WELCOME TO SHERBORNE GIRLS
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The International Community of Sherborne Girls warmly welcomes you to the School. I hope that these letters from the international students offer some advice and give you an insight into some of the international events that happen throughout the school year. Ms Aristotelous and Mrs Broadbent
SHERBORNE GIRLS - INTERNATIONAL
Welcome to Sherborne Girls 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!
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.
Samantha Aristotelous Head of English as an Additional Language 1
Hello and a very warm welcome to Sherborne Girls! 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. 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. 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. 2
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 Broadbent International Coordinator
SHERBORNE GIRLS - INTERNATIONAL
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Letter from Annie in M5 Hello and welcome to Sherborne Girls! 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 I 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.
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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
SHERBORNE GIRLS - INTERNATIONAL
Letter from Rainie in L4 Dear new girls! I am Rainie (in Lower Four) and I have been here for almost 9 months – so I can still remember what it is like to be new at Sherborne Girls. Welcome to our school and l I hope you will have an amazing time. When I first arrived, I was so nervous but here are some tips to help make settling in much easier. • If you need anything, just ask the housemistress – they are so helpful. • Don’t be shy and talk to everyone classmates, teachers, roommates. • Don’t worry if you don’t talk to anyone when you first arrive because I remember when I first arrived I didn’t speak at all but that night all of my roommates were so eager to get to know me and we had such fun.
What I like most about Sherborne Girls is the sport, and we have Lacrosse matches every Saturday. On Sundays we go to different exciting places like go-karting, and we have pool parties and we eat Chinese food and so much more. Just try to always do your best and join in with the House and you will have lots and lots of fun. From Rainie Lam
• Try to socialise with not just one person but with everyone … and with other year groups too! I soon felt at home and more comfortable talking to teachers and classmates. 5
SHERBORNE GIRLS - INTERNATIONAL
Letter from Camila (L4) Welcome to Sherborne Girls, you are going to like being here and you will have so much fun!
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
room. For schoolwork, just try your best in everything and it will be okay plus you will be proud of yourself for trying so hard. 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! Camila Rivera
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Letter from Sarah (U4) Dear new girls, Welcome to Sherborne Girls! My name is Sarah and I have been at Sherborne Girls almost a year now and I 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 thing 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
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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. 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. At last, just be yourself and enjoy your time in Sherborne Girls! Love, Sarah Zhu
SHERBORNE GIRLS - INTERNATIONAL
Letter from Kathy (U4) Dear new girls, My name is Kathy and I am from Hong Kong. I am in L4 going into U4 next year. Before I came to England I felt scared and uncertain whether or not I was going to fit in or if anyone would like me. I thought I would miss my family, my old friends. My first day at Sherborne Girls was odd. It felt weird and I didn’t know anyone. I saw all the U4 talking and chatting to their friends and I wanted to be like them, and I wanted to get to know everyone as well. But after around 1 week, or even less, I knew everyone’s name, and we were all great friends.
enjoy every moment because time flies by when you are having fun. And I promise, you WILL have fun! I am looking forward to seeing you next year! Kathy, Wan
Now, I’m used to England and I’m used to boarding. All my teachers are very understanding. My favourite part of boarding school is at the weekends. You get to go to cinemas and watch movies, and you can go to town to buy everything you need such as tuck! Finally, let me give you some advice. Just be yourself, and you’ll soon feel part of the School. Make sure you 9
Top 10 things to do or see in England before you leave
• Visit Covent Garden in London
Visit Viisi V isit siit Cast Cast Ca st
• Go and see a West End show in London
• Visit Oxford or Cambridge
• Experience the Roman Spa in Bath
• Walk around Stourhead Gardens
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SHERBORNE GIRLS - INTERNATIONAL
• Walk along the pier in Brighton
• Go to China Town in London for some authentic Chinese food
• Walk along the beach at Durdle Door
• Take in the view from the London Eye
• Visit the Eden project in Cornwall
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Five top places to visit in Sherborne
• Have a drink in the Merritt Centre with friends
• Do some retail therapy in the boutiques down Cheap Street
• Tambourino’s for pizza
• Waffles or gelato at Ecco Gelato perhaps?
• Drop into Oliver’s for a cake and cup of tea
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SHERBORNE GIRLS - INTERNATIONAL
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
2. What do you do with ‘spag bol’? a. Read it
b. Eat it
c. Drive it.
3. What is the ‘tea crate’? a. Somewhere to eat
b. A storage cupboard
c. The school shop
4. If a student wants some ‘tuck’, how are they feeling? a. Cold
b. Hungry
c. Tired
5. What would you find in UWW? a. Computers
b. Books
c. Food
6. You would go to the ‘San’ because…? a. You need some money
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b. You feel ill
What does BPR stand for? a. Big prep room b. Basic pencil rubber
c. You are lost
c. Boys purple room
8. Why do Sixth Formers go to ‘The Stick’? a. For punishment
b. For a drink
9. What is the ‘Granny Patch’? a. A garden
b. A group of houses
10. What can you do in ‘Queenie’s? a. Eat the best cookies
c. To sleep
c. A cafe
b. Buy your stationery
c. Wash your clothes 13
The International team and the girls wish your days here to be both exciting and memorable! We all look forward to meeting you.
Sherborne Girls Bradford Road Sherborne Dorset DT9 3QN, UK T: +44 (0)1935 812245 E: office@sherborne.com www.sherborne.com