Independent Schools

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Thursday, September 15, 2016
THORNGROVE School stands
out from the crowd for a
number of reasons.
Everywhere you look, the chil-
dren are happy, having fun in
their lessons and actively
engaged in their learning.
It is clear that the teachers really
do love teaching the children and
lessons are exciting, fun and
inspirational.
The grounds are quite magical,
beautifully kept and the best
place to explore, have fun and be
active in sport and play.
Mr King, the Headmaster, who
has been at the school for 12
years, believes that having fun is
the key to learning.
He is also keen to support every
child’s wellbeing and the school
is currently investing in an
extensive programme to teach
Mindfulness.
On the sports front, for the first
time in the school’s history the
1st XI hockey team were Berk-
shire County Champions beating
Lambrook, Eagle House and St.
Andrew’s and were the South of
England Plate runners-up.
In the same term, the boys were
also placed 6th in the National
IAPS Basketball Championships.
In the summer term, athletics
came to the fore.
The school had five Hampshire
County finalists. Three pupils
were crowned District Champi-
ons at the West Surrey Prep
Schools Championships and
Alex Price and Millie Quain-
tance went on to represent the
school at the IAPS Nationals in
Birmingham.
To cap it off Fraser Hart and
Millie Quaintance were awarded
Sports Scholarships to Millfield
School, Somerset.
On the music front, the Music
Festival in the spring term was
amazing with more than 150
performances and visiting
judges from Abingdon and
Monkton Combe senior schools.
In the summer term, the clarinet
ensemble played at the Highclere
Church Fete, the Junior Choir
sang outside St. Nicolas Church
in Newbury on Father’s Day and
a combined Thorngrove choir
sang in a joint concert with the
Andover Light Orchestra to
commemorate the Battle of the
Somme.
To top it all the summer concert
was a musical extravaganza,
which included an amazing
compilation of songs from the
West End hit musical Les Miser-
ables , with a huge French flag
waving in the background.
In Year 8, Leo Garrett was
awarded a music exhibition to
Bradfield College and James
Daly was awarded a music schol-
arship to Abingdon School.
On the drama front, the Upper
School play, Spoo-Quay was
enjoyed by children and parents
alike.
It was superbly acted and the
clever animation on the back-
ground only added to the overall
spectacle.
The final dance involving the
two main actors was moving and
beautiful.
The Middle School stunned an
appreciative audience with their
take on Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Children in Years 3 to 5 worked
with two professional actors
from the Young Shakespeare
Company to produce the most
gruesome and murderous show-
case in less than a week.
Not to be outdone, the Lower
School’s summer show Tatty-
bogle’ was a colourful, clever and
creative performance.
Finally, the school’s LAMDA
teacher Mrs Lee-Delisle held a
delightful teatime recital
towards the end of the summer
term.
The children achieved some
fabulous results this year with
all of them being awarded merits
or distinctions in all their drama
exams.
As you can see, Thorngrove is a
busy, exciting and above all fun
place to be.
Please join them for their Open
Morning on Friday, October 7
between 9am-11am.
There will be tours of the school
followed by the chance to meet
heads of departments and other
key staff.
Call Mary or Bev in the office to
reserve your place on (01635)
253172.
Thorngrove School
INSPIRATION
A leading prep school for children between 2 ½ and
13 years, located in Highclere near Newbury, on the
border of Hampshire and Berkshire.
Co-educational at all ages
Rated ‘excellent’ in 2013 inspection
Purpose-built facilities in 25 acres of grounds
After-school care and clubs
Top scholarships awarded to senior schools
CONFIDENCE
ACHIEVEMENT
‘The surroundings
are the stuff of
childhood bliss.’
Take a tour of the school, see it in action and meet
current pupils, staff and parents.
Limited spaces - book now with the school office on
01635 253172.
OPEN DAY
Friday 7th October, 9am-11am
Tatler ‘Top Prep School Guide’ 2013 The Mount, Highclere, Newbury, RG20 9PS Call: (01635) 253172
Newbury Weekly News