Canons Life - Summer 2014

Canons Life The Summer Term 2014 at North London Collegiate School

FOCUS ON

ADVENTURE Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Sailing in the Isle of Wight Exciting trips at home and abroad

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Message from THE HEADMISTRESS The Summer Term at Canons is always a busy time of year and the vast array of activities taking place generates a wonderful spirit amongst the entire school community. Girls have embraced their adventurous side this term, taking part in challenges including Gold, Silver and Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions, sailing in the Isle of Wight and the Year 9 Adventure Week.

We have also celebrated some great achievements in a range of extra-curricular pursuits. One of our Year 13 students received a Gold award in the British Biology Olympiad – placing her in the Top 15 of more than 5,000 national entrants – with four Year 13 pupils achieving Silver and two achieving Bronze. North London girls also achieved success in the international CICERO Classics competition, coming top nationally in all categories.

I have again been amazed by the girls’ many creative and sporting talents which have been displayed in numerous musical concerts, drama productions and sporting events. This term, the School played host to a magical performance of Handel’s Acis and Galatea, which was composed at Canons nearly three hundred years ago, with Sixth Formers from NLCS and Harrow School performing the choruses alongside professional soloists and musicians.

To mark William Shakespeare’s 450th birthday, the Drama Department held An Evening of Shakespeare in which students performed excerpts from plays including Romeo & Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing and Hamlet.

It was wonderful to see girls from Year 10 perform with such insight and confidence. A group of North London students will also be performing at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, and as I write we are looking forward to the annual Canons Follies revue in the final week of term.

Overseas trips continue to enrich the girls’ education and broaden their outlook, with exchanges to Paris, Ludwigsburg and to our sister school in Jeju having taken place this term. For the first time, girls have been on an exchange to the Germantown Academy in Philadelphia, with which we have very close links after more than twenty years of teacher exchange programmes.

We have organised many events for girls, parents and Old North Londoners this term; in addition to the annual ONL Summer Picnic for friends and former students, we have held reunions for leavers from 1984, 1994 and 2004 and networking events for ONLs working in law and media. A ‘Women in Finance’ symposium also took place in the City of London; girls from Year 10 upwards and their parents were able to hear about careers in finance from some of the highest ranking women in the field. We hope to replicate its success in future years with similar events for other industries.

Girls continue to throw themselves whole-heartedly into community service. One of our Year 12s received a prestigious ‘Wings of Hope’ award for her efforts fundraising to support the education of under-privileged children in India and Malawi. The annual NLCS Funday and the Livability Summer Party, hosted by pupils, were great successes once again, and as the term draws to a close, students are preparing to work and teach at the Flying Angels School in Zambia.

As we approach the end of another busy term, I wish you all a happy and restful summer break.

Bernice McCabe, Headmistress

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DUKE OF Edinburgh’s AWARDS Interview with Gold girls The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a highly rewarding experience, and requires hard work, commitment and perseverance. This year around 80 girls participated in the Duke of Edinburgh’s scheme throughout Years 10, 11 and 12. Eleven girls in Year 12 are currently working towards their Gold Award which involves the chance to develop skills for life and work. Leah, Emily, Lucy, Amber, Lucie, Jet, Angela, Vyshnavie, Caroline, Bethany and Helena will all be completing their qualifying Gold Award during the Summer. Canons Life spoke to three of them about their experiences.

Amber (Yr 12) I started DofE in Year 10 and have found it extremely enjoyable, as well as challenging at times. The Gold practice expedition felt like an extremely big step up from Silver; it was a different kind of adventure. However, with team spirit and everyone helping one another we managed to persevere and arrive to our checkpoints on time. When we arrived back at the campsite we were greeted by the other team who were

kind enough to make us a hot drink each whilst we set up our tents. Not only has DofE been extremely useful in building practical skills, it has also helped me to appreciate my surroundings. When we were climbing on the tops of mountains, we were able to experience the most incredible views which we would not have had the opportunity to see without doing DofE. I would encourage anyone thinking about doing it to definitely sign up.Despite it being hard work at times, and maybe going

without a shower for a few days, the overall experience is extremely rewarding and the skills you learn will stick with you through life.

Besides the expedition, you are also required to complete

365 hours of voluntary work, 182 hours of sport, 92 hours of a chosen skill and one week’s residential trip. The extreme terrain contributes to the toughness of the walking.

Our group climbed up a waterfall on our last day! The biggest challenge for our group was the navigation. We have all learned vital navigational skills such as bearings and map reading.

Lucy (Yr 12) Gold DofE is challenging both physically and mentally. It requires both commitment and perseverance. It involves camping for three nights in the countryside and walking on average 100km over four days.

During the expedition you have to carry all the equipment you require to enable yourself to be fully self-sufficient, amounting to approximately 12kg per group member.

Lucie (Yr 12) Our most recent expedition was in the Peak District in April.

Walking in rough winds and occasional torrential rain was extremely difficult, but we all returned home safely with amazing memories that will last forever: for example our experience with a very angry bull determined to chase us out of his field – luckily, we managed to run faster than him! The steep climbs, carrying packs weighing 12kg, were exhausting but the views from the peaks were breathtaking, especially the waterfall at Kinder Scout. DofE has helped develop my teamwork and orienteering skills as well as a love of the outdoors.

Gold practice expedition to the Peak District

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Gold, Silver and Bronze expeditions ‘It gave me a chance to practise my map-reading skills and become closer to girls in my group who I hadn’t really known beforehand.’

Savannah Harper (Yr 10)

Sailing Trip to UKSA in the Isle of Wight

‘I loved the aspect of self sufficiency that the expedition gave me, I am feeling pain in muscles I didn’t even realise I had!’

Megan Wilson (Yr 10)

During the Summer Half Term break a group of Year 8 & 9 students were given the opportunity to visit the Isle of Wight for a Sailing and Water Sports trip. On the first day it was very windy so they were not able to begin sailing as their boats would have been more likely to capsize. However, they were able to practise rigging their boats in preparation for a day on the sea. The girls took part in a Wet Iron Man Challenge which included many activities such as Capsize Champ plus other challenging teambuilding games.

Silver practice expedition to Bedfordshire Silver practice expedition to the Peak District

‘When we finally reached Chesham station we felt an overwhelming sense of achievement.’

Clare Brown (Yr 10)

Summer Term Expeditions Six groups of Year 11 students journeyed out to Harlington by train to take part in their Silver Navigation training. They followed a 5hr route around the rural Bedfordshire countryside learning and practising map and compass skills.

Their success was measured by their excellent navigation when they completed the Peak District practice expedition a few weeks later.

Eleven Year 12 students arrived by train at Bamford station and walked for four days over wild countryside in the Black Mountains for

Bronze practice expedition to Buckinghamshire

‘It was by far the most difficult thing I have ever done, but by far the most rewarding.’

Lucia Rimini (Yr 10) their Gold practice expedition, also to the Peak District. There was rain on the first day and high winds on the second, the route was long and remote, but stunning. The terrain was a mixture of peat bog and heather moorland. On the last day girls climbed Kinder Downfall and were rewarded by cooling their feet in the stream.

During another wet but hot weekend, more than sixty girls in Year 10 took part in their Bronze practice expedition. They travelled to Chesham in Buckinghamshire where they had two long days of walking and navigation with an overnight stay camping. All girls successfully

On the second day, the girls we were able to hit the water, taking part in keel boat and dinghy sailing. They even had the opportunity to go out to sea to practise their new skills.

This was a new trip for NLCS and many of the girls are looking forward to visiting the centre again in the future to build on new skills they have learnt. completed the expedition demonstrating plenty of examples of great team work and leadership.

It pushed them out of their comfort zone giving them a unique experience, learning navigation and the meaning of the word ‘stamina’!

Gold, Silver and Bronze qualifying expeditions will take place over the summer.

Year 9 Adventure Week Year 9 enjoyed a week of adventure and challenges in the Derbyshire countryside. Girls developed their team-building skills with problem solving games and raft building.

Their nerve and courage were tested whilst they abseiled down the sheerest of cliff faces and went potholing in the deepest of caves. Other extreme activities on the trip included the High Ropes course with the heart stopping Leap of Faith and Jacobs Ladder.

Canoeing Jacobs Ladder

Rafting

Abseiling

Caving

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NEWS FROM THE BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT British Biology Olympiad Every year more than 5,000 Sixth Form students enter the British Biology Olympiad with the ultimate goal of being selected as one of four students who will represent the UK in the International Biology Olympiad in July. NLCS entrants were extremely successful this year as Dia Ghose (Yr 13) was awarded a Gold award, putting her in the top 15 of all national entrants.

Roshni Dia Ghose (Yr 13) Goodka (Yr 13), Amber Moore (Yr 13), Madura Nanthakumaran (Yr 13) and Louisa Sober (Yr 13) all achieved Silver Awards, and Aurelia Leung (Yr 13)

and Judy Sayers (Yr 12) achieved Bronze awards.

During the Easter holidays, Dia took part in the national finals of this competition in Warwick, and after two days of competition, was one of only four students selected to represent the UK in the International Olympiad which will take place in Bali in July.

Triple Helix Cambridge Essay Competition The Triple Helix Cambridge is the Cambridge University chapter of a global group of university students from top universities around the world who work to develop the global understanding of science in society; each year they run an essay competition for students across the UK. Two NLCS students entered with great success: Leah Parry’s (Yr 12) essay on The

ARTS REVIEW An Evening of Shakespeare To mark William Shakespeare’s 450th birthday the Year 10 GCSE students performed selections and adaptations of some of his work in the Black Studio.

The plays explored included Romeo & Juliet, King Lear, Hamlet and Much Ado about Nothing.

The cast convincingly presented Shakespeare’s characters and gave both humorous and dramatic performances.

Amy K's Edinburgh debut Students from Year 12 will be performing a new play Amy K, written by Director of Drama Deborah Gibbs, at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Like Kafka’s Josef K, Amy wakes one morning to find the pressures and expectations of living in a society where one is

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Remarkable Impact of CFCs on our Existence was judged third and Helena Whitfield’s (Yr 12) essay on HIV and AIDS – How they changed the world was awarded first place.

Both essays have now been published in the Triple Helix magazine Science in Society Review, which is distributed not only in the University of Cambridge but many other international universities such Harvard, Yale and University of California.

Year 10 Biology Challenge This year, for the first time, the Biology Department entered the whole of Year 10 into the UK Biology Challenge competition run by the Institute of Biology. This is a national competition entered by tens of thousands of students.

Most students achieved a

Yr 10 Gold Award winners in the Biology Challenge & Sixth Form winners of the Cambridge Triple Helix

standard of at least ‘commended’ or ‘highly commended’, while 26 girls achieved Bronze awards and 25 achieved Silver awards.

Special congratulations must go to Tayzuki Ahilan, Alexandra Bispham, Stephanie Broomhead, Wendi Fan, Emily Godwin, Sophia Sorana, Olivia Thanki, Mia Whitefield and Megan Wilson, who all achieved Gold Awards putting them in the top 5% of entrants nationally.

constantly observed and appraised a little too much to stomach. From the early morning roar of the alarm clock to the threatening silence of the midnight hour, the audience will be taken on a roller coaster ride through Amy’s day.

The play will run from 18th to 23rd August.

Further details and the opportunity to purchase tickets can be found at www. edfringe.com/whats-on/theatre/amy-k

Acis & Galatea Handel composed Acis and Galatea in 1718 when he was living at Canons, then the seat of the first Duke of Chandos. Tradition has it that this ever-popular, witty pastoral masque was first performed here that summer, on the terrace overlooking the gardens. Nearly 300 years later, in the summer of 2014, Acis and Galatea was once more performed in the place where it was first written and seen. This unique, one-off event took place on Saturday 21 June. The event was conducted by top international Baroque conductor, Laurence Cummings; La Nuova Musica provided the professional soloists and the orchestra, and the choruses were sung by our Sixth Form girls, and students from Harrow School.

NLCS Sixth Form and Harrow School students in rehearsal

Middle School Summer Concert The evening was a wonderful showcase of a wide range of music and ensembles; the Middle School Orchestra played some lively pieces – including extracts from Pictures at an Exhibition – and the Chamber Choir, Clarinet and Flute ensembles all gave stunning performances. All the students worked very hard to prepare for the evening and it was a wonderful way to finish the Summer Term.

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Extra-Curricular News CICERO Competition 2014 The Classics Department was delighted with the students' success in the international CICERO competition, held at NLCS and other centres in the UK and beyond, including NLCS Jeju. The competition involved tests of both aptitude for Latin translation and knowledge of mythology and other cultural material. In the UK competition, NLCS students achieved a clean sweep of victories, winning all three categories.

In the cultural competition (a series of questions based around the story of Orpheus in Art and Literature), Tara Panicker (Yr 13) was the national winner, Anna Stojanovic (Yr 12) placed second and Maia Bear (Yr 12) Highly

Roman Empire Day Year 8 enjoyed a unique Roman Empire Day. They heard from two officers of the Roman Army who took the girls into the world of Roman Britain, warts and all. The girls also delivered rousing speeches to the Roman Senate and made instructional posters for a new Roman governor. The day gave them new insights into what life was really like in a Roman province.

CANONS SPORTS CENTRE NEWS Commended. In the Year 12 Latin competition, Maia Bear was placed first nationally, with Farrah Samar Highly Commended. Finally, in the Year 13 Latin category, Iona Nicolson and Shi-en Chang were Highly Commended, while huge congratulations go to Kate Emden who was placed first in the UK, seeing off fierce competition with her lucid and stylish translation.

PTI Summer School Five Sixth Form students had the opportunity to attend the 2014 Prince's Teaching Institute Summer School Lecture given by author and travel writer Bill Bryson.

Held at The Royal Institute, Mr Bryson gave an enlightening talk about the most important things he learnt whilst writing his book, A Short History of Everything, including why it is so important that we value what science can do for us.

A group of Year 12 students also attended the PTI Residential Summer School at Homerton College, Cambridge focusing on English, History, Art and Music. The 3-day residential featured lectures, seminars and workshops by eminent speakers including author Kazuo Ishiguro, actor Jeremy Irons and Dr Tristram Hunt MP.

As part of their first edition of Canons Life, the new team road tested the recently installed cardio equipment in the Canons Sports Centre gym. In addition to the several large TV screens and music playing over loudspeakers, they now have nine cardio machines with state of the art entertainment systems. ‘One of our favourite features was the touch screen controls; you can browse the net, watch videos and listen to music whilst exercising. All the machines are linked to the LifeFitness App, which allows you to plan workouts in advance and track your progress. Another feature brings up continuous video footage from bike tracks or runs in particular scenic or interesting areas. Whether you want to run in the Alps or the streets of Paris, the scenery changes pace to match your speed and small blocks of text appear on the screen giving you facts about the area.’ The Canons Life team thoroughly enjoyed their experience and cannot wait to return to the treadmill!

Visit the Canons Sports Centre section on the school website for further information.

trips

Seville

Picardie

CERN

Dublin

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ONL News NLCS is a community for life and the School’s relationship with its pupils extends far beyond their time at Canons. ONLs are a unique and dynamic group of people with careers and life experiences spanning an incredible array of sectors. Young or old, there is an instant bond between them and an amazing willingness to support each other.

March, April and May saw the annual ONL University Drinks events hosted in London, Oxford, Cambridge and Bristol. 10, 20, and 30 year reunions took place at the School in May, a lively and informal gathering allowing ONLs to catch up with each other and to look around the School.

The ONL Summer Picnic was held on Sunday 22nd June, enabling ONL friends and families to enjoy the beautiful School grounds, and the Class of 2011 were welcomed back for a Pimm’s Party on 2nd July.

ONLs have also visited the School to talk at the Senior Societies Careers Convention, enrichment days and to support other initiatives.

Forthcoming ONL Events Class of 2013 One Year Reunion 9 September 2014 Class of 1974 40th Anniversary Reunion 17 September 2014 Class of 1964 50th Anniversary Reunion 19 September 2014

ONLA Careers Network The Careers Network continues to be very popular. The programme, which links ONLs with each other and other members of the NLCS Community, grows increasingly stronger. We aim to help as many ONLs as possible. Through direct contact and various social networking channels, we are keeping ONLS informed of any requests or opportunities arising.

ONL Class of 1984

ONL Class of 1994

ONL Class of 2004

Jeju NEWS Kira Gurmail-Kaufmann (ONL 2013) has chosen to spend her Gap year at NLCS Jeju.

Almost at the end of her year away, she tells us about her time in South Korea and the opportunities it has opened up for her.

What has your experience at NLCS Jeju been like so far?

It has been extremely busy. I spend my time helping with French, Latin, Art, Netball, EYC (Early Years Centre, catering for members of staff whose children are too young to be in Reception), as well as being a member of staff in the Sixth Form boarding house. This has given me a breadth of experience in handling different age groups and what it is like to be a teacher in different situations. I have also had the opportunity to travel, and so far during my time here, I have been to Seoul, Japan and the Philippines, and plan to spend a few weeks in Thailand after I leave.

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current NLCS parents. The evening was very well-attended and we hope it is the first of many industry specific careers events, open to current girls and ONLs.

Additionally this year we have been able to offer new networking events. The first was a hugely successful Women in Finance Symposium on the 1st May 2014. This was an opportunity for current NLCS girls (Yrs 10-13) to hear influential women in the Finance Sector talk about their careers and the diverse opportunities that are available to women in the financial world. We were very lucky to have incredible speakers and panellists, many of whom were ONLs or

We have also hosted the first ONLA Media and Law Society drinks. Both were very well attended and ONLs had the opportunity to meet with others working within their industry sectors. More industry events will follow in the coming months.

What have you enjoyed most on your trip?

For me, it has been a completely different experience. Primarily, living on site in a boarding house has had the biggest impact. It is a challenge at first to adjust to living in your work place, but after a while it can be a nice comfort to be surrounded by familiar faces the whole time.

Working with the Year 6 & 7 students, as well as being with the Sixth Formers in my boarding house. Working with the lower years has allowed me to become really involved in lessons, creating games and activities. The younger students are so enthusiastic that it makes working with them one of the most rewarding things I have done. I have also really enjoyed being in a boarding house, it allows you to form really positive relationships with the students. It is extremely refreshing to see the students during down-time when they are in their house, rather than during the busy school day.

How has your experience at NLCS Jeju been different to your time at school?

ONLs are always welcome to visit and tour Canons. Please contact Emma Maltz, Alumnae & Development Officer at emaltz@nlcs.org.uk or 020 8951 6475 for further information.

At NLCS I was only a student, whereas in Jeju I have had many roles and responsibilities including being a teacher, a coach and a classroom assistant. This experience has really opened my eyes to the background workings of a school, such as the collective hours spent binding, photocopying and laminating in preparation for my lessons!

These experiences have enabled me to develop as a person during my time here, becoming far more confident and independent in the work that I do.

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Year 6 trip to Maison Claire Fontaine

Lower School Sports Day

Year 2 chicks

JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS It has been another busy term in the Junior School. Girls have enjoyed a wonderful range of trips, sports and activities. They have also celebrated some wonderful achievements.

In the First School, Reception girls were treated to a baking workshop, where they stirred, poured, and kneaded to create the traditional Jewish baked bread, Challah. Florence Nightingale paid her annual visit to Year 1. The girls heard all about her life and had the opportunity to handle some of the artefacts related to her work. They looked delightful in their bustles, nurses’ uniforms and soldiers’ jackets.

Year 2 girls waited in anticipation for their newborn chicks to arrive. Watching

every day for just a small crack to appear, the girls were finally treated to their new arrivals. Each one has been named and girls are recording their growth and development before they are returned back to the farm for their new lives.

In the Lower School, Year 6 spent an exciting week in France, at Maison Claire Fontaine in Burgundy. They all enjoyed a huge variety of activities including circus skills, the tree adventure, visiting a market and archery. The centre itself provides fun and excitement

for all with its table tennis, foosball table and swings.

The language lessons are fun and the girls loved making mosaics, walking in the local woods and creating plays in French.

All the Lower School girls took part in this term’s Swimming Gala, where amidst much cheering and shouting there was some impressive swimming. For the first time ever there were joint winners. Every colour team performed brilliantly and the winners were the Black team and Light Blues!

The Under 9 Chess A team qualified for the National Primary Schools Chess Finals in July. They finished 3rd out of more than 30 schools with the top three teams being selected to go through to play in the finals in Birmingham. The finals will consist of only eight schools, who will be the very best in the country. We wish all the girls involved the best of luck. The Under 11 team came 4th in their section, just missing out on qualification themselves. So a tremendous effort from all the 18 girls.

Swimming Gala

Florence Nightingale

Lower School Summer Concert

Reception Baking

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charity News Wings of Hope Award Lavanya (Yr 12) has received a Wings of Hope Achievement Award. She is part of Team Fuse, and has spent the last six months fundraising as part of the award. Her efforts have helped support the education of underprivileged children in India and Malawi.

Following on from the semi-finals, in which her team presented their fundraising to a panel of prestigious judges led by Sir David Jason at the House of Lords, they went on to win the award for Most Awareness Raised at the annual Awards Ceremony, held at the Royal College of Surgeons, in London.

NLCS Funday This term students in Years 8, 9 and 12 came into school on Sunday 11th May for our annual Funday, to help entertain children with special needs and disabilities. The guests, who have been to our Fun Day several times before, looked absolutely thrilled to be welcomed back to the school and greeted the girls enthusiastically.

Livability Summer party Students from Years 7 to 12 hosted the annual Livability Summer Party.

The residents of the Livability care home were a delight to talk to, as always, and a brilliant afternoon was had by everybody. Guests were entertained with performances from staff band, Push Check Hold, a violin trio and a sketch from Aladdin.

Activities on the day included biscuit decorating, games in the Sports Hall, where many of the guests were entertained on the bouncy castle, whilst the rest of the group went for a swim. There was a pass-theparcel session organised by Canonaid in which all our guests came away with a present. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the children are already looking forward to coming back next year.

SPORTS NEWS

the competition and finished an impressive 2nd. This is testament to the hard work and commitment of the squad, and the School hopes that this score will give the team a chance of qualifying for the national finals.

The Inter Girls Athletics Team made up of fourteen Year 9 and 10 girls recently took part in the regional round of the Track and Field Cup. Getting to this stage of the competition is a great achievement as the School is part of a very strong and competitive region. The morning was filled with track events where the girls had a considerable number of personal bests and at the halfway stage were in the lead. In the afternoon they had some fantastic performances and a superb relay run. They were delighted to gain a points total of 362, the highest score NLCS has ever achieved in

NLCS swimming teams continued to make waves in the pool this term also. The girls were particularly pleased with their emphatic win

over Heathfield and Notting Hill and Ealing High School. All teams have been working hard in the pool and with their competitive spirit ignited, they gave great performances in the Harrow Swimming Gala and the NLCS Carnival. Special congratulations to Issy (Yr 11) for her continued success in water-polo. She has once again been selected to the U17 GB team, and recently while competing for her club team, London Otter, won the National Championships and was chosen as the best U17 player in the whole tournament.

NLCS is proud of her achievements.

After competition season drew to a close last term all gymnasts, dancers, trampolinists and cheerleaders worked hard to choreograph and learn routines for the 3rd annual Gym and Dance display, which provided an energetic and exciting end to another successful term.

The Canons Life Team

www.nlcs.org.uk

Student Editor: Leila Hussein (Yr10) Journalists: Lizzie Quinn (Yr10) & Lucia Rimini (Yr10) Photographers: Parnaz Sharifi (Yr10) & Jemima Narrandes (Yr10) Staff Editor and Production: Larraine Bristow, Marketing & Communications Officer