Wykeham House School Centenary 1913 - 2013

This book has been produced to celebrate 100 years of outstanding education at

Wykeham House School.

Text and Research by

Louise Clubley and Elizabeth Sparkes

Editing and Design by Douglas Robertson

2013

Junior Centenary Logo by Rosie Roberts

It is a real privilege being Headmistress of Wykeham House as it celebrates itsCentenary.

It has been wonderful to work with such an enthusiastic team of people on the variousaspects of our celebrations as we try to encompass everyone who is involved with thisoutstanding School; the present girls, the former girls, the Trustees, the staff, the parentsand many lifelong supporters.

I have been here for such a short span of these 100 years but even in my short fewyears I trust we have achieved so much and given a sound start in life to so manygirls. Looking through the photographs in these pages there is much that stands thetest of time, the friendships, the fun, the need to think about others less fortunate thanourselves. There is also much that shows that Wykeham House has always beena School that moves forward, isn’t afraid of change and embraces new ideas andchallenges. I trust that this is why it is such a vibrant, exciting community.

As we look forward to our celebrations I am sure we will celebrate in style and I hopethat Mrs Baylis, the very first Headmistress who took the pioneering step to set upthe School would be pleased with the result. I trust that we all look forward to thenext 100 years!

The Centenary Book - Introduction

Mrs Lynn Clarke - Headmistress

Left:First edition of the Wykeham House Magazine

Above:The School has been producing a magazine for 70 years. The magazine is now produced as an electronic edition to view on a computer.

Wykeham House School - A History

Name OriginThe School took its name from a very outstanding figure of the middle ages, William of Wykeham. He left not only a famous name, but records of his work, both as an educationalist and architect, that can still be seen today.

Born of humble parents in the neighbouring village of Wickham about 1324, and the son of John Long, a villager of some substance. If not quite a story of ‘rags to riches’, his spectacular career can have owed little to his family background. Presumably John Long was able to sacrifice his son’s labour on the farm and provide some support for his education. There were several schools in Winchester, ten miles away, and numerous churches and religious houses that could provide support for able and industrious clerks. Wykeham gained a good grounding in grammar, and valued the education he received. He seems not to have attended university, and certainly never graduated. Still, it should not be assumed that he lacked the means to further his studies. He may have been tempted by the prospect of more gainful employment.

Winchester was not a bad place to build a career, not least given royal interest in the city, accentuated in the 1340s by the renewal of the French wars and Edward III’s Arthurian interests. He was sent by Sir John Scures, the Lord of the Manor of Wickham and Constable of Winchester Castle, to Winchester Grammar School. He showed talent for architecture and attracted the attention of Bishop Edington who was modernizing the Norman Catherdral of Winchester.

In 1356 he was in charge of Windsor Castle and improved the Round Tower and reconstructed Winchester Tower. As a result of the Black Death there became a shortage of clergy and William of Wykeham was appointed Bishop of Winchester. He continued to improve the Cathedral and kept it in good repair. In 1368 he was made Chancellor, but this was short lived after the failures in the French War and he was deprived of office. He had made his money and began two colleges in Winchester and Oxford. Although the two foundations are independent, there is a traditional link between the two and their founder, by this dual gift to education, was pioneer of our public school and university education. In 1389 William was again made Chancellor. He died aged 80 on Sept 27th 1404 and is buried in a chapel of Winchester Cathedral that he built himself.

Dates & Landmarks over 100 years

1913 –The school was founded by Mrs Maud Baylis and was based at Orme Lodge, WestStreet, Fareham. It is reported in her family diaries on 10th September 1913 “Maud is havinga portion of Orme Lodge for school purposes. Many girls are promised her and therecertainly has been room for many years for a good girls’ school in Fareham. The aim of theschool is to give a sound, modern education and special care is taken in the grounding of theyounger girls.”

1918- The school moved to Western House, West Street Fareham which later becameLetheren’s then Stead and Simpson’s (was Somerfield and LaSenza near Lloyds Bank).

1923- Miss Flavell and Miss Alsopp appointed joint Headmistresses. They came fromLondon.

1928- In November the school acquired No. 69 High Street, Fareham, a Georgian buildingwhere the School remained for 58 years. It was then named Wykeham House afterWilliam of Wykeham a great educationalist of the 14th Century. This was not the first timethe houses had been used as a school, for in the early nineteenth century a school had beenestablished for boys, it was called Fareham Academy.

1937-In July Miss Alsopp retired, and it is believed Miss Flavell died. The School was takenover by Mr and Mrs Cross. It is thought that they introduced the school uniform colours.

The first two homes of Wykeham House School,Orme Lodge (above) and Western House (right).Neither of these buildings are still standing, and

only their approximate location is known.

Postcard of 69 High Street

1939- On 6th May Miss Gwen A. Beer and Mrs G. C. Duff became joint Headmistresses ofthe School at Easter. The school had 37 pupils and 2 staff, one was Miss Shears (retiredin 1970). During Christmas of this year the sport of Hockey was introduced. Form III room wasreinforced and turned into an air raid shelter. The 5 boarders and staff used this duringthe raids.

1942– No. 6 High Street was acquired from Miss Menay.

1943- The first school magazine was produced, girls were in houses named St. Bridget’s,St.Hilda’s, St. Margaret’s, St.Anne’s and St. George’s (the Infants). A War Savings Groupraised £994 1s 10d. The School is recorded as having some pets; Paddy, a rough hairedterrier, Cymro a Welsh terrier and Snowball an Angora cat. There were a total of 210 pupilsin the School at this time. Some reports in the magazine were written by boys although weare unsure when boys first started or indeed left the School.

1945 – On 7th July Mrs Duff died in a nursing home after an operation. The Ministryinspected the School and it had also acquired a second building on the opposite side of theHigh Street which contained 3 classes from Kindergarten to Transition.

1949- The second school magazine was printed six years after the first. It was reported that anOld Girls’ Association was formed and subs were 2/6 per annum. A report is given about 4 thFareham Guides that was run from the School. This is then reported in each magazine afterthis date.

1950- It was reported that H.M. Inspectors had issued a report dated 14th /15th FebruaryThe School currently had 284 pupils and 21 staff.

1951- On 11th May at St. Peter and St. Paul Church 11 girls were confirmed. Old girls’news was reported. Senior prefects visited the Houses of Parliament with Fareham andGosport M.P. Dr. Reginald Bennett.

1952-16th May it is recorded that there were more confirmations with Rev. Daniell and theBishop of Portsmouth. On 2th November the Queen visited Lee-on-the-Solent, she cameto Fareham train station and Miss Beer took 60 pupils to see Her Majesty.

1953- In January No. 67 High Street was bought in place of No. 6, which on the oppositeside of the road housed the Infants. The property No. 67 High Street was bought afterthe death of the owner, Miss Hinxman. It was reported that the pupils took a trip to theEmbassy Cinema to watch the film of The Coronation.

1954 -School was given Recognition status by the Department of Education and Science.

1956- The death of Miss Alsopp on 20th December 1955 was reported in the Schoolmagazine. She gave a legacy of £50 to the School, which was used to purchase a hymnboard for assemblies, and the remainder was used for an annual prize for Scripture.

1957- The Assembly Hall was built at No. 69 High Street, Miss Gwen Beer purchased landfrom Admiral Donaldson who lived next door (Kintyre House). A foundation stone was laidby Dr. Kirsoph, on 21st August, who happened to be the School doctor. The Hall was officiallyopened by the vicar from St Peter and St Paul Church, Mr Watkins on 26 th November.

1958 - Miss Beer wrote that new chairs had been bought for the Hall and a covered wayhad been built along the wall to help in the wet weather. A dance was held in the Hall forold girls, parents and prefects and made a profit of £30.

1959 – Miss Beer mentions a visit from a gentleman from the Hetex Oil Company, Liverpooland her wish to install an oil heating apparatus within the School. This was completed muchto her reservations and she comments that it is now always hot.

1962- It was reported that Dr. Kirsoph, the School doctor died on 30th November after apainful illness. He was interested in all activities and he was always on hand in anyemergency and nothing was too much trouble for him.

1964- Miss Beer celebrated her 25th year of being appointed Headmistress of the School.This was marked by sending £500 to “The Cheshire Foundation”.

1966-On 28th July, Wykeham House ceased to be a Private School and became a CharitableTrust, administered by a group of Trustees. Miss Beer retired after27 years and Miss Hiltonwas appointed as Headmistress in the Autumn Term.

1970-Miss Beer died in April and the G.A. Beer Memorial Scholarships were introducedin her memory. The 1st two winners of the award were Dawn Phelps Grade III and VivienHammond Grade IV. Houses were reorganised with local history connections Cams,Ferneham and Roche.

1973 –The School celebrated its Diamond Jubilee.

1974 –New classrooms were opened at No. 69 High Street.

1976– Mrs. Jackie Giddings was appointed Headmistress and girls began playing lacrosse.

1977 –Wykeham House School Parents’ Association was formed. There were plans tomove the whole school to a large building at New Place, Wickham, but this was aborted.

1979 - No. 66 High Street was acquired to house the Infant and Junior Schools. This allowedmore room in 67 and 69 High Street for the Seniors and subject specific rooms wereintroduced.

1980- The two annexes were converted to science laboratories. Mrs Blake (Speech &Drama) celebrated 50 years of teaching, 25 of which were at Wykeham House School.

1981-Miss Cocks, Head of Juniors, retired after 35 years service at the School. She alsohad been Head of the Junior Department for 15 years. When Miss Cocks first started shelived in at the School. Mrs Young, Music teacher, retired after 17 years at the School. A newtwo-storey building was erected at 69 High Street for needlework and art which includedcloakrooms and toilets.

1982-Mrs Giddings left as Headmistress as her husband, who was in the Navy, was to moveto a new area. Mrs Giddings then took up Headmistress of St Margaret’s School, Exeter in1984 and remained there until 1994 when she retired to be ordained. The senior cloakrooms were built, new junior dining area was completed and the kitchens were re-furbished.

Local newspaper reports of the retirement of Miss

Peggy Cocks, after 35 years of service at the school.

1983 -Mrs Eunice Moore took the position of Headmistress in January. She came fromGodolphin School, Salisbury, where she was Head of Geography. She introduced the veryfirst computer room. On 6th March Miss Muriel Beer died, sister to Gwen. When she retiredfrom nursing she worked at the school in charge of housekeeping and first-aid. The staff andgirls knew her as Sister Beer.

1984-Mrs June Harper left as secretary/Bursar after 31 years at the School. Mrs Brett-Knowles retired from teaching Maths. Mrs Farr, Mrs Johns, Mrs Race, Mrs Adamson, Miss Royal,Mrs Hall and Mrs Williamson also left.

1985-Mrs J Holmes, Deputy Head and Religious Studies teacher retired after 28 years at theSchool. It was marked with a tea when over 100 former-pupils came to honour her leaving.Miss Evelyn Morris died July 1985, she taught French for 27 years and retired in 1976.

1986/87 It was reported that for the second year running the School obtained very goodGCE and CSE results with an 86% success rate of obtaining C Grade and above.Mrs McDowell left after 17 years teaching PE and leading The Duke of Edinburgh Awardwith the girls. She then moved to Canada. Mrs Caple, Miss Parry and Mrs Crookes also left.The main event of the year was the move of the School to a Georgian building in East Street,although the old School Hall was still to be used. The Bishop of Portsmouth came to blessthe new premises, the Mayor of Fareham and Trustees also attended. The top floor of thenew wing was converted into 2 laboratories.

1988/1989- In this school year 75 years were celebrated. 125 girls and ex-staff spent theday at the School reminiscing (the School magazine has some report of this activity).

Local newspaper reports of the School’s move from the High Street to its new accommodation in East Street.

The last ‘O’ level grades were very successful with 100% in French, German, Maths, Chemistryand Art, and over 90% in English, RS and Physics. Now the challenge is the new GCSE’s. In theSpring Term the School won its own accolade by being elected to the membership of theGirls’ School Association (GSA).

1991- Spanish was introduced as a third language. There is a report about the WykehamHouse Association which had 164 members and held their first luncheon, with anentertaining talk by Mrs Alice James (Miss Hilton). A salad bar was introduced plus orderingof jacket potatoes for lunch.

1991/1992 –The School flag was presented to the School as a leaving present from Form5 (Year 11), instigated by Nicola Bent aided by Cdr. Bent. Repairs were made to the flagpoleand the flag is now displayed on all special occasions. Mr Brian Evans retired as Chairmanof Trustees since 1981. Floodlighting for the netball court was arranged by the Trustees.Building development was of a third laboratory and new Art Room and Computer Room.

1993/1994 - 1993 celebrated the School’s 80th Anniversary. A church service at St. Peterand St. Paul, Fareham was held on 1st July. It is recorded that there was a staff pantomime,Cinderella.

1995 –Mrs Moore retired in August as Headmistress and Mrs Kamaryc took up the positionin the September. The School was at its fullest with 300 girls. Mrs Williams retired after 25years service in the Junior School.

1996- Reference is made that the House system is changed to the local rivers; Test, Itchen,Hamble and Beaulieu. Itchen have a yellow duck “Quackers” as their mascot and Hamblehave a hippo called “ Harry”.

The playing of hockey was introduced and lacrosse was ended. This was the 10th year at East Street and the whole school celebrated at a church service led by Rev. Richard Franklin (Trustee). The Mayor of Fareham, Mr Jim Murray, planted a tree in the School grounds to commemorate this event.

1997/1998 – The School celebrated its 85th Anniversary in 1998. There was an Auction ofPromises which raised £2300 and planning permission was given on 16th December 1998 forthe new school hall.

1998/1999 – The old school hall was demolished - this had been built in 1957 when theSchool was in High Street. On 22nd April a time capsule was buried in the foundations of thenew school hall, which was erected along with a new music room. In November architectand Trustee, Mr Paul Jones, handed over the keys to the hall. In the Summer Term theactivities day was centred on celebrations for this new building. Later in the day a Circuscame to entertain the girls at Bath Lane. Mrs Leyton retired as Deputy Headmistress and on 10th August former Headmistress Mrs Alice James died (formerly Miss Hilton).

2000-A Millennium Committee was started and events through the year included a tripto London, a fashion show, a barn dance and a ball. The first netball challenge match was heldbetween current girls and girls from the Wykeham House Association (leavers). A cup wasawarded to the winners-WHA. This is now an annual event.

2001- It was announced that the School had a large number of girls in the Infants and so theTrustees agreed to build three new classrooms. Mrs Pearson (J4/Year6 teacher) started a“Minimus Club” which was programme learning from Minimus Mouse in Latin. After a yearthe girls then entered a local competition performing a play in Latin.

East Street

2002- A Jubilee Banner was completed by the girls with the dedicated help of Mrs Dowse.There were 144 patches making up the centre panel, the girls used embroidery/sublimation,fabric pens, painting, beadwork, appliqué and digital embroidery. The heading has 53,666stitches and took four reels of gold thread. The scroll of names took 463,220 stitches andseven reels of rayon thread. It was unveiled in Fareham Town Centre in the presence of;Mrs (later Dame) Mary Fagan, Lord Lieutenant to Her Majesty The Queen and Cllr. Mrs Bryant,Mayor of Fareham.

The Queen made a visit to Southsea on the 27th June and 25 girls and 5 teacherswent to the common to cheer her arrival. The School held a church service and KatieTomsett acted as the Queen.

2003- To celebrate 90 years of the School on 9th April a service at St. Peter and St. PaulChurch was held for pupils and staff. Nine candles were lit, representing current and formerstaff, old girls, parents, Trustees, world peace and international goodwill, Wykeham Houseof the future and vision of our founder, Mrs Baylis. In the summer term a sponsored skipin Bath Lane raised £4,000 for the British Heart Foundation. The first ‘Secrets’ Room’ wasborn for Mothering Sunday due to the lack of affordable gifts. This was instigated by Schoolparents Mrs Rush and Mrs Luckett. The School also celebrated with a Ball and at Speech Daythere was a large cake and nine candles

2004-The School entered the computer age by launching its website. Later in the year theTrustees purchased a minibus for school use, which later became affectionately known asthe “Green Machine”. The Association kindly donated monies for the signage on its sides.

2005- A Bring & Buy Sale was organised to raise monies for the Tsunami Appeal, after alarge Tsunami on 26th December 2004 in the Indian Ocean. It raised £794 which was sent to theRotary Club to buy a boat, which was then named “Wykeham House” for the fishermen inSri Lanka.

Mrs Kamaryc, Headmistress left to take a new position at Queen’s Gate Schoolin London. Her parting gift to the School was 78 blue chairs for use in the dining room. TheAutumn Ball raised £2,359 for school funds and an interactive whiteboard was purchased.

2006- Mrs Jan Caddy, acted as Headmistress for two terms before Mrs Lynn Clarke hadbeen appointed our new Headmistress and arrived at the School in September. TheSchool fundraising committee was re-launched under the title WHISPA (Wykeham HouseIndependent School Parents’ Association).

Mrs Joan Holmes (former RS teacher and Senior Mistress) died; she had been at WykehamHouse for 28 years. It was also reported that Miss Cocks had died; she was Senior Mistressin charge of the Junior House for many years. The most memorable record of her teachingwas that she took the infants and juniors for Music lessons, with her baton in hand and largemusic boards for the girls to follow.

2007-The school office and first aid room were moved downstairs for easier access toparents, and a Deputy Headmistress office was created for Mrs Caddy. During the winterterm, the girls were introduced to the launch of St John Ambulance Club (Wykeham HouseDivision).

2008-Following lengthy consultations, the School uniform was changed; fitted jackets for thesenior girls and kilts with no ties and this was reported to make the girls more “Ladylike”. In Octoberthe new Foundation Stage Play Area was constructed from monies raised by WHISPA anddonations from William Price Educational Trust and Richmond Cars Hyundai. This is a superbfacility for the girls to continue learning in an outside classroom. We gained our first Badgerof the Year Award (Catherine Wright) from St John Ambulance.

2009-The School held an Open House Day one Saturday in September. This was very wellattended with over 150 past pupils, teachers, parents and friends arriving throughout theday to have a look around the School. This was arranged to start our collection of memories and photographs leading up to the Centenary celebrations that the School will hold in 2013.

2010- A charity evening was arranged in March by two Year 10 girls (Penelope Bielckusand Jessica Rush) and this raised a magnificent total of £3,600 for Help the Heroes. SophieAnsell, Year 11, won the National Competition to become St John Cadet of the Year. Newkeyboards were donated to the Music Department from monies raised by WHISPA. TheSchool hosted its first Careers Conference for the older girls supported by parents at theSchool.

2011- The School held a street party to celebrate The Royal Wedding of Prince Williamand Kate Middleton. Upon the sad closure of ‘The Fareham Speech and Drama Festival’the School held its first ‘Wykeham House Speech and Drama Festival’, under the secureguidance of our long-standing Speech and Drama teacher, Mrs Knapman.

2012- A year of celebration saw the School and country enjoy the Queen’s Diamond Jubileeand the Olympics. The celebrations started with a visit to Fareham by The Princess Royalwhen Wykeham House were invited to be part of the opening ceremony of the Play Areain West Street. The whole School attended with flags and banners. The girls were visited inassembly by Double Olympic Gold Medallist sailor, Shirley Robertson, who also bought BenAinslie’s Olympic torch to show.

Headmistresses

Mrs M. Baylis

In 1913 the school was founded by Mrs Baylis and was based at Orme Lodge, West Street, Fareham. It is reported in her family diaries on 10th September 1913 “Maud is having a portion of Orme Lodge for school purposes. Many girls are promised her and there certainly has been room for many years for a good girls’ school in Fareham. The aim of the school is to give a sound, modern education and special care is taken in the grounding of the younger girls.” Mrs Baylis is understood to have run the school for 10 years. In this time the school was very small. On 6th May 1923 it was taken over by Miss Flavell and Miss Alsopp B.A. as joint Headmistresses. They came from London and Miss Alsopp is mentioned by a pupil aged 6 during 1937/41 as “an old lady with white hair and dressed in black.”

1937 Miss Alsopp retired to Clevedon. During her retirement she still took a very keen interest in the life and success of the school, this was shown by a very generous legacy of £50 with which a hymn board was bought for Assemblies, the remainder was devoted to a special annual prize for Scripture. She passed away on 20th December 1955 and it is believed that Miss Flavell died around this time also.

The School was taken over by and Mr & Mrs Cross for the next 2 years. Not much information can be found in relation to them however, the following comment was written by a pupil who attended the school from 1937-1941 Margaret Brons, ‘Mr Cross was described as a strict disciplinarian who revolutionised the School. He changed the uniform to green, red and silver and introduced a new style of handwriting. He never liked scrawl!’

Miss Beer and Mrs Duff became joint Principals in Easter 1939 when they came to the school from St Winifred’s School in Wales. Miss Beer had a science degree and was in charge of the academic life of the school and Mrs Duff took over the domestic part. They took over the school with only 20 pupils, but with some hard work decorating, employing well-qualified teachers the numbers rose to just over 100. One teacher Miss Morris started on a salary of £120 per annum in 1942. The cellars, dining room and cloakrooms were also strengthened against air raids together with wooden shutters to close against any blasts.

Miss Beer is quoted as saying “Happiness is not something you can seek as an object in life, it is a dividend that is paid to you when other conditions have been fulfilled. The key is to grow up a well adjusted person.” She added, “Too much emphasis is today placed upon examination results and fierce competition. A high standard of education is vitally important, but some children are better suited to learning in a relaxed atmosphere. Grammar schools can be frighteningly hectic for some pupils.”

These two teachers always wore their gowns when teaching and there was a recollection of times when they also wore a mortarboard. They have been described as strict but also kind. Miss Beer encouraged girls to fundraise. One particular favourite was St. Edith’s Children’s Home, which has since become the Roundabout Hotel.

Miss G.A. Beer

Mrs Duff died 7th July 1945 in a nursing home. She had been reported as having a straightforward operation, however it was noted that she died unexpectedly. Miss Beer said she was a great loss to everyone as she had been a very vital part of the school. She had a marvellous personality and endless enthusiasm and love to give and an inspiration to everyone.

Miss Beer retired in 1966 after 27 years to a property in Lee-on-the-Solent. She died in April 1970.

Mrs G. Duff

Mrs A. James

Miss Hilton took over the Headship in September 1966 and was at the school for ten years. She was a Lancashire lass (and proud of it!), she was born in September 1921 and studied at Newnham College, Cambridge, where she read Geography. She completed her teacher training at ReadingUniversity. She taught at a number of schools including Fareham Girls’ Grammar School (now Cams Hill) before becoming Headmistress at Wykeham House.

A quote from Miss Hilton on taking up her position in 1966, “Taking over as Headmistress, I hope that the school will keep its happy atmosphere and the girls will remember that courtesy, consideration and self-reliance are still important in a world of rapidly changing values.”

She continued her already well-established local activities when she joined the school, which included founding and running the Fareham Local History Group, playing a vital part in the setting up of Westbury Manor Museum and the restoration of Cams Hall. She carried out much originalresearch into the Delme family (who lived at Cams Hall for over 100 years) and published four books about the Borough, drawing on her wonderful collection of photographs and postcards, as well as helping others with their volumes. In the 1960’s when so much of historic interest in this country was lost, she recognised, sooner than most, the importance of local history, and kept her ear close to the ground for information on any documentation destined for the bonfire, and any fine building at risk. From the material thus collected and which clearly required proper recording, developed the Fareham Past and Present booklets published two or three times a year, which she edited, and which are still being produced.

Miss Hilton was a dynamic person yet had a quiet but forceful manner. She was renowned for knowing all the pupils personally and above all “enjoyed a bit of fun whilst running a very tight ship.” When she retired she married Lieut-Cdr James continuing her love for history. She died on 10th August 1999.

Mrs J.M. Giddings B.A.(Hons)

Mrs Giddings became Headmistress in 1976; she widened the school curriculum and motivated numerous academic successes amongst the girls. She is remembered mainly for the vast improvements she made to the existing facilities. She organised separate subject rooms for German, French, Geography and Music. She was instrumental in converting the new annexe to include two science laboratories and a preparatory room. The acquisition of 66 High Street in 1981 also improved facilities for Infants and Juniors. A new two-storey building was also erected to incorporate new cloakrooms, toilets, increase the kitchen and infant dining area and upstairs for new needlework and art rooms.

When she left in 1982 she moved to the West Country due to her husband’s work commitments in The Navy. Mrs Giddings went on to be Headmistress of St Margaret’s School, Exeter, a Woodford School of 450 pupils and a sixth form of 100. Mrs Giddings continued the expansion of St Margaret’s School both in pupil numbers, an ever-widening curriculum and increased opportunities in extracurricular activities. The Sixth Form grew and an expanding number of subjects at A Level were offered. The Junior school developed and, moved to Westall House and a dedicated music centrewas established at Willowdene. New foreign languages were offered for study and exchanges established.

In 1984 Mrs Giddings retired from her post in order to be ordained as a full time stipendiary minister in the Church of England. She served in two parishes in Devon (Plympton and Tavistock) until retirement. She now enjoys time with her grandchildren.

Mrs E. M. Moore B.A. F.R.G.S.

Mrs Moore joined the school in 1982, from The Godolphin Girls’ School, Salisbury, Wilts, where she was Head of Geography (1967-1982). She arrived at the school with many ideas to develop and modernise it - among them was the addition of the first computer room at WykehamHouse. During her time as Headmistress the whole school moved buildings to the previously named Fareham House in East Street. This building had more space and availability for modern facilities. This move was organised over a long weekend, with many teachers, parents and girlswalking between the buildings to move as many items by hand as possible. It was mentioned by Mrs Barbara Reeves that many wheelbarrows were used for transporting items.

Staff were encouraged by Mrs Moore to attend conferences and seminars, ‘The After School Club’ was born and she saw the development of new science laboratories and computer room. During the late 1980s the school moved to a two-form entry system as pupil numbers increased.

Throughout her leadership, she raised the academic standards within the school and this was reflected in the excellent GCSE results. Mrs Moore was active and successful at building on the firm foundations and maintaining the school policy of courtesy and consideration for others. She believed in the importance of learning discipline and of a secure school background to enable each girl to develop as an individual. Mrs Moore valued gaining membership of the Girls’ School Association. She retired as our Headmistress in August 1995 and lives in Fareham.

Mrs R. Kamaryc B.A. M.Sc. P.G.C.E

Mrs Kamaryc joined the school as Headmistress in 1995, previously having taught at Woodbridge School, Suffolk.

A quote from Mrs Kamaryc’s message in the school magazine of 1995/96 reads, ‘’No school can be complacent and whilst we must not forget our past, in today’s increasingly competitive world, we cannot afford to live solely on yesterday’s memories and successes. Rather we have to be mind-ful ofthe changes around us and to strive, not just to keep apace, but to keep ahead.”

Mrs Kamaryc had some hard acts to follow. Under her guidance the kindergarten department was provided with larger and better accommodation and spread into the cottage with a dedicated classroom and its own garden and playground. Then the new Sports Hall was built, on ground at the back of the building. She contributed extensively to the design of the dining room, with its decoration and curtains. School meals were changed from the old set cooked lunch to a choice of hot or cold meals with a bias towards healthy dishes. These were served from a new and spacious servery, which was previously dead space. The introduction of activity days after the summer exams gave pupils a chance to relax and enjoy a day out or team building exercises. A school mini-bus was purchased and used for transporting small groups to tennis, to the swimming pool and on local trips. It was then used to do a transport pick up for pupils at the beginning and end of the school day.

Mrs Kamaryc left Wykeham House to become Principal of Queen’s Gate School in South Kensington, London in 2006.

Mrs L. Clarke B.Sc (Hons) P.G.C.E. P.G.Dip.

Mrs Clarke became Headmistress in September 2006; she was previously Deputy Headmistress at St Andrew’s School, Bedford. Before this she held two other positions at GSA schools (Dame Alice Harpur School and Bedford High School). So, girls’ education is very much her passion.

One of Mrs Clarke’s first changes was to move one of the Infant classes on the ground floor to create a space for the school office and first aid room by the main front door giving better access for parents for day-to-day business. Mrs Caddy, now Deputy Headmistress was also provided withan office upstairs. The junior school rooms were rearranged and grouped together on the ground floor to give a better identity and more space for the girls. The play area for the Foundation Stage was completely refurbished thanks to fundraising by WHISPA and some generous donations to the school. The school website was enhanced allowing parents, girls and prospective parents access to a lot more information about the school. The appointment of a marketing manager saw a more professional approach to all school publications and advertising including The Speech Day Programme, The Wykeham House Times, and the use of radio advertising.

The extra curricular life of the school grew with the introduction of a St John’ Ambulance group, Rainbows and Brownies sections, an Interact Club (a Rotary Club for young people) to complement the already successful sports clubs, speech and drama activities, music and much more. The mainfocus of these new groups was to ensure the school became fully involved in the local community and also to offer the girls many opportunities for leadership. The school uniform was updated by a working group of girls, staff, parents and Trustees to give a more modern approach to the traditional school colours.

She certainly has moved the school into the 21st Century. The school’s next venture is the opening of a Boys’ School, under the umbrella of Wykeham House. The first two boys entered the nursery in January 2013 and the rest will become history.

Senior girls enjoying Chemistry lessons with Mr Dearden

School Life

Every pupil attending Wykeham House School becomes a member of a House group.

The original Houses were named after Saints; Anne, Margaret, Hilda, Bridget, and the addition of George for the Infants.

The Houses were reorganised in 1970, taking the names of Cams, Ferneham and Roche, reflecting local historical connections. When School numbers increased in the 1980’s, an additional House, Meon, was added. A final fifth House, Westbury, was included in 1990.

The current Houses began in 1996, due to the changing number of girls. The four new Houses, named after Hampshire rivers are Beaulieu, Hamble, Itchen and Test.

Senior girls at Wykeham House, mid 1940’s

Wykeham House School has been a nurturing environment for girls from the ages of 3 to 16 for the last one hundred years. In that time, School life has changed dramatically. Whether through rapid advances in technology and teaching methods, or in the modern roles and expectations of women and girls in today’s society, life as a Wykeham House girl has seen many changes.

As you take a visual journey through School life you will also see that despite the changes, girls will be girls. Many of the images are half a century apart, but the experiences the girls shared have much in common. When the girls of today’s classes talk to the ladies of the Wykehan House Association, they find that they have many shared experiences in common.

The girls enjoying the new Foundation Stage Garden, created in 2008

SCHOOL BADGE

In the colours of red and green have dominated the majority of the school uniforms over the years. The badge contains three Wyverns.The badge was introduced in the 1930’s by Mr & Mrs Cross, when the uniform was changed and not when the school was opened.The Wyverns were chosen for valour and protection; the green school colour symbolises hope, joy, loyalty and love; the cross of St. George was for the patron saint of England.

SCHOOL MOTTO

“Vouloir C’est Pouvoir”

It is unsure when this motto was introduced to the school, but it is very unusual to have a motto written in French and not Latin.It literally can be translated to mean, “To want, that is to be able”. Many of us now would fully understand the translation to be “Where there’s a will there’s a way”.Although this remains within the School Badge, the current Headmistress, Mrs Lynn Clarke now promotes the school with a new phrase, “A School where success is realised.”

SCHOOL HYMN“I vow to thee my country”

I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above,Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love:

The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test,That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;

The love that never falters, the love that pays the price,The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.

And there’s another country, I’ve heard of long ago,Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know;

We may not count her armies, we may not see her King;Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering;

And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase,And her ways are ways of gentleness and all her paths are peace.

Cecil Spring-Rice 1859-1918

The girls of Year 11, 2012, receiving their GCSE results

Speech Day Year 11 girls and their parents celebrate results day in August

Wykeham House Association Centenary Lunch, March 2013

It is a tradition for the girls in their final year to gather together again, both on the results day in August when they receive the rewards for all of their hard work, and on the annual Speech Day, when the whole School gathers to celebrate the talents and successes of the previous year’s pupils. It is a wonderful occasion with speeches from Trustees, the Headmistress, Head Girls and inspiring guest speakers.

School life does not end when the girls leave Wykeham House. The close relationship continues immediately on graduating, as every girl is made a member of the Wykeham House Association. Some of the current members (pictured above) attended the school as far back as the 1940’s.

The Trustees and Leadership Team at Wykeham House School, as part of its on going development were pleased to announce their plans to open a fully separate Wykeham House Boys’ School. The foundation stage boys will join the present unit; the junior boys’ school will be in a separate wing of the present school, with the senior boys housed in a separate building in close proximity to our site.

This development was in response to repeated requests by prospective parents to provide a similar nurturing environment for boys who may be brothers of girls already at our school, or planning to join us. The Boys’ School will be a direct reflection of the present Girls’ School, i.e. from 3 years to 16 years and with the same ethos and aims.

It is fitting that as we celebrate 100 years of Wykeham House we plan to reintroduce boys; even if on a fully separate basis. When you retrace the school’s history, we did begin life as a school that taught both girls and boys. We have recently welcomed several old boys to the school who are very proud of the fact that their formative years were spent at Wykeham House.

The Head of the Boys’ School, Mr Case with Joseph Brackstone, the first new boy.

Former Headmistress Ros Kamaryc with girls in the old school uniform

Sports

Among our current pupils we are lucky to have three National Champions at their events.

Caitlin Peters is the current British School’s Hard Track Champion, Zoe Walker is National Champion in Mirror Class dinghy sailing (teamed with her father, Olympic Champion, Ian Walker), and DeMani Romasz is a National Ballroom Dancing Champion.

Double Olympic medallists Shirley Robertson and Ian Walker visited Wykeham House , inspiring the girls and giving them an opportunity to hold a real Olympic torch and gold medals!

Many of our girls, past and present, have gone on to compete at local and national level at a wide variety of sports and other activities, including sailing, skiing, track and field, netball, dance and many, many more.

We are fortunate at Wykeham House, not only for the wide range of sports and activities available to our pupils, but in the level of commitment shown by the girls in pursuit of their goals.

Every summer the girls of Wykeham House compete in the annual Sports Day, held at Bath Lane. Each pupil, in both the seniors and juniors, represents their House in a variety of athletic (and fun) events.

Although the emphasis of the event is the taking part, as with any Inter-House event, the competition for points is fiercely fought with the winning House taking home the trophy. In 2012, to coincide with the Summer Olympic Games in London, the pupils took part in their own mini Olympics. The House teams paraded around the running track carrying replica torches and House banners, before competing in the events for gold, silver and bronze medals!

Netball stars, past and present

Olympic Sports Day 2012

Trips & Activities

Wykeham House girls have throughout the years had many opportunities to take part in a wide range of trips and activities.

The first School trip abroad was a student exchange visit to Holland 1946. Seven girls from Wykeham House travelled alone (unthinkable in today’s age of health and safety) and Dutch boys came back to Fareham in return. The photograph shows the girls setting out on the exchange. Due to wartime restrictions, the uniform at that time was any green material with white cuffs and collars.

The girls, three of whom are still members of the Wykeham House Association, remember D-Day rehearsals at Portsmouth Harbour, when Mulberry Harbours were beingtowed across – the day before D Day itself.

Mary Spencer, one of the girls involved recalls that Redlands School was evacuated and parents didn’t wish her to move away from Fareham. She initially went to her Grandparents and sat exams for Petersfield School and Bedales. Mary didn’t enjoy it at Petersfield as it was a long walk to school, especially in the snow! She then moved to Wykeham House School.

The curriculum and careers for the girls at that time were restricted. They had to do sewing, making clothes for children at Children’s Homes. Mary first did nursing but didn’t like this. She had helped out with lessons whilst at Wykeham House so on leaving, went into a career in teaching.

The first School trip abroad was a student exchange visit to Holland 1946.

The girls stayed with Dutch families as part of a post-war initiative to get people travelling in Europe again.

Girls of the Junior School in 2011 masquerading as evacuees on their visit to the D-day Museum in Portsmouth.

A Trip to Paris 1950

Early last Spring, Mrs Jordan very kindly arranged a trip to France for the Senior girls. This entailed a great deal of arranging and correspondence for her, booking the passage across the Channel,and finding somewhere for us to stay when we arrived there. About twenty girls were taken. We left Portsmouth early in the morning and went by train to Newhaven. From there we had a good crossing to Dieppe on the T.S.S. Arromanches. Then we began a long train journey to Paris – our destination.

M. Duplomb – our guide – met us at the station and we were taken by motor-coach to a French boarding school, where we stayed for eight days.

We all shared one large dormitory and on the first night, as on many others, it was very late before we went to sleep.

Next morning, we rose early and went to buy stamps, to send post-cards home. After much discussion, one of us finally asked for them, with a rather doubtful accent.

The following days were filled with capacity with sight-seeing. We saw the palace of Versailles, the hamlet of Marie Antoinette, the Louvre Museum, places of interest in historic Paris and the streets of the modern Paris. We saw, of course, the Eiffel tower, L’Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, and many other landmarks of this romantic capital.

We and many other visiting school parties went to L’Hotel de Ville – the Town Hall – for an official reception, at which we were told some of the history of this huge, magnificent building. We were addressed by the Civic Authority, first in French and then in English.

On of the highlights of our visit was when we went in full evening dress to the opera where we saw Gounod’s Faust. Mrs Jordan went to a great deal of trouble to obtain boxes for us. It was a magnificent performance, and so well acted that, although we did not understand all the dialogue, we could follow the story.

On another occasion, we went to the theatre to see a musical comedy called “La Danseuse Aux Etolies”. This of course was not up to the standard of the “Faust” but it was none the less enjoyable.

I think that we all enjoyed looking round the large stores, such as Galeries Lafayette, and testing our French we wished to buy presents to take home. M. Duplomb was an excellent and untiring guide, and did his best to make our visit a success.

The food was good and the keen air gave us all big appetites. The only thing that made us impatient was that the meals were never punctual.

Two days before our departure some of the French girls came back to the school for their new term. They were very friendly and soon we were exchanging addresses, and some of them still write to us.

All too soon our visit came to an end, and on a cold wet morning we set sail for the journey homewards. We had a very rough crossing, and I am sorry to say that some of the party were not very good sailors. However, I will say at this point that the majority of girls proved to be better sailors than the boys on board! We got safely through the customs and set out for home.

Lastly, I want to say how very grateful we are to Mrs Jordan for giving us such a wonderful opportunity of seeing a corner of Europe.

Ann Churchill, Form U.V.A., Age 15½

Wykeham House School visit to Paris in 1950

Having fun is an important part of life at Wykeham House School. The girls have enjoyed a wide variety of activities and events during their School careers, from rubbing shoulders with tennis superstar Serena Williams to dressing up as their favourite characters for the annual Book Week festivities. And of course, the staff can often be seen in a strange assortment of guises as part of non-uniform and charity days. From Where’s Wally?, witches and nuns the girls have had fun!

Drama has played an important part in the life of Wykeham House, and many quality productions have been staged over the years. Above is a cast photograph of the 1944 production of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. The girls love to perform on stage, and the sets and costumes are often spectacular as can be seen in the photographs of the Ugly Sisters from Cinderella Rockerfella (opposite - bottom left), and Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat (bottom right).

Acknowledgements I thank the staff and former pupils who have helped support Mrs LouiseClubley and Mrs Elizabeth Sparkes as they have searched the archives forinformation about the School and Mr Douglas Robertson for his creative skillsin the layout and format of this book and for the initial idea.

For our Centenary Celebrations I thank the Centenary Committee comprising:Trustees, WHISPA, Wykeham House Association and staff for their enthusiasmand dedication in organising our many activities and the gifts for the girlsand staff. I thank the Bishop of Portsmouth, our Patron, and the Rev’d SallyDavenport for their presence and guidance at our Centenary Service. I thankMrs Jan Caddy for writing the words for our Musical and Mr Derek Jones forthe composition of the music. I also thank the dedicated team of staff whoworked very hard on the production which was enjoyed by so many; MissHelen Wilson for her direction, Mrs Fiona Morris and Mrs Christine Flack fortheir superb training of the choirs and Mrs Sarah Cross for the costumes.Thank you also to our Bursar, Mr David Bryant for his time and dedication in researching the history of our current East Street site. Most of all I thank the girls for their participation, inspiration and enthusiasmfor the Centenary.

There are many other people who have worked to make our Centenarycelebrations a success. If I have not mentioned you by name I apologise andmy thanks are heartfelt.

Lynn Clarke Headmistress

Senior Centenary Logo by Beatrice Parker