Script THE
Autumn / Winter 2018
1
Reaching out
One of the things that drew me to Sherborne Girls was the school’s commitment to making a difference in both the local community and globally. I was impressed by the girls’ attitude to service shown in a variety of situations: from litter picking after a local festival to sleeping on the streets to raise money for the homeless. I was inspired to hear, among other things, about an arts project that had been developed through a partnership in India. Sherborne girls are outward-looking, compassionate and keen to make a positive difference. Having been here for a term now, I have witnessed firsthand the fabulous community spirit within the school, which extends far beyond house events, sports teams and musical ensembles – although these are impressive. There is a growing appreciation of our place within the local Sherborne community, as well as of the importance of the Abbey in our life together, the strong partnerships between schools and the many events and activities with local and global partners. I am committed to expanding our outward perspective and developing community outreach further by building on our partnerships with local schools, sports teams, churches, charities, hospitals and care homes as well as continuing to support initiatives such as Yeovil and Sherborne Food Bank. I am interested to discover and support the many projects that have been taken on by our pupils, staff, and parents who are making a difference all over the world. We know that the spiritual, mental, physical and emotional wellbeing of our school community is as important as maintaining our academic credentials, and it is my belief that keeping an outward-looking perspective and serving others in the community is a vital part of this. ‘If you want to feel good, do something good’ is a motto that was pinned to the noticeboard outside my room in school by the previous Chaplain. I am so thankful for the groundwork that has been laid by our predecessors, and it is my hope that we will continue to build on this important foundation.
Revd Katie Windle, chaplain@sherborne.com
Taking the lead
Throughout this issue of the Script, I wanted to demonstrate my theme for the year of health and wellbeing, as well as how I intend to build on the school’s reputation for academic success and excellent pastoral care. It is my hope that reading some of this term’s highlights will help bring this educational philosophy to life and show how it plays out in our daily routines at school. As educators, we have a responsibility to steer and support the girls through their crucial developmental years. I am a real champion of empowering the girls and encouraging pupilled initiatives to build selfconfidence, and to ensure they take full advantage of the variety of opportunities available. This underpins two key pillars in our strategy of developing a ‘culture of ambition’ and ‘leadership’. A Sherborne Girls education is not just about exams. The desire to learn new things, to try new experiences while being aware of making a positive contribution to our communities is something we encourage right from the start when our youngest pupils join us aged 11. The array of leadership roles and responsibilities available right across the school is designed to equip the girls with the skills and know-how to make life choices, which not only benefit them but impact those around them in a constructive way. This is evident in initiatives such as House Drama (page 7), Supporters & Listeners (page 6) and Eco Council (page 11). The ‘Debating Matters’ competition (page 4) was an excellent example of how the girls have grown to become independent thinkers and researchers, as well as confident public speakers. We hope there will be further opportunities for our girls to create a conversation with other students and adults from the local community when we host TEDx Sherborne in May. Alongside our school strategies, I firmly believe that having a positive frame of mind, coupled with staying healthy, fit and active within a supportive environment, combines to create the best platform for the girls to grow, learn and be successful. Encouraging them to be curious and compassionate, embracing all our school values, means that girls not only leave us armed with qualifications which reflect their hard work and perseverance, but that they are individuals full of character and with a true sense of community.
Dr Ruth Sullivan, Headmistress Front cover image from the Wizard of Oz by Martin Crabtree
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Sherborne Girls | Bradford Road | Sherborne | Dorset DT9 3QN | 01935 818224 | E. office@sherborne.com | www.sherborne.com
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT
WhatsApp...ening in digital learning? Technology continues to develop at a rapid pace changing the landscape of the workplace. There are an increasing number of new skills required for our girls to not only stand out from the competition but to be able to cope in a digital workplace. At Sherborne Girls, we have previously concentrated our efforts on mitigating the potentially harmful effects of technology on pupil wellbeing, in the form of our mobile policy. However, we are also developing our digital strategy, looking at how we can use technology to enhance learning. All pupils now have their own Microsoft 365 account which they can access anywhere. This enables them to manage their documents as well as providing useful resources and collaborative work areas. Pupils can build work and resources across different subjects, such as filming science practicals to refer to later as part of their revision strategy. Pupils in L4-L5 are now completing the SG Diploma (a log of their learning journey) as an e-portfolio in OneNote. We have recently installed tablet boards in all Maths, English and Science classrooms and can synchronise the girls’ devices with the board to share individual and/or collaborative work with the rest of the class. The next stage in embracing opportunities for digital learning will include introducing a pen-enabled strategy for teachers. This has huge potential including how teachers mark work, verbally annotating and explaining their marking real-time.
Our robotics, coding and digital media lessons, which are now part of the weekly creative carousel for L5, have proved very popular and are an initial introduction to a range of basic programming techniques for our younger pupils including Python, Blockly and Java Script, and the use of Ozobots and BBC Microbits. We feel strongly that it is important that all pupils have a basic understanding of the breadth and potential of coding and can conceptually participate in a digital environment. With that in mind, we are also working with a leading expert to develop a bespoke coding course for our sixth form. We also now have a 3D printer in the art and design department, along with a laser cutter, both of which are being used creatively in the school curriculum. Technology should have a proper place at the heart of the education we provide, across multiple disciplines, so that our girls not only have the right attitude towards technology but they know how to use it to work smart and be prepared for a technology-driven world.
Louise Orton Deputy Head, Teaching and Learning
In this issue 3-4
5
Army Scholars
There was a double celebration and hearty congratulations for two U6 students, Lottie Holford and Isabelle Keating, who have been awarded prestigious Army Officer Scholarships. This really is an exceptional result as just 73 Army Officer Scholarships were awarded this year across the whole of the UK in what is renowned as an extremely competitive and rigorous selection process. For the girls, the scholarships will provide invaluable support for their university studies. Lottie is planning to study medicine and hopes to be an army medic, and Isabelle plans to read Geography. Both girls will go on to serve in the Army following their university graduation.
Academic Enrichment
Literacy and Art Showcase
6-7
Boarding, Pastoral & Well Being
8-9
The Arts
10-11
Adventure and Leadership
12-13
Community
14-15
Sports Highlights 3
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT
Why Debating Matters Sherborne Girls was delighted to host the South West regional final of Debating Matters this term; a national debating competition for sixth-form pupils.
teams presented persuasive cases and compelling arguments; however, it was the Sherborne Girls team who were crowned overall winners.
Debating Matters, which is organised by the Academy of Ideas, saw teams from Truro School, Dauntsey’s, The Burgate School & Sixth Form Centre, St Mary’s Shaftesbury, Leweston, The Gryphon School, Sherborne Girls and Gillingham School battling it out over contentious issues from ‘social egg freezing empowers women’ to ‘monuments to controversial historical figures should remain’.
“Sherborne Girls are exceptional – utterly gracious, humane, kind and ferociously intelligent. They undoubtedly have good parents – but they have outstanding teachers. Congratulations to all involved in this truly remarkable, unforgettable day of debating at a superlative school” concluded one of the Debating Matters Senior Judges.
Claire Fox, Director of The Academy of Ideas, commented, “The competition prides itself on taking young people seriously, valuing ideas and allowing free debate. Some of the brightest and best students in Dorset will be taken out of their comfort zone by tackling these topics.” A panel of independent guest judges from a wide variety of career sectors was looking
After a day of fierce debate and forensic questioning, the eight teams were whittled down to Gillingham School and Sherborne Girls who went head to head in an exciting final debate on ‘humanity should fear advances in Artificial Intelligence’. Both
As we approached the centenary of the armistice, marking the end of WW1, the History Department challenged all pupils from L4 to M5 to base a reflective piece of work on an extract from Laurence Binyon’s 1914 poem ‘For the Fallen’.
what soldiers in the Great War would have written to us today, and Lauren and Charlotte, M5, wrote reflective poems, beautifully presented.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.
Meanwhile, Bea, U4, produced impressive art and sculptures, from poppy fields to old boots, and Kythe, L4, used a photograph of her as a baby meeting Harry Patch (the famous ‘last Tommy’) to reflect on the war of 1914 to 1918.
Lest we forget
The girls were encouraged to display empathy and creativity in their work, utilise independent research skills and embed history in other areas of their learning including Art, English and Modern Languages. Charlie, L5, wrote a poem to commemorate her great-great-grandfather who died in the trenches, while Angelina, L5, submitted multi-lingual work highlighting the international nature of the conflict. Kate, L4, wrote a letter imagining 4
out for demonstrable research around the topic, mental flexibility under pressure, and for the pupils to be able to articulate their opinion clearly and in a compelling manner.
The girls in West also completed a ‘Soldier Search’ around school, where biographies of individuals, many of whom had died in WW1, were posted in places which linked to their skills and experiences. The Music Department hosted George Butterworth MC, the Science department doors displayed Captain Noel Chavasse, an army doctor killed in 1917, and in the RS Department the girls were shocked to
“The ability to engage in and listen to a balanced discussion is especially vital in a world dominated by social media, where our individual feeds are tailored to suit our pre-existing opinions. Researching their topics for debating requires real in-depth research and reading and so improves academic skills too.”
Louise Troup, Head of English
discover that Aby Bevistein was shot for cowardice aged just 16. The project provided an invaluable opportunity for pupils to spend time, in the midst of a busy Michaelmas Term, reflecting on the importance and relevance of the First World War and its impact on the world today.
Sarah Elliott and Kate Scorer History Department
LITERACY AND ART SHOWCASE
‘Traces’ Mimi Tosh, U6
Change
Change can be simply the switch to unconsciousness, The desperate reaching for feelings not known, Broken dreams, drifting lazily through sleep, Is this real? Am I awake? Or have I fallen deep? Procrastination and prevention of change For some is where comfort lies, Lack of stress and strain in their far too predictable lives, Leaves me perplexed, does no border arise? Change can be in ways sly, Gently seeping through our day to day lives Unnoticed, it travels as a scheming serpent Only one day to arise and cause disturbance. Change can be unpredictable, Yet reoccurring or somehow a fright Some will stay to battle on, But others will almost certainly take flight.
Millie Hunt (U5)
Extracts from
The First Remembrance
And a bell chimes eleven times, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Each piercing ring stirring the inconceivable emptiness in the faces. And the regret, and the sorrow, and the anger, The world’s emotions personified, beyond imagination, beyond description. And a shrill note cuts through the crisp morning air, As the opening melody floats on the breeze, a woman gives a sob, Her tears of loss ebbing and flowing along with the music, The bugle’s strident notes unable to cover her grief. Men of memories are put to rest once again, Grievers rebury their sorrow for a time, And life is restarted by pealing bells, Which seem like a final goodbye.
Lauren Carty (M5) 5
BOARDING, PASTORAL AND WELL BEING
Supporters and listeners
When girls enter U5, they can volunteer to join our Supporters and Listeners programme, another layer of pastoral support for the girls in their houses. There are currently 60 girls in U5 and L6 learning how to improve their active listening skills, assertiveness and body language, as well as how to manage situational stress and develop social confidence. They can then put this training into practice when they are in L6. They are not expected to solve problems but rather to listen and be supportive, also recognising when someone should refer their anxiety or concern to their housemistress or another adult instead. The programme is also useful in building self-awareness of how our emotions work, understanding that there are times in our lives, such as in the run up to exams, when certain emotions are perfectly normal. The girls who are listeners and supporters offer a safe, familiar ear to other students and
often this is all that is needed to reassure girls and dispel some of their worries. With core principles of honesty, acceptance and unconditional positive regard, the girls really do grow as individuals when they participate in the
Twin-tastic boarding
training. These are skills that will be incredibly useful as they move through school and beyond and I certainly feel so proud of the way the girls genuinely care and look out for one another.
Heddy Smith, School Counsellor
Everyone’s heard of twin towns, but we’ve got our own special version going on between Reader Harris (RH) and Wingfield Digby (WD): Twin houses! Between us we have had four sets of twins where one twin lives in RH and the other in WD. This unique situation seems to give the sisters the best of both worlds. As with all girls in the school, they are treated as individuals and given the opportunity to develop their own personalities and friendships; yet they are still just a stone’s throw away from each other. The breadth of opportunities available at Sherborne Girls means that there is scope for the twins to pursue their individual interests and talents, whether academically, in sport or the arts, shaping their unique identities. Emma Kitson’s words were echoed by all four sets of twins who were gathered to chat through their special status (Emma 6
Photo shows all the twins, apart from Jemima N who was in a lesson.
and Rosie Kitson, U6; Christa and Tilly Cripwell, Jemima and Matilda Nettleton and Sophia and Isabella Orr, all L6), when she commented, “Having a sister close enough and yet not in the same house means that I’m not viewed as one of ‘the twins’, I’m just me. It also means that I have a ready-made wider friendship group.” The girls were unanimous that one of the best aspects of being in a separate house
is having their own birthday parties, not to mention their own cakes! With the oldest set of twins having now moved up to Mulliner for U6, we are on the look out for more twins to keep the tradition going.
Suse Hammond Housemistress, Reader Harris
Fairy Godmother Boarding is busy: sometimes this means that at certain points in the term we find that everyone in the house is flagging and needs a bit of a ‘pick-me-up’ and so we decided to sprinkle a bit of magical kindness in the form of our Fairy Godmother Week.
Treading the boards
October saw the eagerly awaited annual House Drama competition with a brilliant line-up of plays chosen by the L6 directors. Each house performed both a larger and smaller group piece. There were some excellent performances from a diverse range of plays including: ‘History Boys’ by Alan Bennett, ‘The Woman in Black’ adapted by Stephen Mallatratt and ‘People, Places, Thing’ by Duncan Macmillan, as well as a very entertaining skit from Mulliner while the judges made their decision.
The initiative, which originated in West, asks girls and staff to be a fairy godmother to a selected girl by undertaking an act of kindness every day. This can be a gesture such as folding their laundry, leaving them a handwritten note, a motivational quote or even giving them a small token like a bar of chocolate – all done anonymously with the aim of lifting their spirits. The results have been genuinely amazing with compassion and kindness flowing beautifully through the house, and girls have gone off to lessons feeling buoyant and uplifted. It has rubbed off on girls and staff in other houses too making it so much more inclusive. It’s definitely something we’d like to do again … fairy godmothers are not just for Christmas and panto season!
Hayley Garnsworthy Housemistress, Dun Holme
The overall winners were Dun Holme who performed the well-known ‘Annie’ by Thomas Meehan and ‘Alligators’ by Andrew Keatley. There was some brilliant characterisation from the evil Miss Hannigan, played by Isobel Gordon (U5), and the quick-witted Annie, played by Lily Cecil-Wright (L5), as well as fantastic ensemble acting from the rest of the cast with great facial expressions and physicality. In Dun Holme’s small group piece from the contemporary play ‘Alligators’, Alice Richardson and Eleanor Miller (L6) played a married couple experiencing a severe lack of trust in their relationship. The standard of acting was impressive, as was their characterisation and focus.
for Wingfield Digby, caused chills and created an unnerving atmosphere. East also did a brilliant interpretation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with Angel Lulu-Briggs (U5) playing a particularly eccentric Willy Wonka. Also commended by judge, Mr Freestone, was Reader Harris’ small group piece ‘All Over Lovely’ by Claire Dowie in which Catherine Sawyer and Amelia Morony (L6) performed a duologue with great pace and characterisation. Special mention goes to Kenelm’s Annabel Martin, Madeleine Cater and Lucy Knott (L6) who won the Best Director award for their bold artistic vision and slick choreography choices in ‘Blackout’ by Davey Anderson. The standard of performance was extremely high this year and it was great to see all the Houses’ efforts pay off on the night.
Zosh Skowronska Director in Residence
“Dun Holme’s winning performance in house drama was down to everyone’s hard work and commitment,” said Alice Richardson, Head of House. “A huge thank you to the whole cast and the rest of Dun Holme for their support.” Charlotte Browing’s (L6) artistic vision and brilliant directing of ‘The Woman in Black’ 7
THE ARTS
There’s no place like home
The school hall was magically transformed, with a vibrant yellow brick road and green glitter curtains, into the magical land of Oz for this year’s L5 production. With a cast of more than 30 girls, as well as an orchestral backing including musicians from school, this was a huge production and created a fantastic atmosphere for the audience. “Congratulations to the girls on a truly wonderful production of The Wizard of Oz. The standard of singing and acting was so impressive and it was lovely to watch the girls clearly having so much fun. A real heart-warmer in the run up to Christmas!” praised one parent. The stunning costumes were designed and specially made for the production by local costume designer Anna Dixon. The clever feature of using stop motion animation and video projection for the tornado at the beginning worked brilliantly and credit goes to Lizzie Nurse, Head of Drama, for her creativity and precision with this amazing special effect. After three months of rehearsals and hard work, the girls performed so well and brought this classic musical to life with some striking individual and group performances. I am extremely proud of the cast and everyone who was involved in the show; it was great fun and, I am sure the girls would agree, was a huge success.
Ros Johnson Director and Head of Academic Drama 8
Surrealist dinner
It was a dining experience like no other when our L6 art students were tasked with designing and creating utensils for a surrealist dinner – conventional cutlery was not allowed. The contraptions ranged from headwear with attached spoons to bizarre finger cutlery. This developed into quite a spectacle and was made even more difficult by the fact that spaghetti was on the menu. Bon appétit!
Claire Mason Head of Art and Design Technology
Music ro
The Michaelmas Term has been joyously busy with concerts, workshops and performances providing our singers and musicians with a variety of opportunities to perfect and hone their skills. The Madrigal Society joined the Sherborne School Chamber Choir in October for a combined collaboration with Bath Camerata, one of the South West’s leading chamber choirs. Following an afternoon workshop, they gave a moving Remembrance-themed concert entitled ‘They are at rest’, which included a beautifully polished account of Loosemore’s ‘O Lord, increase my faith’ and Parry’s ‘Never weather-beaten sail’. Our programme of music outreach to the wider community continues to grow, led by Jenny Nelson, Head of Woodwind Brass and Percussion. Our aim is to involve all the Sherborne Area
ound up
Schools’ Trust primary schools in an overarching musical and artistic link between School, Church and community. Meanwhile, Head of Strings, Catrin Win Morgan, has organised visits to the elderly and infirm in Sherborne, including a suitably festive performance by the String Orchestra at Abbey View Nursing Home in December.
Evita
This year’s joint senior production with Sherborne School was Evita with Iona Brewster (U6) playing the leading role. It was a truly collaborative production with musical direction by John Jenkins, drama direction by Ian Reade (Head of Drama at Sherborne School) and an orchestra made up of music teachers and visiting music tutors from both schools.
As well as providing music for our regular Sunday worships, the Senior Choir has been preparing for the traditional Christmas Carol Service and their pilgrimage, jointly with fifty Gryphon School pupils, to sing Carols for Foodbanks at Waterloo Station. It doesn’t stop there, as they will then focus on getting to grips with the Verdi Requiem in preparation for their Choral Society performance in Wells Cathedral next February.
Image Credit: Hasan Hamadto, Sherborne School
John Jenkins, Director of Music
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ADVENTURE AND LEADERSHIP
Pedal power!
Leading ladies
Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race. H G Wells Our first DofE cycling expedition took place at the end of the summer break when the girls travelled to France to cycle along the Atlantic coast on Le Velodysee between La Barre-de-Monts and Royan. This was no small feat: the girls had to be able to navigate while cycling, fix any mechanical issues, negotiate obstacles and differing terrain and look after themselves for four days. Everything they needed for the trip was carried on their bike, including tents, sleeping bags, food and all those other little things you never realised you needed. The journey to prepare the intrepid U6 cyclists (Thea Berry, Ella Beaumont, Annabel Mortimer and Hannah Shirley), began back in March with a mountain biking weekend in Haldon Forrest near Exeter to learn a number of bike handling techniques. This was backed up with gym and spin zone work to build strength and perfect their seated position and peddling technique. In total they navigated their way along 300km of rough stone track, smooth tarmac and wooden boardways. The French really do appreciate cyclists so the route was reassuringly safe; it still surprises me that cars stop to allow a bike right of way at a roundabout! This was a fantastic opportunity for the girls to do something meaningful, challenging and different for their DofE expedition.
Andy Blocke, Deputy Bursar 10
For us, the Michaelmas Term has been about settling into our new roles as Head Girls, with the added knowledge that this year is incredibly important academically. We are lucky to have the strong assistance of our deputies and prefect team, all of whom are striving for the same objectives as us. Through their help, and invaluable guidance from the teachers, we are balancing work, hobbies, relaxation and our other commitments, ensuring a healthy approach to school life. The added responsibility has allowed us to see the school from an altered perspective. We have been given the chance to develop relationships with teachers and students from all aspects of life at Sherborne, thus gaining a further appreciation for the busy lives which we all lead here. We hope that the example we can show to the school will encourage younger girls to take a lead in making their own decisions, to be inquisitive learners with a flare for a range of subjects both co-curricular and academic and set an example to the girls through our continued support for our community.
Ella Milne and Alexia Spicer (U6)
Ice maidens and jungle explorers As part of our endeavours to bring the outside world in, our Lecture Series this term has offered a varied programme of speakers talking about everything from the effects of alcohol on the teenage brain to polar expeditions. It was fascinating to hear about Sophie Monaghan’s trek across Antarctica; Benedict Allen regaled us with his daring jungle exploration exploits and we had some fantastic practical advice from Old Girl and current parent Emma Cripwell who talked about the Travel PR industry. In Laura Bates’s presentation on ‘Everday Sexism’ the girls responded particularly well to this topic, which has had plenty of coverage in the media. I am always impressed by the way our girls engage with the speakers, asking pertinent, probing questions, which demonstrate their curious nature and desire to learn from others. Every talk brings a different perspective where the speaker shares experiences and
Green goals
Our pupil-led Eco-Council has been hard at work reviewing the school’s waste and recycling practices. The termly council meeting allows staff and girls to discuss and review initiatives and it was great to see such enthusiasm and determination, with all of us wishing to make changes for the better. As a result, a number of initiatives to improve our environmental credentials were introduced and helped secure the school a Bronze Award from the Eco-Schools Programme earlier this term. We have made a good deal of progress already. We now separate out the different types of waste and recycle as much as we can. Even our waste food goes to an anaerobic digester to create electricity and compost and we have replaced all of our paper hand towels, which came with a
life-lessons that everyone can learn from. We are currently planning next term’s lectures, which will include a talk from Dany Cotton, QFSM, who is the first female London Fire Commissioner, and who led
significant carbon footprint, with low energy-use hand dryers. The Facilities vehicle fleet will eventually move over to electric vehicles and the school now monitors our electricity consumption online, having linked all our electricity meters across the campus. We have set ourselves new challenges to get everyone in the habit of separating their office/classroom waste. We are determined to recycle as much as we can, reduce the amount of litter around the site and tackle the issue of single use plastics – something we are particularly passionate to reduce. Our next goal will then be to gain the silver Eco Schools Award.
the team that faced the Grenfell disaster last year.
Ben Gudgeon Deputy Head, Pastoral
Did you know?
The new Arts Centre will be built with a carbon negative footprint due to the extensive use of wood from sustainable sources. The building will be heated and cooled using a specially constructed ground source heat pump connected to eighteen 150 metre deep bore holes that have been drilled into the top playing fields.
Emma Kitson and Annabel Mortimer (U6) 11
COMMUNITY
Life-affirming India trip
I was lucky enough to be part of a group of 15 girls from several schools, including Leweston and The Gryphon that went out to India in October and volunteered with a Christian charity called ASHA. The trip lasted ten days: three of the days were spent sightseeing in Delhi and Agra, including a visit to the Taj Mahal. For the rest of the time we volunteered with ASHA; an amazing charity which gives young children and women the opportunity to receive help and gain access to healthcare, financial services and education, and make it possible for them to make long-term, positive changes to their lives.
Lights, camera, action In October we were delighted to once again support the annual Sherborne Literary Festival by hosting film critic, Mark Kermode who talked about his life-long dream to be a musician. The literary festival seems to grow each year and attracts a diverse set of speakers and authors which provides a fabulous literary opportunity for girls, staff and parents who live locally. We look forward to supporting the literary festival again next year when we will be able to welcome the wider Sherborne community to talks hosted at our Arts Centre.
Patter of tiny feet
Future pupil numbers are looking very healthy thanks in part to a clutch of new staff baby girls!
We did lots of arts and crafts, singing, dancing, sports, and other creative activities with the younger children. We tried to do as much as we could to bring smiles to their faces. We held English lessons and conversation practice with the older children because they were very keen to improve their English as well as learn about our culture.
students who had benefited from ASHA and now have amazing jobs. We met Dr Kiran Martin who founded the charity 31 years ago; she started it sitting under a tree in a slum treating patients. She was so inspiring and had such determination; she wasn’t afraid of any challenge and made us all question what is stopping us from doing something similar.
We shadowed a women’s group who gave health check-ups whilst visiting homes in the slum, which was an eyeopening experience. We were able to stand in someone’s house, stretch our arms out and touch both sides of it. It was humbling to see how comfortable and appreciative they were of their homes and they made us so welcome.
The trip to India gave us all amazing opportunities, for example I was able to interview all the pupils we met for my radio show and the students who wish to be doctors were able to volunteer in the health centre helping with checkups. It was such an incredible experience and it has truly made an imprint on my life.
Throughout our trip to India we met the most incredible people, including 12
Annabelle Martin L6
Congratulations from everyone at Sherborne Girls to: David Banks (Assistant Head of Sixth Form) who welcomed baby Evangeline (Evie) Rose born 23.07.18, 8lb 3oz. Lucy Suttle (English Teacher and Head of U5) on the safe arrival of Willow, born 18.10.18, 7lbs 7oz. Bethan Tucker (Geography Teacher, Sport & Assistant Housemistress) who welcomed Martha, born 14.09.18, 7lb 3.5oz. Sam Spurway (Accountant, Bursary) on the birth of Harry – the only boy so far – on 3 November, 6lb 15oz. Ollie and Katie McManus (Houseparents WD) welcomed Phoebe on 4.12.18, 7lb 11oz.
Shakespeare festival
In November, Sherborne Girls hosted its first Primary Shakespeare Festival. This exciting new collaboration began six months ago when students from U5 to U6 ably assisted members of the Drama Department in running Shakespeare workshops in several local primary schools. The culmination of this work was a hugely exciting event at which children from Year 6 at Sherborne Abbey Primary and Sherborne Primary School performed two versions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in its original Shakespearean language on stage in the main school hall. The children delivered exceptional performances to an audience of more than 100 people. Ann Marie Kampf, Head Teacher at Sherborne Abbey Primary, said: “It was a fabulous night and we are very thankful to all of you for giving our children this opportunity.”
Zosh Skowronska Director in Residence and Festival Co-ordinator We look forward to many more successful collaborations with our local primary schools, celebrating the confidence and
enjoyment that drama and performing brings to young people.
Career coaching
The following comments were made by two old girls, who left in 2002 and 2016 respectively, about their experience of the coaching programme:
We were delighted to start the academic year with two career evenings: City and Finance and Law. Both of these Londonbased events were held alongside the Old Shirburnian Society and were designed to offer networking opportunities and specific industry sector careers advice to recent graduates and those still in the early stages of their careers. We have also recently launched a career coaching programme where young OGs were invited to apply for 13 places fully supported by Sherborne Old Girls. The feedback has been so positive that we are going to offer further places to those who have had a career break and would like to return to the workplace.
“The coaching programme was really fantastic and has encouraged me to take a step back and re-evaluate what is important and where I need to focus. When I signed up for the event I didn’t know I would have this career coaching opportunity, which has really helped me. I can’t thank you enough for the experience.” “When meeting my coach for the first time he clarified the aims of coaching straight away. I had the freedom to be honest without fear of judgement. Coaching has completely redirected the attitude and approach I had to my future. I have been helped to visualise new opportunities and the course has fundamentally altered the attitude I hold about myself, my strengths, ambitions and my potential.” Fiona James, Old Girls Secretary oldgirls@sherborne.com
GOSH!
Christmas gifts galore Each Christmas, we ask the girls to support a Christmas appeal by providing a gift as opposed to donating money. This year, the charity prefects have chosen to support Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Time spent with the people you love is precious and for the seriously ill children at GOSH who are unable to go home for Christmas, this is particularly true. The gifts that have been donated will directly help children at GOSH who face new challenges every day as they battle the most complex illnesses. Thank you to everyone who supported this appeal. 13
SPORT, ADVENTURE AND LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Fitness, health and wellbeing
The Headmistress’s challenge for this year is for the school to focus on the health and wellbeing of our entire community. This kicked off with a whole school participation in the National Fitness Day challenge, which turned into a week of fitness involving events from Abs and Yoga, to Circuits and Zumba. Many of the girls (and staff!) enjoyed trying out new activities for the first time. The newly formed Sports, Adventure and Leadership department continued this early impetus, looking at how to
The new sports scholarship programme
provide pupils with a greater range of physical activity opportunities through both the Oxley and the non-team sport programme. Non-team sport is compulsory for girls in the U5 and L6 who are not involved in fixtures, and we are delighted to see so many girls exercising on a regular basis throughout the week. The newly established mass Zumba class on a Saturday afternoon, which has included some student-led dance routines, has proved particularly popular.
2018 has seen the introduction of the new sports scholars’ programme, building on the existing strength and conditioning training with additional components of technical and tactical skill development, physical preparation and mentoring. It also features a comprehensive educational element including nutrition, injury prevention and sports psychology. This programme also aims to improve links with a number of clubs, performance pathways and sporting institutions. To date there are 53 girls who hold a sports award and are eligible to participate, each of whom has been assigned a sports mentor from within the department to help them achieve their goals.
Expeditions abroad
Three Gold Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) expeditions headed out over the summer, two of which were overseas. The first challenge was undertaken by a group of our walkers who hiked across the Picos mountains in northern Spain for five days and four nights. A second, smaller group cycled 300km along the coat of France (see Pedal Power, page 10). And four groups paddled the length of the Great Glen in Scotland. All the girls involved tested their limits, pushed the boundaries of their endurance and honed their leadership skills along the way. Last year saw a total of 110 students complete their Bronze, Silver or Gold award, 13 of those students were invited to St James’ Palace to collect their Gold DofE award.
Lacrosse Lacrosse had a very well-attended preseason, followed by a weekend tour to Moreton Hall in Shropshire for 40 girls from the U15 and 1st XI squads. Congratulations to Isobel Gordon, Fenella Stanford, Daisy Stephens, Tilly Spivey and Verity Zisser who have been selected for the England or Wales lacrosse talent pathways. We also had 18 girls play in the Supercounties tournament at Downe House and are delighted that Matilda Murray, Emilie Tubbs, Eliza Gilmour (U19) and Lucy Maynard (U15) will now go on to represent the SW in a national tournament in March.
14
Equestrian
Hockey
Over 100 fixtures were played this term by ten senior teams and four West teams. The U15A team had an excellent start to the season and made it into the last 16 teams of a National Hockey Competition. The 2nd XI have qualified for the West of England finals being held at Clifton College. A total of 17 players across all age groups have been selected to play for their county. Of those, Eden Dennis and Tilly Scull have been selected for the England Hockey Performance centre training camps.
We have a keen group of equestrian competitors in the school who have entered a number of competitions this term with excellent results. The school has qualified for the finals in both the NSEA Inter Schools Arena Eventing Championships and NSEA National Schools Championships Plate 2018. Perdi Digby has had outstanding success in her selection for the British Junior U18 Show Jumping team, her team won Gold at the European Championships. Perdi has been chosen to represent GB in the Nations Cup in Belgium as well as competing in the Olympia Horse Show at Christmas.
Swimming
On the last day of the summer term our junior swimmers competed at the North Dorset Championships and finished the year with a convincing win in the U14 age group and very pleasing second places in the U12, U13 and U15 age groups. This concluded a very strong year on the inter schools circuit.
Cross country
The new season has started well with an increase to 40 in the number of girls regularly attending endurance training on a Tuesday afternoon. The intermediate team have already achieved notable success by qualifying for the English Schools AA National Championships for the first time in the school’s history and finished in 9th place out of 255 schools. Sherborne Girls is now officially a top-ten cross-country school.
Moving into the summer holidays Harriet Watts and Kayleigh Parker(OG) competed in the British Summer Championships at Ponds Forge, Sheffield. Both were very successful, finishing the season ranked in the top 20 in the country.
Jayne Dart, Director of Sport, Adventure and Leadership 15
SUPPORTING SHERBORNE THROUGH OUR CANDLELIGHT BURSARIES
CANDLELIGHT BURSARIES HELP USdates CHANGE LIVES Diary
The Sherborne Girls Foundation was set up to assist the school with its social responsibilities and to stimulate philanthropy to support the growth and development of the school. It aims to Through donating to our Candlelight Bursaries, you will help us support change lives through exceptional facilities, bursarial support, more13 girls whomService a boarding can be life-changing, giving JanforAbbey & L5education Parent Lunches enrichment opportunities and community relations.
them the opportunity of a brighter future.
20 Jan Joint Schools’ Concert
2 Feb
Quiz and Curry Night
9 Feb
Confirmation Service at Sherborne Abbey
8 Feb
Choral Society Concert, Wells Cathedral
Your support – whether financially or through the sharing of time and expertise – makes a crucial difference and can literally change lives. Please contact us at development@sherborne.com if you would like to find out more. Thank you.
www.sherborne.com
