Newsletter Summer 2020

Learning in Lockdown 2 - 3

History Round-up 4

Music - Resonance Roadshow 5 Esher Sports Review of the Year Parent Trustee Vacancy 5

Discover what our teams have been up to, including a masterclass Volunteering Abroad 6 from a Netball superstar. Meet the Teacher 7 Earlier this year our Netball teams were she was able to return to the game achieving treated to a special visit from England 72 caps for England. Her sister Kadeen was in Sports Review 8 - 9 Netball legend, Sasha Corbin. the 2018 team that won England’s first ever Commonwealth Games Gold medal. Green Week 10 Captain of the Saracens Mavericks, Sasha ran a two-hour session, encompassing ball skills, At Esher Sixth Form College, there are A Blast from the Past 11 drills and agility, before putting students numerous opportunities for students to get through their paces in a game. involved in a competitive manner through MPs Visit 12 sports teams such as netball, football, rugby, Lianne Purvis, PE teacher at Esher, said, “In hockey and basketball teams. See how they Young Enterprise 13 football terms, it would be like having David got on in our Sports Review on Pages 8 - 9. Beckham hold a training session at the Biology Round-up 14 College. It was a real privilege to meet Sasha. The girls loved it and learned so much. Sasha delivered an engaging and creative session Community Volunteers 15 that focused on ball handling and centre- court formations. It was great to see the girls LRC Book Reviews 16 push themselves and get out of their comfort zones when taking on new drills and ideas! Dates for your Diary 16

The visit finished with a Q&A session where students found out how, despite suffering from an injury and juggling a Sports Performance degree at Bath University, & much more! Learning in Meet the Scientist: Lockdown Disease Detectives I hope this summer edition of our newsletter finds you and your families well. Throughout the pandemic and the announcement that A Levels would be cancelled, our teaching and support staff have made it a priority to help our students complete course specifications for both A Level and BTEC.

As a College, we felt it was important that In the meantime, please take a moment our students continued learning and to enjoy a round-up of some of the things thanks to our IT team we have been able to we’ve been getting up to in Lockdown. offer remote learning from Day One using Microsoft Teams. It’s been an incredible challenge, but we are very proud of all our students and their attitude to learning. Progress Review Reports, UCAS Grades, Progression Pathway choices, Student Union Elections, a virtual Introduction Day to welcome Year 11s on Friday 26 June, and Dan Dean a remote After Esher Day on Thursday 2 Principal July for current students, are all continuing this term. Thirty 6.2 Biology students, who are engaging with the subject through online lessons and directed research, took part in a ‘Meet the Scientists’ online event. This is a student-led science engagement where school and Therapeutic Arts college students connect with working Mira and Jude from Learning scientists. Support continue to run their popular therapeutic arts group Students have taken part in similar events on Microsoft Teams every before, but from the classroom rather Wednesday lunchtime. than their own homes. Our students ‘met’ “There was a really a team of scientists involved in disease- positive vibe,” says Jude. related research at prestigious institutions “All the students said they around the UK and asked numerous wanted to continue every questions about their research and career week, so we are!” pathways.

The students, including Simas Marciukonis pictured here, were congratulated on the quality of questions they asked and the enthusiasm and interest they showed. Research has shown that this programme Goggles Donation improves communication skills and the understanding of the principles of public engagement. It makes science more At the beginning of the Coronavirius, the College was delighted to be able to donate personally relevant to our students and 2,500 disposable gloves and 110 safety goggles to the NHS to help combat the fight helps them to appreciate that scientists are against the pandemic. ‘normal people’.

Many of our participating students are planning to take up biology-related degrees, such as medicine, dentistry, chiropractics, sports science, neuroscience, zoology and broader-based biology degrees. They agreed that this event helped nurture their science aspirations. It was great to have this opportunity as in ‘normal’ times our students frequently visit the world class universities we are lucky enough to have on our doorstep and we don’t want our students to miss out on anything because of the current circumstances.

Hilary Thomson, Teacher of Biology 3 Biology Enrichment

Biology students have enjoyed virtual tours of the Natural • “Pathology event” and “Under the Skin” exhibition at the Royal History Museum and British Museum while also attending a College of Physicians wide range of scientific talks and events on everything from • “Picturing Life and Death on the Operating Table” - The Old the scent of disease, to pathology and the operating table. Operating Theatre Museum

The department has encouraged students to attend as many During lockdown, students also reported back on some of their enrichment activities as possible and to share them on their favourite scientific podcasts such as “The Infinite Monkey Cage” university, apprenticeship and job applications. Some of the talks and “Inside Science Podcast” from the BBC, biology-related online attended include: courses at futurelearn.com and scientific talks at ibiology.org and TED.com. • “The Scent of Disease” seminar at the Royal College of Physicians • “Love, Smell and Memory” lecture at the Royal Society Ed Jones, Teacher of Biology • “Exploring the brain circuits between learned and innate behaviour”

Virtual Apprenticeship Information Evening

In partnership with award-winning apprenticeship provider, WhiteHat, our Progression Guidance team welcomed more than 200 parents/carers and students to our first Virtual Apprenticeship Information Evening.

Held through Microsoft Teams and after the obligatory ‘virtual admin’ of muting microphones, Nicola Wilberforce, Head of Progression Guidance, and Akeem Wangeh from WhiteHat gave introductory talks to bust the myths about apprenticeships and highlight the many career paths that are possible.

We then heard from two apprentices, Tatiana who is on a digital marketing apprenticeship at SKY and Tina, also on a marketing apprenticeship with Google.

Sigmund Freud Summer School beckons Congratulations to Moremi Loye, who beat strong competition to get a place on King’s College Summer School. Moremi, who came to Esher from Cobham Free School, is Webinar studying Chemistry, Biology and Spanish. Although King’s labs are closed, they will be sending Moremi her equipment so she can carry out the experiments from home. Psychology students had the opportunity to attend a free webinar held by the Freud Museum with renowned psychoanalyst Haya Oakley. Study Guides for Y11 Haya has been practicing psychoanalysis in London since 1968, working for many years Applicants with antipsychiatry legend R. D. Laing to train psychotherapists and run therapeutic In May, the College was able to launch its Study Guides to support our Year 11 communities. applicants’ transition to Esher Sixth Form College. Your Start At Esher study guides are available through students’ online application account and provide a range of different Sigmund Freud didn’t think it was possible, resources to help them prepare for study at the next level and to ensure they can hit but many psychoanalysts today work the ground running, when they join us in the autumn term. with psychotic patients. The webinar provided viewers with a rare insight into the psychoanalytic approach to schizophrenia, where Haya reflected on her practice and explored the ways in which therapy can help those suffering from the condition. She also The show must go on discussed some of the signs of paranoia, as Drama A Level students have risen to created soundscapes inspired by their well as explaining how psychoanalysts make the challenge of studying from home stimulus, others made puppets or wrote sense of the frightening experiences that and have been self-recording their poems.” characterise schizophrenia. Towards the end performances. of the webinar there was the opportunity for In addition, some second year students students to quiz Haya about her work, where Performance monologues were recorded have continued their drama studies by she spoke candidly about her interpretations and uploaded to the College’s video portal, making the most of the exclusive Esher of some of the behaviours displayed and texts studied and pieces devised. Mary Sixth Form College code to access our things said by her clients in past sessions, Cassidy, Acting Head of Drama says, “As Drama online catalogue which includes which provided further interesting insights. you can imagine, this was very challenging digital copies of many RSC and National and daunting for the students, but they Theatre shows. Staff and students meet Overall, a fascinating webinar, which have really risen to the challenge, including every week to discuss a show they encouraged students to think about the performing extracts of their work for have seen. psychoanalytic approach from a different one another via Microsoft Teams. Some perspective. students composed original music, or Tales of the The Rise and Fall of American Dream Cardinal Wolsey History: Oppression & Equality students delve deeper into 20th Century America.

“As the World readies itself for what promises to be one of the most pivotal elections in America, History students attended a fascinating American Dream conference, held at the London Irish Centre in Camden.

All manner of topics were covered from immigration, to civil rights, to the changing nature of the Presidency and finally Ronald Reagan. With the talks presented by Cambridge and UCL professors, despite being naturally content-heavy, they remained thoroughly engaging throughout. Interesting questions were raised over why Martin Luther King is viewed as somehow “more American” than more “extreme” civil rights activists such as Malcolm X? And whether Reagan was merely an opportunist in gaining the presidency? It was a new layer of depth to what we learn on the syllabus.

All in all, it was an incredibly useful trip, made even better by relentless sunshine throughout. The new perspectives we gained A trip to Hampton Court Palace for History: Power and Belief will prove invaluable, not only when writing in history lessons, students reveals Henry’s fountain of wine and his lovers’ knot but when considering the way we perceive America and the way America perceives itself.” “Our enthusiastic tour guide gave us an engaging and interactive experience about the rise and fall of Cardinal Harry Crawshaw, 6.1 Student Wolsey. We had an introduction to the Palace before diving into Wolsey’s significance and the roles he played. The moments of audience interaction and involvement were particularly memorable as we were given the opportunity to Chairman Mao become King Henry VIII, Cardinal Wolsey as well as various dukes and duchesses. History Conference We had a guided tour around the Palace courtyards where we History: Dictators and Imperialists students get new insight found a beautiful fountain. The fountain is actually a copy of a into Women in China. wine fountain, rather than a water fountain, used to celebrate Henry’s Field of Cloth of Gold summit with Francis II of France. “The Mao History Conference took place in February in Bloomsbury There were also actors dressed in traditional Tudor dress walking and was a great way to revise the Mao’s China course, while also around and interacting with guests, thus adding to the experience. taking on and expanding new ideas. There were four topics lined up: As we walked through Anne Boleyn’s Gatehouse, there was an the role of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the Economic Policies intricate design on the ceiling of the archway, with the initials ‘HA’, of the Communists, Women Under Mao and the Students’ Role in which we learnt refers to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. The letters the Cultural Revolution. are linked by a lover’s knot. We were told that Henry and Anne would wave to each other across the Gatehouse, much to the For all of these themes, what I found really interesting was the extra dismay of the women below, as Anne Boleyn’s chambers were context about the Sino-Japanese war (1937-1945), which the speaker placed opposite King Henry’s. used as an example to help us understand the success of Mao and the PLA. The speech I found the most fascinating, however, was The final stop was the Great Hall. Despite the amazing tapestries Yangwen Zheng’s talk on Women in China. A Professor of Chinese and stained-glass windows, we found out that the Great Hall was History at the University of Manchester, Yangwen challenged our where the lesser ranks ate and the painted carved faces on the knowledge of the course, but also challenged modern scholarship’s ceiling, served as a constant reminder not to gossip as there’s view of women in history on the whole, questioning the framework always someone watching and listening.” in which we view women’s liberation.“

Hannah Palmer, 6.1 Student Nonny Jones, 6.2 Student

Taxing History of 17th Century London

Students welcome Aaron Columbus from the Centre for Hearth Tax We were surprised at how much detail could be learned from documents Research at Roehampton University of this era, through personal analysis and interpretation. If the Tax could not be paid, tax collectors would use their own notes and perception “Aaron Columbus from the University of Roehampton, Surrey, presented to decide if any items were worth taking or not. We collectively found two seminars on the Hearth Tax and how to analyse historical documents working with the sources very enjoyable and learned much about London at a higher level. Following the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, in the 17th Century. The talk gave me a very insightful and more personal Parliament calculated that the Royal Household needed an annual view of peoples’ reactions towards tax collection than today’s more income of £1.2m (worth much more than today). The Hearth Tax was a efficient practices. It showed the socio-economic stance of given areas and supplemental property tax to make up the shortfall. It was considered showed more human details of how people lived.” easier to establish the number of hearths than the number of heads, especially after the rise of the Plague, and this allows us to see what life Will Bateson, 6.1 Student was like in London prior to, and following, the Great Fire of London in 1666. 5 Resonance Roadshow rocks Esher

Music students were treated to a series of workshops and performances by music professionals from a new state-of- the-arts music institute, Resonance. The five visiting session musicians – who have worked with acts including Steve Winwood, Robert Plant and Beverley Knight – spent the day with students highlighting music techniques, instrument demos and sparking some lively debates about their experiences in the industry.

“The talk from Resonance was a really interesting insight into the music industry, and a great opportunity for all Music and Music Technology students to learn more about one of the subjects we are most passionate about.

“The performers were not only very talented, but amazing speakers and were able to hold our attention for the hours we were with them. Seeing such talented musicians perform was very inspiring for me, as it was like looking through a window into what my future could be. It gave me the opportunity to think about what I could do to achieve it. What is Resonance?

A lot of us came away from the talk thinking about the different Resonance is a brand-new, multi-million-pound, paths we could take. Undoubtedly a large proportion of us are state-of-the-art music institute coming to the West thinking seriously about higher education or going into the music Midlands in 2020. industry, so any opportunity to learn about it was worthwhile. Applicants will need between 96 and 112 UCAS points A particularly interesting portion of the talk was the insight into before being invited to audition for their place. each of the performers’ backgrounds, and what brought them into working in the world of music. The talks felt very personal, Undergraduate degrees on offer (to start in September and not necessarily like they were just trying to give us the hard 2020):- sell. They seemed like they were genuinely interested in us as people and getting more people into the music industry - not just • BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance, into their university. This made the whole experience feel more • BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance & Production, genuine. • BA (Hons) Popular Music Production, • BA (Hons) Digital Music, Overall, the visit gave us a good insight into the world of music, • BA (Hons) Music Business higher education, and what our lives could be like should we go down the route of music for our futures. It was a lot of fun too. Resonance will be offering a suite of courses under I’d love to see them back here again.” a franchise arrangement from Solent University in Southampton. Nikolas Agourakis, 6.1 Student Adam Wolters, Teacher of Music at Esher said, “The Resonance Roadshow was an amazing opportunity to have such eminent music professionals perform here and talk to our students about the direction of the Parent music industry. The workshops and lively discussions have been incredibly insightful and have given students Trustee much food for thought about their next steps. While there are contemporary music colleges in the country, Resonance’s industry-focused approach to teaching Vacancy is unique and we are thrilled they could bring their From November roadshow to Esher.” 2020, there will be a vacancy for a parent representative on the College Board of Trustees. Any parent of a current 6.1 student, or prospective student for September 2020, may offer themselves for election. Parents serve for a term of two years, irrespective of how long their daughter or son remains at the College. We would encourage you to take this opportunity to become closely involved in the organisation of the College and, if you would like to informally discuss the duties and commitments of a Trustee, please contact Sharon Kelly ([email protected]), the Deputy Clerk to the Board of Trustees, at the College. If required, Sharon can send you a nomination form or put you in contact with an existing Trustee, so that you are able to gain an accurate picture of the commitment involved. We will require completed nomination forms to be returned to the College by Monday 14th September 2020. Voices from Nepal Fine Art Display Just before lockdown, the College reception corridors were treated to some new displays of mixed media artwork by our 6.1 Fine Art students. The project was based on the senses, feeling objects in a bag and creating descriptive words, then textures and patterns to combine their work with extraordinary objects seen at the British Museum and ordinary objects at home. Well done to students Matilda Clark, Heidi Seer, Ann Dinh, Rachel Gunner, Nana Montgomery and Nina Jokovic.

During our Volunteering Abroad meeting we were lucky enough to meet two Ghurkas. They gave us an insight into life, culture and religion in Nepal. We were also able to hear a personal story from the earthquake that took place in 2015. I think this experience is something all of us will be able to hold on too despite not being able to go on the trip anymore.

Ollie Cullen, 6.1 Student

Running for Young Minds Congratulations to Esher student Will Chetwynd-Stapylton, who with two friends, came up with their 5K Feb event to raise £570 for YoungMinds.

Will, with Oliver Case and Amelia Field, decided to run, cycle or walk 5km every day in February clocking more than 100km.

William said, “The idea behind 5K Feb was that there have been multiple studies to show that being active can help massively with your mental health. It certainly did with me.

“When I went through a rough patch in my life, I found the one thing that truly got me out of that dark hole was running. Whatever sport you have an interest in, do it. It will help you feel happier. Even if it’s just a small amount, anything can help.”

YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health. To donate, check out William’s 5K Feb Just Giving Page or follow them on Instagram @justkeeprunn1ng 7 Meet the Teacher

4 What achievement are you most proud of? Studying Classical It’s really more a matter of ‘most Civilisation A Level frequently proud of.’ I went to Greece for the first time in 1994, on a college trip. at Esher We visited ancient Olympia, where our teacher urged us to recreate the sprint Thinking about studying Classical event on (roughly) the same dusty track Civilisation at A Level? Did you know J.K. that the ancient Greeks started to use Rowling and Boris Johnson were Classics for competitive athletics in 776 BC. I won. graduates? Studying Classics will teach According to the ancient Greek way of you how to think critically about a range looking at things, this victory, way back of issues from love and relationships to in the mid-nineties, has given my name gender roles and heroism and help you a celestial glow that can never truly die. I analyse and construct arguments. If you look back on this most years when I take enjoy reading and writing, as well as en- Classics students to ancient Olympia and joying sharing your opinion in class – we watch from the side-lines as they take their can guarantee to get you thinking about things in an entirely new way. turn to recreate the sprint. You will study The World of the Hero, 5 When you were examining the great works of epic poetry younger, what teacher Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid, inspired you the most? Culture and The Arts, looking at Greek art, and Beliefs and Ideas, unpacking the Name: Andrew Marsh ancient views on love and relationships I was a thoroughly uninspired (and from Plato to Seneca. Position: Teacher of uninspiring) student all through my school years but was lucky enough to have Steve Murphy, Head of Philosophy and Classical Civilisation three exceptional teachers at sixth form. Classics, says, “Classical Civilisation equips If I’m only allowed to pick one, it’d have individuals to think about society and to be Glenda Dean, my Classics teacher, From: September 2008 politics in a deeply informed and subtle whose love of Greece and Rome knows way and to persuade other people ver- no bounds (not even Hippodamian Town What inspired you to bally, visually and in writing. You’ll refine 1 Planning). go into teaching? crucial skills like source criticism and analysing different cultural perspectives. I love the subject. My father bought ‘The 6 What book or film has It’s a perfect A Level to do with any other Golden Treasury of Myths and Legends’ for inspired you the most? subject because the Greeks invented all me when I was a small child, and I never academic disciplines including Medicine really recovered. The fact that it’s possible Homer’s Iliad, hands down – it’s literally the and Material Science.” to make a living rummaging around in the gift that keeps giving. ancient Greek and Roman world seemed (still seems, if I’m honest) slightly too good 7 What words of wisdom to be true. would you pass on to your 16-year-old self? 2 Why have you chosen to work in a Sixth Form This will sound like propaganda, but it would have to be ‘‘listen to your tutor.’’ College? I failed GCSE maths at school and was quietly confident that this didn’t mean I had a fantastic experience as a college much more than that I could forget about student, academically and socially. I went algebra for the rest of my life. On the to St Vincent College in Gosport. This first day of sixth form my tutor gently experience has made me such a zealot encouraged me to think about adding a about the role of sixth forms that I couldn’t Maths retake to my timetable, as most really imagine teaching at any other level. careers would require it. I stubbornly Plus, I’m quite a scruffy man, and fear that refused to consider. Ten years later, the ground would open up and swallow having decided to become a teacher, it me if I had to tell students to straighten was pointed out to me (again) that GCSE their ties or tuck in their shirts on a daily Maths was a prerequisite to enrolling on basis. any PGCE course. I ended up completing a year-long GCSE Maths course at night 3 What’s the best thing school. The classes ran on Monday and about your job? Wednesday evenings from 7-9:30pm, so I had to traipse across London after a day’s Homer, Plato, Virgil, Seneca, students (in work to attend: usually, with my tutor’s no particular order). decade-old advice ringing in my ears. End of Year Sports Review

Although the year ended sooner than we’d hoped, our sports teams have enjoyed a series of strong performances with much to build on for next year.

first year players made a significant contribution and we look Mixed Hockey forward to building a team around them next season. Defensively, Holly Turner, Alice Frise and Emily Meares ensured a solid base while in midfield Jasmine King controlled the tempo of the performances. In attack, the majority of goals were scored by the excellent Phoebe Head (13) and Evie Blackledge (15), while most improved player, Sophie Wakeford, made a brilliant contribution to the group.

Multiple 2nd years will be leaving the team to explore new pastures and we thank them for their excellent contribution for two seasons. In particular, our captain and player of the year, Megan McGarvey, was a dominant force in all games. Other major contributions to the group came from Megan Saunders, Hannah Cheeseman, Holly Drage, Darcey Coombs, Sophie Hudson, Emily Pinkess, Jess Little and Georgia Evans-Snares.

When at full strength the Esher Sixth Form College team has Top Scorer: Evie Blackledge proved to be formidable this season, despite fielding a team with Player of the Year: Megan McGarvey only a single 6.2 student. Though we lacked the experience of our Most improved: Sophie Wakeford opposition we were able to record several victories across the season, including an impressive display against Reigate College. Alan Reed, Head of PE and Sports and Womens’ football coach The team put on a series of strong performances, even in situations when we were outnumbered by our opposition. With a strong core of 6.1 students we are set up for an excellent Mens’ Football campaign next season!

Player of the Season: Maddie Blinkhorn-Jones Most Improved: Nick Moxon

Bob Woollins, Teacher of Maths and Hockey Coach

Womens’ Football Team

A mixed season for the three football teams. The 1st and 2nd teams only drew one league game between them all season, winning close to half of their league fixtures. The Womens’ football team had a very successful season with many outstanding individual achievements. The team finished Most notable results for the 1st team include a 9-0 thrashing of 3rd in a league cut short by the coronavirus pandemic but were Woking College in the Surrey Sixth Form League (SSFL) and a 4-2 challenging for the title with two games still to play. Unfortunately, win against Glenthorne in the English Schools FA Super League. the early curtailment of the league meant the team were not able The 2nd teams best SSFL result was a 4-1 win away to Pulse to complete their final two games, which would have produced Tomlinscote Academy. The 2nd’s also enjoyed a 6-5 win away to a nail-biting finish and potentially seen the team crowned as Strodes in the SSFL Cup to progress through to the next round champions. Despite this, there were many highlights during the where they were drawn against our own Esher 3rd team. The course of the season. In all competitions, the team won 11 games, game was played in good spirits and the Esher 3rd team found drew two and lost three, scoring 72 goals and only conceding 26. themselves 2-0 up at the break. The 2nds team dominated the second half but only managed to score once with the game Some notable results during the season include nail-biting 2-1 finishing 2-1 to the 3rd team. With the 3rd team through to the victories vs Reigate and Worthing and some double figure victories semifinal, they unfortunately then lost to Reigate College’s 3rd against both Godalming and New City. As well as a successful Team. league campaign, the team also reached the last 16 of the National Cup before succumbing to the Reading FC Academy. Esher’s 2nd team have had success in the AOC National Cup Several players had extremely good individual seasons. The new beating West Thames College 2-1 in Round 2, followed by 2-1 win against Berkshire CofA in Round 3. They also beat City & Islington 9

College 3-1 in Round 4, before unfortunately losing to a strong Lianne Purvis, Teacher of PE and Sport Strodes College 1st team in Round 5. Player of the Year: Ruby Kinchin Esher’s 3rd Team recognises Barney Rickard, who has played Most Improved: Hannah Mace consistently all season. He has been excellent at right back, becoming the lynchpin of our defence. Every single match and without fail, Barney would give it his all and that is all a coach could Rugby ask of their players. Also of mention is Will Bateson, who at the end of the season is a different player to what Will was at the start of the season. Impressed by his willingness to learn, his commitment to matches and the team - it is no exaggeration that Will gives it his all. In return for his commitment to training and games, Will has come on leaps and bounds in both his physical and technical development. Well done to both Barney and Will in Esher 3rds.

James McGrath and Adam Latrache, Teachers of PE and Sport

Esher 1st Team Player of the Year: Jude Shury Most Improved: Tom Roadnight Esher 2nd Team Player of the Year: Elliott Damen Most Improved: Luca Gibson Esher 3rd Team Player of the Year: Barney Rickard Most Improved: Will Bateson As disappointing as it was to not get to finish the season this year, Esher Rugby has lots to look forward to next year. Some really strong performances and a solid build throughout the season Netball has shown the depth we have as a squad and the potential we show for next season. Coaches from local Cobham RFC offered some sessions to push players skills and decision making to help their thinking under pressure as well as offering more time spent together to grow as a team. Congratulations to Antione Blanc who always had one of the highest tackle counts in a game and Jack Bennett who was supportive to other players and was keen to develop his skills.

Dani Knight, Teacher of PE and Sport

6.1 Player of the Year: Antione Blanc 6.2 Player of the Year: Jack Bennett

Overall it has been a successful season for the womens’ netball Mens’ Basketball teams. We have seen some fantastic match play on court from both the 1st and 2nd team, along with a steady trajectory of personal development. Most notable was the 2nd team’s 26-25 win against Coyllers College and the 1st team’s 43-28 win against Reigate College.

Recognition must go to Ruby Kinchin, who has proven to be a core player with the Esher 1st team. Her incredible athletic ability can be seen through her impressive shooting statistics as a goal attack. Alongside her natural flair, she has shown great commitment to training and reliability for matches. During tense and pressured moments she keeps a level head and positive attitude. I have no doubt that Ruby’s humble attitude, love for the sport and impressive talent will take her a long way in the future!

We will also be sorry to say goodbye to Hannah Mace, who has been on quite a journey with us at Esher. In her first year, she was selected for the 2nd team where she demonstrated great commitment and determination. These qualities didn’t go unnoticed and she was given the opportunity to play in the 1st team during her second year. Hannah quickly found her feet (quite literally). As a centre court player, her decision making when It’s been a delight getting to know all of the players and staff at feeding into the shooting circle improved dramatically. Her ability Esher. In the short time we’ve spent together, the team has really on and off the ball also improved as she was able to display great started to come together with every game we’ve played. The boys control and finesse when driving into space and working around have an amazing attitude towards the game and are incredibly defenders. keen to grow as players. I look forward to coaching them next year to continue the momentum. In addition, Hannah’s bubbly and smiley personality was always uplifting for the girls, even when outside on those rainy afternoons! Mario Trela, Basketball Coach She was always open to feedback and eager to listen to advise from her coaches. Overall, an absolute pleasure to coach! Most Improved: Joe Crabtree Player of the Year: Jaime Munby Alex is No.1 Olympic Bronze for Badminton for Olivia Congratulations to Esher student Alex Green, who won the RSL Iceland International Badminton Tournament in January.

Alex and partner Annie Lado claimed the mixed doubles title, which is Alex’s first adult international tournament win. He also made it to the men’s doubles quarter-finals with Nathan Moore. Alex, who was previously at St George’s in Weybridge, has been playing badminton from the age of six, and is now ranked No.1 in England U19 and No.26 in the World U19.

He trains daily at Wimbledon Racquets Club and The National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes in addition to gym work.

Winning an Olympic medal is a dream come true for Esher student Olivia Weedon.

Olivia won Bronze with her Team GB teammates in the Mixed Team, short track speed skating relay event, at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics in Lausanne in January.

Formerly from St Catherine’s, Twickenham, Olivia is studying PE, Biology and Psychology at Esher Sixth Form College, as well as playing in our Netball team. She trains in Guildford with the Aldwych Speed Club.

Olivia’s grandmother Susan Willliams, who watched her at the event, told the Comet newspaper, “It’s like a dream come true for her.”

Green Week Challenge

March saw another successful Green Week with all the College getting involved with five days of challenges.

On Monday, our café kick-started the week with #MeatfreeMonday offering Mexican Bean Rolls, BBQ Jackfruit, Keralan Spiced Cauliflower pasty and a popular Vegan Biscuit & Cake bar.

Day 2 encouraged students and staff to cycle or car-pool to College and on Wednesday our café led the way in avoiding single use plastic. College caterers Caterlink are continuing their fight to reduced plastic usage by offering new green alternatives, including bamboo cutlery and compostable plant-based hot trays.

Thursday we challenged students to Reduce: Reuse: Recycle and our fashion students went to town with a Recycled Fashion display in reception. Finally on Friday we were excited to welcome Ed Fuller from Greenpeace UK to talk to students at lunchtime about building a green and peaceful world, while the Music department held a live Unplugged Open-Mic event in the café area.

Well done to everyone who got involved. 11 A Blast From the Past : Meet Alexandra McKenzie

Alexandra McKenzie says her What made you want to apply for the civil service? I wanted to passion for history, languages do something I thought was meaningful. I had no interest in making and philosophy was nurtured money for someone else, which is how I thought of working in the at Esher Sixth Form College private sector. I understand now that it’s a lot more nuanced, but and set the foundations for at the time, a career in business just seemed like pie charts and an extraordinary career in profiteering. I wanted to work in an international environment; I the Foreign Office. Working in liked learning languages and I wanted to make a positive difference. Berlin, Paris and Beijing, she A Foreign Office career seemed to offer an irresistible combination is now the UK’s Deputy High of allowing you to feel equally virtuous and glamorous. Commissioner to Singapore. Alexandra is also part of our What advice would you give someone thinking about a career amazing Esher Alumni. While in the civil service? It’s still a job I absolutely love, despite ups and in Berlin, she hosted our A downs. The downs are generally to do with pay and conditions, it’s Level Politics students at the not a job I’d recommend to anyone who wants to make a shedload Embassy, who were visiting of money. But I know a lot of people who are dissatisfied with their the city as part of Wider Skills careers; who go to the office miserable, who hate their bosses and Week. Now, whenever she’s back in town, she returns to Esher to / or colleagues, who dislike the drudgery or the hours, or who feel share her experiences with students. Here she reveals how studying like their work has no meaning. I don’t feel any of those things. Every Philosophy, in particular, put her in good stead for the future… day, I love what I do. There is variety, there is challenge; you meet interesting people (pictured left with MP Dominic Raab and below What did you study at Esher: Philosophy, History, German and with MP Penny Mordaunt) and learn a huge amount about all sorts Psychology (AS) of disparate things. What you do is clearly relevant and can make a positive impact. I feel lucky that I still feel that way after almost 20 Secondary School: Teddington School years in the Foreign Office.

Year you left College? 1996 What have been your career highlights so far? Although it’s hard to describe them as highlights, working on crises in the Foreign What are you doing now? I’m the UK’s Deputy High Commissioner Office gives you a real sense of achievement and camaraderie, to Singapore, and from August I’ll be the Deputy Ambassador to knowing that you’ve helped people during a really difficult time. Thailand. I’ve led crisis response to a typhoon in the Philippines, a coup in Thailand, aviation disasters and pandemics. There’s also a bit of What were your course highlights at Esher? I really loved all my celebrity hob-knobbing; I was totally star-struck at meeting David courses. Philosophy was my favourite; I enjoyed learning about the Attenborough. Greek philosophers and the intense debates we would have in class, particularly around ethics. Every now and then, the Classics teacher What advice would you (Baz) would pop in and give us some illuminating context (I vividly give your 16-year-old self? recall him explaining what a catamite was). I definitely spent too much time worried about not fitting How did your teachers inspire you? So much of what I learnt at in, and coming at things the Esher had an impact on my later studies, interests and eventually my wrong way round. I had so career – though I wouldn’t say I had it all planned out at the time! many nights out that I hated One of my History teachers, Mr. Doig, was really old-school and a and dropped good friendships fantastic storyteller. I loved his classes on dictatorships in the 20th for more superficial ones. I’d century. It gave me a fascination with World War Two that I nurtured advise myself to start from with my own reading. It meant I was reasonably well-informed about what I actually was interested the defining moments in modern history for when I was posted to in, and invest time with good Beijing, Paris and Berlin. friends, and let everything flow more naturally from that, Keith Maslin was my without getting hung up on Philosophy teacher; how things looked or whether he inspired a love of the “right” people were doing philosophy that meant that too. I went on to study it at university. His passion for his subject was really infectious. He’d bring the Making it a family affair debates to life by getting Esher Sixth Form College has been quite the family affair for us to argue everything Alexandra McKenzie because all her family have been here (and in class, and had a real some still are)! respect for and delight in our discussions, despite the fact he’d heard generations of students debate the same two-thousand year-old Mum, Viv Louizos, is one of our two trained student counsellors, arguments. He made it always seem fresh. providing support onsite for work-related or personal concerns that students may have. Since then, Alexandra’s sister Zoe has also What did you do after Esher? I went to the University of Bristol to passed through Esher as a student, before doing an Art foundation study Philosophy and German. I just wanted to keep learning about at Wimbledon and a History degree at Nottingham University. She the two things I was most interested in and the course at Bristol is now an exhibitions manager at the V&A where she has spoken to enabled both those things. I got to spend a year in Germany, and Esher Fashion students on trips there. And last, but no means least; I still loved philosophy and debating. It’s only in hindsight I can see dad, Van, who teaches our Spanish adult education lessons in that those are now the two things that define my career – going the evenings. abroad and arguing! MPs under the spotlight: Politics students give their views on two recent MP visits

A not so different type of Tory: Kwasi Kwarteng

In February, Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, Kwasi Kwarteng came to visit Esher Sixth Form College to ‘educate’ students on right wing Conservative politics.

The MP for Spelthorne had some quite controversial opinions, which he confidently articulated to the large audience of Politics and other students. Some students didn’t warm to Kwasi Kwarteng, as he sounded rather inconsistent, and many viewed his thoughts on “gay marriage” as homophobic. He stated that he now supports gay marriage after initially voting against it in the House of Commons.

Kwarteng is repeatedly said to be a very contrasting type of Tory, though this is almost entirely due to his Ghanaian parentage. When in actual fact, his background is as typical as it gets, his path from Eton College and onto Cambridge University resembles the histories of the imperial administrators whom he blueprints in his new book, Ghosts of Empire.

Emily Stout and Julia Trigg 6.1 Politics Students

Lessons from a Chair: Tips for handling overtalkative MPs

I was invited to chair a discussion with the influential too late to leave the stage without causing a scene. Fiery debates Labour backbencher, Peter Kyle, MP for Hove and Portslade. between Kyle, who is a committed member of the centre-right of To me this was an exciting and interesting prospect and I the party and a consistent critic of the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, came prepared; having produced a detailed and conclusive and a member of the audience, who was very much a Corbyn summary of Kyle’s background over the weekend. By Monday supporter, erupted. morning, I felt confident to share the stage with this highly charismatic public figure (even preparing some back-up Perhaps I am being too sceptical of my limited participation in the questions if the conversation dried up). event, naturally, his talk was engaging and interesting. I indeed learnt a huge amount from the event, principally that politicians I arrived at the College Theatre to hear the buzz of anticipation often enjoy listening to themselves talk. from the crowd inside. I put my bag and coat to the side & approached Kyle, introducing myself with a firm handshake. We Moreover, Kyle’s talk was particularly topical because he spoke to then set out how the event would proceed; a brief introduction us during the leadership elections and said how he had chosen to from himself and then opening up to questions from the audience. support the eventual victor, Keir Starmer, after his first choice Jess Philips withdrew. He seemed genuinely excited to see what Labour We moved to the table, set out before the event with two chairs. would look like after Corbyn’s premiership. Kyle ignored the table, deciding to instead opt for standing further in front to deliver a more captivating speech, and I followed suit. I It can be argued that Keir Starmer’s election as leader will bring a read out his past achievements, as you would read a shopping list; substantial shift in the direction of the party, away from the radical ‘Cabinet Office, SpAd for Social Exclusion policy, a Charity worker in socialist policies of Corbyn and towards the centre-ground, to the Balkans…’. appeal to many of the voters lost in the 2019 General Election.

He stepped further forward and began to recall his life story to the Joe Crabtree, 6.1 Politics Student audience. This is clearly, in hindsight, where I should’ve departed from the stage to sit down with the audience. But at the time, unaware his story would near 30mins long, I continued to stand, after all, we had agreed only a brief introduction. Kyle talked about his unorthodox political background: initially unsuccessful at school, due to his severe dyslexia, he persisted and returned at 25 to retake his GCSEs and went on to university to achieve a PhD.

Every minute I waited standing up, my chance of leaving the stage slowly disappeared. But when we reached the end of his story, an opportunity arose: questions from the audience.

After dominating the conversation from the early stages, Peter Kyle reengaged with me - asking the brief question, “Should we do questions now?” I answered back briefly, seeing my chance of chairing the talk return. However, before I knew it Kyle had started asking the audience for questions without my participation! From here on, I stood awkwardly waiting for the event to end, as it was 13 You’re Hired – Young Enterprise team learn business TACTICS

18 students get to grips with setting up and running their Going forward the company must be dissolved, the bank account own company as part of their complementary study option closed, remaining stock sold, accounts submitted, and a decision will be made by shareholders about the distribution of the profits. This year, our young entrepreneurs quickly found themselves in As with everything, in the current climate, this is being done from the hotseat as they navigated themselves through the process of the kitchen table. setting up their own business. Cheryl Coker, Centre Lead for Young Enterprise During the initial weeks we ran team-building exercises and discussed high profile brands/businesses. The students applied for positions on the board of directors; where there was strong competition for some roles – the candidates were interviewed. Through experience, many realised that the coveted role of MD was tougher than they had imagined! Andrea Jovovic was selected and showed true leadership and resilience during her tenure. Each YE team is supported by a business advisor. For the past two years Julia Jones, ex-teacher turned local business owner of “Iceland Traveller”, has provided valuable hands-on business experience and mentored the Finance Directors Nicole and Louis.

Over the course of the two terms, several ideas where explored, researched, and developed. Some weeks they failed to move forward, there were frustrations and disagreements, but ultimately a consensus was achieved to sell silver chains with charms. This idea was “on trend” and had the potential to yield a healthy profit.

The company name of TACTICS was agreed. TACTICS Ltd was incorporated, a logo was designed, strategy and business values debated; bank accounts were opened, shares sold, and money raised to finance stock purchases. Decisions had to be made about what to invest in - sourcing the product, marketing What is Young Enterprise? materials, on-line presence, packaging, the sales display and so on. Young Enterprise is one of 40 complementary study options at Esher that students can take in their first year. It provides a In February TACTICS Ltd rented a stall at a YE event in Kingston challenging but highly rewarding opportunity to work with people to sell alongside other schools and colleges. Despite the artic outside the College in a mentoring role as well as a chance to conditions, the event exceeded expectations. The team worked engage with the local community. hard, enjoyed talking to customers and the judges about their journey and the product. On reflection, whilst their display ticked In an increasingly competitive and shifting job market - young the box for sustainability, they wished they had invested more in people must demonstrate skills beyond traditional academic this, to make it look “more professional”. learning. They need to be self-reliant, have creative problem- solving abilities and be financially savvy. The majority agreed that setting up a business was more challenging than they had imagined. They learnt that it is a Young Enterprise provides a valuable framework to gain these complex process that requires attention to detail and learning skills and more. Launched in the UK in 1963, it is an international from mistakes. For Eva, the Sales and Marketing Director, Young charitable organisation designed to teach young people, through Enterprise gave her insight into what it would be like to set experience, entrepreneurial and financial skills. up/or work in a business. There were frustrations with team members who did not take responsibility for their tasks, but also the realisation that greater satisfaction is derived by fully participating.

One of the most important lessons was the power of a A* for Perseverance well-functioning team – how they could quickly generate, In March, the English evaluate, and refine ideas. Matt, Digital Marketing Director department welcomed poet summaries what he gained from YE, “leadership, sales/ Raymond Antrobus to the persuasion, organisation, marketing, accounting, and College for a thought-provoking presentation. There’s a lot more skills I’ve learnt that I can’t performance from his award- list off the top off my head”. winning debut collection, The Perseverance. A winner of the Having worked in advertising for major brands, I am very Ted Hughes Poetry Prize and aware of the resources and time it takes for successful ideas the Sunday Times Young Writer to be generated, agreed and executed – in one hour a week, of the Year award, Raymond’s for a couple of terms, I think the team’s achievements are poems are a meditation on impressive. language, loss and the deaf experience. Michael hits Adult Education 2020/21 Chemistry Gold

Did you know Esher Sixth Form College has excellent facilities We’re super proud of and offers a diverse range of courses to the wider community? second year student With 28 different subjects to study, from Tai Chi to Life Drawing, Michael Cottrill who Counselling and IT skills, check out our new 2020/21 prospectus achieved gold in Round at esher.ac.uk/adult-education One at the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Olympiad. Our tutors are The UK Chemistry very experienced Olympiad is open to all professionals, who secondary schools and pride themselves colleges and is a great on developing opportunity for students high quality to develop their thinking programmes of and problem-solving activity relevant skills, as well as testing to individual their existing knowledge circumstances. of chemistry in real-world situations. Bring on Round 2.

Biology Success In February, eight students were successful in completing the British Biology Olympiad - a big congratulations to them! The Olympiad is a national competition which challenges and stimulates students with an interest in biology to expand and extend their talents.

Biology trip to London Zoo

Junior Doctor in the House Earlier this year students got a taste of life as a medical student when we were joined by former Esher student, Sophie Marriott. Sophie, left us in 2013, to go to Southampton University and came back to share her experiences of working on the front line while she completes her Foundation Year as a Junior Doctor at University Hospital Southampton.

A Level Biology Students enjoyed a trip to ZSL London Zoo where they attended a seminar on the roles that zoos play in conservation projects including captive breeding and reintroduction programmes. The trip provided students with an excellent insight for a biology research project they were undertaking as part of their A-level Biology course. Students also had time to explore the zoo after the lecture - amongst the animals spotted were a Komodo Dragon, Galapagos tortoises and some sleepy lionesses.

Ed Jones, Teacher of Biology 15 Community Volunteers - making a difference at Thamesmead School

First year student, Evie Harper opted for Community Volunteers I’m also very proud of the progress I made with one particular as her complementary study option. Interested in teaching, student. His teacher said he had never worked that much in the she returned to her former school, Thamesmead School, to whole two years they had taught him. By the end, he was secure volunteer with key stage 3 students to help in a variety of enough to work with the class, staying on task and completing subjects including drama, maths and science. Required to work successfully. Plus he was always polite and thanked me volunteer for at least one hour per week for 20 weeks, here’s after each lesson. what Evie got up to … What advice would you give to students signing up for What have you enjoyed most about volunteering? Community Volunteers next year? Working with the students and watching them grow both Try to establish as much self-belief as you can, because then you can academically and in their own personal confidence. It was also lovely jump straight into your volunteering and you’ll enjoy it sooner. Don’t to have students personally thank me for their help and even nicer worry if you’re still a bit uneasy when you start, because as soon as to see that they felt established enough to work independently. you enter the classroom and start to help the students, you will learn so much and feel very accomplished by seeing them succeed. What did you find most challenging? Initially, I felt that I wouldn’t be qualified enough to give the students How do you think the volunteering experience will benefit you the academic support that some of them required. However I found in future? that giving them my personal experience of college and exams, was It has helped me be a better person because I have given back often more valuable. I knew that, what they were struggling with was to the community. This has empowered me to apply all of my also what I had struggled with; so for them to know that they can new knowledge to each aspect of my life and it will benefit me achieve the task after they have failed and be in a position like me, for university, as well as in my aspiration to teach. Community was highly reassuring for them. Volunteering gave me new experiences in the education system and helped improve my knowledge on how to communicate and adapt; What new skills have you developed as a result of your as well as seeing how education works best. volunteering? The ability to adapt! Every child was different and I learnt how to work with their unique needs. This is one of the most valuable skills I could ever have, especially when helping children and being in education. I learnt many skills and techniques, to aid children’s understanding and clearly explain complex topic aspects.

What is your proudest moment as a volunteer? I have two main moments that I will always remember and cherish. The first was when I finally figured out how to help a boy, who had severe education needs. He was highly independent but slipping in his grades and would turn away and not talk or look at anyone. After many attempts, I found that talking to his partner and giving them tips that would also aid him, allowed him to take my suggestions but remain independent. He could take them as his own and secure his grades without needing to interact with me.

Life Experience is the new Work Experience

Meet our new Work Experience and Alumni Coordinator, Cat is also launching our Esher Alumni Programme, which aims Cat Elmes. to build long lasting relationships with former students, who in turn can create more work experience opportunities for the College. To At Esher Sixth Form College we are committed to finding the best find out more, please [email protected] . opportunities and work experience placements for as many of our students as possible. Cat’s background in advertising and CAN YOU HELP? Parents, Carers and Guardians can also be our marketing with agencies including M&C Saatchi and Billington greatest asset when it comes to finding work experience and work Cartmel, means she has the knowhow to help students sell placements. If you have any opportunities in your organisation themselves in an ever-increasing digital world. or recommendations of a business that might be interested in facilitating a work placement, please email Cat says, “Students need to nurture their skills and experiences [email protected]”. and present them in such a way that catches the eye of the next employer or makes them stand out from the crowd – effectively For students interested ‘sell’ themselves to employers. Finding each student’s unique skill in work experience set & characteristic and knowing how to sell it, is my passion.” Cat placements, you can find will be offering studentsCV and Personal Statement Writing Cat in the Progression Workshops to help them navigate their online presence on social Guidance Department media platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. She on the first floor of the says, “Students need to be proactive and show willing to secure Red zone (access via the that placement or opportunity by themselves or through me. I am maths corridor). here to support and work with them to ensure they have the best possible opportunities going forward. Dates for your Diary Social Media COVID 19: due to current circumstances, please be aware dates published here may have to change so do keep checking our website for updates. For more information on what’s happening at Esher Sixth Form College, Summer Term 2020 follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Thursday 2 July Virtual After Esher Day Friday 3 July End of Term EsherSixthFormCollege Dates for Prospective Y11 Students and Parents (September 2020 admissions) Friday 26 June Virtual Introduction Day (students) @EsherSFCollege Thursday 20 August GCSE Results Day Monday 24 to Wednesday 26 August Enrolment for new students EsherSixthFormCollege Start of Year 2020/21 Tuesday 1 September Start of 6.2 Day Monday 19 October to Friday 30 October Half Term Friday 18 December End of Term

Dates for Prospective Y10 Students and Parents (September 2021 admissions) Date tba, please check website Open Evening Thursday 2 July Online applications for 2021 Open Monday 28 September 2020 Online applications for 2021 Close at 5pm