Script THE
Spring / Summer 2018
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A curriculum fit for the future
At Sherborne Girls, we strive to be a community in which tomorrow’s leaders are nurtured and change is welcomed. In order to achieve this ambition, we need to recognise the important role of technology as an enabler of personal and corporate growth. Over the last year, we have concentrated our efforts on mitigating the potentially harmful effects of technology on pupil wellbeing. Girls report that, since they no longer have access to their phones overnight, they are sleeping better, feel brighter in the mornings, and are generally much more cheerful. That is a significant achievement, but our next challenge is to use technology wisely in the formation of our girls for tomorrow’s world. Now, we are developing a digital strategy that will enhance the use of technology as a tool for learning. Along with a new IT curriculum, we will be introducing ways to ensure technology has a proper place at the heart of the education we provide, across disciplines. That way, our girls will have the right attitude towards it, will know how to use it to work smart, and will be ready to lead in a technology-driven world.
From the headmistress
Everything changes, and everything stays the same. I think this famous dictum, attributed to French philosopher Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr, speaks directly to our current situation. At present the world is characterised by unease about the future. This unease manifests itself in anxiety, feelings of powerlessness, and a desire for certainty in the midst of uncertainty. That is what leads to the sense that, despite being in the midst of a period of considerable political, social and economic upheaval, history repeats itself; everything stays the same.
At Sherborne Girls, this term, we have witnessed change taking place before our eyes, with the new Arts Centre literally rising out of the ground as we watch. This transformational project will be have a huge impact on what we are able to offer and we look forward to using it to host inspirational speakers such as Iain Duncan Smith who visited in May this term. We encourage our girls to be engaged with current affairs and politics, with matters of war and peace, with questions about the appropriate allocation of finite resources. Because one day, they will be the people making decisions that affect the rest of us. They will lead, and we will follow. So we must always foster an appropriate attitude towards change. Good leaders know how to live with uncertainty, seeing it as a source of energy and inspiration, as grounds for hope. That is what we are seeking to instil in our girls, across year groups. We want to empower them, inspire them, and equip them for a world that is as yet unfolding. We want them to embrace change, not fear it, knowing that it lays foundations for growth. So my message is simple, and borne out in the pages that follow: this is a community that nurtures boldness, encourages leadership, and sets the conditions in which everyone can flourish. We are a community in which change is welcomed, not for its own sake, but because of where it leads. Everything changes, indeed. But we have a choice about how much stays the same. And we need strong leaders to help us make the right decisions.
Jenny Dwyer, Headmistress
Front cover by Len Copland
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Sherborne Girls | Bradford Road | Sherborne | Dorset DT9 3QN | 01935 818224 | E. office@sherborne.com | www.sherborne.com
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT
News in brief
Julia wins in translation
Debating matters
There are many skills that we hope to impart to our pupils during their time at Sherborne Girls. We hope, for example, to make them confident thinkers, people who can defend their ideas but show humility when presented with the ideas of others. We hope to make them verbally dextrous, capable of expressing themselves with economy and élan. And we hope to give them an appreciation of the power of intellect to shape the world and make a positive difference. All of these attributes are furthered through our rejuvenated debating society. Girls regularly have a chance to argue for a particular position, defend it against criticism, and learn from the experience of making their case. Now, they can do so on an even bigger stage, because The Academy of Ideas is to hold a regional Debating Matters competition at Sherborne Girls in November 2018.The event will bring students from across Dorset, in independent and state
In this issue 3-4
5
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
schools, together for a debate that is judged by leading figures in the media, law, commerce, academia and industry. I am hugely excited by this prospect. While our debating society is helping to finesse girls’ talents, there is nothing like a competition with other schools to sharpen their focus. And because Debating Matters is a nationwide initiative, it draws on the very best practice to create a realistic environment in which pupils can develop their skills. Through initiatives like this, I hope we encourage our girls to be intellectually flexible, and able to engage with the complex mores of the contemporary world. That is a key part of their development for the future. It will enable them to shape the world, as leaders, opinion formers and 21st century women.
Louise Troup, Head of English
Julia Aggett (L6) received a Special Mention Certificate in the European Union’s annual translation competition, Juvenes Translatores. Her translation showed great understanding of meaning, context and style in the original text. Julia is only the second pupil from Sherborne Girls to receive such an award in a competition that encompasses all of Europe.
Girls see the sharp end of military life A group of sixth-formers experienced the life of an officer cadet during a recent trip to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The visit followed an inspirational lecture by Lt Col. Lucy Giles, who talked about her career in the military and her current role as the first female commanding officer at New College, Sandhurst. After watching bayonet training and other exercises, the girls commented on the positive attitude, professionalism and pride shown by each of the cadets.
Fast lane to STEM success Three L5 pupils took part in a recent STEM Day held at Atlas Elektronik UK (AEUK) in Dorchester. Emily Wood, Molly McCue and Lauren Carty were tasked with building a boat that would cover a stretch of water as quickly and quietly as possible. With mentoring from one of AEUK’s staff, the girls created an impressive vessel that earned them a commendable third place. Meanwhile, Emily received a special prize for her individual contribution. As a result, she has won a place on the Year Nine (L5) Babcock International Group Royal Navy Nuclear Marine Engineering course at HMS Sultan later in the year.
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ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT
Languages and the digital revolution
Going Dutch
When I arrived at Sherborne Girls as Head of Modern Languages in 1997 the school was not, as we might say in French, connecté.
A group of Art and History of Art students headed to the Netherlands on Friday, 23 March to enjoy a varied mix of visual delights. Against the backdrop of the England football team’s one-nil win away to Holland the night before, we set out on the Saturday morning for the Rijksmuseum, resisting the urge to sing our own versions of the terrace chants: “Who’s the artist using black?” and “There’s only one-point persp-e-ctive!” Instead, we turned our attention to the work of Vemeer and Rembrandt, and especially enjoyed the depth and richness of the latter’s ‘The Night Watch’. The art historians worked through some exercises using a Cuyp landscape, a Golden Age portrait and marble bust, as well as exploring the different materials and techniques on display in the Renaissance galleries.
While in the Museum Quarter we visited the Stedelijk Museum. This has a wonderfully eclectic and representative collection of modern art. After this, we went to the Van Gogh Museum where, as well as the amazing main collection, there is an inspiring and beautiful exhibition of Van Gogh’s appreciation of Japanese prints. The students’ sketchbooks were full of responses to these works, showing the inspirational impact of the trip. There was something for everyone during our visit, including the Foam Photography Museum, the Huis Marseille Photography Museum, and a challenging contemporary installation by Christian Boltanski in the Oude Kerk. In addition to the art, we managed to squeeze in a bit of time for waffles, coffees and to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Amsterdam.
Jonathan Casely, Head of History of Art
Come dine with...
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Two recent careers events left girls with an important message about shaping their futures. Journalist Mariella Frostrup and barrister Camilla Church encouraged them to grasp opportunities with both hands, and make sure they were willing to take risks to realise their ambitions.
In a talk focusing on broadcast journalism, Mariella entertained us all with stories from her early career. Camilla’s talk, meanwhile, was equally absorbing with stories about bizarre court experiences. She showed the girls the breadth of law and the jobs available within it.
The speakers came to Sherborne Girls as part of our ‘Come dine with…’ series, where leading people from the world of work speak to pupils over an informal supper about their career. These events are a wonderful chance for girls to meet highfliers, and be inspired by their example.
At both events the number of questions the girls asked showed how valuable they find these evenings. As ever, we are very grateful to our speakers for giving up their time to inspire the next generation.
It is hard to believe now, but little if any use was made of the internet and the computers were just standalone machines. We had a multi-language TV satellite system that was absolutely state-of-the-art in those days. In addition, we used massive television sets, overhead projectors on trolleys and heavy cassette-tape players. MFL teachers in the late 1990s kept very fit pushing and carrying all that kit about! The digital revolution of the twenty-first century has opened up the entire world to us, providing access to authentic language with unimaginable variety and speed. In many ways, this should make the study of languages so much easier and so much more exciting for everyone and I have been delighted with the new possibilities offered by the development of digital technology and learning platforms. For example, we have a beautiful digital language laboratory that has served us very well, and now we make extensive use of laptops and tablets as well. Yet, if people really want to ‘own’ the foreign languages they are learning I have found that there is really no substitute for the basic principles of exposure to language and repetition of language. Our great Sherborne Girls language learners knew that when I started here in 1997 and they still know that as I contemplate my departure in 2018!
Mark Felstead Head of Modern Languages (1997-2018)
LITERACY AND ART SHOWCASE
Under our willow tree
When you told me you would leave, I just simply misconceived, I thought you’d come back in a week. So we could read together, under our willow tree. As the gentle trees swing to their tuneful beat, And the glittering ocean’s soft and sweet. As golden sand rubs one’s feet, I’ll be waiting under our willow tree. If the town is bustling with the sun down low, You can find me in the grassy meadow, Over the thorn-bush and under the bridge, I’ll be waiting under our willow tree. The sun is setting and it’s setting faster each night, I know you can’t have pulled a short straw from sight, But the tiger of time has been clawing its might Nevertheless, I’ll be waiting, under our willow tree. If the war continues for much longer, It’ll be impossible to become stronger. As the shells are dropped along the pasture, I’ll just have to wait, under our willow tree. Under our tree I will stay, Under our branches day after day, And I will wait for all of May, Under the shelter of our willow tree. Yesterday the yellow letter was received, It left our family all over grieved. I miss you Dad and I will wait forever, Just like you say, never say never.
Ella Stegenwalner, L4
Verity Robinson, L6
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BOARDING, PASTORAL AND WELL BEING
What are the effects of screen time? During the last year, Sherborne Girls has been refining its policies regarding the recreational use of smart phones and tablet devices among pupils. To help shape our thinking, the school has engaged with psychologist and technology specialist Dr Aric Sigman, who recently delivered a fascinating and informative pastoral seminar to parents and students.
Confirmation retreat
Every year all those who have been exploring their faith in preparation for confirmation join the Christian community at Hilfield Friary for a day retreat.
The Friary is a working farm, run sustainably following the Franciscan rule, so part of the day was about enjoying the beautiful surroundings, animals and gardens. However, when the wind and rain got the better of us, we were able to light the log burner and reflect together on what it means to choose to be an adult in the Christian faith.
Rev Becky Ayer-Harris
Last January, those of us getting confirmed had an incredible opportunity to spend a day at Hilfield Friary on retreat.
The Friary is a working farm and the beautiful surroundings gave us a new appreciation of how lucky we are to live in such a lovely part of the country. During the day we were given a tour of the farm and were able to meet some really interesting people who volunteer at the Friary. We were given great opportunities to reflect on our spiritual journey, both in groups and individually in the surrounding countryside. To finish off what had been an inspiring day we roasted marshmallows around the campfire and had a fascinating conversation with one of the monks, who gave us an eye-opening insight into his lifestyle and the values that he holds most dear. It really was a magical day and the perfect way to prepare us for our confirmation service. Thank you so much to The Rev for organising such an inspiring day, and to Miss McIlvean and Mrs Nelson for coming with us!
Alice McCormick, M5
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Dr Sigman immediately caught girls’ attention with accessible anecdotes about the effects of digital technology on our daily lives. For example, he said that the average person spends the equivalent of 20 years of their life on a smart device by the time they are 80 – a staggering figure. We also learned about the impact of screen time just before sleep: how the blue light stops us from producing the hormone melatonin, thereby affecting our body clock, sleep quality and general wellbeing. Of course, Sherborne Girls has recognised this issue and now requires students from L4 to U5 to hand in their devices at least 45 minutes before lights out (this is optional for the sixth form). In addition, there are phone-free zones around school. As a result of this initiative, girls find it easier to unwind before bed, and enjoy better concentration during the school day. Dr Sigman made a significant impression on his audience. His passion and awareness about this important topic conveyed the true and daunting effects of what we take to be part of our daily lives. I’m sure we will all remember his talk and be more aware as both students and parents in later life.
Ella Milne, U6
Formal dinners It is a tradition, that during the Lent term, the L6 girls invite the boys from Sherborne School to join them for the formal L6 Dinners. This is always an eagerly anticipated event and a highlight of the L6 social calendar. It is also an opportunity for girls to experience event planning and to realise that for an event to take place with seamless ease there is a lot of hard work to do beforehand. This is a chance to manage a project, including menus, invitations, entertainment, dress code and seating arrangements. The evening, however, is really about having fun with friends in an adult environment. This year’s formal dinners were no exception. They began with pre-dinner drinks, before the girls, the staff and their guests enjoyed a three-course meal. Everyone then decamped to the drawing rooms to continue chatting and enjoying the evening. The dinners are always a lovely occasion and one where, as staff, we reflect on how the girls have grown up since arriving in L5 and what poised and capable young ladies they have become. At the end of this term the L6 will move on to Mulliner and we wish them all the best for their final year at Sherborne Girls.
Best foot forward
There were sequins aplenty when a group of pupils from Sherborne Girls and Sherborne School put on a Strictly Come Dancing fundraising event in March. Sixth Formers Alexia Spicer, Tilly Moorhouse, Tilly Cotton, Grace Cruz, Lottie Helm, Hermione Heath and Matilda Fender partnered with friends from the boys’ school to strut their stuff in the Powell Theatre at Sherborne School. Dance routines included the Cha Cha, the Foxtrot and the Waltz.
Pardoe, a Housemaster who also happens to be a former British Junior National Ballroom finalist. As well as laying on a glittering evening of entertainment, the girls and their dance partners raised a staggering £3,600 for The Cure Parkinson’s Trust and St David’s Hospice.
The dancers received expert coaching from Sherborne School’s Mr Matthew
Debbie Miller, Aldhelmsted East Housemistress
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Musical Highlights THE ARTS
Passionate performance by Choral Society The annual concert of the Sherborne Schools’ Choral Society took the form of a stunning performance of JS Bach’s St John Passion on Wednesday, 7 February in the glorious setting of Sherborne Abbey. It was the first time the choir has performed St John Passion since 1959.
Pro Corda Success
Isobel Gordon, Shermaine Cheung, Daisy Kwong, Kelly Kwong, Charlotte Ferguson, Eva Istsenko and Amelia Monaghan
Two Sherborne Girls ensembles made it through to the semi-finals of the Pro Corda Chamber Music Festival with one group progressing to the final.
Congratulations to the Chamber Group Charlotte Ferguson (U5), Kelly Kwong (M5), Daisy Kwong (U5), Amelia Monaghan (U6) and Eva Istsenko (L6) and the Cantilena Wind Trio Isobel Gordon, Daisy Kwong and Kelly Kwong.
throughout the country to engage in a vibrant annual celebratory festival of talent. The Pro Corda remains the only festival in the UK dedicated to celebrating exclusively chamber music in schools up and down the country. It offers the ideal platform for school-based ensembles to work with international chamber musicians and coaches.
This national competition provides an opportunity for various chamber groups
Sherborne Girls enjoy trophy haul
A clutch of prizes made their way from the Taunton Festival of the Arts to Sherborne Girls, after our students won a number of awards. This annual festival is highly regarded. It attracts young musicians of the highest calibre from across the region. The winners were: • The String Orchestra, which won the Vivienne Price Memorial Cup • The Digby Quartet Brenda Lam (L5), Nicole Tam (L6), Celia McCormick (U6) and Alice McCormick (M5), which won the Hollyoak Advanced Chamber Music Trophy for a senior string ensemble under-18 • Nicole Tam, who won the Nesta Franklyn Trophy for the under-16 string solo
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• Brenda Lam, who won the Thompson Trophy for the under-14 string solo
• Beatrisse Fender (M5) and Ellie George (M5), who won the Staplegrove Cup for duets under-15 • Isobel Gordon (M5), who won the Portman Cup for piano • Isobel Gordon and Brenda Lam, who won the Alison Gibson Trophy for piano duet • Lauren Carty (L5) and Claudia Zheng (U6) both got commended in their classes (under-14 piano solo and under18 piano solo respectively) and Brenda Lam got a medal (second prize) in the under 14 piano solo class
The Choral Society features 80 sopranos and altos from Sherborne Girls, 50 tenors and basses from Sherborne School, and 50 adult singers. Joining the society was tenor James Gilchrist, who is regarded as one of the world’s leading interpreters of the role of the Evangelist. Meanwhile, the soprano soloist was Sherborne Old Girl Lucinda Fox, who now has a flourishing career as a member of the Fieri Consort vocal group.
John Jenkins, Director of Music
West girls sparkle
#MeToo provides dramatic inspiration When a group of U6 Drama A Level students was required to produce a piece of verbatim theatre, they chose a highly topical focus for their work.
The girls – Tara Noble, Dorothea Busby, Emily Browning and Isabella Harding – decided to focus on the Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse scandal that engulfed Hollywood. They drew opinions from fellow pupils at Sherborne Girls and Sherborne School, and from the wider town community.
This year’s West production was Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, set in the joyous and chaotic atmosphere of the circus instead of the Athenian Court. The West girls showed excellent commitment to the show, not only rehearsing every weekend from January but also showing huge determination and skill in getting to grips with the Shakespearean language. Overall, the production was a resounding success, with family and friends showing support and entering into the magic, combined with fantastic performances from the cast with standout acting from the main characters. This was a big team effort from all of West and I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did! “I played Theseus in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and really enjoyed doing it as it was a great opportunity to build on my drama skills and get involved with something fun! The play went well and everyone knew their lines and cues to come in. I’d love to do it all again.” Emilia de Boehmler, U4
Verbatim theatre involves actors delivering lines that are drawn from documentarystyle interviews with subjects. In their performance, the girls wore earphones to listen to recordings of what they heard during their interviews. They then delivered their lines in character, constructing a narrative through careful editing and wider stagecraft. “We didn’t wear costumes because we wanted the words to speak for themselves,” Emily reports. Teachers and friends who watched the performance commented on how effective the delivery was. “I think our play was hard hitting and made an impact,” reflects Isabella. “People wanted to come and see it, just as much as they wanted to contribute to our research. It was a good example of the power of theatre to shape perceptions and foster important conversations.”
“I dressed as a clown for the play, along with Vicky, and we were in charge of bringing on the stage signs at the beginning of scenes. It was really funny and exciting as well. The experience taught me a lot about the stage world.” Birdie Payne, L4
Zosh Skowronska, Director in Residence 9
ADVENTURE AND LEADERSHIP
Going for gold
M5 girls rise to business challenge
When it comes to equipping girls with skills that last a lifetime, we firmly believe that garnering realworld experiences has an important role to play. That is why we offer a suite of programmes and activities that simulate the world of work, and prepare students for the future. Take our annual Business Challenge as a case in point. For many in M5, this is a highlight of the school year, giving them a chance to test their commercial mettle.
We were inspired to complete our Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award having accomplished the Bronze and Silver Awards and feel an even greater sense of achievement given the severity of the challenge at Gold level. By delegating various roles to all members of the group and allowing absolute trust in our teammates, we have all developed essential skills in leadership, respect and loyalty. We cannot deny that our expeditions have posed many a challenge, but they’ve taught us to be resilient and to have complete faith in our ability to overcome any task that we face. As young women in the 21st century, we must learn to embrace our abilities and continue to persevere through adversity. The
Duke of Edinburgh Award not only teaches us to do this for ourselves, but to support and empower others to do likewise. We have obtained skills such as determination, confidence and independence. All these important traits are sure to prove invaluable to us in our development beyond Sherborne Girls. We eagerly anticipate our final expedition in the Picos de Europa this summer.
Isabelle Keating and Serene Mundy, L6
Congratulations to U6 girls Olivia Andrews, Annabel Harris, Charlotte Given and Isabella Garrett who collected their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Buckingham Palace in May. 10
The girls are divided into groups and given a start-up investment of £10. They are required to develop and deliver a business idea that returns the best possible profits on their initial funding.
It’s always inspiring to see what girls come up with, and how they work together. They are encouraged to assume traditional roles in their business, such as CEO or marketing director, in order to drive it forward. This year’s biggest profit was an impressive £648, made by a group that sold T-shirts to fellow pupils around school. But the challenge isn’t really about how much money can be made. At a fundamental level, it’s about developing the participants’ leadership and team-working nous. That way, they are ready for their next steps, wherever they take them.
Tomorrow’s leaders
When Daily Telegraph journalist Anna Tyzack was researching a feature about modern head girls, her thoughts naturally turned to her alma mater, Sherborne Girls.
M5 take the lead with ILM The ILM qualification is taken by M5 and studied alongside their GCSE curriculum, resulting in an additional, accredited qualification.
What is the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)? The ILM is a membership organisation that represents the interests of some 30,000 leaders and managers the world over.
What awards does it grant? A range of ILM-accredited awards is available for people of all ages. They provide levelspecific opportunities to undertake, and reflect upon, leadership, from entry level right through to CEOs. Although Anna says the idea of being “head girlish” was anathema in her school days, she was pleasantly surprised by what our current head girls Harriet Lees and Grace Storrie had to say on the subject. They spoke of our rigorous application process, and of the stimulation that comes from taking a leading role in our school community. In their mature, well-considered and articulate responses to Anna’s questions, they demonstrated the merits of Sherborne Girls’ schoolwide commitment to fostering leadership qualities in our pupils. To us, leadership is a vital feature of 21st century education. We expect our girls to be the opinion formers of tomorrow, the people taking tough decisions and leading by example. We encourage them to find their niche, excel in it, and be prepared to take responsibility for the wellbeing of others. Harriet and Grace exemplify this, as do so many of our students. I hope that is at least partly a result of the thought we put into instilling leadership qualities in our girls. For example, the introduction of the Institute of Leadership and
Management (ILM) qualification for M5 shows our desire to encourage the right dispositions at an early stage in their schooling. Moreover, traditional leadership pursuits such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award continue to play an important role. Then there are events such as our recent Women in Leadership conference (see the full article on page 12). Events such as these are about casting visions. They inspire girls to dream, and give them confidence to pursue their goals, knowing that success is within their grasp. That, to me, is the essence of leadership. And, as Anna Tyzack discovered, our head girls are the very embodiment of it. We’re a nurturing community in which people are happy to stand up and be counted. By giving girls the opportunity to lead others, and the ability to identify when they are doing so, we’ll give them the best possible chance to realise their potential and fulfil their ambitions.
Fiona Clapp Senior Deputy Head
How does the ILM Level 2 Award work at Sherborne Girls? Throughout their time in M5, girls compile a portfolio of reflections on their experiences of leadership. These encompass every aspect of school life, from a DofE expedition to helping care for a worried friend or event planning. The key thing is that girls learn to reflect on these activities, and identify what skills they have used to help other people.
Is it mainly about equipping girls with self-knowledge? Yes, that is a key feature of the ILM Level 2 Award. We are confident that girls have plenty of opportunity to lead others during their time at school. The ILM framework provides a way of encouraging them to identify these opportunities and reflect on them – making them more adept leaders for the future. For more information please visit
www.i-l-m.com
Lucy Suttle Head of M5 11
COMMUNITY
Women in Leadership
There has been a lot of media attention over recent months on the role of women in the workplace. Employers from broadcasters to law firms have been criticised for paying their female employees less than their male counterparts, and many are calling for more women to be given leadership roles in their organisations.
Parent Task Force spices things up
The PTF held its first quiz and curry night at the start of term and it was a great success. Mulliner dining hall was full of teams who set their minds to the quiz questions once they had tucked into a delicious curry, cooked by the lovely Mulliner chefs.
There was a very healthy amount of competition and the staff table won the cup. Revision has already started for next year to avoid the wooden spoon! A very good game of heads and tails happened at the end and the lucky winner won a quarter of the pot while the rest went to the Sherborne Girls Foundation.
We’ve recently launched a ‘Women in Leadership’ initiative in partnership with Sherborne Old Girls with the aim of nurturing the ambitions and selfbelief of the next generation of female leaders. More than 130 people attended the launch event held at the Lansdowne Club in London on Wednesday, 11 April. Guest speakers from the Old Girls and school community shared helpful careers advice with Old Girls, recent graduates, parents, governors and current students who are deciding on their future career paths.
advertising, digital technology, entrepreneurship, sustainable energy, defence, education, not for profit, medicine and property. Speaking about the initiative, Headmistress Jenny Dwyer said: “Ambition, leadership and 21st century women are key areas of our school strategy and our culture. By embedding these ideals and behaviours in girls from a young age, I believe we are equipping them with the skills needed for the future workplace where gender should be no bar to success.”
Our speakers came from a variety of sectors, including finance, law, media,
Changing places through Qatar exchange It was my privilege this year to go to Sherborne Girls as part of our exchange programme with the school. I am so pleased I decided to do this, as I loved the experience. I met so many kind people in my house and in classes.
The exchange gave me a chance to see many beautiful things, such as the UK’s amazing landscapes, nature and marvellous buildings. I also really enjoyed trying out the boarding-school experience. 12
Karima Salem, L5 student at Sherborne Qatar
We hope many parents will come to the Midsummer Festival on Saturday, 23 June. It will follow on from sports day and there will be Pimms, paella, music, and a silent auction (www.myminiauction.com/ silentauction2018). The proceeds from this event will go to The Candlelight Bursaries Fund. This cause is very close to Jenny Dwyer’s heart and she would like us to support this fund as much as possible to give girls who have the promise and character to thrive at the school an opportunity they wouldn’t normally have. It promises to be a lovely evening. To book your tickets to the Midsummer Festival, please visit www.sherborne.com/events
Emma Fortescue, Parent Year U5 & U6 and member of the Parent Task Force (PTF)
Staff Revue celebrates a century On top of the world down under Our teacher exchange programme continues this summer, with a trip to Australia for Jessie Clarke.
On the last night of the Lent term the girls were instructed to come to the school hall for a lecture which had been rearranged due to the snow. They all arrived and handed in their mobile phones as instructed. No sooner had Mrs Dwyer introduced the lecture than two formidable-looking security individuals – Mr Farr and Mr Fremlin – escorted her off the stage. Mr Gudgeon appeared and so began the Staff Revue 2018. The girls were treated to a feast of sketches, songs and other acts. The house staff
teamed up with Mrs Dwyer to perform a memorable routine, a very impressive band performed, Dr Hopper wore a tutu, Mr Fremlin wore high heels, and the dogs stole the show in the films. Under the capable direction of Miss Nurse, the staff ensemble raised the roof. “I will never be able to
look at the staff in the same way,” commented one student the next day in a fit of laughter. This year marked 100 years since the very first Revue which was devised to celebrate the end of World War I. The image below shows an extract from the House Book by Lilias Kathleen Wills.
When the rest of the school is on holiday, Chemistry Teacher Jessie Clarke will embark upon a big adventure. As part of our exchange programme with St Peter’s School in Adelaide, she is heading to Australia for a three-week placement. Sherborne Girls has already hosted Sally Rounsevell, a teacher from St Peter’s. Sally is Director of Music at the Adelaide school and worked closely with her opposite number, John Jenkins, during her three-week stint in the UK. “I met some extremely passionate and highly-skilled teachers [at Sherborne Girls],” she wrote in the St Peter’s newsletter. “They welcomed me with open arms into their classrooms, boarding houses and ensemble rehearsals.” Sally went on to praise John Jenkins in particular, describing him as “an amazing musician, conductor and public speaker.” Jessie, who will live with Sally during her stay, expects to spend time observing teaching and drawing insights that she can bring back to her colleagues in the UK. She added: “I will make presentations to Sherborne Girls staff upon my return, showing how we can enhance our teaching in light of the practice at St Peter’s.”
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SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS
A vision for sporting excellence
When people ask me about my vision for sport at Sherborne Girls, I’m quick to point out that it’s not about making every girl into an elite athlete. Despite my background as a performance coach to national sporting teams such as England Cricket and England Netball, I’m absolutely committed to the idea that each student, regardless of ability, should have a chance to find a sport or physical activity that they enjoy. I aim to give every girl the opportunity to sample many sports and activities, and through this, I hope they develop an understanding of the long-term health benefits associated with physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. Ultimately I want all girls to continue this understanding and level of physical activity long after they have left school. So here’s my vision: to give girls every opportunity to sample a variety of sports, and find the one they love. For some, that will undoubtedly result in the pursuit of elite excellence. We already have pupils who are representing their county and country in their chosen discipline with pride. For others, though, it will simply be a matter of finding a sport or physical activity
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For the first time in a number of years Hockey has been offered to the senior girls in the Lent term. Designed as a development programme for the school’s future teams, our girls had an opportunity to play regularly against higher-level opponents, including games against two of the best hockey schools in the South West as well as senior club sides. These experiences provided a great opportunity for the students to develop their technical and tactical skills under greater pressure. We look forward to carrying this through to an even more successful season next year.
that fires their enthusiasm, and keeps them coming back for more. This, I think, is what it means to have an ambition for Sherborne Girls to be recognised as a place of sporting and academic excellence. Because, if we get it right, our pupils will see that participation allows them to flourish and contributes to their wellbeing. In other words, in sport, as in every aspect of school life, we’re setting the conditions for girls to thrive, physically, intellectually and emotionally. I can’t think of a better basis for our sporting vision.
Our Westies (L4-U4) also qualified for the seven-a-side regional finals, which were played in late-April. This proved to be a real test for our girls and I would like to congratulate all of them on their efforts this year.
Indoor Rowing
Daisy Baker (L5), performed very well at the National Indoor Rowing Championships and returned to Sherborne Girls with two Silver medals in the Junior Lightweight Division.
Squash
Lacrosse Due to snow, the 2018 National Championships were rescheduled and the Sherborne Girls U18A team performed well at the National Championships, progressing through to the Division 1 Finals.
Hockey
The U18B team played several days later in sub-zero temperatures at Rendcomb, winning three out of six games on the day. Due to the rescheduling no second day was played.
Sherborne Girls made the finals of the National Schools Cup for the first time after winning our quarter-final match against a strong Downe House team. We finished in fourth place overall at the event. Congratulations to Eliza Gilmur (U5), Tilly Scull (U5), Isabella Orr (U5), Tamsin Morgan (L5) and Amelia Etherington (U5).
Swimming
Harriet Watts performed remarkably well at the Somerset County Swimming Championships. By winning both the 50m and 100m backstroke titles she qualified for the British Championships in Edinburgh. Unfortunately, snow meant that Harriet’s flight was cancelled and she missed the championships.
Equestrian During the last two terms our Equestrian girls have represented the school in many NSEA show jumping and one day events. In the Lent term Millie Ursell (M5), Matilda Murray (U5) and Eliza McCalmont (U5) qualified for the NSEA Championship Plate in both show jumping and dressage. Grace Tucker (L5) has qualified for the 90cm class of the NSEA Eventers
Challenge Championships to be held at Hickstead. This term Isla Read (L4) and Eliza qualified at Calmsden for the NSEA One Day Event Finals in Oxfordshire in July. We congratulate Perdi Digby (M5) who has competed in Belgium as part of the U18 British Show Jumping squad and was the highest placed British competitor in the event.
Netball
Sherborne Girls also competed in the National Independent Schools Bath Cup competition. The girls qualified for both relay finals finishing 8th in the freestyle relay and 10th in the 200m Medley relay – placing them in the top 10 schools in the National Competition.
U14 A team
Netball is continuing to grow and we have had a successful season with all agegroup teams qualifying through the area championships to the County Championships Finals. This is a first for Sherborne Girls and reflects the improvement in the sport at the school. Sherborne Girls performed well at the British Schools Ski Racing Championships held in Flaine, France, winning four cups. Millie Nokes (M5) finished first in the U16 unregistered Giant Slalom Macleod Cup, the U16 unregistered Slalom Junior Cup and the U16 unregistered Combined Flaine Club de Sport Cup. Sasha Nokes (L6) finished second in the U18 unregistered Slalom. The Sherborne Girls team of Sophie Minchin (M5), Millie Nokes and Sasha Nokes finished as first overall unregistered team, winning the Libby Green Acre Plate. The Sherborne Girls team finished third overall in the registered and unregistered Slalom Team events.
Skiing Cross-Country
The school’s cross-country team has produced some exceptional results this year. A highlight was when four Sherborne Girls’ athletes – Daisy Baker (L5), Marianna Sawyer (L5), Araminta Stubbs (U6) and Christa Cripwell (U5) – were selected to represent Dorset at the English Schools Cross Country Championships. 15
Crossing the line
£2.5M £2.25M £2M £1.75M £1.5M £1.25M £1M
Help us to cross the line. For further information about the Arts Centre and how to support us, visit www.sherborne.com/the-arts-centre
Diary dates
22 June - L5/M5: Verbatim play
23 June - Inter House Athletics day 23 June - Midsummer Festival 24 June - Concerto concert 28 June - Leavers’ Service
28 June - Commemoration concert
Commemoration Day 29 June 2018 9.30
Coffee (houses)
11.00 Commemoration Service (Sherborne Abbey)
12.30 Prizegiving (Main marquee) 13.30 Lunch (houses)
15.00 Leavers’ concert (BBH)
15.00 Parent and daughter tennis match (lawn tennis courts)
16.00 Afternoon tea (Kenelm marquee)
www.sherborne.com
