Luckley Life THE NEWSLETTER FOR LUCKLEY HOUSE SCHOOL SPRING 2018 ISSUE 14

WORLD BOOK DAY Prestigious Art Exhibition We were honoured to be invited to join a group exhibition at the Livery Guildhall Gallery in London. SILVER! The exhibition was organised by the Society of Heads, and showcased some of the best Art and Design and Photography work produced by students at independent schools from across London and the surrounding area. Our Year 12 and 13 students exhibited examples of their own work and also attended the private view. This was an amazing opportunity to not only see their work exhibited at a top London gallery, but also to interact with the audience and gain valuable advice and feedback from the organisers and the numerous Art teachers that were in attendance. Congratulations to all students involved. Richard Battrick, Head of Art We are delighted to have won a silver award in the National World Book Day competition! We will receive £1000 to spend on books from a local bookshop, and we have chosen The Bell Bookshop in Henley. The theme for this year was ‘Flight’ and we decided to use that as the basis for reinvigorating the library. We managed to involve every member of the school community in this challenge, and we’re really grateful for the time that so many people took in order to help us promote reading across the school. Each member of the school community (including parents) recommended books which they felt another group would enjoy. These recommendations were written onto flying objects and were used to decorate the school library. We completely transformed the room, including painting the mezzanine level blue so that the ‘flying book recommendations’ would have a sky in which they could float. International School Award The Textiles department made a giant rocket for students to We are proud to have been awarded intermediate read under, and chairs were replaced by giant, comfortable floor level of the British Council’s prestigious cushions in fire colours, to represent the flames of the rocket. International School Award, in recognition of our The Maintenance team turned one of the book cases into a work to bring the world into the classroom. rocket, which was painted by some of the pupils. We also covered This has been achieved through a culmination of the back wall of the library in starry black sky to represent space; hard work by the MFL Department to present a and created a range of moveable, book-themed characters and portfolio of the work we do in school to ensure objects which can be stuck onto that wall by students if they that our pupils gain the cultural understanding want to change the display. and skills they need for life work in today’s world. We’d like to thank everybody who helped us, and we’re really We are now working towards achieving full looking forward to spending our prize money! accreditation. Well done to the MFL team! Clare Rees, Head of English

WWW.LUCKLEYHOUSESCHOOL.ORG [email protected] 0118 978 4175 A WORD FROM THE HEAD HEAD STUDENT’S TERMLY REVIEW

Jane Tudor, Head Imogen, Head Student At the start of term, Year 11 and 13 students went The most significant aspect of life at our school is that quickly into their mock examinations. This was a hard there are always so many different activities and pieces few weeks for all of us and we were glad once it was of news that I feel genuine pride in. And, in amongst finally over. The rest of the term will now be busy as the sorts of items we would expect to see in a school we prepare for our final exams in the summer. newsletter, there will be an element of surprise. In other There are always lots of House competitions words, school life is always fascinating and never dull. throughout the spring term at Luckley. We have This term has seen a drive to collect items for our team enjoyed many sporting events, which you can read of volunteers to take to Ethiopia. On Thursday 22 March, about later on in the issue. a team of Year 10 pupils and staff will head to Bekoji, the The House Musicians’ competition was lots of fun home of the Ethiopian long distance runners, to work with - congratulations to Blake House for winning and a school and orphanage within a poor community. We well done to everyone who took part, you were all have asked for help from the whole school community to amazing. gather items we take for granted, but are prized in poorer At the time of writing my report, we still have more communities. To that end we will take off with hundreds of to come this term, such as the whole-school Cross pairs of pants, amongst other things. Country and the Inter-House Music competition, Pupils have also been raising money for this cause, with which is always very entertaining. the target of each form raising £120 to fund a bed. Year 10 pupils had an afternoon of ‘Following a Sixth Activities have included car washing, a sponsored fun run, Former.’ They were able to talk to the Year 12s, look cake sales, a mufti day, a Zumba session, a tuck sale, Year 10 around the Sixth Form Centre and eat lots of tasty Café and a sponsored silence. Well done to everybody for food. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and it your fantastic fundraising efforts! gave them an insight into Sixth Form life. No doubt we will all be very keen to share our This is my last termly review and I would like to say experiences on our return. it has been an honour and a privilege to be Head I hope you enjoy reading of the very many achievements Student. Thank you to the senior team for being of a very short term. helpful and enthusiastic over the last year. The time has gone so quickly and I can’t believe it’s nearly time to say goodbye to Luckley. I wish the next senior team the best of luck in their new positions of responsibility. I hope everyone has an excellent Easter Holiday!

Follow our social media platforms to keep up to date with news and photos from school. www.facebook.com/luckleyhouseschool www.twitter.com/luckleyhouse Year 8 Fun Run www.youtube.com (search for Luckley)

WWW.LUCKLEYHOUSESCHOOL.ORG [email protected] 0118 978 4175 Luckley HOUSE SCHOOL A Murder at Luckley! Science Week Fun Year 7 pupils were joined by 14 pupils from local prep British Science Week took place from 9 to 18 March. schools for a fun enrichment day, centred around a murder To celebrate, the Science Department held a number of mystery theme. The pupils worked in groups to study exciting demonstrations and workshops at lunchtimes the evidence and solve clues in English and maths lessons, throughout the week. before carrying out forensic testing in the science labs on Monday: ‘Exploring Taste’ - experiments to fool the taste soil and materials ‘found at the scene’. In a music lesson, buds and build up a genetic picture of pupils and staff. the pupils used a variety of instruments to create ‘suspense Tuesday: ‘Rat Dissection’- including a pregnant female! music’ and then enjoyed an art lesson, during which they created identikits of the main suspects in the murder case. Wednesday: ‘A Circus of Physics Activities’. The day ended with a drama lesson, where the pupils acted Thursday: ‘Magnification’ - examining specimens at 400x out various scenarios of what could have happened, before magnification under the microscope. the real identity of the murderer and the actual version of Friday: ‘Exploring Sight’- experiments which fool the senses events was revealed. with optical illusions. A big thank you to the Science Department for a fabulous week of Science fun.

PhotographicWhat really happened..... Society Visit It was an absolute pleasure to host a visit by Mr Roger Holdsworth, Chairman of the Wokingham Photographic Society and Camera Club. Roger met with some of our BBC School Report dedicated photography students from across all years, BBC News School Report gives 11-16 year-old students who were excited and enthused to have the opportunity around the UK the chance to make their own news to show off their work to a photography expert. reports for a real audience. Using lesson plans and The students showed their work and gained lots of materials from the BBC Academy website, our English valuable advice that will stand them in good stead as teachers helped Year 7 pupils to develop their journalistic they go forward with their own ideas. Roger was able to skills to become School Reporters for the day. Topics impart some great advice regarding the students’ artist ranged from Luckley stories, such as the centenary research and camera techniques. celebrations, the zipwire, boys’ sports development and Ellis & Alec, Yr9 Photographers the Ethiopia trip, to current affairs, such as the death of Professor Stephen Hawking.

The videos are available to watch on our website at: www. luckleyhouseschool.org/news-and-events/bbc-news-school- report/

WWW.LUCKLEYHOUSESCHOOL.ORG [email protected] 0118 978 4175 MUSICAL INTERLUDE...... GCSE Science Live Mrs Janice Ellwood, Director of Music Year 10 pupils travelled to Oxford in January to The Woodley Festival experience GCSE Science Live. This was a chance to This term, both the Junior and Senior Choirs prepared for hear from some of Britain's top scientists about their the Woodley Music Festival. The students all gave up many life and work, and proved fascinating for many students. of their lunchtimes to rehearse and they were all set for Professor Dave Cliff started the talks with a look at a fabulous performance, until it snowed! Sadly the festival the future of computers, followed by Professor Robert had to be cancelled, but fortunately all the work was not Winston. His talk on human fertility involved interesting in vein as the choirs performed in the Easter Concert. visuals, such as the inside of an oviduct. Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock’s talk on astronomy included details of The Pangbourne Piano Festival her dyslexia and how she has been able to succeed from On Sunday 11 March, Tamar S (Yr11) and Nisavino T an inauspicious start at school. Professor Alice Roberts (Yr12) represented Luckley in the Pangbourne Piano looked at evolution, and Professor Andrea Sella carried Festival. They performed in the advanced soloist class out chemistry experiments live on stage. for grade 7-8 students. The standard was incredibly high The chance to listen to experts from such a variety of and both girls gave excellent performances and had different scientific fields was an excellent opportunity the opportunity to receive feedback in the style of a to promote the excitement and wonder of the world masterclass with the adjudicator. around us. Mrs Helen Buck, Head of Science

A Muddy Geography Field trip!

The Rotary Musician of the Year Paige N-E (Yr12) represented Luckley in the district round of the Rotary Musician of the Year Competition. Paige performed a range of songs from opera to musicals with great expression and poise, and gave a very moving and polished performance. In February, 21 Year 11 pupils braved the cold to complete their geography fieldwork, staying at Juniper Hall in House Musician Competition Dorking. They worked hard during the planning and preparation stage and were soon ready to get their wellies muddy at the River Tillingbourne. Layered up from head to toe, the girls bundled out of the mini bus to our first study site at Crossways Farm. Snowflakes were falling, but that did not deter our robust pupils from getting in to the river, working hard and collecting their data in an efficient and professional manner. We then returned to the centre for some tea and cake before embarking on the data analysis and evaluation phase of the fieldwork. The following day This term saw our second House Musician Competition. pupils were up early for a hearty cooked breakfast before The event was packed with so much talent! There were heading off into Leatherhead for an urban study day. They junior and senior sections for piano, instrumental and worked equally hard and gained a large range of data voice. The winners of the junior sections were: Michael F which will support them well during their examinations. (Yr9) Gracie H (Yr9) and Chloe G (Yr9) and the seniors: Now it’s time for the revision - keep going girls! Paige N-E (Yr12), Emma H (Yr10) and Emily A (Yr11). Mrs Kimberley Knight, Head of Geography Overall the winning House was Blake.

WWW.LUCKLEYHOUSESCHOOL.ORG [email protected] 0118 978 4175 Luckley HOUSE SCHOOL STAGE WHISPER The Whitty Theatre continues to be in very high demand from The Whitty Theatre by the local community: By Oliver Bamber, Theatre Manager • Wokingham U3A performed a nostalgic revue looking back at the ‘Sensational Sixties’. • The delightful Reading A440 Choir performed a selection of beautiful choral music against a backdrop of stunning photography. • The Rotary Club organised a talent show providing an opportunity for young people in the area to showcase their musical aptitudes. • Musical icons Beverley Craven and Judie Tzuke graced us with two exquisite acoustic performances to capacity audiences. It has been another terrifically eventful term at the • Local dance company Spotlights Dance Centre Theatre, packed full of quality entertainment. showcased their term’s work. One of the highlights must surely be the two visiting professional touring companies, Blackeyed Theatre and Splendid Productions (both very highly regarded on the educational touring theatre circuit), who visited us with John Godber’s Teechers (pictured), and Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis. Te echers was fantastically well received and it was fabulous to see so many Luckley House students at this event, along with members of the general public. This revived production of the highly acclaimed comedy about life at a struggling academy for Mr Nixon, an unsuspecting new Beverley Craven performing her 1991 top-5 hit ‘Promise Me’ drama teacher, had the audience in hysterics throughout. live at The Whitty Theatre Our drama students also had the benefit of having a workshop with the cast before the performance, where And in amongst all this, the new Senior Drama Club they explored the playing of stereotypical characters, performed their inaugural production ‘The Granny Project’ learnt to shape physicality and voice, and explored the and GCSE & A level Drama students performed their techniques used to shift from one character to another exam pieces to the board moderators. whilst maintaining rhythm and energy. This experience has been brilliant for students, as they approach the written examination in the summer term.

GCSE Drama exam piece

The Metamorphosis cast also ran an energetic physical Find out What’s On at The Whitty Theatre at theatre workshop with students already studying GCSE luckleyhouseschool.org/the-whitty-theatre/ and A level Drama, along with all those students in Year 9 whats-on/ who have opted to do GCSE Drama. The Drama Department looks forward to welcoming Follow us on Twitter @WhittyTheatre and future touring productions, in particular The Paper Birds ‘like’ our Facebook page /thewhittytheatre with their performance of ‘Thirsty’ in November.

WWW.LUCKLEYHOUSESCHOOL.ORG [email protected] 0118 978 4175 House Competition Update As we race towards the end of term, the House competition is also coming to an end for this year. House points are very close with everything hinging on the final event on the last day of term, the House Musical. Each House will perform an Abba song which will hopefully have everyone dancing in the aisles!

Gymnastics & Dance Competition House Bake-Off We were treated to an afternoon of gym and dance, with The Junior Bake-Off again produced some delicious and Year 7 and 8 pupils demonstrating their gymastics skills, beautifully decorated cupcakes. The judges thoroughly both individually and in groups, and Year 9 perfoming some enjoyed sampling them and hearing about the skills beautiful dance routines. Adding all the scores together, used for the decorations and, after much deliberation, Cornish was announced winners of the gymnastics announced Ottie P and Georgia CB (Yr7) the winners, for competition and Randle the dance winners. Blake House.

Cross Country The whole school took part in the annual cross country run, including a number of staff. With vital House points at stake it was important for everyone to do their best and finish within the allocated time, which saw some great sprints for the finish line! Well done to Caleb L (Yr9) and Hannah R (Yr10) who were individual winners, and Blake House the overall winning House.

Reading Challenge Since launching the House Reading Challenge in September, pupils across all year groups have submitted over 200 book reviews to gain points for their House. We’ve had the obvious participation from our self-confessed book worms, but also those pupils who have struggled with reading are embracing the competition and submitting reviews. It has It is now time for the House Captains to hand over to the created an atmosphere of friendly rivalry in the library with new Senior Team. Thanks to Celine, Becca, Sally-Ann and the scoreboard being consulted on a regular basis. Randle Alex for all their hard work, encouragement and support House were overall winners. to their Houses in all the events. Jasmine (centre)

Jasmine (centre)

WWW.LUCKLEYHOUSESCHOOL.ORG [email protected] 0118 978 4175 Luckley HOUSE SCHOOL SPORTS BOARD BOARDING NEWS We all returned after our Christmas holidays refreshed and ready for the new term ahead. For Year 11 and 13 boarders, that meant mock exams! I am pleased by how hard they have worked in preparation for the exams. Mr Meredith, who specialises in PE and games, has returned to boarding this term. The boarding community has been fascinated by the tales of his travels in the Far East!

Pierre, Sports Captain We have visited the cinema several times and the boarders were particularly enthused by seeing "The Black Panther". We also visited the Swindon Designer Outlet to make the This has been another extremely successful sporting term most of the January sales. at Luckley House. Year 11 students have been working hard towards their GCSE PE moderation and we wish We attended another rugby match and this time the local them all the best of luck. team won. The rugby matches are proving so popular Hockey that I suspect that this will become a regular trip for our boarders. The U14/15/16 hockey team beat Maiden Erlegh 3-0. Special mentions to Lauren M who won ‘Player of the We had fun running a ‘Masterchef’ competition, with Mr Match’ and Carine S who scored a hat-trick. Meredith and Mr Price as the judges. All the competitors The U13s have also been performing well this term, worked really hard and the overall winner was Alex including a 17-6 win against Holme Grange and a 9-7 win (pictured below) with her stunning pavlova. against Leighton Park. There was some incredible shooting from Lola M and Camilla M. The U12s have also been playing very well, with some great wins, including a 33-7 win against St. Crispin’s and an 8-3 win against Piggott. Special mentions to Maddie S, Freja S and Csenge K who have been brilliant in defence, with Lucy C, Octavia P and Lexi C playing well in the shooting circle. The boys have also had some good success at the hockey and demonstrated some excellent progress in recent weeks, especially the Yr 7s in their recent fixture The highlight of the term was the snow in March. The vs. Shiplake College, winning 5-0, with goals from Isaac L, boarders had great fun building snowmen and snowball Ricardo T and a hat trick from standout performer Max B! fighting, as well as taking a huge quantity of photos. There Gym and Dance was an epic snowball battle between the boarders and Well done to everyone that participated in the Inter- Mr Meredith, Mr Porter, Miss Cumming and Miss Drury, House Gym and Dance competitions. Congratulations to not to mention a stunning igloo built with help from Mr all the individual and group winners. Meredith! Basketball In lessons, Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils have enjoyed learning new basketball skills. Iskandar S and Alec H have used their skills to help lead the lessons. Football This year both the U12/13s and U14s have competed in the local East Berks Schools football league, where they have improved game on game and are unrecognisable from the team that started together in September! Special performances have been from Isaac L, Lucas S, James B, A big shout out to all our visiting flexi boarders this term Michael F and James H. Highlight of the season for the - we have loved having you stay and look forward to your U14s was the 2-2 draw away at Holyport College, where return visits. the boys demonstrated excellent resilience and attitude. Mrs Lara Price, Head of Boarding

WWW.LUCKLEYHOUSESCHOOL.ORG [email protected] 0118 978 4175 OUTDOOR EDUCATION The Granny Project, By Harvey Brown, Yr9 I have really enjoyed being in the senior drama club this Duke of Edinburgh Award year. We have looked at different plays and explored the 16 March 2018 is a date the Silver D of E groups will issues around the generation gap. We wrote down our never forget! 14 girls set out from Bradfield Southend favourite things about our grand-parents and put these on their practice expedition and walked without any into some improvisations. We then explored ‘The Granny navigational errors to Pangbourne College. Every check Project’ by Anne Fine. This play revolves around the life of point was on time and the groups were smiling all the way. the Harris family and how they cope with looking after After a cold first night, conditions deteriorated and they someone of a much older generation. We were all cast as were walking in snow for a good part of the day. The wind members of the family by Mrs Brown. As the children, we was whistling and the mud was deep. A hot chocolate stop tried to prevent our parents from putting Granny into a raised their spirits but conditions were far from ideal. home, but our plans did not quite turn out as we expected. After negotiations with Rushall Farm, accommodation As the rehearsals went on, we looked closely at how we was found in a stable block for the students and when we all take for granted the loved ones around us. We tried awoke to four inches of snow, we were very glad that we to involve the whole school by asking them to share their had made the decision to sleep inside. The girls completed photos and memories of their own grand-parents with their practice expedition in style and we are hoping us and we used these photos to create our backdrop for our trip to the New Forest next term for the assessed the play. It was great to have the lighting designed by Mr expedition will see us in slightly better weather! Good Bamber especially for the fireplace scenes. This has been a luck girls. really fun project and we look forward to what we might put on next year.

Combined Cadets Force Field Day PAUSE for personal reflection During the last week of term, pupils and staff had This term, the cadets travelled to Pangbourne College for the opportunity to take some time out with PAUSE, a Field Day, which was run by ‘Footsteps of Discovery’, a Soulscape’s interactive prayer space. Carving out space company of survival experts. There were five stands for during the busy school day for personal reflection and the groups to work around throughout the day. These prayer, PAUSE invites people of all faiths and none to think were: ‘Fire by Friction’; ‘Knife Skills and Safe Cutting’; Basic about what and who is important in their lives. There were Fire’; ‘Signal Location’ and ‘Stretcher Building; Escaping opportunities to remember people loved and lost, explore from Restraints. The day ended with the traditional and hopes and dreams and to recognise and let go of regrets. hotly contested rope tying competition.

WWW.LUCKLEYHOUSESCHOOL.ORG [email protected] 0118 978 4175