Page 69 - Old Ratcliffian Magazine 2019

GRACE DIEU MANOR SCHOOL 2019

Given that so many of you attended Grace Dieu before joining Ratcliffe, we wanted to give you an update on some of the School’s news
and developments over the past year. RATCLIFFE LINKS

SENIOR SCHOOL OFFERS FOR GRACE DIEU PUPILS
We were absolutely delighted this year, as all 18 of our Year 6 pupils who took entrance exams for independent schools were offered
places, and 95% were awarded their fi rst-choice senior school. This is a testament to the benefi ts of a Grace Dieu education, where
pupils are given an outstanding grounding across all areas of the curriculum, well beyond excellence in Maths and English. It was also
wonderful to see the news that a former Grace Dieu pupil is now currently Head Boy at Ratcliffe – congratulations, Carter Walker!

NATIONAL SWIMMING SUCCESS
Eight pupils from Grace Dieu are now ranked four
Eight pupils from Grace Dieu are now ranked fourth in the country, following their success at th in the country, following their success at
the IAPS National Swimming Finals, which took place in the London Aquatics Centre at the ondon Aquatics Centre at the
the IAPS National Swimming Finals, which took place in the L
Olympic Park
Olympic Park in June. This was a fantastic achievement, as our pupils have now won a place in June. This was a fantastic achievement, as our pupils have now won a place
in these swimming fi nals for two years running. They knocked an impressive 14 seconds off nals for two years running. They knocked an impressive 14 seconds off
in these swimming fi
their qualifying time, and their performance on the day was truly outstanding. Showing great
focus, determination and teamwork, their prize was very well deserved!
PRIZE GIVING 2019 GUEST OF HONOUR
We were delighted to welcome back former Grace Dieu and Ratcliffe pupil, BBC Radio
Leicester’s mid-morning presenter, Ben Jackson (88), as our guest of honour for Prize Giving , as our guest of honour for Prize Giving
2019. Prize Giving is the pinnacle of the year; it is a day of celebration, and a wonderful
opportunity to refl ect upon our pupils’ unique and individual achievements. It was an occasion
of joy for all of the Grace Dieu community, made even more special by our guest of honour,
who joined us to represent our alumni.

MORE AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS LAUNCHED
Grace Dieu has always offered a full range of free after-school clubs, but the start of this
academic year saw even more opportunities for pupils from Reception through to Year 6. Ballet
is now on offer, run by a professional dance teacher. Spanish is also new to the line-up of now on offer, run by a professional dance teacher. Spanish is also new to the line-up of
is
after-school clubs, run by our new Languages teacher, who also teaches our children their
after-school clubs, run by our new Languages teacher, who also teaches our children their
after-school clubs, run by our new Languages teacher, who also teaches our children their
F
French lessons. This adds to the range of academic clubs, including STEM Club, Active Learn, rench lessons. This adds to the range of academic clubs, including STEM Club, Active Learn,
and Construction Club. There continue to be a variety of sports clubs, including tennis and tion Club. There continue to be a variety of sports clubs, including tennis and
and Construc
ball games for the youngest pupils, as well as rugby, hockey, multi-sports, cross-country and , hockey, multi-sports, cross-country and
ball games for the youngest pupils, as well as rugby
elite swimming for the older pupils, not forgetting the creative arts clubs, including choirs, ts clubs, including choirs,
elite swimming for the older pupils, not forgetting the creative ar
ensembles and singing groups, as well as art and drama, and the ever-popular Cookery Club!
FAMILY FUN DAY
Grace Dieu’s fi rst ever Family Fun Day was an enormous success, with an incredible turnout of
families joining in the fun! Organised by our wonderful Grace Dieu Parents’ Association, the
event raised over £2,000. Guests enjoyed a delicious barbecue and the odd glass of Pimm’s
while the children had great fun on an impressive range of infl atables, funfair games and
plenty of stalls!

If you would like to come and visit us, please do get in touch. There is always an open door at
Grace Dieu for our past pupils and for all Old Ratcliffi ans.
Margaret Kewell
Headteacher

The Old Ratcliffi an 2019 69