Luckley Life the newsletter for luckley house school SPRING 2016 ISSUE 8

INTRODUCING BBC SCHOOL NEWS REPORT A group of pupils from Years 7 to Year 9 took part in the nationwide BBC News School THE WHITTY THEATRE Report Day. They researched a number of After over a year of construction, we are finally about to take topics, including: ‘The Whitty Theatre,’ ‘Behind control of our brand-new Performing Arts Centre: The Whitty the Scenes in Boarding’, ‘Body Image’ ‘The Theatre. This is an incredibly exciting addition to the school, and Tenner Challenge’ and ‘ISIS and Social Media’. will provide pupils with wonderful opportunities for years to The end result was a series of short broadcasts come. which are available to view on the news area of Having spent quite a lot of time in there recently, I can forgive our website at www.luckleyhouseschool.org. the slight delay with the handover; the building is packed full of state-of-the-art technology (supplied by over 100 kilometres of cable!), a considerable feat of engineering. We have been delighted with the way the building has taken shape and are particularly impressed with how flexible the space is.

THE TENNER CHALLENGE

In February, 30 Luckley pupils opted to take part in the ‘Tenner Challenge’. This entrepreneurship programme is run through Young Enterprise, and the challenge is to generate as much profit as possible from a £10 note, borrowed from school.Two weeks into the challenge there have been some fantastic team and individual efforts, including fudge, waffles and cake sales; a ‘Spas in Jars’ stall; key rings and cards for Mothering Sunday; car washing; ‘guess the number of mints in the jar’ and street dance classes. All the profits will go to the school charities, Lunchbowl and Stand By Me. The final stages this term included the commissioning of the audio-visual systems, the installation of seating and drapes, and a series of training sessions, during which I was presented with a 1000-page operation manual. (I’d better get reading!) Our grand gala opening production will be ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ in June. But also look out for a variety of other events, as we hope to bring in a diverse range of entertainment from, and for, the local community. You can keep up to-date with news and events at www.thewhittytheatre.org and follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/WhittyTheatre. Here’s to the next chapter of the Arts at Luckley! Oliver Bamber, Theatre Manager

www.luCKLEYHOUSESCHOOL.ORG [email protected] 0118 978 4175 A WORD FROM THE HEAD HEAD GIRL’S TERMLY REVIEW

Jane Tudor, Head Claudia, Head Girl I am sure that we all enjoy spring with the promise of This term we were greeted back at school with longer and warmer days. That anticipation of new life miserable cold weather, but that didn’t dampen our and new beginnings is even more exciting for Luckley moods. Everyone took part in a range of events to as we near the completion of The Whitty Theatre. Such support their Houses in the final stages of this year’s a facility will provide our school with a whole array of competition. opportunities and I am looking forward to seeing this part of Luckley develop in the coming months and years. We enjoyed the annual Bake-off, where two members from each House took part in baking As ever, this has been a busy term and all the pupils have Easter cupcakes over a period of two days. On the thrown themselves into everything they have done, from the very wet inter-house Cross Country competition and first day the cupcakes were baked, with a variety of the Luckley Bake-off to the academic work in lessons. I am flavours such as white chocolate and marbled cake. always pleased to see the commitment to learning of our On the second day we saw the bakers decorate pupils in lessons and the progress they are making. their cakes, with lots of creative designs and techniques used. Many will know that even though I am not a performer, I love performances. I have enjoyed seeing the results As the term progressed the weather seemed to of the weeks and months of learning lines, rehearsals improve right up to the day of the dreaded cross and set design and preparation that have gone into the country race when it decided to pour down with GCSE Drama production of the Fantasticks. I also admire rain. However, this didn’t stop the fighting spirit, with the dedication required to be ready to give a musical Cornish House winning the trophy. performance, with hours of practice to overcome those tricky sections often found in pieces of music. The Spring The last event of this term is Musical Entertainment, Musical Recital was a feast of talents. The calibre of all the with the theme of ‘High School Musical’. I am performances in school are always impressively high. particularly excited about this event because I get This term we look towards Easter and in assemblies to see everyone’s musical talents and best American we have been following the journey Jesus took to the accents! Cross and considering the choice and sacrifice he made to allow us to have eternal life. As I give thanks for our This term some of our younger pupils took part Risen Saviour I also hope that all members of our school in the BBC School News Report where they were community have a joyful Easter break. given certain topics and interviewed different people about their point of view. It was a great day, and everyone was really interested in all of the topics If you are a Facebook or Twitter user, please ‘Like’ our being discussed. Facebook page and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter to keep up to date with news and photos from all our school events. Finally, I would like to say a big congratulations to Alice and Becky who will be taking over the role of www.facebook.com/luckleyhouseschool Head Student and Deputy from next term. It has www.twitter.com/luckleyhouse been great being Head Girl at Luckley and I would like to wish them both the best of luck in the future. www.luCKLEYHOUSESCHOOL.ORG [email protected] 0118 978 4175 Luckley HOUSE SCHOOL

ENRICHMENT IS MURDER FOR YEAR 7! HOW THE NAVY USES ICT Year 7 were joined by pupils from local prep schools for Year 8 pupils went to Action Stations in Portsmouth an enrichment session with a murder theme. The day which we all really enjoyed, especially the laser quest! We involved challenging but fun activities in Music, English, were taken on a tour to see the control room, cinema Maths and Science, which led the pupils to discover the projector room and a curved screen in the conference identity of “the Chalkwell Murderer.” The day started with room. The control room was filled with ancient ice breakers and a music session, where pupils created computers and Cat 5 Ethernet cables that worked on and performed ‘suspense music’. Next, they examined the Windows 95; this came out in 1995 and they are still crime scene in the library, where the body of ‘Hugo First’ using it! Next we played laser quest in a maze with three had been discovered. The pupils worked together in small different levels and many ramps. We then went on the groups studying the profiles of the six main suspects, and rotating climbing wall, which was amazing! After lunch later had the chance to interview each one, played by Year we watched a ‘James Bond’ type film about the Royal 10 pupils. Navy and enjoyed team challenges. An excellent day! They then turned analysts solving clues with mathematical Isobel B, Year 8 skills before becoming Forensic Scientists to carry out experiments on soil and other materials found at the ‘crime scene’. The day ended with the guilty suspect, ‘Anita Bath’ ‘coming clean’ and explaining why she had committed the murder!

Former Head of History, Miss Torry

WORLD BOOK DAY

What a wonderful time we had on World Book Day! In assembly we explored the national focus of ‘Books to Remember’, by looking at books which have inspired famous people. At the start of each lesson over the course of the day, the whole school read an extract from the Gothic short story by W.W. Jacobs, The Monkey’s Paw, so that by the end of the day we had all heard the twists and turns, as well as the controversial, gruesome ending. It was also fun to see so many students running around the school searching for the ‘25 Books that Changed the World ‘at lunchtime. The following week, pupils were inspired by Paul Dowswell, an author who has written over 60 books, mostly with history as the subject, but also about geography, natural history, and science. Mrs Clare Rees, Head of English

www.luCKLEYHOUSESCHOOL.ORG [email protected] 0118 978 4175 GOVERNORS’ DAY ART NEWS At the end of last term, Year 9 students visited the Henley River and Rowing Museum to see the wonderful exhibition of work by Eduardo Paolozzi. Pupils studied Paolozzi’s photo montage and screen print work and then took part in a bespoke screen printing workshop. They explored the many options and made their own prints, which are now displayed around the school. This term, Year 11, 12 and 13 Art students visited the Tate Modern Art Museum in London to collect valuable research for their upcoming art exams. They worked in the Governors spent the day in school to experience the life galleries, producing drawings and written notes that will of a Luckley pupil. Mrs Gibson, Head of Technology said: help inform and inspire their practical work. “Mr Curry was delightful in my Year 9 Food Technology lesson. He made a delicious smooth roux sauce to go with I would like to congratulate Year 9 pupil ,Valeria his pasta and then helped some of the pupils with their on reaching the final stages of the NACE (National washing up. We all really enjoyed his company!” Association for Able Children in Education) Photography Competition, with this very effective piece of work. Richard Battrick, Head of Art PRIMERA CITA! Modern Foreign Language pupils were treated to an interactive play performed by the Onatti Theatre Company, all in Spanish! Year 8 pupil, Anna commented: “With a well thought out script, it was excellent fun. D of E Bronze group The actors got the audience involved, which made sure we listened and paid attention. The hand gestures and mime helped everybody to understand what was being said.”

MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SKIN A RABBIT! Our CCF Field Day took place at Pangbourne College one very cold day this term. The cadets were introduced to a range of survival and bush skills. These included fire-making using friction, trapping small mammals and birds and using a bush knife safely to prepare fire sticks. The group was also taught how to skin and gut a rabbit without the use of a knife. The cadets returned to school talking all the way home about the fun they had! Lieutenant Hills INSPIRED BY MATHEMATICS

This term a group of A level and GCSE mathematicians went to a 'Maths Inspiration Lecture' at the Hexagon. We heard three mathematicians talking about different aspects of Maths, from architectural engineering to decision-making. It had comedic and educational aspects, so it was both entertaining and informative. We all really enjoyed the day and look forward to going again next year. Sophie, Year 12

www.luCKLEYHOUSESCHOOL.ORG [email protected] 0118 978 4175 Luckley HOUSE SCHOOL Musical Interlude... THE FANTASTICKS GCSE MUSIC LIVE Year 10 and 11 drama students performed a stunning Music students attended ‘Music Live’ at St Crispin’s School, production of The Fantasticks, one of the most widely where they listened to an orchestral piece by Handel produced musicals in the world. Since its first off- and an Indian Raga performance. They then took part in Broadway production in the 1960s, audiences have loved composition workshops, creating fusion music combining the poetic script and breezy, inventive score, including such elements of Eastern and Western music. familiar songs as ‘Try to Remember,’ ‘Soon it’s Gonna Rain’ and ‘There was You’, which have helped to make this show so durable.

The play is highly stylised and combines old-fashioned showmanship, classic musical theatre, Commedia dell'Arte and Japanese Noh theatrical traditions, making it a great vehicle for students of drama.

SPRING CONCERT Our talented musicians performed an eclectic mix of musical styles at the Spring Concert in March. Well done to all involved.

CHARITY RECORDING AT LUCKLEY The Luckley Recording Studio was recently used by a local group of musicians, including Director of Music, Eve Bull and Luckley Governor, Robin Scurlock to record a Christmas CD. ‘Hark’, a compilation of familiar and less DRAMA WORKSHOP well-known Christmas songs, raised an impressive £600 Drama students from Year 10 upwards took part in a for the local branch of the Salvation Army. ‘Physical Theatre Workshop’ led by Cassie Friend from Redcape Theatre. The workshop started with warm- ups for bodies, voices and minds before focusing on ensemble work; getting the whole group to move in complete synchronisation, which requires a huge amount of control and discipline! Students then looked at rehearsal techniques and explored ideas for creating short pieces from a variety of stimuli. These exciting concepts gave the students much to digest and use in their own future work.

www.luCKLEYHOUSESCHOOL.ORG [email protected] 0118 978 4175 SIXTH FORM NEWS HOUSE UPDATE

Sixth Form students enjoyed the delights of Disneyland, What a busy term for House competitions! Paris over the half term break. Year 13 student Katrina We started February with the Junior Gymnastics and commented: “My favourite part was seeing ‘Star Wars’ Year 9 Dance competitions, with some amazing agility and come to life in the Jedi training, within a life-like space musicality in groups, pairs and solo displays. Galloway restaurant.” were very well deserved winners of the Gymnastics with Jess added: “The trip was a magical experience, particularly Cornish winning the Dance. when Peter Pan winked at us!”

The Intermediate Netball was won by Galloway House, and in the Senior Badminton, Blake outplayed the other teams to take the points. A fiercely fought Junior Hockey tournament resulted in a win by Cornish House. Cross Country, with pupils and staff participating, was great fun although a bit wet underfoot. First across the line for Juniors was Year 8 Hannah R, (Randle) closely followed by Year 7, Caleb L (Galloway). The Senior race was won by Year 13 student Lauren E (Randle), with Year 10, Emily B (Galloway) hot on her heels. Cornish House were overall winners of the event. Away from the playing fields we had the exciting House Bake-off, with a pair from each House baking and decorating ‘Spring’ cupcakes. There were some wonderful designs and flavours with Cornish’s nest cakes being awarded the Bake-Off trophy.

EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION What do healthy snacks for children, the space race, and Disney princesses have in common? Well they, along with a whole host of other topics, are the subjects that twelve of our Year 12 students have chosen for their EPQ.

The Extended Project Qualification is an award that can be gained for submitting a 5,000 word Jasmine (centre) dissertation and is a qualification that is growing in popularity with over 30,000 students submitting their essays last year. As we go to print all that remains is the completion of the We wish all of our candidates the best of luck as they Community Challenge, donating food and toiletries for tackle this valuable undertaking. Wokingham Food Bank, and the grand finale to the term, the House Music, with the theme this year being ‘High School Musical. ‘ www.luCKLEYHOUSESCHOOL.ORG [email protected] 0118 978 4175 Luckley HOUSE SCHOOL SPORTS BOARD BOARDERS’ NEWS It has been a busy term for the boarders, including a big birthday party to celebrate three birthdays, complete with balloon modelling and a massive chocolate cake.

Lauren, Sports Captain We started off the term well in netball with a remarkable win of 20-3 for our U14 A team against Bulmershe. The team then continued to impress in their game against LVS, yet again stealing a win 15-8. Abbie H played particularly well, and was awarded ‘player of the match’ in both games. The team then played Waingels, along with the U12s, where both came out with a win. The U14s competed at the South East Berkshire tournament and were placed a We went ice skating at the Broadgate Outdoor Rink and commendable 3rd/4th. A very big congratulations to the those who didn’t skate saw some of the outdoor art U14s who have had a cracking term! It would be great to installations, including a talking rabbit! The skaters had see this continue through to the summer term when the great fun and with only two slips it was a successful visit. rounders season starts. We then visited China Town to look at the decorations The senior team have also had an eventful term, beating and, by popular request, popped into M&M World. Maiden Erlegh 16-10, three weeks after narrowly missing out to The Abbey in a very intense game. Following their example, the U12 A team and the U13 team triumphed in their games against The Holt, beating both the C and D teams. They turned out to be very close matches, so well done to all the players.

In the Inter-House competitions this term pupils have competed hard in all of the sporting events, which included gymnastics, dance, badminton, hockey, netball and cross country.

We learnt valuable skills for life in a superb Master Class in "Vocalisation" delivered by Mr David Shopland, Artistic Director of the 2020 Vision Theatre Company.

Year 8 boarder, Phoebe said: “Mr Shopland told us how important it is to make eye contact when talking to people, particularly in an interview situation. I found the session so interesting and really useful.”

Towards the end of term, we were visited by students from Brighton University, who taught us how to play Ultimate Frisbee, which was great fun!

We are all really looking forward to Easter for a much needed rest! Cross Country Spring 2015 Lara Price, Head of Boarding www.luCKLEYHOUSESCHOOL.ORG [email protected] 0118 978 4175 ALUMNI UPDATE By Sue Hawkins, Alumni Coordinator

It has been another enjoyable term getting in touch with LUCKLEY HOUSE FRIENDS more past pupils and hearing what amazing things they have gone on to do since leaving Luckley. The range of Last term’s Bonfire and Firework night was our most careers from artists to lawyers, doctors to IT consultants profitable ever, raising over £3,000. Thank you to and actresses to bankers enabled me to make some everyone involved. We have made a substantial donation very successful matches for the Sixth Form Mentoring of over £4,000 to help equip our new theatre. This will programme. This is the first year we have run the go towards lighting, an electronic piano, theatre usher programme, which is proving to be very successful. All the waistcoats and display boards. We have also funded a new students are now in contact with their mentors who are toaster for the Year 11 Common Room. giving excellent advice and guidance with several offering work experience opportunities too. It will be lovely to This term we ran a Tuck Sale and the ever popular have the mentors in school for a ‘Thank You Lunch’ in June, Easter Egg Hunt. Thanks to our local Tesco Store for where they will meet their students face-to-face. their generous donation of chocolate Easter Eggs. This charming event always proves to be hugely successful with Invitations have now been sent out for this summer’s everyone demonstrating lots of competitive spirit. reunion for all ladies who left Luckley between 1970 and 1990. Replies are coming in from past pupils and staff so it looks like being a very enjoyable, nostalgic day. I am now very busy searching through all the archives to find photographs and concert programmes which I am sure everyone will enjoy looking at – although I think the fashion and hairstyles may provoke many laughs! ACE PUPIL PROGRAMME Our Able, Creative and Engaged Programme is in full swing with most subjects now launched. The programme enables our pupils to explore the subjects they enjoy beyond the confines of the curriculum. Find out more on our website A date for your diaries is 2 July when we will be holding a at: www.luckleyhouseschool.org/ace-programme Summer Barbeque at the school from 12 to 3:30pm. There will be food, traditional games, face paint, transfer tattoos, raffles and a talent show. Tickets will go on sale in May.

Committee members leaving this term are Lesley Bakes and Elma Thomas. Lesley has done a fantastic job organising and running tuck sales over the past few years and Elma has helped at lots of events and recently obtained several hundred pounds matched funding for us from Vodafone. Thank you both - we will miss you!

We are always delighted to welcome new members and recruit extra helpers for our events. Please come and meet us at Speech Day, when we will be serving complimentary Pimm’s, or come along to a meeting. Contact us at [email protected].

All good things come to an end and we are now stepping down as co-chairs. We wish our successors, Mairi Shewfelt and Julie Jamieson all the best in their new roles - we know you will be brilliant! By Sarah Thurston and Debbie Baillie Photos from the Classics ACE Programme launch www.luCKLEYHOUSESCHOOL.ORG [email protected] 0118 978 4175