how many incredible talents had walked those floors. 

Once we left the changing rooms, we were led to "the tunnel". This was a truly amazing part of the tour. All thirty-six people on the tour lined up in two lines, as if on opposing teams. On the count of three, we all roared and ran out of the tunnel onto the side of the pitch. It was an amazing feeling, and the boys could not stop smiling. The view from the pitch side was unreal. The stadium is unbelievably large once it surrounds you, and I could only imagine the feeling of ninety thousand people screaming down at you. 

This was an amazing tour, which Vinnie, Theo, and the staff thoroughly enjoyed. What a fantastic experience, especially for two young football enthusiasts! 

Monday 26th September – Secondary England vs Germany Wembley Game 

Following their win of the Muntham Secondary Sportsmanship Award, Alfie and Kion were ecstatic to know that they would be going to witness their national England team play possibly their greatest sporting rivals of the modern era - Germany.  

On arrival at Wembley Stadium, the crowds were singing and cheering with great excitement in the anticipation and lead-up to the game. Alfie and Kion were full of smiles throughout as they snapped a photo with the iconic Bobby Moore statue before lining up alongside their fellow England supporters awaiting entry to the stadium.  

Once within the stand and having found our seats the atmosphere was electric, and Alfie and Kion couldn’t wait for kick-off, getting out their England flags and flying them with pride in their national team, taking photos and videos of the enormity of Wembley, and singing along with the crowds.  

It was a tense game indeed with England looking promising in the first half against their old foes, hinting at good things without making them happen. And then it all threatened to fall apart, leaving Alfie and Kion up and down in their seats throughout.  

England was the more dangerous team before the interval, creating openings, including the big one on 25 minutes when Shaw released Sterling with a lovely through-ball and Sterling had a great opportunity but was denied by Ter Stegen. It was 'nearly but not quite' for England. 

Two second-half goals from Germany looked to have them on their way to victory, but England leveled the score in a span of five minutes, “come on England”. VAR then awarded England a penalty, which Kane converted to give England the lead. However, Germany tucked away another to reach the final scoreline of the night.  

It wasn’t quite the win the boys had hoped for, but nevertheless a wonderful game to witness as England roared back the 3-3 draw against Germany, which made for a thrilling final World Cup warm-up.  

Leaving the stadium, Alfie and Kion were disappointed to not witness a victory, but were overjoyed and humbled to have experienced such an exciting and significant football match. An incredible evening for all.  

Year 8 has been undertaking a project to design and make some go-karts, with an emphasis on working together as a team and learning to solve problems. The pupils have really enjoyed this so far and hope to have their go-karts ready to race in the next few weeks.

There has been a range of great activities taking place in PSHE this half term and Mr Callaghan has joined our lessons as the subject-specific LSA. Both the younger and older groups have been considering their transitions into secondary school, into Key Stage 4, and into Key Stage 5/College. Year 7 has also benefitted from weekly social skills sessions, supporting the development of new friendships and positive relationships. Year 10 and MHC pupils have been thinking about a transition in terms of the effects on their mental health and strategies to support this period of change.

Year 8 PSHE lessons have been interesting so far. Our topic is Drugs and Alcohol and pupils have participated in lessons on the effects of caffeine and energy drinks, tobacco, and e-cigarettes/vapes. Year 9 has learned the difference between healthy and unhealthy friendships, and the impact of peer influence. Both year groups participated in lengthy discussions and shared their opinions with respect to each other.

Friday Rewards with Year 10. No kittens were harmed during this time……

Last week saw PSHE lessons focused on World Mental Health Day activities. Across the groups, sessions were delivered on Building Resilience. This encouraged our pupils to recognise that there is a range of coping strategies that can be helpful, and some may be harmful or useless. Ask your child which coping strategies they find work best for them.

On our return to school, the polytunnel and raised beds were bursting with fruit and vegetables. The pupils were happy to discover the watermelons had been hugely successful - we had a fabulous crop so they could all enjoy eating melon outside in the Autumn sunshine. We also had bumper crops of tomatoes, cucamelons, aubergines, cantaloupe melons, chilis, and cucumbers. Some of the pupils were brave and had a nibble at the chillis, the mild ones were popular, and many pupils have taken them home to share with their families. Chef has used lots in his cooking along with the aubergines and herbs.

We dug the potatoes and found a good crop hiding under the soil: Chef used them with the roast dinner, and I believe they tasted good. 

The sweetcorn ripened quickly in the warm weather so before the squirrels had a feast, we harvested it along with beetroot and red onions and delivered a bundle to the Chef.

We only had a few carrots! The hot summer hindered the germination of root vegetables. The younger pupils were able to hunt for the feathery tops and after scrubbing, they enjoyed munching on them in the sunshine.

We are looking forward to next year as we have planted lots of onion and garlic sets which will be ready to harvest in early summer and have planted some daffodils and crocus bulbs for spring colour and to encourage the bees back into our productive garden when the winter is over. 

Donkeys

We have spent the last few weeks learning about patience. Donkeys are renowned for being stubborn, and Buzz and Woody are no exception. If they decide not to move it can be frustrating trying to get them to 'walk on' so the pupils have been learning techniques on how to encourage them to move, whilst thinking about ways to remain calm, check in with their breathing, and overall remain patient whilst they wait for something to work. In the end, a carrot usually helps if nothing else! Some pupils have also been cutting the donkey's manes. This takes patience and a very steady hand. 

Chickens

The chickens are almost all happy to come up to the pupils now and be fed by hand. Some have taken time to become more confident and so are still a little wary, but the pupils are becoming more aware of ways to allow the animals to feel safer in their company. The chickens can often be found in the goat pen helping to keep the grass down and the pupils enjoy being able to spend time with both animal groups in one pen.

Goats

The goats are keeping busy with a lot of walks, grooming, and hoof clipping. The pupils have also gathered new items for the goats to climb on and keep them occupied. During the next half term, we will build an agility course for the goats to climb and watch them as they play. They have been keeping fit with plenty of running races and exploring the grounds in further detail whilst spending time walking and talking. For the pupils, walking around the grounds with the goats, away from normal activities, noise and routine really does have a positive and calming influence and is one that the pupils enjoy immensely. The primary pupils really enjoy getting the goats to follow them around the pen, jumping off ledges, etc, and 'Goat ParKour' is now a favourite way to end the session.

Pigs

Bangers and Mash are enjoying the treats the pupils bring them, they certainly do not go hungry! They have been taken out on a few adventures into the grounds: it's a challenge but good fun as it's a real team effort to get them back in the pen! We are learning to use a 'Stick and Board', a pig-showing tool to walk and direct a pig. There is a real knack to this but we are having fun learning. Grooming has been the topic this month and the pigs really enjoy time with the pupils. It is very calming being able to sit and stroke a pig and watch whilst it literally collapses to the floor and falls asleep to a tummy rub.

With the weather slowly turning, we are making the most of the warmth inside the Canine Centre. This means lots of cuddles and time for training with our dogs. Buzz, in particular, dislikes the rain - we think he gets worried about it messing up his hair. Luckily Omah prefers to be involved in cuddles with her blanket, as you can see from the photo the pupils love this too!

Some of our pupils have been working on multi-tasking - their patience has been tested, their resilience has been stretched and at times, they have been close to throwing the towel in! The reason behind this is that we have been experimenting with having BOTH Omah and Buzz in a session at the same time. This equals chaos. The dogs chase each other, constantly play, and sometimes refuse to listen. This provides excellent practice for the boys, and the development of perseverance and determination. The pupils lucky enough to experience this have shown an incredible ability to read each dog's body language, and have the ability to name the emotion the dog is feeling and suggest ways to increase desired emotions and behaviour and decrease the negative emotions in the dog.

As you can understand, holding the attention of both dogs is tricky, however, our pupils are always up for attempting tasks that may test their patience and abilities. This usually provides positive and enjoyable results.

     

In Forest School this half term, the older primary pupils have been looking at different woodland tools and how to use these to maintain the Forest School area. The pupils have been learning to use axes, loppers, pruners and folding saws. We have used the tools to not only maintain the Forest School area, but for collecting firewood for when the weather gets colder. A lot of emphasis has been placed on the tools and I've wanted the pupils to show me they can use the tools accurately and safely. The younger primary pupils have been looking at identifying trees from their different leaves whilst also looking at how the leaves change in the autumn. They have also explored the make-up of a tree, where it comes from, and a tree's main features. 

The secondary pupils in Forest School have also been exploring woodland tools but in a different way. They have been focusing on how to make tools using woodland tools. Currently, this is a mallet for the year 8s, and a whistle for the year 7s. The focus and resilience it takes to make these tools will take more than one Forest School session. The pupils need to find appropriate materials for their tools from the woodland and then work on them in the Forest School area. The secondary pupils have also been testing their strength and courage on the new cargo net in the upper Forest School area.

This Autumn Term, Callum and George have been completing their horsemanship course. Callum has enjoyed getting to know all the horses over at the stables. He has done some grooming, leading and has even made the horses their dinner. Callum had the added bonus of meeting the new puppy, Honey, who is now a resident there. Callum’s favourite thing to do is target practice and balancing on the barrel. George has also spent time getting to know all the horses, even the biggest horse Prince! George has learnt an incredible amount of skills during his time. He has learnt to send the horses backwards and even around him in a circle! George has been able to use his body language to be assertive but kind and let the horse know what he wants them to do. They have both learnt so much and have enjoyed their time.

Key Stage 3 and 4 Curriculum  

This term, pupils have been focusing on invasion games. They have been immersed in a wide variety of different activities including alternative and traditional team games. This has included Tchoukball, Kinball, Tag Rugby and more. The key focus has been for pupils to express themselves building on their communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills coupled with learning rules/regulations and participating in new and traditional games. Key stage 4 pupils have been learning about how they can deliver different invasion games using key- and effective sports leadership skills. Pupils across the board have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the range of activities this term and developing key transferable skills for their future.   

POST-16  - Key Stage 5 Curriculum 

This term, pupils started their NCFE in Sport and NCFE Sports Leadership accreditations and have been working incredibly hard, both in their theory and practical work and have been making great progress. In the classroom they have been exploring the physiology and anatomy of the human body including the skeletal, muscular and cardiovascular systems. They have then been applying their classroom learning to practical sessions, learning how these systems work together and impact exercise. In addition, Sports Leaders have been analysing the skills and behaviours of effective leadership in sport.  

One highlight of this term was pupils visiting our local gym where they applied both their knowledge of physiology and anatomy, and their sports leadership skills in supporting each other through different exercises. Pupils enjoyed working in the gym environment and following the fantastic leadership of Kieran, who is an aspiring personal trainer.  

Pupils continue to show outstanding achievement and progress within PE and sports across the school. Our pupils within Key Stage 4 and 5 have demonstrated some great achievements in their PE accreditation results and we want to take a moment to congratulate them on their hard work and success in achieving their NCFE Sport, Sports Leadership and Dance Leadership qualifications.   

Eight pupils passed the Level 1 Qualification in Sports Leadership, two pupils passed the Level 2 Qualification in Community Sports Leadership, and one pupil passed the Level 2 Qualification in Dance Leadership. In addition, one of our pupils achieved the Learn to Lead Award. Pupils studying for the NCFE Sport Level 1 and 2 qualifications have not dropped below a merit grade since its introduction, with three earning themselves distinctions. This is an outstanding achievement from our pupils across the board and we are very proud of their hard work and dedication to achieve such brilliant results.  

This year sees great growth in PE accreditation with twenty-seven pupils now registered for one or more of our level 1 or 2 sports qualifications on offer.  

It has been great to have all the pupils back from the summer break. They have all returned with lots of enthusiasm for cooking.

Year 11 is focusing on how to make different dishes as an alternative breakfast so we have looked to other countries and produced Huevos Rancheros, Spanish Omelettes and Indian chickpeas. We have also made some traditional dishes such as Kedgeree and Cowboy baked beans.

Post-16 has been focusing on starters this term. We have made Carrot and Ginger Soup, Pate and Melba Toast, Crudites, and freshly-made Humous as well as Halloumi and Orange Salad and a Spicy Nduja Arancini.

The rest of the year groups have been continuing to learn and practice skills in the kitchen by making Brownies, Cupcakes, Muffins, Sausage Rolls, and a lovely Parmesan Risotto.

I apologise if some of this food does not make it home!!! The pupils do enjoy sampling what they have made. Perhaps they may even cook for you over half term. I hope everyone enjoys the rest and comes back bouncing with energy in November.

Having time in the library is vital, none more-so than for our Year 7 who are transitioning into Secondary education.

The library provides not only time to explore the room, to borrow, renew and return books, but time to learn how to browse and select books, how to understand the systems, and how to read, discuss and debate. Some schools feel a whole lesson of ‘just’ reading can be a bit much, or it’s not apparent that reading is happening rather than turning pages.

We split the lesson into choosing books, silent or group reading and activities – if the activities relate to the reading just done, it will soon be apparent as to who is reading and who is not - it also enriches everyone’s understanding and exposure to books. This way, all pupils are given the same opportunity and encouragement - not just those who have picked up reading skills earlier than their classmates. Our new Year 7s have embraced these lessons and are showing an interest in a love for reading.

Making sure the library is available outside of lessons is really significant too, as this provides more opportunities for pupils to engage. Some pupils may want to make use of resources on offer from the school library, but not borrow them in front of their peers. Many pupils will react differently to the library outside of lessons, and for some, this will provide a core space for reading and homework that may not be available elsewhere.

Kion Smith was awarded first prize in the reading challenge.  Kion chose 10 books of his choice as his prize. Well done to Kion for your amazing effort.

HUB

We are proud to announce that we have opened our new Careers Hub! With new computers and furniture, this will be a brilliant, vibrant place where many jobs and careers can be talked about, explored, and eventually applied for!

The Careers Hub will be used for interviews, lessons, job clubs and much more. Our level 7 external Careers advisor will also be found in there when he comes into school.

The next newsletter will have pictures of the room once it is completely finished. Everyone in the school is welcome to pop in and have a chat about getting a part-time job, creating CVs, finding and applying for College, work experience, or anything related to Careers they would like to talk about.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award has now extended down to Year 9, much to the happiness of Mr Imbert. Below is a round-up of what each year group has been working on this half term. 

Year 9 – John Muir Trust Award 

The Year 9s have started working towards gaining the John Muir Trust Award – an award given to those carrying out environmental conservation work in a wild area. This term, the groups have been spending sessions observing the nature around them through tree identification and drawings, mushroom hunting, wild walks and using natural resources to build shelters – and a spot of litter picking too! Next half term the groups will be exploring our impact on the wild spaces, inspired by a trip to Knepp Estate Rewilding that took place in the last week of term. 

9B litter picking at Horsham Riverside Walk 

Year 10 – Bronze Award 

The Year 10s have been quite low in number due to their college courses, but we have been working outside on our field cooking skills. The pupils have used the Trangias to fry and boil their chosen foods, but also had a go using a Dutch oven. 

Year 11 – Bronze Award 

Year 11s have had sessions on all the camping and navigating essentials ready for a practice hike at the end of this half term. Their favourite thing to practice was – surprise, surprise – cooking. Mr Imbert was really impressed with the can stove that Alfie L made using an old instant coffee can.  

Alfie L’s can stove 

Post-16

Post-16 got right back into refreshing their skills learned from last year, with the Year 13 pupils helping to mentor the Year 12s. All Post-16 pupils are working towards their Silver Award this year, which means the qualifying route is likely to be in Snowdonia, which promises to be an excellent trip. Some pupils are already completing lots of section work, with Liam mentoring in DT lessons with Year 8s, Kieran mentoring in English with Year 8s, and Alfie C mentoring other Post-16 pupils in driving theory lessons. In the last week of term, the group carried out a four-hour hike to refresh their navigation skills which completely exhausted them.

Liam, Mr Lawrence and Jenson hiking 

The whole group cooking together 

Hever floor residents have had a busy term - we have welcomed new boarders and also said goodbye to some who have moved down to Bodiam floor. We have enjoyed lots of outside play on the school grounds making the most of the weather before it turns cold. We have had birthdays which means more ice cream and cake!

Hever floor has also had a very exciting trial taster session from a kickboxing coach and we are hoping this will turn into a regular club. Freddie and Vinnie showed particular promise during the session and both pupils are eager to take part again soon.

Hever pupils have been swimming and for some, long adventurous walks most weeks this term as we try to encourage them to be active and keep their fitness levels up. We have noticed that exercise helps improve their moods and enables them to feel good about themselves as well as learning valuable life skills. On the other hand, we have also been baking quite a bit and homemade brownies seem to be a firm favourite!

At the time of writing, Hever pupils are looking forward to an end-of-term Halloween party in school and have chosen their ghoulish outfits in excitement! 

THORPE PARK

Bodiam residents were taken to Thorpe Park - the weather was perfect and an amazing day was had by all. From the beginning of the trip right through to the end, the pupils were absolutely amazing and a credit to Muntham House School. The pupils went on a huge number of rides as they all had fast track passes, which was brilliant as there was no time wasted on queuing up for the more popular rides. Colossus, Nemesis, Saw and Stealth were among the pupil's favourites which they went on more than once. Only two of the pupils dared to go on The Walking Dead and Derren Brown's Ghost Train and showed no fear. Everyone enjoyed Tidal Wave and Storm Surge which were left to last as we knew we would get very wet on them - and we did! After such a fantastic day the pupils were treated to McDonald's, and all were very appreciative to the staff on Bodiam for taking them.

On Arundel Floor this term we have settled in many new pupils, so the floor dynamics have really changed - new friendships are being built between the pupils, and new relationships are being built between the Arundel staff and new pupils. All pupils have settled into this term well and their new school years. 

We have been working on the pupils finding hobbies to do on a regular basis that they can commit themselves to, in order to gain some new skills and socialise outside of Muntham. Many of the pupils have now been to the local gym for a gym induction and some have regularly attended the gym for junior gym sessions which they seem to enjoy and get some physical benefit from. One of our pupils has joined a parkour group recently, as he is very agile, fearless, and enjoys the physical side of this. He will be attending this weekly now. Two of our other pupils have started the process of joining our local army cadets, which again they will attend weekly going forward. Another pupil loves to climb, so goes bouldering in Brighton every other week to work on his climbing skills, and also attends the gym weekly to work on his body strength. Last week a few of our pupils took part in a kickboxing taster session to see if that is something they would like to pursue. We are trying very hard to open pupils' minds and show them what is out there, and really find the activities they enjoy doing. For some this may not be a physical activity so we will try and find a club that is less physical or sporty. Most of the pupils on Arundel floor have attended a local youth club this term too, which is obviously good for them to socialise outside of Muntham giving them the opportunity to mix with some local main school pupils. 

Aside from all of the pupils trying out all these new leisure activities and hobbies, they have also been on walks to the local woodland places, been swimming, and been to the driving range, as well as regular walks around the grounds, and spending time on the hard courts playing football or basketball. 

A busy and happy first half term for all.

Fixtures 

This term, our Muntham blues started the term on outings back to Long Lane JFC to play in the South London Special League. The following fixtures were played: 

South London Special League - Wednesday 28th September 

Muntham’s football season kicked off with a trip up to Long Lane JFC for the U16’s Football Tournament. The pupils were all very excited and looked forward to getting out on the pitch.  

They played five games across the day, drawing two and losing three. There was some very tough opposition, with some games being good physical battles, which the Muntham pupils didn’t shy away from.  

Our only goal of the day was scored by Alfie G - a great finish into the bottom corner.

The player of the fixture went to Stan and he was also awarded the Fair Play Award by the South London Special League referee. Stan’s effort, encouragement and sportsmanship throughout the day were amazing. 

South London Special League - Wednesday 5th October  

It was the U14’s turn to make the trip up to Long Lane JFC.  

The team played four games on the day, winning two and losing two. Pupils put in some great performances in all games, and even when things were not going their way, they encouraged each other right until the end, keeping morale levels high. The team showed brilliant sportsmanship throughout the day. In addition, Mutham scored some excellent goals with multiple players getting onto the score sheet.  

The player of the fixture went to Kion S. Leading the team as captain, he was an outstanding role model and mentor to the rest of the team throughout the day. 

South London Special League - Wednesday 20th October  

Post-16 took their turn to make the trip up to Long Lane JFC for their first fixture of the season.  

The team played three games on the day, winning two and drawing one, which put them top of the league table and overall winners of the fixture. The pupils showed incredible determination throughout and played some excellent football against some strong opposition in all their games including clawing back to score a draw after being two goals down. The team also went above and beyond by showing excellent sportsmanship and compassion by including four additional players in the squad from South London with severe learning disabilities. Brilliant! 

Taylor came away as the top goal scorer of the day, with Alfie scoring the goal of the fixture from a goal kick! Stan was awarded the Fair Play Award by the South London Special League referee for the second time this season for his unrelenting effort throughout.  

The player of the fixture went to Dexter for his outstanding determination and for being an excellent role model of inclusion. High-quality stuff! 

Academy Welcome 

This term we gave a warm welcome to our new assistant academy coach and sports mentor Taylor.  

Taylor is studying sport at Muntham House College and has shown great enthusiasm to develop his skills, experience, and expertise toward his ambitions of being a sports coach. This term he has joined the team supporting football, basketball, and rugby, developing his knowledge further and taking a lead where he has the experience to share. Excellent work! 

We would like to thank Taylor for joining us and wish him all the best in his new role.  

Next term will see the return of the Trampolining Club at school lunchtimes and the continuation of Rugby Academy.   

In addition to our extracurricular sport break-time offer across the school, all secondary after-school academies will continue to run 4:00-5:00 pm.  

Basketball Academy will run on Tuesdays 4:00-5:00 pm the following dates: 

Tuesday 8th November 2022 

Tuesday 15th November 2022 

Tuesday 22nd November 2022 

Tuesday 29th November 2022 

Tuesday 6th December 2022 

Tuesday 13th December 2022 

Football Academy will run on Thursdays 4:00-5:00 pm the following dates: 

Thursday 3rd November 2022 

Thursday 10th November 2022 

Thursday 17th November 2022 

Thursday 1st December 2022 

Thursday 8th December 2022 

If you are interested in getting involved in the after-school Academies, please register your interest with Mr Adams at [email protected] 

Basketball Academy 

The Muntham 'ballers have had another brilliant term. The key focus of this term has been improving ball-handling skills alongside shooting effectively in a gameplay scenario. Pupils have also been learning how to play effectively as a team to gain an advantage against an opponent. All the pupils attending have made substantial progress already this early into the term. We have also been lucky with the appointment of Mr Marshall - a Worthing Thunder's basketball player - who has supported our academy players in their progress.  

The player of the term is Ethan who is new to the academy this term but has been progressing fantastically well in the short space of time.   

Football Academy  

It has been a super start to Football Academy this term with a record number of pupils registered, which is great to see. This includes some talented year seven footballers, who are new to the school and have shown some outstanding skill and tactical play. The focus of this term has been how to effectively work as a team to keep possession of the football. In addition, they have been working on passing, moving, and receiving the ball into space. This has driven the pupils to work hard in our sessions with their teamwork and communication skills. Pupils have demonstrated great success in their ability to work as a team, which has also been witnessed in their fixtures play. 

The player of the term is Rudi, who has been working extra hard to develop himself as a team player and is showing great talent and potential for future football.  

Rugby Academy 

Pupils have had a brilliant start to our brand-new Rugby Academy. Participation levels are seeing increased pupil interest week after week. This term pupils have been learning the rules and participating in small, sided games (4v4/5v5). This term they have been working on tag rugby and moving on to touch rugby. The main focus has been driving forward with the ball and exploring different types of passing. The pupils' enthusiasm and determination for the game have been outstanding and they have made substantial progress. 

The player of the term is Charlie S who has embraced the game superbly and has already gained a good grasp on the rules and regulations. 

On a Wednesday evening in Post-16, our young adults enjoy doing independent cooking. This activity allows the pupils to make healthy food choices. It also helps them to understand how to budget their money, how what they eat can affect their bodies, and that experimenting with different foods can be fun. As each pupil brings different ideas to the meal table it allows them to try new flavours and textures that they may not have had in the past.

Sometimes our young adults plan what they want to cook and other times they must manage with what they find in the cupboards and freezer. Cooking improves their self-confidence and self-esteem. All our pupils seem to be at different levels with their abilities, but they work together to produce some lovely meals. The pupils are realizing they will need this skill when they move on from us if they want to be independent.

We often have music playing in the kitchen when they are creating, and staff are available if they have questions or need support.

Everyone at MHS sends their congratulations to Jack on passing his practical driving test. Jack has his own car and drove to Wales the day after passing his test!

During driving theory lessons Jack always worked very hard as he really wanted to get onto the road. He is a great inspiration to his peers who are learning to drive at MHS!

We also send our congratulations to Tyler for passing his motorbike test - he is now getting himself into school and back! Well done Tyler, and well deserved!

Every year, the village of Barns Green holds an annual running event. Muntham House School has been involved with this event ever since it started 40 years ago. The beginnings of the race came in the winter of 1981 when a few of the members of Barns Green Football Club asked Alan Train, the newly appointed Head of Muntham House School if they could use the school’s floodlit tennis courts for training. Mr Train agreed, and in the interests of promoting good relations with the local community allowed the football club to use the facilities at no cost. To show their appreciation, the footballers asked if there was anything that they could do in return for the school. The Head said that the school was always in need of various items of equipment and that at the time it was hoping to raise money to buy a camcorder which would cost around £350. It was decided to hold a sponsored race and on a Sunday morning a few weeks later, thirteen members of the football team along with the Headmaster and his two sons took part in a ten-mile run that raised the necessary money for the camcorder. After the race, the runners celebrated over a few drinks in the Village Club, and it was here that a plan was hatched to set up an organised village half marathon to be run sometime during the next year.

An organising committee was put together and after months of hard work, the first race was held at 11 am on Sunday 24th October 1982. Amazingly it attracted around one thousand runners.

Vincit Qui Patitur!

Alan Train's personal motto is Vincit Qui Patitur! – he who endures conquers. It was adopted by the race. In the programme notes for that very first race, he wrote “We hope that you will enjoy your experience today – whether you are a competitor or a spectator, and that on this day and in the years to come, we can together continue to kindle a spirit of personal endeavour, enriching all with the knowledge that this is, in essence, a most charitable event”.

The event raises thousands of pounds for charities and local community clubs, and has grown massively over the past 40 years. It now incorporates a half marathon, a 10k race, and a children’s fun run. This year’s event was held in memory of long-serving Muntham School Governor, Mr Vernon Jennings, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Vernon was involved in organising this event and built up many good links with the local community and Muntham School.

The course itself takes in the Muntham grounds, which this year looked fantastic thanks to the wonderful estates team that work very hard on making the grounds look attractive.

It is organised solely by local volunteers and some of the Muntham House staff are involved in helping with this. Mr Barrett and Mr Clayton both drove the vehicles for the race that were supplied by Muntham.

Mr Anderson and a few Muntham staff also ran the races this year and completed them in very respectable times.

It is great to see Muntham involved in a very worthy cause - long may it continue.

Please note that pupils return from the half term break on

TUESDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 2022

Term dates are on the school website.

 Term Dates

LAST DAY OF AUTUMN TERM

FRIDAY 16TH DECEMBER - INSET DAY

FOR INFORMATION, THE INSET DAYS UNTIL THE END OF

AUTUMN TERM ARE: