Congratulations to this week’s Junior School Golden Book recipients . . . Alexander, Mabel, Daisy, Georgina, Jack, Oona, Florence, Isabella and Isabelle. Well done!
Rebuttal Tennis Anyone?
Every Wednesday afternoon our senior debating club meet to discuss ethical current affairs topics and to practise our debating skills. This week we practised sharpening our ability to think on our feet and create argument quickly by playing ‘Rebuttal Tennis’. This is a quick fire game where, after pupils are paired up, one partner makes a statement related to a debate topic such as “assisted suicide is unacceptable in all cases,” and the other must […]
Sinbad the Sailor
Earlier this week we went to Whitby Pavilion to watch ‘Sinbad the Sailor‘ with Bella, Sophie, Ciara, Sarah and Mrs Jeeves. We had a lot of fun watching it and our favourite parts were when the boat sank and it turned into the Titanic and when one of the characters came along our row and sat on someone’s lap. Thank you Mrs Jeeves for a wonderful night. Katie and Daisy
Fyling Hall’s School of Magic continues!
As Professor Freer explained in her recent BBC Tees interview, the school of magic is all about helping the pupils engage. Whilst the main focus of the theme lends itself to creative writing, there are many other areas to explore. Our most recent magical focus was on mini beasts and animal habitats. You may recall Harry being allowed to bring a toad or a cat or an owl to school, according to the book-list. Harry’s companion, Hedwig, and other owls […]
New Scholarship Announced
We are proud to announce a new senior school scholarship. Offered in memory of Margaret Savage, this scholarship is available to two permanent students for the duration of their academic stage, joining from September 2019. One is available for a new boarding student, and the other for a new day student. Selection is very much in the spirit of the Citizens of the Future scholarships offered last year, looking to reflect Fyling Hall’s values and […]
Eskdale Festival Entries are in!
The entries for the local music and drama competition have gone in today! The Eskdale Festival of the Arts is a festival of music and the spoken word, consisting of the Festival held each year in March. Entry into the Festival is a long standing tradition at Fyling Hall. This year most of year 11 to 13 drama will take part in monologue classes. As always our Junior School Choir will take part as well […]
Welcoming our South Korean Visitors
ESL students have been keen to meet our South Korean visitors this week. In year 7 and 8 lessons, students introduced each other. In year 10 we were keen to add our visitors to our whole school map. The map shows any pupil or staff member with a link to another place in the world. We have so many visitors this week we had to add a pop out map of South Korea! Welcome to […]
Rewarding a Hard Working Ethos
Why are Academic Awards so effective? Our ‘Academic Award’ scheme has been running for two years. I believe it is a distinctive method of rewarding pupils for their academic achievements, and I am personally very proud of the scheme: we are a non-selective school and this is a non-selective approach to rewarding academic achievement. Traditionally, only pupils who achieve the top grades are valued in this country’s educational system – and so they should; but […]
Who wishes their school did this? Ours does!!
Have you heard about our School of Magic?
This Term’s After School Clubs…
Pupils are encouraged to take advantage of the wealth of skills that our teaching staff offer our pupils. As well as the after school weekly clubs, once every half term there is a Reading Club meeting in the library during lunch time for the senior pupils. Senior School Clubs 4.30 – 5.30 Monday Netball/Volleyball Puzzles and Games Art and Photography DofE (after half term) Tuesday Football Drama Club Maths Drop In Literacy Club (via referral […]
Fyling Hall School of Magic
Most of us know the story of Harry Potter, an orphan boy who discovers that he’s a wizard and goes to a boarding school between the ages of 11 and 17, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He takes a variety of lessons, from potions to charms to Defence Against the Dark Arts. He also plays the popular wizarding sport of Quidditch as a seeker. Eventually he defeats an evil dark wizard named Lord Voldemort, […]
IN SEARCH OF QUEEN MAB
‘I see Queen Mab hath been with you!’ Romeo’s friend, Mercutio, thinks the queen of the fairies, the great dream weaver, is behind all of those infatuations at first sight. Fyling Hall, would you believe, has its very own Queen Mab, the great soul who made the dream possible. More often than not a private school’s history goes way back into the mists of time but this educational establishment is still well shy of its […]
Fancy a Stargazing Party?
Inspired by the North York Moors National Park’s Dark Skies Festival, we are delighted to host our very own Stargazing Party! It has been a few years since we hosted our last stargazing event, but with the kind help of Mark Dawson from the Whitby & District Astronomical Society we thought it was time to revisit the sky with his expert help. Our boarding students will also be enlisted to help out with a scaled […]
Charity Begins at Home
Did you know that Fyling Hall School students have raised in excess of £2,000 over the Autumn 2018 term? This significant amount was raised thorough various activities, led by students, parents and staff alike! Two home clothes days topped up our already sizeable donation to Compass REACH and Compass Buzz. (You may recall that our £1,000 proceeds from June’s Rose Garden Concert were donated to Compass.) Our Poppy Appeal raised £169.01 which was put to […]
The Great Christmas History Quiz!
History club’s great Christmas history quiz went off with a bang! Congratulations to all our lucky winners, most of whom seem to be in year 7! There were still a few late entries to come in, and some goodie bags to be claimed! So if you did not claim yours before the end of term, be sure to do so when we return! It’s not too late to get those answers in and claim your […]
Breaking Up
Oscar Wilde quipped that except at Christmas the heart is made to be broken – and so is the daily round of everything, no matter how much we are enjoying it, school being no exception. Every school breaks up for Christmas in its own unique way. The trick is to do it in gladsome spirit without descending to festive farcicality. Things in schools have been known to get crazily out of hand but not, apparently, […]
Gigging Staff . . .
Ever wondered what staff get up in their spare time? Quite of few of ours form a 9-piece function band called Back in the Habit. They play music ranging from Soul, to Funk, and Rock to Pop. Band members include. . . . Miss Johnson provides vocals. Ms Hornung is on piano. Mr Whittaker plays guitar (not only teaching it at FHS!). Mr Williams, who occasionally helps us with sound and lighting in the Barn, […]
Letters from Germany
Great excitement in year 7: we received the first letters from our penfriends from Lloyd-Gymnasium Bremerhaven in Germany. Now it’s up to us to write our Christmas cards: Frohe Weihnachten und ein glückliches neues Jahr!
Shocking Teenage Drama
To stage two plays about adolescent angst, peer-group pressure, bullying, depression, the whole teenage package of dopamine-overkill disorders, is a brave choice at this tinselly time of year, traditionally the season of school nativity pageantry. Yet, this is the culmination of a term’s work, planning and preparation for which began way back in September – and it is right that a modern urban cautionary message is also heard at this emotive time when collective jollifications […]
Winners announced!
Many congratulations to Toby Richardson (Y8) and Skye Telling (Y4), our Christmas poetry competition winners! Congratulations also go to Emie-May Burnett (Y9), Sam Laycock (Y7), Zachary Kelly (Y3), Amelia Kelly (Y5) and Izzy Greenwood (Y3), our runners up. There were many excellent entries (around 30) and I had the pleasure of reading them all. Every single pupil who put pen to paper to flex their creative writing muscles should be very proud of themselves. Toby and […]
“The Book Thief”
The seniors’ ‘Book Club’ recently met in the library again – this time to discuss “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. The award winning novel was chosen by Y10’s Jae Hur as he had recently read Zusak’s 2005 debut novel and claimed it was his ‘favourite book ever’. Jae was determined for the rest of us to agree. I’m not sure about rating it as a ‘favourite’ but we all unanimously agreed that we had […]
Write for Rights
As we approach a period of frivolous Christmas festivities, our senior pupils are being reminded and encouraged to be reflective. We will be supporting Amnesty International’s “Write for Rights”; a campaign that reminds us of how lucky we are to live in a relatively safe, forward thinking and democratic country; and a campaign that informs us about some of the many injustices going on in our international communities relating to freedom of speech and crimes against humanity. The tradition of FHS students […]
Rob Green gets Cooking at FHS
Year 8 pupils had the privilege of taking part in a workshop led by local chef Rob Green. Held at school, Mr Green’s workshop introduced pupils to basic food preparation rules and skills. It goes without saying . . . it also offered a chance to sample what they made! Whilst children did bring an apron or a top that they did not mind being covered in any of the ingredients, this did not stop […]
Diabetes . . . don’t sugar coat it!
I recently read a news article about Yemen and the problems that people are facing, it is estimated that 85,000 children under the age of 5 have died due to starvation that is more than the population of Scarborough and Whitby combined! It is a stark contrast to a different crisis that is facing us in the UK. Type 2 diabetes – recent figures suggest that over 7000 children in the UK are now receiving […]
Book Club reads “Swallows and Amazons”
Our Year 7 – 9 book club assembled in our rather atmospheric library again today, and it was another great success – even if the book that had been diligently read by the book clubbers (“Swallows and Amazons”) was not universally appreciated! However, the discussion was insightful: pupils commented on the ‘slow paced narrative’, the anti-climactic ending and the cumbersome sailing terminology whilst munching on the packed lunches – provided, along with a red and white picnic table cloth, by our wonderful school cooks. There […]
Get Christmas Creative!
We invite you to enter a creative competition and write a poem about the meaning of Christmas. Your poem must be connected to the theme of Christmas in some way, but you can be imaginative about this. You could write about the season in any way you like, whether you capture the moment you put up the Christmas tree, or whether you write a Christmas poem pretending to be a soldier who is missing home. […]
Macbeth – A Review
A review written by Bailey, Gonzalo, Stephanie and Anisia in Year 10 ESL On 14th of November my English class has been to the National Theatre at Newcastle Theatre Royal to see a performance of ‘Macbeth’ written by Shakespeare. Before we go to see Macbeth we learnt something about it, which helped me to understand more. At first I thought that I am not going to like it because when I was studying it, it was a bit difficult to […]
My First Day at Fyling Hall
You get the famous Fyling Hall wow factor about half a mile from the school. It comes at the precise moment you drive over the brow of the hill – and there stretched out below you is the most wondrous sight, a stunning advert for the Yorkshire coast. It’s the sweep of land from Robin Hood’s Bay round to Ravenscar – of fond memory. I first read about it, drooled over it, indeed, in the […]
My Great-Grandad’s Horse
This picture is of my great-grandad, James Alfred Hall. The picture was taken just after WW1. In the picture he is the one at the back of the hay turner. The reason I brought this picture in was to show the class, because we were doing about WW1. My great-grandad went to war with his horse and they were both numbered so at the end of the war if they were both still alive they […]
Christmas is Coming . . . .
Can you believe that it is nearly December? Can you also believe that there are only ten and a half days of school left before the Christmas break? The build-up to Christmas is an exciting time at school! Further details will follow (and teaching in the Senior School will take place right up to the end of Tuesday, 11th December), but let’s give you a little snapshot of what’s in store! Carols at Mrs White’s […]
Focus on Sixth Form
We are delighted with last week’s a Focus on Sixth Form. Current Fyling Hall Year 11 & 10 parents and students attended the evening held on 15th November. The objective was to navigate through the daunting process of choosing a Sixth Form. Meet Your Teachers There was hardly room to stir as A-Level teachers offered practical insight into the Russell’s Group ‘facilitating’ and ‘specialised’ subjects; the best option for university entry. With the support […]
A Day in the Life of . . . . a French speaking rugby player?
When I walked down the drive to school in September 1987, I could never have imagined I would still be teaching here some 30 years later. I arrived fresh from a post graduate year in Hull and had never had any interest in teaching in the private sector. I had gone through the comprehensive system in Leeds in a school with 1,500 pupils, and boarding school life was completely alien to me. I arrived in […]
Exam Technique – What is it?
I’m sure you have heard your teachers talk about how your grade will increase “if you improve your exam technique”, or “Don’t worry, we will soon be working on exam technique”. You may also have wondered, “Why does the grade I achieve, not match the effort that I put into my revision?” This may be your exam technique! But what is exam technique? In simple terms, exam techniques are the ‘procedures’ and ‘tips’ that should […]
Welcome to The Smile and Compliment Club!
This half term’s first assembly saw students walking into to the song All the Good by Jana Stansfield was playing. On the screen were the lyrics: “I cannot do all the good that the world needs but the world needs all the good that I can do” I asked the students all to turn to the person on their left and give them a smile – and – a genuine compliment, no matter who they were, if they were a friend, and […]
This is life! This is beauty!
During our Y10 English Literature lesson this afternoon, we looked outside of our classroom window and saw a spectacular sight…. the most wonderful sunset across the sky above Ravenscar. We immediately packed our bags and went to the Rose Garden to make the most of the inspiring surroundings and because I wanted my class to hear to one of my favourite poems: “Cloths of Heaven…” If you look at the photos you can see why […]
Finding UCAS stressful?
This can be a stressful time for Sixth Form students, parents and teachers. The UCAS process can be a challenging one. This is why at Fyling Hall, we are dedicated to navigating our students through the process. Our guidance ensures that key milestones are achieved on time, and parents are kept informed. Looking back to June, then Year 12 students visited Newcastle/Northumbria Universities Open Days, spending the day looking at available options. At this time […]
A Musical Update
The run up to Christmas is traditionally a very busy time for the music department. This year is no exception! Rehearsals are already in full swing for the Carol Service and the Junior School production. In addition, Fyling Hall is once again proud to be hosting the Trinity Music Exams on 14th December. These will be taking place in Woodside, and, as before, we will welcome pupils across the area including our own talented pupils. […]
People Who Help Us
This Thursday our Junior School had a fantastic trip to Whitby Fire Station! People Who Help Us is part of the PSHE curriculum, making this trip more than just a jolly … that said we had some exciting demonstrations!! Click here to see more. Thank you, Mr Watson, for having us again.
Our First Book Club Meetings
Just before half term, we held our first book club meetings in the library. There are two clubs – one for Year 7-9 and the other for our more senior pupils. Both clubs met in the library, during lunch, on separate days, and I was delighted at the evident enthusiasm of all those who took part! The Year 7-9 group discussed “The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 3/4”: a good choice by James Brine! […]
A Day in the Life of a . . . Head Boy and Head Girl
The role of both Head Boy and Girl is the highest reward that can be given to a pupil and plays a pivotal role in not only in the Sixth Form, but all of school life. Since Fyling Hall was established in 1923 the Head pupils have been appointed each year at the end of year Prize giving. The selection is always difficult and the views of both pupils and staff are sought before a decision is […]
Assemblies. . . did you follow the theme?
The 2018-9 Academic Year kicked off with a new approach to assemblies. . . each half term a theme will be followed. The designated theme will permeate all aspects of assemblies whether that be full school assemblies or tutor time. In case you parents did not know, Mondays see the full Senior School assembled in the Barn. Tuesdays and Fridays are spent as a Tutor Group. On Wednesdays KS3 (Y7-9) reassemble in the Barn and on […]
Revision . . . do you have the right skills?
Last week, we delivered a study skills workshop to Y10 and 13 as part of their preparation for their mocks in November, and, of course, GCSE and A Level exams at the end of the school year. We revisited a number of different approaches to studying, using The Learning Pyramid as the basis of our discussion. Although its figures for the best retention rates could be argued, it is a great way to remind the […]
If you go into the woods today . . . .
Each week the whole of the Junior School adventure into our woods and surrounding countryside in order to take their learning to the Forest School. But what is Forest School? And why do we make time for it in our busy curriculum? According to Jane Worroll, Forest School is essentially outdoor, nature-based learning that focuses on the holistic development of the child.’ Jane is an ex-countryside ranger and co-author of Play the Forest School Way. Another […]
An Inspirational Visit to SSEW
Earlier this month I visited Scarborough Science and Engineering Week, a three day annual event held in Scarborough Spa. This event is aimed at pupils roughly of the ages 4-18. It is designed to show how science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) can make a difference and an impact in the real world. SSEW attempts to inspire students to work and study in the STEM sector, and let them take a glimpse into working life […]
Halloween came early & for a good cause!
Last Thursday saw students come to school dressed up (£1) or not dressed up (£2). The evening party, mostly organised by our Head Boy and Girl, had students completing a Halloween Taskmaster, taking a ghost walk and of course, enjoying lots of food. There was also the prize for the best fancy dress. In just one day we raised over £140 . . . thank you! And what will we do with this? Proceeds will […]
Grab life by the handle bars!
It was a typical Thursday lunchtime; the latest pupil had just been into the staffroom to deliver their reason for not participating in games that afternoon. I can’t quite recall whether it was the stubbed toe excuse, or their trainers were simply too wet to play rounders in. Regardless, this had started to become the norm for far too long. It was not the poor excuses that particularly bothered me. It was the effort that […]
Grab life by the handle bars! (Unabridged)
It was a typical Thursday lunchtime; the latest pupil had just been into the staffroom to deliver their reason for not participating in games that afternoon. I can’t quite recall whether it was the stubbed toe excuse, or their trainers were simply too wet to play rounders in. Regardless, this had started to become the norm for far too long. It was not the poor excuses that particularly bothered me. It was the effort that […]
Where have all the boarders gone?
There are 42 international boarders at Fyling Hall, but what actually happens to them over the holidays? Well, would you believe that many are not travelling home for the holiday? For some students home is over 13 hours away, and the expense of travelling home for only a few days is too much. Mr Mayne, who may actually have the furthest to travel home, tells us that it takes him around 2 days to get home […]
History Challenge Winners!
Winners of round one of the Normans are invading! History club wish to offer their congratulations to the following Key stage three pupils, who successfully tracked down and completed the quiz questions, and have now received their well -earned prizes! Hyunbee Jung, Olivia Hall, Lex Jeeves, William Kirk. The questions were tricky and required a little thought and research. Do you think you could have done better? Here they are, with the answers! The Peasant: […]
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