WELCOME TO SHERBORNE GIRLS
Ms Samantha Aristotelous and Mrs Lucy Broadbent
The International Community of Sherborne Girls warmly welcomes you to the School. I hope that these letters from some of our international students of fer helpful advice and give you an insight into some of the international events that happen throughout the school year.
Welcome to Sherborne Girls
Finally, listening to and speaking English all day may be tiring in the beginning and you may miss the sound of your own language. Also, the English you hear may seem different to the English you have been used to in your English lessons in your country This may be because the girls use colloquial expressions and speak faster, especially when they are excited! Please politely ask us to repeat what we ’ ve said. We are very understanding, especially as we realise we will probably never master a second language like you have done already. While you are probably keen to find out about life in Sherborne, the girls here will be equally excited to meet you and hear about where you are from. We are an extremely close community and everyone will want to help you settle in as quickly as possible So, come and talk to us, the students, the teachers and house staff, whenever you want.
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Ms Samantha Aristotelous Head of English as an Additional Language
This may not only be your first experience of living in Britain far away from home, but also studying at a boarding school and having all your subjects taught in English. You have probably prepared yourself by talking to others who have had these experiences but it is quite natural that you will still be feeling a mixture of anxiety and excitement. First, you may have heard people at home talk about how many rainy days we have in Britain. In fact, the weather is something the British like to talk and complain about too! You may miss a warmer climate at first Be prepared, however, for the possibility of fun in the snow this winter and warm summer afternoons spent doing outdoor activities on the wonderful school grounds The food is something else you may have heard people talk about, especially all the potatoes the British eat! It may be quite different from your own cuisine but be adventurous and try something new. You’ll be surprised how many different ways we can cook potatoes and you’ll love all the sticky puddings we have with every meal!
Hello and a ver y warm welcome to Sherborne Girls!
I am very much looking forward to meeting you all and hearing about your experiences as well as your ideas for new international activities within the School In the meantime, my advice would be to get involved in your Houses and your year groups and please don’t be afraid of making mistakes as this is a normal part of learning I am always available to listen whether you are feeling a bit homesick or have a great idea for a new project.
Mrs Lucy Broadbent International Coordinator
Whilst we hope you will enjoy learning about British culture, there will also be opportunities for you to inform us about the customs and important current affairs where you come from, and for you to show off your local cuisine. Events such as tapas evenings, International Week and Chinese New Year, for example, are hugely popular with local girls and overseas girls alike. The international community is a very important part of life at Sherborne Girls providing everyone with opportunities to appreciate other cultures and broaden their horizons.
I have no doubt you will be feeling nervous; you may have travelled a long distance to be here and some of you will be worried about learning and communicating in your second language. These are very normal emotions and experience has shown that in a relatively short space of time it will start to get easier. At Sherborne Girls, we embrace internationalism.
As International Coordinator I hope to help make your move to a new school, a new country and a new culture a positive and enriching experience.
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Letter from Nathalie Cheung in U6
Welcome new girls!
I know that some of you may be feeling nervous and scared, however, do not fret! As a new student coming into the Lower Sixth, I was also very nervous I felt like the girls were already friends with each other, and that it would be hard to integrate. However, I have made so many new friends It can be daunting at times, but the students, teachers and staff members here at Sherborne Girls are so supportive and welcoming. Do not be scared to make new friends, start new conversations and be yourself! If you ever feel lonely or homesick, Amélie and I are only one email/Teams message away!
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I am Nathalie and I will be working alongside Amélie, as we are the international prefects. I am from Hong Kong and Malaysia, however I grew up in Beijing and only moved to Hong Kong four years ago I joined in Lower Sixth, and am currently studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths A Level!
Boarding school is a new experience that everyone should have You get to meet so many students from across the globe, and also learn so much more about the diverse cultures here at Sherborne Girls My advice? I would say, firstly, make sure you bring lots of sentimental items, whether they are photos or stuffed animals as it will make you feel more at home Secondly, remember that everyone here was also once a new student, so if you ever feel lonely, please please please do reach out. We understand that this is a huge change for you, and we are always here to listen Here is my email: 16CheungKah@sherborne.com
Again, if you ever need help with school or just want someone to chat to, please do reach out! Enjoy your time at Sherborne Girls, you’ll love it �� Nathalie
I hope you enjoy your time at Sherborne Girls and I’m excited to get to know you! Love Amélie xx
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Here is my email: 16CrozierAme@sherborne com
My name is Amélie and I am one of the international prefects this year I love learning about new cultures and I am really looking forward to meeting you and helping with all the international events A little about me. My family is from the UK and I grew up here but I was born in France and spent the first few years of my life there and have enjoyed going back many times I am currently studying Chemistry, Economics, Biology and French A Level! I am always available to offer any support you may need Feel free to come visit me in Mulliner or send me an email if you would like a chat. I hope that Nathalie and I, and all members of Sherborne Girls, can help you feel welcome and I’m sure you will feel at home in no time I know how hard it can be to be away from your family and your culture so I hope that Nathalie and I can help organise events you may be missing from your own country and I look forward to learning all about your culture.
Letter from Amélie Crozier-Jobber in U6 Hi!
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I am sure you will have the loveliest time here. Settling into a new school can be a bit frightening, but Sherborne Girls helps you through every aspect. One piece of advice I will give you is simply talk to your tutor about any concerns you have, or turn to your new classmates. The Sherborne Girls community is very supportive. I am struggling to think of any other advice because, believe me, settling in is so easy here! Sometimes it is possible to feel homesick in the beginning, but remember you ’ re not alone! I felt really homesick at the start, but all I did was talk with my friends, tutor and housemistress and I felt better. You’re welcome to come and find me too as I only joined last year! My first few terms at school went quickly as I was really enjoying myself. I joined the Debating team and Badminton. The debating competitions and maths challenges stretched me. I even learnt how to cook. Food and Nutrition was a completely new subject! Moreover, I’ve made some great friendships in my boarding house and loved all the inter house events such as the singing and drama competitions. To sum up - I’m so glad I chose this school and … don’t worry, you ’ ve made the best choice to come to Sherborne Girls and just look forward to all your years ahead! Best wishes Annie Xu
Letter from Annie in U6 Hello and welcome to Sherborne Girls!
Letter from Stephanie in U5 Dear new girls, Welcome to Sherborne Girls! I’m Stephanie and I have been here for almost a year now. Before I came to England I was apprehensive and excited at the same time as this was my first experience being far away from home. Remember it’s completely normal to have butterflies in your stomach! But also remember, plenty of others will be feeling exactly the same so you ’ re definitely not alone! Everyone here is so supportive and my advice is to talk to your house staff, tutors, teachers and friends who are always eager to help you out whenever they can I still remember my first day of school Even though I was in a spin over not finding my way, everyone was smiley and kindly showed me around. At the weekends and after school, the boarding house is lively and the girls can be boisterous I was a bit overwhelmed at first, but the girls here certainly live life to the full. Now, I’m used to living in a boarding school and having the time of my life �� What I enjoy most is all the events The school provides many opportunities to show off your talents. There are a number of house competitions to demonstrate your house spirit, and to bond with different years in your House, ranging from sports to house dance and music. On top of that, the international events such as the Chinese New Year Banquet and International Week are also highlights of the year I was able to show off the K pop culture in a dance group. Besides finding out much more about British Culture, these international events provide you with opportunities to broaden your horizons Most importantly, try not to shy away from all of those opportunities! You will have an incredible time here and have certainly plenty of fun with your friends! Love Stephanie
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Lastly, just be yourself and enjoy your time in Sherborne Girls! Love Sarah Zhu
Letter from Sarah U5 Dear new girls, Welcome to Sherborne Girls! My name is Sarah I joined Sherborne Girls in U4 three years ago and have to say it is an amazing school Before I came to England I felt apprehensive about almost everything because I didn’t know how I would make friends and fit in I am from China and I had never done many things such as hockey, lacrosse, netball and design. However, all the teachers were really patient and they always explain everything to me so I can do the same things as all the girls After I came to Sherborne Girls, I realised that I needn’t have worried about making friends because everyone is so friendly and kind If they see that you are walking alone to your lesson in the school, for example, they will definitely come to you and start a conversation Many girls were a bundle of nerves on the first day but we soon realised that there was absolutely nothing to be worried about.
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Finally, let me give you some advice. Just make sure that you don’t get yourself in a spin because there isn’t anything to worry about Then, just pluck up your courage and be bold. Talk to all those new faces and you’ll soon have made yourself lots of friends.
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What I most enjoy about Sherborne Girls is the sport because you can play different types of sports that I never even knew existed and enjoy taking part in a lot of matches. I also love the weekends because we go on a huge variety of different trips such as Go karting, a pool party, a pamper night and much much more. My favourite memory during my first year at Sherborne Girls was the Neon Lights Party, which was when we all dressed up in bright colours, you could even paint your face with bright colours, and then we played many games until it was time for bed. Hope to see you soon!
Welcome to Sherborne Girls, you are going to like being here and you will have so much fun!
Letter from Camila M5
Hello, I’m Camila and I am going to tell you how I felt when I first arrived at the School. At first, I didn’t know anyone, and I felt like I was all alone. But then I started making friends and didn’t feel alone anymore because I had friends to share everything with Now I love being here because we have lots of fun and enjoy so many different activities together. For example, one day during our cooking lesson we attempted to make Dorset apple cakes for some of us it went badly wrong but they all tasted delicious in the end! After just a few weeks I felt as if we were all one big family having a great time together. Here is some advice to help you settle in the School: first you have to try to make some friends even if you don’t know anyone and get to know other people so you can enjoy being together and not feel lonely One tip is to remember to bring photos of your family and friends because you are allowed to decorate your area of the bedroom. For schoolwork, just try your best in everything and it will be okay plus you will be proud of yourself for trying so hard
Camila Rivera
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Letter from Lizzy M5 Dear new girls, Are you feeling excited, nervous or even a bit of both about starting at Sherborne Girls? It is totally fine to have these kind of feelings as I’d had the same feelings as you a year ago. I didn’t know how I was going to fit in or adapt to a new school in England. It really isn’t as hard as you may be imagining. When I first came, everyone was extremely approachable and they helped me to settle in really quickly, from showing me how to use a washing machine to where places are to helping me with Maths prep. I was soon able to feel right at home and find my way around! I also had a strong feeling of having another home. It actually seems like we are a family, living closely together, having meals together, chatting about our daily life, and supporting each other in everything. All the house events, such as house tennis, netball, music, and dance competitions, help us come together as a House and bond. You don’t have to stress about making friends as everyone is so delightful and willing to be friends. I have some advice. Remember that it is really normal to be homesick in a boarding school, especially as it may be your first experience boarding, being away from home and in another country. If you ever feel low, all you need to do is talk to your friends or anyone in House. You are never alone and you don’t need to hide your feelings. Secondly, if you are confused about anything, talk to your tutor. They will give you advice about activities, your subjects and can help you get organised. Lastly, I hope reading this letter makes you feel better and any worries turn into excitement. I can’t wait to see you in School next year when you join our big family, Sherborne Girls! Kind regards Lizzy Lui
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16 • Inter house Events • Castle Challenge • Musical Events • Drama Productions • Commemoration Events to look for ward to at Sherborne Girls • Mid Autumn Festival, Diwali and Chinese New Year
7. What does BPR stand for?
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6. You would go to the ‘San’ because…? a. You need some money b. You feel ill c. You are lost
3. What is the Oxley? a. Sports Centre b. Lecture Hall c. Drama Studio
9. What is the ‘Granny Patch’? a A garden b A group of houses c A cafe
Quiz What you might not know … get an ‘old’ girl to help you do this!
1. What does BLT stand for? a. Big large theatre b. Bed linen trunk c. Beddington lecture theatre
5. What is the Castle Challenge? a Building a castle b Inter house run at Sherborne Castle c Charity sleep out in a castle
10. What can you do in ‘Queenie’s?
2. What do you do with ‘ spag bol’? a Read it b Eat it c Drive it
a Big prep room b Basic pencil rubber c Boys purple room
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a. Eat the best cookies b. Buy your stationery c. Wash your clothes
4. If a student wants some ‘tuck’, how are they feeling? a. Cold b. Hungry c. T ired
8. Why do Sixth Formers go to ‘The Stick’? a. For punishment b. For a drink c. To sleep
Sherborne Girls Bradford Road Sherborne Dorset DT9 3QN, UK T: +44 (0)1935 812245 E: office@sherborne com www.sherborne.com The International team and the girls wish your days here to be both exciting and memorable! We all look for ward to meeting you.
