The Hallifordian 2022 - 2023
Autumn
Spring
Summer Highlights page 89
Art Exhibition page 124
House Reports page 148
Old Hallifordians page 156
Foreword
by The Headmaster
Looking through the pages of this wonderful publication, it is a reminder of just what a spectacular year this has been for Halliford School. It has been an absolute joy to have a year where we could operate as usual and, in the process, welcome all members of the Halliford School community back to the site for all the various events that help make our school so special.
There is not a day that goes by where I do not feel immensely privileged to work alongside such a magnificent group of young people. Our students have achieved so much this year, and as you read through the many articles, I hope you will see what a diverse and hugely talented group of young people they are. Of course, none of this is possible without the hard work and dedication of the teaching staff, and our thanks go to each and every one of them for the endless opportunities they offer to our students.
This year marks my sixth as Headmaster, and looking back, the time has quite literally flown by. However, with six years also came the return of the Independent Schools Inspectorate as part of their cycle of routine school inspections. In my first year, the school’s compliance with the Independent Schools Standards was judged, and this year it was a return to the much larger comprehensive Educational Quality and Compliance Inspection.
Every area of school life was examined in forensic detail for four long days. The four-person team of inspectors visited copious lessons, co-curricular activities, break times, lunchtimes, and after school arrangements. They met with nearly half the staff and had seen over two-thirds of the students in meetings of one kind or another by the end of the week. Surveys were completed by students, parents, and staff to help, as they say, ‘triangulate’ the findings of the inspection team.
Whilst being intensely hard work for us all, on reflection, I think we all felt that it was a hugely affirming experience and that our hard work was paying off as we were able to tell our story of the journey we have been on as a school. During the feedback from our excellent Reporting Inspector, there was one phrase he used which he explained could never make it into the inspection report as it didn’t fit into ‘ISI speak’, but one which nevertheless he said the entire inspection team had felt they wanted us to know. Halliford School, he explained is so clearly a community where your students feel so proud to belong, and he explained that the inspection team felt this was because all students felt incredibly safe in the knowledge that they were free to ask questions about anything they wanted, safe in the knowledge that all members of staff would always listen and support them whatever their request might be.
You may know that I joined Halliford School from a background in boarding schools, and I set myself a goal on arrival to see if I could build the same warm and safe community I had enjoyed within a boarding context here at Halliford in a day school. Hearing these words was the affirmation I had waited six long years to hear, and I was so proud of all that we had achieved. I just pray that these are words each and every one of you can attest to.
As you know, the Inspection Report concluded with Halliford School being rated as Excellent in all areas and fully compliant – the very highest judgement that can be achieved. My thanks go to everyone involved in this gruelling process, and I hope that you will all share in the pride that we feel as a school in this magnificent result.
We now move forward to build on this amazingly strong foundation. As we look ahead, the school roll continues to be full and much of this is due to the confidence in the school our families share with friends and neighbours, and I would like to thank you all for this. I hope you can enjoy sharing this edition of The Hallifordian with them so that they too can see what our students and staff have achieved this year.
Please enjoy this edition of The Hallifordian, and I send you all my very best wishes for the year ahead.
James Davies Headmaster
Raibeart
Archibald
Head Prefect
As we come to the end of this academic year, it has given me time to reflect on my life and experiences at Halliford School. When I arrived in Year 7, I felt welcomed and became part of a school community which values each and every one of its students and nurtures everyone’s individuality. The school’s ethos of warm-heartedness has been ever present throughout my past seven years here, and I truly hope all our students share the same experience. I can honestly say I have not had a day where I have not looked forward to coming to school, and I know that at Halliford, success is not only about exam grades, but all achievements are celebrated, however small.
I have some wonderful memories to cherish and am so pleased I was afforded the opportunity to take part in some fantastic adventures. All of these wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the amazing teachers and staff who dedicated their time to organise these trips and accompany us on our travels.
It has been a privilege to be appointed Head Prefect this year and to work alongside Mr Davies & the Senior Leadership Team. I wish to thank all of the members of the prefect team who have supported the numerous school events and open days. The fun charity events, the Sixth Form prom, interviewing the new Deputy Head and supporting the recent school inspection would not have been possible without their hard work and continued commitment.
We have been extremely fortunate to have had Mr Carroll and the fantastic Sixth Form teachers who have been incredibly supportive throughout our A Levels. We are all so grateful for the extra revision sessions and endless support they have given us to complete our coursework and extended qualification projects. They have helped each and every one of us to navigate our way through the university application process and supported us in making decisions about our future.
As I move forward, I know the school has prepared me for my next steps. I am grateful I have had the opportunity to be a student here, and I know that I have so many happy memories and have been lucky enough to have formed lifelong friendships. I will miss the school, but I am excited for the future. I will always be proud to call myself a Hallifordian.
Lucy Durham
Deputy Head Prefect
My journey at Halliford started in Lower Sixth, where I was one of a handful of girls in a male-dominated environment - an incredibly daunting prospect. Still, the Head of Sixth Form guided me, and I quickly settled into this new and unique environment.
There is no simpler way to put it than Halliford is an incredible place. The past two years have been unforgettable and the best possible environment for me to grow and develop into a confident, well-prepared young woman. It has been full of highlights and continuously provided me with incredible opportunities. Not only have I been able to find my voice by joining Halliford, but I have also found a family that will stay with me for a very long time.
From my first day, I was welcomed into this community with open arms and immediately felt like a true Hallifordian. The close relationships I have formed with teachers and my tutor have made me feel supported throughout my academic journey; there was always someone there to listen and help. From exam stress to university applications, I was guided whenever and wherever I needed it. One of the school’s best assets is its pastoral care. Throughout my whole academic career, I had never felt more cared for - a huge thanks to Mr Shales!
I am particularly proud of our success in the Young Enterprise competition. The Head of Business Studies, Mrs Brown, offered me the opportunity to be Managing Director of our team within my first two weeks of joining the school, enabling me to come
out of my shell, meet new people, lead them, and compete against other schools in the county. It fuelled my passion for business and brought out a competitive side that I didn’t know I had, encouraging me to apply for a Business degree with Spanish at university. Despite being robbed in the final (a sensitive topic still to this day!), it was an incredible experience that wouldn’t have been offered to me at many other schools. Not only has it been a great place for me to learn, but also a place where I shared endless laughs with my peers and staff - every day here is different, and we are always involved in something new and entertaining. I am more than wellequipped with stories to tell from my time here! From skiing in Austria to visiting a Spanish theatre, there is an experience and opportunity for great fun for everyone, which I love about Halliford. Everyone’s interests are catered for.
Choosing Halliford as my next step after GCSEs was my best decision. It is a school like no other. Due to its size, it can nurture you whilst preparing you for the future, whatever path you wish to take. There have been many highs and some lows over the past two years, but one thing I will take with me is that I am proud to be a Hallifordian.
Riley Whittington
Deputy Head Prefect
I joined Halliford in 2016. People had told me that joining a new school is one of the hardest things to do, especially when you don’t know anyone else there. But Halliford is not like any other school. Within my first week, I already felt a sense of belonging as a Hallifordian due to the caring nature of all the teachers and staff, which was evidently passed onto the students throughout the school, with older students offering to show us to our classrooms when we looked lost and giving us advice on how to make the best out of our time at the school.
Unfortunately, like most, I have been through struggles and faced adversity, but through my years at Halliford, I have always felt like I have had someone there to talk to, whether a teacher, one of the matrons, or a member of the Senior Management Team. There has always been an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on or a voice of reason to give me advice and lead me in the right direction to get the help I needed. I personally believe that this is something that everyone at Halliford should be extremely proud of and continue to pride themselves in, as it not only helps the wellbeing of students but it also helps provide a sense of safety within the school, which allows every other aspect of Halliford life to flourish.
Co-curricular activities such as sport, drama, and music have been at the centre of my life at Halliford. For a school the size of ours, you would think that we wouldn’t excel in many areas, but one thing Halliford is not good at is being mediocre! Since Year 7, I have had the privilege of being a part of all three of these fantastic departments. In the Drama Department, I have
been able to work with some incredible people, such as Mr Bruno and Mrs Rooke, who have helped me develop my acting ability to the best it can be and have allowed me to be a part of some incredible performances such as School of Rock and SPAMALOT! Although it has been a lot of hard work, it is all worth it on show nights. I have also had the joy of playing in the incredible orchestra and jazz band and singing in the choir. Being a part of these groups, I have been enlightened to new and exciting opportunities for which I will always be grateful.
Another place that I have spent many hours in the past seven years is on the sports field, whether it be playing rugby, football or cricket. Being able to step out onto the field with some of my closest friends and working as a team wearing the Halliford badge, we have always managed to punch above our weight due to the strong cohesion formed throughout the years. Although we aren’t the most technically gifted team in any sport, it is the unity and pride that helps us strive and come out on top against schools much bigger and more technically gifted than us.
These past seven years at Halliford have been nothing short of amazing. I never thought I would say this, but I will genuinely miss the time I spent at school, and I am grateful for all that Halliford has done for me to help me succeed at university and in the wider world.
Editorial
by Mrs Olivia Oakley Marketing & Communications Manager
It has been another busy and wonderful year here at Halliford, with many student achievements to celebrate, from great wins on the sports field and concerts displaying excellent musical talent to the Drama Department’s brilliant school production of The Odyssey. There have been international trips to Spain, Canada, America and Germany, and our fundraising activities through Harvest Festival, Movember and Charities Week have been hugely successful and great fun.
In December, we welcomed ISI into our school for a week and were delighted to learn that we have been rated ‘Excellent in all areas’. This is a testament to the hard work of all members of staff.
In April, we had a visit from The Good Schools Guide, where they spent the day speaking to the Headmaster and members of staff and students, as well as observing lessons and an array of co-curricular clubs that were running that day. They were so impressed with Halliford and wrote a glowing review that perfectly captured life as a Hallifordian, including an observation that ‘Halliford is so much more than just academic strength, celebrating every student’s success and taking pride in the fact that there’s no Halliford ‘type’. With their last word, ‘For those that are after a small school with a big heart and great outcomes, it should absolutely be on your shortlist.’
We were pleased to learn that we have been shortlisted for
the third year running in the Independent School of the Year Awards, this time for London Independent School of the Year. These are hotly contested awards, and so it is a huge success to even be shortlisted. We await further news in September of our progress when the finalists are announced.
This year has been interesting for me as I have personally experienced the Halliford Admissions process. From open events, interview, scholarship days, entrance examination day and taster day to offer letter, Mr Davies and Mrs Clatworthy have guided me through the process, and I am delighted and so proud that my eldest son will be joining the Halliford community in Year 7 this September.
It is a delight to be the Editor of this wonderful publication and to reflect on all the events we have hosted and everything we have achieved as a school community this year. All of this would not be possible without our amazing team of teachers and support staff, ably led by Mr Davies and our Senior Management Team.
Please enjoy this edition of The Hallifordian
Old Hallifordians News
by Mr Sam Lawrence, Chairman of the Old Hallifordians
Yet another exciting and successful year in the Old Hallifordian calendar comes to a close. It has been a year of exciting events, achievements and many a memory made.
The year opened with some sad news as we learned of the passing of Old Hallifordian and former Bursar Wendy Simmons, who served the school from 1976 to 2006 and was instrumental in the modernisation of Halliford and it becoming the school we know and love today. During her time at the school and under her watchful eye, the school added the Baker Building, the John Crook Theatre, and the Sports Hall. Her loss will be greatly felt by many a Hallifordian.
Throughout the Autumn Term, the school made a proactive effort to share the experiences of our female Old Hallifordians, with many gracefully sharing their memories with the school and the community throughout the term. We are so lucky to have such diverse and talented alumni, and hearing from so many was an absolute delight. Those memories culminated in the Old Hallifordian Girls reunion event in January, which welcomed back a number of Old Hallifordians to enjoy some food and drinks, a tour of the school and be entertained by this year’s school production of The Odyssey. Many of those who attended commented on the changes to the school and were genuinely impressed by the new Learning Resource Centre and the Woodward Building. We hope to hear from fellow Old Hallifordian Girls in the future and hopefully welcome more back to visit to relive some happy memories.
As the seasons changed into summer, the school held its second annual Golf Day at Sunbury Golf Club, which was well attended by a number of Old Hallifordians. The day was a roaring success, and many thanks to Mr Slocock, who was instrumental in reaching out to Old Hallifordians and arranging such a successful day at the course. Another fabulous opportunity for the Halliford community to bring together Old Hallifordians with parents and students. It continues to amaze how despite the years between, there is still a distinct spirit shared by all Hallifordians.
The summer also saw the return of the Old Hallifordian team at this year’s Summer Social 7s tournament at Richmond Athletics Ground. The day would not have been such a success without the input and organisation of Mr Churchill (an Old Hallifordian himself), so many thanks to him for all his hard work.
Finally, it would be remiss not to congratulate the school on its outstanding achievements this year in receiving an Excellent in All Areas judgement by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, yet another shortlisting in the Independent Schools of The Year Awards and an outstanding review in The Good Schools Guide. An exceptional year for an exceptional school.
The Old Hallifordians would like to wish the school’s staff and students all the best for the next academic year. We look forward to welcoming this year’s Upper Sixth into the Old Hallifordians as they progress onto university and beyond. Special thanks go to Olivia Oakley for all her hard work in promoting the Old Hallifordians and keeping things ticking over.
We would love to hear all your news and memories on our Facebook page and via email, so please do get in touch.
Old Hallifordian Society
As always, we encourage all Old Hallifordians to get involved and help us to develop the society.
STAY IN TOUCH
All Alumni events are published on our Alumni Facebook page. Please visit www.facebook.com/Hallifordalumni. Please like and follow the page.
Our LinkedIn group can be accessed by visiting: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3929687/
We would like to communicate with you electronically, so please register your details by completing the online form on the Old Hallifordians page on the school website. Please visit: www. hallifordschool.co.uk/about/old-hallifordians
OLD HALLIFORDIAN CONTACTS
Old Hallifordian Committee
Chairman – Mr Sam Lawrence
Committee Members – Mr Joe da Costa, Mr Alex Lenoel, Mr Justin Holder, Mr Ben Connop, Mr Adrian Wetherill
Are you vibrant and enthusiastic?
Then why not come along and join the OH Committee? For more details, contact the Chairman by email: samjlawrence95@gmail.com or call +44 7917 761 012