Insight |
Summer Term 2019 Reflections
Issue 16 | Published September 2019 1
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Welcome from the Headmistress School News Prizes and Colours Awarded Examination Results Festival Day and Prizes Celebrating in Style Wellbeing at Cobham Hall Junior Maths Challenge / Spirit Week Lower School Production The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award From the ILC Summer Art Exhibition and Music Concert Sports Day Curriculum Enhancement Week Summer Intensive Programme ‘Plexit’ and My Life Less Plastic #BoardingLife Sporting Success School Snippets Elders’ News Unicorn News and Events School Hall to Stage Stay in Touch
Summer Term’s ram Post Most Liked Instag
From the Editor...
Welcome to Insight | Summer Term 2019 The Summer Term seems so long ago now as I sit and reflect whilst putting the magazine together. Such a short term, it flies by so fast, and it feels the holidays have too. I often get asked what I do during the holidays. Of course, with school out, it’s much quieter and far, far fewer activities going on to fill our social networks. Yet, for those of us still in school, there’s still plenty to keep us abuzz. From planning and preparing for the next academic year, to documenting the past term in Insight, there’s lots for us to be thinking about. For me, one of my projects has been laying the groundwork for a new Media Team. As much I as I love putting Insight together, it feels a good time to let go of the reins a little and start providing students with the opportunity to contribute - it is the School magazine, after all! I hope that the next edition of Insight will have greater input from the student body, and I look forward to working on it. In the meantime, I trust you will enjoy recapping the Summer Term, and as always, if you have any feedback, or want to let me know of anything exciting your daughter/ward is doing, please drop me an email: reidt@cobhamhall.com Happy Reading! Tracey Reid Marketing Assistant and Insight Editor
cobhamhall
96 likes ! A very close #TeamClifton win mgirlspirit cobhamhall And bhamhall #cobha #co ay! #SportsD #cobhamgirlscan
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Welcome from the Headmistress
As our girls disappear into the long summer break
It is a privilege to work in a place of such historic richness and I still cannot quite get my head around the fact that our weekly staff meetings happen in the room designed for a stay by Queen Elizabeth I! The grounds are simply stunning and it has been a pleasure to see the colour of the landscape change with each new season. It gives me even greater pleasure to see and hear the girls using the grounds when they are not in lessons, whether for “chilling out” or for playing hide and seek. It is healthy for them to be outside enjoying fresh air and using their imaginations to find new entertainment. It is food for the soul. As one of my favourite portrait photographers, Annie Leibovitz, so eloquently says, “Nature is so powerful, so strong. Capturing its essence is not easy ….... It takes you to a place within yourself.” We are incredibly lucky to be working and living in this green paradise with its 150 acres of ancient trees and its menagerie of deer, badgers, rabbits and squirrels. We have the best of both worlds: the City only 17 minutes by train if we need it but the tranquility and beauty of being in the Kentish countryside.
and after what felt like one of the hottest Festival Days I have attended, the rhythm of the School changes to the world of Bake Offs and Language schools. The slower pace of the working day allows for my own reflection of my first year as Head of Cobham Hall. It is my opportunity to glance back before looking forward. As with all first years there has been much to learn, people to meet and new routines to establish. The warmth and support from the Cobham Hall community, girls, staff and parents, has been overwhelming and for that I have been grateful and wish to take this opportunity to thank everyone. When I visit other Schools or Fairs to promote Cobham Hall I always talk about the special ability that Cobham has of allowing a person to be comfortable with who they are whilst enabling them to discover that they really do have more in them than they think. The School allows a runner to become a singer or a drama student to become the leader of parliament. Everything is possible in this magical place because the care and support is there for those who wish to try something new for the first time or, like myself, who are new to the School. The support of staff for the girls and the support of the girls for each other has been one of the most powerful impressions made on me over the course of the year. This positivity and care embraces us all and lends itself to a place which is happy and productive in so many ways. All the wonderful highlights of the year that I spoke about at Festival Day resulted from the community working together and having opportunities to perform in every arena of life. The result? Wonderfully-rounded, caring, interesting individuals who go on to do great things in their lives such as our inspirational speaker, Sanam NaraghiAnderlini. It is apt that our core values of Trust, Honesty, Respect, Tolerance and Kindness very much reflect who we are as a community.
Next year will bring new opportunities to develop our School. We are excited, of course, about our ambitious fund-raising project to build a new swimming pool but I know we will pull together as a community to make it happen. I look forward to meeting you at a Head’s coffee morning, a concert, a Parents’ Evening or one of the many other School events ahead of us in the new academic year. I trust you and your family had a wonderful summer, and enjoy recapping the Summer Term highlights in this edition of Insight before we embark on everything the Autumn Term has to offer.
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Ms M Roberts Headmistress
School News An Excellent Report for Student Support The Summer Term saw an inspection by CReSTeD, the Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils. We’re delighted to say that we received an excellent report and have retained our classification as a Dyslexia Unit (DU). In making the recommendation that we retain our DU category, the inspector asserted, “For families seeking an all-girls school, within a caring environment and offering excellent provision for students with SEND and EAL, Cobham Hall provides the ideal solution.” We were thrilled with the feedback about our Student Support Department from Parents and Pupils alike, with comments including “feeling supported and cared for”. Head of Student Support, Ms Konec, who was described as ‘inspirational’, said, “The Student Support Team, together with teaching staff, are extremely proud that their unwavering hard work, commitment and passion, for supporting students with additional learning needs effectively, have been recognised by such a prestigious organisation as CReSTeD.”
Staff Walk the Walk
Cardy Three members of staff had big achievements this term, with two marathons and a 10km charity walk completed.
Next up was Mrs Shelley, our Registrar, who completed the Moonwalk Marathon. Congratulations Mrs Shelley!
Congratulations to Mr Haas, who ran the London Marathon again, this time finishing in a time of 03:36:38 - a time close to his personal best despite losing five weeks of training due to injury!
Finally, Marketing Assistant and Insight Editor Mrs Reid took to the streets of London as well, joining her husband and son in The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Quest - a 10km discovery walk around the city. 4
We were saddened to hear of the loss of Cardy, Miss Fenice’s Bedlington Lurcher, this Summer.
A popular character in Boarding, Cardy’s starring role at the School was perhaps in the 2015 performance of ‘Annie’.
Intrigue and Exploration at Open Morning This term saw a group of Year 5 girls join Cobham Hall for the afternoon as they discovered more about becoming a Cobham Girl ahead of the School Open Morning on Saturday. Split into two groups, the girls spent a lesson in Science solving a ‘murder mystery’. They used chromatography and fingerprinting to narrow down our shady looking suspects to find the culprit – and some excellent detectives we had too! The girls then spent time with our Artist-inResidence, Miss Bowdery, to create some fabulous looking unicorns before joining Boarding for a sleepover. The following morning, sleepy from chatting with new friends into the night, the girls were reunited with their families and joined our Open Morning. As always, our guides were wonderful ambassadors for the School, with many complimentary comments from our visitors regarding their knowledge, poise, confidence and attitude. Our English Department hosted a Creative Writing competition. This year, the girls were asked to describe their ‘Amazing School’. Head of English Faculty Miss West commented, “We were really impressed with the imagination and vision of all the entries. One popular idea was pets roaming the grounds – perhaps they were describing Cobham! – and lunch machines that delivered whatever you desired.”
Staff Changes
This term we welcomed back former Head of Languages Mrs Catherine von Bredow, who returned for a few weeks at the end of the Summer Term to support the Intensive English Summer Programme. We welcomed Miss Ellen Underwood, who joined us as a Student Gardener, and Miss Tracey Wilkinson, who joined our team of Domestic staff.
Our winners, who each will receive a signed copy the book of their choice by Jo Cotterill who visited the School earlier in the week, were: • Brontë-Gabriella, who wins 'A Library of Lemons' • Mofe, who wins 'Looking at the Stars', and • Matilda, who wins 'Jelly'. Miss West also wanted to send a special prize to a highly commended effort by Holly. “Holly impressed us with the kindness in her imagined school,” explained Miss West, “showing great consideration for people of all races, cultures and abilities. As kindness is one of our school values, we particularly wanted to commend her and she will also receive a signed book. Well done all, and we hope to welcome you for more enjoyable English activities at Cobham Hall.” Sadly, we said goodbye to some members of staff. Our Boarding and Language Gap Students are leaving as their year with us comes to an end. We thank Miss Laura Urtet Pech, Miss Judith Weiers, Miss Anna-Lena Fitschen and Miss Lea Nerge for their hardwork over the year and wish them well in their next adventure. We also wish Miss Gaëlle Gressier all the best, leaving us after extending her one year stay to two. 5
During the morning, visitors were able to hear from our Headmistress, Ms Roberts, who spoke about of the importance of choosing the right school, and everything Cobham Hall has to offer. Our visitors were also incredibly impressed by speeches from Dora in Year 7, and Sarah, our Year 12 Guardian. Dora spoke warmly of the teachers and her extra-curricular activities, and happily explained about the ease of flexi-boarding and how welcoming the Boarders are to Day Girls who stay occasionally. Sarah confirmed the welcoming atmosphere as a full time Boarder herself, and went on to expand on all the opportunities open to Cobham Hall girls. These included her experiences as part of the Student Leadership Team, as well as Round Square exchanges and conferences, and the possibilities for leadership roles across the School. We also say farewell to LAMDA Tutor Miss Natasha Elliot, and finally, we also say goodbye to three of our teaching staff. English Teacher Miss Jane Stevens, Economics Teacher Mr Suresh Parmar, and Head of Science Mr Jonathan Fryer are all off to enjoy more well-deserved time with their friends and family. We are sure to miss their warmth, humour and company, and wish each of those leaving all the best.
General Assembly Prize-Giving Chauveau Cup for
Creative Writing:
Colours Awarded this Academic Year
Damilola
Uwaifo Cup for Lower School
Progress in Chemistry:
Sabrina
Horsfield Trophy for
Progress in Art:
Tiffany
Magenta Trophy for
Commitment to Art:
Julia
Languages Shield for Achievement in Lower School: Middle School:
Tara Niu-Niu
Kate Sedgewick Cup for Progress on a Musical Instrument:
Joey
Initiative Cup:
Rebekah
Courtesy Cup:
Lilly
Voluntary Service Award:
Tara
McDonald McKinney Cup for
Most Improved Swimmer: Niu-Niu
Unicorn Cup for Most Improved
Tennis Player:
Poppy
Most Improved Netball Player Junior: Intermediate:
Daisy Zahra
Netball
Junior: Sabrina, Poppy, Lening Intermediate: Rhiannon, Selina, Tife, Isabella, Bo, Nifemi Senior: Langa
Damilola Darnley
Junior: Alice, Betsy, Jena, Jessica Intermediate: Zahra, Amber, Enya, Arwen Senior: Tiffany, Christine, India, Daria
Lower School: Middle School:
Isadora, Daisy Niu-Niu, Amber, Enya, Alexandra
Benesonantes Badges Tara, Alexandra, Natasha, Elena, Ella
Reading Superstars Year 8: Year 9:
Tara Arwen
Middle School
Ella
Hannah, Lucy, Isabel, Amelia, Chioma, Mabel, Maci, Maisy, Alisha
Music
Junior:
Tara, Isadora, Amy-Rose, Natasha, Elena, Leah, Betsy, Jena, Ella Intermediate: Joey, Enya, Alexandra, Rhiannon, Isabella, Rachel, Francesca, Tina
Swimming
Intermediate: Niu-Niu, Enya, Alice F, Rhiannon, Alice V
Rounders Junior:
Intermediate:
Tennis
Junior: Senior: Junior:
Intermediate:
Merit Badges
Congratulations to the following students, who have been awarded scholarships for 2019-2020:
Sixth Form
Art
Summer Term House Awards Athletics House Points Cup: House Points Shield:
Scholarships Awarded this Academic Year
Sabrina, Millie, Amy-Rose, Abadere Enya, Rhiannon, Selina, Isabella, Felicity, Rachel Poppy, Selina, Alyssa Christine Poppy, Alyssa, Adele, Tunmise, Natasha, Elena, Hannah Amber, Selina, Tife, Nifemi
Drama Junior:
Amy-Rose, Maddie, Alice, Omasan, Jenna, Phoebe, Flo, Leah Intermediate: Alexandra, Rhiannon, Rachel, Lexie, Annie, Amelia Senior: Damilola, Anna, Tami, Chi Chi, Sarah
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Going Above and Beyond Colours are awarded each year for sustained commitment to a club or activity. However, occasionally a student will go above and beyond what would be reasonably expected to earn Colours. This year, Year 10 pupil Dami not only took part in the Senior School Production of ‘The Sad Club’, but also stepped in at the last minute to support the Lower School Production, ‘I Got Superpowers for my Birthday’. At short notice, Dami learned her lines the weekend prior to the performances, and as Drama Teacher Ms Gorman explained, “She went over and above what is required. Her commitment and dedication demanded more than simply earning her Colours.” As a result Dami was awarded the House Drama Cup, for providing invaluable extra curricular support.
100% Pass Rate in ABSRM
15 girls took Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) examinations in the Spring Term and there was a 100% pass rate.
Wonderfully, just over 50% achieved either a Merit or a Distinction. Congratulations to all, and particularly to Year 11’s Lucy, who scored a Distinction in Grade 8 Singing - a remarkable achievement. Singing: Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 8
Leena, Ella Francesca Jessica, Poppy, Isis Rachel Rhiannon, Isabela Lucy
Clarinet: Grade 3
Rebekah
Cello: Grade 1 Grade 2
Siqi Ella
Flute: Grade 6 Piano: Grade 3
Lila Alexandra
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
All girls who undertook expeditions this year passed this section. Fantastically, we also had two girls complete their Gold Award, and another two close to completing!
Examination Results Year 13 Earn 100% Pass Rate
We are so proud and delighted that Year 13 achieved a 100% pass rate for the International Baccalaureate Diploma this year.
during the course of their Diploma and we are delighted to see a 100% pass rate.”
Headmistress Ms Roberts congratulated the girls saying, “The girls have worked incredibly hard
This will be Cobham Hall’s final set of International Baccalaureate Diploma results as the School fully switches over to an exciting new A Level Programme. The School’s Sixth Form package moving forward places greater emphasis on a skills-based education, with Global Critical Thinking, the Extended Project Qualification, Service or The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Sport all taking a place within the school timetable.
With 96% of girls achieving at least five passes at Grades 4-9, we send a well-deserved congratulations to Year 11 pupils. We’re delighted to see our girls have achieved top marks in a variety of subjects, including English Literature, Art and Languages.
100% pass rates were achieved in English Literature, Art, Spanish and Latin. More than half of students gained a Grade 6 or above in English Literature; 100% of Art students attained the top grades of 7-9, and 100% of Latin students earned a Grade 7.
Our average points score was 6.5, which is the equivalent of a high B.
Well done, girls – your hard work paid off!
The girls achieved an average Diploma score of 33.7. With 85.6% of grades awarded being 5 to 7, we were pleased to see these in a range of subjects – Higher Level English, Higher Level History, Higher Level Biology, Higher Level Film and Higher Level Music.
GCSE Results Celebrated
100% Pass Rate for EFL Girls A number of our English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students took Cambridge English Language Assessments this term and we are delighted to say there was a 100% pass rate, with high scores achieved. Well done, girls!
LAMDA
London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts Examinations were taken at the end of the Summer Term and we look forward to receiving the results in September. 7
A Day of Joy and Celebration There’s no better way to mark the end of the academic year than with a celebration of the achievements of our pupils, and reflecting on the highlights along the way.
and gave her the opportunity to have a normal childhood. She reflected, “At Cobham Hall, we are given the chance to think of and imagine our lives for ourselves.”
Interspersed by dramatic and musical performances, Headmistress Ms Roberts detailed the successes and activities across the School during the year. “One thing that Cobham Hall does so incredibly well,” she stated, “is to provide that nourishing, caring, happy and stimulating environment for girls to thrive.”
Relating her career experiences to life at school Sanam explained, “When I came to Cobham, I realised it was ok to be good at different things. It was really interesting to experience what it means to value people for what their skills are, as opposed to taking one set of skills and thinking we’re just going to assess everyone on that.”
Ending with some sage advice for Year 13, Ms Roberts said, “Aim high, remember there is more in you than you think, break the glass ceiling, but above all be happy and at peace with yourself. In the words of the immortal Bob Marley, “Love the life you live, but live the life you love.”” Our guest speaker was a wonderful illustration of Ms Roberts’s depiction of a Cobham girl: Elder and Founder and CEO of International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN) Sanam Naraghi-Anderlini. Opening with a powerful and emotional account of joining Cobham Hall in 1979, Sanam reflected on how Cobham Hall became her home
Sanam closed her witty, inspiring speech encouraging her fellow Cobham girls to take responsibility for their lives, to be true to themselves, not to worry about being bad at things; to just enjoy themselves. She urged them not to worry, stating that worrying is useless and that life will unfold as it will; and to not let others define them or their ambitions. Prizes were then handed out by Sanam to girls across the School, as detailed opposite, before refreshments were enjoyed in the sunshine and beautiful surroundings of Lady Darnley’s Garden. 8
Year Prizes for Consistently High Examination Results Year 7: Year 8: Year 9: Year 10:
Isadora Tara Alice Zixue
Year Prizes for Outstanding Attitude Year 7: Year 8: Year 9: Year 10:
Poppy Jena Amber Alexandra
GCSE Shield for Excellence of Effort
Aoife
Subject Prizes for Outstanding Work in Years 7 – 11
Art: Biology: Chemistry: Computing: Drama: EFL: English: French: Geography: German: History: Mathematics: Music: Physical Education: Physics: Spanish:
Amelia Annie Oluwatomilola Enya Maci Lening Zixue Tara Amber Alice Alice Ziyan Lila Selina Chioma Tara
Subject Prizes for Outstanding Work in Years 12 and 13 Biology: Lok Yi Chemistry: Fionamay Computer Science: Kathryn Economics: Jana English: Shakira Environmental Systems and Societies: Lana Film Studies: Kathryn French: Dewa Geography: Jana History: Lana Latin: Shakira Mathematics: Maria Music: Harriet Physical Education: Lilly Physics: Britta Psychology: Isabelle Spanish: Isabela Visual Arts: India
Cups for Excellence of Effort or Progress Biology (The Spencer Phillips Cup): Aoife Chemistry (The Wainman Cup): Lauren Computer Science: Jasmine English (The Clark Cup): Maci Film Studies: Tiffany French: Moyofoluwa Geography: Enya German: Francesca History (The Timm Cup): Aoife Mathematics (The Erogbogbo Cup): Phoebe Music (The Lorna Currie Cup): Maisy Physical Education: Enya Physics (The Wilkinson Cup): Helena Psychology: Budour Spanish: Jessica Theatre (The Tennison-Smith Cup): Alisha Theory of Knowledge: Langa Visual Arts (The Downing Cup): Zi Yuan English as a Foreign Language (The Tavassoli Cup): Emma Student Support Department Prize: Omasan
Model United Nations (MUN) Junior MUN Debating Cup: Senior MUN Debating (Panton & Grimes Trophy):
Jena Maci
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards
House Awards
House Points Cup for the girl gaining the most academic House Points this year
Alice
Bronze: Ezara, Oluwadamilola, Abigael, Trinity, Millie, Nifemi, Rebekah, Rebecca, Zahra, Amelia, Alexandra, Oluwatomilola, Zixue, Maci, Rosie, Ziyi Silver: Holly, Dewa, Isabela, Amelia, Lila, Mabel Gold: Kathryn, Isabelle
Sports Awards The Cawston Cup for Excellence in Swimming: Natasha The Morton Cup for Commitment to Sport: Netball Player of the Year Senior: Junior: Excellence in Tennis:
The House Points Shield for the House gaining the most academic House Points this year
Clifton
Maisy Maisy Isabella Tara
Cups and Prizes Celebrating Round Square IDEALS The Balch Trophy for Commitment to Round Square in Lower and Middle School: Rebekah The Unicorn Prize for Community Service: Zi Yuan and Wing Zi The Prize for Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Catherine Round Square King Constantine Medal: Zixue The Husain Cup for Raising Awareness of Environmental Issues: 9
Aoife
The Alexis Martin Trophy for the overall winner of Inter-House Sports competitions
Lenox
Celebrating in Style! This term saw Year 13 and Year11 celebrate in style several times. Both Year Groups first had the opportunity to commemorate their last day in school before they embarked on Study Leave ahead of their exams. Year 13 took the chance to don their old uniforms for the last time, whilst Year 11 accessorised theirs and signed each others’ shirts. More formal celebrations took place later in the term, after examinations had finished. Year 13 held their Leavers’ Ball and Year 11 attended a Celebration Dinner. Both evenings were thoroughly enjoyed, and despite the nostalgia, the girls enjoyed marking the end of GCSEs and Sixth Form. Our Year 13 girls are now off to a number of destinations, including several Russell Group Universities, such as University of Exeter, Imperial College London, and King’s College London. They embark on courses including Medicine, Music, and Psychology. Good luck in the next chapter of your lives, girls, and don’t forget to join the Elders’ Association Facebook Group to keep in touch!
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Wellbeing at Cobham Hall A round-up of wellbeing initiatives from across the School this term
Laughter: The Best Medicine
Organised by Mrs Russell, girls were invited to a laughter workshop with Confident Queen, Happy Genny. The workshop had the girls in fits of laughter, as they were encouraged to be positive. One Year 7 declared it “the funniest thing ever!”
Random Kindness Girls and staff were treated to a wonderful wellbeing initiative from Sophia and Clara in Year 11 one morning. As two of our Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, they left Post-Its around the School to encourage everyone to share an anonymous smile and a little kindness. Notes could be taken and given to someone else to spread the happiness.
Mental Health and Wellbeing: The Essential Toolkit for Schools
The start of the Summer Term saw the School host a Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference. Entitled ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing: The Essential Toolkit for Schools’, the conference was attended by delegates from approximately 20 local state and independent Primary and Secondary Schools.
Speakers included Professor Jonathan Glazzard, who currently leads on leads on research for The Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools, and Andrew Hampton of Girls on Board, an initiative shortlisted for a TES Wellbeing Award. Additionally, delegates also heard from experts in the field Nina Jackson, Mike Armiger, Jenny Langley, Vicki and Richard Kipling, Tracy Shand, Francesca Geens and Kimberley Evans. A key aspect of this event was that not only is it important to understand pupil mental health and wellbeing, but that it was equally important to maintain and promote wellbeing for staff. The conference was the School’s latest step in sharing and promoting 11
best practice ideas amongst the wider community, following the creation of a regional network of more than 30 local schools. The network meets regularly and a ‘Buddy Scheme’ provides additional support between meetings. The sharing of best practice follows exciting internal developments in the Spring Term, which saw students given the opportunity to volunteer for a more active role. “We’ve long recognised that sometimes, girls would prefer to talk to one another,” explained Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead, Miss Fenice, “and that’s why our Peer Mentor system worked so well. However, we also recognise that with the right support and training, girls can be wonderful advocates for each other, and may often spot girls who need support before staff. We firmly believe that prevention is better than cure. By giving girls the tools to spot mental health issues, they will be better able to help themselves or their friends before those issues become more serious, whether that’s now or in the future.” You can read more about this in Insight | Spring 2019.
Bronze for Alice and Leah in Junior Maths Challenge
Congratulations to Lower School pupils Leah and Alice, who have both won a Bronze Award in the Junior Maths Challenge. In addition, Alice was also awarded ‘Best in School’.
The Junior Maths Challenge is run by the UK Mathematics Trust, with over 270,000 students across the UK taking part. Roughly, the top 6% earn a gold certificate, the next 13% silver and the next 21% bronze. Well done, girls!
SLT Host Spirit Week A picnic, a lunch time barbecue, a tag day and an ice-cream van were all features of this year’s Spirit Week. Organised by the Student Leadership Team, the week encourages girls from across Year Groups and Houses to get to know one another better.
the Leadership Team served the picnic food before joining the younger girls. Conversation was easy and varied, with the younger girls taking the opportunity to ask about life in the Sixth Form, and even how to choose GCSE options.
The ‘Blast from the Past’ tag day took place on the same day as Year 7 were invited to join the SLT in Rose Cottage Garden for a picnic with the Headmistress. The Year 12 girls in
The week ended with the annual Staff vs Students Rounders match, which saw some outstanding fielding and batting from both sides, but was ultimately won by the girls.
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A Production Fit for a Superhero In the Summer Term, the spotlight of the Drama Studio turned to our Lower School. Following in the footsteps of Year 9 in the Autumn Term and Years 10 to 13 in the Spring Term, girls in Years 7 to 8 staged their version of Katie Douglas’s ‘I Got Superpowers for my Birthday’. As was evident with both ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘The Sad Club’, the smaller cast numbers enabled otherwise quiet girls to shine. Such was the level of performance from Year 7’s Alice, that she was asked to reprise part of her role during Festival Day. Similar to ‘The Sad Club’, the play was perfectly in sync with the girls playing the roles, dealing with issues they too may face - albeit minus the giant slug! The play told the story of three remarkably different young girls, all united by the fact that they would be turning 13 on the same day...and all woke up to discover they had gained superpowers. With these superpowers they decide to rid the world of giant slugs, dragons, and the evil ‘Darkness’. Their journey of discovery unites them as teenagers as they discover that dealing with the insecurities of growing up can be equally as daunting as fighting dragons!
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The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award: An Introduction The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is designed to promote the development of key skills and encourage students to push their own personal boundaries. The Award is progressive, with three levels and a wide range of activities on offer. Although the Expedition is the most familiar element, participants are also required to learn or develop a skill, volunteer and take part in physical activity. At Cobham Hall we encourage girls to take part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, with it having dedicated space within the timetable during Year 9, and for those taking part as an element of their Sixth Form Programme.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award: Gold, Silver and Bronze The term saw a number of expeditions taking place, with Silver and Bronze Practices, as well as the Qualifiers during Curriculum Enhancement Week. We also saw the completion of the Gold Award for two girls - a significant achievement for Year 13s Kathryn and Isabelle, with Harriet and Emily also on track to complete theirs imminently. Find out more across these pages about what The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award entails, as well as finding out first-hand from Felicity, Year 9, about the experience.
The Levels Bronze
(Age 13 ½ years+)
Volunteering – 3 Months Skill – 3 Months Physical – 6 months 2-day/1-night Practice and Qualifier Expeditions
Silver
(Age 15 years+)
Volunteering – (6 months) Skill – (3 months) Physical – (12 months) 3-day/2-night Practice and Qualifier Expeditions
A Birthday to Remember! The practice expeditions this term went well, and there was even time at the campsite to surprise Year 10 pupil Niu Niu, who’s birthday was during the weekend of the exercise. A cake was brought out to mark her 15th birthday: a welcome treat after a full day of walking!
Gold
(16 years +)
Volunteering – (12 months) Skill – (12 months) Physical – (6 months) 4-day/3-night Practice and Qualifier Expeditions 5-day/4-night Residential 14
Gold for Cobham Girls We are delighted to see girls from Cobham achieve their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award this year.
“Not Just About Walking”
Encouraged throughout the School, with timetabled lessons in Year 9, this year saw a number of girls working towards their Bronze or Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Year 9’s Felicity gives her account of the Bronze DofE experience. “Before I started, I didn’t think I was going to be able to complete the expedition, more so after the first hill! As the time passed by I realised that DofE isn’t just about walking and camping it was about learning how to be independent and spending time with your friends. I think the best moment for me was waking up and realising that a fox had made its way into the tent, pulled my bag into the rain, ate all my food then left my bag - and my clothes - in the rain!
“While doing my voluntary work in a charity shop I realised how lucky we are to have what we do compared to other people who haven’t got anything to rely on. For my Physical section, I chose tap dancing as I have wanted to improve my tap for a while. DofE has helped me with this because it has given me the extra push to improve. Finally, for my Skills section, I chose Musical Theatre. It isn’t my strongest skill, but DofE helped me realise that you need to come out of your comfort zone and try new things. “I believe that doing DofE has helped me with becoming more independent, as well as improving my knowledge of practical things, such as being able to read a map, and so many more other things.”
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Many hours, days and months have been spent on each of the sections that make up the Award. Activities undertaken regularly were learning a language, and trampolining. The girls spent their expedition in the Cairngorms where they walked for approximately 50 miles, camped and were self-sufficient for the duration. An additional section at Gold level is the Residential experience. This involves spending five days and four nights away from home, taking part in a shared activity with people you’ve never met before. When applying to university or attending job interviews, applicants need examples of the key attributes that employees look for such as leadership and teamworking skills. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a great way to achieve many of these in one go, and provides plenty of experiences to use as examples to demonstrate these qualities. The girls will now attend a Royal Palace to receive their Gold Awards.
From the ILC...
Reading for a Good Cause
Imagination Soars with Author Visit
This year, a number of girls took part in Read for Good, a sponsored read to raise money for books and storytellers in hospital.
We were delighted to welcome author Jo Cotterill to the School this term, for a talk and workshops with students.
Girls took on a number of challenges including reading a certain number of books, and raised a wonderful £194.10.
Jo has written many popular and critically acclaimed books for young people, including ‘Library of Lemons’, ‘A Storm of Strawberries’, ‘Looking at the Stars’ and ‘Jelly’.
Well done to everyone who took part!
Carnegie Shadowing Librarian Mrs Geater organised a Carnegie Shadowing Group this term.
During the morning, Years 7, 8 and 9 took part in lively workshops, talking about writing and using their imagination to great effect to create stories.
The group were tasked with reading books shortlisted for The CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals. The group met on Thursdays and discussed the books as they read them. The girls were delighted to discover that one of their favourites, The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo, was the winner of the CILIP Carnegie Medal. 16
During her talk, Jo shared her experiences from her early years, including how and when she started to write, and how some of the books she’d written were created. Years 7 and 8 discussed some of the themes in ‘Jelly’, such as selfacceptance and the hurtfulness of careless words, whilst Year 9 helped to create a dystopian story with a very dramatic plotline! The visit ended after lunch, when everyone had the opportunity to meet Jo and have their books signed.
The Intelligence of Imagination
This year’s Summer Art exhibition was a stunning display of the depth of talent with the Art Department, from the early beginnings in Year 7, through to the dedication and flair of our older artists. As an additional element this year, Artist-in-Residence Miss Bowdery also exhibited her work: a collection of pieces created during her time here. Girls spoke eloquently about their work with visitors, explaining concepts and ideas as well as methods of creating their pieces. The variety in the approach to the themes being worked on shows the creativity and personality of each girl. Equally impressive to view are the documented investigations and visual journeys as concepts are developed and brought to life. “Art in Schools is so important,” explained Head of Art Mrs Walsh to the assembled guests. “It’s not about learning to draw, paint or take a good photograph. It enables our young students to be critical, innovative thinkers, to problemsolve, express, communicate, create and experiment freely. Art is a learned process that requires a continua of experience and application. I believe that Cobham Hall, through its courses and extra-curricular activities, offers ample opportunities and space for our students. We are arming the girls, our future thinkers, with the intelligence of imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited but imagination is not.” Evidence of the girls’ imagination was plentiful across the two rooms displaying their work. A stunning variety of pieces explored themes including architecture, landscape, cubism, aboriginal work, movement, sculpture, nature, war, reflection and environment.
Choral Makeover for Pop
In a continuation of the artistic talent on display, the Summer Art Exhibition was followed by the annual Summer Music Concert. Always a popular event, this year’s theme was “Is there Life on Mars?” The theme provided a stunning choral take on top pop hits from recent decades. Our Chamber Choir, Benesonantes, opened with ‘At Last’ by Aretha Franklin, and where joined by the full Choir for Bacharach’s ‘Say a Little Prayer’, What followed was whirlwind journey through a string of popular hits from rock, pop and soul legends such as Queen, The Beatles, David Bowie, and Whitney Houston, Abba, Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, and Coldplay. As well as the choirs, the audience also enjoyed solo talents, and instrumentalists. The choral arrangements of many popular hits demonstrated the range of talent within the choir and at the end of the show, our Head of Music commented on how proud she was of the girls’ performances.
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Girls with the Snake Tattoos! Each year House Captains bring something new to Sports Day. Last year saw the girls given coloured pom-poms, and this year, Clifton House Captain Lilly quite literally made a mark – selling temporary snake tattoos to her Housemates.
With face-paint perfected, pom-poms in hand, and snake tattoos applied, the girls were ready to cheer on their Housemates, and their friends, as well as compete, on the penultimate Saturday of the academic year. True to Cobham form, support was given
100m
Year 7: Deborah Year 8: Tunmise Year 9: Harmony Years 10-13: Bo
200m
*Year 7: Hannah* Year 8: Daisy Year 9: Pauline Years 10-13: Lilly
Track Results 800m
Year 7: Poppy *Year 8: Natasha* Year 9: Selina Years 10-13: Lilly 18
to each competitor regardless of House. From cheering at the sidelines, to running alongside for moral support, our core value of kindness radiated from the girls. It was also a joy to see girls on our Intensive English Summer Programme – joining our community for up to four weeks in June - wholeheartedly joining in, with some earning a medal to boot. Records were broken in the 200m, 800m, 1500m, Javelin and Shot Put – congratulations to Hannah (Year 7 200m and 1500m), Natasha (Year 8
1500m
*Year 7: Hannah* *Year 8: Natasha* Year 9: Lucia Years 10-13: Alice
Relay
Year 7: Lenox Year 8: Richmond Year 9: Richmond Years 10 - 13: Lenox Staff/Sixth Form: Clifton
Victrix Ludorum Winners
800m and 1500m), Britta (Year 10-13 Javelin) and Nifemi (Year 9 Shot Put). The surprise of the day came from the final event – the Staff and Sixth Form Relay. With Clifton House short of a participant, a call was put out for a Parent volunteer. Step forward, Mr Thomas – a Sierra Leonean sprinter who competed at the Olympic Games: needless to stay, Clifton stormed to the relay victory! As the girls gathered to hear the results, Head of PE Mrs Hooper ramped up the tension by revealing
that every House was leading at some point during the morning! Medals were handed out to all winners before the Victrix Ludorum winners were announced: Congratulations to Junior Winner Selina, and Senior Winner Bo.
Junior: Selina
Perhaps the tattoos were a lucky charm, as Clifton House – the girls with the snake tattoos – glided to victory and emerged as Sports Day Champions. Last year’s champions Lenox took second place, Richmond third and Darnley fourth.
Congratulations, Clifton!
Senior: Bo
Javelin
Year 7: Poppy Year 8: Jenna Year 9: Selina *Year 10-13: Britta*
Shot Put
Field Results
Year 7: Isabelle Year 8: Abadere *Year 9: Nifemi* Year 10-13: Tami
Long Jump
Year 7: Hannah Year 8: Anais Year 9: Felicity Year 10-13: Lilly 19
High Jump
Year 7: Lily Year 8: =Amy-Rose =Omasan Year 9: Harmony Year 10-13: Bo *Denotes new School Record
Curriculum Enhancement Week
The last week of term is Curriculum Enhancement Week, where girls come off their usual timetable and take part in a variety of enrichment activities.
attended a ‘Poets of the Decade’ conference and for all Year 12 girls, there was the opportunity to join Head of Sixth Form Mrs Thompson for lunch in Cobham village.
At the start of the week, the majority of Year 9 headed out on their Qualifying Expedition for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Meanwhile, Year 12 were spending time on their Extended Project Qualification and Personal Statements. There were a few outings for some Sixth Formers, as Politics students, joined by some Year 11 girls planning to take Politics at A Level, headed to a conference in Canterbury. English A Level students
Whilst Year 10 undertook work experience, girls in other Year Groups enjoyed activities both in and out of school. As well as a Model United Nations Conference, a trip to Eastbourne for Tennis pupils, a Samba Workshop and a wealth of other activities, highlights of the week included a performance by Quantum Theatre of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ in Lady Darnley’s Garden, a world tour through dance in the Gilt Hall, and a cross-curricular
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scavenger hunt organised by Geography teachers Mrs Keys and Mrs Kipling. The scavenger hunt saw several zones set up around the School with each zone containing four hidden QR codes. These contained a Science question, a Geography question, a Maths question and a clue to the next zone. Each answer corresponded to a number on a grid. The winners were the first to get all answers, work out the total for each subject and calculate the average. As well as learning new things, the week provided the opportunity to develop skills such as teamwork, confidence, and perserverance.
Summer EFL Girls Throw Themselves into Cobham Life For four weeks at the end of the Summer Term, our EFL Department offers international students an Intensive English Summer Programme. Girls can join for one to four weeks, and combine EFL lessons with life in Boarding, and everything Cobham Hall life has to offer. This year, highlights for the girls included the Spirit Week BBQ, and taking part in, and winning medals at, Sports Day. In addition, some Short Stay girls who joined during internal examination week just before the Summer Half-Term had the opportunity to enjoy a series of workshops, including making a music video with Mrs F West! Our Intensive English Summer Programme girls were also able to join in with the benefits of Curriculum Enhancement Week, with a series of cultural visits to local sites of historical interest, including Chartwell, Rochester and Knole, where the girls got to dress up in Tudor clothing. Their week ended with serving and enjoying a traditional Cream Tea with invited members of staff, who were impressed at the improvement in the girls’ English in such a short time.
“This experience was just AMAZING! The EFL classes were really interesting and I improved my English a lot. The girls in my year were so friendly. I’ll never forget this experience.” 21
‘Plexit ’ and My Life Less Plastic
Doubtless we’ve all been shocked and saddened by the images this summer of beautiful beaches littered with rubbish following July’s heatwave. But sadly, it’s not a new problem. The growing plastic pollution we are seeing on a global scale needs a solution. That’s why Teacher in Charge of Geography, Mrs Rebecca Keys, as well as challenging herself to use less plastic, is relaunching Cobham Hall’s Eco-Club: harnessing student enthusiasm for change, and she has exciting plans. Here she explains why, and how you can help. While we have all been grappling
with the confusing situation that is Brexit there is a new acronym to get your heads around but this time with a clearer and more positive outcome for all. ‘Plexit’ is the term being coined for the European decision to ban single-use plastic cups, cutlery, stirrers and cotton buds by 2021. It is great news, however I can’t help but feel it is a mere drop in the ocean – a very plastic-polluted ocean at that. Recently I have seen an encouraging and exciting environmental boom and no more so than at Cobham Hall. Amongst staff and students there is a real buzz about what we can do as a school to reduce the footprint we will inevitably leave on our planet. As you will remember from the last Insight Magazine published (Spring 2019),
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Aoife, Alisha and Maci have already shown great passion in tackling the plastic pollution issue and are wanting to engage more students to do the same. Students have genuinely felt inspired to make a change and I have therefore decided to rebrand and relaunch the Cobham Hall EcoClub to become a place where students can take the lead on tackling the environmental issues they care about. Named for Rachel Carson, the first woman to write about the notion that human development could threaten our environment, ‘The Carson Club’ will combine student leadership, service and environmentalism to help individuals and the school community make a measurable difference on our carbon footprint. We’ve already got lots of exciting ideas including planting bee bombs, completing beach cleans, starting our own terracycle scheme and ambitious aims to become a plastic free school.
Plastic waste is tackled at every point in our Geography curriculum: Year 7 have learnt about reducing food packaging and waste in their ‘Food and Farming’ topic; Year 8 have researched how to reduce energy and plastic use in their ‘Resources and Energy’ unit, and Year 9 have uncovered the true extent of plastic pollution in our ‘Oceans on the Edge’ topic. It is a theme that continues through GCSE and A Level but is no longer just a concern of Geographers, conservationists or environmentalists. t is a concern for us all and this year has marked the start of my journey to try to live a life less plastic. It all started when I challenged my Year 9 students to make a plastic-free pledge: could we go a week without using single-use plastic? Could we reduce our plastic use by swapping
out one item of single use plastic for a reusable one? Could we recycle all plastic waste in our households? The reality was that unfortunately it was incredibly hard and that plastic has become so far embedded in our everyday lives it is nearly impossible to live without it. We discussed our daily routines, plastic in our toothbrushes, plastic packaging on our breakfast cereals, plastic in our tea bags and plastic in our clothes. It leaves you feeling rather deflated before you’ve even begun your day. However, there are certainly some positive steps we can take and when I took on the challenge to live my life less plastic I was pleasantly surprised at the wealth of alternative options out there. I wanted to share with you a few of my findings that have ultimately changed my life for the better and for the planet.
Mrs Keys’s Top Picks:
1. Replacing wet wipes and make-up remover wipes with bamboo washable cloths (or even better make your own washable cloths by cutting up squares of old clothing and soaking it in water and a few drops of essential oil). A great example of these can be bought from a company called ‘Cheeky Wipes’. 2. Reducing plastic bottles for shampoo, shower gel and conditioner.
You can buy shampoo bars (excellent when you’re travelling too!) and conditioner bars from some retailers. Particularly lovely scented ones are available from Lush. Did you know that the carbon footprint of liquid soap is 25% higher than that of a bar of soap?
3. Taking difficult-to-recycle plastics to collection points like one
spotted at Marks and Spencers, Bluewater, where they are collecting plastic materials to be recycled into playground equipment. With the actions of individuals, schools, businesses and governments all implementing ways to reduce plastic use, please think about what you can do. Even Lego have announced their new plastic-free bricks are to be made from a plant-based plastic using sugarcane. Plexit really is possible if everyone gets involved.
Get involved
Keen to encourage students to think more about the world around them, Mrs Keys is relaunching the School’s Eco-Club as The Carson Club in September 2019. Girls who want to get involved can speak to their Tutor, or Mrs Keys directly, at the start of term. Parents interested in finding out more, or supporting the club, can email Mrs keys via keysr@cobhamhall.com. 23
Beach cleans
Students are keen to physically get involved in reducing the plastic ending up in our oceans and what better way than to complete beach clean? I am proposing that the students might like to organise a beach clean with a difference, how about a silent disco beach clean or dressing up as superheroes whilst doing it?
Terracycle Scheme
The Geography Department is looking to become home to our very own terracycle scheme where we will decide with students on what difficult to recycle waste they think would be beneficial to collect. This can then be sent to a public drop-off point or posted. A popular one is Walker's crisp packets, but there are lots of other great recycling schemes we could host.
Bee Bombs
With 97% of natural bee and butterfly habitat lost, bee bombs are combination of seeds that can be spread in cleared ground to help create wildflower meadows. It is hoped that students can identify areas where bee bombs could be used successfully and be involved in a re-wilding of our environment as well as their own.
#BoardingLife The Summer Term is always a balancing act as girls have exams approaching and want to revise yet House staff want to ensure girls are taking time to relax and unwind. As a result, girls were still able able to enjoy a number of trips out, including to restaurants, toboganning and the cinema. When exams finished, there were also trips to Brighton, Harry Potter Studios, paintballing and Thorpe Park.
In addition, the Summer Term is also the time when Year 7 are invited to join Boarding for ‘Boarding Week’; a chance to experience life as a full-time Boarder. This year activities included the always popular paintball on South Lawn, and a trip to the local Trampoline Park, which is one of our Boarders’ favourite excursions. One Year 7, when asked to rate the week on a scale of one to 10 (with 10 being super brilliant), gave an enthusiastic 10! Girls also enjoyed their annual Boarding Awards ceremonies, with awards including ‘Kindest Boarder’, ‘Best Big Sister’, ‘Tidiest Room’, and of course, the coveted ‘Boarder of the Year’. Congratulations to all of the winners!
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Keep up-to-date with all the adventures on Twitter:
@CobhamBoarding
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Sporting Success at Cobham Hall
Match Results Rounders
U14 & U15 vs Maidstone Grammar U15s Player of the Match: U13s Player of the Match: U12s & U13s vs Maidstone Grammar U12s won 10.5 - 8.5 Player of the Match: Lily U13s lost 10.5 - 11 Player of the Match: Sabrina U13 & U14 vs Wilmington Grammar U13s won Player of the Match: Sabrina U14s won Player of the Match: Selina U12 vs Wilmington Grammar A Team won Player of the Match: Poppy B Team won Player of the Match: Lily Head of PE Mrs Hooper said, “It was a shame this term that a number of matches had to be cancelled due to the weather. That said, the girls were phenomenal in the matches that did go ahead. Batting and fielding were both outstanding and to lose only one match by just half a rounder is fantastic.”
Richmond Rule Rounders
Clifton Swim to Victory
The annual Inter-House Rounders tournament took place this term, with Years 7 to 9 playing before lunch, and Years 10 to 13 after lunch.
With this year’s swim teams undefeated in external galas, excited for the Inter-House Swimming Gala grew quickly.
The Round Robin Tournament was nail-biting with both Clifton and Richmond undefeated as they headed into their final game of the Junior Tournament against each other. The match was close, but the bowler-backstop-first base team of Year 9 girls Rhiannon, Selina and Bella proved to be Richmond’s secret weapon. Richmond clinched the victory, putting the House first going into lunch.
Although a House event, there were individual successes with three School records being broken. Congratulations to Rebecca in Year 10 who broke the record for 50m Backstroke, which had stood since 2002, and Year 8’s Natasha, who broke two records: her own 100m Individual Medley from last year’s gala and the 50m Breaststroke Junior.
Seniors took to the lawn after lunch, and with outstanding batting and fielding throughout, Richmond again proved strong. They took the overall win, with Lenox second, Clifton third and Darnley fourth.
With both record-breakers being from Darnley House, they were looking strong in the Gala. However, there was another House that took the win. Clifton came first, followed by Darnley, with Richmond third and Lenox fourth.
2018-19 Inter-House Sports Results Clifton
Darnley
Lenox
Richmond
Cross-Country Hockey Netball Badminton Swimming Rounders Athletics
3rd 2nd 2nd 2nd 1st 3rd 1st
1st 4th 3rd 3rd 2nd 4th 4th
2nd 1st 1st 1st 4th 2nd 2nd
4th 3rd 4th 4th 3rd 1st 3rd
Overall
2nd
=3rd
1st
=3rd
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All Cheer for Amber: 9th in the World! During the Easter holidays, Year 9’s Amber headed to Orlando, Florida, to compete at The Summit All Star Cheerleading Championships with her squad, Kent Cheer Academy. Having been the first English team to come first in 20 years at the German All Level Championship in December, the squad won a paid bid to the World Championships in Orlando. Fantastically, the team reached the Finals, and were subsequently ranked 9th in the world: that’s certainly something to cheer about!
Lilly First in French Triathlon
We received wonderful news from France during the summer. Year 12 student Lilly took part in the Villeneuve sur Lot Triathlon.
Maisy’s Silver for England
It’s been a championship winning year for Year 11’s Maisy, who earlier in the year become the Kent Schools’ CrossCountry Champion, and also added the Kent Schools' 800m Athletics Championship Title to her accolades.
Further to this, a second place finish in the English Schools' 1500m Steeplechase earned her the opportunity to compete for England at the SIAB International Event in July.
Speaking after the event that earned her call up, she said, “I couldn't quite believe the size of the stadium when I The field was mixed, with men and women competing arrived at the English Schools’ Track and Field together. Coming 23rd overall out of 140 competitors, Championships. I spent about half an hour practically Lilly was the first woman to cross the finish line! Great silent, shocked that I’d be competing at such a prestigious job, Lilly! event in only a day’s time! I travelled up with the Kent team on Thursday, but I wasn't racing until the Saturday Ahead of the triathlon, Lilly and sister Enya, Year 9, cycled so I spent the first day supporting all the other athletes the Col du Tourmalet - the highest paved mountain pass on the Kent team. in the French Pyrenees. Lilly completed the climb in 1 hour 45 minutes, followed by Enya at 2 hours 48 minutes. This was my first major Championships, and so the Well done, girls! process was very different. Although I was very nervous, I felt prepared and excited for my race. I was competing in the 1500m Steeplechase, and managed to execute my race plan without too many faults. My silver medal means I have qualified to run for England in the SIAB International against Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. This will be my first international vest and I couldn't be more honoured to be representing my country.”
Maisy competed in the 1500m Steeplechase at the SIAB Internationals, and came a superb second in her first international event - well done, Maisy! 27
School Snippets
Building Roman Roads Cultural Celebration
Year 8 enjoyed a Cultural Celebration in their final Languages lessons of the Summer Term. They had a food quiz followed by entertainment they had prepared in groups. This included singing, dancing, drama and magic. Students also brought in cultural dishes made at home, including Thai and Indian food.
Peasants’ Revolt: LIVE Year 7 enhanced their learning and understanding of the Peasants’ Revolt by creating a ‘live’ news report of the event using the School Grounds to report from.
Year 9 Latin class enjoyed a sweet lesson this term, when they built Roman Roads using chocolate, biscuits and sweets!
River Studies
Debating Brexit
This term’s Humanities Forum saw Year 12 students Teloni and Joanna debate the motion “This Forum believes that Brexit will not happen”. Both girls gave passionate arguments for their standpoint - either with or against the motion - and took questions from the floor.
Edinburgh Film Festival Year 12 A Level Film Studies students, along with Miss J West and Mrs F West headed to Edinburgh this term to take in the annual Film Festival.
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Year 9 needed their wellington boots this term when they carried out some Geography fieldwork in the River Darent. The girls were investigating how the river changes downstream, learning about how the shape, speed, width and velocity of a river changes as you move downstream. They also identified some of the species living in the river using a species ID chart.
Scholars’ Tiles
Our Art Scholars have been working on a ceramics project, with each girl creating one tile. These were based on views from around the School, and is currently being hung outside the Art Department.
A Midsummer Night’s Lesson
Year 7 English pupils took their Shakespeare lesson outside when they recreated scenes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Life on the Homefront
Year 9 understood just how cramped a World War Two Morrison Shelter could be when they recreated one using their classroom desks and squeezed underneath!
Madrigals
Chamber Choir Benensonantes welcomed girls to School and to assembly on the Friday closest to May Day with Madrigals.
Reculver Coastal Studies
Year 10 headed to Reculver to collect data for their fieldwork investigation “How and why does sediment shape vary along the Reculver Coast?”
Staff and Sixth Form Book Club
Staff and Sixth Form students have been enjoying Book Club this year, with the final book being read this term. They met for the final time in June to discuss the latest novel, “The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle”, winner of the Costa First Novel Award 2018, by Stuart Turton.
Spanish Cooking
After creating their own recipes for ‘Torrijas’ in class, Year 9 Beginner Spanish pupils tried them out in the Cookery Room as part of their Spanish Culture lessons.
Royal Academy Success for Year 7’s Maddie Continuing Cobham Hall’s success with the Royal Academy is Year 7 pupil Maddie, whose artwork, “A Scottish Seal” was chosen for their Young Artists’ Summer Show. Maddie’s painting was selected from over 6200 submissions to be one of 329 in the online exhibition.
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Announcing the news, Art teacher Ms Lockheart said, “We’re thrilled that once again a Cobham Hall girl has been selected to be part of the Royal Academy’s Online Exhibition.”
Elders’ News
Cobham Hall’s Elders follow a variety of paths after school, and we always enjoy hearing of their successes. Here are some recent good news stories. An Elder and have news you’d like to share? Please contact Julia Booth via boothj@cobhamhall.com or submit via: www.cobhamhall.com/submit.
Sanam Returns as Festival Day Speaker
Sanam is now the Founder and CEO of ICAN, the International Civil Society Action Network and has been a leading global peace strategist for over 24 years.
We were thrilled to invite Elder Sanam Naraghi-Anderlini to be our Guest Speaker at Festival Day 2019. Sanam attended Cobham Hall from 1979 to 1985 and was co-editor of the first ever Yearbook in 1984. Despite being tone deaf, as House Captain she led Richmond to a surprise victory in the 1984 House Music Festival where the adjudicator noted that music is also about joy.
Amelia Troubridge Hosts Photography Workshop Cobham Hall Elder Amelia Troubridge (centre in the photo above with Headmistress Ms Roberts (L) and Chair of the Elders’ Association Tracey Balch (R)) returned to the School this term to give an Assembly and host a workshop for Photography students. Since leaving school, Amelia has established herself as a top photographer, working with the brands such as Jimmy Choo, Google, The BBC, MTV, Universal Records and Revolution Films, as well as magazines including Vogue, Tatler, Rolling Stone, Time Magazine and Vanity Fair.
Elders’ Snippets
It was a delight to welcome Pioneering Elders Trissa Brown and Charlotte Karney back for a visit during the Summer Term. Any Elders wishing to visit the School can In 2000, she was a civil society leader contact Julia via email to arrange this: boothj@cobhamhall.com and drafter of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace Congratulations once again to Elder and Security that for the first time in Kate French, who won Gold at the history recognised women’s roles in Modern Penthalon World Cup 4 peace-making experiences of war. event in Prague in May. Kate has also been selected for Team GB at the Her Festival Day speech was inspiring, Modern Pentathlon European as she weaved her Cobham Hall Championships in Bath. She is learning through her experiences, competing as we go to print! demonstrating how her time here The launch of the Smithsonian has impacted her since leaving. Channel in the UK has made it easier to view documentaries produced by In testament to the remarkable Elder Tria Thalman. Tria is Executive friendships forged by Cobham girls during their school years, Sanam was Producer for Natural History, and has supported on the day by fellow Elder been making documentaries for television in the United States for Louise Greenacre. over 20 years. Whilst some have aired in the UK, the launch of the US Having published several books channel makes her wildlife of her work, Amelia also uses her documentaries more accessible. photography for social commentary, Watch out for ‘My Journey With a highlighting the work done to help Polar Bear’ and ‘Epic Yellowstone’. women rebuild their lives after the destruction and devastation of war in countries such as Kosovo and Bosnia.
In Memoriam
Amelia’s Assembly was inspiring, telling the girls stories of her early life as a photographer, including her travels across Brazil, and knocking on the door of Ronnie Biggs. Photography teacher Ms Lockheart commented, “Amelia was truly inspirational for the girls and it was an absolute joy to have her here.” Christine, a Year 12 Photography student, enjoyed the workshop. “Amelia encouraged us to be brave,” she explained, “and to change our perspective on the world.” This was echoed by fellow Year 12 Julia, who took away the message that “Being yourself is the key to your success.” 30
Deborah Pretty We were saddened to hear of the passing of Deborah Pretty, former Housemistress who left Cobham Hall in 2006.
Ben Odom
We were also saddened to hear of the passing of Ben Odom, a former member of the School’s Music Department. His passing follows a long illness and he leaves his wife Janet and six children.
Unicorn News and Events
Cobham Hall’s Parent-Teacher Association, Unicorn, is dedicated to raising funds and running events for the benefit of all at Cobham Hall. Here are details of their next event. To find out more, you can email the Committee: unicorn@cobhamhall.com or visit www.cobhamhall.com/unicorn
Unicorn Summer Festival by Mrs McKenna-Bruce
On Saturday 15th June 2019, Cobham Hall played host to a Summer Festival. Yes there was some rain – but you can’t have a real festival without the odd bit of rain, can you?! Members of the Unicorn Committee gave up their time to put together a fun-filled, family-friendly event attended by over 300 students, family and friends. Picnic blankets, food and drinks (and umbrellas) were shared as the atmosphere became alive with excitement as the entertainment acts began their warm-up sets and sound checks. The sun came out, albeit briefly, and the incredible school building provided a magnificent backdrop to the main stage as the superb talents of; Torre Redman, Boulevard, Vocademy Events Team, 4th Generation and Jordan Lee Ravenhill provided an array of symphonic music throughout the afternoon. Throw in some great food and drink - the Pimms Tent offered the sort of Pimms that would have London Bars espousing its virtues for hours on end; the Hog Roast was deliciously good, cheerily priced and also offered an amazing non-meat option; as well as the season’s first Strawberries making an appearance offered alongside a helping of lightly whipped fresh cream - and an area of natural beauty within the school grounds, plus traditional stalls selling home-made cakes and popcorn, bestowed all who attended with the perfect festival vibe. Editor’s Note: The School would like to thank The Unicorn Association for donating the Festival’s proceeds to the Swimming Pool Fundraising Appeal
Unicorn Dates for Your Diary
Forthcoming Committee Meetings: Open to All Wednesday 11th September 2019 4:30pm to 6:30pm - Autumn Term Wednesday 15th January 2020 4:30pm to 6:30pm - Spring Term & Annual General Meeting Wednesday 29th April 2020 4:30pm to 6:30pm - Summer Term Wednesday 17 June 2020 4:30pm to 6:30pm - End of Year th
Forthcoming Events
Quiz Night Friday 20th September 2019 7:30pm to 10:30pm Fireworks Night Saturday 9th November 2019 5:15pm to 7:30pm Candlelit Ball Saturday 14th March 2020 7:00pm to Midnight 31
School Hall to Stage
This year, the Drama Department hit the stage at local theatres with Year 9 taking part in the Shakespeare Schools’ Festival, and our Seniors in the National Theatre Connections Festival. For Year 13’s Britta, who has been in every School Production since Year 7, it was a fitting culmination to her Cobham Hall journey.
My seven years at Cobham Hall have been nothing short of magical and life-changing.
The attempt to capture these years is a challenge, however, my personal growth can be aptly summed up by my characters in the school play every year; whether Drama fuelled this growth or inspired it I cannot say, but either way, it provided an outlet and an opportunity I will never forget. To describe these times as magical is not an exaggeration; I have become a moving portrait ('The Disappearing Door'), a circusperforming blues singer ('Barnum'), a sequin-clad supernatural ('Starwalker') and, finally, had the courage to be a woman willing to speak of her struggle to enjoy life and challenge society ('The Sad Club'). Throughout these performances, I have worked with outstanding directors as well as several Theatre companies such as The National Youth Theatre and Splendid Productions. My roles and participation level in each play have changed as the years went by, but my commitment and love of performance have been unwavering.
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If asked which I enjoyed most, I would reply the musicals; the perfect combination of song, dance and speaking. If pressed for a specific play I would reply, all. Neither has outdone the other and all have been a joy to be part of. My first play in Year 7 was for Cobham Hall's 50th Anniversary Year and was entitled 'The Disappearing Door'. Full to the brim of wit, adventure and strange creatures, this play convinced me that acting was for everybody. Strangely, my most prominent memories of this rehearsal and many other performances are of incidents where things did not quite go to plan... The first day of 'The Disappearing Door', when scripts were handed out, I remember putting up my hand, feeling a strange suction in my mouth then losing a tooth in the Drama Studio! I managed to outdo that terrible embarrassment and horror in my second year, playing Reverend Hale in our reproduction of 'The Crucible'. I was informed the day before our final performance that I would need to learn another person's lines for the whole play as they were flying home in the morning. For a 12year-old this was a nightmare come true and left me quaking behind the smoke machines. However, all turned out well and the play proved to be the most confusing yet!
In Year 9 I was given my first principal part as Warbucks in 'Annie'. A touching and heartwarming play on the outside, whilst backstage the props continued to vanish left, right and centre, leaving me on stage many a time miming telephone calls and so forth. One of the most difficult parts of this play, though unbeknown to the audience, was Tilly's quick change into a ball dress halfway through, which she performed with amazing alacrity and the help of a small cohort of people. I'd like to think I perhaps rivalled this feat in 'Beauty and the Beast' when transforming into the Prince in a matter of ten seconds, but she undoubtedly came out looking better! Continuing with the trend of 'things gone wrong', came 2015's 'Starwalker' written by April, the School's only student playwright to date. 'Starwalker' is a compelling tale
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of love and the dark mystery surrounding a theatre and its enigmatic company which included life-sized dolls, a talking pink mouse, the Devil in disguise and deviously difficult songs. One of the most featured photographs from this play is of myself and Evie, encircled by motionless bodies of the dead dolls. Haunting yes, but also terribly funny if you happened to be on set and witness to me constantly tripping over everyone whilst trying not to giggle on stage! 'Barnum' was next, a musical known for its audacity and quirky characters. Our director, the fabulous Mrs Gough, had envisioned a splendour and exuberance never before seen in our plays; whilst it did take rather a long time to put together, the overall effect was worth it, as many who saw the play can attest to. Some of the funniest behind-the-scenes moments concerned the actionpacked, fast-paced songs. Whether continued
I cannot think of a mor e enjoyabl e way to give y our time tha n creating art for the plea sure of others. it was throwing bricks around on stage trying to catch people offguard, or running round in circles trying not to lose your breath AND still trying to sing at an unreasonably fast pace. Taking the cake, or perhaps the tightrope in this instance, was our pre-theatre training with a group of circus actors who came to demonstrate various skills such as riding a unicycle and juggling. Vividly I recall all of us attempting the unicycle and falling mostly headfirst to the floor: that part of the Broadway production we did not replicate! Next came 'Beauty and the Beast': a staggering achievement for a school of our size and resources. I shared many fond moments with the cast during our performances, however the funniest must have been on our last night when Bonnie (Beauty) and I (The Beast) were dancing together and my horns got caught in her hair...on stage. Stuck together, like two toddlers performing a variation of a threelegged race, we managed to untangle ourselves and laughed over it later. As an actor, that was one of my most emotive roles, the inward transformation and strength of the Beast was something I would soon have to replicate in moving to Year 13, and assuming the responsibilities that entailed. Many of the songs from that play registered deeply with
me; this made it both a delight and a hardship to work on as was evident by our tears on the final night. Finishing just at the start of the Summer Term, with our final performance at the Marlowe Theatre, 'The Sad Club' holds a dear place in my memory. It has been the only role of my Cobham career to explicitly explore the struggle of being a teenager currently. We hoped after each performance that the audience would have learnt a little - if not about themselves then someone they are close to, who may be experiencing the problems we explored.
This made 'The Sad Club' highly personal, but I have never worked with a cast who became as close as we did or as supportive. Each of us brought something unexpected to our character and it was my pleasure to work alongside them. The challenge was made greater by my impending IB examinations, but I cannot think of a better way to have ended my time at Cobham Hall than with that play. Free-thinking and provocative, it was a great success and I hope those who came to see it consider joining the Cobham Hall Drama community, to reap its benefits as I have been privileged enough to do. I cannot think of a more enjoyable way to give your time than creating art for the pleasure of others.
As my character, Chloe, confesses at the end of the play; 'I have all of this life in me. All of this ZEST and I want to LIVE'. I cannot think of a more appropriate line to sum up what these years of acting and collaboration have taught me. To some, acting is only a highly skilled form of manipulation; it becomes an art form when you begin to understand your own place and purpose. When you give part of yourself to the play and receive a part of it in return. Each play I became part of has given me part of itself in return, given me a zest for life, and now I am ready to go and live.
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‘The Sad Club’ at The Marlowe Theatre The Senior School ensemble cast for ‘The Sad Club’ by Luke Barnes took their production to The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, where they performed the play for the final time. Performing as part of the National Theatre Connections programme, the girls wowed their audience.
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Forthcoming Events
Tasters and Open Mornings
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Lower and Middle School Taster Afternoon & Sleepover
Friday 20th September
Friday 4th/Saturday 5th October 2019
Half-Term
Saturday 19th October to Sunday 3rd November
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Saturday 5th October 2019
Unicorn Bonfire Night Saturday 9th November
Sixth Form Taster Sleepover & Open Morning
Year 9 Shakespeare Festival Performance at The Woodville Theatre
Friday 15th/Saturday 16th November 2019
Friday 22nd November
Year 5 Taster Afternoon & Sleepover
Carols by Candlelight
(for September 2021 Entry)
Friday 6 December
Friday 1st/Saturday 2nd May 2020
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Carol Service
Open Morning
Friday 13th December
Saturday 2nd May 2020
For information on any of the above events, or to register your interest in attending, please email enquiries@cobhamhall.com 35
Cobham, Kent, DA12 3BL, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1474 823371 enquiries@cobhamhall.com www.cobhamhall.com
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