BHHS Issue 33 Newsletter

Newsletter Brighton & Hove High School GDSt

Issue 33 July 2015

Dear Parents and Girls,

As I write at the end of a busy and exciting school year*, a conference is taking place where global leaders have gathered for the Oslo Summit on Education for Development.

One of the participants is Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister of Australia (famous for her so-called “misogyny speech”, berating now-prime minister Tony Abbott for his sexist attitudes) and was interviewed by The Guardian on Monday. She argues that the world needs to step up its efforts to tackle the crisis of 121 million children, particularly girls, who receive no formal schooling: “The poorest girls will get there a full 70 years after the richest boys. The gap is startling”, she said.

“The motivating force throughout my life and work in politics has been access to education and opportunity so I find it truly heart-breaking that we can look at our world and contemplate that it could be 100 years before girls get basic education, let alone full access to education.”

She added that she hoped the summit with discussions on girls’ education, and how to provide emergency schooling for children fleeing conflict zones like Syria would convince people that this was “an important moment for everyone to take a big step up”.

Our girls and staff last year saw first-hand how difficult it is for some children to receive an education when they visited Ethiopia last summer; next week another lot of girls will visit the Roma community in Bulgaria where unemployment stands at 80-85% and less than 1% of Roma children complete a secondary education.

We are so very lucky in this country to have universal access to education and, as we begin our summer holidays, with our study trip to Iceland leaving on Wednesday, I hope that we can all spare a thought for girls and women elsewhere in the world who would give anything to be able to attend school.

Finally, looking forward to next term, we are delighted that the following staff will be joining the school in September: • Head of Geography - Mr David King • Junior School Sport (maternity cover) - Ms Naomi Holland • Year 5 Teacher - Ms Lauren Mackie • Gap Year Assistant Junior School - Ms Hattie Buck • Teacher of French and Spanish - Ms Anais Alexandre • Teacher of French and Spanish - Ms Ella Cooper • Teacher of Drama - Ms Nicky Davin • Teacher of Dance - Ms Hannah Reich-Riley • Gap Year Assistant Senior School - Ms Sophie Cheeseman • Marketing Assistant Senior School - Miss Rebecca Waller I wish everyone a very pleasant and relaxing holiday.

Jennifer Smith

*http://www.bhhs.gdst.net/news-and-events/recent-news/372-activities-achievements-2014-15

dates

Thursday 9th Joint Biology/Geography trip to Iceland (returns 13th); Celebration Assembly, House entertainment from 1:15pm. Finish at 2:30pm; Friday 10th School holiday starts Upcoming events: Saturday 18th CRED trip to Bulgaria to work with Roma children (returns 26th); Thursday 13th August A2 & AS results; Thursday 20th August GCSE results; Thursday 3rd September Autumn term starts 2014-15 Issue 33: 1

visiting speaker explains about how to get into Oxford On Friday afternoon Y12 were given a very comprehensive account of not only the actual process of applying to Oxbridge but also some precise information about how to maximise their chances of being offered a place.

We are very grateful to Dr Stephen Rayner, who is Senior Tutor at Somerville College, University of Oxford, for giving so much of his time and for being so helpful at this crucial stage in the application process. His advice is pertinent to anyone applying for a competitive course at university and his slides will be available on Firefly. We were pleased that several students from BHASVIC could join us for what was a very interesting afternoon.

Mrs Mashford

dofe bronze

qualifying expedition

After the trials and tribulations of their GCSEs, a weekend of walking in the beautiful Sussex countryside was an ideal way for ten of our Year 11 pupils to relax. They were on a mission to complete their expedition section of their award by walking for six hours each day and covering a distance of about 35 kms.

The weather forecast was for bright sunshine and warm temperatures, so when the girls met at Arlington Reservoir at 8am on Saturday they applied lavish amounts of sun cream and made sure their water bottles were full. Split into two groups, they had spent several days after their exams working out their routes - finishing at Alfriston campsite on Saturday and walking from there to Birling Gap on the Sunday. They also had to present food menus and kit lists. The girls had remote supervision which meant they were only checked at possible danger points such as crossing the Eastbourne to Lewes railway line. Their assessor, Rhiannon, also met up with them at several points to check their map reading skills. Both groups arrived at the camp site in good time and with smiles on their faces. The Navy seals group (Tessa, Francesca, Ray, Ellen and Ellie P) then proceeded to have a yoga stretching session to cool down! On Sunday the girls were up early and left the camp site by 8:30am. Group B (Petra, Rebecca E, Casey, Issy M and Reianna) increased their pace to 4kms an hour and were in danger of reaching the finish before the Navy Seals (not that it was a race). Both groups finished within 4 minutes of each other and the girls were praised by their assessor for their teamwork and route finding skills so they went home happy having passed. Well done to all of you and thanks to Mr Condon for giving up his weekend to help with the expedition.

Mrs S Thomas 2014-15 Issue 33: 2

sixth form ball On Friday 26th June 2015 we celebrated the Sixth Form Leavers Ball at the Grand Hotel. It was a bittersweet evening for both staff and students alike because it was sad to say farewell to such a wonderful group of talented and clever young ladies and sweet because the evening was such a delight; an evening I won’t forget in a long time. The atmosphere was buzzing and there was laughter and cheer throughout the night.

Rob Humphreys, previously from the band Rubylux played a great set and was very generous to accompany the staff when they claimed the microphones-you know who you are! We danced and celebrated all night.

I would like to thank all the staff for coming and giving up their Friday night for the 2015 Leavers. I would also like to thank the students who have been an inspiration and pleasure to look after over the last two years, and finally I want to thank our wonderful Brighton & Hove High School Parents’ Association who very generously donate a significant figure to this annual event. Mrs Pianet, Year 13 Manager.

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Mrs Pianet

brighton digital festival We are delighted to announce that BHHS will act as a host for several events during the Brighton Digital Festival. The school hall will be the main venue for the Royal Institution masterclasses that are scheduled to take place during the festival in September. These are hands-on interactive sessions led by top experts from academia and industry for keen and talented young people.

Mr Whiteside

http://brightondigitalfestival.co.uk/

boughrood

The Year 8 trips in June were blessed with glorious weather and the girls had a brilliant time, enjoying activities such as indoor caving, climbing, canoeing, team building, archery and zip wiring. Many fears of heights and claustrophobia were overcome and the lack of mobile phones meant that the girls actually talked to each other! There were also visits to the Big Pit (a disused coal mine) and the National Showcaves where we saw some fantastic rock formations and waterfalls.

The new games room at Boughrood was a hit and the new games, including Badminton equipment, were used in the garden till late in the evening.

Evening activities included a fashion show where girls designed outfits using bin bags and a quiz which was highly contested. The girls presented a talent show on the last evening which rounded off a great week for all of the three forms.

Hopefully the girls will have another opportunity to go to Boughrood with another department as it really is a very special place!

Thank you to all the staff who went with the girls who I think enjoyed it as much as the girls did!

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sixth form report from amelia...

As the academic year is coming to a close, we all know this can only mean one thing at BHHS: Sports. This doesn’t just include Sports Day, annually held at Withdean Stadium, but more importantly the notorious Birthday Sports, which this year, celebrates our school turning 139 years old! At this year’s Sports Day the temperature hit a sweltering 25 degrees but that didn’t stop some of our girls breaking records in events such as High Jump and the 800m. The day ended with a victory for Lyttelton although you may already have had this drilled into you, thanks to Mr Marsh and other proud members of Lyttelton. Well done to all of the House Captains, who yet again faced another year of urging someone to “please do the hurdles!” and other such demands. However, the day didn’t just end there as in the evening members of Cantabile took part in Cabaret Evening. As a member of Cantabile, I can proudly say that I think we did a fantastic job, singing pieces by Adele such as ‘Skyfall’ and also Lorde’s ‘Royals’, which was sung acapella (without instrumental accompaniment). Nevertheless, it was a very emotional night as we sadly had to say goodbye to three outstanding members of Cantabile: Helena Ratcliff, Tessa James and Gemma Bovill. We wish you all the best girls. Thank you to Mr Lloyd for organising such a successful evening.

In addition, whilst year sevens were busy perfecting their musical, the Sixth Form leadership team had the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane on Wednesday to watch the Year 6 production at the Junior School. This year’s play was called ‘Fairytale Fiasco’ and explored a variety of fairy tales, each with a slight twist and a 60s vibe. Our favourite was the twist of Maria from ‘The Sound of Music’ hating children, since we also did ‘The Sound of Music’ as our Year 6 play. Of course, this wouldn’t be the same without one of Mr Stacey’s wonderfully choreographed dances, which we all thoroughly enjoyed. Year 6 had impeccable comic timing and we are looking forward to welcoming them into the Senior School in September, perhaps to eventually take part in house plays…

religious festivals

recommendations from the RE & Philosophy Department Mrs Dowglass

17th July | Hindu | Ratha Yatra | Chariot Journey Festival 18th July | Muslim | Eid ul Fitr Feast of end of Ramadan - may last 3 days 20th July | Buddhist | Chokor | Celebrates first teaching of the Buddha 23rd July | Rastafarian | Birthday of Hailie Selassie 26th July | Judaism | Tisha B’av Saddest day | Fast reflecting on tragedies in Jewish history 15th August | Christian | Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 19th August | Christian | The Transfiguration of Jesus 28th August | Buddhist | Festival of Hungry Ghosts 2014-15 Issue 33: 5

sports day 2015 Sports Day was a successful day for all involved. The girls competed with enthusiasm all throughout a very hot day. There were some outstanding performances by girls breaking records in a variety of events. Natasha Russell beat the Y9 Hurdles record with 12.77; Almi Nerurkar with the Y9 800m record at 2.30; Eleanor Briddock beating the Y9 High Jump record with 1m 52; Eden May beating the Y9 Javelin with 25m 20; Carla Follett-Pedreira beating the Y7 Discus with 21.10 and Gurney beating the Y9 Relay record with 58.7.

On the day the best Athlete prizes went to: Y7: Y8: Y9: Senior:

Kate Anderson, Grace Conley and Edith Grumitt Anna Hughes and Nina Gholami Natasha Russell Lily Belton and Zoe Lee

The overall house winners were Lyttelton The day was enjoyed by all and we very much look forward to another dry day next year.

tennis...

On Friday the Tennis team travelled to Portsmouth High School to play our traditional annual tennis match. We had an enjoyable day playing three Senior and three Junior pairs. Our first Senior pair, Iona Scott and Anna Kilsby won all three of their matches in straight sets and showed excellent skill throughout. The other girls played some long and hard fought out points but we unfortunately lost out to the more experienced side on the day.

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SUMMER READING CHALLENGE LAUNCH

SATURDAY 11 JULY 2015 JUBILEE LIBRARY WHAT’S ON FOR AGES 5 - 12

LAUNCH EVENT WITH CHILDREN’S

LAUREATE 2015-17 CHRIS RIDDELL AUTHOR TALK

11AM Action! Adventure!

How do writers keep stories exciting? AF Harrold, Julia Lee, Tatum Flynn and Cameron McAllister in conversation.

Suitable for ages 7 + FREE

WORKSHOP

JUBILEE LIBRARY SATURDAY 11 JULY WHAT’S ON FOR YOUNG PEOPLE LAUNCH EVENT WITH CHRIS RIDDELL WORKSHOP

12 PM WRITING IT REAL Writing workshop with author Jane McLoughlin.

Suitable for ages 13 – 19. FREE (Book a place on 01273 290800 or in person at Jubilee Library)

12.30PM ARE YOU BONKERS ENOUGH TO INVENT A BOOK?!

Workshop run by author Cameron McAllister Suitable for ages 7 + FREE

AUTHOR TALK

1.45PM WAY TO GO Authors Nikki Sheehan, Jenny McLachlan, Sarah Sky and Jon Walter discuss the very different journeys their characters go on.

Suitable for ages 10 + FREE

AUTHOR TALK

1.45 PM WAY TO GO Authors Nikki Sheehan, Jenny McLachlan, Sarah Sky and Jon Walter discuss the very different journeys their characters go on.

Suitable for ages 10 + FREE

AUTHOR TALK

3.15 PM TOXIC!

Why are dark themes in young adult fiction so compelling??

Authors Lisa Heathfield, Eve Ainsworth, Jess Vallance and Nicky Singer in conversation.

Suitable for ages 13 + FREE

BOOKS

BOOKS

Brighton & Hove High School GDSt

JuniorSchool Dear Parents,

The final newsletter of the year is a bumper edition with so many amazing events to report on. Most importantly I want to say thank you to the girls and staff for their hard work and to parents who have supported us in the incredibly busy year. The Summer is a chance to take stock and reflect on what has been such an amazing year, one of the best in my long career, and after a lovely summer break we will be back to do it all again.

Have a lovely summer to all BHHS families.

Best wishes, Sian Cattaneo

calendar You will shortly be receiving a copy of the 201516 Junior Calendar via school comms club updates and reminders...

Club sign up information and an Autumn Term club schedule will be sent through to you shortly via school comms, along with a letter detailing how and when you can sign up.

crossover food van...

Thank you to all who participated in the crossover food van – we have been told that the girls raised in excess of £400, with around £300 (after expenses) that will be donated directly to the homeless and less fortunate communities around Brighton and Have – a brilliant result from BHHS, thank you very much!

ks2 sports day...

A huge congratulations to all of the girls who participated at Withdean Stadium. The girls coped with the heat really well and we saw lots of personal bests and new records broken throughout the morning. Special mention to the following girls who broke or set new records this year: Rosie G – 600m & High Jump, Amelia K – 100m, Vortex & High Jump, Eliza S – Rounders Ball & Chest Push, Ellie V – 600m, Year 4 Stanley Relay team, Lois S – 70m Hurdles, Liberty G – 800m, Jaia S-L – Rounders Ball, Hannah D – High Jump, Elodie E – Standing Triple Jump, Rachael W – Javelin, Year 5 Gurney Relay Team, Charlotte R 70m Hurdles, Holly T – Javelin, Emie M – Standing Triple Jump, India M – Discus and Bonnie W – Shot Putt. Overall results were as follows:

Gurney Grey Lyttelton Stanley Year 3 88 99 87 89 Year 4 71 84 107 98 Year 5 135 122 113 119 Year 6 132 87 97 113 Totals 426 392 404 419 Position 1st 4th 2014-15 Issue 33: 8

3rd

2nd

bhhs channel swimmers The Hove Mermammas (and Merman!) would like to say a huge thank you for your generosity in support of their channel relay swim for Chestnut Tree House. You raised an amazing £293.38 for the non-uniform day. We have our 2 hour qualifying swim (in the sea, no wetsuit) on Friday, please please wish us luck and we will come back in September and tell you how we got on. You can see your generous donation and find out more... http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?us erUrl=mermamas&faId=599728&isTeam=true Many thanks Jo, Cindy, Becky, Lou, Caroline, Victoria and sub Jon

greener way to work final results The girls have all worked really hard during our ‘Greener Way to School Month’ and the final results are in. Having looked at the ongoing scores I set the school target at 3,500 points - I wanted it to be a challenge and I am thrilled to say that we have smashed this and reached a total of 3,628 points!

I have been really impressed with everyone working together. The overall top class and winner of the Golden Boot is Mr Keefe’s Reception class so a huge well done to them. They were very proud to be presented with their Golden Boot.

Once again, thank you so much for all your support.

Miss Lyons

surf life saving Year 6 have had a brilliant experience, completing SurfLife Saving on Brighton beach. In the morning they had great fun playing in the manmade sandpit, learning about the role of the lifeguard and refreshing their first aid skills. During the afternoon they had a whale of the time in the sea learning how to control a board, save somebody and ‘walking the plank’!

year 6 fairytale fiasco Congratulations to Year 6 on their wonderful production of ‘Fairytale Fiasco’, written by our very own Mr Stacey. They really rose to the challenge, singing their songs beautifully, acting amazingly and dancing with a lot of style! Well done girls- you did yourself proud!

www.brightonschoolphotography.com 2014-15 Issue 33: 9

year 6 life skills As part of the focus on life skills this term, Year 6 were given a sewing task this week. The girls made drawstring bags and used sewing machines, hand sewed buttons, designed, cut and pinned. All skills learnt during this fun but challenging experience. The girls worked really hard and the results were amazing.

year 5 india day The air was full of mystery and intrigue as Year 5 embarked upon their very own Indian Day. The colour and vibrancy of everyone’s costume was a wonder to behold and they were put to good use immediately as the girls paid homage to Bollywood and learnt an incredibly intricate dance. Later on, the girls made good progress making their very own Indian garland and were definitely ready for some traditional Indian Food for lunch.

The day was punctuated by various quizzes made by Bliss, Layla, Hannah and Mary which brought out the competitive edge in all of us!

It was a great way to finish the year.

year 6 enterprise Year 6 had a hugely successful Market Day where a significantly higher level of profit was recorded overall than in previous years, and an all-time record profit of £210.60 was reached by the three members of SMILE: Jessica H, Daisy L S and Ellie M. The items on display showed clearly how well the girls rose to the challenge of creating products which a) could not be food-based and b) could not be resold and packaged items. Each and every group should be congratulated for their inventiveness, creativity and organisation. They have certainly set the bar high for next year’s Business Enterprise project! Winners of the Best Business will be awarded at the Year 6 Drinks Party.

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match reports Wednesday 1st July | U-11A v Ardingly Due to the heat we played a slightly shorter game of 2 x innings, 18 good balls. We fielded first and had an amazing start to the game, the whole team kept their focus and stopped the opposition scoring altogether! Particular mention to Daisy for 2 catches from a backwards hit and consistent throwing to 2nd base and also to Olivia for her excellent long barriers and throws into second. During our first batting innings, the girls listened brilliantly to the tactics outlined and we scored 6½ Rounders, with full rounders from Bonnie, Olivia, Daisy and Hannah. During our second bout of fielding again we fielded excellently as a team and saw some great backing up from Jess and fantastic throwing from Freya. We limited Ardingly to a score of just 4 rounders. When we batted for a second time, we saw full Rounders again from Bonnie, Holly, Daisy and Phoebe and halves from Olivia and Freya.

Holly consistently placed the ball very nicely from her hits, sadly the last one hit their umpire right next to 2nd base, stopping her from scoring what was likely to be another full rounder.

The final score was BHHS 11½ - Ardingly 4. A fantastic team performance and a lovely end to the season!

A scorching hot afternoon provided the setting for BHHS U-11B last rounders match at the Junior School. It was decided to play 18 good balls rather than a timed innings due to to the heat. A number of illnesses left the girls with a team of 8 and they stepped in to bat first. Rosie and Isobel both scored rounders. India, Scout and Isobel were stumped or caught out leaving Sasha, Roxie, Rosie, Esme and Isobel working hard bringing their first innings score to 3½ rounders. The Ardingly fielders were efficient and accurate and shut down the chance of many half rounders.

Ardingly’s innings started with a lovely bowl and catch from Isobel. However, there followed some no-balls and a couple of fielding errors. A brilliant high catch from Esme took them down to 5 batters but they still managed to scrape to 9½ rounders. A short break to allow everyone to cool off and the girls returned to bat. Another great hit from Rosie, and she watched the fielding carefully and hit fourth base while Ardingly fumbled the ball. Halves from Amelia and Esme brought their final score to 7. Ardingly came in to bat, and due to some indecisiveness from BHHS managed to score a couple of rounders. For 3 consecutive backwards balls, Amelia throwing at backstop and India catching on second, swiftly and efficiently shut down the possible half rounders. Some great fielding from Scout too on 4th. Ardingly took their total to 14 1/2 giving them the win. Well played girls, it has been a delight to umpire you this year. Player of the Match: Scout. Umpire’s Player of the Match for sheer bravery: Rosie.

Year 4B Rounders travelled to Ardingly College last Wednesday for our final fixture of the summer term. It was a very hot day and after a long walk up to the pitch in the North Field we won the toss and decided to field first in a game which we reduced the number of good balls from 27 to 20. We restricted Ardingly to 3 and half rounders in those first innings, all of which were made up of half rounders, which was a credit to our fielding. We then batted and everyone failed to score with their first hit but Amelia came up trumps getting a full 2014-15 Issue 33: 11

rounder with her second hit closely followed by a half rounder from Isabella R, two from Mia and one from Amelia and with a half rounder for no balls we matched their score. In Ardingly’s second innings we fielded really tightly again and gave away no full rounders and they only managed to add a further 3 rounders to their total. We again got off to a slow start with the bat in our second innings but Katie managed to get a half rounder followed by Martha, Amelia, Mia and Isabella and another full rounder from Amelia meant we scored 4 and a half rounders to win the match 8-6½. Well done to all of the girls who played it was a great finish to a fabulous season. Amelia was named player if match by Ardingly and by the coach for her consistent bowling and batting.

young choirs & orchestra concert...

On Monday after school, parents were invited to the junior school hall to watch a final concert given by Mrs Cardownie-Clare’s “Early Years Choir”, Mrs Robert’s “Lower School Choir”, the Chamber Group and the Orchestra. We were very proud of our young musicians, from the Nursery and Reception children who performed so confidently and the Year 1, 2 and 3 choir girls, whose enthusiasm shone through, to the talented instrumentalists who had worked so hard throughout the year to learn a variety of pieces, ranging from a movement from a Beethoven symphony to The Flintstones! All the girls demonstrated the ability to work together as a team and produced an impressive sound for such a young age.

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nursery

We have had a great year in Nursery with a fantastic group of girls.

Happy holidays to all of you and let’s hope the sun keeps shining!

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