Page 1 Follow us on Twitter: Introduction - Head of Senior School · 2016-12-10 · Page 1 Follow us on Twitter: @SPFSchools Dear Parents, Last term we had to say farewell to our

newsletterIssue No 12 | 2014-15 | Friday 24 April 2015

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Dear Parents,

Last term we had to say farewell to our Head Girl’s team and welcome the newly elected team. Over the past year Rachel Howe and her team, Eve Kerins, Shanika Mathialagan, Henriette Töpel and Ella Rene, have made some significant changes to the life of the students at the school. In our Head Girl’s luncheon it was wonderful to see the enthusiasm of the outgoing team imparting their wisdom to the new team. Congratulations ladies for a job well done and good luck to Olivia Sherwin and her team, Jenny Rodgers, Kirsty Smith, D’Arcy Seamon and Tabitha Thornton-Swan for this upcoming year.

Over the Easter break many students in the upper years were busy revising for GCSE’s, AS and A level and IB Diploma examinations. This is an intensive process and requires efficient time management skills, coaching and reassurance by family, friends and school staff. We wish all of our students success and know that they will rise to the challenge set by the examination boards.

Despite the busy examination period several teachers took time out of their Easter holiday to lead trips overseas. This Easter, language and cultural exchanges took place in France, Germany, Spain and the USA. We also had students hiking in the Brecon Beacons as a practice expedition for the gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. They will complete their qualifying expedition in the summer. There are numerous opportunities for our students to expand their horizons beyond the classroom and we always encourage our students to be risk takers and try something new.

In assembly this week Miss Kelleher introduced the redevelopment of the school site to the senior school students. The planning stages for the redevelopment have provided another opportunity for our students to think beyond the classroom. Last term a group of our Year 10 students, who are working towards their Gold Crest Design Award, met on several occasions with the team of architects and the Foundation’s Senior Management Team to present and discuss their research and ideas related to the design of the senior school. Many of their innovative ideas have been taken into consideration in the design of the new buildings which is a testament to the quality of their research.

Introduction - Head of Senior School

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The redevelopment of the senior school site also presents a unique learning opportunity for our students, not least in terms of potential Inspire Me events in Science and engineering. It is an exciting phase in the life of the school and I look forward to leading the senior school through this busy time.

With kind regards,Mrs Alison WallHead of Senior School

The Bayeux Tapestry is not a tapestry and it isn’t from Bayeux. This was just one of many enthralling lessons learnt by the 20 Year 9 girls who took part in the splendidly successful outward leg of this year’s exchange. Other insights into Normandy’s rich history concerned Joan of Arc (burnt at the stake three times), Richard the Lionheart (buried in three places – only his heart is interred in Rouen Cathedral) and the WW2 floating harbour at Arromanches (a work of unparalleled engineering ingenuity). The group also learned what an ossuary is used for, and what William the Conqueror was called before he conquered…

As always, learning experiences were complemented by social and gastronomic ones. We enjoyed our ice-breaking session at the pistes de bowling on the first day, and the delicious tea laid on by our friendly host Headmaster, Monsieur Le Masson, now in his retirement year. The traditional morning spent in lessons at our partner school La Providence was a fascinating window into the French education system, and the girls distinguished themselves with their pro-active involvement in class.

However, the greatest challenge and greatest success of the week was undoubtedly the three clear days spent in the company of the host families. The girls enjoyed excursions to Paris, Versailles and the Channel coast as well as shopping sorties closer to home. This type of ‘deep soak’ exposure to French language and culture is an invaluable experience, both linguistically and personally, and we do hope that the seeds of friendship sown in Rouen will germinate on the return leg at the end of June, and grow and bloom thereafter.

Damian HendersonHead of French

French Exchange: Hard lessons from history with hard (and soft) cheese












On 1st April 2015, a group of Year 9 & 10 girls set out to Philadelphia on a cultural exchange. When we arrived at Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr after an early start and an uneventful journey, the welcome from our host students was amazing. They had lined up on the porch with placards with each of our names on, and whooped and cheered as we exited the coach. It was almost overwhelming for many of us! When we had found our Baldwin partner, we posed for pictures, then headed home to get to know the new family.

It was an early start for school the next morning, and it was interesting and eye-opening to see the similarities and differences between Baldwin and our own school. It was funny to see all the Americans so excited by our British accents and we all really enjoyed the school day there. Over the Easter weekend, we spent the time with our host families. Most of us went to New York, including myself, which was definitely one of the best days of my life! The weather thankfully agreed with us, and as we spent more time with our host students, we got to know them more and we had a great time.

On Monday, SPF and Baldwin students visited Washington, D.C. It was a beautiful day and we visited different museums and sites of interest, such as the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. We also drove past the White House! It was a really good day and we even stopped to get a classic American burger and fries for dinner. The next day was school again and by this time we were really getting into the swing of the American way of life! Wednesday was Service Day, and our group helped out the ninth graders by volunteering at a local project called Share to help provide food for people. It was hard work but rewarding!

We also went on a whistle-stop walking tour of Philadelphia, taking in all of the interesting and historic sites like Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. It was really informative and we all learnt a lot about the history of America.Suddenly came the last day. We had a lunchtime quiz with all the eighth grade and before long it was the leaving dinner. We could not believe our stay had gone so quickly! We all enjoyed the USA so much; the fact that the host families were so wonderful really helped and it was definitely a life-changing experience. I learnt so much and I’ve made an amazing friend for life. I can’t wait for when the Baldwin girls arrive in England; I hope we give them as wonderful a time as they gave us!

Aliza Ali (Year 9)

Baldwin 2015 - USA exchange

Outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia

Museum of Air and Space in D.C. SPF & Baldwin students outside National Gallery in Washington DC












We have recently returned from the German school exchange to Munich with many happy memories and a suntan! A group of 14 Year 10 spent 9 days in German families getting to find out more about daily life for the Bavarian girls. Aside from the early starts, they have thoroughly enjoyed themselves, throwing themselves into every aspect of the exchange. They have been to school and lessons, on family excursions- some even made it to the fairy-tale castle of Schloss Neuschwanstein. We have been to the Pinakothek der Moderne finding out more about modern art and design.

We have experienced the safest place in Munich which is arguably the Faraday cage in the Deutsches Museum, Europe’s largest science and technology. There have been the obligatory daily Brezel and of course Weißwurst in the Hofbräuhaus. We popped over to Austria for the day to visit Salzburg, see Mozart’s home, dance through the Mirabellgarten & reenact the Sound of Music- we even had a nun accompanying us to complete the scene. The high point was undoubtedly the salt mines and the underground slides!

One year 12 student returned to Munich to visit her partner again and undertake a work experience in the European Patent Office, attending oral proceedings and discussions regarding a chemical process patent. This was a unique opportunity to apply her German in a different context, which she found thoroughly fascinating.

Further to this, several girls were given the unique opportunity to interview in German a native speaker who works for the Hypovereinsbank in the export finance department about the world of economics and finance as well as hear about his views on Europe; some interesting discussions ensued.

We are looking forward to their return visit in July where an equally full programme is planned. Hopefully some of the friendships made will last into the future and in any case when the girls are old enough to experience Oktoberfest!

Frau Freeman & Mrs Thomas

German Exchange & Work Experience 2015












During the Easter holidays 11 sixth form students and a group of year 10’s went to Cartagena in the Murcia region of Spain. We spent 4 hours each day attending a Spanish immersion course at the University of Cartagena as well as enjoying a large variety of cultural sites and activities. We each stayed with a host family, allowing us to further practise and gain confidence in our Spanish while also being able to try typical Spanish food which was delicious! The trip was a lot of fun and gave us an invaluable experience of the Spanish culture and language.

Spanish Trip












We very much look forward to welcoming parents and students from Years 9-13 to our annual University Guidance Event at the Senior School on Wednesday June 17th, 7.00-8.30pm. This year, the theme explored will be “ Entrance to Competitive Universities”.

With A level reform from September 2015, we hope that the event with be both topical and informative. The evening will take the format of questions to a panel of leading figures in the world of university admissions. We are delighted to welcome:

Eleanor David, Student Recruitment Officer, University of OxfordMike Nicholson-Director of Student Recruitment, University of BathMike Sewell-Director of Admissions, University of CambridgePaul Teulon-Director of Admissions, King’s College, London

Save the date: competitive universities evening - Wednesday 17 June

Great success at the Finals Concert of the Cambridge Competitive Music Festival

We are delighted to report considerable success for our students in the Finals Concert of the Cambridge Competitive Music Festival which took place last Friday.Valeriya Kopanitsa (L6, piano) was awarded the Gavin Richards Cup for the most promising performer, Charlotte Lane (Y8, clarinet) was presented with the Gil-lian Mason Salver trophy for best woodwind under 15, and Juliette Richards (Y7, piano) won no fewer than six prizes: the Kathleen Freeman Trophy for the most outstanding 18 year and under performer; the Agnes Heron Memorial Trophy for the most outstanding pianoforte performer; the Bernice Young Cup for the best 12 and under performer; the Mr and Mrs Denis Harrison Cup for Piano Sonata one movement any age; the Hayden Challenge Cup for piano romantic one movement any age, and a cup for the piano own choice 12 and under. The Kathleen Freeman Trophy, which is for the overall winner of the competition, has now been won for two years in a row by a Stephen Perse student.

Mr Rudd, our Director of Music would be delighted to hear of any further success in this or other musical competi-tions.

A reminder that the Singers will be performing Vivaldi's Gloria in the magnificent setting of St John's College Chapel on Wednesday evening. The programme will also include solos by three members of Upper 6: Sophia Abbasi (Adagio from Mozart's Clarinet Concerto), Amelia Brasnett (movements from Telemann's Suite for recorder and strings) and Harriet Aspin (solo songs by Purcell). The concert will last about an hour, and everyone is welcome - no tickets are needed.

Music News

Choral Concert, St John’s College Chapel, Wednesday 29 April 8.00pm












Showjumping excellence for Coco!

Coco competed at Blue Chip Winter Showjumping Championships held at Hartpury College near Gloucester. Competitors who qualified all over the country during the winter months travelled here to compete in the national finals. Coco and her horse were placed 5th after jumping a double clear in one of their two final classes.

Ella in goal for England Roller Hockey!Congratulations to Ella Atkinson, Year 10, who played in goal for England Ladies Under 17 Roller Hockey at a tourna-ment in Portugal over the Easter holidays.

On Wednesday 22nd April, Dr Julian Huppert MP visited the 6th form centre to talk to an audience of a mix-ture of Year 10 representatives and 6th form students on what it is to be an MP.

A group of 6th formers organised the event, with the aim being to spark an interest in politics for the members of the foundation. The majority of the talk was spent with Dr Huppert taking questions submitted by members of Year 10. Some examples of the questions posed to Dr Huppert were “Why the Liberal Democrats?”, to which Dr Huppert replied “I am fundamentally a liberal”. On the subject of the most important issues for Cambridge, Dr Huppert spoke very passionately and convincingly on the subject of the lack of funding Cambridge schools have received in recent years, his passion for his work being reflected throughout the talk.

On the whole, Dr Huppert spoke in a very captivating manner, connecting very well with the audience and answering all questions fully and directly. He invited aspiring politicians in the office to come and volunteer in his “election hub” on the corner of Hills Road and Coronation Street, and also said that he would be hap-py to have people come and shadow him on one of his working days. Bobby Edge-Partington, L6th

Election 2015 - Julian Huppert visits 6th form










Friday 15th May 20157.30pm at Senior School Hall

Teams of 6-8£10 per head to include supper

Bring your own drink--------------------------------------------------------------Order Form

Team Name: ...............................................................................................

Number in team: .......................................................................................

Supper Choice (number of each):

Grilled Chicken: …………………. Moroccan Meatballs: ……………..

Sweet Potato Falafel (V): ……………….

All served with super slaw and Italian brown rice

Please make your cheque payable to: The Stephen Perse Foundation PFAand hand this form along with your cheque to your child’s School Office

or the Senior School Reception

The Stephen Perse PFA warmly invite you to a Quiz Evening on all things food & drink, on Friday 15th May 2015 at the Senior School Hall from 7.30pm. Teams are to be 6-8 people and the ticket price of £10 includes a delicious supper of

either Grilled Chicken, Moroccan Meatballs or Sweet Potato Falafel - all served with super slaw and Italian brown rice.Please feel free to bring any liquid refreshments.

Please return the form below to your school office by WEDNESDAY 6th MAY. We look forward to seeing you there,The Stephen Perse Foundation PFA

Documents

Page 1 Follow us on Twitter: Introduction - Head of Senior School · 2016-12-10 · Page 1 Follow us on Twitter: @SPFSchools Dear Parents, Last term we had to say farewell to our