The MSJ Beacon 2018

THE

MSJBeacon 2018 EDITION

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CONTENTS 04 From the Headmistress 06 MSJ Prep 20 MSJ Seniors 28 MSJ Sixth Form 38 Duke of Edinburgh's Award 40 Expressive Arts 50 Humanities 54 Classics 56 Politics 58 MFL 60 Sport 66 STEM 72 Boarding Focus 74 Chaplain's Reflection 75 Staff Profiles 76 Staff Leavers 78 Visitors 82 Celebrated Poem

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FROM THE HEADMISTRESS

And so we come to the end of another academic year, and what a year it has been. Packed full of adventure, achievement, success in the present, and plans for the future.

After two years in post, I’m no longer the ‘new girl’. I do feel embedded in the fabric of MSJ life and very privileged to be at the helm of something really special; this school exudes an energy and optimism which will power and sustain our journey forward and I’m delighted to be making that journey with all of you – girls, parents, staff, Council, alumnae - by my side.

I couldn’t be more proud of all their accomplishments.

These include: seven girls collecting DofE Gold Awards this year; our Young Enterprise team getting into the Midlands finals for the second year running - beating a host of very prestigious neighbouring schools, and scooping a clutch of awards including best company.

Of course, there is one group here, who will now peel off from the pack. Our Year 13s are ready to set out now, as adults, on the open road to the future. These girls have worked so hard, not just for their A Levels, but also in the wider contribution that they have made to school. They have proved themselves to be excellent leaders and mentors, and shown the sense of responsibility and purpose that real leadership requires. I’m looking forward to hearing Chloe’s Head Girl’s speech in a short while. For her, Engineering at Oxford beckons; for the rest of the year group, courses as diverse as Architecture, Marine Biology, Philosophy and Cyber Security await. These girls are interesting, fun, poised and intelligent young women. We wish them the very best and look forward to seeing them in the future as part of the Old Girls’ community.

Awards for creative writing from the Malvern Civic Society and the International Creative Arts Competition; only last Friday, I watched the Year 9 girls deliver highly accomplished presentations and produce videos on their chosen political party to our local MP and other leading members of our local community for the Equalitea event to mark 100 years of women receiving the vote.

Thinking about our Year 13s in preparation for their leavers’ Valete Service, and what each of them has given to the academic, extra-curricular and social life of the school, made me realise just how great a talent pool we have at MSJ. I’m not just talking about Year 13s now, but all of the girls, from Pre-Prep upwards.

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Girls competing at county level and beyond in cricket, tennis, hockey, equestrian, lacrosse, cross country, swimming, athletics and football; 7 girls selected for the English Lacrosse Talent Pathway; our Prep football team making it to the ISA national finals after only one season.

One of our Year 12s has gained a place at Warwick University’s Advanced CyberFirst course and another a place on Kingston University’s Architectural summer school; another performing as soloist for Ledbury Choral Society in their Rutter Requiem.

We have a clutch of awards for drama at the Worcester Competitive Arts Festival and in the LAMDA exams; we

from her speech at Prizegiving, 5 July 2018

enjoyed the Prep’s production of Pantastic in Spring, while at the end of Expressive Arts week last Friday our Years 7 and 8s performed The Little Mermaid after just one week’s preparation and were word perfect with a number of extraordinary performances.

We have also enjoyed exquisite music recitals throughout the year which also now include our thriving MSJ Community Chorus; our girls are achieving places at Oxbridge and other top Russell group universities. MSJ regularly tops the Worcestershire league tables in GCSE and A level results.

With all of this, what impresses me is the engagement and teamwork just as much as the end result. Success is not automatic, nor guaranteed, but these students show that application, dedication, and finding something you love will reap rewards in the long-term.

Talking about amazing effort and achievements allows me to segue quite neatly into introducing our Guest of Honour today.

I’m delighted to have with us someone who was once sitting where you are now, contemplating what her future might be.

MGC Old Girl Kiko Matthews joins us fresh from the success of breaking the women’s world record for rowing solo and unsupported across the Atlantic. She is extraordinary in the true sense of the word, as well as courageous, determined, and the possessor of unbridled optimism, energy and enthusiasm. Just being in her company is a lesson in living in the moment and living life to its full capacity. Kiko is a great flag-bearer for MSJ. We can all learn a lot from her, even if we don’t all feel nearly so brave nor sure-footed. She couldn’t have predicted all that life would throw at her and how she would respond: her story is an inspiring one.

I am grateful to our Pastoral Care team and the practitioners in our Health and Wellbeing Centre who are taking the lead on this, and the staff who are cascading it into their interactions with the girls. Everyone plays their part. Of course, none of this would be possible without my fantastic team of staff who regularly go above and beyond to support the girls. This year we are saying goodbye to some long serving staff members who are retiring and thank them for their years of dedicated service to the school which we have celebrated together with staff and girls in assemblies and parties at the end of term.

Sport and physical exercise are another integral part of the wellbeing equation. Our provision in this area is important for all of our girls, regardless of whether they describe themselves as ‘sporty’ or not. MSJ involves all girls in appreciating the holistic value of sport and fitness, as important as good food and sleep, and to have a healthy relationship with their body – its strength, stamina and all that it can do, and not fixate on the things they don’t like. Our Year 11 and Sixth form girls gave tremendously powerful assemblies earlier this year on this theme and it was fantastic to see these girls empowered to stand up for positive values and mind-sets.

The other great benefits of sport and getting girls involved is the push-pull aspect of competition and collaboration.

Research and experience is showing us that employers like students who play sport because it hones teamwork, discipline and leadership skills and shows dedication. We have some exciting sportspeople joining the Sports Department who will be helping develop our future sporting talent.

We look forward to welcoming Ceri Tamplin, currently Deputy Director of Sport at Cheltenham Ladies’ College; as well as David Abini in September who has coached England Lacrosse, and Sam Roberts who plays hockey for Wales and recently won her first cap. Our new Deputy Head of the MSJ Sports & Fitness Centre, Chris Freebury, was a team GB and England international Olympic athlete for 10 years.

We are privileged to enjoy the facilities of the MSJ Sports Centre, a multi-million pound project, but not everyone is so lucky, and another major focus of my vision going forward is how we continue to support and involve our local community in Malvern. I am looking forward to our collaboration with local schools, community groups and charities where we can do more to help with volunteering alongside the fantastic fundraising that we currently do. But I am also looking forward to future collaboration with universities, industries and businesses on future science, technology, social enterprise and arts projects that will give our students a wider appreciation of society and the part they can play in it. We live in a society increasingly focused on naked individualism, the here and now, and yet the future success of our society and planet relies on individuals who can raise their sights on things that are greater than them. I believe it is good for our girls to appreciate their independent education and to put their school experience to great use.

Finally, for today at least, my mission during my Headship is to create a strong development programme which will secure access to MSJ for talented girls who couldn’t be with us without bursary help. Not only does this reward deserving girls, but it ensures we maintain the inclusivity and diversity of the school going forward. We must be ambitious about raising the significant sums required to truly broaden access and reinforce a virtuous circle of philanthropy and giving.

Girls’ schools in particular lag behind their male (and often now, co-ed) counterparts. It is my aim to address this and I am delighted that so far this year we have raised £148,000 from gifts and legacies, with one fifth coming from our most recent Founders’ Awards bursary appeal launched in the Autumn. I am incredibly grateful to our Old Girl community, from where the majority of gifts have come, and those Year 13 parents who have donated some or all of their daughter’s deposits, to this appeal. Your generosity now is an investment in the future, and I can’t overstate how much I appreciate it.

Olivera Raraty THE BEACON

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PRE-PREP

visit to

THINK TANK

Pre-Prep had a fabulous time exploring, experimenting and expressing themselves at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum this year. As well as investigating the many fabulous exhibits, they had a teaching session in the Planetarium to support their recent learning topic about Space. The girls were a credit to their teachers and parents and everyone had a super day.

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PRE-PREP

PRE-PREP'S TRIP TO

'ALL THINGS

WILD' ON WEDNESDAY 23 MAY, PRE-PREP VISITED ALL THINGS WILD IN EVESHAM. THEY HAD A SUPER TALK ABOUT LIFECYCLES WHERE THE GIRLS GOT TO STROKE RABBITS AND VISITED SOME BABY CHICKS AND GUINEA PIGS. THEY HAD ANOTHER FAB TALK ABOUT DINOSAURS, WHERE ALL THE GIRLS GOT TO HOLD FOSSILS AND WERE AMAZED AT HOW BIG THEY WERE.

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ROYAL WEDDING TEA PAR T Y

THE PREP

To celebrate the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Prep held their very own Royal Wedding Tea Party on 18 May. The girls and teachers sported Royal themed accessories, for example a tiara or crown, and everyone looked fabulous!

"We came downstairs to the dining room and saw many tables covered with cupcakes with the faces of Harry and Meghan on and multiple flavours of ice-cream. We all dug into the feast and excitedly talked about the big day tomorrow.

After the food, the teachers announced that each table had to make up a table song about the royal wedding to the tune of ‘Baa baa black sheep’. The winning table was some of the Year 5’s and they got five pebbles each for their efforts. They performed their song once more afterwards and we all thoroughly enjoyed this.

In my role as Prep Ambassador, I organised a Royal Quiz with a range of questions all about the Royal Family with questions varying in difficulty. The Pre-Prep did surprisingly well and many tables achieved 11 out of 12 - what a lot they knew about the Royal Family! Everyone did amazingly well.

Thank you ever so much to the Catering Team, Miss Townsend, Miss Pearson and all of the staff who attended for making this celebration possible! It was a wonderful day that really set the celebratory mood for the sunny Royal Wedding that followed."

Words by Roseanna Gray Prep Ambassador, Year 6

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Rev'd Taplin taught the girls about wedding vows as the Pre-Prep celebrated in Woodland School with a pretend Royal Wedding

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FANTASTIC

PANTASTIC I n the middle of March, the Prep prepared for the spectacular production of ‘Pantastic’. It is a fun-filled musical, based upon the famous J. M. Barrie story of ‘Peter Pan’ – a boy who never grows up, who takes three children to Neverland to have some fantastic adventures there.

During production week, we had all-day rehearsals and we could all feel the excitement building as the week progressed. We all had lots of fun getting ready to perform on stage and had mind-blowing costumes too! Mrs Jones helped with most of the costumes and Miss Hayles designed and made the mermaid costumes for the Pre-Prep mermaid dance.

Mr Fry was a truly wonderful Director. Mrs Aris and the Pre-Prep teachers did the choreography. Mrs Woodhouse played the piano brilliantly and I accompanied her on the drums. The lighting and backdrops were done so well by Mrs Ewence and Alice in year 6 helped her during the performances. Miss Bryan did a super job with the scenery. Natacha in Year 6 designed the superb 'Pantastic' logo. Mrs Smith, the mother of Hettie who played Wendy, did the girl’s hair and make up very professionally.

There was such an exciting atmosphere backstage as we all waited for the performance to begin as we could hear the audience in York Hall waiting to be entertained. There were about 200 audience members watching the matinee and over 300 in the evening performance! The girls definitely deserved a good audience, for they have been working on this production non-stop.

And then it was show-time! The acting from everyone was spot-on. Everyone was absolutely outstanding and there was so much characterisation compressed into every line. From Peter Pan to the ticking crocodile, each and every girl was impressive and there were many moments of laughter we all enjoyed hugely. The girls sang with all their hearts and special congratulations to the main actors and soloists in the production. Years 3 and 4 set the mood as they sang the songs in the play and they loved every moment. The Pre-Prep girls were absolutely great performing their mermaid dance, which the whole audience enjoyed thoroughly. The entire show went swimmingly with every single girl playing their part beautifully which all went towards a really fabulous show. After we all took our bows, it was lovely to see so many happy faces full of pride at what we had achieved.

Well done to the entire Prep Department for a really fantastic 'Pantastic' production!

Words by Roseanna Gray (Year 6)

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JUNIOR

OLYMPICS 2018

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PREP A sense of excitement spread around Malvern St James sports field on Wednesday 6 June 2018, as the Prep Department welcomed various schools from around Worcestershire for our annual Junior Olympics event.

The girls gave a warm welcome to the children as they took off for the eventful day ahead of them.

(Roseanna Gray & Freya L Walker) The activities began at 11.00am and all events began on a high. All of the boys and girls participating enjoyed their first activities and were all surprised by the high standards. The determination and sportsmanship that led the pupils to an eager start progressed well as the day continued. From the encouragement to the effort, it was clear that a good day was being had by all. Nobody could have described the day better than Alex Margiree, from a visiting school in three simple words, “fun, fantastic and joyful”.

As time went on, lunch came by in a flash. All of the girls enjoyed their delicious packed lunches, especially the nectarines, and were eager for seconds!

(Freya L Walker)

The Headmistress, Mrs Raraty and Mr Fry presented the winning teams for each event with certificates, and the overall winners with medals. The winning country was Italy.

Today was mainly for Years 3 and 4, but Year 5 and 6 took part leading the countries, running events, collecting scores, taking photographs and writing articles.

We would like to say a big thank you to the Teachers for making today such a fun experience, to all the Schools for taking part and to the Catering Department for providing lunch. It was a really wonderful day.

(Roseanna Gray)

Some of the activities included shot-put, high jump, long jump, 60 metre sprint, javelin, 600 metres, hurdles and the bean-bag relay. The children then assembled in their countries to experience the last activities of the day, before the awards ceremony took place. We decided to capture a glimpse of the children’s experiences throughout the day and received a quote from Harry-Lawrence Wiatt, from a visiting school. “My favourite activity was the Javelin as it soared so far!”

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SENIORS

BATH UNIVERSIT Y FOR A SPOTLIGHT ON

SOCIAL SCIENCES DAY On 1 February, a group of Year 11 and Year 12 students visited the Bath University for a Spotlight on Social Sciences day. We were first introduced to the different social sciences courses offered at Bath University, then we all separated into different workshop groups that we had chosen. There

about sexual violence in the news. Firstly, that the media suggests that sexual violence is mainly perpetrated by stranger, when it is not. Secondly, adult victims or survivors are depicted as partially responsible. There is even an “ideal victim” created in the news. Thirdly, sexual violence is overly sexualized in the news. We also had some discussion with the lecturer which really made us reflect on societal behaviour.

The Sociology workshop was fascinating and concentrated on the concept of social network theory and how it can be applied and the results interpreted to show key influencers. We were able to construct our own diagrams and see our own network as well as see some research that was currently being undertaken by the lecturer on a wider political scale. It was fascinating to discover who were the brokers between the different groups and who had social capital.

were eight different workshops: Criminology, Education with Psychology, International Development with Economics, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Social Policy, and Social Work each led by Bath lecturers who specialized in that area.

Many of us also went to the Psychology workshop about psychological illusions. We talked about different types of visual illusions like Bottom Up visual illusion which is stimulus driven and the top down visual illusion which is cognitive driven. We also learned about how our brains make assumptions about the world around us so perception doesn’t mean reality.

The topic for Criminology was sexual violence in the news.

The lecturer, Dr. Sarah Moore raised three main problems

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The workshops were very interesting and provided a real insight not only into the topics that we will be learning at University but also the style and pace of the lectures. The International Development with Economics workshop was about inequality and poverty in the modern world. The Politics workshop was led by a very lively and engaging lecturer who covered a range of topics including is racism a modern issue and also the concept of privilege.

Student Ambassadors who are currently studying at Bath University were with us throughout the day and led the campus tour, showing us many of the facilities like the wellknown sports facilities and the library.

Finally the day ended with a session about graduate employment and prospects and the company that students work with if they take a year in industry. Overall, the day was excellent and inspiring!

BY SYLFIANA WONG & DR JONES

SENIORS

DIGITAL LEADERS VISI T BE TT 2018

In January, the Senior Digital Leaders (Year 9 and above) went to BETT 2018 to discover the wide range of educational technology available. It was a wonderful, inspirational experience – we came back with many ideas which we are now looking to implement and share.

Already Year 7 and 8, digital leaders are exploring using BookCreator ready to use them in a wide range of subjects.

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SENIORS

Never Such Innocence was founded by Lady Lucy French in March 2014 to enable young people to play their part in the centenary of the Great War through learning, poetry art and music with annual international competitions. The RAF 100 ‘War in the Skies’ strand of Never Such Innocence was a poetry and art competition to mark the 100 Year Anniversary of The Royal Air Force. In May 2018 I won the age 11 -14 category, beating 6700 applicants with my poem ‘The Sopwith Camel’. Here is my story.

It was a Monday after I had finished my last lesson at School I found out I had won. Dr Jones had been waiting outside my Latin classroom to speak with me. Nervously, I walked towards her, thinking I was in trouble for something. I was then told that I had won the international RAF 100 War in the Skies competition.

Running down the corridor, I went to go to my mum’s office to tell her that I had won the competition for my poem, which I hadn’t actually let her read properly at that point.

The first thing I had to do was attend Wellington Barracks and read my poem in the Guard’s Chapel, in front of other winners and a lot of dignitaries.

On Thursday 24 May I arrived at the barracks. I had the opportunity to look round the Guard’s Museum, where I had a personal tour from a retired guard who was very passionate about his time serving the Queen.

The museum had lots of uniforms from all the ages, and even the uniform that the Queen wore riding her horse, fo r

one of her father’s ceremonies. It was an amazing day with the RAF marching with their band, watching the rehearsal of the Trooping the Colour and the Drummers performing for us.

At the chapel, I was awarded my prize by General Sir Gordon Messenger and given a personal tour of the RAF aircraft display and a ‘Spitfire Cockpit Experience’.

On Saturday 7 July my family and I attended Horse Guards Parade for the tour. I sat in the cockpit of a Spitfire and also the new stealth jet ‘Lightning’ which won’t be in operation until 2024. The Chinook we all sat in was fascinating as it can carry people, vehicles and equipment. It is also capable of transporting vehicles and containers underneath the aircraft by straps.

On Tuesday 10 July the RAF held the centrepiece of their celebrations – 100 aircraft flypast over Buckingham Palace. I was one of a few non-RAF personnel who were able to fly in the RAF aircraft ‘Voyager’ whilst it participated in the flypast. I attended Brize Norton which is an active RAF base and I saw lots of different RAF aircraft. The airplane experience was exciting, and we got to see a few of the main attractions in London, such as the Olympic stadium and Tower Bridge from the airplane. At one point, we were going at 400 miles per hour. We had to wait for quite a long time in a holding point. A holding point is when you keep on circling the same area, and we did this because we had to wait for all the other airplanes to join us. Our holding point was over the sea. Just before 13:00, we started heading towards land (and London). We then flew over Buckingham Palace, and we returned back to Brize Norton, to disembark. My sister watched us on the television and recorded our flypast!

I have been made aware there may be another event to attend in November for the Never Such Innocence winners. I am sure that whatever it is, it will be an amazing experience.

Thank you Never Such Innocence and RAF 100.

Freiya Elton

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HUMANITIES

RAF

100

war in the skies

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SENIORS

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER The Year 11 Summer Party was lit up by the evening sunshine in early July as girls floated into Stanbrook Abbey, a new venue for MSJ. A wash of colour spilled over the lawns as the girls in long dresses and boys in suits arrived and were greeted with a mocktail and smiling faces.

As organisers, Lily Rawlings, Eloise Attlee and I had spent the better part of a year working alongside our Head of Year, Mrs Hemphill, and other girls in the year to pull off this event.

We decided that this year we wanted our final celebration to be unlike any that had come before and therefore after some negotiating we established a prom committee. Our first task was to find a suitable venue and after a long search I came across Stanbrook Abbey, a beautiful hotel close to the school. We managed to secure the garden pavilion, which meant we had an entire wing to ourselves for the evening.

This consisted of interlinking rooms such as St Anna’s hall with a veranda that opened onto the lawn and marquee, plus a unique ‘library bar’.

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such as ‘Next Olympic Athlete’, ‘Most likely to win the Lottery and loose the ticket’ - for which Gabby Boothman wiped the floor, 'Life of the party’ which rather ironically was won by Alexia Rugasira, who was unable to attend, and ‘Best Double Act’, in which Baifern Aupatcha had received the most votes…on her own, and was therefore presented to the runners up, Alice Delhanty and Bea Clifford! Teachers awards included ‘Most Inspirational, Miss Bell, ‘Best dressed’, Mrs Whitemore, of course, and ‘Best Jokes’ which obviously had to be Mr Harris, or should I say, “Chemical Bond”. Much to my surprise the presentation of awards ran seamlessly, apart from the fact that number twenty one had been mislaid and was not to be found, causing much distress to the teachers! Despite the fact that the awards were simply for fun, it did feel really special to be able to celebrate the Years achievements together.

The evening ended with a lively disco (kindly donated by the Friends of MSJ) which was particularly fun due to the fact that

We were so lucky to have such gorgeous weather, which enabled us to spend the first part of the evening outside taking photographs and sipping drinks! After which, we headed inside for a delicious two course meal. Lily, Eloise and I had worked particularly hard on the decorations inside the marquee, using wreaths of ivy, pearls and roses with tea lights dispersed for the tables and handpicked bouquets of flowers as centre pieces. This, as Mrs Hemphill said, ‘brought the outside into the marquee’ and having spent all afternoon perfecting it, all three of us were thrilled with the final result!

many of the staff decided to bust some moves. Mrs Lindner, was unsurprisingly a roaring success on the dance floor, but followed closely by Mrs Walker, not something I ever expected to see during my many Maths lessons with her!

After our meal Lily, Eloise and I began the presentation of some awards for the girls and teachers that had been voted for earlier that day. At the beginning of the evening we had handed out award envelopes to a small number of girls, who we had chosen to announce each award. Inside the envelope contained the title of the award and the winner!

Nominated winners were presented with roses for awards

I would like to say a huge thank you to Mrs Hemphill, Mrs Harris and Mrs Cramp for all their support and to all the girls who helped make this event one that I will remember for many years to come. I think I speak on behalf of all the girls when I say that our time in senior school has been turbulent but truly memorable and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the successes of such a fantastic year group.

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As the evening drew into the night, and the Macarena was replaced by conversations around the fire pit, I was able to reflect on what a fabulous evening we had had. After so much hard work had been done to organise this event I was enormously relieved to have pulled it off.

SENIORS

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HEAD GIRL 2017-2018

VOTE OF THANKS FROM OUR RETIRING HEAD GIRL AT PRIZEGIVING & COMMEMORATION DAY Good morning everyone. I appreciate your attention in these unusual sweltering temperatures so shall try to express my 10 years of memories concisely and efficiently.

I, and I imagine many of you are wanting lunch. Before I begin I would like to take the opportunity to offer my congratulations to Kiko on her immense achievement, it was a truly remarkable feat that will inspire many. Mr Mark Groome, governors, thank you for your continual support and contributions to our school. And to Mrs Rararty, teachers, support staff, parents and guardians, on behalf of Year 13, I would like to thank you all.

I address you here this morning, with a multitude of mixed emotions. Firstly, I am grateful. We as students are all exposed to innumerable opportunities and support network throughout our time here. I have never been told I was not capable of something, or guided into a particular route. My decisions have never been made for me so, can leave here knowing I am the best version of myself possible. I have gained an extended family in the form of friends who have seen me at my best and worst.

Your unwavering and unconditional patience and support when I’ve been stressed, and sleep deprived has truly taught me the value of your friendship. Thank you. My gratitude to Libby and Andrea. You have been formidable, your dedication and guidance has been invaluable. To the prefect team, your hard work and commitment has been so appreciated. To my parents, I will never be ably to repay you for all you have done for me. I hope the countless early mornings and hectic timetable you have had to schedule

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for the past decade have been worth it. You have been my biggest supporters, and I appreciate I am not the calmest especially during exams, so my apologies!

Secondly, I am proud. Year 13, we made it! This final year in particular has shaped us into the women we have become through hard work and determination. The diversity of our interests, subjects, nationalities and religions has made us inclusive, accepting and open-minded about the world, and I am thankful to have been apart of it.

Finally I am nostalgic. Sadly this may well be the last time we are all gathered here as a year group. We have reached the end of an era, however we are prepared as we enter this new chapter.

It will sadden me returning as an old girl to a place I have called a second home all these years and see how it has changed.

Now for some statistics for a light relief! Without fail, on the first day of any term you will hear the phrase, ‘I’ve become so unfit, I cannot manage all these stairs!” There are 27 stairs between adjacent floors. Climbed from ground to third approximately 6 times a day, 35 weeks a year, over 10 years is approximately 851 000 stairs ascended. As all pupils, staff and Malvern fire department will be aware, we have a mildly temperamental fire alarm. Estimating 8 unscheduled fire alarms a term, for 3 terms a year, over 10 years, is about 240 trips to the dome. Poulton girls will recall, 8 of which were from the hours of 12 am-4 am the night before mocks began.

Lacrosse is a sport I will hold dear to heart, the majority of us never having heard of it before joining Malvern St James!

SIXTH FORM Played over the Autumn and Spring terms, from year 7 onwards, including tournaments, the team has played approximately 150 matches. The total in which Linnea emerged un-injured, 1.

I attempted to calculate the total number of meals served by our phenomenal catering staff, however my calculator broke.

how there is still so much we can do in the future made us value our education and how fortunate we are.

As a final note I would like to take the opportunity to share some of my more treasured memories. Most recently, our Summer ball. Seeing how everyone had grown up after so many years, for our final gathering was an amazing way to end our last official school day. From this year as well the lacrosse match, where we shockingly won, a rare occurrence this season, and the pure joy from every member of the team as the final whistle blew. Tara I’m sorry for raising this, but the moment you fell of the treadmill and continued to run on your knees for 30 seconds shall never fail to bring a smile to my face.

And the moment it was announced I was to become a prefect, having listened to 9 leavers speeches, and the frightening yet exciting realisation I would have to also write and deliver one.

Throughout your time at school, you will be taught numerous academic lessons, each one preparing you for the next exam, for the next stage. However, you will inadvertently pick up life lessons which will aid you in the future, and these are often as important. Tea and chocolate is the answer, it doesn’t matter the question. Washing machines are not as complicated as they first seem, and the words to countless hymns, even the Latin ones, will eventually be needed, possibly. To Mrs Shepherd, thank you for encouraging me and many others to join public speaking, without which I would be even more terrified of this address than I am currently! To Ms Cole, gold D of E was one of the hardest but more rewarding experiences throughout my time.

You taught us not only to map read and to pitch a tent, but also the value of remaining calm under extremely trying situations, such as 4 days of constant rain and falling in rivers. Reeling and coquet, these are essential. And through sport, as the Rudyard Kipling quote goes “If you can keep your head when all about you, Others are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; you’ll be a Man, my son!”

From years previous, junior sleepovers, thinking we were so grown up staying up till 11. Playing the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz, the one and only time I acted voluntarily, and I later learnt that I only got the part as I was the only one whose hair was naturally messy enough. Although not the most pleasant at the time, something we can laugh about now, was having over half of our food eaten by rats on the second day of D of E, at which point we had never been more grateful for Ms Cole insisting on emergency rations!

As we move on, all in different directions, we will take things from school which will stay with us. Sadly, some of us may only see each-other come reunions, others will catch-up regularly, but all of us shall leave here with an abundance of experiences.

Whether these be boarding memories of evenings in house.

Chatting and laughing, getting take-outs and movie nights.

We must remember it is not socially acceptable to wonder around with toothpaste on our faces in our pyjamas at 5 in the afternoon. The Gambia was a particularly poignant trip.

Seeing the impact our school has had on the community, and

It is evenings in house, surrounded by caring friends, lessons by phenomenal teacher in subjects I love and the kindness and individuality of everyone of this community that I shall miss.

To Year 13. You should all be so extremely proud of everything achieved. We will move forward with independence, without fear of failure, as we have the resilience to keep going even when things are difficult. Be yourself. Enjoy everything. I wish you all the best. I am eternally grateful for everything and everyone throughout my time, and I wish you a very good and enjoyable morning.

THANK YOU

TO RETIRING DEPUTY HEAD GIRLS, ANDREA RUGASIRA AND LIBERTY WILKINSON, FOR THEIR FANTASTIC SERVICE TO THE SCHOOL THROUGHOUT THEIR TIME IN POST. ANDREA AND LIBERTY DELIVERED A WONDERFUL RENDITION OF BAZ LUHRMANN'S SPOKEN WORD EVERYBODY'S FREE (TO WEAR SUNSCREEN) AT OUR PRIZEGIVING SERVICE.

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2018-2019

HEAD GIRL TEAM

INTERVIEW What advice would you give to a new girl starting at MSJ? Nicola Connell, Deputy Head Girl: Don’t be afraid.

Don’t be scared. Everyone here is so helpful. Wherever you go around the school, whether you’re coming into the Sixth Form or starting in Prep, everyone is so welcoming and will make you feel at home.

Hajer Zubairu, Head Girl: I agree with Nicola. Just find a way to be brave. Even if it’s in a small way such as asking someone where a classroom is. See your time at MSJ as fresh start where you can be anything you want to. Don’t worry about before.

Holly Harvey, Deputy Head Girl: Be open, be yourself.

There’s no MSJ ‘type’, there’s something for every girl, no matter your interests. If you’re sporty, if you’re in to drama, if you’re really academic or musically gifted, you’ll definitely find your crowd. Join a club and if you can’t find you’re interested in, you can make one.

What is the role of the Head Girl team?

Hajer: We’re essentially a unit that acts as a bridge between the pupils and staff. We also look after the prefect team.

What are your plans for the forthcoming year?

All girls simultaneously: Change!

HZ: We want to really integrate the Head Girl team and Prefect team with the rest of the Sixth Form and the school. We also want to look at the Ships system and

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champion house spirit.

Hajer, why did you want to be Head Girl?

HZ: There were many, many reasons that I wanted to be Head Girl. I always try and talk to everyone and set a good example. I also looked at the Head Girl board outside of Mrs Raraty’s office and saw that there’d never been a black Head Girl, and if I were then chosen as Head Girl, I’d be making history, to a degree, within the school.

What A Levels are you studying?

NC: Chemistry, Physics, Geography and a BTEC in Sport HZ: English, French and Drama HH: Biology, Chemistry and English Literature What extra-curricular activities are you involved in?

HH: Lacrosse, Netball, Senior Vocals, MUN, I took part in the school play, and I have piano and singing lessons.

NC: I do a lot of sport. My main sports are hockey and lacrosse. A lot of my free is spent training or competing in matches. I’m also part of MUN. HZ: I’m involved with Public Speaking and Debating, as well as MUN, FemSoc and Drama.

What are your plans after MSJ? HH: I’m hoping to study English Literature at Oxford

SIXTH FORM University, and after that, I’m hoping to do refugee work with the UN. At the moment I’m writing a children’s book, so I’m not sure if that’s in my future or where that might lead!

HZ: I’m thinking of studying Law with French at university. I also want to go back to studying Arabic because I’ve always wanted to work in the Middle East.

I’m really passionate about Drama too, and would love to bring that back to Africa in a new way.

NC: I’d love to study Physical Geography at university

at either Loughborough or Exeter… and play as much Lacrosse and Hockey as I can!

What does it mean to be in a female leadership team in 2018?

HH: It’s incredibly empowering. It’s good to know that this generation is being risen up as much as it is. I’m really proud of our generation.

HZ: It’s so important. I want to show people what we can do.

Back row: 2018-19 Head Girl Team - Nicola Connell (Deputy Head Girl), Hajer Zubairu (Head Girl), Holly Harvey (Deputy Head Girl) Front row: 2017-18 Head Girl Team - Andrea Rugasira (Deputy Head Girl), Chloe Parker (Head Girl), Liberty Wilkinson (Deputy Head Girl)

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SIXTH FORM

GAMBIA

DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS, 17 SIXTH FORM STUDENTS, ALONG WITH MRS COLLETT, MRS HEMPHILL, MISS MACDONALD AND MR NEWTON-LEWIS SET OFF FOR THE BIANNUAL TRIP TO THE GAMBIA TO VISIT THE SUCCESS NURSERY SCHOOL WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED BY MSJ IN 2007. school day, as well as clean water for cooking of their lunch meal (which is also paid for by our fundraising). Even more importantly, people in the local community of Bata Kunku are able to come and use the well. We also had a chance to talk to a few ladies from the local area during our time there who came to collect water from the well.

They explained to us that they use the water to drink, clean and cook meals for their families and how having a clean source of water so close to hand (only a 10-15 minute walk away) was extremely important and helpful to their lives.

Throughout the months leading up to the trip we held many fundraising events in an effort to raise enough money for a new well at the school, salaries for the teachers and the general upkeep of the school.

We all gathered together in reception at 03:00 on the last Friday of term, a little sleep-deprived, but excited for what the next 12 days would bring. We made the drive to Gatwick Airport and the long flight to Banjul Airport, but finally after a year of planning we had arrived in The Gambia!

The first 24 hours went by in a whirl – we had a chance to acclimatise to the heat and started finding our way around the local market. We also met Lamin, our project manager, and our jeep drivers, who would be taking care of us during our stay. Finally, we got a chance to visit the capital city, Banjul, where we learned more about the history of The Gambia.

Every day while at the school we were greeted with outstretched hands and excited voices. Even though there was a language barrier, communicating with the children was easier than expected as high fives, waves and thumbs up easily conveyed their excitement. We also taught them many songs such as the “Hokey Cokey” and “Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”. In return, the children taught us some of their songs, including our personal favourites, “A Lion” and the “Duck” songs. Their enthusiasm was infectious and we all thoroughly enjoyed singing with them. We spent three days teaching the children, which was an incredibly uplifting experience as they were eager to learn and visibly improved throughout the time we were there. We taught a variety of subjects – literacy, numeracy, geography, colours and how to tell time, just to name a few.

Our last day at Success Nursery School, we held an Open Day, in true MSJ fashion, where parents could come to

On our second day in The Gambia, we made the 20 minute drive to Batukunku to finally visit Success Nursery School.

After hearing about it for so long, it was an incredible experience to finally see it in person. One of the things that we wanted to do whilst there was paint murals in the new classroom. This was also an exciting experience as it felt like we had documented our trip, as well as helping to provide visual learning aids and a colourful classroom.

While at the school, we were able to see the well our fundraising events had provided. It was incredibly rewarding to see first-hand how helpful the well actually was. It provided water for the children throughout the

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watch our lessons with their children. After the lessons, we sang some of our songs to them and were then

SIXTH FORM

treated with drumming and dancing with the mothers and children. The Headmistress, Mrs Cham, also sang a song to thank MSJ for all our efforts at the school. We then were able to give each child a Polaroid picture and a pair of shoes to take home, which had kindly been donated by Backdoor Shoes. A father of one of the children expressed his gratitude for MSJ’s consistent support of the school, stating how he had seen it grow from only 6 pupils in 2010 to now supporting 72 students. We then thanked Lamin and his team as well as the school for hosting us. We also said our farewells to the school, and the children, which was extremely hard to do, as we had become very close with them during our stay.

Besides spending time at Success Nursery School, we also made the long four hour trek up country to Illiassa.

We spent the jeep rides singing songs, sharing stories of our time in The Gambia, and enjoying the scenery. The landscape became a lot more rural the further away from Banjul we drove and every time we drove through a village, the children ran out of their houses, shouting “Toubab” and waving at us franticly!

As our fundraising efforts were so successful before our trip, since returning to the UK we have decided to send out more money to The Gambia. We will be funding a fridge for Success Nursery School, which will help to keep the lunch food fresh for the children. We will also fund an extension to the school walls in order to make the grounds more secure. And finally, we are going to send money to Illiassa’s Youth Development Project, so that they can extend the garden and improve the water facilities.

The next trip will be in 2020 and will be open to girls currently in Years 10 and 11. We would strongly encourage as many of you as possible to consider applying when the opportunity comes around, so you can see for yourselves the outcome of all the fundraising efforts that we do here at MSJ. Words by Holly Harvey (Year 12), Emily Marriott (Year 12) and Miss MacDonald, Business and Economics Teacher

In Illiassa we helped out with the Youth Development Project. We transplanted citrus saplings and sowed Cashew and Moringa seeds. Tamba, the leader of the project, has many aspirations for renewable business ideas such as soaps made from Aloe Vera and Moringa and the selling of citrus plants.

The trip really opened our eyes to the privilege we have here and how easy it is to access basic necessities.

Something that really stood out for us was the passion the children had for learning and it made us want to show children here that the education they are having is an incredible privilege that many children around the world don’t get to experience.

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young

ENTERPRISE This year 27 year 12 students signed up for Young Enterprise at MSJ, forming two companies – Zealous and Moments.

They’ve been through the motions of having to set up their own companies – coming up with a name, selling shares, raising funds, creating and marketing a product to the public and will shortly be dissolving the company, splitting their assets and paying dividends. Throughout the year, the girls have learned about the four functional areas of a business: HR – the importance of electing the right Managing Directors for your company; Operations – the importance of having a good quality product, and how that can affect sales; Marketing – the importance of creating a strong brand for your product; Finance – the importance of keeping good records of their costs and earnings and how pricing of a final product impacts a consumers buying behaviour. But they have also learned transferrable skills that will help them throughout their life, such as the value of teamwork and time management.

The companies this year have made two very different products but have both been successful in their own right.

Zealous, made handmade soy candles and cement candle holders, giving their product an industrial rustic look. While Moments wanted to help people to “create, capture and celebrate” the little moments in life. Their product portfolio includes postcards, certificates, coupon books which can be redeemed for promises and “15 reasons why I love you” booklets, all aimed to show their loved ones that they are being thought about.

Besides the creation of the product itself, Young Enterprise is a competition. Throughout the course of the year they get judged on their trade stand at a Spring Fair, a written report, an interview by a panel of judges and a four minute presentation. The first stage of the competition was the South Worcestershire Presentation Evening at the end of April, where there were 13 companies in attendance. The MSJ teams did extremely well at the area finals – they presented themselves well in their interviews and their presentations went off without a glitch! The awards part of the evening showcased just how well they had done this year - Zealous won Creativity in Business, Best Report and Best Finance, while Moments won Best Presentation.

Both companies also won Best Company (alongside three others) which advanced them to the next stage in the competition! To say that the girls were excited was an understatement – I have never heard such cheering before in my life! This also was a big achievement for MSJ – the second year running for both companies to make it to the second round.

The following week they attended the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Presentation Evening, where the judging started all over again. This time there were nine companies competing at County level, but only one would move forward the pressure was definitely on! Again, both teams did very well - Zealous won Best Report and Moments won Best Finance.

Moments was commended for their passion and praised

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for being a strong, consistent team throughout the process, which helped them claim the title of Best Company! They will now go on to represent the County at the West Midlands Regional Presentation Evening at the West Midlands Safari Park later in June. This is a tremendous accomplishment as they had to beat out 29 other companies in the county to get to this stage. This win makes them the fourth MSJ company to get to the West Midlands in eight years (J’Adore in 2011, Royal Flush in 2012 and Dynamic in 2017).

Since the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Presentation Evening, Zealous have sold the last of their candles and having made a net profit of over £1,400 this year. Moments on the other hand carried on in full force – they sold so much that they had to re-stock their products twice in the last few weeks! They also secured a deal with the Austin & Co shop on Church Street in Great Malvern who began stocking their postcards in June.

Words by Miss MacDonald Young Enterprise Co-ordinator

SIXTH FORM

Time to Say Goodbye We have once again reached that time when we bid farewell to our Year 13 leavers. This year we decided to hold a Valete (Farewell) service, which I very much hope will become established as a tradition.

Year 13 and their parents joined us in York Hall for a ceremony in which the girls were individually presented to the Headmistress by their tutors. It was lovely to be able to share their achievements during their time in School, and to acknowledge their future plans.

Particularly enjoyable were some of the less serious anecdotes about the girls’ experiences, ranging from setting fire (accidentally I presume!) to the Chemistry lab and accidentally falling off a treadmill in the gym with everyone watching.

It is always such a privilege for me to support girls’ maturation during this crucial time in their lives, and it was great to have this opportunity for us to share our thoughts with both girls and parents. I wish Year 13 every success as they make their way out into the big, scary but exciting world.

Alison Kingshott, Director of Sixth Form

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l l A e r ’ e W ere

H d a M

The evening of 25 May saw our annual Sixth Form Ball. In the weeks before, the Sixth From Centre was buzzing with excited discussion of what to wear and which guests to bring.

This year the girls chose Alice in Wonderland for their theme and in it was very satisfying to see parts of the School transformed into a riotous wonderland of colour, complete with flamingos, grass, flowers and our amazing catering team dressed as characters from the story.

During the evening, we were entertained by our new favourite band, Fairview, who I am sure everyone is very keen to hear again.

It was a lovely opportunity for girls, staff and parents to get dressed up and celebrate the end of the academic year in style with a fantastic dinner and dancing late into the evening. Time to start planning the next one‌ Words by Mrs Kingshott, Director of Sixth Form 36

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DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD

Gold

D of E award presentation

Congratulations to our Head Girl, Chloe Parker and Old Girl Eleri Clarke (2017), who were presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award Certificates by the explorer and polar adventurer, Mark Woods in the presence of HRH The Earl of Wessex on Monday 19 March at St James's Palace, London.

They had a fantastic day meeting up with other Gold Award holders and reminiscing about the different activities they did in order to achieve their Award.

Chloe helped with local Brownie and Guide groups, facilitated Debating and Speech at School, as well as representing MSJ in Lacrosse. Eleri volunteered

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at a charity shop, did ballet to a high standard, and attended a medical seminar in Nottingham. Both of them did their expedition in 2016 in one of the wettest periods of weather the UK has seen for a long time and coped exceptionally well!

Both girls always gave their best and maintained high standards of commitment and determination throughout their participation in the Award. They are excellent role models for the younger girls. Everyone at MSJ is extremely proud of them.

Words by Ms Cole, DofE Manager

DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD

We are very pleased to announce that Sabrina Tsang and Jackie Kong have both completed and been awarded their GOLD D of E Award.

Both Sabrina and Jackie worked extremely hard to achieve this prestigious award by completing a programme of different activities, which included volunteering in the Prep Department, coaching Chinese, learning a musical instrument and regularly attending the gym. For the residential section Sabrina did an outdoor activity week in the Brecon Beacons and Jackie helped teach English at a residential camp in China. They both completed a four-day, threenight camping self-reliant journey in the Yorkshire Dales in the summer of 2017.

Sabrina and Jackie will receive an invitation to attend a presentation at St James’ Palace in London to receive their Gold DofE certificates. We wish them a memorable day and offer many congratulations on their achievement.

The photograph shows Jackie (in pink) and Sabrina (in light blue) with two of their fellow expeditioners.

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EXPRESSIVE ARTS

ARTISTIC EVA WINS SAFETY POSTER COMPETITION Prep girl Eva Mico has scooped the top prize at this year’s Royal Three Counties Show in the Children’s Art and Design Safety Poster Competition.

The competition stemmed from workshops at the show, sponsored by Western Power.

They attracted around 100 young artists from schools across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Pupils were invited to use their skill and imagination to design a drawing illustrating ‘How to stay safe around electricity’.

GIRLS INSPIRED THROUGH TEXTILES WORKSHOP Years 10, 11 and 12 Art and Textiles students had the opportunity to work with professional Textile Artist Angie Hughes, in a hands on workshop on 7 November.

Angie showed them a variety of techniques and materials full of glitz and glamour, which had them all working with great enthusiasm long after she had gone. She brought along a range of work which she has recently exhibited as well as her new book Stitch, Cloth, Paper and Paint and talked at length about her influences and use of unusual material.

Angie is a regular visitor to the school and has greatly inspired many students both past and present.

Words by Ms Weissberg, Head of Art and Design

PORTRAIT WORKSHOP 2017

T

he two- day workshop, led by accomplished portrait painter Mike Bagshaw, was a great experience for all who took part. The day comprised of demos and instruction on three distinct styles of portrait painting in oils, allowing students to explore their own strengths and preferences, using a limited palette. The use of a model throughout led to a very valid drawing and painting experience where the use of light and the tonal planes of the face were thoroughly explored. Using a brush rather than a pencil, for the initial drawing stage gave students the confidence to explore more adventurous forms of mark making. On the Sunday, a quick charcoal study allowed students to re-familiarise themselves with the sitters face.

This was followed by a more extensive session where they could adopt their preferred style to complete a final portrait on canvas. Throughout the workshop, valuable constructive and supportive criticism was given, ultimately enhancing the quality of the work.

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EXPRESSIVE ARTS

I played Ismene in this year’s school production of 'Antigone’. When we first read through the script, I thought that 'Antigone’ was a far more boring play than Grease (last year’s production) as I didn’t fully understand the story. However, because each rehearsal only included three or four characters, Mrs Fisher, Imy and Daisy were able to develop our sense of character individually with us straight away without the pressure of having to look after a whole company. As a result, we were able to deepen our characters relatively easily on our own.

Their focus also gave me a more complex understanding of the story, as they thoroughly talked through what was happening in each of our scenes. I began to realise that 'Antigone’ was not boring at all. It has a powerful message profoundly linked to more recent struggles.

ANTIGONE Because each rehearsal was devoted to our own specific scenes, it was not until the dress rehearsal that we saw the play as a whole; fascinating to see how my character and scenes fitted in to the play as a whole.

It was during this rehearsal, that we also began to act with the chorus, who narrated the play. From the very beginning, the chorus were identified as individuals, they had different names and therefore could develop their own characters. However, Mrs Fisher also wanted a few scenes where the chorus acted as a unit. Therefore, coordinated movements were added during certain scenes, for example; during Tiresias’s scene each chorus member performed a chair duet with the person next to her, or in Antigone’s final speech the chorus in the background made repeated head movements. This lyrical movement linked to the poetic language in the play, binding the chorus even more to the performance as a whole.

During the Saturday rehearsal we ran the play through a couple of times and tried it with music. The music created the perfect atmosphere and also allowed the scenes to flow into each other, making it feel finished.

We also tried on costume for the first time during our Saturday rehearsal. This again helped the whole play feel real and also helped us to develop our characters even more as we could tell the personalities through what they wore. Antigone (played by Tito) and my character, Ismene, had contrasting floral dresses that portrayed our difference in views, but also how we were related. In the rehearsals the next week the whole cast were expected to come and we continued running through the play scene by scene. It was here that we developed each of the characters further, adding gestures and movement. For example, during Antigone and Ismene’s scene, we added the small gesture of holding hands to emphasise the fact that we were sisters and we cared for each other. This really helped me to develop the sisterly bond that I felt was

lacking earlier on. We also added gestures for Eurydice when she finds out about the deaths, making her grief more realistic and powerful.

These detailed rehearsals enabled us to go home and develop our characters individually, allowing the whole process of putting on the play, to evolve smoothly.

On the day of the performance we had a final read through, making sure everyone knew their lines, which thankfully they did. This meant that by the time it came to our first performance it went without fault, making us feel good, and with that boost our second performance went brilliantly.

“Very well done to all the cast and crew for the excellent performances of ‘Antigone’. It was everything I could have hoped for. What a talented company I was privileged to work with. Congratulations to all!” Mrs Fisher Director/Producer

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One of our Drama Scholars writes about her experience of starring in this year’s school production of ‘Antigone’.

Words by Grace Clifford – ‘Ismene’ and Drama Scholar, Year 11 THE BEACON

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EXPRESSIVE ARTS

ART exhibition

On 18 May, a Private View was held to launch this year’s GCSE and A Level Art Exhibition. The standard of work on display was very high and everyone who visited the exhibition was hugely impressed by the girls’ talent.

The exhibition featured a range of Fine Art and Textiles work on varied themes – portraits of familiar MSJ faces, work inspired by trips to Barcelona (A Level) and Cornwall (GCSE), and pieces on the theme of World War I set against the backdrop of a trench.

Plans were put in place to exhibit some of this year’s A Level work at Malvern Theatres during the summer and one of the portraits impressed the subject’s parents so much that they bought it for their own collection. Once again, MSJ’s artists proved that they are bursting with talent!

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EXPRESSIVE ARTS

Charlotte Li (Year 13) - Memories

Prudence Lo (Year 13) - This is me THE BEACON

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EXPRESSIVE ARTS

Friday 29 June 2018

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EXPRESSIVE ARTS

EXPRESSIVE ARTS WEEK

25 - 29 June 2018

The Year 7s and 8s had a fantastic Expressive Arts Week, putting on a production in just a week. After only four days of acting, music and dance rehearsals; set design and artwork; sound and lighting design and stage management, the girls performed The Little Mermaid twice to packed audiences. This is what the girls said about the final performance and the experience as a whole: “Once lunch was over, all the makeup and costumes appear in a flurry and the parents are taking their seats. At last, the opening scene begins. The show was wonderful; all the actors were giving 110% at countless rehearsals and the songs fill the room. The scenery and lighting gave the final touches to the play, not to mention the sounds, and really pulled the entire thing together. The changes were swift and well thought out as well as the positioning of the characters and set. Overall, everyone’s work over the limited time we had showed and it was really fun to watch the final performance.”

Nia Grainger (Year 8) “After lunch we got straight to work and started to work on each others’ hair and make-up. It was rough and stressful but in the end we finished on time. I was pleased with the make-up, especially Ursula’s! The performance was here and it went…

PERFECTLY TO PLAN. It was brilliant and the audience was buzzing right after. To conclude from this experience, I would like to say that I took many different skills away from this week, and all of them will definitely benefit me in the future.

From learning new singing skills, to picking up choreography faster, this week has not only been fun but also educational.”

Georgina Attlee (Year 8) THE BEACON

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EXPRESSIVE ARTS

Girls perform at

WORCESTER CATHEDRAL MSJ singers were part of a collaborative performance of Karl Jenkins’ powerful and popular work The Armed Man staged at Worcester Cathedral on 30 September.

24 of our girls formed a core part of the 200 voice choir made up of students from Worcestershire schools and colleges. Accompanied by the Orchestra Of The Swan, the concert was staged to mark the centenary of the Great War. Neil Ferris, Chorus Director of the BBC Symphony Chorus, conducted the performance which included the screening of international award-winning photographs from the major exhibition, 'Fields of Battle - Lands of Peace 14/18'.

Girls had been rehearsing for the performance since January and the evening was truly memorable. Much positive feedback has been received following this event and the girls were excited to be part of such an important occasion.

Lucy Miller, Director of Music at MSJ said: “This has been the most amazing opportunity for the girls to perform alongside a professional orchestra in the impressive surroundings of Worcester cathedral. It is an experience they will remember forever.”

Here are just a few of the comments from some of our girls who took part in this concert: “Singing with a full orchestra amongst a 200 piece choir and also listening to a previous young musician of the year performing Elgar’s cello concerto in E Minor, provided an unforgettable experience, especially combined with the subject matter. All the girls, as well as the choir, gave an outstanding performance, despite the long day of rehearsals and challenging material, to receive a standing ovation.” Lara MaylorWrout, Year 12, Sixth Form Music Scholar “I have really enjoyed the experience of learning new music and performing at a concert because I have never done this before. I enjoyed performing in a concert that was dedicated to such an important part of our history, and being able to honour the memory of the people who died in the First World War.” Emily Cox, Year 10 The concert also included Elgar's iconic cello concerto, composed in 1919 during the aftermath of the First World War, played by former BBC Young Musician Winner, Laura van der Heijden.

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EXPRESSIVE ARTS

Success at

ARTS FESTIVAL

Pupils from Malvern St James took home a host of awards at this year’s Worcester Competitive Arts Festival held on 17 March.

This festival was the perfect opportunity for girls to test their acting abilities as they took part in a day of drama performance in Worcester.

It was a tough day for the girls but also a great opportunity. This year was the largest team we have put into the Festival and MSJ’s girls conducted themselves beautifully, supporting each other wholeheartedly and harnessing their nerves. Mrs Burton, Mrs Rhodes, Miss Moran and I are very proud of our girls, every one of whom was critiqued in detail! There was some extremely encouraging feedback.

Well done to all of the girls: VERSE SPEAKING IN PAIRS 10 YEARS AND UNDER CLASS Libby Cox and Evie Ede - Merit SOLO ACTING 12 YEARS AND UNDER CLASS Isobel Advani - Highly Commended Fikayo Ajayi - Highly Commended Scarlett Kelly - Highly Commended DUOLOGUE ACTING 12 YEARS AND UNDER CLASS Erica Borwell-Fox and Lily Chance - Merit SOLO ACTING 14 AND UNDER Cherie Ng - Merit Lexie Preston - Highly Commended SHAKESPEARE 14 YEARS AND UNDER CLASS Georgina Attlee - Merit Floria Atukunda - Highly Commended Scarlett Kelly – Merit SOLO ACTING 14 AND UNDER CLASS Alex Byrne and Emma Green - Highly Commended Angela Feng and Kristy Huang - Merit Romilly Hughes and Marnie Probert - Merit Cordy Blum and Sofia Hollier - Merit Emily Cox and Freya Powell - Merit Lexie Preston and Lola Weale - Merit Cicely Gallagher and Tiggy Manning - Distinction and Second Place Words by Mrs Munn Speech and Drama Teacher THE BEACON

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EXPRESSIVE ARTS CBSO CONCERT AT SYMPHONY HALL The current and prospective GCSE musicians along with members of the school Orchestra enjoyed an excellent afternoon of Music when they visited Symphony Hall, Birmingham to hear the CBSO perform. Under the enigmatic direction of their conductor, Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, the orchestra performed a varied programme which included Haydn, Bruch and the highly engaging Concerto for Orchestra by Béla Bartók. All of the girls, ranging in age from Years 6 – 10, found the concert to be stimulating both in terms of the music played and by being able to watch the orchestra perform up close, from our seats in the choir. Some of our youngest musicians were particularly eagle eyed in spotting incorrect bowing in the violins and even when the conductor lost hold of her baton! Our GCSE students found that they were able to apply some of what they have been learning to their understanding and appreciation of the music. Once again, the CBSO proved to be a great success.

MALVERN CONCERT CLUB: TAMSIN LITTLE Six girls represented MSJ at the Malvern Concert Club performance given by violinist Tamsin Little and pianist Martin Roscoe at Malvern Theatre.

Having carried out their stewarding duties selling programmes and welcoming concert goers to the venue, the girls enjoyed a programme of Beethoven sonatas.

YOUNG PERFORMERS PLATFORM

The first YPP of the Spring term once again provided an opportunity for a range of our instrumentalists and singers to explore their performing skills. Girls from the Prep department through to the Sixth Form gave some engaging performances of music by Schubert, Haydn and Scarlatti amongst others. The concert was well attended by girls, staff and parents.

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EXPRESSIVE ARTS INTERSHIP SOLO MUSIC COMPETITION The final of the Intership Solo Music competition was held on Wednesday 28th February in York Hall. We were very fortunate to welcome Mr Iain Sloan, former Director of Music at Malvern College as our adjudicator who brought his experience as an ABRSM examiner to the competition. Over 30 performances were heard from singers and instrumentalists across all four ships. Every performer received a warm welcome from the audience who got behind them and cheered them on. Mr Sloan commented on the supportive spirit of the girls and commended each performer for their excellent performances. After some very close judging, due to the high standard of playing, the following girls were victorious in their categories: Prep Vocal:

Henrietta Smith (Dragon)

Prep Instrumental:

Roseanna Gray (Triumph)

Grade 1-5 Vocal:

Abigail Miller (Trenchant)

Grade 1-5 Instrumental:

Ruby Davies (Daring)

Grade 6-8 Vocal:

Lara Maylor-Wrout (Daring)

Grade 6-8 Instrumental:

Ashley Tong (Triumph)

Only a point separated three of the ships but congratulations to Trenchant who were awarded the overall Solo Music Cup.

GCSE PERFORMANCE EVENING In order to fulfil the requirements of the performing aspects of the GCSE course, our Year 11 musicians performed a wonderful programme of music on the evening of Thursday 8 March. Ashley Tong started the recital with Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins and piano followed by a solo from the Romantic period by the Polish composer Moszowski. Genevieve Manning added nostalgia to the evening with an emotive performance of ‘Over the Rainbow’ at the piano and together with Clara Yuan performed a dramatic duet from Warlock’s Capriol Suite. Pearl Zhao brought the audience into the twentieth century singing ’Wrecking Ball’ by Miley Cyrus with power and feeling.

Some of our Year 10 GCSE musicians also performed; Aimee Mackison, Ruby Davies, Georgia Hughes, Kristy Huang and Minna Chan all gave excellent performances worthy of being entered as GCSE submissions this year.

The evening concluded with a combined performance of ‘Seasons of Love’ from the music Rent. This was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and all of the performers are to be congratulated for their display of talent and commitment to achieving their best.

Malvern Priory Lunch Box Concert Malvern Priory holds a series of events over a lunch time where members of the public can enjoy their lunch whilst listening to performances or to hear people speak. On Thursday 8th March, it was the turn of Malvern St James under the direction of Mrs Lynne Lindner, accompanied by Tim Sidford.

The programme featured a wide range of music starting with Moszowski, the nineteenth century Polish composer and concert pianist. Ashley Tong played his Spanischer Tanz No Op 12 on violin.

The MSJ Singers performed a number of pieces in a lighter vein and with an American theme; a negro spiritual, ‘Sometimes I feel like a motherless child’ and later a miscellany of ‘The Storm is Passing Over’ by Charles Tindley, the American gospel music composer, ‘Seal Lullaby’ by Eric Whittaker and ‘Rhythm of Life’ from the musical Sweet Charity by Cy Coleman.

‘The Watermill’ by Ronald Binge, performed on the oboe by Ruby Davies was particularly well suited to the ambiance of the Priory. Georgia Hughes on clarinet, Kristy Huang, soprano, and Charlotte Li on piano all made impressive contributions to what was a memorable concert. Lara Maylor-Wrout concluded the soloists programme with a fine performance of ‘Waltz of my Heart’ by Ivor Novello. As always, the feedback from those attending was overwhelmingly positive and it provided another opportunity for our musicians to perform in the beautiful setting of the Priory.

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HUMANITIES

Year 8 English Trip to

WIGHTWICK MANOR OUR YEAR 8 GIRLS SPENT A LOVELY DAY AT WIGHTWICK MANOR IN STAFFORDSHIRE AS PART OF AN ENGLISH DEPARTMENT PROJECT ON VICTORIAN POETRY. THE MANOR IS PRESERVED BY THE NATIONAL TRUST AS A ‘WILLIAM MORRIS AND PRE-RAPHAELITE PERIOD PIECE’ AND CREATES A WONDERFUL CONTEXT FOR A MODULE OF WORK DEDICATED TO TENNYSON’S POETRY, THE VICTORIAN LOVE-AFFAIR WITH THE MIDDLE AGES PROVIDING THE IMPORTANT CONNECTION.

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HUMANITIES

YEAR 9

HISTORY TRIP Girls were transported back in time and given an insight into life during World War I when the Year 9 History class visited the Staffordshire Regiment Museum and the National Memorial Arboretum on 5 October.

At the museum, volunteer guides who were dressed as WWI personnel, took the girls on an insightful and curriculum based guided tour of the museum and its grounds. They toured its full size trench system and discovered what life was like for soldiers living and fighting in the trenches during the Great War. They were also able to try on and compare the uniform of an officer and a private soldier from WWI, as well as learning about the equipment the men would have used at that time.

The trench experience certainly struck a chord with the girls.

“The highlight of the history trip was trenches and the memorial museum because it showed how much people fought for their country. The trenches gave me an insight and more knowledge of how they felt during the war.”

Yizzy Asiodu “I really liked the history trip because I had never been to somewhere like that before. When we were in the trenches we went down a dark tunnel we all bonded really well.” Izzy Myatt The visit provided the girls with an opportunity to find out more about the Great War and what it would have been like to be a soldier. It also served as preparation and inspiration for the girls ahead of their History documentary project which sees the girls making three minute documentaries on any aspect of World War I they wish to cover.

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HUMANITIES YEAR 7 GEOGRAPHY FIELD TRIP TO THE MALVERN HILLS AND LEDBURY 2018

On Friday 11 of March, the Year 7 students hiked up the Malvern Hills as part of their Geography trip.

Along the way we stopped at learned about a lot of different aspects of the hills. For example, we looked at the Geology of the area, learning about the different types of rocks that can be found as well as how old the hills were. From the top of the hills we discovered that the Worcestershire side is flat (this is because thousands of years ago it was a desert) which makes it ideal for settlements.

Whereas the Herefordshire side is a lot hillier and is used for farmland and orchards.

Later that day we went to do a land use survey in Ledbury. We had to walk up and down the high street and write down on our map what the buildings are currently being used for. We also had to do a traffic count, to see how many vehicles and pedestrians were passing by. Since we’ve been back at school, we had to use our data to do a Land Use Investigation, analysing the information we had gathered. For example, we learned that there were lots of shops, but not many services. This is most likely to do with the fact that Ledbury is a town, rather than a city. Overall, it was a great day out!

Rose Taylor and Romilly Hatcher Wilkins

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CLASSICS

YEAR 9

BATH TRIP 5 MARCH 2018

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ROSEMARY MIHKELSON SAYS:

LEXIE PRESTON, LOLA WEALE AND SOFIA HOLLIER ADDED:

I found the trip to Bath interesting, being able to see these remarkably well preserved buildings and artefacts that date back to almost 2000 years was very informative and I was able to expand my knowledge greatly on how the Romans used the bath houses, learning that it was a major part in ancient Roman culture and society. In the morning we got too see some artefacts from the museum, mostly consisting of materials used to make the buildings and tools the Romans used while bathing, enabling us to learn of the various parts of the bathing ritual. Later in the day we got to walk around the actual baths and the museum. There were also many tombstones with Latin inscriptions. After the tour we were able to walk around the area in Bath and see more buildings that incorporated Roman style architecture. The Bath trip was a success and I definitely enjoyed the experience and I would definitely go back and recommend others to go as well.

It was a really interesting day and we learnt a lot and enjoyed the trip. We enjoyed going around the baths with the audio guides because we could go around the baths on our own and find out lots of new facts. We all got a chance to drink the water from the baths, it tasted of metal and was full of sulphur. A new fact we all learnt was that the Romans used urine for mouthwash to clean their teeth and gums. This was the only Roman bath left in the UK with natural warm water. The baths were bigger than we thought they would be.

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CLASSICS

MARNIE PROBERT AND CICELY GALLAGHER ADDED: We also learnt how to translate different Roman inscriptions, this difficult to begin with but we soon got the hang of it. We saw the various different pools and even spoke to some Roman actors. We enjoyed learning about bathing within Roman culture and why it was so important. Being able to touch artefacts that had been created by people over 2000 years ago was fascinating, the Baths were full of history and culture. At the end of the tour we even tried some of the naturally heated bath water, we do not recommend this!

ALEX BYRNE, EMMA GREEN, ROMILLY HUGHES ADDED: We are now able to translate Roman tombstones and religious inscriptions accurately TIGGY MANNING ADDED: In the Roman times, when people visited the baths, they would first remove their clothes and relax in the Tepidarium, then they would go to the Caladarium and finally they would have the sweat and dirt scraped of off them and then would jump into the Frigidarium. Slaves would rub their masters with oil and then scrape off the dirt and sweat with a strigil, a small curved metal tool.

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POLITICS

Year 10 trip to

PARLIAMENT On Thursday 21 September, some of our Year 10 girls headed to London to visit the Houses of Parliament and other points of interest as a follow up to the Mock Election they were all involved in during the summer term.

“After getting up at 5:45 and catching the 7:12 train, we got into Paddington and went to The National Portrait Gallery. It was very interesting to see Kings and Queens from different the ages and some of the Prime Ministers. I also loved seeing all the different painting styles from the Tudor style to modern day and even seeing portraits of people like Ed Sheeran and a 3D portrait.

“Afterwards we walked through the city and saw wellknown sights like the London Eye, Big Ben and Downing Street. This was really nice for me because it reminded me of when I lived in London and brought back lovely memories. There was real excitement around Downing Street and we even saw some ministers coming out of No. 10 after a meeting who were then chased by the press!

“In the afternoon we went to the Houses of Parliament for a tour and then a workshop on Laws and Debating.

The tour was very intriguing; all the little extra things we saw which you normally wouldn't see made it even better, such as the throne that only Queen Victoria was meant to have sat on and the little pigeon-holes in the lobby for every MP. Actually going in to the House of Commons and Lords was probably a once in a lifetime opportunity for most of us and seeing where everyone sat was very cool. The workshop was a fun and new way to learn about politics and how laws are made. Overall it was a very fun day, jam-packed with excitement and laughter.”

Words by Mabel Pope Year 10

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MFL

PREP JAPANESE

LANGUAGE DAY On 2 May, girls and staff enjoyed a language immersion day in which they learnt some Japanese and Aikido. They sampled sushi (thanks to our wonderful catering team) and created a beautiful cherry blossom collage. Everyone threw themselves into the activities wholeheartedly and embraced the chance to experience a different culture. A big thank you to the parents who dedicated so much effort to the girls’ costumes – everyone looked sensational!

EL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

We have been learning about the 'Day of the Dead' and how it is celebrated in Mexico and in other Spanish speaking countries. I found this celebration really fascinating and learnt so many new things about its traditions! It was very interesting to know that relatives make an altar for the deceased and fill it with favourite foods and objects that people enjoyed in their lifetime. Also that afterwards, they spend time at the altar telling humorous stories about the deceased. Besides, after having done some more research during the lesson, I had a chance to design a poster about 'El Dia de los Muertos' and explore the celebration more in depth. It was a very useful experience, because learning about such celebration helped to understand the culture of Spanish speaking countries better and to respect their celebrations and traditions more.

Words by Galina Boskhamdzhieva, Year 12

BARCELONA TRIP During the February half term, our GCSE and A Level Art and Spanish students headed to Barcelona for a week of honing their Spanish language skills, pursuing their art, and sketching the beautiful architecture. They took in all the sights, including Parc Guell, the Dali Museum, Picasso Museum and Sagrad Familia and had a wonderful time. Lots of delicious Spanish food was sampled too!

“Barcelona is so stylish. The atmosphere was infectious with colour and festivity around every corner and the chiros and chocolate were delicious.” Eloise Attlee

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FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION AND LEITH'S MAKING PLAETZCHEN The German Year 9 Cookery Lesson took place on Monday, June 4 as they were studying a topic on food and recipes. Plaetzchen are traditional German Christmas biscuits, but can be made and eaten at any time of the year and are great fun to make.

Frau Zimnowodzki

BENNETTS DAIRY FARM VISIT The Year 12 Food Science and Nutrition group went to Bennetts Farm on 19 April to see their dairy herd and where they make their locally renowned ice cream.

We were given a very informative talk about the need for strict bacterial controls due to working with a raw product and the risk of bacterial contamination at the various stages of production. After donning protective clothing, we closely examined and looked at the process, from where the milk gets transported 200 metres (talk about low food miles!) from the milking parlour to the ice cream production area, how it goes through a pipe to the pasteurisation area, and then goes to be homogenised. Following that, it is passed on to huge mixers where the different flavours are added and then it is whipped before being piped in to the tubs. The ice cream is aged and stored in a huge freezer before being sent off to customers.

We were treated to a taste of the ice cream on the production run at the time and you could really taste the creaminess showing exactly why it is a high end, premium product!

LEITH'S CTH ASSESSMENT Leith's girls have had their first CTH (Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality) assessment. These assessments are spread through the course and will certify the UCAS points now attached to the Leiths course. This one was filleting a flat fish and Eleanor Haulbrooke achieved 93%!

After the tasting we walked round the site to see how the farm has diversified; we saw the bell tents, ‘glamping’ yurts, a nursery, a baby day care centre, the new beef herd and then obviously the ice cream business - much more than just a dairy herd! All of these help to make the farm a sustainable business. At the farm we learnt how milk is produced and the cycle the cows go through during the year, and of course, we got to stroke some beautiful calves.

We saw the milking process with its strict hygiene and quality controls that need to be in place and then learnt about artificial insemination, what food they eat and how the time of year all play a part in the end result: milk!

We must have had good fortune on our side as we had the sunniest day of the year so far - what perfect weather for going round a farm and tasting ice cream?

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SPORT A Great Innings for Katie!

Outstanding innings of 93 from Katie Guthrie (Year 10) paved the way for the Rapids Under 15s Cricket Team as they eased to a comfortable 80-run win against Leicestershire and Rutland in their opening Royal London County Cup fixture in sweltering heat at Worcester Nomads CC.

SUCCESS AT ISA NATIONAL HOCKEY TOURNAMENT On 23 November the U11s and U13s travelled to the Lee Valley Olympic Hockey Stadium in London, to take part in the ISA National Hockey Team Finals.

After an early 05:00 start, the U11 girls fought right up until the end, eventually winning The Plate Competition!

All girls demonstrated a strong performance throughout their pool matches, playing against teams from all over the country. The girls convincingly won The Plate Competition by winning all four games, with goals from Lilia Mico, Grace Earp and Charlotte Brookes. Amber Forsyth was awarded Player of the Tournament for her adaptability and strength on the pitch. Congratulations to everyone who took part - what an achievement!

The U13s played very well throughout the day. After very close pool matches they qualified for the plate competition. They won all their matches to qualify for the plate final, which had to be decided by penalty shuffles! The girls unfortunately lost 2-0 on penalties. They demonstrated fantastic teamwork and positivity throughout the day and played with dedication. Erica Borwell-Fox was awarded player of the tournament. Due to another team member's injury she had to play a new position. She took to this very positively and played with great determination.

The girls performed extremely well and it certainly was a great day for all!

Words by Miss Evans, Physical Education Teacher

JUMPING SUCCESS FOR JEMIMA This year, Jemima represented the Warwickshire Hunt Pony Club in a 70cm Show Jumping team competing against other Pony Clubs from around the country.

In the first round Jemima and her pony Honey went clear helping the team into the Jump Off between the remaining six teams.

In the Jump Off, Jemima rode brilliantly and achieved another clear round against the clock helping her team come 2nd overall!

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ATHLETICS

SUCCESS

MSJ enjoyed a great day at the Alexander Stadium at the ISA National Athletics Finals.

For the Prep, Isla Wall narrowly missed out on a medal in the 60m sprint, finishing 4th. Lilia Mico finished 8th in the 600m out of 12 competitors. Both girls conducted themselves beautifully on such a big stage in front of so many people.

For the seniors, Grace Nolan finished 4th in the 1500m. Tracy Lupata got a bronze medal in the Year 8/9 girls 100m, Ella Rice gained 2nd place in the Year 10/11 triple jump and Poppy Elton came a close 2nd in the Year 8/9 800m in a very exciting race.

Poppy Elton should be congratulated for being selected to compete at the English Schools Athletics Championships in the 800m and relay. This is an incredible achievement as Poppy only started competing in this event last summer!

Miss Smith

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SPORT Tennis U12 Grade 5 Tournament LTA Lilia Mico recently had two tournament wins in two weeks!

She won the Girls U12 Grade 5 tournament at Malvern and Girls U12 Grade 4 tournament at Evesham too!

MALVERN ST JAMES GIRLS’ SCHOOL CROWNED ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION UNDER 11 COUNTY CHAMPS Malvern St James Girls’ School overcame rain and the bitter cold to become English Schools Football Association Under 11 Girls’ County Champions after winning the Worcestershire tournament held at South Bromsgrove High School.

The girls of Malvern St James qualified for the event as Malvern District champions and were pitted against representatives from the other Worcestershire districts (Worcester – Claines Primary; Wyre Forest – Sutton Park Primary; Redditch – Walkwood Middle; Bromsgrove – Parkside Middle) in a league based competition.

The MSJ Team had won their district competition (an event in which the MSJ ‘B’ team finished in third place) unbeaten and without conceding a goal. They repeated that feat with a series of results that saw them crowned county champions.

Ian Fry, Prep teacher and Teacher of Football at Malvern St James, said "This is a fantastic achievement for our girls. They have worked so hard and thoroughly deserved their success at our district competition. The quality of the opposition was obviously higher at the county event, but the girls again deservedly came out on top. To represent Worcestershire at the Midlands Regional Finals is a huge honour and will be a fantastic challenge for us and a great experience for the girls. The progress the girls have made since the beginning of the year has been phenomenal. There is certainly work to be done on improving further before the regional competition, but I know the girls will be up for the challenge. I could not be more proud of all the girls."

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SPORT

PREP FOOTBALL On Tuesday 8 May the MSJ Prep Football Team made an early start from Benhams for the Under 11 Girls’ Independent Schools National Cup (North Qualifier).

The hot, sunny conditions were the antithesis of those the girls had experienced in other tournaments this season and certainly made the day rather more comfortable.

The girls' group results included a comprehensive victory over the hosts and a loss to the eventual winners. With the competition's top two teams qualifying for the national finals in June, MSJ's place at the finals was still in the balance going into their final group match. Their best performance of the day saw the girls play some lovely football and dominate their opponents. A hat-trick from Grace Earp and a Charlotte Brookes goal gave MSJ a 4-0 win.

Mr Fry, Prep Teacher and Prep’s Football Coach, said: “I am, as I have been all season, incredibly proud of this group of girls. They deserved to qualify for the finals to finish off what has been a very successful season. Already District Champions and County Champions the girls have now earned the opportunity to play at the home of the FA where the England men and women teams are based and train. Having already achieved so much, it will be a great day and a wonderful way to end the football season and for many of these girls, their time playing for the MSJ Prep football team.”

Elmslie House is both an elegant venue and a private family home in Great Malvern - owned by current MSJ parents.

We open up part of the ground floor for music performances, Blue Magpie Contemporary Craft Fairs, weekly exercise classes, art exhibitions, seminars and training courses.

We also hire the hall for other events. (Please note that the house is only open for these particular events, and not all the time!)

For full listings check out the Facebook page or why not sign up to receive our regular newsletter by visiting

www.elmsliehouse.co.uk.

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Enjoy a glass of bubbly in the private hot tub while watching the sun set over the Malvern Hills. Availability on www.canopyandstars.co.uk look for Lime or Orchard Treehouse richardpgill@aol.com 07966 217888

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MAGP E

SPORT

LACROSSE WI TH NIC KY C ONNELL

I don’t know anything about lacrosse. Can you tell me the basics of the game?

Firstly, there are 12 players on the pitch: 1 goalie, 3 attack, 3 defence, 4 wings and 1 centre. The game starts with a draw, which is when two opposing players in the centre of the pitch must move the ball with an up-and-away motion with their lacrosse sticks. Outfield players can only pass, shoot or carry the ball using a stick (with a net at the end). The team who scored the most goals by the end of the match wins.

How long have you been playing lacrosse?

I first started playing in Year 7 when my lacrosse stick felt really long and out of proportion. Six years on and it feels like an extension of my arms.

What’s your favourite thing about playing lacrosse?

As an attacker, it’s the best feeling in the world when you score a goal. You can feel the whole momentum of the team behind you as you run back to get into position for the next draw. Lacrosse is all about team work and to feel that sense of belonging is very special.

What would you say to a new MSJ girl who was thinking about joining the lacrosse team? Does she need to attend tryouts?

Come and give it a go because you will never know until you try! There are not many schools which give you the opportunity to play lacrosse and it is also a great way to get to know people, especially if you are new. There is an activities fair in the first week of term, during which you can put your name down. The next step is to come along to a team practice where you can get a feel for it.

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SPORT

When is lacrosse season, and what is does the training schedule look like?

Our typical season spans across the autumn and spring terms. When playing for the senior teams you will usually have 3-4 sessions per week (this includes team practice, skills sessions, fitness and wall ball). We then have matches or tournaments most weekends which are a build up to the pinnacle of the season: Nationals. This is where schools across the UK play against each other over the weekend, aiming to be crowned the best in the country.

What are your plans for the team this season?

I hope to try get as many people interested in lacrosse as possible! It is such an amazing sport which is fulfilling and beneficial in so many ways. I also think playing music during sessions would be a real morale booster (particularly during fitness!).

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STEM STUDENTS’ SUCCESS IN CYBER DISCOVERY Three students, two from Year 10 and one from Year 12, competed in the first national CyberDiscovery competition organised by the NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre), and all three were invited to Round 3 (of 4). They performed admirably solving a variety of online challenges involving logic puzzles, investigating and changing web page code and writing programs.

Our Year 12 student has also qualified to attend the Advanced CyberFirst Course at Warwick University in August.

As part of the application procedure for the NCSC CyberFirst course, she was required to complete a number of online immersive Cyber Skills labs (tests).

There were 21 disciplines that were covered in the labs, on topics such as Ethical Hacking, Digital Forensics, and Cyber Principles.

She is ranked number three out of 717 on the entire NCSC Cyberfirst leaderboard network, a fantastic achievement that has taken a lot of hard work alongside revision for her exams.

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STEM Year 9 Trip to Cheltenham Science Festival The Cheltenham Science Festival is focused on encouraging young minds to develop a love for all things science. Year 9 girls experienced live shows, workshops or explored a range of interactive zones. Sabela Cosin said, "I enjoyed the whole trip the talks were fascinating and really interesting".

INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY COMES TO MSJ All our Sixth Form Chemistry students ran their own infrared spectra of a range of different compounds which they then used, alongside mass spectrometry data, to identify them. This was made possible through a Royal Society of Chemistry sponsored programme, ‘Spectroscopy in a Suitcase’. Dr Mark Read, a Senior Lecturer in Computational Solid State Chemistry from the University of Birmingham brought an infrared spectrometer to MSJ for the day on 6 March. He gave workshops to each class on the technique and its applications as well as showing each of them how to run spectra themselves. A fantastic insight into one of the A Level topics.

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STEM

Prep Visit to

BRISTOL SCIENCE MUSEUM “I nearly fell over after the hypnotising wheels!” – Martha Bond, Year 6 “The hamster wheel was really fun and it made me want more of it!” – Eva Mico, Year 4 The groups switched from downstairs to upstairs and discovered they adored the second floor! It was all about animation and they had the chance to make their own mini films. The girls learned quite a bit about the animation of ‘Wallis and Gromit’ too as Nick Park, their Oscar-winning creator, was local to the city. Bubbles filled a section of air in one part of the room, as girls made giant bubbles and attempted to make a bubble tunnel over their heads. The many bubble-themed activities were especially popular with the girls!

Another brilliant day awaited the Prep girls in years 4-6 as they took a fun-filled and informative trip to the Bristol Science Museum.

The long coach journey was well worth it, as the girls were all so surprised when they saw the museum! The first experiment they tried out was giant hamster wheels that you could run really fast on and everyone really loved taking part. Mrs Gill particularly enjoyed her turn and seemed to run as fast as the wind. Other experiments downstairs were water pumps and their mechanisms, grinding your own flour, controlling cameras, machines measuring your heart rate, a dark cave and lots about space.

Mrs Jones was shocked when her hand was moving after staring at the two spinning discs for a while, and the girls reactions to the enclosed box with the scary projections were hard to miss! There were lots of other activities upstairs and so many girls were heard exclaiming “Wow!” as they saw their own veins moving under a special light!

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The illusion area was fantastic and there was a thrilling ‘tilted room’ that created much confusion as it was hard to walk and the girls took a long time trying to climb out! One group spent a lot of time making tunnels for balls to travel through and they enjoyed it so much that they chose to go back at the end.

Opposite the tilted room, was a floor that buzzed in time with the music and Mr Fry had a super time enjoying himself there! Many of the girls also enjoyed a robot that you could control and talk to. It could even make a tower out of wooden bricks!

“I think I made good friends with the moving robot!” – Elizabeth Motterham, Year 5 “The face I made in the scary picture box was so funny!” – Sophia Michael, Year 4 The highlight of upstairs was the virtual reality room. As you walked in, the screen told the person at the front of the queue to stand on a red cross and jump or dance. The others in the line would stand around two tables and they could see a miniature version of the person doing the same moves and actions, then if they clicked a button on the side of the goggles, they would be able to change the background. All of the girls had so much fun there!

“The virtual reality room was awesome and I loved the hologram.” – Imogen Hobbs, Year 5 “I liked it because it was like there was a real mini me dancing!” – Serena Capper, Year 6 After a delicious packed lunch, (thank you to the Catering Team who prepared these), the girls were allowed to take a visit to the museum shop and bought some exciting bits and pieces. After one last roam around the museum, we watched an exciting show all about rockets! There were quite a few explosions and big bangs, but the girls didn’t mind! They had a fantastic time and took part in lots of experiments. Thank you Mrs Collins for organising the exciting show.

“I liked taking part in the experiment because when the cup sprang up it made me jump!” – Chloe Aris, Year 6 “I liked learning about space and the show was really funny!” – Gracie Morris, Year 4 This trip was a wonderful experience and everybody learned so much whilst having lots of fun. Thank you to the staff for organising it for us - it was brilliant!

Words by Roseanna Gray, Year 6

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STEM Year 13 Biology students recently swapped their classroom for wellies when they visited Nettlecombe Court in Somerset to complete their Biology Field Course.

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GIRLS VISIT

FESTIVAL OF

INNOVATION On Tuesday 3 October, all Year 7 girls went to the Malvern Festival of Innovation held at the Three Counties Showground with Dr Guy and Mr Shaw. It was a fun filled day; we saw lots of amazing gadgets, did interesting workshops and learnt about a wide range of subjects.

We all liked ‘The 3D Chocolate Printer’, is was very exciting: first they took a bag of coco beans, melted the chocolate, put the melted chocolate into the printer, pressed a button and a chocolate shape was created!

The virtual reality headsets were quite freaky - it was a game with a spaceship and trying to not get blocked; you had to keep moving your head.

The pop-up Planatarium was great – we learnt about what would happen if the Milky Way and Andromeda crashed. I really enjoyed this activity because of the different space pictures, finding out what would happen if our galaxy crashed and crumbled and learning that it would take 942 hours to get to mars by train.

I found out what some of the other girls enjoyed: “The virtual reality game was extremely tricky and fun but it made you look really weird when your moving your head!” Vicky Cole “My favourite bit was the 3D printer!” Isabella Michael “It was a great day as I enjoyed learning about the planets in the planetarium and was amazed to find that black holes actually exist!” Rose Taylor “The Career Quiz because the people who ran it interacted with me and I found out more about myself. It was also really interesting to find out what other people would be when their older.” Emily Martell “I also loved the Career Quiz because it gave me new ideas about my future. I came out as an EXPLORER!” Ella Greenland “I really enjoyed my trip to the Malvern Festival of Innovation; I learnt lots of new things, saw lots of cool stuff and met lots of great people.” Morganne Seal Words by Olivia Coom Year 7

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BOARDING FOCUS HARMONIC AMAZING PEOPLE TOTALLY COSY FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE INVITING EXCITING ACTIVITIES LOVELY DELIGHTFUL

my time here

at MSJ

BY ANNIKA GEISSLER

For me, these words are the most suitable ones to describe Hatfield, which was my home during my three months stay at Malvern St James. I’m so glad that Hatfield was the house I was living in because of its friendly, warm and positive atmosphere. This atmosphere immediately gives you a homely feeling, which was the case when I came in for the first time. During my whole time in Hatfield I felt very comfortable; which I to owe the two Housemistresses Mrs Cole and Miss Duffy.

They were always super caring. Both of them were always there for me, regardless of whether I was homesick, as in the first days after my arrival; or if I just wanting to have a chat about random things.

They were like seconds Mums for me.

As a baking freak – I really enjoyed the baking on Thursday evenings together with Miss Duffy and a lot of other girls who liked baking in the lovely kitchen. Especially before Christmas we made a lot of Christmassy crafts and spread out the festive

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mood. In Hatfield there is a very familiar atmosphere and everybody is well integrated. This stood out immediately when I was unpacking suitcase on the first day of my arrival, when some girls came into my room and introduced themselves and showed me around the school. I was so lucky that I had the possibility to share a dormitory together with an English girl which was very nice. This helped me a lot to improve my English and it was just very good to have someone in the evenings you can talk to. My absolute highlight was the organised trips at the weekends, which we had the chance to take part in. I experienced everything from touching a giraffe in the Safari park to going shopping in a big shopping Mall.

These trips make it possible to see something different and not always just school: although school is very nice. In these months I gained a lot of experience and I just had the most wonderful time which I shall never forget. This is due to a lot of people that I got to know here and who I spend a lot of time with. These people made it the best time of my life.

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CHAPLAIN'S REFLECTION

ARE WE NEARLY

THERE YET?

Every parent will be familiar with the above refrain.

Every child will have posed the question. Whether travelling by car, bus, train, ship or plane, we are often in a hurry to get from A to B. Perhaps we would suffer less stress if we cherished the journey itself almost as much as our arrival at our destination.

Pilgrims view the ups and downs of a trek to a sacred shrine or place of prayer as an opportunity for learning and growth; experiences along the way can be ‘teachers’. Obstacles and dangers need to be faced with courage and fortitude. Backtracking, waywardness and delays are part of the challenge and the cost of setting out in the first place. How do we respond when we miss a turning or when the signposts are unclear? How do we choose when the road ahead divides? In his poem The Road Not Taken, twentieth century American poet Robert Frost hints that greater adventure and fulfilment may sometimes come from a counter-intuitive choice:

mastery; where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars.” Similarly, for Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s Ulysses, it was about sailing ‘beyond the sunset’.

Life is often compared to a journey or a voyage. This theme is explored by the Alexandrian Greek poet Constantine Cavafy (1863-1933) in his poem Ithaka.

He draws on Homer’s celebrated Odyssey describing the adventures of Odysseus, King of Ithaka, on his long homeward journey after the Trojan Wars. The poem is about attitudes to living; it reminds the reader not to become so obsessed by achieving his goals or ambitions in life that he does not make the most of his experiences along the way. Cavafy wrote: Keep Ithaka always in your mind.

Arriving there is what you’re destined for.

But don’t hurry the journey at all.

Better if it lasts for years,

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –

so you’re old by the time you reach the island,

I took the one less travelled by,

wealthy with all you’ve gained on the way,

And that has made all the difference.

not expecting Ithaka to make you rich.

But dare we opt for the less-travelled road? After all, we live in a risk-averse culture. We create increasingly complex rules and regulations to protect us from harm.

We devise policies, procedures and protocols which are designed to keep us physically safe but which, ironically, can sometimes lead to mental ill-health due to emotional stress and the disproportionate demands of bureaucratisation. A frustrated lament echoes from professionals in most careers throughout our society.

Ithaka gave you the marvellous journey.

Elizabethan explorer and naval hero, Sir Francis Drake, prayed, “Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, to venture on wider seas where storms will show your

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Without her you wouldn’t have set out.

She has nothing left to give you now.

And if you find her poor, Ithaka won’t have fooled you.

Wise as you will have become, so full of experience, you’ll have understood by then what these Ithakas mean.

Reverend Kim Taplin, MSJ Chaplain

STAFF PROFILES

SALUTE Fiona Fowles Fiona is joining us in September as Deputy Head from her current role of Assistant Head (Pastoral) and Head of Geography at Saint Martin’s, a GSA school in Solihull. Apart from a brief spell in a mixed school, Fiona has always taught in girls’ schools and is a passionate supporter of girls’ education. She brings a wealth of experience to MSJ and is very much looking forward to the challenges of her new role.

Ceri Tamplin Ceri is joining us in January as Director of Sport from her current role of Assistant Director of Sport at Cheltenham Ladies’ College (specialism in Lacrosse and Netball.) Ceri has been a teacher for fourteen years. She is very keen to lead a new vision for sport for Malvern St James’ Sport and Physical Education department. She has recently said, ‘I am very much looking forward to joining Malvern St James. This is an exciting time to be leading the Sport and Physical Education programme. The department’s new vision and expertise will allow the pupils to develop a growth mindset, build on sporting success, whilst fostering a passion for sport and physical activity for life.’

Victoria Atkinson Victoria is joining us in September as Head of Classics from her role as Head of Classics / Assistant Head of Languages Faculty at Tanglin Trust School in Singapore. Victoria has been teaching since 1995. Apart from teaching, Victoria has participated in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and has accompanied many school trips, both educational and recreational. She is also a keen violin player.

Alexander Fisher Alec is joining us in September as Head of History and Politics from his role as Subject Leader for History at Mill Chase Academy, Bordon. Alec has been a History teacher since 1998 and has also held the role of Assistant Head Teacher. He was Hampshire Lead Teacher in History for a time and has written or co-authored several history textbooks for both KS3 and GCSE. He has also presented at various annual conferences including the Historical Association (Secondary Teaching) and the Schools History Project. Alec says he is thrilled to be starting at MSJ and is looking forward to working with girls who want to change the world!

VALETE Steve Ewence Steve joined MGC in September 1998 as Deputy Head Gardener; he progressed through several changes of role over the years, finally leaving MSJ in November as Director of Operations and is now working as Operations Bursar at Dean Close School. Steve made a significant impact during his time at the School and helped make the School the success it is today.

Joan Newby Joan joined MGC in February 2001 as Temporary Head of Home Economics (maternity cover) and re-joined the School in January 2004 as Head of Home Economics; now she leaves us as our highly respected Director of Pastoral Care. Joan has been described as reliable, conscientious and lively, words that fit her to a ‘T’!

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STAFF LEAVERS - 2018

VALETE cont.

Lynne Ardrey Lynne joined MGC in September 1994 as an English Coach, initially recruited to cover for a member of the English Department who was on Jury Service for one week. Leaving to enjoy retirement.

Lavinia Bathory Lavinia joined MGC in September 1999 as a Part Time Teacher of History, transferring to St James School in 2000 before merging with MSJ in 2006. From 2007 – 2011 Lavinia became Head of History before reverting to PT Teacher of History again in 2011. Leaving to enjoy retirement at the end of the Summer term 2018.

Hilary Macmillan Hilary joined St James School in April 2000 as a PT Teacher of Learning Support, remaining in this post through the merger. Following retirement in August 2015, Hilary continued with MSJ in September 2015 until august 2018 as a Learning Support Coach.

Helen McPherson Helen joined MGC in April 2001 as a Maths Coach, continuing this role with MSJ upon merger. From September 2007 until her resignation in August 2018 Helen was a Teacher of Mathematics.

Karen Bevan Karen was appointed Head of PE in September 1998 at St James’ School, Malvern. In September 2008 she became Head of PE at MSJ until 30 March 2018 leaving to move on to the next stage of her career.

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STAFF LEAVERS - 2018

Marina Stentiford Marina joined St James School in September 2003 as a Key Stage 2 Teacher continuing into the Merger in this role until September 2008 when she was promoted to Head of Junior Department. In September 2011 she was made Head of Pre-Prep and Prep Department, leaving the School in August 2018.

Rachel Huntley Rachel commenced her employment on 1 September 2005 with Malvern Girls’ College and during the same month joined St James School, Malvern at a Part time Teacher of Specific Learning Difficulties. This role continued upon merger with MSJ. On 1 September 2009 Rachel started work as a Part Time Teacher of Religious Studies covering for maternity leave. On 1 September 2011 Rachel was promoted to Head of History and later included Politics into this role. Between 1 September 2013 until 31 August 2017 Rachel also became a Year 9 Co-ordinator. Upon her retirement in August 2018, on 1 September 2018 Rachel has continued her employment with MSJ as a PT Teacher of History.

Margaret Baird Margaret commenced her employment as an Assistant in Classics Department in September 1989 at MGC. In 1992 she departed for Nairobi, Africa until 1994. In September 2004 Margaret returned to MGC as a PT Teacher of Classics until 2006. In September 2008 until August 2018 Margaret was appointed Head of Classics before taking up a new role at North London Collegiate School in South Korea.

Patrick Harris Patrick joined Malvern Girls’ College in 1 September 1991 as a Chemistry / Physics Teacher.

During the same month he also took on the role of Examination Secretary in September 2005 the role changed to Examinations Officer. These roles continued following the merger in 2006.

On 1 September 2009 until his retirement in August 2018 Patrick was Head of Chemistry.

Following his retirement Patrick now carries out the PT role of Teacher of Physics.

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VISITORS VICKY JONES Former pupil and Life Coach Vicky Jones returned to MSJ on 19 September to give an empowering talk to our girls. Vicky spoke on 'She believed she could so she did' which certainly inspired our girls! Thanks for coming back to school, Vicky.

LECTURE BY PROFESSOR ROBERT HAZELL CBE – 12 MARCH Professor Hazell is Professor of Government and the Constitution at University College London. He has been described as ‘an ace cartographer’ of the constitutional landscape. Just the mention of ‘Government’ and ‘Constitution’ sounds daunting and some of the audience may have been braced for the equivalent of Stephen Hawking talking about black holes. In many ways the 2016 referendum is a black hole. The future is far from clear and we were launched into a subject which is extremely topical. For example, should there a second referendum?

What was impressive was his ability to signpost some of the options with great clarity.

As well as referendums, a whole range of issues such as the reform of the House of Lords were discussed. His general view is that successful political change is achieved by modest rather than ambitious proposals. He said that an effective politician needs to have a good grasp of detail and that many do not.

This was a memorable occasion. The lecture was set up rather like an event at the Hay Book Festival with chairs on the stage for Professor Hazell and the three interviewers Mrs Rarity and Hajar Zubairu and Corliss Tse who asked some good questions. This was followed by Q & A session. Our thanks to Professor Hazell and to Mrs Huntley for organising this lecture and to all those who contributed to the success of the evening.

GIRLS MEET BEST-SELLING AUTHOR MICHAEL GRANT As part of our enrichment programme, girls had the opportunity to attend a talk by American author, Michael Grant, on Wednesday 18 October.

Michael was in the UK to promote his new book Monster, a follow up to his hugely popular Gone series. In his talk, Michael spoke about the things that have inspired him to write his novels, the process he goes through when writing a novel and gave writing tips to his attentive audience.

Michael is the author of an impressive 150 books. His life is a rich source for his torrential narratives. Growing up in a military family he’s lived in almost 50 different homes in 14 US states.

He now lives in San Francisco and takes his writing inspiration from his view of Alcatraz. From across those dark waters have emerged his dystopian fantasy series, Gone, his thrilling futuristic trilogy BZRK, and the menacing Messenger of Fear and Front Lines.

The talk was attended by pupils from Worcestershire schools and at the end of the talk, the girls had the opportunity to have their books signed and personally dedicated.

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VISITORS THE TECHTONICS VISIT MSJ The Techtonics, Imperial College’s all-male a cappella group, visited the School on Saturday 4 November to deliver a workshop with music students and give a unique performance to over 200 girls, parents and staff.

In Malvern to hold their ‘Freshers Weekend’ rehearsals at the School, The Techtonics delivered a workshop to 20 girls from Years 6-13 where they were shown new warm up games, beat boxing, as well as more traditional musical exercises. This was very much enjoyed by all. Techtonics members also answered questions about university life at Imperial College and what it’s like to sing a cappella internationally. The Techtonics won the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella in 2016 (the competition so keenly contested by the Bellas in the film Pitch Perfect) and have since gone on to perform to sell-out audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2016, the Hong Kong Festival of A Cappella 2017, live on ITV at the London Palladium, and to tour the Southern United States in September, avoiding hurricanes as they went!

The energy of this group gave us all a smile on our faces as we left the concert; they just exuded the joy of singing and entertaining people. Just one of the comments I overheard as the audience left was, “I thought the concert was simply brilliant.

They were truly inspirational and if I wasn’t already the age I am, in the career I am, I would have been applying to Imperial College London and joining an a cappella group!”

If you came and enjoyed the event, or if you missed it, you can see more at www.thetechtonics.co.uk.

Words by Dr Guy Chemistry Teacher

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VISITORS

Dawn

LAWRENCE

visits MSJ to share her poems

The inspiring poet, Dawn Lawrence, came to MSJ to share some of her fantastic poetry with the girls…

To prepare for her arrival, Mrs Shaw-Young and her group of year 7 girls, worked extensively to produce their own poems ready to share in class. They were given the task of researching endangered animals and picking the one they were most surprised about, to help create a draft of their poem in the lessons.

All of the girls came prepared and ready to write using researched information, such as fascinating facts and

The first ever poem Dawn wrote was the ‘Camel’.

I would really recommend this, because you will get a sense of how her poetry took flight. I would also recommend ‘The Giant Anteater’, because the rhythm and rhyme work strongly together with the bouncy, fun words.

Dawn mainly specialises in strange looking endangered animals, rather than the well-known ones. She has successfully written five books, which were all for sale during her visit to MSJ. She has also illustrated all the poems, with a detailed pencil drawing of the chosen animal. She showed all the girls her true talent and consistently helped them to bring out their own writing strengths.

Mrs Shaw-Young, the English teacher, was delighted when a year 7 pupil, Etholle Jarvis, told her she had an aunt who was a published poet and was more than willing to visit our school! Mrs Shaw-Young said,

pictures of their chosen animal. They also wrote a piece on giving the animals a voice, to help them.

Dawn Lawrence gave a detailed description of how she was inspired by poetry at a young age and why she wanted to be a poet from the age of only 11. This really inspired me, as I love writing, to be more involved with poetry in my future career as a writer.

Dawn decided to become a poet who specialises in anthropomorphism (giving animals human personalities), after Virginia McKenna set up the ‘Born Free Foundation’ for endangered animals.

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“Dawn is passionate about endangered species and her poems reveal detailed knowledge of each animal’s characteristics, behaviour and habitat.

In preparing for her visit, I developed the girls’ poetry writing skills specifically around animal poetry and anthropomorphism: They reviewed some famous animal poems, researched their chosen animal extensively, learned new poetry terms and techniques, and worked hard to incorporate powerful imagery in their poems. Meeting Dawn Lawrence and hearing her poems, proved a valuable and inspiring experience for them. The poems they have produced are excellent!”

Over all, it was a great day, and everyone enjoyed seeing and getting to hear Dawn’s supreme poetry whilst gathering ideas for their own poems, such as metaphors and similes. We all had a great time. Here are some of our own animal poetry on endangered species.

Ella Greenland, Year 7

VISITORS

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CELEBRATED POEM

The Spirit Wolf

By Zinnia Newton

My pack is fighting all around me, My family is fleeing, forgetting the rest, I’ll try to follow; I’ll try my best.

I’m the running wolf, I run with my pack, I’m brave, not alone, and I’ll never look back.

They’re just ahead of me, “Slow down!” I howl, But the scene that comes next is incredibly fowl.

I’m now the lone wolf, my family’s dead, The humans did it, they’ll be next.

Paws slam against the snow, The blood of my siblings trail behind their footprints, Swirling and twirling as I make my paw prints.

I’m the ravenous wolf, I stand for my family, I will not let anyone stop me.

I hear an engine roar, that must be them, Suddenly, I feel a ripping at my throat, A dark red liquid begins to stain my snowy white coat.

I’m the targeted wolf, I see my blood spill, I guess that I’m their fresh-kill.

But suddenly I feel that I can retaliate, I rip and tear back at their throat, They let out a hideous cry, just like a goat.

I’m the last standing wolf, I’ll never give up, Now it looks like I need to catch up.

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CELEBRATED POEM

Eventually, I reach where I’m meant to be, I look around, my ears twitching, I can feel my adrenaline itching.

I’m the brave wolf, I stand for my pack, These humans will be a tasty snack.

Someone is coming, Oh look, they have a gun, My goodness, this will be fun.

I’m the ready wolf, preparing to kill, I just can’t wait for THEIR blood to spill.

I launch, my jaws wide open, A sudden gunshot erupts, My howl interrupts.

I’m the dying wolf, I was shot in the chest, In my fur, they’ll soon be dressed.

My lifeless body is carried inside a dark cabin, So, I guess that I’m dead, Memories flash through my head.

I’m the proud wolf, a famous warrior, I’ll become a legend, now that my story’s over.

Everyone will remember me, I fought for my family, No one ever would have guessed, That I died on this quest.

I am Luna, the now ghostly wolf, One of the very last wild arctic wolves.

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Call 01684 584624 admissions@malvernstjames.co.uk www.malvernstjames.co.uk Malvern St James, 15 Avenue Road, Great Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3BA

Photo: The Beacon by kind permission of Martyn Allan.