Alumni Newsletter - Summer 2020

Beyond THE MANOR

July 2020 – Issue 2

Welcome to Issue 2 of Beyond the Manor, the termly newsletter featuring news and views from the Manor House School Alumni community.

This term has been an unusual one for all associated with Manor House for obvious reasons, however the power of our school community has shone through. In this issue, we celebrate the hard work, creativity and generosity of many.

We bring you interviews with former Head, Alison Morris, (pictured right, celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee at Manor House in 2002) and we’re given a fascinating insight into a sixteen-year long career with the BBC by MHOG, Zoe Triantafillou.

We share a day in the life of two virtual classrooms during lockdown, brought to us by the English and Science departments.

Sadly, due to the current social distancing measures, our Centenary Heritage Picnic on 12 September has been postponed. We look forward to sharing new plans with you as they take shape.

Remember to send us your news, weddings, births, obituaries, business, travel adventures, social or charitable projects. A photo is a must too!

It is your news that keeps the Manor House Alumni Community connected and helps to inspire the next generation of Manor House School pupils.

BEYOND THE MANOR

July 2020 – Issue 2

Manor House Leaders Alison Morris In early May, we caught up with Alison Morris, former Head of Manor House School, for a virtual chat and walk down memory lane.

Mrs Morris was Headmistress for eight years, initially joining in 1982 to teach Maths. She went on to be Director of Studies, then Deputy Head to Mrs Mendes, and became Head herself in 2000.

Her tenure saw many changes, including the introduction of email, the launch of a new logo and the school’s first website. It was also during her Headship that Manor House was named ‘Best Small School’ in 2007 by The Times newspaper.

Tell us about becoming Head in 2000?

I’d been at Manor House for 18 years, most recently as Deputy to Mrs Mendes. When I was interviewed by the school Governors for the role of Head, I remember being asked why I wanted to be the Head of a school. I said “I don’t! I want to be Head of Manor House.” I wanted to serve this school in particular; I had plans and visions for its future.

What are you particularly proud of?

Manor House Leaders

There were the external achievements, such as sporting triumphs, and then Manor House was included in the Good School’s Guide in 2003, which I was thrilled about, as you can only be invited on the recommendation of parents.

And of course, I was delighted when we were awarded Best Small School in 2007. This was down to our fantastic GCSE results in the years leading up to it. We’d always been known as an outstanding performing arts school with

Mrs Morris enjoying a recent painting holiday in Provence

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excellent pastoral care, but this demonstrated to parents that Manor House also delivered a high standard of education across the core academic subjects.

On a personal level, I was always very proud of the school’s history of charity fundraising and that the girls themselves had a strong sense of social responsibility. I vividly remember the huge queue of girls that formed outside my office the first day back after the Tsunami in Asia (2004), each with a different fundraising idea to help those in need.

“I remember being asked why I wanted to be the Head of a school. I said “I don’t!

I want to be Head of Manor House.”

BEYOND THE MANOR

July 2020 – Issue 2

Manor House Leaders Alison Morris What did you do before and after Manor House?

After Manor House, I stayed in education. I became a Governor at Prior’s Field School, Longacre School and Westonbirt and I worked as an Independent School Inspector. I also launched and ran an online forum called “My Daughter” from 2005-2015, which provided advice, both educational and pastoral, for parents of girls, as part of the Girls’ Schools Association website.

We were approached by a publisher and the resulting book brought together advice from the website over the years. It was published in 2010 with a foreword from Jamie Oliver, which was lovely and gave it some great attention.

Before Manor House, I’d worked in Market Research in London and taught in a large comprehensive girls’ school in Wandsworth, which was very different to Manor House!

What are you up to these days?

Two of my passions these days are painting. I recently enjoyed a painting holiday in the south of France, and riding. I volunteer with my local branch of Riding for the Disabled, combining my love of horses and children.

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It was published in 2010 with a foreword from Jamie Oliver, which was lovely and gave it some great attention.

My 10-year old springer spaniel, Gertie, also keeps me busy. She loves nothing more than covering herself in mud at every opportunity! And I have four grandchildren - I live near one of my daughters here in the north Cotswolds. My younger daughter still lives in Surrey.

What changed at Manor House during your time?

Manor House Leaders

I’d come from a Marketing background in London, which proved to be helpful at Manor House where you wear so many different hats as Head. I remember increasing our marketing and changing our logo. The historical logo was beautiful but difficult to replicate on merchandise and posters due to the intricate illustration of the Manor House. In my very first term we introduced email and the school’s first website!

In terms of the buildings themselves, EGH and Mason Block were built during my time as Maths teacher, followed by the Prep, Nursery and Art blocks under my Headship.

I was always passionate about residential trips for the opportunities to team build, learn to be more independent and to have fun! By the time I left, most year groups had a residential in the school calendar.

Gertie the Springer Spaniel

BEYOND THE MANOR

July 2020 – Issue 2

Manor House Leaders Alison Morris Are you in touch with anyone from your MHS days?

Yes, very much so. With Valerie Alcott, my (then) PA, who still lives in Fetcham. Also Viv Kyte, Chriz Poultney and Cathy Williamson who was my Deputy for several years. And Teresa Williams and Trevor Pratt (who both taught at Manor House during my time). I worked with Trevor at Prior’s Field when I was a Governor there. And until I moved to the Cotswolds a couple of years ago, I lived across a field from Shelagh Roberts.

What advice did you give to Manor House girls?

Assemblies were always an important time, when we came together to start the day. It was an opportunity to get the girls to consider their values and what’s really important. Sometimes I would read from Harry Potter or Winnie the Pooh with their timeless messages about being true to your friends, standing up for what is right and being kind.

And I always advised the older girls who were thinking about their future plans, to follow their passion. You’re much more likely to succeed and be happy if you’re doing what you love, as I have.

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I remember wanting it to be a grand occasion, I imagined holding a banquet in true Hogwarts style Queen’s Jubilee Banquet at Manor House, 2002

Manor House Leaders

What events or memories stick in your mind?

So many to choose from…the Queen’s Jubilee in 2002 stands out. We had the girls and teachers make tiles (which are still on display on the first floor landing in the main house). I remember wanting it to be a grand occasion, I imagined holding a banquet in true Hogwarts style, with Union Jack bunting and long tables and benches organised in Houses. I remember going to the bursar and selling my vision! We all dressed up and I wore a crown which Teresa Williams found for me. Her daughters were with her at the banquet, and as they were leaving, Teresa told them that they were going home to watch the Queen on TV, but her younger daughter replied “but I’ve actually met her today!” pointing towards me.

I enjoyed many great residential trips. PGL activity holidays to Wales and Devon with Chris Poultney and Viv Kyte when the girls threw buckets of muddy water over me on the assault course…every year! And ski trips to Italy, Austria and the US. Anyone who came on these will remember the famous Magic Bag! In 2005, Sebastien Coe gave the Prize Giving speech, he was Godfather to one of our girls, and the following day it was announced that London had won the Olympic bid. It sticks in my mind as It made the whole school feel very personally associated with the Olympics that year, that Manor House had somehow been involved in winning the bid You could hear the cheers echoing through the corridors!

BEYOND THE MANOR

July 2020 – Issue 2

Manor House Community Wall Busola Ogunnaike (1993-96), Class of 2001.

Working in Public Health and pursuing a PhD. Living in South Carolina, USA.

Liz Landon taught French & Latin from 1990 to 2009.

Liz lives in Chessington and managed to catch the Manor House Junior Choir performing at Polesden Lacy the day before the lockdown began!

Manor House Community

Ann Deutsche-Berg (1970-72). Class of 1974.

Based in Seattle, USA working as a Trial Lawyer. And attended a Manor House boarders Christmas lunch last year – “I’m looking forward to getting back in touch.

Fond memories!”

Jenny Dewing (1996-2006). Class of 2006.

Now a Postdoctoral Research Scientist working at Southampton General Hospital. carrying out laboratory research into the causes and treatment for a rare eye disease.

Laura Jamieson. Class of 2012. Both Laura and her sister Lucy attended Manor House starting as juniors through to the age of 16, leaving in 2012 and 2014 respectively.

Laura Jamieson was recently interviewed on Irish TV, talking about her work as Guest Services Manager at Ashford Castle in Ireland. Laura has been living at the 5* hotel during the lockdown as a custodian.

What ’s the collective noun for a group of M anor House teachers circa 1975?

Thank you to everyon e who helped put names to faces Mrs Thompson, Mrs W heeler, Miss Meritt, Miss Green, M iss Grubb, Mr Bhalod ia, Mrs Mendes, Mrs Findlay, Miss Wh ite, Miss Pettigrew, M rs Wielding, Miss Merritt, Mrs Perris, M rs Patterson, Mrs Hoo per-Smith, Miss Edsell, Miss Lockhart.

BEYOND THE MANOR

July 2020 – Issue 2

Manor House Life in Lockdown A Virtual Classroom

Manor House School was fortunate to be able to adapt quickly to lessons in lockdown due to a quick response from the staff as well as the availability of existing school technology which lent itself well to the creation of virtual classrooms.

All Manor House girls have the use a personal iPad in normal circumstances for both classroom and home learning. These proved invaluable as teachers taught live lessons from their own homes using Microsoft Teams and a number of other platforms for supporting material.

We’re grateful to Mrs Roberts and Mrs Waterhouse for creating the following two diaries for this newsletter, giving us an insight into their virtual classrooms. Thank you also to Mrs Harman for sharing a selection of her Music assemblies with us. The links below can be copied into your Internet Brower to access them on Vimeo.

Friendship https://vimeo.com/425621917/2f615d28dd Church: https://vimeo.com/429431546/545657a56a Eurovision: https://vimeo.com/420997793/2eb043ea12 1940s/VE day: https://vimeo.com/418211536/1e6801192d

Science Lesson with Mrs Waterhouse

Manor House Life in Lockdown

Science from home certainly has been an interesting challenge for us all.

Thankfully the girls have embraced the changes incredibly well and continue To engage amazingly. As we have consistently used Schoolbase and Showbie software in school to share resources, there was a pretty seamless transition to using them at home. This allowed us time to develop our virtual communication skills using Teams software. Thanks to clear guidance shared with staff and students alike, troubleshooting was rapid and live lessons were achieved from the start. As we reached the end of the half term, it felt unbelievable how much we had all learnt and adapted.

The ability to carry out Practicals is the most obvious restriction in Science. However, we have tried to bring in a few where we can. Some of the Year 11 Biologists were sent on an Ecology field study into their gardens, meanwhile others investigated the content of their fridges to look at the food miles of different foods and calculate carbon footprints. Year 10 were given the task of gathering reaction time data from their family using the ruler drop test. Year 8 Physicists, who are studying space, used Oreo biscuits to create the phases of the moon. The biweekly MHS Science Shorts videos on our social media feeds have also helped bring Science into the home.

Our aim has been to maintain variation in the lessons so the pupils have the best experience possible at this unusual time. Technology has been really helpful, using live segments to introduce new concepts and explain the key points or online quizzes to assess understanding.

To moderate screen time however, larger independent tasks have been set to broaden their base knowledge, followed by focused discussion sessions. These different approaches have aimed to continue the positive learning environment we see in school. I am looking forward to getting back and seeing the girls face to face but feel confident and reassured that the hard work of the girls and collaborative methods we have been using have ensured their learning has continued to progress despite these very different circumstances.

BEYOND THE MANOR

July 2020 – Issue 2

Manor House Life in Lockdown A Virtual Classroom English Lesson with Mrs Roberts Teaching English virtually has been helped by the resources made available by the RSC and the National Theatre. I had booked to take my Year 10 class to the Globe in July to see their GCSE Shakespeare text, Romeo and Juliet.

Unfortunately, this trip will no longer happen but instead as a result of the Globe’s free streaming on YouTube and the wonders of Teams we have still spent our lessons at the Globe with the added bonus of me being able to pause the actors and discuss their delivery of lines, costume choices and interaction with other characters with my class.

Sadly, my Year 11 class didn’t get to show their GCSE examiners their amazing knowledge of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein but instead courtesy of the National Theatre streaming of Danny Boyle’s award-winning production we had a Teams viewing along with popcorn whilst sitting in the comfort of our own homes.

Manor House Life in Lockdown

Years 7 and 8 have been studying poetry since Lockdown so I was keen to give them a poetic voice to express how they were feeling during this time and give them some time away from their screens. This resulted in the Poetry Project Competition judged by Ms Fantham and Mrs Evans. The winners are to receive prizes through the post as the arrival of a postman can often be a highlight for many of us during this time. A poetry anthology is also being created so that the wider Manor House community can read their wonderful work.

Year 9 classes have been studying dystopian literature which suddenly seemed far more relatable to the girls and has resulted in the creation of some wonderful dystopian short stories. Many of them being based upon being locked in due to a mysterious virus. We have enjoyed watching trailers for 'The Hunger Games', 'Noughts and Crosses' and reading short stories together.

I have been so impressed by the resilience and adaptability of all the girls I teach. Moving to a virtual world has not fazed them and they have been focused and have continued to learn. However, I miss interacting with them and look forward to seeing them all back together in my non virtual classroom.

BEYOND THE MANOR

July 2020 – Issue 2

Manor House Life in Lockdown Poetry Challenge – Year 7 1st Place - Pandemic Poem

by Isabelle B Where would there be hope without fear, The incessant voice in your ear Health without sickness, a virus within us Calm without anger, like a piercing dagger Where would there be life without death?

Manor House Life in Lockdown

Taking out all of one's strength Where would there be heroes without villains?

Or unity without being apart?

We must thank the people who are risking their lives No matter their age, no matter their size, So in times like these when hope is lost We must all help each other no matter the cost.

And next time you’re bored in quarantine Think of the lives you’re saving just by keeping clean 3rd Place - Everyday around the world

by Flora Everywhere around the world Even in the smallest places There’s a big frown forming on everyone’s faces But it’s not all bad Because our planet is healing Every tree every river Is having an incredible feeling Staying at home we’re saving lives We’re protecting the NHS So we can all survive This is hard feeling So when we all amend Soon so very soon This whole thing will end.

2nd Place - Beyond My Window

by Charlotte I’m looking out of my window, It’s not safe to go outside, The virus is around the corner, It’s better just to hide.

While we’re shut up in our houses, A silent world goes by, The trees in the field are growing, Their branches reaching to the sky.

Because we are not driving, And the roads are empty and still, Nature is thriving more, Through the valley and down the hill.

The gift that has been given, To help us through these times, The birds that swoop and sing, And the jingle of wind chimes.

And beyond my window, I have noticed so much more, I watch the flowers growing, And the red mites dive and soar.

So although these times are difficult, Nature has found a way, To bring us all together, And lighten a dark day.

BEYOND THE MANOR

July 2020 – Issue 2

Manor House School News February Open Morning Our February Open morning for prospective parents was very well attended, so much so that staff at the back of the Hall could be seen quietly passing down extra chairs as Ms Fantham was starting her welcome presentation.

Head and Deputy Head Girls, Chelsea and Rosie, were also on hand to give an account of their Manor House experiences.

Sports News Although the Spring and Summer terms saw the cancellation of all sporting competitions, the Autumn term saw our U13 football team reach the 3rd round of the ‘Sisters in Sport’ cup and our U11 team took part in an event hosted by the Chelsea FC foundation, coming 3rd in a local tournament. Whilst football was being played at Manor House throughout the previous academic year, 2019/20 was our first competitive season.

In addition, out U16 netball team also reached the 3rd round of the plate in the ‘Sisters in Sport’ cup as well as the Surrey netball finals, which is a huge achievement.

Manor House in Bloom!

Manor House School News

A handful of staff remained onsite during the lockdown, we’re grateful to them for capturing some of the beautiful planting across the grounds

Supporting local & national fundraising Manor House School has ties with many community groups, sporting associations, as well as local and national charities, to whom we offer the free or discounted use of school facilities throughout the year to assist in their hosting of events and fundraisers.

Due to obvious restrictions this term, all bookings have been pushed back to next term or into 2021. Listed below are many of the organisations and charities we are proud to support in this way.

• • • • • • • • •

All Saints Church Little Bookham Riding For The Disabled (Bookham & East Horsley) Heritage Open Day (Mole Valley Council) Bookham Open gardens day Southern Circle (Jane Austin Society) Bookham Choral Society The Rose Theatre Kingston Action Theatre Club (local children`s theatre coach) The National Trust

• • • • • • • • •

Youth Rugby RNLI Bookham Belles WI - Netball The Grange - Disability Support Organisation First Stride Events – Triathlon Mac Millian Breakfast Sound Bytes Choir Surrey League Netball Tournaments Surrey Youth Games Netball Tournaments

BEYOND THE MANOR

July 2020 – Issue 2

MHOG Q&A Busola Ogunnaike When did you join and leave Manor House?

I joined in 1993 and left in July 1996 at the age of 11 when my family moved back to Nigeria.

Where did you study after leaving Manor House? What did you study?

My secondary education was at Olashore International School in Nigeria.

For my Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, I attended the University of Texas at Austin. In addition, I completed a Masters of Public Health degree from Emory University in Atlanta Georgia.

On Campus at the University of South Carolina

What memories stand out from your Manor House days?

I remember Mrs Mendes the Headmistress, her hair was always neatly done! I always thought she looked a bit intimidating but whenever I spoke with her she was so nice. Also Mrs Gaye, I think she was an English teacher. She was always approachable and had a smile on her face. I believe my love of writing started at Manor House, learning how to write an outline for essays stands out! The year I left Manor House and moved to Nigeria, I won an award for the best essay in my year. The speech and drama classes I took at Manor House also laid a good foundation for public speaking for me.

Two school trips stand out – a trip to Wales and camping activity trip called PGL. I remember PGL because the unofficial meaning of the acronym was “Parents Get Lost”. Funny that I still remember that, at least I think that is what I and my friends called it. It was one of the first overnight trips I had done with classmates and without my parents – it was fun.

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I also have good memories of tennis lessons, sports day where I participated in the 50m sprint and cooking classes where I made cookies and upside-down pineapple cake. And sweet memories of yummy puddings such as pears and chocolate sauce!

Tell us a little about your work?

I’m currently pursuing a PhD in Public Health while conducting research related to tobacco control and writing research manuscripts. I am a full-time student and graduate assistant at the University of South Carolina.

What was your path to the work you’re doing now?

I believe my love writing started at Manor House, learning how to write an outline for essays stands out!

A career counsellor in my university introduced me to the field of Public Health. I was always interested in improving the lives of others, particularly in low and middle-income countries. I enjoyed Biology and Science classes and was encouraged by family and friends to pursue a career in medicine. However I was drawn to Public Health which is focused on the prevention of diseases on a population scale as opposed to treating diseases on an individual level.

After completing my degree, and whilst pursuing my Masters in Public Health, I was an intern at the World Health. I also gained work experiences in private sector public health companies, NGOs and the Federal Ministry of Health in Nigeria.

BEYOND THE MANOR

July 2020 – Issue 2

MHOG Q&A (cont.)

Busola Ogunnaike What was your path to the work you’re doing now? (cont.)

One of the NGOs I worked with was Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, a Washington DC based organization. I was part of the Africa team of Tobacco Control Advocacy Training facilitators and we visited several countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Botswana and Nigeria to train local tobacco control activists, civil members of society, members of Government and members of the media on best practices to advocate for stronger tobacco control laws in their country. I was interested in being part of this team as I am passionate about tobacco control. Western countries often have stricter policies which are enforced unlike low and middle-income countries.

I also enjoyed meeting the workshop attendees and learning about the unique experiences in each country, and it presented an opportunity to further develop my advocacy and my public speaking skills as I led multiple sessions in the workshops.

A challenge of the program was that we only had 5 days for the workshop and I felt we needed longer, there was so much information to take in. However, it was rewarding at the end to see action plans being developed by the attendees which they would be used to advance tobacco control in their country.

We’re grateful to Busola for also sharing an article she recently wrote, a personal reflection on the Black Lives Matter movement and her experience of living in the United States during these times. The article can be found on https://medium.com/@lara.zuri/coincidence-e911ee912a2b. We have also shared it below.

“I got a reminder on my phone of a picture from “this day last year”. I rarely check those pictures but decided to check it that day. It was a picture from my visit to a plantation last year in South Carolina.

Manor House Q&A

As I looked at the memories of that visit last year, one thing struck me.

Even though a year apart from each other, I had the same feeling on May 27, this year and last year — heaviness, and sadness in my heart.

Coincidence?I have always been interested in learning about the history of Black people. A vivid memory from my childhood is a visit to Elmina Castle in Ghana when I was about 13 years old. Elmina Castle is a place where enslaved Africans were kept before being shipped to the new world, through the “Point of No Return”.

I remember feeling overwhelmingly sad that human beings treated other human beings in such an inhumane manner.

Fast forward, May 27, 2019 I visited a plantation in South Carolina. I had never visited a plantation and I thought it would be an opportunity to increase my knowledge on history of African Americans. I thought it would just be another informational experience for me. I was wrong. I left that visit, with a deeper understanding of the contribution of African Americans to the USA and the challenges they had to overcome in the USA. The ride home with my husband was quiet initially and then a long discussion began in the car. We talked about so many things such as the dangers of a one-sided story, the unequal starting playing field between African Americans and Caucasians in USA, privilege, the legacies of slavery, reparations, and more.

BEYOND THE MANOR

July 2020 – Issue 2

MHOG Q&A (cont.)

Busola Ogunnaike “I also thought about how this story is connected to me, A Nigerian person in the USA. Initially, I didn’t think I had any ties to this history. But the more, I thought about it, the more I began to challenge that thought and realize that there is a connection. I began to feel immense gratitude to all those who fought for civil rights in the USA, to those who fought for equal rights including African Americans. I thought about how I, being a Nigerian am able to cross oceans attend institutions in the USA, that historically didn’t accept Black students and able to freely move around in this country for the most part without harassment and intimidation. I realized our lives are intertwined, — Africans and African Americans (and Black people across the world). However, often times we don’t see ourselves as one. Yes, we have distinct cultures, languages, food, but we also have things in common. One thing we have in common is our color.

Unfortunately, in many parts of the world including the USA our color does not conjure warm fuzzy feelings or joy.

Fast forward to May 27, 2020, the day after I watched the video of George Floyd die in the custody of four policemen in the USA. I was upset. It has become a routine; I see the videos, I get angry, I ask questions, I feel sad for families of the victims , I feel sad for black people in this country, wonder how I am perceived as a black woman in this country, wonder how black men feel as they move in this country. I think about my husband and brothers - Can they jog outside safely, will people view them as threatening simply because of their colour, how will they navigate this system of ingrained institutional racism, how can we stop this? When will this stop? And then sadly life goes on, I move on with my life. Then another incident happens and then the cycle begins.

I want to break that cycle. As an African, a black person living in the USA, I cannot ignore these atrocities on black lives. The death of George Floyd has raised awareness on police brutality and institutional racism. I am still figuring out my contribution to address this battle, but I am reminded that as I pursue my PhD in Public Health, that this degree is not for me. This degree is for the opportunities that would open up to me which will allow me to speak up and enact changes related to health on behalf of those who are forgotten, neglected, deemed not important and in most cases those people look like me.

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I thought about how I, being a Nigerian, am able to cross oceans to attend institutions in the USA, that historically didn’t accept Black students... I realized our lives are intertwined — Africans and African Americans.

I am sure there are many ideas to address institutional racism and increase the value of black lives globally. I do not have the answers, but I have some ideas which include: • Ensure we have representation in leadership roles across all sectors; politics, business, health, education, urban planning, entertainment etc. How do we ensure representation? One way is to vote. Vote in local and national elections for people who can execute the changes we desire in our society. Another way is to equip ourselves with the tools that will enable us to have a seat at the table of decisions. I know it is not easy to gain these tools but those who have been able to do so and are in positions of power should help others acquire these tools.

• Educate and inform others including our Caucasian friends about the harsh realities of being a black person in America. Knowledge is power and increasing this knowledge among the Caucasian population allows them to join us in this fight for equality.

Lastly, I think Black people globally should be united. Let’s remove false barriers and connect with each other, help each other, empower each other, support each other’s businesses etc. United we stand.

I want to leave you with a final thought. Your race, your socio-economic status, your education level, your job title, your country of birth, your home address, is it all a coincidence? Or are you in this unique position to make a difference that only you can, to help others who not only look like you but to help others who don’t look like you. What will you do?”

BEYOND THE MANOR

July 2020 – Issue 2

Manor House Top 10

How to thrive in a Competitive Market 1. Work experience is sometimes more important than standard qualifications and degrees in a

crowded market, “particularly in the media industry, it’s still more about what you have done and building up your contact list.

Qualifications are important (and expected) but employers are looking for what makes you stand out – and for your commitment and enthusiasm.” MHOG Zoe Triantafillou, BBC Sound Engineer & Project Manager.

2. Volunteer volunteer and volunteer! Make a name for yourself in the real world as soon as possible by building up

your professional experience and your network. Volunteer roles and internships pay a low wage or travel expenses, but all have the capacity to demonstrate your personal drive and put you ahead of others in terms of experience. “I did an internship between my second and third years at University - lots of driving between work and Uni. I wasn’t paid for the internship as my degree course wasn’t a sandwich course so it was challenging at times. I also took part in Graduate Fashion Week, I think it all helped when it came to applying for jobs afterwards as people could see what I’d already done in the outside world.” MHOG Ella Seale, Fashion Designer.

3. Don’t be afraid of alternative qualifications and routes to higher education. Recognise your own learning style and pick a course that suit you. You are much more likely to thrive personally and professionally.

4. Cultivate your Emotional Intelligence. A First class degree from Oxford might initially open doors, but they might not stay open. Simply put, employers surround themselves with colleagues who solve problems. If you’re difficult to work with, opportunities will dry up quickly. Be known as the “yes” person, a solution provider, and someone who gets on well with their colleagues. Most people won’t go the extra mile, or if they do, they often expect to be congratulated immediately. It takes time to make a good name for yourself, it takes a minutes to make a bad one. It doesn’t mean being a doormat, but it does mean having a can do attitude towards your work and your colleagues.

5. Watch closely. Being around successful friends and colleagues should be used to its full advantage. Take the time to watch

Manor House School News

them really closely, and clues will surface quickly. Body language, the tone of their voice, how they treat senior and junior colleagues, how they handle people who disagree with them. Human being can be rather self focused, but taking the time to really watch others yields enormous value.

6. Make it about the work, not about you. Let your work drive you, not your ego. Colleagues or a hiring manager will instinctively pick up on which one is guiding you.

7. If you don’t know what you want to do, take a break from education - Understanding your own personal learning style and finding the right course at the right time is important. If you don’t know what you want to do, take a break from education, get a job in the real world and some healthy perspective and next steps will become clearer.

8. Create a culture around you. Introduce a game to play in the office at break times,, or a “Cake Friday” tradition, others will soon follow and see you as team player and someone they want to get to know.

9. Wear something unusual! This applies to an interview, a networking event, starting a new job or securing a new

client. Wearing an unusual necklace or carrying a brightly coloured work bag can work wonders! As small as it sounds, it makes you visually memorable and interesting in a crowed room of black or navy suits. It also acts as a useful conversation starter, a welcome alternative to ”Did you have far to travel” or worse “Lovely day today…..”

10. Slow down and take one step at a time. MHOG Zoe Trianta-fillou says: “It’s great to have a long term plan

but be flexible – it doesn’t always work out the way you think it will and if you are too single-minded you might miss out on amazing opportunities.

BEYOND THE MANOR

July 2020 – Issue 2

Manor House Q&A Zoe Trianta-fillou When did you join and leave Manor House?

I joined Manor House in Year 7 (then known as S1) in 1991 and left after GCSEs in 1996.

Where did you spend your Sixth Form and University years? What did you study?

I went to Epsom College straight after Manor House but lasted about half a term – most of which was spent on the sports pitches or in the music block. From there, I moved to the Howard of Effingham Sixth Form where I lasted about a term before it was noted that I was not actually turning up to any classes. With few options remaining, I found a job to tide me over until the next academic year and searched for an alternative to A Levels.

I knew I wanted to work in the media industry and so enrolled on a BTEC National Diploma in Media Studies at Guildford College. This was a fantastic course – practical, hands-on learning with continuous assessment rather than exams. This did provide a path to university and led to a degree in Media Arts from Royal Holloway, University of London and a Postgraduate diploma in Advertising and Marketing Communications.

Looking back, I learnt by doing rather than absorbing information at that age – I needed to understand a concept or solve a problem in context, not regurgitate facts, at least until I reached university and was more able to learn in a conventional way.

That enforced year out between GCSEs and further education came at the perfect time – I returned to education with a clear idea of what I wanted for the future and to a programme of study to which I was much more suited. By the time I started my National Diploma, I was motivated and much more self-disciplined. I left with a distinction and got a 1st for my degree. I really think that understanding your own personal learning style and finding the right course at the right time are really important. If you don’t know what you want to do, take a break from education, get a job in the real world and get some perspective.

Manor House Q&A

What memories stand out from your Manor House days?

Music was a huge part of my life at Manor House and some of my best memories are from the performances we were lucky enough to take part in.

Back then, the School had a pretty good size brass band and as a trumpet player, I was completely in my element! I remember being invited back to play at the opening of EGH with some rather lovely military trumpeters – and at Guildford Cathedral for what must have been the 80th anniversary celebrations. The opportunities for choral singing were particularly good. We took part in a new work called The Thing from the Planet Zloob at the Fairfield Halls and sung at least twice at the Royal Albert Hall. Carmina Burana will always have a special place in my heart!

In costume for “She stoops to Conquer”, with friends Victoria Bhasin (née Percival) and Lucy Bryce

Residential trips were always a huge highlight at Manor House and I have wonderful memories of the GCSE Geography trip to Swanage; irritating the poor Dorset residents with our questionnaires and making friends with the boys from the

BEYOND THE MANOR

July 2020 – Issue 2

Manor House Q&A Zoe Trianta-fillou

other school staying at the same youth hostel. PGL Hillcrest in my first year and the Art trip to Florence and Perugia in my fourth year were probably my favourite trips - never eaten better pizzas than the ones from the van outside the Uffizi Gallery!

Manor House gave me so many opportunities; academically, musically, and on the stage and sports field. I left at 16 with a huge amount of self-confidence and with performance and leadership skills that are so important in the world of work. Manor House was (and is) a small school where enthusiasm was as important as talent – you didn’t need to be brilliant at something to take part. At a larger school I would certainly never have been able to take such an active role in so many different activities and represent the school in such diverse ways. At Manor House everyone has the opportunity to shine – and the confidence that gives you is priceless. I was able to leave Manor House with a CV packed full of experience – and of course that is what makes you stand out to future schools, universities and the world of employment.

Tell us a little about your work?

I currently work as a Project Manager for BBC News where my team delivers connectivity solutions for newsgathering journalists and crews in the field. Our range of iOS apps, Mobile Journalism kits and broadcast vehicles provide high quality, reliable remote broadcasting. We also provide connectivity solutions and engineering expertise for all the major Outside Broadcast events and sporting fixtures both in the UK and abroad.

Although most events are cancelled this year due to COVID19, our remote broadcasting and connectivity products are very much in demand from journalists adjusting to a new way of working.

What was your path to the job you’re in now?

Manor House Q&A

After leaving university, I took a bit of time to find my perfect media job. I worked in a number of different industries from graphic design and advertising to arts development and technical theatre. Eventually I decided I wanted to work as a Studio Manager (sound engineer) for the BBC and so started volunteering on the Mid-Morning programme at BBC Surrey in early 2004. I got my first proper BBC job a year later working for BBC Learning English as a Broadcast and Online Assistant and, in 2006, I won a place on the Trainee Studio Manager programme - finally landing my dream job! I worked as a Studio Manager and later as a Senior SM in World

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The BBC is a very strange place to work – and you get used to meeting famous people wandering around – I once gave Brian Blessed directions to the radio Drama studio.

BBC studios behind the scenes, Election night 2017

BEYOND THE MANOR

July 2020 – Issue 2

Manor House Q&A Zoe Trianta-fillou Service languages for the next eight years – and I loved every minute of it. I covered some major world events, saw some amazing places and met some incredible people, including David Attenborough in 2012, David Dimbleby and Huw Edwards (working with them on the Election Programmes since 2015), and loads of foreign dignitaries and heads of state.

Meeting the Dalai Lama for an interview in Geneva was definitely a highlight! The BBC is a very strange place to work – and you get used to meeting famous people wandering around – I once gave Brian Blessed directions to the radio Drama studio and had a chat with Michael Rosen as we waited for a lift! It really was a wonderful job but in 2014, with two small children, I felt it was time for a change.

For the last six years I have worked as a Project Manager on a wide variety of BBC News and Engineering Projects – from building studios for the General Election to installing new connectivity at Downing Street, Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. For me, Project Management at the BBC really is the best of both worlds: close enough to the operational action – but with much more flexible working hours!

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Are you still in touch with MHS friends?

I am in touch with quite a few MHS friends (and a couple of teachers) on Facebook – but we are not as good as we should be at actually meeting up. A few of us who still live in the area do manage to catch up in person more regularly but we could do better! I really love that I have MHS friends from years above and below me too – Manor House is quite special in that respect. I don’t know of any other schools where the year groups mixed and made friends in this way.

Meeting the Dalai Lama

What memories of your teachers stand out?

There were many inspirational teachers at Manor House – I discovered a passion for History through Mrs Herriot, and a love of Maths through Mrs Morris.

Manor House Q&A

The then headmistress, Mrs Mendes, probably took the brunt of my bad behaviour and teenage rebellion – there were very few Friday afternoons when I wasn’t in detention in SIII (year 9). I am very grateful for her forbearance.

Miss Macaulay was a brilliant music teacher who ignited my passion for music. She encouraged my trumpet playing and choral singing – both of which I still enjoy today. She opened my eyes to different types of music and her music room was always somewhere I felt I could let off steam – particularly when I was in trouble. I loved most sports and took every opportunity to practice hockey, netball, rounders and athletics.

There were many inspirational teachers at Manor House – I discovered a passion for History through Mrs Herriot (I still have some of her books at home) and a love of Maths through Mrs Morris.

The long-suffering Mrs Plugge somehow managed to control a small but very rowdy boarding house.

And lastly… your favourite app at the moment?

Well, I have to say the BBC News App, right? It is definitely the app I use the most at the moment! I guess my favourite apps would have to be Trello (great for task management), eBay for grabbing a bargain on the go and Headspace for some much needed mindfulness!

BEYOND THE MANOR

July 2020 – Issue 2

Passing it on

Supporting the local Community Hannah, Year 11

Hannah, Year 11.decided she wanted to take action. “A few weeks into the lockdown, I decided that I needed to do something to get Manor House raising money for the NHS. I designed a T shirt logo, including a rainbow which has been a symbol of hope, and the MHS logo. I’m hoping to raise £1,000.

The NHS will feel this pandemic long after it’s over ,so please order and donate as much as you can. Let’s show our appreciation for all the amazing key workers!” Hannah raised £1500 in the end. All additional donations will continue to be passed on directly to the NHS. If you’d like to donate, please contact the school office at admin@manorhouseschool.org and quote Hannah NHS fundraising.

Sophie, Senior school

Senior pupil, Sophie, hadn’t been able to continue her DofE volunteering so decided that she would like to support the #PrincessAliceHospice in Esher by baking and delivering cakes to all the wonderful staff who are working very hard in these difficult circumstances. Cakes were delivered to Jo Reynolds (Clinical Lead Nurse In-Patient Unit) who also happens to be her Aunt! The cakes were very gratefully received by all the staff!

Izzy, Senior school

Passing it on

Bella and Olivia Sisters Bella and Olivia outside their house giving away their cakes celebrating VE day.

Nora, Year 4 Our congratulations to Nora in Year 4 who became an expert at assembling face shields over the Easter break, assembling over 40!

They made their way to a care home in Dorking.

Izzy spent an amazing morning meeting the Countess of Wessex. Izzy was one of many who have been baking as part of the Lavender catering team who are cooking a thousand meals a week