Year 9

It has been wonderful to return to see life in Year 9 return to ‘normal’ after such disruption due to Covid. It is safe to say that students in Year 9 have certainly embraced everything School has had to offer in terms of enrichment and extracurricular activities! It is pleasing to see so many pupils getting involved in the Middle School drama productions and embracing the challenges of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. It has been a real pleasure to be their Year Tutor over the last couple of years and seeing all the great things that they have achieved. Miss S Gunshon Year 9 tutor

Dragon’s Den

In the week of our Practice Duke of Edinburgh expedition, the Parent’s Association organised a wonderful day for the Year 9 pupils in Girls’ Division. We had the opportunity to become business entrepreneurs for the day, working in teams of 5-8 students. They kindly provided us with complimentary beverages and snacks to keep us motivated and working hard throughout the day. Our task was to design and present a mindfulness product aimed at Year 6 pupils. Each team created a product and spoke to experts in the fields of product design, business, mindfulness and marketing, as well as a focus group of Year 6 students in Hesketh House. We then pitched our ideas to a panel of judges who were experts in the business industry. It was a fantastic experience which expanded our business knowledge. We thank the Parent’s Association for this experience. Elsie Nethercott (9B), Beatrice Foy (9B) & Harshini Madhushankar (9G)

Duke of Edinburgh

During the practice expedition, I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions within my group and witnessed many hidden talents my fellow companions had gained. Many memories worth cherishing ranging from the funny, happy times but also sadder, less enthusiastic and ready to give up moments. However, collectively we motivated each other to keep going, also while sharing laughs and helping one another to navigate, which indeed was a fun skill to gain. In my opinion, I fully support the idea that the Bronze award is compulsory, due to the fact that it gives the students a different perspective in life and how to feel more grateful for the things you admire. I honestly did enjoy my practice expedition even though it was my first time camping and I was definitely a little nervous. However, you really get to reflect on the funny, adventurous and happy highlights. I would definitely say it’s an experience to try with some of your most cherished friends, even if you think it’s not your cup of tea.

Nikki Patel (9D)

Sports Day

This year’s Middle School Sports Day was bursting with fun and enjoyable events. Undoubtedly, we found the staff relay very amusing. It was highly entertaining to see all the teachers with a rarely witnessed sporty and competitive persona. All students were supportive of each other throughout the entire event. We cheered each other on, and were willing to take one for the team in desperate times. The event was really inclusive: not a single student was left out, with each of them participating in a different activity to try and earn points for their form. Overall, we immensely enjoyed sports day. It was definitely a memorable day: the Mexican wave finished it off perfectly! We would like to congratulate all the year, especially the winners, 9C, for their excellent performance and great teamwork. All students would also like to give a big thank you to the staff included in organising this day for us.

Saffiyah Hariff & Aditi Prashant (9B)