Digital
COLLEGE LIFE The newsletter of St Edmund's College | December 2020
Headmaster's Welcome Welcome to the December edition of College Life. Please click on me for a more personal introduction, and then browse to your heart’s content!
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Headmaster's Book
Students that have produced outstanding work or have had a remarkable personal achievement are recognised by being selected to sign the Headmaster's Book. Congratulations to the following students for signing the Headmaster's Book during this first half term.
Jodie Bailey-Ho
Black History Month Assembly
Ogorchukwu Ozor
Black History Month Assembly
Louis Cutteridge
Black History Month Assembly
George Keogh
Descriptive writing in English
Megan Crook
Creative writing in English
Cosimo Cavaleri
Creative writing in English
Daniel Eseyin
Creative writing in English
Chizaram Ofoma
Science prep
Alper Guven
Descriptive writing in English
Lydia George
Descriptive writing in English
Alice Rowlands
DT prep
Freddie Trathen
Descriptive writing in English
Nina Bayford
English essay
Thomas Hipkin
Distinction in Grade 8 Saxophone Exam
Alice King
Distinction in Viola Exam
Theodora Davis
Effort in singing
Jessica Bowley
Effort in Maths
Marley Cooper
English Literature Essay
Ruairi Mullan
Comparison of soliloquys in English
Charlotte Bates
Geography project
Anabelle Gaskin
Geography project
Headmaster's Book Anabelle Gaskin
Geography project
Alexander Simpson
History of St Edmund’s Powerpoint
Isabella Danielle Antoniou Helping to write 156 Christmas cards for senior citizens Cornelia Scott
Helping to write 156 Christmas cards for senior citizens
Leah Edwards-Amor
Helping to write 156 Christmas cards for senior citizens
Ahana Matharu
History revision poster
Tanishaa Chudasama
History revision poster and History work
Pippa Hudson
History work
Catherine Cooper
History work
Lara Yagudaev
English work
Abbie Jones
Crisis at Christmas charity work
Jessica Arnott
English writing
Rabbit ties awarded
The Rabbit tie is awarded to students in Rhetoric who demonstrate extraordinary contribution to the Rhetoric and College communities.
Ayla Huseyin Harry Jordan Abbie-May Jones Ronnie Stephens
Student awarded Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Award Congratulations to Harry Jordan, Rhetoric II, for being awarded the Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Award. The award celebrates and recognises young people who are promoting the common good in their local community, and helps everyone reflect on how Catholic social teaching – such as promoting peace and building community – is being lived out on a daily basis. The award is recognised by Million Minutes, a charity that supports projects helping young people to transform their lives and put Catholic social teaching into practice. Harry Jordan used his design and technology talents over lockdown to create PPE kit for local NHS workers and to create visors for our teachers to use in school. Harry also designed a “hangie” which is a device used to hold onto rails while using public transport, without having to actually touch the rail.
Mrs Peirce, Senior Teacher in charge of Religious Life, said: “Harry is incredibly modest and wouldn’t ever bring attention to himself. He quietly does what is right and has a lovely manner with others. He would be stunned to receive this award. It would be a wonderful way of recognising his commitments. Harry is likely to continue to use his DT skills for the good of others and is so generous with his time often working late into the evenings.”
Remembrance Day Due to the tremendous effort from Mr Upton and the CCF and Mr Woodhall and the Music School, we were able to produce a Virtual Remembrance Day for our students. Francis and Ronnie (Rhetoric II) led the laying of the wreath, while Benjamin (Rudiments) played 'The Last Post' superbly. The Rhetoric Bubble Choir sang Elgar’s Ave Verum beautifully for this moving tribute. The video, which can be seen by clicking on the image of the poppy below, was played at 10:58am for the College to join together for a two-minute silence at 11am. Additionally, the CCF had a small, brief ceremony at the flagpole accompanied by Gerry Ruddock, one of the leading UK trumpeters from the London Symphony Orchestra. You can watch this ceremony by clicking on the image to the right.
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Jodie Bailey-Ho on climate activism Jodie Bailey-Ho, Rhetoric I, shares her experience of joining the UK Student Climate Network (UKSCN) and Mock COP26
Around one and a half years ago, I became a climate activist – don’t worry, I wasn’t sticking myself to the side of a bus, going on a hunger strike, or blocking roads (although no hate towards anyone who does), but I was interested in doing what I could to protect the planet. I am, and have been for a long time, of the belief that systemic change, rather than individual action, is what is needed to combat, what is known in activist circles and now more widely as, the climate crisis. This is why I joined the UK Student Climate Network (UKSCN), and then the Teach the Future campaign for climate education, and most recently, Mock COP26. Mock COP26 aimed to fill the void of this year’s postponed COP (the UN’s international climate change conference, the Conference of Parties) with an online, virtual youth conference setting the precedent for 2021, when world leaders would meet again at COP. From the 19th November to the 1st December 2020, delegates heard from speakers from across the globe, including the UN Youth Envoy and Rt Hon Alok Sharma, before the event culminated with the release of the Mock COP26 treaty, and a global statement from the youth of the world. Mock COP26 was, and still is, about mobilising and building the capacity of young people to be able to actively participate in decision-making around the climate crisis. Instead of shutting them down, Mock COP26 builds up young people and marginalised communities from across the globe, and for the first time, gives them a meaningful seat at the table. We're engaging with the people with power, and showing them what young people have to offer. In July, when I became one of the original volunteers for the project, I had absolutely no idea what Mock COP26 would go on to become. I had no idea that I would make some of the best friends I now have, I had no idea that it would go on to become my first job as an Event Coordinator, no idea that I would get to meet and talk to (on zoom) some of the most inspiring people in the world, and I certainly had no idea how much of a global impact we would have – with over 350 delegates from 140+ countries around the world. Mock COP26 has been one of the best, most rewarding experiences of my life, and equally the most stressful. It has not only allowed me to meet people from all walks of life, from the highest levels of government in the UN, to people on the front lines of the climate emergency – including those in the Solomon Islands whose homes are now underwater – but it has opened doors to the wider world which I never thought I would have walked through. I am, of course, talking about the media. It feels weird for me to say that when I search my name (as you do) that so many articles about Mock COP26 come up - things that I’ve been quoted in, and pieces that I’ve written. I’m honoured that one such article, written by yours truly, has recently been published in The Ecologist – dubbed the world’s leading environmental affairs platform – and you can view it here. Going into 2021, and looking toward COP26, I want people to realise the power that every one of us holds. Mock COP26 has shown me if we grasp that power with two hands, then we really do have the ability to move mountains. I know there will be times when I will be stressed, tired, and more than a bit nervous about what the future holds for climate action, but I have never been more sure that if we stand together, we will not be divided. "Jodie is an outstanding geographer here at St Edmund’s College. We are exceptionally proud of her recent achievements, hard work outside of the classroom and dedication to taking action due to the climate crisis. We are very excited to see how her future projects develop." - Mrs Barnard
St Edmund's Day St Edmund's Day was celebrated differently this year. While we missed the exciting trips and full-school Mass, we were delighted that our students were still able to mark the occasion and celebrate the day of our Patron Saint. Students were invited to watch a Virtual Prayer Service within their bubbles (and with doughnuts!). The Prayer Service by Father Peter also included the traditional hymns of Sing England's Sons and O Beate Mi Edmunde, performed by our Rhetoric Bubble Choir. A full Virtual Mass was created for our Edmundian Community to join together watch on St Edmund's Sunday. Both of these videos can be watched by clicking on the images below.
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College Bake Off Thank you to our students, staff and parents for helping to raise ÂŁ804 for Teenage Cancer Trust. Congratulations to our winners! Best Cupcake: Best Biscuit: Best Brownie: Best Cake: Showstopper:
Jesse Jeff-Okoh (Poynter) Elemen ts James Porter (Challoner) Jessica Bowley (Douglass) Megan Crook (Talbot) AND Harold Reville (Challoner) Amber Smits (Challoner) AND Charlotte Bates (Poynter)
Best Cupcake: Best Biscuit: Best Brownie: Best Cake: Showstopper:
Aydin Ara (Pole) Caitlyn Barrett (Talbot) Cornelia Scott (Pole) William Longfield-King (Talbot) Ellie Pinsent (Poynter)
Rudim ents
Best Cupcake: Best Biscuit: Best Brownie: Best Cake: Showstopper:
Akinlolu Oduyemi (Pole) Thomas Bass (Talbot) Kiana Hawes (Douglass) Stella Wilkinson (Talbot) Alice Caton (Douglass)
Gramm ar
Best Cupcake: Best Biscuit: Best Brownie: Best Pastry: Showstopper:
Ben Thomas (Poynter) Bethany Curtis-Copeland (Poynter) Kaelyn Russell (Challoner) Michelle Nicholson (Poynter) Ben Thomas (Poynter)
Best Cupcake: Dillon Jones (Talbot) Joshua Crook (Talbot) Best Cake: Showstopper: Mayura Pusparajah (Douglass)
Best Cupcake: Best Biscuit: Best Brownie: Best Cake: Showstopper:
Emily Thomas (Poynter) Ogorchukwu Ozor (Douglass) Maddie Mahoney (Douglass) Zoe Stephens (Talbot) Jess Hart (Talbot)
Syntax
Poetry
Rhetor ic
Red Wednesday
On 25th November, we saw the world through red-tinted glasses. We marked #RedWednesday at the College in solidarity for those persecuted for their faith with 'Aid to the Church in Need'.
Prayer Book Competition This half term, Mrs Peirce hosted the Prayer Book Competition where students were invited to design a front cover for the Prayer Book. Following many outstanding entries, we are pleased to announce the winners, below. Congratulations!
1st Place Isabelle Lai Oi Yan Brook Westfall
2nd Place Megan Crook Amelia James 3rd Place Tanishaa Chudasama Harold Reville
Christmas Reading Challenge Miss Regan, Head of History, Mrs Ager, Head of English and Mrs Tyne, College Librarian, bring you the Christmas Reading Challenge! Click below to watch.
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If you would like a specific book recommendation, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Tyne via jtyne@stedmundscollege.org.
300 coats collected for the homeless We were proud to see one of our students collect and donate almost 300 coats for Wrap Up London. Wrap Up London is Hands On London’s annual coat collection campaign. Every November, the campaign brings together hundreds of Londoners willing to give a few hours of their time to receive coats as they are donated, sort them and help with their distribution to homeless, elderly and refugee charities across the city. Last November, over 1,200 people gave their time to collect over 33,000 warm coats and distribute them to over 100 charities. Thank you for all of your donations.
Anti-Bullying Week Monday 16th- Friday 20th November was AntiBullying Week 2020. The theme this year was 'United Against Bullying'. To mark Anti-Bullying Week, we took part in Odd Socks Day; a day designed for students to express themselves and to show that it is great to be unique! Our students wore brilliant socks and we even had a special message from Andy, CBeebies Presenter.
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Head of Careers We are delighted to introduce our Head of Careers, Mr Snell. Mr Snell obtained his BA Hons History and MA Modern Social History and has been teaching since 1998. Currently, Mr Snell is teaching A Level History, Politics and Psychology, GCSE History and Elements History at St Edmund's College. Mr Snell has had various management roles in previous schools, including Head of Psychology, Head of Sixth Form, International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum Manager (3-19 education). Previously, Mr Snell was Director of IB Development and University Admissions at Hockerill Anglo-European College. With over 20 years of experience supporting students with university applications and having worked for the IB in The Hague writing curriculum materials and online and face to face, teacher training workshops for the IB Careers Programme, Mr Snell is able to support our students with their exploration of careers. Mr Snell is available for appointments to discuss careers by contacting careers@stedmundscollege.org. Additionally, please follow the St Edmund's College Careers account on Twitter for careers content and advice: @Careers_SEC
Lent Term Calendar Our Lent Calendar is now available as a digital format. If you would like to take a look ahead to the upcoming events of Lent term, please click on the front cover.
St Edmund's College
Lent Term 2021 Calendar Old Hall Green, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG11 1DS 01920 821504
Sport at the College Sport and exercise are key for both our mental and physical health. The drop in temperature has not stopped our students from enjoying a variety of sports and inter-house events this half term.
Sport at the College
The Santa Dash In support of the Teenage Cancer Trust, our students took part in a Santa Dash. The students had a brilliant time and it was all for an excellent cause.
Hockey training
Music at the College Music is shown to have an array of cognitive and academic benefits in an educational setting, and it is as the heart of life at St Edmund's College. The Music School has had a remarkable half term. The department is proud to share a number of achievements, below.
ABRSM Exams The Music School are delighted with the results of the ABRSM Exams, which included: - 100% Passes - 25% Distinctions - 43% Merit and above - Two pupils took ‘Online Performance Assessments’ and both achieved Distinctions. - Four pupils achieving Grade 8 – three with Distinction. A tremendous achievement! - Two pupils (and one Director of Music) took Grade 7 Theory and all passed with flying colours. The pupils did very well but Mr Woodhall did manage to score a few marks higher, which he is keen to remind them!
Recitals This term, the Music School has produced a number of online recitals. Since November, we are pleased to share two below.
Recital Students across year groups giving superb performances.
Beethoven Recital e Click her
A recital with pupils performing works by Beethoven to celebrate his 250th Anniversary.
to watch
Staff Challenge Over 20 members of staff have taken up, or revisited, an instrument or singing. Lessons are being provided by our team of Visiting Music Teachers as well as Academic Staff. Ms Regan said: “I loved my lesson… Sam is an amazing teacher and put me at my ease as, have to say, I was a little nervous.”
Music Carol Services Both the College and Prep undertook the enormous task of creating a virtual Carol Service for the families of our students. An enormous congratulations and thank you to all involved in supporting the creation of the Carol Services. All rehearsals and filming took place in year group bubbles. If you are ready to feel festive and get into the Christmas spirit, please do join us in watching our Carol Services, which can be found below.
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Captured at the College Our staff and students take wonderful photos of St Edmund's College. Below, we share a few of our favourites.
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Taken by Mr Curran
Taken by Mr Hull
Taken by Mr Hull
Captured at the College Our staff and students take wonderful photos of St Edmund's College. Below, we share a few of our favourites.
on! i t i d e t e s Sun
Both taken by Martina (Rhetoric I)
Taken by Mr Hull
Taken by Marketing
The last day of term - in photos Our students had a brilliant day in their Christmas jumpers watching the Carol Service and taking part in fun activities!
Merry Christmas!
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Stay Connected
We hope that you enjoyed our second digital edition of College Life. If you would like to be featured in our next half term edition, please do email your stories or achievements to pcollison@stedmundscollege.org. You can also stay connected with us by following us on our social media platforms:
@stedmundscollegeandprep
@stedmundscollege.org
@stedmundsware
Please also visit our website at stedmundscollege.org to stay up to date with the latest news and events. We wish you a restful Christmas break and look forward to bringing you the next edition of College Life in February.
Avita Pro Fide!