MSJ
NEWS SUMMER TERM 2017
CONTENTS
FROM MRS RARATY
FROM MRS RARATY
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MSJ IS 'EXCELLENT'
4
NEWS
5-9
MALVERN SPECIAL FAMILIES
10
10TH ANNIVERSARY
11
SPOTLIGHT ON MRS FISHER
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FOOD & NUTRITION
13
ENGLISH
14 - 15
HISTORY 16 LANGUAGES / CLASSICS MATHS
17 18 - 19
BUSINESS 20 EXPRESSIVE ARTS
21 - 23
STEM
24 - 29
PREP
30 -31
SIXTH FORM
32 - 33
OUTDOOR PURSUITS
34 - 35
SPORT
36 - 37
YOUNG ENTERPRISE
38
SCHOLARSHIPS 39 BOARDING LIFE
40 - 41
OTHER NEWS
42 - 43
THE OLD GIRLS' ASSOCIATION
44 - 51
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his year has been a year of MSJ firsts for me: first term, first MSJ Christmas, first Malvern Hills walk, first School play, first Leavers’ Service – the list goes on and on. I have been inducted into some great traditions, and have done some things that I never expected to: being ‘kidnapped’ and tied to the Art block roof for a Year 13s video just three weeks into term was certainly a memorable one! Looking at what we have achieved this year, I feel extremely proud. Having a new Headmistress, and then an Independent School’s Inspection (ISI), as well as the usual demands of teaching and supporting students, has created a whirlwind year. But I hope you will agree with me that it has been an excellent one. I also know there is so much more to come. This really is just the beginning, and what an exciting start it has been. As you’ll find out in this edition, in this summer term alone the girls have enjoyed trips to Cadbury World, Witley Court, Cheltenham Science Festival, Chepstow Castle, Chedworth Villa, Bristol Zoo and Cornwall to name but a few destinations. We have held a Mock Election, invited Primary Schools from the local area to take part in a Junior Olympics day, started a penfriend scheme with a School in Germany and taken part in a local Food Festival. I hope you’ll enjoy reading about these events, plus many others in this edition of MSJ News. Sport is always a massive part of our girls' school experience and there have been some terrific successes this term. It’s also fantastic to see so many girls taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award this year; with 36 girls at Bronze level, 20 at Silver and 11 at Gold level. It is the girls who make MSJ the very special school that it is. A particular thank you to Year 13 who now go out on their own to forge exciting futures. It has been a privilege and pleasure knowing you all and I hope you will keep in touch.
individuals, and the support they receive from the rest of the parent community. It is hugely appreciated. They have made some fantastic contributions to the School this year, including a new outdoor table tennis table for The Quad and handing out free icepops at Sports Day - which the girls absolutely loved! There’s always so much happening here. Although we are an academic school that prepares girls extremely well for examinations, we all know life is not just about the ability to do well in exams. Our girls need to show empathy, to work collaboratively and be good at problem-solving. They need to be resilient, confident and adaptable. If we create the right environment, we give every girl the chance to flourish. This is just one of the reasons why we were judged to be ‘Excellent’ in the ISI report earlier this year. The inspectors said that MSJ girls excel in teamwork and problem-solving, shine in academic enrichment, work hard to achieve targets that they set themselves, communicate fluently and persuasively, and relish an academic success. The other thing that the inspectors picked up on, was the sense of joy and fun that plays through this school. We do have fun: there is a warmth here, a gentle humour, a sense of selfdeprecation. Life is always better if our girls can laugh at the stumbles as well as the conquests. Pastoral care and wellbeing support is at the heart of all that we do at MSJ. It’s why pupils’ personal development was rated as ‘excellent’ by the ISI as well as their academic achievement. We know and respect that the two go hand in hand. And we are always looking at ways in which we can improve our offer. In the spirit of improvement, the new academic year will see some changes to MSJ News as we move to an online e-newsletter which will be sent out once a month. It will enable us to keep you up to date with what is happening at the School in a much more timely way – and in a way that is kinder to the environment! I hope you will enjoy reading this edition of MSJ News and would like to wish you all a restful and relaxing summer holiday. I look forward to seeing you in September.
Hard at work in the background of all we do are the Friends of MSJ. They raise a huge amount of money every year, through the hard work of a band of very committed
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MSJ NEWS
SUMMER 2017
MSJ NEWS
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NEWS MSJ IS 'EXCELLENT' MSJ received the highest rating of ‘excellent’ in our inspection report published by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in May. There are two outcomes assessed by the ISI in its Educational Quality Inspection: ‘the quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements’, and ‘the quality of pupils’ personal development’ MSJ achieved an ‘excellent’ in both areas. Key Findings, which summarise the report, state that ‘pupils develop excellent levels of knowledge, understanding and skills … (They) communicate fluently and persuasively
Worcestershire Education Awards demonstrates how girls benefit from the pastoral support they receive, and the culture of the school and its community ethos. There are many references in the report to the spirit of collaboration, teamwork and a sense of belonging that imbues the school, and I’m delighted that the inspectors saw the sense of fun which is such a big part of who we are. They also observed that ‘even the youngest pupils are willing to offer a partially correct answer in class rather than remain silent. They are not afraid to make mistakes ... teachers establish pupils’ perseverance and resilience through their gentle but firm encouragement’.” “This willingness to ‘have a go’ and not fear making a mistake is part of our philosophy at MSJ. If girls believe that it’s OK to try and fail, rather than having to be perfect all the time, they are more likely to take intellectual and creative risks and enjoy the ride, which means working harder and going further in the long run.”
and have highly developed levels of numeracy, literacy and ICT skills … (and they) excel in sport, performing and other arts, and a range of extra-curricular activities’. The inspectors also observed that ‘a sense of fun and laughter is rarely far away’. Mrs Raraty was delighted: “This report is an endorsement of the quality of learning and life at MSJ and recognises the school’s many strengths in academic attainment, academic enrichment and extra-curricular activities” she said. “The ‘excellent’ rating in pupils’ personal development
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The ISI report went on to remark that pupils are ‘self-confident’ but also have a ‘highly developed capacity for constructive self-criticism’; they ‘contribute to the school and wider community’ and show ‘highly developed social awareness’. It was noted that our girls have an excellent sense of personal and moral responsibility, and preparation for life beyond school is good because ‘although guidance is always available, the choices are always theirs’. Mrs Raraty commented, “All of this is really important in developing young women who are ready to take their place in the world and can do so with confidence but not arrogance. I feel a bounce in the step of the whole community: we knew we were doing well and it’s wonderful to have that officially recognised by the rigorous testing of the schools’ inspectorate.” The school’s boarding provision was also inspected in the Focused Compliance Inspection for Schools with Residential Provision and met all required standards.
ur very own Mrs Wilkinson was shortlisted for Teacher of the Year in the Worcestershire Education Awards 2017. I was privileged to complete my final teaching practice under the keen eye of Mrs W back in 2013. I arrived nervously at the MSJ gates, clinging to my enormous PGCE training file and feeling that unique bubble of excitement and fear which only a trainee teacher can have experienced before they meet the mentor of a new placement. However, as soon as I stepped into Mrs W’s classroom, she established such a unique rapport with me that I felt as though I could be that teacher I had set out to be. Our journey was not plain sailing. I looked back over my files for this article and can report that Mrs W was ‘slightly disappointed’ by the first lesson she observed me teach – although, like so many trainees lucky enough to train with her, she soon scaffolded me up to that ‘outstanding’ bracket. To this day, every hour I work with Mrs W, I learn something new or feel inspired by the lessons she has done. Ok, fine…sometimes a bit jealous too!
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So what does it take to reach that moment in your teaching career where you find yourself on the shortlist for Teacher of the Year, I wonder? Our very own Head of Prep observes that ‘Zinnia Wilkinson is one of those magical marvellous individuals who appear rarely in one’s life. Her unconditional love and understanding of the children she teaches is extraordinary and her empathy enables her to really understand each individual child and draw out their character, skills and talents in a unique fashion. As a colleague, she is dynamic and creative. Unstinting of her time, her levels of perfection are high, no matter the size of the task. I am a better teacher and person for having worked with, and known, her.’ Fine praise indeed! But what does Mrs Wilkinson herself have to say about her successful career? How long have you been teaching? I have been teaching for 23 years! My first job was in a Reception Class in a big Primary School in Cirencester – Chesterton Primary School. What is your favourite thing about teaching children? The children – they make every day different and exciting and I never know what to expect! What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at school? The funniest thing was when I had a Chinese restaurant role-play area at a school near Ledbury. I didn’t have a rule about how many children should play in there at once and I looked up from hearing a reader to see 17 4 year olds, crammed like upright chopsticks into the tiny space, unable to move or play because of the crush! A child also had a
wee on me during assembly which wasn’t particularly funny for me, but made my colleagues laugh! What would your advice be to a newly qualified teacher? Speaking from a position of experience and advancing years, my advice to a new teacher would be to remember the children are what really matters in teaching. Being a part of a child’s education is a responsibility and a privilege, as well as being a true joy. So it must time to put your money where your mouth is Mrs W! Let’s see what the children of past and present think of you as a teacher…. “Mrs W always helped me when I needed it and she was always by my side when I wanted her. She always stood up for me.” Lily Wallis-Tanser
“When I was little I was lucky enough to have the amazing Mrs W as my teacher. I remember the first time I met her, when she came to my nursery. “Why is MSJ a girls’ school?” I asked. “Because girls rock” she replied. I have never forgotten that or all my happy times in Pre-Prep with her.” Rose Taylor “Mrs Wilkinson has always been an inspiration to me and so much of what I can do now in Year 6 comes from her.” Isabella Michael "I have been lucky enough to have known Mrs Wilkinson for 9 years and she has always been my favourite teacher. There have been many times during my school life that I have wished I could turn back time and go back to Mrs W in Reception. She is warm, funny, understanding, but mainly she made learning fun, so much so you didn't realise you were actually learning at the time." Lexie Preston It's definitely true then – put children at the centre of everything you do and a beloved teacher it makes. Congratulations on your nomination, Mrs Wilkinson. By Mrs Lane (Pre-Prep 1)
MSJ NEWS
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NEWS Flora Pens the Perfect Poem Flora Barber (Year 13) is celebrating after being named one of six winners of the prestigious Christopher Tower Poetry Competition, run by Christ Church, University of Oxford.
MSJ MOCK ELECTION
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SJ’s mock election was given a boost when government minister Harriett Baldwin, West Worcestershire’s Conservative candidate, came to talk to Year 9 and Year 6 about what it’s like to be an MP and key issues on the doorstep.
Flora said, “When you enter a poem against over a 1,000 others, you are all sharing something that is unique and precious, a part of you, before it is then shared with someone who you most likely will never meet. This has been an extraordinary opportunity and to be a prize winner at such a prestigious competition, meeting young poets and sharing our work (as well as being filmed for iTunes U) has been absolutely fantastic. Having Mrs Hubbard’s support at the event, as well as that of my family, made it very special. I can’t wait for the next creative writing challenge!”
The girls have been focusing on “Facts Matter”, a campaign which encourages everyone to look beyond the political slogans, soundbites and headlines to get to the truth of party policies.
other women to smash the glass ceiling and be part of wider female representation in councils and in Parliament. Harriett said, “I would strongly recommend politics to any woman. You can influence your community at a local level and at a national level. I was a late starter in this world, not getting involved until my 40s. But it’s great to start young: that’s why it’s so good to see all of you organising this mock election in school.”
Watch a video of Flora reading her poem here: http://bit.ly/2tpnMNt
Snowdrops BY FLORA BARBER Forward one. Space. Two lines only. Followed by a name. Capital. Bold. Day. Day. Month. Month. Four Years. Repeat. Separated by a hyphen. Time. Defined. Distanced. Forward one. Space. Two lines only. Synonyms for meanings. Short. Defined. Distanced. Emptiness. A gap. Saved. Reserved. Yours. Or mine. Font size. Type. Tapered edge. Drawn. Inlaid. Gold. Bronze. Or nothing. The forlorn adorned. Stand weathered. Mourn. Sharp corners. Worn. Peppered camouflage. Sparkle dimmed. Life defiant. Misunderstood. Surrounded and encased. Much the same. Tall and strong. Make a stand. Impermanence haunt.
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Remember. To be forgotten. Remind the remainder. Lay pebbles on head. Rest wreaths on feet. Dress kindly. To be forgiven. Sorry. Silence. Tendered by strangers. Loved. Visited. Left. Unanswered repeat. Ritual created. Dates booked. Photographs transparent. Words. Hollow carvings. Echoes. Forged of stone. Rained on faces. Cry. Pressed into. Embedded. Fade. Illegible. Drowned in time. Eroded. Like scarecrows. But life is wood. Death. White. Grey. Wicker or mahogany. For granite or marble. Remembrance. Mourning. For you. For me.
And Harriett had a great message for them, “When I was at school, I would have laughed out loud if you had told me that I would end up as an MP and government minister. In fact, one of my teachers told me I should be a glove buyer at Harrods! It never even occurred to me to think of a career in politics – there were so few women in this area. But here I am.” The teacher who advised her that she should be a glove buyer, should note that the grown-up Harriet is now in command of a £178bn budget for defence over the next decade. The girls were really pleased to welcome a female politician who has a positive message about encouraging
Harriett took lots of questions after her talk, which covered a broad spectrum of issues about nuclear weapons, why she chose Conservatism, the best and worst bits about a job as an MP, the economy, and how to combat apathy amongst younger voters. Harriett’s closing comment was, “The one thing I say – even to my own family – is ‘I don’t mind who you vote for, but please vote for someone’. It’s important to register when you’re 18 and to use your vote as an expression of what you want for society.” Harriett visited all of the political parties’ stands so she could meet the girls individually and give them pointers on their campaigns and things to think about. Whatever party MSJ students supported during the mock election, it was beneficial to meet someone who has walked the walk as an MP, has an insider’s insight into life at Westminster, and is a serving minister under a female Prime Minister. MSJ MOCK ELECTION RESULTS: 1st
Monster Raving Loony Party
2nd
Conservatives
3rd
Liberal Democrats
4th
Women’s Equality Party
5th
Labour
6th
Green Party
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CONFIRMATION AT WORCESTER CATHEDRAL Five pupils – Alexia, Rebecca and Shayo from Year 10, and Imogen and May from Year 9 – were confirmed by the Right Rev’d Graham Usher, Bishop of Dudley, in the Diocesan Confirmation Service at Worcester Cathedral on Sunday 4th June. The service, appropriately on the feast of Pentecost, was a powerful expression of Christian faith and commitment. The girls were given great support by members of their families and friends, along with Mrs Raraty and members of the MSJ staff.
WHAT'S UP, DUCK? June saw the arrival of feathered friends as the School’s annual hatching took place. The Science department successfully hatched seven fertilised duck eggs. The last little one needed a fair bit of help to get out of his egg and it was touch and go for about an hour but he joined the rest of the ducklings and quickly became the feisty one! The ducklings lived happily at the School for two weeks (with their artificial mother!), before being passed on to a petting farm for people with special needs - our Year 5 and 6 girls got them well and truly used to being handled!
FEATURE MEET A YEAR 7 The following was published in A+ Education North magazine’s Spring edition. It was part of an article featuring several Year 7 students who would be completing their first year of Senior School this summer. Name: Nia Grainger
NEW GROUP FOR TODDLERS MSJ has introduced a new group for mini music makers. The Toddler Music Making Group gives young children a chance to take part in social musical activities, with plenty of game songs, instrumental tasks and performance opportunities. The group is led by Prep’s very own Mrs Woodhouse and is a big hit! The free class takes place every Tuesday during termtime from 9:00-10:00am and both girls and boys are welcome. There's even free tea and coffee for the parents! Please do come along if you have little ones under 4.
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What is your dream job? My dream job is to be an architect. Ever since I was small, I have been inspired by many types of interiors and by architectural books. I would love to create my own buildings and even my own home. What are you doing this Autumn (2017)? I will be going into the new academic year with more ambition, knowing what a year at Senior School is like. There will be new subjects, such as Spanish to explore and at home I will be helping out with the monthly events my mother runs from Elmslie House in Malvern. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your generation? The fact that fewer and fewer of us are actually communicating, or being social with family and friends because of the increased use of technology – i.e. mobile phones, I-Pads, computers etc. I also think that this rise in the dependency of phones in particular is affecting families and family relationships because they can interrupt quality time together.
What is the one thing that really annoys you? The one thing that really gets on my nerves is when friends and family deliberately try to annoy you in a jokey way, and go out of their way to do the opposite of what you have asked them to do. If you could say one thing to the Prime Minister what would it be? Have courage and always hold on to your values and the values of Great Britain. We may be a small country, but we are a great one, and you should be proud to lead our country – do so wisely! Do you have a role model and if so who is it and why? I like to think that I have been brought up to be a role model for others, and always try to act with kindness and courage. These are qualities that I have learnt from my parents and also my step-father, who are the people that I look to for guidance. What are you most passionate about? One of my passions, for which I am well known, is my love for art and creativity. I also have a passionate and competitive nature and like playing team sports such as hockey and netball. MSJ NEWS
SUMMER 2017
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CELEBRATING MALVERN SPECIAL FAMILIES As part of the School’s 10th Anniversary Year, we took on the challenge to raise £10,000 for local charity, Malvern Special Families. To raise this amount of money in one academic year was a challenge not to be taken lightly, but one that our girls were inspired by as it’s such a fantastic cause.
SPONSORED WALK FOR MALVERN SPECIAL FAMILIES Walking to the Worcestershire Beacon and back sounded like the most exhausting activity to do on a Wednesday afternoon. But knowing that the whole school was taking part made it more worthwhile, as well as the added knowledge that we would be raising money for Malvern Special Families. We were dressed to be seen as we departed the school dressed in neon colours and day-glow face paint.
Having such an opportunity promotes students’ awareness of non-material aspects of life and highlights those less fortunate; it also helped the girls to develop empathy. The Charities Committee began by coming up with some brilliant ideas. In hindsight, suggesting the ideas was the easy part, it was organising the events and ensuring the money continued to keep rolling in that tested the students’ level of commitment. Meetings, assemblies and planning sessions helped us to bring it all together!
Leaving school and seeing everyone steaming up the road was a fantastic feeling. It wasn’t until I got on to the hills themselves that I could see everyone walking in groups all the way to the top. On the way down and being outside I realised that it made me feel so free, to be out of the classroom for the afternoon. The smiles on student and staff faces as I crossed paths with them made the tiring walk totally enjoyable. The walk was a good way for the school to come together and raise money for Malvern Special Families. It was enjoyed by all and a great way for the school to mix across the year groups. By Millie Cooper (Year 12), Charities Prefect
Our main fundraising event was the Worcestershire Beacon sponsored walk in May. It was a particularly blustery day and we experienced both sunshine and hail in the same day; thankfully the rain stayed away! Seeing teachers waiting at check points, accessorised in neon leg-warmers and adorned in bright coloured face paint, definitely helped to raise a smile and motivated the girls to get to the top!
some amazing totals, gained sponsorship or who organised their own events (such as Linnea Gannon (Year 12) through her ‘Tough School’ sponsored event). The girls really have benefitted from this fundraising opportunity by demonstrating leadership skills, collaborative working and building resilience. They now have a greater awareness of the local community and what community spirit is really about. Anita Pardoe Charities Coordinator
MSJ 10TH ANNIVERSARY PICNIC We awaited the MSJ 10th Anniversary Picnic with somewhat baited breath - by early June it seemed that the run up to Midsummer might be a never ending wash out! Luck was on our side though, with temperatures soaring into the high twenties, dry grass upon which to place one's picnic blanket and an ice cream van right by the dance floor (which, by the way, was predominantly occupied by the party animal girls of Pre-Prep 1 and 2!). Full up on ice cream and a bit jaded by all that dancing, one could retire to the photo booth, fling on a feather boa and some large sunglasses (circa Elton John in
the early nineties!) and enjoy a giggle with friends and family at the pictorial result. It was lovely to see parents and staff relaxing, laughing, dancing and playing at this social event. Many thanks to everyone who poured time into ensuring it was a safe, enjoyable occasion. Moving forward, should anybody require dance lessons or entertainment for future events, be sure to approach the girls of Pre-Prep! By Mrs Lane, Mrs Jones, Mr Fry and Ms Stentiford, Prep Department
I am ecstatic to say that we have surpassed our expectations and have raised a whopping £13,827.47. Being able to present a cheque to the Malvern Special Families Trustees and employees at the School’s Prizegiving Service on the last day of term has been the highlight of my year. The cheer and applause showed everyone’s delight and is an example of how team work pays off. Thank you to everyone in our community who has helped us reach our target by donating, being involved in non-uniform days, buying raffle tickets or selling goods. A special thank you goes to those who raised
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SPOTLIGHT ON...
For the last seven years, Mrs Fisher has worked at Malvern St James as Head of Catering. MSJ News recently caught up with her to find out more about the lady behind our school meals. Having trained initially as a chef, Mrs Fisher worked as a Catering Manager for 15 years before becoming an Account Manager at a Corporate Catering Firm. She firmly believes her initial chef training is fundamental to her role today: “It is vital to have a chef background in the role I do. It means my staff respect me as I fully understand the daily pressures they face in the kitchen.” In total, there 35 members of staff, including 6 chefs, in the catering team at MSJ. What attracted you to work at Malvern St James? I’ve always enjoyed being in a learning environment. When my children were small I taught at a technical college in the evenings. I loved this and spent five years in this role. Prior to joining MSJ, I was working as an Account Manager which meant a lot of time travelling around the country. I felt I needed a change and needed to be in one place. At the end of the day, my role is about feeding people and that doesn’t matter whether that’s in the corporate world or in a school setting; the skills are the same. I just love being able to inspire people to eat well. What does your role involve? People management of the catering team. I work closely with my team to do menu planning, costings, liaising with suppliers, ordering food, monitoring, organising hospitality, catering for the holiday lets and much more! I ensure the girls here get good and varied diets and work closely with suppliers to keep up with trends. The girls need variety in their diets and I’m always keen to embrace their cultures by offering food native to their countries. This is a great way of breaking down any barriers between the girls as experiences are shared. An important part of my role is catering for girls with allergies. This is something MSJ takes very seriously. When I started here seven years ago there was one girl who had an egg allergy; now we have around 30 girls with allergies. I also work closely with the School’s Health Centre to ensure the girls' allergies are real and are not fads. We have a chef who caters specifically and separately for those with allergies. Another important part of my role is the work I do with parents. I spend a lot of time talking to them to really understand the girls and their needs. I’m always keen to talk to parents as this can help to prevent eating disorders such as anorexia as the signs are recognised.
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FOOD & NUTRITION
MRS FISHER, HEAD OF CATERING
Healthy Eating Week
I treat the girls as individuals and we should always remember that for many of our girls, school is home. What do you like most about working at MSJ? The sense of community. I am known to the girls and they know me. We are seen as no different to teaching staff and they are not afraid to knock on my door. What do you like most about your role? Inspiring children. It’s fantastic to be able to give the girls and staff here the opportunity to try new tastes and textures. Encouraging girls to eat different foods is essential to breaking down any fear of food. I remember doing a Spanish Day for a group of pre-prep girls. They tried a whole range of traditional Spanish food that day and when I see them in the dining room now, they all still make a beeline for those foods when they’re on the menu. This is wonderful to see. What is your proudest achievement? The School being awarded a Gold Healthier Choices Food Award. This was a fantastic achievement for the team. A personal highlight was also Prue Leith opening the Alice Dining Room. Prue was blown away by the standard of my team’s work and I was beaming with pride. She even asked if she could clone my chefs! Is there anything you’d like to change? We’ve come a long way. When I first came our catering facilities were old and gloomy. Now we have amazing facilities and a brand new dining hall. Each year I review our offering, keep up with trends and ensure everything is up to date. Within the School there are food committees for the girls and this enables me to constantly review our offering based on their feedback. And finally, tell us a little about what you like to do in your spare time. A lot of people won’t know this but I actually live in Dorset and live in Malvern just when I’m working. I love to travel and have visited America, Sri Lanka and Italy to name just a few of my holiday destinations. Obviously I enjoy eating out and trying new foods when I’m in another country. I also have two children and three grandchildren who all keep me busy when I’m not at work!
During the week of 12th – 16th June MSJ held its first ever Healthy Eating Week to coincide with the national event organised by the British Nutrition Foundation. Over the week girls had nutrition talks, workshops in lessons, a whole school assembly and tasting sessions. Girls from the Prep Department and Senior School had targets each day such as: trying something new, eating a good breakfast, smashing the ‘5 a day’ target, getting more active and drinking more water. A special menu was created for the week, with displays of fruit, vegetables and herbs organised by the Catering Team, for which the girls could gain points for their guesses of what they thought they were. Outside of lessons, girls participated in their weekly Cooking Club and took part in a very competitive MSJ Master Chef Competition.
MASTER CHEF As the grand finale to Healthy Eating Week the final of Master Chef took place during Friday afternoon (16th June). It was hot, the atmosphere was tense and the standard was high! The girls had beaten off stiff competition from two heats and had needed to score over 40 out of 45 to reach the final. The girls had to make a main course and dessert in two hours that needed to look, and taste, great. They didn’t let us down though and judging was very difficult. There was an array of high level skills on show with girls considering flavour combinations, textures and how to put a whole meal together. In the end just three and a half points separated the five finalists! The runner up was Tegan Taylor-Davies with her homemade burger, bap, parsnip and potato chips followed by homemade (and gathered) honey ice cream. The winner was Zoe Whittall who took us on a culinary journey with presentation to match.
She made paella followed by French lemon posset and American white chocolate cheesecake mini puddings, all displayed on a map of the world! Daisy Richards was placed third and Jemima Green and Charlotte Milne-Bennett equal fourth. By Mrs Turner, Head of Design and Technology MSJ NEWS
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ENGLISH Shakespeare visit
Visit to Witley Court
The Year 9 English trip to Stratford upon Avon this year took in a wonderfully vivid production of ‘Antony and Cleopatra’, giving the girls a great experience of modern, innovative theatre as well as knowledge of another Shakespeare play. This added to their collection of theatre visits including ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ studied earlier in the year and ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in Year 8.
With the arrival of the sunshine, the Year 7 English lesson headed to the magnificent Witley Court (14th June) for a creative writing workshop. While the fountains were cascading, the girls wrote some inspiring creative work focusing on the fountain statue which depicts the myth of Perseus rescuing Andromeda from the sea-monster. The girls then got into groups and did story writing, poetry and drama. The story writing was based around the fire in 1937 which destroyed Witley Court, whilst poetry was inspired by other historical events and the setting itself. For the drama session, the girls dressed up as Earl or Lady Dudley and pretended to make preparations and receive guests for the extravagant celebrations for their son’s lavish 21st birthday celebration in 1888. The girls read from a journal describing the event, before improvising scenes as aristocrats and their servants.
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. The aim of the project is to give the girls their first experience of understanding literary writing in relation to its artistic context. National Trust staff at the house are enthusiastic supporters of the project and two wonderful guides provided a customised tour for the girls. The day ended with a little leisure in glorious sunshine in the beautiful gardens.
There has been much follow up work on this visit from the girls, including playscripts, stories of escape from the fire, and beautiful poetry. By Mrs Shaw-Young, English
WHITLEY COURT Langley inspiration Victoria Gawlik, who left MSJ in 2015 to study English at University College Oxford, returned to give the Year 13 English class a seminar on the work of the poet R F Langley. The class has studied Langley as one of their coursework texts, as did Vicky herself two years earlier. Since then, Victoria’s passion for the work of this difficult but remarkable poet has led her to choose him as the subject of an 8000 word dissertation as part of her course. Vicky’s amazing level of knowledge and research on the subject gave the girls an enthralling session and a wealth of academic perspectives to engage with in their own writing.
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SUMMER 2017
By Millicent Dobson
The smell of lavender lingers in the orangery, The gushing, flushing water from the magnificent Fountain lying in the centre, And the swishing of the trees that fills my ears, As if all has remained here forever. Each tree different from the height to the colour, Yet the birds that live inside whistle from afar. The wind that brushes against the soft, green leaves like a bristly broom with the desire of feeding off our air. At the hour the fountain comes alive; Waiting for its moment to be free once more. The sound of the splash, crash that fills my mind, However, the fountain itself tells a story.
The gold tower awaits at the top, deserted from the rest of us, The clock beneath chimes of every second, minute, hour With the spire, great spire which points to heaven above. The mansions features has seen more than we will ever, People, important people have walked in and out Although, their footsteps and breaths will lay beneath the history forever. Animals, insects and birds run around us, Only the trees know the true history of what was once here As if all has, and will remain here forever.
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HISTORY
LANGUAGES UNSERE BRIEFFREUNDE AUS DEUTSCHLAND Our German department has started a pen-friend scheme following a visit to Germany by Ellie Manns (Year 12). Ellie visited former German pupil Johanna Niedenthal and learnt that Johanna’s School was eager to establish connections with MSJ. Mrs Zimnowodzki felt this could be an excellent way for her classes to enhance their German skills and the German department’s pen-friend scheme was created. Marienschule in Offenbach is a girls’ catholic school with around 900 pupils. The girls have already exchanged letters twice and are really enjoying the experience – one girl even sent a penny to her pen pal! The relationship between the schools could lead to an exchange trip in the future. Find out more about Marienschule: www.marienschule-offenbach.de
Trip to Chepstow Castle and Tintern Abbey ear 7 visited Chepstow Castle and Tintern Abbey this term, after learning about life in medieval England in their History lessons this year. We were very lucky to be shown around Chepstow Castle by a costumed medieval guide, who told the girls a number of gruesome tales about the past of the castle,
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including some truly terrifying punishments. There were several unforgettable moments whilst we were there - who will ever forget our guide re-enacting the surgery that took place on a young Henry V's face after an arrow wound, assisted by several brave MSJ nurses as the blood dripped from his face? And the fantastic archery display where our guide amazed us all by shooting 17 arrows from his longbow in one minute (a medieval archer was expected to be able to shoot at least 10 per minute!). After lunch we took the coach to Tintern Abbey. As we turned the corner and got the first glimpses of the Abbey, we were all in awe of the impressive sight. We spent an hour exploring the jumble of ruins and then, everyone's favourite part of the day arrived - ice cream in the sun! The topics we have studied all year were really brought to life on this trip and all girls came back having learned something new and having had a lot of fun! By Miss Duffy, Hatfield Deputy Housemistress
“It’s a great way to practice German in a real life situation”. Emily Cox, Year 9 “I love learning about their culture and it’s good to learn a more casual speaking style”. Georgina Hughes, Year 9
CLASSICS Corinium Museum and Chedworth Villa Visit On Tuesday 6th June, Year 7 and 8 enjoyed a Latin trip to the Corinium Museum in Cirencester. This museum is home to one of the largest collections of Roman artefacts in the country. We had the chance to participate in an excellent workshop focusing on finding out about people from evidence that has been found, e.g. weapons, artefacts, gravestones. We looked around the museum and were tasked with identifying and commenting on certain significant objects. Among the highlights were beautiful mosaics, including the large Hare Mosaic, the Four Seasons Mosaic and the Orpheus Mosaic. We also saw jewellery, a Christian acrostic, statues of Celtic goddesses, reconstructions of Roman rooms and objects used in daily life. All of the girls greatly enjoyed the museum and learnt about the life of Romans living in Britain to enhance their studying of Latin. By Emma Green and Alex Byrne, Year 8
Black Country Museum Visit In May, Year 8 visited the Black Country Museum to enhance their studies of the Industrial Revolution as part of their History studies. We were given a tour of the open air museum and were able to enter real houses of the time. We had a fascinating trip down a mine learning about the conditions in which people lived and worked at the time. Later we went down the canal in a boat, learning about the way canals were used at the time. We also had the opportunity to explore a replica of a town in the times of the industrial revolution and enjoyed a picnic lunch including the famous Black Country chips! The trip was very interesting and we all had the opportunity to ask questions and really experience the period we are studying. By Emma Green, Year 8
In the afternoon we visited Chedworth Villa, one of the largest and most complete Roman villas in England. After seeing the Shrine to the Nymphs and learning about why the Romans had chosen the location to build the Villa, we walked across a glass walkway over incredible mosaics and we learned that the Romans had an impressive underfloor heating central heating system called a hypocaust. Some of us were lucky enough to see a descendant of the snails brought in by the Romans, Helix Pomatia. We also discovered where some modern words and phrases come from, such as ‘plumbing’ from the Latin word plumbum, meaning lead, and ‘don’t get the wrong end of the stick’, as when visiting the latrina, Romans used a stick with a sponge on the end of it. We had a great day. Chedworth Villa est optima! By Jemima Green and Scarlet Kelly, Year 7
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MATHS MATHS CHALLENGE ROUND-UP
Year 7 Pi Recital Competition
It has been another very successful year for MSJ in the UKMT Maths Challenges.
As part of their circles topic, Year 7 learnt about pi. An impromptu pi recital competition began with girls being granted a few days to memorise as many digits as they could and then recite it in front of the class! First Mrs Smith’s class set the standard with Scarlett Kelly managing an impressive 46 digits. Mrs Bell’s class were gripped by the spirit of competition and vowed to take the lead. Nia Grainger proved the final victor with a staggering 121 digits! This is a real testament to what can be achieved when you put your mind to it!
Individual competitions Junior (Years 7 & 8): There were 29 entrants and 10 received certificates. Intermediate (Years 9, 10 & 11): There were 50 entries with over half receiving a certificate, of which 10 were at Gold level. Eight girls qualified for the follow on rounds, and of these, Carol Yan (Year 10) achieved a Merit in the IMOK Olympiad. This is a very impressive result especially as Carol was competing against student a year older than her. Senior (Years 12 & 13): There were 26 entries. 19 received certificates of which seven were at Gold level. All seven qualified for the follow on rounds and Angela Liu received a Merit in the Senior Kangaroo competition.
Team competitions Junior (Years 8 & 9): Ruby Davies, Kristy Huang, Grace Knuth and Eleanor Nutton represented the school in the regional round. The girls developed their skills as they tacked problem solving questions, finishing in the top half of the competitors. Senior (Years 12 & 13): Chloe Parker, Charlotte Li, Angela Liu and Xing Zhou represented the school in the regional round, which they won. They girls then competed in the UK final in London, eventually finishing in the top 2.5% of the country.
Carol Yan’s Mathematical Successes Carol Yan (Y10) has had great success through the UK Mathematics Trust Maths Challenges. In the individual Intermediate Challenge (for Years 9-11) she was the Best in School and received a Gold certificate. She also qualified for the next round, the Hamilton Olympiad. This is a competition by invitation only with just 500 participants. Carol’s success in this has led to her being asked to join the 43rd National Mathematics Summer School at Woodhouse Grove School in Leeds. Carol says, “I am looking forward to attending the national maths summer school which is held in Leeds this summer. I am really happy and excited to learn maths with such talented people in the summer school.”
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Cambridge Mathematics Examinations Xing Zhou (Year 13), who is holding an offer to read Mathematics at University of Cambridge, has been sitting some additional examinations this June. She needs to achieve at least A*A*A in her A levels plus high grades in STEP. The Sixth Term Examination Papers (STEP) are incredibly challenging examinations, designed by Cambridge to test candidates on questions that are similar in style to undergraduate mathematics. Each examination lasts for a gruelling three hours, and Xing has elected to sit all three examinations: that’s nine hours of exams on top of her A levels! Our other Oxbridge offer holders are much luckier; their offers are based only on A levels!
Mathematical Sewing Mrs Bell’s Year 7 mathematics class engaged in a project combining their mathematical and sewing skills! They created a circular pattern or a hyperbola. The patterns are sewn entirely with straight lines but the pattern of the lines together give a curved appearance. It took a lot of logical thinking and puzzle solving skills to work out what order to sew in and which side to sew from next; mistakes were made by many! The girls developed resilience and appreciated how it is fine to make mistakes as they identified bits that didn’t look right, undid their last few stitches and figured out what to do instead. Once girls understood the mathematics of the pattern making they adapted the method to create variants of the design. A lot of fun was had by all and the end results are some very beautiful designs! The final pieces are now on display in the Science and Mathematics Centre foyer.
Maths on Moving Forward Day On Moving Forward Day we had a great lesson with Mrs Bell of snakes and ladders with a twist: we had to complete the board with something like this: ((-2)¦2). This means go left 2 and up 2. [These are translation vectors – Mrs Bell]. This was so much fun as if you landed on the wrong square you could’ve been sent down 6 squares! Our maths lesson was a thriller and we can’t wait for next year in year 7! By Emily Martell and Isabella Michael
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BUSINESS
EXPRESSIVE ARTS A SPOOKY PERFORMANCE
CADBURY WORLD
A dark, stormy night in the Highlands of Scotland, a woman was seen wandering in her dressing gown. The madness commences...
On Tuesday 20th June, a very excited group of Year 10 Business and Economics students visited Cadbury World. The first stop was the playground where we had time to relax in the sun before we went to our lecture about marketing. We were really intrigued and excited to learn about the history of Cadbury and its marketing, advertising and branding. We also learnt about how they cater their products to meet the demand of a particular country. For example, here in the UK we like really sweet chocolate but in America they prefer sour chocolate! We then went to our 4D experience, where we were introduced to all the different characters involved in Cadbury marketing whilst ‘travelling’ on a virtual roller coaster! Afterwards, we toured the factory and saw machinery used in the production of chocolate, but unfortunately no production was taking place in the factory during our visit. However, our adventure on the Cadbury ride, Cadabra, made up for the disappointment. To finish our day we were given small pots of liquid chocolate and a choice of toppings to try with them with, we chose biscuit and marshmallows! Whilst enjoying our chocolate, we saw a live demonstration of how chocolate was made before machinery was introduced. The trip helped us to see how the theory we learned in class is put into practice by the largest confectionary company in the UK! It was both an educational and entertaining day enjoyed by all. By Chloe Davey and Jennifer Sydney, Year 10
Flora Barber, Isobel Vickery and Oluwasere Oluwayemi’s outstanding performance of Rona Munro’s Fugue had the audience on the edge of their seats! Congratulations on an outstanding performance, girls!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELGAR We had a beautiful afternoon at The Cottage in the Wood on Sunday 4th June, celebrating Sir Edward Elgar’s 160th birthday. The music was exceptional. Three Old Girls joined our current girls, Ashley Tong (Year 10), Georgia Hughes (Year 9) and Emily Noble (Year 6) and Mrs Miller's daughter, Abigail, who is joining MSJ in September sang as well, which was charming. Felicity Rogers, who now sings with Ex Cathedra and Armonica, came down from Birmingham; Grace Higgins, who has completed her first year at the Welsh College of Music and Drama came from Cardiff and Zara Edwards came up from the London College of Music. All the musicians were polished and professional in their playing and singing and MSJ came across with the style, aplomb and 'excellence' for which we are known. We had a very appreciative audience and a large party of the Harvey family who were supporting Imogen and Holly Harvey, later being confirmed at Worcester Cathedral. Everyone loved the choice of music. By Mrs Lindner, Head of Performance and Vocal Studies
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EXPRESSIVE ARTS ART EXHIBITION
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A selection of artwork, textiles and ceramics submitted as part of students' GCSE and A Level studies.
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STEM
Prep Design Technology Project The girls have been investigating the work of Rowland Emett, whose creative contraptions have been used in films such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. To celebrate Emett’s work, the girls have been designing and creating their own marvellous machine to show their individual ideas. Working collaboratively, the girls have explored basic mechanisms and have even begun looking at bevel gears for their designs. They have each identified and explained simple machines and linked this work to a real life context in order to take learning outside the classroom.
Malvern Food Festival Four girls took part in the annual Great Malvern Food Festival, held on May Bank Holiday Monday in the grounds of the Great Malvern Priory. Cicely Gallagher and Romilly Hughes (Year 8) and Lily Rawlings and Immy Surridge (Year 10) showed off their culinary skills to a packed audience on the Festival’s demonstration stage where they cooked up a feast of Lemon Chicken and Thyme Risotto followed by Summer Fruit Shortbreads and were interviewed by BBC Hereford and Worcester Radio’s Andrew Easton. In addition to the cookery demonstration, the School’s Prep department hosted a ‘Grow your own’ tent in which they invited children and families at the Festival to plant and grow their own vegetables. It is estimated that over 5000 people attended this year’s Food Festival.
LITTLE DRESSES FOR AFRICA Our Year 8 girls have been making dresses out of pillowcases for the ‘Little Dresses for Africa’ project. The upcycle project sees old pillowcases which would otherwise have been sent to landfill, being transformed into dresses for girls in Africa and beyond. Whilst the process might seem like a simple one (making cuts and using bias binding to create the arm and neck lines), the knowledge needed to carry out the process, is far more complicated. The girls have learnt about the shape of clothes, patterns, markings, making darts and pleats, applying bias binding, and how all of this relates to commercially manufactured clothes. “I really enjoyed making the dress and formatting the design. It’s nice to know that I’m helping kids who are far less fortunate than myself.” Tracy Lupata
“I really enjoyed the whole process and answering questions, describing what we were adding to the pan or chopping up, or why we chose the ingredients for the dish. It went really quickly and I enjoyed representing the school whilst doing my favourite subject”. Immy Surridge, Year 10 “I loved cooking at the Malvern Food Festival. We were asked questions about school and Food and Nutrition whilst making our cream topped shortbread. I particularly enjoyed handing out our food at the end and seeing people’s faces as they tried them. I learnt how to work well under pressure and answer questions on the spot. I would like to thank Mrs Turner and the Food and Nutrition department at MSJ very much for this wonderful opportunity and all the fun I had!” Cicely Gallagher, Year 10
“These dresses show these girls that they have someone who cares for them.” Lucy Walker “These dresses are important as it means the girls will look nice and by wearing dresses, they will be safer”. Lana Baits-Tomlin More on Little Dresses for Africa can be found at: www.littledressesforafrica.org
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STEM Science Inspiration How long is a piece of string? What makes the world turn? And why does chocolate taste so good? From the state of the planet, to the latest stem cell research, to the secrets of the perfect cup of tea – nothing is off limits at Cheltenham Science Festival. Our Year 9 girls visited the Festival in June, where they attended a series of talks and took part in hands on experiments. “I enjoyed the part where we wandered around the exhibits in the Town Hall as we had lots of fun. I especially liked the GCHQ stand where me and Emily Cox managed to complete their ‘smart safe’ activity and made it to the leader board. I also enjoyed the lecture on the Hadron Collider”. Anna Hale
DIGITAL LEADERS he Digital Leadership Program was launched in February during E-Safety week through a poster campaign inviting girls to register their interest. I was thrilled to have over twenty applicants from Year 7 through to Year 12. Digital Leaders are pupils who are adept at using technology and are willing to share their knowledge and skills with others. Through working with staff, peers and school leaders, Digital Leaders will help to shape how technology is used in and outside of the classroom.
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Developments in technology are fast and providing a constant stream of opportunities. Young adults, teenagers and children are ‘early adopters’ making it highly likely that they are taking advantage of new technology and applications before we are. While they embrace and identify opportunities with enthusiasm and confidence, they do not always recognise the associated risks. The establishment of a Digital Leadership Team harnesses the enthusiasm and energy of pupils to enhance the use of technology in school while, at the same time, providing them with the skills to critically assess opportunities for potential risks and learn to mitigate against them. The Digital Leadership Program is loosely following a corporate program management organisation structure, with a Program Director (myself), a Program Manager, Daisy Jauncey (Year 12), and Project Managers for each our current projects. Project Assembly - Lily Rawlings (Year 10) and her team have directed activities and resources needed for introducing the Digital Leaders to the school during an assembly; using an online voice synchronisation app, PowerPoint video functionality, a green screen and Kahoot! Daisy Jauncey (Year 12) proved to be a very adept film editor. Project Inventory - Eloise Attlee (Year 10) is finding out what we have, where we have it and how many there are. Emma Jennings’ Project Survey team will be asking the school community to participate in an online survey to discover what everyone is doing, where they are doing it and how often. Additionally, they will be asking what is missing, what technology or digital device would be helpful or of interest.
Product Design This year’s GCSE and A Level Product Design projects certainly impressed the examiners…
Blogging, vlogging, posting, sharing and tagging are essential skills in making the most of our social media. Baifern Aupatcha (Year 10) and her Project Blog team will be working with the Marketing Team to learn graphic design skills to provide support to MSJ Twitter, Instagram and Facebook as well as, setting up an MSJ Student blog for digital Leaders to share top tips, digital stories and show others how to make the most of their technology. In the Autumn term, the battle cry will be heard as Rebecca Harris’ (Year 10) Project Intership will devise a number of challenges to see which ship is the most digital savvy! Digital skills are increasingly vital in everyone’s lives; they are needed now and in future workforces. The average percentage of woman working in technology teams in the UK is 12%; we need to nurture digital skills to improve the pipeline of women in technology. MSJ Digital Leaders are looking forward to running workshops, providing support with lessons and finding fun and effective ways to enhance our digital experience. Our message is: It’s not what technology can do for you. It’s what you do with technology! By Mrs Aynsworth, Computing
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STEM Year 5 and 6 Independent Learning Project Presentations On 19th June, five girls stood in front of a packed audience in Lawnside to present the results of their Independent Learning Projects (ILP). Each girl could choose the subject of her study and throughout the year needed to achieve a range of learning outcomes. The girls all did amazingly well presenting their topics. Each presentation covered: their ideas; what they did; how they conducted their research; what they learned from it; time management; their conclusions.
INFORMATION LITERACY LESSONS
The subjects of their presentations were as follows: Emily Noble – Opera Eva Gillen – 1970s Fashion Alice Pearce – Ocean Animals Martha Bond – Interior Design Amber Forsyth – Space The ILP encourages girls to grow in themselves and to think and act independently with their study. Speaking on the day, Emily Noble (Year 6) said of the ILP: “It’s as much about learning about yourself as it learning about your chosen subject.”
he CILIP Carnegie Medal is awarded annually to the writer of an outstanding book for children. We give our Year 7 girls the opportunity to dip into the shortlisted books and to feed back their first impressions, taking into consideration the author’s writing style and character description and whether they would recommend them. Their reviews are then posted by us onto the Malvern St James group page of the national award’s ‘shadowing’ website. You can read them all through the link below.
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www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/shadowing.php Here is an enthusiastic review from Erica Borwell-Fox. “I loved Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce so much that I actually bought it on Kindle! I really enjoyed the book because it was hilarious and I really felt like I was feeling what they were feeling and got quite hooked. I was interested in the story because it was different from what other people write about and its unique plot line was epic! I cared about all of the characters because I think that it was very emotional the fact that he was separated from his grandad. It was funny and sad at the same time and was a very clever story how it was written. I would definitely recommend the book to someone else because I think that no matter what emotion you are feeling it doesn’t matter because it is fit for everyone’s feelings. I think the book is quite scientific, but you still can read it, even if you are not into science, as the book is easy to understand. I think the split between dialogue and narrative is pretty even. There are not many descriptions of people in the book but that means that you can imagine it yourself and it is open to describe yourself. There are some pictures occasionally which help describe what is going on in the story although, personally, I don’t look
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at the pictures that much. I think that when I read the first few pages, I thought that the characters were very interesting as they were talking about random things and I wanted to find out what happened next, what was going on and most importantly, I wanted to know more! What was going on was that Prez, the main character, and his grandad, who has problems with remembering things, are in the kitchen. They start the story with his grandad noticing that instead of giving him a passport (which apparently is for boarding a ship that doesn’t exist) he gives him a list of all the things that happened in the summer. Then, cleverly, we go back in time through the list, with each chapter as a bullet point. We jump straight in the story with no preface or anything, which is better because it means that you have no idea what is coming round the corner! You can pick out clues about what is going to happen from reading this list, you know the sort of idea for what is coming up, but what you expect probably won’t happen. Enjoy!” The winner of the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2017 was announced on 19th June and was awareded to Ruta Sepetys for Salt to the Sea. Reviewing Salt to the Sea, Mia Maylor-Wrout (Year 7) said: “The book is very intriguing and grabs my attention. It has a very thoughtful way of describing each detail. When I read this book the atmosphere is dark, and makes me feel sorry for the majority of the characters. The blurb is over exaggerated and very dramatic; quite depressing. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy slight drama and gruesome turn of events. However wouldn't recommend to anyone who is sensitive and does not like anything gruesome. The characters' personalities are as if everything is normal and that they are used to it, really the events are different, unusual.” By Mrs Neville, Assistant Librarian
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PREP DEPARTMENT A DAY IN BRAZIL
JUNGLE JAMBOREE
The Pre-Prep Language Day took the girls further afield this Summer, all the way to South America for BRAZIL DAY! The girls dressed as rainforest animals, carnival queens or sported the blue/green/yellow of the Brazilian flag to create a splash of vibrant colour and excitement! We all enjoyed a fun packed day; learning all about Brazil, playing football, making maracas, designing, making and parading some wonderful carnival head-dresses and of course, learning a bit of Brazilian Portuguese. The MSJ catering department excelled themselves with a fabulous feast of South American fare and we even re-lived some of the wonderful Olympic moments of Rio 2016. What a wonderful way to spend a Wednesday, Que diversão amigos!
The sun shone brightly for the annual EYFS Party; a themed event where Pre-Prep staff and pupils welcome next year's Reception pupils for an afternoon of fun and games! This year, Mrs Lane organised a wonderful afternoon for the girls. A sumptuous picnic was enjoyed on rugs under the trees before a Jungle Scavenger Hunt and a range of jolly party games. The MSJ girls were attentive hosts and their little guests had a super time and all of the girls are looking forward to spending more time together in September.
WE’RE GOING TO THE ZOO On 23rd May, Pre-Prep enjoyed a trip to Bristol Zoo.
WOODLAND FUN
BE EPIC BALL Our Prep girls took to the stage to sing at the Be Epic Ball, held at The Guild Hall in Worcester on 11th March. The Be Epic Ball was a charity ball held to raise funds to support children suffering with Epilepsy and was organised by parent, Lindsey Moore. A total of £12,476.13 was raised for this fantastic cause. Find out more: http://bit.ly/2vB6EBb
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Pre-prep enjoyed a fantastic Woodland School in June – here are the girls toasting marshmallows over the fire!
“We went to the zoo and we saw a crocodile in the lake. We saw a monkey and the monkey was fantastic! Then we saw a pretend tiger and a real snake and a bat and a butterfly. We saw a kangaroo and a flamingo and had a talk about The Rainforest. On the way back I sat with Beth and Sophie.” Martha Smith (Year 1) “It was very good because we saw lots of animals and we touched a snake. We had lunch in an animal party room and later we had an ice cream.” Emilia Ede (Year R) Mrs Wilkinson said, “The girls were super! They all enjoyed the educational talk and learnt a lot about Rainforests. We loved the cheeky monkeys and the graceful seals and everyone came back to school and did some fabulous writing about their day.”
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SIXTH FORM YEAR 13 LEAVERS’ BREAKFAST AND SERVICE We said “farewell and good luck” to our Year 13 leavers at the traditional Leavers’ Breakfast and Service, held on 26th May and led by Rev Taplin. Roses were given out to the girls by staff and on leaving the service, girls took a piece from a jigsaw of the MSJ building. Some girls were particularly pleased to have found the piece with their bedroom window on! The jigsaw signifies the girls going their separate ways and the fact that they are always able to come back together to be part of MSJ.
OXBRIDGE APPLICATIONS e have a longstanding partnership with Oxbridge Applications. On 10th May they visited MSJ to give a talk on ‘Aspiring to World Class Universities’. Although mainly aimed at girls in Year 12, it was great to be able to welcome many Year 10 girls as well, and a number of parents keen to support their daughters’ aspirations. We were also pleased to welcome some staff and students from two local schools - Hanley Castle and Christopher Whitehead. The evening outlined the expectations applicants might have of Oxford and Cambridge universities and how they can best begin to prepare themselves for making successful applications to these very competitive institutions. Part of the presentation was given by Jon Tabbert from Dukes US Applications, who gave insight into the possibilities of studying in the US; it was encouraging to see so many girls considering this exciting opportunity. We also had a presentation from Dukes Medical Applications who offered their support and advice to our aspiring doctors, dentists and vets. These evenings are always insightful for the girls and tutors.
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US UNIVERSITIES On 20th May we were delighted to host presentations by four leading American universities. Monica Esser (Fordham University, New York), Alexander Polk (Hofstra University, New York ), Tom Biedermann (Suffolk University, Madrid Campus) and Amy Arcario (St. John‘s University, New York) provided valuable insight and advice regarding the application process for students interested in applying to study in America, as well as highlighting the differences between studying the in the US versus the UK. A question and answer session provided a valuable opportunity for both girls and parents to seek specific information and guidance. We look forward to welcoming these universities back to MSJ next year.
SIXTH FORM SUBJECTS FAIR FOR YEAR 10 The Sixth Form Subjects Fair on 7th June provided girls in Year 10 another opportunity to inform their planning for joining the MSJ Sixth Form. A series of talks took place and girls and parents were given the opportunity to discuss A level, BTEC, EPQ and careers options with subject staff. As always, the Sixth Form girls were able to provide valuable insight into what it is actually like to be in the Sixth Form at MSJ, the realities of choosing subjects and universities, learning to manage your own time and the fact that independence is a lot of fun! This is an exciting start to their journey towards MSJ Sixth Form and I look forward to supporting them further. By Mrs Kingshott, Director of Sixth Form
UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS We are delighted that our girls have gone on to apply for some truly prestigious university and college places. This year 62 UCAS applications have been made, of which all but one have received at least two conditional offers, with the majority receiving three, four or all five offers. Whilst we can’t list everyone, we wanted to share details of some of the universities our girls should be studying at later this year.
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Sasha Lloyd has received two unconditional offers to study Law (universities of Birmingham and Leicester) and Tilly Norton one to study Geophysics (University of East Anglia). Elaine Chen (Maths), Margo Bondarchuk (History & Politics) and Angela Liu (Biomedical Science) all have offers from University of Oxford, whilst Lucinda Hobden (Modern & Medieval Languages) and Xing
Zhou (Maths) have offers from University of Cambridge. Sunny Amrez and Eleri Clarke have offers for Medicine, Jasmin Mehdizadeh for Dentistry and Pippa Wollen for Veterinary Medicine. Overall 51 applicants have offers from Russell Group universities, in many cases from more than one. Outside UCAS, Charmaine Li has a Conservatoire place and Isobel Vickery has a place on an Art Foundation course at Hereford Art College. In America, Amanda Xu, Jadie Luo, Nova Yu and Michelle Tang all have unconditional offers to study at California College of Art, Carleton University in Minnesota, New York University and University of California Los Angeles respectively. Good luck - we can’t wait to find out how you have got on in your exams! MSJ NEWS SUMMER 2017
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OUTDOOR PURSUITS The Climbing Club has been meeting every Monday going to climbing walls in Worcester and Gloucester. All the girls have joined the NICA Scheme and have all nearly finished their Level 3 – good progress! Then on 13th May, taking advantage of good weather, a bunch of intrepid girls went rock-climbing at Symonds Yat – proper climbing! The following day we went canoeing on the River Wye, ending up at Symonds Yat. All good fun and the girls did really well rising to the challenges and keen to do more.
D of E at MSJ
GOLD AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE On 24th May, Old Girls Alannah Byrne (MSJ 2016) and Katie Barnes (MSJ 2017) received their Gold DofE awards at Buckingham Palace. Katie told MSJ News:
ots of girls signed up to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award this year - 36 girls at Bronze level, 20 at Silver and 11 at Gold level.
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Bronze level girls start from scratch, learning how to navigate, pitch tents and look after themselves, which includes cooking on camp stoves. Funny that nobody ever complains about school food or school beds after that experience! This year girls did their practice expedition in June when they walked out of school and over the hills to Coddington. The first weekend had a very damp evening camp but the second bunch had sunny and dry. We are always at the mercy of the weather! This brave bunch will complete their qualifying venture in the Autumn.
Expeditions at Gold and Silver level are longer and tougher and we go further afield. Training days this year have been in the Malvern Hills, Stiperstones, Shropshire, the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons, and the girls experienced some tough weather conditions during these expeditions. They had their practice in the Black Mountains in April and May, enjoying some mixed weather and proved they are ready for the real thing. They will be completing their qualifying expedition in July when they will be walking in and around the Three Peaks of Yorkshire. All girls deserve credit for their hard work and commitment over the past year and we wish them the best of luck for their qualifying ventures. By Mrs Cole, DofE Manager
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“This was a very rare opportunity as it was only the second presentation day held at Buckingham Palace, with most ceremonies taking place at St James’ Palace. Presentation of the award was conducted by Steph McGovern, BBC Breakfast reporter. She delivered a very inspirational speech, stating that the most motivational and memorable individuals are those that confront adversity. She highlighted that many of the key skills developed through DofE would enhance our future and job prospects, acknowledging many challenges facing young people entering the job market. Receiving my certificate felt incredibly special. 250,000 young people embark upon their DofE each year and only 11,000 achieve their Gold award, with only 3000 invited to Buckingham Palace. Completing the award has been incredibly rewarding and provided a sense of fulfilment as I was able to overcome many personal obstacles, requiring dedication and hard work. It has enabled me to develop skills in many areas, which I know will remain with me as I move through university and into my career.” Sarah Okey, Old Girl (2014) and daughter of former member of staff Aileen Okey (science), has also just been awarded her Gold DofE. This is great news as she follows in the steps of her older sister, Catherine who received hers in 2013.
MSJ NEWS
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SPORT ATHLETICS
FOOTBALL
INDIVIDUAL SPORT SUCCESSES THIS TERM INCLUDE:
Unfortunately, due to the clash with school examinations our team was somewhat depleted at the ISA Midlands Championships. Lottie Trevethan (Year 9) won the Junior Girls 1500m and Poppy Elton (Year 7) finished 2nd in the Year 7 Girls 800m, despite this being only the second time she has run over this distance. The girls in the relay team were Lottie Trevethan, Tilly Broadhurst (Year 9), Tracey Lupata (Year 8) and Jenny Wilson (Year 9).
On 18th May, MSJ’s Under 11 football squad played in the ISA National Football Cup (North) Qualifier at Manchester City’s former training ground in Carrington, Manchester. Out of the seven games they played, the girls won two and drew four. Although the girls didn’t qualify for the finals, it should be remembered that none of them had played football before the start of this year and for them to have achieved what they have, and the development levels they have achieved as footballers, is truly remarkable. With all bar one of the girls being in Year 5 or below things look very promising for next year. Well done to all our girls – Amber Forsyth (Captain), Chloe Aris, Alex Brookes, Charlotte Brookes, Grace Downey, Grace Earp, Mia Rooke-Hodges, Hettie Smith, Isla Wall, Susannah Watkins.
Kiera Johnstone (Year 10) who has been selected for the Regional Performance Centre for Hockey, the Warwickshire Under 15s Performance Team for Cricket and is having trials for two Netball Superleague Teams.
ROUNDERS Many of our matches have been victims of the weather but we have had victories against Christ College Brecon and The Chase across all year groups. Year 9 had a very successful outing to Chantry School and won their Worcestershire West School Games competition.
EQUESTRIAN MSJ was represented by Scarlett Rogers (Year 9), Genevieve Manning (Year 10) and Tiggy Manning (Year 8) at the recent Stonar School inter-school One Day Event. Each of the girls rode really well with clear rounds over the show jumping course and the cross country. Both Vivi and Tiggy managed to score great Dressage tests which meant they each had individual placings of 5th and 2nd.
The Team also took part in the Two Day Eventing at Princethorpe School in Rugby. Genevieve Manning (Year 10), Tiggy Manning (Year 8) and Hattie Gill (Year 8) won the Independent Schools Association 2 Day Eventing and were placed 3rd overall as a team. Millie Cooper was placed 1st, Vivi 4th and Tiggy 5th in their individual sections.
MSJ NEWS
SUMMER 2017
Charlotte Renaud (Year 11) and Nicky Connell (Year 11) finished 3rd in the Tennis County Doubles tournament. Hannah Tapley (Year 13) won the Wiltshire County Senior High Jump title and is well on her way back from injury. Natacha Blankenship (Year 5) represented MSJ at a NSEA show jumping event on 17th June. Natacha did three classes: Clear Round, 40cm and 50cm. Out of a class of approximately 30 competitors from numerous schools she won the 40cm class that was judged on horsemanship as well as points for successfully jumping a clear round. This qualifies her for the regional finals in December.
We had a very successful competition at the Hartpury National School Equestrian Association (NSEA) event on 10th and 11th June, with a Team 1st in the 95cm Show Jumping which means the team is through to the National Championships in October half term! Well done to Jess Morris, Hattie Gill, Genevieve Manning, Tiggy Manning, Millie Cooper, Ibble Watson and Scarlett Roger who all did some fantastic riding that weekend. Congratulations to all the girls for such excellent events!
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Katie Guthrie (Year 9) continues to participate in the England U14 programme and is also representing Worcestershire in Cricket.
Lilia Mico (Year 5) was selected to play tennis for Hereford and Worcester Under 10 girls team in the annual Aegon County Cup. As part of a team of four they travelled to Stourbridge where they played singles and doubles matches against South Wales, North Wales, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire. Over the course of two days they finished in 3rd position - a great achievement, especially as they were seeded 6th.
Lottie Trevethan (Year 9) took part in the British Pentathlon Championships and after nearly 9 hours of competition over 5 events, she took the Silver medal - ranking her second in Great Britain in the Under 17 age group and she was the youngest competitor in the category!
Lucy Walton (Year 13) is celebrating after becoming the Worcestershire and Herefordshire Ladies County Champion. Since returning to competition in April after injury, Lucy has entered five events and had three 1sts and two 2nds.
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YOUNG ENTERPRISE
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2017-2018
Our Young Enterprise teams have amassed a stack of awards this term.
NAME Galina Boskamdzhieva
Dynamic created a book - The Little Book of You – with contributions from The Mindfulness Project based in London, Olympic Gold Medallist Helen Glover and BAFTA Travel Writer, Steve Backshall. The girls created their book in recognition of the stigma and problems surrounding mental wellbeing today.
12
Josselyn Chau
Art & Academic Scholarship
12
Cecilia Cheung
All rounder Scholarship with Art
12
Nicola Connell
Sports Scholarship
12
Maegan Ford
Sports Exhibition
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Sports Scholarship & Head's Award
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Art Scholarship
12
Sports Exhibition
12
Academic & Art Scholarship
12
Academic Scholarship
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Art Exhibition
12
Sports & All Round Scholarship
12
Corliss Tse
Academic Scholarship
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Sylfiana Wong
Academic Scholarship
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Academic Exhibition
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Hajar Zubairu
Academic Scholarship
12
Holly Harvey
Founders' Award
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Founders' Award & Music Scholarship
12
Technology & Academic Scholarship
9
Riding Scholarship
9
Emma Green
Drama Exhibition & Academic Scholarship
9
Romilly Hughes
Sports Scholarship & Technology Exhibition
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Teagan Manning
Riding & Music Scholarship
9
Sports Scholarship
9
Art Scholarship
9
Academic Exhibition
7
Academic Scholarship
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Sports Scholarship
7
Academic Scholarship
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Myrtle Probert
Academic & Music Scholarship
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Jessica Purvis
Academic & Music Scholarship
7
Emily Lewis Emily Marriott Benz Mecasuwandamrong Oladunni Oladapo
To get to the West Midlands Finals was an amazing accomplishment as the last time MSJ had a company get to West Midlands Finals was in 2012. At the Finals, the girls won Best Presentation and Best Financial Directors (Sabrina Tsang and Yuki Chung), with Ms MacDonald taking the title of Best Centre Lead.
Illuminate created ‘Posh Squash’, which is available in two flavours (Peppermint and Lime, and Blackcurrant), to fill a gap in the market for upmarket, non-alcoholic drinks. In the girls’ own words, “Posh Squash is more than just a drink. It brings families together by providing an alternative to alcohol that can be enjoyed by kids and adults.” At the Young Enterprise South Worcestershire Finals in April, Dynamic won awards for Best Managing Directors and Best Company and Illuminate won awards for Best Use of IT, Best Company Report and Best Company.
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Young Enterprise is popular at MSJ, with two thirds of Year 12 taking part. “Many of us started Young Enterprise with the hopes of gaining some business experience and learning the ‘behind the scenes’ work of a firm and we’ve done just that”, said Izzy Lee and Andrea Rugasira of Illuminate. Since creating their book, Dynamic have been in contact with a local youth club, aiming to spread their positive message and they have also been working with a Special Educational Needs school in Stratford who have requested a session from the team about mindfulness. A fantastic achievement and we’re so proud of our Young Enterprise teams.
YEAR
Academic Scholarship
Eleanor Houlbrooke
The girls then went on to compete in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Finals in May where both companies presented themselves extremely well and were faced with some gruelling questions in their interviews by the judges. Illuminate were awarded Best Use of IT, and Dynamic won Best Presentation, Best Finance Directors (Yuki Chung and Sabrina Tsang) and became the Herefordshire and Worcestershire winners, securing their place at the West Midlands Finals.
AWARD
Yixi Ren Charlotte Renaud
Christy Wu
Lara Maylor-Wrout Cicely Gallagher Harriet Gill
Marnie Probert Ruixi (Cecilia)Yuan Freiya Elton Romilly Hatcher-Wilkins Olivia Key Isabella Michael
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BOARDING LIFE
GREENSLADE BY MISS VAN RAVENSTEIN, HEAD OF BOARDING
Three terms have flown by so quickly and what a fun filled, action packed year it has been in the Boarding community. From House activities in the evenings to our brilliant weekend activity programme, there is always something going on. Follow @Msj_Boarding on Twitter to be kept up-to-date with all the excitement from our houses.
BATSFORD The year has been very busy at Batsford. One of our favourite things in Batsford is our wonderful garden so we are always happy when the days get longer and we can go out to play. This year in addition to rounders, swing ball, badminton and volleyball we have added croquet and a phlat ball amongst other things! For the more mature there are picnic rugs for sitting and chatting and our table and chairs donated by Mrs Woodhouse last summer holidays have been in good use. Inside Batsford Wii dance 2017 is still going strong, particularly on wet weekend afternoons and baking is taking off. Who wants to use their mobile phone when there is so much opportunity around?! Boarding at Batsford has seen the introduction of play dates for younger day boarders and informal time for the new Year 7 pupils to help them settle in. We have had a great team of Grads this year who have planned fun evening activities for us. Miss Ireson worked tirelessly in the Spring term to bring together our Batsford plays for the Variety Performance. We have become keen bakers at school and in the house and Ms D and Mrs Turner are now working together to plan Food Tech sharing nights. Study sessions, prep sessions and tutor sessions have taken off for the seniors with Miss Turner helping through the difficulties of time management and organising and sticking to prep diary agendas! Not to be left out, the Prep mums had a coffee morning and we are looking forward to more of these next term at a slightly earlier time to coincide with drop-off in the morning. We also opened up the house on the Friday of half term at lunchtime and during the afternoon for the weary travellers coming to collect their daughters. I hope more will make use of this next term.
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HATFIELD Hatfield has had another great year filled with lots of fun and laughter. During the first week in the House, the girls designed and painted their own mugs for use during the year. Evening activities having ranged from sedate board games to the more raucous ‘Shoe the Horse’ or Pamper Nights where we all made our own facials with lots of sugar and fruit! On a more serious note, the younger girls have created a current affairs board. This has given them the experience of reading the newspapers and cutting out interesting stories. It is also makes for great debating whilst enjoying an ice cream. Food is an important factor in the house and the girls bake anything from cookies and cupcakes, to various international recipes. And at the weekend all gathered for movie night, complete with popcorn! One evening the girls played host to a group of girls from a school in Japan and there was much singing and playing of games; laughter was the common language! We are a multi-cultural House and the girls enjoy integrating with each other.
MOUNT A real highlight for the year has been the Mounties strutting the stage at the Variety Show, performing versions of songs including Single Ladies in a lip sync battle - nothing unites a boarding house like Beyonce! We also competed in the MSJ Bake Off but the judges weren’t quite ready for our avant-garde decoration - we are determined to do better next year. We’ve enjoyed some great new activities in the house, a favourite of which has been ‘make your own sundaes’. We have also attempted to embrace the Instagram trend of making our own slime, although this has yet to be achieved without colossal amounts of mess! We’ve been delighted to welcome more occasional boarders this year and hope to see many more of you soon.
Once the sun comes out and the weather begins to warm up we love to take advantage of the beautiful gardens in Greenslade. We were very fortunate that the sun was shining the week before May half-term when we planned our BBQ. The week was full of exams for both Upper and Lower Sixth, with Year 13’s getting ready for study leave. As a respite from exams and revision Mr Jones pulled out the BBQ and set to work flipping burgers. The smoky smell of chargrilled quarter pounders tempted everyone out of their dorms for a respite from their revision. We enjoyed some quality time together sat on blankets whilst listening to tunes on the lawn. ‘’It was really great fun to get together during the stressful exam period to take our mind off it. It was nice having something different to eat as opposed to our typical school supper (as much as we like them). It was a well-planned and fun event that kept girls away from their books for just a short while. Fun was had by all and everyone really appreciated it!‘’ Eugenia Liu
full Year group activities in all the Boarding Houses from September. In addition to this, Hatfield and Mount will be creating designated study areas for the Year 11 Day Boarders who wish to go up to their Houses to study after school.
POULTON Poulton has seen a slighter smaller House this Year as the fourth floor has been closed for refurbished however this does not seem to have reduced the fun! Success was ours in the MSJ Bake Ooff as Poulton claimed the trophy with a seven tiered rainbow extravaganza of a cake. Not only did it look fantastic, it tasted amazing! Easter heralded the arrival of our inaugural Poulton Easter Egg Hunt. Never before had a group of mature young ladies regressed so quickly to childhood as they tore the boarding house down to find and claim their chocolate eggs. In between all of this there have been birthday parties, film nights, games evenings, tea parties, escorting pigeon out of rooms, roly-poly practises in corridors and most importantly, the long conversations that make Poulton so special.
DAY BOARDERS
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES As part of boarding we have a trip or activity on offer every Sunday. And there’s been lots of fun and exciting activities to keep our adrenalin flowing: zip lining and crate stacking at Blackwell adventure centre, Christmas ice skating, water sports at the Aztec water park, trampolining, a 12 mile cycle through the Forest of Dean, controlling your own team of dogs at husky sledding and a roller disco in the Dome. For those whose tastes are a little more serene, we also visited the West Midlands Safari Park and wondered at the magic of the Harry Potter Studio Tour, where some girls even took the opportunity to ride a broom! This year we also held the first ever Great MSJ Bake Off which was a delicious success, with teams from each house taking part. We always make the most of local cinemas to watch the latest blockbusters and take girls to the theatre when there is something appropriate on offer. With all of this on offer, it really is a wonder the girls have time to sleep!
Every Day Boarder is attached to a boarding house and we are aiming to enhance their experience even further. Day Boarders have taken up the opportunities to be part of our trips this year, with the added bonus of a sleep over the night before or after. Additionally they have been using their three free boarding nights each term and really are becoming a greater part of our community. There will be a greater emphasis on
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OTHER NEWS WHEN BARBER MET BOND Mrs Barber hasn’t always been MSJ’s Office Manager and Clerk to the Governors…she used to be an officer in the WRNS. When she was based at Faslane, the submarine base in Scotland, the cast and crew of the James Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me, came to film there. Mrs Barber not only got to meet the late Sir Roger Moore, she was also in the film!
OTHER NEWS MALVERN HILLS DISTRICT COMMUNITY SPORTS AWARDS 2017
WELCOME TO YOUR HEAD GIRL AND PREFECTS 2017-2018 Chloe Parker Liberty Wilkinson Andrea Rugasira
Mrs Barber told MSJ News, “Roger Moore was charming and charismatic with a great sense of humour; happy to chat to everyone and not at all ‘starry’. Very similar to his on-screen personae. The only time I saw him get slightly irritated was when one of the make-up ladies rushed over to dab at his face with powder – it was raining (as usual in Faslane!) and we were standing under umbrellas. He pointed out that everyone else was getting wet so not to fuss, “but they’re not going to be looked at by millions of people Roger!”, she pointed out and he gave in, looking rather embarrassed as he had his face powdered!”
Head Girl Deputy Head Girl Deputy Head Girl Daring Dragon Trenchant Triumph Boarding Pastoral Charities Charities Academic Senior Prep OGA Marketing & Admissions
Marathon success
FAREWELL TO COLLEAGUES
Linnea Gannon Lucy Blum Imogen Townsend Christy Chui Sofea Syed Badrol Daisy Butt Millie Cooper Sanchia De Villiers Kuun
Congratulations to retiring Head Girl, Lucy Walton, and MSJ Sports & Fitness Centre Fitness Instructor, Meg Judge who both won their categories at the Malvern Hills District Council Community Sports Awards on 13th July. Lucy took home the Award for 'Young Female Sports Personality of the Year' and Meg won the 'Positive Change of the Year' Award. A fantastic achievement for these two remarkable ladies. Well done!
Isobel Lee Ellie Manns Sarah Jackson Jennifer Gallagher Coco Chernel
At the end of the academic year, we bid a fond farewell to the following members of staff. Thank you for your hard work and commitment during your time at Malvern St James and good luck for your new ventures.
MSJ was well represented at this year’s London Marathon in April. Three members of staff ran the 26.2 mile route, with impressive results. Sarah Armstrong (School Nurse and Old Girl, 1984) completed the course in 3 hours 35 minutes. Despite referring to herself as a “running Grandma”, this was Sarah’s 4th London marathon and she has clocked up 9 marathons in total. Megan Judge, Fitness Instructor from MSJ Sports Centre, is also a marathon veteran, having successfully taken part in 16 marathons (including marathons in Munich, Nice, Athens and Amsterdam!). Meg raised over £1000 for Leukaemia care and completed the course in 3 hours 48 minutes. For Driver and Exam Invigilator, Nigel Wilson, this was his second marathon and he successfully completed the course in 4 hours 41 minutes. Congratulations to all our runners – truly inspirational!
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Fonlar Annis
Thai Coach
Jeannette Rogers
Catering
Rebecca Beirne
Housekeeping
Sophie Ross
PE Teacher
Beth Crowther
Sports Graduate (Hockey) and Boarding Grad
Jess Sandy
Sports Graduate (Lacrosse) and Boarding Grad
Greta Dilyte
Musician in Residence and Boarding Grad
Kevin Scot
Head of Religious Studies
Carol Evans
Biology Teacher
Georgina Sillars
Matron and Deputy Housemistress
Miranda Halford
Catering
Christine Skailes
Physics Teacher
Alice Ireson
Performing Artist in Residence and Boarding Grad
Emily Smith
Graduate Boarding Tutor
Ian Jones
Physics Teacher
Kate Taylor
Biology Teacher (remaining as Coach)
Aileen Lockey
Classics Teacher
Ian Tamm
Science Technician
Levi Moscovoni
Visiting Music Tutor
Mike Terry
Art Teacher
Judith Mott
Expressive Arts Administrator
Romy Turner
Graduate Boarding Tutor
Anita Pardoe
Housemistress
Tayla Unthank
Graduate Boarding Tutor
Andy Robinson
Director of Finance
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THE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION CELEBRATING MSJ’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY On 28th April, the OGA held a special dinner for all MSJ Head Girls, Deputy Head Girls and their parents from the last 10 years. The girls and their families were also joined by a number of MSJ’s current staff. Mrs Hayes, MSJ’s first headmistress, joined Mrs Raraty in welcoming the girls back to school and a wonderful time was had by everyone who attended.
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MALVERN GIRLS' COLLEGE
70 years on from MGC Some Memories Now That I Am 80 By Margaret R Chittock (Davies, 1951)
I
benefitted enormously from my six years of the strict rules and regulations for everything, but excelled at precisely nothing; happily conforming to the myriad rules and regulations while doing very little work. My parents tolerated my indifferent school reports but my career and life would not have been so varied and interesting without all that I absorbed in those happy times in Hatley St George and then Benhams. My lifelong enjoyment of classical music was influenced by the amazing international musicians who came to York Hall 70 years ago. I recall Yehudi Menuhin, Kathleen Ferrier – did she come twice? – Benjamin Britten (did he play piano accompaniment by Joseph Cooper who definitely came more than once?), the cellist Paul Tortelier, The Jacques Strong Orchestra, the Boyd Neel Orchestra – who have I forgotten? Our appreciation was hugely increased by the pre-concert talks given by members of the Music Department (and even to those like me who were not musicians). An example was that we all learned much of what they then knew of the background and influences for Elgar’s Enigma Variations. I still sit very still at concerts.
she could accomplish the amazing uniform list for MGC – including three Liberty bodices, endless other undies and twenty four large white cotton handkerchiefs. The war had just ended but I needed a trunkful of clothes plus bed linen, and all with Cash’s nametapes. Finance is beginning to be taught in schools. We had MGC printed cheque books to draw out one shilling pocket money each week. My father talked to us about politics and influenced my future interest in the stock market as he would discuss MGC fees (£300 a year from start to finish) against his income and investments and the
I gained a lifelong interest in politics, news and current affairs from my years in The Benhams. Miss Warry, one of our two Housemistresses, A handwritten hymn book and ‘bone prop’ to keep the mouth wide would expect us on Sunday evenings to be able to open while singing explain to all in our house the detailed meaning of Punch magazine’s political cartoon. Terrifying for a new girl! All the national newspapers were also in the House library (with certain scandalous items huge taxation he was paying then – nineteen shillings occasionally cut out) and gradually one learned to read/ and sixpence in every pound (Sir Stafford Cripps was the know/understand the political influences and world personally extremely wealthy Socialist Chancellor of events of the times. Hatley definitely instilled high the Exchequer). standards in our table manners, they were quite strict although how did they feed us in those severe food I recall taking part in a mock general election. We all had rationing times? Personally, I used to resist the grim to be prepared to speak in public and speak well, and this milk puddings and no-one could leave until none was always stood me in good stead in later life for giving votes left on our plates, so in disgrace I would be moved to sit of thanks, making occasional speeches and presentations, next to the Headmistress on her top table on an elevated and reading lessons in church. In my time, Malvern was platform while the whole dining room waited for me. a watchword for us all – self-control! Funny what one recalls about school days – we were not allowed to use Grandfather had no new clothes in World War Two so he the word ‘nice’ and when hymn singing in The Priory, we gave my mother all his wartime clothing coupons so that had to pronounce the word ‘and’ as ‘und’, and I still do!
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ALUMNAE IN FOCUS URSULA MARTIN (1971) Professor Ursula Martin CBE works at the University of Oxford, and has recently been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE). The RSE prides itself on the breadth of disciplines represented by its Fellowship, and she joins a select group of outstanding academics and celebrated professionals. This range of expertise enables the Society to take part in a host of activities, such as providing independent and expert advice to Government and Parliament, supporting aspiring entrepreneurs through mentorship, facilitating education programmes for young people and engaging the general public through educational events. New Fellows are elected each year through a rigorous five-stage nomination process. President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, of Oxford’s Department of Physics, commented, “Each newly elected Fellow has been nominated on their exceptional and extensive achievements; it is a great honour to welcome such outstanding individuals to the Fellowship. In joining the RSE Fellowship, they will strengthen the Society’s capacity to advance excellence across all areas of public life, in Scotland and further afield.” Ursula Martin joined Oxford in 2014 from Queen Mary University of London, where she served as a member of the senior management team. Before that she worked at the University of St Andrews, as their first female professor in any discipline since its founding in 1411. Her research in algebra, logic and computer science, in particular the deployment of novel logic software in defence applications, has led to many papers and industry collaborations. She and her team are currently collaborating with social scientists and philosophers to understand how mathematicians work, with the aim of building better software to help. She also works on mathematics policy, and the history of mathematics and computer science, in particular pioneering work on the mathematics of Ada Lovelace. Her recent work looks at how very abstract and rarefied mathematics leads to very concrete and signifcant outcomes. Mathematics’ impact in every walk of life is astounding. Deloitte estimates that 10% of all UK jobs and 16% of total UK GDP is a direct result of mathematics. The key is human interaction, long-term relationships and close working with
other disciplines and end users, so as to exploit the distinctive and all-pervasive nature of mathematics, a discipline that is underpinning and influencing so many of the scientific, technological and social questions we are asking of our world. Ursula was a pupil at The Abbey School from 1965 to 1971, and remembers to this day wonderful mathematics teaching from Miss Castledine. After The Abbey she went to Girton College, Cambridge to study maths, and then moved into computing in the early days, long before the invention of email or the internet. We are delighted that Ursula has kindly agreed to come to MSJ next academic year to talk to our STEM students in Year 10 and above about the relevance of mathematical applications in our everyday lives and how computers will influence our futures.
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MALVERN ST JAMES
ONE YEAR ON by Elysia Garland, Head Girl, 2015-16
Elysia with pals in the States
In August 2016, I started studying at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in the USA, having been awarded a scholarship to play lacrosse there for a year. As well as playing lacrosse, I have also been attending classes. Mrs Perkins might be happy to hear I have returned to the Maths classroom as well as taking English, Geography, Psychology and the rather unusual class that involves discussing the cultural and ethical issues raised in the Harry Potter novels... only in America! My lacrosse team consists of a great bunch of girls, who have become a sort of second family. We practice six days a week as well as weight lift twice a week, which keeps me pretty busy. Our competitive season started on 7th March and consists of 17 games, hopefully more if we make it to the PSAC (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) tournament. To make sure we’re match ready we’ve had some pretty intense fitness sessions, which make Rich’s Tuesday fitness programme seem like a walk in the park. Although practice and classes are a big part of being here, I’ve still had time to have the full American experience, which does include more than just eating food. The highlight so far has probably been the Edinboro Homecoming weekend which consists of a big American football game and a huge parade. I have also had the chance to participate in the Polar Plunge which consists of running into Lake Erie in December, when the temperature was below 5 degrees Centigrade to raise money for the Special Olympics Charity. Coming up shortly is Spring Break, when we will be venturing off as a team to North Carolina, where we will play three competitive matches. On the way we will be stopping in Washington DC and Charlotte, the capital city of North Carolina. Since being here, I’ve also had the opportunity to go to Chicago to visit my parents, Philadelphia to visit Penny Green, who is also out here playing lacrosse, and to Buffalo to see the Niagara Falls. I’m looking forward to furthering my studies at Exeter University in September 2017.
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THE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION SUMMER REUNION - 17TH JUNE 2017
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WISHING YOU ALL A FUN AND RESTFUL SUMMER!
Call 01684 584624 admissions@malvernstjames.co.uk www.malvernstjames.co.uk Malvern St James, 15 Avenue Road, Great Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3BA