ST NICHOLAS’ NEWSLETTER SPRING TERM 2020 VOLUME 64

Best School In for GCSEs 2019 MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE Senior pupils - Alice Cleak, Cara Hutchinson, Nina Carter, Alice Mackintosh, Isabelle Blair and Kennedy Byrne - recently attended the 20th annual Model United Nations conference at Calthorpe Park School. 180 participants aged between 14 and 17 from several Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey schools met to draft, debate and vote on resolutions. St Nicholas’ students represented the countries of Brazil and Canada. Putting aside their own beliefs, they were expected to represent the interests of their countries. Each country had a representative for the three committees – Security, Social and Economic. The delegates from each country visited their relevant committee rooms, giving them the chance to propose and vote on resolutions as well as ask for support from their allies. Each room had at least one resolution put forward by our two teams. Nina Carter’s resolution was chosen as one of the twelve final resolutions to be debated at the conference. The conference was opened by Mr Ranil Jayawardena, MP for North East Hampshire. Throughout the day, the students participated in debating other resolutions, proposing amendments where appropriate. It tested their skills of research, analysis and diplomacy and they rose to the challenge admirably. Brazil’s resolution was the tenth to be debated. Nina put forward a passionate and convincing opening argument. Many other countries expressed their support and all three delegates, Alice, Cara and Nina, defended any criticism of their resolution very effectively. To their delight, their resolution was eventually passed! While it is not a competition-based event, Nina Carter was awarded ‘Best Individual Debater’. ST NICHOLAS’ SCHOOL NEWSLETTER - SPRING 2020

CELEBRATING THE DIVERSE LANGUAGES AND CULTURES OF THE WORLD 26th September is European Day of Languages and, to mark the occasion, St Nicholas’ celebrated with a whole week of festivities, morning assemblies, activities and workshops at lunchtimes. The workshops ranged from a Japanese taster class, sessions in Italian, Greek, Russian and Turkish, as well as a Mandarin singalong workshop and a ‘Sevillanas’ Spanish dance workshop. There were also many activities within each department and within lessons, such as quizzes in Geography and History. In Food Technology, pupils had to guess the different names of pasta and fruit from around the world. Throughout the week, international cuisine was served at lunch time. The event culminated on Friday with everybody coming into school dressed in a typical international costume of their choice. There was a special assembly where Year 8 pupils spoke about their trip to Normandy, sang a traditional French folk song and also said a prayer in French. The day finished with a session in the maze. Fortunately, all of the girls managed to find their way out in time to return to school! ST NICHOLAS’ SCHOOL NEWSLETTER - SPRING 2020

VISIT TO THE WILDE THEATRE TEAM –BUILDING AT PGL MARCHANTS HILL Year 7 pupils spent three action-packed days at the PGL centre in Marchants Hill, Hindhead, in Surrey. They took part in a variety of challenging and team-building activities. The girls enjoyed a range of activities at the 45 acre site which included raft-building, climbing and orienteering, as well as the Giant Swing and the Leap of Faith. “The weather was horrendous, with very few breaks from the rain both day and night! However, the girls did not let it dampen their spirits and they all got stuck into the activities, determined to have fun with each other and get to know the new girls who have joined the year group,” GCSE drama students visited the Wilde Theatre at South Hill said Director of Sport, Mrs Naomi Jackson, who organised Park, Bracknell, to take part in an acting workshop and to see a the trip. performance of “Jane Eyre”. First of all, the students enjoyed an acting workshop with Assistant Director Lucy Fennell, and Kelsey Short who plays Jane in the current Blackeyed Theatre production. The girls were led through a series of activities based around improvisation and character multi-rolling, gaining valuable insight into the techniques used by the internationally renowned company. Both Kelsey and Lucy were also happy to share their personal experiences of working in the theatre industry and answered many questions from the girls at the end of the workshop. After a picnic dinner in the beautiful grounds at South Hill Park, the students then watched Kelsey in action. This production of “Jane Eyre” involved live music and ensemble acting, as well as a real tour de force by Kelsey in the title role, never leaving the Learning team-building skills and having fun at PGL! stage for the entire performance. Both the workshop and production were superb and led on to some challenging and inspired practical work back in school.

BAYER’S AMAZING LABORATORIES Year 9 pupils recently visited the Bayer Laboratories, in Year 6 pupils also Reading, to learn about pharmaceutical research. visited the Bayer The students used micropipettes and learnt other new Laboratories techniques in the Education Laboratories. They extracted a where they sample of their own took part in cheek DNA which a Cosmetic was then put into a Chemistry necklace souvenir. workshop. They participated in a The facilities and full day of hands- interactive displays on activities, were amazing. The learning about visit gave the pupils a acids, alkalis and glimpse into the wide PH levels. range of opportunities and the diversity Using this knowledge, the girls then made their own bath of careers which bombs and lip balms which they were able to take home. are available in the The Education Secretary was visiting Bayer that same day, and pharmaceutical sector. he came and spoke with the girls. ST NICHOLAS’ SCHOOL NEWSLETTER - SPRING 2020

A SPLENDID PRODUCTION! READY, STEADY, Splendid Productions recently performed COOK! “Dr Faustus” at St Nicholas’ School. It Pupils in Years 5 to 7 enjoyed a was seen by pupils in Years 8 and 9, fun food show presented by Chef and drama students in Years 10 and 11 Fay from the Chartwells team who, afterwards, enjoyed a practical and assisted by Catering Manager workshop. Drama students from nearby David Clayton. were also invited to the performance. Splendid Productions’ touring production for 2019/2020 is Kerry Frampton and Ben Hale’s revised and updated adaptation of “Dr Faustus”. The story of a pompous idiot laughing in the face of nature, selling his soul to the Devil in a poorly-explained deal that promises much but delivers nothing, has been condensed into an hour-long piece with a multi-rolling cast of three. The audience witnessed a very creative adaptation of an all-time classic, combined with professional ensemble acting. Brechtian episodic structure; a combination of Marlowe’s verse and contemporary language; strong physical and vocal ensemble storytelling; choral precision; breaking the fourth wall; exaggerated characterisation; music, multi-rolling, mime and puppetry were just some of the theatrical techniques included within the performance. “It was an exciting and challenging performance, and the drama students also took part in a practical workshop with the actors, gaining a valuable insight into the styles of performance used directly in the production. Also, this live performance will be used in the girls’ final written examination for GCSE Drama. The production and workshop will be fully analysed in our follow-up lessons,” said Mrs Josie Downer, who organised the visit.

MORE POETRY PLEASE! Year 11 students attended “GCSE Poetry Live!” at the Hexagon theatre, in Reading. They enjoyed performances from several AQA Anthology poets, including Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and Carol Ann Duffy. A Chief Examiner also provided useful advice on how to tackle the unseen poem. ST NICHOLAS’ SCHOOL NEWSLETTER - SPRING 2020

INSPIRATIONAL CAREERS’ EVENING Senior students and their parents were given a chance to talk were an Oxford law graduate and a PPE undergraduate. to former pupils about their experiences and career paths at Degree courses taken included: Archaeology, Business, a recent Careers’ Evening. They also had the chance to talk Communications, Computer Science, Engineering, Fashion to representatives of local colleges. The Buying, Games Technology, Geography, Human Biology, students in Years 7-11 were encouraged to find out about International Marketing, Music, Nursing, Physiotherapy, courses and careers which, previously, they might not have Product Design and Psychology. considered. “The evening provided a valuable insight into the next stage Former St Nicholas’ pupils who were present at the event of the pupils’ education, such as university life and the world have forged careers in areas as diverse as autonomous of work. It was most inspiring for the present students to vehicle design, cyber security, games design, the housing be able to talk in a relaxed and confident way to the former sector, law, marketing, NHS management, nursing, TV studio pupils. They learnt about the challenges and decisions which production, sports management, publishing, psychology, they will face when they leave school, and strategies for show jumping and coaching, and veterinary work. Others overcoming and resolving them. It was also pleasing to have shown their entrepreneurial skills by starting their see how many alumni are working in areas they enjoy and own businesses, such as gaming and horse management, or how diverse the opportunities for employment are when working for international companies, such as BAE and IBM. you work hard,” said Mrs Jan King, Head of Careers, who The former pupils had attended a variety of universities, organised the event. including several Russell Group ones. Among the alumni

NATIONAL TREE WEEK ROTARY YOUTH SPEAKS St Nicholas’ pupils entered the annual Aldershot Rotary Club’s Youth Speaks competition. Year 10 students Kennedy Byrne (Proposer), Cassie Lawrence (Chair) and Ellis Cheeseman (Opposer) gave a presentation on the topic of Advertising. The standard was extremely high and they narrowly lost out to a place in the next round. Pupils in Years 6 and 11 planting trees in National Tree Week ST NICHOLAS’ SCHOOL NEWSLETTER - SPRING 2020

GEOGRAPHY FIELD TRIPS Year 8 pupils spent an enjoyable day in the River Loddon, Year 9 pupils travelled to London to look at urban near Basingstoke. They measured river variables, such as regeneration on two sites in East London. They enjoyed how aspects of the river change downstream, so that they travelling along the Thames by boat before exploring Canary could construct a river channel cross section. They also Wharf and West India Quay. looked at the levels of pollution in the river and calculated After lunch and exploring the Docklands Museum, they the biotic index. took the Docklands Light Railway to the Queen Elizabeth The girls worked well in teams measuring the river and, Olympic Park and looked at the continuing development on despite a lot of leaky wellington boots, they gained valuable the site and the legacy it has left. The trip concluded with a experience in conducting experiments in the field.. spectacular, if windy, cable car ride back to the O2.

Year 7 spent a morning collecting data in Alton High Street, trying to decide whether they considered it an attractive place to shop. By completing environmental quality assessments and land use surveys, they built up a picture of the urban surroundings which helped them with their study question. ST NICHOLAS’ SCHOOL NEWSLETTER - SPRING 2020

DIWALI SHERLOCK AND CINDERS CELEBRATIONS This year’s Junior Play was “Sherlock & Cinders” and everyone had tremendous fun Year 4 pupils celebrated performing it. Diwali, the Hindu festival of Everybody knows the story of Cinderella - or think they do! But did you know that world lights, as part of their topic famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, was actually the mastermind in helping the prince locate on Hinduism in Religious his princess? Or, at least, he did in this version, which was a “mash-up” tale full of twists Studies. The children dressed and turns, clues and conundrums, tantrums and tiaras - not to mention some ugly sisters, a in colourful, traditional conniving stepmother, and Dr Watson as the pantomime dame… costumes. They also decorated some traditional Rangoli patterns, which Hindus draw outside their houses during Diwali in order to entice Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of fortune and prosperity, into their homes. The pupils researched and made some beautiful and delicious Indian sweets, which they sold at break time to raise money for Save the Children, a charity which provides help and support to children living in Indian slums.

CHRISTMAS MUSIC The Senior Chamber Orchestra opened the annual service The Junior Chamber Choir also performed for the residents of Lessons and Carols with a performance of the first at Keble Court retirement home, and junior and senior string movement from Vivaldi’s Double Violin Concerto in A Minor. players performed at Hill House nursing home, in Ewshot. The Senior Chamber Choir gave performances of ‘Shepherd’s Pipe Carol’ and ‘What Sweeter Music’, both by John Rutter. The Senior Choir performed ‘A Maiden most Gentle’ Photos x 3 Senior Service, Keble Court and Hill House arranged by Andrew Carter and ‘Ding Dong! Merrily on High’ arranged by David Willcocks. The entire senior school performed John Rutter’s ‘Christmas Lullaby’. The Swing Band brought the service to an uplifting conclusion when they performed an arrangement of ‘Winter Wonderland’ which was followed by ‘Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow’. ST NICHOLAS’ SCHOOL NEWSLETTER - SPRING 2020

ST NICHOLAS’ HAS WINTER ACTIVITY WEEK GOT TALENT! Everyone enjoyed Winter Activity Week. Activities ranged from indoor climbing ‘St Nicholas’ Has Got Talent’ showcased and making Christmas decorations to playing in a band and tenpin bowling. a wonderful range of amazing acts and congratulations must go to everyone who took part. The winners were Year 11 with their dance routine. Beth Downer was runner-up and joint third places were awarded to Georgia Graham and Florence Pittman.

PUPILS STEP BACK IN TIME Year 6 pupils attended a Victorian Day at Reading Museum. In an authentic Victorian classroom, they were able to experience life as a Victorian schoolchild. They wrote on slates and wore pinafores as Victorian girls and waistcoats as Victorian boys. In the afternoon, they took part in a Victorian Christmas workshop where the girls were shown toys and gifts that Victorian children might have received. ST NICHOLAS’ SCHOOL NEWSLETTER - SPRING 2020

JUNIOR ECO CLUB FUN AT FINKLEY DOWN FARM Year 3 girls visited Finkley Down Farm, in Andover, as part of their Science topics, ‘Teeth and Eating’ and ‘Animals and their Habitats’. The pupils gained a great deal of information about different animals’ habitats and diets. They met some carnivores, herbivores and omnivores at the farm, and learned about the different types of teeth that these animals have and the variety of different foods that they eat. The girls were also lucky enough to hold some baby rabbits, groom ‘Freckles’ the Shetland pony and feed some cows and rather greedy goats! They were also able to touch a long bearded dragon when they visited the farm’s reptile house. The visit concluded with the girls driving the new mini Land Rover Junior Eco Club’s first litter pick cars which they all thoroughly enjoyed. LAMDA SUCCESS At the end of the Summer NATIONAL POETRY DAY Term, twenty-nine girls from Years 4 to 10 took their LAMDA ‘Truth’ was the theme of examinations, which ranged from this year’s National Poetry Entry Level to Grade 7, in ‘Acting’ Day. At a special assembly, and ‘Speaking Verse and Prose’. the junior girls presented Everyone passed with either a a selection of poems on Merit or a Distinction. Twenty-five the theme, ranging from pupils passed with Distinction and ‘Hidden Beauty’ by John four passed with Merit. Georgina Fleming to ‘Chocolate Cake’ Grace (Verse and Prose Grade 1), by Michael Rosen. Niamh Moss (Acting Entry Level Solo), Grace Harman (Acting Grade 2 Duo) and Catherine JUNIOR CHRISTMAS ASSEMBLY Harris (Acting Grade 5 Duo) were awarded Distinctions, gaining 95% Parents were invited to the Junior Christmas Assembly. Each form performed a of the possible marks. Hannah reading on the theme of Christmas. There were also splendid performances by Trueman gained a silver medal and the Junior Choir, the Junior Chamber Choir, the Junior Orchestra and the Junior a Distinction in Speaking Verse and Guitar group. Prose (Grade 7).

The proud LAMDA girls with their certificates ST NICHOLAS’ SCHOOL NEWSLETTER - SPRING 2020 SPORTING SUCCESS

BASKETBALL FOOTBALL The U16 Basketball team have played four league games so far this To begin their league campaign, the U16 team travelled to season, after their promotion to the top division. They drew with Amery Hill where they won 6-1. They also beat Calthorpe Park Wavell School, 30 points all. They then defeated 26-22 3-1 in a Cup fixture. and Robert Mays 34-16. The U13 football team began their league season with a home The U13 team, who are all new to Basketball this year, have played fixture against Mill Chase. The girls played some excellent two games. They lost their first game against but won football and won 3-0. The girls also won 4-0 against Bohunt their second league fixture 26-16. School. Year 6 took part in a Basketball Festival at Samuel Cody School. Years 3 and 4 took part in a football festival, hosted here at St The girls played three matches against other schools and performed Nicholas’ and supported by our senior sports leaders. Over 70 very well, winning one game, drawing one and losing the third. The girls from local schools took part in matches and drills. girls showed determination and worked well as a team.

NETBALL Cross COuntry Running The U16A team travelled to Wavell School to take part in Ten girls from Years 5 and 6 competed in their first cross country event the annual District Netball Tournament. They worked well of the season at Samuel Cody School. In very muddy conditions, and as a team, playing in different positions when required, and with a field of approximately 120 girls, all of them finished in the top giving an excellent display of netball. They won all seven half, which is a great achievement. games and were crowned champions!

senior district cross country In the Senior District cross country, the U15 team were awarded the bronze team medal.

The U16 A team travelled to Bohunt School to play their first league game of the year and won 14-11. In their second league game of the year, they played excellently The U17 team –winners of throughout and won 49-1! They continued their winning the silver team medal! streak against Hawley Hurst, beating their strong opposition The following pupils have by 29 goals to 11. been chosen to represent For the first time in many years, the U16 team travelled the District at the County to Southampton to play in the Hampshire round of the Competition, after finishing National Netball Tournament. This is a tournament for in the top sixteen: Tamsin twelve of the best U16 teams in Hampshire. St Nicholas’ Wheeler, Rosalind Torr, girls played superbly against each of the other schools and Harriet Duncombe, Isabel finished in a very respectable sixth place. Cann and Daisy Owen. Years 7 and 8 had their first netball games of the season against Bohunt School. In Year 7, all of the girls played well and fought hard to win the game 6-4, getting their season off inter-schools COuntry Running to a great start! Year 8 also put in a great performance and For the first time, girls from Years 7 and 8 travelled to St Swithun’s won convincingly 12-5. School, in Winchester, to take part in the annual inter-county cross The Year 5/6 Hi-5 netball team played Dogmersfield in their country competition. first league game of the season and won 6-3. In the Year 7 competition, there were 127 runners across 22 different school teams and St Nicholas’ finished in seventh place. Imogen Edwards finished sixth amongst the 127 runners. HOCKEY In the Year 8 race, there were 101 runners across 16 different school teams and St Nicholas’ finished in fourth place. Tamsin Wheeler and Rozy The Year 10 and 11 Hockey Team played in Torr were the first runners home, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively. a friendly game, and won 4-0. ST NICHOLAS’ SCHOOL NEWSLETTER - SPRING 2020

News from Branksomewood

It has been another busy term for the children and they have enjoyed a number of activities.

Years 1 and 2 performing ‘The Right Shepherds’

Nursery and Reception children performing ‘The Little Red Robins’

As part of their topic on the seaside, Year 1 pupils have made 3D lighthouses

Christmas Party Fun ST NICHOLAS’ SCHOOL NEWSLETTER - SPRING 2020 CHARITIES

St Nicholas’ pupils have been busy fundraising for a variety of charities: • £558 was raised for Jeans for Genes Day. • A collection at the Senior Carol Service raised a further £317 for the Brain Tumour Charity.

.• £147 was raised by Year 8 who baked cakes in their Food Technology lessons for the Children in Need Appeal.

• Staff and pupils wore Christmas jumpers and raised £308 for Save the Children.

• Junior pupils in Year 4 raised £79 by holding a cake sale for Save the Children. • £220 was raised by Year 11 by selling cakes and hot chocolate for the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan • Senior pupils ran Christmas stalls and raised £567 Cancer Support. on St Nicholas’ Day. The money was divided equally between the Brain Tumour Charity and Shelter.

• Staff and pupils (past and present) took part in the Windsor Twilight Walk and raised £267 for the Brain Tumour Charity.

St Nicholas’ School, Redfields House, Redfields Lane, Church Crookham, Hampshire, GU52 0RF Tel. 01252 850121