Wheathampstead House News
Aquathlon Success
Over 50 girls from Wheathampstead House and a handful from the Senior School, entered the City of St Albans Swimming Club Aquathlon on Sunday. The youngest of our competitors was just six years old.
They all completed a timed swim in the pool immediately followed by a timed run around the park. The length of the run and swim were age dependent. All our girls completed the event and received medals at the finish. The top 6 girls in each age group received trophies; Emily and Ellie in Year 5 and Lois and Isabella in Year 3 received trophies for coming in the top 6. The girls' scores also contributed towards the Schools' Challenge award and Wheathampstead House were awarded the Primary Schools' Challenge trophy and we were also awarded the participation cup for the largest number of entries. Thank you to CoStA swimming club for organising this event.
Olympic Stadium visit
On 5 May, 167 girls from Years 6 to 13 travelled to the Olympic Stadium to attend the official opening. 2012 Hours to Go was an event that saw British University students and selected UKA athletes compete in a range of events, followed by celebrity races. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be in the stadium that will be home to top athletes from around the world in only a few weeks. We saw a range of track and field events, including the pole-vault, triple jump, 100m and 4 x 400m relays.
The celebration continued with the Military Wives Choir leading the 40000 spectators in singing the National Anthem for the first time in the stadium. The celebrity events included the tug-of-war, tandem bike race and an art competition, all of which were part of the Olympic Games when London last hosted them in 1908 and 1948. The evening culminated in the official opening of the stadium by Lord Sebastian Coe. It was a truly memorable evening enjoyed by all girls and staff.
Year 6 Girls get on their Bikes
Last week, girls from Year 6 took part part in Bikeability. Bikeability is 'cycling proficiency' for the 21st century, designed to give the next generation the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today's roads. The girls learnt to cycle safely on the roads, how to manoeuvre and tackle junctions and roundabouts.
Year 6 enjoy the great outdoors
On Monday 30 April, Year 6 set off for their much anticipated residential trip to Cranedale Centre in Yorkshire. We had a fantastic time walking on the Moors, searching for crabs on the rocky shore, exploring the forest for different habitats and playing 'Survival in the Wild'. We returned to School on Friday exhausted but with lots of happy memories of our time together.
Ringing the Changes at Ringwood
The improvements and extension to Ringwood, the Music School, are now complete. The creation of extra teaching and rehearsing rooms in addition to a new soundproofed percussion studio will, as term begins, ensure that it is an exciting base for pupils to continue with their music studies. A new Performing Hall, due for completion in September, will complement this enhancement of facilities.
Musical Year Finale
The Summer Orchestral Concert took place on Sunday 29 April, featuring the Intermediate Orchestra, Senior Chamber Choir, Chamber Orchestra and Senior Orchestra. The two highlights of the evening were the outstanding performances given by our instrumental soloists. Sarah-Jane and Laura entertained us with some truly beautiful flute playing in their performance of
Sinfonia Concertante by Doppler. Rachel thrilled us with her performance of Elgar's
Cello Concerto in E minor. It was an outstanding finish to the musical year – well done to all who took part!
Founders' Day
To celebrate the 123rd Anniversary of the High School's Founders' Day, a service of Thanksgiving was held in the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban on Thursday 29 March.
Success for Preparatory School girls in County Swimming Championships
Girls in Year 6 and 5 achieved significant success in the recent Hertfordshire County Swimming Championships. One of our swimmers was placed overall 4th in the U11 section and another of our swimmers was placed overall 3rd in the U10 section.
District swimming Champions
At the District Swimming Gala last Saturday, the U11 team won both the freestyle and medley relay cups and the overall girls' trophy. The U11 swimming team have also qualified for the National IAPS and ESSA Relay Finals.
U11 Netball team win District Tournament
The U11 Netball team won the St Albans Primary Schools' Netball Tournament recently without losing a single match.
Wheathampstead House Orienteering team win County League
The Wheathampstead House Orienteering team won the Hertfordshire League and the Maureen Webster memorial trophy.
Cross Country Success
The cross country teams participated in an invitational competition hosted by Stormont School last Friday in which the U11 team won and the U9s came third.
MyDaughter March Newsletter
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.
The March edition of their Newsletter is out now. Click here to download a copy.
Joint Choral Society and Orchestra Concert
On Wednesday 21 March, the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban was once again the venue for the Joint Choral Society and Orchestra Concert; a splendid musical event which brought together musicians from St Albans High School for Girls and St Albans School. The programme featured Handel's
Zadok the Priest,
Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis by Vaughan Williams and culiminated in an uplifting performance of Mozart's ever-popular
Requiem.
The Little Princess Trust
On Monday 19 March, Theresa Gudgeon from The Little Princess Trust was invited to visit Wheathampstead House to talk to the girls and staff in assembly about the work of the Trust. Theresa shared how the Trust is dedicated to providing and fitting real hair wigs to children suffering hair loss from a variety of causes.
Verulam House raised over £372 for the Trust at their Charity Day last year. During assembly House Captains and representatives Elly, Lucy, Amelia, Alice and Molly proudly presented Theresa with the cheque.
Fencing success
A record number of girls in the Preparatory School are enjoying Fencing as an extra-curricular activity. On Monday 19 March they were proud to receive their Bronze Proficiency Award.
Wheathampstead House Gymnasts compete in National Finals
Earlier in the month, the U10 and U11 gymnastic squads qualified to compete in the Gymnastics National Finals held at Kent College, Pembury. Schools from around the country and abroad competed on floor and vault. Our girls all performed brilliantly. The U11s were awarded medals for their group sequence and the U10s received medals for their group sequence and overall team score. Well done gymnasts!
National Primary Schools Swimming Championships
Congratulations to Freya, Alice, Nicole and Elly who have recently qualified in the freestyle and medley relay for the National Primary Schools swimming finals. We wish them well in the competition which will take place in Sheffield on 16 June.
Happy World Thinking Day 2012
Wheathampstead House pupils were proud to wear their uniforms on Wednesday 22 February, to celebrate the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts 'World Thinking Day' by thinking about the environment and sustainability.
Year 6 experience Pop Culture
On Monday 6 February, Year 6 enjoyed a day exploring the fashion, music, art and dance of the 1960s and 1970s. Pupils dressed up in outfits depicting these decades and completed four creative workshops. The day ended with a performance of the dances they had worked on together in their House groups. These photos show the optical art of Bridget Riley and some fashion designs inspired by Mary Quant.
Safer Internet Day
Pupils at the Senior School and the Prep School have been thinking about Safer Internet Day (SID). Safer Internet Day is an annual international event to promote the safe and responsible use of technology among children and young people and this year the theme is 'connecting generations'. The aim is to encourage families to explore online technologies together.
The girls in the Preparatory School benefitted from an informative assembly and helpful input in their ICT lessons. Interactive activities were shared with parents so they could explore them with their daughters at home.
The Senior School girls have been busy working in their PSHCEE lessons on this topic. They have interviewed their parents to find out what it was like 'back in the good old days' and have been producing their own resources for their parents to use - to connect the generations together. This forms part of our ongoing commitment to girls and parents to work in partnership with them and to educate our whole community about the positive use of technology.
Advent to Christmas
On Sunday 11 December, the Junior Choir of St Albans High School for Girls joined St Albans Choral Society to sing at its annual family concert of music, readings and carols to start the Christmas season in Marlborough Road Methodist Church.
The girls of the Junior Choir helped to put the audience in festive mood with songs including
'All Over the World' by Mary Donnelly and
'Gran.com' by Alan Simmons. There was a wide range of music old and new and the public was invited to join in some of the best-known carols, with festive fare being sold in aid of charity.
Ding dong merrily on high!
Santa arrived early at Wheathampstead House this week to deliver gifts to excited girls during their pre-Christmas celebrations. Method of transport unknown, we are sure his usual team of four-legged friends will be ready and waiting for him next week.
Hosanna Rock
This year Pre-Prep have performed an upbeat Nativity play entitled 'Hosanna Rock'. The girls thoroughly enjoyed learning all the songs, dances and actions. They performed it with real gusto and it was a delight to watch their faces light up when they received their applause. Well done girls you were fabulous!
Preparatory School becomes part of Wheathampstead Heritage Trail
High School families joined in the launch of the Wheathampstead Heritage Trail and plaque unveiling ceremony on Sunday 27 November. The trail highlights 20 sites of historical interest in the village which are indicated by wall plaques. One of the 20 plaques is now located on the wall of the Preparatory School at Wheathampstead House as the School building and the wall have historic significance.
Please click here for more details of this wonderful community project.
High School supports the Katie Piper Foundation
Following the donation of its Founders' Day collection to the Katie Piper Foundation, the School was delighted to welcome Katie Piper to an Assembly earlier this term to give a talk to Senior School pupils. Katie was accompanied by Adele, who is the daughter of a member of staff in the Preparatory School. We are now delighted to learn that in order to raise funds for the Foundation, Adele has, in conjunction with a group of singers known as Eden Voices, recorded a version of the song True Colours. All profits from the iTunes download, available from 5 December, will go to 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.
Girls fill 248 shoeboxes for Rotary Club Appeal
Preparatory School pupils and their families took part in the Rotary Club's annual shoebox appeal recently. 248 shoeboxes were filled with small gifts to be sent to children in deprived areas of Eastern Europe.
OWLs visit Year 6 girls
The Preparatory School, Wheathampstead House, hosted a lunch for Alumni OWLs (Older and Wiser Ladies) on 16 November. Pupils in Year 6 met former Headmistress Miss Tudor Jones and former pupil Mrs Moran, both of whom shared some of their memories from WWII. Mrs Moran recalled her experiences at the old 'Junior' school, Michael House on the site of the Senior School where girls were taught inside an Air Raid shelter. Miss Tudor Jones also spoke of her work on a farm as part of the Land Army and showed a medal and certificate, awarded to her in 2008 in recognition of her work.
IAPS National Gymnastic Championship Finals
On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 November the U10 and U11 gymnastic squad girls travelled to Dorset to compete in the IAPS National Gymnastic Championship finals. All girls performed brilliantly on both floor and vault, earning the U11s 4th place medals for their group routine and 5th place for the U10s and placing the U10s 4th overall. Congratulations girls!
St Albans High School for Girls welcomed to London 2012's Get Set network
Pupils and teachers at the School celebrated recently when they were officially welcomed into London 2012's Get Set network, in recognition of their commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic Values.
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.
Viking Visit
On Friday 4 November the Vikings invaded the Preparatory School, Wheathampstead House!
The staff and girls in Year 2 came to school dressed as Vikings, ready to learn what life was really like back in Viking times. The day was led by Mr Marsh from 'History off the Page' and the girls participated in a whole wealth of activities, including soap carving, writing in runes, dying wool, creating candles and making pots. In the afternoon the girls had the opportunity to be archaeologists and excavate trenches before trying to identify the things they found; they were surprised that not all of them were Viking!
Fireworks Extravaganza
With spectacular pyrotechnics, choreographed to music, illuminating the sky, the High School Society's annual Firework extravaganza returned to the School Playing fields on Friday 4 November.
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.
-->
It's not just about the coffee...
The World's Biggest Coffee Morning is Macmillan Cancer Support's biggest fundraising event and we are delighted that parents and staff contributed so generously to the two events held at the Senior School and at the Preparatory School on Friday, 30 September. Thank you to all who gave their time to organise the events and to those who helped raise in excess of £1243 - an amazing sum!
Reduce Reuse Recyle – Wheathampstead House celebrates Eco Week
As part of Eco Week, we have been busy thinking of further ways to help look after the environment. We were set the challenge of thinking of eco activities that the classes could take part in. The week finished with a 'Green Day', where lots of us put on items of green clothing to celebrate the successful end to our Eco Week. Wheathampstead House's Eco Council continue to try to inspire us with ways that we can be active and involved. By creating a pledge tree, each of us made a pledge of how we could help our environment, both at School and where we live.
U8 Gym Squad
On Sunday 19 June the Under 8 Gymnastics Squad travelled to Kent to compete in the Under 8 National Championships along with schools from around England. Our girls performed beautiful floor routines and powerful vaults, resulting in them winning first place! Particular mention should be given to Madeleine, Juliet and Abbie who were in the top 10 overall individuals.
Former pupil is English champion
Last month former pupil, Lucy, won the 2011 English Women's Amateur Golf Championship at West Sussex. In an outstanding final, Lucy came back from one down after 16 to snatch the title on the 19th with a finish of birdie, eagle, birdie. Lucy has been studying for a degree at Birmingham University and was taking part in the championship for the first time.
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!
Wheathampstead House Gymnasts
On the weekend of 11 and 12 June, the U9 and U10 Gymnastic teams attended a gymnastic course, run by a specialist coach. The girls worked very hard and many learnt new advanced moves such as back flips and aerial cartwheels whilst others perfected their intermediate moves and vaulting skills.
On Thursday 9 June the U7, U8 and U9 Gymnastic teams competed against Stormont School. This was the U7 and U8s first competition. All girls performed a beautiful set floor routine and powerful set vaults. Many girls were very successful and received certificates.
Grandparents' Afternoon
Wheathampstead House played host to the grandparents of children in Years 1, 3 and 5 on Thursday 9 June. The girls were encouraged to invite their grandparents to visit Wheathampstead House for the afternoon, to look around the classrooms and to participate in lessons that were taking place. Science lessons were outside in our beautiful school grounds, where trees were identified, measured and recorded, minibeasts were counted and recorded in different quadrats that the children discovered. The children took great pleasure in showing their visitors the displays and work within the classrooms and demonstrating Smart Boards which are used. Welcome refreshments rounded off the afternoon for our guests.
Magistrates Visit Year 6
A team of magistrates visited Wheathampstead House and worked with Year 6 before the half term holiday. They discussed the criminal system in England, the judicial processes, different types of criminal courts and the consequences and results of crimes. The classes were set up as courtrooms and the children were given the chance to re-enact a court case, with three girls taking the role of magistrates and deciding whether or not there was evidence to find the defendant in the case innocent or guilty.
An informative and enjoyable morning for us all!
Young Enterprise spend the day with Year 6
Year 6 had a very exciting day with a team from the Young Enterprise charity. They spent the day 'Learning by Doing', exploring role play situations where groups represented different countries of the world and embarked upon 'The Trading Game'. This involved intense negotiations for goods, banking profits and selling shapes to the 'UK' (represented by teachers)! In the afternoon activity the girls had to invent and market a new product suitable for an imaginative country. They took into account the requirements of the country, the distribution network and currency that was used. The products were presented to the year group at the end of the day.
Year 6 Bikeability Week
During the week of 9 May, Year 6 had their Bikeability course. On the first day we completed complex manoeuvres in the coach park and achieved our Level 1. We learned how to signal, start cycling on the road and how to look over your right shoulder. From Tuesday to Thursday we put these skills into action on the roads around Wheathampstead village. We were taught about the Highway Code and how to turn into junctions and perform U turns. We all were successful in our Level 2 award and were presented with badges and certificates on Friday.
By Keya Patani, Year 6
Former High School pupil stars in 'The Apprentice'
Felicity, who left in 2005, is currently starring in Series 7 of The Apprentice on BBC1 and came into School on Wednesday 18 May to give a talk to Senior School girls in morning Assembly.
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.
Wheathampstead House girl wins U9 Hertfordshire tennis tour
Rebecca in Year 4 was recently crowned the winner of the Hertfordshire Winter County Tour. The tour ran from 1 September last year to 31 March and Rebecca came out on top of the competition leader board from a field of 24 players on the circuit.
Year 6 girl achieves Distinction and silver medal in Gymnastics
Many congratulations to Emma in Year 6! Emma won the Hertfordshire County Grade 12 competition in her age group with Distinction, in April. She then went on to the Eastern Regional finals in Ipswich where she took the silver medal.
Update on netball at Wheathampstead House
33 girls regularly attend
U11 Netball Club which is fantastic. We have had a number of friendly fixtures this term in which all the members of the club have had the opportunity to represent the school. For the second year we entered the National IAPS tournament held in High Wycombe. The competition was again very strong but we rose to the challenge. We won five matches and narrowly lost three and were only one point away from a place in the quarter finals.
The girls in Year 5 Netball Squad have worked hard this year to improve their netball skills. They have developed their positional awareness and understanding of tactics and rules. Their competitive play is very exciting and they have won a number of friendly matches, home and away. With four teams playing matches on occasion, there is no doubt that with continued interest and practice this group of girls will be exhilarating to watch in competition next year. Very well done girls!
This was in most respects a season of skill development and team building for U9 Netball Squad. Sessions were regularly attended by 30 keen and eager to learn girls. Numbers are rising year on year. They all worked hard whatever the weather and it was particularly encouraging to see so many players develop so well. All the girls represented the school when we played Stormont School.
Summer Orchestral Concert
St Albans High School for Girls presented its final concert of the year on Sunday 8 May in the Senior School Hall.
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.
St Albans District Swimming Association Trials Gala
Girls from Years 5 and 6 were invited to swim at this event. The aim of the gala is to select a district swimming team. Nine girls were put forward for the gala: Holly, Zoe, Alice, Ruth, Anna, Freya, Amelia and Ellie. The following were selected to represent St Albans District at the Hertfordshire Primary Schools Swimming Championships: Alice, Nicole, Zoe and Freya. Nicole was 2nd in Freestyle, Breaststroke and Butterfly! We also hosted Heath Mount School and U8, U9, U10 and U11 were all victorious. We entered 48 girls ranging from Years 2 to 7 in the CoStA Aquathlon which took place on 3 April where we won two trophies, including the overall Prep School's Trophy. Well done to everyone involved.
A scholar returns
Year 12 were treated to an informative and entertaining presentation during a special Assembly towards the end of last term as Amy, ex Deputy Head Girl, who left the High School last summer, returned to tell them about what she had been doing during the last year. Amy came through a demanding interview and selection process to win a place on the prestigious Deloitte Scholars Scheme.
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
The 122nd Founders' Day of St Albans High School for Girls was celebrated with a service in the Abbey and Cathedral Church of St Alban on 5 April.
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.
St Albans Primary Schools' Netball League and Tournament
On Saturday 26 March we took two teams to the district tournament. All the girls had a great morning and played really well. The A team performed particularly well all morning and were unbeaten through the group stages and in the semi finals and finals to become district champions.
Staff put their best foot forward
Four members of staff at the High School are putting their best foot forward in a bid to raise money for their chosen charities.
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
On Tuesday 15 March, the biannual Gymnastics and Dance Display took place in the Sports Hall. This included routines from the Senior School Gymnastics Squad (pictured), Wheathampstead House Gymnastics and Dance Squads and some individuals. It was a fabulous evening with many outstanding performances. The audience enjoyed adventurous trampette routines, stunning individual tumbling, impressive group routines and wonderful dances.
Congratulations to everybody who performed.
Golf win for Year 3 pupil
Year 3 pupil Amelia recently competed in the U15 Tiger Team Cup golf competition at Mill Green Golf Club. After playing 18 holes, Amelia's team won and as Captain she was proud to collect the Cup on behalf of her team.
An excellent achievement at such a young age – well done Amelia!
Year 5 girl qualifies for County Swim Championships
Year 5 pupil Nicole recently qualified for a place in the Herts ASA County Swimming Championships. In the Girls' 50m breaststroke she finished second, only .3 seconds behind first place. However, Nicole's most significant achievement for the season was a second place finish in the 200m freestyle, only .1 second behind first place, thus improving her Personal Best by 14 seconds!
Congratulations Nicole!
Cross Country success continues for Wheathampstead House team
The Wheathampstead House Cross Country team have retained the St Albans Large School Girls Cross Country Cup for the third year running and are pictured proudly holding their shield.
Congratulations to all members of the team for their dedication and hard work!
Wheathampstead House pupils travel to Belgium for Gym Finals
The Under 10 and Under 11 teams recently travelled to Belgium to compete in the GISGA National Gymnastics Finals after successful qualification. The girls competed against independent schools from England, Holland and Belgium. The teams performed their group sequence routines, set floor routines, individual floor routines, set vault and voluntary vault. The girls performed exceptionally well and were proud to receive medals for placing 5th overall for both group sequences and a team medal for 5th place for the Under 11 team.
Jumbulance Visit to Wheathampstead House
On Friday 11 March, Paris House's nominated charity, the Jumbulance Trust, visited Wheathampstead House to share with the girls the work that they do. Each year the Jumbulance Trust, a national charity based in Gustard Wood, take children and adults with disabilities on holidays around the UK and Europe. Over the last two years, Paris have raised over £800 for the charity. All the girls from Reception to Year 6 were able to go on board the Jumbulance. Our thanks go to Mr Salveson, Mrs Salveson and Mr Kelly for their special assembly and for fielding our many questions.
Former High School pupil achieves tennis success in US
Former pupil, Lauren, is now a first year student at the University of Tampa and is ranked number one player for the Tampa Spartans tennis squad. Lauren enjoyed playing tennis whilst at the High School and had successes in several major tournaments in England and Scotland, which included winning the south of Scotland Championships three times. As Tennis Captain, Lauren competed for the School in all tournaments from the Senior Students tournament to Abadare Cup, County Schools Leagues and school House matches.
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.
Julian House charity Day
On Wednesday 16 March Julian House held their Charity Day at Wheathampstead House, with all proceeds going to the RSPB. The theme for the day was 'The Future'. There were lots of competitions, games and activities, with plenty of prizes on offer. The day was enjoyed by all the girls from Reception to Year 6.
Year 5 visit to 'Hazard Alley'
On Thursday 17 February, Year 5 visited Hazard Alley, Milton Keynes. Pupils walked through lots of different mock-up scenarios, learning how to keep safe in each. Highlights included road crossing, fire prevention, water hazards and internet safety. The pupils really enjoyed the day, particularly learning how to look after themselves and each other.
Year 6 'Decade Day'
The Year 6 girls at Wheathampstead House looked 'fab and groovy' as they celebrated life in Britain in the 1960s and 1970s. They attended four workshops during the day, including Fashion Design, Op Art, Music and Dance.
Former pupils delight with virtuosic display
Two former Du Cane Music Scholars, flautist Hannah and pianist Lynn, gave an outstanding recital of solo flute repertoire on 15 February in the Senior School Hall.
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)
Click to play video clip of Lynn Carter (piano)
Video clip from Recital - Grove House
Reception classes enjoy a visit from the gentle arm of the law
On Thursday 3 February, Reception class pupils at Wheathampstead House, welcomed Community Police Officer Jo Merritt to School. Officer Merritt talked to them about ‘keeping safe,’ including what to do if they were lost in a shop. The girls were shown how to cross the road safely and enjoyed using the zebra crossing. The highlight of the talk was being allowed to try on some of Jo’s uniform, although the fit was a little on the loose side!
Wheathampstead House celebrates gymnastics success
On Friday 28 January the Under 10 and Under 11 Gymnastics team competed against Stormont School. All girls had an excellent competition, with many of them performing new moves and tumbles. In the Under 11s Georgia came 3rd overall and Emma 1st. In the Under 10s Alexandra came 2nd overall and Izzy 1st. This competition was a warm-up for the National Finals. The girls will be travelling to Belgium in March to compete and we wish them the best of luck. Many thanks to Georgia in Year 7 for all of the hours of coaching she has been giving the younger gymnasts and her support at competitions, it is much appreciated.
Jewish Museum Visit for Year 2
On Friday 28 January, Year 2 had a visit from the Jewish Museum. We spent the morning learning about different aspects of the Jewish faith. The girls had great fun acting out the story of Moses, drawing their own Seder plates and trying some Matzos.
Astrodome visits Wheathampstead House
Year 3 and 5 had a visit from the Astrodome on 25 January. This inflatable planetarium ignited their interest and curiosity.
Below some of the girls describe their experiences.
I felt very excited when I entered the Astrodome because I knew there would be something fascinating inside. I felt a bit scared too. I enjoyed the Ancient Greek pictures made from stars. I also enjoyed blasting off into space and seeing a movie about a man walking in the air. It was also very funny when we saw an alien in the sky.
By Erin, Year 3
I really enjoyed blasting off in to space. It felt very exciting to be in space. I felt very much like an astronaut. When I saw the stars I could not believe how many there were. When you joined them up it did not occur to me that there were so many different shapes like Orion's belt.
By Rebecca, Year 5
I would say the Astrodome was a great experience and we were very lucky to have it coming to our school. I would definitely recommend it too!
By Isabella, Year 5
January Concert
On Thursday 20 January, girls from Wheathampstead House and the Senior School performed to a very appreciative audience in the Senior School Hall.
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
Click here to play an audio clip from the Brass Ensemble
Books to Share with your daughter
The High School is pleased to recommend to parents, a forthcoming new parenting book entitled 'Your Daughter', written by the Girls' Schools Association.
'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.
Year 5 Egyptian Day
My life as a lamp worker apprentice in Tel-el-Armana, 1350 BC, New Kingdom of Aten, Pharaoh Akhenaten
My name is Isis. I am an apprentice lamp worker in Tel-el-Armana, the new capital of Egypt, where I live. This is an account of my first day as an apprentice. When I arrived at the workshop, I started by making olive oil. I had to pound three olives into a pulp with a pestle and mortar. It is hard work as olives have tough skins. I have a kind mistress though, and she helped me. Once the olives had been reduced to a pulp, I had to scrape them out of the mortar into a cloth. It was a bit disgusting as I don't particularly like olives (The texture is horrible and the smell doesn't even bear thinking about). I gathered the corners together and twisted the cloth just above the olives. Presently, the oil dripped through into a dish below the cloth.
I was then shown a selection of ready-made lamps. I chose an old-fashioned type, dipped a wick in the oil and my mistress lit the wick for me. It burned for over FOUR MINUTES! I put it down to the lamp having a lot of oil to burn. Next I made my own model oil lamp out of clay, again with the help of my mistress. I had to use a stylus to make the delicate holes in the clay. I used my fingers to make the rest of the shape.
I heard some interesting pieces of gossip while I was at the workshop including one about someone's baby smearing eye makeup all down her new gown when the woman's servant was supposed to be looking after the baby. The one that shocked me most was the rumour that someone had stolen some gold from the goldsmith! I suspected the tall foreigner who had turned up in the marketplace. I’m not sure though.
Written by Uma
Archived News |
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.JPG)
