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Four Generations of Victorian Grand Design at Malsis

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Yorkshire Post Wednesday 24 October 2012

Malsis receives Glowing report from the ISI

Malsis has been given a glowing report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. The Inspectorate, which monitors all the independent schools in the country, described the achievement of pupils as excellent.

Inspectors said that youngsters achieved very well and made excellent progress across an extensive range of subjects and activities, from Latin to bush-craft. He said: “The pupils’ attitude to learning is outstanding. “They are articulate, interact confidently with adults and their peers and demonstrate independence and initiative.”

Inspectors discovered that “virtually all” pupils gained entry to their first choice of secondary school, with a significant proportion gaining scholarships. Inspectors added: “The personal development of pupils is excellent. “They develop with confidence, safe in the knowledge that they will be valued as individuals. “The provision for the welfare, health and safety of pupils is excellent, as is the quality of the boarding experience.”

Headmaster Marcus Peel said : “This year’s report makes heart-warming and very encouraging reading. The inspectors enjoyed their time at Malsis and also gave us some advice regarding our school development plan and marking policies which we are, of course, acting upon”.

You can read a copy of our ISI Report here

Olympic Torch visits Malsis

We were delighted to welcome Louise Hanen to Malsis recently. Louise is the chair of The Acorn Committee, a charity raising funds for People with Dementia and their Carers in the Harrogate and Ripon Area and for Research into Scleroderma Disease at Leeds General Infirmary. On 19th June, Louise was an Olympic Torchbearer, carrying the torch in Barkston Ash in North Yorkshire.

The children were fascinated to hear about Louise’s adventure and to be able to hold her Olympic Torch. We also learned a lot about the great work that Acorn is doing, and will be supporting their fundraising with one of our Chapel collections later in the term.

Year 7 Trip to France

Year 7 had a very busy and enjoyable week at Château de la Baudonnière in Normandy. With excursions to the local market, where many managed to do rather a lot of bartering and got some excellent bargains; a Normandie biscuit makers, and the very muddy Parcours de Santé the very changeable weather and sometimes torrential rain did nothing to dampen the spirits!

Activities at the Château included initiative exercises, fabrication de pain, French language lessons, canoeing, a French fancy dress party and quiz, and a French surprise of a massive bowl of snails! Liam was the first to try and thought they were “delicieux”! Tom Russell and Oscar Schofield had 11 each and have the shells to prove it!

Malsis 1st XI through to next round of JET Cricket Competition

On a bitterly cold windy day, with a hint of rain in the air, Malsis 1st XI travelled to Terrington for their first round match in the JET Competition.

The ground at Terrington is very narrow, so boundaries square of the wicket are relatively easy to come by. Malsis batted first and the innings started slowly, with two wickets falling fairly quickly. This, however, brought Sam Ramsden and Sam Stewart together and they proceeded to put on 110 runs in 14 overs. The majority of these were scored by Sam Stewart, the Captain, who made 94 including 17 fours and 2 sixes; Sam Ramsden supported him admirably, managing to score mainly in singles and thereby rotating the strike and giving his partner the opportunity to attack the batting. The final total was 160 for 5 in the allotted 25 overs.

Terrington struggled from the start against the accurate Malsis bowling and when the rain eventually rolled in, as it had been threatening to do all afternoon, they had reached 28 for 4 in 10 overs; all 4 wickets having been bowled by Benedict Allmand-Smith. At this point the game was abandoned and Terrington conceded the match to Malsis.

Our next round match will be at Malsis, against either Sedbergh or Asgarth.

Jazz Legend Kenny Ball to play at Malsis School

Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen are to perform a special concert at Malsis School on May 26th.  The legendary trumpeter and his band, which this year celebrate their 50th Anniversary, will be visiting Malsis as part of their UK and European Tour. 

Headmaster Marcus Peel said the school was “absolutely thrilled” to be welcoming the musicians.  “Kenny is a genuine institution and the most successful jazz trumpet player this side of the Atlantic, he said.  “We pride ourselves on the variety of concerts we hold at Malsis”, said Mr Peel.  “It’s so important for our children to listen to music of all genres”.

Kenny Ball’s landmark recordings of the 1960s, such as Midnight in Moscow, catapulted him to world-wide fame.  Kenny and his trombonist and band co-founder, John Bennett, have published their memoirs about life on the road over the past half-century.

Another great year for scholarships at Malsis

This year’s Year 8 pupils have won 13 scholarships and awards to senior schools across the country! From a class of 18 leavers, academic, all-rounder, IT, music and sports scholarships have been won to top independent schools including Uppingham, Repton, Sedbergh, Glenalmond, Stonyhurst, Harrogate Ladies College and Giggleswick.

Headmaster Marcus Peel said “The number and the breadth of awards won this year by our Year 8 pupils is absolutely outstanding – we are very proud of them all.”

The successful pupils were:

Hannah Sherry, Music Scholarship, Repton
Miles Nelson, IT Exhibition, Repton
Henrietta Nielson, Music and All-Rounder Scholarships, Harrogate Ladies’ College
William Weatherill, Academic Scholarship, Uppingham
Faye Milbourn, Music Scholarship, Giggleswick
Max Reiter, All-Rounder Scholarship, Giggleswick
Emma Sharp, All-Rounder Scholarship, Giggleswick
Sam Stewart, Sports Scholarship, Sedbergh
True Curran, Sports Scholarship, Sedbergh
Alex Coward, Music Scholarship, Glenalmond
George Bonney, Academic All-Rounder Scholarship, Stonyhurst
Patrick Mullins, All-Rounder (Thring) Scholarship, Uppingham
Amelia Saunders, Headmaster’s Award, Sedbergh

In addition, Thomas Harrison has won a place at Bradford Grammar School and Mollie Richmond, who won an all-rounder scholarship to Sedbergh last year, has been awarded a music scholarship there this year.

Star Singer Performs at Malsis

Margaret McDonald – one of the country’s top mezzo-sopranos – starred in a concert at Malsis School on Friday 23rd March, held in aid of the Navy Benevolent Fund. Miss McDonald was joined by leading Yorkshire baritone, and Director of Music at Malsis, James Ashworth, singing songs from Les Miserables, Gilbert & Sullivan, Ivor Novello and Andrew Lloyd-Webber.

With performances from Malsis’ Chapel and Chamber Choirs, and from acclaimed organist and pianist Robert Sudall, the concert was a huge success and much enjoyed by all – performers and audience alike.

Marcus Peel, Headmaster at Malsis, said “We pride ourselves on the variety of concerts we hold at Malsis. Last November, for example, we welcomed the brilliant UK rock and blues band Vintage Trouble, while later this year the legendary Kenny Ball will be playing for us. It’s so important for our children to listen to music of all genres. Malsis’

Malsis’ Demy Dowley is England U16 girls’ hockey coach

The Yorkshire Evening Post featured a profile of Malsis Head of English and Hockey Coach, Demy Dowley. Click For More Details(Yorkshire Evening Post)

World Book Day at Malsis

The Headmaster and Mrs Peel led the way on Book Day at Malsis – Wee Willie Winkie and Little Red Riding Hood respectively. Other characters included Harry Potter, James Bond, the BFG, Sherlock Holmes, Gollum and a Nazgul from Lord of the Rings, and a gaggle of St Trinian’s schoolgirls.

Mr Peel said “We enjoyed ourselves immensely on World Book Day and there were a dazzling array of characters and costumes on parade. But there is a very serious point to World Book Day and that is the importance of fostering the joy of reading. We take reading exceptionally seriously here and there is a daily reading period in the timetable, where children read to themselves and read aloud”.

Malsis gets a great report

Malsis has been given a stellar report by the Good Schools Guide 2012. The guide, which highlights the top independent schools in the country, paid tribute to Malsis, saying it “projects a dynamic sense of determination and intent” and pointing out the school won an unprecedented 19 scholarships and awards in the summer.

The guide stated: “The four cornerstones of Malsis are balance, purpose, style and charm – and the children who acted as guides around the school exuded all four, with welcoming smiles and firm handshakes all round.

“There are a huge range of country-type activities, with stacks of sport; as well as the traditional prep school-type extra-curricular activities, Malsis also offers mountain biking, bushcraft, hill-walking, canoeing and camping.”

The guide also praised its strong academic record, its palpable pride in drama and music, the strong house system and the effective personal tutor system.

Headmaster Marcus Peel, who is described as “friendly and personable” by the guide, said: “What I am particularly pleased about is that the guide has highlighted our aim of helping every boy and girl here to reach their potential.

“We try to maintain the balance between academic rigour, and creating a fun, friendly and caring environment in which the pupils learn. It is fantastic that the guide has recognised this.”

Sheep steals the show

A review of Malsis Lower School’s Christmas Nativity by some members of Year 6.

On the 8th of December, as Christmas was creeping up on us, Malsis Lower School performed their production of the Nativity. Isabelle Driver and Oliver Smith played the parts of Mary and Joseph as they travelled to Bethlehem. The whole cast sang many catchy songs in spectacular voices that really warmed your heart. The Britain’s Got Talent show producers should watch out for the professional class dancers, wearing fabulous costumes in which everybody looked stunning,

On the journey to Bethlehem we met some shepherds with their sheep - as a classic favourite. Olivia Patchett, who played the part of the sheep, was continually waving at her parents. She conveyed the famous Malsis charm and everybody wanted to take her home! Olivia was so pleased to be in the production that she couldn’t stop jumping around even though the play had already started.

Emma Lawrence stood in at the last moment as the Angel Gabrielle. She dramatically spread her wings out across the stage as if she had been playing the role all her life.

Onward they travelled, meeting the Three Kings and an unusual number of Innkeepers.

Most of the cast was aged only 4-6 years old and it was even more impressive that they remembered their lines, the tunes, the steps and movement.

By Georgie Richmond, Romilly Taylor-Littler, Elizabeth Crossley-Smith, Emily Ridehalgh, Thomas Barker and Matthew Clarke.

VINTAGE PERFORMACE BY AWARD-WINNING BAND AT MALSIS

The award-winning US band Vintage Trouble played a one-off concert at a Yorkshire prep school this weekend – and went down a storm.

The band, who attracted rave reviews after starring on the BBC’s Later...With Jools Holland, appeared at Malsis School at Crosshills, near Skipton, in the middle of their UK tour.

Fresh from being named the Best New Band in the Classic Rock Awards 211, with other category winners including The Who, Foo Fighters and Manic Street Preachers, Vintage Trouble played to an ecstatic full house at Malsis.

Among the audience was Imogen Challis from Doncaster, who won last week’s Craven Herald Vintage Trouble competition.

Imogen said: “Winning the Craven Herald competition was a huge surprise and gave me the chance to convert my 11-year-old-son Will to the sounds of Vintage Trouble. They are one of the best bands to reach our shores: ever!  We received such a warm welcome from the pupils and everyone at the school and of course, Vintage Trouble, who were so gracious. And for that I would like to thank everyone concerned”.
Malsis headmaster Marcus Peel, who is a passionate follower of the Hollywood-based band, arranged the concert after seeing them on the Jools Holland show.
He said: “Vintage Trouble treated us to an unforgettable afternoon – a performance of top quality. They were brilliant with the children, even inviting them all on stage with them to sing Not Alright By Me, a wonderful protest song that I reckon should be on the National Curriculum. The age range at this concert was 5 to 70 plus and everyone loved it, a tribute to the songs and quality of Vintage Trouble.

“Malsis’ cornerstones are purpose, balance, charm and style. VT brought us all four in huge abundance. The children – and adults – will never forget it. Ty Taylor’s messages of kindness, love and concern for others fitted perfectly with the messages the children received earlier in the day at our wonderful Remembrance Service, where the whole school community honoured fallen former pupils and staff of the school. There were tears of sorrow and joy at Malsis in an unforgettable day,” he said.

Ty Taylor, the charismatic leader singer of Vintage Trouble, said: “It was a tremendous privilege to play in front of such a receptive and appreciate audience of all ages. Children have no inhibitions and their participation made us feel so home at home. It was very moving when they joined us on stage for a mass encore.
He added: “This was a real highlight of our UK tour and I want to thank Marcus Peel for setting it up. We love Malsis School and will never forget our concert here.”
Marcus Peel explained: “It was a real coup to get them to Malsis – and I can’t believe I managed it. They played in Sheffield the night before and in Middlesbrough the evening after they left us. It was so kind of them to fit us in the middle.”

Malsis is renowned for its popular concerts, with the world-famous Brighouse and Rastrick Band and Red Priest, a highly-acclaimed baroque quartet, having already played at the school this year.

“COOL” MALSIS GETS GLOWING REPORT FROM TATLER

Malsis has been given a stellar report by the definitive Tatler School Guide 2012.

The Guide, which highlights the top independent schools in the country, paid tribute to Malsis, saying that it was “firing on all cylinders” and pointing out that the school won an unprecedented 19 scholarships in the summer.

The Guide, regarded as the bible of the independent schools sector, commented: “Numbers are up, boarding is more popular than ever and there is lots of sport and adventure.”

It quotes a parent as saying: “Every child is given the opportunity to find out what they are good at and, unlike many prep schools, if that’s not sport, that’s okay.”

Headmaster Marcus Peel commented: “The whole report in the Tatler Guide made heart-warming reading. What I am particularly pleased about is that the Guide has highlighted our aim of helping every boy and girl here to reach their potential, whatever that potential might be. We try to maintain the balance between academic rigour, and creating a fun, friendly and caring environment in which the pupils learn. It is fantastic that the Guide has recognised this.”

The Guide noted that: “The Director of Music James Ashworth is truly outstanding and it is cool to be in the choir. All in all, it must be said that Malsis is a very cool school indeed”.

Mr Peel said: “I think it’s cool to be called cool. Seriously, though, I feel so lucky to have such a strong and committed staff team working to achieve what is best for our all pupils. We are a happy school and that, ultimately, shines through.”

Something for everyone – musical treats at Malsis

Malsis pupils, parents and families have enjoyed some wonderful performances this term from a truly diverse range of musicians. We were delighted to welcome singer/songwriter Matt Belmont back to Malsis at the beginning of term to give a concert in our ‘Saturday Performance’ slot – a very early start for Matt and his band who travelled over from Leeds to perform at Malsis at 9am!

Pupils have also had a chance to showcase their talents - at a Saturday morning concert where we were treated to piano, clarinet, ‘cello, trumpet and vocal performances, at a ‘Little Evening Concert’ where the younger members of the school played for a small audience of parents, friends and grandparents, and on Grandparents Day at Malsis where, along with some wonderful performances from the children, the Headmaster, Marcus Peel, and Director of Music, James Ashworth, led a singsong of some classic wartime melodies and treated the audience to some Flanders and Swann classics which were very well received!!

Something special was needed to follow on from that, and Mr Ashworth didn’t let us down, welcoming Brian Johnson and his colleagues who gave the audience a wonderful introduction to the bagpipes and played some classic and more modern tunes for us. Again, no mean feat at 9 o’clock on a chilly Saturday morning, and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Mr Ashworth very much hopes to be able to add bagpipes to the huge list of instruments taught at Malsis in the very near future.

In and amongst all this, a group of thirty children visited Bradford Alhambra to see a performance of ‘Annie’ and rehearsals for our own production of ‘Annie Junior’ later in the term have been hard underway!

G P Taylor judges Malsis pupils best short story writers

Pupils from 60 state and independent schools were invited to take part in the annual Simon Beaufoy Short Story competition, organised and hosted by Malsis School in Cross Hills, near Skipton and this year the short listed entries were judged by the international best-selling author G P Taylor. Presenting the prizes he said: “This was the hardest competition I have ever had to judge, either for children’s or adults’ writing.” said GP Taylor. “I had a sleepless weekend reading the stories and trying to decide on the winners; the standard of writing was outstanding – far in advance of the years of the writers. I hope that they will all carry on writing as each one has great talent.”

Malsis pupils scooped the top award in both senior and junior categories; Amber Mullins (13) with her story, ‘This is a Story I Heard a Long Time Ago’ and Romilly Taylor-Littler (10) with her story, ‘127’.

Sarah Hill, English Teacher at Malsis and organiser of the competition, said: “The English Department at Malsis promotes activities that give children a chance to learn in ways that are both purposeful and authentic. A short story competition gives them a chance to expand their imaginative ideas and learn story writing skills, as well as having to work within certain constraints – a theme, a word limit and a deadline. Hearing from Graham about how writing has transformed his life and given him the freedom to do what he likes will, I hope, inspire our young writers.”

Malsis pupils; the cream of this year’s crop

Year 8 pupils at independent prep school Malsis in North Yorkshire have been singled out for an unprecedented 19 Scholarships and Awards to senior schools across the country. From a class of just 20 pupils, five sports, five art, four all-rounder, three drama and two academic scholarships and awards have been won to top independent schools; Uppingham, Repton, Sedbergh, Rugby, Stonyhurst College, Queen Margaret’s and Giggleswick.

With its small class sizes, Malsis School has a long tradition of producing successful scholarship candidates and Marcus Peel, Headmaster at Malsis, commented: “The number and the breadth of awards won this year by our Year 8 pupils is truly outstanding. It is a testament to both their talent and hard work, and to the talent and dedication of the teaching and sports coaching staff at Malsis who have nurtured all of the children, both scholars and non-scholars, as they prepare to move on to their next school. We are very proud of them all.”

Success in winning Bradford Grammar place

Congratulations go to Daniel Bates who has secured his place at highly selective Bradford Grammar School to start in Year 9. The competition for places is always fierce and Daniel scored consistently well across the subjects. Said Marcus Peel: “This is the sixth year in a row that Malsis children have won Year 9 places at Bradford Grammar School. We are rightly proud of their success and of how well they settle into life at Bradford Grammar, having benefitted from the all-round education they have received at Malsis.”

Yet another Malsis pupil selected by Yorkshire Youth Choir

Edward Cockburn-Price has won a coveted place with the elite Yorkshire Youth Choir, following in the footsteps of many Malsis choristers before him. Said Mr Ashworth, Director of Music at Malsis, “Edward has been singing in the boys’ Chapel Choir for two years and having one-to-one singing lessons with me since September 2008. He is a talented and musical singer and is he now preparing for his Grade 4 exam with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. I am delighted that the Yorkshire Youth Choir has recognised his considerable talent which we will continue to nurture.”

Its official - Malsis U13 hockey team the best in the North

The Malsis U13s have won the North Yorkshire County, North East Region and now the North of England rounds of the Yazoo England Schools Hockey Championships, winning their place in the National final in May. One of only ten teams left in the competition from hundreds across the country, once again Malsis finds itself up against very large schools. U13 Squad coach Mrs Dowley commented: “To be playing on this prestigious national stage takes a special and talented team. Their success is even more outstanding given the relatively small size of Malsis and is a testament to the maturity of these young talented players that work extremely hard. We have some of the best players in the country at this level and they are an inspiration to watch.”

12 year old Radha becomes water expert for the day

Malsis pupil, Radha Kaushal-Bolland (12) was invited to spend the day with water efficiency manager Paul Parr to see how the company captures and treats water, and how it tackles leaks, after wowing United Utilities bosses with her impressive letter about her geography project. Radha wrote to United Utilities having seen a TV programme about the floods and water shortages which affected the North West in 2009 and 2010. Mr Parr said Radha's letter was so articulate and well-researched he wanted to give her the chance to see things for herself. "We were very impressed with Radha," said Paul. "She asked very intelligent questions about where water goes, how much is lost through leaks and how United Utilities promotes water efficiency. We had a great day."

Malsis School is proud to host baroque masters 'Red Priest' in concert

Malsis School Centre of Musical Excellence presents Red Priest in concert with their programme,“Carnival of the Seasons”. This is a sensational re-interpretation of Vivaldi’s popular masterpiece, ‘The Four Seasons,’ by the UK's most dynamic, theatrical and outrageously different baroque ensemble. Featuring Piers Adams heralded as the reigning recorder virtuoso in the world.

"Highly individual… Purists would probably run a mile from what Red Priest does to this music, but virtuosity, verve and creative spontaneity are fused together in a way that makes the impact positively volcanic” The Daily Telegraph.

Reception 7.00 p.m. Concert starts at 7.30 p.m. Saturday 14th May, 2011 in The Hanson Hall, Malsis School. Tickets £18 including reception drink. Book your Tickets: Contact Claire Lodge 01535 633027 or office@malsis.com

The Early Music Shop

Solo musical performances set the tone for 2011

Just three days into the new term, the children and parents at Malsis were treated to some wonderful music and drama at the first ‘Performance’ of the New Year. Amber Mullins (Yr 8) and Hannah Sherry (Yr 7) entertained with their piano playing; Radha Kaushal-Bolland (Yr 8), one of the stars of last year’s ‘Seussical’ gave a wonderful drama recital from ‘The Secret Garden’ and Alex Coward, Miles Nelson and Alex Procter played beautifully on the recorder, ‘cello and drums respectively.

With a special guest performance from Matthew McGuffie on the clarinet, the children were able to hear some famous and less well known pieces played on the clarinet and there was a huge show of hands at the end when Mr Ashworth, Director of Music at Malsis, asked who had been inspired to take up the clarinet after hearing Mr McGuffie play. Matthew, a talented musician who plays with Yorkshire Wind Orchestra and the Yorkshire Sax group, also teaches piano at Malsis.

Reception pupils’ stamp of approval

Children in Reception Class at Malsis School enjoyed a school trip to the Post Office as part of their ‘Our School and its Environment’ topic. Each clutching a letter they had written to their families, the class walked to the public bus stop close to the school gates and travelled into nearby Cross Hills village. In the Post Office, the Postmistress showed everyone how the scales worked and gave everyone a chance to find out what postage their letters needed. They bought their stamps and then stretched up high to put their letters in the post-box.

Armed Forces Live Firing Day at Otterburn

Independent school pupils Toby Anderson, Ross Bennett, Joshua Knott, Zak Middleton and William Travis had a wonderful day with 40th Regiment Royal Artillery at Otterburn Training Range in Northumberland. The boys kitted out in combats and camouflage, along with Headmaster Marcus Peel, had a go at carrying a typical soldier’s pack weighing around 90lb – a 20 meter walk was enough!

At the command post, the children inspected the 105mm light guns and watched the firing exercise which was pretty loud, even with ear defenders. After a lunch of army ration curry (delicious!), the children were taken to the ‘front end’ to see where the shells were landing and hear about how the Fire Support Teams (FSTs) find the enemy on the battlefield using lightweight lasers, MSTAR radars, thermal observation and night vision equipment. Once the enemy is identified, the three gun batteries equipped with 18 Light Guns fly into battle using Chinook helicopters. The boys also handled live shells like those used by the regiment in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Half of Sports Scholarship to Rugby School awarded to Malsis pupils

Private school boys Harry Phillipson and James Cutter have played rugby together for five years and have another five years to look forward to having won coveted Sports Scholarships to Rugby School. They will be following their elder brothers who all won scholarships to Rugby from Malsis. Harry’s brother, Sam, won a Sports Scholarship to Rugby in 2009, and James follows brothers Kit and Oliver who both won Scholarships – a Sports Scholarship for Kit in 2005 and an Art Exhibition for Oliver in 2006. Harry and James have scooped up half the Sports awards on offer to 13 year olds across the UK this year. Both boys have won their rugby Colours this term playing for Malsis 1st XV with key wins including: 83-0 Fyling Hall, 70-0 against Moorlands , 24-7 v St. Mary’s Hall, Stonyhurst, and 35-5 v Bramcote. Harry has been captain this season playing at scrum half and has scored six tries this term with James at fly half scoring eight tries. Harry has also been selected for the Prep Schools’ North of England Barbarians Team.

Malsis School’s strong military links makes for moving Remembrance

Children, staff and parents gathered for a poignant and moving Service of Remembrance in the school’s chapel and their special guests this year included the Deputy Mayor of Keighley, Cllr Mick Westerman, the Mayor of Silsden, Cllr Michael Ellsmore and Mrs Ellsmore, and the Mayor of Skipton, Cllr Robert Heseltine, as well as relatives of former Malsis pupils who lost their lives whilst serving in the Armed Forces.

The Revered Paul Sweeting, Chaplain of Sedbergh School and former Rector of the Falkland Islands gave the address and three wreaths were laid: one on behalf of former Malsis pupils by former pupil Jonathan Procter and his son, Alex, who is currently at Malsis; one on behalf of the governors, pupils and staff at the school by former pupil, David Cutter, and his son James, again a current pupil; and the final one on behalf of all those currently serving in Her Majesty’s forces laid by Lt. Col Baz Bennett, MBE, RA and his son Ross, who is Head of School at Malsis.

With readings, music and poetry performed by the Malsis children, including 11 year old Hannah Sherry’s performance of Grieg’s Nocturne on the piano and anthems ‘We will remember them’ sung by the 15 girls of the Chamber Choir and ‘For the Fallen’, sung by the 20 strong boy’s Chapel Choir, the extremely high standard of music at Malsis was, as always, a huge part of a Service that will be long remembered by all who attended.

Top preparatory school choirs in demand

Once again the boy’s Chapel Choir and girl’s Chamber Choir have been in high demand by neighbouring events and venues. From a canal-side memorial service to commemorate the war effort of Polish bomber pilots; to Keighley Vocal Union Concert, the choirs have sung their hearts out for audiences who have been stunned by the quality of singing in such young children. “Easily on a par with, or better than, those from an actual Choir School!” is often the compliment paid to Director of Music, James Ashworth, after such an event.

Malsis 2010 Musical performance: ‘Seussical’ success

Year 5 to 8 children at Malsis once again amazed and astounded capacity audiences three nights in a row when they presented this year’s major musical production – ‘Seussical Junior’. Based on the stories of Dr. Seuss, including Horton Hears a Who and The Cat in the Hat, and featuring Alex Procter as Horton, Sarah Pope as JoJo, Mollie Richmond as Maizie la Bird, Radha Kaushal-Bolland as Gertrude McFuzz and Alex Cowgill as the Cat in the Hat, the show was another resounding success. Mr Rob Holroyd, Headmaster of Repton School, commented “…. I thought the show was stunning – I have long been of the view that the Malsis drama and vocals are the best on the prep school circuit, but to have five voices of such outstanding quality together last night was something special …..”.

New Malsis Teaching Staff Appointed

Three exciting new staff appointments have been made getting the new academic year off to a flying start. Mrs Keeley Smith has been appointed as Year 2 Class Teacher. She has a degree in Art Therapy from the University of Derby, she then trained as a class teacher at St Martin’s Lancaster and went on to teach at Christchurch School, Skipton. Mrs Jo Celerier has been appointed Year 3 Class Teacher. Jo is a highly experienced teacher and comes from Woodbridge School in Suffolk where she was also head of Girls Sport. Mrs Denisa Francis has been appointed Art Teacher for Years 5 to 8 and has a First Class honours degree in Aesthetics and Art Education.

Malsis: Top 10 Best Prep School in Tatler Schools Guide 2011

For the seventh consecutive year, Malsis in North Yorkshire has been chosen to appear in the prestigious Tatler Schools Guide. Only the best 114 prep schools in the country have made it into the guide and Malsis stands out from even this very select crowd as one of only six recommended independent co-educational preparatory schools across the whole of the North of England.

Malsis Pupil, aged 12, Sells First Artwork.

Verity Taylor-Littler was the only child asked by Granary Arts to exhibit some of her artwork amongst other amateur artists at Skipton Castle in the summer. She was delighted when her piece entitled ‘Onions’ was snapped up for £40. Verity, with the help of inspirational new art teacher, Mrs Denisa Francis, is working hard towards winning a coveted Art scholarship to a senior school next year.

George Hill (9) wins Yorkshire Tennis Championships

Malsis School’s George Hill has won the under nine ‘orange ball’ tennis competition at The Yorkshire Championships and also played for Yorkshire and the North East region in the National Talent ID, winning the Inter-Regional finals for the North East. George earned a place on the national Lawn Tennis Association’s AEGON Future Stars Programme and is now ranked number 10 in the country in his age group. What will they rename ‘Henman Hill’ and ‘Murray Mound’ when George reaches Wimbledon?

Double win for Malsis at Cricket Festival

24 teams from the Upper Airedale Junior League and their 600 supporters poured through the gates of Malsis Prep School for the annual Malsis Cricket Festival. Malsis School’s under 13s kicked the tournament off in impressive style with 86 against Silsden, including 55 for Will Greenwood. Going on to qualify for the final, Malsis rattled up 61 against Gargrave’s 35, with Will Greenwood and James Cutter prominent and excellent fielding. The under 11 competition was also a tense affair with unbeaten Malsis again clear winners in their qualifying group and going on to beat Cullingworth in the final. This was the first time that any school or club had won more than one trophy at the festival.

Malsis School’s under 13s

Malsis School’s under 11s

Summer Fair – 1920’s style

Continuing with the School’s 90th anniversary theme, children, teachers, parents, old pupils and friends donned blazers, boaters and 1920s dresses to enjoy croquet, Charleston dancing, cricket, traditional afternoon teas and classic games from the era. Several Al Capone gangsters were also seen roaming the grounds looking sinister with pinstriped suits and violin cases, but caused no harm. The highlight for some was the vintage sweet stall, and others the ‘slippery pole’ where knocking your opponent off with a blow from a pillow was the aim. For most, however, ‘Gunge the Teacher’ with lurid multicoloured custard will be the most enduring memory. Poor Deputy Head, Mr Raikes!

Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

95 day and boarding pupils from Malsis Prep School were up very early for a kit check before heading to Horton in Ribblesdale for the school’s annual attempt at the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks. A 22 mile hike ascending the 1600 metres of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough all in one day. This year 59 managed all three, including one Year 3 pupil aged just 8. It is a personal challenge and each pupil sets their own target of how many peaks they hope to conquer in the day, all achieving at least one. The fasted pupil around the full circuit was George Harry Thornton, finishing in a just 6 hours and 26 minutes.