Papplewick School, Windsor Road, Ascot. www.papplewick.org.uk Registrar, Mrs Rebecca Lindley , on 01344-621488 or registrar@papplewick.org.uk
Papplewick's Herpetology Club creator, Science Teacher, Steve Elkington, known as Mr Elk, has been nominated in this year's Tatler Schools Awards 2021 in recognition of his extraordinary and unique contribution to the school not only for creating the club 18 years ago when snakes, bearded dragons, geckos, tarantula and other fantastic creatures and creepy crawlies were highly unlikely to be a part of daily life at a British Prep School.
Steve, a passionate wildlife enthusiast, from South Africa, takes enormous pleasure in educating boys in science lessons where they weigh the creatures, observe how many times they shed their skins and look at how many mice they need to grow. There are over 100 pupils in the club who buy the snakes and lizards for a small fee and help to feed and look after them as pets during the term time.
In the past the boys have also bred African clawed frogs, oriental fire-bellied toads, Yemen Chameleons, and Madagascan Hissing and Death's Head cockroaches. The club has wowed both boys and some (not all !) parents alike over the years, and the boys can even earn a snake club tie if they are particularly dedicated.
Headmaster, Tom Bunbury said "Steve well deserves this nomination, and whether or not he wins, he is an absolute hero here at Papplewick for his enthusiasm and dedication. Whilst appreciating that these creatures are not everyone's cup of tea Steve's knowledge and love for them has converted many a nervous observer into draping a snake around their neck in no time! I congratulate him for his nomination."
Papplewick is a day, weekly, and full boarding preparatory school for around 210 boys between the ages of 6 and 13. Situated in 15 acres of land opposite Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, Papplewick has an excellent record for academic achievement and feeds many of the UK’s top independent senior schools including Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Wellington, Stowe and Bradfield.
In the last three years the school has maintained its academic record, gaining no less than 41 awards to top independent schools, including three King’s Scholarships to Eton. Through its strong commitment to sports, the school also builds skills
of teamwork, sportsmanship and responsibility.
As well as academic, sporting and cultural excellence, Papplewick aims to provide boys with the confidence and security they need to fulfil their potential, and the school strives to promote enthusiasm for life contribution to the community and kindness to others amongst all its pupils.
A report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in 2013 remarks that relationships between pupils and teachers: ‘are an outstanding strength of the school and are seminal in creating the strong sense of a mutually supportive and trusting community.’
Papplewick operates three daily return services from London, from Chiswick and Brook Green, Hammersmith and Ashburn Place, SW7. It also offers a daily run to and from Maidenhead.
Papplewick U10 and U11 teams were thrilled to be back on the pitch again and their great team spirit showed when they won the Ardingly and Hall Grove Prep Schools Tournaments respectively last week, and the U10 team doubled their success by winning the Charterhouse Tournament as well. The U11 team also progressed to the final of the Charterhouse Tournament but were pipped to the post on that occasion by Eagle House.
Tom Bunbury, Headmaster said “It is so encouraging to see the boys back on the football pitches and displaying such excellent team performances resulting in two great tournament wins after only two weeks back at school– I look forward to watching their progress throughout the season.”
Papplewick is a day, weekly, and full boarding preparatory school for around 210 boys between the ages of 6 and 13. Situated in 15 acres of land opposite Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, Papplewick has an excellent record for academic achievement and feeds many of the UK’s top independent senior schools including Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Wellington, Stowe and Bradfield.
In the last three years the school has maintained its academic record, gaining no less than 41 awards to top independent schools, including three King’s Scholarships to Eton. Through its strong commitment to sports, the school also builds skills
of teamwork, sportsmanship and responsibility.
As well as academic, sporting and cultural excellence, Papplewick aims to provide boys with the confidence and security they need to fulfil their potential, and the school strives to promote enthusiasm for life contribution to the community and kindness to others amongst all its pupils.
A report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in 2013 remarks that relationships between pupils and teachers:‘are an outstanding strength of the school and are seminal in creating the strong sense of a mutually supportive and trusting community.’
Papplewick operates three daily return services from London, from Chiswick and Brook Green, Hammersmith and Ashburn Place, SW7. It also offers a daily run to and from Maidenhead.