Francis Holland School Newsletter December 2009 FHS at the Royal Albert Hall
From the Headmistress Dear Parents, As I write this, the main areas of the school are being restored to their normal guise, having been transformed on Saturday 21st November for the FHS Parents’ Association 2009 Christmas Fair. Father Christmas, snug in Santa’s Grotto in the gymnasium and ably assisted by the friendliest of elves, might fleetingly have been mistaken for Katherine Arnot in the Lower Sixth. Sincere thanks to all the parents, pupils, teachers and friends of the school who made the Christmas Fair such a hugely enjoyable event. Above all, thanks are due to the Chair of the Parents’ Association, Mrs. Sue Silkstone, all members of the Parents’ Association Committee and Miss Addinall (Deputy Headmistress) and Mr. Chiverton (Head of Thirds) for their many hours of unstinting work.
Thirds sing in a charity concert for Barnardo's at the Royal Albert Hall in November. Further pictures and article on page 3.
Miss Webb and twelve members of the FHS Equestrian Club spent a week horse-riding in Kent and the History Department took a trip to Berlin, on the twentieth anniversary of the abolition of the Berlin Wall.
An equally memorable event was the charity concert at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of Barnardo's on Monday 16th November, in which all pupils in the Thirds performed exceptionally well. Many thanks to the Music department, especially Mr. Thorne and Mrs. Rolfe Johnson.
Congratulations to several members of the Upper Sixth who are currently completing the final stages of their Extended Project. The Extended Project is a new national qualification, carrying the marks of half an A level, designed to challenge the most able students beyond A level, in a dissertation of their own choice. Miss Dickens, Mrs. Forbes and Heads of Department have given individual guidance to Sixth Formers and Miss Green (Director of Studies) has co-ordinated all aspects of the teaching and assessment of the Extended Project. Everyone in the Lower Sixth currently receives study skills lessons and will have the opportunity to opt to begin an Extended Project, in addition to their four A level subjects, during 2010.
This term there have been a large number of extra-curricular trips and visits, some of which are described in this newsletter. During the autumn half-term, the Classics department led a most successful trip to Greece;
The school hosted the annual Quondam lunch on Saturday November 7th, for former pupils of the school. As ever, this was a most enjoyable event, which enabled “polished corners” to meet old
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friends and reminisce about their memories of school life. Quondam members now in their thirties and forties were delighted to meet - and be greeted by (maiden!) name - by current members of FHS staff: Miss Addinall, Mrs. Forde, Miss Green, Mrs. Drummond and Mrs. RolfeJohnson. Many thanks to members of the Head Girl’s team, who took Quondam members on tours of the new Gloucester Wing. The main school play this term, The Merchant of Venice, directed by Mrs. Oakley, will be performed in the Hall on Wednesday 2nd December – Friday 4th December inclusive. Tickets are currently on sale in school. The Senior Choir will also be singing at the Lansdowne Club Charity Christmas Concert on Thursday December 9th at 6:30pm. Our Carol Service will be held at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th December in St. Cyprian’s Church and everyone is most welcome. Please do join us for mince pies and mulled wine in the Hall after the Carol Service.
Mrs. V.M. Durham
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Achievement Board Exam Success Congratulations to the following girls for passing Level One of Part One of the British Sign Language Examination:
Josephine Feely Leila McGarel Groves Kate Jones Kitty Miles Molly Teshuva
Autumn 2009 Form Captains
Mrs. Forde Senior Mistress
Hans Woyda Mathematics Quiz Competition
Natalia Fishman
Christina Mantafounis
IIIM
Serena Ashdown
Charlotte Robson
IIIS
Jean Watt
Holly Fairgrieve
LIVJ
Julia Narowlansky-Grass
Margot Smith LIVM
Athena Thrasyvoulou LIVS
FHS Hans Woyda Maths Team Alice Pullen, Hanmo Zhang, Reqaiyah Khwaja and Srutti Suresan
Every year Francis Holland School enters a four member team with representatives from Upper Fourth to Upper Sixth to play against other schools in North London in a Mathematics quiz called the Hans Woyda Mathematics Quiz Competition. This year Srutti Suresan, Francesca La Costa, Alice Pullen, Lucy Collins, Reqaiyah Khwaja, Kathryn Sokolova and Hanmo Zhang have represented us so far against Claremont High School (at home), and King Alfred School (away). The girls answered some formidable questions and won a few sections.
Royal Institute of Great Britain
Jordana Belaiche
UIVJ
Georgia Young
Nell Hewetson Olivia Willis Amalia Adams
Rebecca Kent UIVM Molly Teshuva Harriet Mallender UIVS
Danielle Shashoua
Clara Carbajo
LVB
Olivia Boothman
Sarah Hill
LVC
Alexandra Wilson
Numaira Choudhary LVT
Emma Dabbs
Thea Waxman UVH
Jessica Boyall
Charlotte Golembo
UVT
Emma Jurczynski
Sophie Khan
UVW
Sarah McDonald
thematics Master Classes Ms Murugan Mathematics Department
IIIJ
Games Captains
Royal Institute of Great Britain Mathematics Master Classes Every year the Mathematics Department nominates Upper Fourth girls to attend Saturday morning Master Classes. This year, Srutti Suresan, Kiki Biggs and Victoria HighamNaylor have been chosen. Talented mathematicians from other London schools also attend. Students investigate Game Theory, Fibonacci Sequences, Probability and truth puzzles with some distinguished lecturers. If you are in the Lower Fourth and wish to be considered for next year, please see Mrs. Martin, Head of Mathematics Department. Royal Institute of Great Britain
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Every year the Mathematics Department
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FHS Thirds’ Charity Concert at the Royal Albert Hall
The Thirds take a break from rehearsals at lunch time in Kensington Gardens
After rehearsing energetically all day on Monday 16th November, The Thirds, along with a Royal Albert Hall-ful of other schools, sang wonderfully that evening in support of Barnardo's. The challenging programme covered everything from music hall songs to Abba and Queen – and they were all bright eyed and alert at the first lesson the following morning! Thank you to Mrs. Rolfe Johnson and Mr. Thorne who trained the Thirds, to the other staff who accompanied them on the day and to all the parents for your support.
Thirds rehearsing for the concert at the Royal Albert Hall
Miss Addinall Deputy Headmistress
Equestrian News Many congratulations to Olivia Boothman (LVB) who rode Elvis in the B90 class at the Little Down Affiliated Equestrian Show in October. Olivia is aiming to be selected for the GB Equestrian Team in the 2020 Olympics. Ms Gustave Olivia and Elvis
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Equestrian Club Riding Holiday On Sunday 18th October, twelve excited girls; Aisha Samuel, Lorena Levi, Nell Hewetson, Zoe Suerdem, Dakota Hoven, Alice Lumley, Katharine Marris, Sarah Kehoe, Stella Moore, Hanna Bayoudhi, Olivia Hugh-Jones, and myself, Alisha Mukherjee, left for Mannix Stud riding school in the depths of the Kent countryside. We were lucky to be accompanied by Miss Webb for our entire stay and Mrs Durham for three days. When we arrived we nervously dragged our luggage uphill to a cottage shrouded by trees and foliage. We dumped our things in a sixbunk bedroom. The party was immediately divided into groups and each of us was assessed to establish which pony we should be given for the week. The following day we eagerly ate our breakfast, keen to begin our riding. We got to groom and tack up, which helped with getting to know our pony’s personality. The first group went on a hack and the second had a lesson in the outdoor arena. We did trotting and lateral work. As well as riding instruction Aisha Samuel feeding Ginger we got to groom, clean tack, fill hay nets, muck out and learn about horse anatomy. Over the next few days we settled into a routine. We got to really bond with our ponies and each other as well as learning lots more about horses, ponies and riding.
On our last full day we had a super fun gymkhana. It started with a nerve-wracking dressage test before which we had only twenty minutes to memorise our routine. Then we did mini-jumps, which involved us jumping over miniature horse jumps (the ponies having a well deserved break!). Next came the Handy Pony competition, a timed obstacle course where you had to weave in and out of cones, dismount and open a gate, lead your pony through the gate, remount, shut the gate and drop a brush into a bucket. This was won by Hanna Bayoudhi and her pony Lucky. The final event was Team Games. We were put into groups and did fun games and relay races on our ponies. This was hilarious because I was in a group with a six year old from the stables, who was half my height, and I ended up on a Shetland pony riding jockey style! Another group had a pony so slow that they had to whip him just to make him move!! That evening there was prize giving. Colourful rosettes were handed out as well as cups and trophies. Nobody left empty handed. I was thrilled to receive the dressage trophy and proud to have scraped third in Team Games (with my Shetland pony friend). Next morning we sadly said goodbye to our ponies with gifts of polo mints and lots of patting. We rolled our bags down the hill and, tired but happy, set off home. Alisha Mukherjee (LIVS)
Lorena Levi riding Emily
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Nell Hewetson riding Paddy
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GCSE Art trip to the Saatchi Gallery At the start of this half term the Lower Fifth girls taking GCSE Art were treated to a guided tour of the new Saatchi Gallery. Opened last year in the old Duke of York Headquarters off the King's Road, it is an amazing venue, beautifully designed and with enough wall space to show a wonderfully large and diverse collection of contemporary art. We visited the ‘Abstract America Exhibition’, show-casing new painting and sculpture. We were lucky enough to be given an introduction to several pieces by a member of the gallery staff. At the start of the talk the girls were invited to suggest how the first painting had been made. They made a valiant effort, suggesting various techniques and materials, but were unable to guess that it had, in fact, been created by painting 120 boards with layers of wet paint and then riding half a dozen motor bikes around on it for half an hour. Not
a technique that we’ll be trying out in the art room then! That said, there were awe inspiring pieces created in all media, from paintings and collage through to installation, and it is good to see that new and exciting art is not in short supply. The girls worked hard to sketch some of their favourite pieces and to make notes about the artists, which will support their coursework and help to inspire pieces of their own making. As we sauntered back down the King's Road on a bright, sunny November morning, we all reflected on how lucky we are to live in a city where you can pop down the road and see for free some of the world’s most exciting and cutting edge art and still get back to school in time for school dinner. Miss Gardner Art Department
Lower Fifth girls at the Saatchi Gallery
Upper Fourth Cadbury World Geography Trip On the day of our much anticipated trip to Cadbury World, we all had to be at school at 8.00 am sharp to take the coach. Such an early start is not surprising, given that the trip to Birmingham is three hours long, during which we also had a twenty minute stop. Some of us took this opportunity to get off the coach and stretch our legs as well as have a Burger King snack.
The first part of our tour involved us being taken around in a beautiful exhibition about the history of the cocoa bean and chocolate. It started off as if we were in a tropical rainforest and, as we gradually moved from room to room, we visited different places in different moments in time that related to the making and consumption of chocolate. This was fun and informative, as we learned a lot about the history of chocolate making and how it came to England.
When we finally arrived in Birmingham, we got off the coach in separate groups and went to the working class area where the old Cadbury building estates lay. This was an interesting experience as we were able to explore the different housing styles this estate consisted of. We noticed that there is a remarkable difference between those houses built by George Cadbury, who took care to provide good quality housing and plenty of space for his workers’ leisure activities, and other working class buildings in the same area, which were not meant to make such provision and looked run down, cramped and gloomy.
The second part of our tour involved walking around the factory and seeing the different stages of the production of chocolate. What I found impressive is how little human effort it takes to make the final product, as it all happens mechanically and suddenly a ready-packed Cadbury chocolate appears at the end of the line. We then went to the most memorable part of the tour, which was a unique ride consisting mainly of colourful lights and dancing cocoa beans. Finally, the best part of the tour was the gift shop, which we had all been waiting for. There was an amazing variety of chocolates, from giant boxes of mini-chocolates to one-kilo chocolate bars for only five pounds. Everyone left with many bars of chocolate to take back to their family and huge smiles on their faces.
After we had got an impression of the early days of the factory life, we got back on the coach and drove to the contemporary factory of Cadbury World, in the city of Birmingham. We were all excited to get off the bus and eat our lunch; however, we soon got distracted by the sweet and chocolatey smell that filled the air around us.
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After another three hour ride back to London, we were all exhausted but happy. Despite the long drive, we had learned a lot and enjoyed ourselves enormously. This is a trip I would not have liked to miss for anything in the world. Daphne Milner (UIVM) 5
Classics Trip to Greece At seven o’clock on Saturday 17th October, twenty-two girls, along with three teachers, Miss Baig, Miss Laytham and Mr. Jenkin, met in the rain outside school. At the airport we compared the sizes of our suitcases, ranging from the very small to the unreasonably large, before boarding a plane to Athens. During the week we met many people, one of the most memorable being our tour guide Rena, and saw fantastic ancient sites, some of which were still in the process of being excavated. In Athens we went to the top of the Acropolis, to the Parthenon and duly to the new Acropolis Museum. We saw the temple dedicated to Poseidon at Sounion, where Aegeus, thinking that his son Theseus was dead, is said to have thrown himself into the sea, giving the Aegean Sea its name. We also saw the Byzantine monastery of Ossios Loukas, where there are beautiful mosaics, then travelled to Delphi. Here we visited Apollo’s temple, where people came to see the oracle, who used opium fumes to help her “talk” to the gods. However, what she said was so confusing that correct interpretation was difficult; the problem was often left unsolved. Next, we visited the first ever Olympic site, one day before the torch was set to leave for the winter Olympics in 2010. Here there was a massive temple dedicated to Zeus, who was said to oversee the games. After a race at the stadium, which Jamila Wingett won, receiving a special laurel head piece which Mr. Jenkin so craftily made, we went to Mystras, a Byzantine town, built after the fall of the Roman Empire in around the 13th century BC. Here there were magnificent houses, courtyards and churches. We were even more astounded when we were told that people only moved out just over fifty years ago. The palace at Mycenae was the home of Agamemnon, where he was said to have been murdered, by his wife and her lover, after returning from the Trojan War. The impressive entrance has two decapitated lion statues, and the first thing you see on entering is a death circle, where the royals were buried. At the edge of the palace was a pitch black tunnel, in fact a water cistern, which we had fun trying to move through without falling, tripping, bashing into a wall or into the person next to us.
Miss Baig and the Lower Fifth at Delphi
On the last day, we visited Epidaurus, a Greek theatre which has amazing acoustics; from the very back we could hear Rena dropping a coin and tearing paper. We finished our time in Greece with the teachers buying us ice-cream, Mr. Jenkin modelling rabbit ears, and one last paddle in the sea before boarding the plane the next day back to England. Sixth Form in front of the Parthenon
Lucy Collins (UVW)
History Essay Competition: Days that Shook the World In recognition of the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9th November 1989, a day that has had a huge impact on the political and social fabric of Europe, the History Department have launched an essay competition for the whole school. Girls from any year are invited to write an essay presenting their own ‘Day that shook the world’. Any event can be chosen provided it took place in one day; from any period in History, from any region of the world. All the girls have to do is explain the importance of
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their chosen event in terms of the impact that it has had on history. Essays should be no longer than 1000 words (sixth form) or 500 words (everyone else). Winning essays will receive a £20 or £40 book token and the deadline is the end of term. We would love to encourage as many girls to enter as possible, but please speak to a member of the History Department if you need any help. Mr. Clayton Head of History and Politics Department
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History Department trip to Berlin The History Department led a group of fifteen girls from the Fifth and Sixth forms to Berlin for five days over half term. Everyone had a fabulous time, enjoying the wonders of this extraordinary city, and visiting many of the more important historical sites and museums, from both the era of the Second World War and the Cold War. The cold, drizzly weather did not dampen our enthusiasm too much, but it did provide a fitting back-drop for our visit to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and Wannsee Villa where the infamous conference took place to hammer out the last details of the Final Solution. In between the history, the girls found the time to do the odd bit of shopping, and we enjoyed several evenings in the centre of town, getting a taste of Berlin’s night-life around the beautiful Potzdamer Platz. We were constantly reminded, during our visit, of the divisions caused by the Berlin Wall and the celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of its fall were well under way as we flew back home after an exhilarating and thought provoking trip. Mr. Clayton Head of History and Politics Department
Sixth Form Volunteer at St. Edward's Primary School The Headmistress of St. Edward's Primary School, Mrs. Maureen Donnelly, is delighted that our Lower Sixth are helping pupils to practise their reading. Miss Dickens and Mrs. Forde met with her recently, to discuss how we can develop a stronger link between the two schools. Lots of ideas were discussed and the Lower Sixth are enthusiastic about being more involved with St. Edward’s children. As Year Six pupils have been studying the Merchant of Venice, they have been invited to the dress rehearsal of our school play. Also, it is hoped that they will be able to have the use of our swimming pool and the Lower Sixth are keen to start some lunchtime clubs at their school. If any parent could spare half an hour to help children with reading, please contact me via the FHS school office. Katherine Arnot (LVIMD) helping a pupil with her reading
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Mrs. Forde Senior Mistress 7
Miss Sainty
Sarika Ambasna and Ranya Mulchandani (LVI)
Gabriella Diaferia and Victoria Higham-Naylor as Super Heroes!
Andrea Bhattacharjee (IIIS) as Pinnochio
Mrs Bexon
2009 Sponsored Walk 2009 Sponsored Walk 2009 Sponsored Walk This year’s annual sponsored walk took place in Regent’s Park on Tuesday 6th October. The weather forecast was not promising. We watched it hourly during the morning, and when lunchtime came, felt safe to proceed. The girls changed into their fancy dress outfits and collected their dogs from their parents at the park. Again, this year, the fancy dress was a big success, with different year groups dressed according to different themes. The Third form had made a big effort with their Disney outfits and we had some stunning pirates: even some of the dogs had made the effort to dress in costume.
Elisabetta Falbo (IIIM) as Cinderella
Thirds dressed as Disney characters
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The walk began and a jolly time was had by all – and then the heavens opened and we all got drenched, many of us experiencing that “soaked to the skin” feeling. The walk had to be abandoned but most of us had by then
managed two circuits. We hoped that our sponsors would accept the soaking in lieu of the third circuit! The final sum raised was £7,764.84. Two thirds of the money raised will go to Great Ormond Street Hospital and the remaining third to our own Summer Camp, financing the adventure holiday for underprivileged children from Westminster. Thank you to all parents and friends who supported this financially, as well as dropping off dogs and helping with costumes. In spite of the rain it was a successful and memorable afternoon and we are delighted that we can, once again, make substantial donations to worthy charitable causes. Revd. Jennifer Locke Help Fund Co-ordinator
Drenched but determined! The Lower Fifth on the Sponsored Walk in Regents' Park
Upper Fifths dressed as Pirates!
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Nell Hewetson, Nacncy Paul and Clemency Brookfield (LIV) as cowgirls
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ITALIAN POETRY EVENING On 24th September the Lower Sixth Italian class attended an evening of Italian poetry and music at the Italian Cultural Institute in Belgrave Square. The evening was a celebration of the life and work of the great 19th century Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi. Students listened to readings of Leopardi’s poems and dialogues, performed both in Italian and in English translation by professional actors.
It is time to take inspiration from the changing scenes outside and put pen to paper in a flourish of imagination. The Biology and English departments have joined together and are holding a Winter Poetry Competition.
Miss Dickens Head of Italian Department
ITALIAN AND HISTORY OF ART TRIP TO FLORENCE, FEBRUARY 2010 During the February half term 2010, the Italian and History of Art departments are planning a combined trip to Florence for students in the Sixth Form. During the mornings, the Italian students will have the opportunity to attend Italian language lessons at a language school in central Florence, whilst students of History of Art will have in-depth tours of galleries and museums focussed on preparation for the A Level course. We will also be visiting galleries as a group in the afternoon, and spending a day in Siena. The trip is available to girls who have an interest in these subjects, even if they are not studying them for A Level. The trip will run from Saturday 13th February 2010 to Tuesday 16th February 2010. For more information, please contact Miss Dickens or Miss O’Toole. Miss Dickens and Miss O’Toole Italian and History of Art Departments
Winter Poetry Competition
All you have to do is write a poem about animals and the winter. It could be about a wild animal you see in the park or on holiday, or you could write about your pet and how he/she responds to or acts in the new weather conditions. The winning poem will be published in the newsletter and the poet will receive a surprise prize. All entries should be with Miss Foord or Miss Williamson by the last day of term. Good luck! Miss Foord Head of Biology Department
Miss Williamson Head of English Department
Chemistry Week 9th-13th November 2009
"Chemistry of Food" was the title of the biennial Royal Society of Chemistry Week. Mr Davis led an assembly about a passion close to his heart: chocolate. He explained how chocolate was grown and processed and asked the girls to consider what went into other everyday food products. A number of special events followed during the week. On Monday members of the Thirds, Lower and Upper Fourths conducted experiments to find out the energy content of their favourite snacks, with some surprising results.
Isabelle Cryer and Bella Aron (III) during the demonstration of chocolate making
Competitions were run throughout the week to name an element, in which pupils had to describe everyday objects as if they were elements. The winning entry was the element “Thermatalium” and was written by Bella Aron in IIIJ. Cryptic pictures depicting elements were also hung around the school and the girls were invited to solve them. The winner was Ranya Mulchandani, getting thirty of the thirty five clues. The finale of the week was a demonstration of chocolate making, with plenty of samples! Girls learned that chocolate needs to be tempered to obtain a ‘snap’ finish and explained how it is moulded during the manufacturing process. Fresh chocolates were then tasted by the experts from the Thirds and declared delicious. Mr. Davis Head of Science Department 1 0
Thirds wait patiently to give their verdict
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Autumn Concert Thursday 15th October 2009
Junior Chamber Choir perform in the Autumn Concert
The range of repertoire and level of music-making in this year’s Autumn concert was exceptional. The participation in particular of the Junior years was unprecedented and a testament to the musical foundation of the school. With typically outstanding contributions from the older years, a consistently excellent standard was ensured. The audience were treated to various different styles of music and the versatility of the girls was exhibited at every turn. The programme ranged from venerated orchestral works performed by the Symphony Orchestra, such as The Great Gate of Kiev and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, to folk music in Senior Chamber Choir’s rendition of Two Hungarian Folk Songs and Senior Choir ’s Autumn Concert Jewish folk song, Ya Ba Bom. More variety was shown in the inclusion of the String Orchestra’s elegant version of the 3rd movement of Mozart’s Divertimento in C K157, alongside Classic Jazz from Junior Choir, Jazz Ensemble and Pink Ladies, including numbers such as They All Laughed, I Got Rhythm and My Funny Valentine.
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We had some really wonderful solo performances, including Alice Lumley’s spirited Albinoni and Bethany Wright’s sonorous Klengal, as well as Zoe Silkstone’s lovely Vedrai Carino, followed by Sophie de Beistegui’s Rondeau from Mozart’s G Major Concerto – full of light and poise. Equally impressive were show-stoppers from Stella Papadopoulos with her characterful Czardas, Claudia Selby’s riveting and beautiful Tango No 4 and Charlotte Amherst’s electric performance of Kreisler’s Praeludium and Allegro. Every concert at Francis Holland leaves the audience with the perception that the girls get better and better. At such times it is in fact incredible to think they could improve... but they do – every time is undoubtedly of a higher quality than those preceding it. A very enjoyable and successful evening. Bravo every one! Mrs. Rolfe-Johnson Head of Music Department
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Classics trip to a production of Plautus’ Mostellaria performed at Harrow On the evening of the first of October, a group of students and teachers travelled to Harrow boys’ school to view an intrepid production of Plautus’ play Mostellaria (‘The Haunted House’) as staged by their pupils. The play itself was significantly different to many of our previous experiences, as it was left entirely in the Latin. We were perhaps a little surprised, therefore, to discover how well the cast and stage managers had coped with this, as well as many other potential dilemmas, such as the absence of female cast members.
Arms and a Man Conference 27th January 2010
The Classics Department is hosting a day's conference on Virgil's 'Aeneid' for more than thirty schools from around the country. Our speakers are Peter Jones, academic and columnist for 'The Spectator' and Bob Cowan of Oxford University. Mr. Jenkin Head of Classics Department
The story was set in Athens, at an ambiguous time period embracing both crucifixion and Calvin Klein; while the original script was used, the subtitling was innovative and helped very much to relate the tale to modern times; terms such as ‘wannabe celebrity’ gave flavour to the insults, while a particularly commendable use of on-stage texting met universal approval. Overall, this hour-and-a-half production made excellent use of comic timing, with laughter generally with the cast, and not at them. Alice Pullen (UVT)
Sixth Form Theatre Trip to Othello On Tuesday 10th November a group of Sixth Form English Literature and Theatre Studies students went to the Trafalgar Studios to see Lenny Henry’s critically acclaimed performance in Shakespeare’s Othello. We were treated to an evening of manipulation and madness set on a permanently darkened stage courtesy of The Northern Broadsides and West Yorkshire Playhouse production. Lenny Henry’s Othello was an eye rolling, passionate beast of a man whose physical presence was terrifying when threatening Desdemona, played by the tiny Jessica Harris. However, he played his early scenes with incredible gentleness and warmth, successfully endearing himself to the audience and thus enhancing the tragedy of the man “that loved not wisely but too well”. For many of the girls, however, it was Conrad Nelson’s Iago who drew their attention. In public a light spirited friend to all, Nelson’s instant transformations in his soliloquies beautifully highlighted the duplicity and Machiavellian traits of the character. The production never shied away from the damning racism inherent in the play, but it also sought to foreground the “grief, passion, regret, betrayal, revenge, evil and excitement” (Lenny Henry’s words) which is often overlooked by modern critical analysis that can focus almost exclusively on the race argument. Mrs. Bachle-Morris English Department
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Gareth Duxbury dew ou dw p r e ly in n a g r e s im n e n h u a d CHRhIsS t in p lo im Oxford University Undergraduate Admissions officer. When a rather shy looking, suited young man appeared on the stage ! io lo f r r tathis f,the oved waway akHe stin inFair weAdmissions, nhis eUniversity eulfover g whands us all palm ofcertainly andI,his I,p epersonally, walked e okept ll in s a What a had year with r s d c h is f o e e il s Undergraduate an old student himself, knew stuff! It would not be h F r n e r c u o H t a … a n n w toT inform us all about life at this fine institution and basically how to get in, many of the slightly more mature members of the ll t S in gs. e y ie ! p r , ly a n M GaGareth einformativeta45 ppliexperienced k w afrom ke it A kn p feeling was the most minutes I had in a long while…! Duxbury Oxford ly x r eaudience lk e c e e in w a t e Hhe S h t d d io h r D a . is stuhis 550 helpers from napplications intake breath “how thisof young real knowledge are we going able is personally FHS after away efor acanlarger Fresponsible uxbto shave lk ofpossibly I hanvisitors!! AhofimIR taperson f,–cplethora fteany lA urbe esheld fand isintake ! talk. ybefr osurprising r his knew seAdmissions, University Undergraduate student himself, a certainly his fstuff! not if It wItowould nuthim eanr hold t m f t m to itake seriously?” a t a u lk O n 5 ld s . e 4 x n f d n o the outset made the job of the e o u io r t t d t iv s t a b a he is responsible e s urpr old applic for a larger intake of FHS applications after his talk. an personally ising if s ,From HS Fhe f Committee that much easier – our the moment began speaking, we were proved wrong. He kept us all in the palm of his hand and I, personally, walked o e mission CHRISTMAS k a FAIR t in r feeling it was the most informative What a45 minutes I had experienced in a long while…! Gareth Duxbury from Oxford geaway eternal thanks go to numerous F irthe or a lar CHRISTMAS FAIR we himself, University Undergraduate Admissions, oldastudent 550 van had thcertainly knew his stuff! It would not be surprising if he is is it o is teachers andFHS who rsmany personallyparents, responsible for a larger his ytalk. !applicants ! What earhad aafter Fair we year with over A plegirls thintake withthis e oof r t e h v o o u o r v t a s e h e o it t helped before, Cduring this f Ahe What wemost had this with over from 550 visitors!! plethora ofr helpers maadFair r wafter lpeyear omis eea e yteand rs from CHRISTMAS FAIR m m it t o h h r t f e s d 550 visitors!! A plethora of helpers from r a t jo e the outset made the job of the h h enjoyable much ata Fair eternaThere What had thisb year elpwas weevent. ofwiththover mso fhh ir utwe o l c e a h a h F t r e the outset made the job of the o a a e n h f asieofr helpers t 550 visitors!! A plethora from that much easier – our pat renpresents ple –ogopractically Whachoice bksCommittee –easier jo tse, teCommittee !! AXmas toothat ourthe r thjob rsfor much – our u the outset–made the of the Committee o h t a t i c e is h eternal thanks go to numerous v h e numthanks rs aaeasier deelp ras a e ie 550everything you could want present d m e n s r d that much – our eternal go a b o eternal thanks go to the numerous e e u t m f s s e o a u s r h t e n o c u , the y girteachers and and many girls who o dparents, ear teachers njo myufound; mthe in parents, nuurnumerous gteachers able tehparents, thewas atebe winexpensive and ls many who there from Urban Outfitters ndhamazingly thto hogirls eto o a v e f e e t t e o n w c t helped before, during and after this most t r i t h many girls who helped before, during . t o h m ls ic o is ir T m g e g h helped before, during and after this most m e f CoRoom,thwhich o o r s y e s r k n buzzing from the early the so Fair, via the Hall that tenjoyable an evwas m and after this most event. tofwas as sohours sevent. asenjoyable ow There much m esryathnind mXa pth reissevent. enjoyable Therem was so much u ernal awash r e r c e g n etwas h e h t t s f y c o a gifts galore, through the– practically u cchoice h–presents tea wwith for – practically prto as rtin ouwas ucXmas acpresents m ld tfor hegreantodchoice icaXmas There much choice owsoXmas rents , sfor a lly u n d pa s t , a a e r b s w R e o peace and another room (aka everything want as a present y everything a could oomof llyou utfitters ef calm you could as fclothing re everything pwant ounr–a a presents practically youa present b e O r e ic h , d t s n T d w c e e a ; h n lp ich w f be t from rbinexpensive e p there hG3) mpresent at e Uamazingly vweanst.aw woollen as– asro aand therethe thbe was found; Urban there to from Outfitters ll thUrban tscould eluxury sivthe ainexpensive that bgoods nfound; namazingly uwant enwas le eoffered eto awas H e z s s m b z e p e e a a a r in r h x y s t z p p e g h in jo in f ia a s g to be found; from the amazingly w r v o ly a en it s p m , ly Room, which was buzzing from the early hours of the Fair, via the Hall that h m a e ir in g which was from the hours of the Fair, via th thefilled X acewhole t gRoom, in ninexpensive ifts floor xp a scarves. ground was azOutfitters ebuzzing e Fea au for The ensearly w arsRoom, hwhich nld m geaUrban t d e ly a f iv lo c ic o h e a r o o o e lm h h t c r was awash with gifts galore, through to the u U , G c u r r t s 3 u o h b o was awash with gifts galore, through to the m ) f o r a o h o o a n Outf f th F thatand ugBar fr buzzing notherfrom ly the early hours rNail ; was h clothing with Xmas fun. The aof ing ycheer o ndgood to ofththe itters air, v(aka e ce and another room e (aka lothat thcalm e clothing t dFair, h ia e m everyth escto arvbees. foufferepeace in peace and calm of another room h o via the Hall was awash w t t r g h f o e r o o t o g H ll o e in a r m h n z T ll e g was busy from start to finish, the Café filled to (aka goods G3) that that offered goods and luxury that roguooffered othrough with galore, to the ithh Xwmas buhze w dwoollen ho s an G3) and luxury was th w kalu lergifts eg, rtoh adwoollen (clothing as chtbeautifully lo ic a m h g o u scarves. The whole ground floor was filled w o x peace and calm of another n r s , u e d capacity offering home-made ry r anscarves. floor whole ing The ground floor was filled thG3) Room wsahs bwuitshy frgoif ewith wxwoollen glo c(aka ausryffun. oo rdXmas room thatnoffered cheer and good The Nail Bar lu e d h il m t a d f le u o c w n s d n a a a . t fayre, washed down with a choice of drinks. pacitlym of a agoods Oliver rt with Thtoe finish, cheer and good fun.filled ThetoNail Bar dhs start tbusy o gand o luxury scarves. was oXmas fin N the Café Compa filaleildB isfrom offer inowas ca nwas s dthe , e a a n ll t f h a r a w ny toostage e y g o r e r e C An Ftook busy from start to finish, the Café filled to c w any centre in Hall and attracted a great deal o , weare abeautifully buenadutiffoffering lo féilfilB r ded capacity k ecaentr home-made p H S Ch sh lea f f d u a o o ll t r e o d The whole ground floor was filled N y t g r o s a is e w tage in without dhristmas tmasnot h ho m th same capacity offering beautifully home-made le fayre, nour Paneto would Town down with of drinks. witwashed Xmas ele-the ochoice hvery Gw3and uan.cstart m ffrom heh oH o) ube e tw daatCafé cheer good fun. Nail Bar was busy to finish, nwith hThe d ne CXmas d ld T o il e h f o a o n ll . ic g é o a f eenCakes; s e a t fayre, washed down with a choice of drinks. k a d e Jamie the Hall and great deal nfayre, esOliver ts s till The betook n stage owith C dleft a f dattracted ;have asrvtCompany filled tostill capacity beautifully down choice ahtin r centre we al handful of cakes we will sell sa e. rain ehome-made twashed swceoffering rthat d e athce m , t k a o h e s t c il e m c is d w o s h in e m f it a a were v The ofof interest. An FHS Christmas would be veCompany Jamie Oliver Company stage in Hall the Hall andvery a great deal e tThe mPanetonnes ohnot oustage drinks. Oliver took in the and attracted a own Xmas ogm tcentre reaown X hawithout his a hatook tout! afurltcentre oifuursame trour ith .attracted te d comeerthis but sold nsdtwe wJamie llyvSteve’s yPuddings eleft rthe kasown mFHS m pinterest. l e in o t opterm r r f u y great deal interest. Abu FHS Christmas would not be the same without our very o d u and Panetonne Cakes; still have a handful of cakes that we will sell ularof f a t y f o m sold of An Christmas would not be same without our very own Xmas c e t s he Pan g b akes le oice won Xm , asww b aasstill l oat in h a f e u a r t Xmas Puddings and Panetone Cakes; we still have a handful of cakes left that we will c popular, as was the Bottle and Chocolate Tombolas. The s t t e s e t o f h in f d various events to come this term but the Panetonnes sold out! Steve’s own a n t a h o n t t t came Puddings he fand Panetonne we still have a handful of cakes left that we will sell e yB sitohld otCakes; grweilaSteve’s irsevents citeto tlethisad nesw awmany t c4a avery l sof latXmas at various still come term but the sold out! own o dto odw em esell 5pm uct!eand n s out! Steve’s ll a rfirst cakes were popular, as was theaPanetones Bottle Chocolate Tombolas. The ;various uttioin the 45 minutes, a great disappointment d m a in C S r e t o u h X t t h e r at events still to come this term but the Panetonnes sold own t o s e e v cand asinas ew’sn ow ns to Xmas cakesnwere very e popular, were the Bottle Tombolas. olaChocolate d , the w n e a o , x a t e g t y ll r r r y T e n t Lucky Jar Room sold out first 45 minutes, a great disappointment to many of y a h e e l o a l a e Racakes a H v f m t e r d s r b e p is er; moreXmas next year please…!! There were some extremely l olaand very as awas the Bottle Chocolate Tombolas. The il ou ffle, wwere w s.e were toin spopular, eth eleain …first T gout hopupplease…!! tmedisappointment heich htoemany tw the who came There some !! next itryear taalater; agreat w s T45hfirst h t n Thegirls Lucky Jar Room sold inmore the minutes, a great of extremely n t t e e f r w t t ls o e m e l o n Lucky Jar Room sold out in the 45 minutes, a disappointment to many of o a r the Raffle, which also proved very popular. As if this wasn’t enough, we enough, were then m e ecdonations gucame ekreessproved rso epnext larlylater; ye’s vyear generous to Raffle, which very As if this wasn’t we were then cwaalso ed fplease…!! taenvpopular. ofgenerous ookwho the more There were some extremely te bthe tgirls f o S o o m y v e n l ! n e n e t u e r a t u y ld h e p d o rtaa girlsC who camewhich later; more next year please…!! There were some extremely umRaffle, x tPink Trenditions nregularly p oentertained hto o a r in ld e regularly by Pink Ladies whose jazzy of the traditional w r p . h o is donations the also proved very popular. As if this wasn’t enough, we m e entertained by Ladies whose jazzy renditions of the traditional Com the u s s d t s la e la a ly s r e o by tP aisll hsa . AT e nnkwhich is tmthen rwere s oifmtbthe oin ov f a very hgenerous nto o t e donations the Raffle, also proved popular. As if this wasn’t enough, M;aregularly g C entertained by Pink Ladies whose jazzy renditions ofvery the traditional s n e s y L t h a then we Christmas songs turned Fair into authentic European e n r a S is k la t P a d u w e Christmas songs turned the Fair into a very authentic European Christmas H o ie t. masinto w csongs F ere Christmas s s wturned he rned regularly o t o e w t h k t n t C h a u ’t e t n Christmas the Fair h o b C w d e e s e Pink Ladies lynoughwhose al the m e jaby Fair pentertained an ne e h, renditions ter m zeChristmas ugjazzy otointaEuropean tleMarket. itionof eem zx t o r p is , y d in t o n h a w t r e B r a a very authentic aneton Market. t e t is n e e ’ e d d w e n a very itio ssinto e f tthhe songs the isFair European at em eMarket. ry auth as t h o com The, aCsom grChristmas wm of tithio re svoturned n C hristmas ejoins ntsra roeauthentic thntic wanyou , aThe w s e if e it r e s s till t opucla t e t d e r s u Committee me in thanking all for n e e n o A e n i h r d ming, 45 m joins …Market. yuropean Euroitpioenaal r. ry p h Committee jazzE me !!inT for ecoming, pulame first for spaerjoins asme pojoins thanking you all sefor spending your hard-earned money e le o y ere ve uThe h p r e h nticandC hristmas n t The Committee in thanking you lp e t d w h v n in in a i nkingLad ies g yoro g seuxpt pye t d support utheselects. e a o v y u r ld r helping the worthy causes the school y p o e n o all coming, your omoney hhard-earned r t elswo yourThe vhardk for spending Tmhoerre ujoins afor coming, for spending and Committee in thanking you all for a ms Pain -e e is or thThere rnedmore fme brdynothing or than inatllo support ichtha nowthhin er ; tim t d y earned money and helping the giving of one’s ir e is rewarding la a c m in , F a e o a u le g t n f r s f nd e the coming, for spending your hard-earned money and ey selects. m esd causes e aa h helping support the causes the school selects. te t c am oworthy n R r t a e h e n e e worthy school There e d r h e ly s n t r time dedication rand chool sto helping those much less uin arthelping o fortun regudla edicatio ngw t d s s n g support the worthy causes the school selects. e io leof tthan is nothing rewarding giving hathan There isatenothing giving cthan at tour nmore sone’s s nso torewarding . girls. for fortunate ourselves and givin thrais armore h ll m n t e a g lp o u in o of one’s time and dedication to helping u h There more than giving of one’s f onerewarding selves to helping g tishonothing C dedication yo g ourselves time those less sless in’s and othose e fortunate nd athose nkthan mu We aand ahmuch much y h t u e k et . c r r n time and dedication to helping a g ll wisM o in ir le We all wish you a very Merry Christmas and m ls s e . s h d m . much less and ourgirls. girls. youourselves fortunate and our ne and oursegirls. tasHappy, r s Peacef than c a in a e le jo v d e r fortunate than ourselves rymM a New Year. and uBlessed ul and iteterPeaceful c hool rey Chin yo ryouh a very B e sChristmas oem leC e’s h g t s r s is s d t e e d We all wish Merry m n s h Nrew ahsyan T g o f on s pYeea auaand a n s c in iv d o g f t Veryall r We wish you a very Merry Christmas Happy, rebest H . w and aoHappy, and les and a Happy, We all wish Peaceful you a avery MerryNew Christmas Very wishes, haBlessed ing, b es r t th rding tppy ,ose much ischoem oSue a p w Year. p Sue Sil t w s e u r , s Silkstone h Peaceful and Blessed New Year. Blessedt New Year. ing k more and gPeaceful Chair stonehelp is nothin helping ls. Chair o t n tioSilkstone d our gir aSue There dedicVery , an d best Chair n es wishes, a Very best wishes, Happy rselv a u d time o n n a a as Sue Silkstone Sue Silkstonefortunate th Christm y r r e Chair very M Year. Chair F r a n c i s H o l l a n d S c h o y oo l u· an w 1 1 3 h is w d New e s s le We all dB eful an
FAIR
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Parents’ Association News
The Sports Report The Physical Education Department is delighted to announce the overwhelming response to our latest sports tour launch. I can now confirm that we will be touring to the southernmost tip of Africa in a bid to gain many triumphs over these sporting giants. South Africa 2010 will be the ultimate sports tour and I am very pleased to be able to share the experience with so many girls.
Congratulations to so many girls completing their Bronze and Silver awards. It is a big accomplishment and you should all be very proud of your efforts. Bronze Alice Pullen Michaela Chweidan Tanysha Garcia Sophie Bernberg Jessica Boyall Tessa Pereira Daisy Startup Leona Mehra Kate Emlyn-Jones Ophelia Hirst Becky Lumley Serena Reidy Thea Waxman Silver Jessica Pinkus Erica Seal Sophie Millns Congratulations also to all of the Bronze candidates this year. They all passed their expedition with flying colours and now need to get cracking with their other sections. The Silver award starts next May!! Important Dates 2010 Bronze: for the current UIV – more information to follow in 2010. Training: 25th May, 15th, 23rd, 28th June and 14th September Practice Expedition: 25th – 26th September Assessment Expedition: 9th – 10th October Silver: no expedition training necessary! Practice Expedition: 1st – 3rd May Assessment Expedition: 29th–31st May Gold: four expedition training sessions at school 4-6pm in the Lecture Theatre. Training: 1st, 9th, 15th and 25th March Practice Expedition: 12th – 16th July Assessment Expedition: 23rd – 27th August Miss Mahieu P.E. Department
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I am also happy to announce the new FHS Ski team! Each year a team of 3 girls is picked to represent Francis Holland at the British Schoolgirls Races (ski competition) to be held in Flaine, France this January. Good luck to Anastasia Catsiapis (IIIM), Ciara Bodicoat (LIVS) and Olivia Willis (LIVS) in their endeavour to become the next British Champ! Good luck also to Pamela Johnston, who will also be at the races, but competing for the DHO team. The next major event on the PE calendar, though, is the annual Interform Hockey tournament. Forms will put forward two Hockey teams into a round robin competition to be held throughout the penultimate week of term. The winning form will receive a commemorative shield and there is also a ‘best and fairest’ medal for an individual in each year. More details will be put on the website closer to the competition. By now all parents should have received a fixture list if their daughter is a member of a school team. This list (which can also be found on the school website) gives a comprehensive fixture agenda for the Autumn term, and I am hoping that parents might be able to organise their time to come out and watch their daughters play – please! There is also an address list of all of the schools we play online. Middlesex Netball Tournaments are here again with the Senior & u16 teams and the u15 & u14 teams playing in November. Also this year we have entered into the u13 Highgate tournament. Results can be found on the website for all fixtures and tournaments; just follow the fixtures link. A reminder again for parents: please name your daughter’s PE kit. Lost property is looking too healthy at the moment with unnamed kit, so please put full names on the insides of garments and initials on the left side of all PE kit. Labels can be purchased from www.jjcash.co.uk at 12 for £9.50. They are extra wide tapes with a white background and black writing that look very smart. Also do encourage your daughters to always lock their lockers! Planning ahead to the Spring term, there is a bevy of events happening for the PE department. Please do try and come along to support your daughters and school for these fantastic events: Spring dates to note: Fri 22nd Jan III & LIV Dance Workshop FHS (in lessons) Sat 23rd- Wed 27th Jan
British Schoolgirls’ Ski Races Flaine, France
Wed tbc u12 & u13 Middlesex Netball Tournament Lady Eleanor Holles School Sun tbc Middlesex Gymnastics Meeting Lady Eleanor Holles School Fri 12th Mar
Gym and Dance Display 5pm FHS Hall
Tue 30 Mar Interform Netball Competition Regent’s Park Miss Tucker Head of PE Department
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Royal Parks 3K PULSE RUN – 11th October 2009 In conjunction with the Royal Parks half marathon, the first 3K Pulse run was held for children aged 11 to 16. Fourteen FHS students participated in the event after having spent the last couple of months training around Regent’s Park. It was a great day and girls of any fitness level were able to compete and feel the atmosphere of a ‘fun run’. The girls were running for the ‘Right to Play’ charity and raised £370 through a cake sale, raffle and from donations. Many thanks to all parents and girls who contributed, the money has gone to a very worthy cause. Running Club is every Wednesday at 12.50 – start training for next year! Ms Mahieu and Mr. Clayton
Nina Gharbi and Ella Marshall complete the 3K Pulse Charity Run
Isabelle Foss, Zoe Silkstone, Amy Shinder, Becky Lumley, Alice Lumley, Holly Fairgrieve, Olivia Willis
During half term the playground was covered with Astroturf, giving the girls a much improved surface on which to practise their hockey and netball. F r a n c i s
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Touch Typing
MyDaughter website (www.mydaughter.co.uk) is the first website dedicated to providing information, expert opinion and lively debate on all aspects of raising and educating happy and fulfilled girls. It was launched by the Girls’ Schools Association and provides specialist advice and guidance on parenting a daughter, not just in terms of key information about schools, but also with interesting and topical news content in their monthly MyDaughter Newsletter.
Ten pupils from the Thirds to the Lower Fifth, and Mrs. Forde, have successfully completed a touch typing course which is held after school on Wednesday from 4:15 – 5:15pm. The girls enjoyed being taught, and they would recommend it to other pupils, as it has been a valuable skill to learn and will no doubt come in useful when they are doing homework.
All FHS parents are encouraged to visit the website and register for the (free!) monthly newsletter. MyDaughter.co.uk is the first website that offers advice specifically for parents of daughters - both mothers and fathers. MyDaughter aims to provide information, support and expert opinion on all aspects of raising and educating happy, fulfilled girls, including issues such as internet safety, body image, drugs and alcohol, education choices and career aspirations.
If you would like your daughter to enrol on the next course please return the sheet that will be sent home with the reports; parents are very welcome to join if there are spaces available.
Mrs. McKinley Marketing Manager
New Donations to the Library
Senior Debating Club This has been a very busy term for Senior Debating. On Saturday November 7th, Art Ward, who has represented Britain at the World University Debate Championships, ran an engaging workshop on the skills of argument. Twentyfive senior girls attended and it was a hugely enjoyable morning.
We are most grateful for all books donated to the Francis Holland School Library. A signed copy of Cycling Home from Siberia by Rob Lilwall has been kindly donated by Anthea Grainger. This is an account of a three-and-a-half year, 30 000 mile journey from Siberia home to England, via countries as diverse as Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, Afghanistan and Australia. It should prove to be an inspiring read for aspiring FHS adventurers! We have also received a copy of Women of Ideas edited by Anita Avramides. This has come from St. Hilda’s College, Oxford and is a collection of essays by women who have gained outstanding distinction in their areas of study. It covers subject areas ranging from moral philosophy to theoretical physics and will no doubt also be an inspiration for the girls. Mrs. McGinlay School Librarian
A number of Upper Fifth girls have also debated in competitions with other schools. In September, Raffy Elliston, Megan Fletcher, Natasha Holmes and Sophie de Beistegui travelled to Newcastle for the day to compete in the Northern Junior Debate Championships. The girls debated extremely well and learnt a great deal from the experience. Alice Pullen and Samar Ahmed also represented Francis Holland at the English Speaking Union debating competition, and won the first round of this event in early November; congratulations to the girls on this considerable achievement. Miss Bacon History and Politics Department
Future Dates for your Diary 2nd, 3rd, 4th Dec The Merchant of Venice Mon 7th Dec GCSE Mock Art Examinations all week Wed 9th Dec Senior Chamber Choir perform carols for charity at Lansdowne Club
Summer Camp 2010 Applications to join the Summer Camp 2010 Team will open before the end of term. Girls in the Upper Fifth and Lower Sixth who are interested in volunteering for the camp should collect an application from Mr Chiverton. The deadline for applications will be Friday 8th January 2010.
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F r a n c i s
Tue 15th Dec School Carol Service at St. Cyprian's Thu 17th Dec
End of term
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G A T E
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Tue 5th Jan Spring Term begins
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Mon 4th Jan Staff Meetings and INSET Day No pupils required in school
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