The Sherborne Girls Magazine AUTUMN/WINTER 2022
There’s a well known quotation from LP Hartley about the past being foreign to us, but the same could be said of the future. We don’t know what the world will be like in the coming decades For those involved in education, that poses a particular challenge: how do we prepare our pupils for something that is, by definition, unknown?
At Sherborne Girls, we are committed to enabling our pupils, through the habits they form, to become women of the future: one of the pillars of our strategy and a source of constant motivation to me
Preparing for the future means learning to live with uncertainty It means forming habits and dispositions that equip you to thrive, regardless of the circumstances; living a full and meaningful life as part of a community, knowing whom you can lean on for support and how to help others through the inevitable peaks and troughs along the way
This approach is central to life at Sherborne Girls Our busy full boarding programme gives the pupils a rich variety of experiences so they can become the best possible version of themselves They learn and mature alongside others, celebrating the diversity of our community and revelling in the achievements and accomplishments of all We also create a safe environment in which mistakes can be learnt from, where we acknowledge our frailties and grow together
Reading the stories in the pages that follow, I am reminded of the many ways our School forms women for the present and the future Through engagement, stimulation and challenge in academics, adventure, sport, creative arts, community endeavours and the simple business of living alongside each other 24 hours a day, we prepare them for adult life We may not be able to foresee the precise shape the future will take, but with the support of our whole community we do our best to ensure it is bright and full of hope
Female entrepreneurship is high on the Government’s agenda, so there has never been a better time to be a woman in business.
Entrepreneurship Co - ordinator and Business A Level Teacher, Emma Wimhurst, explains how our Entrepreneurship in Education Programme prepares girls to thrive in the workplace and make the most of the opportunities available. i
Having started my own cosmetics business at the kitchen table, generating a multi-million-pound turnover and employing 15 people, I am passionate about inspiring and supporting young women to thrive in business and in the workplace
I am very fortunate to be teaching Business A Level and running an Entrepreneurship Programme in a school that was built on an entrepreneurial vision This is firmly enshrined in one of our five strategic pillars: our commitment to preparing women of the future
At Sherborne Girls, entrepreneurship is woven into our DNA This is not just because we want girls to know how to start and run their own businesses but because we want them to be the best they can be, to create opportunities rather than wait for them, and to make a difference
According to the UK Government, preparing women for the workplace is in the national interest, too Female
entrepreneurship has been identified as one of the greatest opportunities for economic growth in the 21st Century, prompting the publication of the Alison Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship in 2019 This triggered a commitment to increase female entrepreneurs by 600,000 by 2030, through education initiatives and financial support
According to the World Economic Forum, the skills required to thrive in the workplace include complex problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, people management and co ordinating well with others Now in its third year, the Entrepreneurship in Education Programme created for Sherborne Girls develops these skills and more across all year groups
The Programme is built on four key elements First, we use real life challenges set by real employers to foster problem solving and confident decision making, such as this year ’ s M5 NatWest “Go Green Challenge” Second, we give girls opportunities to learn from
businesses within our thriving local community Our L5, for example, take part in a “Coffee Shop Challenge” in which they work in teams to create a new coffee shop concept, undertaking market research in Sherborne and benefiting from talks by the owners of some of the town’s cafés
Third, the girls regularly hear from some of our many successful entrepreneurial alumnae As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2022, for example, we hosted lunchtime talks with Hannah Mossman Moore (Jean London Ltd) and Thea Carroll (Property Consultant), who shared the highs and lows of their own business journeys
a dorm with others teaches you about e
Finally, and perhaps most powerfully, we take a genuinely cross curricular approach to entrepreneurship The skills, qualities and habits fostered by our programme are embraced and supported by all members of staff working in partnership to prepare women of the future
I believe the girls truly celebrate a u
Sherborne Girls was the first school in the country to enter the Operation Future Hope Award with our Nature and Rewilding Programme Ecology, Conservation and Sustainability Ambassador in Residence Alana Thorburn explains more about the School’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
At Sherborne Girls, we are committed to helping our pupils translate their environmental concern into concrete action That is why I was appointed as the School’s first Ecology, Conservation and Sustainability Ambassador in Residence, giving me a platform to help the whole community pursue our target of being carbon neutral by 2030
It’s a privilege to hold this role and I’m inspired each day by the girls’ commitment and dedication As part of
my engagement with them, I’ve launched a Nature and Rewilding Programme that will shape their perceptions and inspire action
The course focuses on the state of nature as we move from the Holocene to the Anthropocene, recognising the impact of human beings on the planet It introduces pupils to the concept of rewilding and helps them identify ways of bringing that practice to the School It also helps them become nature positive in the future and consider the wide range of careers available in this area
It’s exciting to see girls embracing their commitment to the future and engaging with this new opportunity They will shape tomorrow’s world It’s our task to make sure they understand what a difference they can make
Our Eco Prefects, Selene and Carys (U6) supported Alana Thorburn and Eco Prefect from Sherborne School, Ottokar (U6) to launch the new Lower Fifth Nature and Rewilding Programme in September
Sherborne Girls has been named as a Microsoft Showcase School, reflecting our commitment to innovation in teaching and learning. Senior Deputy Head, Louise Orton celebrates our success
Long before the COVID 19 pandemic necessitated a move to virtual learning, Sherborne Girls was committed to making the best use of technology in our classrooms
The move was part of our Education Transformation Journey, designed to equip girls with the skills, aptitudes and dispositions to thrive in the 21st Century By teaming up with Microsoft, we ’ ve been
able to leverage the very latest technology, meaning that pupils become adept at embracing change and understand the power of technology to enhance their lives
After four years of collaboration, Microsoft has named us as a Showcase School This is the highest accolade awarded by the company, reflecting the extent to which digital skills are embedded in the education we provide W ith Microsoft Showcase status, we are recognised for creating student centered, immersive, and inclusive experiences that inspire lifelong learning, stimulating the development of essential future ready skills
Technology helps us develop girls’ problem solving skills, as well as fostering the habit of lifelong learning It enriches the classroom experience by encouraging collaboration and unlocking creativity Our staff have developed their own skills and understanding to deliver a high quality experience for our pupils
Microsoft Showcase status recognises how far we ’ ve come on our journey What’s more, it gives us the opportunity to share our expertise with other schools, helping shape the future of education beyond our own community
It was a great pleasure to welcome Neuroscientist Dr Guy Sutton back to Sherborne Girls for our annual Psychology Brain Day Guy is Honorary (Consultant) Assistant Professor at the Division of Psychiatry in the University of Nottingham’s Medical School and always delivers a stimulating series of sessions for our pupils
This year, he delivered lectures on “Drugs and the Brain” and “The Brain and
Inspiring the next generation of scientists is Dr Joanna Buckley’s stock in trade Head of Science, Antonio Angelosanto, reports on Dr Joanna Buckley’s visit to Sherborne Girls in October when she spoke about how Chemistry contributes to society.
On Wednesday 5 October, we welcomed Dr Joanna Buckley to give a Junior Science Lecture to our L5, along with pupils from King’s Bruton and Leweston School She also delivered a similar lecture to pupils from The Gryphon School, as part of our outreach programme
Joanna teaches at the University of Sheffield and works as an education coordinator for the Royal Society of Chemistry She has been a consultant for the BBC’s educational scientific programmes, presented numerous radio
Crime”, as well as leading a dissection of a sheep’s brain with our L6 girls In the afternoon, his sessions included “Methods for Exploring the Brain” and “The Shattered Mind” Guy then lectured the whole School on “The Changing Brain: from Foetal to Teenager through
broadcasts, and written for the likes of The T imes, Chemistry World and PBS America
Joanna drew on her personal experiences in the world of Chemistry She explained how, despite being a Music Scholar at Worksop College, she was inspired by a school Chemistry teacher to study the discipline at university
She then took her research further into the chemistry of food and taste, which involved a partnership with a Michelin starred chef She explained that by analysing the chemicals in food it is possible to create unusual but delicious meal combinations (anyone for Weetabix with baked beans, or pizza and Nutella?)
Joanna ended by explaining how Chemistry helps solve problems, especially in relation to sustainability and
environmental care It was an inspiring session, helping our pupils gain a better understanding of the impact of science on contemporary society
The annual Psychology Brain Day provided plenty of food for thought, as Head of Psychology Richard Gent explains.to Dementia” As always, it proved to be a busy and stimulating day that inspired everyone and was of particular interest to our Psychology pupils We very much look forward to Guy’s return in 2023
YThree L6 girls were selected for the Warriors Accelerated Scholarship Programme (WASP) in South Africa, which took place during October half-term. They describe the adventure in their own words.
If ever there was an experience to develop a young person’s spirit of adventure, the Warriors Accelerated Scholarship Programme (WASP) is it This eight day course takes place in South Africa and involves activities such as skydiving, water skiing, bridge swinging and getting up close to animals including cheetahs and vultures
Each year, Sherborne Girls selects three L6 pupils to attend WASP After two years of Covid, it was fantastic to send pupils on the 2022 programme and some 24 girls applied The list was whittled down by the Head, Dr Ruth Sullivan, with Freya Beeny, Maddy Le Cornu and Alice Gower eventually being chosen.
As well as garnering experiences that will live with them forever, participants on WASP gain in self esteem, self awareness and self belief This equips them for the next phase in life’s journey, ensuring they have the courage and adaptability to pursue whatever opportunities come their way.
Here’s what Freya, Maddy and Alice learned about themselves during their experience in South Africa
“For me, the skydive was the highlight of the trip The feeling of falling from 11,000ft is something I’ll never forget There were plenty of other great moments Caving was incredible, even in the pouring rain: it was just so exciting to clamber through pitch black caves I also enjoyed the 6am games of ultimate frisbee, which did a great job of waking us up for the long day ahead We saw some amazing scenery throughout the trip One morning, we did a hike up to a waterfall, culminating in a rock climb to reach the top I hope to return to that exact spot one day as it was so beautiful Overall, I had the time of my life while gaining confidence and hope I’d recommend the experience to anyone, as I think the benefits are immeasurable ”
“On the first day we did a bridge swing, and, at the end of the session, they asked who wanted to jump off a 20m high ledge into crocodile infested water I was extremely hesitant, but I knew that I went on the trip for a reason and would only ever have this one opportunity W ith the support of Alice, I jumped off and remain very proud One of the leaders summed it up perfectly, saying: “I would rather regret the things I have done than the things I didn’t do ”
Every morning, we had to wake at 5 30am to exercise This was tiring at first, but I soon grew to love it It gave me a great sense of fulfilment and our days were always full of purpose Warriors showed me the importance of a healthy routine and lifestyle It encouraged me to be my best self ”
“There were some fantastic moments throughout the trip Visiting an orphanage was heart warming because the children were so friendly and loving We had a great moment when stuck in traffic one day The women in the car in front turned up the music and started dancing outside. We all joined in, so that, eventually, there were about 50 of us all dancing in the middle of the road It was brilliant!
I loved the big swing The feeling of standing on a cliff edge and jumping off was incredible I also enjoyed the whispering elephant sanctuary The elephants respond so well to the commands they’re given It was great to end by giving them a hug
As for the skydive, I was terrified going up in the tiny plane But once I’d made the leap, I felt I could see the whole world The adrenaline rush was incredible ”
On Monday afternoons, a group of L6 takes part in the STEM volunteering programme, visiting local primary schools to deliver science experiments to younger years. This term, alongside Mr Blake, Angela Tse and Polly Wooddisse (L6), I have visited Charlton Horethorne CE Primary School, working with years 2 to 4
We introduced the pupils to the world of science, leading practical workshops to inspire them to engage with the subject For example, on our last visit, we wired a circuit This helped pupils learn a new skill, working with screwdrivers, wires and screws
As they become more confident, it is great to see them interact with us and start to ask questions, developing their scientific thinking We all love visiting the schools and getting to know the pupils!
Earlier this year, my mum unfortunately had a very bad stroke that left her without movement in the right side of her body, including her arm and leg. It was completely shocking as she had been living a very strong and healthy lifestyle and it literally came out of nowhere
Since then, it has taken lots of physiotherapy to get her back to some mobility, but she remains unable to do things such as drive, go for long walks, and run
This really inspired me to do something that would raise awareness of brain injury and how it can happen to people of all ages As a result, through the charity SameYou (set up by the actor Emilia Clarke), our running group at School decided to train for a 10km run I’m pleased to say we completed it on Press Pause Day and raised over £2,000
Imogen (U6)
As part of the School’s community outreach, many of us in Aldhelmsted East regularly give up our free time to visit Trinity Manor Care Home We play board games and have conversations with the residents, building relationships of mutual care and affection.
Natalie Charity Prefect (L6)The Sherborne Girls community is exceptionally proud of Vlada Katchyk (M5), who is working with a young boy from Kyiv as part of our STEM Outreach programme.
Vlada is herself Ukrainian and has been using her language skills to help the pupil settle into his new primary school
She accompanies our L6 STEM Ambassadors into the school, translating the lesson so her fellow Ukrainian can participate fully and feel more at home in unfamiliar surroundings
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The visits have been outstanding and emotional Outreach and community have pulled together for the good of everyone in so many different ways
Vlada will continue to work with the young pupil in the weeks and months ahead
Amanda Mackintosh Head of Outreach and Community LiaisonIntroducing this year ’ s Heads of School
ANNIE
KITTy
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I remember the times when I looked up to the Heads of Schools full of admiration and reverence Now I have come to that position, I hope that I will be able to have the same positive impact on everyone Reflecting on the theme of wisdom for this academic year, I hope that my influence will be constructive in guiding our girls to make wiser decisions in line with our values (Adaptable, Spiritual, Curious, Compassionate, Courageous)
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Having attended a Heads of Schools Conference with more than 100 other Heads from schools across the UK and abroad, I learnt the key features of leadership, including respecting and upholding the values that you truly believe So far, I have enjoyed being an Equality and Current Affairs Prefect, hoping to leave the legacy of introducing the Rights Respecting Awards to our School Furthermore, as an international student, I hope to become someone who can inspire those who have travelled a long way to receive this amazing education ”
A a R
“Since joining in L5, I have come to understand that education consists not only of the content taught from textbooks, but also of the lessons learned outside the classroom There is the perfect balance here at Sherborne Girls, and I am passionate about ensuring all pupils benefit from this best possible working environment, just like I have Our vision for this year focuses on the environment, wellbeing and pupil voice, which ties into the theme of wisdom One of our goals is to focus on reaching our environmental objectives I look forward to discussions with our first ever Sustainability Ambassador Involving the Eco Prefects and the whole pupil body, I believe we can work together to achieve our common goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 In addition to this, we acknowledge the importance of looking after our mental health and wellbeing amid the daily buzz of school life. W ith the launch of a new initiative, “Press Pause Day”, emphasis is placed on taking a break from our busy schedules to reflectOur main goal is to encourage pupils to think and speak out for the change they would like to see in the School It is at the heart of this School that everyone ’ s voices are valued, equally The Prefects are determined to continue the legacy of the Peer Mentoring Scheme, listening and responding to feedback from mixed aged Boarding Houses It has never been a more exciting time to be appointed to the role of Head of School at Sherborne Girls, and I feel honoured to be in a position of leadership We hope to have real impact ”
“My years at Sherborne Girls have been the best of my life I know this is a cliché, but I mean it with the utmost sincerity I have been given the opportunity to flourish and grow in every area I chose We have the most happy and joyful environment, which is entirely due to the inclusivity and kindness of both the pupils and staff All girls encourage each other and rejoice in their small or grand victories, willing each other to succeed The School is constantly buzzing with excitement over House events, fixtures, or academic challenges
Every girl here at Sherborne is given the chance to become whoever they want to be I think this is really special and important in our changing and growing society
This is the legacy I would like to continue and encourage during the remainder of my time here It’s so important to acknowledge and appreciate everyone ’ s strengths and passions, allowing them to prosper and develop in the path they choose ”
“Having come all the way up from the bottom of the School, I feel that I know its rhythms well This year, I have loved watching new girls begin to share this familiarity, seeing them come into their own, take up new things and find the areas in which they excel The sheer variety of activities available encourages each girl to be an individual: there is something for everyone, whether it be in the classroom, on the sports field, or in the Boarding House
The other Heads of School and I hope to continue the legacy left behind by previous Prefects, with particular emphasis on Pupil Voice We believe there is real value in self advocacy, so one of our aims this year is to make it as easy as possible for every girl to make change wherever she feels it is needed
At Sherborne Girls’ core is a feeling of community Every girl is so well known to everyone around her There is a consistent sense of support, from teachers and peers alike We celebrate success in every field!”
A recent weekend trip to Devon gave the Westies an opportunity to try team building activities such as coasteering, caving and archery. We were split up into three groups with a mixture of L4 and U4, giving us a lot of time to bond
YMakeda says: “At first, coasteering was absolutely terrifying and I was afraid to even get into the water Then soon enough I was progressing from small rocks to even bigger ones, until I jumped off the highest one! You must say this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so why not use it?
“It was the same with caving, which brought a lot of bravery to shine out of us all ‘I can’t do it,’ or ‘I’m scared,’ were quotes from a lot of us But in the end, we all made it through the underground spaces ”
Candela adds: “In the beginning I was very excited about caving, but also a bit nervous since this was very new to me
Then, I really enjoyed going through the tunnels and caves It was one of my favourite activities!”
We also enjoyed paddle boarding and raft building Archery was probably one of the most relaxing activities: we spent a nice afternoon by the campsite shooting arrows and playing fun games
The Peer Mentoring Scheme set up by last year’s U6, has been a great success, giving girls in all year groups someone to talk to whenever they need, and for whatever reason.
Pupils from both Sherborne School and Sherborne Girls gathered on the SG sports pitches for a joint firework display on the evening of Saturday, 12 November. The show amazed and enthralled in equal measure, providing a welcome chance to celebrate the “Separate yet Together” ethos shared by our two schools.
The camping was just amazing Our site was surrounded by greenery and hills In the evenings we would have a nice outdoor supper, followed by evening games Once we were all ready for bed, our cosy sleeping bags would be waiting In other words, we had a fantastic couple of days
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Makeda (L4) and Candela (L4)
For U6 pupils like me, it’s a great chance to build rapport with the younger girls in the School I’ve worked with West in particular, and I’ve loved going back to the House and sharing my memories with the current girls, as well as hearing all their amazing stories so far The scheme has been great for everyone in the School and will continue developing over the coming year
Tillie (U6)S H O W I N G
T H E I R S PA R K L E
This term, the Crochet Club and Knit and Natter have been creating a display for Remembrance Day, featuring an array of different- sized poppies that call for the use of various techniques.
Both clubs are open to all abilities and give us the opportunity to sit down with friends and get creative To start with, we master the basic skills by making simple squares that can be made into a blanket Then we learnt to make the poppies for the Poppy Appeal to remember the fallen soldiers and heroes from the war This project was super fun because once you grasp how to do a simple square, you can start to learn how to change colours and knit more than one stitch together Poppies are an excellent way of putting this into practice
Knit and Natter is one of the highlights of my week as I can get together with my friends, do something which I know we all love and learn a new skill
Poppy (M5)The School’s House Dance Competition has become a much enjoyed fixture in the calendar, and 2022’s event didn’t fail to impress. The School community gathered in the Gransden Hall to support their housemates, who offered performances across a variety of genres.
Dances included Latin, jazz, ballroom, contemporary and street W ingfield Digby emerged as the eventual winner, but it was hard to choose from a high quality selection of energetic and well rehearsed performances Congratulations to everyone involved!
In October, U6 Drama pupils created a spook tacular “Scare Maze” to celebrate Halloween The immersive experience was full of suspense and incorporated some truly terrifying “jump scares ”
As one participant, Philippa Perrin (L5), remarked: “The storyline was quite eerie It was really fun and even the people who said it wouldn’t scare them screamed at some point!”
Lizzie Nurse, Head of DramaArt and Design Technician Benjamin Boa is the new Assistant Housemaster of Wingfield Digby. He maps his vision for the role and explains what motivates him each day.
This has been my first half term as Assistant Housemaster of W ingfield Digby and it’s certainly been just as rewarding as I expected Living in the House for a year as Resident Tutor, it quickly became my home and somewhere that I cherished We have a great bunch of girls and an equally lovely House team that I’m thrilled to be a part of
When I became Assistant Housemaster, one of my goals was to celebrate each and every one of the wonderful W ingfield girls To show off their successes, I set up an achievements board right in the main hallway so that every day we are reminded of the many academic, House, and community merits our girls collect. There have already been so many that applying the stickers to the charts has become a full time job in itself!
We’ve also introduced the “W ingfield Warrior” award, to recognise one girl in particular each week This could be for doing something incredible, for being brave during hard times, or for being a kind soul I feel these new aspects to the House bring a positive vibe, helping the girls see just how fantastic they all are
Coming from a background in Fashion Design, I know the importance of breaking the mould and striving to achieve your dreams I love really getting to know the girls and finding out what they want to achieve in life Every month I make a display about the “Woman of the Month” that celebrates someone who’s succeeded in a male dominated industry
My love of fashion and sewing also comes in handy for our evening club: Mr Boa’s Bunting Each week, I meet with
a group of girls to make bunting and other decorations for the House This is a time where they relax, chat, bond, and maybe even learn new skills all very necessary for wellbeing
There always seems to be a competition or activity that the girls are preparing for, whether it is House Dance, Battle of the Bands, or the Glee Cup Attending these events and cheering on the House brings a real sense of belonging and community Seeing the W ingfield girls lift their many trophies makes me incredibly proud!
I strive always to be someone the girls can talk to, someone they can ask for advice, or a shoulder to cry on All these things are my way of making W ingfield Digby a real home for the girls, and a home for me too.
I think we would all agree that wellbeing is increasingly hard to achieve in our busy world, despite the constant focus on it in the media and in our institutions That is why we took the courageous step of putting everything on “ pause ” We wanted to see what creating a truly genuine space in our working lives, and sharing it all together, could do for our pupils and staff
So, how did it look? Well, that depended on everyone ’ s choices Pupils and staff were given the opportunity to design their own perfect day, made up of six different sessions On offer was an amazing range of activities, including creative workshops, inspiring talks, singing, cookery activities (or just the extraordinarily popular “tea and cake” session), quiet reading, gentle colouring, yoga, mindfulness, dance and fitness classes, five and 10 kilometre runs, golf, or whole day walks for those who love exercise and the outdoors Girls and staff also enjoyed a brilliant show by a stand up comedian of Britain’s Got Talent fame, a dog psychologist, learnt how to self hypnotise and experimented with Ballroom Dancing
The day started with a much anticipated lie in, followed by a delicious, healthy
breakfast chosen by our Food and Wellbeing Prefect Lily in consultation with fellow Prefects Kitty and Asha Our student Wellbeing Team, drawn from L6 and U6, was instrumental in helping design the day and stayed on hand to show all our wonderful guests and facilitators to their “stations” and made sure the day was a success They also designed beautiful “Press Pause Day” spaces in House where the girls could snuggle up and wind down together
House staff chose a special lunch for their girls and were, of course, helping to make the day happen by taking it in turns to stay at the helm Many thanks to them, and to all the other support staff who sacrificed parts of their day to keep the School running smoothly and ensure our girls were safe and well looked after
The day finished with a crazy and noisy sing along Mamma Mia showing in the Gransden Hall If music, laughter and friendship are indeed the ingredients for joy and happiness, I think we achieved the perfect recipe
It is thanks to our Head, Dr Ruth Sullivan, that this extraordinary initiative happened Let us hope we can “Press Pause” every year
Press Pause Day was just that a day for the whole community to stop, relax, unwind, laugh, and reflect together, in the middle of our busiest term.
Assistant Head, Pupil Aspiration & Wellbeing, Louise Troup tells us more.
New Director of Music, Mark Cracknell, is weaving a new song into the old at Sherborne Girls and it’s already resulting in sweet harmony.
When I came to my interview at Sherborne Girls, I was immediately struck by the warmth of this community The girls and staff alike show a real care and compassion towards each other That’s certainly been my experience since arriving with my wife Fiona (Housemistress of Reader Harris) and daughter Clemmie in September
I have a clear vision for Music at this superb School After 15 years as Director of Music at Taunton School, I feel inspired and excited by the opportunity to lead our provision in such a beautiful environment The Merritt Centre really is a jewel in our crown I’m keen that we make the most of it, giving everyone in our community the opportunity to discover their passion for music
As I write, I can hear rehearsals taking place in the room next door It’s so nice to listen to our pupils making music as it resounds through the building It reminds us all that everyone has a voice Helping them find it is a joyful, privileged, thing
That is why I’m keen to encourage as many pupils as possible to engage with Music in one way or another I’ve inherited a fantastic tradition from my predecessor John Jenkins and I’m keen to build on that as we enter the next phase of our School’s musical life As an example, alongside the traditional activities of a high achieving music department, I’m introducing teaching in a broader sense; utilising Music Technology and production in our fabulous studio alongside Songwriting and DJ lessons
The idea is to demonstrate the diversity of styles that make up Music For many in our community, learning to play an instrument or sing, performing in choirs, chamber ensembles and orchestras is the prime focus of their activity in the
Music School But many also enjoy the creative freedom that comes from experimenting with their own compositions or working out how to play and perform contemporary and commercial music I’m keen to develop those sorts of opportunities at Sherborne Girls, celebrating the breadth of musical interest and talent in the School while maintaining the highest academic and musical standards in all genres and styles that make up our wonderful musical landscape
In this way, Music helps engender the School’s values It makes girls curious to discover new ways of thinking, to show commitment and diligence and to learn new things about themselves Regular
solo performance builds their courage, while sharing music with others deepens compassion and teamwork The array of musical opportunity, and the encouragement to experiment, develops adaptability And, of course, the opportunity to perform amid the splendour of Sherborne Abbey provides a chance for spiritual growth
For me, it is this richness that makes Music at Sherborne Girls such an inspiring activity Whatever their gift or enthusiasm, we offer our pupils every chance to shine and to achieve their full potential I feel honoured to lead in this area, in a community that already feels very much like home
The L5 production this term was Matilda the multi award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl More than 50 of the L5 were involved on stage or off, allowing them to hone both their performance and technical skills in what is always a hugely enjoyable start to, for many of them, their first term at Sherborne Girls
Rosie Arbuthnott played Matilda superbly, treading the line between the character’s brilliance and vulnerability with great skill Arabella Guy as Miss
Trunchbull was terrifying and hilarious in equal measure, and Teia Gardner as Miss Honey showed great maturity performing the kindness and insecurity of the character Audience favourites Mr and Mrs Wormwood, played by Grace Jamieson and Clemmie Crosthwaite, with Flora Simpson Gee as the hip swivelling Rudolpho, always brought laughter and fun to each of their scenes Arguably the most memorable moment of the evening was Martha Thornham as Bruce devouring the giant chocolate cake
Lizzie Nurse Director of Drama and DanceAnimal Farm, an age old favourite by George Orwell, is a chilling and relevant reminder of the dangers of the abuse of power Cleverly adapted by Peter Hall, this allegorical production based on the rise of Stalin was imaginatively brought to life by an outstanding ensemble in the Powell Theatre in December
The Joint Schools’ production saw the theatre transformed into the barn of “Animal Farm”, the pupils into its unsuspecting yet captivating animals The performances were brave and utterly engaging as the pupils used their vocal and physical skills to bring the drama to life
Technical support from Mr Donnelly enhanced the lively blocking and with every member of the ensemble contributing to its success, the production really did prove that “all animals are equal” Huge congratulations to the cast and crew for a superb production
Scott Teacher of Drama
Artist in Residence Lillie Ayres outlines her plans to enrich pupils’ artistic sensibilities and build their confidence.
It is a pleasure to be given the opportunity to work as Sherborne Girls’ Artist in Residence I work as a multi disciplinary artist and studied sculpture at Bath Spa University After graduating, I worked as a gallery assistant and freelance educator at Roche Court, maintaining my artistic practice and taking inspiration from the changing contemporary art in the sculpture park It was great to go back to Roche Court with the girls in October and enhance their understanding of contemporary art in such an interesting space
Of late I have been starting to refine drawings I made over the summer into lino prints and using oil painting to develop my understanding of the subjects I
am depicting It’s been wonderful to make my own art and work closely with the girls during their lessons
It is great to work in a community of such intelligent and talented pupils My ethos is to encourage everyone to spend longer looking, thinking and speaking It is also important to ensure that I help pupils develop confidence in themselves and their work to empower them for later life
I have enjoyed taking over the art scholars’ groups, where we have been printmaking and producing our own sketchbooks inspired by the sculptures of Barbara Hepworth I am curating a show in The Merritt Centre W irth Gallery, featuring my work and that of my peers I’m pleased to be showing work that is fresh and ambitious as it’s an important model for the girls
The History of Art L6 enjoyed a busy study day at Tate Britain, observing some specific War Art by John Copley and John Piper as well as works on Identity by Chris Ofili and Sonia Boyce
The pupils also experienced marble and bronze sculpture in the galleries, using their skills to write insightful analysis about their forms, materials and the techniques used to make them In the afternoon we visited the Cornelia Parker exhibition, where we challenged them to analyse the works of a contemporary sculptor who transforms everyday objects into extraordinary works of art by squashing or exploding them to create new meanings The girls enjoyed the visual metaphors and wit of the artist, and wrote some excellent responses to everything they experienced
Jonathan Casely, Head of History of ArtLorin and Melissa (M5) from Sherborne Girls Creative Writing club entered the Young Writers’ Competition, “ The Power of Poetry ” . This competition enabled pupils to learn how to harness the power of poetry and inspired them to write about something they truly cared about. We considered a variety of poetic styles and both girls wrote powerful poems about subjects they are passionate about. Both girls received Certificates of Merit and will be published in The Power of Poetry book .
Becky McCall, English Teacher
Here is one of the commended poems.
Look up in the sky, It’s high, it’s far Gathering clouds Shade the sun It’s dark, it’s silent. Close my eyes It’s dim, it’s murk Blind the reality, there’s no sorrow Row the boat of fantasy
In the quiet, black sea Row the boat, you can go anywhere There comes the island, lit green. If I open my eyes, Will the green light fade away? Will the island fall apart?
The clouds crumble Sun breaks on the sea of gloom Row, row the boat again and again It’s bright, it’s frisky. There, there’s the green island!
Over the summer, I attended the Leaf: Building a Better Future programme at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. It is an eight- day free residential programme on the values of Effective Altruism (EA): a movement that bases its theory on doing the most good for the world in an effective way.
In particular, we looked at the cause areas of animal welfare and existential risks such as AI risks, bio risks and climate change We learnt how to discern the priority of a cause area through the model of Scale/Severity, Tractability and Neglectedness
Influenced by philosophers including W illiam MacAskill, Peter Singer and Toby Ord, Effective Altruism raises and discusses some of the most crucial problems faced today and in the future The course led me to join the EA community and prompted me to become a volunteer at one of its global conferences: EAGxBerlin in Urania, Berlin, which happened in September
As one of the youngest volunteers and participants at the conference, I helped the entire team led by the Centre For Effective Altruism run the conference smoothly and ensure it was enjoyable and beneficial to all of the 800 plus participants
Annie (U6)
Vaidehi (U5) created an experimental dance show to support young people from the urban slums of Mumbai She explains what motivated her to take on such an ambitious project.
“Art in itself is fluid, but one requires self discipline to become a good artist Sometimes I feel people think living a structured and disciplined life is limiting, but I think it’s liberating In School, you follow rules, but while following your passion you must discipline your own self I know to be a good dancer I must train my mind and body to perform
It requires rigorous training from a young age and self discipline, but it’s also liberating because it is my choice to follow my passion ”
That’s how Vaidehi Somani describes her philosophy of life, and how it translates to her passion for dance She wanted to share some of that combination of discipline and freedom with disadvantaged children from Mumbai, so directed her first ever experimental dance show, called Mannsafar, in August
The performance combined elements of dance with theatre and involved teenagers from the Salaam Bombay Foundation Working with the Foundation’s Academy of Arts, she teamed up with young performers to deliver a production that was inspiring and life giving in equal measure
“I was so proud to conceptualise [the show] with my friends from the Salaam Bombay Foundation,” Vaidehi says “It really was a performance like no other, showing the chaotic but fascinating world of Gen Z ”
The motto “ you miss all of the shots that you don’t take” particularly resonates with me today as it was through taking a “long shot” that I secured the fantastic opportunity to do work experience at Chanel this Summer
After attending several post School lectures in L6, I felt inspired to obtain an internship over the holidays to further my understanding of the world One of these lectures was on the art of networking, which led me to get in touch with a Chanel employee Much to my delight, I received a reply and was able to put my A Level French skills into practice
In late July, I flew out to Charles de Gaulle feeling very nervous to meet my host family, who spoke little English Throughout my stay, they were so welcoming and patient and made me feel entirely at ease I learnt many useful French phrases a few of which certainly aren’t in our textbooks at School!
The staff at Chanel were incredibly kind, taking me out to dinners in Paris and driving me through the beautiful city late at night I gained insider knowledge about the different arrondissements and the best places to go out Despite France not being too far away, I was intrigued to learn about the cultural differences compared to England This included the later mealtimes, which I gradually grew accustomed to
The actual Chanel work was kept very confidential for competition and media purposes, so rules on phone usage were quite strict What I can say is that all the employees seemed so happy to be there and appreciated all its benefits, including a games room, daily free coffees and top quality food
Needless to say, the products that I was working with were intricate and it was evident that they were made with great care I had the privilege of flicking through fashion catalogues of Coco Chanel items dating back to when she founded the company in 1910 I was interested to see the fashion of that period, noticing that many “vintage items” are coming on trend right now
I feel so lucky to have been able to see how a luxury brand operates from the inside, as a stagiaire (intern) After three weeks, I was one step closer to becoming fluent in fact, I even started to dream in French! The experience was unforgettable It made me more independent and more open minded I would highly recommend anyone to take initiative and look for opportunities like this
Kitty (U6) took a brave step in securing work experience at Chanel this summer. She recounts her adventures in Paris.
Our pupils have made a real mark since joining Sherborne School in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) This year, all three Section Heads come from our number. We wanted to hear more about their roles, and what belonging to the CCF has contributed to their formation as women of the future.
“As part of my role, I am required to, at times, command the younger cadets however I also must also be someone they can come to if they have any problems
It’s crucial to be adaptable in this role Sometimes, you have to change plans so that everyone enjoys themselves, or work closely with particular cadets who are struggling I really enjoy this aspect of leadership
It’s great to be a role model for others As a female in the CCF, I hope I am able to inspire others and be someone they can look up to
One of my best learning experiences was organising a trip to Salisbury Plain with Esme [Head of the Army] It was the first time the Cadets put their fieldcraft skills to the test, building their own bashers, which they spent the night in, and cooking and eating military rations
Being made Head of The Royal Marines is my greatest achievement in the CCF I also loved being in the Banner Party in our Biennial Inspection last year ”
“I oversee 30 cadets in the Navy section and have had to learn how to give out information so it is easily understood I also plan lessons and CCF trips and ensure all cadets maintain high standards in uniform, attitude and skill
One of the biggest challenges is to keep everyone motivated even when they’ve had a bad day I try to make activities fun and competitive, with small prizes as incentives
I love the responsibility of being a leader and believe it has given me skills I can use throughout my life It’s so rewarding to overcome obstacles and build a team I’ve loved every part of it
My biggest achievement was being presented with the role of Head of Navy, as it showed I had grown as a person and was trusted to lead I hope to use the position to inspire young cadets to stick with the CCF during their time at School It’s such a valuable experience ”
“The memories made in CCF are lifelong, so you want them to be good ones I work hard to make sure everyone knows what they are doing, whether it’s assessing the Corporals’ teaching skills or making sure the younger cadets have packed properly for a CCF trip
You need to earn the respect of your peers You could be the wisest person alive, but without the respect of the people you lead, you’d be much less effective
I love to build relationships: getting to know pupils from outside my own year and sharing one of my passions with them exhilarates me
I was proud to lead a small team in the Rifles Cup, in which we came third overall and received full marks on the tracking stance I also enjoyed working with Charlotte [Head of Royal Marines] to plan a night activity that went really well
Perhaps my biggest achievement is becoming the first ever female Head of the Army section in Sherborne’s CCF It’s an honour to join such a long line of like minded leaders ”
This term, 38 girls from M5 took part in a Practice Expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award The weather was kind and enabled all the participants to gain the most from their two days of camping and walking in the Quantocks, with beautiful views stretching across the Bristol Channel These girls now look forward to their Final Expedition, which will take place in June on Exmoor
Vicky Tapsell, i/c Adventure and Leadership, DofE
After three years of absence, we were delighted to be invited to take part in the annual Rifles Cup, an event open to the 10,000 Cadets in the South West This competition focuses on enhancing and developing the basic military skills cadets have learned during their time in the CCF
They go through a four hour assessment where they are required to operate as an effective team and respond to various scenarios, from locating enemy positions to dealing with an exploded vehicle, with multiple casualties Our team of 10 cadets was made up of pupils from Sherborne Girls and Sherborne School They had two fantastic days, finishing with a medal ceremony where they were placed third overall
On Friday, 11 November, our pupils were invited to gather on The Courts at Sherborne School to mark Remembrance Day, alongside Sherborne School and Sherborne Prep pupils The ceremony coincided with the national two minute silence at 11am and provided an important opportunity for the whole community to pay their respects to the fallen and renew their pledge to peace
In its simplest form, Strength and Conditioning is the practical application of Sports Science to enhance movement quality It is grounded in evidence based research into exercise and anatomy Most people will think of Strength and Conditioning as something used to train elite athletes. Within a school setting, it is often reserved for Sports Scholars. At Sherborne Girls, though, we have adapted the curriculum to benefit everyone. All pupils are able to access strength and conditioning from West through their gymnastics programme into fifth form PE and onwards into the senior school games pathway.
The main focus in Strength and Conditioning is preventing injury, which is crucial when working with teenage girls They can be especially vulnerable to picking up injuries at this age as a result of their developing anatomy, hormone fluctuations, and menstruation The first thing we focus on with our girls is their movement quality and how this affects their performance, looking at speed, strength and power
Since our initial collaboration with The Well HQ, bringing the first Sport in Her Shoes conference in 2021, we have continued to lead the way in strength training The Well HQ state “introducing strength training young means establishing healthy habits that’ll last for life ” That’s certainly what we aim for, thereby improving girls’ all round health for the future Strength and Conditioning is especially important in aiding pelvic health and protecting bones and muscles all of which are so vital to female physical wellbeing
In addition to the physical benefits, Strength and Conditioning helps girls de stress and take ownership of their health, bringing tangible benefits in mental well being amid the strains and pressures of teenage life
Despite its many benefits, it is important that Strength and Conditioning fits around the commitments girls have in their busy lives at School We make sure our holistic programme gives every individual the chance to develop at her own rate, showing sensitivity to other demands on them and providing
support and encouragement to improve We ensure that their training is held within a friendly, family environment This allows girls to feel relaxed, confident and empowered to try something new and succeed
a topic of conversation on the wet H R f
Culturally, it can be difficult or embarrassing for young women to talk about their physical and mental health That is why it is so important to overcome stigma and foster a culture of openness, especially around topics such as menstruation and puberty I want to make these topics a part of everyday conversation in School, so that every member of the community feels confident talking openly and honestly
Such openness also aids performance If young women understand the impact of their menstrual cycle on performance, they can design their training schedule to optimise fitness Here at Sherborne Girls, we believe Strength and Conditioning helps create a positive culture, giving girls every opportunity to protect and preserve their fitness and wellbeing well into the future
Our Head of Strength and Conditioning, Wayne Pattinson, aims to empower young women to optimise their performance and wellbeing whilst feeling confident to discuss female health.
Bea (L6), Isla (L6) and Clemmie (U5) competed in the School Equestrian Games (SEG) Championships at Calmsden in Gloucestershire in October where they came third in the 90cm team event.
They competed in a highly accomplished field against representatives from schools across the UK The high standard of equestrianism required the Sherborne Girls team to bring together three perfect rounds in three different disciplines to secure their bronze position
In November, six further students competed in the Dauntsey’s School NSEA Show Jumping event at West W ilts Equestrian Centre. Clemmie (U5), Martha (U5), Isla (L6), Thalia (L5), Molly (L5), and Daisy (L5) produced some stunning results in the 90 and 100cm classes Isla won both the 90 and the 100cm and the team was placed third overall in both the 90 and 100cm classes Martha was awarded second place in the 110cm class and has qualified for Hickstead 2023 congratulations to everyone
Amanda Mackintosh Head of Outreach and Community LiaisonSherborne Girls has been included in The Cricketer’s list of the Top 20 all girls cricket schools in the UK.
The achievement is especially impressive, because we only introduced the sport in 2020 Already, it has become a staple of our offer, with many girls participating and taking responsibility for organising training sessions
Head of Cricket, James Bell, says the pupil ownership of cricket has been key to its success “We have created a holistic approach with everyone working together,” he told The Cricketer in an interview to celebrate our accomplishment “We have given ownership to the girls who are passionate about cricket, giving them responsibility to create the kit we wear, right down to the material used ”
That commitment has been matched by the School, which has bought first
rate equipment specifically designed for female players and coordinated fixtures with a variety of opponents Foremost among these is Sherborne School, giving the girls an opportunity to play against faster bowlers and more powerful batters
Such exposure is clearly paying off: whereas the girls were well beaten by Sherborne in 2021, they took this year ’ s game to the last over and lost by a margin of just four runs
“We have up to 30 girls regularly training for cricket now, ” James tells The Voice “It’s a reflection of how popular the sport has become in a short space of time The Cricketer’ s recognition is an important part of maintaining our progress ”
Director of Sport, Adventure and Leadership Jayne Dart,Congratulations to our cross - country Senior and Intermediate teams who this term have gone from strength to strength. We can’t wait to see what the new year brings!
