AD ASTRA
AD ASTRA, 2023-24
Editor’s note
From Mike Bryant’s first full year as Head, to the celebrations marking 20 years at Wheathampstead House, 2023-24 was a big one for the Prep.
Squeezing such an eventful year into just 43 pages was no easy task, but we’ve tried to rise to the challenge!
Thank you to all the Prep pupils and staff who helped bring this new volume of Ad Astra to life.
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Welcome from the Head of Prep
What a fantastic year it has been at STAHS Prep – our 20th in Wheathampstead – and one that will live long in the memory of all involved!
Encompassing all that the Prep girls have achieved in 2023-24 is no easy task, and as I reflect on the year, there have been so many special moments. From our 20th anniversary ‘noughties’ concert to BookFest, via our Year 6s being crowned IAPS National Netball Champions, there is much to celebrate in this edition of Ad Astra.
Away from the glamour of the more prestigious events, actually, when I really think back about 2023-24, I will always remember how warm and welcoming the girls have been. I have loved getting to know them, be it on a residential trip to Norfolk, watching them in plays, concerts or on the touchline, sitting down at lunch with them, or simply sharing a story in their classroom.
In my opinion, there is nothing more important to prep school education than putting the girls at the centre of what we do – it is their school after all!
Pupils have already seen that change in terms of the responsibilities that we’ve set them, particularly Year 6, and I’m pleased to say they have risen to the challenge with the expected high levels of enthusiasm and dedication. Why? Because they are fiercely proud of their school!
I was delighted/slightly terrified to answer a whole host of questions from the girls for the feature on page 7. It encompasses everything from my first impression of STAHS to my favourite Harry Potter character. I hope you enjoy finding out a little more.
This copy of Ad Astra is one that I will treasure for a very long time. I hope you all enjoy revisiting the highlights as much as I have.
Mike Bryant
Head of STAHS Prep
WELCOME
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
HOUSE CAPTAINS
JULIAN
Maariya Khan
Amelie McSherry
MANDEVILLE
Hannah Moore
Zara Shah
PARIS
Molly Clements
Cadence Fung
VERULAM
Disha Deepak
Lily Qian
CHARITY CAPTAINS
Bea Margo
Amber Smith
Mathilda Curnow
Ellie Kong
Katherine Hume
Arissa Patel
Isabella Glynn-Jones
Changxun Yao
CHOIR CAPTAINS
Jumna Balgir
Lucy Marriott
Sienna Ramchandani
ORCHESTRA CAPTAINS
Molly Davies
Theresa Leung
Audrey Wills
ECO CAPTAINS
Eva Henchley
Sakura Yamada-Orr
GYMNASTICS CAPTAINS
Maya Lone
Elana Roberts
Amber Wotton
LIBRARY CAPTAINS
Iris Griffith
Divyangi Gupta
Amelie Matthews
Lucy McAuley
Eesha Munnangi
Liza Wunde
TECH CAPTAINS
Abi England
Susannah McAuley
Evie Nolan-Cook
Mia Zheng
SPORTS CAPTAINS
Sophie Berks
Avika Bhagawati
Jemima Bunting
Alice Cousin
Yoanna Fei
Penelope Gardner
Eloise Geffin
Miranda Hill
Josie Hilliam
Ellie Huddleston
Flora Matthews
Georgina Moody
Eliška Murray
Siya Shah
PLAYGROUND CAPTAINS
Amina Ahmad
Emilia Aldred
Zara Beresford
Emily Cleveland
Nishika Dhavala
Stephanie Hadfield
Elodie Jenkin
Nikita Kotak
Shreya Prashanth
MR BRYANT’S FIRST YEAR AT STAHS
Head of Prep Mike Bryant answers pupils’ questions about cake, cricket and his first year at STAHS …
Was your first year here fun? (Stephanie Hadfield, Year 6)
Yes, I really enjoyed it. I also enjoyed exploring the local area, because obviously I’m not from here – I’m a southerner, so this seems like the north to me. Moving my young family around the M25 was obviously quite a big move, but it’s definitely been fun and I’ve loved getting to know what’s so special about the School.
What is your favourite memory from your first year at STAHS? (Ellie Huddleston, Year 6)
It’s difficult to pinpoint one. I really enjoyed going down to Bryanston and supporting the Year 6 team as they won the National Netball Championships. Equally, I absolutely loved BookFest, the Remembrance Day service in the village, and all the 20th year celebrations – especially the summer concert.
I also loved just sitting down at lunchtime with the girls and chatting about their days. That aspect brings a lot of joy.
What made you choose STAHS to work at as head, not another school? (Yoanna Fei, Year 6)
This opportunity just sung out on the page. It seemed like it was the right move, and it has been.
The values and the aims of the School align closely with my own –the idea that we’re trying to develop people who are going to go out into the world and lead lives of consequence is something that I truly believe in.
I also love the fact that it’s a through school, and that this year I’ll be able to go up and see some of last year’s Year 6s doing really well in their concerts or plays at the Senior School. There’s something really special about that which you don’t get in standalone prep schools.
What was your first impression of the School? (Sienna
Year 6)
That it clearly had very bright, articulate young people in it. I was interviewed by six Year 6s as part of my interview process, which was good fun. They asked, ‘What is your opinion on homework?’ – that wasn’t loaded at all! The way they listened and then asked questions that were off the cuff was really impressive.
It was raining the first time I came to Prep, so I didn’t get to experience the full beauty of the grounds. But in my first week it was 25C and the girls just looked so happy, I thought, ‘this is an oasis for childhood; they genuinely love coming here’. There’s a sense of fun and joy about the place that not all schools have. We’re very lucky to have that.
Is it a hard job being the head?
Yes, but it’s also the best job in the world. It can be hard because you have to wear many different hats. I don’t think you ever know what it’s truly like until you get into the job. And then things come up and you think, ‘crikey, that wasn’t in the Preparing for Headship course!’. For example, when the smoke alarms failed last year, and we had to take everyone out for a disco in the rain! It’s that thinking on your feet, which is quite fun – although all-consuming.
Because I’ve got a nearly four-year-old (Zack) and a nearly two-yearold (Jake), I try to get back for bathtime. There’s not much downtime with them around (apart from cricket in the summer)! What’s really good about this job is that you know you can have a positive impact on young children’s lives. That’s what makes it the best job.
Ramchandani,
(Mila Bulsara, Year 4)
What is the one thing you would change about STAHS?
(Sophie Berks, Year 6)
One of the things I’m really keen on is making pupils feel like they have a voice in the School and that their opinions are taken into account by us. I hope the girls have seen that through the increase in responsibility that Year 6 now have, and the opportunities all girls have in contributing to various committees.
Why didn’t you become a cricket coach instead of a headteacher? (Siya Shah, Year 6)
I did, I’m both! I’m a qualified cricket coach and I love cricket, but if you do too much of it, it can kill your enjoyment. Cricket for me is a great hobby; I did a lot of coaching when I was in my twenties and it almost became too important. So that’s when I stripped it back.
It’s been really good to play for Wheathampstead Cricket Club. Community is important to me, and I moved here to be part of the community – so playing for the local club is great (but no coaching yet).
What was your life like when you were a child?
(Bella Atkinson, Year 3)
Busy! There are four siblings in my family, three boys and one girl; I’m the eldest, and my youngest brother is 12 years younger. We all played lots of sport, and my sister was a ballerina (and became a professional ballerina, before she became a primary school teacher).
When we weren’t at school, we were often at sports clubs or camps. There was a lot of laughter and it was quite a competitive household.
I had a very happy childhood and was lucky to go to two great schools – Amherst, a state primary school in Sevenoaks, and Skinners, a boys’ grammar school in Tunbridge Wells.
What was your favourite subject at school?
(Eva Henchley, Year 6)
Languages and PE. My mum was a French teacher, but she didn’t help me that much. I don’t have any French heritage, but my dad’s mum was German, so I used to speak German with my grandma when I was learning it, and my dad and grandad had no idea what we were talking about!
What gave you the inspiration to be a teacher?
(Ella Patel, Year 3)
I had an unbelievable German teacher called Miss Burn who taught me from Year 8 to Year 13. She was just great and the way she taught us was inspiring and engaging; I ended up studying German at Nottingham, alongside French, because of her teaching.
I didn’t necessarily know that I wanted to be a teacher when I left university, that’s why I went and played cricket in Australia for a year. I came back, became a teaching assistant in a state school in London, then went on to teacher training, and spent most of my teaching years in Years 5 and 6.
What was the hardest challenge you have had to overcome? (Zara Shah, Year 6)
Moving my family from Kent to Hertfordshire. Living in France and Germany on my own – that was really difficult. Moving out of home for university and learning how to run a house with bills –how to be a grown up, essentially. They’ve all been challenges.
The hardest challenge was probably trying to work out how we were going to move school online during the Covid-19 pandemic when I was working at my previous school. I was so proud of what we achieved, but it was a real challenge at the beginning.
What is the one thing you would tell your younger self as you were moving into senior school? (Molly Clements, Year 6)
Be open-minded, maintain perspective, and give it a go!
Quickfire Questions
When you were little what crazy colour would you have dyed your hair? (Nishika Dhavala, Year 6)
I did dye my hair when I was 13 – bleach blonde. I kept it for about five months. My parents thought I was an idiot!
Do you have a pet, and, if so, what pets do you have? (Olesia Mokshina, Year 5)
I’ve had two pets, both no longer with us. One cat, called Yoshi, after the Mario dinosaur, and a dog called Tango. The cat was a childhood pet, the dog arrived when I was at university. I don’t have pets currently. I’ve got two boys!
If you could have any pet what would it be and which colour would it be? (Lucy Back, Year 4)
A penguin. And it would just be a traditional black and white one. I like penguins. Penguins are my favourite animal.
What is your favourite food, drink and cake? (Sukhi Athwal, Year 3)
Steak (rare – that’s my year in France), jacket potato, and mushroom sauce, Apple Tango and coffee cake. Are you good at maths? (Ariyana Khiroya, Year 2)
Good enough. There are different levels of mathematical competency – Mrs Waite’s level of maths is far superior to my level of maths!
How many languages do you speak? (Marta Marnauza, Year 4)
Three: English, French and German. I think it would take me about three weeks of living back in France or Germany to get back up to linguistic speed.
What are your favourite places? (Evelyn Huo, Year 3) My cricket club from home, Holmesdale Cricket Club; West Ham’s stadium; Lord’s cricket ground. Oh, and Nottingham, where I went to university. probably should say Italy as well, because that’s where my wife and I went on our honeymoon.
Who is your favourite artist/group? (Susannah McAuley, Year 6) Coldplay. And Ed Sheeran.
What’s your favourite movie? (Amber Smith, Year 6) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Who’s your favourite character from Harry Potter? (Maya Lone, Year 6) Sirius Black.
Do you like doing creative craft? (Isla Hales, Year 3) No. I’m better at things like Lego where I’ve got instructions. I really enjoy Lego.
Do you love bread? (Abi England, Year 6)
Yeah. Don’t we all?! Do I eat too much? Probably! I love all the bread from Loafing [in Wheathampstead].
If you could have any other job in the world what would it be?
(Florence Clarke, Year 4)
Professional cricketer. At about the age of16 it could have been a possibility, but things didn’t go my way. I’m much happier now as a headteacher than I would be as an old professional cricketer coming to the end of their career!
Awarding certificates at House Cross Country
Speaking at the Year 6 leavers’ event
At BookFest with his son, Zack Judging the BookFest poetry competition
Watching House Sport
At the 20th Anniversary Garden Party
STUDENT VOICE
At the end of Trinity term, we asked four of our Year 6s how their leadership roles helped them make their voices heard during their final year at STAHS ...
Mathilda Maya Molly Sophie
This academic year has been full of opportunities, learning and fun. I have had some amazing experiences and have really improved my performing and leadership skills. I was pleased to be appointed as a Sports Captain and have enjoyed encouraging and helping out with younger years to improve their sporting skills and find the sport they love. As a Sports Captain, it is my responsibility to share the School’s results and successes in assembly.
This year I was proud to be selected to play in the IAPS netball tournament. We did incredibly well; we got through to the National finals and then won the competition! We were all so proud of ourselves and shared our IAPS journey with the whole school. This was one of my favourite Year 6 moments.
Another amazing opportunity was being in Car Club (aka Engineering Club), a club where we build, design and then race a go-kart. To get into Car Club, we had to write a letter about why we think we would be a good member of the club and what we would learn from this opportunity. I was proud to get in and have enjoyed all the aspects of this club. I was particularly excited to be able to race our car at Goodwood.
As I get ready to leave STAHS Prep, I will always treasure the things I’ve learned and the fun I’ve had whether through sport, academics or just spending time with my friends.
Sophie Berks Sports Captain
I have absolutely loved being a House Captain. One of my best memories was when I found out that I had been selected, and I was so grateful and honoured that out of all the incredible people in Paris I was chosen.
I have loved every moment and every opportunity that I have been afforded as House Captain in STAHS Prep. A personal highlight was speaking in front of prospective parents about my time at STAHS and parading with the older students in the Founders’ Day ceremony.
I love to sing; consequently, I sing in the Chamber Choir at the Senior School, which I love because I get the opportunity to learn from the older girls, as well as singing in STAHS Singers and Junior Choir. We sing such fun, yet challenging, songs and then have two concerts plus the Senior School concerts, where we get to show our parents all of our hard work!
I have loved my time at Prep so feel both excited and sad to move up to the Senior School!
Molly Clements
Paris House Captain I have loved every moment and every opportunity that I have been afforded
I have made my voice heard this year by being a Charity Captain and performing in an assembly to encourage the filling of Rotary shoe boxes.
I really enjoyed the feeling of working with the other Charity Captains and the sense of pride when we found out the results, whether it was how many shoe boxes we had filled or how much food we donated to the food bank. This responsibility as Charity Captain has improved my leadership skills as sometimes you do have to try and bring a situation together.
My teamwork skills have developed as I have found it really beneficial to work with a team of like-minded people and to work together to help our local area (and the families where the boxes were delivered).
I have also made my voice heard as a double bassist and a singer by attending rehearsals and performing in concerts. I have loved singing in STAHS Singers and performing on my double bass, especially in Jazz Band.
Mathilda Curnow
Charity Captain
My seventh year at STAHS has been so fun and important. I’ve loved how much responsibility we’ve been given.
My passion is performing, and I was awarded a main role in my class play. I’ve used my dancing, singing and piano playing in performances and assemblies. I was proud to get a Distinction for my LAMDA exam and to win the Performing Arts Award.
I felt honoured to be made Gym Captain; I really wanted to do something for my school. I’ve developed my leadership skills and enjoyed leading others in warm-ups/stretching, organising equipment, and announcing sport results in assembly. I’ve loved competing and encouraging our squad – we were ecstatic when we came second at IAPS and third at ISGA.
I led the percussion section in orchestra, supporting others with learning rhythms and guiding timing. We were low on members, so I recruited two girls!
When the Good Schools Guide journalist visited, I was nominated to tour her to promote our school.
I’ve also used my voice through song; I sing in Junior Choir, STAHS Singers and Junior Chamber Choir. When we sing together, we harmonise, we are a team, and we are strong.
I will always treasure the things I’ve learned and the fun I’ve had I’ve loved competing and encouraging our squad
My teamwork skills have developed
Maya Lone Gym Captain
20 years at Wheathampstead House
STAHS Prep celebrated two decades at Wheathampstead House this academic year, after moving from Townsend Avenue in 2003. We marked this anniversary in 20 special ways ...
On 15 May, we held a music recital for alumni and former STAHS staff. Highlights included musical performances by Concertante, Prep Harp Duo, and Prep Trumpet Duo, plus choral music courtesy of the Year 6 Singers and the STAHS Singers.
The creative vision for our 20th anniversary tea towels came from Year 12 Art Scholars Imogen Myatt and Anoushka
Our annual Garden Party celebration came under the 20th anniversary umbrella this year, with a colourful dance display from the girls followed by afternoon tea, ice cream and an opportunity for parents to see their daughters’ classrooms.
Yau in Year 6) was made into a metal pin badge and each pupil received one to wear on their blazer and to have as a keepsake.
The ceremonial planting of a rose by Disha Deepak (our oldest pupil) and Emmeline Corsan (our youngest) was the final event in our year-long calendar of 20th anniversary events.
There were 10 additional year group activities that helped bring the anniversary to life for Prep pupils.
These included a Victorian school day (Wheathampstead House was an all boys’ boarding school for a period, from 1841), a toy sharing session for Reception children, a Movie Afternoon, where Pre-Prep and Prep watched Finding Nemo and Shrek 2 respectively, and a visit from Wheathampstead History Society so the girls could learn more about Wheathampstead House.
A stellar line-up of authors and illustrators entertained hundreds of families at the fourth STAHS Children’s Book Festival on 8 June.
More than 1,000 people flocked to the Prep to see a host of award-winning children’s writers including MG Leonard, bestselling author of the Beetle Boy and Twitchers series. She teamed up with her Adventures on Trains co-author Sam Sedgman in the signing tent, following hugely popular individual talks, happily signing books and photos with young bookworms for 90 minutes.
Manjeet Mann, Steven Vinacour and illustrator Amanda Quartey also captivated young readers at the event, which included a literary trail, a magic show, children’s yoga in the forest, storytelling sessions by local authors, an appearance from Julia Donaldson’s Zog, and – in-keeping with the time travel theme – a Tardis!
The fourth BookFest also featured a packed food court and a book shop courtesy of St Albans’ own Books on the Hill, plus free face painting, lithography sessions and art and craft activities.
Amanda Quartey
Steven Vinacour
Manjeet Mann
MG Leonard
Sam Sedgman
DRAMA
It’s been another fantastic year of plays at the Prep, with memorable performances from girls across all year groups.
RECEPTION
RS and RR joined forces to perform Whoops-A-Daisy Angel, the story of a disorganised angel who is chosen to show the way to Bethlehem. It was lovely to see how much confidence the girls had developed over their first term at STAHS, as they proudly sang, danced and delivered their lines!
YEAR 1
Year 1 performed tremendously in their plays, Eddie the Penguin Saves the World and The Bee Musical. 1C’s play told the story of Eddie the Penguin who, with the help of his friends, spreads the message of the importance of protecting our planet. 1M performed The Bee Musical, helping poor Grumble Bee to realise that the job of the bees is very important after all!
YEAR 3
Year 3 put on entertaining performances of The Keymaster Dick Whittington and His Cat, and Out of This World, packed with fine acting and beautifully choreographed dances. Lines were delivered with confidence, songs were belted out with enthusiasm and, most importantly, the girls had a great time.
YEAR 2
Year 2 impressed audiences with their plays, The Twinkly Nativity and The Inn-Spectors. Both reimagined versions of the Nativity story, with added glitz, sparkle and – in the case of The Inn-Spectors – health and safety concerns, they went down a storm. The girls worked so hard and delivered their lines with confidence and enthusiasm, bringing much joy, laughter and Christmas spirit.
YEAR 4
This year, 4C swashbuckled in Pirates Versus Mermaids 4P investigated a Mystery at Magpie Manor and 4V hit the bullseye in Robin Hood. The plays provided much laughter and the girls delivered their lines superbly, with fantastic singing and dancing.
YEAR 5
5D’s Minotaur was a retelling of the well-known Greek myth about Theseus’s defeat of the legendary beast, while 5G performed A Christmas Carol a tale of festive self-awareness with a modern twist.
The girls worked very hard on their plays, rehearsing and learning lines diligently. Both productions were brilliantly executed, and the girls thoroughly enjoyed the experience!
YEAR 6
In June, the Year 6s performed the plays that they had been working hard on since Easter to great acclaim. 6O’s The SchoolO-Vision Song Concert 6S’s Oliver Twist and 6T’s The X Factory offered plenty of toe-tapping tunes, rebels with a cause, energetic dancing, dramatic deaths and, of course, happy endings.
MUSIC
PREP CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Congratulations to all the pupils (over 180!) who took part in the Prep Christmas Concert in December. The Junior Orchestra opened the concert with Minuet from Handel’s The Royal Fireworks and Walking in the Air from The Snowman Year 3 then performed Love Shone Down including some British Sign Language, followed by Sol-Fa Jazz incorporating Curwen hand signs.
The Lower Prep Choir impressed with their performances of Solfege Samba and I Am the Earth and STAHS Singers gave polished renditions of So Many Stars and River Song. Brass Ensemble entertained the audience with their energetic A Little Bit Bossa and Junior Choir then gave expressive performances of Winter Carol and Shining Moon The concert drew to a close with all performers coming together to deliver a lively version of The Holly and the Ivy complete with two and four-part rounds!
PREP INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT
January’s Prep Instrumental Concert was a great success.
The New String Band, our training orchestra, opened the concert with two lovely pieces: Sword Dance and Jazzy Beat The Concertante string group, incorporating some of our more advanced players, then gave a rendition of Henry Purcell’s Rondeau followed by the Junior Lower Strings Ensemble who performed March of the Kings and Cheerful Cha-Cha
Some of our smaller Prep chamber ensembles also took part in the concert; the String Trio impressed with their stylish performance of Allegro (from Baryton Trio in C, Hob. XI:101) by Joseph Haydn and the Szeryng String Quartet gave a lyrical performance of Sailor’s Song by Edvard Grieg.
The Harp Duo gave a delightful performance of the first movement of Dyades by Bernard Andrès and Guitar Ensemble performed some classical music, as well as an arrangement of music by Ed Sheeran.
The Woodwind Ensemble doubled in size during 2023-24, with new members – including those who took part in last year’s Double Reed Scheme – giving a polished performance of The Lion Sleeps Tonight. The concert finished with a bang, with the Jazz Ensemble giving upbeat renditions of Herbie Hancock’s Watermelon Man and Kenny’ll Make It
PREP NOUGHTIES-THEMED MUSIC CONCERT
More than 160 pupils took part in the noughties-themed concert in July. Inspiration for the concert was taken from classics such as Harry Potter and The Incredibles as well as music from the legendary West End show, Wicked
The audience enjoyed performances from the Junior Orchestra, Concertante and Jazz Ensemble, as well as the many Prep choirs. Highlights included a mash-up of You’ll Be in My Heart and I’m on My Way by Phil Collins and Reach by S Club 7, culminating in an energetic rendition of the Spice Girls’ Spice Up Your Life!
BEGINNERS’ BRASS AND STRING SCHEME CELEBRATION CONCERTS
The Beginners’ Brass Scheme had a celebratory concert in June to showcase what the pupils had learnt over the year. The girls all performed a solo or duet piece as well as taking part in two accomplished ensemble pieces with the brass group. They all made fantastic progress since starting their brass instrument in September and should be proud of what they have achieved over the course of the scheme.
Congratulations, too, to our Beginners’ String Scheme pupils, who performed in their own concert in June. The audience thoroughly enjoyed their ensemble performances, as well as a special recital on the cello from Kitan Oyetunde (Year 13). Kitan – runner-up in the STAHS Young Musician of the Year 2024 competition – started learning cello as part of the Beginners’ String Scheme at the Prep and is now a very accomplished cellist.
PRO CORDA CHAMBER COMPETITION
A stand-out musical achievement came courtesy of our Prep String Trio (Theresa Leung, Aimee Xing and Changxun Yao), who competed in the final of the Pro Corda Chamber Competition in London in March.
It is a fantastic achievement to have progressed so far in a national competition, competing against many other chamber groups from across the country. They played their Haydn Trio beautifully and the adjudicator was very impressed with their performance.
TEA AND MUSIC CONCERTS
Various Tea and Music concerts were held throughout the year, with pupils from all year groups performing on everything from cello, clarinet and harp to trumpet, double bass and drums. The music was similarly diverse, from Bach and Beethoven to Alan Menken, Tim Minchin and Coldplay. Well done to all the musicians who took part!
ART
Prep pupils never shy away from an opportunity to be creative, as these pictures prove ...
Changxun Yao, Aimee Xing and Theresa Leung
Lego League competition
In January, our Year 6 Robotics Club engineers travelled to Stevenage to take part in the First Lego League Challenge.
The theme of the event was ‘Masterpiece’, and the girls had to complete a set of challenges by operating various models with their robot, competing against mainly secondary-aged children and specialised robotics clubs.
There was also an ‘Innovation Project’, which involved the girls coming up with an original idea for sharing their passions through technology, researching this, and presenting it to a panel of judges who quizzed them for half an hour. The girls came up with such innovative ideas as installing digital art stations in nature and an app which helped to combat phobias through VR experiences with animals. Our teams did brilliantly, coming joint fifth in the league and reaching the semi- finals of the knockout stage: the girls were awarded the Judge’s Award for innovation, teamwork and perseverance, and Mr Clinch received the Team Coach trophy!
It was great to see such fantastic collaboration, resilience, problem-solving and ambition from the girls, who should be incredibly proud of their performance.
Greenpower
Blue Lightning, our 2023-24 Year 6 Car Club team, followed in the tyre tracks of their predecessors over the summer months and took their self-built electric car to Goodwood. The 12-strong team built and raced the IET Formula Goblin kit car – the primary level car within Greenpower Education Trust, a UK-based charity dedicated to inspiring children in all areas of STEM.
A sunny day competing at Curborough Sprint Course in Staffordshire on 6 June brought great success: out of around 50 entries, Blue Lightning came third in the sprint event, and were the overall winners of the drag event, which requires both speed and accuracy.
On 30 June, Blue Lightning donned their race helmets for the last time as they took to the historic Goodwood track. With spitfires in the skies, competition on the tarmac was fierce as 91 cars from across the country competed across a number of different events, including the chicane challenge, pit stop challenge, slalom, drag and sprint.
The Blue Lightning team were impressive across all areas, coming away with the prestigious Spirit of Greenpower award in recognition of their admirable teamwork.
Robotics Club engineers preparing for the competition
2023-24 was another outstanding year of sport for the Prep!
Our gymnasts achieved some great results in both the Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) and Independent Schools Gymnastics Association (ISGA) National Champions, with a large number of team and individual successes.
There was also success for the U11 netball team, who made it a school first by even qualifying for the final of the IAPS National Netball Championships. To be crowned National Champions was a huge achievement for the brilliant team of Year 6 pupils: Amber Smith, Flora Matthews, Eloise Geffin, Sophie Berks, Georgina Moody, Jemima Bunting and Eliška Murray.
The U11A and U11B netball teams won Premiership and Division 1 District titles respectively – a particularly impressive result for the B team as this was an A team competition. U11A and U10A also won their respective District netball tournaments.
Our ski teams have had a great season too, qualifying for the English Schools’ finals which took place in Norwich. Our U11 team finished in third and the U9s won, with individual success for Elle Edward who came third!
Four students competed at the London Region Prep Schools’ Athletics meet at Thames Valley Athletics Centre, a really competitive event with qualifying standards that need to be met to enter. Congratulations to the following who did exceptionally well: Flora Matthews (Year 6 – third in 1500m), Eloise Geffin (Year 6 –fourth in 800m), Ella Huckle (Year 5 – fifth in 800m) and Catherine Cheung (Year 5 – seventh in long jump). Once again, the District athletics team showed off their speed and talent, coming away with the overall first team trophy and relay trophy.
Our U11A tennis team also played exceptionally well at the Hertfordshire LTA tournament, with Theresa Leung and Stephanie Hadfield coming away with first place!
As football continues to grow and develop at the Prep we are very excited to be entering the IAPS National football competition and District league next season.
Clubs participation also continues to boom across all of our sports and we hope it will continue to do so with new clubs, such as Recreational Gymnastics.
GYMNASTICS, DANCE AND MOVEMENT DISPLAY
In April, 150 girls took part in the Prep Gymnastics, Dance and Movement Display at the Senior School. There was a range of skills and genres performed, including karate, yoga, disco dance, musical theatre, Bollywood, Irish dancing, street dance, cheerleading and gymnastics! All girls performed to the 400-strong crowd with confidence and joy – it was a delight to watch!
U9-U11 District athletics champions
U11 IAPS Netball Champions
EVENTS& VISITS
Residentials
YEAR 3 – WOODROW HIGH HOUSE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
In June, Year 3 embarked on their first school residential, heading to Woodrow High House in Buckinghamshire. Highlights included a scavenger hunt, bushcraft, songs and stories around the campfire and a game of Wacky Races. Despite some tiredness, the girls arrived back at STAHS full of smiles and stories to tell. A wonderful time was had by all!
‘I loved the experience of sleeping in a roundhouse’ Shanaya Saggar
‘I enjoyed the campfire the most because we got to sing really silly songs’ Ella Patel
‘My favourite thing was the challenge course because I really liked working together’ Lily Ross
YEAR 4 – CELTIC HARMONY
Year 4 enjoyed a fantastic overnight trip to Celtic Harmony Camp, where they stayed in traditional roundhouses and took part in hunting practice, flint knapping and den building. As the sun set, they gathered around the campfire for a bedtime story, ahead of their late night bat walk. On the second day, Celtic warrior training took place, and the girls learnt archery skills and practised battle formations as they prepared to take on the Romans!
‘I enjoyed every second!’ Nia Angelova
YEAR 5 – NORFOLK
‘I loved pushing my friends into the lake!’ Olesia Mokshina
‘I really liked the Year 5 residential because the instructors were very funny’ Anoushka Arun
The Year 5 girls had a fantastic few days in sunny Norfolk for their residential. Whether it was scaling new heights on the high ropes, paddling furiously to ‘accidentally’ knock a member of staff off their stand-up paddle board, or cheering their friends on as they conquered their fears, it is safe to say that everyone displayed remarkable determination, resilience and good humour as they embraced all challenges.
YEAR 6 – ISLE OF WIGHT
Year 6 had a wonderful time on the Isle of Wight in May. Activities included laser tag, a fossil hunt along the beach, ten-pin bowling and a theme park visit. The girls’ exceptionally good behaviour meant they were excellent ambassadors for the school, and it was great to see many of them pushing themselves out of their comfort zones to try new things.
‘I most enjoyed the disco. It was very funny to see the teachers having a dance-off!’
Amelie McSherry
‘It was so fun – my favourite part was when Mr
fell over!’
Tovell
Zara Beresford
Day Trips
RECEPTION
Reception had a great visit to the Milton Keynes Museum, where they spent time in a Victorian classroom, made a Victorian thaumatrope toy and had lots of fun exploring the toy room.
YEAR 1
A Maths Hunt at St Albans Abbey and pizza-making at Pizza Express were among Year 1’s trip highlights this year, plus a whole host of activities at Mead Open Farm, including tractor rides, crazy golf, and the chance to groom a pony, feed some goats and handle some rabbits!
YEAR 2
Year 2 enjoyed a visit to Paradise Wildlife Park, where they had lots of fun exploring the park and meeting the animals, as well as St Albans Masorti Synagogue, where they found out more about Judaism.
They also took a trip to the Natural History Museum in Tring, where they took part in a handson workshop learning about life in the polar regions. They explored the different galleries, standing tall against an emperor penguin and coming face-to-face with a polar bear, a larger-than-life sloth and a life-size replica of a giant tortoise!
YEAR 4
Year 4 took a trip back to Victorian times when they visited the British Schools Museum in Hitchin. They also travelled to the RSPB’s Rye Meads Nature Reserve as part of their science topic on habitats. They enjoyed hands-on practical activities such as pond dipping, used keys to identify trees, and found a wide range of insects in the fields of the beautiful wetland reserve.
YEAR 3
Year 3 headed off on a phizzwhizzing trip to the Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden. They also visited the Science Museum, where they zoomed down the slides at the Wonderlab, used a pulley to lift themselves up, and learnt all about different forces in a magnificent show linked to their school science topic.
‘I enjoyed the Roald Dahl Museum because it told me so much of the history of him as a writer’ Aarya Thusu
‘I really enjoyed the Victorian trip because you get to learn how they lived. It was very tough!’
YEAR 5
Learning how to stay safe, both online and out and about, were key takeaways for Year 5 during their trip to Hazard Alley, a purpose-built facility in Milton Keynes. They also practised yoga under sculptor Peter Walker’s beautiful hanging art installation, Peace Doves, at St Albans Cathedral, and travelled to the Fitzwilliam Museum, where their knowledge of Ancient Egypt was given a boost.
YEAR 6
Our oldest pupils had a year packed with trips, with destinations including the Young V&A, where they enjoyed the manga and anime exhibition, and an active day of climbing, orienteering and shelter-building at Aldwickbury.
They also explored the reconstructed houses at West Stowe Saxon Village and spent a day at Bletchley Park, where they learned about the key role decoders played in helping the Allies secure victory during World War Two.
‘I enjoyed our trip to the Fitzwilliam Museum because I got to learn so many new things about the Egyptians and I even got to see mummified animals and people!’ Anoushka Arun
‘I enjoyed the trip to Bletchley Park the most; it was very interesting, and learning about all the secret codes and messages was extremely cool!’ Divyangi Gupta
‘I loved all the animals at Paradise Wildlife Park’ Eleanor Pillow
Sharica Markandu
Character Education Days
Pupils were again able to develop their teamwork in fun and inventive ways this year, as part of their CoJo character education days.
From working together to build a wall for Humpty Dumpty in Reception to fixing a plane’s wing ‘mid-air’ in Year 6, the girls joined forces with others in their year group to complete a range of engaging missions. As an additional layer of fun, Year 5 also got to team up with their peers from Aldwickbury! Some great results were achieved, and we were all impressed with the resourcefulness, resilience, perseverance and – above all –enthusiasm displayed by the girls in the face of some challenging situations.
‘I enjoyed the CoJo Day with Aldwickbury because, even though they were boys, I enjoyed interacting with them’ Tallis Oliver, Year 5
Grandparents’ Day
Prep girls loved welcoming their grandparents to STAHS for Grandparents’ Day during Trinity term. With ample tea and cake on offer, grandparents were shown proudly around the site, before settling down in their grandaughters’ form rooms to be put through their paces in some fun class activities. A lovely experience for all!
‘I have absolutely loved bringing my grandparents into school, this was so much fun’ Mila Bulsara, Year 4
Clubs
From Modern Board Games Challenge to Ultimate Frisbee, there were more than 80 co-curricular clubs on offer to Prep pupils during 2023-24. We asked some of the children to tell us why they love their clubs so much …
CREATIVE WRITING AND IMAGINATION CLUB
Girls in Years 1 and 2 take part in a range of interactive activities, allowing them the opportunity to explore new vocabulary and use their imagination to craft pieces of writing in various genres. They also work on their presenting skills by sharing ideas and pieces of writing with the group.
‘I enjoy how you use your imagination to create a story’
2
‘The Dottie Crafter teacher is really fun. Everything we make is so cool but straightforward’
Ellie Choi, Year 5
DOTTIE CRAFTER
Creative pupils have the opportunity to try out a wide range of techniques and media such as painting, printing, collage, clay and tie-dye in these fun sessions, with graffiti art also an option for the older girls.
challenge and
MODERN BOARD GAMES CHALLENGE
Forget Monopoly and Cluedo, Modern Board Games Challenge introduces Year 5 and 6 pupils to new and exciting games filled with tactical thinking and cut–throat strategy.
BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE
In British Sign Language club, Year 5 and 6 girls learn some basic signs to help them communicate with deaf, hard of hearing people, and anyone else who uses BSL!
‘I love how I learn how to sign and speak another language’
Audrey Wills, Year 6
‘My favourite club I’ve ever done at school is Cookery Club’
Pritisha Banerjee, Year 5
COOKERY CLUB
Cookery Club is a fantastic opportunity for pupils from Year 1 upwards to learn new skills and make new friends. The girls enjoy an element of creativity and independence in their cooking, as well as developing an important life skill.
‘The
humour of Modern Board Games makes it an enjoyable club to take part in’ Elina Bahl, Year 5
Amara Jayaratnam, Year
FENCING
Our popular fencing classes allow pupils from Year 1 upwards to learn the Olympic sport of sword fighting. The Paul Davis Fencing Academy sessions are packed with fun, active learning and opportunities to compete for medals and prizes.
‘I’ve learnt a lot and feel confident in a fight’
Sophia Lamb, Year 4
‘I think it is really good, especially the books’
Freya Clarke, Year 1
PHILOSOPHY FOR CHILDREN
In Philosophy for Children, girls in Years 1 and 2 are offered an opportunity to think outside the box and develop independent thought patterns; group discussion follows its own path guided by the children’s thoughts and ideas.
ARCHERY
The Archery club provides Year 6s with a solid introduction to archery, with sessions focussed on how to use the equipment correctly, and tips on improving basic shooting and aiming techniques.
‘I enjoyed being included, being encouraged and having fun while learning’ Katherine Hume, Year 6
PAINTING WITH WATERCOLOURS
This class offers girls in Years 4 to 6 an opportunity to explore watercolour painting techniques in a relaxed environment.
‘ The details you can draw with watercolours are really hard yet fun! Apart from when the water spreads, love watercolours!’
ULTIMATE FRISBEE
An exciting, non-contact team sport, Ultimate is a fast-paced game which demands its players develop razor-sharp throwing skills and immense stamina and agility. Our Year 5 and 6 girls have had a lot of fun learning new techniques.
Ellie Ashraf, Year 4
‘I love archery. The thrill of the competition is highly enjoyable’
Avika Bhagawati, Year 6
Sports Day
The sun shone on our Prep and Pre-Prep sports days in June, and the girls did both themselves and their Houses proud. Congratulations to Paris who came out on top at Prep Sports Day and Verulam who were the Pre-Prep winners.
PRE-PREP RESULT
ATHLETICS
Medals are awarded for records set and broken at Prep Sports Day. Well done to the following pupils:
Year 3
70m: Adriana Chernookov – 11.64sec (original record was 11.66sec)
300m: Lily Janmohamed – 56.00sec (original record was 57.85sec)
Year 4
300m: Elissia Williams – 51.89sec (original record was 52.04sec)
Cricket ball throw: Sharica Markandu – 28m (original record was 27.80m)
Year 5
High jump: Ella Huckle – 1.23m (original record was 1.22m)
Year 6
High jump: Amber Wotton – 1.28m (matched the original record)
World Book Week
World Book Week brought author visits, dress-up opportunities and lots more book-themed fun to Prep in March.
The girls were enthused and captivated by visits from Joel Arcanjo, author of the Crookhaven series, and Harriet Muncaster, author and illustrator of the Isadora Moon books.
They also had a glimpse of the staff’s bookshelves, took part in book swaps, visited book fairs, and paraded as their favourite characters on World Book Day.
Thank you to our Year 6 Library Captains, plus Mrs Munday and Mrs Dunne, who made the magic happen!
Harriet Muncaster Joel Arcanjo
House Charity Days
PARIS
... in support of Larsen’s Pride – £596
Prep girls stepped up to the mark for Paris’s fabulous Charity Day in support of Larsen’s Pride.
A ‘Big cat art’ competition was also held, challenging the girls to create their very own big cat in any medium.
JULIAN
... in support of Tree Aid – £611
‘Nature’ was the theme for Julian’s Charity Day, with all money raised going to Tree Aid. The pupils worked so hard to create some fantastic activities for everyone to try!
MANDEVILLE
... in support of Save Our Seas – £355
There was lots of enthusiasm for Mandeville’s Charity Day, with a fabulous selection of stalls, and some outstanding entries to the Pre-Prep dressing up competition and the Prep art competition, all in aid of the Save Our Seas Foundation.
House
Sport
House Sport was huge during 2023-24, with pupils in Years 3 to 6 competing across four sporting disciplines.
The girls raced around the Prep grounds in cross country, competed in swimming galas and took part in the new House Sport event, which covers both football and netball.
Director of Sport Lizzie Mawston said: ‘Our inaugural House Sport event was a massive success. We look forward to seeing how this event will grow and develop over the coming years!’
These are the 2023-24 House Sports winners in full ...
MANDEVILLE
House Sport
Football and Netball combined
JULIAN
Cross Country Swimming
VERULAM
... in support of Comic Relief – £883
Verulam had a fun-filled Charity Day in aid of Comic Relief. The children created fantastic stalls for everyone to visit and had fun entering the ‘Design your own red nose’ competition.
VERULAM Swimming
