AUTUMN TERM 2019 SENIOR SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM

not to have more, but to be more

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POTENTIAL HAS ALDERLEY GIRLS ARTISTS NO LIMITS BUCK THE TREND IN RESIDENCE Astronaut, Helen Sharman, Suberb results once again An exciting weekend visits the School for our girls of art activities AUTUMN TERM 2019 SENIOR SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM

Contents School Vision

Welcome from Helen Jeys 3 #1. DREAM Helen Sharman visit 4 To be loved and trusted as an academic school that nurtures girls English focus 6 to be happy, confident and resilient and who reach their potential A Level results 8 in whichever field they choose. Kingswood trip 9 Art Residential 10 Alumnae 12 #2. CHARACTER Sport 14 Happy Dynamic Academic United Nurturing Ambitious Fun Committed Inclusive Friendly Aspirational

#3. BELIEFS Providing an outstanding, educational journey to girls from the age of two to eighteen

Inspiring girls to achieve and to be the very best they can be

Giving every individual girl a truly holistic educational experience

Embracing the very best in technology to provide a personalised approach to learning

Welcoming girls of all faiths in a school with a strong Christian ethos

Producing successful citizens for the future with global awareness, empathy and a strong moral compass

Supporting girls with superb pastoral care; one which develops girls’ resilience, self-confidence and self-belief

Working in partnership with parents to guide girls throughout their school life

#4. SPIRIT “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.”

#5. FOCUS Confidence and self-belief AUTUMN TERM 2019 SENIOR SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM Welcome

Welcome to the autumn issue of our Senior School termly publication, Aspire.

Reading our termly edition of ‘Aspire’ is a real highlight; it always provides us with such a wonderful summary of the amazing events from the term and is a reminder – if we ever needed it – of the fantastic teaching and learning that is going on in the Senior School.

This term’s edition focuses, in part, on the visit of Helen Sharman CMG OBE, the first British astronaut, and what an amazing experience it was to hear her speak and to see her able to relate to girls of all ages. Many girls were fortunate to have a question and answer session with Helen Sharman in their Science lessons and Sharman’s ability to inspire others with her amazing experience is something I hope that the girls never forget. Her story is a reminder that, with determination and hard work, our pupils have incredible opportunities in front of them.

I also hope that you enjoy the article written by Mrs Polley, our Head of English, on the ongoing benefits of studying English as an academic subject. The palpable commitment and love of her subject is reflected across the English Department Mrs Helen Jeys and this is a special feature of teachers at AESG. Our staff are passionate about their subjects and are always willing to go the extra mile for our pupils. From the Headmistress art residential in Wales to the Erasmus trip this term, from the Kingswood residential to the huge array of sporting fixtures – and so many more – the girls have access to the most fantastic experiences. Our Alumnae pages remind us of where such opportunities can take our pupils and it is lovely to hear the contribution from Rowdah Charbak who only left the School in 2017 but is already making her mark in the world of architecture. Building these links and having our ‘old girls’ act as mentors for our current girls provides further opportunities in the workplace and is an area of ongoing development in the School.

I hope that you enjoy reading this latest edition of Aspire and I wish you all a wonderful Christmas break.

Best Wishes,

Helen Jeys Headmistress

ASPIRE ALDERLEY EDGE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 03 AUTUMN TERM 2019 SENIOR SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM Potential has no limits

Alderley Edge School for Girls has recently welcomed the first British astronaut, Helen Sharman CMG OBE, as part of the School’s 21st Birthday celebrations.

ASPIRE 04 ALDERLEY EDGE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AUTUMN TERM 2019 SENIOR SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM

The ‘Out of this World’ event saw almost Helen Jeys, Headmistress at Alderley Edge 500 students from 21 state and independent School for Girls, reflected on the schools from across the region visiting significance of Sharman’s visit: “It is so AESG. The School hosted the event in their important for all pupils to hear from large entertaining space, where the inspiring people and to know that, just as visiting students and staff had the Helen Sharman indicated in her talk, opportunity to listen to Helen Sharman’s anything is possible if you put your mind to story, ask questions and also have a it. I am delighted that we were able to share specialist green screen photograph with this opportunity with hundreds of local Helen Sharman herself. children who, I am sure, will have learned so much – not only about space travel – The School also hosted an internal event but also about those personal qualities bespoke to Alderley Edge School for Girls’ that can enable you to achieve your pupils, parents and staff. Helen Sharman dreams.” inspired the students with her stories of space, talking about everything from the Alderley Edge School for Girls has recently intense training, how it felt to travel in won the ISA Award for Partnerships 2019, space and the pathway which led her to which reflects the School’s passion for become the first British astronaut. Helen supporting local schools, sharing facilities Helen Sharman was not only the first British astronaut but also the first woman Sharman also visited the younger pupils and providing outstanding opportunities for to visit the space station in May 1991. in the School, as well as Senior Science their own girls and pupils across the region. Mir was a space station that operated in low Earth orbit from 1986 to 2001, operated lessons and officially opened the School’s by the and later by Russia. brand new Early Years facilities.

ASPIRE ALDERLEY EDGE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 05 AUTUMN TERM 2019 SENIOR SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM Why English?

Surely now more than ever, as we head towards an uncertain future, it seems vital that we all celebrate the need for effective communication.

‘Tis the season to be jolly. However, as These arguments, however, can and Poet Laureate Simon Armitage. Their Christmas quickly approaches, in school should be challenged. Firstly, it is an error poems speak of climate change, family terms it is also the season of mock to see an A Level or degree in English to be love, conflict and the effects of PTSD on examinations, A Level taster sessions and a limiting option for future careers. those returning from war zones. For five UCAS applications. Talking last week to English has always held prestige as an hours they held rapt a Palace Theatre full my A Level students about the pressure of intellectual subject and is well respected of 15 and 16 year olds. No mean feat. writing a brilliant personal statement by potential employers because of the which would make them stand out from numerous transferable skills it requires. The GCSE course also encourages students the sea of other applicants, made me Studying English leads seamlessly on to to find their own voices. Last summer, as remember my own application - more creative careers in publishing, journalism, part of the Spoken Language unit, our years ago now than I care to think about. marketing and, dare I say, teaching. Yet its current Year 11 students were challenged The importance of the first sentence was analytical approach also lends itself to a to prepare a talk on a topic which they emphasised repeatedly by our teachers. It career in law and many English students found relevant to their generation in the was this which would ensure that we were follow this route after their undergraduate 21st century. The results were interesting, one of those offered a place. And so, in studies. Consulting a list of who studied funny, passionate and compelling. This what felt at the time to be a bold and English at University makes for interesting spirit of intellectual curiosity and debate irrefutable approach, my application to reading. Emma Watson, Stephen Fry, thrives from Year 7 to Year 13. The English study Literature at University began with John Legend, Hugh Grant and Green party Department at AESG also enter girls, with the question “Why English?”. MP Caroline Lucas all started with a notable success, in national competitions degree in Literature. such as Youth Speaks, the Mock Trial and This same question, however, has now the BBC’s 500 Words. Surely now more come to take on a slightly different Secondly, I would also challenge the than ever, as we head towards an uncertain meaning. Last summer it was widely popular myth that reforms to English future, it seems vital that we all celebrate reported in the Media that the number of GCSEs have sucked the life from the the need for effective communication. As students opting to study English at A Level subject. Our GCSE students at AESG Simon Armitage declared to the hundreds is in serious decline. Apparently, entries engage in critical and lively debates about of teenagers in Manchester: we’ve all been for English Language fell by 22%, while whether Lady Macbeth is villain or victim; given the free gift of language. Now make almost 3,500 fewer students sat English whether Romeo and Juliet really knew the it your own. Literature this year compared to last. meaning of love; who was most Although English remains a popular A responsible for the demise of Eva Smith in At the end of this week, we will run our A Level choice, it is undeniable that numbers An Inspector Calls. Quality endures and Level taster sessions. I am delighted that are falling. the central questions and themes within we have nearly half the girls in the year these texts remain as relevant now to fresh group signed up to try either Language or There are several theories as to why this 21st century eyes as they ever have. To call Literature, busting the statistics which should be. Some point to STEM subjects the course traditional, and therefore dull, seem to indicate a decline in interest. So if gaining popularity in an unstable financial seems to almost wilfully miss the asked: “Why English?”, my answer would climate as students - and parents - believe opportunities on offer. be, “Why ever not?” that they lead to more guaranteed jobs. Female students in particular are shifting Indeed, having accompanied some of our Mrs Celia Polley, Head of English from the Arts and now outnumber male Year 11 students to the Poetry Live event in students in STEM based courses. Others Manchester just a few days ago, I was also query whether the reforms made to struck by the relevance of the set texts in English GCSEs, with the perception being the modern world. We were lucky enough that they are now tougher and more to hear diverse poets reading their own traditional in focus, has deterred students poetry, ranging from Owen Sheers to Carol from selecting the subject at A Level. Ann Duffy, from Imtiaz Darkhar to the

ASPIRE 06 ALDERLEY EDGE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

AUTUMN TERM 2019 SENIOR SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM Alderley Girls Buck the Trend

Alderley Edge School for Girls, once again, celebrated pupils’ superb results in August 2019.

Despite the news that the number of top Helen Jeys, Headmistress at the School 13% of pupils achieved the equivalent of A Level grades are at their lowest for over a said: “This is another brilliant set of results A*/A grades across the board and the decade, the School is bucking the national for our girls. Linear A level courses, and School celebrated some exceptional trend with a 10% increase in the A/A* their equivalent, are incredibly challenging individual performances including Lara grades awarded this year. 50% of all grades and these results reflect the girls’ hard Coulter who achieved a fantastic 8 grade were at the highest level – our best ever. work as well as the support of their 9s with a grade A^ (higher than an A*) in 100% of all girls studying Computing, wonderful teachers and the outstanding Further Mathematics whilst her twin Ella Economics, Food Science, Health and sixth form team. I look forward to seeing achieved 10 GCSEs at the equivalent A*/A Social Care, ICT and Religion & Philosophy how the girls continue to flourish as they grades. Gracie O’Donnell and Alara achieved an A or an A* grade or equivalent. enter their various university courses and Cooper achieved 5 grade 9s and Amy apprenticeships. Alderley Edge School for Myers was awarded 9 GCSEs at the very We are also delighted that almost 40% of Girls has prepared them well for this next highest 9/8 grades. Girls at the School are our girls went on to study STEM related stage of their lives.” now studying an array of exciting courses subjects at university. This reflects the in the Sixth Form as they take the next School’s commitment to ensuring that girls Following on from outstanding A Level steps towards university, apprenticeships can pursue and succeed in any future results, the School was also thrilled to be or gap years in industry. career they choose. Individual successes continuing its celebrations at GCSE Level. were plentiful and impressive. Amongst Almost 30% of all grades awarded were at the amazing results achieved, Jewel the highest 9 or 8 grade, more than a 7 Bennett achieved 4 A* grades and is now percentage point increase on last year. studying Medicine at Oxford University and Isabella Vickers (Head Girl) and Anna Girls at the school performed incredibly Smith with their A* and A grades are well across the board with the very highest studying Medicine at Liverpool and St. grades of 9, 8 or 7, equivalent to former George’s respectively. With 4 A* and 2 A A*/A grades, being achieved by 94% of grades between them, Charlotte Powell is all pupils taking Chemistry, 88% in considering a career in Dentistry History, 75% in Computing and 83% in % and Tierney Gilson is reading Business Physical Education. 50 Management at Leeds. Manchester Half of all grades were at the very highest University also welcomed Lucinda Beeson level of A/A* which represents a 10% to read Theoretical Physics. increase on the previous year’s results.

ASPIRE 08 ALDERLEY EDGE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AUTUMN TERM 2019 SENIOR SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM A Residential to Remember

“I am a little more “The staff were confident and less afraid of bugs! I talked to a lot so supportive.” of new people that I didn’t know and my social skills improved.”

In September, Year 7 embarked on their “I feel lots braver inaugural rite of passage to Kingswood on their residential ‘get to know each other’ having been trip. Loaded up with some large suitcases away; I made and midnight snacks, we made our way to the Welsh countryside of Colomendy, new friends and blessed by sunny, warm weather. What worked as a team.” followed, were two jam-packed days of fun and exciting activities, including a giant zip wire through the forest, orienteering, strategic laser gun fights, vertical play pen, leap of faith and many more… all designed so girls could conquer their fears, work together and establish new friendships. In the evenings, girls competed to build “I got over my fears.” rockets and sat around a camp fire, telling jokes, revealing funny stories, having a sing-off and of course, toasting marshmal- lows! AESG pupils were enthusiastic, supportive of one another, adventurous “We learned how and generally great fun to be away with. to be a form.” By the third day, everyone was exhausted, muddy and and ready to head back to school – especially the teachers! Thank you to Mr Garfield, Mrs Baines, Miss Thomas and Miss Johnson for being such great team leaders and for their beyond the call “I got better at of duty diligence in the middle of the night! cooperation and

Miss Stokwisz, Head of Year 7 teamwork. I feel more independent and able to organise “I made some myself now.” new best friends!”

ASPIRE ALDERLEY EDGE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 07 AUTUMN TERM 2019 SENIOR SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM Artists in Residence

Year 10 and 11 Art students had the invaluable opportunity to spend the entire weekend engaged in exciting art activities, working alongside nationally recognised subject specialists and students from other schools at the Conway Residential Centre on the island of Anglesey, North Wales.

On our arrival on late Friday afternoon we The girls were able to choose from a were greeted and shown to our dormitories, range of intriguing workshops based before sitting down to an evening meal of on the over-arching theme of ‘Bestiary’. fish, chips and peas to fuel us with the A Bestiary is a medieval compendium energy needed for an intensive evening of of tales of real and imaginary animals, work. After a brief induction, the students intended to teach morals and to entertain. quickly split off into their groups and were soon immersed in creative tasks, working All the workshops set out to challenge late into the evening. students, extend their subject knowledge and skills and provide time to create an We were up bright and early the next exciting and significant body of work to morning and again, our stomachs were add to their portfolio. A range of outcomes fuelled with a hearty breakfast to prepare linked to relevant critical and contextual us for an intensive day, working 9am to references were produced including; 9pm, with a short break for lunch and medieval embossed metal, painted scrolls, dinner. After the workshops the girls had sculptural mandrakes, paper dioramas, time to relax, with the Year 11 girls opting decorative card, wire constructions and for a pamper slumber party with face wire bees, all accompanied with masks before lights out. preparation sheets.

The Sunday morning welcomed Tegan’s Mrs Billington, Head of Art 16th birthday and another two and a half hours finishing off practical work before a walking exhibition of all the fantastic work created.

“It was a great trip that has given me whole outcomes which can contribute towards my GCSE. It was an amazing opportunity and I am so grateful to have

been able to go.” Tegan Y11 ASPIRE 10 ALDERLEY EDGE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AUTUMN TERM 2019 SENIOR SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM

ASPIRE ALDERLEY EDGE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 11 AUTUMN TERM 2019 SENIOR SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM Alumnae

As our alumnae network grows, we are delighted to introduce you to more of Alderley Alumnae’s newest members! Whether you are an old girl of Alderley Edge School for Girls, St. Hilary’s or Mount Carmel, we would like to speak to you!

Work experience As well as learning skills on a 1:1 basis from connections thanks to my mentor, I had the opportunity to meet Alderley Alumnae! people from all aspects of the industry and was taken on an insightful site visit. This kind of hands-on learning is different to what is taught at university and the experience I gained was extremely beneficial. I believe work experience to be a key part of my development in higher education and I have found it to be a realistic and inspiring insight into the profession in which I hope to pursue my career.

In most industries, and particularly in architecture, it is all about who you know. Therefore, networking is crucial. Being one of the largest architectural practices in the country, I couldn’t have imagined Former Head Girl, Rowdah Charbak (Class gaining this experience on my own. Lunch and Learn of 2017), tells us about her summer work experience with Sheppard Robson, an Thanks to a former pupil, Sheppard We welcomed Tessa Bryant this half architectural firm in Manchester. Robson had attended an AESG careers fair term for a fantastic Lunch and Learn in the past, so the School had a connection session. During my work experience week, I spent to the Manchester practice. I was assigned the time developing a new design for one this contact as my mentor for the week. It Tessa is an award-winning PR of their previous projects which was was thanks to the help of Mrs Dawson and Manager from Seedrs. We love presented to a group of architects at the the AESG alumnae network that I was able welcoming former AESG, Mount end of the week. I learned essential skills to secure this excellent opportunity. I can’t Carmel and St. Hilary’s pupils back about the architectural design process; thank them enough and I encourage to the School, so if you would be skills which I am currently applying to my everyone to make the most of this interested in running a session, studies at university. invaluable system of connections; not only please contact Debbie Dawson for keeping in contact with your friends [email protected]. and teachers, but also for creating new links for the future. Alderley Alumnae Reunion!

Class of 2019 Thursday 9 January 2020 3.30pm–5.30pm

Contact Debbie Dawson, [email protected] to confirm attendance.

ASPIRE 12 ALDERLEY EDGE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AUTUMN TERM 2019 SENIOR SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM

Our Donor Tree

We believe that our educational expertise should be available to all girls, whatever their financial background. Through the generosity of our supporters and donors, we are able to offer Bursaries to girls who are eager to join us and who want to #BeMore.

Our fantastic Donor Tree is situated on one of our main stairwells in the School and represents our commitment to offering Bursaries. It is no Prize Giving Now as a Doctor in Clinical Psychology, exaggeration to say that Bursaries have Ann works in inner city London transformed the lives of the girls who For the third year running, we were supporting a diverse population of have received them and these girls delighted to be able to invite a former pupil children and young people with complex have taken every opportunity to to be our guest speaker at our prestigious mental health issues. develop themselves and their talents. Prize Giving event. This year, we were joined by Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Ann Ann spoke fondly about her time at the Many of our Bursaries are funded via Lanham. School and the support she had from donations and fundraising at annual teachers in addition to her journey to events such as our Bursary Ball as well After leaving Mount Carmel in 2003, Ann becoming a psychologist. She had the as through purchasing leaves on our completed a Degree in Psychology at following advice for our pupils: “Take a Donor Tree which can be engraved Brunel University, a Masters in Forensic moment each day to be grateful for the with up to 40 characters. Psychology at the University of things you have. Live by your values and and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at you will live a fulfilled life. Find what you There are three donation levels the University of Leeds. Alongside her are good at and don’t let anyone tell you available: Gold at £500, silver at £250 studies, she worked in a variety of settings can’t achieve your goals because with love, and bronze at £100. Each leaf will help and gained experience working with a support, determination and self-belief you contribute to more girls experiencing variety of individuals in need. can!” We couldn’t agree more and would life at Alderley Edge School for Girls. like to thank Ann, again, for joining us. The engraved leaf will also enable you to have a permanent memory of your daughter, you or a relative in the School for future generations to see.

If you would be interested in purchasing a leaf, please contact Debbie Dawson, Director of Development ddawson@ aesg.co.uk / 01625 588045

ASPIRE ALDERLEY EDGE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 13 AUTUMN TERM 2019 SENIOR SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM A Busy Fixture List!

“Our sports teams have been extremely busy this term with 143 fixtures taking place from Year 7 to UV1. Our sporting super stars have been competing in hockey, netball, cross country, swimming, badminton and tennis. I am delighted to see AESG girls showing a genuine love and passion for competitive sport. I hope you enjoy reading about some of our fantastic successes from our wonderful captains below.”

Miss McConville, Director of Sport

U14 ISA National Tournament day This meant AESG topped their group and Hockey Champions! would go through to the Cup section of the During game one we faced St. James, a tournament. We knew that the standard school based in Scotland. AESG were too would be higher and we would have to be strong and dominated play. The girls focused in order to become champions worked hard on their press and St. James again. The girls played Ipswich High School struggled to get the ball into their attacking first in an evenly matched game. Again, half. The whistle blew after ten mins and excellent passing saw Helena Sykora skilfully AESG won 7-0. weave through several defenders for a 1-0 win. Immediately after this, we played Next up, we faced Finborough School, Alton School from Hampshire and won based in Stowmarket. Again, the girls 2-0. In the final we played against Holmes dominated play using width and space Grange again and we knew it was going to effectively. The game ended with a be a challenging game. Amy Kouvarellis convincing 4-0 win with a superb reverse defended strongly and made some vital The U14s travelled to Staines for a mini stick goal from Tess Fallows. After a short recovery tackles to keep Holmes Grange hockey tour ahead of their ISA National period of time off, the girls played against from scoring. Olivia Barclay played an tournament on Tuesday 12 October. Holmes Grange who had some very strong incredible pass that split Holmes Grange The girls departed school on Monday club players. The game was a thrilling end defence to allow Helena Sykora a 1v1 with at 10.00 in extremely high spirits as to end game with both teams showing the goal keeper and she was able to calmly defending champions! incredible stick skills. Ruby Ogden slot the goal home. Immediately managed to keep a clean sheet and made afterwards, Holmes Grange counter After we had checked into the hotel we crucial saves. An excellent reverse stick attacked and Ruby Ogden was left with a made a short journey to Radnor House goal from Helena Sykora saw AESG take 1v1 and was able to save a tricky goal to School for a friendly warm up game. The the win, 1-0. keep AESG in the game! The whistle went girls played some dynamic hockey and and the U14s managed to retain their ISA worked effectively as a unit to score quality National Hockey status. goals! After every quarter a short team talk and white board session were used to focus Well played to every player who their attention on shape and positioning. contributed to the team becoming The girls applied all strategies and were champions. The girls were an asset to the very keen to improve their performance. School and they behaved with excellent AESG finished as winners with a score of sportsmanship and should be proud of 11-4! After such great success the girls their achievements! returned to shower and get ready for dinner. We walked to ZiZi’s for pizza and ice cream.

ASPIRE 14 ALDERLEY EDGE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AUTUMN TERM 2019 SENIOR SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM

ISA U13 North Hockey Ethelburga’s and we beat them a rather half-way line to score a goal. This was Champions! convincing 8-0. After this we had a match really intense and we really wanted to win, off and then we played against our own as we had been unbeaten all day! Five Alderley Edge B team. This was a tough people from each team were selected. AESG Hockey students travelled to Queen game as we knew how each other played Amelia Malik scored a goal along with Hill Ethelburga’s on Tuesday 8 October to and we had gone through the same Collegiate, who also gained a goal with a compete in the U13 ISA North Hockey training, but the game finished with the A very close save by Tilly. It was down to the Tournament. We started by playing Hull team at 5 and the B team at 0. We had won final player, Emily Barrett, to see if we Collegiate. They were a good, strong team all of our games and were through to the would win and she scored an amazing goal. but at the end of our first match the U13 A finals. Everyone was so excited to be in Everyone was very supportive, with the A team came out on top, with a score of 3-0 to with a chance of winning the tournament and B team all coming together at the end us. We then played Abbeygate Chester and and, after two games rest, including 5th v of the tournament to congratulate each the end result was 3-0 to AESG thanks to 6th and 3rd v 4th play offs, it was time for other. We walked away with medals for some great attacks from our forwards. the finals! It was a tough match against first place and huge grins on our faces. After a match off, we were against Queen Hull Collegiate and at the end of the game Everyone played extremely well and it was Ethelburga’s A team and after lots of time it was a draw 0-0. The winners of the an excellent tournament that we all enjoyed. strong passing and amazing teamwork, we tournament were then decided by penalty ended up winning 5-1. Everyone’s morale shuffles, a 1v1 versus the goalie. We were Written by Amy Kouvarellis, was high, as this was the team to beat! given 11 seconds, starting from the Year 8 Hockey Captain. Straight after this we were against Queen

Jumping for joy

At the end of October, the details were finalised and AESG’s new Equestrian team was formed. The team currently comprises seven riders throughout the Senior School: Rachael Billington, Annie Kandel, Sienna Oliver, Amelia Parish, Emily Phillips, Aimee Russon and Sascha Smith. As a team, they will be competing at local competitions Condover Hall in the three main disciplines of dressage, show jumping and arena In September, four teams travelled to Condover Hall in Shrewsbury for a weekend eventing. The riders will attend local netball tournament. competitions including qualifiers for national championships which are Condover Hall is a residential activity centre. They host netball tournaments through held three times a year around the JCA and they also offer amazing indoor and outdoor activities, for example zip wire, South of England. We wish this new abseiling, tunelling, high wires and evening entertainment such as silent discos! team the very best of luck!.

Saturday morning started with a wake up call at 7.00am. We then went to breakfast (some of us were changed and ready for a morning of netball!) The Year 9s played first and although they started slowly, they won all of their games for the day. The matches were in a tournament round-robin format. We all went to lunch and the rest of the girls got ready for their matches in the afternoon. The next day, we woke up, packed our bags and headed to breakfast again before warming up for another day of netball; equally as determined to win as the day before.

The Year 8A Team were narrowly beaten by Knustford and thus came third, but it was a great team effort from all of the girls and they played some fabulous netball throughout the tournament. The Year 8B team came 4th, improving greatly over the weekend and displaying excellent effort. The Year 9 team were decisive winners with some lovely transitions down the court and good flowing netball – they were undefeated all weekend as were the Year 11 team who also came first with some excellent shooting and amazing perseverance. Well done to all the girls for an amazing weekend with lots of great experiences. Thank you very much to Mrs Foreman, Miss McConville and Mrs Redfern for organising the trip and looking after all of us really well – we all loved it and we are all really looking forward to next year!

ASPIRE ALDERLEY EDGE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 15 Alderley Edge School for Girls, Wilmslow Road, Cheshire, SK9 7QE T. 01625 583028 E. [email protected] www.aesg.co.uk @schoolforgirls /Alderley-Edge-School-For-Girls

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