Subject Focus
The importance of languages
by Sophie BlewittJunior Boarding
A reflection of life in Aldhelmsted West
by Emma JamiesonSporting Success
Cross-country success at Dorset Schools and English Schools Championships by Nicky
MatthiasThe Sherborne Girls Magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2023
As the nation celebrates the Coronation of His Majesty the King and looks towards the future, we ask ourselves, as a school, what values we would like to hand over to the next generation How can we prepare girls for a global stage that is in constant flux? How can we support them to remain hopeful enough to be a force for good?
As a full boarding school, we are able to devote as much energy to personal development as we do to academic fulfilment Grounded in our school values, personal development is integral to everything we offer Through the breadth of our boarding experience and cocurricular provision, we foster the values, skills and habits our girls will need to thrive and make a positive difference
Each one of our school values has earned its place but if I had to pick one to pass on to the next generation, it would be adaptability. Being physically, mentally and emotionally agile allows us to
celebrate difference, find positives in every experience and feel confident in any situation, no matter how alien
Importantly, it allows us to preserve a sense of community, even when that community changes, enabling us to give back, regardless of where we are or who we are with
Adaptability is displayed in abundance in the extraordinary array of activities, achievements and acts of kindness described in the pages that follow Whether it’s performing on world-class pianos, playing Scrabble with elderly care home residents, mentoring pupils online in a slum village in Kenya, practising French in Paris, standing amidst the ruins of Pompeii or learning from the inspiring recipients of our Candlelight Bursaries, our girls are engaging with, and learning from, real life They are developing an awareness of the world that will enable them to feel at home anywhere, welcome change, and recognise opportunities.
Walking across the Jardin des Tuileries towards the Musée d’Orsay with twenty- seven girls on a misty February morning last term made the value of learning languages clear. Not only were the girls able to appreciate Paris in all its glory but they were also able to chat confidently in the city ’ s mother tongue.
In observing this moment, I also witnessed a significant event: the girls stepping out into a globalised and rapidly changing world armed with the skills needed to make the most of it: adaptability, highly developed communication skills and creativity
At Sherborne Girls, we are very proud of the growing number of girls applying to study languages at university We are, in fact, bucking the trend which is seeing a national decline in young people going on to study languages after school, despite employers regularly citing languages as being among the skills they value the most
Our approach, as a languages department, is to build on the languages of the past – both Latin and classical Greek – to understand better the languages of today Girls can study Latin throughout L4, U4 and L5 to give them a greater understanding of English, and to
support their literacy skills, as well as helping with the development of their foreign language skills
We offer exceptional choice and breadth, reflecting our commitment to preparing women for a global stage Girls can choose from six languages – French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian and Japanese Indeed, we stand at the forefront of modern language provision nationally in offering both traditional GCSE and A Levels, alongside Spanish, French and Italian government-run qualifications, together with beginners’ Japanese through the Skills and Education Group W ith 41% of our Lower Sixth learning at least one foreign language, we are confident that our pupils are making the most of these opportunities
The Mary Boughey Travel Scholarship fund, open to L6 and U6 language pupils, allows girls to develop their skills beyond
Sherborne. Those recently awarded scholarships will shortly be travelling to Suzhou, China, for a language course, and to the Alps to study on a French music course Before being offered a place at the University of Cambridge to study French and Spanish, one of last year ’ s scholarship recipients, Eliza (U6), spent last summer teaching English in Guatemala
Watching our girls converse in German in the Cologne Christmas markets or during a German exchange to Berlin and seeing them marvel at the classical ruins in Southern Italy is a joy for our dedicated language department staff We are extremely proud to be contributing to the vital skills which will ultimately allow Sherborne girls to spread their wings and fly W ith the languages they learn here, Sherborne girls will feel at home anywhere
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Languages
Sophie Blewitt Head ofWe know that pupils will follow a wide range of paths when they leave Sherborne Girls. Whatever they choose to do, they will need to be prepared to lead in some way, be it at university, on a degree apprenticeship or in the workplace
Our Sixth Form team supports girls to develop the skills they will need to succeed in their chosen field We provide them with as many opportunities as possible to learn about leadership in all its forms and to gain insights into successful leadership in a variety of contexts We also give them lots of opportunities to practise leadership in an instructive and supportive environment
In the Lent Term, we hosted the first Lower Sixth Leadership Conference with Sherborne School The day began with a
keynote talk by former Sandhurst leadership instructor T im McEwan who explained the concept of ‘serving to lead’ The pupils were then split into groups, attending two carousels organised round four different leaders and leadership principles After taking part in group activities, each pupil presented on a leader they had found inspiring The day finished with everyone convening for the closing leadership talk
The event was a great success and showed how much impact a single day can have on pupils, inspiring them with ideas of where and how to lead They learned that, from directing hundreds of employees to quietly doing the right thing, leadership takes many forms, and that the best way to lead is how you believe others should be led
David Banks Director of Sixth FormThe ability to engage in balanced discussion is vital in a social media dominated world, where content is filtered to appeal to our opinions, preferences and prejudices Our Joint Schools’ Debating Society fosters open minds, strengthens mental agility, builds confidence in public speaking, and encourages pupils to engage with issues in real depth.
Willa, L6: “Debating is an effective way of exploring multiple viewpoints on different and sometimes controversial topics W ith a variety of opinions shared, countered and developed, it becomes easier to open your mind to perspectives not previously considered Involving Sherborne School has widened the variety of viewpoints, elevating our debates ”
Jim, L6: “I enjoy watching my peers tackle arguments differently, seeing who
includes statistics and who can hold the room I now understand why arguments are effective or not, helping me create reasoned and well-argued points when approaching a debate both in and outside of Debating Society ”
Flo, L6: “Observing the differences between debating styles is refreshing and enriching, particularly when it comes to issues that we identify with, such as ‘single sex education is the best method
of education ’ I have learned to attack the opposition’s argument, as well as defend my own, and discovered that the presentation of an argument is just as important as the argument itself ”
Kiptala, L6: “Facing a debate on colonial reparations, I didn’t know enough about the arguments against proposed financial compensation So, I chose that side – to learn about an opinion I hadn’t previously considered ”
At Sherborne Girls, we take our responsibility to tackle the climate and environmental emergency very seriously We are committed to minimising our negative impact on the environment, increasing pupils’ understanding of the natural world and their affect on it, and helping them translate ideas into action.
This year, the girls have been involved in many sustainability initiatives Our Eco Council has explored how we can reduce waste on campus, prompting several new initiatives The Council also ran a clothing
swap last term to encourage pupils to think about the lifecycle of their clothes, and to buy and waste less The L4 and U4 got stuck into the Aldhelmsted West (West) garden, helping plant a secondary hedgerow in the rewilding with hedging whips provided by The Woodland Trust
As part of our Nature and Rewilding Course, L5 have developed a good understanding of the state of nature and the importance of rewilding This term, they are heading outside to explore the rewilding area and create their own schemes Trinity Term also presents an opportunity, via Eco Week, to spotlight different environmental issues and get involved with the #schoolsfornature campaign created by WWF and RSPB, in conjunction with the release of BBC’s W ild Isles
We enjoyed a plate waste competition this summer, organised in partnership with Chartwells, the School’s caterers, to
P R E PA R I N G F O R H I G H E R
E D U CAT I O N A N D T H E W O R K P L AC E
Choosing the right university course, apprenticeship or Gap year opportunity requires considerable research Our Higher Education and Careers team offers pupils a bespoke programme of support, which includes a variety of opportunities to learn from external and internal experts, helping girls navigate the applications process and ensuring their decisions are well informed.
This year has been packed with a variety of activities giving U5-U6 pupils insights into different aspects of the application process for both higher education and careers U6 attended a LinkedIn workshop with external careers experts T inker Tailor, learning how to network using LinkedIn and how to go about getting a job Executive search agents Hedley May visited at the end of April giving L6 an enlightening workshop on elevator
pitches and interviews We have held several joint events with Sherborne School and visiting universities, such as Bath this term, to shed light on the university admissions process We have also run workshops for U5 on writing strong CVs and performing well in interviews in our post GCSE programme
We also aim to expose girls to as many different career paths as possible through
reduce waste whilst creating plant-based menus in our Boarding Houses Other highlights included a joint eco debate with Sherborne School, a treasure hunt around SG grounds identifying plants in our garden, and a lecture from Lesley Malpas, Founder of Operation Future Hope and the designer of our rewilding areas
external talks and networking events For example, Leonardo Helicopters visited our Maths department to talk about career options at their company We also hosted a networking event to help pupils talk to employers face to face, connecting them to a variety of industries and helping boost confidence in interviews
Seeing Dame Prue Leith take to the stage in Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre was a spectacular experience
As a group of food-loving and cookery-obsessed pupils completing Leiths Introductory Certificate in Food and W ine, we blended seamlessly into an audience of like-minded people Prue captured out attention instantly as she described the highs and lows of being a successful restaurateur, novelist, cookery school owner and businesswoman The
theatre reverberated with laughter during the evening when she recounted her incredible experiences in the hospitality industryfeeding the rich and famous, cooking for royalty, and even poisoning a client! As a group of aspiring young women, we found her talk inspirational
Imogen and Molly (U6)
During the Easter holidays, our Art History class travelled to Rome, one of the major artistic centres of the world and an important city for any budding art historian to explore The knowledge and experience gained from physically interacting with art and architecture from the Renaissance to the more contemporary was invaluable
One of the highlights was the scale and splendour of the Sistine Chapel frescoes in the Vatican City It was hard to take in the overwhelming monumentality and artistic grandeur of the ceiling, and the study of Michelangelo’s ‘ignudi’ from the story of Genesis, rendered with such
attention to the human anatomy
We were privileged to visit Zaha Hadid’s ‘MAXXI’, or Museum of XXI Century Arts, as part of our study of contemporary architecture She playfully juxtaposes the concepts of mass and void, with no firm boundary between what is ‘within’ and what is ‘without’, to create a new stylistic vocabulary of architecture
We returned with sketchbooks, diaries, and notebooks filled and enriched with a refreshed and developed understanding of our A Level course and a passion for Italian culture
In February, French pupils from M5 to L6 enjoyed several wonderful days exploring Paris and Rouen On arrival in Paris, we immediately immersed in French culture as we navigated Le Métro to reach our hotel An exciting trip up the Eiffel Tower rewarded us with stunning evening views, while a beautiful morning walk led us through the Jardin des Tuileries to the Musée D’Orsay We particularly enjoyed the river cruise and trip to Montmartre, featuring street artists and the breath-taking Sacré-Coeur We seized the opportunity to practise our food vocabulary at a market near the hotel Before leaving Paris, we visited Notre-Dame, which was incredibly poignant and important for us to see
L5 – U5 pupils look back at the highlights of their Classics trip to the Bay of Naples in March
On the first day of our Classics trip, we visited the National Archaeological Museum in Naples where we saw fascinating mosaics, frescoes, coins and statues from the Roman Empire Arriving at Mount Vesuvius the next day, we were amazed by the view and by the size of the volcano A guide distracted us from the steep climb with a talk about the history of Vesuvius and the gases still coming from its centre
Porta Marina Grande and a gelateria where we made amazing ice cream and sorbet
The Amalfi Coast rewarded us with glittering seas on route to the ancient Greek city of Paestum Known as Poseidonia by Greek colonists, Paestum, with its three major temples, illustrated the different architectural techniques used by the Greeks
In Rouen, we stayed with host families in groups of two to three Playing games with the children helped improve our casual French In the mornings, we attended language lessons in Normandy which included treasure hunts in the nearby park We also enjoyed a guided tour of Rouen with its beautiful churches and cathedrals, and the magnificent ‘ gros horloge’, as well as the famous mummified cat embedded in a wall! Shopping and a trip to the cinema gave us the chance to experience modern French culture (and eat popcorn) Overall, the trip was hugely successful Everybody had a truly memorable time
After visiting the museum at Herculaneum, we went to the site itself where we glimpsed the skeletons of people who had tried to hide from the destruction wrought by Vesuvius in AD 79 It was fascinating to be able to see the facilities the town once had and explore the villas
High winds prevented us from making it to the island of Capri, but we were rewarded with a walk round Sorrento, including a visit to the Greek Gate in the
After visiting the Roman luxury Villa Oplontis, where Nero’s second wife, Poppaea, is thought to have lived, we headed for Pompeii Here, surprisingly, were buildings with second floors intact, having survived the ash In the streets, we could see indentations used by chariots and wagons while in the indoor exhibition, we marvelled at brilliant artwork in amazingly wellpreserved glass The Stabian Baths were a highlight for everyone, with early examples of underfloor heating, but the difference in size between the areas for men and women showed undeniable gender inequality!
YIn December, I was given the exciting opportunity of hosting a girl from St Mary ’ s School in Johannesburg. I was one of four pupils hosting girls from South Africa, alongside others hosting from elsewhere, including Tasmania and Canada.
My exchange partner, Ruby, and I joined the others for a trip to Bath where we spent the day looking round the Roman Baths Ruby enjoyed learning about some of this history in this country and seeing sights that were historic to England Although the weather was nowhere near as sunny as South Africa (quite the opposite), we still had a lovely day and enjoyed getting to know the other girls out of lessons
Ruby stayed with my family and me during an extended five-day exeat We took the opportunity to go to London and explore the capital, visiting iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, London Bridge and the Houses of Parliament
As part of the exchange, Ruby joined my lessons and got to know a lot of other people in my year It was great to show her what boarding life is like as she is a day pupil back in Johannesburg Things like eating as a whole house in the dining room, sharing a room with other people and living at school were novelties to her and it was wonderful to experience this with her for the first time
When it was time to say goodbye, I was excited because I knew I would be going to South Africa but also frustrated because it would be a long time before we saw each other again This experience has given me so much including attributes like adaptability and compassion Most of all, it has given me a friend who I will stay in touch with even when the exchange programme has finished
Ava was very knowledgeable about her home country and its culture She shared fascinating insights into Tasmania’s history, geography, and wildlife - I learned a lot from her Hearing her talk about the natural beauty of Tasmania and the unique animals that inhabit the island, especially the Tasmanian devil, made me even more excited to visit later this year
Ava was with us on her birthday and, amazingly, she got snow! She and the other exchange girls from Launceston Grammar School, Poppy and Nahlee, were thrilled because snow was something they really wanted to see when they were here
Hosting Ava was an enriching experience that taught me a lot about myself and the world around me I gained a new appreciation of Tasmania’s unique beauty and culture. I particularly enjoyed hearing about the sports on offer there I can’t wait to try many of them out, especially rowing
I also really loved showing Ava where I grew up in Guernsey, so she could see the difference between island life in England and Tasmania Although Guernsey is much smaller than Tasmania, Ava really enjoyed seeing it I can’t wait to go to Tasmania in the summer I hope that hosting an exchange guest for her is the amazing experience it was for me
When Ava - my school exchange guest from Tasmania - arrived, I was excited to learn more about her and her life back home. She proved to be a friendly person who I found easy to talk to. Her enthusiasm and positive outlook on life were infectious.
Volunteering at Sherborne Food Bank has been an eye-opening and fulfilling experience The other volunteers were incredibly welcoming, which made my first day less daunting Initially stacking shelves with donations, I then packed parcels for sending out later that week This is when I realised the importance of the work I was doing and understood more clearly the situations and circumstances of those living so close by
Although I have donated to the food bank in the past, it wasn’t until I was making sure that those on the receiving end got what they needed that I really understood why food banks are necessary Volunteering at Sherborne Food Bank was a valuable experience, both for me and my community
Isobel (L6)
I began volunteering for the online educational support network, EdClub, last term, after hearing about the difference it makes to disadvantaged children in Huruma, a small slum village in Kenya.
Every week for an hour, together with other girls, I mentor children from Huruma via Skype Using various educational games and websites, we support the continuous lear ning of numerous school subjects Last week, for example, I designed and delivered an online biology and chemistry session with a young girl named Mary W ith the help of BBC’s Key Stage 3 Atomic Labs interactive game, we investigated a series of experiments, including separating sand and salt and conducting the reactivity of metals, and found out more about the process of photosynthesis.
One of the most valuable elements of EdClub is the personal bond I have for med with the children I work with, coupled with the unwavering enthusiasm they show towards their subjects EdClub is a fantastic initiative which raises awareness of the need for accessible education for all, regardless of age, race, gender and class. The memories I share in volunteering for EdClub are unforgettable, and I am very proud of the work we have done.
I started writing to David, a resident at Abbey View Care Home in Sherborne, as part of my Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award After a year of exchanging letters during lockdown, it was lovely to meet him at last Covering his time in the Parachute Regiment, his school days and love of chess, our correspondence has
been a joyful experience, and one I will look back on fondly I cannot convey how much it meant to me when David expressed his gratitude for my letters I will continue to write to him and hope to visit him again soon
Emilie (U6)I am passionate about participating in the real world, which is why I got involved in community activities and volunteered at Trinity Manor Care Home I have visited around seven times so far this year and really enjoy it.
I spend my time helping staff, playing word games, trivia quizzes and Scrabble, and listening to music with the residents, as well as serving tea and cakes We also talk about travelling and life at school
I hope to pursue a career in medicine or dentistry working with adults and the elderly, so volunteering helps me understand the real work environment and the qualities needed to work in these sectors For example, I have discovered that I need excellent communication and listening skills
Helping others also makes me happy Like Dieter F Uchtdorf said: “As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness.”
YDuring the Easter term, some of Kenelm L6 organised a toastie night for L6 and U5, who were preparing for their GCSE term
The aim was to pass on the wisdom we had acquired from taking our GCSEs last year It was a lovely evening spent together, bonding informally over food and chat We gave the U5 lots of advice on revision, stress coping mechanisms,
time management and personal wellbeing It was so nice to be able to help them as they enter a stressful couple of months They all said that they felt much more prepared after talking to us!
As Assistant Chaplain, I organise and deliver PJ Prayers in each of the seven Boarding Houses I visit West every Monday evening and two other Houses each week, with the aim of visiting all the Houses several times every term
Voluntary, open to all and usually involving hot chocolate and a candle, PJ Prayers provides a time for the girls to relax, reflect and explore questions about their faith, supporting our school value of spirituality and our Christian ethos
Despite some tricky weather, pupils from Sherborne Girls and Sherborne School sailed to victory, defeating parents in the annual parents v pupils race on Sutton Bingham reservoir. Well done everyone!
Every week is different In the past, we have focused on hopes and dreams, the world, friendships and encouraging one another I am enormously grateful to the L6 House chaplaincy prefects who ensure the girls know when and where to attend It is a privilege to offer pastoral support and prayers for the girls and a joy to see pupils from all year groups Each House feels like a family, and I always leave with a smile on my face
Mollie Cole, Assistant ChaplainCongratulations to Flo, Georgia, and Tamara (L6) who walked 26.2 miles with Mrs Barnes around London at The MoonWalk in May, raising £1,929 for the breast cancer charity ‘Walk the Walk’
We would like to express huge gratitude to Debbie Miller who is stepping down as Housemistress of Aldhelmsted East (East) after eight years. Debbie, who was appointed to the role in 2015, is a highly valued member of our school community, known for her immense contribution to school life and her commitment to outstanding pastoral care both in East and throughout the School
The Trinity Ter m got off to a flying start for the whole school with the inaugural Balloon Debate The contest works on the premise that the audience and contestants are flying in the SG hot air balloon. Unfortunately for its passengers, the balloon is losing altitude so all but one will need to be ejected from the basket
The contestants must prove their worth, persuading the audience who deserves to remain in the balloon during a series of rounds taking different formats, such as
making a speech, presenting a skill or cross-questioning the other ‘acts’
Girls from all year groups participated, playing famous historical figures including Queen Elizabeth II, W illiam Shakespeare, who rapped in verse, and Gordon Ramsay, who instructed unsuspecting staff members to decorate cakes The audience were in charge of the voting, making it both an interactive and entertaining evening which brought the whole school together to celebrate the amazing talents of our girls
We are delighted that she is to remain at Sherborne Girls as a teacher and that we can continue to benefit from her expertise, kindness and compassion
We look forward to welcoming Stacey Pearson who will be taking over as Housemistress in East from September 2023
Arriving at a full boarding school for the first time can be daunting but it really doesn’t have to be writes Emma
Jamieson, Housemistress, Aldhelmsted West.At Sherborne Girls, we believe that sending your child to a full boarding school is one of the best decisions a parent can make, because of the allround education that it provides That said we know that with busy academic and co-curricular lives, navigating the bustle and excitement while making friends and adjusting to new rules and routines can be challenging for new pupils
Designed like a family home with its own garden and resident pets, West acts as a stepping-stone to our mixed-age Boarding Houses Junior boarders benefit from the facilities and specialist teaching of our senior school but within a nurturing prep-school type environment that allows them to settle in and prepare for the transition to senior boarding
Our approach in West is built on four key strategies First, we give new girls time and space to make friends and build bonds with staff away from the school campus through an outward-bound weekend within their first two weeks To foster a deeper sense of togetherness and belonging, weekends in West are packed with group activities ranging from canvas painting and pamper nights to trips to Flip Out and laser tag
Second, we dissolve uncertainty and dispel myths early on by making sure new boarders know what to expect before they arrive All new girls are invited to a Boarding Taster Weekend and are given a buddy who writes to them before they join, welcomes them on day one and helps with settling in
Buddies are part of a pastoral care system which includes tutors, resident staff and prefects, wrapping several layers of support around each girl, ensuring no one slips through the net Our bespoke tutor system provides every girl with a member of staff dedicated to their best interests and a group to which they feel they belong
Third, West is an excellent place to develop the skills, values and habits that will empower girls to make the most of their journey at Sherborne Girls Resident staff work closely with tutors to help junior boarders learn how to organise themselves, strike the right balance between academic and co-curricular activities, build confidence and become self-reliant, resilient and aware of others
Leadership opportunities also begin in West, with a Head of House and a team of prefects, rotated termly Prefects
uphold house values and organise events which give everyone a chance to shine in a supportive environment
Finally, to ensure a smooth transition to senior boarding, pupils in West regularly engage with our senior Boarding Houses L6 prefects visit West twice a week assisting with lights out and prep supervision During Lent Term, U4 visit senior Boarding Houses, meeting staff and pupils, and in the Trinity Term, they represent their future House on Sports Day
Pupils who begin their journeys at Sherborne Girls in West take to senior boarding with enthusiasm, becoming valued members of their respective Houses, and are always keen to return as prefects The best journeys, it seems, are those that get off to a good start
You are always kept busy (in a fantastic way!) and we do the most exciting activities! I have made some of the best friends and achieved so much in my first year. West feels like one big family, and is a home away from home. There is always someone to talk to, and a cute house pet to cuddle!”
Seraphina (L4)“Everyone is so lovely and welcoming
When I joined East at the beginning of L5, it was the first time I had ever boarded. I was extremely nervous but by the end of the first week, the girls in East felt like family. East is a House that really comes into its own during the Trinity Term We have two grass tennis courts and a football pitch where all the year groups mix, playing games after prep as the evenings become lighter. These are memories that I will treasure.
What I love most about East is the supportive atmosphere We are allowed to be ourselves and encourage each other to try new things This is my final term in East and, although I look forward to Mulliner, I am sad that I will have to leave behind the friendly and caring staff from East, and the girls that have become my family over the last four years
Maddy (L6)
As Esme, U6, prepares to leave Sherborne Girls and relinquish her headphones at Abbey 104, she reflects on the experience of producing her own live radio show every week.
Every Sunday, I head down to the local radio station, ‘Abbey 104’, to present my show ‘Indie Flow’ When I started, I felt as if the whole world was listening to my anecdotes and songs and that I would stumble over my words within thirty seconds!
Looking back now, I can say that volunteering at the station has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life Not only have I grown in confidence and developed my taste in music, but I have also benefitted from some amazing opportunities, such as presenting on the main stage at the Sherborne Christmas Fair
As well as allowing me to indulge my passion for journalism and presenting, the show has also given me a platform to spread positivity in the community, via interviews with inspirational people I have had the privilege of interviewing the Red Devils parachute display team, an Olympian bronze medallist, a senior member of the charity ‘ASHA’, and most recently, a singer-songwriter
Listening to these inspirational stories and knowing I was able to do so just because I was daring enough to approach these incredible people has instilled a sense of courage I feel prepared for a life beyond Sherborne, one filled with more stories, culture, and, of course, music!
Esme (U6)
On a cloudy and drizzly Tuesday afternoon in March, U6 footballers gathered one last time to play against a staff team captained by Miss Clarke
Refereed by Mr McMorrow, the match made a brilliant end to the Lent term Highlights included Miss Clarke’s side tackle and Mr Wright’s goal Despite some exceptional play from the U6 team, including fantastic goalkeeping from Matilda and attacking plays from Beatrice W, the staff side was victorious with a 2-1 win Everyone involved had a lot of fun This is certainly a tradition we would like to continue Next year ’ s U6 - watch out!
Katie Taverner Teacher of Biology and Psychology Assistant Housemistress, MullinerAs soon as I joined Sherbor ne Girls in 2016 as a junior boarder in West, I was encouraged and supported in my dream of pursuing a career in drama I started by taking part in two West productions, ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, which inspired my love of working with our drama department
I went on to take part in ‘A W izard of Oz’ and then the senior play, ‘Tristan and Yseult’ which was when I discovered the backstage side of theatre productions Having been disappointed because I could not take part as a performer in the play due to being in M5, I approached Ms Nurse and asked if I could take part in some other way She introduced me to the world of stage management which quickly became the highlight of my time at Sherborne Girls
After the success of ‘Tristan and Yseult’, I worked backstage for two more school productions, developing my skills and learning new elements every time In L6, I was back on stage for my last school play, ‘Grease’, which was performed jointly with Sherborne School I loved being part of a joint school production and being a member of the cast, singing and dancing with some of my closest friends
In U6, I wanted to give back to the School because they have supported my participation in so many amazing productions So, I agreed to help Miss Skowronska set up a West drama club which I help run every Tuesday It is wonderful to be able to inspire other girls to get involved with all elements of drama and to encourage them to be creative in a fun and comfortable environment
While at Sherborne Girls, I also attended speech and drama lessons with Mr Freestone I passed Grade 8 Speech and Drama with Merit These lessons have extended my skills and pushed me to the next level After taking Theatre
Having discovered a passion for backstage production, I have decided to follow my dream and apply to study drama at university.
Studies GCSE, I opted to study it for A Level I have really enjoyed studying this subject in greater depth because it is so different from my other subjects – in fact, it is my favourite by far!
Having discovered a passion for backstage production, I have decided to follow my dream and apply to study drama at university I am proud to say I have received three unconditional offers – from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, LAMDA and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
In the future, I hope to gain a Bachelor’s degree in production arts and go on to complete a Master’s in directing I am so
grateful to Sherborne Girls for supporting me in following my dreams and in giving me amazing opportunities to master and develop my skills
L5 reflect on an eye-opening visit to Harry Potter World in March, where they learned about the creative wizardry behind blockbuster movies, rode broomsticks and sampled butter beer.
Rosie, Drama Scholar (L5): “The trip was phenomenal. We attended a talk by one of the studio directors on how the sets for the series were created A grand tour of the Harry Potter studios included extraordinary special effects in the Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest, Hogwarts Express, Privet Drive, Diagon Alley and more The experience is a must-do for everyone ”
Teia, Drama Scholar (L5): “The trip to Harry Potter World was unbelievable We even had a go at riding broomsticks - some of us nearly fell off! We waved wands shouting “expelliarmus” and drank delicious butter beer The trip was enjoyed by the entire year group ”
Grace, Art Scholar (L5): “It was an experience I will remember all my life The workshop opened my eyes to the film industry Discovering what goes on behind the scenes made me think that the crew should be as well known to audiences as the actors because they are the ones who create the REAL magic ”
Girls from L4 and U4, and three girls from L5 who volunteered backstage, worked together performing a variety of roles including making props, designing the poster, stage managing, make-up, lighting, live sound effects, puppetry and acting Everyone particularly enjoyed the workshop with professional puppetry company, Little Angel
Cast and crew worked tirelessly to pull off an ambitious full-scale production, and ultimately fantastic
show, remaining unfailingly committed and enthusiastic ever since rehearsals began in March The production included some fantastic performances, including the loveable yet eccentric Grandma played by Annie (L4), the malevolent Grand High W itch played by Alma (U4), and the innocent and adventurous Girl, played by Makeda (L4)
Congratulations, West, for putting on a superb show that everyone can be very proud of
Zosh Skowronska Teacher of DramaThis term’s fashion show, ‘Unveiled’, gave GC SE and A Level Textiles pupils the chance to showcase their designing and crafting skills. Each pupil had given a great deal of thought to their pieces, considering not only the aesthetics of their garments but also the overall message conveyed.
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Taking place in the Gransden Hall, on a runway which had been created specifically for the occasion, the event was attended by parents, pupils and staff It opened with a collection of GCSE pieces ranging from statement headdresses and capes to a diverse collection of exam work Clearly enjoying experimenting with different media, U5 had embellished their headwear with feathers and leaves that resonated with the theme of nature
The title, ‘Not all Superheroes Wear Capes’, gave pupils the freedom to design garments that reflected topics they are passionate about, such as Black Lives Matter, bullying, social media, and the pollution of the ocean These pieces were followed by accomplished work from L6 who expressed their interests and passions through a collection of unique and fully functioning corsets and bags, reflecting themes from the suffragette movement to neo-expressionist artists like Basquiat
The show closed with coursework pieces by U6 The audience was delighted by the intricacy of their work, proving beyond doubt that a year of continuous effort had paid off The final pieces were both diverse and inspiring, showcasing a range of themes, including ‘Abba Voyage’, ‘imperfection from perfection’, ‘the secret garden’, and ‘the portrayal of female superheroes in a non-sexualised way ’ In crafting these garments, U6 clearly demonstrated the skills and techniques they had learned throughout their A Level course
At Sherborne Girls, we are very fortunate to have a magnificent fleet of pianos provided by Coach House Pianos, synonymous with the world’s finest pianos As part of this partnership, last term some of our most advanced pianists were invited to their new flagship showroom in Chelsea, London, to offer a recital.
During this visit, the girls not only benefited from superb performance facilities and state of the art pianos but also from a masterclass by Andrew Zolinsky, a piano professor from the Royal College of Music This gave them a unique opportunity to learn, discuss and play to each other in an encouraging and inspiring environment They were also invited to try many of the pianos in the showroom, including the Steinway that was used at Abbey Road Studios for many years
Seizing the opportunity to make a weekend of it, we also gave the girls some time to experience London’s rich cultural life After taking in the Paul Cézanne exhibition at Tate Modern, we were privileged to listen to Ukrainian conductor Oksana Lyvniv and British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor perform Chopin’s Piano Concerto no 2 in F minor, followed by Tchaikovsky’s Symphony no 6, in the Royal Festival Hall at the South Bank Centre
Angela (L6): “Alexander Zolinsky gave a range of advice, from legato phrasing to vowel sounds in music His tips were very detailed Everyone got a lot out of their individual session ”
Ana Manero Head of Keyboard at Sherborne GirlsParticipating in the Taunton Festival of the Arts has become an annual event for musicians at Sherborne Girls. Sixteen girls took part in 13 classes this year within the piano, string, woodwind and voice categories, winning a stunning 17 awards.
Our pianists performed incredibly well, triumphing in multiple classes including the Baroque Cup, T im Harrison Trophy, Bach Cup and Arthur W ilkinson Cup One of our great bassoonists also brought home the Woodwind Trophy, while the Cavey Cup and Nesta Franklin Trophy for Strings were won by some of our wonderful string players
We are all particularly proud of Betsy (M5) who also earned the Outstanding Performance Award for the best musical performance in the entire two-week festival This tremendous achievement was further crowned by the Cherubim Trust who awarded her the highly prestigious ‘Berry’ Cello on loan for up to five years Not only did Betsy meet the stringent criteria required by the Trust but she also triumphed over another contestant who is studying professionally at the Royal College of Music
Our singers added the icing to the cake, winning both the Gillian Greig Trophy and Quintin Blackley Cup All the girls performed with great professionalism, musical maturity, and technical command, which reflects not only their unwavering commitment to their instruments but also the dedication and support of our music teaching staff
Mark Cracknell Director of MusicPianists
• Aimme Chen (L6)
Bach Cup & 20th Century Piano
Prize (Senior)
• Elodie Rigby (L5)
Baroque Cup & Grade 7
Piano Prize
• Alexandra Smith (U6)
Beethoven Prize
• Graze Zhu (L5)
20th Century Solo Piano Prize (Junior) & Grade 6 Piano Prize
• Daisy Du (L6)
T im Harrison Trophy
• Elle Ashun (L5)
Grade 2 Piano Prize
• Aimme Chen and Bernice Lau (L6) W ilkinson Cup for Piano Duet
• Daisy Du (L6) and Alexandra Smith (U6)
Recital Class (Joint First Prize)
Woodwind
• Lizzy Lui (bassoon) (M5)
Woodwind Trophy
Strings
• Betsy Chow (cello) ( M5)
Cavey Cup, Nesta Franklin Cup & Outstanding Performance Award
• Sophie Sze (violin) (M5)
String Recital Class (First Prize)
• Kiki Wong (cello) (M5)
String Solo Class
Singers
• Honor McQuitty (L5)
Gillian Greig Trophy
• Martha Bingley (L6)
Quintin Blackley Cup
The Sherbor ne Girls Foundation is an independent charity that fosters a schoolwide culture of philanthropy to support the School’s growth and development and ensure we meet our social responsibilities.
A key priority for the Foundation is the Candlelight Bursaries programme, which provides full bursaries to girls with the promise and character to thrive in our school but who face challenging circumstances at home, making a boarding education a lifechanging experience for recipients and their families.
Here, three of our Candlelight recipients share their accounts of what a full bursary has meant for them. Their words provide compelling testimony to the importance of this transformational programme for everyone involved.
As we approach our 125th anniversary in 2024, we have ambitious plans to widen access to our school and increase the number of girls we can support through our life-changing Candlelight Bursaries Since we rely on fundraising through The Sherborne Girls Foundation to finance these bursaries, donations and legacies are vital if we are to continue to pass on the light of a Sherborne Girls education to future generations.
If you would like to discuss ways in which you might be able to support us, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Katherine Massey, Director of Development & Marketing, on k massey@sherborne com or call +44 (0)1935 818215.
“I went to a primary school in Brighton from the age of three It was a nice school but there wasn’t much on offer, and I used to get bored
When I first arrived at Sherbor ne Girls, everything was new The days here are much longer than those in my old school, which means I get much more done! The teachers and girls have been so welcoming and supportive I love being in West where everyone is new together I have enjoyed meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures Although we ’ re all different and unique in our own way, we have similar interests - and everyone is so positive
I have always been interested in sport but didn’t have much opportunity before coming to SG I am now playing county netball! The matches are a great way of developing my skills, as well as meeting new people I loved being in the West play W ith the whole House taking part in a big production, it was so much fun I have even been abroad for the first time to Germany on a school trip and have had a go at caving and coasteering There have been so many new adventures!
This life-changing opportunity has given me a brighter future I hope to go on to a good university and do well in my exams but also have fun and enjoy every moment here at Sherbor ne Girls ”
“Last summer, I was sitting in Ukraine, not able to study at school, do any sport or even go outside because it wasn’t safe due to the war My father suggested I go and study in another country, but I never dreamed it would happen I contacted several schools and was so surprised when Sherbor ne Girls responded and said they could help
Since arriving in September, I have found everyone so friendly In Ukraine, people are sad because of the war but here everyone is so cheerful I love all my teachers - they are so kind I can’t believe how much is on offer and how talented the girls are in so many different areas such as music and sport All my teachers want to help - they have given me catchup courses and supported me with my English
I have reflected on what would have happened if I hadn’t come to SG For my friends who are still in Ukraine, nothing has changed For me, however, in less than a year, I have met so many people, made so many friends and connections, tried new things and become so much better at English! I especially love the House competitions There is an amazing House spirit and sense of belonging We take it all very seriously but also want to support our friends in other Houses
I am so grateful for this experience I know that I will look back in 10 or 20 years with so much warmth It will change the outcome of my life in so many ways I am not sure what the future holds, I just know that I want to aim as high as I can ”
AMARA (AE’21)
“I remember the nerves and excitement I felt all those years ago when I found out I had received a Candlelight Bursary – it had been my dream to go to boarding school ever since I read Malory Towers in primary school!
Throughout my seven years at Sherbor ne Girls, I had some incredible experiences, from going on an exchange to South Africa, to performing a slam poem at a TEDx event I got just as much out of the day-to-day boarding experience I loved all the fun we had, especially at interhouse events (go East!)
The support from my tutors, House staff and teachers was amazing They helped me secure my current place at UCL, studying European Social and Political Studies Living with pupils from all around the world broadened my horizons, and two years after leaving, I still have strong friendships with the girls I met at SG (in fact, one of them is my flatmate!)
My L4 self couldn’t play sports or string a sentence together in French, so I think she’d be pleased to see me playing football for my university and preparing for a year abroad in France! I’m very grateful to all the people I encountered at SG, and for the Candlelight Bursary which made it all possible ”
Organised by the British Army since 1960, Ten Tors is an annual and arduous hike over the nor thern half of Dar tmoor. The event is attempted by 2,400 teenagers in 400 teams of six, who must navigate routes of 35, 45 or 55 miles visiting ten nominated tors in under two days. Teams must be self-suf ficient and carr y all they need to st ay out overnight safely. This year, four girls from L6, Florence, Georgia, Lucy and Laria (lef t to right in photo below) and four girls from M5, Elena, Liber ty, Hattie and Matilda, were selected to t ackle the 35-mile and 45-mile routes.
Team Captain Georgia describes what it takes to prepare for a 45-mile trek across Dartmoor.
I chose to take part in Ten Tors because, like the Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) and the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), it seemed like another great excuse to have fun at school and test myself Also, I live not far from Dartmoor so when I was growing up, I followed the event, wanting one day to be part of it I have done a lot of walking and been on many camping expeditions with my friends, so I didn’t hesitate when the opportunity arose
Selection involves four training weekends prior to the final event I’ve never been put off by competition, so I found the whole process very exciting. In fact, it’s because it’s a selection process that we are all driven to do our best and work as hard as we could to complete the task
I think that training with boys for this event is preferable to training in an allgirls’ team because it creates a different and more competitive atmosphere As is the case in the mixed CCF and DofE teams I have taken part in, girls and boys bring different but complementary
strengths to the group, making it easier to take on a challenge that is both physically and mentally demanding
The start canon fired at 07:00 on Saturday Morning, and we completed the 45-mile trek at 12:45 on Sunday It was a great experience, memorable not least for the blisters, but also the accomplishment The process rewarded us all with lots to lean as a team, and the promise of a pasty at the finish line kept spirits high!
On 15 March, the Cadre section of Joint Schools
CCF went on a one-day field trip to the military shooting ranges at Exmouth
On arrival, we were split into mixed groups of about seven including boys from Sherborne School The groups rotated round several different activities The first for our group took place in an artificial shooting range where we were taught to improve our live firing technique The technology generated statistics every few rounds to help improve accuracy and form We were also taught the different stances possible when shooting
On the real firing range, we were asked to fire 20 rounds as accurately as possible at targets 15 metres away We were then given another 15 rounds to fire at another target
Although daunting at first, thanks to the support of the incredibly kind staff, live firing turned out to be exhilarating In particular, it illustrated the importance of being calm under pressure
Throughout this year we have undertaken a series of tasks towards completing Cadre and becoming NCO’s (Non-Commissioned Officers) Tasks have included writing lesson plans, a short course in CIS (Communications and Information Services), and a weapons handling test We were also lucky enough to practise TIBUA (Training in Built Up Areas) when we fired blank ammunition to clear rooms
At the end of our day at Exmouth, we taught lessons in pairs to other cadets as part of an assessment required for promotion, using our pre-prepared structured lesson plans Topics included field signals and the organisation of a rifle section
Through opportunities like this, CCF helps boost confidence and improve organisation and leadership skills It also gives us a chance to catch up with our friends from Sherborne School We can’t wait to become NCOs next year when we will be able to teach the younger cadets what we have learnt
On Wednesday 15 March, I joined 19 other pupils from the Joint Schools’ Royal Navy CCF, on a day trip to RNAS Yeovilton, one of two active Fleet Air Arm bases and home to the Royal Navy Wildcat Force, Commando Helicopter Force, and the world-famous Fleet Air Arm Museum.
The trip included an engaging talk from a Lieutenant who is in 845 NAS, an air squadron specialising in amphibious warfare He told us about his time in the Royal Navy flying helicopters in Borneo, which opened my eyes to what life can be like in the Navy
We went into one of the air hangars, where we sat in the cockpit of a helicopter, surrounded by hundreds of buttons and switches I now appreciate how complicated it is for the pilots! After lunch, we put on protective gear and took to our seats in a huge Merlin helicopter, which we flew for half an hour over the beautiful Somerset Levels, Wells Cathedral, Glastonbury Tor and Sherborne It was a unique experience I am so grateful for this opportunity and look forward to future trips
Marcy (M5)Football Captain, Kate, U6, looks back over an exciting football season.
First, I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has helped football grow at Sherborne Girls We are indebted to former pupil, Nikki Appleby, who started football at SG and was Captain for the first year, to those who listened to her, and to our coaches and pupils, whose attitude towards learning and trying new things has been amazing
It has been super exciting to see football grow so much in the past two years This year we have had four football teams, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and U15s Several girls have undertaken training with the Sherborne Ladies’ Development Squad while everyone has improved across the board, creating more confidence on the ball and stronger play in matches
The highlights this year have been, without doubt, the staff vs U6 match, the match at Bradfield Collage in the ISFA cup, and our final match, against Bryanston, whose team we defeated with a 6-2 win!
Thank you to everyone who has made football so enjoyable this year I hope that football continues to grow at SG and that more people experience the opportunities that I have had, as part of the team!
Before I joined Sherborne Girls, I rode at Sandroyd where I really enjoyed riding as part of a school team in the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) competitions. I was so excited to find other keen riders at Sherborne Girls who I could compete with. I particularly enjoy riding with some of the older girls because they are very experienced.
Recently, we have enjoyed successful days in competitions at St Mary’s Calne, Moreton and Bicton Arena Bea (L6), Martha (U5), Isla (L6), Clemmie (U5), Thalia (L5) and I have qualified for the National Schools Eventers’ Challenge Championships at Hickstead We also had a fantastic day at King Sedgemoor, where Isla, Clemmie, Thalia and I won the 90 cm show jumping, qualifying for the NSEA Championships at W indsor Horse Show We are one of the youngest teams to compete
Molly (L5)
Matilda, M5, looks back over highlights of the indoor cricket season
The indoor cricket season got off to a good start at the beginning of the Lent Term, with strong attendance at Friday training with Mr Bell, helping improve our batting and bowling skills
After Mr Bell selected the U15 indoor team, we played our first match against Bryanston, coming home with both a win and constructive feedback After winning our second match against Clayesmore School, we played in the final tournament at Canford School Our first match resulted in a very close loss to Bournemouth School for Girls but we won our final match against Parkstone Grammar School, putting Sherborne Girls in third place within the county Overall, this season has been a great success with every member of the team contributing to every match
Founded by old girl Gertrude Hubbard in 1961, the competition is played over The Berkshire Golf Club’s Blue and Red Course Our team, Anne Whately-Smith (Agnew) K’70, Ali Aldred (Preston) A’81, Susie Pendered (Dawes) W’76 and Liz Pendered (Edwards) W’75, beat 23 other teams to claim the victor’s plate, last won by SG in 2011 SG has now won it six times, more than any other school
Cross-country (XC) running at Sherborne Girls has soared in both popularity and performance, from small beginnings to a mixed-age squad of 50 athletes training all year and excelling at both regional and national levels This year’s achievements have been exceptional, with 16 girls gaining individual or team medals over the course of the season, and a senior team that was unbeaten in all 12 races entered, resulting in our biggest medal and trophy haul yet.
Highlights include nine girls finishing in selection positions for the county team at the Dorset Schools Championships and winning the Dorset Senior Girls’ Trophy for the most outstanding team Both Inter and Senior teams went on to qualify for the regional round of the ESAA Cross Country Cup, with the Seniors finishing first, becoming SouthWest Schools Champions, and the Inters finishing fourth, just one place away from the qualifying position Our Seniors completed the journey, running at Leeds in the XC Cup finals and finishing sixth in the country
These achievements would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of our runners, and our intensive training programme The XC season kicks off in the Lent Term, following seven months of twiceweekly track-based training, which now includes boys from Sherborne School As part of our senior games programme, girls can also run off site around Sherborne covering distances
of between 5-10km, including the occasional 10km fundraiser
During the season, our runners compete in races ranging from tough individual challenges with hills and plenty of mud to the beaches of Studland and the popular course at Clayesmore, furnished with ditches, jumps and water crossings Following the success of last year, we held another relay competition at the Terrace Playing Fields in Sherborne Marshalled by senior pupils, the event was a huge success, drawing over 130 runners from across Dorset and Somerset
While our senior runners have triumphed across the board, our younger runners are also turning heads, often competing against girls up to four years older Phoebe, Iris, Annie, Candela, and Maria from West will be the ones to watch next season
The season ended last term as it started, with a double victory at Clayesmore, where SG took home both Senior and Inter titles, and at Canford where we also won both trophies Tahlia and Georgia were then crowned Dorset Independent Schools Cross Country Champions - the most coveted trophy of the season – while more recently, Hebe, Birdie, Georgia, Flo, Tahlia and Rosie represented Dorset in the English Schools Championships in Nottingham The sky, it seems, really is the limit Congratulations everyone!
The Tassie Board returns to Sherborne Girls after a team of alumnae won the independent schools alumnae ladies golf competition, The Silver Tassie.
