PIPERS POST
JR YEAR 6 PRODUCTION
FROZEN
PIPERSFEST 2024
Over 900 members of the Pipers community gathered on the Main Lawn for eight hours of family-filled fun, entertainment and food and drink. To say the energy was pure joy is an understatement.
Not only was it incredible to provide an opportunity for the whole School to come together and celebrate the imminent end of term, but it was also very special to support local businesses.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and supported the event. We hope PipersFest will return in 2025, even bigger and better. In the meantime, do take a look at the professional photography taken on the day – the photographs on the vintage Ferris wheel are a particular highlight!
EXPLORING BIODIVERSITY: THE NEW SCHOOL CLUB PROMOTING NATURE AWARENESS
E
arlier this year, our Environmentalist-in-Residence Miss Webb and Head of Biology Dr McVean, launched a new lunchtime club to explore and understand the biodiversity within our School grounds. They have called this initiative Bioblitz, a term used for events that involve cataloguing a large number of species in a short period of time.
The first step for the club was to learn various surveying techniques and familiarise themselves with the different species commonly found in the UK. The next step was dividing the grounds into 10x10m2, creating a manageable framework for study. Each square was categorised into a habitat type, recognising the wide range of environments we have on site. We’re fortunate to have a pond, a wildflower meadow, an orchard, a woodland, and several other habitats. Since March, Bioblitz have been diligently surveying the squares, collecting data on tree diameters, mammal sightings, bird observations, and the types of plant species within each area. The process has been educational and exciting, revealing just how much diversity exists in our School’s ecosystem.
Their most recent exploration took them to the orchard, where they made an unexpected discovery. With the help of a camera trap, they captured footage of a badger.
Every week, the club meets to explore more squares and continue their survey work with the hope of uncovering fascinating details about the School’s natural environment.
KITE FLYING CHARITY FESTIVAL: STUDENTS RAISE AWARENESS FOR CHILDREN IN CONFLICT ZONES
At Pipers, we believe in fostering not just academic excellence but also empathy and social responsibility. Recently, the School held assemblies for students from Pre-Prep through to the Sixth Form to raise awareness of children in conflict zones. These discussions, while challenging, are essential in helping our students understand global issues and the importance of compassion.
The assemblies highlighted the devastating impact of conflict in places like Ukraine and Gaza, while acknowledging other conflict zones such as Sudan. By discussing these topics, the School aims to equip students with the skills to critically evaluate the news, understand different perspectives and develop a sense of common humanity. In the Senior School assemblies, students and staff from various backgrounds and faiths shared their thoughts and experiences, demonstrating how to engage in constructive dialogue and listen to differing opinions. The goal is to help students become informed global citizens who can approach difficult topics with an open-mind and heart.
As part of this initiative, the student body, led by the Charities Prefect, selected Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) as the charity to support. MSF is an international medical humanitarian organisation that provides aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics and natural disasters, regardless of borders or politics. Many students were unfamiliar with MSF’s work, which is why it was chosen as the focus of the School’s fundraising efforts.
To support MSF, the School hosted a Kite Flying Charity Festival on Wednesday 1 May. This event brought the entire School community together in creativity and joint purpose, while also raising awareness and funds for MSF. All students, from the youngest Pre-Prep to Sixth Form, created their own kites using simple materials like paper and string and then attempt to fly them together.
The Kite Flying Charity Festival was a joy to witness and a unique way to connect students with a cause that transcends borders, highlighting the shared humanity of children around the world. By flying kites together we hope lasting memories were made while making a positive impact. As of April 2024, the School has raised £13,000 for MSF through the Pipers Christmas Fair proceeds and the Nearly New Shop donations, which goes a long way towards buying an inflatable hospital, one of the most innovative pieces of life-saving kit available to their teams.
FAREWELLS AND NEW BEGINNINGS AT OUR ANNUAL SPEECH DAY 2024
Pipers’ Speech Day is always one of the most anticipated events of our School year – as we say farewell to the Upper Sixth, welcome new teachers who will be joining us in September, announce the in-coming Prefect Team and take time to recognise our Students achievements from Pre-Prep to Sixth Form, whilst reflecting on our School as a whole and the unique environment it offers girls to thrive in their passions and interests – whatever they may be.
We welcomed our guest speaker, Laura Tierny, CEO and Founder of The Social Institute, all the way from Michigan USA. You may recall that earlier this year Pipers became the first School in the UK to implement their award-winning Social Media education program “Win at Social”. Designed to empower students to navigate social media and technology in positive, “high-character” ways, by helping them recognise their own core values and learning how to hold true to them ‘online’. As Mrs Ness-Gifford succinctly put it “We have always believed in the importance of a childhood and learning how to drive your online journey, before you are at the wheel of that car”.
To finish, Head Girl Emma H, had one final duty before handing her gown to her successor. In her speech: “Finding the Magic”, Emma shared how at Pipers, she was never made to feel less important than anyone else and was given the confidence to seize opportunities - something that we wish for all of our Students. Thank you to everyone who came to share in this wonderful day.
ART, TEXTILES AND DESIGN EXHIBITION
On Thursday 20 June, we were thrilled to open our doors to the Pipers Community and reveal the wonderful work on display from across the School in our Art, Textiles and Design Exhibition.
The Prep exhibition showcased the wide variety of media and processes that the students have enjoyed exploring this year, including painting, printmaking, drawing, mixed media, collage and clay modelling techniques. The Landau Hall was full to the brim with GCSE, AS and A Level work, with areas including the Cottesloe Building corridors, Sculpture Studio and Art Rooms updated with the most recent displays. The Art on show (from Year 9 upwards) included project work with various themes, including ‘Take One Artist’ and ‘Forces: Human and Animal Sketchbook Project’.
The GCSE students for Design Technology had a choice of three categories relating to contextual challenges (Climate Change or Playing Games) whilst the self-set A Level project gave our students an understanding of the ‘real world’ constraints and working with a client. There was a huge variety of techniques and processes on display in the Textiles Exhibition as each garment or outcome started off as plain white fabric. The students not only researched into the theme in depth and design their items, they also made them from scratch. This involves dying, printing, painting, fabric manipulation, decorative embroidery, digital embroidery, Computer Aided Design, pattern design and garment construction.
SPOTLIGHT ON FOREST SCHOOL
Forest School provides a unique opportunity to learn through practical activities, in a bespoke environment that is totally removed from the traditional classroom setting.
Originating in Scandinavia, Forest School is a program of learning based on the children’s interests, allowing them to develop skills throughout the term. Children are afforded the opportunity to explore the environment, whilst self-assessing and taking risks.
Forest School supports Early Years Curriculum, children make decisions and the environment stimulates problem-solving and fosters creativity. The activities at Forest School can lead to increased future academic performance and concentration, and lay the foundation for lifelong success.
Furthermore, Forest School can be attributed to advanced motor skills, positive play behaviours and good mental health and Wellbeing. The benefits stretch beyond the forest: research indicates that students that are engaged in learning within natural environments see increased attainment across reading, Mathematics and Science.
Furthermore, students and teachers reported increased overall School engagement. The natural environment can encourage a desire to learn, and witnesses a positive link between learning and motivation at School.
We are fortunate to have our own Forest School area set within the 96 acres which make up the School site.
There is a basecamp, which features two ‘fire circles’ surrounded by tree stumps for the class to sit on, along with storage for the wide variety of tools and implements needed by students on a day-to-day basis. Throughout the woodland there is clear evidence of the girls’ craftsmanship, as they contribute to the natural environment; building shelters from raw materials gifted to them by the forest.
Children from Reception to Year 6 participate in Forest School every week whilst students in the Senior School still have opportunities to experience life in the forest. Below are just a handful of activities they participate in, varying in degrees of difficulty as they get older:
• Use tools and chisels to carve wood and make bird and bug houses
• Making insect hotels, animal habitats and bird cake during the winter months
• How to light a fire safely and how to make a long-lasting fire
• Building shelter from woodland materials to keep the class protected from the elements
Alongside practical activities the students also get to enjoy plenty of delicious treats in the Forest including hot chocolate and s’mores, homemade elderflower cordial and even freshly made popcorn. Throughout their time in Forest School, the students enhance their understanding of the natural world:
• Gain awareness of environmental issues and the impact on woodland and animals
• Learn to identify trees and leaves
• Understand the seasonal changes in the woods
• Conducting bug hunts
INTERVIEW WITH MR SPECK, HEAD OF GROUNDS
Tell us about your role at Pipers
As Head of Grounds it is my responsibility to maintain and enhance the extensive School gardens, pond, sports lawns, orchard, small woodland and our wonderful wildflower meadow. Pipers Corner is 96 acres so there is a great range of differing landscapes to look after.
In such a role there is a great variety of work, in one day I might be cutting grass, meeting with other Heads of Departments to plan for future events, chopping wood for our Forest School, taking a Form group for tree planting and waving parents and students off as they leave at the end of the day whilst controlling the flow of traffic. Each day is different. Being in the Grounds Team gives you appreciation for the whole School ecosystem.
I am fortunate to do this with a dedicated and enthusiastic team of Grounds Assistants. As a team, our main areas of focus are creating an enjoyable and safe environment for students, parents, guests and visitors that enrich their experience during any time spent at Pipers. With the drive to increase our biodiversity and sustainability.
What experience led you to your role of Head of Grounds?
I have always had a strong interest in the outdoor life. From my youth in the Boys Brigade completing my Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, hiking through the Swiss Italian Alps and many trips into the Scottish wilderness. This led me to complete a Degree in Environmental Management before joining a small private Scottish Estate as a Ranger. Following this, I moved south and spent five-years as a Groundsman at Wycombe Abbey School, working my way up to Senior Groundsman in my final 18 months. It is during this time, that I built up my knowledge and practical proficiency that gave me the confidence to pursue the position here at Pipers.
With my breadth of experience from Rangering in Scotland to working in an independent school I feel I’m well placed to be working at Pipers, which is such a unique School.
What has been your first big project here at the School?
On joining the team at Pipers and assessing the resources we had readily available, it became clear to me that we could provide something additional for our Forest School to give them more functionality during their time together in the woods. So following discussions with the Grounds Team, we set about using the wood that was available on-site to build several low-level rustic benches and construct a mud kitchen for the students.
Not only were these things that the Forest School wished to have so they could add to the students’ experience in the woods, it also provided the Grounds Team with an opportunity to use their skills and knowledge to benefit the wider-School in a way that were not able to before.
What is the most rewarding part of the role?
For me there are several rewarding parts to my role. Firstly to see within my team a level of enthusiasm and effort that encourages me to develop new and different ideas for the enhancement of the site. Building relationships with a number of different departments and being able to provide them with support and an environment that they feel is beneficial to their work. And for me probably the most rewarding is to see the students engage and enjoy the grounds that we are custodians of, whether that be sitting chatting on the lawn during break time or in a class taking lessons.
How do you like to relax?
To relax outside of work, I enjoy walking in the woods and countryside of the Chilterns, also travelling back to Scotland to spend time with my family.
Tell us something we might not know about you
Something that is not well-known about myself is that I spent near ten years living in the Estonian capital Tallinn. It’s a beautiful medieval city and I would highly recommend a weekend break to anyone who wishes to experience some Baltic hospitality and culture.
SENIOR AND SIXTH FORM SKI TRIP
During the Easter break this year, students from Years 7 -10 and 12 embarked on an incredible ski trip to Val de Fiemme Italy, that was packed with exciting moments both on and off the slopes, offering something for everyone.
On the slopes, students displayed exceptional skill and determination. The beginner group showed remarkable progress throughout the week. Many students who had never skied before or had only been a couple of times to a dry slope, were confidently skiing down blue and red slopes by the end of the trip. It was a fantastic sight to see their growth and enthusiasm.
Off the slopes, evenings were filled with fun activities that kept the energy high after a day of skiing. The group enjoyed a trip to the cinema to watch “Wonka,” which was a huge hit, especially with the massive amounts of popcorn bought! There was also a swim night at the local pool, a mesmerising magician’s show, and a visit to a nearby town for shopping and exploring. A standout moment from the magician’s performance was when Olivia X stunned everyone by completing a Rubik’s Cube at lightning speed.
Overall, the trip was a huge success. Students developed their skiing competencies, whilst also making new friends in a fun and relaxed environment. Each student contributed to making this ski trip a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
YEAR 5 TAKE ADVENTURE TRIP TO THE PEAK DISTRICT
Year 5 enjoyed an adventure-filled trip to Bonsall Camp in the Peak District, a multi-purpose activity centre nestled in the picturesque countryside near Matlock Bath. The Students spent most of their time in the fresh air engaging in various adventurous activities catered to different interests and skill levels.
From abseiling at Black Rock, to hiking the Bleaklow ridge this residential was a super opportunity for each student to reach beyond their comfort zone. The week culminated in a final rock climb and a canoeing session at Carsington Water and it was clear that they had all made huge strides in confidence and ability in just a short time.
YEAR 12 SHARE EXCELLENT RESEARCH IN EPQ EVENT
YEAR 6 EMBRACE THEIR FRENCH IN BREAKFAST EVENT
To highlight the great work put together by our Year 12 students, an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Marketplace event was held in the Sixth Form Centre to encourage students to discuss their chosen topic with the Pipers Community.
Using their display boards extremely effectively, the students took the time to get creative with their layouts and communicate their chosen topic to students and staff. Topics were chosen within subjects they were passionate about, including Textiles, Literature, Politics and Science to research, present and discuss their ideas on censorship, K-pop, Equine welfare, AI, representation in Hollywood vs Bollywood, sign language, the Falklands war, influences on sporting performance and more.
Having an EPQ is valuable for students in a number of ways. Universities place great importance on an EPQ due to students learning how to plan, research and manage their time, as well as how to reference where they got their sources from and evaluate them. Students are also encouraged to draw their own conclusions based on existing research, or draw conclusions based on their own. For some universities, having an EPQ can also lower the entry requirements for a degree course.
Awind of France came to Pipers as our Year 6 cohort prepared their French speaking skills in a French Breakfast Café event.
The Arts Centre Café had a makeover: red and white tablecloths, Eiffel tower centre pieces, French menus and some ‘musique d’ambiance’. To top it up, fresh coffee, croissants and pains au chocolat were making it even more inviting.
More impressively, our Year 6 students became French waitresses, ready to serve their families. The 38 students went around tables like consummate professionals, impressively using their French speaking skills. Parents were equally wonderful having done their ‘homework’. Some parents wanted to put our waitress to the test (ordering something not on the menu or paying with euros…) but be aware, our ‘serveuses françaises’ could not be tricked!
Over the course of two days, there was ‘un petit peu de Paris à Pipers.
YEAR 7 CREATE CORAL REEF
EXHIBITION
FOR WORLD OCEANS DAY
To help highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy ocean and a stable climate on our planet, our Year 7 students were tasked with putting together their own coral reef to raise awareness of the impact of coral bleaching and other environmental issues.
After learning about the artwork of environmental artist and educator Beatriz Chachamovits (who creates anatomically correct coral sculptures), our creative Year 7s got to work on their individual clay sculptures for an exhibition for World Oceans Day. They worked hard to make their islands and build the sculptures up as delicately and intricately as possible, allowing for spectators to see the great detail within each piece. The pieces were then painted white to demonstrate coral bleaching and placed outside for all to see.
Coral Bleaching has been caused by warmer water temperatures within our oceans and is now affecting more than half the world’s coral, including the Great Barrier Reef. When a coral bleaches, they struggle to reproduce and reef ecosystems deteriorate.
TYEAR 5 VISIT
BENTLEY PRIORY MUSEUM
his term it was great to see Year 5 enjoying a fascinating trip to the unique and impressive Bentley Priory Museum, where they participated in hands-on and interactive learning about World War II and the Battle of Britain.
The students learnt about how the Battle of Britain was won in that very building, as well as the importance of the contribution of Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding (‘The One’), the aircrew who took to the skies to defend Britain (‘The Few’), and the people whose tireless work on the ground victory would not have been possible, (‘The Many’).
YEARS 10 AND 12 ORGANISE A MOCK
GENERAL ELECTION
To gain a better understanding of this year’s General Election and give our students more valuable information about Politics, we were thrilled to see Years 10 and 12 students come together to campaign for their chosen parties in a Pipers Mock General Election.
It all began with the School being divided into seven constituencies based on Year groups. Year 10 students volunteered to represent the different parties that stand in the local (real) constituency and worked hard on their leadership, allocating their roles, putting forward their policy priorities and promoting their campaigns to each of the seven constituencies within the School, making sure to explain their policies in an age-appropriate way.
It was great to see our students keen to vote at our Polling Stations on 4 July. Well done to both year groups for their keen involvement.
ROSIE K ACCEPTED INTO NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE
Ahuge congratulations to Year 12 student Rosie K who was up against 5,000 other applicants for a coveted place in the National Youth Theatre.
The application process included putting together a video audition, of which Rosie chose to do a monologue from the play ‘One for Sorrow’ by Cordelia Lynn. After being invited for a callback via Zoom, she found out on 8 May that she had been offered a place at the National Youth Theatre. Her next step will be completing a twoweek course over the summer holiday (which will confirm her membership), making her eligible for professional castings and enabling an incredible career kick-start for her as a performer.
Established in 1956 as the world’s first youth theatre, the National Youth Theatre is an arts charity whose primary focus is to nurture creative expression, develop skills and promote the importance of personal wellbeing. As a charity, they work to Inspire young people and audiences alike in the importance of live theatre, and with only an 8% acceptance rate, the National Youth Theatre is very hard to get in to.
Alumni of the National Youth Theatre include Dame Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig and Rosamund Pike.
Rosie has undertaken an incredible number of different roles during her Pipers’ career, from Pharaoh (Elvis) in Year 6, to most recently as Anne of Cleves in SIX: Teen Edition.
LAMDA STUDENTS ACHIEVE DISTINCTION
Wecouldn’t be more thrilled that our 2024 LAMDA results are in, and our high-achieving students have all gained Distinction, with marks ranging from 81%-99%.
Offering students the opportunity to develop life-long skills in communication and performance, LAMDA is one of the UK’s oldest and most-respected awarding bodies who provide the next generation with internationally recognised qualifications.
LAMDA strive for excellence, so each student is a credit and testament to all the hard work they put in, as well as being supported by our fabulous teachers.
YEAR
13 LEAVERS’ CELEBRATION
We were delighted to welcome our Year 13 cohort to the Arts Centre for a special send-off as they prepared for the final chapter of their Pipers’ experience.
After stepping off the red carpet, Year 13 were joined by Sixth Form teachers and Form Tutors for farewell speeches from the Headmistress and Head Girl’s Team. Year 12 joined the celebration shortly afterwards, before enjoying their favourite Pipers’ Fare, prepared by our incredible catering team.
With a black cab photobooth - enjoyed by students and staff alike, followed by a Disco in the Upper Foyer - the School’s dance space with sprung floor was put to good use.
We wish all the students the very best. Our attentions now turn towards celebrating their success in August when the results are published.
PRE-PREP LEAD
FOREST SCHOOL ASSEMBLY
An enormous well done to our Pre-Prep students as they stood tall in front of the Senior School crowd to lead a Forest School Assembly.
With two Year 2 Narrators giving the introductions to each section, Reception began by explaining the rules of the forest to keep themselves safe, which include picking up your feet and not touching wild berries or mushrooms. Year 2 followed by giving the older students insightful information about the benefits of trees and woodlands and told a wonderful story of ‘The Man Who Planted Trees’. Year 1 finished the assembly by showing their audience what they made in Forest School, including kazoos and framed pictures made of natural resources.
Our students showed great confidence and bravery in their delivery.
YOUNG ENTERPRISE TEAM STARSEEKERS GETS RUNNER-UP PRIZE IN REGIONAL FINALS
Ahuge well done Young Enterprise team Starseekers who placed second in this year’s Regional Finals. This is on top of the multiple awards they have already won, including but not limited to, Best Trade Stand at Eden Centre Trade Fair, Best Interview at Areas and Winner of the Area Finals.
Starseekers aim was to encourage young children to be more environmentally-friendly by carrying out fun and simple jobs around the house. Their product bags consisted of reward badges and magnets featuring fun characters and stories to help with motivation.
PHOEBE S CREATES INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS FOR WORK EXPERIENCE
Well done to Phoebe S in Year 12 who organised an incredible work experience opportunity doing Interior Design for Office Spaces.
She worked with company Lumsden Design, a design company that create iconic spaces for popular brands, museums, and attractions. They’ve worked on projects that include the Harry Potter shop at Leavesden, National Theatre, Abbey Road and more. Phoebe was offered the opportunity of redesigning the office by herself, offering her free rein over ideas for the whole space with the brief being ‘a vintage feel’. She went out to get samples for the office and put together mood-boards to pitch to the company. The Lumsden team loved her ideas and saw great potential in her concepts. They are currently going forward with the design re-do.
The company have invited her back to finish off a special project this summer, and have offered her support in securing an apprenticeship, suitable universities and building her portfolio. She hopes to become an Interior Architect.
DAISY PULLS IT OFF MIDDLE SCHOOL THEATRE COMPANY
A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM YEAR 5 SHOWCASE
YEARS 2 AND 3 VISIT THE LIVING RAINFOREST
Students from Years 2 and 3 embarked on an educational adventure to the Living Rainforest Centre in Berkshire, designed to bring the science curriculum to life. The focus of their visit was the Edible Forest tour, a unique experience that explores the rich diversity of foods sourced from rainforest environments.
During the tour, the students discovered a fascinating variety of fruits, vegetables and other edibles that rainforests produce. They were introduced to the basic requirements for the growth and survival of living things, delving into how plants make their food through photosynthesis and learning about the complex diets of the rainforest’s animals.
One of the key highlights was understanding the different roles within a food chain. Students explored the distinctions between herbivores, omnivores and carnivores, gaining insights into how each group obtains its food. They also learned about the vital role of rainforests in the global food supply, as these ecosystems produce up to 80% of the world’s diet.
The hands-on nature of the Edible Forest tour made it engaging for the students. They had the opportunity to smell, touch, and see various items, stimulating their senses and fostering a deeper connection with the subject matter. The tour also shed light on some common foods found in UK supermarkets that originate from rainforests, along with the diets of indigenous peoples who call these forests home.
This trip not only supported the Science curriculum but also encouraged the students to think about the broader impact of rainforests on the world.
YEAR 5 ECO WORKSHOP DAY 2024
Wewere thrilled to host Year 5 children from Hughenden Primary and Widmer End Schools to our special Eco Day event, where each partaking student was involved in an exciting selection of workshops to help inform and educate about the environment.
With a carousel of several activities throughout the day, the students took part in four workshops, each with their own specialised theme. Workshop One (called The Future of Food) was set in the Greenhouse with Mrs Palmer-Jones, covering the importance of soil, how to make compost, why worms are good for the planet and how to make a wormery to take back to their school.
Workshop Two: ‘Engineers of the future’ with Mrs Jafari, gave the students information about what current global issues are there and what machines could be created to fix them. Each student then took their time to try to build their own machine. The groups ‘Stepped Into the Wild’ for Workshop Three, where Miss Webb took them to our Wildflower Meadow to practice identification skills. In the final Workshop ‘Voice of Change’ (lead by Ms Bevan), the students put together a powerful message as groups to impact an audience, as well as motivate and encourage them to make a change.
YEAR 2 EXPLORE MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS FOR GLOBAL EDUCATION
Pipers has long fostered a unique and impactful relationship with Picaflor House in Cusco, Peru. This dynamic after-school educational and nutritional program provides local children with the education they need to thrive.
At this time of year, Pre-Prep hold an annual Peruvian Art Day, where students immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Peru through art and creative activities. This event also ties into Year 2’s Geography curriculum, where they explore Peru and its unique attributes.
The artwork they create culminates in a large display, showcasing their enthusiasm and understanding of Peru, its people and culture. To make the experience even more engaging, the students embark on an ‘imaginary’ trip to Peru, writing postcards to their families about their imagined adventure, all in preparation for writing real letters to the children of Picaflor House later this term.
The partnership between Pipers and Picaflor House is more than just an educational exchange; it’s a bridge that connects two distant communities through compassion and understanding. Through these initiatives, our students gain valuable insights into global citizenship, laying the groundwork for future involvement in broader humanitarian efforts. The School’s commitment to nurturing this relationship, reflects its dedication to fostering a sense of global awareness and social responsibility in its students. In Summer 2025, 22 students from Years 10 and 11 will be returning to volunteer at Picaflor House.
AN EVENING OF JOY IN THE PREP CHAMPION CHALLENGE
Our incredible students in Year 6 were absolutely delighted to welcome their families to the annual flagship Prep event - the Prep Champion Challenge, in aid of Children with Cancer. With the support of Mr Urquhart and the Prep staff, an evening of bingo, wellbeing activities and a big-money auction were on the cards.
The students assumed a wide-variety of roles, from waiting staff, bingo callers, performers and judges, everything had been thought of. Families arrived for soft drinks outside and were afforded the opportunity to enter the charity tombola and to buy homegrown plants. Upon entering the Arts Centre Café, guests were welcomed by members of the Year 6 class who looked incredibly relaxed in front of the microphone. They took the chance to acknowledge the two ‘birthday girls’ present on the evening Nancy P and Mrs Ford (the latter seemingly would have happily had her birthday fly under the radar), the former’s birthday formed one of the bingo-calls “23 - Happy Birthday Nancy”.
A game of bingo, with a number of exciting twists entertained students and parents alike, before an enormous array of homemade canapes, both sweet and savoury, cooked by our (Michelin-ish) star chef Mr Urquhart. Attention then turned to the auction, where more than a dozen incredible items were auctioned off. The generosity of parents and local businesses in sourcing an array of items, and furthermore the generosity of those in attendance, who came with an open mind and an open wallet, and we are delighted to report that all monies have now been counted and we have raised £3,393.22 for this incredible charity.
The stars of the evening were undoubtedly the students who were mature beyond their years, ensuring that their families had a wonderfully relaxing evening.
PREP SPRING CONCERT – A
GLITTERBALL EXPERIENCE
On Tuesday 23 April, we were proud to have our stage lit-up in a ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ fashion as our Pre-Prep and Prep students came together for our Spring Concert.
The theme this year was ‘An Evening of Glitter Ball Music’, which included performances of ‘La Cucaracha’, ‘Ma Bella Bimba’ and the ‘CanCan’. We hope that those who were able to attend thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
YEARS 9 AND 10 EXPLORE
Senior School students embarked on an unforgettable four-day trip to Barcelona, one of Spain’s most vibrant cities. The journey began in the picturesque coastal town of Tossa de Mar, where they took a boat trip along the coast, exploring hidden caves and enjoying the stunning views. The next two-days were dedicated to exploring Barcelona, starting in the historic Gothic Quarter, where they walked through narrow cobblestone streets, admiring ancient buildings and discovering quaint shops and cafes, making their way to the famous Boqueria market, a feast for the senses with its colourful stalls offering local delicacies.
No visit to Barcelona would be complete without seeing the architectural marvels of Antoni Gaudí. They toured the iconic Sagrada Familia, marvelling at its intricate design and towering spires. Later, they visited Parc Guell, a whimsical park filled with Gaudí’s vibrant mosaics and unique structures.
On the final day, they explored Poble Espanyol, an open-air museum that showcases the diverse architecture and culture of Spain. The students enjoyed wandering through the recreated Spanish village, discovering artisan workshops, and sampling traditional Spanish foods.
The trip was a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and education. It not only allowed our students to practice their Spanish skills but also provided them with memories that will last a lifetime.
BARCELONA
YEAR 9 HOST CHARITY EVENT FOR JUNIOR DIABETES FUND
Students of 9JCc successfully hosted a delightful cake sale and an engaging “Guess the Name of the Teddy” stall. The event took place during break time outside the Arts Centre and saw enthusiastic participation from students who certainly love their cakes!
The Year 9 students took charge of the entire event, showcasing their organisational skills and baking talents. It was evident that we have many up-and-coming bakers among our students! Their dedication and hard work paid off as they raised a total of £195.25, which will be donated to the Junior Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF).
JDRF is the leading global charity for Type 1 diabetes, committed to improving the lives of those affected by the condition and supporting the community through research and advocacy.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this successful event – from the bakers to the buyers, and everyone in between. Your support and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated.
STUDENTS MAKE THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS
TO CHARITY IN THE PREP HOUSE FAIR
As part of the many activities to support their chosen charity for this year Children with Cancer, our Prep students arranged an exciting array of lunchtime community events and games to encourage some healthy competition between the Houses for the Prep House Fair.
Alongside the ever popular ‘Sponge the Teacher’ event, the students took great pride in arranging lucky dips, cake and sweet stalls, Guess the Name of the Teddy and much more. Supported by the Prep House Captains, each year group worked very well together to create a memorable experience for the students and raise money for a great cause.
On the first day, the students impressively raised £267.60 in the first 30 minutes, with the final total being £477.60.
TALENTED STUDENTS WIN IN ROTARY ART COMPETITION
Ahuge congratulations to Lexie M and Anjika G for showing great creativity in their submissions in the Amersham Rotary Art Competition.
As part of the submission process, students were tasked with putting together a piece of work of any medium, accompanied by a brief sentence describing the relationship of the artwork to this year’s theme ‘Rebuilding’. Students were encouraged to find their own interpretation of the word and show in their own creative way what it means to them.
Both Anjika and Lexie showed great ingenuity in their high-quality art pieces, which gave them the well-deserved first and third place respectively in the competition.
SENIOR STUDENTS EMBRACE WORLD OF MYTHICAL STORIES
It was great to see a group of intrepid students set off in search of interesting tales from around the World in our Mythical Stories Event.
A Picnic Tea outside the Eco-Hut began proceedings, with mysterious Aboriginal Australian icons on the meal packs and koala clip keepsakes. Two groups, Mermaids and Pegasus, were formed and these would take turns experiencing our two Mythic Activity Realms, before the finale in the Theatre.
SPORTS ROUND UP
MARTHA F BECOMES SENIOR MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR
Alongside her studies and vast-array of extra-curricular activities, we are so proud of Year 12 student Martha F, who after several years of practice and moving up in the ranks, has recently qualified to be a Senior Martial Arts instructor.
Specialising in the Progressive Martial Arts Initiative (shortened to Pro Mai) which modernises some elements of Taekwondo and self-defence, Martha began her training towards the end of the pandemic. She progressed through the various belts up to red belt, which she earned in January 2024.
During her red belt training, Martha attended optional instructor courses and led her first White belt training for a group of five this term. She ran through all their techniques with a focus on the grab and release and the clinch, as well as teaching a new student the hand techniques as it was her first week. She guided them through sparring (something Martha has been doing since she was a Junior Instructor), which meant they were fighting one-on-one with her, allowing for corrections to be given on their techniques in action up to their Blue belt.
Martha intends to lead an assembly on Martial Arts in the Autumn Term alongside fellow practitioners in the School.
SPORTS DAY 2024
SPORTS ROUND UP
EVELYN H WINS BIG IN THE POOL SPORTS AWARDS 2024
An amazing celebration evening was had towards the end of the Summer Term for our annual Sports Awards. We were pleased to welcome Athlete Hannah England for delivering an inspiring and relatable speech to our students. Congratulations to our student speakers and all winners and runners up.
EVALINA B COMES SECOND
IN NATIONAL SKI COMPETITION
Well done to Evalina B who recently braved the slopes in Italy and came second in The National Schools Ski Association Competition.
In preparation for this major event, Evalina spent three-days practicing for her race in Italy, getting to know the slopes and finessing her technique. She had the opportunity to train with Team GB Skiers who gave her expert advice in preparation for her race on the final two days. In her slalom skiing races, Evalina came second, earning her a coveted silver medal.
She has since been asked to try out for the Hemel Hempstead team, getting her that extra step closer to potentially joining Team GB.
We couldn’t be more proud of Evalina and we wish her the very best of luck in future competitions.
Well done to Evelyn H who took part in the Windsor Swimming Club (WSC) Spring Open Meet this May. She succesfully achieved personal bests in all the races, securing a gold, silver and bronze medals, in the 50m freestyle (where she hit the 30-second mark), 100m freestyle, 400m freetyle and 50m backstroke.
ANNABELLE P GETS FABULOUS RESULTS IN MULTIPLE EQUESTRIAN EVENTS
We’ve seen great success from Annabelle P this year, as not only did she finish fifth and seventh at Royal Windsor, she also qualified for the Ladys Show Horse Class at London International Horse Show. Such amazing achievements to gain on top of her A Levels studies and being Head of House, well done Annabelle.
