DECEMBER 2011 Editor: Mr Ray King Tel: 07768 022 082 Head’s Lines Dear Readers By the time you read this, the staff will have performed Annie for the senior girls and, we hope, brought them some fun - in addition to raising money for the Wood Street Mission. After a brief spell in the ‘Oval Office’ I have returned to reality, and the joy of attending such festive activities as A Musical the Carol Service at St. Ann’s Church, the Rotarians’ Christmas Party, and the Junior and Senior Christmas Concerts. Christmas The eagle-eyed amongst you will have noticed that the 2011 GCSE and A level results on our website Withington’s merry Christmas of magical, musical events are even better than those announced in the last provided a joyful finale to the School term. Bulletin. This is because, following the re-marking/ After the choir’s performances at St Ann’s and Manchester re-moderating of some GCSE and A-level scripts/ Cathedral at the beginning of the month, the School coursework , 11 girls have seen their final grades hosted the Rotarians’ Christmas Concert in the Arts increase. I have expressed our strong concern to the Centre on December 7th. It was a delightful evening of entertainment with performances by the Senior Orchestra relevant bodies, about the lack of consistency in the and Senior Choir, individuals and ensembles across a range quality of marking/moderating in some subjects. of genres from traditional carols to classical music and Other schools are making similar complaints about ever-popular singalong numbers. the Cambridge Pre-U and the IB, so a wholesale change in qualifications is not, we feel, the answer. The Senior School Christmas Concert on December 12th involved more girls performing than ever before. Highlights We will continue to monitor the results carefully, were the Stage Band – all wearing ‘shades’ and trilby hats and to challenge strongly any which we feel to – rocking the house with a Blues Brothers medley and the be wrong. Senior Orchestra with a sparkling performance of pieces On 14th December, there are 12 Upper Sixth from The Nutcracker with ballerinas on stage for the Dance girls, accompanied by Mrs Browning, Miss O’Neal of the Sugar Plum Fairy. and Miss Richards (and assisted by Mr Bianchi), The 2010 concert saw the debut of the harp ensemble; departing for The Gambia for one week and we wish this year the group has expanded to nine harpists. Led them all a safe, productive and educational visit. by Louise Thomson – it is now one of the biggest school Key dates for next term may be found on the harp departments in the UK. There were also a number of website at www.withington.manchester.sch.uk and impressive instrumental and solo performances. are also contained in my separate letter to current The programme featured classical and popular music from parents, which accompanies this Bulletin. all the School’s ensembles, many led by their instrumental I send you all my very best wishes for a happy teachers, the choirs and orchestra – music for everyone. At the end of the concert, Mrs Marks wished all present a Christmas break and a peaceful, happy and healthy wonderful Christmas and congratulated parents on having New Year. “such wonderful and talented daughters”. Kind regards The Junior School Christmas Concert which took place on Mrs Sue Marks Headmistress the 14th December is featured in the Junior section of this Bulletin. 2012 Entrance Rotarians’ Christmas Party Examinations For Year 7 entry: Monday 9th January 2012 (No pupils in School) For Years 3-6 entry: Saturday 14th January 2012

Congratulations! Congratulations to teacher of Lower II, Miss Sarah Davies, who married Mr Giles Rigby at Sheinton Church, Shropshire on Friday 21st October.

Rotarians’ Christmas Concert Centre 7th December 2011 6.30pm in the Arts

Senior Christmas Concert 12th December 2011 7pm in the Arts Centre Annual Staff Pantomime Choir Trip to Italy A special production of the musical Annie, to be performed by Withington teaching staff for Twenty-four members of the Senior Choir enjoyed what Miss Amy Holland described as “the trip of a pupils at lunchtime on the last Thursday of term, aimed to raise at least £1,000 for the Wood lifetime” during the half-term break as they won a legion of fans with their impromptu performances in Street Children’s Mission. historic Italian cities. Pictured here in dress rehearsal, the cast included Mr Vincent Sharples as Miss Hannigan and The choir, accompanied by Miss Holland, Director of Music Mrs Gilly Sargent and internationally renowned music composer and performer Ms Sasha Johnson Manning, a Withington Governor, were Mr Kal Hodgson as Daddy Warbucks making their swan songs in a Withington production heading for Venice where they took part in a mass at St Mark’s Cathedral. And their journey turned out to prior to leaving for senior posts elsewhere. Other cast members are Miss Amy Holland as Little be a magical tour. Orphan Annie and Mrs Marks in the role of President Franklin D Roosevelt. Director of Studies The party flew to Milan, visiting the massive gothic Duomo, the fashion designer district of the Dr Lorraine Earps plays Grace Farrell, Warbucks’ faithful secretary, in the show which had been quadrilatero della moda and enjoying a guided tour of La Scala, the city’s legendary opera house. in rehearsal since September. On day three they arrived in Verona. The girls were very excited by standing on ‘Juliet’s balcony’ made famous in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and wowed tourists - mainly Americans - by staging an impromptu rehearsal in the city’s landmark Roman amphitheatre. Miss Holland said: “Later we had an amazing guided tour of the Teatro Filarmonico and the girls were allowed to play the Steinway piano in the concert hall where Mozart had played when he was just 14.” In Venice they visited La Fenice, the opera house, took a gondola trip and attracted an ‘impressive’ audience with their impromptu rehearsal outside in St Mark’s Square. During the mass inside the cathedral - for which four parents had flown out - the choir sang a cappella works by Reger, Monteverdi, Gibbons and a 13th Century piece. Said Miss Holland: “Sasha Johnson Manning was incredible at schooling the girls all the way through the trip and their final performance in St Mark’s Basilica was just magnificent.” Upper Fifth Geography Quiz Over the last two weeks the Geography Department have been running a ‘Worldwide Any old iron... ENHANCING Quiz’ for the Upper Fifth girls. Thirty girls Seventeen Lower Sixth Economics students spent a fascinating and initially took part, with ten teams of three informative day in the capital during half term visiting the Bank of competing in the first round. It was a closely OPPORTUNITIES fought competition but only five teams could England and the London Metal Exchange. New School Projects in 2012 make it through to the second round. After At the Bank the girls toured the museum, were invited to handle a bar a nail-biting final round, a victorious team of gold bullion and take part in a simulation running the UK economy. Withington will launch its first Annual Fund in January 2012. of three emerged! The winners were Amber They also listened to a talk by a member of the Bank’s staff and asked The new Annual Fund titled ‘Enhancing Opportunities’ aims to Saleem, Sophie Pelling and Mandy Calmonson. raise £50,000 over 12 months for new projects designed to These girls deserve congratulations for being some searching questions. The School enters the Bank’s 2.0 interest significantly enhance the learning experience and opportunities able to display their geographical knowledge rate challenge every year in which students present their findings to under pressure. All the girls who took part were some of the Bank’s economists and are put on the spot with some of all girls in School. It is hoped that all projects will be completed excellent. A lot of fun was had by all! challenging questions. by January 2013. The London Metal Exchange offered the party the chance to observe Selected projects include a residential creative writing course, guided ‘open cry trading’ in action, during which costly commodities like copper by some of the UK’s most gifted published writers; a classical pedal and nickel are priced and traded by a system of calls and hand signals. harp to bring Withington’s harp department up to a standard rivalling Geographical This is an exciting, dynamic environment and is the chance to see prices those in specialist music schools and a state-of-the-art laser cutting Association Forum set in a major international market. machine, an industry standard piece of equipment which will offer the girls an exceptional opportunity to interact successfully with Congratulations to the Upper Sixth geographers The final destination was the London Eye in which students enjoyed materials and resources and learn crucial skills used in industry. who participated in a student debating forum seeing an outstanding view of central London and its economic on water security. The event was hosted for regeneration. Full details will be posted out in the new year. Please contact the the Geographical Association by the Unitarian Development Office on 0161 249 3494 for further information or to Chapel just off King Street in the heart of support the Annual Fund. Manchester. A really beautiful building! Katie Robinson, Lucy Burrows, Ellie Buckley and Alice Hill represented Egypt and Claudia Bloomfield, Laura Quinn, Rebekah Denby and Lucy Whittick represented Bangaldesh. The girls had carried out detailed research and all impressed the audience of distinguished geographers. Mrs Julie Buckley Head of Geography Dramatic times Fond Farewell Mr Kal Hodgson, the School’s Head A2 Drama: And so the Story Goes GCSE Drama: I.D. of Mathematics The A2 Drama devised production on 15th November, entitled And So On 30th November the Upper Fifth Drama group presented their devised for four years, the Story Goes was centred around a young girl who finds refuge in fairy GSCE examination piece entitled I.D. The play was created on the theme is leaving tales, dreaming of a happy ending in a comic book world that would of ‘heroes and monsters’. With a cast of six– Anna Shepherd, Georgina Withington whisk her away from the more troubling aspects of growing up under the Ashworth Kwasnik, Isabella Barber, Nancy Salt, Joanna Lees and Jess at the end of charge of a wicked witch who takes her books away and offers nothing Stolberg – and Sheanna Patelmaster on sound design, the play achieved term to take but a life of drudgery. Devised entirely by the cast of four - Malak El its aim of provoking horror of the monsters, veneration for the heroes up a new post Gonemy, Megan Relph, Isabella Rogers and Elle Rostron - for A2 Drama, and thought regarding the thin line that divides them. as Assistant the examination piece both entertained and provided much food for Head and Head thought for the studio audience of family, friends and staff. of Sixth Form of Audenshaw School, a 1,000-pupil comprehensive in Tameside, in early January. Mr Hodgson, brought up in Stockport and a graduate of Sheffield University, where he read Mathematics, did his teacher training course at Newcastle University before joining the staff of Altrincham Grammar School for Boys. He came to Withington from Wellington School, Timperley, where he was also Head of Mathematics. Married to Rachel and father of Thomas and Martha – both of whom were born during his time at Withington – Mr Hodgson said: “My new role at Audenshaw will be very different. But then Withington is different from virtually anywhere you could ever go.” “I have enjoyed teaching every lesson throughout the School and what has stood out for me more than any other school is that Withington really is a community. There is so much going on and the girls really care for each other. As a pupil and as a teacher you can become involved in so many things.” “What Janet [Pickering] and Sue [Marks] say about Withington not being a hot house exam factory is absolutely true. I have had great fun at the concerts, taking pupils to Cambridge...I even won Strictly Come Dancing with Elizabeth Robinson!” “I really can’t think of a more welcoming staff with which to work.” Stop and think... Words can hurt Artistic Expedition NURTURING Withington played its part in Anti-Bullying On a typically cold, wet and windy autumn morning in Manchester all Week by highlighting the campaign’s 2011 the Lower Fifth artists bravely and enthusiastically ventured to The POTENTIAL theme ‘Stop and think – words can hurt’ Whitworth Art Gallery with sketchbooks and paintbrushes in hand! Supporting Bursaries at Withington focusing on tackling verbal bullying, an issue The visit was to give all girls the rewarding and enriching opportunity raised by young people at the Anti-Bullying of working outside in the environment to gather important first-hand Alice’s story Alliance’s Youth Summit of 2010. recordings from the natural forms in the adjacent Whitworth Park. Also, the varied and exciting ‘Dark Matters’ exhibition on at the gallery Alice received a Bursary at Withington and left in 2005 to study Mrs Elizabeth Robinson, the School’s Head of at the time provided the girls with a wealth of visual and other sensory Medicine at Newcastle University. She writes: PSHCE, said this year the emphasis was also on experiences which they documented in various forms, to be used as cyber-bullying via messaging or through social “I would like to say that the Bursary was invaluable to me as I would part of their coursework back in school. The fantastic work which they networking websites. Earlier this year, two not have been able to accept my place at Withington without the produced has enhanced their GCSE projects beautifully! representatives of Childnet International had extremely generous support I received. I have no doubt that it was visited Withington to talk about internet safety the excellent education and opportunities I received during my and cyber-bullying. Members of her Form had time at WGS which enabled me to meet many inspiring people, to sold wristbands for £1 each, the proceeds going receive a place at Medical School and fulfil my dream of becoming to support the ABA’s campaigning. a Doctor!” A competition was also launched at the School We reached our initial £2 million target for means-tested Bursaries for artwork and video clips that best illustrate this year but our work does not stop there as we head towards this year’s ABA theme. The best three will be the goal that no bright girl be denied access to the School due to entered into a national competition with results financial means. to be declared next month. Please contact the Development Director on 0161 249 3491 or email [email protected] if you would like more information about the Bursary Fund or if you would like to contribute to this scheme. Visiting History Speakers The History Department has had the privilege of welcoming several guest speakers as part of our Sixth Form extra-curricular programme. During the Autumn Term we have had talks from Professor Jonathan Tonge, University of Liverpool, and Profs Bertrand Taithe and Stuart Jones, University of Manchester, speaking respectively about The History of Northern Ireland, Morality and Humanitarian Aid and Political Thought in the French Revolution. All students have benefited immensely from these lively, engaging and thought-provoking talks, and we look forward to welcoming University of Manchester lecturers Professor Stephen Pierce, Dr Max Jones and Dr Aaron NURTURING POTENTIAL... Moore to Withington in the Spring Term. Supporting Bursaries at Withington Coast Found in translation Deputy Head Girl Holly Whiston The dramatic North Sea coast of Yorkshire’s East Riding provided has been highly the backdrop for 22 Lower Sixth geographers’ field studies over commended three days during the half-term break. by judges in a prestigious national Accompanied by the Geography teaching staff, the girls poetry translation started their investigations - part of their A-level course - at competition run by Flamborough Head, where the towering chalk cliffs are subject the Stephen Spender to coastal erosion. At Bridlington they studied the movement and Trust and The Times development of sand dunes in weather that Mrs Buckley described newspaper. as “sunny but bracing”. Her translation from ancient Greek of Mrs Buckley added: “The Cranedale Field Studies Centre where we ‘Fragment 31’, a Sapphic ode written almost stayed provided brilliant comfort food and even made birthday 3,000 years ago, brought Holly high praise in cakes for two of the girls.” the competition’s 18-and-under section. She said: “I worked on the translation in my own time after Ms Holden told me about the competition and handed it in last May. The reception for the winners was held at the University of Notre Dame, just off Trafalgar Square. It was very exciting and my name was published in The Times.” Holly, winner of a Gold Standard at the UK Linguistics Olympiad and of commendations for her debating skills at Model United Nations conferences, is a member of the technical crew for the School’s drama productions.

Slavery Museum In September the entire Upper Fourth year group visited the International Slavery exhibition at the Albert Dock, Liverpool. This was part of their History course in the Autumn Term which encompasses the development and scope of the British Empire and the growth of the inhumane slave trade. The museum gave the girls an introduction to the issues involved with the transportation of slaves from Africa to the plantations of America and the Caribbean. They experienced a hands-on session where they were able to experience African culture and interests before enslavement began. Hindi Visitor Bible Trust Visitor On 4th October, girls from the Junior School On 23rd November, the Junior School welcomed spent the morning learning about Hinduism. We Peter and Julie Fraser from The Bible Encounter were paid a visit by Mrs Krishna Dasi, who led Trust. They came to present an Assembly on ‘Who an Assembly for the whole school on the story is Jesus?’ We all enjoyed being detectives with of Rama and Sita. Following this, the girls in our eyes and ears to guess the mystery people in Transition and Form I took part in two workshops, the ‘Who am I?’ game and we listened to a story where they learnt how to wear a sari and perform about Jesus calming the waves. Some of the a traditional Hindu dance. Everyone had lots of girls took part in a short play about King Canute fun and we all learned many new things about and his attempt to stop the sea coming in. The the Hindu religion. Assembly was very enjoyable and we all learned a Tudor Assembly lot – thank you Peter and Julie! On Friday 14th October, Lower II performed an Victorian Assembly afternoon Assembly to their parents and the rest of It was Upper II’s turn to entertain the Junior School the Junior School. The Tudor Portrait had been worked and their parents with an historical production on and rehearsed in Music, Drama and History on Friday 18th November. The class performed lessons and featured three Tudor portraits coming to two short plays on notable Victorians, Dr Thomas life to tell their stories. Despite a late replacement for Barnardo and Isambard Kingdom Brunel. They a poorly Henry VIII, the performance went well and sang, danced and acted in full Victorian costume everyone enjoyed themselves. and gave a very entertaining performance, despite “It helped us learn about the Tudors and was great only having two weeks to properly rehearse. fun!” Eryn Burch Queen Victoria may not have been amused, but “It was a really enjoyable way to learn about History!” the audience most certainly were. Eléna McLean Parents’ Before School Visits Young Shakespeare It has been lovely to welcome Junior parents Company Visit to our Parents’ Breakfasts and Festive Coffee We welcomed the Young Shakespeare company Morning this term. Staff and girls alike enjoy for their annual visit to the Junior School on these informal social occasions when parents can Wednesday 30th November. The actors led spend time with each other over a cup of coffee workshops with each class in the morning and and a delicious cake or breakfast. the girls had the opportunity to act some of the roles and parts of the play and learn some of the Junior Philsoc more important lines. In the afternoon the girls Upper II linked up with the Year 6 boys from were treated to an outstanding (and in parts The Manchester Grammar School to hear a talk hilarious) performance of The Tempest and we entitled “Is Sport really that important?” cannot wait to see the group again next year. The interactive presentation given by the MGS Junior School’s Head of Games left us all amazed Art Club by the determination of top athletes to succeed For the past six weeks, Junior school pupils have and the barriers that they have had to face to participated in an after School Art Club. reach their goals. The girls have created their own multi-coloured, Eco Chutney free standing lanterns. When the tomatoes we had grown didn’t ripen, The initial stages involved building pyramid we turned them into green tomato chutney! structures out of withy branches and fastening them to the base. The girls then had to cover the The winners of our Junior ‘Girls Go Green’ Week structure in water strength tissue before using competitions were Lauren Wheeler who suggested their own designs to decorate and embellish emailing letters out to parents and Charlotte the surface. The completed work contains a Jeffries who suggested making rulers and pens out lightweight simple push light that provides of the plastic cups used in the dining room. lovely warm glow. Both girls won prizes from the Body Shop. Junior Christmas Concert The first half of the Junior Christmas interval it was a complete change Dwarfs, Cinderella and Aladdin, to Concert was a showcase of all the from the sublime to... pantomime! recover three magic objects in order musical activities that are on offer to “Oh no it isn’t, oh yes it is!”, I hear to defeat the Wicked Witch. In true the girls. From ukuleles in Transition you cry! That’s right, the Junior panto style, there was plenty of and Form I, harmonising in the choir, School of WGS put on a festive and booing and hissing at the baddies. and making music together across jolly Christmas Production, Panto Even Mrs Burrows took a cameo role the Junior age range – assisted and Pandemonium. Four narrators took as Dwarf Seven, singing and dancing supported by Senior girls. After the the audience on an adventure through her way through the scene. Jack and the Beanstalk, The Seven Withington’s uber-glamorous Charity Fashion Show well and truly lived up to its billing: Out of this World. Staged in a sold-out Arts Centre on Thursday, 24th November, the catwalk spectacular featured 15 wonderfully choreographed routines showcasing a wide range of stylish up-to-the-second designs. More than 40 models from Years 8 to 13 were joined by ten boys as they strutted their stuff amid a blaze of colour and pulsating sounds in clothes supplied by supporters SOS, Stylewise, 3 Eleven Boutique, Missguided, Shout, Forever Unique, Hoopers, Vanilla, Runway, Vicky Martin and Manchester Metropolitan University fashion students Catherine Kinsey and Kathleen Jackson. Principal sponsor of the show was, again, Beaverbrooks the jewellers and other valued supporters included Nino Milano Studio, Shakeaway, Frurt Frozen Yogurt, Subway, Anita Mehrez and Steven Glicher & Co. The 13-strong organisation committee’s joint chairs, Nikki Anand and Isabella Rogers, said: “Despite months of planning we never really managed to stage a proper run through, but we were confident that it would be ‘alright on the night’.” They added: “Since the Fashion Show began Barnardo’s has been the main charitable organisation we have supported and we are continuing to raise funds for this worthwhile cause which transforms the lives of thousands of children and young people across the country every day.” “Our other chosen charity is the Teenage Cancer Trust which believes that teenagers shouldn’t have to stop being teenagers just because they have cancer. They fund and build specialist units for young people in NHS hospitals, one of which is less than a mile from our school at the Christie.” “Every day in the UK six young people have to face that diagnosis. Our Fashion Show is organised by teenagers and stars teenagers so we loved the idea that teenagers would be the main beneficiaries of our performance.” The show raised more than £5,000 through sponsorship and the sale of tickets, programmes and refreshments.

Careers Networking Withington Heads Alumnae Share St Ann’s Carols Forum a Great Over the Border Careers Advice Monday 5th December marked Withington’s annual Festival of Success On Thursday 3rd November, Alumnae and their Current and former pupils, parents and staff Lessons and Carols at St Ann’s guests gathered to attend the ‘Withington in were held captivated by guest speakers at the Church in Manchester. This was On Wednesday 12th October many Alumnae the City’ event in Edinburgh. ‘Withington In Business’ event in Withington’s preceded by an informal gathering in London attended Withington’s first Careers Arts Centre on Thursday 1st December. at the nearby Patisserie Valerie, where Networking Forum, focusing on Law and A fascinating afternoon was spent at the Our Alumnae and former staff caught up Finance and organised by the Development Dynamic Earth museum, where guests enjoyed The event, hosted by Withington’s Careers over coffee and cakes before enjoying Office in central London. a fascinating presentation by Professor Stuart Department and the Development Office, Monro, Scientific Director of the facility, before welcomed two Alumnae guest speakers, the Carol Service. The panel of speakers, which included Annette enjoying a tour of the interactive museum Sandra Chalmers and Belinda Carp (née Salem) Byron (1982, Partner at Freshfields Bruckhaus which incorporated a trip travelling by time who spoke informally about their careers Deringer), Janet McBride (1982, Editor at machine to watch the formation of Earth! This as businesswomen and the positive effect Reuters for Europe, the Middle East and Africa), was followed in the evening by a delicious their Withington education has had on their Charlotte West (1996, Director at RBS Global three-course dinner at Iglu Restaurant, where professional lives. Banking and Markets) and Sharon Smith (1989, Alumnae of all ages became fast friends and Sandra Chalmers, Director of Chalmers Partner at DLA Piper), led a lively and well- sampled local delicacies such as Boar Burger Communications, based in London, recalled her informed debate considering topics such as and Venison Pie. the skills needed to secure a successful career visit to School in 1982, when she and her sister Withington in these industries and the issues surrounding As the evening drew to a close, plans for Judith opened the Marjorie Hulme Arts Centre, being a woman in the workplace. future reunions for Alumnae in Scotland were before discussing her time at Withington, her Onwards AGM already underway. Our thanks go to 1961 leaver broadcasting career and the qualities she feels After the formal discussion concluded, guests Catherine Wilson (née Meredith), who helped are crucial for anyone wishing to build their Former pupils, former staff members enjoyed a hot buffet whilst networking us to arrange this event. own business; whilst Belinda Carp, Director of and guests of all ages returned to informally and continuing the debate Sales, Marketing and Business Development School on Saturday 24th September with fellow Alumnae. Those who attended at Textiles Intelligence, spoke about her career 2011 for the AGM of Withington commented on how helpful they had found the spent in small family businesses and the Onwards. Guests enjoyed a fascinating evening, with one guest describing it as “an challenges of delivering products in a global display of archive materials relating excellent event and a most useful insight - it marketplace. Both speakers went on to answer to the extra-curricular activities was exceptionally interesting.” questions on topics such as how to build a at Withington from the turn of the successful business and the challenges women The Development Office is now planning century onwards and heard from a face as entrepreneurs, before guests continued the next Careers Networking Forum, on 1st group of Upper Sixth pupils who spoke February 2012, which will focus on the not- the discussion over cheese and wine. about their recent World Challenge for-profit and public sectors. If you would Our thanks go to Sandra and Belinda for giving expedition to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. like to join us, please get in touch with the up their time to speak at the event, and we look This was followed by a delicious three- Development Office. forward to the next ‘Withington In Law’ event course lunch. in 2012. Louisa’s Entrepreneurial Success Alumnae Dates for After achieving success as a strategist and financial analyst in the telecoms industry, 1993 leaver Louisa Leontiades has this year launched her own online business consultancy firm which aims to help her your Diary consultants achieve a successful work-life balance. 1st February 2012 Alumnae Networking Forum, focusing on the not- After the arrival of her daughter Freya in 2010, Louisa was keen to balance her professional achievements for-profit and public sectors - London with family life, and the idea for her own consultancy firm was born. That company, Investment Impact, offers a virtual management consultancy service, allowing her clients access to the range of products and 23rd February 2012 professional expertise available online through the company’s website, www.investment-impact.com. Withington After Hours informal drinks event - Oxford Louisa has made social networking an integral part of her business, and her blog, 14th March 2012 www.diaryofayoungstartup.com, is an interesting insight into the decisions ‘Withington in the City’, Afternoon Tea and actions which are shaping her new business, which is published in online at Goldsborough Hall - Yorkshire publications The Huffington Post and The Urban Times. 21st April 2012 Louisa credits her Withington education with giving her “a true appreciation of the power that women have 1940s Leavers’ Decade Reunion - Withington to be able to challenge historically patriarchal systems”. This spirit is also evident in her second embryonic 24th April 2012 company, Show ‘em Who’s Boss, an online tool box which will offer female entrepreneurs support with Inaugural Alumnae Dinner - London planning and running their own business, and which enables women from richer countries to subsidise free distribution of their expertise to women in less-developed areas of the world. Louisa and her daughter Freya More details of all upcoming events for 2012 can be found on the Alumnae Of her endeavours, Louisa says, “We all have dreams to change the world and it’s a little scary that I have website. Please contact Laura Firth in the suddenly found myself challenging the entire system of Corporate 9-5 life.” Spoken like a true Withingtonian! Development Office on 0161 249 3494, or at [email protected], if you would like to join us.

I’ve Started, so I’ll Finish... A drama that former pupil Miriam Battye began writing while she was a member of Withington’s Sixth Form WGS Online was shortlisted for the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting, the UK’s biggest and most prestigious competition Our Alumnae Association Withington Onwards for the discovery and promotion of new writing talent for the theatre. stays in touch with hundreds of Alumnae through Miriam, 19, currently a second year English and Drama student at the University of Bristol, completed the our three social networks - Facebook, LinkedIn work, I Started a Fire, to enter the contest which, since its inception, has generated six full productions, and Twitter! nine prize winners and seen well over 3000 entries and £120,000 awarded in prize money. The prize grew out of co-operation between Royal Exchange Theatre and the Manchester-based property company Bruntwood and was launched in 2005. Coincidentally, Miriam, from Kersal in Salford, says she was Add: Laura J Holderness inspired to pursue her interest in writing and drama by seeing a production at the Royal Exchange when she Join: Withington Girls’ School Alumni - group was 16. She said: “My entry was quite short and has a cast of seven. It’s the story of two people in a strange relationship and the characters that surround them.” Add: Development Office - Withington Girls’ School Miriam added: “At the moment I’m doing a lot of directing for the theatre in the university Union and some Join: Withington Girls’ School Alumnae - group writing, so I’ve had lots of good feedback from the Bruntwood shortlisting.” Hot on Miriam’s heels, Withington pupils will hope to sharpen their own literary skills on the exceptional Arvon Foundation residential writing course, funded by the new Annual Fund in 2012. Contact the Development Office for how to support this project. Follow: @WGSAlumnae for daily School and Alumnae updates Currying a favour Sixth Formers, Miriam Rigby and Lucy Whittick DofE Practice Walk WGS gets the Verdict curried a big favour from backers of the School’s The first Bronze training walk of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme Budding barristers got the verdict they were hoping for when they were forthcoming expedition to The Gambia to build a took place on Sunday 12th October at Lyme Park near Stockport. judged best courtroom performers in the Sir Rhys Davies Schools Mock Trial Competition, staged at Manchester Crown Court in Minshull Street, on new classroom at a village school. More than 70 girls, staff, parents and even a few dogs were involved. Saturday 19th November. Miriam and Lucy, members of Withington’s Each group planned their own route and prepared a route card which they then had to follow. The weather remained dry which was Nine pupils had been researching legal terms, procedures and practices 12-strong team due to set off for West Africa since the start of the school year, helped by a trio of barristers from leading on 14th December along with four members of not necessarily a good thing as the girls are still yet to experience navigating in poor visibility and heavy rain! Manchester chambers. Their hard work paid off when they took to the staff, helped organise a series of charity banquets stand against 11 rival schools including Manchester High School for Girls, at the respected Khandoker Indian restaurant in Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, William Hulme’s Grammar School and Parrs Wood, Manchester. The Manchester Grammar School. And their initiative paid off to the tune of £1,230 The Withington team, its prosecution barristers decked out in borrowed when the restaurant agreed to donate £10 from wigs and gowns, triumphed over Stockport Grammar School in the final by each special £14.95 five-course banquet to the just two points – awarded by the Recorder of Manchester, His Hon Judge cause. Restaurant proprietor Mr Sufi Khandoker Andrew Gilbart QC, for the quality of their clerk and witnesses. also gave each diner a “Free Meal Membership On the day, pupils had to play the roles of lawyers, court officials and Card” to use on other occasions. witnesses - and their performances were marked by some of Manchester’s Withington has had links with the Mama Tamba leading Crown Court judges and lawyers. Two set scenarios and witness nursery school in rural Gambia for almost a statements – the ‘evidence’ – were prepared by real barristers and involved decade. The Sixth Formers’ week-long expedition, cases of misuse of a computer and arson. just before Christmas, takes place every year. The teams had to prosecute and defend the cases as the competition progressed. The Gambia team is hoping to raise a total of £5,000 through various activities to fund a The aim of the annual contest is to enable pupils to understand Britain’s number of projects. All the money raised will legal system and the rights and duties of citizenship. contribute to updating and equipping the Mama In a parallel contest, Withington’s three-strong team was runner-up in the Tamba school which Withington built in 2007. court reporting competition staged under the watchful eye of Chris Osuh, court correspondent of the Manchester Evening News. This year the team is hoping to construct and equip an outdoor play area and build and equip Mr Sharples, who co-ordinated the team said: “We had a great day. a new classroom. The aim is also to secure more The competition was fierce but the girls’ skill and hard work shone through.” school resources and continue to sponsor two members of staff and four pupils. Miriam said: “The restaurant was brilliant; Mr Khandoker’s help will really make a difference.”

Making History Reach for the stars Sixth Former Charlotte Ward has won the On a perfect November day the Lower Fourth visited Jodrell Bank in the heart regional heat of the Historical Association’s of the Cheshire countryside. Here we had an interesting and inspiring day prestigious debating competition – a first for in the shadow of the radio telescope learning about Pulsars, Quasars, Black Withington – and will take part in the national Holes and the Solar System. One of the highlights of the day was an hour in final due to be staged at Merton College, the planetarium where we could explore the night sky in detail. It’s definitely Oxford, next March. a trip we want to repeat in the future. Did you know... Charlotte beat off nine rivals from leading schools in the North West of England to win a £50 prize, speaking for five minutes onWhy The Lovell Telescope: Facts & Figures History Matters To You, at the Manchester • Mass of the telescope: 3,200 tonnes Metropolitan University on 17th November. • Mass of bowl: 1,500 tonnes A seasoned speaker for WGS delegations at • Diameter of bowl: 76.2 metres Model United Nations conferences, Charlotte • Surface area of bowl: 5,270 square metres has also taken part in a Cambridge Union • Amount of paint for three coats: 5,300 litres debate covering the proliferation of nuclear • Maximum height above ground: 89.0 metres weapons and the merits of 50 per cent • Outer diameter of railway track: 107.5 metres women’s quotas on company boards. • When it was built in 1957 it was the largest in the world. It cost £750,000 and was three times over budget. She is studying for her History, English Literature, French and Latin A Level examinations next spring and is doing an EPQ on the post-1850 history and politics of China. Charlotte, who edits Withington’s magazine Scrawl, hopes to read History at university. So why does history matter to her? “I am Kids’ Lit Quiz The Quiz from a pupil’s point of view... fascinated by the story of the progression of The 2011 Kids’ Lit Team travelled to St Gregory’s High Inside St Gregory’s Catholic High School the hall was Our team did very well, and we managed to answer human achievement,” she said. School in Warrington for this year’s regional heats jam-packed with tables surrounded by children. As most of the questions in each round. Each round’s “I was delighted to win at the MMU because I of the Kids’ Lit Quiz 2011. On arrival they had to we took our seats at our table the ‘quizmaster’ came scores were put up on an Excel spread sheet for really didn’t expect to. It was a nice surprise, nominate a round in which to play their ‘joker’ - any over and explained the sheet to us. There were ten the room to see, so you knew how you were doing. especially since Withington hadn’t progressed score here would be doubled. Should it be books categories, each with ten questions. The categories Unfortunately there were teams that could answer as far in the competition before. Ms Maher, featuring cannibals or colours, body parts or fish? were: Authors, Body parts, Book Knowledge, more questions than us, so in the end we came about the Head of History, was very pleased.” Such is the diverse range of topics covered by this Cannibalism, Colours, Comics, Fish, Islands, Legends 7th out of 21 teams. international quiz about reading. and Mice. We could pick one ‘joker’ which would By Iris Skipworth, Third Form Some questions caused an instant flurry of scribbling double our score on that category. We chose Book on answer sheets, others were more obscure, or Knowledge, thinking that it was general knowledge. required an excellent memory for detail. Our team It actually turned out that it was questions about the achieved the top score in the Legends round, winning actual book, like: ‘What is the extra information at a book each as a prize. the bottom of the page, marked by an asterisk?’ Congratulations to the winners, Cockermouth School, At the end of every round the ‘quizmaster’ would ask who are gaining something of a reputation in Kids’ Lit a question to the adults, rewarding them with a five Quiz circles and who go on to the UK national final at pound book voucher. He would then ask the kids a the University of Warwick on 2nd December. Thank question from the previous world final, rewarding the you very much to St Gregory’s for hosting the 21 correct answer with a two pound coin. The highest schools who took part. scoring team from each round would get a book each. Mrs D Sutton, Librarian Highly Commended at MUNCH History Trip Roman Wroxeter On a windy, but thankfully not rainy, Tuesday 11th October 2011, the Four Withington girls won awards at the Upper Fourth Latin students travelled to Wroxeter (an unearthed Roman Cheadle Hulme Model United Nations to London town near Shrewsbury and the Welsh-English border). Since we have been Conference (MUNCH). On the 18th November, 16 Sixth Form girls, Miss French and Ms Maher set studying Roman Britain, it was an apt opportunity to explore the lifestyle off for London for a History trip, last taken in 2005. Navigating their way Jenny Flynn and Zara Tso were named of British citizens living under Roman rule. Although there are many through London during rush hour, they arrived at their destination on Friday Commended Delegates and Holly Whiston and stories of Romans and Britons living in war, this was a peaceful settlement evening. There was a relaxed visit to a pizzeria before getting an early night Hunadda Sabbagh won Highly Commended and the people of Wroxeter accepted the Romans with open arms. Delegate awards. for the weekend ahead. On Saturday, the girls visited the Banqueting House at Whitehall, scene of the execution of Charles I, and the National Portrait The main feature of the town – its Roman name being Viroconium MUN coordinator Ms Jane Maher said: Gallery, before heading to Covent Garden for some all-important Christmas Cornoviorum – was its big bath house. The ruins include the largest and “Hunadda represented France in the Security shopping. On the Saturday evening the group visited the Queen’s Theatre to tallest piece of freestanding Roman wall in Britain. This was the entrance Council which was much smaller than most of see Alfie Boe give a magnificent performance as Valjean inLes Miserables to the baths and by the way that the site has been excavated, you can the committees and demands real knowledge – for many, this was the highlight of the weekend! It was an early start on easily make out the three different rooms (caldarium, tepidarium and of all the issues under debate. To win Sunday in order to travel out to Surrey to Hampton Court Palace, where girls frigidarium) and the pilae stacks – tile pillars that made up the hypocaust recognition in this committee is an excellent visited Henry VIII’s quarters and took part in various History activities. Miss (heating system). This would heat the baths by allowing the hot air from achievement as it usually comprises the most French, who organised the trip, said that it was a pleasure taking the girls on the furnace to circulate around the floors of the hot and warm rooms experienced and skilled delegates.” the trip; they were excellent company and were indispensable when it came (caldarium and tepidarium). “All 30 girls got their chance to speak and many to map reading! Also at the site was a replica of a typical Roman villa; however the design made a huge effort and contribution over the was more for a Mediterranean lifestyle with open walkways and only one weekend,” said Ms Maher. bedroom as it was too hot to sleep inside. It was recently constructed by modern builders using traditional Roman methods and became Channel Four’s documentary Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day. The way that they managed to keep the building techniques so similar was through using a manual written in Roman times by Vitruvius (a Roman engineer). This was an extremely interesting trip that gave us a very useful insight into what life was like for some people living in Roman Britain. On behalf of all the girls who went on the trip we would like to thank Mrs Howling, Ms Holden and Mrs Robinson for allowing us to enjoy this experience and for making it such a great day out. Ella Pennington and Alice Gandee, UIVW Take two subjects... Farewell to our retiring Governors Mix... Two long-serving Governors Miss Janet Lawley Mrs Val Hempstock The School’s Spanish and Food Technology joined the Board joined the Board Departments combined for Upper Fourth girls to retired on 3rd October, when in 2001 and made in 2004 as the prepare a range of delicious tapas using Spanish Mrs Marks and Chair of an outstanding Withington language recipes. contribution to the Onwards Governors, Mrs Elisabeth Dishes included favourites like albondigas con Governing Body representative and aceitunas (meatballs with cracked olives), Lee, and all members of the and to the School. School Archivist. garbanzos con chorizo (chickpeas and spiced garlic Governing Body took the A retired Head of Mrs Hempstock has and paprika sausage) and champinones al ajillo Bury Girls’ Grammar overseen massive (sautéed garlic mushrooms). School, Miss steps forward in opportunity to thank them Head of Spanish Ms Maria Lopez said: Lawley was specifically linked to the Geography connecting with alumnae and the School archives “First we had the Spanish lesson and then, in the for their years of service. Department and had taken the responsibility as the have also developed enormously - latterly in the Food Technology Room, cooked the dishes using a Both depart with all our best Governor in charge of Child Protection. Miss Lawley process of being preserved electronically. special booklet containing the recipes in Spanish said that it had been a privilege to keep in touch Mrs Hempstock’s association at the School over and English. The tapas were delicious, too.” wishes for the future. with a girls’ school since her retirement. the years is unique: she was a pupil then a teacher of Mathematics and eventually a Governor - Triple Alumna status! Welcome to our new Governors Mrs Yvonne Mrs Carole Evans Dr Anne Kirkham Dodd has been taught girls in left Withington in appointed to the independent 1980 and became Withington’s Board sector for over 30 a Chartered of Governors as the years and has been Accountant. representative of Headmistress of In the 1990s she the Parent Teacher two independent began studying the Association in place 3-18 girls’ schools. History of Art and of Mrs Fiona Lloyd. During her career now teaches Mrs Dodd’s daughter Madeleine is in Withington’s she was also at Manchester Upper Fourth. Her two sons are both former Chair of the Girls’ Schools Association’s (GSA) University where she is a part-time research pupils of The Manchester Grammar School: one is Professional Development Committee, delivering associate. In 2007 she was a researcher in completing a degree in Medicine at university and courses to Head Teachers and teaching staff, and residence at Withington working with the Drama the other, just graduated, has begun working for was a member of the GSA Council. Department. Anne joins the Board of Governors as Deloitte in Manchester. In 2002 she was the President of the GSA and the Withington Onwards representative; she was Treasurer of the Alumnae Association between After spending most of her career in financial during this time worked closely with the other 1989 and 2001 and rejoined its Committee in 2009. services, Mrs Dodd and her husband Philip are Independent Schools Associations. She has also currently engaged in a major project to restore and been a member of the Governing Body and Finance refurbish Ye Olde Chocolate Shop, an 18th Century and General Purposes Committee of the ISC and landmark in the centre of the village of Prestbury she is an experienced ISI Inspector. Having recently near their family home. retired, she now continues with inspections and education consultancy. Greater Manchester Schools Netball Tournament

This tournament did not take place last year due to the adverse weather conditions, rain on the first date, and snow and ice on the reserve. So there were some anxious eyes when the weather forecast Congratulations to: on Friday night was predicting heavy winds and rain. Thankfully the Lauren Woodhead who has been selected for Cheshire under-14 hockey, weather held and although damp underfoot - and rather slippery Penny Jones and Eleanor Hughes who have been selected for Cheshire on the courts - the tournament, run this year by Mrs Kelsall, got Under-15s and Frances Coggon who has been selected for under-18 and underway. Withington had teams competing in every age group and all under-21. Frances also captained the Cheshire under-21 team to become were a credit to the School. North champions. However, as Mrs Kelsall said, she had ‘high hopes’ of the U16 squad as in the tournament two years earlier they had lost the title only by goal difference. Nevertheless, a number of challenges lay ahead, not least that the Withington team had already lost to Cheadle Hulme in the Manchester League. Their first game was against St Monica’s, who had clearly been working hard to improve their netball. Down by two goals from the outset the Withington girls worked hard, on a very slippery court, to make up the deficit. Half time and the difference was one but still in favour of St Monica’s. With some swift position changes and a couple of suggestions for game-play situations to help with the court conditions, the Withington girls were away! Two swift goals after the break and some excellent shooting by Amy Weston saw the girls win their first game by two. From then on the girls never looked back. Nervous, but very determined against Stockport Grammar School and Cheadle Hulme saw them win those matches by three and four goals respectively – good margins in tournament games of 14 minutes. By the final game against Loreto the girls were well into their stride and at half time were ahead by seven goals. They took their foot off the gas a little leading to a few anxious moments from the watching parents but eventually came out winners by five goals. Clear winners on a very windy day with slippery courts - well done to all seven girls and to all the supporters watching and cheering them on! As a consequence of her game play and excellent shooting Amy Weston was asked to join Hannah Loftus and Catriona Kendrick in the U16 Cheshire county squads. A further report of this tournament, by Withington parent Mr Howard Sinclair, is available on the School website. North Lacrosse Game set and... Withington’s under-13 team reached the last 8 in the Aegon Schools’ Tennis Championships 2011 Competition – a prestigious national tournament. The team – Katie Bodha, Pip Slattery, Theo Critchley, Natasha Abrahams and On Saturday 12th November the Senior Lacrosse team travelled to Eilidh Gawley – triumphed in the regional round, comprehensively defeating Queen Margaret’s School in York for the North Lacrosse Championships. Tapton School, Sheffield, by five matches to one at the David Lloyd Tennis With beautiful surroundings and the sun shining, the prospects of the Centre in Cheadle. day looked good! The quarter finals were then staged at the Silkworth Sports Centre in We set out in our first game to beat the reigning champions Queen Sunderland, where each member of the team played one set of singles and Margaret’s and after a closely fought first ten minutes it looked possible one set of doubles matches. Withington played Durham School and won with the score at 2-2. Unfortunately in the dying seconds they were three out of four singles matches. They then just needed to win one doubles awarded a free shot; they scored despite an excellent attempt by Kate rubber to go forward to the last eight, which they duly did! They went on to save. After the first game our hopes were not too dashed, although to play against Holmfirth High School but unfortunately just lost out at this we were a little disappointed. Two close games followed against Queen’s stage. To be in the last eight in the country was a fantastic achievement of Chester and Harrogate; these both resulted in draws, which could have which the girls, parents and staff are very proud. gone either way. After a team talk at lunch and a new formation line-up we came out strongly and with more desire to win than before. Three wins followed against Altrincham Girls, Casterton and Bolton with the girls looking much like their former selves and full of confidence. It was a mixed day of ‘what ifs’ and ‘could haves’ but we finished a respectable 3rd overall and 3rd in the North of England, with Queen Margaret’s winning the tournament and Queen’s Chester placing second. Miss J Richards Teacher of PE

Final Scores: • Harrogate v WGS (D) 3-3 • QM v WGS (L) 3-2 • Bolton v WGS (W) 2-0 • Queens V WGS (D) 1-1 • Casterton v WGS (W) 5-0 • Alti v WGS (W) 2-1 Placings: 1st QM, 2nd Queens Chester, 3rd WGS, 4th Harrogate, 5th Alti, 6th Casterton Spanish Exchange The School was very pleased to host our Spanish PTA Fundraising Exchange pupils in the penultimate week of On 19th November, many Withington parents and staff enjoyed a wonderful the Autumn Term. From the La Vall school in evening at the PTA Autumn Ball held in The Evolution Suite at Manchester United Football Club. More than £2000 was raised for special purchases to enhance Barcelona, the nine Spanish visiting pupils lived In early October the School celebrated ‘Girls Go Green Week’ for the third teaching and learning at School. with their Withington host families outside year in a row. The aim of the week was to raise awareness of the environment school hours and during the day spent time In 2011, the PTA has donated £16,000 to the School. The money has been used to around us and help the girls to understand the need to try and live in a more purchase numerous items including: attending lessons and also went out and explored sustainable way and think about the many ways in which we can address Manchester and its surrounds. They visited problems of waste and energy conservation, while also having a bit of fun • ‘P-Bones’ – these are plastic trombones that are much lighter in weight and so Chester, the Manchester Christmas market, along the way. The week included a visit from ‘Rubbish Revamped’, the sale of can be easily handled by younger children. Over twenty girls are now learning brass instruments, fifteen of whom will be learning on the bright red and green Manchester United Football Club, Chatsworth water bottles and our ‘Waste not, Grow lots, Save watts’ bags, eating onion tart made from our Juniors’ home grown onions and competitions for best plastic trombones. House and Styal Mill. Our girls look forward to the ‘green’ ideas for the school to adopt and best reuse of waste items. return leg to Barcelona in February. • A Vacuum System has been bought for Chemistry Department - this much All the money raised this week was shared between our environmental projects needed vacuum filtration system enables the preparation of organic compounds. in school and Ann Lipson’s School in Kenya. The girls had heard in Assembly • A new television, DVD and Bean Bags have been bought for the Junior School about the school’s urgent need for guttering to collect rainwater. enhancing interactive teaching and learning and a comfortable place to get lost In November, the girls donated many gloves, scarves, hats, socks and coats for in a book. the Booth Centre in Manchester Cathedral who help the homeless in this city. On Friday 9th December an Eco Warriors own clothes day raised a further £450 for Ann Lipson’s school in Kenya. Dr Vilela and Mrs Howling, Eco Warriors

E-Safety Award Congratulations to Vidya Ramesh who won the Secondary School prize in a North West region E-safety competition with her creative adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Vidya’s novel and witty script promoted the importance of using online technologies safely and was judged by the North West Safeguarding Children Board to be ‘an excellent resource for helping pupils learn about some of the pitfalls online’.

Do call us (Before we call you!) Pupil absence: Please would all parents use For contact after school please use these numbers: Withington Girls’ School, Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6BL 0161 249 3476 to inform the school of pupil Senior Late Room: 0161 249 3492 Tel: 0161 224 1077 Fax: 0161 248 5377 Email: [email protected] absence before 8.30am on each day of absence. Junior Late Room: 0161 224 1077 Web: www.withington.manchester.sch.uk Registered Charity No. 526632