Brentwood Preparatory School Incipe 2017-18

Brentwood School Preparatory 22 Was there a particular teacher you remember and why? Clearly the answer to this is my Dad (you don’t spend 3 years being taught by your own parent without the experience staying with you for life…!), but aside from that I particularly remember Mr Bull. I joined the Prep in the 2nd year, so my first form teacher would be crucial to me settling into a new school. I remember being devastated when that year came to an end and I was to move on - he was brilliant. What is your favourite memory of Brentwood Prep School? I’m not sure I can pin down one particular memory. It’s more the regular events and traditions that I remember most fondly - swimming lessons in the outdoor pool, finding a pear drop in my desk from the school caretaker on my birthday every year, “shirt sleeve order” days in the summer (jackets and ties off, sleeves rolled up!), and playing the pinball machine down the corridor from the lunch hall. I’ve also just recalled a school play I was in that was written by a fellow pupil, Guy Saville - having not thought about this particular event for so many years, I’ve just googled Guy to see what he’s up to, and it turns out he’s doing rather well! (Editors’ note - Guy Saville is now a successful author best known for The Afrika Reich Trilogy). Did you ever have to visit the Headmaster’s office? I’m absolutely sure I did, but I can’t for the life of me recall why. All I remember is that being in trouble with the Head is so much worse if your Dad teaches at the school… Mr Marchant was Headmaster during my time at Brentwood, and I remember him being a much loved fatherly figure to us all, so it was especially mortifying to have to explain whatever misdemeanour it was to him. Again, thinking about this after so long brings up memories one hasn’t thought of for so long - I’d completely forgotten about the plus/minus system we had at the Prep, and I’m sure a visit to the Head’s office was sometimes a good thing if you’d racked up some serious plus points! Which house were you in? Quennell - the green one. Dad was housemaster of Heseltine, so of course that meant they were my sworn enemies! What type of pupil were you? A much harder question… I think I was fairly quiet, and basically tried to get on with things without drawing too much attention to myself. I had a very close circle of friends, all of us staying close throughout the Main School as well. I wasn’t particularly academic, having to really try to focus myself towards subjects outside of my main interests (Music and English). What words of wisdom would you have for pupils at Brentwood Prep today? Make the most of what the school has to offer. Adult life will constantly offer opportunities but you’ll have to fight for them - at school you have so many experiences at your fingertips so grab them now. Find out what you like and dislike, you may be surprised by what you discover about yourself! The friendships you make at school can sometimes last for years, but more importantly the lessons you learn through making friends and interacting with people who aren’t necessarily similar to you will help you all through life. Chris Hatt From the giddy heights of the West End, we introduce Chris Hatt. Chris Hatt is a conductor and composer of long and distinguished pedigree. He has been Musical Director of more than twenty shows, such as Guys and Dolls in London’s West End and Billy Elliot – The Musical (not only in the West End but also for cinema and on DVD). He has composed music for BBC Television, and, most recently, Chris has become the Associate Musical Director of the multi award winning Hamilton, one of the hottest tickets in town! However, we believe the highlight of his career so far must have been playing at our Prep 125 Concert, closely followed by his coveted guest appearance at our School Prize Giving ceremony! Chris playing at our Prep 125 Concert Old Brentwoods