Senior School News
Netball success continues
Because I am a Girl
Lauren in Year 11 joined the Youth Advisory Panel for the charity and together with Lara, Celia and Emma gave a presentation during Senior School morning assembly this week about the campaign. They explained that the campaign aims to ensure girls in the poorest countries can access a quality education, thus moving them from a life of poverty to a future with an opportunity. Pupils were encouraged to visit the website www.becauseiamagirl.org to see ways in which they can support Plan UK and the campaign. Lauren and her team will be launching a fundraising event to the School in March.
Former Teacher remembered
At the forthcoming annual Joint Choral Society and Orchestra Concert with St Albans School, the performance of the Mozart Requiem will be dedicated to Lady Runcie as it was one of her favourite pieces. The Concert will be held on Wednesday 21 March at 7.30 pm in the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban. Tickets are available from the Music Administrator by emailing musicinfo@stalbans-high.herts.sch.uk.
Trip to watch Olympic gymnastics trials
On the floor, the women showed poise and grace and amazing tumbling including the rare double Arabian (which is a half twist into a double front somersault). The teams we saw included France and Canada who have both qualified for the Olympics.
We had a great time and would like to thank Miss Bacon for organising the trip. We will be inspired to work hard on our own gym skills as we prepare for the St Albans and District Gym Display in March.
Written by Lucy (Year 9), Gymnastics Squad Member
Under 15 Netball Success continues
With only eight teams left in the competition in the whole country, we knew it would be a very tough game against Reigate Grammar. Both teams started strongly and after the first quarter the High School were up by one goal, 12-11. With a few injuries to contend with, the High School team were broken on three of their centre passes in the second quarter and found themselves 19-15 down. They knew that it would be crucial to narrow the gap in the next quarter, if they wanted to proceed to the semi-finals. It took a lot of determination and steady play but slowly the High School managed to pull the goals back and found themselves up 25-24 going into the final fifteen minutes. The High School were broken on their first centre pass and Reigate took the lead, scoring from their centre pass as well. The High School began to settle the play and gave 100% effort right up until the final whistle. The scores were so close until the final whistle and a few stunning interceptions and cool, calm shooting from the High School put us in front by one goal, winning the highly exciting game, 33-32. This secured the team a place in the semi-final of the national competition. Congratulations to the whole squad and we look forward to hearing who we are playing in the next round!
Swimming Success
We also wish Mia all the best as she has been selected for the Middlesex County Swimming Team to compete in an International swimming competition in Portugal in February.
High School Foreign Language teaching showcased
The filming is part of a series of videos and is now available to view on their website. Click here to view.
U15 Netball Success
With only sixteen teams left in the knock-out competition from the whole of England, it was a tough match against Burgess Hill School for Girls. In the 60 minute game, the High School started strongly and displayed excellent skills throughout the whole court. Every girl gave 100% effort for every second of the game and this proved to be the key to securing the win at 46 goals to 37. The team are now in the top eight in the country and are looking forward to seeing who we will play in the next round, in January. Congratulations to the whole squad!
Fröhliche Weihnachten
What a lovely time Year 8 had at the Christmas market in Aachen in November. Each stall was a small wooden hut with small red, yellow, green or blue roofs and they all smelled delicious. The girls were truly spoilt for choice and all agreed it was a great experience not to be forgotten.
Year 8 pupil reaches British Swimming Championship
This event is also doubling up as the British Swimming Olympic Selection Trials, which allows younger swimmers to compete, qualifying at slightly slower times than the elite athletes. The youngest ages that can qualify are those girls born in the years 1998 and 1999 (Mia is a 1999 birthday) so this is the first year Mia could have qualified. The qualifying time set was 28.73 which Mia comfortably exceeded. She has done exceptionally well as it is rare for the younger swimmers in the age band to qualify and looking back on previous results only one or two across Great Britain get to compete from the younger half of the age band and it is likely to be the same this year. Mia's time has now ranked her as the fastest 12 year old over 50m Freestyle this year. It has also placed Mia 5th on the all time fastest swims over this distance by a 12 year old. This is a truly fantastic achievement. We wish Mia every success at the British Championships and look forward to following her swimming achievements in the future.
Senior School Production features Guys and Dolls
The standard of performance was extremely high as students performed classic songs such as 'Luck be a Lady Tonight' and 'Rockin' the Boat' to packed audiences every night. The show was run by the Drama Department and supported by staff from Music, Textiles and Art and was a huge success. Congratulations to all who were involved.
MyDaughter December Newsletter
The December edition of their Newsletter is out now. Click here to download a copy.
Highgate U13 Netball Tournament Winners
The girls have worked very hard in training this term and it really paid off throughout the tournament. Congratulations to all who played!
Reading Reaps Rewards
"This year during the half term I took six books with me to Tanzania. I read my books on the Veranda of our house, but I wasn't just reading because I like reading I was also reading for a charity called Readathon. I was sponsored to read the books and all the money was used to help sick children. I think Readathon is fabulous because we help children in need and at the same time we boost our own knowledge. The thought of helping people made me want to read more."
Written by Dhanika in Year 7
High School supports the Katie Piper Foundation
Please click here to listen to the YouTube clip which shows the inspiration behind, and the making of, this iTunes download.
STAHS hosts Women in Science Conference
On Wednesday 16 November, staff and students from more than 15 schools across Hertfordshire, joined lecturers, graduates and undergraduates from Balliol College to talk about opportunities to study Science and Mathematics at Oxford before breaking into smaller subject specific discussion groups.
St Albans High School for Girls welcomed to London 2012's Get Set network
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) awarded St Albans High School a plaque and certificate to acknowledge their involvement in the London 2012 education programme. The Committee said the School was an excellent example of how London 2012 is helping to spark young people's imagination and inspiring them to get involved and make a difference. It said that they have clearly demonstrated that London 2012's education programme extends far beyond PE and Sport and they are now a part of an active London 2012 community of schools and colleges across the UK – the Get Set network - and will receive access to exclusive competitions and 2012 Games related opportunities over the coming years.
11/11/11
Artist in Residence
Our Year 11 students found the sessions very productive and increased their versatility, giving them a myriad of possibilities for coursework, other than painting and drawing, such as working in 3D. Sixth Former, Olivia, said "It was a great opportunity to work with Philip, a practising artist. He helped me with my personal art work and after one practice trusted me to weld and saw my own sculpture! I enjoyed the artist experience and venturing into 3D work". We look forward to seeing their finished sculpture.
Fireworks Extravaganza
Parents and children enjoyed hot chocolate, mulled wine and hot dogs as they were entranced by the display which painted the sky in magical colours.
MyDaughter October Newsletter
The October edition of their Newsletter is out now.
St Albans High School Amnesty International Concert
The concert showcased musical talent from all year groups within the Senior School and was organised not only to raise money for a very important cause, but will also be an entry in Amnesty International's annual fundraising competition.
Congratulations to those Sixth Form girls who organised the event and for raising in excess of £2000.
High School Foreign Language teaching showcased
The filming will be part of a series of videos which will shortly be available on their website. Click here to go to the CIE website to view other videos available in this series.
Olympic Champion visits the Senior School
Sally was invited to officially open the School Sports Pavilion and to give the second memorial lecture in honour of former Headmistress, Miss Elizabeth Diggory. Sally talked to the girls about her road to success and the determination and commitment required, explaining that 70% of what it took to become an Olympic champion was in her mind. Urging the girls to 'feed themselves positive thoughts' in whatever they wished to achieve, the afternoon concluded with a lively question and answer session.
High School celebrates la Journée européenne des langues
It's not just about the coffee...
High School Gymnasts win County Competition
August/September update on the developments at the Senior School site
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The coming months will see the completion of the steelwork, the laying of all the masonry and the construction of the roofing. This will ensure that internal fit-out can proceed regardless of weather conditions as we move into the autumn. Furthermore, the extension to Ringwood, to provide additional music teaching and practice space, is rising higher with every passing day.
These are a exciting developments which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for pupils to enjoy for many years to come.
South Africa Netball Tour 2011
The tour included netball matches against local schools and townships, a safari and charity project work. This charity project involved coaching netball to local girls to take the skills and drills learnt back to their villages in order to continue developing netball in rural communities. In preparation for the trip, the girls raised hundreds of pounds to make donations of kit and equipment to two South African charities. The girls and teachers had an amazing experience and although the netball was sometimes played in a different style compared to the English game, the girls always played with great enthusiasm and passion!
Click here to read the full report.
Click here to see an article about the tour in England Netball's 'digimag' (page 7).
Students' GCSE delight!
Following last week's excellent A Level scores, our GCSE students did not fail to impress with a record-breaking 46.7% of grades awarded at A*.
Ten girls achieved A* grades across the board, and a further 36 scored A*/A in all of their subjects.
100% of all early entries in Mathematics and French by our Year 10 students also reaped the top A*/A grades.
Mrs Martin offered her congratulations:
"These results demonstrate hard work and commitment by pupils and staff alike, and will form an excellent basis for A Level study in a wide range of subjects."
Race for Life
Three Year 8 girls from STAHS, Lizzie, Annabel and Evie, ran the Race for Life in St Albans recently. They ran 5km and raised over £300 for Cancer Research UK. Well done girls!
High School swimmers receive 'Team of the Year' Award
Summer Holiday Tips for your daughters
The full list, entitled '38 things to do before you go back to school' is available to read here.
Aegon Tennis Team
Wimbledon
Year 7 swimmer in National Finals
Sports Day Fun
Verulam continued their sporting success with a clean sweep of all the team trophies for both junior and senior competitions as well as the jumping cup. Well done to everyone!
The High School celebrate Tennis Tournament Success
Along with this, intermediate and beginner pairs from Years 7, 8 and 9 played friendly doubles matches against Haberdashers on Wednesday 15 June. The Year 7s and 9s both won overall. An excellent week for High School tennis!
Relationships Day
Year 7 Tennis
High School High Achievers
Promising young (U17) lacrosse players, Sophie and Lizzie, have been selected to represent Centex and Wales respectively at the Lacrosse Festival in Hanover, Germany in August this year. This will give the girls a fantastic opportunity to experience competing against teams from other countries. Congratulations to Sophie and Lizzie.
Former pupil is English champion
Since winning the title, Lucy has been selected to represent England in the European ladies' team championship in Austria from July 5-9. We wish her the very best for this latest challenge!
High School Swimmers nominated for Sports Award
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MyDaughter May Newsletter
The May edition of their Newsletter is out now. Click here to download a copy.
Success at AAA County Championships
Year 8 Gymnast represents East of England in National Club Finals
Sports Pavilion Completed
The newly-levelled sports pitches add to the feel of this being the sports field as we have never seen it before. This year's Sports Day will be held at the field and will provide an opportunity to see and enjoy the transformation which has been achieved.
Former High School pupil stars in 'The Apprentice'
Felicity explained that as part of her education at the High School, learning how to apply herself and how to work as part of a team proved advantageous in participating in the tasks on the hugely popular TV programme.
In answering a vast array of questions from a very interested audience, Felicity described the audition process and the truths and myths surrounding a typical day's filming and gave her opinion on some of her fellow participants!
We would like to congratulate Felicity on her success in beating 72,000 applicants to become an Apprentice candidate and to thank her for sharing her experiences with the School.
May update on the developments at the Senior School site
During the recent Easter holidays the main contractors, Farnrise Construction Ltd, erected perimeter fencing, cleared the site and commenced the necessary re-levelling work. Although unfortunately a number of trees had to be removed, the project allows for a similar number of semi-mature specimens to be planted in due course. The environmental credentials of the building will be enhanced by a ground-based heat pump to ensure that a significant part of the building's energy requirements come from non-carbon sources.
As always, the School takes matters of health and safety very seriously. The construction site is separated from the School by steel solid fencing. However we ask all pupils, staff and visitors to ensure that the construction site is regarded as strictly out of bounds at all times. We shall be bringing you regular updates on progress and look forward to the coming months as the building takes shape.
Summer Orchestral Concert
This special concert showcasing the Junior, Intermediate, Senior and Chamber Orchestras, the Senior Choir and Senior Chamber Choir and the Lower Strings Ensemble featured a selection of very special works, including some by Vaughan Williams, Dvorak, Vivaldi and a new orchestral piece by Emma.
Two High School girls represent Hertfordshire and win the U14 County Tennis Cup
Eight counties out of 44 qualified two weeks ago for the finals which took place in Nottingham recently. Georgie (Year 7) was one of four in the team and Lucy (Year 8) was the travelling reserve. At the finals, the Hertfordshire girls first beat Surrey, where Lucy joined up with Georgie to play the doubles, then Warwickshire (the number 1 seeds), and finally Kent. Georgie played in both the singles and doubles matches. The team received a large trophy and medals. Congratulations to the team, in particular Georgie and Lucy, on such a fantastic achievement!
A scholar returns
Amy offered the girls an insight into the selection process and gave an idea of the benefits of the scheme, which included a generous pro rata salary, a travel bursary, funding through university and several other perks.
Highlights of Amy's year had included camel rides in the desert, being escorted in a Kuwaiti prince's car to his desert camp, a weekend stay in the 6 star Palm Atlantis hotel in Dubai and meeting 'Diversity'! The poise and confidence Amy showed in her delivery were clear evidence of how much she had gained from the experience and will have inspired some of the current Year 12, who were generous with their applause, to rush to the appropriate website.
Founders' Day
To coincide with this, members of the whole school community have given of their time in support of the children of Japan following the recent earthquake and ensuing tsunami. Cards were prepared containing brief messages of hope and friendship, which will be sent by the Japan Society UK to Japan and then, following translations of the messages into Japanese, they will be distributed to School children after the Spring break.
Album released by High School pupils in St Albans Abbey Girls' Choir
Staff put their best foot forward
PE Specialist at Wheathampstead House, Mrs Still, is running the London Marathon with Virgin Money Giving this year for 'Children with Leukaemia' and recently gave an assembly for the pupils with the theme "Setting yourselves personal challenges". Click here to go to her sponsorship page.
Two members of the Music Department will be running the London Marathon on 17 April for charitable causes. Mr Onissi, who teaches saxophone, is running for the NSPCC, with all funds raised going towards their Children's Helpline - click here to find out more information. Miss Dumbrill teaches flute and is running for a charity close to her heart 'Help the Hospices' - click here to read all about her cause.
Head of PE, Miss Bacon, is participating in the British 10K in London for bowel cancer on 10 July. Click here to go to her sponsorship page.
To support any of these budding sports stars, please visit their fundraising page via their links. What a healthy and inspiring group they are!
Gym and Dance Display
Congratulations to everybody who performed.
Year 8 Spanish Trip to the Europa Centre
The trip ended on a high, when Amie, Roz and Lauren 'stole' some fruit from the fruit and veg stall. One of the staff dressed up as a policeman and searched them for the fruit. When she found it she locked them in the doctor's. When they where let out, two seconds later, we caught the coach back to school. Altogether it was an amazing trip through which we learnt lots of new Spanish skills!
Former High School pupil achieves tennis success in US
Miss Bacon, Head of Physical Education remembers that Lauren managed to balance her studies and tennis extremely well and we all wish Lauren continued success in the future.
Clean sweep in swimming league
The School swimming teams have been competing in the Panagraphics County Swimming League since October. Girls from all years have been swimming in highly competitive galas and earning valuable points for the teams. Following hard work in training and a positive team spirit, the Panagraphics swimming league was won in all four age groups; Year 7, Junior, Intermediate and Senior.
Well done to all those involved for this excellent achievement!
Former pupils delight with virtuosic display
The audience was enraptured by pieces ranging from the 18th century 'Hamburger' Sonata in G major by C.P.E. Bach through the dramatic movements of Carl Reinecke's 'Undine' Sonata, to a captivating modern piece by Ian Clarke called 'Spiral Lament'. This last piece was written for the dedicatee's giant African snails and requires many extended playing techniques on the flute.
Hannah, now in her final year at the Guildhall School of Music, will be going on next year to study as a postgraduate at the Royal Academy of Music and Lynn is now a concert pianist and staff accompanist at the Royal Academy of Music.
Over £250 was raised from the retiring collection, in aid of the Grove House Hospice in St Albans.
Click to play video clip of Hannah Watts (flute)
Year 8 pupil receives award at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Queen's Golden Jubilee Awards for Young People
On 5 March, Lucy will compete at Regional Grade 7 in Ipswich where she hopes to make the grade and qualify to represent the East at the National Finals in Birmingham in April.
These small grants are awarded to help and encourage talented young people to reach their full potential and we wish Lucy good luck and look forward to hearing of her progress.
Two Year 11 pupils participate in Oxford University Master-class
The aim of the course was to introduce students to the style of learning that is found at Oxford. The forum was led by literary academic, Dr Sarah Dauncey and looked deep into the novel, its characters and the pervading themes. It was a great opportunity for the girls to become involved in debate with other students studying the novel from around the world. As well as giving them a fresh approach to the classic text and developing advanced critical reading skills, the girls thoroughly enjoyed the experience of a new kind of interactive learning.
MyDaughter February Newsletter
The February edition of their Newsletter is out now, covering both educational topics and parenting issues. Click here to download a copy.
Success in Scotland for Senior Lacrosse Team
On the weekend of 5-6 February, the Senior Lacrosse team travelled to Edinburgh, to compete in the S.L.A Open Schools' Lacrosse Tournament. With 12 teams entered from England and Scotland, the girls faced both familiar and new competition throughout Saturday. Fortunately, the previous four months of training paid off and the High School rose to the challenge, being placed 1st overall in the tournament.
What a wonderful, well-earned result – well done!
Bronze Medal Winners - Senior School team achieve best ever swimming results
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Following the regional qualifying event last November, the team, consisting of Mia, Juliet, Emma, Fiona and Victoria, arrived in Manchester in high spirits. After improving their ranking in the medley competition by four places, the Junior Freestyle team then went on to battle for a coveted position in a competition in which 220 schools took part. The final placings came down to the touch and the girls finished in 3rd place – making them the 3rd fastest team in England.
Congratulations to all who took part – a truly fantastic achievement!
FROG leaps into action for Senior School students
With an abundance of features and resources available to students, including access to interactive homework, participation in forums and debates, online voting for the Head Girl and her team and a diverse selection of 'programmes' available on STAHS Radio, the VLE will be limited only by the girls' imagination.
FROG will be rolled out to other Senior School pupils next week, with training to Wheathampstead House staff to follow.
Year 7 in National Tennis Tour Finals
Bagels and Baps for Breakfast
The HGCA is the cereals and oilseeds division of the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board and each year they promote cereals in the UK to emphasise the importance of eating a healthy breakfast every day.
On Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 January, pupils visiting the Dining Hall at break time were able to digest complimentary samples of new, healthy breakfast items. These ranged from Cinnamon and Raisin Bagels with fruit and yoghurt, Brunch Packed Omelette, Cranberry Spiced Porridge, Marmalade Glazed Sausage Baps and Hot Chocolate and Raspberry Shake. The foods were on sale for the rest of the week for the girls to enjoy.
January Concert
The concert was given by the Junior Chamber Choir, Middle School Choir, Junior Gospel Choir, Townsend Band, Guitar Ensemble, Intermediate Flute Ensemble, Intermediate Saxophone Ensemble and Brass Ensemble. Each group presented music it had been working on since September and it was great to see the younger girls taking centre stage. A wonderful evening of music ensued with a wide variety of styles of music and many very polished performances.
Click here to play an audio clip from the Middle School Choir
Books to Share with your daughter
'Your Daughter' features the combined wisdom of the Heads and Teachers of the leading girls' schools up and down the country. With decades of experience teaching hundreds of thousands of girls they have seen and had to deal with every emotional, social and educational problem imaginable.
Based on their hugely popular Mydaughter.co.uk website, the book is the ultimate guide to raising girls and compiles all of the best articles and features from the website plus a whole host of new and original material. It contains everything a parent needs to know for dealing with girls of all ages.
Mydaughter.co.uk is a website dedicated to providing information, expert opinion and useful advice on all aspects of raising and educating happy, fulfilled girls.
Please see their website for details on how to pre-order this book. Alternatively click here to pre-order from Amazon via our fundraising webshop, buy.at.
ISI Inspection Report – January 2011
