The Gleam 2017-2018

The Gleam.

BRUTON SCHOOL FOR GIRLS ON SUNNY HILL

ART WORK HANNAH HOWARD

WELCOME TO THE GLE AM Enjoy a collection of creative pieces from our girls.

Celebrate significant activities, events and projects that have taken place.

Reflect on achievements over the past academic year.

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CONTENTS To access The Gleam’s additional content, you will need to download the free app, HP Reveal, and follow the BrutonSchool channel.

Wherever you see the icon below simply point your device at the trigger image and watch the exclusive content.

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ART WORK ZUZU BURTON

ART WALK

A spectacular showcase of walking art.

ARTS WEEK

Short stories, poetry, music, drama and drawing.

AWARDS & COMPETITIONS

Celebrating the girls’ achievements.

12–21

BOARDING

An insight into life as a boarder.

22–25

CHARITY

Doing our bit for the world.

26–27

DRAMA

Lights, camera, action!

28–33

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD

A test of strength, teamwork and endurance.

34–37

EXCHANGES

Inspiring insights into other cultures.

38–43

GREEN WEEK

Staying true to our ‘green’ ethos.

44–45

HALLS

The ongoing battle for the Hall Trophy.

46–53

LECTURES

From Glastonbury Festival to Medicinal Chemistry.

54–55

MUSIC

A multitude of musical talents.

56–61

PREP

Blossoming at Bruton from a young age.

62–69

SCIENCE

Learning how science can shape the future.

70–73

SOCIALS

Party time!

74–77

SPORTS

Celebrating the girls’ sporting achievements.

78–91

TRIPS

Learning beyond the classroom.

MISCELL ANEOUS

Highlights of significant events throughout the year.

102–109

INTERVIEWS

Inside the minds of some of our beloved staff.

110–115

S P E E C H DAY

The finale to a great year.

116–121

4–7 8–11

92–101

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ARTWALK

Artwalk with all the Fun of the Circus

‘ Artwalk was an incredible opportunity to be part of and to watch.’

Months of hard work paid off when this mesmerising and colourful show came together. Backstage buzzed with excitement as the performers got their costumes on and makeup done! It was chaotic and exciting as costumes flew on and off because there were quite a few quick changes. Audience members described the show as ‘vibrant and uplifting’.

During the rehearsals incredible choreographers came in and taught us many circus tricks as well as routines and moves. Thanks to everyone backstage who made it such a pleasant experience and for making the show run smoothly, especially Mrs Fischer, Miss James, Mrs Weaver, Miss Bennett Jones and Mrs Bance.

Everyone would like to thank Mrs La Trobe Bateman who created a fabulous show and made everyone feel special. She planned the show for two years and the girls had a wonderful time creating all the masterpieces on show. Artwalk has also boosted everyone’s confidence as they paraded their work, backflipped down the catwalk, or made sure the lighting and music all came together.

We thoroughly enjoyed it and wonder what new ideas are starting to percolate in Mrs La Trobe Bateman’s head for the next show.

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ARTWALK

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ARTS WEEK

Author Workshops During Arts Week, the girls were fortunate enough to have two author visits.

Sarah Mussi spoke to girls from Prep 5 to Senior 2 about The Snowdonia Chronicles.

Sarah talked about myths and landscapes and how stories written today draw on tales from the past. She spoke about how there always has to be a minimum of four characters: the protagonist; the sidekick; the antagonist; and the romantic character (the one that rejects established norms and conventions, and has the self at the centre of his or her own existence). The girls then did workshops where they had to make up their own story, thinking about character and setting, before starting on a plot. They all took part in making freeze-frames for the key moments in the action. Sarah then spoke to Senior 3 to 5 about her books for older teens and explored with them how characters might react in given challenging situations.

Cooking Gets Creative Lucy Jago took the girls from Senior 3 and 4 Into the Unknown by exploring the topic of beliefs in Tudor times. Her book Montacute House is set in this period in Somerset and many of the girls had been to the house and could visualise life there at the beginning of the 17th century. With this in mind, the girls were given shells and asked to construct in words a Tudor character inspired by the shell.

In a short time, the girls created some vivid and enthralling characters. This was followed by a question and answer session, a quiz and book signing.

MRS BANCE

I was really excited when I found out that we were going to do a Cooking with Unusual Ingredients Workshop. I thought the ingredients would be rare spices, but I was shocked to find that we would be making: bacon and cornflake biscuits; courgette and carrot cookies; parsnip cakes; and much, much more.

The HT room was busy, noisy and messy as everyone tested their mixes, opened oven doors, laughed and chatted – the whole process was a blast! At the end we all tried each other’s creations (except if you were allergic or vegetarian) and they were surprisingly delicious. Thank you to Mrs Stonehouse for opening our eyes to many culinary possibilities.

JASMINE JAGO-BRIGGS SENIOR 1

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Busy Bees As part of the Somerset Art Weeks Festival, over 80 students and a handful of staff, sculpted in wool a whole host of life size British bees, taught by the needle felt artist Lydia Needle.

Our objective is to raise awareness of the diversity of bees in Britain and to spread the word, using art as a medium.

MISS CHMIEL

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ARTS WEEK The Music Teachers’ Recital On Thursday, Arts Week produced a big treat in the form of a recital given by some of our talented music teachers.

Music and Drama Workshop Carousel On Monday, 27 November, Arts Week kicked-off with girls from across the Prep and Senior schools and visitors from Baltonsborough School participating in a three-way music and drama workshop series.

The sessions involved: a glimpse into the upcoming school production, Wendy and Peter; learning to play authentic African drums; and making and listening to various ethnic woodwind instruments. The workshops were led by Mrs Hurstwaite, Mr Kirby, Mr Watts, and visiting drumming specialists Victoria West and Chris Hurn.

MR DURY

It is rare for those who teach to be able to show their skill in actually playing for an audience in school, and the audience was truly impressed by their teachers. Mrs Brookfield and Miss Holbrook began the recital with a lively, fun piano duet arrangement of The Entrance of the Queen of Sheba by Handel.

Then, accompanied by Mr Willis, Mr Dury and Mr Colquhoun played two movements of the double trumpet concerto by Vivaldi. Mr Serna played two ‘cello pieces next, beginning with a Bach prelude which showed off his beautiful phrasing, and followed by the famously evocative and romantic The Swan by Saint Saens, which transported the audience to a different place and time. Mr Willis continued the lyrical theme by ending the recital with a premiere performance of his own arrangement of Cavatina by John Williams. Thanks to all the teachers for offering us such a lovely insight into their own expertise in a beautiful recital.

MISS DONALDSON

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Exploring Explorer Alexander von Humboldt During Arts Week, Senior 3 and 4 German students studied the life and work of the little known 18th century German explorer, Alexander von Humboldt. He was a contemporary and friend of Charles Darwin.

Von Humboldt spent the majority of his long life travelling the world and discovering and documenting new plants, animals and a wealth of meteorological, geographical and other scientific facts. There are more places on earth named after von Humboldt than after any other person!

Initially, the girls knew very little about this extraordinary man, but after translating a range of facts and figures about him into English, they learnt a lot. Then they were tasked with replicating some of the botanical drawings von Humboldt made during his journey through the Amazon. Our talented artists got thoroughly engrossed and produced some accurate pencil drawings and paintings.

MRS ORAM

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AWARDS & COMPETITIONS The Rotary Club’s Young Writer Competition

This year the English Department put forward seven entries, across two age categories, to the Young Writer Competition, run by the Rotary Club. The topic was A Different Perspective and entrants had to write a response of about 500 words.

We were delighted to hear that in the Intermediate category Olivia Marriage was awarded first place, Camilla Cotterell second place and Rosie Harvey third place. Of Olivia’s prize-winning story, the judges wrote: ‘Rich in imagery and using all the sense to convey the feeling of isolation, Olivia has drawn the reader into the lonely world of a ghost.’

Camilla’s story was judged to be ‘a very timely piece, allowing insight into the lives of those who may struggle day-to-day,’ and the Rotary Club noted that Rosie’s entry was ‘chilling’ with ‘the wonderful sense of freedom in the opening paragraph soon contrasted with the horror of men raiding the village.’

In the Senior category, Rose Cotterell was awarded third place, the judges commented that ‘this is a wonderfully sensory and descriptive piece of writing about grief and moving on from bereavement.’ Tabitha Spindler was Highly Commended and the judges remarked that her tale created a ‘sense of unease and the persistent feeling of isolation and not belonging.’

As prize-winner of the Intermediate category, Olivia’s entry was sent, with other local finalists, to be judged at District level and she won!

MRS LIFE

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Rotary Young Writer District Winning Story How long have I been here? Waiting patiently for something that won’t come. Watching the mould creep up the walls and cobwebs form in the corners. Staring at my shadowy reflection in the pools of murky water on the floor. I’ve given up on hope and resigned myself to a life of confinement.

The house is derelict. Dust shimmers in the draughts of light that penetrate the gloom.

Shattered glass litters the flagstone floor. The timbers that hold the roof up have rotted and in places collapsed. Outside, crows squawk like witches cackling. Dead trees line the dilapidated track, reaching their withered branches out with misery. With every gust of howling wind, the house groans and creaks, threatening to collapse into a heap of rubble.

Memories are all I have now, since that day…

I awoke to shouts and screams; footsteps pounding up staircases and doors slamming.

“Fire, fire,” I heard. Peering out through the window, I saw blazing flames tearing through

the west wing. I flung open the door and rushed out into the commotion. The smoke instantly overwhelmed me. I began to cough uncontrollably and my eyes stung painfully; I had no choice but drop to the floor and crawl.

Fear began to build up inside me and I could feel frightened tears spilling down my face.

Helplessly, I yelled at the top of my voice, “I’m here, I’m here,” but received no answer.

At some point I gave in to the agony that gnawed at my skin, because that’s where my memory finishes.

I was the only one that died that night.

They all carried on with their lives and left me to roam the desolate corridors and smell the distant scent of smoke. I was driven mad with loneliness, a feeling I’d never felt before, but which is now my constant companion. It clawed at my insides leaving nothing but emptiness.

Often, I gaze at the kitchen gardens and remember the way they used to be. Vibrant flowers smiling cheerfully, herbs growing tidily

in neat rows and wheelbarrows full of fresh vegetables. Now brambles have overtaken every available patch of soil. Weeds have sprung up in the path ways and ivy has crept up the walls. Every day, children come to play in the wilderness leaping and shrieking with laughter. Every day, I scream at them “Look at me, please. I’m here, I want to play.” Every day, they walk straight through me, oblivious to my presence.

The sun is high in the sky today. It beams its rays of light across the garden invitingly.

I step outside and imagine the warmth spread across my back, one of the most pleasant feelings I’ve felt in this world. There are children giggling and joking in amongst the nettles, but I don’t try to attract their attention, it’s pointless. I turn around to head back in, but there is a girl, looking at me.

I gasp, she can see me! She can see me!

OLIVIA MARRIAGE SENIOR 1

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AWARDS & COMPETITIONS Junior Poetry Winner Into the Unknown The wardrobe door creaked as I opened it wide, I summoned my courage and stepped inside.

I could see light up ahead, bright as the sun, Suddenly, a sound like the shot from a gun.

Snow under my feet, white as a bride’s dress, Branches spread everywhere; it was a mess.

The sound of galloping hooves, sleigh-like, startled me, My instincts told me there was danger; I had to flee.

As I turned to run, the doorway I had come through had gone, Panic wrapped its cold fingers around me, as a bright light shone.

When I turned around there stood a lady dressed in white – a mirage, She clicked her fingers and I was engulfed in an ice cage.

E M I LY S TO K E S S E N I O R 3

ART WORK HANNAH HOWARD

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Junior Story Winner A Different Perspective It was my eleventh birthday when the people came. My family and I were celebrating with the village, singing and dancing as the night crept in. I felt as free as a bird gliding through the air. They came with whips, bats and clubs, and when the first scream echoed around the landscape, dread engulfed me, and shackles closed around my wrists.

They dragged us through the bushes, beat us and shouted as if we were animals. We were taken onto the beach, which until now had felt like paradise, but had now morphed into a miserable wasteland. I caught whispers of a strange language as the men talked together.

They were formidable looking, strong and unnerving with white skin and torturous eyes.

We waited there until the sun rose but their chilling gaze never left us.

On the horizon a speck grew larger and larger until a magnificent ship appeared, soaring up into the sky. We were dragged onto this incredible vessel, and shoved down the steps into a small, dark, murky room and bundled on top of one another. Whimpers disturbed the everlasting silence, as the manacles clutched my wrists. I called out to my family, but the silence persisted and I dreaded to think what had happened to them.

As I arose from a deep, troubled sleep, the ship fought against a raging storm, and water poured into the cabin from all angles, hammering down on us like bullets. The constant rocking of my cage made me feel as if I was about to be sick, and the stench of human waste hung in the air.

Footsteps thumped down the steps, as shafts of light shot through the cabin and the silhouette of a tall man with a top hat appeared. He emerged from the darkness and his eyes locked on mine. His bony finger pointed at my chest.

“Come here, slave.”

ROSIE HARVEY SENIOR 3

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AWARDS & COMPETITIONS Senior Story Winner A Different Perspective My sister Clara is laughing; I don’t understand how she does it. I can’t hear what her ‘friends’ are saying that’s made Clara laugh like she can’t stop, even though she’s only known these people for a few weeks. I’m sitting on the stairs leading up to the girls’ dormitories, and she’s all the way over in the library, but I can see her well enough through the doorway.

She has a genuine smile on her face, and I don’t know how.

I shift a little on the stairs. The rough ridges of the carpet are digging into my legs. I know that when I stand up there will be red marks crisscrossing my thighs. I don’t mind. I don’t really mind anything anymore. Except this. Except the laughing. I just can’t comprehend it.

Her best friend in London, Jess, used to stay with us almost every weekend. During the holidays, she would bring her dogs and they would always walk across the Monopoly board and decimate our hotels. On the last day there, Clara made Jess promise to phone her every day. Now, I can’t remember the last time they talked.

I can feel a tear forming. It’s okay. Maybe if someone sees, and asks me if I’m okay, then I can tell them everything. Maybe, they would tell Clara what I said. Maybe, that would make Clara realise I, we, don’t belong here. Maybe, I could shake her out of her dream, and make her remember that there are people at home that would have two-hour conversations with her every day, if she wanted them to: people who would come and visit us at the snap of a finger – people that Clara had made swear to do so only a few months ago, before the summer holidays.

The tear finally escapes my eyelashes, and I realise I have been forgetting to breathe.

I separate my lips just a little and a gasp rips them wide open. I turn and run up the stairs on all fours, suddenly not wanting to talk to anyone that belongs here. I pass someone in the corridor. Through the haze of tears, I can tell they’re concerned. I just shake my head at them. Leave me alone.

I push open the door to my bedroom and throw myself onto the bed. A spring digs into my rib. Why is everything in this hell hole so bloody broken? The squeaky door opens again. I know it’s Clara. I don’t want to talk to her. I just want her to know. But, my sister isn’t a mind-reader.

“I saw you run away. Are you… What happened?”

The mattress creaks as she sits down.

I swallow. If I talk, I’ll just start crying even more. I swallow again.

“I didn’t run away.” My voice is somehow steady. “I just…” couldn’t bear the sight of you being happy anymore. It sounds so stupid, I realise that she doesn’t need to hear it. But, if only she could see things from a slightly different perspective.

“Nothing,” I say.

TA B I T H A S P I N D L E R S E N I O R 4

ARTWORK Y VONNE LEONG

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Senior Story Winner Into the Unknown The pale white gown hangs by a hook in my doorway, And it watches me as I undress, Standing defenceless before it.

They told me I’d get cold feet, Not hot, blazing flushes, And my skin reddens and burns, Made worse by the tight grip of the dress, Around my waist, And the collar which strangles my fragile neck.

It’s too late to escape now, I’m being suffocated by the veil, Wrapped tight over my head.

And blackmailed by the slippers, Which, step by step, lead me down the aisle, To a future that is undetermined And a man who is unknown.

ZUZU BURTON SENIOR 5

ARTWORK JOENELLE SANG

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AWARDS & COMPETITIONS Highly Commended Poetry

Into the Unknown Trite and false phrase means nothing, Every moment we skulk in the unknown present, Peering into the unknown future.

Even the past lurks unknown, False, misremembered, self-serving.

Constructed by us for us, We think we know what we don’t.

M O L LY F O W L E R L 6

ARTWORK STELL A WILSON

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The Cranmer Awards We were thrilled to welcome back Mrs Sally Brunel-Cohen as our judge this year.

She gave candidates good advice using the acronym SNAP: use ‘soft eyes’ and connect with the audience; be ‘natural’, not too dramatic; and ‘pause’.

Readings from the Book of Common Prayer incorporate beautiful words which should be savoured and delivered in such a way that the audience can enjoy and appreciate each one. If she had any criticism of the candidates, it was that they were all slightly too fast.

The Senior Team Maths Challenge is a competition which gathers the brightest mathematical minds from the region.

There was unanimous agreement in her selection of Charlotte Baker as the winner – her performance was faultless, and it was no surprise that Rosie Harvey was chosen to be second. One to watch in the future is Sophie Goggs, whose performance was electric and really captured our attention, placing her third. Catherine Johnson delivered her piece with great poise and was highly commended. Mrs Brunel-Cohen promised to return next year and looks forward to seeing everyone again.

Senior Team

MRS ROBBINS

Maths Challenge

It was a unique opportunity for Jasmine Lin, Yvonne Leong, Yolanda Yeung and I to test our mathematical, critical thinking, communication and teamwork skills through solving various puzzles and tough mathematical questions.

We participated in three rounds: group round, cross number and shuttle. Despite extreme time pressures and the high difficulty level of the questions, we came out in ninth place We are convinced that creativity together with a positive team spirit are the key to success, and that maths is fun.

N ATA L I A S I KO R A U 6 Eloise Noble was one of the winners of The Simon Powell Poetry Prize last year. Part of the award was to read her winning poem on stage at ‘Poetry Live!’ Eloise was greeted enthusiastically by the audience, she read beautifully, with composure and expression, and left the stage to rapturous applause.

Winning Poem Performed on Stage at Poetry Live!

The poet and judge, Daljit Nagra, said, ‘Perhaps more so this year, than in previous years, the winners have written poems of political witness, a poetry that bears testament to our troubled times. Poets, mature beyond their years, are to be found exploring what it means to be human these days and how to remain dignified when contradictions implicate our moral codes.’

MRS BANCE

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AWARDS & COMPETITIONS

Girls Compete in the Kids’ Lit Quiz

Leiths

On Friday, 24 November, Jasmine Jago-Briggs, Olivia Marriage, Isabella O’Brien and I went to Bath to take part in the Kids’ Lit Quiz. This is an international competition to find the best team of readers in the world.

Ten U6 girls passed the highly rated Leiths Certificate in Food and Wine practical course this year.

We were introduced to the Quiz Master, whose brainchild this was and who orchestrated the whole event. We were shown to our table where we chose our ‘Joker’ category. There were ten categories with ten questions in each and we had to pool our knowledge and work as a team. We worked well together and won a book each and Olivia won some cash for correctly answering an on-the-spot question.

Thank you to Mrs Bance for organising it, and to Mrs Weaver for driving us. I had a terrific time with my friends and it was a great opportunity to share my love of reading.

SOPHIE RHODES SENIOR 1

Grace Christopher-Yearley, Linda Ding, Emily Forrester, Poppy Gotto, Imogen Huins, Elena Lipscomb, Georgina Moore, Alice Tindal, Olivia Wingate and Joanna Wood passed.

Imogen Huins and Georgina Moore achieved excellent merit grades, and Alice Tindal and Emily Forrester achieved distinctions, putting them in the top 10% of all students taking the course nationwide.

MRS LAING

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ESB Success 2018 English Speaking Board: Advanced Certificate in Spoken English 2018

British Tumbling Champion On the 23 and 24 September, I went to the Echo Arena, Liverpool, for the British Championships in tumbling. On Saturday, I qualified in first place. This was also the world trials, so this put me in a good position.

On Sunday, I came in first place again and became the British Champion, winning by one mark.

In the European Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, the British Junior Women’s Tumbling Team, of which I was part, won Gold, four marks ahead of Russia, who came second.

I then took part in the Women’s Individual tumbling final and scored 64.400 and won the Silver medal.

Overall, this was a good experience and I enjoyed it a lot.

JESSICA BRAIN SENIOR 5

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British Tumbling Champion and European Junior Women’s Tumbling Team Champion Takes to the Floor

Lucy Amlôt

Distinction

Christiana Bingley

Distinction

Karris Chappell

Distinction

Charlotte Convey

Distinction

Molly Fowler

Distinction

Abby Gordon

Distinction

Zuzanna Hebdzynska

Distinction

Mimosa Ngai

Distinction

Joanna Urbanczyk

Distinction

Millie Whitmarsh

Distinction

Yolanda Yeung

Distinction

Paula Garcia

Merit Plus

Ricarda Hennies

Merit Plus

Serine Liu

Merit Plus

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BOARDING

Extracts from the Boarders’ blog

River and Woods Visit

Dessert at Kaspa’s We all had a good first weekend together.

We had a movie and take-out. It was a really nice way to spend the evening with the new friends that have joined us in boarding.

We went to Yeovil to shop and we ate at Kaspa’s, the dessert restaurant! There were milkshakes, crepes, ice creams and waffles and it was really hard to make a choice.

We settled back in to boarding surprisingly easily, and old and new boarders gelled straight away. The annual boarders’ challenge was a great opportunity for the community to bond. The girls were divided into mixed teams and they went through a series of team-building activities, such as negotiating an extremely demanding (man-made) spider’s web. One of the hardest challenges was the minefield, where boarders had to jump over a sea of obstacles and answer questions.

A great start to a new school year!

Mrs Life invited us to her wood and we had a campfire and played in the river. Despite the fact it was very cold, Akesa Tubuitamana and Katherine Bellingham went swimming. We then had dampers and chatted around the fire and we tried some cobnuts. It was a really nice way to spend the afternoon.

We went to another wood, this time near Chippenham, and played laser tag. We did three different games, and we got better at it as the day went on. At first, we weren’t very stealthy and had forgotten how far the laser beams go. Next time, we must remember not to wear such bright clothes.

We went on a cinema trip. The Highcroft boarders chose to watch ‘It’, which was amazing. It wasn’t that scary but was still unnerving and we’re all on lookout for red balloons now! The cinema trips are always nice to recover after a busy week.

Stepping Stones

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A Country Walk

Those girls not involved in sports fixtures went into town and had fun on the stepping stones. In the evening we had our film night which we look forward to each week. It is so nice to come together and chill.

Some of the boarders went to Bristol to see Legally Blonde, a musical based on the movie. The music was great and so were the performers.

Natalia Sikora and Joanna Urbanczyk gathered apples from the Highcroft orchard.

Miss Guiet, our French language assistant, stewed the apples and then froze them to use over the winter. Mrs Weaver made a chilli jelly using an apple base and home-grown chillies, this will spice up a few dishes over the coming year.

Gathering Apples

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BOARDING

Halloween

Flip Out Trampolining Autumn is pumpkin season and the boarders demonstrated their pumpkin carving skills.

The Lower Sixth carved a big mouth and used the inside of the pumpkin to make it look like it was throwing up. The Upper Sixth was inspired by Nightmare before Christmas’ Jack Skellington. Both pumpkins looked incredible and were exhibited at the entrance of Highcroft.

Some of the boarders went to see Crazy for You at the Bristol Hippodrome. It was a Gershwin musical and we were surprised that we knew some of the songs. It was quite funny and the singing and dancing were amazing. We really liked the bit where the man thought he was seeing double but really it was someone impersonating him!

Climbing Heights

The juniors went to Sherborne Castle with Miss Bennett Jones, they had a great time.

They said they learnt lots about Sir Walter Raleigh and also that ostriches are a symbol of power because they once helped the Numidians win against the Romans and that’s why the Digby family have them all over the house. Afterwards, they went and had afternoon tea and Solange Sang ate the biggest piece of cake.

After the half term, we came back to find the house all decorated for Halloween. We had a party and we did apple bobbing and ate doughnuts off a string. Afterwards, we played zombie tag around school which the Sixth Form organised, we were all dressed up which made it really funny and frightening!

We went climbing and bouldering at Undercover Rock in Bristol which was quite scary at first, but, after we got over the nerves, it was a really good challenge.

We went to the fireworks at Sherborne Castle and we were glad we had our gloves on because it was really cold. We stayed up afterwards and watched a film and warmed up with a hot chocolate or two!

On Remembrance Sunday, we went to the parade at church. The Head Girls and the Captains of the Prep School laid wreaths, it was a lovely service and it was really good to see how many people went to show their respect. In the afternoon, the juniors created a display of the poppies they made and it is now in the computer room.

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Sledging We took part in the PSA quiz in school which turned out to be a good evening.

Our knowledge of English counties wasn’t great, but we were much better at science and general knowledge. We ate lots of Godminster cheese and we decided it was best cheese ever!

We went to Flip Out, a new trampoline centre in Wellington and it was so much fun. There were lots of different zones and we really want to go back again.

On 5 December, we had a German themed evening, Miss Dorsal came over and we decorated the biscuits we had made in readiness on Sunday. We sang some German carols and before we went to bed we put out a shoe as we hoped that we would be rewarded for being good. Shoes are filled with sweets for good children and sticks for bad ones. Anna Li says she thinks she will get chocolate sticks – are they even a thing?

We visited Exeter Christmas Market which was great, and we had some yummy treats as we wandered round. There were really good shops there so most of us bought quite a few presents.

Fun in the Snow We decorated the house on Friday – tinsel all the way up the bannisters and baubles on everyone’s door. Only one strand of lights worked and they blew the next day! Miss Bennett Jones bought us some more on Sunday, so it’s back to full light strength!

We had a games night and Miss Overington joined in. We tried out the new ‘chalenj’ board game which was hilarious.

In the run-up to exams, we made stress balls out of balloons, rice and flour which was very messy but satisfying.

Christmas

The boarders enjoyed sledging, making a huge snowman after the huge dump of snow. Some boarders were a little hesitant at first as they had never experienced snow before but they were soon learning to make snowballs and joining in.

We have a new rope swing, trampoline and hammock outside the boarding house and they are a great hit.

We all decorated rocks and wrote ‘Bruton rocks’ on the back. The idea is that the rocks are found and hidden somewhere else.

We will be able to track the rocks by using Facebook to post pictures of their locations once they are found.

Oktoberfest

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CHARITY

Pet Day Sunny Hill Pet Day was held on Bank Holiday Monday.

Organised by the School Council it was an opportunity for everyone to bring in pets. We also enjoyed the stalls run by Georgina Burge, Freya Green, Tamsin Law and Mae Larsen to raise money for Help the Heroes.

MRS STURDY

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Children in Need On Friday, 17 November, the school came together to support Children in Need.

The Sixth Form Charity Committee started the day by leading an informative and emotional assembly. During lunchtime, each Hall ran a stall where there were tombolas, biscuits to decorate, doughnuts to eat off strings, candyfloss, a Christmas present stall and puppy cuddling! We all had great fun whilst supporting a really worthwhile cause.

A big thank you to all the girls and staff for their part in raising £673. The Prep School raised £115 with their spotty cake, collection of round pounds and spotty mufti.

ALICE FORRESTER AND ROSIE BULLOCK SENIOR 2

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DRAMA An Out of This World Production Wendy and Peter Pan I remember our first rehearsal vividly. All the characters in Act 1 Scene 1 sat in a circle on the theatre floor and read through their first lines. In that moment, I knew that this play was going to be something magical and unforgettable.

The production was extravagant and mystical.

This was created with the help of Mrs Moody who sourced and even made our costumes from scratch. One by one, she revealed our costumes and every time the excitement and anticipation mounted. The whole set design, props and dancing were perfect and created the warm atmosphere of the Darling nursery and the mischievous realm which, of course, is Neverland. Thank you to Mr Talbot-Ponsonby and the Estates team who organised and made the incredible props and to Mr Derioz and Mr Badenhorst for making Peter fly! With thanks also to Ashley, the choreographer, Mrs Hurstwaite and Mr Kirby for directing and producing an amazing show (although I have to admit, I am biased).

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DRAMA

A few weeks before the production, Mrs Fischer came into our rehearsals to help perfect everything. She was greeted with the majority of the cast (including me) still using our scripts.

Also, all of the cast, being from Sunny Hill, were too polite to interrupt when our characters were supposed to. Therefore, Mrs Fischer came up with the useful, yet slightly annoying, solution of using a ‘boioioing’ buzzer every time there was an unwanted gap. Mrs Fischer, along with Miss Bennett Jones and Miss James kept all the Darling family, pirates, lost boys and a certain cheeky fairy quiet backstage and made sure no one missed their cues. On behalf of the cast, I would like to thank them all for their patience, help and most importantly occasional chocolate treats.

This has been one of the greatest experiences that I have ever had. I can happily say that Wendy and Peter lived up to the great expectations from the initial small circle time rehearsal.

CHARLOT TE FERRIS SENIOR 4

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Frantic Assembly On Monday, 29 January, Frantic Assembly came to BSG to run six hours of drama workshops for our Senior 3 – U6 students.

Frantic Assembly, who most famously collaborated with The National Theatre on The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, specialise in physical theatre and inspired our students to approach devising from a different angle.

Fresh, original and exciting work was created and students learnt techniques that are sure to make an appearance in our forthcoming plays.

Thank you so much to the PSA for funding this fantastic workshop!

MRS HURST WAITE

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DRAMA

Perfect Play Performances

Amadeus

On the evening of 9 November, GCSE and A level students performed their plays to a sellout audience in the Hobhouse Studio Theatre.

The girls’ work was innovative, entertaining and incredibly thought-provoking. Well done to all our actors, designers and technicians; you were a credit to the school.

MRS HURST WAITE

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Pretty Hurts

Brotherhood

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DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD

Emily Forrester Awarded Gold at Buckingham Palace

Shortly before half-term, I had the pleasure of going to Buckingham Palace to collect my Gold DofE award. I had the opportunity to visit the palace gardens and was blessed with beautiful weather! The presentation was hosted by HRH The Duke of Cambridge, HRH Princess Beatrice of York, and HRH The Earl of Wessex. Alongside royalty, there were a number of celebrity guests including Rick Stein, Jason Watkins, Steven Merchant and David Myers.

It was a wonderful day, and a great way to celebrate the hard work and dedication that each person had put into their award. Trekking through the Brecon Beacons and Dartmoor

with numerous blisters and the equivalent of my body weight on my back was definitely made worthwhile – not to mention the hours spent volunteering!

In addition, the day made me appreciate the help my team received during the award, so a big thank you to you all, in particular: Miss Cowper for her non-stop support throughout; the BXM team for their help towards the expeditions; and all the parents for being a taxi-service and putting up with the moans along the way!

To any girls considering undertaking the Gold award – go for it!

E M I LY F O R R E S T E R U 6

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Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Presentation Evening 2018

One Gold, six Silver and 38 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards were awarded to BSG girls at this year’s South Somerset Presentation Evening. It was a fantastic event with Felicity Aston MBE (a British polar explorer, former Antarctic scientist and the first woman to ski alone across Antarctica) giving an inspirational and motivational speech.

The girls were then invited on to the stage to receive their awards from Felicity. Miranda Sturdy, Charlotte Baker, Ricarda Hennies, Yolanda Yeung and Emily Forrester gave excellent speeches about their own expedition stories and how the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is so very valuable to young people.

MISS COWPER

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DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD

The Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Journey October saw Senior 3 embark on the start of their Duke of Edinburgh adventures. The girls met bright and early on Saturday morning with packed lunches and lots of snacks to hit the footpaths of South Somerset. The main challenge for each of the three groups was to navigate their way from BSG to Evercreech with as little help as possible from their staff member. The morning demonstrated great teamwork and we discovered we have some confident map readers already. All three groups set a great pace and all were home and dry reaching Evercreech Village Hall an hour before their planned finish time.

In May, the girls successfully navigated their way around the Somerset countryside. It was perfect walking weather without a drop of rain which is almost unheard of in the DofE world, especially at BSG! The girls set off from Whatley Church and had an overnight camp at ‘Seven Acres’ in Frome before heading to Chapmanslade, skirting around the edge of Longleat Forest. Both days they covered 13 to 15 km whilst carrying all their kit All groups demonstrated great camp craft and navigational skills and all 16 girls have now successfully passed the expedition section of the Bronze award.

MISS COWPER

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Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Expedition 2018 On Friday, 13 April we travelled to Upwey very early in the morning. After a quick briefing, each group embarked on their route around the Jurassic Coast. For three enjoyable but exhausting days we all took turns to navigate using our map reading and compass skills.

Despite this, we all agreed that the qualifying weekend was a wonderful experience, and that the expeditions have taught us valuable life lessons. All the groups thought the scenery was beautiful and even picturesque when the sea was in view.

On the first day, with the exception of the mist that engulfed us, as we climbed to the top of the hills, the weather was reasonably pleasant, and on the second day the sun even put in a prolonged appearance. On the third day, however, we were not so lucky and it poured with rain for most of the day, so much so, that we had to seek refuge at a nearby campsite.

A massive thank you to Miss Cowper, Mr Lugg, Mr Nathan, Mr Goode and the assessors for making the event possible and enjoyable.

2018 Overview

ROSE COT TERELL SENIOR 4

Bring this image to life with HP REVEAL

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EXCHANGES

German Exchange Fun and Games on the German Exchange – 1st Leg The German exchange began with a very early start, 3am on a Sunday morning.

We caught a flight to Amsterdam and a connecting flight to Germany, where we took a tram and a train to meet our ‘Gastfamilien’ (host families). That evening, the Bruton girls and their exchange partners met up and made pizza and played games.

BSG & TGG Leer – A relationship that started over 60 years ago.

After WWII, Germany was divided between the four victorious allies. In the Britishoccupied zone, very close to the Dutch border, lies the town of Leer.

The British government encouraged German school leaders to come to Britain and learn more about the British school system in order to restore the values that Britain and Germany shared before the Nazis took control. In 1945, the Headmistress of TGG Leer, Frau Meyer, visited the UK and she met Miss Wells, Headmistress of Bruton School for Girls. Both schools were girls’ only schools and were a perfect match for collaboration.

Miss Wells showed a keen interest in TGG Leer and was most eager to assist in any way she could. In 1950, she organised a generous cash donation to be sent to Leer to help refurbish two classrooms and sent a large number of English books over to supplement the school’s much depleted library. Miss Wells and Frau Meyer encouraged their pupils to start a ‘penpal’ correspondence, which was extraordinary for the time, not least, as German was not taught at Sunny Hill.

In 1951, Miss Chappell, the new Headmistress at BSG, encouraged one of her teachers to start an after-school German Club and in 1952 the first cohort of 16 Sunny Hill girls went to Leer to stay with German host families. A full-page article reported the visit in the Leer press. And so, an annual exchange visit programme began, and in the second year a delegation of 18 German girls came to Bruton. By and by, German was added to the Sunny Hill curriculum as an optional subject and later as an A Level option.

The exchange programme had been dormant until this year when five BSG girls stayed with host families in Leer for a week in February.

We look forward to welcoming Miss Monika Burzik, my German counterpart and her students here in Bruton in June!

MRS ORAM

During our stay we went to TGG and had lessons with our exchange partners. We also had a guided tour of Bremen, a beautiful and historic city, with lots of war memorials and shopping. We enjoyed a treasure hunt in Leer which was a fun way to get to know the town. We sampled ‘kaffee und kuchen’ which was a highlight as there were so many delicious treats to choose from. I especially enjoyed drinking Ostfriesen tea which the area is famous for. This tea is special because you are not allowed to stir it and must drink it with cream and candied sugar! We went to Laser Tag which was very exciting and involved everyone working together to defeat the opposition. We visited a ‘Seehund Station’ (seal sanctuary) where the seals were either ill or abandoned as pups and are nursed to health and released into their natural habitat after six months.

Finally, on Friday, it was time to say goodbye.

We spent the morning in the German school where we received souvenirs and gave thank you gifts to the English teacher and Headmaster. The week was a wonderful experience and not only did we improve our German but we have made friends for life.

Y VONNE LEONG SENIOR 5 AND MIR ANDA STURDY SENIOR 4

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German Exchange 2018 – 2nd Leg On 18 June, we were all very eager to welcome our German exchange partners into our homes for the second part of this year’s exchange. For all of them, it was their first time in Somerset, and for most their first visit to England.

They were all very excited to see our school and to my utter bewilderment, Helke said she liked the idea of a uniform! They also commented on how pretty our school is and how tasty our school food is, which made me realise we should perhaps appreciate a lot of the things that we take for granted here. We found many other differences too: the school day at BSG is a lot longer, with lessons till 6pm on Wednesdays compared to a 1pm finish for them; here, we have much smaller classes and they found the atmosphere friendlier and more relaxed than in their classes of 30.

On Wednesday, the girls had the opportunity to experience a full day of school and came to lessons with us in the morning. Helke especially enjoyed chemistry, where we made squares of the periodic table. However, none of us went to lessons in the afternoon as the postponed Sports Day and Swimming Gala took place.

All the girls could take part and/or spectate and every single one of the German girls enthusiastically supported their partner’s Hall.

On Thursday afternoon, we watched the Artwalk matinee. They were very impressed by the creativity of our school and said they had never seen anything like it. The performance was professional and polished and a delight to watch.

As well as these trips, our families had organised a visit to Stourhead on the last day. The weather was perfect, so we walked around the gardens and had a lovely picnic by the lake – a very traditional English way to spend the day!

Over the week, we went on two trips, to Cheddar and Bath. My favourite was Bath, with my highlight being the glass blowing workshop, where we learnt how glass pieces are made and even got to assist in making a bauble. Mrs Oram gave us a tour of Bath, which was very interesting and we watched a fudge making demonstration. Afterwards, none of us could resist buying some fudge for ourselves, most of which didn’t survive the journey home! For lunch we ate a delicious traditional afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones and dainty cakes, and then we even had some time for shopping in the afternoon!

Throughout the exchange, Helke would talk in English and I would reply in German, and in this way it has really improved not only my German vocabulary but my confidence in speaking German. And although it was challenging at times to say what we wanted, a little creativity meant we could always get to the right word in the end! It was very sad to say goodbye to Helke, Nyssa, Theda, Rieke, Paula and Mrs Burzik at the end of the week and we all miss them lots, but I know we’ll meet up again.

On Friday, we drove through the stunning Cheddar Gorge to reach the town of Cheddar where we saw cheese being prepared and we tried the various types on offer. We then embarked on a steep walk up the hill – it was worth the climb because of the wonderful view of the Somerset landscape. It was a perfect summer day and we enjoyed having some time in the sun with our friends.

We would all like to say a massive thank you to Mrs Oram for organising this exchange. It has been such a unique and amazing experience as it has given us an insight into German culture and the chance to make friends who we can visit in Germany in the years to come.

For those of you reading this in the younger years, if this opportunity comes your way you should jump at it, even if it seems daunting, because it’s definitely worth it!

P H I L I P PA J O H N S O N A N D SUZ ANNA REESE, SENIOR 4

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EXCHANGES

Exchange students in the UK from Leer, Germany

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South African and Australian Student Exchange Programme For several years now, students from South Africa and Australia have come to Bruton during the Summer Term to take part in an exchange programme that sees their BSG exchange partners visit them in their homelands during our Summer vacation. Here are some of the thoughts written by our visitors.

‘ Student exchange is an opportunity to do and see things you could never have dreamed of such as gain a second family, new friends and become a local in another culture.

It is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth filled with unforgettable memories. Even though five weeks felt like it would be a really long time, the time flew by and before we knew it, there were only a couple days left. The next challenge is leaving behind our new lives, of which friends and family at home barely know anything. Sure, we told them about it, they saw the pictures on Facebook, but they don’t know what it was like. They don’t know what bus you had to take to go to school every day and how you got used to a new routine. They don’t know how deep your connection is with your fellow exchange students.

They don’t realise how great the experience was so they can’t know what you have to leave behind.’

Lani Stewart and Phoebe Lewis from Australia

‘ Our experience here at Bruton School for Girls has definitely been one to remember. We met so many new girls across the years but got to know the girls in Senior 3 best. We got to sit in all of their lessons and experience school life in England.

England is very different from South Africa, school starts one hour later here, you get a one-hour lunch break and you have many more games lessons. Our favourite part about being here has been sightseeing and meeting new people. We saw all the Somerset tourist attractions, visited the cold English sea and walked the busy streets of London with bags full of souvenirs and clothes. This sixweek trip has been one filled with friends, memories and lots of fun. If I ever get the chance to come back to this beautiful country, I will jump at the opportunity.’

Courtney Davidson from South Africa

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Here are some reports and quotes from BSG girls who travelled to Australia and South Africa.

The Australian Exchange We were all extremely excited and had anticipated for months, the moment of walking out into the Arrivals area of Perth Airport. When it finally happened, it was very overwhelming – our exchange partners and their families were waiting for us, holding big welcome signs, and it was great to meet them all.

During our time in Australia, Isabelle Nathan, Sophie Jeffrey and I went to school at St Mary’s Anglican Girls School in Perth. This was something we were both excited and a little nervous about, as the year groups are much bigger at about 150 students. We needn’t have worried because we were greeted by Mrs Gracias, who coordinates the exchange programmes at St Mary’s, and she introduced us to the school.

We went on day trips with our host families and did things like jet skiing, seeing kangaroos in the wild and taking the ferry over to Rottnest Island. The school organised a trip to Freemantle, the older more industrial area of Perth, and it was interesting to experience some of the history of Western Australia, as in Perth itself, everything is relatively new.

On this trip, we also met other exchange students from America, Canada and Italy who were also in our year, and it was really nice getting to know them. Towards the end of the trip, Isabelle and I visited Jess, a St Mary’s girl who came over on exchange last year as Emilia Gotto’s exchange partner, and it was wonderful to see her again!

The exchange allowed us to make friends with people on the other side of the world, some of whom I’m sure we’ll see again. It was an amazing experience and I would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking of applying.

ROSIE ECKL SENIOR 4

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South African and Australian Student Exchange Programme

The South African Exchange This summer I had the amazing opportunity to visit Collegiate Girls High School in South Africa. Rosie Harvey, Lucy Robbins and I spent six weeks living with South African families in a very different country and we all had an amazing time.

I spent the first few days in the incredible city of Cape Town. Then we drove to the beautiful town of Knysna where I spent hours on Jayde’s (my exchange partner) boat before heading to Port Elizabeth to start school. I stayed in the boarding house and I made loads of friends that I will never forget. The school day started a lot earlier than I am used to but finished earlier too. There were seven lessons a day and they studied the same subjects every day. At the weekends I did loads of things like boating, boogie boarding and tubing. I watched lots of hockey as sport is a huge thing at Collegiate and went to a game farm which was an experience to remember, especially going ‘bunny bashing’ in the middle of the night – no bunnies were hurt in this activity!

Overall I had an amazing experience and made many lifelong friends.

GR ACE FREEMAN SENIOR 3

‘ I saw zebras, giraffes and elephants on the farm and sailed and tubed on rivers – it was a once in a lifetime experience. I also had an amazing time experiencing school life and making lifelong friends at Collegiate Girls School. To anyone questioning whether to go on exchange, do it, you won’t regret it.’

Rosie Harvey Senior 3

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GREEN WEEK

Senior 3 Upcycling In Design & Technology, we upcycled jeans, that we no longer wore or wanted, into more fashionable items. We were given a selection of fabrics and threads to use. Some people changed the design by adding things, like extra stitching and sequins, others went further and made a pair of shorts or a skirt.

Everyone’s design was unique; they all looked amazing and everyone was very pleased with themselves. We were all creative and had a great time. It was a very enjoyable afternoon and it was definitely time well spent!

H O L LY G R A N T S E N I O R 3

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Waste Not, Want Not In Green Week, Senior 3 had a Food Technology session where they learnt about food wastage and the impact it has on our world.

Senior 3 explored how to use old ingredients which would usually be thrown away. They made simple and flavoursome soups using vegetables and made dishes like garlic bread and croutons using old bread and herbs.

The girls discussed wastage and gave each other tips on how to waste less. They were shocked by statistics, such as, the one billion people in the world who are going hungry, could be fed on less than a quarter of the food wasted in the US and Europe. By the end the girls realised that small changes to the way we buy and use food could make a big difference to the world.

GEORGIA HILL SENIOR 3

Fast Fashion and Ethics During Green Week, Senior 4 Design & Technology students created a film and hardhitting PowerPoint on fast fashion and its damaging effects on the planet; it revealed some of the frightening truths behind our high street clothes shops.

Inspired by their group research, the girls undertook target market research within school to help design and make a ‘zero waste’ product.

These products re-used unwanted textile products and provided the buyers with a useful item.

Later that day, the uncompromising film The True Cost was shown to the Sixth Form; an even more detailed and disturbing revelation into the world of fast fashion. This was followed by a debate led by Miss James. Girls were asked questions on future sustainability, and how, moving forward, they would now make changes to the way they shop.

M R S L A T R O B E B AT E M A N

Fast Fashion Talk leads to Tackling Textile Trash Further to the zero waste initiative that was started in Green Week Senior 4 Design & Technology students have made a batch of keyrings. These were made from 100% recycled materials. The proceeds of sales will go towards adopting a turtle that has been affected by plastic in the ocean.

JEMMA LEWIS SENIOR 4

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HALLS

The year started with Hadspen, yet again, retaining the Hall trophy having won it in great style last year. It was my first year as Head of Hall and what a year it was. Imogen Huins and Zuzu Burton have been brilliant leaders this year in their roles as Hall Captain and Vice-Captain respectively, and we have all benefited from their ebullient leadership and enthusiasm for all Hall competitions.

Much to my delight Miss Donaldson joined the Senior 1 to 3 tutor team. The Hall enjoyed working together to put forward their entry for the Hall Notice Board competition, socialising at the Big Breakfast and Senior 1 to 3 prepared and presented an informative assembly on Extreme Hazards. All provided a great opportunity for the new girls to get to know the others in the Hall.

I quickly became aware of how willing Hadspen girls were to take part in the extra-curricular opportunities across the school, and with great success. In Green Week, Naomi Talbot-Ponsonby won the Biology competition with Tara Crook following closely behind. Catherine Johnson was Highly Commended in the Cranmer Awards and a special mention goes to Lola Camm for having a go, despite being the youngest performer.

Well done to Jasmine Jago-Briggs who represented the school in the Kids’ Lit Quiz.

Hadspen

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The school play, Wendy and Peter, saw a number of Hadspen girls successfully take lead roles: Miranda Sturdy as John; Nyah Davies flew around the stage as Peter; Catherine Johnson as Doc Swain; and Holly Grant played Knock-Bone Jones. Emma G, Millicent Moy, Anna Talbot-Ponsonby, Molly Edwards and Lola Camm all played captivating lost boys and Tara Crook, Shakira Davies and Naomi Talbot-Ponsonby were menacing and very entertaining pirates. Of course, it wasn’t just the actors who made the performance so brilliant, the technical team which included Tabitha Spindler did an excellent job in helping to transport the audience to Neverland. What fantastic and inspiring role models they are.

The end of the Autumn Term gave us a pleasing degree of success in the Inter-Hall hockey tournament placing us in a positive position in the Hall standings with wins for Senior 1 and 2, Senior 4 and 5 and Sixth Form. Star performances came from Molly Edwards, Emma Gt Moy, Jemma Lewis and Lucy Robertson and of course the tutors support from the side-line should also be mentioned with Mrs Peach holding the umbrella and Miss Donaldson deploying the star jump to keep warm!

A big thank you goes out to the Sixth Form for their support leading up to the matches, particularly Imogen Huins, Poppy Gotto, Katherine Mayes and also the Senior 5s for sorting the teams. Lots of hard work also took place during this term and girls gained a significant number of Honourables which saw Hadspen again in top position heading into the Christmas holidays.

With the year moving quickly we were soon preparing for the main Inter-Hall event in the Spring Term, the Netball competition. This year there were changes in the rules which meant for each game at least one girl from each year group needed to be on the court.

This proved entertaining to watch as the smaller Senior 1s and 2s used their size to run circles around a number of older girls on the tight court. Emilia Gotto, Freya Applegate, Sophie G, Zuzu Burton and Imogen Huins should be thanked for their efforts playing and supporting on the day. The term ended with the Hall voting for next year’s Hall Captain and Vice-Captain and they will be Yolanda Yeung and Emilia Gotto respectively.

The Summer term kicked off with Senior 1 and 2 working hard to produce their entry for the PSA Scarecrow competition, where they managed to source a huge range of clothing

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and props in keeping with the recycle and upcycle theme. During this time Senior 3 and 4 prepared for our second Hall assembly, despite Mr Watts’ efforts to convince us of his secret agent status, they enlightened us all to a range of conspiracy theories out there and certainly left the whole school whispering in the shadows! Sports Day took place in two sittings as rain stopped races on the first day, but eventually we had another win to add to our achievements. The Swimming Gala was delayed by inclement weather but we finally made it to the pool on a sunny afternoon for a relay style format which saw excellent efforts by all involved.

The finale of the year came in the form of Artwalk. Emelia Gotto organised our army of dress and headdress makers and Nyah Davies led the on-stage crew. The girls produced an impressive performance and pieces and it was lovely to see all the year groups represented on stage, a true reflection of the unity across the Hall. Hadspen were truly amazing! As my first experience of Artwalk and my first year as Head of Hall, I was and still am blown away by the talent, support and enthusiasm of the Hadspen girls and thoroughly look forward to lifting the trophy again next year!

M I S S W YAT T

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HALLS

Longleat What a jam-packed year it has been for all of us in Longleat Hall, brimming with competitions and activities, all of which Longleat threw their heart and soul into. What Longleat never fails to do is have a real giggle along the way, what a fabulous group of happy and creative students.

The year began with the Senior 4 Longleateans giving an incredibly moving assembly marking Remembrance Day. Within their assembly, they included a PowerPoint display of photographs of family members in military uniform who had fought, and in some cases died, for their country. This made the day very personal and there were not many dry eyes in the audience.

It wasn’t long before our Inter-Hall Hockey competition, which was fiercely fought by our sportswomen. Kit Edgell, in particular, scored a breath-taking goal. The Christmas term finished with a bang when we won the school quiz! Who knew we were so brainy?

We waved off Mrs Thomas and wished her luck for her maternity leave and we were very happy to learn in the New Year that she had given birth to a beautiful baby boy called Sebastian Joel, who weighed in at an impressive 9 lbs 13 oz! Congratulations to the Thomas family!

It was soon time for Senior 1–3 to present an assembly to the whole school. To mark Queen Elizabeth’s 92nd birthday they decided to write and perform a hilarious skit based on the Royal Family entitled Who Stole my Jewels? It was very funny to see their take on the Royal Family with the thieving culprit Prince Philip (played by Rosie Harvey) being exposed for his villainous ways in the final scene. Isabella Reese gave a delightfully eccentric performance as Queen Elizabeth II, complete with a fluffy dog, Basset not Corgi, but nonetheless, she was superb and really had the accent to a T – watch out Olivia Coleman!

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Soon it was time to don the red face paint and assert our sporting prowess during the Inter-Hall Netball matches, Sports Days and Swimming Gala. Once again, we waved our banner and cheered each other on. Longleat won oodles of races at Sports Day with highlights such as Suzanna Reese, who ran like the wind and won the 80m. Longleat swam approximately 100 lengths in the Swimming Gala, with Catalina Herraiz, Heidi Morris and Eva Larsen really shining for Longleat.

The year finished off with Artwalk where Longleat performed a fun and quirky Charleston dance inspired by The Great Gatsby. Longleat pulled together and spent many hours making the exuberant costumes modelled expertly by Alina Cochrane and Akesa Tubuitamana. Longleat’s energy and buoyant smiles ensured the audience grinned from ear to ear and their wonderful routine got everyone’s toes tapping.

Well done to everyone in Longleat for a fantastic year, and thank you to our wonderful tutors, Mrs Marsh, Mrs Buchanan, Mrs Thomas, Mrs Derioz and Mrs Robbins, our Hall Captain, Amy Harvey and Vice-Captain, Alina Cochrane for all their enthusiasm, leadership and support. Thank you to everyone in Longleat for their unfailing team spirit and making sure we are the most awesome Hall of them all!

MRS HURST WAITE

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Stourhead It has been a very busy and successful year for Stourhead. My first thanks must go to the superb tutorial team who do so much to support, advise and cajole the girls through the many different tasks and challenges of the school day and year. Mrs Evans and Mrs La Trobe Bateman have helped the Senior 1, 2 and 3 girls to become a strong supportive unit. Miss James has joined Mrs Stonehouse as a Senior 4 and 5 tutor and they have provided the girls with wise counsel and encouragement in all they do. Next year will be all change as we wish Mrs Evans a very happy retirement and wish good luck to Miss James as she takes on the reins as Head of Stourhead from September, as I am leaving to a new post in Kent.

I am constantly amazed by the breadth of talents and interests that the girls have and their enthusiasm for new activities and pursuits. They have been involved with all aspects of school life and done so with distinction. Schools are ever changing communities with pupils arriving and leaving and so it is with Stourhead.

This summer we say goodbye to our Upper Sixth formers who are heading off in a variety of directions: Lea Huber to Southampton to study Fashion Marketing and Management, Elena Lipscomb to Plymouth to study Adult Nursing, Joenelle Sang will study International Relations at Oxford Brookes where our HallCaptain Olivia Wingate will also be heading to do Events Management. Between them they have brought so much to the life of BSG and we wish them every success with their future studies and careers. At the other end of the Senior School we welcomed Isabella O’Brien, Célestine Harvey, Phoebe Freeman and Daisy Grant into Stourhead and have been impressed by the way in which they have been keen to get involved in both Hall and school events, not least in the end of year Sports Day and Swimming Gala in which they all performed fantastically.

Over the year Stourhead has had a number of triumphs. We won the Inter-Hall Board competition for a very eye-catching display in the corridor approaching the Dining Hall and we came first in the Inter-Hall Hockey competition.

The highlight though was Artwalk in which Stourhead played a leading part. Much thanks to the designers and makers of our Hall costume and headpiece, Lucy Robbins, Abby Gordon, Violet Little and Emily Goode and our models, Lucy Robbins and Genevieve Sang. And finally, the performers in their various roles, Katherine Bellingham, Daisy Grant, Phoebe Freeman, Célestine Harvey, Isabella O’Brien, Francesca Finlay, Emily Stokes, Georgina Whichelo-Page and Grace Freeman. I had the wonderful task of announcing the Hall winning team and was delighted to declare Stourhead the winners of Artwalk 2018 – a very proud moment indeed.

Congratulations to all the girls involved who served the Hall so well. It was a very enjoyable evening made even more so by our victory!

The wave of democracy swept across the school in March as we held elections for new Hall Officers for September. It was good to see a number of girls put themselves forward for election and preparing their speeches.

Our new Hall Captain will be Abby Gordon, supported by Emily Goode, as Vice-Captain.

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ARTWORK JOENELLE SANG I wish them both well in these roles next academic year.

I was delighted to hear so many girls in Stourhead being publically congratulated for their outstanding achievements in such a wide range of activities at Speech Day. Success came across the many areas of school life: academic, sporting, creative, music and expeditions. I have greatly enjoyed my tenure as Head of Stourhead. It has been great fun getting to know the girls and supporting them in their various pursuits and ambitions. The school year presents a series of staging posts and demands and I have been constantly impressed by how the Stourhead girls have risen to them. I wish the Hall and each individual girl all the very best with their future studies and careers.

DR SMITH

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HALLS I found myself once again surrounded by a super group of tutors. A huge thank you to Mrs Rostrup and Mrs Fischer whose constant concern for the well-being of the Senior 4 and 5 tutor group saw these girls through the various challenges that the GCSE years inevitably bring. Mrs Oram joined Mr Witt in the Senior 1 to 3 tutor group and they made a formidable duo. Their help has also been invaluable with the new Tutor Programme being launched and I know the girls loved playing ‘Bop It’!

A big thank you to our Hall Captain, Georgina Moore, she has really rallied the Hall and has been an incredible support throughout the year. Georgina received tremendous support from Mai Barber, our Vice-Captain and both have been a constant source of help.

The Autumn Term kicked off with a super Hall breakfast, thanks to Miss Atkins, there were Danish pastries and hot chocolate for all.

Montacute This was closely followed by the first Hall competition of the year – which Hall could decorate their Hall Board the best! Both Georgina and Mai got every girl in the Hall to contribute in some way, even Mr Witt posed for a photo for the board.

Stella Wilson, Sophie Overd, Molly Mitchell and Amelia Bullock from Senior 5 all gave mesmerising performances in their GCSE drama productions with Mai Barber being responsible for all the lighting. It was a truly magnificent evening.

Wendy Yang and Amelia Bullock gave an assembly to the whole school detailing their exchange experiences in Australia and South Africa respectively. They clearly both had had an amazing time and will have gained so much from this experience.

Senior 4 and 5 came up with an ingenious idea for Montacute’s Assembly – The Secret Lives of Teachers. This was a real group effort with

interviews and filming conducted by everyone but special thanks must go to Amelia Bullock and Mai Barber for editing all the footage.

Sophie Rhodes was part of the team that represented Bruton School for Girls in the regional heats for the Kids’ Lit quiz which were held at Kingswood in Bath. The girls must be congratulated on putting in a very creditable performance.

The Drama department put on another extravaganza, this time the production was Wendy and Peter. Some key parts went to Montacute: Charlotte Ferris played an amazing Wendy, Abigail Connolly-Mealing played a very convincing Tiger Lily and Lola Barber a superb Curly.

The end of term saw some excellent hockey and we came a very creditable second overall.

Senior 3 had an awesome win over Hadspen in their final. We finished the term in second place and are hot on the heels of Hadspen.

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The Spring Term was a relatively quiet one, much disruption was brought about by the snow where the girls enjoyed some ‘snow days’. Snow lay on the courts for Inter-Hall Netball so that was postponed to the Summer Term. We finished the term narrowly holding onto second place in the overall standings.

Inter-Hall Netball was very keenly contested this year where the standard of netball was very high. Montacute performed well in all their matches. We tied in second place but came a creditable third on goal difference.

Sports Day was run twice due to rain stopping play and the relays took on a twist with the girls doing pursuit relay.

Montacute really rose to the challenge and came second.

The Summer Term was, as ever, busy. Many of the Girls in Montacute were involved in Artwalk, sitting both internal and external exams and also completing Duke of Edinburgh expeditions (Bronze, Silver and Gold). Congratulations to Emily Forrester who went to Buckingham Palace to receive her Gold Award, surrounded by celebrities.

Artwalk was as impressive as ever. Montacute performed brilliantly. Charlotte Ferris modelled the dress for the Hall competition, and Eleanor Block the headpiece. A big thank you to: Wendy Yang, Stella Wilson, Charlotte Ferris, Rosie Eckl, Lauren Green, Courtney Edson and Jessica Hill, who all played a major role in pulling everything together.

Half Term saw the handover from the old team to the new team who took over the reins: Jessica Hill as Hall Captain and Rosie Eckl as ViceCaptain. They have been key in galvanising the Hall into action for Artwalk 2018.

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All that is left for me to say is that being Head of Montacute for the last few years has been a real privilege.

It has been so lovely to see the girls grow in confidence.

I have loved the friendships, the camaraderie, the humour and most of all, making a difference. I wish you all every success in the future.

MISS GOODSON

A R T W O R K M O L LY M I TC H E L L

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LECTURES

Lectures of 2018

The Cambridge Experience: Work Hard, Play Hard

Wednesday 4 September 2017

Michael Eavis

Wednesday 13 September 2017

Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent

Wednesday 20 September 2017

Antonina Kiełkowska

MAKING A PUBLIC SCENE: SHOWING OFF IN LIFE AND DEATH

Wednesday 4 October 2017

John McGavin

Wednesday 11 October 2017

Sophie Robinson, University of East Anglia

Wednesday 1 November 2017

Helen Bakunowicz a.k.a The Bakemonger

Counter Memorials

Boudavida – Sportwear that Invests in Women Wednesday 8 November 2017

Anabel Sex ton

Wednesday 15 November 2017

Clive Whitbourn

Wednesday 22 November 2017

Angela Findlay

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Wednesday 29 November 2017

Dr Lorenzo Caggiano

Wednesday 17 January 2018

Alexandra Drysdale

The Sky is the Limit

The Wine Trade Wednesday 7 February 2018

Wednesday 31 January 2018

Dr Tony Davis

Wednesday 28 Februar y 2018

Carl Rostrup

Flt Lt Kerry Bennett, RAF Voyage

Wednesday 25 April 2018

Wednesday 2 May 2018

Alastair King

John Bradshaw

Careers in Food Media & Social Media

Wednesday 18 April 2018

Pilot

Becca Spry, BBC Food Journalist

Wednesday 9 May 2018

Liz Renes, Art His torian

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MUSIC Acoustic Evening

Piano Recital

Charlton Hawthorne Concert

As part of the varied programme of concerts prepared by the Senior School musicians, the Acoustic Evening stands as an annual highlight, with a wide range of students performing lighter songs and instrumentals to a packed Hobhouse Theatre.

Many congratulations to all of the girls who performed so well at the annual lunchtime Piano Recital on Wednesday, 18 October.

On Sunday, 15 October, we assembled at the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Charlton Horethorne for an afternoon recital featuring the Chamber Choir, Baroque Trio and soloists. There were over 50 people in the very appreciative audience, including former Sunny Hill girls and their families.

The girls delivered their songs and pieces with confidence and assurance, with a number of performers taking to the stage for the first time. It was fantastic to see the Sixth Form group, Fried Atmosphere, back in fine form, whilst the school’s Jazz Ensemble also gave a collective offering.

Contributions came from a range of composers, from the great figures of classical music (Bach and Mozart) to more contemporary writers (such as Norton) using jazz idioms. There were also performances of some lovely duets, written by one of the masters of the genre, Diabelli. Performers using the school’s Steinway B Model for the occasion included: Olivia Marriage, Sophie Rhodes, Emilia Gotto, Genevieve Sang, Rebecca Pick, Phoebe Lennard, Felicity Lennard and Philippa Johnson.

A special thank you to Mrs Brookfield for organising the event and for performing some of the duets with the students.

Director of Music, Mr Dury, reviews another busy year for the Music Department.

Performers ranged from Prep 6 to U6, and the programme featured a range of solo and ensemble items, with a large focus on classical music, all performed to a high level.

Congratulations and thanks to all performers, staff who helped support the event, and to everyone who came to help make such a lovely afternoon for all. Donations raised £170 in aid of the church.

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Winter Concert BSG’s annual Winter Concert took place on the evening of 14 December, in front of a packed Main Hall.

The school orchestra began the event with three festive items. The school choir then performed a 5/4 arrangement of Jingle Bell Swing, keeping admirably in time and tune, before Upper Sixth members, Genevieve Baker and Alice Tindal, performed two acoustic songs.

The main content of the concert came in the form of a joint Chamber Choir and Jazz Band set. The two groups, well-rehearsed, performed a set of six light Christmas numbers, including a beautiful arrangement of Do You Hear What I Hear? penned by BSG piano tutor, Miss Barlow.

The final two items featured, firstly, a Senior 1 band, which performed an original composition based on a Christmas theme, and secondly, Alice Tindal and Genevieve Baker reprised the Advent carol, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, arranged by The Piano Guys and transcribed by Alice herself.

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MUSIC Somerton Afternoon Tea Concert An Afternoon Tea Concert was held on Sunday, 4 February, at St Michael’s Parish Church, Somerton.

The concert consisted of a number of excellent solos and duets, including items

by Lucy Robbins/Eva Larsen, Abigail Sparrow, Charlotte Baker, Kate Hegan, Cynthia Choi and Felicity Lennard, as well as some bonus staff performances (big thanks to Miss Hansford and Mr Rice). The girls’ performances were brilliantly received by an enthusiastic and very full audience. After which, everyone enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea, courtesy of the local parishioners.

Advent Concert BSG students from across Prep and Senior Schools were joined by members of Baltonsborough Primary School on the evening of Wednesday, 29 November, to give an Advent concert at St John’s Church in Glastonbury.

Items on the programme included a range of solo and ensemble offerings, with a strong seasonal theme. Genevieve Baker and Alice Tindal deserve a special mention for the two exceptional performances they gave which featured carols arranged by The Piano Guys. However, the outstanding item on the programme was certainly the Massed Choir, under the direction of Miss Hansford and Mrs McCormick. The 40-strong ensemble performed a Capella version of Away in a Manger as well as The Holly and the Ivy (building up to three-part round form).

ART WORK PHOEBE HAWKINS

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Bishop’s Chapel Concert Many thanks to all who came to support the school’s second visit to the wonderful Bishop’s Chapel at Wells Cathedral on the afternoon of Sunday, 10 December.

Senior School musicians, including both choirs and a number of soloists, gave a 45-minute recital in the historically and acoustically rich chapel. The choir stalls were full and the girls rose to the occasion, with many attending on the back of the school show, which had finished barely 12 hours previously! Congratulations to all the girls on their beautiful work, and to Mr Willis for making this brilliant concert opportunity a possibility for the school for the second year in a row.

Carol Singing Day Many thanks to all the Senior 1 girls who participated in the Carol Singing Day on Monday, 11 December. The girls visited St Margaret’s Hospice in Yeovil in the morning and Centenary Nursing Home in Shepton Mallet in the afternoon.

At both venues the girls performed half an hour’s worth of carols with residents, who sang along with their own copy of the words.

Sophie Goggs also performed Little Donkey on her flute.

The girls were a credit to themselves and the school and helped to give something valuable back to the community through their musical talents.

ART WORK HANNAH HOWARD

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MUSIC

ARTWORK STELL A WILSON

Vocal Recital

Composition Workshop

On Thursday, 16 November, the annual BSG Vocal Recital was held. Singing Teacher, Miss Hansford, headed the recital which was performed to a packed Music School.

On Wednesday, 25 April, composer, conductor and orchestrator Alastair King visited BSG to offer a composition workshop for exam level music students, and deliver a lecture as part of the Sixth Form series.

Alastair has had a varied career in the industry, and has worked on over 100 AAA productions in the television and film industry.

This concert featured performances from nine soloists, who showcased a wide range of styles – classical, musical theatre and popular.

The standard was impressive, with several girls really beginning to move into genuine vocal maturity. The programme ran as follows: Kate Hegan (Runaway Love), Genevieve Sang (Skinny Love), Cat Johnson (All I Want), Genevieve Baker accompanied by Alice Tindal (Agnus Dei), Nyah Davies (Funny Honey), Cecily Jago-Briggs, Prep School debutante (Price Tag), Philippa Johnson, accompanied herself (A Thousand Years), Lauren Green (Cry Me a River), Lucy Robbins accompanied by Eva Larsen and Alice Tindal (Castle on the Hill).

Alastair gave valuable and constructive feedback to girls on their work in the afternoon, before offering a fascinating insight into his job to members of the Lower Sixth and other interested parties in the evening. His talk included plenty of musical files and excerpts, giving the audience a rare look at some of the material used to create some of the biggest film and television projects of our day.

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Spring Concert At the end of a short but busy term, the musicians from the Senior School convened in the Main Hall for the annual Spring Concert.

The concert opened with the school orchestra, accompanied by Yvonne Leong and Serine Liu, in a performance of four movements from the Carnival of the Animals.

Alice Tindal performed the swan beautifully on the cello, whilst the lions and tortoises also put in an appearance with characteristic majesty and grace.

The school choir reprised Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You, complete with boom whackers, whilst the school’s jazz ensemble performed The Girl from Ipanema alongside the Weill standard, Mack the Knife. A special mention to Nyah Davis for putting so much preparation into the lead vocals, particularly with the latter piece, a challenge for any singer.

Festive Shopping and Singing The girls from BSG provided musical entertainment in two shopping events in the run-up to Christmas.

Following the performance, the girls visited a local pizza restaurant to enjoy a well-deserved hot meal.

On ‘Black Friday’, the school’s Chamber Choir and Jazz Ensemble visited Clarks Village in Street in order to perform at the annual celebrations. The choir and the band performed a range of festive items together, making a superb and confident sound on the specially-designed staging. Although the PA system was a little temperamental, the girls remained professional and focused throughout, performing in a range of styles to the assembled audience. Well done to Nyah Davis, who took the microphone for some vocal solos in the individual jazz ensemble items.

On Wednesday, December 6, BSG girls performed in the annual Late Night Shopping event in Bruton. The performances given at At the Chapel, The Museum, and The Methodist Church were all very warmly received and appreciated. A special thanks to all those girls who participated amidst their involvement with the school production.

Thanks also to parents, staff and friends who helped with both events, and to Cath Butler of At The Chapel for providing free food.

Mrs Holbrook’s string group gave a lively performance of two traditional numbers, before she joined Miss Spiller and the chamber ensemble in an enchanting performance of Faure’s Après un Reve, transcribed for the occasion by Mr Rice.

There were several excellent soloists on show: Felicity Lennard on the recorder (fresh from her success in the concerto category of the Mid-Somerset Festival); Cynthia Choi and Miranda Sturdy on voice; Philippa Johnson and Alice Tindal on piano; and Genevieve Baker on oboe. The final mention must go to the event’s closing performer, Anna Li, for her breath-taking rendition of Frantic on the drum kit. Outstanding technique and focus were on display yet again from this brilliant Senior 5 musician, who has a very bright future on the instrument!

Many, many thanks to the audience, the music school staff and of course to all the girls for an excellent evening’s worth of entertainment.

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PREP

The Wriggly Nativity

Robotic Lions

Willow Hurdles

The children thoroughly enjoyed performing to family and friends in our Hobhouse Theatre. The Nativity told the traditional story through song.

Prep 3 and 4 had great fun putting their computer coding skills into action after building robotic lions using Lego WeDo. Not only could they stand up and sit down, they could roar too!

Prep 5 and 6 made willow hurdles as part of their conservation work in their enrichment sessions in the Spring Term.

The girls are working towards their John Muir Discovery Award.

MRS STURDY

MRS STURDY

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PREP

HMS Heron’s Elf Affiliation Service Visits BSG In the run-up to Christmas a Wildcat from 815 Squadron landed in the Prep School field and out got two of Santa’s helpers.

They distributed chocolate and collected any letters for the elusive man. There was much excitement on the ground and the three House Captains helped guide the helicopter in and send it on its way.

MRS BANCE

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Girls in Science On 12 and 17 October, Girls in Science days were run. On 12 October, Sunny Hill Prep and three other schools took part. The girls were split up into groups called Franklin, Marie Curie and Garrett-Anderson.

In Chemistry, Mrs Marsh organised a food smell test. We had to identify different foods, but we couldn’t see them because they were in a cardboard box with a lid on. The worst ones were garlic and vinegar. We also made bath bombs with bicarbonate of soda, citric acid, colour and scent.

We explored life in our pond with Miss James.

We took a sample of the water from our pond and then we fished around for pond creatures and put them in plastic containers to have a closer look. Our group found a baby newt and lots of freshwater shrimps. We also looked at and made food chains. For example, a pond skater eats pond snail and the pond snail eats frogbit (a pond plant). The frogbit is a producer, the pond snail is a herbivore and the pond skater is a carnivore.

In Physics, Mrs Rostrup challenged us to design and make mini air gliders. Firstly, we had to design our glider and then we were given our materials: one long thin lolly stick, card and sellotape. We then cut out the card into circles. After that, we stuck the circles onto the lolly stick and then we measured the time in the air or the distance travelled.

The winner got a prize. We had lots of fun and we enjoyed today’s practical work.

PREP 5 AND 6

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PREP Theatrical French Treat On Friday, 26 January, Prep 5, 6 and Senior 1 went to watch a play in French staged by a French Theatre Company, Onatti Productions, at Perrott Hill School.

The play told the story of William Babbington, who was sent to France to search for a fourth wife for King Henry VIII. We were all well entertained by his hilarious adventures, and it was so well-acted that the French was easy to understand! We rounded off the morning with a French pastry.

MRS JOHNSON

Music Festival In our annual Music Festival every child, from Reception to Prep 6, performed.

There were solo items, choral singing and even some girls’ own compositions.

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Water

Earth Pre-Prep Sports Day There was much excitement and fun on preprep sports day with all the children rotating around six activity stations.

Fire

They needed hand-eye coordination, teamwork and decision making skills. Great tower building skills were demonstrated along with successful aiming and rolling of bean bags and balls into buckets. The final track sprints were the highlight of the afternoon with great cheering from parents, staff and the children themselves.

MISS COWPER

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PREP The children made a Field of Poppies for the front of the Prep School on Remembrance Day. ‘The soldiers keep us safe so we can walk to school and go to cafes. They are brave and we wear poppies to show that we know this.’ (Isabelle Kettle)

The children explored the properties of ice in Forest School. They watched the effects of hot and cold water and salt on the ice balls.

Early Years found a lost polar bear called Snowflake. They built an Arctic classroom to make her feel at home whilst they learnt about her habitat and the other animals she lives with.

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Reception and Pre-School children went on a sound hunt all around BSG. The pre-schoolers made listening ears to help them hear tiny soft sounds like the autumn leaves which made a wonderful ‘whoosh’ and ‘scrunch’.

Like the artist, Tom Baker, the children used snow spray to create large scale art.

Minna Watts and Herberta Head studied a daffodil and commented, ‘I can see little tiny bits inside with my magnifying glass!’ and ‘It’s golden with a big green stalk on it’.

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SCIENCE Merlin Visit This year’s Science Week theme was ‘Flight’ so on Monday, 26 February, Dr Adams arranged for pilots and engineers from RNAS Heron to fly in by helicopter to visit Senior 2, 3 and 4. Pupils gathered in the Library and in the Pop-Up Garden and watched as the helicopter circled the perimeter of the school and then landed.

The pilots gave the girls a full tour of the aircraft. The pilots spoke about their job and explained key features of the helicopter and gave demonstrations. In groups of three, the girls explored the cockpit and were told what the numerous buttons, levers and screens were for. Military helicopters are very complex and multi-functional, far more than just vehicles.

Five female engineers answered all the girls’ questions about their careers and their specialist area of work in the Royal Navy. They were enthusiastic and inspirational and gave examples of different routes into engineering and how females are fully integrated into the Navy. They also spoke about all the opportunities available to them, even marrying interests such as horse eventing with their careers.

Many thanks to Dr Adams and all the Navy personnel involved.

G E O R G I A H I L L A N D E M I LY STOKES, SENIOR 3

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BBC School Report 2018 Our reporters interview Royal Navy Engineers

Bring this image to life with HP REVEAL

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SCIENCE

ART WORK HANNAH HOWARD

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Brilliant Bruton Biologists

Girls Travel to the Stars

A level biologists entered the British Biology Olympiad. The BBO challenges and stimulates students with an interest in biology to expand and extend their talents. They sat down to a series of online papers over the course of two hours. I was incredibly proud of the girls for putting themselves out there, especially as most had no idea what to expect.

Senior 1 – 4 travelled to space when the perennially popular Astrodome visited BSG. The girls visited the stars in the ‘Space Odyssey’ which offers a spectacular 360º 3D space and astronomy immersive experience.

DR ADAMS

When the results came in, it was no surprise that the following girls received Commendations. In the Lower Sixth, Charlotte Convey received a Commended and Lucy Amlôt a Highly Commended. This places them both in the top 18% of nearly 8,000 applicants nationally! In the Upper Sixth, Katherine Mayes received a Commended and Emily Forrester a Highly Commended.

Natalia Sikora was awarded with a silver medal, placing her within the top 10% of those 8,000 applicants.

Well done to all of the girls who entered; you rose to the challenge and made us all here at BSG, so proud! And to those medal winners, you have proven that sometimes, to challenge yourself even though you don’t know what to expect, can be a thoroughly rewarding thing.

Uplifting Cookery

MISS JAMES

‘ Well done to all of the girls who entered; you rose to the challenge and made us all here at BSG, so proud!’

As part of Science week and the topic of flight, the girls in Senior 2 spent an afternoon learning about raising agents: their history; their role in food production; and their ability to produce carbon dioxide.

The girls made erupting volcanoes using bicarbonate of soda, and bread from fresh yeast which they then shaped into a ‘flying object’. They also carried out an investigation into the conditions that yeast needs to grow.

A fun and uplifting afternoon was had by all.

MRS STONEHOUSE

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SOCIALS

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The Glitter Ball

Senior 1 Social

The Glitter Ball kick-started the social calendar for the Sixth Form.

The first Senior 1 social of this academic year involved games, marshmallows and pizza!

The evening began with a Prosecco reception in the Hall to welcome the two hundred attendees. Once everyone had arrived we enjoyed a sit-down meal in the Dining Room of Thai curry and brownies that the Upper Sixth Leiths’ girls had prepared in advance. After the meal, we headed back to the Hall for some dancing. Thank you to Mrs Harvey and Elena Lipscomb for organising such a successful and sociable event.

The girls invited guests to take part in an afternoon exploration of the school grounds which finished in the Cutting, toasting marshmallows and singing around a camp fire.

M O L LY F O W L E R L 6

The girls then had a quick change before heading to Hobhouse where they enjoyed an evening of Twister, Pictionary, Chinese Whispers and other games along with pizza and ice cream.

Despite being a very busy day for the girls, they were still full of energy at the end of the evening.

M I S S W YAT T

Neon Ball On Saturday, 10 March, Senior 1 – 4 had amazing neon themed socials in H4 and in the Hall.

Everyone had a really good time and the decorations were really cool. The disco featured many dance battles which were great fun to watch and participate in.

Everyone joined in with the Macarena and Cha Cha Slide. After dancing for a while, the girls enjoyed pizza, cookies and brownies and then returned to the dance floor for some more fun.

DR SMITH

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SOCIALS

Snow Ball

Sherborne Success

On Saturday, 9 December, Senior 4 and 5 attended the annual Snow Ball held at King’s Bruton. The girls were dressed to impress and all looked fantastic in their ball attire.

They enjoyed an evening of dancing and good food.

On the evening of 11 November, amid much excitement, Senior 3 girls spent the evening at Lyon House, Sherborne School.

M I S S W YAT T

They enjoyed views of the firework display from the moonlit garden, where the house staff had prepared a big barbecue, complete with giant marshmallows. The boys were really hospitable and, after a few games of table tennis, everyone went into the house to socialise.

MISS DONALDSON

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Academic Socials As well as evening socials, we also enjoy academic socials.

On Thursday, 23 November, students from Sexey’s joined us to get involved in the Bruton Town Council planning workshop. In groups of five we discussed our ideas about how we could develop the current Unionist Club.

We had three hours to come up with an idea which we presented in a letter, a diagram of what it would look like, and a list of activities that would occur throughout the week. We based our ideas on data from the Bruton Town Plan and they will be used in future consultations regarding the development of this area. Now our ideas will be reviewed by Bruton Town Council and they will provide us with feedback. We will meet up again to discuss the results.

Also, on Tuesday 11th we were joined by ten pupils from Sexey’s for a morning of learning how to set up for a formal function. Shaun and Rachel from Sodexo, which is a worldwide company in quality of life services, kindly gave up their time to talk to us about their careers.

In two groups we learnt to fillet, skin and cook a fish. We were then taught a few tricks of the trade about food presentation before having a go ourselves. Rachel then demonstrated how to fold linen napkins in several styles which we then tried. We were all surprised to find out that for a function the napkins needed to be folded days in advance as it takes so long to do. Then we laid a table for a formal function which took a while, but they all looked amazing. Some of us then had a go at silver service which proved quite challenging.

L U C Y H I L L , H O L LY G R A N T, GR ACE FREEMAN, OLIVIA PENNY SENIOR 3

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SPORT

IAPS South West Athletics Four Senior 2 athletes competed in the IAPS South West Athletics on Friday, 15 June at Millfield School.

They all got close to their personal bests, with Millicent Moy achieving her personal best for the season. This has led to her qualifying for the Nationals which will be held at the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham on 3 July.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the girls for their hard work throughout the season. They have been an utter joy to train and I am thrilled that they have had many opportunities this term to compete against other schools.

MISS GOODSON

South West Results: U14 Girls Naomi Talbot-Ponsonby

8th

Long Jump

3.73m

Tara Crook

4th

Long Jump

4.22m

Tara Crook 4th 100m 14.1s Alice Forrester 4th Shot 7.89m Alice Forrester 9th Javelin 21.19m Millicent Moy 8th Javelin 21.27m Millicent Moy 2nd Discus 25m

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Yeovil Area Athletics Ten athletes from Senior 2–4 competed in the Yeovil Area Athletics on Wednesday, 23 May, a blisteringly hot day.

Alice Forrester

5th

Shot

7.70m

3rd

Javelin

23.82m

3rd

Discus

20.27m (PB)

3rd

Discus

21.97m

2nd

Discus

23.28m (PB)

1st

Long Jump

4.20m (PB)

200m

30.5s (PB, qualified for the 200m Final)

The girls had a wonderful afternoon, competing against other schools in our area for a place at the Somerset Athletic Championships. We competed in both track and field events and the girls tried to beat their personal bests. They were absolutely fantastic throughout the afternoon and it was so lovely to see them supporting each other.

Congratulations to the following girls who qualified for the Somerset Athletics Championships.

Lucy Hill

Discus

(Junior Girl)

Millicent Moy

Discus

(Junior Girl)

Javelin

(Junior Girl)

Long Jump

(Junior Girl)

Discus

(Inter Girl)

Huge congratulations to Charlotte Ferris who gained second place in the Intermediate Girls Discus. She worked so hard throughout the term and thoroughly deserved this recognition.

MISS GOODSON

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SPORT This season our tennis teams have competed in a number of fixtures at all age groups.

Many girls played tennis this year, and they improved their performances as the fixtures progressed. Girls on our international exchange programme also represented BSG, and it was lovely to see them giving their all during their short stay with us. The weather was not always on our side, but despite this, the girls always had a smile on their faces and good morale and enjoyment was evident.

U12 Tennis: Phoebe Freeman, Daisy Grant, Jasmine Grant, Millicent Moore, Sophie Rhodes, Tamika Tacon U13 Tennis: Lola Barber, Tara Crook, Alice Forrester, Phoebe Lennard, Violet Little, Millicent Moy U14 Tennis: Laura Curbelo Ayo, Lucia Curbelo Ayo, Holly Grant, Rosie Harvey, Catalina Herraiz, Georgia Hill U15 Tennis: Jade Biggs, Rosie Eckl, Emilia Gotto, Sophie Jeffrey, Philippa Johnson, Isabelle Nathan, Genevieve Sang 1st VI Tennis: Jade Biggs, Paula Garcia Cubero, Kit Edgell, Imogen Huins, Georgina Moore, Mimosa Ngai, Lucy Robertson

Tennis Report

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Netball U9 Team: Evangeline Bolton, Isabella Gundry, Mia Johnson, Philippa Keen, Hanami Pavling Most Improved: Isabella Gundry Team Colours: Evangeline Bolton The girls travelled away to their first competitive netball tournament at All Hallows where they faced other teams from across the county.

The girls stepped up to the occasion by displaying their ability to perform key skills such shooting and defending. As the tournament progressed, the girls soon became competent at passing and moving whilst utilising the space available.

The team demonstrated versatility as they changed positions for each game. Goals scored by Mia and Hanami resulted in the team winning two of their five matches, they improved significantly from start to end.

MISS GOODSON

U11 Team: Clementine Bond, Georgina Burge, Josephine Granger, Freya Green, Olivia Gundry, Florence Kay, Tamsin Law, Hannah Maude, Leah Mendoza-Wilson, Samira Porter, Solange Sang, Evelyne Tubuitamana

These girls have gone from strength to strength this term. Some really fantastic passing and movement about the court as well as hugely improved shooting have ensured many victories.

Most Improved: Samira Porter

The highlight of the season was their undeniable win at the U11 Primary Schools Round Robin competition, where they won all their games. Congratulations girls on a tremendous season and we look forward to seeing you in the Senior School next year.

Prep Half Colours: Clementine Bond, Tamsin Law, Florence Kay Prep Full Colours: Georgina Burge, Solange Sang

MISS GOODSON U10 Team: Madeleine Bradfield, Anna Bray, Lola Davies, Kitty Hill, Cecily Jago-Briggs, Mae Larsen, Elspeth Little, Sacha Markussdottir, Liberty Marriage Most Improved: Cecily Jago-Briggs Team Colours: Liberty Marriage, Kitty Hill These girls have had a tremendous term. They played both High Five and seven-a-side matches.

As the term progressed so did their ability to pass the ball reliably and their movement also showed huge improvement. All the girls worked to improve their shooting and they started most lessons with a shooting session which they loved.

The team ended the term taking part in an U11 Primary Schools mini-tournament and this gave them valuable experience which they can take forward to next year. Always engaged, they were a lovely group of girls to teach who never gave short of their best.

MISS GOODSON

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SPORT

Netball

U12 A Team: Molly Edwards, Phoebe Freeman, Daisy Grant, Jasmine Grant, Olivia Marriage, Millicent Moore, Sophie Rhodes, Ella Shore, Tamika Tacon Most Improved: Molly Edwards, Olivia Marriage, Tamika Tacon Team Colours: Phoebe Freeman This team went from strength to strength over the term and although it came up against some tough opposition the girls worked hard to improve their mid court play and attacking play.

The highlight of the season came on a lovely crisp sunny winter’s morning against Warminster. This was a very close match and the girls worked very hard to get free from their markers. As the game progressed the ball was passed with much more thought and power and the team made it very difficult for the Warminster defence by creating many shooting opportunities.

U12 B Team: Lola Camm, Sophie Goggs, Célestine Harvey, Jasmine Jago-Briggs, Isabella O’Brien, Isabella Peach, Ella Shore Team Colours: Ella Shore This team showed great progress over the term, it came into its own against Stonar towards the end of the season. It was a fantastic game and the girls got stronger as each quarter passed. The girls used set play to their advantage and kept the ball safe by keeping possession. The girls moved well in the attacking circle and were strong in defence. The team demonstrated that resilience and hard work pays off!

MISS COWPER

U13 A

U13 B

Team: Lola Barber, Tara Crook, Alice Forrester, Emma G, Grace Kay, Violet Little, Millicent Moy, Lucy Robbins

Team: Eleanor Bradfield, Rosie Bullock, Camilla Cotterell, Shakira Davies, Eva Larsen, Phoebe Lennard, Heidi Morris, Rebecca Pick, Isabella Reese, Abby Sparrow, Naomi TalbotPonsonby, Martha Womack

Junior Half Colours: Lola Barber, Emma G, Millicent Moy, Lucy Robbins Junior Full Colours: Tara Crook, Alice Forrester The U13 netball team were a force to reckon with this season.

A strong team in defence and attack, our U13As have successfully won 80% of their matches convincingly with wins such as 16–6 and 13–3. Only two narrow losses by one or two goals were unfortunate, but as a team they learnt from their mistakes and went back to winning consecutive matches afterwards.

All seven players listened well to sideline coaching from Miss Childs at quarter time and half time, which they then put into practice. Strong defence allowed many turnovers, which gained possession and got played up the court to our confident shooters, who converted the goal.

It has been a pleasure to coach these girls this season and I look forward to coaching them again when they are U14s.

M I S S G O O DS O N

Most Improved: Abby Sparrow, Isabella Reese Team Colours: Eva Larsen, Phoebe Lennard The U13Bs had a shaky start to the netball season with a big loss to Perrott Hill. But, rather than allow this to dampen their spirits they worked hard as a team at training which was reflected in their huge 20–5 win against Stonar, the following week.

Two very strong shooters supported by a quick Wing Attack and Centre meant that when the ball reached the shooting circle, a goal was almost guaranteed. The defence worked tirelessly to gain possession which added to the success.

The U13B players improved each week which meant when needed, players were comfortable to play for the A team.

MISS CHILDS

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U15 A Team: Abigail Connolly-Mealing, Rosie Eckl, Charlotte Ferris, Emilia Gotto, Sophie Jeffrey, Jemma Lewis, Isabelle Nathan, Genevieve Sang, Tabitha Spindler Most Improved: Charlotte Ferris Intermediate Half Colours: Genevieve Sang, Jemma Lewis Intermediate Full Colours: Isabelle Nathan, Emilia Gotto This is a very promising U15 side with much talent. They are a super group of girls whose commitment to both training and matches is excellent. They have not quite realised their potential this term but no one can fault the effort they put in. I have no doubt it will all click next year as they see themselves fighting for places in the 1st VII and 2nd VII netball teams.

A special mention goes to Isabelle Nathan and Emilia Gotto who both played for the 2nd VII at some point during the term. This team played some excellent netball and should all be proud of their performance. Well done.

MISS GOODSON

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SPORT

Netball

1st VII

2nd VII

Team: Freya Applegate, Charlotte Convey, Kit Edgell, Sophie G, Imogen Huins (Captain), Georgina Moore, Lucy Robertson, Jessica Rowe

Team: Mai Barber, Alina Cochrane, Sophie G, Poppy Gotto, Emily Forrester, Flora Huins, Elena Lipscomb (Captain), Katherine Mayes, Eloise Noble, Lucy Robertson

Most Improved: Freya Applegate

Most Improved: Flora Huins

Senior Half Colours: Charlotte Convey, Kit Edgell, Lucy Robertson, Jessica Rowe, Georgina Moore

Team Colours: Katherine Mayes, Elena Lipscomb, Sophie G

Senior Full Colours: Imogen Huins These girls enjoyed a successful season with a good win over Stonar and a narrow defeat to Sexey’s.

The weather was not on our side this term with torrential rain, wind chill and snow, all hampering training. The girls came together as a team over the term and were all incredibly supportive of each other. They proved to be a versatile team whose members are both able and willing to play in different positions when asked.

A big thank you to Imogen Huins for her support over the term and to the other players whose dedication and commitment to matches was excellent.

M I S S G O O DS O N

This team saw a few changes over the term as some girls made the decision to concentrate on their academic studies. They had some tremendous wins, most notably the one against Leweston at the start of term.

A big thank you to Sophie G and Lucy Robertson who found themselves playing in both the 1st VII and 2nd VII teams this term – lots of netball! Elena Lipscomb stepped up this term as Captain having returned to Netball this year after a break from the sport.

M I S S G O O DS O N

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Hockey

U9 Team: Evangeline Bolton, Isabella Gundry, Philippa Keene, Mia Johnson, Hanami Pavling (Captain), Mindy Waugh.

Most Improved: Evangeline Bolton Team Colours: Hanami Pavling These girls have been an absolute pleasure to teach this term. They had the opportunity to play in two hockey festivals.

The first one was at Warminster and was a steep learning curve, but they rose to the challenge and this experience set them up for the following one. Mindy Waugh really started to understand the merits of staying in position. The second festival took place at All Hallows and it was a joy to watch them play. Isabella Gundry and Mia Johnson, both with strong push passes, were able to clear the ball wide. Hanami Pavling did sterling work in the midfield and was able to make several penetrating runs. Philippa Keene and

Evangeline Bolton really tried to hold their positions and as a result scored several goals that morning.

The supporters were fantastic and the girls received many compliments about their ability as a team. Well done girls, a terrific start to your hockey.

MISS GOODSON

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SPORT ‘ Overall this has been a positive hockey term for the U11 team and we look forward to the 2018 season.

Well done girls!’

Hockey U11 Team: Clementine Bond, Georgina Burge, Eden Cooke, Josephine Granger, Freya Green, Olivia Gundry, Florence Kay, Tamsin Law, Hannah Maude, Leah Mendoza-Wilson, Samira Porter, Solange Sang, Evelyne Tubuitamana Most Improved: Florence Kay, Eden Cooke Half Colours: Clementine Bond, Solange Sang Full Colours: Georgina Burge, Freya Green This team worked incredibly hard all season and it was wonderful to see their hard work paid off. They focused on developing their fundamental skills whilst improving their positioning and spatial awareness. It was clear to see that the defence linked with the midfield and forward players to spread the ball wide which created a number of fantastic scoring opportunities.

Freya Green held the defence together this year, very confidently supported by Georgina Burge in the midfield. Solange Sang scored some great goals including a reverse flick against Perrott Hill and Clementine Bond played the Centre Forward role with determination which put strong pressure on the opposition’s defence. Most improved players this year were Florence Kay and Eden Cook. Florence for her positional awareness and ball distribution and Eden for listening intently to coaching advice, improving her first time touch on the ball and holding her position.

MISS COWPER

U12 A Team: Molly Edwards, Phoebe Freeman, Daisy Grant, Jasmine Grant, Olivia Marriage, Millicent Moore, Sophie Rhodes, Ella Shore, Tamika Tacon Most Improved: Molly Edwards, Millicent Moore Team Colours: Phoebe Freeman, Daisy Grant, Jasmine Grant, Olivia Marriage

U12 B Team: Lola Camm, Sophie Goggs, Célestine Harvey, Jasmine Jago-Briggs, Isabella Peach, Ella Shore, Tamika Tacon Most Improved: Célestine Harvey, Isabella Peach Team Colours: Lola Camm, Tamika Tacon

The U12s have made huge progress this term, particularly with regards to their positional play.

Through small-sided games and specific drills they gained an awareness of key attacking tactics which they started to apply in their matches as their confidence grew. Both Jasmine and Daisy Grant played key roles in the U12A side, really taking on board advice given. Olivia Marriage was phenomenal in goal, and saved many tricky shots and when Phoebe Freeman stepped on the pitch, there was always a good chance that a goal would be scored. Millicent Moore proved to be very useful wing who always tried to put into practice the drills from lessons. Both teams played some very good hockey and I look forward to watching them continue to develop over the coming years.

MISS GOODSON

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U13 A

U13 B

Team: Lola Barber, Tara Crook, Alice Forrester, Emma G, Millicent Moy, Rebecca Pick, Isabella Reese, Lucy Robbins

Team: Eleanor Bradfield, Rosie Bullock, Camilla Cotterell, Shakira Davies, Grace Kay, Eva Larsen, Phoebe Lennard, Violet Little, Heidi Morris, Abby Sparrow, Naomi TalbotPonsonby, Martha Womack

Most Improved: Lucy Robbins, Rebecca Pick Junior Half Colours: Lola Barber Junior Full Colours: Alice Forrester, Tara Crook, Emma G, Millicent Moy

Team Colours: Phoebe Lennard, Naomi Talbot-Ponsonby

This was a very exciting season for the U13s.

They demonstrated a committed and positive approach to their hockey lessons and extracurricular club and made great progress throughout the term. The main focus was to develop the girls’ first time touch on the ball, their positional play and spatial awareness.

Alice Forrester made some really successful first time shots at goal, after being fed strong and accurate balls across the ‘D’

by Tara Crook and Lucy Robbins from the wings. The girls communicated and moved the ball around really well; their efforts were demonstrated by a fantastic 9–4 win.

The strong U13A team were stretched by playing tough teams which extended their skills and knowledge of the game. The girls rose to the challenge and played some very exciting games that demonstrated their potential.

The U13B demonstrated a resilient approach to every one of their games this season and made clear progress especially in their defensive skills. Their marking improved and, as their first time touch on the ball developed over the term, they created many more scoring opportunities on the break and caught their opposition off guard. It was lovely to see them use the wings to relieve the pressure in defence and move the ball into attack.

The highlight of the term for the U13A team was a game against Clifton High School. A great early goal scored from the top of the ‘D’, increased spirits and their confidence. BSG played a lovely game, showing they were the stronger and more organised team on the pitch.

MISS COWPER

‘ Both teams have been a real credit to the school and their development bodes well for next year as they move up to the XI a side game.’

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SPORT

Hockey

U15 Team: Charlotte Baker, Abigail Connolly-Mealing, Nyah Davies, Rosie Eckl, Courtney Edson, Charlotte Ferris, Imke de Gier, Emily Goode, Emilia Gotto, Sophie Jeffrey, Philippa Johnson, Jemma Lewis, Isabelle Nathan, Suzanna Reese, Genevieve Sang, Isabelle Shalders, Tabitha Spindler, Miranda Sturdy Most Improved: Nyah Davies, Emily Goode, Isabelle Shalders Intermediate Half Colours: Jemma Lewis, Abigail ConnollyMealing, Rosie Eckl, Charlotte Ferris Intermediate Full Colours: Emilia Gotto, Tabitha Spindler, Isabelle Nathan, Imke de Gier

‘ This team grew in confidence over the season and demonstrated an extremely committed attitude to improve and develop their skills.’

They listened intently to coaching advice and made huge progress in their fundamental skills and tactical play. As a talented year group they had the opportunity to train with the first team, which extended their learning and strength on the ball. The statistics for the season do not reflect the matches played as these girls often had the majority of possession but just couldn’t quite get the early goal that was needed.

This encouraged the team to push forward and too many times we were caught on the break which was deflating and psychologically hard to bounce back from. Emilia Gotto and Isabelle Nathan worked hard in the centre of the pitch and the team’s improved positional play ensured they had a strong structure.

Tabitha Spindler was a very valuable addition to this team playing in defence. The highlight of the season came at home against Leweston where we proved that we could get an early goal and managed to get two within ten minutes. This gave us a bit of breathing space and although they stole a goal back, the girls kept their heads high and showed how a determined team effort can be rewarded by an excellent 5–2 win. This was a wonderful team performance and made me very proud of them. We all look forward in anticipation for next season at U6 and 1st team level.

Well done girls all that hard work paid off!

MISS COWPER

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SPORT 1st XI Team: Alina Cochrane, Kit Edgell, Isabelle Finlay, Emily Forrester, Imke de Gier, Sophie G, Poppy Gotto (Captain), Imogen Huins, Elena Lipscomb, Katherine Mayes, Georgina Moore, Lucy Robertson, Olivia Wingate Most Improved: Olivia Wingate Half Colours: Emily Forrester, Elena Lipscomb Full Colours: Poppy Gotto, Imogen Huins, Georgina Moore This team started the season with Mr Swaine as their coach. They quickly got into their stride, winning many of their first few matches.

Practice nights on Tuesdays were invaluable as this allowed the girls to have match play against a very promising U15 XI side.

Poppy Gotto was an excellent Captain this year, she led by example, and despite sustaining three injuries during the term, she carried on regardless. It was lovely to welcome back Olivia Wingate, Emily Forrester and Elena Lipscomb to the fold and great to see their improvement this term.

We were lucky to have Imke de Gier, from Senior 4, playing in goal for us this term, she was superb. When Imke was unavailable it was Katherine Mayes who stepped in and stepped up! Having never played in goal before she donned the goalkeeping kit and saved the day on several occasions. Imogen Huins played as sweeper this term and added a real dimension to the team’s performance. She has the ability to turn defence into attack at the drop of a hat. Georgina Moore was stalwart at the back, and led the defensive unit, ably supported by Elena Lipscomb, Kit Edgell and Lucy Robertson.

At half term, there was a rethink about positions and Lucy Robertson was brought up to the forward line. The combination of Lucy Robertson and Sophie G on the right made them a formidable duo. The versatility of Kit Edgell allowed her to play in defence and attack depending on the game: when in defence she made some crucial tackles and when in attack she created scoring opportunities. Olivia Wingate, Alina Cochrane and Isabelle Finlay, completed the forward line where they all showed huge improvement in their positional awareness. Poppy Gotto held it all together in the middle and served as a calming influence for the team. The other midfield players, Emily Forrester and Sophie G worked extremely well as a unit.

The girls must be commended for their commitment throughout the term despite their workloads. They have been a joy to teach and I hope they continue to play hockey.

M I S S G O O DS O N

Parent v Student Hockey Match

This annual event has become a fantastic tradition and an excellent way to end the season. As always, there was a wonderful atmosphere and a tremendous turn out from the parents. A big thank you to Dr Huins for rallying the parent body.

It was a thrilling match which saw end to end action. Dr Gotto deserved a big round of applause as she donned a goalkeeping kit – I am not sure I would have wanted to face a strike on goal by her daughter, Poppy!

Olivia Wingate put the girls into the lead with a sneaky tap in on the left post. The parents then equalised. The last quarter was very exciting as the parents scored another equaliser which brought the score to 2–2, but in the end, the pressure was too much and the girls came out on top with a thoroughly deserved 3–2 win.

A very big thank you to everyone involved as it was a fantastic occasion. Same time, same place, next year, with the mantle of Parent Captain falling to Mr Lewis.

MISS GOODSON

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Prep Rounders The Summer term saw the Prep 5 and 6 take part in a number of competitive fixtures against Perrott Hill, All Hallows and Leweston schools.

It was clear to see how the girls’ hard work in lessons had prepared them to take on the challenge of their opposition. The girls’ decision making and fielding to stop the ‘live’ batter at second post kept the scores competitive. It was great to see the girls place the ball into space when batting to give them the maximum time to score a rounder. These were exciting and close matches and all the girls should feel proud of all they achieved over the term.

MISS COWPER

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TRIPS

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Music Trip to Poland This summer, 28 girls and teachers made their way to Poland on the biannual music trip. We had a fantastic time, with four great concerts, delicious food, and a lovely afternoon on the beach.

Our first concert in Gdansk was in a beautiful old building used for concerts and other cultural events. The choir pieces were perfect as were the impromptu songs, sung

by Alice Tindal and Genevieve Baker, when the audience asked for more. The first day also included a few hours of shopping and a visit to the longest wooden pier in Europe. A lot of us brought some lovely traditional pieces of Polish jewellery made of orange and green amber.

At the train station on the way back to the hotel, Eva Larsen pulled out her guitar and we performed Riptide for the late night commuters.

It really brought our group together and the spectators loved it too.

Our most rewarding concert was at the nursing home in Sopot where the residents were thrilled to have us. Many people would consider the highlights of the trip to be the beach and the water park, both of which we enjoyed with glorious sunny weather, though for once, it was even hotter in England at the time.

We all had a thoroughly enjoyable time and would recommend the experience to anyone who has the opportunity to go in two years’ time. Thank you to Mr Dury, Miss Hansford, Mrs Botterill, Mrs Robbins and Mrs Baker for making this all possible.

P E G G Y S PA R R O W A N D TA B I T H A SPINDLER SENIOR 4

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TRIPS

Centenary Procession

German Lecture

Hamlet Trip

at Bristol University On Sunday, 10 June, a group of girls, teachers and parents took a trip to London to take part in a procession to celebrate 100 years of women having the vote. It was a lovely day with lots of sunshine, and the atmosphere was incredible, with women flooding the streets showcasing the amazing banners they had made.

ELEANOR BLOCK, ROSIE H A R V E Y, B E L L A C H U R C H W A R D A N D C AT H E R I N E J O H N S O N SENIOR 3

On Wednesday, 15 November, the German A level students had the fantastic opportunity of attending a lecture delivered entirely in German at Bristol University.

On Sunday, 19 November, a group of A level English Literature students went to Strode Theatre to see a screening of the 2015 production of Hamlet.

We learnt a considerable amount of new vocabulary, as well as details about a wide range of typical German festivals and traditions. We discovered the background to the German tradition of Sankt Nikolaus and Walpurgisnacht and also that many German people melt lead on New Year’s Eve to find out what the new year has in store for them by ‘reading’ the shape of the molten metal.

The lecturer was extremely dynamic and managed to lace a most interesting talk with humour. This experience was engaging and motivating and we thank Mrs Oram for organising it.

The National Theatre Live production had a stellar cast with Benedict Cumberbatch as Hamlet, Anastasia Hille as Gertrude and Karl Johnson as the Ghost. It was an energetic and enthusiastic performance which exploited the humorous aspects of the play. Overall, it was a highly educational and enjoyable experience.

CHRISTIANA BINGLEY L6

M O L LY F O W L E R L 6

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White Lake Cheese

On Tuesday, 19 June, the Senior 4 GCSE HT group visited White Lake Farm in Pylle to learn about the process of cheese-making from milking to selling. White Lake produce a range of goat, ewe and cow cheeses and have won the Supreme Champion Cheese at the Royal Bath and West Show for the last two years.

On arrival, Roger Longman gave the girls a very interesting tour of the factory and in-depth explanation of the cheese-making process and then the girls had a go at all aspects of the process helping to make, wash and pack it.

After lunch and a glass of refreshing goats milk, we all went down to see the goats and learn about the milking process.

Food provenance and sustainability are some of the topics studied in the GCSE syllabus and being able to see a process from ‘farm to fork’ was invaluable and gave the girls a real understanding of all that is involved. Many thanks to all at White Lake Cheese.

MRS STONEHOUSE

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TRIPS

Iceland On Thursday, 19 October 2017, ten girls from Senior 3 to 5 left school at 2am to go to Iceland.

At Reykjavik Airport we were met by our tour guide, Antoine, who showed us around the island for the next few days. Our first stop was a lava field where it was really windy, cold and wet, but it was fascinating to get our first glimpse of the volcanic geology. Then we went to Rykjanes to visit a geothermal power station and a hydroelectric power station to discover how Iceland generates most of its power. Iceland produces all its energy using green sources. Then we went on the Golden Circle tour which included: visiting many waterfalls one of which was the world famous Gullfoss waterfall; the Thingvellir National Park; and walking between two plate boundaries at the mid-Atlantic ridge.

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We saw geysers spout which was very exciting and then we headed back to our hotel for the night. This was a full fun-packed day so we were glad to relax in the hot tubs after dinner.

The next day we walked behind Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and got very cold and wet, but felt first-hand the power of glacial water. We followed this, by taking a trip to the black sand beach at Reynishverfi, where we learnt about geological features, such as hexagonal columns. A highlight of the day was visiting Sólheimajökull ‘sun house glacier’ which has been retreating since the end of the 19th century at a rate of around 100m per year. Mrs Botterill visited this glacier about ten years ago and was shocked to see that the new car park was once the snout of the glacier. We finished the day by seeing another spectacular waterfall, Skógafoss. Our evening accommodation was in a fantastic 4-star hotel where we enjoyed a huge buffet dinner. In the evening, we experienced geography in action as an earthquake occurred just before we went to bed. Fortunately, it was very small, so small in fact that the hotel staff did not even react to it!

We finished the trip by exploring the glacial environment around us. We went on a monster truck to the second largest glacier in Iceland, Langjökull. We went inside tunnels within the glacier; this was an extraordinary experience and one that we will never forget.

Our trip ended with a visit to the Blue Lagoon, where we enjoyed the natural facemasks. The trip was brought to a fantastic close when we were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights right outside our hotel.

Thank you Miss Wyatt and Mrs Botterill for organising a truly inspiring trip.

JESSICA BR AIN, ELOISE NOBLE, A N D I S A B E L L E F I N L AY S E N I O R 5

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TRIPS

Textile Tour

GCSE Field Trips

On Thursday, 19 October, Senior 4 Design & Technology pupils had a tour of John Boyd Textiles in Castle Cary, where horsehair fabrics are woven.

Bristol

We heard about the history of this enterprise which started in the early 1800s and also learnt that Castle Cary has been a weaving town since the early 1300s. Many of us are local to the town and had no idea just how long this craft had been taking place.

We looked at the whole textile making process which links into all the students’ current work: exploring production systems; types of manufacture; properties of materials; and human versus robotic manufacturing. We were amazed by everything and couldn’t quite believe what can be made from horsehair. The samples were in an array of colours and we were allowed to take a few away with us.

A huge thank you to the staff at John Boyd for showing us the factory. We will refer to what we saw for months to come in our lessons.

M R S L A T R O B E B AT E M A N

On Monday, 18 September, the Senior 5 geography class went on a field trip to Bristol city centre. Our aim was to explore how Bristol has changed and how the city is planning a sustainable future.

We took a ferry along the River Avon and heard about the recent regeneration along the harbour side. This provided us with valuable information to answer our research aims and also enabled us to gain a completely different perspective of the city from the water.

Next, we split up and took a look around the Wapping Wharf development, where they had converted shipping containers into independent shops. Finally, we went in groups to different areas of Bristol: Broadmead, West End and the Old City, and used questionnaires to ask members of the public their opinions about how Bristol has changed. Although this was quite intimidating, we found out a lot about the views of the public on the city and we grew in confidence the more we did. The day provided us with the opportunity to see in practice the different regeneration schemes we have learnt about in the classroom.

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Lyme Regis On 8 March, the Senior 4 geography class went on a field trip to Lyme Regis with Miss Wyatt. During the day, we found out about how the physical landscape has been affected by tourism and management.

First of all, we did sediment analysis of the beach and recorded the gradient of the slope. Then we walked around the town, taking photos of tourism opportunities and management strategies. We went to Langmoor Garden where we ate lunch and drew sketches of the sea. We split into pairs for the last activity, where we completed surveys on the pedestrian and traffic count and the environmental quality. We saw coastal landforms that we had learnt about in the classroom. It was a great day.

P H I L I P PA J O H N S O N A N D ROSIE ECKL SENIOR 4

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TRIPS

The Big Draw In October, Senior 1 took part in a fantastic, fun-packed event, organised by Hauser & Wirth, as part of the Big Draw festival. Using the theme ‘Living Lines’, the girls drew with colourful fabric using the paintings by Rita Ackermann as inspiration.

Later, they worked on large chalkboard drawings which were then showcased as a stop motion animation. Lastly, the girls drew from the figure focusing line.

MISS CHMIEL

‘ I found this experience great fun and enjoyed finding out about different techniques and styles of art.’

Olivia Marriage

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MISCELLANEOUS

New Food GCSE

Game Changer

As part of the new food GCSE, pupils undertook a practical piece of course work based around an age group, country or type of diet.

As part of the Game Changer initiative, Simon Gray from the Food Teachers Centre came in to teach Food and Nutrition students from Senior 3 and 4 how to prepare and cook pheasant.

As part of this, within three hours, the girls produced three highly skilled dishes and presented them in an attractive and appealing manner. The type of skills expected were: jointing chicken; filleting fish; making pastries – short crust, rough puff and choux; and making bread and pasta. The girls did really well and rose to this very difficult challenge.

They produced some great dishes aimed at encouraging children to eat more fruits and vegetables.

MRS STONEHOUSE

‘ The girls did really well and rose to this very difficult challenge.’

Simon explained the life cycle of a pheasant and the disadvantages and advantages of rearing them for hunting. He then demonstrated how to safely joint and prepare them. The girls were then given a pheasant each and jointed it, removing any shot and cutting away any damaged flesh. They then minced the meat and made meat balls which they cooked in a fresh tomato sauce.

MRS STONEHOUSE

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Martha Womack Speaks at the House of Commons On Tuesday, 5 June, I had the incredible opportunity to go to the House of Commons to attend Power of Speech, an event organised by Auditory Verbal.

The aim was to launch a new research paper on how AV therapy can help deaf children with additional needs. I interviewed Dr Sarah Hogan who conducted the research. At the event, there were nine other deaf children, who had also graduated from Auditory Verbal, and they all showcased the effectiveness of AV therapy simply by speaking. But unfortunately, AV therapy and AVUK are not well known in the UK. This means that only some deaf children reach their full potential in this country, whereas in Denmark, New Zealand, Australia and America this therapy is available to every child with profound hearing loss. That is why we were raising awareness and calling for the AV programme to be made widely available in the UK. After the event, I did a telephone interview with BBC Radio Wiltshire. I spoke about AVUK and how important it is for every deaf child to have a sound future. Then I ended up on Good Morning Britain which was also very exciting!

The whole day was amazing and really important for AVUK as it highlighted the wonderful work that they do supporting deaf children around Britain.

MARTHA WOMACK SENIOR 2

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MISCELLANEOUS Careers Afternoon On Friday, 9 March, girls in Senior 1 – 4 had an afternoon of careers education where they had the opportunity to practice interviewing skills and find out more about a range of careers.

Adult speakers represented a diverse range of careers, so that, amongst others, girls met a speech and language therapist; a publisher; a solicitor; an investment banker; the founder of a brand management agency; a writer and a self-employed artist. Groups of girls were divided across the four years, providing leadership opportunities for some and encouraging interaction across school years.

One interview, conducted by Skype, exposed girls to the magic – and difficulties – of new technologies and although many commented that this was the most challenging interview to conduct, they saw that such a medium is a fact of life and realised that they may also be interviewed in this way in the not too distant future.

The requirement to keep time, by maintaining the fifteen minute slots, was within the girls’ remit; they handled this superbly, ignoring the school bell, which was a bit of a falsefriend, and were kept extremely busy, moving between the nine stations. Speakers were asked to grade the groups by considering their courtesy, the quality of their questions and their listening skills, as well as their time-keeping; in the end there was barely a hair between the groups and all of them conducted themselves extremely well. One of the speakers commented: ‘All the girls were interested and asked intelligent questions and were unfailingly polite. What an impressive bunch! I enjoyed doing this very much.’ What higher praise could there be? Well done, girls!

MRS LIFE

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Careers Day On Friday, 10 November, BSG hosted a Careers Day. Students from BSG as well as students from Sexey’s and Ansford took part.

The students participated in workshops run by speakers from a broad range of career sectors and industries. These included workshops on medicine, the police, law, the music business, nursing and the armed forces.

Local businesses, Ice House Design, Kara Clarke Physiotherapy, At the Chapel, and Hauser & Wirth also gave sessions. Bristol and Southampton Universities attended and provided a mobile biomedical laboratory and a session about acoustical engineering respectively.

To start and end the day, there were two fascinating keynote speeches from Lieutenant Colonel Lucy Giles and Lieutenant Commander Becky Frater. Lucy was the first woman to take command of New College at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Becky originally joined the Army in 1998 and was commissioned directly into the Army Air Corps after initial training. She assumed Command of 705 NAS in June 2013.

JOANNA URBANCZ YK L6 AND MRS LIFE

Saint Nicholas Visits BSG The start of December is always the beginning of a very exciting period for children across Europe. The event that triggers this excitement is often St. Nicholas Day. On 6 December, many people remember the good deeds of the St. Nicholas, who helped many families in need and was particularly kind to youngsters. In some parts of Europe it is believed that St. Nicholas, who is the patron saint of children, comes back every year to reward all the children who have been good.

This year, the girls who study German, along with their European peers, put out a shoe on the evening of 5 December. The girls were delighted when they found their shoes filled with sweets the next morning. There is no better way to understand a culture than by experiencing it, and the girls will remember this event as they all enjoyed their Lebkuchen and Süßigkeiten on this special day of the year.

MRS ORAM

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MISCELLANEOUS

MP Speaks at XL Club On Friday, 3 November, girls from XL Club attended a lecture with David Warburton, MP for Somerton and Frome.

We started the evening with a meal fit for royalty, poppadoms, curry and brownies with ice cream. Then we went to Hobhouse and David told us about how he became an MP and what his job involved. It was very interesting and thought-provoking. David was very inspiring and I, along with other girls, decided that I would be interested in pursuing a career in politics. Thank you Mrs Peach for organising it and thank you David for being so enlightening.

ELEANOR BLOCK SENIOR 3

Book Club

‘ David was very inspiring and I, along with other girls, decided that I would be interested in pursuing a career in politics.’

In November, in the comfort of Highcroft, a selection of girls took part in a book club organised by Mrs Evans. The book up for discussion was The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger.

We had an insightful discussion about this bildungsroman novel that deals with the innermost thoughts of the depressed protagonist. We talked about the controversy of the book and why it had been banned in the past. It was a very interesting and thoughtprovoking session.

M O L LY F O W L E R L 6

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Quick Cooks Club Girls from Senior 1–3 who love to cook made a wide variety of dishes. They finished the Autumn Term by making wonderful gingerbread houses.

MRS STONEHOUSE

Multilingual Christmas Party On Friday, 15 December, all Sixth Form language students, teachers and assistants enjoyed a Christmas party.

We discussed similarities and differences between Christmas traditions in the European countries we learn about and come from.

We had a meal we then played Pass the Parcel and Snatch the Parcel. As with most Christmas parties, there were presents, sweets and Christmas music that really put us in the festive mood.

The time passed just like Christmas – merrily and much too quickly.

JOANNA URBANCZ YK L6

BSG host GSA Head Girls’ Conference On Tuesday, 26 September, our Head Girl Team hosted representatives from ten other schools for the Girls’ School Association Head Girls’ Conference, led by fantastic speaker and all-round role model Kate Philp.

It was wonderful to meet Head Girl teams from across the South West and share our feelings and ideas about our roles. The activities revolved around opening our eyes to ways of effecting good leadership. We all came away with more awareness of how to work better as part of a team. We also learnt how to liaise with teachers, in order to overcome any obstacles, and make a positive impact on our school community.

We will stay in touch with all the other girls on social media, and look forward to putting what we have learnt into practice over the coming year.

GENEVIEVE BAKER U6

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MISCELLANEOUS

On Thursday, 14 September, a well-known author, Nigel Hinton, visited Bruton School for Girls to give the girls from Prep 5 to Senior 2 a talk about his new book, The Norris Girls. Nigel has written many books for children and teenagers but this one is a departure from his previous novels as it has all female protagonists.

Nigel talked with the skill of a storyteller, injecting humour and horror, about events in his life that have contributed, often unconsciously, to his stories. He read short passages from two of his books to the girls who listened eagerly.

At the end of the talk the girls asked questions and then Nigel was presented with a gift before signing the books that the girls had ordered. Everyone enjoyed the talk and learnt something new about writing.

MRS BANCE

Author Visit

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BBC School Reporters Go Live A group of Senior 1 girls: Lola Camm, Sophie Goggs, Célestine Harvey, Jasmine JagoBriggs, Isabella O’Brien and Isabella Peach became BBC Reporters for the day on 15 March. Prior to the big day, the girls did lots of work to learn how to find and report news and even undertook some interviews.

On seeing one of the interviews, BBC Radio Somerset contacted the school late on the Tuesday to see if two reporters could be interviewed on the breakfast show on the big day. Célestine Harvey and Isabella Peach went to the studio in Taunton at 7.30am accompanied by Mrs Peach. They had to be flexible as the time of their slot kept changing due to breaking news stories, but the girls soon learnt that this was all part of the experience. The girls were shown around and introduced to Jack, the producer of the Breakfast Show and the girls were taken to meet the News Editor.

The girls were then asked a few questions before reading some news reports, which were quite tricky, especially as they hadn’t had time to read them beforehand, but they rose to the challenge and spoke clearly and confidently. The girls were certainly thrown in at the deep end but it gave them a real insight into the pressures of live broadcasts and how we receive our news.

Meanwhile, the rest of the team scanned the newspapers for interesting stories to investigate and give their take on. When our radio presenters returned, they all discussed and chose a few stories to follow up and found suitable interviewees and got filming.

They experienced the pressures of working to a tight schedule, especially when sound or light quality meant they had to do re-takes.

However, they produced the news and weather in a professional way and on time. The news was then edited and placed on our website for everyone to see.

MRS BANCE

What a busy day, well done girls!

Bring this image to life with HP REVEAL

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INTERVIEWS Q. What is your greatest fear?

Q. How do you relax?

A. Losing my freedom to roam.

A. Meditation and walking.

Q. What is your most treasured possession?

Q. What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

A. Photograph album with pictures of my dear dad and my boys when they were little (no digital cameras then!)

Q. If you could invite anyone, dead or alive, to a dinner party, who would you invite and why?

A. The Dalai Lama and Bishop Desmond Tutu as the two of them are the best of buddies and have a good laugh about life, but they are also incredibly knowledgeable about human rights and anti-apartheid issues amongst many other interesting topics…

I’m not sure that we would do much eating.

Q. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Q. What is your favourite past time?

A. Just naming one would be impossible!

Cycling before anyone else is up, gardening, and walking along the Cornish coast, all in equal measure. Also, craftwork: sewing, willow work, woodwork and many more!

Q. What is your earliest memory?

A. Standing leaning on the back of the sofa and listening to my parents talking in the kitchen and not understanding – it was all gobbledegook to me at the time!

Mrs Weaver

A. Rainmaker. Then I could control when and where it rained and ensure that no droughts occurred in places where people are trying to grow crops.

Q. What is your favourite word?

A. Coddiwomple which means to go purposely on without knowing what or where the final destination will be.

Q. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A. A shepherdess at five years old and an Olympic runner by the time I was seven years old.

A. D on’t feel you have to please everyone all of the time – do what feels right for you.

Q. Tell us a secret...

A. I only share secrets with my granddaughter and she shares hers with me which means I know where all the chocolates are hidden!

‘ Don’t feel you have to please everyone all of the time – do what feels right for you.’

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Miss Goodson

Q. What is your favourite past time?

A. Travelling. I was lucky enough to go to Thailand last year and South Africa this year. I am also currently learning to ride a horse.

Q. What is your earliest memory?

A. I started school in America aged four.

I tried to get out of afternoon lessons by pretending to be asleep at the end of our enforced nap time. All of the other children’s camp beds were put away and they went out for afternoon play. I thought to myself ‘I have done this.’ Unfortunately, they let me ‘sleep’ through break and ‘woke’ me up to have my afternoon lesson!

Q. What is your greatest fear?

A. Heights. My legs turn to jelly.

Q. I f you could invite anyone, dead or alive, to a dinner party, who would you invite and why?

A. Nelson Mandela, I think he was a truly inspirational figure and would love to know more about his life, his challenges and how he overcame them.

Q. What is your favourite word?

A. Yet. Add this word at the end of any negative statement and it will turn it into something positive.

Q. W hat did you want to be when you were growing up?

A. A lawyer but my passion of sport took over and I decided to go into teaching.

Q. How do you relax?

A. Nice meal with a few drinks.

Q. W hat advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

A. D on’t care about material things, care about time, attention, honesty, loyalty and effort. These gifts mean more than money can buy.

Q. Tell us a secret... hen in the 5th Form at school I was dared A. W to put bubble bath in the school fountain.

I did and the results were clear for everyone to see for several days, one of which was Prize Day! To this day no-one knows it was me.

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INTERVIEWS Mrs Bolton

Q. If you could invite anyone, dead or alive, to a dinner party, who would you invite and why?

A. My grandfather, always known to me as Pampy. He was full of fascinating facts and we spent many a happy hour playing scrabble when I was a child.

Q. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

A. The ability to clean up all the plastic pollution and then change the way people use plastics and dispose of them. Not sure that is a super power though!

Q. What is your favourite past time?

Q. What is your favourite word?

A. Running. There is nothing better than blowing away the cobwebs after a long day.

A. Blurb. I teach KS1 and they always love that word which makes me smile.

Q. What is your earliest memory?

Q. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A. Going to the seaside with my parents, grandparents and uncles. I remember spending the day walking along the beach, building sandcastles, playing rounders and eating BBQ food. A wonderful memory.

Q. What is your greatest fear?

A. I am a bit of a perfectionist and I do not like getting things wrong! I also would detest being shut in a room full of spiders.

Q. What is your most treasured possession?

A. My jewellery box. It is very old and fragile but it belonged to my great-grandmother and it is over 100 years old. It reminds me of her every time I open it and the music begins to play.

A. An actress.

Q. How do you relax?

A. I read lots of books and love puzzles.

Q. What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

A. I would tell myself not to worry about getting things wrong and to enjoy and relish every moment. Your failures can become a strong foundation on which to build your future. Finally, launch yourself into as much as possible, seize the day, and to be kind and thoughtful.

Q. Tell us a secret...

A. Not really a secret; but I have a love of dresses and have over 150 dresses tucked away in my wardrobe! I love a dress!

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Sister Botley Q. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

A. That’s a tough one. As a nurse I would love to be able to take away all types of pain, especially the pain caused by the spoken word.

Q. What is your favourite word?

A. Discombobulation.

Q. W hat is your favourite past time?

A. I enjoy spending time with my wonderful family.

Q. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A. Funnily enough …… a nurse.

Q. How do you relax?

Q. What is your earliest memory?

A. I used my white pleated skirt as a receptacle for freshly picked blackberries. I was about four years old and my mum was horrified as my skirt was stained blue and red.

Q. What is your greatest fear?

A. Loneliness.

Q. W hat is your most treasured possession?

A. My family, all of them.

Q. I f you could invite anyone, dead or alive, to a dinner party, who would you invite and why?

ARTWORK STELL A WILSON

A. The adult me would say, Mary Jane Seacole and Florence Nightingale.

However, the child in me would say Donkey from Shrek!!

A. I love to sew, and I enjoy my garden, but nothing relaxes me more than laughing with friends and family.

Q. What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

A. To relax, believe in yourself and trust your gut. And for goodness sake not take yourself so seriously.

Q. Tell us a secret...

A. Well then it would not be a secret if I told you

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INTERVIEWS Q. What is your favourite past time?

Q. What is your most treasured possession?

A. I love playing croquet. It is not a sport for the faint hearted. It is very aggressive and tactical requiring much forethought. I bought an old antique set about two years ago that should probably be preserved and kept safely. I don’t. In the summer it is used every weekend at our home and travels with us when away. Last year I brought it into school and played a few games with my U6th historians. They were very good and I am sure it will be one of their lasting memories of A Level history.

A. M y father’s cloth cap. He came from a working class family in Oldham and despite his many achievements and successes he never forgot his roots and what had made him into the man he was. He wore his cloth cap all his life, almost like a trade mark.

He was very proud of his background and never forgot it. It sits on a shelf in my study and it makes me think of him and how important it is to be true to yourself and not to hide from who you really are.

Q. What is your earliest memory?

Dr Smith

‘ Be ambitious but try to remember that the greatest pleasures in life can come from simple and inexpensive pursuits. Also – do a bit more revision before sitting A levels.’

A. In the early 1970s my dad took me to see Aston Villa play at Villa Park. I remember the roar of the crowd and the stamping of feet on the wooden stands. I was terrified but it did sow a love of watching live football which I now try to do as much as possible. At a recent match at Wembley (Tottenham v Arsenal) I was ‘upgraded’ to the VIP seats with padded cushions and lots of leg room. A far cry from Villa Park!

The only problem was Tottenham won.

Q. What is your greatest fear?

A. Heights – caused by taking my young children to too many castles. I was terrified they would jump from the towers and I would end up jumping into the moat to rescue them. Not a happy thought.

Q. If you could invite anyone, dead or alive, to a dinner party, who would you invite and why? m I allowed to invite Churchill? I would A. A love to know if he did drink as much as is suggested and whether he smoked his cigar throughout his meals. It would be fascinating to hear him in full throttle and whether it might be possible to say, ‘No, I don’t agree.’ I rather think he would enjoy that as it would provoke even longer and livelier debates. As I often tell my pupils – the collective for a group of historians is an argument and what more exciting a person could there be to argue with than one who thought he was always right.

Q. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

A. T o travel in time. I am perfectly happy living in the 21st century but there are so many moments I would love to go back and see: William the Conqueror at Hastings; Napoleon at Waterloo; if I knew I was going to survive, to travel first class on the Titanic; but the ultimate would be 1914 in Sarajevo and trying to stop the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand – I would make sure the driver knew which way to go!

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Q. What is your favourite word? olidays. Term is good fun (mostly) but it A. H is lovely to have time to go off and explore.

My family have tried to get me to have a ‘do nothing’ holiday but I can’t help nipping off to do a castle, cathedral or gallery. This year is Tuscany. I think there are quite a few of the above.

Q. What did you want to be when you were growing up? hotel manager of a large country house A. A hotel. I thought I would never be able to afford a country house so why not work in one. After a few summer holiday jobs serving in restaurants and carrying luggage I thought better of it and changed tack totally towards History and have never looked back.

Q. How do you relax?

A. A good Merlot and an autobiography. Not an official one – unofficial are much better as you sense you are getting a ‘warts and all’ account. Listening to jazz and playing the piano – never in public.

Q. What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

A. D on’t take yourself so seriously. Be ambitious but try to remember that the greatest pleasures in life can come from simple and inexpensive pursuits. Also – do a bit more revision before sitting A levels.

Q. Tell us a secret...

A. W ell, it wouldn’t be a secret if I told you!

ARTWORK JOENELLE SANG

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SPEECH DAY

Mrs Botterill’s Speech

Good morning everyone, a very warm welcome to you all, at the extremely hot Sunny Hill!

Thank you Mr Batten for your words, and thank you and all the Governors for the foresight and steadfast support of all we do here. I am also delighted to welcome Helen Pankhurst to speak to us, celebrating the centenary of suffrage with her is exciting for us.

The centenary has been an inspiration to us in much of what we have done here at BSG this year. Our focus on women and the development of women’s rights has been celebratory and within the broader context of equality. The reason we’ve asked for nominations for, and voted upon, our most inspirational women has been in celebration of all the achievements there have been over the years. In our survey, Michelle Obama was voted for by over 50% of all respondents, but a hearteningly close second place was taken by our mothers, and I’m sure, had we asked about inspirational people, our fathers would’ve had a prominent place too.

There are many reasons why Michelle Obama may have featured at the top of our list: she is dignified and forward thinking; she challenges existing thinking; and is creative and positive. There’s definitive evidence that she champions girls’ education globally giving young women the freedom to choose their future. She speaks out about what she thinks is right and is unafraid to challenge us as individuals to be our best, and those in authority to do the right thing. She is resilient to whatever comes her way.

What a role model.

In reporting on the school year, I want to broadly take the qualities demonstrated by those who campaigned for suffrage, and our choice of inspirational women, as a theme, and draw parallels in our school today.

Because we have a vote, we have choice.

Last year, I explained that BSG was built upon love – this is central to all we do, and underpins everything I’ll say today – in order

to give the widest possible freedom to choose for the future. Looking at our achievements over the year, the very qualities our most inspirational women demonstrate are qualities we demonstrate here at BSG, and encourage in your daughters, to give them more freedom of choice over their futures. This is why your decision to send her here is so powerful to her launching herself in the world, and I want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to develop such principled, determined and forward thinking young women. Women who embrace change, have passion and impact, are determined and forward thinking, challenging and perhaps most of all being, of course, resilient! These are qualities we associate with those who fought, literally and figuratively, for suffrage 100 years ago, and in developing these qualities, we’re preparing our girls for a rapidly changing world where they’re essential.

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Change is the only certainty in life, and all parents have been written to regarding our academic and pastoral changes for next year, changes which ensure the girls have a modern and considered curriculum for the future underpinned by our legendary pastoral support. There’s been huge change in the educational landscape over the last 2–3 years as the impact of the ‘Govian reform’ to the curriculum is now properly felt by the girls. University material is covered at A level, A level material at GCSE, GCSE material at Key stage 3 and so on right down to the EYFS curriculum. This has been a huge change for staff and girls alike and I want to thank the staff for embracing this change so positively without much support from the examination boards.

The aim is that this will raise standards of achievement.

That this means girls should do fewer subjects, and do them well, is certain. From a choice of 18 subjects at GCSE, we now encourage the girls to do nine or ten as an absolute maximum at a time when just the best eight is the central measure of attainment and progress. Three rather than four subjects are now chosen from a choice of 22 at A level, together with the highly regarded Extended Project Qualification or EPQ. We want our girls to be human beings not human doings, and to have the time, as the Chairman said, to live, learn, play and love, managing their time effectively. We want them to be creative at a time when these industries in the UK are the fastest growing, at double the average rate, contributing £92 billion to the economy. This is why we buck the trend in the continued popularity of our creative subjects. This change is why we’re reintroducing library lessons in Senior 1–3, to help train the girls in a structured and constructive way, to use their study time effectively which will help to reduce the stress later on.

Certainly, there’s been much in the press about the impact of the new curriculum upon creative subjects, and a focus upon the more difficult facilitating subjects of English, maths, sciences, modern foreign languages, history and geography.

We provide a modern focused curriculum based around these facilitating subjects, incorporating the EPQ which, based on the research we’ve done on Russell group and Oxbridge University entrance requirements, will keep options and choice wide open for girls for the future. We do this as an academic greenhouse, not hothouse, providing the conditions for strong and sustained growth, underpinned with our personal development and tutor programmes based upon mental toughness principles, together with our excellent pastoral and welfare care systems.

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SPEECH DAY As one of the Upper Sixth leavers said to me only this week, our Sixth Form is for girls with big academic aspirations and goals, whatever their intellectual level. Our leavers demonstrate that clearly – listen carefully later to the range of destinations they hope to achieve. Our experience is, new examinations notwithstanding, the vast majority will achieve their goals – our girls have choices for their futures. Our staff support the girls tirelessly with passion and have a huge impact upon life chances and choices as a result. Studies show that students taking facilitating subjects at A level have a higher earning power in later life than those who don’t, particularly those who take maths. Money isn’t everything in life, but lower lifetime pay means a lower pension and higher poverty in old age in most countries. It’s interesting, therefore, that something simple like taking facilitating subjects, and especially Maths A level, gives more of a choice of future career paths and so may help our girls’ families in future. Our focused curriculum is forward thinking, and, combined with our excellent support of course, challenges girls to make the most of themselves. It gives them space and time to develop their interests and passions – that intangible side of a truly rounded education.

The passion and positive impact of our excellent teaching staff makes us, and our girls, resilient to future changes, indeed it helps us and the girls embrace change, giving positive future choices.

We are forward looking and will be making the most of our bright future prospects.

Investment in the Cumberlege bathrooms will be appreciated by all who use them, investment in our creative spaces will further inspire our girls in those subjects that are so important to our economy. Our investment in upgrading our ICT facilities across the school is essential. We continue to enjoy the refurbished Chappell building, our updated common rooms and even the visitor loos!

Our passion to give girls freedom of choice for their futures is shown through the intangibles provided in the holistic experience here and the values we hold so highly. Starting the year with Green Week, we set the tone with what is important to us, followed swiftly by Arts Week, in which most subjects participated in some way. Our commitment to the arts is shown in our long involvement with Somerset Art Works, and a particular highlight of this involvement for me this year was the Processions project. It felt important, going to London with a coach load of mums, girls and teachers to join thousands of other women to display our banners and create a human artwork displaying the suffrage colours you can see on me and the stage today, Green White and Violet representing the slogan: Give Women Votes. At Speakers’ Corner, the girls were confronted with a young man with very different views on the role of women in society, I felt proud as they held their own and argued their case politely but firmly with him. It felt as though we’d made an important link to our long heritage. Our Headmistress of 100 years ago established the Bruton WI and stitched their banner, displayed at the museum last year. At BSG, we’ve always held dear the importance of education and promoting freedom of choice in women’s lives.

Our values extend to those of service to the community and, once again, the girls have visited Sexey’s Hospital and raised money for numerous charities. Often using their own initiative, and also through their DofE award making a difference to people and lives across Somerset in many different ways. That we have so many girls completing their Gold Award this year, almost a third of the Upper Sixth, is evidence of the girls’ determination to make a difference, whilst also improving their life chances and choices. I thank everyone involved in supporting all the activities that the girls do towards this fantastic award that makes them more rounded and interesting people who demonstrate a variety of interests and achievements.

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Girls at Speech Day celebrating their well-earned EPQ success

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SPEECH DAY Throughout the year there have been numerous opportunities – chances for the girls to perform musically and in drama, and through art and in sport. Only this week we’ve congratulated girls on county and national sporting performances. Trips, visits and activities abound, such as trips to the farm, the re-establishment of the Leer exchange, the trip to Iceland, next week Poland and the future visit to Cape Verde, together with all the enrichment activities such as BBC School Report, XL Club and the Olympiads, which enable rounded personal development. Football club has really taken off this year which is right and proper! We ended the year with the wonderfully creative Artwalk.

We’re very grateful to the PSA who support all our events, organising the bars and raising money to provide the shiny sprinkles on the icing on the cake for us. These include: events and workshops for the girls; the dance floor for the socials; and a multimedia PC for drama. It will be difficult to forget the wonderful Burns Night and the recent Family Fun Night. We’re also grateful to our alumnae, particularly SHOGA, who have supported us with numerous careers talks and lectures, and provided many other opportunities such as supporting girls’ educations through their scholarship scheme for the Sixth Form.

Now for some thanks. Firstly, I want to thank every single member of staff for your unstinting hard work in creating opportunities for the girls to be forward looking change-makers and for modelling this to them. For all that you have done to tirelessly support the girls’ well-being alongside their academic, creative, spiritual and sporting development. On the support side there were some notable changes through the year. We must mention and thank once again: Kate Cox, Head of Marketing; Amanda Botley, Sister; James White, Head of Grounds; and of course Sarah Belbin, my PA who had 18 excellent years at BSG.

On the teaching staff, we say a huge thank you to: Joy Merron who covered for Lucy Fosh in Textiles; to our language assistants Leonie Dorsel and Camille Guiet; our graduate teaching assistant, Shelby Overington; our Prep School teachers, Julie Bolton and Tanya Cross, who also teaches Maths; David Smith, Head of History, who we congratulate on his promotion; Pip Goodson, Director of Sport; Carol Weaver, Head of Highcroft; Rowena Bennett Jones, our long serving and highly regarded teacher of Classics and previously Head of Boarding; and finally, Jillian Evans who is retiring after 18 years with us here at BSG. Jillian will be remembered for her punctilious approach to all that she did. She enabled countless girls to leave with results in English that they would thank her hugely for.

Her ability to spot a mobile phone or a uniform transgression a mile off is legendary, as is her great kindness to the girls she taught. Thank you Jillian, and thank you all, each and every one, for your care and attention to detail for the girls academic progress and wellbeing, and we wish you well with all you do in the future.

And so to the Upper Sixth – because although we wish all our leavers well in their futures and hope they keep in touch with us always – the Upper Sixth have had the final part of their journeys with us, and it’s your day girls! It’s the pinnacle of your time before stepping into the wide world, and I hope you’ll always remember how you’ve been supported and encouraged to always be your best. I am so proud of each and every one of you. You are all inspirational women with so many choices for your future! Some of you’ve been here since you were three and others for just two years – you’ve all made your unique mark on us. I know Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline song has got most of you through pretty much any situation this year, that and all things rose gold of course! The uplifting tune, a tune that everyone joins into, I hope will make you both remember us with great affection and feel the support and love from everyone here, which will last. The response we’ve had from Old Girls to your leaving quotes on social media shows that it does. In the words of the legendary Neil, ‘Good times never felt so good!’

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So I hope in my overview today I’ve shown you all that BSG both demonstrates and encourages those qualities we see in inspirational women, both of today and 100 years ago, and we’ll continue to do so.

We’re small enough to care but both in terms of girls coming to us and trips we’ve taken this year, we have an international reach extending over all the continents bar Antarctica. That we’re forward thinking at BSG is without doubt, as is that we challenge existing thinking, are creative and positive. We’re championing girls’ education, speaking out about what we think is right for your daughters and we’re unafraid to challenge each individual to be their best.

That’s why we’re one of the top schools in the South West, but it’s our Value Added placing us in the top 7% of schools in the country which is truly amazing evidence of this. With these characteristics, which we’ve also encouraged in your daughters, we offer freedom of choice for the future and we’re resilient to whatever comes our way. At BSG, ‘It’s not about who you are, but what you want to be.’ What inspirational role models these girls before us already are, and will continue to be, to those around them. Thank you for entrusting them to us. Thank you.

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ART WORK ZUZU BURTON

Design: Ice House Design

THE GLEAM TEAM.

The Gleam Team 2017/18 L to R: Joanna Urbanczyk, Mrs Bance (Editor), Millie Whitmarsh, Christiana Bingley and Molly Fowler Gleam Team 2017/18 The Radford Quill for outstanding contribution to The Gleam was awarded to Millie Whitmarsh Cover illustration Letters taken from the banners made with artist Dorcas Casey for ‘Processions 2018’ Head Girl: Alice Tindal Deputy Head Girls: Genevieve Baker and Emily Forrester

Bruton School for Girls Sunny Hill, Bruton Somerset, BA10 0NT +44 (0)1749 814 400 admissions@brutonschool.co.uk www.brutonschool.co.uk