Science Lectures
at Lyndhurst
Trees for the Future
The sight of our 65 green acres hidden behind the main
school buildings is always impressive, particularly to first
time visitors The mature trees which populate this open
space contribute enormously to the attractiveness of the
space, but even here very old trees are something of a
rarity as landscape, like everything else, needs to be
renewed and rejuvenated to be kept at its best. It was
therefore very appropriate that a programme of tree
planting should form part of our Quincentenary
Celebrations.
On Tuesday 10 June parents, teachers and pupils
were invited to a series of scientific presentations
in Mrs Kennedy’s classroom given by Year 1 to Year
6 pupils on projects they had worked on for the
recent science fair. The children had a free choice
as to what they investigated and the projects were
completed in their own time during the holidays.
The audience learnt about the research methods used,
and enjoyed talks on a wide range of subjects. These
included fractals, the importance of bees, boiling eggs at
altitude, how to make flowers last longer, elasticity, acids,
dissolving and friction. Lizzie Kennedy, who organized the
event said, "This is the second year of our science
lectures and is a really good way for the children to get
involved in fun science that interests them as well as
building skills such as communication, decision making
and creativity.”
Many of the 500 trees planted since the programme
began in 2011 have been planted by people who have
made a significant contribution to the life of the school.
The first tree, a disease resistant elm supplied by The
British Elm Society, was planted by TV personality, parent
and local vet, Matt Brash. The 500th tree, an Acer, Royal
Red by HRH Prince Andrew, the Duke of York on his recent
visit. The variety of trees planted are as diverse as the
individuals whose contributions to this unique community
were celebrated by their planting. They range from native
species such as oak, beech, and elm and include more
exotic species; gumtrees, cedars and a monkey puzzle.
This Quincentenary celebration will have substantially
reinvigorated the stock for future generations.
Living History
at Lyndhurst
Theo is Chess Supremo
Beijing Scholarship Success
Year 11 pupil, Flo Judge-Clayden, has come through
stiff competition to win a place on the prestigious
Ameson Elite Scholarship programme.
Pocklington School French Department enjoyed
another very successful trip to Paris at May half
term. 50 pupils and 7 members of staff spent 5 days
at Chateau Grande Romaine on the outskirts of Paris.
information, please see this link:
http://www.ameson.org/programs/capacity-building/ace.
We were able to go to the top of the Montparnasse tower
and go to Paris's highest cafe, where we could experience
a 360 degree view of Paris. This was followed by a boat
trip on the river Seine, where we cruised past Notre Dame
cathedral and took in a leisurely view of some of the
beautiful buildings on both banks of the river.
We wish Flo all the very best for her Chinese adventure!
The summer placement, based in Beijing, offers students
the chance to hear lectures from and interact with
academic and government leaders, elect representatives
to organize clubs and events, and engage in international
summit discussions. Students also participate in the
programme’s flagship activity, the Model CPPCC, an event
designed to give students a first-hand understanding of
how policy decisions are made in the Chinese government
by simulating the process used in the CPPCC: identifying
social issues, drafting a proposal to respond to these
issues, presenting a case for the proposal, and responding
to inquiries and criticisms.
As part of her application, Flo wrote three essays on her
academic and cultural interests. She also undertook
significant research into China and Chinese current affairs.
In the end, Ameson were delighted to offer her a place
based on the superb detail which characterised her
writing and the overall quality of her submission.
It is always exciting to get your hands on a piece of
history and all the better if the artefact is potentially
dangerous! Year 6 pupils were recently treated to a
presentation by Florence Colbeck (Pocklington Y8) on her
family’s SS dagger. Florence told them about the history
of the dagger, its decoration and how it came to be in her
family. The best bit of course, was being able to touch
and hold it, and imagine what role it might have had in
the Second World War. The talk was part of Year 6’s
‘Britian since the 1930s’ study.
French Trip
Flo says: ‘I am really excited about going to China – it
looks like the programme will be great fun! I have never
been outside Europe before so having the opportunity to
experience a completely different culture is really exciting.
I can't wait to meet students from all over world and visit
sights such as the Great Wall of China!’
ACE’s goal is to help today's youth develop into
tomorrow's leaders. The programme brings as many as
300 students from top-ranked high schools in China and
abroad. Participating nations this year include the United
States, France, the United Kingdom and Russia. For more
Pocklington School Foundation News, Views & Events
A quick stop at the Eiffel tower was followed by a visit to
Sacre Coeur and Montmatre, where the pupils enjoyed
having caricature portraits done or took the opportunity
to eat "une crepe" or a "une glace."
Wednesday found us at the classic Chateau Vaux l e
Vicomte, where the film "The man in the iron mask"
starring Leonardo de Caprio was filmed. (See Photo) An
extensive tour around the Stade de France was followed
by a welcome splash in the pool upon our return to
Grande Romaine.
A fine day at Parc Asterix consuming candyfloss
completed Thursday, before our return journey to
Pocklington on Friday, stopping off at the traditional
market town of Brie Comte Robert to buy "fruits et
fromage."
It was a most enjoyable trip for staff and students and
the weather was a lot kinder in Paris than in Pocklington.
Year 7 pupil, Theo Rowe, recently represented
Pocklington School at the North Yorkshire Chess
Megafinal held at York High School on Sunday 18
May 2014.
Winning 6 out of 6 games, Theo won the U11 Supremo
Trophy and went on to beat the U12 supremo – as the U11
and U12 groups played together. Theo now qualifies for
the Northern Gigafinal, which covers UK schools,
excluding England South, this will be the 2nd of 3 stages.
Theo is also a regular chess player for Yorkshire, playing
for both U11 and U12 teams for the last 3 years. He won
5 out of 6 matches when he played against other team
counties nationally for the Yorkshire Chess Team this
term.
Theo’s next challenge will be playing at the British Chess
Championships this Summer in Aberystwyth, against high
level junior players including Junior England Chess squad
players.
The event is a major Chess Event, which he also
competed in last year in Torquay.
Pocklington School Foundation News, Views & Events