Enews issue 85 14 february 2014 2014

eNews Issue 85, Friday 14 February 2014

THE ST GE ORG MUSIC DEP E’S ASCOT DRAMA & ARTMENTS PRESENT

Bugsy Malone Tuesday 1 1, Wednes day 12 & Thursday 13 Februa ry 2014 at 7.30pm in the Cor mack Hall

The Lower Sixth Ethics trip to Heythrop College

Jack the Ripper Walk The Third Year spent the evening of Friday 7 February on a truly grisly and spine-chilling tour of the haunts of the famous Victorian serial killer ‘Jack the Ripper.’ Having studied the topic in class, the girls were already expert in the police investigation of the time to try and catch him, and also on the role of newspapers in obstructing the investigation into his identity. The guides were surprised and delighted by the depth of the girls’ knowledge of the murders and strong views on potential suspects! Luckily the girls’ stomachs were strong enough for them to still enjoy a treat of a McDonald’s, or visit to the coffee shop and to top it all – it did not rain!

The St George’s Lower Sixth Philosophy and Ethics students attended a conference at Heythrop College, University of London, on Wednesday 12 February. Heythrop is the University’s specialist college in study related to disciplines in Theology and Philosophy.

The day offered the St George’s girls the opportunity to attend lectures given by leading academics relating to their A Level syllabus, explore the beautiful Heythrop College campus and meet undergraduate students.

The day got off to an engaging and thought provoking start with Dr Michael Lacewing’s innovative lecture on Environmental Ethics. Dr Lacewing is the Director of Research and Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Heythrop and we were extremely fortunate that he was able to deliver a superb lecture specifically for us. During the lecture, Dr Lacewing applied the ethical theories that the girls study to relevant contemporary dilemmas that are currently affecting the environment. Subsequently, Dr Nigel Warburton delivered an outstanding talk on the theory of Utilitarianism. In this lecture, Dr Warburton considered whether the consequences are all that should be considered in moral decision making. Some particularly awkward cases were discussed to help to highlight the best arguments for and against utilitarianism. It was interesting for the students to not only hear a leading academic discuss their main area of AS level study, but also develop their understanding by making reference to contemporary scholarship.

An interactive and persuasive lecture on Kantian Ethics was then presented by Dr Chris Horner. The ethics of the Enlightenment philosopher, Immanuel Kant, have the reputation of being overly demanding and difficult to apply in practice. However, this lecture questioned whether this is this really the case. Through a discussion that drew upon examples of cheating, terrorism and a real life Nazi war criminal, the students closely examined exactly what Kant is asking mankind to do, and whether such a theory is coherent with the modern world.

In the afternoon, the St George’s girls worked in small seminar groups that were led by current Heythrop undergraduates. The seminars drew upon some complex moral dilemmas. The day concluded with a student debate following the seminar discussion.

Before venturing back to Ascot, we have enough time to have a quick look at the house belonging to John Stuart Mill, a philosopher who features greatly on the A Level syllabus. It was an insightful and fascinating day.

Mrs M Magill

Chinese New Year We celebrated Chinese New Year in style at the end of January, with a fantastic feast for the whole school. The night before, members of our school community who come from China had cooked a feast for members of the Sixth Form which was very well received!

Anne Coote: New Economics Foundation

Australia Update!

Sixth Form Economists and other interested parties were very interested to hear from Anne Coote, Head of Social Policy at the New Economics Foundation on Thursday 30 January 2014.

The girls are settling well into their new school and are getting along famously with Elsa and Sophie, their exchange partners.

Rowing Camp was a great success and they are off to Outback Camp soon which is sure to be a challenge!

NEF is the UK's leading think tank promoting social, economic and environmental justice. Their aim is to bring about a Great Transition – to transform the economy so that it works for people and the planet. They feel that the UK and most of the world's economies are increasingly unsustainable, unfair and unstable and that being wealthy is not even making us any happier – many of the richest countries in the world do not have the highest well-being.

From climate change to the financial crisis, NEF feel it is clear that the current economic system is not fit for purpose and that we need a Great Transition to a new economics that can deliver for people and the planet. NEF's mission is to kick-start the move to a new economy through big ideas and fresh thinking.

Anne spoke about the way in which NEF lobbies the government to try and bring about change. The girls were fascinated to hear about her beliefs and experiences and asked many questions at the end of her presentation. No doubt the girls will have learnt much from her and our thanks go to Mr Verma for arranging the evening.

Preparatory School Netball Tournament We were very pleased to welcome girls from some of our feeder Preparatory Schools to a tournament on Saturday 1 February 2014. Schools represented were Godstowe in High Wycombe, Pembridge Hall in London, Lambrook in Winkfield, Hall Grove in Bagshot and Maltman's Green in Gerrard's Cross.

We were very lucky with the weather which was bright and sunny although very cold! The girls played some brilliant Netball and our staff were very impressed with the standard. Many parents came to watch, as well as staff and Heads from the schools, too. Congratulations to Hall Grove who won the trophy and to Maltman's Green who were a very close second.

U14 Ascot Schools Netball Champions

On Wednesday 22 January the U14 A and B teams played in the Ascot Schools Netball Tournament.

The A team arrived excited to play against so many schools. Their first match was very tough against Heathfield A and unfortunately we lost 4-2. After a quick team talk and some switching of positions, the girls maintained a positive attitude and were keen to win the rest of their matches. Accurate passing and excellent dodging meant that this was possible. They had some high scoring games against The Marist (8-2) and LVS B (7-1). As the girls only lost 1 match this meant they came 1st overall! This a fantastic achievement which was much deserved. The mention goes to Jade Pusey for her excellent shooting. Well done to the entire team!

The B team worked hard throughout the entire tournament and defended exceptionally well. They started off strong with a 3-2 win against Brigidine. Their next two matches were against Charters and LVS A. Both were close matches, but resulted in losses. The girls realised that they needed to dodge forward towards the ball in order to eliminate any chance for the other team to intercept their passes. They then won against Heathfield and LVS B, with some excellent shooting in the goal circle. As it was a round robin tournament, they then faced St George’s A team. It was an extremely close game, but St George’s A won 1-0. In their final match against the Marist the team remained positive and drew 2-2. Overall they came 6th. Mentions go to Charlotte Coates and Jenny Wood.

Spring Concert Tuesday 25 February 2014 at 7.30pm in the Sue Cormack Hall Refreshments served at 7.00pm.

Please RSVP to the School Office on creader@stgeorges-ascot.org.uk or by telephone on 01344 629903.

ST GEORGE'S ASCOT WILL RACE FOR LIFE St George's School Ascot will Race for Life At: Windsor Race Course At: Windsor Race Course

On: Saturday 1 June 2013 at 11.00 On: Saturday 7 June 2014 atam11.00 am Our group ID is: JW3091

Our group ID is: BI1401

Listen to our music here!

d y o B e i Robb Live at

’ St George s, Ascot on Saturday 8 March

Boys With m fro er hest Winc ege Coll

for girls in the

Fourth & Fifth year.

Entry is free. Please confirm your place with the school office on 01344 629 900 or office@stgeorges-ascot.org.uk

Headmistress’ Lecture

JO BERRY

BUILDING BRIDGES FOR PEACE: MEETING THE MAN WHO KILLED MY FATHER

5 Minutes with …

Julia Wood JP BA(Hons) DipFM Job Title: Bursar

When Sir Anthony Berry MP was killed in the IRA Brighton Bombing during the 1984 Tory Party Conference, his daughter Jo was thrown into a conflict she knew very little about. Since then she has visited Ireland many times and worked with victims and former combatants from all sides. In November 2000 she met Pat Magee, the man responsible for her father’s death for the first time.

What did you do before St George’s?

I served as an Officer in the Royal Navy just as the first women were going to sea – interesting times! I joined Winchester College and became the Head of Personnel before being appointed as the Business Director for the Independent Schools Bursars’ Association – I went from looking after one bursar to advising over a thousand.

Tuesday 4 March 2014 7.30pm in the Cormack Hall

What is your greatest achievement?

Becoming the youngest Magistrate serving on the Hampshire Bench in 1999.

Parents, Staff, Alumnae and Former Staff welcome Entry is free. Please confirm your place with the Head’s PA on 01344 629 904 or jwitt@stgeorges-ascot.org.uk

www.stgeorges-ascot.org.uk

Independent Boarding and Day School for Girls aged 11-18

www.stgeorges-ascot.org.uk

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Good sense of humour, fair and a realistic optimist.

Who is/was the most influential person in your life?

My parents were the greatest influence in my early life, teaching me that you have to work hard to achieve what you want. My family now try to persuade me not to work so hard.

What was the last book you read?

The Shock and Fall by Nathan Filer.

What would you do if you won £2m in the Lottery?

Boring stuff like pay off the mortgage first, but would then indulge by going on a luxury safari with my family and buy that nice Mercedes convertible that I pass enviously on the way to work.

WINNER OF THE

BEST SCHOOL FOOD AWARD 2013

OPEN MORNING Saturday 10 May 2014 at 10.00am Please confirm attendance with the Registrar on 01344 629920 or by email on admissions@stgeorges-ascot.org.uk.

If money was no object where would you travel to?

Well if money was no object then going on the Virgin rocket would push the safari into second place! Seeing the earth from space would be breath taking.

What is your ultimate Desert Island Disc?

The Planets by Holst.

Which person alive or dead would you most like to spend a day with?

My grandfather who died a couple of years before I was born – from what I have heard we would have got on really well.

What makes St George’s so special?

From the Bursar’s point of view, it is the excellent staff we have here – I don’t think many people appreciate the care and dedication of our teaching and support staff. However, as a parent of a girl at St George’s, it’s all about the intangibles like the friendliness, good community and developing the girls as individuals. As the Bursar, I have to mention the excellent food; otherwise I would be in trouble with my team!

Looking Forward...

Friday 14 February 2014 Half Term Begins Sunday 23 February 2014 Boarders Return Tuesday 25 February 2014 Spring Concert 7.30pm, Sue Cormack Hall Refreshments at 7.00pm Thursday 27 February 2014 Higher Education Talk 6.30pm, Chapel Lower Sixth A House Dinner with the Headmistress 7.00pm, Garden House Friday 28 February 2014 Sergey Smirnov Piano Concert 7.30pm, Chapel Monday 3 March House Debating Competition Compline 9.00pm, Chapel

Tuesday 4 March 2014 Headmistress' Lecture Jo Berry 7.30pm, Sue Cormack Hall Thursday 6 March 2014 Meet the Experts: Careers Information Evening 7.00-9.00pm, Sue Cormack Hall Monday 10 March 2014 Oxbridge Information Evening 7.00pm, Chapel Tuesday 11 March 2014 Lower Sixth C House Dinner with the Headmistress 7.00pm, Garden House Nocturne Piano Recital, 9.00pm, Sue Cormack Hall Wednesday 12 March 2014 Drugs Education Lecture for Parents 7.15pm, Sue Cormack Hall Thursday 13 March 2014 Lower Sixth B House Dinner with the Headmistress 7.00pm, Garden House Friday 14 March 2014 Fifth Year Parents' Meeting 4.15pm, Sue Cormack Hall Exeat Starts

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