Welcome Headmistress’
As we reach the end of our first term, it is truly a joy to reflect on the remarkable start to the year - embraced with great enthusiasm, with students and staff alike embodying our core values of independent learning, sparking curiosity and showing kindness and compassion throughout the School. Our calendar has been filled with exciting activities, from the launch of our state-of-the-art science lab, to the four sell-out Senior School productions of Legally Blonde
In line with our commitment to personal development, staff members also participated in coaching courses during Inset Day, led by our new Head of Coaching, as well as Mental Health First Aid training - further enhancing their skills in supporting our students’ growth and development
Our Year 7 students have settled in beautifully, embracing their new routines with ease We also celebrated Founders’ Day, where students channelled a lively 1960s theme and raised vital funds for their chosen charities; The Donkey Sanctuary and Crisis The day was a reminder of the compassion and generosity that define our School community
We were also delighted to welcome families to our first ‘Conversations and Coffee’ morning, hosted by our Head of Academics, Mrs Derbyshire, which explored the academic pathway through senior school
As always, our commitment to creating a supportive and enriching environment remains steadfast I encourage you to enjoy this edition of Pipers Post and explore your child’s ‘day-in-the-life’ journey through our new Splaat Photography provision, where you can also enjoy photos from the many incredible Christmas events that have taken place in recent weeks The albums are truly wonderful!
Mrs Helen Ness-Gifford Headmistress
Founders Day - Whole School photo
r i b u t o r s
CValuable contributions from our staff, students, alumnae, and industry experts are instrumental in bringing each new publication to life every term Their diverse perspectives, creativity, and expertise enrich every issue, ensuring it reflects the dynamic and vibrant community we are proud to be a part of From thoughtful articles and interviews to inspiring features and professional insights, each contribution helps us create a publication that truly represents the heart of Pipers Corner School.
Natalie Kay, Head of Coaching
Mrs Kay shares with us her aspirations for a coaching-led learning environment, as we embrace the Grayden coaching programme in School
Bones, Alumnae Phil Macken, Deputy Director of Drama
Mr Macken reflects on the rehearsal process and the nuances behind the casting process for School productions
Alumnae Ruby reminisces about her education at Pipers and how her love for Libraries was nurtured here
Year 7 Students
Two wonderful Year 7 volunteers chose to share their stories of their journey in to Senior School and how it’s going so far...
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Ruby
Inspiring spaces, inspiring people and inspiring stories from this Term
Creating an environment that prepares our Students for every step of their learning journey
New Science Lab
Over the summer, our Science and Estates departments were hard at work creating a brandnew industry-standard Science Lab
Girls Go Gold
In September, we were thrilled to attend the Girls Go Gold Conference at Sherborne Girls' School
Holistic Approach to Careers Education
Preparing students for the future goes beyond academic achievement Offering advice, insight, and inspiration about the world of work alongside academic and extracurricular activities is essential
The Power of Coaching
Mrs Kay has been appointed the new Head of Coaching, she explains how Coaching is set to become an integral part of the Pipers identity
Stories from Alumnae and upto-the-minute news from our Sixth Form students
Individual stories from our students and staff - their experiences and aspirations at Pipers
A Journey through Pipers’ Libraries Our libraries serve as dynamic hubs for fostering curiosity, independent learning, and a deep love for reading and literature
Events, celebrations and collaborations. Embracing our community spirit Young Enterprise
'Meet the Dragons' Event.
Year 7 Stories
“Pipers helps you become the best version of yourself and build life-long friendships along the way.”
More than a Role
As we sold out in a record four minutes for the much anticipated Legally Blonde production We speak with Mr Macken about the audition process for Productions at Pipers
Year 6 at Longridge
An opportunity to establish meaningful connections with fellow Year 6 classmates
Founders Day the Pipers Way
This year ’ s Founders' Day brought the community together to celebrate the School’s history while raising funds for two charities chosen by students: The Donkey Sanctuary and Crisis
Inspiring Spaces New Science Lab
With the start of a new term comes some fantastic developments at Pipers! Over the summer, our Science and Estates departments have been hard at work creating a brand-new industry-standard Science Lab, located in the Senior School quad, right across from our Livingroof Science Lab (opened in 2018)
This state-of-the-art, accessibilityfriendly space will be used by all year groups, from Reception to Sixth Form.
At Pipers, Science is a core part of the curriculum from Early Years all the way through to A Levels Our exceptional Science provision is supported by a professional Preparatory Lab and Industry Doctors of Science, ensuring our teachers can deliver a modern, wellequipped, and diverse Science programme for all students Here’s to another exciting year of discovery and innovation in Science at Pipers!
The significant space in the new Science Lab, has meant that the velocity tracks have been used regularly in Physics!
All year groups have been able to make use of the light bright space Members of the lunchtime Science Club were extracting lactose from milk to make it suitable for Kittens.
And whilst the space IS large, that didn’t stop our Year 11 Students branching out in to great outdoors to carry out their biodiversity studies in our grounds
Girls Go Gold
Sport at Pipers Corner School: Empowering Girls to Thrive
Sport is more than just an activity it's a powerful tool for building confidence, teamwork and resilience
Research continues to show that girls schools are leading the way in encouraging greater participation in sports and Pipers is no exception
We're proud to be part of a movement that's closing the gender gap in games traditionally dominated by boys
Recent studies have revealed that girls attending Girls' Schools Association (GSA) institutions are nearly five times more likely to take up cricket and 30% more likely to play football than their peers in coeducational settings. This striking statistic highlights the impact of a girls-only environment on fostering a love for all kinds of sports.
We provide a supportive atmosphere where girls are encouraged to explore a variety of sports, from netball and hockey to emerging opportunities in football and cricket
The focus on inclusivity, skill-building and teamwork means that every student can discover a sport they are passionate about, regardless of their previous experience or level of ability.
In September, we were thrilled to attend the Girls Go Gold Conference at Sherborne Girls' School The event welcomed over 400 young athletes from across the country for a day of inspiration and empowerment
Attendees had the chance to participate in expert coaching sessions, attend workshops
and hear from some of the most influential figures in sport today, including Clare Balding CBE and Sue Anstiss MBE Both speakers are advocates for Women in Sport and offered invaluable insights into their journeys and the future of women ’ s athletics
By providing these opportunities and role models, we are ensuring that the next generation of Pipers students sets their sights high and achieve their sporting dreams alongside a lifelong love for physical activity
As we look to the future, let’s continue to celebrate the achievements of girls in sport
SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS
We were thrilled to host a GCSE and A Level PE Theory Conference, featuring the fantastic guest speaker, Ross Howitt! We had the pleasure of welcoming students from Beaconsfield High, Chesham Grammar, St Mary's Gerrards Cross and Dr Challoner's High School to join our students for a morning of Physical Education expertise. The day focused on honing long-answer analysis and evaluation skills for GCSE and A Level PE examinations
Ross Howitt, a renowned PE specialist, educational consultant, author, and CPD trainer, shared his wealth of knowledge
The U13A Netball team started the season as they mean to go on. They beat Godstowe School 21-8 in Round 1 of the Sisters in Sport National Cup
A fantastic show of netball for the U15A Netball team for the first round of the Sisters n Sport Shield They were narrowly beaten by just one goal We are very proud of them!
Year 13 Student Emily G, recently represented Buckinghamshire in the English Women’s County Championship. Whilst they didn’t take home the title this year (like they did in 2023), Emily and her team are still representing Women’s Golf at an incredibly high-level Emily hopes to eventually go to University in America on a Golf Scholarship
Pippa has just been accepted onto the Reading Hockey Club Talent Academy for 24/25 She has been committed to training and worked so hard for this achievement. We are very proud of her! Well done!
Great first game for the Pipers U11 vs Godstowe where they won 1-0 What a way to start the term, well done team!
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Inspiring Futures A Holistic Approach to Careers Education
Preparing students for the future goes beyond academic achievement. Offering advice, insight, and inspiration about the world of work alongside academic and extracurricular activities is essential for ensuring our students are equipped to make informed choices for their future whether in education, training, or employment
Our aim is to provide the skills and guidance they need to match their aspirations and succeed both during their time at Pipers and beyond.
Our Careers education starts early. Leadership opportunities are introduced as early as Year 2 with roles that encourage responsibility, confidence, and teamwork By the time students reach Year 6, they take on varied leadership roles such as Student Voice, Class Monitors, Playground Friends, Sports, Charity, and House Captains.
A recent visit from a physiotherapist gave our Pre-Prep students an exciting glimpse into healthcare professions, broadening their understanding of the world of work.
As students progress, practical learning becomes a key part of their experience Year 8 students are currently participating in the ‘Make £5 Grow’ club, where they create and manage mini-businesses This hands-on initiative teaches budgeting, marketing and teamwork, fostering entrepreneurial thinking.
In Year 9, students dive deeper into Business Studies, reflecting on ‘what makes a brand’ and learning about the elements that contribute to successful businesses These foundational lessons in commerce help build their understanding of branding strategies and consumer engagement.
Our Sixth Form students enjoy a wealth of enrichment opportunities designed to provide direct career advice. Recently, they participated in a STEM workshop led by guests from the Royal Engineers, gaining hands-on experience and insights into careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics This is just one of many ways we help students explore their interests and career options.
We’re also excited to see our Young Enterprise teams develop their products and brands more on that in the next edition of Pipers Post Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that our students are fully prepared to make the right choices as individuals By offering a holistic approach to careers education, we equip them not only for success at School but for a bright future beyond Pipers.
We were fortunate to be visited by Adam Rose, Property Master from Pinewood Studios, to talk to our students about careers in the UK film and TV industry.
Adam gave valuable information to our Senior and Sixth Form students about his journey within the industry, including his beginnings as a Junior Props Runner on Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
He has worked on many major productions since. Adam detailed the wonderful opportunities available to students following their Level 3
qualifications, such as the fullyfunded courses in Prop Making, Special Effects Make-Up and Script Writing with the Creative Media Skills (CMS) Institute at Pinewood Studios.
Pipers Sixth Form student Sophia gave us a summary on how the event impacted her: “I have always believed that the Film and TV industry was an impossible one to enter but hearing Adam speak so passionately about the industry and its magic was so inspiring and as a result it has motivated me to find
ways to pursue my passion and relating creative subjects as a career It was so fascinating hearing how many different areas of film I could contribute to and how the Creative Media Skills Institute want to help young people to develop their skills and enter this industry.”
For over 85 years, the services, facilities and expertise at Pinewood has given it a global reputation as a trusted partner to the creative industry They support a new generation of creative talent in their global network of studios, setting the stage for storytellers across the globe, for Film and TV, to audiobooks and games.
“The Power of Coaching” In Conversation with Mrs Kay:
Mrs Kay has been appointed the new Head of Coaching at Pipers, she explains how Coaching is set to become an integral part of the Pipers identity
Mrs Natalie Kay Head of Coaching at Pipers Corner School
Coaching is set to play a transformative role in the growth and development of both students and staff With Mrs Kay now appointed as the Head of Coaching, Pipers is poised to empower students to further enhance their communication skills, ask insightful questions and listen deeply By honing these essential skills, students will gain new perspectives, develop self-awareness, and chart their own paths forward ultimately fostering resilience, independence and a mindset for lifelong learning
Mrs Kay, who brings over 20 years of experience in leadership and teaching, has seamlessly integrated educational coaching into her role at Pipers Reflecting on her journey, she notes: “I have often given advice to young people, but coaching shifts the dynamic Instead of simply offering solutions, it equips students with the critical tools they need to face their challenges head-on
They learn to solve problems independently, which builds resilience and self-confidence that will serve them not only School but throughout their li
As a Certified Facilitator of th Graydin coaching series, Mrs expertise allows her to share transformative power of coac with all teaching staff at Piper creating a ripple effect throug the School community “Becoming a Certified Facilitator was driven by my desire to extend the benefits of coaching across the School By equipping our staff with coaching skills, we ’ re empowering more students to navigate school life effectively, which is essential for both their academic success and personal wellbeing,” she explains
The vision of educational coaching aligns closely with our ethos preparing students not just for academic achievement but for happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives
Currently, Mrs Kay is coaching Academic and Support staff in the foundational coaching Graydin series, which offers educators the tools to build a coaching mindset in their classrooms Teachers who adopt this approach revolutionise how they connect with students, fostering emotional intelligence, reflective thinking, and creative problemsolving
A Journey Through Pipers’ Libraries
The libraries at Pipers serve as dynamic hubs for fostering curiosity, independent learning, and a deep love for reading and literature With engaging programs and a welcoming atmosphere, students across all year groups are encouraged to explore new ideas, expand their knowledge, and develop a lifelong passion for the written word.
The newest addition to our Library Staff this academic year is Alumnae Ruby Bones
Ruby joined Pipers in April 2007 not the typical start of term, but one that marked the beginning of something special Coincidentally, this was also the time Mrs Helen Ness-Gifford began her journey at Pipers, and together they embarked on a new chapter. Ruby quickly settled into PrePrep, her love for reading a defining characteristic from the start. Her teacher affectionately nicknamed her 'Hermione' for her passion for all things Harry Potter, and the name stuck
In those early days, Ruby found delight in the small yet magical library nook tucked in the corridor of Prep, as a temporary solution while the Lady Buckinghamshire Prep Library (as we know it now) was being built. Despite its modest size, it opened an entire world of curiosity and wonder. Ruby, always accompanied by a book, was granted a special note from her teacher allowing her to bring her reading material to events like Sports Day and the Carol Service Wherever Ruby went, a book went with her, as the note distinctly read, “Ruby is allowed to bring her book ”
When the Lady Bucks Prep wing was unveiled in 2010, Ruby revelled in the luxury of the new Prep Library a sanctuary of comfort and learning. By Year 7, the main School Library, situated in the wood-panelled heart of the original school building, had become one of Ruby’s favourite spaces The library, with its rich history and sense of calm, was a place where she could ground herself amidst the whirlwind of senior school life.
Year 8 brought more frequent lunchtime visits to the library, where Ruby often found herself in long conversations with Mrs Williams, the Assistant Librarian, discussing books she had devoured and those she longed to read The library became a hub of a curious community students eagerly exploring the world through stories.
Ruby’s love of literature spilled over into the Arts, particularly filmmaking. In Year 7, she produced an advert about enrichment and hobbies for her peers
Alongside her academic pursuits, Ruby’s passion for books grew as she began working with Mrs Rees in Junior Book Club in Year 9, enthusiastically sharing her recommendations with younger year groups That same year, the inaugural legendary Library Sleepover took place, with laughter, games of Quidditch, and a Midnight Feast.
As Ruby moved into Year 11, her reading passion was further nurtured through additional 1:1 English lessons, where she studied classic texts each week The School continued to support her creative development, knowing Ruby’s love for literature would shape her future Three years later, Ruby, now Head Girl, was honoured to open the new School Library.
As Head Girl, Ruby's commitment to kindness shone brightly. Inspired by the words of Emily Dickinson, "If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain,"
Ruby led an anti-bullying campaign, collaborated with Year 5 on reading projects, and even restarted the Pipers Postal Service a project that is being revived again this year, led by three Year 8 Book Club members
Ruby’s love of books never waned She became the student who borrowed the most books in the history of Pipers Library, a testament to her insatiable curiosity. With the school’s support, Ruby applied to Oxford University to study English Literature. Though her journey initially led her to Exeter University to study Theology, she soon returned to English Literature, eventually converting her course after a conversation with Mr Gifford, who supported her decision wholeheartedly
In her departing Head Girl’s speech in 2018, Ruby reflected on how academics were important, but kindness and community were at the core of her motivation It wasn’t about following the straightest path; it was about finding the right one, guided by curiosity and care something she had learned during her time at Pipers
After graduating with first class Honours in English Literature from Exeter, Ruby returned to Pipers, this time as an English teacher for Year 13 Her role as maternity cover also included teaching Library lessons to Year 7 Now, she is back once more as Assistant Librarian during her gap year, supporting the next generation of Pipers girls before starting her PhD at Oxford
In her current role, Ruby shares her ideas with eager Year 7 and 8 students in Library Lessons, supports older students with research techniques, and encourages Pre-Prep and Prep to engage with the Senior Library more often She has also been involved in exciting new initiatives A weekly book club for Years 7-8 now runs on Thursdays, where students will soon be trying their hand at blackout poetry A new "Word Club" for Years 5-7 will launch after half-term, taking place in the Prep Library on Friday evenings
The revival of the Pipers Postal Service is just one example of the projects happening in the Library Alongside it, students will be participating in 'Poetry by Heart,' a recitation competition run by Cambridge University The School will also shadow the Bucks Book Award from next month, providing more opportunities for students to engage with literature
The Library serves as a space for Senior students to share their passions with Prep students, as several student-led talks are planned, showcasing the kind of independent initiative that Pipers encourages in all its students Additionally, the Library will welcome Prep forms on rotation every Thursday during form time, while Pre-Prep will enjoy story time with cookies in the ‘ grown-up ’ space a delightful way to foster a love for reading from a young age
Ruby’s connection with Pipers, particularly its libraries, continues to guide her, and her legacy of kindness, curiosity, and a love for books remains woven into the fabric of the school Oxford's magnificent libraries may soon become her playground once more, but it was Pipers' libraries that filled her cup, inspiring her to continue her literary journey
Sixth Form Life
Sixth Form Geographers were blessed with incredible weather in North Wales.
Geographers headed to the beautiful Welsh coast to develop key research skills as part of their A Level course The students carried out various activities in Llandudno, including calculating beach profiles, investigating weathering and mass movement on the Little Orme cliffs, and seeing how different stretches of the coast are protected from the power of the sea
The U19A Netball team had their Sisters ‘n’ Sport round vs St Margaret’s School An intense and exciting match with outstanding defensive work throughout the whole court as well as shooting Great whole team effort resulting in a 24-16 win!
Informal Music Concert
A Level Music students performed beautifully to an audience of family and friends at the first Senior Informal Music Concert of the term.
Sisters ‘n’ Sport win for U19 Netball Team
Sixth Form Life
Harvest Assembly - Heads of House Unite
During this year ’ s Harvest Festival, our Sixth Form Heads of House united to coordinate 'House-themed' donation boxes for their chosen charities: Chiltern Foodbank, Wycombe Homeless Connection, One Can Trust, and Wycombe Women's Aid This collaborative effort highlighted the importance of community involvement and encouraged everyone to contribute to these local causes Thank you to all who donated, helping us support those in need
Lest we Forget
Embracing their Creative Sides!
Sixth Form students truly embraced their creative side during Form Time with some autumn-themed crafts and baking because why not? They also decided on a collective theme of crazy wigs for Alzheimer’s Awareness Day
Sixth Form artists painted a thought-provoking mural to serve as a reminder of the lives lost in world wars for Remembrance Day. We were proud to stand united to hold silence for our fallen and turned our thoughts towards the courageous Armed Forces and their families
Supporting Pre-Prep and Prep
Our Sixth Form tutor groups came together today to support the Pre-Prep and Prep departments in creating over 160 Christingles for their Junior Service
YoungEnterprise
Pipers Young Enterprise Teams Secure Investments in 'M t th
On Thursday 14 November Pipers Young Enterprise teams, Grounded and Hive It Your Way, took part in the Young Enterprise Meet the Dragons event alongside five other teams from the local areas
Each team pitched their business to the Dragons and answered questions about their company
Grounded pitched their terrarium wellbeing business Their mission is to raise awareness about the importance of caring for both ourselves and the environment They believe that small steps can lead to big changes and that by working together, we can highlight how moments of peace found through our terrariums can help balance and enhance everyone ’ s overall sense of wellbeing
The team were represented by Human Resources Director Trixie F, Finance Director Roisin M, Sales Director Dembe N and Marketing Director Asia S, who secured a £70 investment from the Dragons.
Hive It Your Way pitched their sustainable beeswax wrappings and rewaxing kits Their mission is to raise awareness surrounding endangered bees and inspire reusing resources through their beeswax coverings to help take back control of climate change
The team were represented by Managing Director Sophie H and Vice Managing Directors Aoife C and Ruby W who secured a £50 investment from the Dragons
Year 7 Stories
Transitioning from the Prep Department to Senior School can be an exciting yet daunting experience, but for our Year 7 students, it seems like they are embracing every moment of it! We caught up with two of our Year 7s, Nieve and Lyla, to hear how they’re settling into their new routines at Pipers and to see what they’ve been enjoying most so far.
“Pipers helps you become the best version of yourself and build life-long friendships along the way.”
Lyla joined Pipers in Year 7 this year, having previously attended St Mary and All Saints in Amersham.
Her parents guided her in choosing Pipers and she’s glad they did “I thought it was such a smart school with great facilities,” she says “The atmosphere was really inspiring, and the older students were such a good selling point They seemed so confident and self-assured.”
Like many of our Year 7s, Lyla has benefitted from the transitional support offered at School During Form Time, Year 12 students come down to chat with the Year 7 students, helping them navigate friendships and understand what lies ahead. “It’s a nice, neutral space where we feel heard,” Lyla says. “And knowing that there’s a Wellbeing Room, counsellors, and prefects around is really comforting.”
Lyla has ambitions of becoming an actor and loves that Pipers has a swimming pool, as swimming is one of her passions Although the days can feel long with her commute on the School coach, she says it’s all worth it Outside of school, Lyla enjoys football, street dance, karate, and a host of other activities that keep her busy and active.
“I felt an instant sense of freedom the space was so open, and I could think clearly, explore, and just be myself.”
Nieve joined us in Year 6, knowing early on that grammar school wasn’t the right path for her.
Instead, she wanted to experience that final year of prep life while getting a head start at Pipers. “The theatre blew me away on my first visit,” she recalls “I felt an instant sense of freedom the space was so open, and I could think clearly, explore, and just be myself ”
For Nieve, one of the highlights of her new routine is the individual learning sessions she has once a week, helping her thrive in all her lessons She’s especially inspired by Pipers’ new state-of-the-art Science Lab and the unique Living-Roof science lab, where she says she feels “like a professional ” The environment fuels her passion for science and Nieve has big dreams of becoming a surgeon one day.
Outside of school, Nieve is an adventurous spirit, enjoying activities like rock climbing and horse riding. She’s also excited about getting involved with Pipers Radio
Both Nieve and Lyla agree that what makes Pipers special is the space it gives them to be themselves. They’ve quickly adapted to the routine, and despite the 10,000 steps they’re clocking up each day, they’re making the most of every opportunity Their only minor complaint? The one-way system in the corridors! “We’d be happy to lose a few steps by taking a shortcut or two,” they joke.
When asked what kind of person leaves Pipers at the end of their journey, Nieve and Lyla had some thoughtful reflections They see Pipers as a place that nurtures strong, independent, brave, and creative individuals. “You leave here self-confident, kind, and knowing what path to take in life,” they said. “Pipers helps you become the best version of yourself and build lifelong friendships along the way.”
With the support of teachers like Mr Cohen, Head of Years 7 and 8, who has played a key role in helping students settle in and a fantastic transition day to introduce them to the site and new friends, our Year 7s are off to a brilliant start in their Senior School journey. We can’t wait to see where their paths lead!
Year 7 Highlights
Year 7 kicked off the half-term with an engaging orientation day, designed to ease their transition into Senior School life They immersed themselves in a variety of hands-on learning experiences, including practical lessons in Food Science, where they learned about safety by identifying potential hazards They also enjoyed felt crafting in Textiles –both activities an introduction to what will be for many of them, new subjects as they embark on their Senior School journey To add a touch of light-heartedness to their schedule, the students celebrated "Duck Day" during Form Time, fostering a sense of community and fun
In their Drama lessons, students refined their performance skills through interactive activities, allowing them to express their creativity and build confidence Library lessons provided opportunities to discover new literature and research techniques, encouraging a love for reading and independent learning Meanwhile, the New Science Lab became a hub for engaging experiments
This half-term has offered Year 7 a wealth of valuable learning opportunities, highlighting the diverse experiences at Pipers and giving them a glimpse into the exciting Senior years that lie ahead
I am
More than a Role
Following the four sell-out shows of Legally Blonde. We speak with Mr Macken about the audition process for Productions at Pipers
Earlier this half-term, auditions were held for this year ’ s production of The Crucible, open to students in Years 7-13 It’s always a thrilling time for the Drama department and Pipers’ Assistant Director of Drama, reflects on the significance of shaping young performers through the audition process
"Auditions are an exciting part of being a teacher,” Mr Macken shared “You get to create a wonderful cast for your production, but more
immportantly, you provide direct opportunities that can really shape a young performer’s life " For some students, it’s their first time auditioning, while others are aiming for a lead role The process, however, goes far beyond simply selecting the best talent
“Casting is never straightforward,” he explained “It’s about more than just talent Sometimes it’s about giving roles to students who’ve worked incredibly hard year-after-year, or to those who need a bit of a confidence boost You’ve also got to balance that with providing opportunities for your strongest performers ” The ‘best’ doesn’t always mean the most experienced or polished actors Sometimes, it’s about giving a role to someone who demonstrates great work ethic or professionalism
The hotly anticipated upcoming production of Legally Blonde, followed a similar rehearsal process at the end of last academic year and just as was the case with The Crucible, the decisions for role allocation is never straightforward "You think about these decisions for days,” said Mr Macken “You know that giving someone a role could, ultimately, change their life "
It's important to remember that every student in a production, whether they land the lead role or a supporting part, contributes to the overall success of the show At Pipers, the audition process is as much about building confidence and community as it is about creating a fantastic production As the students continue their preparations for The Crucible and Legally Blonde, it’s clear that these experiences are shaping them into not only better performers but stronger individuals
The Rotary Club of Amersham devote much time and effort to serving the local community as well as supporting national and overseas charities.
Our students have a long tradition of With th 2025 titi (h i
Salara and Megan in Year 8 gave a fascinating talk to their German class this week on their time living in Switzerland
Year 10 GCSE Textiles Students had a great day of workshops and a design exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
Year 9 Geography students enjoyed a fantastic opportunity to engage with an Antarctic Terrestrial Ecologist today via an interactive online session run by the Geographical Association in collaboration with the University of Gloucestershire.
SENIOR NEWS
Year 9 historians were busy networking as eminent Victoriansat a Tea Party hosted by the esteemed factory owner Titus Salt (aka Mrs Cresswell)!
Wonderful showcase of musical talent from our Senior students at their Informal Music Concert for family and friends
The U16 Netball team showed incredible resilience and determination in the England Netball National Schools Competition taking fourth place overall Well done team!
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Year 6 at Longridge
Making Life-Long Friendships
As Students move from Year 5 into Year 6, we transition to two forms, to accommodate approximately 20 new students that join us each year. To aid the coming together of new and existing students, the cohort embarked on an off-site adventure to Longridge, a picturesque riverside activity centre nestled near Marlow, Buckinghamshire
The primary goal of the day was to engage the students in a series of team challenges that would not only boost their confidence but also help them establish meaningful
An opportunity to establish meaningful connections with fellow Year 6 classmates
connections with their fellow Year 6 classmates These activities were thoughtfully designed to encourage teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while fostering a sense of camaraderie among the students.
As the day unfolded at Longridge, it became evident that the students were not just building confidence and friendships; they were creating lasting memories This opportunity to connect with nature, challenge themselves, and bond with their
peers will no doubt set them in good stead for the year ahead!
The Pipers Way Founders Day
This year ’ s Founders' Day brought the community together to celebrate the School’s history while raising funds for two charities chosen by students: The Donkey Sanctuary and Crisis
As is tradition, the Founders' Day assembly reflected on the legacy of Jessie Cross, the School's founder. This year, the focus was on the 1960s, a pivotal era in the School’s journey Jessie’s retirement words from 1961 were remembered: “I shall hand over my work to Miss Jeacock with the utmost confidence ” Miss Jeacock, indeed, guided the School through the challenges of 1963’s coldest winter, fostering a strong sense of unity during a time of national difficulty The assembly also honoured others who shaped Pipers i
nto the supportive environment it is today, featuring musical performances and speeches.
Students and staff embraced the ‘Pipers Way’ of marking the occasion, including the traditional cake-cutting by the Head Girl and the youngest Pre-Prep student a highlight that always brings smiles The Swinging 60s theme was met with enthusiasm Retro outfits brightened the halls and students enjoyed browsing old photos from the archives
Themed lessons were held throughout the day, and a lively karaoke session in the Upper Foyer saw "Sweet Caroline" being sung with gusto by all
In the Arts Centre Theatre, there
was a special screening of 101 Dalmatians, with many students dressed in Dalmatian onesies Over in the Science labs, Prep-Prep students participated in a lava lamp production line and a retro School lunch was enjoyed, adding even more to the day’s throwback feel
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year ’ s Founders' Day a success, raising £300 for The Donkey Sanctuary and Crisis
Here's to our Pipers community—past, present, and future...until
next year’s 1950s theme!
Legally Blonde Senior School Production:
Pipers has a tradition of putting on West-End standard Senior School productions and this year was no exception. We were thrilled that our Friday and Saturday productions of 'Legally Blonde' were complete sellouts with over 550 tickets sold in under four-minutes - with a further 300 families on the waiting list for tickets Such was the demand, we put on two further two performances on Wednesday and Thursday which also sold out This is the second year running (following on from the remarkable success of SIX: Teen Edition last year) where we saw four sell-out shows It goes to show that when we say book fast to avoid disappointment, we really mean it!
We are so proud that a large number of our Performing Arts students in the Senior School took on lead roles, with standout performances from students from Year 8 upwards The depth of talent in the production (both on stage and backstage) was truly spellbinding We were also thrilled to welcome Sixth Form student actors from the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe to play our male leads.
This production highlighted the importance of challenging stereotypes and how strength can come in many forms It's always good to be reminded of the importance of staying true to your values in the face of doubt, supporting others as they discover their voice or simply being bold enough to take a leap into the unknown
Director of Drama Ms Spencer said: "This production has been a delight to work on, in no small part due to the amazing talents of our cast and crew Thank you to every single one of you on and offstage for giving your time, energy and commitment to bring this show together The biggest thank you of all to the incredible team of staff who brought this wonderful show together A final big thank you to all who bought tickets. We are so grateful for your continued support "
Prep Christmas Show
With the meaning of Christmas changing for everyone as they get older, our new Head of Prep Drama Mrs Brown worked with our prep students to put together this year's Prep Christmas Show 'What Christmas Means to Me'.
After several discussions amongst the staff, Mrs Brown was keen to put something together that all children could relate to. She came together with each year group (from Years 3-6) to navigate ideas that would not only be performed by them, but for them as well.
Year 3 devised their own performances in Drama sessions to show what Christmas meant to them, which eventually came to the subject of snow and snowfall This also served as wonderful inspiration for the choreography of their piece.
Year 4 embraced the vibe of the build-up to Christmas with Year 5 enjoying the aspect of giving to others. They even set up a 'Secret Santa' within their Form which came off the back of the discussion about the Show
One Year 6 group came up with broader ideas that focused more on giving rather than receiving, with the other team enjoying reminiscing about their younger years. This resulted in a performance of a nativity going wrong, almost in the style of 'The Play That Goes Wrong' and a performance about giving to the community.
Each year group also made sure their scenes had something included for our students that didn't celebrate Christmas but another type of occasion, for example Diwali or Hanukkah
With this being her first show at Pipers, Mrs Brown says: "It was the most fun I've ever had putting together a Christmas Show. The team of people here have been incredible throughout. I've been really inspired by the bright ideas from the students and I'm already thinking about the next one!" She also gave glowing feedback about Ruby H in Year 13, who worked closely with the children on choreography for their dance numbers.
The Prep Christmas Show was performed on Thursday 12 December to a packed audience in our Arts Centre Theatre. You can see photographs from the performance in the Flickr album below
Pre-Prep
Nativity
Well done to our Pre-Prep students this term who donned their beautiful costumes and performed in this year's Nativity, 'Hey Ewe', a Christmas tale told from the perspective of an excitable and curious sheep.
This upbeat show told the story of an inquisitive little ewe, who loves to ask questions and know exactly what's going on (much to the irritation of her fellow sheep).
One evening while the other sheep are trying to sleep, our Ewe becomes an eyewitness to extraordinary Christmas events. With visits from three kings, shepherds, angels and animals, these events gave her (and us) the traditional story we all know and love.
Packed to the brim with humour and catchy songs to get your toestapping, this lovely Nativity had all the ingredients for a delightful festive production, perfect for our students and parents alike. A lovely way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Charities and Causes News
Alzheimer’s Awareness Day
Over the past month, students have shared personal stories culminating in a moving Alzheimer’s Awareness Assembly, highlighting how dementia has touched their lives In support of the Alzheimer’s Society, we hosted a Wacky Hair Day and a Senior School bake sale, raising funds to support research into better treatments and care These efforts not only raised
Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning
We welcomed families to our Arts Centre Café for a Macmillan Cancer Support coffee morning With the help of generous homemade cake donations and an annual cake raffle featuring a beautiful creation from our Pipers Catering Team, we ’ ve raised nearly £400 for this vital cause Macmillan provides essential support to the 3 million people in the UK living with cancer.
International Day of Languages
Embracing the rich diversity of languages spoken across Europe, students engaged in a variety of interactive activities, from language quizzes to creative performances This day highlighted the importance of multilingualism and the power of communication in building connections across borders It was wonderful to see our students’ passion for the global community
World Mental Health Day
On World Mental Health Day, we celebrated the importance of mental wellbeing across the School Our youngest students in Year 1 helped build a beautiful shelter for the new Wellbeing Garden, a peaceful space designed to encourage mindfulness Year 2 Wellbeing Leaders also introduced "Worry Monsters" in each classroom, helping younger students express their concerns These initiatives were supported by our Sixth Form Wellbeing Prefect
Charities and Causes News
Harvest Assembly: A Celebration of Community and Generosity
This year's Harvest Assembly brought the Whole School together in a heartwarming celebration of community spirit and generosity Students from all year groups united to reflect on the importance of giving back and supporting those in need Our Sixth Form Heads of House played a significant role in coordinating 'house-themed' donation boxes for their chosen charities: Chiltern Foodbank, Wycombe Homeless Connection, One Can Trust, and Wycombe
Children In Need
With Cake Sales driven by Pre-Prep and other students donning their best Pudsey gear, we are thrilled as a school community to be able to raise money today for BBC's Children in Need
With anxiety and depression as well as levels of poverty leading to inequality and lack of opportunity rising every year, children across the UK are facing greater challenges than ever
This is a heavy load that no child should manage alone and they should be given every opportunity to thrive and be the best they can be
Each donation goes a long way to help support nearly 1,500 charities and children’s projects, so well done to all our students and their families for their generous contributions
The assembly featured engaging presentations highlighting the vital work of these local organisations, inspiring students to contribute meaningfully We are grateful for the incredible donations collected, which truly reflect our school community's commitment to making a positive impact
The festive atmosphere was enhanced by musical performances from Pre-Prep and Prep and our student and staff orchestra Sinfonia!
