Inside Ibstock - Senior School Issue 7 Autumn Term

Inside Ibstock Ibstock Place Senior School Termly Newsletter | Autumn 2024

Inside this issue:

What’s New Academic 03 |

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Expressive Arts

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Co-Curricular Pastoral, Wellbeing, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Alumni and Careers Sport Trips | | | 09 12

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Community and Partnerships

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FIPS

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ISSUE 7

Inside Ibstock Headmaster‘s Welcome

Autumn 2024

Welcome to ‘Inside Ibstock’ As our one hundred and thirtieth year draws to a close, the Autumn Term of 2024 has confirmed the enduring power of our founders’ vision, and their desire to build a school which showcases the manifold benefits of an education rooted in the experience of our young people. The pages of this latest edition of Inside Ibstock tell of a spectacular breadth of activity across the entire School, unbounded by age group or geography. I pay tribute to the energy and endeavour of our pupils and their teachers. So very much has been achieved. Of course, the last few months have brought new challenges to the independent schools’ sector and the year ahead will be one in which we navigate a fast-changing landscape. As ever, though, it will be the strength of our founding values which will sustain us. Our mission to build an evermore dynamic community, rooted in kindness and optimistic about all which our pupils can achieve, is unchanging and, as the last term of activity so amply demonstrates, it is a vision which can yield so very much. I hope that you enjoy reading about it as much as I have.

Chris Wolsey , Headmaster

New Heads of School and Prefects Congratulations to Oliver and Polly, our Heads of School for the 2024/2025 academic year, along with our wonderful new Prefects’ team! We are so proud of you all and have every confidence you will bring incredible positivity to our School community. It was a special moment as everyone signed the Prefects Register at their very first Prefects’ Tea, marking the beginning of this exciting journey together.

Senior 7 Welcome Day

TE and ISOTY Awards - Finalists We were delighted to be a finalist for the 2024 Talk Education Awards for Innovation in Education under the category ‘Best use of Technology’. Ibstock was also selected as a finalist for the prestigious Independent School of the Year 2024 Awards in the Co-educational Independent School of the Year category.

Senior 7 Welcome Day provided a fantastic opportunity for pupils to embrace new challenges and display their leadership skills. From icebreakers to team-building exercises, the day was filled with energy and laughter. A huge thank you to our Upper Sixth pupils for

organising fun activities and for providing a supportive and encouraging environment for our new Senior 7s as they begin this exciting chapter of their school journey.

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Inside Ibstock What’s New

Autumn 2024

Ibstock 130 Concert and Black Tie Ball

Our celebrations of 130 years of Ibstock continued with a remarkable evening of musical delight at our Ibstock 130 Concert and Black Tie Ball. Featuring various performances by our talented pupils from Schola Cantorum, the Senior Chamber Orchestra, the Brass Ensemble, Ibstock Choristers and the Ibstock Place Singers, and headlined by a stunning performance of Mozart's Coronation Mass, the performances were nothing short of spectacular. Sinfonia Smith Square provided the perfect setting for this unforgettable night of music. A huge thank you to our pupils for their amazing performances and to the Music Department whose efforts made the evening such a success. It was truly a night to remember.

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Inside Ibstock What’s New

Autumn 2024

Ibstock 130 Christmas

Our one hundred and thirtieth year drew to a close with a special celebration in honour of our German founder, Friedrich Froebel. Pupils from the Prep and Senior Schools came together to mark the occasion by burying a time capsule on the Orchard, accompanied by our Senior Jazz Choir. Wearing festive jumpers, pupils were also treated to some delicious Christmas tuck, a chance for a photo in Santa’s sleigh and a German market themed lunch followed by some special 130 cupcakes. Pupils in Senior 7 and Senior 9 also heard from a panel of alumni from across the decades which rounded off the day perfectly.

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Inside Ibstock Academic

Autumn 2024

Languages Week

Pupils celebrated Languages Week by participating in a range of fun activities. They took part in our very own Eurovision Song Contest, enjoyed a concert performed by soprano, Cristina Calvo and listened to a talk by UN and Premier League Translator, Rob Hunt. Other highlights included a special themed lunch, multilingual greetings from staff, a Maths and Languages competition, an exciting treasure hunt around the School, and a beautiful Chinese tea ceremony. It was a week filled with fun, learning, and celebrating different cultures!

International Churchill Society’s Conference

Tallulah, Lorenza, and Sebastian (Senior 11) were invited to the International Churchill Society’s annual conference after winning the ESU Churchill Public Speaking Competition in May. They presented their winning entry on 'The Value of Courage’.

National Poetry Day Competition The English Faculty organised a poetry competition for Senior 7–9 pupils to celebrate National Poetry Day. This year's theme was ‘Counting,’ with finalists selected from each class. Congratulations to the overall winner, Mia (Senior 7) and to the runner-up, Raffi (Senior 7). Staff were very impressed by the quality of all the poems submitted.

Graphic Novel Competition

Congratulations to Naomi (Senior 11) who was one of the winners of the Graphic Novel Competition run by The Classics Department at Oxford. The brief was to create a comic strip based on a Greek myth and she did a brilliant portrayal of Theseus and the Minotaur. This is a huge achievement and her design will be published in a hardback book later this year.

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Inside Ibstock Academic

Autumn 2024

Science in Medicine School Teams Competition

Three of our Upper Sixth Form biologists - Lexie, Emma, and Sofia — participated in the Science in Medicine School Teams Competition organised by Imperial College. Their innovative presentation, a drink designed to mitigate the symptoms of Raynaud's disease, was selected as one of ten finalists from 50 nationwide entries. Although they didn’t take home the top prize, they impressed the panel of experts and have been offered one-on-one mentoring from the team at Imperial College to support their future pursuits in the field of medicine.

Writer in Residence

Last month, our newwriter in residence, M.G. Leonard swooped in to kickstart Senior 7's detective fiction unit and launch a writing competition. Pupils were wowed by jaw dropping beetle facts, twitching tales and the bizarre true crime complete with a gold flute which inspired Feather, the fourth book in the Twitchers series. Having plotted a murder mystery with M.G., pupils wrote the opening to their own whodunnit. Well done to the shortlisted pupils (Freya, Joshua, Leo, Sophie, Sebastian) as well as the runner up, Leo, and the overall winner, Krishan, who chose to kill off the Dalai Lama!

Extended Project Qualification Fair

Ibstock held its first-ever Academic Fair, displaying the exceptional Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) work of our Upper Sixth Formers. Pupils proudly presented their projects and discussed themwith visitors and we were also honoured to have Dr Finia Kuhlmann, a PhD graduate from LSE, as our guest speaker. She delivered an inspiring talk on careers in academia and engaged with each pupil about their research, leaving many motivated by new possibilities.

Languages Debating Competition

We hosted a Senior 11 and Upper Sixth Languages Debating Competition in French, German and Spanish, welcoming pupils from other schools. Pupils debated motions such as 'Urlaub auf Balkonien ist viel besser als Urlaub im Ausland' (Staycations are better than holidaying abroad), 'Défendre son patrimoine culturel est mauvais pour l’intégration et la diversité de la population' (defending your cultural heritage is bad for integration and diversity) and 'La inmigración desde Sudamérica es beneficiosa para el desarrollo económico y cultural de los países receptores' (Immigration from South America is beneficial for the economic and cultural development of the receiving countries). Congratulations to all our participants, especially Gabriel and Olivia for winning the Senior 11 Spanish category!

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Autumn 2024

Inside Ibstock Expressive Arts

Footloose

The Upper Senior pupils delivered an outstanding rendition of Footloose, capturing the heart and soul of this beloved musical with remarkable talent and energy. The characterisation was poignant and powerful, and the cast’s singing was superb, showcasing both strong

solos and harmonious ensemble numbers. The choreography dazzled, with dynamic dancing capturing the liberating spirit of the story.

Congratulations to the talented and dedicated pupils involved in bringing this feel-good musical energetically to life!

Popular Musician of the Year

The Music Department hosted the School’s inaugural Popular Musician of the Year Competition. Pupils auditioned on drums, electric guitar, and bass guitar across Junior (S7-S9) and Senior (S10-Upper Sixth) categories. Our adjudicator, Demi Garcia, had the difficult job of selecting 10 pupils to progress to the final, and then the even tougher task of choosing the ultimate winner for each category. After much deliberation, the winners were Tilly in Senior 8 (Junior) and Matheus in Lower Sixth (Senior). Notable mentions should go to Polly (Upper Sixth), Joseph (Upper Sixth) and Sophie (Senior 7). We look forward to next term’s Classical Musician of the Year competition!

Ibstock Choristers Evensong at Southwark Cathedral The Ibstock Choristers sang Choral Evensong at Southwark Cathedral to an appreciative congregation of parents and members of the public. They rehearsed throughout the afternoon and enjoyed a private tour of the cathedral, in which the cathedral organist demonstrated how loud the organ can play! The choristers sang beautifully in the service, and special mentions must go to Edie (Senior 9) and Victoria (Senior 8) for singing solos. It was the last time that the Senior 9 members sang a service as choristers, and we thank them for their commitment and skill over the past year.

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Autumn 2024

Inside Ibstock Expressive Arts

House Music Competition

Ibstock’s annual House Music Competition was a total triumph! Every pupil in the Senior School had a chance to perform, whether in the Pop, Classical or Choral categories. Special congratulations must go to the House Captains and musicians who led rehearsals during a busy time and made sure performances were creative and full of energy. This year’s adjudicator, Chris Redfern, Director of Music at St Margaret’s School, Bushey was extremely impressed with the array of talent on display. After a very difficult decision-making process, Montefiore were awarded ‘House Music Champions’ for 2024. Well done to everyone who made the event such a success!

The Patient

The Ibstock Theatre Company cast delivered a gripping performance of The Patient by Agatha Christie in the Studio Theatre. They skillfully brought the story's twists and suspense to life, captivating the audience and keeping them on the edge of their seats as they tried to unravel the mystery of the culprit's identity. Congratulations on creating such a captivating and unforgettable performance!

Ready For The Runway Our Senior 11 Art pupils have been hard at work putting the final touches on their pieces for the Fashion Show next term. From the rich narratives of ancient Greek myths to astrology as their inspiration, Medina (Senior 11) painted the Greek Goddess Hera onto a fabric stola, while Lily (Senior 11) created a beautifully intricate folding paper dress. We can’t wait to see these pieces and many others come to life on the catwalk at the Fashion Show in February.

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Inside Ibstock Trips

Autumn 2024

Upper Sixth Form Geography Trip to Iceland

Upper Sixth Geography pupils had an unforgettable time in snowy Iceland. Visiting the sulphurous, bubbling mud pools of Krysuvik-Seltun, pupils took in the striking beauty and other worldliness of the surrounding landscape. The following day was no less spectacular as pupils walked through Thingvellir’s Rift Valley, explored Kerid’s volcanic crater, and soaked in the warm Secret Lagoon. At Fridheimar, they learnt about geothermal tomato farming and watched Strokkur geyser erupt. Gullfoss, the 'GoldenWaterfall', left everyone in awe with its thundering cascades, and the final day offered up clear blue skies for a glacier hike on Solheimajokull with panoramic views and ice cave exploration. The adventure concluded with visits to Vik’s basalt cliffs and the stunning waterfalls Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. A truly memorable trip!

Senior 10 went on an English trip to Strawberry Hill House to cultivate their understanding of the Gothic genre. They were told tales of intrigue, mystery and murder as they explored the treasures of HoraceWalpole's home and the setting for the writing of the first Gothic novel. After being given a tour around his castle, pupils learnt about Susan Hill's novel ‘I'm The King Of The Castle’ and were inspired to write their own Gothic creations. Senior 10 English Trip to Strawberry Hill House

Ibstock’s inaugural Tokyo trip took 32 Computer Science pupils from Senior 10 to Upper Sixth Form on an unforgettable journey of computer science, culture and robotics. Pupils explored AI, robotics and hands-on coding, while cultural visits featured Takeshita Street, Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine and Kamakura. They also impressed Tokyo’s experts with their coding talent at the Shingawa Coding Lab. More highlights from the trip included visits to esports centres, VR simulators, the Dawn Avatar Robot Café, and premier science museums. The trip ended with inspiring stops at TeamLab museum and Fuji TV, blending tradition and innovation and sparking new passions. Pupils returned with broadened perspectives and lasting memories. Senior 10 - Upper Sixth Form Computer Science Trip to Japan

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Inside Ibstock Trips

Autumn 2024

Senior 7 Trip to Battle Abbey Senior 7 pupils visited Battle Abbey, the site marking the end of Anglo-Saxon England. They explored the battlefield, attended a workshop on the Battle of Hastings with a focus on Emma of Normandy, and took part in a lively battle reenactment. They also visited the gatehouse exhibition on medieval monasticismwhich gave them an insight into abbey life. The day truly brought this pivotal moment in history to life.

Upper Sixth English Literature pupils enjoyed a trip to Lodge Hill in leafyWest Sussex for the annual Writing Retreat. Alongside making a great start to their coursework, pupils found time for walks in the grounds, literary films and quizzes, and yoga. Upper Sixth Writing Retreat

Upper Sixth Visit to Juniper Hall

Upper Sixth biologists didn’t let the mist and drizzle dampen their spirits on their field trip to Juniper Hall. With laughter, and plenty of enthusiasm, they completed two of their A-Level core practicals.

Ibstock Place Singers Trip to Budapest During the half-term break, the Ibstock Place Singers had an unforgettable choir tour in Budapest, performing in stunning historic churches in the heart of the city. Between captivating performances, the group enjoyed a variety of exciting activities, including a scenic cruise on the Danube River, exploring Budapest’s rich historical landmarks, and unwinding at the fabulous Aquaworld water park. The trip combined musical dedication with fun and sightseeing, making it a memorable experience for all involved.

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Inside Ibstock Trips

Autumn 2024

Lower Sixth DoE pupils took on the wilds of Snowdonia for their Gold practice expedition. Over the course of three days hiking, they conquered not just the Snowdon massif, but also the Glyderau and the Carneddau. It was a truly epic weekend and fantastic preparation for the Pyrenees next year. Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

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Inside Ibstock Sport

Autumn 2024

KCS Invitational Tournament

Huge congratulations to the 1st XI and 2nd XI Girls Hockey Teams for emerging as champions of the KCS Invitational Tournament! Well done!

The U12A Boys had an amazing opportunity for elite training at Chelsea Football’s training ground, complete with a tour of their facilities. Chelsea Football Club

Our Junior Boys, Junior Girls and Inter Girls qualified for the English Schools Cross Country Cup (ESAA) Regional Final. Competing as a team, the Inter girls finished highest placed in 6th position out of 19 schools with outstanding performances from Isabella and Max in their respective age groups. English Schools Cross Country Cup (ESAA)

House Cross Country

The House Cross Country event took place in the stunning setting of Palewell Common, where pupils dressed proudly in their House colours, displaying impressive focus and team spirit as they ran through the park and cheered each other on. We also had some staff participation, where they motivated the pupils, offering support and encouragement throughout the race. Congratulations to our winners, Brearley!

Pupils had a fantastic day at the home of English Rugby, Twickenham Stadium. Through exploring the stadium and diving into the interactive zones at the World Rugby Museum, our pupils got a true taste of Rugby’s rich history. They also experienced what it’s like for international players on game day. Rugby Trip to Twickenham Stadium

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Inside Ibstock Sport

Autumn 2024

Netball Trip to Manchester

Senior 8 and 9 Netball Girls had an amazing weekend in Manchester, where they played thrilling fixtures against Stockport Grammar andWilmslow High School and benefited from some truly top-class coaching. In keeping with the sport themed trip, they also enjoyed views of Old Trafford cricket ground from their hotel windows! To the surprise and delight of the girls, their training session was led by England Future Rose and Manchester Thunder star, Taylor McKevitt alongside Jade Clarke, England’s highest capped player ever! Jade, a Commonwealth Games andWorld Cup medallist, and one of only two players globally to reach 200 international caps, shared her invaluable experience with the girls. A wonderful end to the trip and unforgettable opportunity to train with sporting legends!

Football and Water Polo Trip to Italy

The Ibstock Sports Awards provided a perfect start to the term, celebrating each other’s achievements and inspiring future ones. Congratulations to all our winners and here’s to an outstanding year of sports ahead! Sports Awards

During their trip to Italy, our Boys’ Football andWater Polo players took part in competitive and social matches and high intensity training sessions. They also enjoyed the opportunity to socialise, bond with other year groups and explore the sights and sounds of Venice. A big thank you to Mr De Brunner for his efforts organising and running this tour.

Harlequins Open Training Session

We hosted the Harlequins Open Training Session which saw over 55 boys join from local clubs and schools. It was great to have so many players down at the session to showwhat Ibstock’s rugby programme has to offer. Our exciting new partnership and Rugby Excellence Programme with Harlequins Foundation marks the beginning of the incredible opportunities we’re bringing to our rugby players.

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Inside Ibstock Co-Curricular

Autumn 2024

Co-Curricular Fair

We held our Co-Curricular Clubs Fair, where pupils had the opportunity to explore over 100 diverse activities available to them. From sports to creative arts, each club offers a unique chance to develop new skills. It was lovely to see the enthusiasm and energy as pupils eagerly explored their options and connected with others who share their interests.

Esports Rocket League

The Ibstock Esports Rocket League team has been practising in our Esports Arena, gearing up for the highly anticipated British Esports Student Champs. This prestigious competition will see our team compete against schools and colleges from across the country, each vying for a spot at the top in a test of skill and teamwork. Representing Ibstock, our talented line-up includes Zeke (Senior 10), Edward (Senior 9), Sammy (Senior 10) and Oscar (Senior 9) who are determined to make their mark on the national stage. Stay tuned for updates as the team sets out to bring home victory!

Try It Week

Our termly ‘Try It’ week provided the perfect chance for pupils to explore new co curricular clubs, enhance their skills and enjoy time with friends. This term, with over 100 different clubs on offer, there was something for everyone. From sports and arts to music and academic enrichment, pupils discovered new passions and made the most of their time outside the classroom.

Senior 7 Disco

Senior 7 pupils came together at the start of the new term to share a night of dancing and fun at the Senior 7 Disco. Our pupils showed off their best moves and enjoyed some fantastic group bonding as they danced the night away together! A huge thank you to everyone including our Sixth Form vounteers who helped make it a night to remember!

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Inside Ibstock Pastoral, Wellbeing, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Autumn 2024

Show Racism the Red Card

Pupils wore red to show their support for ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ (SRtRC), the UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity. It was inspiring to see everyone come together, raising awareness and standing united in the fight against racism!

Wear it Pink Sixth Form pupils and staff participated in a ‘Wear it Pink’ fundraiser in support of Breast Cancer Now, as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Mrs Quick, Head of A-Level Drama, organised the event to raise awareness and stress the importance of self-checks for young people. During her talk, she encouraged Sixth Formers to consider how they can contribute to the fight against cancer, inspiring future oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, nurses, campaigners, researchers and fundraisers.

Black History Month

Senior 8 pupils participated in a two-hour theatrical workshop incorporating literary works, poems, stories and songs to commemorate Black History Month. The focus was primarily on the post-WorldWar II era, exploring the hopes and realities of theWindrush generation and referencing key figures of the American Civil Rights Movement like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.

Pupils had a fantastic time during Tutorial Day! As part of our comprehensive PSHE programme, we welcomed inspiring speakers who led interactive workshops on topics such as health and safety, cancel culture and financial literacy. Pupils also enjoyed an array of exciting activities, including Irish dancing, Carnival dancing and African drumming. Tutorial Day

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Inside Ibstock Alumni and Careers

Autumn 2024

Sixth Form Speaker Programme

As a part of our Sixth Form Speaker Programme, we welcomed Ellie Collins (Stocks ’17) who shared her inspiring career journey as a Sports Broadcaster across multiple sports including golf, football, and her current role in the NFL. Our Sixth Formers also heard from former pupil, Cameron McBride (Stocks ’18), sharing his valuable insights on the neuroscience of mental well-being, mindfulness as a tool we can all use to help ourselves, and the importance of positive male role models to mark Movember.

Make Me A Medic We hosted our fifth ‘Make Me a Medic’ event, offering pupils the opportunity to participate in specialised workshops designed to prepare them for the challenging and competitive process of applying for medical school. We were especially thankful for the support of our parent doctors, who led sessions on medical ethics and took part in a doctor Q&A panel, sharing invaluable insights and guidance. Staff, along with visiting colleagues, also led workshops, conducting mini mock medical interviews, personal statement reviews, and sharing work experience advice.

International Universities Fair At our International Universities Fair pupils had the opportunity to engage with representatives from a variety of universities and explore opportunities to study abroad. Institutions from countries such as the United States, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, and Canada were in attendance, offering valuable insights into their global campuses and academic programmes.

Old Ibstonians Lunch

We welcomed a group of Old Froebelians from the 1940s and 1950s for a delightful afternoon reunion. They shared memories of School life and fondly recalled Headmistress Barbara Priestman, whose office once occupied what is now Reception. Lila, a current Sixth Former, led a tour, sparking comparisons between school life then and now. A lovely lunch, tea and coffee were enjoyed, followed by a display organised by alumnus Tim Cunis and a visit to the new Ibstock Museum. The day was a success, likely adding new oral histories to our Archives.

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Inside Ibstock Community Partnerships

Autumn 2024

Senior 10 Elderly Social

Elderly residents from different local sheltered housing residences were invited to Ibstock for an intergenerational tea party. Our Senior 10 pupils were in charge of running a quiz and a raffle, as well as providing musical entertainment and social interaction. Both guests and pupils had a brilliant time, chatting over tea and biscuits provided by our wonderful catering team. Ibstock also funded accessible transport for our guests to and from the party.

Impact Club

Thank you to the members of Impact Club for coming together to support the charity Little Village. They helped gather baby sleepwear and toiletries, bringing warmth and care to children inWandsworth. Together, we're making a difference, one small act of kindness at a time.

Christmas Donation Drive Thank you to everyone who generously contributed to the Christmas donation drive. Sixth Form pupils had a fun, festive morning wrapping all the gifts and these will be delivered to Rackets Cubed for distribution to local families and children in Roehampton.

Queen Mary’s Hospital Visit

Some of our pupils organised a social event at Queen Mary’s Hospital for patients in the Gwynne HolfordWard, featuring performances on piano, cello, trumpet, and singing. We are so proud of them for sharing their talents and bringing joy to the ward.

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Autumn 2024

Inside Ibstock Families of Ibstock Place School

Festive Movie Night

The FIPS Festive Movie Night saw fun activities and games, followed by a showing of ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’. The evening was a huge hit with pupils who enjoyed the movie while tucking into snacks and hot popcorn.

Wreath Making Workshop Parents and staff got into the festive mood at the Wreath MakingWorkshop. Hosted and organised by our fantastic FIPS, and accompanied by plenty of mulled wine and mince pies, the hands-on workshop was a great success and everyone took home a beautiful wreath at the end of the evening.

FIPS Raffle To round off another busy year, FIPS organised their annual raffle, with twelve amazing prizes up for grabs. Pupils purchased tickets during lunchtime before prizes were drawn at the highly anticipated House teas in the final week of term. Congratulations to the winners!

Interested in finding out more about FIPS? Whether it's attending events, volunteering or joining the committee, we welcome all enquiries at FIPS@ibstockplaceschool.co.uk

Keep up-to-date with news from Ibstock, follow us on

@ibstocksenior

@ibstockplaceschool

@IbstockSenior

Ibstock Place School , Clarence Lane, Roehampton, London , SW15 5PY Tel: 020 8876 9991 www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk

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