Open Morning - 4th March, 2008

The wandering monk of Stoke College
Last Friday evening saw a very different yet interesting and entertaining PTA event. Around 50 hardy souls gathered to hear something of the history of the Stoke College site as well as experience the various ghostly apparitions that appear from time to time including the famous Monk (see picture).

John Gibson (Head) based his tour on the most excellent historic analysis recently undertaken by Leigh Alston MA (Oxon), Architectural Historian, as part of the work being done to support a proposed enabling development.

Guests were introduced to a site that has been inhabited since the 12th Century. A Benedictine Priory existed here until it was destroyed by fire in 1397.

This was followed by a College for priests run by Matthew Parker, later Archbishop of Canterbury to Elizabeth the 1st, which closed in 1537 at the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

The core medieval buildings (which still exist) were clothed in 17th and 18th century finery as the college became a country house. The current school arrived in 1954.

Talk on Climate change at Stoke College by
Pupils from years 9 and 11 welcomed MEP Tom Wise to the school earlier in the week. He spoke about Climate Change and proffered some interesting views which challenged the audience to think hard about conventional wisdoms. We thank him for the time he took from his busy schedule to be with us.

Pancake Racing at Stoke College, Shrove Tuesday 2008
Pupils across the age groups enjoyed pancake day races on Shrove Tuesday. Thanks to Mr Du Plesiss for arranging the event.

The Term Ahead

Rowing the Channel
Read all about this new fund-raising event here.

School Plays

21st February
Prep School Play 'The Piper' 7pm

22nd February
Prep School Play 'The Piper' 7pm

5th March
Senior School plays - 'Jungle Book' and 'Sequinned Suits and Platform Boots' - 7.30pm

6th March
Senior School plays - 'Jungle Book' and 'Sequinned Suits and Platform Boots' - 7.30pm

10th March
'Rowing the Channel'