Editor’s Insight

As I look out of my office window, the magnolia tree is bursting into life and spring is definitely in the air. The School suddenly feels very quiet as the students have happily left for the Easter break and I am finishing a few things before heading off for a rest with my family.

It has been a wonderful term and the range of activities inside and outside the classroom has been phenomenal - from Model United Nations debates, Speech and Drama festivals to success at National Schools Lacrosse Championshipsthere has never been a dull day. The students, as always, have thrown themselves into every aspect of life in school with gusto and passion. This is what makes working in a school so fulfilling - being surrounded by endless energy and enthusiasm is very inspiring.

I hope you find that sense of energy through the pages of the Muse as we reflect on just some of the highlights and show the range of opportunities that our students get involved in.

I am awe-inspired by our featured alumna, the alpinist Fay Manners; she really is the ultimate role model, displaying determination, passion and pure grit in achieving the most exceptional feats; demonstrating that traditional gender-views should never hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Do take time to read about her on pages 3-4. You will definitely feel energised reading about the return of Rock Night, a musical collaboration with Bedford School where student-led bands, soloists and DJs come together to perform to a very appreciative audience. The range of talent involved is amazing and watching students confidently showcase their skills whilst entertaining their friends is always great fun.

Our netball players have enjoyed another very successful season this year. Led by our very own professional player, Miss Josie Huckle, it continues to be an extremely popular sport for all ages. It is wonderful to see such a depth of participation across the School, as we often field a minimum of 35 teams across all year groups. We explain how Miss Huckle is inspiring the next generation of netball stars on page 12.

Making sure that our students can discover their passions and always feel confident to express their own uniqueness within our community is hugely important, and continues to be a central pillar of our strategy. I was really pleased that we were able to be involved in national Neurodiversity Celebration Week for the first time, helping the community understand learning from different perspectives and challenging some of the stereotypes around neurodiversity. On page 11 Mr Ben Gibson, SEN teacher, explains the aims of the week and how this is just the start of creating a greater understanding of the different ways in which many of our students learn.

Learning in the Junior School never slows down and always provides opportunities for our younger students to be independent enquirers. British Science Week is a highlight of the Spring Term as we fill the Junior School with trailblazing alumnae in STEM. We were once again privileged to welcome worldleading materials scientist, Dr Anna Ploszajski, together with the incredible architect, Chiovonne Koranteng, and 2019 leaver, Rosalie Inman, who is already making an impact in the world of biomedical sciences. Watching our youngest students collaborate with “real life” scientists as they link learning through the IB Primary Years Programme is always exciting. The light bulb moments when they see that they possess the skills to make connections as they explore new concepts is wonderful and once again reminds me of the privilege teachers have of being able to shape young minds.

After a short rest we will all be back, renewed and ready to embrace the Summer Term, full of cricket and athletics, summer shows, events and of course for our older students important examinations, which will help them achieve steps toward future successes.

I look forward to welcoming many of you into school to share some of these moments.

Best wishes

Gemma Gibson Headmistress