The quarterly magazine of Queen’s Gate School
Issue 48 · Autumn 2016
Sally Gunnell launches this year’s Inspiring Women talks A preview of the forthcoming Archives exhibition
plus
British Food Fortnight
The Junior School inwardly digest local produce
Anniversary candles We celebrate the School’s founding exactly 125 years since it opened
From the Principal’s Study Dear Parents, A very warm welcome to the new academic year – and the QG News. The first day of the new school year is always a mixture of excitement and trepidation, as both current and new pupils and staff embark on another year together. However, girls at all stages of the School settled quickly into their routines; Preliminary in their first year at School made an impressive start and our new Remove girls soon found their way around our buildings and adapted to Senior School expectations. III Form in the Junior School began their final preparations for their 11+ examinations, GCSE and A Level candidates immersed themselves in their studies, whilst UVI finalised their personal statements as they submitted their university applications. The new school year is well underway! At the same time, our calendars have been packed with activities. The Junior School enjoyed celebrating British food in an excellent range of assemblies and visits, Remove went on their annual French trip and of course, together on Wednesday 21 September, we celebrated 125 years of Queen’s Gate at our Anniversary Church Service – 125 years to the day since our Founder, Miss Eleanor Beatrice Wyatt, opened our School. The term has been marked with unseasonably hot weather, but Autumn has now arrived with the splendid range of colours with which we associate with this season. These colours were very evident in the decorations provided by parents on the doorstep of the Junior School, as part of our Harvest celebrations. Harvest services were held in both the Junior and Senior Schools and, as always, we were very grateful for the generous donation of gifts which have been given to The Passage, a hostel for the homeless in Victoria. In addition, our charitable activities included Macmillan coffee mornings, Jeans for Genes Days in both Schools, and the Junior School held a Red, White and Blue Day to support children of service families. Thank you all for your generous support of these events. I hope that you will enjoy reading of our activities in the past six weeks and I wish you all a refreshing half-term holiday. With all good wishes, Rosalynd Kamaryc Principal AUTUMN 2016
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AUTUMN TERM 2016 term begins Tuesday 6 September half-term Monday 17— Friday 28 October
key
term ends Friday 9 December
senior school junior school
NOVEMBER Monday 14 November INSIDE THE ARCHIVES: 125 YEARS OF QUEEN’S GATE HISTORY Tuesday 15 November CAREERS CONVENTION Thursday 17 November INSPIRING WOMEN SERIES 16/17: TANYA LING Tuesday 22 November LIV PLAY: SCENES FROM ALICE III FORM SHAKESPEARE SCHOOLS’ FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE
Shaw Theatre, NW1
DECEMBER Thursday 1 December KIDS FOR KIDS CONCERT
St Peter’s Eaton Square
Friday 2 December JUNIOR SCHOOL NATIVITY
Holy Trinity, Prince Consort Road Queen’s Gate School 133 Queen’s Gate
Saturday 3 December CHRISTMAS FAIR
London SW7 5LE 020 7589 3587 queensgate.org.uk @queens_gate /133queensgate
SAVE TH E DATE Thursday 19 January 2017 6.30 pm
Wednesday 7 December CAROL SERVICE
Holy Trinity, Prince Consort Road Thursday 8 December CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY 4
A CE LE BRATION OF CH I N ESE N EW YEAR
QG NEWS
Contents
Junior School 20 British Food Fortnight Including trips to the Ecology Centre, Sheepdrove Farm and Hyde Park
Senior School
24 Roald Dahl’s 100th Birthday The School throws a phizz-whizzing party for the author’s centenary
6 Head Girls Meet the new Head Girl teams 27 Remove photo competition Three winners who best captured ‘Summer’s Golden Hour’
36 Drawing on inspiration Form V Art students work on their sketching at the National Gallery &
32 Charity news A lot of cake and a dash of denim encourage the girls’ fundraising
Parliamentary privilege QG debaters visit Parliament to brush up on their oratory
33 A star in the making Bonnie Jane Goudie on the National Youth Theatre Acting Course
37 Form V see Pride and Prejudice The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production is declared a success
35 Order, order! Form IV tour the Houses of Parliament and hold a debate
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& Carol Ann Duffy at the BookFest Sixth Form English students attend a reading of the poet laureate’s work
FEATU RES
WHEN QG MET SALLY
This year’s first Inspiring Women talk is given by athlete Sally Gunnell
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US
The 125th Anniversary of the School’s founding is marked in style
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SPORT 28 Sport Report News and results for Netball, Rowing, Fencing, Inter-House Cross Country and Miss Ward’s fundraising 30 The London Youth Games Awards An award for the School and a place in the Hall of Fame for Old Girl Ella Dobson 31 Biathlon training camp The girls travel to Spain to prepare for the National Schools’ qualifiers
STAFF N EWS 38 The domino effect Mr Mataya takes part in marking 350 years since the Great Fire of London 39 QG weddings Three staff members tie the knot
INSIDE THE ARCHIVES
40 New staff Welcome to our new faces
An update on the Digital Archives and a preview of the exhibition AUTUMN 2016
26 A Victorian lesson IA are drilled in the three Rs & IIA visit the Handel House Museum The girls discover the man, the music and 18th-century style
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JU N IOR & SE N IOR SCHOOLS · H EAD GIRLS
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he announcement for Head Girl in the Senior School took place in the final assembly of the year, with Inspiring Women and Model United Nations Prefect, Poppy Hooper, taking on this vital school role. Her initial task was to write her Opening Speech for the first assembly of the new school year. Here’s what she said to girls and staff on Tuesday 6 September:
Hi everyone, I hope you all had a lovely summer and welcome back to school, also welcome for the first time to the Removes and any new girls joining us. I’m Poppy, and this year I’ll be taking on the role of Head Girl. Whilst I am honoured to be appointed to this position, I would also like to take this opportunity to reflect on what this means to you. Being Head Girl is more than just wearing a badge. For me, the most important part is being a role model as well as an older sister; someone to whom I believe you can all come for help or advice. My role also involves leading a number of school events such as the continuing 125th Anniversary celebrations, as well as running a new Model United Nations club for Form V upwards, representing the School in a number of MUN conferences and overseeing our already very successful Inspiring Women series. Equally, I look forward to giving speeches during Open Evenings and other events, to share with others why I believe Queen’s Gate is a truly nurturing school. During my time here, one thing I’ve learnt is that working as a team is 6
QG NEWS
JU N IOR & SE N IOR SCHOOLS · H EAD GIRLS
The Head Girls of Queen’s Gate something that is paramount in achieving your own success and reaching your goals. I joined Queen’s Gate in Remove, with an older sister already in the School. I do still remember my first day at Queen’s Gate, with mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness, so to those of you sitting at the front of this hall, looking at it I now know there was no reason to be afraid. I remember I was wearing a stripy dress and I had a purple cast on my arm as I had broken it a few weeks before. For a while I was known as the girl with the broken arm, but actually it did come in handy when making friends; I was teamed up with a buddy to bring all my books around and draw my margins in my maths books, something which was very important in Year 7. Six years later and we’re still best friends. However, having a broken arm meant that I wasn’t able to go on the Remove French trip, something which I still wish I could have taken part in to this day. A key feature which identifies Queen’s Gate very well is the number of activities and events that take place. My favourite is the Christmas Pantomime. Last year I took part, where a group of my friends and I dressed up as the Spice Girls and had a great time performing Wannabe – though the panto highlights have always been the infamous cleaning lady duo, as well as Mr Mataya’s spectacular costumes. The quality of the jokes and the acting improves year-on-year, but I’m always hoping for the one day Mr Mataya won’t need to be prompted every five seconds! I’m really looking forward to this year’s panto, as well as the harvest festival, carol service, school concerts and Wider World lectures. AUTUMN 2016
Aside from these, focusing and channelling your energy into doing your best in your subjects is just as important when it comes to reaching your goals. I have to say coming in on all those Saturdays for Geography has paid dividends, coupled with all the weekly tests. Going that extra ten percent always makes the difference and is much easier when you have the support from dedicated teachers, which Queen’s Gate definitely provides. Having a positive attitude and drive will also lead to success, even with the simplest things, such as making sure you’ve done all your homework on a Sunday night. To finish, I would like to end my talk with two things: firstly, let’s look forward to a year of success, ambition and… perhaps Spalding House winning for once. And lastly, a quote from Albert Einstein ‘education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school’. Thank you. Poppy’s Deputy Head Girl was named as Evgenia Siokos, and her Senior Prefects are Arina Bykova, Emily Dobson and Elena Kuzmenkova.
The Junior School announcement of Head Girl came after the long summer break, and Harriet Hillier was handed the position. She gave her speech at Junior School assembly saying:
I am honoured to be standing here as Head Girl of Queen’s Gate Junior School. I find it hard to believe that I have just started my seventh year here; I remember so clearly how excited I was to start in Preliminary in 2009. How good it felt to make new friends, but what a challenge it was simply getting to the end of the day! I also remember how impossibly grown up all the girls in the III Form looked to me. Now that I have finally reached III Form I’m not sure that I look very grown up, but it is incredibly exciting to be one of the big girls, even if it is only for one year! It is also extraordinary to think how many other girls have looked at those older and younger in our school and imagined their own journey through it and the special connection with so many girls over the last 125 years. One of my happiest moments at school so far has been finally getting my fountain pen licence in IA. I was beginning to worry that my handwriting would never be neat enough, so when Claudia, Justine and my name were called out by Miss Hasler, and we were handed our precious licences, I couldn’t have been prouder. My time at Queen’s Gate has been full of happiness, challenges and opportunities. I am looking forward so much to this year and I will do my very best to be a Head Girl worthy of our school.
Ava Kunchala will join Harriet as Deputy Head Girl. Congratulations to all the girls on their new roles. We very much look forward to having all these Queen’s Gate pupils working for the good of the School over the coming year. 7
EVE NTS · INSPIRING WOM E N : SALLY GU N N E LL
right Sally Gunnell talks to the audience about her fascinating career opposite page Sally poses for a photograph with the Queen’s Gate School Sports Captains
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QG NEWS
EVE NTS · INSPIRING WOM E N : SALLY GU N N E LL
Sally Gunnell obe “Challenge yourself, even if it’s tricky. If you stay in your comfort zone, how do you know what you can do?”
‘B
elieve in your own ability’ was the inspirational message taken away by pupils, parents and staff from this year’s exceptionally engaging Inspiring Women launch talk, by Olympic Gold Medallist, Sally Gunnell, obe, on Monday 3 October. Guests gathered in the Black Dining Room for canapés and champagne to meet the Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth 400m hurdles Champion, before they moved into the Hall to listen to the former athlete speak about her experiences on the world stage. After being introduced by Head Girl and Inspiring Women Prefect, Poppy Hooper, Sally told pupils, parents and staff of her interesting journey to the Olympics. They heard that Sally’s first passion was gymnastics, before she attended an athletics club with a friend, where she found her natural talent for running, although she had known she was blessed with the ability a little before that: ‘I first realised I was good at AUTUMN 2016
running when I played kiss chase in the playground at school!’ The 100m hurdles was her first professional event, and she went on to win a Gold in the 1986 Commonwealth Games before being told by her coach, Bruce Longden, that this definitely wasn’t the right event for her, and she should switch to 400m hurdling! This was met by a bit of grumbling from the athlete, though on her first attempt at the longer distance, Sally recorded the third fastest time in the world. ‘Challenge yourself, even if it’s tricky. If you stay in your comfort zone, how do you know what you can do?’ the British record holder asked the captivated audience. The video of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics 400m hurdles event followed, and, even knowing the outcome, the audience applauded and cheered loudly as Sally crossed the finishing line. Her gold medal then made its way around the audience before Sally answered questions such as ‘Who were your role 9
models?’ (they included Ed Moses and Steffi Graf) and ‘What other Olympic sport would you have liked to do?’ – a question which provoked much humming and hawing before the eventual response: ‘a team sport such as hockey would have been nice, being part of a larger group to celebrate’. And what advice was there from the Champion to our up-and-coming athletic stars of the future? ‘Always find positives. If you start having a negative thought, never finish it.’ A huge thank you to Sally for launching this year’s Inspiring Women. sallygunnell.com
NEXT INSPIRING WOMEN TALK Thursday 17 November, 6.00 pm
Tanya Ling Tickets £20, students £5 queensgate.org.uk/events
125TH AN N IVE RSARY · CH U RCH SE RVICE
Happy Birthday to us The 125th Anniversary of the School’s Founding Day is marked in true Queen’s Gate style with fanfares, singing and cake above Head Girls Poppy Hooper and Harriet Hillier light a candle below The celebration tea included Old Girl Nicky Tesler’s four-tier masterpiece
W
ednesday 21 September was a very special date in the Queen’s Gate calendar. The date marked the 125th Anniversary of the School’s Founding Day and, to commemorate this important milestone, the School held a service of celebration at the beautiful Holy Trinity Church, Prince Consort Road. The church was packed with girls, staff, parents, Old Girls, Governors, former staff and special guests, totalling a congregation of over 700. Among the guests was Ms Dallas Pounds, CEO of Royal Trinity
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Hospice, which is also celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2016, and which is a focus of the School’s fundraising efforts throughout the year. We were also delighted to welcome the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Councillor Mrs Elizabeth Rutherford, to the event. The service opened with a magnificent fanfare from members of the London Military Band. This was followed by a procession led by Mrs Kamaryc, who formally welcomed everyone before handing over to the Reverend Liz Russell. As well as some rousing hymns, accompanied by organist Mr Nicholas O’Neill, the service contained readings given by Head Girl Poppy Hooper, Deputy Head Girl Evgenia Siokos, and Governor, Old Girl and former parent, Mrs Manina Weldon. A selection of girls from the Junior and Senior Schools QG NEWS
also shared pieces they had written about what Queen’s Gate means to them (see overleaf). Their kind words illustrated the real love the girls feel for the School and how it helps to support and shape each pupils as an individual. Attendees were also treated to an excerpt from the 2016 Remove Showcase. Entitled The Queen’s Gate Time Machine, the congregation saw current pupils travelling back in time to important periods in Queen’s Gate history, including meeting QG Founder Miss Wyatt in 1891! Particularly poignant moments included a stunning performance of Graham Kendrick’s Thorns in the Straw, arranged by the School’s Director of Music, Mr Egon Liepa, and sung by an Anniversary Choir formed of girls from across the Junior and Senior Schools. A candle lighting ceremony also took place, with twelve candles being lit by members of the School and its wider community, to give thanks to all those who support Queen’s Gate in its endeavours. Lighters included the Chairman of Governors Mr Michael Cumming, Chairs of the Senior and Junior School PTAs Ms Tamas-Dion, Mrs McDaniel and Mrs Mascarenhas, and school neighbour and friend AUTUMN 2016
Sister Gabriel Robin. Thanks go to DT Teacher, Mr Julian Francis, for designing and creating the stunning candle holder, in which these precious lights stood. The service drew to a close with another spectacular fanfare, after which many guests returned to the School, where a specially commissioned fourtier anniversary cake, made by Old Girl Nicky Tesler of Nicky’s Buttercup Bakery, was cut by Mrs Kamaryc and
above Mr Liepa conducts the Anniversary Choir right The Queen’s Gate Time Machine
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Senior School Head Girl, Poppy Hooper. The Senior School Hall was full to the brim with everyone discussing the service whilst enjoying the delicious refreshments on offer. The 125th Anniversary Service was a memorable occasion and we are grateful to everyone involved in this afternoon of celebration. We were delighted that the kind donations given by guests at the end of the service raised almost £550 for Royal Trinity Hospice.
125TH AN N IVE RSARY · CH U RCH SE RVICE
What Queen’s Gate means to me As part of the 125th Anniversary Service celebrations, girls from across the Junior and Senior Schools were asked to write about what Queen’s Gate means to them. The following six entries were chosen by Mrs Kamaryc and Mrs Neale to be read at the service on Wednesday 21 September at Holy Trinity Church, Prince Consort Road.
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QG NEWS
125TH AN N IVE RSARY · CH U RCH SE RVICE AVA KU NCHALA III FORM JUNIOR SCHOOL DEPUTY HEAD GIRL AM I KA PI PLAPU RE III FORM
My first step inside Queen’s Gate was a wobbly one. It was a nervous and scared one. However, nowadays my steps are firm and steady, because of this School. Going from nursery to Preliminary was quite a big change. The days seemed long, infinite even, but I had the support of my friends and teachers. The opportunities at Queen’s Gate are endless. This school has something for everyone, each year offers something new, each one better than the last, each year going so quickly that now, in my last year, I have to hang on to every moment! I am determined to treasure every second because soon I shall be moving on to the next step of my life. But I know that, thanks to the School, my last step at Queen’s Gate will be the firmest one yet!
I am now in my seventh year at Queen’s Gate, so I know the School very well. It’s hard to narrow down what I’d like to say, but I’ve managed to choose what I think are the most important qualities. Queen’s Gate means opportunity. We discover our talents, whether they be in the arts, sport or academic. We are encouraged to do our best. We also have the opportunity to make friendships which will last beyond our school days. Queen’s Gate means accomplishment, whether it is winning a national competition or just finishing a drawing in Art. We are taught we can all achieve. Queen’s Gate means home. Certainly it is like my second home. I’ve had fun making friends, and progressed so much from those first days in Preliminary learning to read and write, to now, where I’m about to sit my 11+ in III Form. It’s good to know that, when I leave Queen’s Gate, it will still be a home for future generations.
To me, Queen’s Gate is a family; it is a place where you can meet new people who will become lifelong friends. It is a place where I can feel welcomed, and know that people will be there to help me when I have a problem. Queen’s Gate encourages me to have a go at doing anything I could ever want to do, and challenges me to work to the best of my abilities. Over the past few years while I have been at Queen’s Gate, I have enjoyed so many great experiences, and I already have so many memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
ANGE LICA M E N E E LY UV
ALEXAN DRA KE E NAN UVI
ARI NA BYKOVA UVI
PREFECT
SENIOR PREFECT
Queen’s Gate is like a home to me, because I too have been here since I was four years old. Throughout the most pivotal moments in my life, the School has provided me with a secure and friendly environment where I could always find support. It has also equipped me with skills for my future, helping to shape me into the person I am today — a hardworking and collaborative student who has made friends for life and has formed a great sense of motivation for the bright and exciting future which lies ahead.
For me, Queen’s Gate is a home. A home full of teachers and friends, who, over the years, have become my family. They have supported and encouraged me along my way to adulthood. Queen’s Gate is a place where teachers are prepared to stay after school to help you, or come in at the weekends. A place where you make friends for life. And it is so multicultural that I know that, no matter where I find myself in the world, there will always be someone to whom I can turn. Queen’s Gate is one of a kind.
Queen’s Gate truly means a lot to me. Having been at the School since I was four years old, I have seen so many people here flourish. I remember when I was much younger though, I used to cry every day when I arrived at school – I am sorry to all my teachers for that! However, now I have learnt to appreciate this school; all these girls have become wonderful people, and I have not only learnt from lessons, but now I also see how wonderful our community is. Queen’s Gate has given me opportunities which I may never have again in my life – words cannot express the amount of gratitude and happiness I feel. I am so honoured to have celebrated both the 120th and the 125th anniversaries of the School. Thank you Queen’s Gate for all that you have done for me. All these years have been a blast – I really love this School so much, and I am truly thankful. AUTUMN 2016
ANNA OSTOJA-PETKOWSKA FORM V
facing page (clockwise from top left) Amika Pipaplure, Ava Kunchala, Anna Ostoja-Petkowska, Arina Bykova, Alexandra Keenan, Angelica Meneely
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125TH AN N IVE RSARY · CH U RCH SE RVICE
What a day! After the service, III Form were tasked with writing recollections of the day. They could be from the point of view of themselves, their friends or anyone they thought they may have spotted in the crowd…
Paddington does the School a service
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walked into the church (or rather was carried) and was greeted by a sea of boater hats, which moved rather restlessly. I thought it could have been an ‘all hail’ Paddington, but Mrs Kamaryc told me that I should wait and listen. So I sighed, and took a marmalade sandwich from my hat. Finally, the service started. A long line of important people came forward; the Head Girls, Deputy Head Girls and guests, and of course, Mrs Neale and Mrs Kamaryc.
BY VICTORIA ALLE N
I REMEMBER TRYING TO BLOW A FEW OF THOSE BIG CANDLES OUT But I don’t think they were as important as my marmalade sandwich, or so I now recall. Finally, just when I was feeling lonely, Mrs Neale and Mrs Kamaryc sat next to me. It was quite impressive really, but I remember trying to blow a few of those big candles out, just a few mind you, though I was caught in the act! After lots of glorious music, my first thought was cake! But I had to stay a little longer. It’s a shame that the service ended, because I liked the music and I think it will be more memorable than the carol service, because I think that this service was BETTER than a marmalade sandwich. 14
QG NEWS
125TH AN N IVE RSARY · CH U RCH SE RVICE
The church mouse is inconvenienced BY LEXY DIOTALLEVI
I
was peering into the aisle before scurrying towards the front of the church to see what was happening and what was causing all the commotion. It was a very long run for me, and I was puffed out when I reached my destination. The floor was freezing cold compared to the snug hat which I had decided to use for a bed. I wove in and out of the forest of legs, stopping on the way to peer into handbags left carelessly on the floor, to find something to nibble on. Suddenly, there was a crescendo of noise as people rose from their seats and started singing at the tops of their voices. My eardrums were ringing noisily in my head. I longed for the racket to end. I crept back to my hat unnoticed by the gathering crowd, as quiet as a church mouse.
MY EARDRUMS WERE RINGING NOISILY IN MY HEAD
The nervous chorister finds her courage BY SOPH I E VLACHOPOU LOU
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stepped to the front while sweat was dripping off my ear and nose. I tried to look calm. Sadly I failed. Mr Liepa, our conductor, gave us the signal to start the song. Then we sang ‘and did she see there!’ While I was singing, I was getting more confident and realised I didn’t need to worry about anything. All I did was look at Mr Liepa’s directions. After the fun song we sang, we got to sing another jolly song, hear Reverend Russell’s speech (which was very interesting) and then put our hands together and prayed. Lastly, at the end of the Anniversary Service, we found our parents, the teachers ticked us off a register and we made our way home. This year’s anniversary was so much fun. It made me more comfortable with singing in front of people.
WHILE I WAS SINGING I WAS GETTING MORE CONFIDENT AUTUMN 2016
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JU N IOR & SE N IOR SCHOOLS · TH E SCHOOL ARCH IVES
The Queen’s Gate School Archives The new Digital Archives give Old Girls, parents and friends unprecedented access to the School’s past life BY M ISS PODAVITTE SCHOOL ARCHIVIST
‘Most of you know the history of your school – how the happy family of five girls under Miss Wyatt’s care at Stanhope Gardens grew into numbers that made it necessary to move on to 132 Queen’s Gate, and then 132 and 133 were both occupied to their fullest capacity. The work was full of human love and sympathy; it was bound to widen, and so it came about that two schools grew out of one, and to us at Queen’s Gate has been left a heritage of much value, which we must cherish if we wish to make the present in its final results equal to the past.’
The Log 1903, p. 51
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above UVI on the steps of 132 Queen’s Gate in 1997 above right The first-ever Queen’s Gate magazine cover
he School’s archival records are of great importance in our determination to remain faithful to Queen’s Gate’s ethos, character and uniqueness. They also provide a fascinating picture of the development of the School within ‘the changing values of a changing world’ (The Log 1981 p.3). As members of the Queen’s Gate community, we are all privileged custodians of a heritage in learning, humanity and history travelling back 125 years. My role as Archivist is to collect, catalogue, store, preserve and make available all information pertaining to the School and its larger community. In March 2016, Queen’s Gate launched the Digital Archives, a new website that explores and documents 125 years of school life, and celebrates our identity within the wider world. Photographs and magazines about the School’s history have been scanned and collated into a new digital format, to allow Old Girls, parents, and friends to access this fascinating information quickly and easily. 16
How to register Instructions on how to sign up for an account can be found at: queensgate.org.uk/the-archives/ the-digital-archives/
QG NEWS
EVE NTS · INSIDE TH E ARCH IVES
left The 1905 performance of King Rene’s Daughter below left The 1955 Lacrosse Team bottom left Professor Kate Williams
Inside the Archives Explore 125 years of history at this very special exhibition evening
O
n Monday 14 November, as part of the continuing 125th Anniversary celebrations, the School will open its Archives for a special exhibition evening. Excerpts from The Log, alongside photographs, videos and artefacts will be on display, giving everyone the opportunity to learn a little more about the School we all love so much. We shall also be welcoming special guest speakers for the evening: historian, author and broadcaster, Professor Kate Williams, who will talk about the history of Victorian London; Caryl Harris, Chair of the South Kensington and Queen’s Gate Residents’ Association, who will speak about the life and times of ‘quirky Queen’s Gate residents’; and former Headmistress of
AUTUMN 2016
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the Junior School, Nia Webb, who will bring the evening to a close with a talk on the first 80 years of Queen’s Gate education. Kate Williams will be selling and signing copies of her books following her talk, and copies of An Unschooly School: The History of Queen’s Gate School 1891–2006, written by former pupil and staff member, the late Elizabeth de Leeuw, will also be on sale during the evening.
BOOKING INFORMATION Tickets £10, students free online queensgate.org.uk/events e-mail events@queensgate.org.uk
ADVE RTISE M E NT FEATU RE
The Queen’s Gate
Christmas Fair Saturday 3 December
RAFFLE PRIZES Photographic sessions, iWatch, iPad, Christmas hampers, beauty packages, restaurant vouchers & theatre tickets
Each year parents and friends of Queen’s Gate kindly donate an exciting array of prizes and produce to furnish the many stall and activities at the Annual Christmas Fair. We hope you may be able to give generously again this year to help fundraise for the School. Some suggested gift ideas:
TOMBOLA PRIZES (£5–£25) Family games (Monopoly, Battleships), bijouterie or cheap jewellery, toys, photo frames, stationery, toiletries (hand cream, shower gel), accessories (credit card holders, small purses), kitchenware (aprons, mugs, recipe books), gadgets (keyrings, calculators, ear phones) no alcohol please
HOME PRODUCE STALL Label with ingredients no nuts please Girls & parents, get your baking hats on & please be as creative as possible! Bring along your culinary creations including: brownies, cheese biscuits, chutney, Christmas cakes, cupcakes, cookies, flapjacks, gingerbread men, jam, marmalade, marshmallow rice crispy squares, mince pies, savoury biscuits, shortbread squares
There will be dedicated boxes in the School Office from Friday 4 November should you wish to donate raffle, tombola or auction items
SILENT AUCTION PRIZES Tickets to sporting events (Wimbledon finals, AEGON finals, football or rugby matches), work placements, gift vouchers, fitness classes
Junior School 20
BRITISH FOOD FORTNIGHT
Two weeks bursting with foodie facts about British produce and agriculture
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100 YEARS YOUNG
Roald Dahl’s centenary is celebrated in ‘splendiferous’ fashion
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STRICTLY VICTORIAN
IA are drilled in ‘the three Rs’ by a Victorian schoolmaster
IIA at the Handel House Museum
AUTUMN 2016
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JU N IOR SCHOOL · BRITISH FOOD FORTN IGHT
Food, glorious food
INTRODUCED BY MRS NEALE DIRECTOR OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
The Junior School celebrated Love British Food 2016 from Monday 26 September to Friday 7 October, by participating in a number of food-based special assemblies and outings. Love British Food is a leading national promotion of British food, celebrated around the country for two weeks each year. This is what the girls got up to...
WEEK ONE
WEEK TWO
The first event on Monday there was an entertaining assembly, led by Dr Cobb and Riverford Farm on ugly vegetables! The girls learnt about how good food is often rejected, just because it looks different and is misshapen. Then, on Tuesday and Thursday, Transition and IB visited the Holland Park Ecology Centre to learn about ‘edible gardens’. On Wednesday, Helen Browning, Chair of the Soil Association, led an interesting assembly, which focused on the farming methods used on her organic farm. No one wanted this assembly to end, especially after seeing pictures of some of the 2,000 piglets she has on her farm! On Friday, IIA visited Sheepdrove Farm near Newbury where they learnt more about how crops are grown and animals are raised. AUTUMN 2016
The fantastic assemblies continued with girls meeting a Bee Keeper on Tuesday and learning all about Rookery Farm Hens and Eggs on Friday. On Thursday IA and IIB visited the Allotments in Hyde Park, where they learnt all about sustainability and growing vegetables organically. We hope that this initiative will become a regular event in our calendar.
facing page Junior School pupils learning all about ‘ugly vegetables’
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JU N IOR SCHOOL · BRITISH FOOD FORTN IGHT
Who’s been eating my forage? Transition and IB munch their way through the Ecology Centre BY MISS SMITH IB FORM TEACHER On Tuesday 27 and Thursday 29 September respectively, IB and Transition visited the Ecology Centre in Holland Park to explore edible and non-edible plants. Both groups had lots of fun outside during a nature trail, discovering new and different plants and berries; they even saw a few of Holland Park’s peacocks and squirrels on their journey! The girls then visited a special garden, which was filled with fruit and vegetable plants. They learnt all about the different parts of the plants, and found out which parts of the plant are the tastiest!
above Transition exploring the
All we like sheep . .. and piglets
greenery of Holland Park below IIA meeting the Sheepdrove cattle
Sheepdrove Organic Farm shows IIA where our food comes from BY MISS ASKEM IIA FORM TEACHER On Friday 30 September, IIA visited Sheepdrove Organic Farm in Hungerford. We arrived on this beautiful farm with lovely sunny weather and the girls took part in a busy day making bread and butter, as well as learning about the life of a farmer. Before lunch, we walked around the farm to see all the animals, including piglets, cows and sheep. The children were delighted to see the little piglets! We also took a walk into their vegetable and flower gardens where they grow herbs for the Neal’s Yard outlets! It was a very enjoyable day for the girls, and am sure they will remember the fun they ad as they gained an insight into organic farming and animal welfare. 22
QG NEWS
JU N IOR SCHOOL · BRITISH FOOD FORTN IGHT
top left Wandering in Sheepdrove’s beautiful fields far left Transition finding new plants to learn about below left Ecology fun in Hyde Park
How does your garden grow? IA and IIB find out about sustainable allotments BY MISS HASLER IA FORM TEACHER IA and IIB visited the Ecology Centre in Hyde Park on Thursday 6 October, as part of British Food Fortnight. We had such an interesting morning taking part in a workshop about edible plants. We examined a range of plants that can be eaten, and tasted nasturtium leaves — which we thought were quite spicy. Next we met the worms in a wormery and explored what lives in a compost heap. Finally, we learnt about the life cycle of broad beans, made our own plant pots out of newspaper and planted our beans. It was a fantastic morning and we are looking forward to eating the beans that will soon be growing on our plants! AUTUMN 2016
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JU N IOR SCHOOL · LIBRARY
A Splendiferous, Delumptious Celebration
The Library is transformed into the magical world of Roald Dahl to celebrate his 100th Birthday
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BY TH E WON DE RCRU M P CRABCRU NCH E R (AKA M RS SCOTT HEAD LIBRARIAN)
n Tuesday 13 September, lots of ‘human beans’ mostly of the ‘kiddles’ variety, had a ‘whoopsy-wiffling’ birthday celebration for Roald Dahl. For those not familiar with Roald Dahl-speak, it means that Junior School pupils had a wonderful party to mark the author’s 100th birthday. Dahl is, of course, one of the most well-known and well-loved children’s authors of all time. Year-on-year, his books are some of the most borrowed from the School Library, and so what better way to honour him than to have a ‘squackling’ centenary celebration. The festivities commenced at morning break when the BFG (aka Mrs Scott), the Peach (aka Miss Podavitte) and ‘the Golden Ticket’ (aka Miss Hasler) welcomed girls into the Library, which had been transformed into a ‘phizz-whizzing’ party venue thanks to the superbly illustrated bunting made by girls across the School. Whilst in the Library, girls had
the opportunity to invent their own chocolate bars, draw (or write) about a ‘ringbeller’ and put it in a Dream Jar to keep it safe, search for ingredients that George puts in his marvellous medicine bag, and complete a Roald Dahl crossword puzzle as they waited for the most ‘whoopsy-splunkers’ activity of all — to vote for their favourite Roald Dahl story. The Library Prefects — Jimena Calvo Moreno, Lara Fox, India Middleton-Roy, Amika Piplapure and Erika Bustnes — dressed as Fantastic Mr Fox, his wife and children, and did a ‘jumpsquiffling’ job of manning the Polling Station, where even Mrs Neale turned up to cast her vote! The ‘razztwizzling’ certainly did not stop after break, but rather continued for the remainder of the week! Other highlights included watching the Puffin Virtually Live Roald Dahl event, which featured a performance from the cast of Matilda the Musical, a behind-the-scenes look at Steven 24
Spielberg’s summer hit The BFG and a sneak-peek at the archives of the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, listening to excerpts of Dahl’s stories, read by the teachers, and testing their knowledge of the author and his books and language with the ‘Roald Dahl Book’ and ‘Gobblefunk’ quizzes. The girls also had the chance to discover what character they could play in a Roald Dahl book by using ‘gobblefunk’ words that had been assigned to the first letter of their first and last names, and then to write a story featuring the character in 50 words or fewer. Congratulations go to Justine Bourrette for achieving a perfect score on both the ‘Book’ and ‘Gobblefunk’ quizzes, Jimena Calvo Moreno for also achieving a perfect score on the ‘Gobblefunk’ quiz, Victoria Bunimovich for her ‘gloriumptious’ short-story entry, and last, but definitely not least, to Matilda for being named Queen’s Gate Junior School’s favourite Roald Dahl book! QG NEWS
JU N IOR SCHOOL · LIBRARY
M ISS H I N DS COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER ‘I remember having an anthology of three Roald Dahl stories, Matilda, George’s Marvellous Medicine and The BFG, given to me for my seventh birthday. I thought each story was so magical and carried the book around for months everywhere I went; I loved it so much! The best thing for me still is all the wonderful words and how they describe everything so brilliantly! My absolute favourite Roald Dahl book, though, is the horrifying The Twits!’
Girls and staff were asked what their favourite thing was about Roald Dahl and his books, in anticipation of the author’s 100th Birthday celebrations. There was no surprise as to how enthusiastically everyone was able to answer, showing that Dahl really is one of the most brilliant authors of recent years!
M RS SCOTT HEAD LIBRARIAN ‘Roald Dahl is probably one of the first authors I remember reading as a child. I loved the adventurous nature of the stories and the mischievous characters, but I especially enjoyed all the inventive, ‘wondercrump’ words that Roald Dahl would use. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was an early favourite and I could certainly relate to Matilda. Over time, though, The BFG has become my absolute favourite Roald Dahl book, and I have re-read it many times.’
M ISS PODAVITTE ARCHIVIST & ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN ‘When I was at my Italian primary school, Roald Dahl’s James e la Pesca Gigante (James and the Giant Peach) was the first book I ever read written by a foreign author. I instantly fell in love with the characters and I still remember how much I despised Zia Stecco (Aunt Spiker) and Zia Spugna (Aunt Sponge)! I still very much cherish James’s adventures and all the other Roald Dahl’s stories I have read since I first entered the magical world of this fantastic author.
MARCE LLA APRI LE - BORRI E LLO IB ‘What I like about Matilda is that it includes lots of Maths’ MAYA WE I LE R IA ‘I like Roald Dahl books because they are really funny’ ANOU K BE NSON IA ‘My favourite Roald Dahl book is The BFG. I like Roald Dahl books because they’re fun and some of them have really good adventures’
M ISS HASLE R IA FORM TEACHER ‘I have always loved Roald Dahl’s stories. As a child, some of them, like George’s Marvellous Medicine, fascinated me and my sister and I spent hours trying to make our own magic medicine — luckily we didn’t try it out on any human beings! When I was seven years old, I was lucky enough to meet Roald Dahl. He came and opened the Summer Fayre at my school and there was a fancy dress competition. I dressed up as the mother bird from The Magic Finger and my little sister dressed up as a Golden Ticket from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; she was so excited when Roald Dahl chose her as the winner! Her costume inspired the one that I wore to celebrate Roald Dahl’s 100th birthday.’
ISABE LLA CIAM POLI N I MAN LEY IIA ‘My favourite is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I love how Violet is always chewing gum and how Veruca wants everything…”Daddy, I want the Golden Ticket… get me the Golden Ticket. Daddy, I want a squirrel. Daddy, I want one of those Oompa-Loompas”’ VICTORIA CIAM POLI N I MAN LEY IB ‘Matilda is my favourite because it’s funny and she has powers so she gets to do whatever she likes’ AUTUMN 2016
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JU N IOR SCHOOL · ACADE M IC
Getting a handle on Handel IIA visit the Handel House Museum to discover the man and his splendid music BY M ISS ASKE M IIA FORM TEACHER
above Mr Wilberforce takes the register left Handwriting practice in 1891 below left A Victorian punishment for ‘slouchers’ below right IIA getting to grips with Baroque instruments
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A Wilberforce to be reckoned with
n Monday 3 October, IA were transported back to 1891 to be put through their paces by Mr Wilberforce, of Freshwater Theatre, for a traditional Victorian lesson of reading, writing and arithmetic. Pupil Eloise Sanderson writes about the class’s experience of the day:
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n Wednesday 5 October, IIA went on a fascinating trip to the Handel House Museum. They learnt about the history of the composer, George Frideric Handel, and his music, including one of his most famous compositions, Zadok the Priest, which is used at the coronation of a new King or Queen even today. The girls worked in groups to compose music, had a chance to listen to a harpsichord and had the opportunity to dress up and act out a coronation. What a wonderful introduction to the music of this legendary composer.
‘Our Victorian lesson was great, but we had a very strict teacher. He was speaking in an Old English accent and he was checking to see if our hands were dirty. He did a demonstration of the punishments he would give us if we were bad. One of my friends got ‘hit’ by the cane. We heard our friend scream very loudly. Then we did some arithmetic and we were not allowed to use our fingers, or use our left hand for writing. I enjoyed writing because it was all so swirly and cursive. I did not enjoy the reading because it is boring when it is a poem that sounds very strict. The most exciting part of the afternoon was meeting our new Form Teacher for the first time. It was interesting to find out that you are strictly forbidden to use your left hand.’ 26
QG NEWS
SE N IOR SCHOOL · RE MOVE PHOTO COM PETITION
1 LARA MAN N ES DIAZ DE CE RIO
REMOVE PHOTO COMPETITION During this year’s Remove induction in June, girls were given the opportunity to enter a photography competition. Set by the prefects, the theme for photos was ‘Summer’s Golden Hour’. Congratulations to the overall winner, Lara Mannes Diaz de Cerio, for her beautiful city skyline sunset, the runner-up, Madeleine Sacks, for her beach photograph and to Dixie Ray Hall, who came third, for her road sunset. Lara takes away a £20 Topshop voucher, and Madeleine and Dixie Ray each receive book tokens.
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DIXI E RAY HALL
MADE LE I N E SACKS
JU N IOR & SE N IOR SCHOOLS · SPORT
SPORT REPORT NETBALL On Saturday 17 September, girls across all age groups participated in the annual Queen’s Gate Netball Workshop at Battersea Park. The morning involved a skills rotation, where pupils had the opportunity to work on their attack, defence, shooting and use of space. The second half of the morning allowed pupils to put these skills into practice during game play. All girls involved worked hard throughout the day, leading to what promises to be an exciting season ahead!
above The QG Netballers left Ceci and Mercedes postcompetition
ROWING
FENCING
On Sunday 11 September Form IV pupils Ceci Tombolis and Mercedes Hildreth participated in the Cambridge Autumn Regatta, representing London Youth Rowing Thames Tradesmen Rowing Club. The girls came first in the WJ14 coxed four category and won the Cambridge Regatta Cup.
Congratulations to III Form pupil and Junior School Head Girl, Harriet Hillier, who, over the summer, won a silver medal at the Leon Paul Youth International Series Girls U11. Also over the summer, Form IV pupil Patrycja Krzyzaniak was offered a place in the Great Britain Cadet International Squad, and will be the youngest member of the team. You can read about Harriet and Patrycja’s recent successes in the summer edition of the QG News.
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QG NEWS
JU N IOR & SE N IOR SCHOOLS · SPORT
CROSS COUNTRY Senior School Congratulations to all of the Remove, LIV and Form IV who ran in the InterHouse Cross Country Competition on Tuesday 27 September in Battersea Park. There were fantastic performances and confident running by all those representing their houses. It was a very close competition, enjoyed by all.
RESULTS REMOVE
RESULTS
Junior School
IA
Wednesday 28 September saw the turn of the Juniors for their InterHouse Cross Country Competition, in Battersea Park. The girls coped very well in dry and sunny conditions, racing confidently for their House. A huge well done to everyone who took part, and especially to the year group winners.
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Maya Weiler
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Allegra Colciago
3
Juliette Atighi IIB
1
Asya Aksenenko
2
Iris Meunier
3
Louisa Derbez LVI
1
Isabella Hutton
2
Teresa Carmo Costa
3
Isabella Valpy
above The Seniors
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Ava Porcaro
2
Sophie Goreli
3
Nefeli Siokos
FORM IV
at the start-line below The Juniors during their run
IIA
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Valeria Lebedeva-Alexopoulou
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Gioia Duenas
3
Victoria Bunimovich
Kitty Searle
2 =
Justine Bourrette & Lara Fox
2
Fiona Thalhofer
3
Julia Brown
Wyatt
Miss Ward’s Channel fund A huge thank you to everyone who has donated money to Miss Ward ahead of her Channel and Sicily swims. The current total is £5,500 and rising, and the money raised will be funding a new shower block for the Gloucester City Mission (gloscitymission.org.uk) to aid the Mission’s work with homeless people. Both Miss Ward and her sister will visit the site in the new year.
OVERALL HOUSE WIN N ERS Elizabeth
AUTUMN 2016
Isabel Rondinelli
OVERALL HOUSE WIN N ERS
III FORM
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Congratulations Queen’s Gate Honours for the School and a place in the Hall of Fame for Old Girl Ella Dobson at the London Youth Games Awards Ceremony
above & left OG Ella Dobson at the World Triathlon Series in Mexico
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n Wednesday 21 September, Queen’s Gate received a recognition award for Sport and Physical Education in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea for their dedication over the last ten years to the Epic CIC sports programme (London Youth Games). The award celebrates a school that goes out of its way to put forward young people to represent the borough. Queen’s Gate players in the London Youth Games Hockey Team and Cross Country runners were also awarded medals as participants from the School. Many congratulations go to the PE Department for this recognition. As well as Queen’s Gate’s recognition award, QG Old Girl, Ella Dobson, was inducted into the London Youth Games Hall of Fame. Ella’s award comes for her contribution to sport during her time at Queen’s Gate with rowing, fencing, aquathon, swimming and cycling. Ella’s willingness to get involved, and her remarkable attitude, has led her to receive this special award. At the time of the awards ceremony Ella was participating in the World Triathlon Series, ITU Grand Final Cozumel in Mexico, where she finished in an impressive eighth place. Congratulations Ella; we look forward to hearing about your future sporting achievements. QG NEWS
JU N IOR & SE N IOR SCHOOLS · SPORT
Biathlon training camp
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BY M ISS H U RLBATT DIRECTOR OF SPORT
n a repeat of last year, a group of pupils from Remove to Sixth Form travelled to the Crol Centre, a swimming training centre in Calella, Spain, during September. The Centre houses an Olympic Swimming Pool, Fitness Gym and excellence centre for Ironman Triathlon. It was an excellent five-day training trip, where all pupils worked exceptionally hard in the 50-metre swimming pool and during running sessions, in preparation for the National Schools’ Modern Biathlon Qualifying competition in October. The girls participated in daily swimming sessions, working towards their age group swimming distances, and took part in three tough running sessions, which consisted of a beach run, track training and a hill session. Of course, the beach day was enjoyed by all, with a swim in the Mediterranean and a competitive game of beach volleyball, followed by a pizza night to celebrate everyone’s hard work. We wish all of the Biathletes taking part in this year’s qualifying competitions the best of luck, and keep training!
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SE N IOR SCHOOL · CHARITY
Cake and denim Jeans days, an ice cream sale and an impressive coffee morning raise impressive sums for good causes
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BY ISABE L STE E LE CHARITIES PREFECT
t has been an impressive start to the term for charity events; Queen’s Gate continues its enthusiastic support of local and global causes. Our first event of term in the Senior School was a jeans day and ice cream sale for the International Chandramauli Charitable Trust, which raised an amazing £500. We also supported Genes for Jeans day, where girls and staff participated by wearing their jeans to school, raising almost £300 in the Senior School and £417 in the Junior School. Queen’s Gate’s Sixth Form pupils also carried forward the long-held tradition of hosting the annual World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in support of Macmillan Cancer Support, in the Senior School. Friends and neighbours were invited to join pupils and staff to feast on the spread of sumptuous cakes produced by the Queen’s Gate
Community. The Senior School raised £550 for the charity during morning break. Over in the Junior School, QG parents hosted the event, with an array of baked treats on offer, including an excellent cake made by III Form parent, Mrs Fox, which was decorated with blue blazers and a Queen’s Gate banner! The many cakes purchased and consumed brought the total for the Junior School to £1,240, and a final Queen’s Gate School combined total of £1,790 for the charity! Jess Waller, Assistant to the CEO Office at Macmillan Cancer Support commented ‘£1,790 is absolutely fantastic! I’d like to thank everyone at Queen’s Gate School for your continuing support, I wish I had been there!’ Well done to everyone who made, bought and ate their way to this outstanding total. 32
top The Sixth Form
above The Juniors
prefect team and
enjoy the array of
Dr Lee ahead of the
cakes
coffee morning QG NEWS
SE N IOR SCHOOL · DRAMA
Bright lights for Bonnie Jane Form V pupil Bonnie Jane Goudie recounts her time on the National Youth Theatre Junior Acting Course
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above Bonnie Jane appearing in February 2016’s Senior School musical, Merrily We Roll Along AUTUMN 2016
his summer, I spent two weeks taking part in the National Youth Theatre Junior Acting Course, which is an introduction to acting by the prestigious company for young people aged 13–17. It took place at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, in Greenwich. There was a boarding option in a Macmillan student village which was two minutes away from Laban. I decided to board, as Greenwich is not exactly next door and because it would be a lot more fun (which it was)! We started the course on a Thursday, and after a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, I was raring to go. We were first introduced to our course team and given a little NYT introduction. Every morning we did a gruelling workout and stretches to keep us in shape. I must say some exercises we did over the course were extremely physically demanding. Then we would usually take part in division tasks. As an example, our course leader Jen would give us a particular stimulus, a Rubik’s Cube, and we would have to create an abstract piece in five minutes. We had 33
to keep in mind the time we had to complete the task and the fact that we needed to work as an ensemble. Throughout the course we had amazing tasks to complete and we learned so much! One day we studied the seven states of tension, how our bodies connect with music, and we even had a physical coach come in who had us creating movements with long sticks of bamboo between each other. We were testing our strength as an ensemble. During the second week, we were focusing on our final performance. Our main stimulus was ‘pressure makes diamonds’. The content in our performance was mostly work that we, as a course, had created in our devising tasks. So it was great to see our work evolve into these wonderful pieces of theatre, which were performed on stage in front of parents, the nine other courses and NYT CEO and Artistic Director Paul Roseby. Overall, NYT was a wonderful and beneficial experience that I will hopefully never forget. I do highly recommend auditioning!
Monday 21 November 11am
Kingsmill House Tuesday 22 November 2pm& 6pm
Senior School Hall
SE N IOR SCHOOL · TRIPS
Order, order! Form IV spends the day in the democratic heart of Great Britain — the Houses of Parliament BY DIAN E -SOPH I E CAPE LLE FORM IV
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n Tuesday 4 October, the whole of Form IV set off for an amazing tour and workshop at the Houses of Parliament. On our tour we visited the Victoria Tower, where Queen Elizabeth arrives in her horsedrawn carriage when she visits Parliament. Next, we took the stairs which the Queen uses, although apparently she chose to take the lift this year. After walking up the stairs, pretending we were all the Queen, we went to the Lords’ visitors’ room. We gazed in awe at all the paintings and high ceilings, and even saw the chair where Queen Victoria sat! Each painting represented the qualities a monarch should have; these include mercy, generosity and courtesy. There were also two magnificent portraits of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. We then moved on to the House of Lords’ Chamber, which was yet another spectacular sight. Afterwards, we went to the lobby, where there were statues of all the Prime Ministers. The tradition is that statues are erected ten years after the PM’s death, which was the case until Margaret Thatcher’s, which was raised during her lifetime. The House of Commons was much simpler than the House of Lords; it was all in wood, in comparison to the glamorous gold of the Lords. AUTUMN 2016
In our workshop we were split into two groups, which represented two parties. Both groups elected a Leader, and we debated university fees and whether to lower them or keep them the same. After having elected a Speaker, we were free to debate! We got points for good statements, and in the end there was a general vote, and keeping university fees the same won. We all had a fantastic day, and I would like to thank Miss Chidoub for kindly organising this trip. It was a great experience!
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SE N IOR SCHOOL · TRIPS
Drawing on inspiration Form V Art students practise their sketching in the National Gallery BY M R MATAYA HEAD OF ART
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n Thursday 23 September, Form V Art pupils visited the National Gallery, accompanied by Ms Sitko, Mr Lynn and myself. Everybody enjoyed working from first‑hand observation in the gallery space and interacting with curious visitors who admired their work. Taking time to work in the gallery provided valuable experience and inspiration for the final pieces which will be painted during Art lessons. Every pupil produced great sketchbook outcomes based on still life paintings and experiments by using the technique called ‘Drawing with the right side of the brain’. We look forward to seeing completed pieces from the girls later on in the academic year.
Parliamentary privilege A group of keen debaters visit the Houses of Parliament to hone their skills BY POPPY HOOPE R HEAD GIRL, MODEL UNITED NATIONS & INSPIRING WOMEN PREFECT
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n Thursday 15 September, I and the other girls involved in Model United Nations and Sixth Form Debating, plus five Remove pupils, were lucky enough to attend a debating workshop at the Houses of Parliament. We were accompanied by Dr Lee, Ms Yates and Mr Stevens for a tour of the magnificent buildings, where we learnt about Westminster Hall, which was used for Henry VIII’s tennis matches as well as banquets when the Palace of Westminster was first built 900 years ago. We then went
into the House of Commons and listened to an engaging debate on domestic abuse victims in family law courts, followed by a debate at the House of Lords on the impact of the decision by the government of France to dismantle the refugee camp in Calais, focusing solely on children living in the camp. After that, we had an interesting workshop on how to debate effectively, and the rules of Parliamentary debating. Overall, we all enjoyed the trip hugely as we learnt some very useful skills. 36
QG NEWS
SE N IOR SCHOOL · TRIPS
Pride and Prejudice in the Park
Form V universally acknowledge that the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Pride and Prejudice is a success BY ALICE GRANT FORM V
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n Thursday 8 September, Form V went to see a production of Pride and Prejudice at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. It was a beautiful, warm afternoon and the sunlit stage was surrounded by trees adorned with pretty fairy lights. From where we were sitting, we were afforded a great view of the action, which mainly took place on the revolving centre of the stage. The play itself, based on Jane Austen’s classic novel, had moments of humour, tension and joy. It was brilliantly performed by talented actors and we were all thoroughly
entertained and captivated throughout, whilst following the story of the headstrong protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, and her sisters, in their search for romance and marriage. We all really enjoyed the fantastic experience in such a gorgeous setting, and watching the live production has inspired me to re-read the novel, now with a more developed understanding and a clearer image of the characters. A huge thank you to Miss Clarke-Williams and the English Department for organising such a splendid day out.
Poetry reading
the rest of the audience in Mrs Tiresias when the voice of the poem ‘passed out’ at her husband’s sudden transformation to a woman, cursed by the blessed gods for killing two snakes with a wooden stick. Mrs Faust was equally amusing, and the matter-of-fact first line ‘First things first – I married Faust’ merely served as a prelude to the witty and ingenious stanzas that followed. Her love poems were equally mesmerizing, and it was interesting to hear from the poet herself the reason why the majority of her love poems had one-word titles. With respect to the musical accompaniment, on various recherché woodwind instruments, which spanned 500 years of history, I believe it worked brilliantly alongside the poet laureate’s hypnotising voice. As for me, I had never heard someone who could play so many instruments, and was particularly impressed, as a student musician, with Sampson’s brilliant performance on the trumpet. I am happy to say that Carol Ann Duffy inspired and delighted us all, albeit for only a short while. She managed to leave us feeling a little more magical, which isn’t at all unlike reading her dazzling work. It was an honour none of us will be forgetting soon!
Sixth Form English pupils hear the poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, read a selection of her poems at the Wimbledon BookFest
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BY CAROLI N E WI NTE R LVI
he brisk chill of the approaching night only served to increase our eagerness when we finally entered the warm and brightly lit Big Tent at the Wimbledon BookFest to hear the poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, recite her compelling poetry alongside her court musician, John Sampson. The tent was packed with the eagerly awaiting audience, and amongst us sat people of all ages, such is the appeal of Duffy’s poetry; it manages to entrance audiences both young and old with her beautifully constructed stanzas. As a mythology enthusiast, I was enthralled when she began her recital with some of the poems from her collection The World’s Wife, as these are narrated from the wives of history and literature’s greatest men. I laughed along with
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SE N IOR SCHOOL · STAFF N EWS
The domino effect
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o commemorate 350 years since the Great Fire of London, events around the City of London took place from 30 August–4 September, including the Tate Modern hosting a Fire Garden, talks in and around the City, and a wooden replica of London by artist David Best burning on the Thames. Each event served as a reminder of the fire which swept through London in 1666, changing the city forever. ‘Dominoes’, a concept by performance company Station House Opera came to the City of London on Saturday 3 September, seeing 23,000 concrete block dominoes running 6 km through the city streets. The extremely precise route was created by 500 volunteers, one of which was Queen’s Gate’s Head of Art, Mr Mataya. The spot handed to Mr Mataya was in front of St Paul’s Cathedral, where he and his team spent six hours carefully building a beautiful meandering shape up and down the steps of the cathedral. A wonderfully thought-provoking but fun project – well done Mr Mataya.
stationhouseopera.com visitlondon.com/greatfire350
above The domino formation takes shape on the steps of St Paul’s right Mr Mataya makes some lastminute checks
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QG NEWS
JU N IOR & SE N IOR SCHOOLS ¡ STAFF N EWS
QG Weddings SUMMER 2016 Congratulations to Miss Wise (Teacher of Physics), Miss Fitzgerald (III Form Teacher) and Miss Baker (Alumnae Relations, Events and Fundraising Officer) who all got married over the summer
Miss Fitzgerald (now Mrs Shanley) was married to Stephen on Friday 12 August at Stoke Park Country Club.
Miss Wise was married to Dr Edward Wise on Saturday 16 July in Hampshire. Miss Wise made all the dresses, waistcoats and ties herself for the occasion.
Miss Baker (now Mrs Thackwray) was married to Laurence on Sunday 21 August at Pembroke College, Cambridge. AUTUMN 2016
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JU N IOR & SE N IOR SCHOOLS · STAFF N EWS
NEW STAFF MISS ADLER
MISS ALLEN
A very warm welcome to the new staff joining the Queen’s Gate team this year
Miss Adler joins Queen’s Gate as Head of Computer Science and ICT. Having studied Computer Science and Business Studies at the University of Cologne, she worked in the IT industry for five years before moving to London and training to be a teacher. Her last two years have been spent at Bexley Grammar School in Welling, teaching Computer Science and ICT at GCSE, A Level and IB. Miss Adler is excited to be introducing Computer Science to Queen’s Gate.
Miss Allen comes to Queen’s Gate as the new Head of PE. She has previously taught at a range of schools including Westcliff High School for Girls and Roedean School. Miss Allen enjoys most sports, and currently represents Chelmsford Hockey Club, who reached the National Finals last year. Before teaching, Miss Allen worked in the City of London as an Oil and Index Trader.
MISS ASKEM
MISS BRADNICK
MISS CHIDOUB
Miss Bradnick comes to the Junior School as Transition’s Form Teacher, having taught Reception and Year I in an infant school in East Croydon, for six years. Miss Bradnick grew up in Zimbabwe before studying at the University of Pretoria, in South Africa. She enjoys living in London and is excited to be a part of the wonderful and caring team at Queen’s Gate Junior School.
Miss Chidoub comes to Queen’s Gate as Director of Academic Development within the Senior Management Team. Miss Chidoub gained her BA in Geography, before completing her PGCE at Christ Church, Oxford. She has held several academic and pastoral posts at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls and at The Abbey School, Reading, and she is very much looking forward to working with and getting to know the whole Queen’s Gate Community.
Miss Askem is IIA’s new Form Teacher. She left Queen’s Gate in 2011 having been a student at the School since Preliminary. Miss Askem went on to study Primary Education at Roehampton University before spending a year as an intervention teacher in a Year 6 class. She looks forward to the challenges and rewards of being a Form Teacher, and is particularly enjoying being back at Queen’s Gate as a member of staff.
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QG NEWS
JU N IOR & SE N IOR SCHOOLS · STAFF N EWS
MME COLLOMBON
MR GALLAGHER
MISS MARSHALL
Madame Collombon is the new Head of French. She previously taught French at James Allen’s Girls’ School, St Paul’s Girls’ School and Queen Mary University. She studied for her two BAs and MA at the Université de Provence and holds a PGCE in MFL teaching from the Institute of Education in London. Madame Collombon left her native Provence in 2001 to settle in London and work as a French lectrice at university. She is keen to make the most of the proximity to the French cultural institute as well as developing the provision of French trips for pupils.
Mr Gallagher joins Queen’s Gate to teach Biology. Following his graduation from the University of Bath, Mr Gallagher taught English on a small island, Amami Ōshima, in Japan for three years. He then moved to Mexico and trained as a SCUBA diving instructor. Before arriving at Queen’s Gate, Mr Gallagher taught for three years at Lady Margaret School. In his spare time Mr Gallagher loves travelling (especially places where he can SCUBA dive).
Miss Marshall joins Queen’s Gate to teach PE across both the Junior and Senior Schools. Originally from Australia, she moved to the UK almost four years ago, and completed her QTS through Cumbria University, whilst teaching in London. Miss Marshall has worked in many areas of the fitness industry, including managing, marketing and personal training. Sporting achievements include attaining two silver medals at Australian National Outrigging Championships and representing Queensland State for university water polo.
MRS McDONNELL
MISS MEALIFF
MISS MILLER
Mrs McDonnell comes to Queen’s Gate as Teaching and Administrative Assistant in the Junior School. Before arriving at Queen’s Gate, she worked at The Round House School in St. Neots supporting KS1 phonics and learning difficulties. Before qualifying as a Teaching Assistant, Mrs McDonnell worked as a receptionist with a number of businesses. Her spare time is taken up with looking after her two sons and watching them play golf and football.
Miss Mealiff is the new Gymnastics Specialist within the PE Department. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, Australia, she was a PE Teacher for a year before moving to London and working in a number of schools, including Putney High. Miss Mealiff has been teaching gymnastics for over ten years and has coached at National and International level. She has been a competitive athlete from the age of five and has represented her state and country in gymnastics and cheerleading competitions the world over.
Miss Miller joins Queen’s Gate as the new Head of Biology, having previously worked at the School three years ago, as maternity cover, and she is delighted to be back. Miss Miller studied for her BSc and MSc in Biology at Glasgow University, followed by a PGCE at Oxford University. In between Glasgow and Oxford she worked in cancer research in the pathology department at Dundee University. Miss Miller has taught Biology at Malvern College and several schools in and around London, most recently being ACS Cobham.
AUTUMN 2016
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Queen’s Gate School 133 Queen’s Gate London SW7 5LE 020 7589 3587 queensgate.org.uk @queens_gate /133queensgate