Box Hill School 2024
Round
Up
Student's Flag Soars to Antarctica
Our Year 8 Geography class explored the wonders of Antarctica, diving into a prestigious competition organised by the UK Polar Network This annual event sends scientists to explore Antarctica’s icy landscapes, aligning with the global initiative of Antarctica Day on December 1st a symbol of peace among nations.
Box Hill School proudly participated, crafting unique flag designs for the project. After careful deliberation by our judges, Charlie’s design emerged victorious!
Charlie’s winning flag has now reached the icy shores of Adelaide Island in Antarctica, thanks to the remarkable efforts of Matthew Hughes, the Tower Operations Supervisor from the British Antarctic Survey Matthew ensured the safe journey of our school’s flag to this remote wonderland, capturing its arrival at Rothera Research Station in a stunning photo
Salsa Dancing with Mrs Aurini
Mrs Aurini, Head of Spanish and a professional Cuban salsa dancer, launched a salsa course during the Tuesday activity slot Students enjoyed the lessons and a Salsa Showcase, marking Box Hill School’s first venture into salsa dancing They experienced passionate footwork, infectious rhythms, and the joy of learning something new.
New Forest Adventures!
The Year 7 New Forest trip was an unforgettable adventure! Students rode bikes through scenic trails, met friendly horses, and camped under the stars. They enjoyed roasting marshmallows, high ropes, and bonded through team-building activities This early-term expedition was perfect for getting to know eachother, having fun, and making memories and friendships
Braving the Elements: Geography Field Trip
Our Year 11 Geographers faced relentless heavy rain and winds during their GCSE field trip to the River Tillingbourne this week Despite the challenging weather conditions, they persevered and successfully measured the river, gathering crucial data to understand its changes downstream
Our resilient students maintained high spirits, displaying gratitude for the wet weather gear and equipment generously provided by the Juniper Hall Field Study Centre staff, who collaborated with us on this trip. This invaluable study will significantly aid them in mastering the fieldwork components of their upcoming GCSE geography exam next summer.
Immense appreciation goes to our Geography Department for their dedication in organising and facilitating this essential learning experience
A Spectacular Christmas Concert!
Box Hill School’s Christmas Concert on December 6th was pure magic! From enchanting Norwegian carols to mesmerising viola melodies, talented singers, and the captivating performances by our Year 7 & 8 choir, the evening was filled with musical marvels!
We extend heartfelt thanks to the families whose presence added warmth to the wintry night, enjoying mulled wine, mince pies, and spreading holiday cheer Their support made the event extra special!
A big shoutout to the music department and backstage crew for orchestrating this fantastic concert!
Glowing Eggs
In Mr Cook’s Year 7 Science class, students learned about setting up experiments, chemical reactions, and safety in the labs Using an egg, a Bunsen burner, and a sparkler, they created a glowing egg, sparking lunchtime conversations.
Eeyore’s Adventures
Meet the adorable Eeyore, crafted by the talented Ella (Year 8)! Eeyore explored our campus, getting ready for winter
Though the autumn leaves fell, and the frost came, we were geared up for Christmas!
Training Session by John Terry
The senior football teams had a Christmas treat for their final sessions of the year They participated in a training session led by John Terry, the former Chelsea and England captain
The boys were put through their paces by John in a fast paced and fun session They left with some excellent insight on defensive organisation, drawing opposition and positioning. Thank you, John, for taking the time to come in and pass on some invaluable wisdom to our footballers!
Nordic Lights: Winter Ball
The Sixth Form students recently embraced the enchantment of the season at the Winter Ball held at Burford Bridge Hotel in Mickleham Under the guidance of Ms Osborne, the event was a mesmerising Nordic Light-themed affair, meticulously organised in collaboration with our Entertainment Committee Attendees were treated to a night of delightful festivities, encapsulating the spirit of winter in a splendid celebration
Celebrating Reading Challenge
The English and Library departments have been actively inspiring our reading community recently The Challenge Book Club’s inaugural meeting united students from Years 7 to 12, featuring renowned Black authors like Malorie Blackman, Karl Nova, and our alumnus, Tomi Oyemakinde, who came to visit us on World Book Day in March
Excitement peaked during our Book Fair, attracting students to a diverse selection of captivating books Lucky students received £5 book vouchers and explored thrilling genres like gaming, modern romance, and TV series-inspired reads, contributing to a successful fair that raised nearly £900.
Our commitment to reading extends to Year 7s and Year 8 students, who selected free books curated by Book Trust experts. These engaging discussions, guided by our librarian, Miss Rose, allowed students to pick their perfect book All these selections are now available for borrowing from the school library
Special thanks to Elena, Valentina, and Darcie for their fantastic Halloween-themed book display during Junior Book Club Your efforts are greatly appreciated!
Box Hill Students Excel at Global Model United Nations Conference!
Hundreds of students from worldwide schools gathered for the General Assembly, kicking off an exhilarating event. Our Head Boy, Ben, delivered a compelling speech representing Cote D’Ivoire, setting the tone for Box Hill’s impressive delegation
Over the four-day conference, our students actively participated in committee meetings, engaging in debates on global issues and collaboratively forming resolutions Representing various committees from social and political spheres to women’s rights our students demonstrated exceptional skills Lilly F, in the Women’s Rights committee, made a notable contribution, garnering praise from staff members of other schools
The commendations continued as our students impressed everyone Ekaterina C, as President of the International Court of Justice, received high acclaim from Robert S Stern, an esteemed law professor and former senior judge overseeing the ICJ Zac A chaired the EcoFin committee with utmost professionalism, while Danyal K earned recognition as one of the “best delegates” in his committee during the final General Assembly
Beyond the formal sessions, our students showcased their diverse talents, with Ben’s performance in MUN’s Got Talent leaving a memorable mark. Socialising and networking with like-minded peers added to the overall experience, creating an environment of learning and camaraderie.
The trip was an outstanding opportunity for all participants, and we eagerly anticipate the upcoming conference in March, aiming for continued success on the global stage! Our students enjoyed socialising with other students who shared their interests. It was an excellent trip and a fantastic opportunity for all who took part We are looking forward to the next one in March 2025
Christmas Carol Service
We gathered together as a school community for our annual carol service led by Sandra, the Vicar of St Michael’s, Mickleham
The evening saw a wonderful programme of carols, readers, and performers The carols were led by our wonderful year 7 and 8 choir, complemented by the beautiful singing of some of our staff members
The service was well attended and it was a lovely way to celebrate the end of a great term as a community and reflect on the meaning of Christmas.
“Respect and Reflect” Workshop! Celebrating Success at LAMDA Evening
The recent LAMDA evening showcased remarkable performances by students from Years 8 to 12, captivating both attendees and families
The evening celebrated our outstanding June examination results, boasting 24 Distinctions and 8 Merits across diverse LAMDA categories
Notably, our achievements encompassed Musical Theatre exams, a new addition for us in 2023, and 9 medal exams Savannah R attained a Distinction for her Bronze medal in Public Speaking, while Sarah J excelled with an exceptional 96% in Speaking in Public
Ms Robinson, our Headmistress, led a session titled “Respect and Reflect” for our Year 8 students. This workshop fostered open conversations, encouraging self-awareness and the deeper exploration of respect and reflection concepts
The workshop included the creation of a safe space for students to openly share thoughts and experiences This inclusive environment allowed for diverse perspectives, enhancing understanding from multiple viewpoints
Instilling values of respect, empathy, and understanding is crucial in shaping students into compassionate individuals The session is one of a number of initiatives, empowering Year 8 students through interactive activities A heartfelt thank you goes to Mrs Bocking, our dedicated Head of Year 8, along with the tutors and teachers who actively participated in this impactful session
The “Great Debate” Highlights
In our first ‘The Great Debate’ event, Year 7 students showcased their debating prowess in front of their peers Volunteers from different Houses (Spartans, Corinthians, Athenians, Olympians) engaged in spirited debates on diverse topics, captivating their audience throughout Topics ranged from ‘Ideal Year 7 holiday destination’ to ‘Most important school subject’ and ‘Truthfulness vs kindness’ The participants impressed with their well-formed arguments, counterpoints, and their ability to keep the audience engaged Congratulations to the winners, Freddie and O’Rion, representing the Spartans! They triumphed in a battle of passion and eloquence, securing the top spot in a highly competitive arena Special mention to Mr Richardson for leading the charge for the Debating Club at the Inter-Thirds Competition. Well done to all participants for their outstanding contributions!
Content Creators
We were excited to announce the formation of our new team of Content Creators! These innovative students will play an important part in assisting the Marketing Department They’ll be helpful in articulating our school’s brand, devising strategic approaches, and enhancing advertising efforts by curating captivating content
This dynamic group will focus on gathering and amplifying student voices, ensuring that their ideas and preferences are heard and reflected in our marketing strategies. They’ll be the driving force behind collecting diverse and engaging content that resonates with our student body.
We’re thrilled to witness the creativity and fresh perspectives that this team of Content Creators will bring, shaping the way we connect, communicate, and represent our school’s ethos
Stay tuned for more exciting updates and initiatives from this talented group!
You can follow us on Instagram and Facebook @boxhillschool
Reading Buddies Scheme
Mr Anderson’s Year 7 History class re-enacted the Battle of Hastings on the school fields Students learned about the Saxon shield wall and Norman tactics, including archers, cavalry, and a feigned retreat They crafted shields, and embraced the battle's spirit This hands-on activity brought the events of 1066, to life, capturing their enthusiasm
We were thrilled to launch our Reading Buddies scheme, connecting Year 8 students and Sixth Formers in a fantastic reading initiative This programme aids Year 8s in improving their reading skills while allowing Sixth Formers to demonstrate the joys of reading
Every Wednesday morning, we host silent reading sessions in the Library, fostering a serene atmosphere for shared learning experiences between these year groups. This initiative not only boosts reading abilities but also cultivates friendships and mentorship across different year levels.
The positive impact of this scheme is evident in the camaraderie it fosters, bringing our school community together through the love of books
World Kindness Day!
On World Kindness Day, acts of kindness were recognised across the school - for example, students and staff exchanged heartfelt postcards as keepsakes Barney, one of our resident dogs, especially enjoyed the day!
Inter-Thirds Cross Country
A huge well done to all the students who took part in Box Hill School’s Inter-Thirds Cross Country event! you all showed your determination and made it an unforgettable event Well done, everyone!
Table Tennis Competition
The whole school was buzzing with excitement as our Table Tennis Competition brought together students from Year 7 upwards, and staff in a celebration of skill, sportsmanship and community spirit
After weeks of intense matches, the semi-finals were a highlight, showcasing closely fought games that kept everyone on the edge of their seats Well done to Sonny (Year 11), Sam (Year 11), Theo (Year 9) and Leo (Year 8) who reached the semi-finals
The much-anticipated grand finale took place, drawing a crowd of enthusiastic supporters to witness an exhilarating match between Sam and Sonny, both in Year 11. Both players displayed incredible talent and determination, making it a match to remember. After an intense showdown, Sonny emerged as the champion. Congratulations, Sonny, on your well-deserved victory!
A big thank you to everyone who participated, supported, or helped organise this fantastic event The tournament was a true testament to the competitive spirit and camaraderie in our school
MAD for Maggie’s!
We were thrilled to share the success of our Make A Difference (MAD) For Maggie’s initiative! Maggie’s is a cancer charity who give free expert care and support to those dealing with cancer. To raise funds, we asked for sponsorship to accumulate miles. Our students covered 752 miles, making a significant community impact Collaborating with local organisations like Mickleham Church and Banstead Prep, they received glowing feedback Mr Chesworth of Banstead Prep praised our students' efforts, calling them a credit to the school A standout effort came from the Year 7s who visited Dorking Foodbank to help paint their new premises in Dorking Other students helped St Michael’s Nursery, refurbishing the outdoor kitchen, building a Bug Hotel, and enhancing the sand pit These actions highlight our community's generosity and compassion Thanks to our donors, we surpassed our fundraising target, reaching £1990 (excluding Krispy Kreme sales).
Legally Blonde: The Musical
A resounding thank you echoed across the stage to all who lent their support and attended our spectacular production of Legally Blonde: The Musical at Leatherhead Theatre! The unwavering enthusiasm and encouragement of the school community fueled the magic of the night.
Many students played in the band for the first time, and those students deserve special recognition A heartfelt thank you to Mr Ward for his invaluable contributions, and Miss Hinchliffe backstage, the unsung hero ensuring seamless productions Mrs Walton, your sage advice and expertise were indispensable throughout this exhilarating journey And a special nod to Mr Coates for his invaluable assistance in bringing the set to life over Easter
To the cast, musicians, choreographer, and backstage crew of Legally Blonde: The Musical, your dedication and hard work culminated in a truly magnificent production. Your stellar performances illuminated the stage, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended It was a whole school effort with students from Year 7 - 13 getting involved.
Our gratitude extends to our sponsors, Petworth and Barker and Furniture Village, whose generous support helped make this production possible
Here’s to the promise of many more unforgettable productions in the years to come!
We celebrated with some wickedly delicious cupcakes and spooky-themed treats for lunch Hope you’re all having a fang-tastic day filled with festive fun and eerie delights!
Round Square Trip: Philippolis
The Box Hill School delegation has had the privilege of attending the 56th round square international conference in Bogotá, Colombia
The theme of the 2024 conference was ‘Blooming from the Past’; it was a wonderful week of reflection where we have had chance to evaluate ourselves, both personally and as a global delegation, on our pasts and how we can grow in the future
Our days have been packed with exciting activities! Early in the week, we focused on environmentalism and adventure, visiting a goat farm in Boyacá to learn about sustainable land practices and tackling a high ropes course in the afternoon
We also spent a day in Tibasosa, exploring Colombian culture, cooking with local foods, and contributing to a conference mural as part of our focus on internationalism and democracy
The final day of activities in Paipa focused on leadership and service
We began with a beautiful hike through the hills of Nobsa, followed by leadership exercises at the top In the afternoon, we got handson, helping a family build chicken coops for the local community as part of a meaningful service project.
We are incredibly proud of our students! It has been an inspiring week of global connections, learning, and service, culminating in tonight’s Cultural Evening!
Spooky Lunch
Barbados Tour 2024
During October half term our Year 10 and Year 11 pupils embarked on an adventure of a lifetime
Our girls netball team had four brilliant matches vs local schools and our boys had four football matches. They all played some superb netball and football, and it was fantastic to see them working extremely hard in each fixture
We also embarked on several trips which were brilliant experiences for all The boatyard beach club was a great day spent on the water, and the catamaran cruise was a fab day out soaking up the sunshine and swimming with baby turtles They also indulged on the local delicacies of ‘dolphin’ (mahi mahi fish)
Dalewood Model
Using Google Earth, the Year 7 & 8 Art Scholars meticulously measured the building and then brought it to life using mixed media, with cardboard being the primary material One of the delightful features of the model is the inclusion of Eeyore, adding a touch of whimsy to this impressive project Each student had a part to play and we are so proud of their teamwork, and equally impressed with their creativity
Round Square Exchange
Jeanne - a student from a sister Round Square school in France - had the pleasure of staying with Florence since September, immersing herself in the life of a Box Hill student She settled in wonderfully, making friends and embracing all that our school has to offer When asked about her experience, she shared how much she loved her time here
We will miss Jeanne, but we are also excited for Florence, who will soon have the chance to experience life in France when she stays with Jeanne in just a few weeks! We wish Jeanne safe travels home and look forward to hearing about Florence’s adventures abroad
Smoothie Bike Visit
To celebrate World Food Day, students, staff, and even a few visitors had fun blending their own smoothies on the smoothie bike! A big thank you to our wonderful caterers, Holroyd Howe, for providing the fresh ingredients This activity not only promoted healthy eating but also highlighted the importance of sustainability World Food Day reminds us of the value of nutritious, locally sourced food and the need for global food security We hope everyone enjoyed the event and left feeling inspired to make mindful food choices!
Paris Trip
15 Year 10 pupils went on the annual Art and French trip to Paris Travelling by Eurostar, they were whizzed into the centre of Paris in just over 2 hours, and stayed in a hotel near the Catacombes. The very packed itinerary included Tour Montparnasse, Montparnasse Cemetary, the Catacombes, Centre Pompidou, Musée Rodin, Tour Eiffel (at night!) , Disneyland Paris, a boat trip down the Seine and a shopping trip at Les Halles The pupils are now experts at using the Paris Metro and have produced some beautiful sketchbooks to inspire their work in Art
Remembrance
Day Service
Our entire school community came together for a poignant remembrance service during breaktime We observed a 2 minute silence, to honour those who have served and sacrificed
Our Headmistress, Ms Robinson, welcomed us, followed by heartfelt words from Reverend Faccini, our Head Girl Lilly, Deputy Head Girl Josephine, and Mrs Ellis
Thank you to everyone, including some of our neighbours, for your respect and time.
Frozen
The whirlwind that was Frozen Jr came to a close in a flurry of bubbles and frosty smoke! What an unforgettable few days it was Over the course of two days, we delivered three spectacular performances two evening shows and a matinee for Banstead Prep and Micklefield Prep schools all of which were met with warmth and enthusiasm Producing a musical is the ultimate team effort, requiring every element to align: the chorus (both live and recorded), the stage crew, the tech team, and, of course, the lead actors Seeing this cast from Year 7 upwards come together epitomised by their spontaneous rendition of Happy Birthday to Keagan S-T on the final night was a true testament to the camaraderie behind the scenes.
A massive thank you goes to all of the backstage crew for their dedication to ensuring the technical aspects of the show ran seamlessly. And finally, a heartfelt thank you to staff for expertly managing the backstage excitement and keeping our performers focused.
National Poetry Day
We were delighted to, once again, host Hip-Hop artist, author and poet, Karl Nova to celebrate National Poetry Day Karl regaled them with stories from his childhood growing up in London, Suffolk and Lagos, as well as his love of music and how these experiences inspired him to write his own poetry
He went on to perform a selection of his poems which drew much applause Students in Years 8, 9, 10 and the ISC were then chosen to work with Karl in poetry workshops The workshops produced some great poetry on subjects as diverse as football, running, the holidays and school food An excited queue of students streamed into the library at lunchtime to get signed copies of ‘Rhythm and Poetry’, for which Karl won the CLiPPA Poetry Award in 2018, and his latest collection ‘The Curious Life of Karl Nova’
World Book Day
World Book Day was a resounding success, evident from the joyous expressions captured in the pictures of students receiving their free books The library buzzed with activity throughout the day as students eagerly browsed for books and participated in the guess the character hunt The costume hunt provided an excellent opportunity for students to engage with teachers and peers they hadn’t previously met, fostering connections and conversations Prizes for both students and teachers were awarded, adding to the excitement of the event In addition to the festivities, we were delighted to host writing workshops with alumnus Tomi Oyamakinde, a published author, who shared valuable insights on character creation and imaginative writing The library was abuzz with creativity as students exchanged feedback and ideas, inspired by Tomi’s guidance
Exploring Irish History
Year 13 A Level and IB History students embarked on an enriching trip to Ireland, exploring key historical sites related to the Irish fight for independence Starting in Dublin, they toured Kilmainham Gaol, learning about figures like Joseph Plunkett and Countess Markievicz They enjoyed the vibrant Temple Bar area and a walking tour of Dublin's history Visits to the Pearse Museum and Glasnevin Cemetery, including Daniel O’Connell’s crypt, deepened their understanding The trip ended with an England rugby victory over Ireland
Expeditions and trips like these help students engage with their chosen subjects, and we do plenty of them here at Box Hill School!
Old London Road, Mickleham, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6EA
Tel: 01372 373382
www.boxhillschool.com
