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FRANCIS HOLLAND SCHOOL SLOANE SQUARE MAGAZINE

Year 10 Expedition to Morzine, Summer 2022

Headmistress’

WELCOME How do I sum up eleven years as Headmistress of Francis Holland, Sloane Square?

Well, my overriding feeling is gratitude: for the wonderful staff who have been the engine behind the creative and innovative changes which have transformed the School; for the love and support of parents and alumni who have been resolutely behind me; and for the fabulous pupils who at every turn have brought me joy, wonder and pride. I couldn’t have imagined, in 2012, that I would experience such happiness, but the burden of leadership has felt light because of the kindness, faith and courage which pervade our community. You will know that I have endlessly championed these values, and urged the girls constantly to live lives of service and compassion. This sounds an old-fashioned concept in these days of selfies and social media influencers, but has never been more needed, and I think it is one reason why our school has doubled in size in the past decade, and now has waiting lists at every level. Parents recognise that resilience and determination are needed to succeed in a changing world, and with the speed of change accelerating with AI, now more than ever, young people need to be resourceful, imaginative and brave – which brings me to the Fearless Girl. The beautiful bronze replica of the life-size statue which stood originally in New York, facing down the Charging Bull, was generously gifted to us five years ago by an FHS family. It quickly became the symbol of all we hoped a Francis Holland girl would become – defiantly courageous in the face of challenge and threat. Our whole education, in and outside the classroom, has been geared towards developing character, with the mantra ‘Do it scared’ embedded in the mythology of the School. I was so proud to award the first ‘Fearless Girl’ cup to Sabrina Bet-Mansour at Prize-Giving in Cadogan Hall in July. She embodies all the resilience and courage we hope every pupil will learn.

So we have continued with our emphasis on creative and performing arts, on sport and outdoor adventure, on volunteering and service, on enterprise and innovation. It is in these areas, more than in exams, that the most vital learning takes place. Indeed, academic success flows from confidence and determination. In sport, we always punch far above our weight – though at over 750 pupils our weight is not inconsiderable! Cricket has been an area of notable success and enthusiasm, which is lovely to see, but in netball and hockey our strength grows each year. Our art shows this year radiated bold imagination and a standard unsurpassed in any school I have visited. The Junior School exhibition in the Garrison Chapel, home of the Prince’s Foundation, put the King’s own work, exhibited alongside ours, into the shade, I hesitate to say! Our younger pupils are a source of constant energy and creativity. We have become used to performing to great acclaim in the West End with our musicals, and this year took our show to Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, wowing packed audiences with a stunningly brilliant production of Guys and Dolls. The senior girls in the main roles astounded us with their maturity and confidence, and their performance certainly rivalled the famous version at The Bridge Theatre. Our musical talents were also on display repeatedly this year, with a wonderful Lower School Choir Tour to Tuscany and superb concerts including the cast-of-thousands Spring Concert, where combined choirs of pupils, alumni, staff and parents performed Parry’s “I was glad” with the new Vivat Carolus in honour of His Majesty’s coronation. The Summer Music Festival, Ronnie-Scott’s-style, was a glorious celebration of talent and proved an overwhelming evening for me when the girls performed a surprise musical tribute. But perhaps my personal highlight this year was in establishing a firm culture of philanthropy in our community and seeing over a third of our parents contributing to our bursary programme, the Promise Campaign, raising £1.4 million. I had wanted this to be my main legacy and

hatched an idea that I might be able to raise funds for a full bursary – by hiking the Annapurna Circuit. Once I’d discovered that the hike is 180km and that the cost of one bursary is £180,000 it seemed a like a heaven-sent opportunity, though when I also discovered that it involved climbing the highest mountain pass in the world at 5,416m, I wondered if I’d got that wrong. It was the most physically and mentally challenging thing I’d ever done, but, spurred on by so much support, I completed it, and raised £500,000 to give a child every year the opportunity of a transformational education which will change her life. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of you all, and can’t thank you enough. So this magical decade has come to an end for me – but FHS goes from strength to strength. We are delighted to welcome Alexandra Haydon from Millfield School as the new Headmistress from January, and her energy and enthusiasm for the vision of FHS Sloane Square will ensure it continues at the forefront of girls’ education. I am immensely proud that, as I stand down, we are The Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year 2023. I have no doubt that the accolades will continue for this extraordinary school and its community. So many lives have been, and will be, enriched – none more than my own. Thank you.

Lucy Elphinstone Headmistress 1

CONTENTS 3 25 41 51 59 67

Events Charity and Fundraising Creative Enterprise and Co-curricular Sixth Form Art Sport

77 101 133 141 147

Trips Junior School Alumni Staff News Awards and Prizes

Head Girl’s Introduction

It is hard to believe that another year at FHS has flown by, and what a year it has been! This year has been a triumph on many levels. Our wonderful Arts Departments graced us with various concerts, art shows, a fantastic whole school production of Guys and Dolls performed at the iconic Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, and a Lower School production of The BFG. 2

Our dedicated teachers spared no efforts in organising a range of trips throughout the school year, culminating in our legendary Expeditions Week, which saw girls travel to Cornwall, the Lake District, Morzine, and beyond.

together, confirming the values which lie at the heart of the School. These events, which punctuate the school calendar and add joy to life at FHS, contribute to this being such a special and distinctive community.

This year, FHS won the Special Sixth Form category of the national Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards in recognition of our remarkable Sixth Form. Under the guidance of our wonderful Heads of Sixth Form, Mrs Wilkes and Mrs Banks (who will be terribly missed as we bid farewell to her after 21 incredible years at FHS), the Sixth Form tutor team and our A Level teachers, the Sixth Form experience here is unparalleled. Students receive pre-eminent pastoral care and academic support, not only in terms of A Level preparation, but also in their wider intellectual and spiritual development. There is a weekly Speaker Programme, which is run by the girls themselves; high take-up of the Extended Project Qualification; numerous leadership opportunities; and the chance to deliver TEDx talks, all of which prepare us for life beyond FHS.

However, the joy of reflecting on the successes of the past year comes alongside a sense of sadness, as this year marks Mrs Elphinstone’s last at FHS. Mrs Elphinstone’s transformation of the School has been incredible, and I know I speak for all the girls when I say that her leadership has served as an inspiration to us all. It is difficult to imagine what FHS will be like without Mrs Elphinstone, but we look forward with trust and excitement to its future under new leadership, and the changes which will come with this.

As usual this year, and in true FHS style, we did not miss any opportunity for celebration. Our annual seasonal festivities, the School’s 142nd birthday, the King’s coronation, and, finally, our annual Prize-Giving, brought FHS

It has been a privilege to watch the School flourish over the past year. FHS continues to be a community of warmth, support, and happiness, which makes it so difficult for those of us who are now saying goodbye. None of this success would be possible without our devoted staff and teachers, who make life at FHS such a joy, both inside and outside the classroom, and to whom the students are so grateful. Carolina Julius Head Girl

EVENTS

School

PRIZE-GIVING Prize-Giving at Cadogan Hall is always a sparkling diamond in our annual school calendar. This year’s ceremony was a particularly poignant occasion, as it was Lucy Elphinstone’s last as Headmistress at FHS after 11 years of outstanding headship, and marked a decade of Prize-Givings being held at this spectacular venue. Our school mascot, the Fearless Girl, stood proudly centre stage, encapsulating our belief that young women should embrace challenge and assert the power of their mind, voice and talent to be the difference in a rapidly changing world. The evening began with an introductory speech by our Chair of Governors, Patrick Sherrington, in which he praised the dynamism and innovation of Mrs Elphinstone’s leadership which has resulted in remarkable growth and transformation of the School over the last decade. He thanked her for her distinctive vision and described how her legacy will live on in the lifeblood of our amazing community and the work of her successors. Our Guest of Honour for the evening, FHS alumna and internationally acclaimed author, Dame Rose Tremain,

was then welcomed to the stage, and spoke very fondly of her time at FHS. She described how she had loved the warmth and family feel of the School’s culture, and how she had been encouraged to explore the innate creativity which led to her incredible writing career. Next came the main event: the awarding of subject prizes for each year group, interspersed with fabulous pupil performances - a hilarious rendition of Nell Gwynn by our three Lower Sixth Drama students, Jax Jones’ “Impossible” danced exquisitely by our three ballet scholars, and a stunning performance of “We are the Music Makers” by Senior Chamber Choir.

When we reached the Sixth Form prizes, two very special new prizes were introduced; the Julia Banks Prize for Unsung Sixth Form Heroes, which this year was awarded to Tess and Annabelle in the Upper Sixth, and Mrs Elphinstone’s Fearless Girl Prize, which was awarded to Sabrina in the Upper Sixth. The evening came to a climax with an immensely moving final address by Mrs Elphinstone, which was greeted with a standing ovation. She described her time at FHS as being a huge honour and privilege, saying, ‘I know the remarkable depth of joy, love, compassion and aspiration to make

the world a better place will remain at FHS. These values which underpin this community are upheld by every member, and these will hold the School steady and strong, a beacon of hope to those young children who will take up the growing number of bursaries, and a light to families seeking clarity and courage in school leadership.’ We were then treated to a fabulous surprise vocal duet of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Mrs Elphinstone and Sofia in the Lower Sixth (only added to the programme earlier that day due to entertainment falling through!) – the true personification of Fearless Girls. Finally, the orchestra struck up for a fantastic performance of all-time favourite, “Jerusalem”, which was sung with gusto by all in attendance. It was a truly unforgettable evening, and so wonderful to celebrate the many phenomenal achievements of our pupils, be they academic, artistic, musical, dramatic or sporting. However, it was even more wonderful to witness the strength and spirit of our FHS community, and the genuine enthusiasm with which its members congratulated each other. We look forward to seeing what 2023-24 has in store. Vanessa McKinley, Director of External Relations

Magnificent

MUSIC It has been another unforgettable year for Music at FHS, as demonstrated by the students’ articles that follow. So much has been going on, from the Autumn Chamber Concert at The Garrison Chapel in November to the gorgeous Christmas Carol Service and then, into the New Year, a fabulous joint production of Guys and Dolls with the Drama Department at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith. This was followed almost immediately by the rousing Junior Concert featuring Year 7, 8 and some Year 9 students. A possible highlight, from all the highlights, was the Spring Concert in St Mary’s Church across the road, where the winners of the Fanny Davies Festival and the Upper Sixth leavers all had a chance to shine with solos and then the

combined student, staff and parents’ choir joined forces in a joyful performance of Faure’s Requiem and “I was Glad” by Hubert Parry. (We performed easily as well as the rendition at the Coronation, which followed just shortly afterwards!) There were particularly special performances by our Fanny Davies winners – Teresa in Upper Sixth on the ‘cello and Helena in Year 7 as flautist and pianist. But it didn’t stop there – after a very successful Lower School Choir Tour to Italy, we finished the year with the joyful Summer Festival, which had everyone (audience included) on their feet singing and dancing. I would like to thank the students for all the effort they put into music, as well as my wonderful colleagues, Miss Murata, Mrs Floyd, Miss Houlder, Mr Moore, Ms Smith and Mr Mercer. Helen Vickery Director of Music

Autumn Chamber

CONCERT Murmurs abruptly silenced as the first chords of “Le Matin” rose to the domed ceiling of the Garrison Chapel, Chelsea Barracks, and the depth and quality of Haydn’s repertoire washed over our audience.

together and allowed us to find harmony with each other and the world around us. Hannah Davis, Upper Sixth

The event was a delicately intense expression of individuality and artistry, allowing each musical personality to shine. There were performances by the Senior and Lower School Chamber Choirs and Orchestra, along with ’cello soloist, Teresa, a vocal duet from Caley and Sofia, and sister duets by the Fleurys, the Gironis and the Hamlyns. “We’ll Meet Again” echoed through the chapel, a fitting tribute from our Barbershop Ensemble, whilst the Staff Choir reminded us that even in dark moments “Alway something sings”. Such an evening of beautiful surroundings filled with radiant voices and masterful musicians was inspiring; music brought us

7 Years of

FHS MUSIC I have been involved in music since I first joined Francis Holland at the age of eleven, and it has been the highlight of my time here. I’ve gone from being a scared Year 7 auditioning for Lower School Chamber Choir to having the privilege of being one of the Sixth Form Music Scholars, growing in skill and confidence, thanks to expert coaching from wonderful teachers.

more than worth it. I’m so excited to come back and watch future concerts as the talent at this school continues to flourish. The incredible team of musicians here at FHS has instilled in me a love of singing and music which will continue to grow. I feel so lucky to be leaving with a passion that will last a lifetime. Caley Collins, Upper Sixth

I have had so much fun going on choir trips to sing in some of the most amazing venues in the country, including Windsor Chapel, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Queen’s College in Oxford, and even competing with Chamber Choir in the BBC’s Young Choir of the Year competition on national television! Whether in GCSE lessons or preparing to sing a requiem with parents and teachers, the level of energy and care that the Music Department puts into every aspect of our musical education is so special and has made all the long rehearsals 7

Senior Chamber Choir

EVENSONG In Autumn Term 2022, the Senior Chamber Choir had the pleasure of performing an Evensong in Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square. This was an evening of sharing the joys of music, as is routine in our daily life at FHS!

the Senior Chamber Choir really shone through was when performing their chosen anthem: “Like A Singing Bird”. As is characteristic of music at FHS, the standard was superb, thanks to our excellent Music Department devoting so much of their time to working with us. We stepped out of Holy Trinity already feeling eager for our next performance! Tess Vogels, Upper Sixth

We performed for an intimate audience of parents, friends, teachers and our local community, and were conducted by the Director of our wonderful Music Department, Helen Vickery. The Magnificat, Nunc Dumittis, Psalm, and Preces & Responses were beautifully sung, interwoven with several readings and moments of prayer. However, where

Summer Festival of

MUSIC Once again, the Summer Festival of Music proved to be a highlight of the year. The Senior Hall was transformed into

a bustling jazz café. A huge variety of individuals and groups displayed their musical talents, proudly performing the pieces they had rehearsed so carefully. One highlight of the concert was the School Band’s performance of songs such as “Don’t Stop Me Now” and “9

to 5”, which had parents and guests on their feet and dancing! Another was the final performance: a rousing rendition of “Simply the Best” by Tina Turner, as the girls serenaded their Headmistress and wished her a fond and heartfelt farewell. Freya Murray and Clarissa Campbell-Carter Year 10

142nd School

BIRTHDAY The School Birthday is one of the most beloved days in our calendar, when the community gathers in celebration of the School’s founding by Canon Francis Holland in 1881. This year, for FHS’s 142nd birthday, we gathered in St Columba’s Church for the Birthday Service. Sitting at the back of the church, it was a delight to look upon a sea of yellow daffodils elegantly placed in each girl’s hair, as is traditional on this occasion. The rest of the day was filled with joyous activities, starting in the playground, where the School Birthday cake was cut by Mrs Elphinstone, and the girls

enjoyed hundreds of cupcakes prepared by our wonderful catering staff. The annual staff vs girls netball match followed, resulting in a narrow 7-6 win to the girls. In the Hall, Senior School students enjoyed a session of ‘Rockaoke’ - karaoke alongside a live band organised by the Music Department, which saw spectacular performances from students and teachers alike. Meanwhile, the Junior School took to the stage for a performance of ‘FHS Has Got Talent’, which included stand-up comedy, singing, gymnastics, and more! Days like this provide a welcome change from our everyday school routine, giving us the chance not only to celebrate together, but to reflect on our amazing community at FHS. Thank you to all those who made this year’s birthday such a success! Carolina Julius, Head Girl

Big and Little

SISTERS Through our longstanding Big Sister programme, each Year 7 girl is buddied with a girl in Year 8. Our Big Sisters welcomed their Little Sisters into the School in September and have given friendly support and guidance throughout their first year, as well as jointly participating in a plethora of fun events. Our Little and Big Sisters have reflected on some of these...

“The Big Sister Breakfast at the very beginning of the Autumn Term allowed us to talk to our Big Sisters about the beginning of our time at FHS, for example what clubs and choirs we were doing and how well we were making friends. The food was excellent - we loved the mini croissants! “The Big Sister Cookie Decorating is an annual event where Little and Big Sisters decorate cookies with a specific theme, which this year was ‘Animals’. In our House families, we tried our best to design a cookie in order to win prizes in the following categories: ‘most creative’, ‘most imaginative’ and ‘most realistic’. As well as decorating cookies, we socialised with our Big Sisters and told them all about our time at FHS so far. We enjoyed it very much because it allowed us to get into the Christmas spirit!” Matilda Guidi and Juliet Bonte-Friedheim, Year 7

“As we entered the gym for the Big Sister Christmas Party, we could already feel our senses tingling with excitement. The room was packed with enthusiastic Year 7 and 8 girls, dressed in all sorts of red and green Christmas attire. Teachers were stationed on the right side of the room with pizza slices, cupcakes and squash to satisfy everyone’s hunger and thirst! “Christmas music was playing and cheery tunes filled the room. Just Dance was on a big screen and we all got the opportunity to dance to it with our friends. There was also an opportunity to dress up in hilarious Christmas accessories and have your photo taken with your best friends. “People danced and partied, and music played as food was served, followed by an epic Christmas Quiz. Overall, we all had a great time, filled to the brim

with festive spirit. Our two year groups bonded massively and the party was just as much fun as last year!” Rosalie Haik, Year 8

“The final Big Sister event of the year was a Teddy Bear Hunt in Battersea Park. We were given a variety of quizzes, tasks and challenges to complete to work out the padlock code to unlock the teddy bears. We competed in our house families, racing against other teams to see who the winner would be.

“Although this was unfortunately the last Big Sister event for the Year 8s, I am sure that most of us will still stay in contact with our buddies. As well as this, the Year 7s can look forward to doing this again next year when they are in Year 8.” Emily Levinson Hawes, Year 8

“Challenges included solving tricky problems and sudokus, running laps around the park, throwing and catching, and even doing 200 star jumps! I loved working with my Little Sister and getting to know her more. My favourite challenge was solving crosswords, which I completed with her. The prize was to keep the adorable teddy bears that we had worked hard to unlock. 11

St Helen’s Physics

TOURNAMENT

For International Women’s Day on Wednesday 8th March 2023, four Year 10s - Isabelle Brown, Tarini Malhotra, Cordelia Jones and I - were lucky enough to participate in the St Helen’s School Physics Tournament. After making the journey there, we started the first of three rounds. Our

aim was to design an experiment to determine the gravitational force of the earth with a pendulum. During this time, teams were being taken out separately to complete an escape room in the fastest time possible by solving physics puzzles. This took us up to lunch when, after a quick break, we enjoyed an inspirational talk by a St Helen’s alumna about how her passion for physics had led both to her current field of work – aeroponics – and to her assisting with the design of Team GB cycling helmets! For the last round of the competition, we had a calculations race, where we competed to finish calculations as

quickly as possible. After a quick break for cookies, the results were announced: we had been placed 1st in the experiment, 2nd in the escape room and 2nd in the calculations race. Our results had placed us 1st overall and we were extremely proud of our accomplishment! We are extremely grateful to St Helen’s for hosting the tournament and to our teacher, Dr Price, for arranging the trip for us. It was an exceptional day where we were able to put physics into practice. Catherine Garrood Year 10

FHS

BOOK WEEK The English Department celebrated ‘FHS Book Week’ in some style this year. Festivities began with an upbeat assembly led by Mr Fernandes, with the help of eager readers from across the staff and student body. The School was introduced to a supervillain, ‘Purple Hayes’, who could only be defeated by the full force of literature. What’s more, the FHS superhero, ‘Gallowayman’, introduced the new ‘Book Swap Cabinet’, which has given everyone a chance to take and leave a book of their choice.

an inspiring talk about her stellar writing and the importance of addressing mental health issues. We also hosted a Daunt Book Fair in the Senior Hall, with students flocking to browse and buy specially selected texts. It was heartening to hear each of them giving their friends recommendations. Revd David Simpson gave a prop-fuelled talk, exploring the Bible as a text. Our Year 7 and 8s certainly enjoyed dressing up as a Queen and a Bishop on stage! To complement their GCSE Shakespeare study, Year 10 students were treated to an excellent theatrical workshop by director, Michael Oakley, who has worked at theatres such as The Globe. Our students also put in glorious amounts of effort to dress up as literary characters for World Book Day: their parade, led by Mr Galloway, was a particularly joyous part of the week.

During the week, Professor Sarah Churchwell delivered a superb, detailed and informative lecture to our Year 11 and Lower Sixth students about American fiction, which enthused readers and historians alike.

What an ‘FHS Book Week’ it was! Many thanks must go to the English Department and everyone who helped with the many events.

The acclaimed author, Holly Bourne, gave students in Years 7-9

Adrian Fernandes Head of English

TIPS WEEK For three days during the Summer Term, there are no formal lessons for girls in Year 7 and 8. Instead, there is a very special event, TIPS Week, where engaging workshops are conducted by staff and external companies. TIPS stands for Thinking Innovatively and Problem Solving, and these skills are at the heart of the activities. This year we took part in 20 different workshops, some in groups and some individually, with a focus on the 7 Cs: confidence, collaboration, craftsmanship, communication,

curiosity, commitment, and creativity. I would like to share three of my favourite TIPS Week activities. First, Physics Escape Room. This was a thrilling experience as we raced against time to rescue a mini Albert Einstein! We had to solve clues, pop balloons and even dip our hands into a jar of cold baked beans! In the end, our group managed to complete the task with time to spare. Secondly, Young Film Academy conducted a movie-making workshop. We learned about different camera shots and did some filming practice. After lunch, we worked on our main activity: creating our very own short film. There were only two rules: we had to use all three camera shots and it had to be a silent film. Combining these skills with our own silly concepts, we managed to make

Physics Escape Room

Podcasting

Young Film Academy

hilariously entertaining short films which we enjoyed watching together at the end of the day. After we had watched all of them, prizes were awarded for first, second and third place. Finally, I wanted to mention Podcasting. I took part in this workshop on the final day of TIPS. First we listened to some popular podcasts for inspiration, then we got to recording. My group and I discussed some CRUCIAL topics such as whether or not a hot dog is a sandwich and how to properly say the word GIF(!). TIPS Week ended on a high note, with the Half Term break. We all had such a brilliant time, learnt lots of new skills and made new friends. I’m already looking forward to next year’s TIPS Week! Cecily Davidson, Year 7

Zumba

The FHS Apprentice

Posh Graffiti

Abstract Embroidery

Architecture

Scottish Reeling

Self-Defence

Lauda Sion Latin

COMPETITION On Thursday 22nd June 2023, pupils from Years 7-9 were taken out of lessons to watch the annual Lauda Sion Latin Competition. They enjoyed spectacles such as baby dolls being thrown across the stage, enormous scrolls being unfurled, and villainous characters being stabbed to death. The quality of performance from all year groups was very impressive. This year was the first time that our Sixth Form Latinists also joined the party, reading dramatically from their prose literature A Level set text, a section from

Tacitus’ Annals. Ms Bhatti, Mr Hayward and Dr Hayes were joined by two colleagues from FHS Regent’s Park to judge the results of the competition. Each year group had a chance to win a prize of Suburani stickers and stationery, and sets 7Y, 8Z and 9V all covered themselves with glory as year group winners. This year, the overall Lauda Sion Champion was Katie in Year 8, whose depiction of the enslaved boy, Currax, was very empathetic and vivid. Congratulations to all our winners for triumphing amongst a field of very capable and dramatic Latinists. Sam Hayes Head of Classics

Year 9 TIPS Lesson on

WORLD WAR II During TIPS Week, all Year 9 pupils participated in a cross-curricular French-History lesson on life in occupied France during World War II. Monsieur Calvet and Miss Boon gave all of us a booklet containing photocopies of letters that were written by Monsieur Calvet’s grandfather, Henri, to his wife, Anna. These letters were written during World War II, when Henri endured forced labour and was sent to work in Germany because of the service du travail obligatoire (STO). Each letter was translated, and we were able to read everything Henri wrote. He always said he was in good health 16

and would often spare Anna the details of the punishing labour he was being forced to endure. Although Anna’s letters haven’t survived, we could see from Henri’s letters that she quite often used the little money she had to send gifts, food, and even shoes when Henri needed them. We all thought that both Anna and Henri were inspirational, and it was fascinating to see how they handled the awful situation they were in. With these letters, we had the amazing opportunity to fully grasp and learn about the impact the War had on Henri and Anna as actual people, just like us. I learnt a huge amount from these special letters, and I’m sure the rest of Year 9 did too. Violeta Monascal Uribe Year 9

Morison Verse

COMPETITION Students in Year 7 proved immensely creative and courageous when they performed at the longlived FHS institution that is the Morison Verse Competition. Addison’s perfect delivery secured her the third spot, and Ellie’s remarkable acting skills justifiably won her the second-place prize. It was Georgia who took the top prize, with her superb poem about Harriet Tubman. She let her intonation and pitch-perfect expression carry her powerful poem

choice to the entire audience. As well as this, particularly brave students came to the stage to recite the poems that had narrowly missed out in the heats. Sibella, Mairéad, Florence and Clivia should be particularly proud of their stunning recitals. The competition was judged by Mrs Elphinstone, Miss Lorimer and Mr Omole. All three of them, and the host, Mr Fernandes, were truly spellbound by the wealth of talent on show. What a talented group of Year 7s we have at FHS! Adrian Fernandes Head of English

Poet for

HIRE In October, the English Department ran a ‘Poet for Hire’ station. Students all through the School were in the trusty hands of the poets: Mr Fernandes, Mrs Buchanan, Mr Russell and Ms Street.

The teachers would give a theme or suggest an idea for participants to quickly jot down a few lines of lyrical verse. Poems on topics inspired by cues from ‘my brother’s birthday’ to ‘about my dog’ were energetically produced. The station was a hit, and a queue quickly grew along the sides of the playground. Some memorable poems were produced, to say the least! Honor Jones Lower Sixth

Celebrating the

CORONATION The weekend of the King’s coronation was highly anticipated across the country and, with millions of parties planned, Francis Holland certainly did not miss the opportunity to celebrate in true FHS style. A sunny Friday lunchtime saw many members of the School gathered in the playground to celebrate the event. The catering staff did a wonderful job in providing delicious fruit skewers, cupcakes and much needed ice

lollies. Students and teachers alike gathered under the Union Jack bunting that adorned the playground and, accompanied by the ever-talented FHS musicians, belted out the National Anthem with all their might (remembering to sing ‘King’ and not ‘Queen’ as they had done so many times before!). Mrs Elphinstone, as per usual, takes the top prize for having the most passion and best projection - I hope our new Head has been practising her singing, as topping that performance will be an amazing feat! Tess Mayes Upper Sixth

Harvest Festival

SERVICE This year’s Harvest Festival Service was held on a cloudy day in the Autumn Term. However, within the beautiful church’s walls, the mood was that of a bright summer’s day, with voices from Year 7 to the Upper Sixth singing together for the first time this academic year. As well as the whole School singing hymns in unison, we enjoyed an enchanting piece by the chapel choir and a joyful performance of Rutter’s 18

“For the Beauty of the Earth” by the full choir. Throughout the service, the church was full of appreciation for God and for harvest with its fruits and vegetables. At the front of the church, there were tables piled high with just some of the generous food donations from our annual Harvest Festival food collection, which is donated to those in need. The church filled with the light of songs, readings and prayers and Mrs Elphinstone gave an uplifting and inspirational speech. Overall, this glorious service perfectly demonstrated everyone’s thankfulness for harvest and God’s love for us all. Allegra Clement-Davies Year 9

THE BFG For two evenings in June, the Senior Hall was transformed into Giant Country. Adorning the stage were mammoth boulders, enormous Snozzcumbers, and bottles of neon green Frobscuttle! Inspired by the wonder and fantasy of Roald Dahl, students in Years 7-9 took on the iconic roles with which we are all so familiar from his classic tale, The BFG. To play around with perspective and scale

(how were we going to make the giants look…gigantic?!), we intermittently used a puppet for Sophie, which added an extra element of magic to this piece of children’s theatre. For each part of the story, the BFG and Sophie were played by different actors, which gave the piece a strong feeling of ensemble, as we can see in the following reflection: “Being in The BFG was such a fun experience for all because we got to collaborate with our close friends and peers and be in a tight community. At first, the play seemed to be a bit of a challenge, as I realised that I had to learn my lines and had to stay after school until late, and even give up weekends! However, I was committed to

learning my lines and performing well to make this show worth it. Everybody who participated collaborated really well and it definitely showed by the end. We would like to thank all the teachers who made it possible for us to perform; we are very grateful to them. From my audition to the final bow, this journey has been extraordinary, and I will never forget it. This will also encourage me to participate in future plays and shows, which I bet will be exciting and will teach us new skills and how to work in a team in the future.” - Ava-Valerie, Year 9 student who played a giant Alice Hanton Director of Drama

Guys and

DOLLS With two weeks to go before opening night, the creative team - Miss Hanton, Miss Robinson, Mr Omole, Miss Vickery, Mr Mercer and Mr Page – visited the venue that we had hired for this year’s whole school production. It was bare. It was empty. It was a warehouse. We panicked! How were we going to perform in an empty warehouse? (There had been a slight miscommunication with the venue: we thought the theatre would be rigged with lights and seating, and the theatre thought we’d hired it as a bare studio…) We need not have feared: Mrs Elphinstone – the most stalwart supporter of our productions – rectified the miscommunication with one deft phone call. We were saved. We were back on track. Mr Page worked his technical wizardry and rigged, focused and tweaked thousands of lights in a matter of days; we were ready to descend upon the theatre with the cast in tow.

There was a buzz of excitement in the foyer at Riverside Studios, Hammersmith, as a cast of over 90 students from Year 7 to the Upper Sixth waited patiently to see the stage, which would become their creative home for the next three days. On entering the theatre, the cast were met with bright neon Broadway Lights, transporting them to the backstreets of 1950s New York. After two longs days of technical and dress rehearsals - and one or two wardrobe malfunctions(!) - we were ready to show our production of Guys and Dolls to two sold out audiences.

This much-loved musical comedy, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, saw the students take on some epic New York gangster accents while donning trilby hats and swinging dice. The sophisticated ‘Hotbox Posse’, composed of talented Year 11 and Sixth Form students, mastered showstopping dance moves and tuneful melodies to wow the audience with their glittering performances. Then there was the Mission Band, relentlessly singing their gutsy rendition of “Follow the Fold” as they marched across the stage in a bid to save the sinners of the backstreets of Broadway.

Each student gave a nuanced and characterful performance, so it really is difficult to single out individual performances. However, special mention must go to the four leads: Isabella O’Neill, Tess Vogels, Palmer Newson and Raffy Hawkins wowed the audience with their professionalism and flair. What a triumph to command a professional stage whilst simultaneously completing the final year of their A Levels! Huge congratulations to all those involved - the cast and crew pulled off a showstopper. Alice Hanton Director of Drama

GCSE Drama

DUOLOGUES The Year 11 drama students’ GCSE duologues were a massive success that culminated in rapturous applause. I was so proud of my cohort and the glowing performances, which were the result of weeks of progressive rehearsals in the new and improved Carmel Hall Studio Theatre.

The night commenced with a gothic scene from Frankenstein, a memorable moment in which Frankenstein first encounters the creature he created after many years. I played the creature and was thrilled to take on the challenge of embodying his inhuman traits along with a face full of prosthetics and dramatic stage makeup! Following this came an array of comedic, naturalistic and contemporary duologues. The audience commented later on the way each girl went bravely beyond her comfort zone to vividly portray her assumed character, and they were amused not only by the comical aspects of the performances, but also by the range of accents and character types.

When performing in the new Carmel Studio space, I was immediately struck by the proximity of the guests, meaning any word I uttered or stammered would be immediately audible and visible. This created both fear and excitement – knowing that those watching could see and hear everything. I also felt a great sense of pride to be performing in a space dedicated just to drama. It would be remiss of me not to mention the dedication and unwavering support of the Drama Department, specifically Miss Hanton, Miss Robinson and Mr Omole, without whom we would not have achieved such great success. Ismay Bunce Year 11

Lower Sixth Verbatim

THEATRE On the same night as the Year 11 Duologues, Lower Sixth drama students performed our devised play, the first part of our A Level course. We created and performed a piece of Verbatim Theatre, taking inspiration from the unique style of Alecky Blythe’s Recorded Delivery. Blythe is a leading female contemporary playwright and Verbatim Theatre practitioner. Following her lead, we took to the streets to interview strangers about their stories on the theme of ‘first time experiences’, as well as interrogating family members, and just about anyone at school who agreed to being interviewed! These interviews were then turned into a piece of drama which remained true to each interviewee; we acted out their

stories word for word, including every pause, cough or laugh. We portrayed characters from different backgrounds and with various accents, each with their own story to tell; for example, the first dance at a wedding, first kiss, first job and first funeral. The aim of our piece was to show the audience the significance of first-time experiences, and leave them asking the question: why do we remember them so well?

Well done to everyone involved in these performances, and a huge thank you to the Drama Department for supporting and guiding us, especially the fabulous Miss Hanton and Miss Robinson. Thanks too to Mr Page for being so patient and obliging with our numerous lighting and sound effect requests! Millie Hildreth Lower Sixth

23 23

A Level Drama

PERFORMANCE On 17th January 2023, in two separate groups, we embarked on our A Level practical – 30% of our A Level was officially underway! Nervous but thoroughly excited, we got into costume and met the visiting examiner who kindly reassured us that, whilst it was undeniably a big deal, she knew we were up to the task. Throughout the two subsequent performances, we channelled all the characteristics of an FHS girl: we were brave, fearless, resilient (most notably when a pair of trousers ripped five minutes before a performance!) and we truly did it scared. One group (Isabella, Grace, Victoria and Palmer) took on a scene from the dynamic, tense, and risqué Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf by Edward Albee

and the other (Rose, Sofia, Tess and Jaqueline) performed an extract from the hostile, comedic, and fast-paced God of Carnage by Yasmin Reza.

produced a wide range of audience responses. We were all extremely proud of ourselves and, despite the nerves, it was an amazing evening!

The two pieces, inspired by Stanislavski’s naturalistic performance methods, contrasted each other wonderfully, and

Tess Vogels and Grace Wharton Upper Sixth

Charity and

FUNDRAISING

OUTREACH It has been another target-smashing, spirit-raising, and life-affirming year of Outreach at FHS. To say that our Outreach calendar is ‘jam-packed’ is to do a disservice to both jam and preserve-packaging professionals… This is but an attempt to give a taste of the huge variety of charitable activities that have taken place this year at FHS – a school that is increasingly known for the philanthropic empathy and creative altruism of its pupils. Yet again, we find space and time within the academic nooks and co-curricular crannies of school life to deliver spiritraising (and fundraising) activities making use of our time, our talent, and our treasure. These can be activities that spur our pupils to engage in their local community, such as the 800 total hours of the Year 12 volunteering programme

(see p.33) or the 3.5 tonnes of recordbreaking monthly foodbank collections supported by the SSPA (see p.30), or those that help students find their voice amid international crises, such as the £1497 raised by our pupils with Turkish and Syrian heritage for our rapid response Syria & Turkey Earthquake Appeal, or the £1456 raised by Year 13 for The Cycle, a charity which provides sanitary products for women and girls in impoverished communities in India and Africa. ‘You can’t spell fundraising without “fun”’ is a maxim we hold dear at FHS, though perhaps more accurate would be to say ‘You can’t raise funds without dressing up’. Whether dressing head to toe in aluminium foil for our Science Week Element-Themed Mufti Day (£929 for Mvumi School), or dressing head-to-toe in second-hand clothes after our trendy Clothes Swap (£160 for KLS), FHS girls found ways of fundraising

fashionably. A new trend that I hope catches on was the wonderful initiative of Year 11, who, rather than destroying their old uniform, donated it all to the SSPA Nearly New Uniform Sale, which, thanks to the formidably efficient work of Mrs Lindsey Haas and Mr David Sweeney, raised over £9000 for the school charities and made sure that Year 7 start school in September in style. *sunglasses emoji* It would be remiss of me not to mention two creative charitable activities which offer an interesting juxtaposition and help demonstrate the breadth of our charitable work at FHS. Firstly, we have been delighted once again to use our own Expeditions Week programme to fund the trips programme for St Barnabas' CE Primary School, via a simple opt-out £10 donation contributed by FHS parents as part of the Expeditions Week fee. We are delighted that 100% of parents

contributed, which has meant that all Year 6 pupils at St Barnabas' have been able to visit Sayers Croft (which for some was the first time they had left Greater London) and several other year groups have been able to visit the theatre, again, many for the first time. In the Summer Term we were also able, for the first time, to host the (unofficial) World Pea Throwing Championships in the playground in support of the Christian Aid Week campaign to better support sustainable and drought resistant farming in rural Malawi. Our (unofficial) World Champion, Sophia (Year 9), was able to throw her pea 23.68m(!), though my personal highlight was successfully encouraging Miss Boon to ‘do it scared’ as she lined up to fling her pea skywards.

We continue to be proud of our links to local charities, most notably Katherine Low Settlement, to which we continue to provide much needed funds, friendship, Easter Eggs and Christmas presents (see page 31), and In-Deep, where we volunteer, fundraise, and share our facilities and expertise, whether that’s Paloma, Sofia and Victoria supporting Music Therapy a Saturday morning, or Miss Vickery conducting the over 50s’ choir on a Monday evening (how she finds the time, we’ll never know!) Our links with these charities are strong and sustainable, being based on many decades of trust and understanding, and a shared vision to improve the lives of those in our local area. Of course, none of this would be possible without the sterling work of the important people

that run these organisations, namely Mr Aaron Barbour at KLS, who will sadly be ending his decade of stewardship at the end of this year, and Mrs Emma Chapman MBE at In-Deep, who, along with her husband Colin, has been

supporting those in need in Lambeth and Westminster from long before my time, and whose ambition, creativity, and commitment are an inspiration to us all. We are also proud to have made links with Eden Court Retirement Village in Battersea, where Betsy and Anna (Year 12) visit to read poems and plays with residents Liz and Betty (and more and more of their friends each week), and with St Matthew’s Primary School, where Sparkle, Alix, Alice, Ruqqayah and Pia (Year 12) helped with the Monday Homework Club, and Sofia and Victoria (Year 12) helped run the choir! Though our students’ charitable

endeavours are the most notable, it’s also worthwhile shining a light on some of our staff contributions that have gone ‘above and beyond’ this year. Our London Marathon runners – Miss Hunt, Mr Allen and Miss James (assisted by our Inspirational Athletes Mufti Day and Playground Takeover!) raised £2029 for Prostate Cancer Research, Mental Health Foundation, and Reach Out Now (which is about £26 per mile of running – phew!) and our ASICS London 10k runners, Mr Dyson, Miss McKinley, Miss Newsome, and Dr Upcott – were instrumental in getting us ‘over the line’ in our commitment to raise £5000 for In-Deep. But, of course, more than all others combined, there was the EPIC voyage of Mrs Elphinstone across the

Nepalese Annapurna mountain range: 180km of endless elevation changes and over £500,000 raised (around £4500 per mile… wow). It’s not just during term-time that FHS gives back! During the 2022 summer holidays, the Senior Hall and playground were the setting of the very first In-Deep Greatest Showman Summer Workshop, a three-day extravaganza of dance, drama, art and music therapy for almost 40 young people with special learning needs. We’re delighted to say that we were also able to fund this programme entirely from student donations (and, at time of going to press, have done the same for 2023!) Well done FHS girls! Additionally, during October Half

Term, FHS hosted the Coram Beanstalk Bookfest, an event we have hosted almost every year since 2016! Over 300 children from ten local primary schools were not only treated to some fantastic author talks, but were also able to take away a signed copy of the authors’ books and an extra book of their choice. We were also delighted to hear of several pupils using their international holidays to volunteer, highlighted best by Landa, who dedicated a week of her holiday to working at a social enterprise for women at a language school in Phuket (see page 32). We look towards next year and the challenges facing our community, both local and global, and the importance

of continuing to support those in need with creativity, compassion, and commitment. We are rightly proud of the relationships we have with our charity partners, but mindful too of how we can further improve our Outreach programme. More than anything, I hope this helps us all understand the very real and very positive difference we have made (and will continue to make) to those who need us most of all. Thank you to everyone at FHS: pupils, parents, staff, and alumnae, for their support throughout the year. We can’t wait for more innovative Outreach in 2023/24. Will Galloway, Head of Outreach

Supporting Hammersmith and Fulham

FOODBANK In Autumn Term 2022, it was becoming increasingly apparent that the cost-of-living crisis would have a major impact on UK foodbanks. The Senior School Parents’ Association hatched the idea of instigating a monthly collection at school for a local foodbank. This was met with unanimous approval and links were made with The Trussell Trust’s Hammersmith and Fulham branch, a borough where many FHS girls live.

response from both girls and parents each month. To date, FHS has donated 3.5 tonnes of produce. As a school, we have contributed 1/6 of all food donations to H&F Foodbank since we started. This is a phenomenal amount.

Last year, the Trust distributed almost 3 million emergency food parcels through its foodbank networks, with more than 1 million of these being for children. They have seen a rise of nearly 30% in the number of users over the last year, and sadly there is no foreseeable improvement in sight.

begun volunteering directly at the depot in Baron’s Court, where we have learned just how important our donations are, and, shockingly, discovered that weekly donations across the borough only meet 1/3 of current demand for food.

Junior and Senior School families have been terrific at providing exactly the right type of food and toiletries - whole meals in a tin such as spaghetti and meatballs, long-life milks and juices, as well as toiletries for adults, nappies for babies and toddlers, and good quality second-hand clothing.

Given the huge support for our foodbank project this year, and how vital we have seen our donations to be, we hope to continue our monthly collections next year and increase volunteering opportunities at the depot.

Since our inaugural Foodbank Day in November, we have seen an incredible

As well as contributing to monthly food donations, pupils and parents have

Jo Hamlyn Senior School Parents’ Association Head of Charities

Easter Eggs for

ELDERS FHS has had a longstanding and mutually beneficial partnership with Katherine Low Settlement (‘KLS’) in Battersea since the charity was founded by an FHS alumna in 1924.

For one of these initiatives, every girl in this year’s Year 8 made a beautiful handmade card with a personal Easter message for the Elders.

Amongst other initiatives, including supporting over 350 children from migrant backgrounds, KLS runs an Elders Programme where they work with older people in the local community to support their lives and wellbeing and reduce loneliness and isolation through a busy calendar of weekly activities.

Mr Galloway and Bea, Avery, Emma, Lucie, Kayla and Chloe in Year 8 then took the Easter presents to the Elders’ Easter Lunch later that week. The girls delivered their gifts then enjoyed chatting to the Elders about their fascinating lives in London.

Our Year 7 and 8 girls have been volunteering regularly at KLS throughout the 2022-23 academic year, with activities such as Year 7 carol singing at Christmas, and have really enjoyed getting to know the Elders in the process.

Year 7 and 8 volunteers and members of the SSPA (with the expert art direction of Miss Edgeley!) gathered in the Dining Room to wrap and creatively decorate Easter Eggs to accompany the cards for the Elders.

The Elders were so grateful for their presents, and all commented on how lovely it was to chat to the girls, while the girls said, “It was fun to chat and learn about the Elders’ experiences!” Will Galloway, Head of Outreach

MVUMI APPEAL FHS’s partnership with Mvumi Secondary School in Tanzania goes from strength to strength. We are delighted to have welcomed Joyce (Parent Ambassador) to our Outreach team and have been working closely with the Mvumi Trustees. We continue to sponsor five pupils at the school: this covers the cost of their boarding and tuition fees, which amount to under £1,000 per student per year. This year’s highlight was Kayla K’s (Year 8) initiative. After visiting Mvumi with her family, Kayla decided to target the school’s needs and raised £3,000 for

a Braille reader, new resources for the library and other essential pieces of equipment. Mvumi is a very special school, which caters for pupils from far and wide with learning needs and visual impairment. I was fortunate to visit for their 25th anniversary celebrations and will be supporting Mrs Elphinstone as she continues in her role as Trustee next academic year. We will also be offering the chance for two Sixth Formers and a member of staff to visit the school in the coming months. If you wish to support our campaigns for Mvumi, please contact us via the office. Nick Dyson Director of Creative Enterprise

Volunteering in

PHUKET After living in Phuket, Thailand, for two months during 2020, I returned this Easter for a holiday and to volunteer.

They explained how this wonderful organisation encourages pride through effort and enterprise – they create products by upcycling fabrics and selling them in hotels and shops around Thailand. They were even trialling an online shop to expand and sell their merchandise around the world!

I volunteered for four days at Seeds of Change, a social enterprise for vulnerable adult women, and Ban Ya Literacy Centre.

When we arrived at Ban Ya Literacy Centre, we were greeted by a crowd of smiling children eager to communicate with us and try out their new English words. They were so happy to be in the safe environment of the centre. We taught them some simple sentences in English, e.g. ‘It was nice to meet you.’

My time at Seeds of Change was a real eye-opener. I heard the stories of amazing women who have lost everything, but who are fighting to keep their heads above water and keep their children fed. They had such an infectious joy and made me realise how a sense of community is invaluable for human survival. 32

Kayla’s visit to Mvumi

I feel proud and honoured to have worked at these places and very much hope to go back one day! Landa Goulandris Year 8

Children at Mvumi

Volunteering Spotlight: Basketball at

ST BARNABAS’ FHS treasures a longheld partnership with St Barnabas’ CE Primary School, where Lower Sixth girls volunteer each year. FHS provided us with training before we started our placements. Upper Sixth students described their experiences to us and how powerfully these had affected them. They highlighted how the experience goes beyond ‘ticking a box for your personal statement’, reiterating that investing your own time is often preferable to investing money.

In our case, we wanted to create something new: our very own NBA league at St Barnabas’! We are both huge basketball fans and enjoy spreading our passion for the sport more than anything, so we decided to set up a lunchtime basketball club at the school. At the beginning, we would only get about 6 or 7 children per session if we were lucky, but now we

even have subs because too many of them want to join in! Thanks to FHS, we’ve realised that volunteering can be a truly amazing experience. After all, doing what you love doing, while at the same time knowing you are making someone’s day better, is an unforgettable feeling. Cristina Garcia and Prisha Malhotra, Lower Sixth

Volunteering Spotlight:

EDEN COURT A different batch of seven lucky Sixth Form students has visited Eden Court Retirement Village in Battersea every term this year, where they have enjoyed hearing the fascinating life stories and views of the residents.

These have included important advice about relationships (for example, the importance of honest, reciprocal sharing of feelings with your significant other, so as not to grow apart) and some firsthand recollections of being in England when we were at war. Chatting over activities, such as chair exercise, drumming, pot-painting, Christmas card-making, playing boardgames and more, has been hugely enriching for all. Allie Rinck, Teacher of Biology

Sustainability

STRATEGY This is the second year that Ms Hammond and I have been responsible for implementing the Senior School’s sustainability strategy. Meanwhile, Ms Adams has continued to lead the Junior School’s efforts. To remind you, the mission is to: 1) reduce our carbon footprint to as close to zero as possible; 2) drastically reduce our waste; 3) increase biodiversity; 4) educate our pupils in the science, politics and economics of climate change; 5) encourage our pupils to appreciate and see themselves as part of the natural world. The year has been a tale of hard-fought gains. I’ll focus here on food and energy.

First, food. With Philippe and his team, we have made significant progress. We now segregate all our food waste, which is taken to an anaerobic digester to be turned into fertilizer for farmers. This has the added benefit of making it possible to measure our ‘plate waste’ more accurately each week – and act to reduce it. For trips and co-curricular clubs, Tetrapak cartons of drinking water are no longer provided – instead the girls are responsible for using their own (hopefully reusable) water bottles. The beef content of the weekly menu has been reduced. In May, we had our first ever Sustainable Food Week: each day we focused on a sustainable theme, from reducing food miles to embracing the plant-based diet, with Joel, our Head Chef, serving up a delicious variety of sustainable dishes to reflect the day’s theme. The plant-based lunch was such a success that we’re planning to have one every term from now on! Meanwhile the Sixth Form Sustainability Ambassador, Zoe C, produced a brilliantly informative Sustainable Food

Life Skills session for Years 10 to 12. Such sessions are crucial for educating the girls to make better choices. Finally, to give us a possible glimpse of the future, Seren Kell from the Good Food Institute, which supports innovation in the burgeoning field of ‘alternative proteins’ (meat substitutes and lab-grown meat), came in to share her expertise with the Year 11s.

As for energy, when the school year began last September, the global energy crisis was dominating the headlines. The Year 7 and 8s were given an assembly to explain the situation and its historical/political contexts, and to encourage good energy-saving habits. A Life Skills session for the Lower Sixth included watching the BBC Panorama documentary, The Energy Crisis: Who’s Cashing In? (spoiler: it’s the major oil companies and energy suppliers). Meanwhile, close scrutiny of operations across the School, e.g. in IT, significantly reduced our own annual energy consumption – progress that should be built on next year when we go into partnership with the energy monitoring and saving organisation, Energy Sparks. Watch this space! In other news, our Year 9s, led by Ms Hammond, took part, for the second year running, in The Earthshot Prize: an internal competition to produce innovative solutions to some of the

world’s most pressing problems, from climate change to pollution of air and oceans. Working for two days offtimetable, the best two teams in each category went through to the final where two parents with professional expertise in sustainability, Ms Oraee and Mr Von Scheven, selected the winners of each category, and the overall winning teams. Congratulations to our winners, “Fresh Perspective”, comprised of Sydney, Bella D, Jemima and Tally NS, for their concept based around the reduction of atmospheric methane achieved by changing cows’ diets, and “Eco-Scoop”, comprised of Leia G, Grace, Victoria, Violeta and Bea, whose concept involved converting animal faeces into sustainable paper. On a literal green tip, kudos to Lorenza and Luella in Year 9 for persevering with their mission to get a pot plant into every Year 7 to 9 form room, to be adopted and maintained by the girls. Inevitably, some forms fared better than

others with the maintenance of their plant – but most were thriving as we came to the end of the academic year, and remained in good shape by the end of the summer holiday. There isn’t space here to mention all the other good sustainable initiatives, but our new Ambassadors, Keziah and Pauline, have already done excellent work, including for our most recent Walk-to-School Week (winners for making the fewest car journeys to school and having the highest number of walkers and cyclists were 8F). Next year we shall be redoubling our efforts to educate and inspire the FHS community. We’d like the form eco reps to expand their role and become change-makers. Because make no mistake: if we want our children to inherit a beautiful, inhabitable earth, then change is what we urgently need. Andrew MacDonald-Brown Teacher of English & Sustainability Coordinator

Charity Disney

FILM NIGHT On 11th October, Years 7 and 8 took part in a Disney Movie Night to raise money for the charity, Reachout Now. We were met with Disney-themed cupcakes, pizza and a range of drinks! After everybody had settled down, we voted on a movie to watch. We had many options but the majority vote was for Tangled! While we waited for the film to begin, we had a spectacular Disney Karaoke session with Miss Vyas! We had a lot of fun singing “Let It Go” from Frozen, “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana, “Hakuna Matata” from The Lion King, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto and many more.

Once we began watching Tangled, everybody loved singing along to all the songs and enjoying the story! We all had so much fun. Thank you so much Miss Vyas for organising such a wonderful event. Bethany Wynter and Addison Moore, Year 7

The Annapurna

CHALLENGE What is a mountain for? Most people would answer ‘to climb’ and that’s certainly true of the lure of our highest peaks. But all of us have metaphorical mountains, the challenges which seem insuperable, which intimidate and scare us, and for which we try to summon the courage to overcome. The Annapurna Challenge arose from my concern for the mountains so many children have to climb to fulfil their potential – or even a sustainable existence.

An education at an elite independent school like Francis Holland is such a privilege, inconceivable to families for whom finding enough money to feed and clothe their children occupies all their time. As my legacy, I wanted to do something to ensure that at least one child could be given this life-changing gift – and so the idea of hiking the 180 kilometres over Annapurna, climbing the highest mountain pass in the world at 5,416 metres, was born. It so happens that £180,000 is the cost of providing a full transformational bursary all the way through the Senior School. We set up a leaderboard by year group, and pupils began enthusiastically getting sponsored to walk, run or swim their way to helping us reach the target. It was wonderful to see our parents, too, get behind the message, and I was humbled by the generosity of those who not only gave money but thoughtfully provided extreme weather gear to my daughter and me (she was despatched by my family to ensure I didn’t perish in the

snow). Gradually we saw that we had set our sights too low. It might be possible to raise £500,000 and thereby provide the Elphinstone Scholarship in perpetuity. We attempted the climb at Easter 2023, flying to Kathmandu in Nepal, and then starting the nine day trek up through stunning scenery of lakes, forests, waterfalls, stupas and ancient villages, to base camp. Accompanied by a guide and two porters, we walked between twelve and twenty five kilometres a day, staying in tea houses with only the most basic of accommodation – no hot water, wooden beds, outdoor hole-in-the-ground loos – and rice (dal bhat, a sort of lentil curry) for every meal. The people were wonderful but it was tough, physically, and as the air thinned, walking became increasingly difficult. The night before our final ascent, it snowed heavily and we wondered if we would make it over the pass, but we arose on Easter Sunday at 3.30am to a magical starlit sky. With crampons

and poles, we edged our way upwards through deep snow in bright moonlight until a pink dawn flooded the peaks. With lungs bursting and legs like lead, I reached the prayer flags of the Thorongla Pass at midday to cheers from other climbers as my daughter inexplicably called out how old I was! But for me, I only wept tears of joy at the impact this feat would have on dozens of little girls whose lives would be changed forever. It took another five days to hike down the mountain and the long path to Pokhara through a different world of verdant valleys and the beautiful Himalayan panorama at Ghorepani. It was the hardest challenge I have ever completed and one which changed my life too. Lucy Elphinstone, Headmistress

Shakespeare and

CHAMPAGNE Shakespeare and Champagne was a truly amazing experience! It was the first time that all the FHS Drama Scholars performed together and we enjoyed it hugely. The show was to celebrate the opening of the new Carmel Hall Studio Theatre. We are all so grateful to the parents who donated generously towards it, and to the fabulous Drama Department for inspiring and guiding us. We were also immensely inspired by our incredible Shakespearean director and guest performer, Oscar Pearce, who really did give us a fresh understanding of Shakespeare.

To set the scene, tech guru, Mr Page, showcased the sensational new lighting and fantastic special effects, transforming Carmel Hall into an atmospheric drama studio. Mr Pearce began the show, expertly connecting every consecutive scene despite them being from different plays. As each character neared the end of their scene, a completely different character from a completely different play appeared and seamlessly began their part. The drama pieces themselves were very impressive, with extracts from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Joan Of Arc, Two Gentlemen Of Verona, Romeo & Juliet, and Macbeth. The two other Year 7 Drama Scholars and I loved playing the witches, as they were such fun to act. Overall, the night was great- we loved it! Georgia Lannoy, Year 7 Drama Scholar, who played one of the witches in Macbeth

Dinner at the

HOUSE OF LORDS The Senior School Parents’ Association held a dinner for 120 parents at the Peers’ Dining Room, House of Lords, in May 2023, in honour of National Women’s Day. The guest speaker was Lady Frederick Windsor, who is known professionally as the actress Sophie Winkleman. As well as numerous television, stage and film credits, she is the patron of multiple children’s charities. She spoke on the difficulties that families, and particularly children, are facing in modern Britain due to poverty, job cuts and school

closures, and how important it is to give children from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to reach their full potential. This message fully resonated with the FHS audience. Via ticket sales and a silent auction, £70,000 was raised for the FHS Promise Campaign, which supports the award

of transformational bursaries at FHS, providing life-changing educational opportunities to young women with the promise to succeed but not the means. In short, it was a fun evening enjoyed by all for a very worthy cause. David Sweeney Senior School Parents’ Association Chair

Senior School Gala at

CLARIDGE’S In June 2023, the Senior School Parents’ Association organised a black-tie gala dinner at Claridge’s for a very special cause: the FHS Promise Campaign. Parents, staff and supporters gathered in the beautiful art deco surroundings of Claridge’s Ballroom for a champagne reception, serenaded by music from the talented FHS String Quartet and entertained by a gravity-defying aerial champagne performer. A delicious threecourse dinner followed, before dancing in the elegant Mirror Room. Lucy Elphinstone delivered a hugely inspirational speech, reminding the

crowd that living a fulfilling life can be achieved through generosity and kindness and by giving one’s Time, Talent or Treasure. The generosity of the attendees was evident throughout the event, through donations of prizes for the silent auction, enthusiastic bidding at the live auction led by expert Cheffins auctioneer, Nicolas Martineau, and generous pledges of financial contributions directly to the Promise Campaign. Thanks to the unwavering generosity of the FHS community, the evening successfully raised £86,000 towards transformational bursaries at FHS, testament to the continuous support from our community to make a positive difference. Gen Davis Senior School Parents’ Association Secretary

Thank you to our

DONORS As the School year draws to a close, we reflect upon the remarkable strides made by the Promise Campaign. This campaign, which has the goal of doubling the number of full-fee bursaries from 25 to 50 by 2033, has seen an extraordinary response, not witnessed by any previous appeal. More than one in three of our parent community supported the campaign over the course of the year and this remarkable vote of confidence has seen it flourish. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the supporters and donors who have made the remarkable achievements this year possible. The essence of the Promise Campaign - building a bursary endowment fund - lies in its commitment to providing opportunities and support to those who seek to excel but don’t have the means. Bursaries at FHS are life-changing, empowering young girls to fulfil their potential and pursue their dreams. Your generosity, as a community, has been instrumental in paving the path for a brighter future for these young individuals, and we are truly grateful for your contributions. As we look back on this year’s achievements, we celebrate the fact that we now have 27 pupils benefitting from full bursaries at FHS. This represents the highest number of students with free places in the School’s recent history, and it fills us with immense pride and joy. In the 2022/23 academic year, the Promise Campaign raised an aweinspiring £912,000 for bursaries, thanks to the generosity of over 200 kind donors. This remarkable sum is the most significant amount ever raised for financial aid in a single year at FHS.

A highlight of the year was the launch of the 1881 Circle, a community of caring individuals who contribute to the School’s future plans and value the School’s mission. The OXO Tower played host to a fabulous launch event, and we eagerly anticipate many more such memorable occasions. We cannot express enough gratitude to our advisors and supporters. The SSPA arranged excellent events at the House of Lords and Claridge’s, which took the campaign a significant step forward, while our esteemed and brilliant Advisory Board provided invaluable guidance throughout the campaign. Special mention must of course go to our outgoing Headmistress, Mrs Elphinstone, whose remarkable feat of walking the Annapurna Circuit raised an astounding £500,000 toward our overall target. As we conclude this academic year, we extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who has played a part in the first year of the Promise Campaign. Your support has transformed lives, creating a lasting impact that will shape a brighter future for generations of FHS girls. Together, we move forward, committed to the enduring mission of empowering young minds through education. Thank you to both our 1881 Circle donors listed below, and those who wish to remain anonymous.

1881 Circle Alberti Family Amiri Family

De La Espada Family De Mallmann Family Ellis-Bondy Family Fleury Family Gribov Family Guadagnini Family Hamlyn Family Lysaght Family McIntosh Family Megia-Manterola Family Old Girls' Society Russo Family The Salima Foundation Sarria Family Stiglich Family Sweeney Family Titherington Family

Anselme Family Barinstein Family Bianchi Family Burke Family

Toepfer Family Tom Robertson Development Director

Creative Enterprise and

CO-CURRICULAR

Creative

ENTERPRISE Our pupils are eager to lead the way when it comes to design thinking, entrepreneurial mindsets and preparing for the real world. It is a real honour to watch them developing their creative confidence, thinking their way innovatively out of a problem, and showing an enterprising mindset. We enjoyed hugely successful FHS Enterprise Fairs in the Autumn and Spring Terms, where a record number of businesses pitched their ideas to secure a stall. New payment methods have challenged us (faster, online payments replacing cash) but our pupils adjust to technology advancement with ease! It was a joy to work with our Resident Artist, Jodie Glen Martin, during TIPS Week, where pupils created posh graffiti. This came together in a quotation, inspired by Mrs Elphinstone’s leadership, which can be found on canvas at the end of the Dining Hall. Meanwhile, our Year 8 and 9 pupils attended a weekly Young Entrepreneurs

Krafti Flower & Wire Bookmark Enterprise

Club where we discussed longer term business plans such as “Vending for Good” and other concepts. Maia and Saskia (Year 9) have written a business plan to install a healthy snacks vending machine in the playground and have met with Mrs Elphinstone to discuss their plans for the coming years. Our Year 10s produced some stunning videos for their Design Thinking enrichment as part of the Upper School Enrichment programme. Their brief was to create a 2-minute video which captured the imagination for a business which would replace two parking spaces on a London street. This project

enabled pupils to express their financial and digital literacy whilst weaving together themes such as sustainability, enterprise and urban fabric. The winning team designed a café centred around a beehive which produced honey. They even looked at the possibilities of harnessing renewable energy from the wing speed of the bees! The Sixth Form Innovation Sprints allow pupils to work on business ideas alongside their A Level studies. This year, we worked on business models for candles to support aspects of mental health, a secret book club, joggers for pupils to wear at home and after

school, and a tea towel business aimed at Junior School parents. Our pupils are always eager to understand their market and are never shy when it comes to gathering data as they prepare the ground for their business launch. Our Creative Enterprise Ambassadors continue to work hard to support this vital strand of our provision and my thanks go to Jasmine A and Sonya V (Upper Sixth) as well as the incoming ambassadors, Allegra B and Millie H (Lower Sixth). Nick Dyson Director of Creative Enterprise

Posh Graffiti Art Installation

Spectacular

STEAM STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, The Arts and Mathematics) at FHS is designed to encourage discussion and problemsolving among students, the development of practical skills and an appreciation for collaboration. The aim is to integrate the five disciplines into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications. To fulfil this aim, we run a myriad of clubs to engage and enthuse. This year’s club activities have been expertly led by Ms Ballie-Whyte, Dr Bourne, Mr Connolly, Mr Trussell, Ms Riaz and Ms Vyas – enormous thanks to all of them. The Mini Attenborough Magic Project developed the craftsmanship of Lower

Mission Impoppable

School students. Construction of a large-scale model of an African savannah biome involved blow-torching foam to create a realistic geomorphology, rendering with plaster, painting and varnishing. An electrostatic device created realistic grassed areas and scale models of trees were fashioned. The students scripted a short film and used a stop/go animation app to bring their plasticine characters to life. The real coup was convincing Mrs Elphinstone and Madame Lenec’h to do the voiceovers…! Cosmetics Chemistry is a 6-week course for Lower School students to get handson and make their own bath bombs, shampoo and lip balms whilst learning fundamental chemistry. This workshopstyle club is a great introduction to pH, neutralisation, solubilty, and changes of state. Our Year 10 and 11 Urban Farming Club is focused on using vertical farming methods such as aeroponics and aquaponics. The students designed and built an aquaponic ebb and flow system, which uses nutrients provided by fish to sustain plant growth in a grow bed under

LED lighting. The system is designed to run controlled science experiments. They also trialled the aeroponic way of growing plants, a method developed by NASA to feed settlers living on a moon base. It works by suspending plant roots and spraying them over with a fine, nutrient-rich mist. The produce fed students and staff at the School canteen’s Italian Day, with zero plant to plate miles! Alisa E in Year 10 said, “I’ve really enjoyed this club. It’s a great place to learn about the possible advancements of ethical produce, and I have acquired the skill of researching and evaluating ways to make these systems work successfully.” A thriving Robotics Club using EV3 Lego Mindstorms enables students to build and programme robots to complete a range of different tasks. A C.A.D. Design and 3D Printing Club gives students the opportunity to design and create artefacts. Both clubs are open to all. Mission Impoppable 2023 sent a science payload to the edge of space via highaltitude helium balloon. A team of Sixth Form students overcame logistical and technical challenges to problem-solve

Urban Farming

Mini Attenborough Magic

Mini Attenborough Magic Filming

their way to success. The balloon was launched from Vincent Square at 05:30 BST on 25 June 2023, ascending to a height of 28,583.7m and experiencing temperatures as low as -48.6 °C, before going POP! The parachute deployed, and the payload was tracked via GPS and ultimately recovered in a wheat field near Thaxted in Essex. It was almost completely intact after its incredible journey to the stratosphere and back.

engagement across the whole School. In an ever-changing, increasingly complex world, it’s more important than ever that our students are prepared to bring knowledge and skills to solve problems, make sense of information, and learn how to gather and evaluate evidence to make decisions. It has been a joy to see them embracing STEAM with such enthusiasm and we look forward to seeing what the next year has in store!

Finally, we trialled a Lunch ’n Learn series of STEAM talks to increase

Claire Price STEAM Champion

British

SCIENCE WEEK During Science Week, the FHS community celebrated the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through a series of joyful events. On Monday lunchtime, pupils were challenged to complete a treasure hunt around the School, working in teams to solve clues and to collect nine letters. Pupils were then tasked with organising their letters into a scientific word. Congratulations to the winning Year 7 team who enjoyed their chocolate prizes! On Monday and Tuesday lunchtime, students from Years 7 to 9 participated in an innovative bridge-building competition. The task was conducted using simple resources such as card, paper straws and tape. Students then presented their intricate bridge designs to the judges. The designs were tested by applying 1kg weight; some were even strong enough to withstand double the required weight! The judges were amazed by the creativity and perseverance displayed by every group, especially by the winners.

On Monday afternoon, we were delighted to welcome 44 Year 6 pupils from St Peter’s C of E Primary School to complete some ‘eggsciting’ Easter-themed experiments and demonstrations. Pupils were also treated to the show-stopping “Elephants’ Toothpaste” and the “Whoosh Bottle” experiments, as well as a demonstration of the “Van der Graaf Generator”. Thank you to the technician team - Ms Mclaren, Dr Bourne and Dr Marshall - for their support.

On Tuesday, the Science Open Evening was held. During the afternoon, various science projects were put on display, including the Helium Balloon Project, Aquaponics and the Mini Attenborough Magic Project. Aquaponics showed off their aquaponic tower and the Mini Attenborough Magic team explained their project and the intricacies of stop motion animation. A representative of the High-Altitude Balloon Project talked about their project and what it entailed. The Open Evening provided a wonderful

opportunity for students throughout the School to show off their STEAM projects whilst also introducing other girls to the amazing world of science. On the final day of British Science Week, students dressed up to showcase their favourite elements to raise money which will be used to equip two science laboratories at Mvumi School in Tanzania. The Science Department were no exception and surprised everyone by collectively arriving as the heavy metals! In addition to donning costumes to raise money, everyone indulged in science-themed baked goods before participating in the Science Prefects’ exciting games that took over the labs. We organised a range of fun-filled games, including a projectile launching competition, a timed sling assembly race and a “Guess the pH” game. A particular highlight of the day was Mr Trussell’s remarkable ability to play six simultaneous games of chess, which certainly left everyone amazed. Overall, it was a day filled with excitement, learning, and the spirit of giving back. We hope everybody enjoyed the week – we’re looking forward to next year’s already! Pippa Anglin, Sophie Chevretton and Matilde Leandro, Lower Sixth Science Prefects

Senior

BALLET When I dance, I feel free. When I perform, I feel joy that I can share with everyone around me. I have studied ballet almost since I could walk, learning to seek the small moments of magic that result from sustained effort, and working against nature towards this beautiful art form. In December, I had the unforgettable experience of performing as Lead Snowflake and Lead Candy Cane in English National Ballet’s Nutcracker Christmas Gala with Chelsea Ballet Schools. I witnessed at first-hand the professionalism, artistry and magic of a professional ballet company. It was incredible to receive such a prominent part and perform alongside so many dancers whom I greatly admire. Not many ballet dancers are given the opportunity to take part in something so special, and to perform at the London Coliseum.

Looking back on what has now been my whole life dancing, I have spent many hours in ballet classes. Ballet is technical, precise and physically and mentally demanding, but Chelsea Ballet Schools have made it so much fun, and I have made so many friends through my weekly classes. It has never felt like work. Chelsea Ballet Schools also organise the Francis Holland Ballet Scholarship, which has given me many performance opportunities with the School, including the Gym and Dance Display and Prize-Giving ceremonies, as well as the chance to advance my vocational dance training alongside academic schoolwork. I am grateful for this unique programme, and the opportunities for joy, work and performance that it brings into my everyday life. Chloe Redmond Year 9

Silver Duke of

EDINBURGH On Friday 30th September 2022, a group of Year 11 and Lower Sixth students gathered outside School, ready for the big challenge: “D of E”. After some last words of wisdom from Mrs Elphinstone, encouraging us all to show “grit and determination”, we clambered onto the coach, ready for the adventure ahead. We arrived in Brighton and Hove and were greeted with warmth by our assessor, Joe, who immediately gave us maps, compasses, and motivation for the long trek ahead. Nini saved our group with her navigation skills, pushing us through every checkpoint on time. Finally, exhausted but smiling, we arrived at the campsite. Before long we were all tucked up in sleeping bags, slightly aching but ready to take on the next day. All too soon, we

awoke to birds chirping and a glorious sunrise. Trangias out and layers on, we prepared a delicious breakfast of bacon rolls (with a side of chocolate cake!), before departing for the day. 18km of beautiful countryside lay ahead of us and, although this was deemed as the ‘steepest’ day, the breath-taking views of the sea and the occasional encounter with cows made it worth the trek. Despite getting slightly lost, we all kept a positive mindset and supported one another, meaning that when we got to the final checkpoint, the victory was even greater! Our last day consisted of a 10km flat walk which quite literally felt like ‘a walk in the park’ compared to the previous day. We marched on at a steady pace and finally reached Burgess Hill Station, beaming because we were the first group back. Not a noise was heard on the journey back as everyone settled down for a well-deserved nap. I think all of us would agree that this was a trip not to be forgotten, with so many new skills learnt, and memories to last a lifetime! Ella O’Connell Year 11

DEBATING Dr Seuss states: ‘You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.’

understand your opponent’s views and arguments. Our planet is filled with people who hold conflicting opinions and have had different experiences, so learning to understand two sides of an argument and manage different personalities is an invaluable skill.”Anya Sultan, Year 11

Our Debate Teams have illustrated this clearly this year in their responses to challenging motions and positions. Their ability to both successfully and critically argue points on motions and positions with which they do not sympathise demonstrates their collective intellectual rigour, determination, and confidence. The Debating programme at FHS is an opportunity to develop transferrable skills, be coached by an expert coach, and take part in prestigious competitions against other schools. The girls have described their experiences below.

“I have loved debating throughout my time at FHS, and to become Debating Prefect this year has been an incredible experience.

Imogen Wigdahl, Teacher of Theology and Philosophy and Debating Club Leader

“Debating this year has been an eyeopening intellectual experience, of which we are very grateful to have been a part. “It teaches many things, but one of the most important is the ability to

“I am so proud that we have girls of all ages participating in debating clubs and competitions and gaining invaluable skills from debating. All Year 8 girls have a timetabled debating lesson, and the Lower School Debating Club (for Years 7 and 8) is incredibly popular. I have really enjoyed leading this club for the younger students as it has allowed me to share some of the skills debating has taught me. For Senior Debaters, an external coach comes in once a week and we learn British Parliamentary Debating, which is different to the form of debating taught lower down the School. Without the skills I have learnt, I wouldn’t be as

confident in public speaking and thinking on my feet as I am now. “This year we have had Christmas and Valentine’s Day assembly debates, internal and external competitions, themed debates for Sustainability Week and clubs for all age groups. Debating has flourished, and I’m excited to see all our younger students develop into fantastic debaters.” – Claudia Woolf, Lower Sixth “Debating is such a special and unique opportunity where you are trained by both Miss Wigdahl and a superb external coach. Many of you are probably familiar with the ‘Mace’ debate format with three speakers on proposition and three speakers on opposition. However, did you know that this debating style isn’t commonly used in Parliament or in interschool fixtures? In Senior Debating, we practise the British Parliamentary (‘BP’) style where there are two teams of two speakers on either side of the motion. “It is such an energising, educational and exciting activity. I urge you to join debating.” – Serene Karoni, Year 8

SIXTH FORM

TEDX

At the very end of the Summer Term, the School hosted its third ever TEDx day, when around twenty Lower Sixth students presented an eight-minute talk in response to the question ‘How do you solve a problem like…?’ The audience was presented with a wide range of problems and solutions, on topics ranging from nuclear energy to literary censorship. While the experience did push most of us out of our comfort zones, it was also extremely

rewarding to speak on topics we felt passionate about, especially to such a supportive audience. As well as presenting a talk, I was delighted to have the opportunity to assist with technical aspects of the event, including setting up microphones and controlling the sound. Finally, in between these talks, we enjoyed creative workshops such as friendship bracelet making and Zumba! It was really inspiring to hear all the speakers’ proposed way of solving their chosen ‘problem’. Extracts from a selection of scripts are below. Enjoy! Betsy Leighton, Lower Sixth

Claudia Woolf - We have too few female CEOs. How can we improve this? “Creative thinking is a key part of being a leader. And creativity comes from doubt, from being uncertain, from being unsure. Girls will only be able to think out of the box in the future if we instil confidence in them that you don’t always have to be 100% sure about something to do it. In fact, we should ‘do it scared’. If you fear something, there are two options you can take: ‘forget everything and run’, or ‘face everything and rise’.” Andrea Johnson - Tech: 1, Corruption: 0. How technology is revolutionising the fight against corruption “Tech is a tool, not a villain. We shouldn’t look at tech through a

negative lens, but instead should view negatively the people who are abusing it. Tech is powerful, so when we use it for good, we can empower the powerless.”

response to these critics, Margaret Atwood created an unburnable version of her book, and tested this with a flamethrower.”

Anna Campbell - Gender-Based Censorship: Seeking Solutions?

Sophie Chevretton - Why your Grandma could be the next Einstein

“It seems painfully ironic that the book ‘Speak,’ which revolves around speaking out about sexual assault, ends up being banned. If we really want to help survivors of sexual abuse, books like this are important to open up discussions and encourage empathy for survivors. Not only this, but Margaret Atwood’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ has been banned in schools, libraries and even countries for its inclusion of violent sex and for being seemingly anti-Christian. In

“Having a diverse range of ages in a team brings different experiences and thinking styles that spark innovative problem-solving. So next time you’re not sure about hiring the angsty teen or retiree, think again. Embracing a range of ages can only increase the likelihood of making a great scientific discovery.” Angelina Poggio-Magnus - Ancient Philosophical Thinking to Fix Modern Day Anxieties?

“In our world that seeks quick fixes and pharmaceutical solutions, we often forget the time-tested wisdom of our ancestors. Ancient philosophers understood the power of music to heal the soul and to restore the harmony within. Music therapy, grounded in ancient philosophy, offers a profound alternative for those grappling with anxiety. So, let us explore this transformative journey. Let us immerse ourselves in the enchanting melodies and rhythms that can resonate with our innermost beings. Let us rediscover the therapeutic power of music. As we embrace this ancient approach to healing, may we unlock the harmony within ourselves and, in doing so, find a path towards a life free from the shackles of anxiety.”

Blast from the

PAST

It’s back! After a hiatus caused by Covid, our History Lecture Series returned in Autumn 2022. A school is a community of learners, and it has been wonderful to see pupils, parents, staff and friends of FHS coming along to extend their historical horizons.

Now a regular in the calendar, the History Lecture Series was born out of single, annual talks which started in 2013, and has evolved into a longer series which is (hopefully!) a welcome feature of the academic landscape at FHS. The aim of the programme is to support those aspiring to read History at degree level, but also to develop the historical knowledge and understanding of all interested members of the School. To achieve this, we have looked at topics that don’t form part of the curriculum - Charlemagne, Maria Theresia of Austria, the American Civil War, the European Dictatorships of 1919 – 1945

- and explored aspects that merit fuller consideration such as the world of William Byrd, which took in the history of music. It was really exciting to have the first lecture written by the Sixth Form History Prefects this academic year when Mairi, Anya and Caley delivered their talk on the Fall of Constantinople in 1453. So, if you’d like to sharpen up your historical knowledge and understanding, keep an eye out for posters up around school featuring details of the 2023-24 History Lecture Series and come and join us to explore the past. Emily Boon, Head of History

Sixth Form Speaker

PROGRAMME This year, the Sixth Form have been privileged to have the opportunity to hear from speakers across many professions as part of our weekly Speaker Programme. The Programme has helped to enhance our understanding of life after Francis Holland and educated us on the amazing variety of professions available, from criminal psychologists to explorers. One of the highlights was hearing from Mark Jankovich, an entrepreneur and CEO of Delphis Eco, a sustainable cleaning products company. He was an inspirational speaker and helped us to understand how to be the change you want to see in the world. As a result of his talk in the Speaker Programme, Mr Jankovich has been inspired to do a

press release so that he can participate in more talks at other schools around the country and inspire more people to join his sustainable journey. Another speaker we really enjoyed hearing from was the founder of Bijoux de Mimi, Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt. Aged 20, she has founded a colourful jewellery brand that sells their products across stores in the UK and the US. She was extremely relatable and showed the Sixth Form how to translate a dream into a reality through hard work, determination, and a lot of organisation. She was a huge inspiration to us all and has helped many of the Sixth Formers gain invaluable work experience at her company through internships. The Sixth Form really enjoyed hearing from all the amazing speakers and can’t wait to hear more inspirational stories next year. Christina Brask-Tyrrell Lower Sixth

The Class of 2023’s

FINAL FAREWELL Hearing legendary stories about the famous Leavers’ events from the beginning of your Francis Holland journey means that when they do eventually roll around for your own year, it is quite a surreal feeling. And yet, it is safe to say they lived up to our expectations. The evening of the Leavers’ Dinner began with drinks in the playground as dresses were paraded and the height of certain heels admired – although no doubt to be taken off later in the evening. As everyone made their way to the Senior Hall, the evening only became more magical as we all took in the beautiful decorations of flower bouquets, sprinkled confetti and the gold balloons spelling out ‘2023’ centre-stage. Speeches from the Head Girl and Ambassador Team revealed everyone’s deepest secrets as well as, of course, reminiscing on the past 7 years of our lives. Mrs Banks and Mrs Wilkes then took the stage as they transformed from the Heads of Sixth to professional comedians and had everyone in the room laughing uncontrollably at anecdotes of our

(certainly unique) year group. All this was accompanied by the most delicious food, provided by our wonderful catering team, who made the evening even more memorable. As anticipated earlier, the heels came off and ABBA came on as the dancing commenced and we were finally able to celebrate with our teachers – the moment we had all been awaiting for a very long time. The night came to a close with an immense amount of fun having been had and invaluable memories made. Whilst the Leavers’ Dinner is typically a time to celebrate and laugh, it is the Leavers’ Service which is the chance to say final thank-yous and goodbyes. The church which has housed our FHS family over the years, St Mary’s Bourne Street, was filled with love on Friday afternoon,

overflowing with proud parents and teachers. Tissues were held ready as, incredibly, the musicians we have watched from the very beginning took their last bow. There were readings from Winnie the Pooh about friendship as well as biblical verses which offered comforting words for the future. However, it was Mrs Banks’ and Mrs Elphinstone’s final words of wisdom, as they too waved farewell to their time at Francis Holland, that moved us all the most. It was only right for the service to end with One Direction’s “History”, as the Class of 2023 banded together at the front of the church for their final goodbye, leaving, of course, with a bang. Isabella O’Neill Deputy Head Girl

FHS

FUTURES The Futures offering at Francis Holland is extensive and everevolving. Our Higher Education Evening, which took place in March, was packed with students and parents who came to hear about the current state of play at universities, following the impact of Covid on grades and places, as well as to hear about what other opportunities might be available. This year saw our first, but definitely not our last, student embark on a degree apprenticeship. Around one fifth of our students make international applications and this year’s destinations include Columbia, Johns Hopkins, UCLA, Tulane and IE. As well as offering SAT tuition in school and holding an American Universities Information Evening, we support students’ applications by hosting visits from international admissions tutors. This year, we welcomed representatives

from McGill, University of Toronto, University of Virginia and IE, as well as having a webinar about applying for Trinity College, Dublin.

where they spent a week in the Easter holidays on various creative projects and had the inspiring opportunity to present to the CEO at the end of the week.

Alongside these academic visits, we host a series of ‘Working Lunches’ in the Old School House, where individuals from the world of work visit and speak to the girls about their career path. This year we were delighted to welcome, among others, Fiona Flood, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland, and Raman Bet-Mansour, a corporate lawyer at Debevoise & Plimpton.

In the Summer Term, students are offered enrichment electives which relate to UK applications, international applications and gap years, with about 20% of the year group electing to take a gap year. In the autumn after they have left, we offer the girls support in school to apply for university with their A Level results – a much less stressful experience!

Ten of our students were fortunate enough to have a bespoke work experience created for them at Zoopla

Caroline Wilkes Joint Head of Sixth Form and Head of Futures

ART

A LEVEL Upper Sixth students have produced some incredible work across the last two years that has been informed, inspired and diverse in its nature. The body of work created across the portfolio and the examination component is a treasure trove of insight and sensitivity. Themes explored range from ‘Investigating the idealisation of the ‘fool’ through art’ to ‘How has gender been portrayed and challenged in art?’ We wish the A Level students the very best in their future endeavours. Collette Coleman Joint Head of Art

GCSE I was particularly impressed with this Year 11 cohort and it was a pleasure to curate their GCSE Art Show. It’s exciting to see the difference in approach from their unit one to their exam unit, where they created imaginative responses to titles such as ‘Isolation’, ‘The News’ and ‘Surface and Texture’. Well done, Year 11 artists! David Edes Joint Head of Art

YEAR 9 Year 9 students have had an exciting year exploring the importance of storytelling in art and translating these ideas into a variety of outcomes inspired by a range of artists and movements. These include reinterpreting famous paintings and responding to the ideals of the Surrealist movement. Collette Coleman, Joint Head of Art

YEAR 8 Year 8 began the year by studying the Elements of Art and explored the use of ink in observational drawings of plants.

We introduced the Expressionist movement and created paper cuts in the style of German Expressionist woodblock prints, moving on to lino prints inspired by trees and forests. The Year 8s responded very well to the Impressionist Landscape project

which developed into a response to Georgia O’Keeffe’s mountainous desert landscapes in soft pastel and Van Gogh’s textured rural landscapes in ink. Victoria Kay Teacher of Art

YEAR 7 Year 7 students have explored a variety of media and concepts this year, in both Art and 3D Art. They have created large-scale mixed media compositions of fruit, explored the idea of ‘Identity’ by creating their own ‘Map of Days’, and demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills by responding to a range of artists including Hepworth, Perry and Myerscough. They consistently approached their work with curiosity, creativity and commitment. Well done Year 7! Victoria Kay Teacher of Art

SPORT

Senior Netball Tour to

SOUTH AFRICA Over October Half Term, twenty of our senior netballers from Years 10, 11 and 12 participated in an action-packed tour in South Africa. Alongside playing fixtures against ten local teams and schools, they took part in several exciting activities, including climbing Table Mountain, zip-lining, and visiting South Africa’s oldest township, Langa. The tour was to raise funds for the Goedgedacht Trust, which seeks to transform rural communities by presenting children and young adults with opportunities to become healthy, self-confident, educated, and skilled. Here’s what they got up to… Day 1 I was deeply moved by the generosity of our hosts, the Pop Girls, and experienced great comfort while

staying in their homes. After dinner, we gathered in their barn, where we discovered our shared passion for music. A joyful evening followed as the Pop Girls showcased their extraordinary skill in dancing, helping us FHS girls learn new routines and rhythm. Their hospitality and kindness brought our very different cultures together and we were left in awe of their talent and creativity. Arizona Gunn, Lower Sixth

Day 2 After a delicious breakfast, we prepared for our first matches. The U15 game was intense, but both teams showed support and respect. The Pop Girls emerged victorious. The U18 match displayed great energy and skill despite the unfamiliar heat. With turnovers throughout, the game remained close. We ended the day by roasting marshmallows with the Pop Girls, cherishing our last moments together. Day 3 On Monday morning, we woke up with mixed emotions as we prepared to leave the beautiful area and the Goedgedacht Trust. After a delightful breakfast, we visited the pre-school, where we met

children aged 0 to 6. Initially hesitant, they gradually warmed up to us, and we were deeply moved by their happiness and gratitude despite the stark differences in our lifestyles. Saying goodbye was difficult, as we boarded the bus to head to Table Mountain. Despite the cloudy sky, the views from the spinning cable car, which took us 3500 feet up, were breathtaking. Our next stop was Springfield School, where we engaged in a closely contested match that ended in a well-deserved draw. The warm welcome and kindness of everyone we met even made us consider the idea of relocating to this wonderful place. Martha Fox, Lower Sixth

Langa On Day 4, we visited Langa, one of South Africa’s oldest townships. It was an incredible experience. Guided by Erik, we explored the community, including the school, swimming pool, sports ground, and even Erik’s home. This hospitality exposed us to a different way of life and evoked gratitude and realisation of our own privilege.

After a traditional South African lunch, we engaged in intense matches against the talented but underfunded Red Tigers team. Surrounded by enthusiastic locals, we learned lessons in resilience and teamwork, despite the Tigers emerging victorious. We returned to the City Lodge for relaxation before a memorable dinner at the renowned City Grill Steakhouse, where we enjoyed both the food and the scenic view. Carolina Rassmuson and Amelia Wulfsohn, Year 11

Conclusion During the tour, we all made friends for life. We feel so privileged to have met these girls and for them to have invited us so warmly into their amazing community. Talking with Sami, Paki and the other Goedgedacht Trust girls showed me the wonders there are to see in the world. From little things like playing catch in the barn and dancing at the dinner table, the joy these girls find in life was clear. This sense of unity and community will be something that we FHS girls will remember for the rest of our lives. Claudia Capuano, Lower Sixth

An Unforgettable

SPORTS DAY Our annual Senior School Sports Day was an extraordinary event. It was a day filled with remarkable achievements, outstanding sportsmanship, and a contagious energy that left everyone in high spirits. Bright sunshine and a gentle breeze created perfect conditions and added to the memorable atmosphere. The entire school community came together to support and cheer for their respective Houses, creating an incredible sense of unity and friendly rivalry. Such unwavering support and encouragement spurred us on. Congratulations must go to all participants, but with special recognition to the stand-out athletes of the day: Ellie L in Year 7, Maya AF in Year 8, Klara AS in Year 9, Amaya EH in Year 10, and Arizona and Tiggy in the Lower Sixth. Their talent and dedication were

awe-inspiring. From track sprints to long jumps, shot puts to relay races, our athletes demonstrated impressive skill, finesse and determination. Every participant should be proud of their efforts, as they embodied the spirit of healthy competition and showed their commitment to their Houses. The day reached its glorious peak with our wider FHS community joining staff and students for ‘The Annapurna Dash’, with each walking or running a mile to raise funds for The Elphinstone Scholarship (see p.36), which truly epitomised what

makes our school community so special. After a series of fiercely contested events, the winning House of this year’s Senior School Sports Day was Fonteyn. Congratulations to Fonteyn on commendable teamwork and resilience – it was a well-deserved victory. Mr Confino must also be commended for his impressive speed and high-jumping ability. I would like to express my gratitude to the staff, especially the Sports

Department, whose meticulous planning and tireless efforts allowed us all to enjoy such a successful and enjoyable Sports Day. A special thank you goes as well to the Lower Sixth girls who helped on the day. Finally, I would like to thank all our spectators, whose enthusiastic support and presence created a positive and vibrant atmosphere, motivating our athletes to do their very best. I am immensely proud of everyone’s accomplishments: together we created a truly unforgettable final Sports Day for Mrs Elphinstone. Claudia Capuano Lower Sixth

Inter-House

SWIMMING GALA The Inter-House Swimming Gala for Years 7 to 9 was a morning filled with competitive spirit, enthusiastic cheering and a lot of fun. There were hard-fought individual medley races for Year 7 and 8, after which the Year 9s did their race, which was different and hilarious as they were wearing pyjamas and rescuing each other! Later came the relays (my favourite part). Teams got together, buzzing with anticipation. Winners,

of course, were delighted, but what matters most is the effort we put in, our team spirit and our support for one another. We cheered on our Houses as loudly as we could, and before we knew it, it was time to change and hear the results! Everyone took a seat in the viewing gallery, taking our guesses as to which House had won. Franklin was the overall winner, with Ashcroft coming 2nd, Woolf 3rd and Fonteyn 4th. Thank you to the PE Department for organising a spectacular event, and well done to all who took part! Layla Salamony Year 8

Varsity Netball

TOURNAMENT After a successful netball season, it was time for the annual FHS Varsity tournament against our sister school, FHS Regent’s Park. The top teams from Year 7 to the Upper Sixth headed to Regent’s Park in high spirits, our determination evident from the moment we stepped onto the bus.

The Senior teams took to the court first and played three competitive matches. The U15s displayed brilliant netball skills and secured a confident 12-2 victory. The U16 team fought hard but narrowly missed out on a win. The U18 1st VII emerged victorious with an impressive score of 20-9, showcasing great interceptions and shooting accuracy.

excellent teamwork and sealed a victory with a score of 19-8.

Next up were the Lower School teams. Despite the U12s having known each other for only a few months, they played with exceptional skill and executed brilliant set plays, winning the match 11-4. The U13s put up a strong fight, narrowly missing out on a win. Their defensive play was particularly impressive. The U14 team demonstrated

On behalf of all the Varsity Netball participants, we extend our gratitude to Miss Allen, Miss Newsome, Miss James and Miss Caister for organizing and accompanying us to this wonderful event that every FHS netball player looks forward to each year.

With FHS Sloane Square winning four out of the six matches, we were crowned winner for the third consecutive year. The team spirit displayed throughout the afternoon was unmatched, and it was heartening to see students from different years supporting each other.

Sabrina Bet-Mansour Sports Ambassador & 1st Team Netball Captain

Gym & Dance

DISPLAY ‘Life is a Journey’ The idea conveyed in this year’s Gym and Dance Display was that every person has a unique journey with different experiences, destinations, and obstacles. It emphasized the importance of savouring and cherishing this journey. Each performance paid tribute to the choreography of the teachers and coaches and, of course, the efforts of the girls. The show began with an energetic performance by our Gym Squad, showcasing the skills they had learned in their squad sessions. It continued with heartwarming performances by girls from Year 7 to the Upper Sixth, with many choosing their own themes and music. These pieces were optional and were performed by pupils who

had auditioned. The Ballet Scholars particularly stood out, and performed beautifully in the presence of Mrs Ind, the Head of Chelsea Ballet Schools. Towards the end of the show, the focus shifted to the concept of growing old and the importance of enjoying the journey, as life is short. A notable

performance was given by Sofia S in the Upper Sixth, who has been a valuable contributor to our gym shows since Year 7. The PE Department expressed their gratitude to her and wished her the best for the future. Overall, the evening was a wonderful celebration of girlhood and the

performances highlighted the grace, beauty, strength and courage of the girls. Each performer had dedicated time and effort to rehearsals leading up to the show and all deserve commendation for their performances. Georgina Newsome Director of Sport

GSA Netball

WEEKEND In September 2022, the U14A netball team participated in the annual GSA Netball Tournament at Condover Hall, Shropshire. Upon arrival, we enjoyed activities including abseiling and laser tag. Later, we had the privilege of a talk and Q&A session with Ella Bowen, who has since represented England as a Future Roses player. Her insights into becoming a professional netballer were fascinating and inspiring. Our first match against Putney High School was challenging, resulting in their

victory. However, we quickly rallied and won the remaining matches that day. Our five wins secured us a spot in the prestigious Trophy League - a first for an FHS netball team! On the final day, we defeated Manchester High but lost several other demanding matches. Still, we were very proud of our performance and the achievement of securing 6th place overall out of 22 schools. This experience taught us the importance of teamwork and staying motivated, even when things don’t go as planned. The weekend was a tremendous success, and we are grateful for the opportunity to compete against such a variety of schools. Grace Keane Year 9

TRIPS

Year 7 Bonding Trip to Wimbledon

COMMON At the very start of the academic year, Year 7 embarked on a bonding day trip to Wimbledon Common. Our first challenge was ‘See No Evil, Hear No Evil’. This task tested our communication skills and teamwork, as each team member could either hear but not see, see but not talk, or talk but not see, while working towards our assigned objective. It wasn’t the easiest challenge, but we managed to complete it successfully. Next up was ‘Swamp Cross’, which turned out to be my favourite. We raced against another team to cross a simulated ‘piranha and alligator-infested river’ (rest assured, it was just the ground) by stepping only on two planks provided to us. We stumbled during our initial attempts but, after figuring out what worked and what didn’t, we made it across the finish line just moments after the other team. After a quick snack break, we tackled what I believe were the toughest challenges yet: ‘Bomb Disposal’, ‘Disneyland’ and ‘Combat Bananagrams’. These challenges required teamwork, excellent co-ordination skills,

and a unique and creative way of thinking. Filled with confidence from our successes, we approached our final competition: the ‘Orienteering Race’. Armed with a map, we were instructed to locate and reach specific points within a given time. Admittedly, we all got a little lost, but it was still enjoyable to explore the common together and compete against the other teams. We boarded the bus, tired yet content, for the journey back to school and eventually home. It had been an exhausting but highly fulfilling day. Cecily Davidson Year 7

Year 7 Geography Trip to

KEW GARDENS Year 7 went on a Geography Trip to Kew Gardens, and what an incredible day it was! We began with an informative lesson from some of the Kew Gardens experts, where we learned about the differences between our natural surroundings and the tropical rainforest. The disparities were truly astonishing! One fascinating fact I discovered was that the Madagascar Periwinkle plant can be a potential remedy for two types of cancer, including leukaemia.

marvelling at the incredible array of plants, before ascending the tree-top walkway, where we experienced what it must be like for trees that manage to break through the dense darkness and grow tall enough to reach the very top of the Palm House. I learned the tallest tree in the Kew Gardens Palm House is 23 metres, whereas in a real rainforest, they can reach heights of around 40 metres! Nell Dreadon, Year 7

Following lunch, we ventured into the Palm House, which is the closest representation of a tropical rainforest in England. Inside, we strolled slowly,

Year 8 and 9 Ski Trip to

LES MENUIRES On behalf of all the Year 9 students who went on the ski trip to Les Menuires, we’re delighted to say we had a blast! We were amazed by the amount of snow and variety of slopes in Les Menuires, from easy blue runs for beginners to challenging blacks for more experienced skiers that tested our resilience and perseverance. Each evening after skiing, we enjoyed a range of fun activities, from rollercoasters to snow fun with the hotel staff.

experimenting with different techniques like one-legged skiing, two-person skiing, 180 degree turns, and backwards slalom. Some of the best memories were created while chatting on the lifts, and getting to know fellow Year 9 students who we may not have been close to before. Thank you so much to the wonderful staff members - Miss Newsome, Miss James, and Mr Smyth - who played an essential role in making this trip such a success. Lorenza Russo and Lola Walsh, Year 9

Our ski instructor, Fabien, was amazing. We all thoroughly enjoyed our ski lessons, sharing many laughs and 79

Year 8 and 9 Ski Trip to

MORZINE In the Easter holidays, FHS embarked on a dazzling skiing adventure. After a day of travelling, it was a joy to arrive in the picturesque town of Morzine and bask in the beauty of the snow-covered mountains and the vibrant energy of the ski resort, Le Pleney. It was truly a breathtaking sight! The ski area in Morzine is expansive, with over 650km of pistes, so there was something for everyone. As a beginner myself, thanks to our incredible instructor, my group was able to tackle red slopes by the third day (shout out to Jerome and the rest of the instructors!)

Exploring the town itself was also a delight. The streets were lined with traditional chalets and quaint shops, exuding authentic Alpine charm. Indulging in fresh crepes and candyfloss while practising our (slightly rusty!) French was a great pleasure. I even learned the significance of the phrase: “Est-ce que je peux avoir un chocolat chaud?” Our trip was nothing short of spectacular. It provided endless opportunities for adventure and excitement, and I’m immensely grateful to all the staff who made it possible. Iman El-Saie Year 8

Year 10

CREATIVE DAYS After a week and a half of exams, our wonderful Head of Year, Mrs Faircliff, organised two days of pure enjoyment! On the first day, we were treated to a delicious breakfast before heading to the BBC Earth Experience. There, we had the opportunity to relax while watching David Attenborough documentaries on big screens. Later, we enjoyed a sunny picnic in Battersea Park, where we bonded over ice cream and played fun games such as spikeball. The following day, we explored London in groups, solving clues to find our lunch location (Pizza Express!) in the morning before visiting different art galleries in the afternoon. 80

It was an amazing two days that not only helped us to recover from the stress of the past couple of weeks but also fostered stronger bonds within our year group and deeper connections with our peers. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs Faircliff. Regina Tassi and Lucinda DeLucy McKeeve Year 10

Creative Writing Retreat to

ARVON We loved our first Arvon trip to Devon so much in 2019, we booked posthaste for the following year. By March 2020, we were all set but couldn’t go as we entered national lockdown, so our second trip to the delightful residential writing retreat took a while longer than anticipated. But in October 2022, Ms Shevah and Miss de Blue took 16 budding writers to Arvon, this time in Shropshire. The Hurst, once home of the playwright John Osborne, sits in rolling Shropshire

hills surrounded by space and greenery, and offers a perfect escape from the busyness of modern city life. Our tutors were the memoirist Colin Grant and YA and teen author Sheena Wilkinson. Each day after breakfast, we retired to a large, light-filled room with a huge circular table, around which we sat and had fun with imaginative tasks, character creation and word play. After tea and cake, we continued brainstorming, experimenting and playing with ideas and language. After lunch, we had time to read, write, walk and play games, before splitting into groups and cooking dinner in teams. In the evenings, we gathered for readings: one evening the tutors read their work; another a guest tutor, the music journalist Jude Rogers, read from her debut book, The Sound of Being Human; and on our last night, students read from what they had written that week.

Sarina in Year 9 said: “We each had our own creative writing journal that we filled with different exercises. These varied from creating a conversation with each letter of the alphabet, to writing about our very own made-up characters. We had complete freedom to interpret the tasks in our own way. “The most valuable thing that I learnt was how to create a good character for a story. We were taught that it’s important to create a character with an even balance of attributes and flaws, not just one who’s good at everything!” Our students wrote fantastic pieces, shared ideas and enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Arvon is a wonderful, inspiring trip and we are looking forward to returning in October 2023. Emma Shevah Head of Literacy and Communication, Teacher of English and Writer in Residence

GCSE Geography Tour to

ICELAND In October 2022, our Year 10 and 11 GCSE geographers enjoyed a magical five-day tour of the incredible country and geographical haven that is Iceland. The girls have described their experiences below. Day 1 and 2 Excitement filled the air in Heathrow Departures as we said goodbye to our parents and greeted Miss Mackenzie. After a 3-hour flight (where we were amazed by the foot room and in-flight entertainment!) we arrived in Iceland and met our tour guide, Nick. The freezing air was invigorating as we made our way to the coach. Along the journey, we gazed in wonder at the stunning Northern Lights. After an hour, we reached our hotel, settled into our rooms, and went to sleep. The next morning, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast before embarking on the Golden Circle tour. Overall, this was a sensational introduction to our Iceland experience! Nelya Kogan, Year 11 Geographer

Day 3 In Hveragerði, we began our day with a visit to Seljalandsfoss, a magnificent waterfall. Clad in waterproof gear, we walked behind it, experiencing its beauty from all angles. We then visited the Sólheimajökull glacier, witnessing the effects of climate change. After a quick lunch, we explored Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara, marvelling at the black

sands and rocks shaped by destructive waves. Our final stop was Skógafoss, a breathtaking 62-metre waterfall, before we returned to Hveragerði. Catherine Garrood, Year 10 Geographer

Day 4 We started the day with a hot springs hike in Hveragerði, witnessing the first snowfall of the season. The hot spring emitted an unpleasant sulphur smell, and we examined its silica, iron, and sulphur content. Next, we visited a shopping mall with a deep crack caused by an earthquake. We jumped from one side to the other, representing a leap between Eurasian and North American plates. We then explored a lava tunnel at Raufarhólshellir and learned about its unique features. In Reykjavík, we experienced FlyOver Iceland, a captivating virtual tour, and admired the Hallgrímskirkja church. We ended the day at a restaurant, reflecting on the fun we’d had. Mika Bianchi, Year 10 Geographer

Day 5 We visited the westerly point of the Reykjavik peninsula, witnessing relics of the Cold War and data centres. The highlight was a relaxing hour in the hot spring waters of the Blue Lagoon. With rejuvenated spirits, we headed to the airport for our return flight, grateful for the past four days. Special thanks to our tour guide, Nick, and our coach driver for their expertise and safe navigation. The Geography Department

GCSE Spanish Trip to

SEVILLE During October Half Term, Year 10 and 11 Spanish students had the incredible opportunity to visit Seville. This trip allowed us to explore a new city, bond with friends and teachers and immerse ourselves in Spanish culture, while simultaneously improving our language skills. Our first day began with lessons at a local language school. The teachers did a great job conducting lessons in Spanish, which challenged us but was ultimately helpful for our language development. Following a lunch of roquetas, jamón, gambas and

gazpacho, we embarked on a guided tour of Seville, where we visited the impressive town hall and cathedral. The second day began with more language lessons. Later, we attended a rice workshop and enjoyed lunch featuring three different Spanish rice dishes. It was a delightful and educational experience as we watched the chefs prepare paella and asked questions in Spanish. Afterwards, we had another guided tour, this time in the Triana neighbourhood, where we learnt more about Seville’s history. On Thursday, our last day of language school, many of us participated in an optional ‘free time photo challenge’, capturing pictures in front of various landmarks we had discovered during the trip. We aimed to impress the judges and win edible prizes. After completing the challenge, we took part in an dance workshop which proved to be challenging

but great fun. On our final day, we visited the Real Alcazar, which became a highlight of the trip. The combination of Mudéjar and Christian architecture, along with the intricate patterns on walls and ceilings, left us in awe. As we climbed the cathedral tower during our final afternoon, admiring the city we had grown to know so well over the past four days, we couldn’t believe our trip was coming to an end. We would like to express our gratitude to Miss Johnston, Mr Confino, and Miss Marina for organizing and accompanying us on this amazing trip. It was a wonderful experience that we would love to repeat in the future! Linnea Foelster and Ines Baud Year 11

A Level Geography Trip to

BARCELONA A group of Lower Sixth geographers embarked on a trip to sunny Barcelona to collect data for our A Level coursework and deepen our understanding of how geographical studies relate to real-world experiences. Our first full day in Barcelona was dedicated to exploring El Raval, a central area of the city, where we conducted the human aspect of our fieldwork. After collecting data and receiving a guided tour in the morning, we admired the

impressive local architecture and bought souvenirs. The second day took us to the Sitges coastline for coastal fieldwork. We learned how to use equipment such as calibrated poles and clinometers, and learnt new skills as we measured beach profiles and tested the direction of longshore drift. On the third day, we split into groups based on our chosen coursework focus: human or physical geography. Those focusing on human topics gathered data in the city centre, conducting surveys and interviews with locals and collecting diary entries to explore social inequality, representations of place, and the re-branding process of El Raval. Meanwhile, the physical geographers

enjoyed a fulfilling day along the Sitges coastline, evaluating the effectiveness of hard and soft engineering techniques and studying the impact of erosion on beach morphology. Both groups had productive days and collected a wealth of data. On our final morning in Barcelona, we took a stroll along the Sitges coast, pausing at various points of interest, such as the local church, to admire the ocean view. We also visited the beachfront market to purchase jewellery and clothes as mementos. With heavy hearts but enriched knowledge, we returned to Barcelona Airport, enduring a 2-hour delay before finally arriving home in London. Antigone Mathews and Francesca Glanville Lower Sixth

A Level Physics and French Trip to

PARIS In April 2023, an apparently incongruous mix of Physics and French students embarked on a journey from St. Pancras to Paris Gare Du Nord. The Eurostar whisked us away, propelling us into the vibrant and luminous city of Paris. On our first day, a short walk led us to the Grand’Église de Saint-Étienne, an architecturally exquisite church adorned with intricate designs and stained glass. For the Physics students, this held a special significance as it was the final resting place of Blaise Pascal, the renowned French mathematician and physicist best known for his groundbreaking work on pressure principles. Our attention was then captured by the majestic Panthéon, an architectural marvel and treasure trove of history which houses Foucault’s Pendulum, a scientific instrument that provided ground-breaking evidence of the Earth’s rotation on its axis. After our exploration of the Panthéon, the Physics students paid a visit to the Curie Museum, dedicated to showcasing

the history of Marie Curie’s revolutionary research, her personal life, and her enduring legacy. Meanwhile, the French students had the opportunity to visit a nearby and highly regarded ‘Grande École’ of literature.

and it was well worth the effort. To our immense delight, we had the opportunity to visit the planetarium and experience its wonders, which captivated physicists and linguists alike.

We then embarked on an excellent guided tour of Opéra and Place Vendôme, which delved into the history of Paris’s Nazi occupation, after which some of us inadvertently ended up purchasing ‘I Heart Paris’ tops.

We then returned to the heart of Paris to visit the iconic ‘metre ruler’, a symbol of scientific inquiry, wittily positioned on a wall in Rue de Vaugirard. With heavy hearts, we finally headed to the Gare Du Nord, ready to embark on the long train journey back home.

On Sunday, we took the long journey to the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie,

Miranda Monascal Uribe, Sophia Cerchione and Matilde Leandro, Lower Sixth

A Level Classics Trip to

ROME In October 2022, a group of passionate Classics students had the incredible opportunity to spend four days in one of the most historically fascinating cities in the world. The trip to Rome felt like stepping straight into the past, with all of us having a sense that we should have been parading around in togas instead of donning touristy sunglasses and trainers. We set off full of enthusiasm to visit the historic sites, accompanied at every step

by Dr Hayes’ endless supply of fascinating Roman fun facts. On the first day, we headed to the Circus Maximus and the Forum Boarium. Under the bright Italian sunlight, we could almost visualise the chariots speeding around the well-worn arena. The following day was the most captivating as we visited the Colosseum, the Forum, Ara Pacis, and the Pantheon. The Pantheon, with its contrasting Hellenistic and Christian artistic influences, brought a battle of aesthetics to life before our eyes. On the third day, we embarked on a coach journey to visit Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli. The sheer size of the villa left us astounded when we realised that

the complex served as the residence of just one Emperor! We also visited the Capitoline Museum, which houses a collection of classical art that is second to none. On the final day, we headed to the enormous baths of Caracalla and the ancient sites of Ostia Antica. These visits provided valuable archaeological insights into ancient Roman communities and lifestyles away from the bustling city. We extend our heartfelt thanks to both Miss Bhatti and Dr Hayes for organizing this remarkable trip. We can’t wait to visit Rome again, even if it’s just for the ice cream! Cecilie Maurin and Mischa Adel-Yearsley Upper Sixth Classics Prefects

A Level Politics Trip to

BRUSSELS The Lower and Upper Sixth Politics trip brought us to the bustling capital of Europe: Brussels!

tours and participated in many group activities, such as identifying fake money at the Museum of the National Bank of Belgium, exploring the European Parliament, and watching educational films in the Parliamentarium.

As soon as we arrived, we headed into the busy city centre. The Grand Place, which was less than a minute’s walk away from our hotel, offered a host of chocolate shops and delicious waffles (a trip favourite!)

In the evenings, despite some rainy weather, we still managed to enjoy wandering around the Grand Place and admiring the beautiful architecture, as well as dining in some gorgeous restaurants while discussing the day’s activities! The highlight of the trip was definitely spending time together as a politics class.

We were lucky to visit the EU Parliament and the House of European History, which gave us great insight into our political studies, as well as developing our historical knowledge. Touring these places was particularly interesting in the light of Britain’s recent departure from the EU. During these visits, we were given detailed and engaging

We are very grateful to Mrs Wilkes and Ms Stansfield for taking us, and we all hope to visit Brussels again! Violet Russell-Smith and Ruqayyah Noordeen Lower Sixth

Lower Sixth Maths Trip to

FLORENCE After summer exams, our Lower Sixth Maths students had the pleasure of spending four sunny days in Florence. It was a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in the cultural and scientific highlights that make the city one of Europe’s most appealing destinations. Our adventure began with a mathsthemed walking tour, where we learned about the life and accomplishments of one of history’s greatest scientists, Galileo Galilei. While strolling through the picturesque streets, our knowledgeable guide shared stories of groundbreaking scientific discoveries. We discovered

how mathematics was employed by Brunelleschi to construct the magnificent dome of Florence’s cathedral and to achieve harmonious proportions in his other architectural creations, such as the Basilica di Santo Spirito. To deepen our understanding of Florence’s scientific marvels, we visited the Galileo Museum, where we immersed ourselves in the captivating worlds of physics and astronomy. The museum houses stunning mathematical instruments used in navigation, timekeeping, and warfare. The interactive exhibits at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum allowed us to engage with his ideas and discoveries in a handson and unforgettable manner. While our trip focused primarily on mathematics and science, we also had the privilege of appreciating Florence’s rich artistic heritage. Visits to renowned museums like the Uffizi and Galleria dell’Accademia offered us a glimpse into the genius of legendary figures like

Leonardo da Vinci and other celebrated artists. Of course, a visit to Florence would not be complete without experiencing the iconic Duomo cathedral. Climbing over 400 steps to the top of Giotto’s Campanile rewarded us with breathtaking views of the city below. In addition to immersing ourselves in the city’s culture and history, we relished the simple pleasures of indulging in generous portions of pasta, pizza, and gelato. Florence, with its rich history and cultural heritage, will forever hold a special place in our hearts. It served as a source of inspiration and intellectual discovery, leaving us with lasting memories and a new-found appreciation for the city’s remarkable contributions to the worlds of art, science, and mathematics. Irina Ramage Teacher of Mathematics and Head of Lower Sixth

Year 7 Expedition to

CORNWALL Year 7 students returned to St Ives in Cornwall for Expeditions Week, a trip which was filled with thrilling adventures. Olivia Fellowes shares her highlights from the week and how she pushed herself outside her comfort zone: “I particularly enjoyed coasteering because it provided a challenging experience that allowed me to explore the coastline in a unique way. The adrenaline rush I felt while jumping off cliffs into the sea was exhilarating, and I also enjoyed the physical challenge of scrambling over rocks. “Surfing pushed me out of my comfort zone in a couple of ways. Firstly, I had a fear of the ocean and was worried about being in the water with waves crashing over me. Secondly, I was afraid of falling off the surfboard. Balancing on a small board in the middle of the ocean seemed daunting, and I was concerned about getting hurt if I fell. The most challenging aspect of surfing for me was learning how to balance on the board. It required a lot of practice, and I fell off many times. Despite the challenges, I was determined to learn how to surf.

Gradually, I started to get the hang of it and was able to catch some waves. It was an incredibly rewarding feeling to ride a wave, and I felt proud of myself for overcoming my fears. “I remember paddling out to the lineup, waiting for the right wave. When it arrived, I took a deep breath and paddled with all my might. The wave carried me, and I began to ride it. It was a thrilling sensation. I rode the wave for what felt like an eternity, and when I finally came crashing down, I was exhausted yet filled with exhilaration.” In addition to these activities, the girls

cooked for the teachers in a ‘Come Dine With Me’-style event, impressing us with their stir-fries and impeccable service. On the final night, there was a Talent Show, showcasing incredible performances ranging from gymnastics displays to solving Rubik’s Cubes at lightning speed. Overall, it was a fantastic week, and it seems likely that many Year 7 students will be asking their parents to return to Cornwall for their summer holidays, especially after discovering a new-found talent for surfing! Eliza Lorimer Head of Year 7

Year 8 Expedition to

BERKSHIRE If there’s one word to describe the Year 8 Expedition to Berkshire, it would be ‘unforgettable’. For one action-packed week, this year group ventured into the great outdoors, leaving behind the comforts of home to embark on a camping adventure like no other. From thrilling activities such as mountain biking and rock climbing to more unusual

experiences like driving a canal boat, axe throwing and fire making, this expedition had it all. The picturesque setting of Kirby House provided the perfect backdrop for our journey into the wilderness. Surrounded by lush greenery and the tranquillity of nature, we quickly realised that this trip was going to be something special. The week was a whirlwind of activity, with each day presenting new challenges and opportunities for personal growth. One of the highlights of the expedition was the chance to try out a range of thrilling outdoor pursuits. But it wasn’t all about adrenaline-pumping activities. The expedition also emphasized

the importance of community and togetherness. Living together meant taking care of not just ourselves, but also our surroundings. We quickly learned that maintaining a clean and organised campsite was essential for the well-being of everyone. This encouraged a sense of responsibility and fostered a supportive atmosphere where we looked out for one another, complimented each other’s efforts, and made new friends along the way. The evenings were a time to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures. Gathering around the campfire, we shared stories, laughter and heartfelt conversations. It was during these moments that we truly appreciated

the beauty of the outdoors and the friendships we had formed. Racing to use the shower became a light-hearted competition, adding an extra element of fun to the experience. For many of us, this expedition marked a series of firsts. Sleeping in a tent, being surrounded by nature and eating meals

around the campfire were new and exciting experiences. Stepping out of our comfort zones allowed us to discover hidden strengths and develop a newfound appreciation for the small luxuries we often take for granted back home.

The challenges we faced together had strengthened our bonds and instilled a deeper understanding of the value of teamwork. Georgina Newsome Director of Sport

As we returned to London, we felt a sense of accomplishment and unity.

Year 9 Bronze DofE Expedition to the

LAKE DISTRICT During Expeditions Week, Year 9 headed to the Lake District for our Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Expedition. The week required immense strength, resilience and grit, and every single girl persevered. We all learned so much and made countless memories. On Monday, we walked a long distance with our heavy bags for the first time,

filled with excitement for the rest of the week. On Tuesday, we tested our navigation skills, got lost (but had fun doing so!) and, most importantly, persevered and found our way to the end. As a reward, we enjoyed a boat trip on Lake Windermere, where we could sit and admire the scenery or go on deck and chat with friends in the breeze. On Wednesday, we climbed a waterfall!

This involved jumping from rock to rock, swinging from tree roots like Tarzan and then taking a plunge into the lake. We even had the opportunity to jump into the lake from the top and dive into the waterfall pool. Whether we chose to jump in or not, we all had fun and bonded over the experience. On Thursday, my group walked 16km, during which we occasionally got lost, felt tired and even felt a little frightened at times. But we made it, and we did it

together with our friends. Despite the physical challenges, I would personally say it was my favourite day. My group and I sang songs like “The Sound of Music”, Nat King Cole’s melodies, and even “Mary Had a Little Lamb” as we walked. We stopped near an incredibly beautiful field with a stream running through it and found a lovely tree, under which we ate our lunch. To our surprise, we were greeted by ponies! We enjoyed their company, even though they tried to nibble on our maps and sneak bites out of our sandwiches. On Friday, we had one last short walk and then spent the rest of the day relaxing and recovering on the bus. We sang many songs and watched movies together. This was a challenging trip, but all good things are worth the effort. It was not just about surviving or enduring, but about truly enjoying the experience. Although each group may have faced some difficulties, we all ultimately bonded over the shared experience and came out stronger. We learned that there are places beyond our familiar Sloane Square bubble, and that embracing a challenge creates the most cherished memories and is what truly helps us develop as individuals. Sarina Kaladeen and Emily Walsh, Year 9

Year 10 Expedition to

MORZINE For Expeditions Week, Year 10 travelled to the French Alps to enjoy a series of exciting and challenging activities. We left Heathrow at crack of dawn for the long journey to Morzine village where we were greeted by our instructors.

Without wasting time, we tackled our first challenge - high ropes! - which was a taste of things to come. The two standout activities were white water rafting and a trek to Switzerland.

due to the hot weather and steep incline, but also the most rewarding. With the support of our friends, we made it to the top and were greeted by a well-deserved ice cream when we got back down!

Rafting was a thrilling experience, with our guides leading us through the rapids. We had the option to jump off rocks along the way and, even though it wasn’t mandatory, everyone, including teachers, faced their fears and ‘did it scared’ by taking the daring plunge into the water. The following morning, we embarked on a tiring ascent to the French-Swiss border. This was the most challenging day

The highlight of our trip, however, was the talent show on our last night, featuring Mr Confino and Dr Upcott’s rendition of “Wonderwall” and hilarious performances by our peers. This expedition strengthened bonds across our year group, and we are incredibly grateful for the unforgettable opportunity to visit the beautiful French Alps. Cordelia Jones and Mika Bianchi, Year 10

Lower School Choir Tour to

ITALY

The Lower School Choir was delighted to tour Italy over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend. The students worked so hard and put on vibrant and high-quality concerts in Montecatini, Florence and Lucca for appreciative audiences. The girls were excellent ambassadors for FHS and we are very proud of their enthusiasm, level of music-making

and excellent behaviour. The Music Department (Miss Vickery, Mr Mercer, Miss Murata, Mrs Floyd and Miss Houlder) had a fantastic time exploring Italy with the students, who share their experiences below. Elliot Mercer, Teacher of Music

“Everyone enjoyed the Choir Tour to Italy. It was an opportunity to make more friends and to see what the country is like. It was also a great way to learn how to be independent by going around the cities in groups. We performed in concerts every evening and blew our audiences away! All the churches were amazing, and it was fascinating to see how each one was

unique. The highlights were singing in such lovely churches and exploring the different cities.” Olivia de Renzi, Year 7

“The Choir Tour to Italy was great and I learnt a lot from it. From the concerts in beautiful churches, where the sounds we made carried and echoed back to us, to the amusement park, the Music Department teachers made sure everything was entertaining and interesting! We visited a museum, where we explored Italian culture, then strolled through the streets of Florence and enjoyed the Italian cuisine. It was also very exciting to be singing in lovely harmonies. Overall, the trip was

educational and fun - thank you for a brilliant time!” Helena Beausang-Hunter, Year 8

“Lower School Choir had a wonderful tour and an amazing time in Italy, spending time with our friends, meeting new people, singing and, of course, eating delicious food. We loved visiting the theme park, where Mr Mercer, Miss Houlder and Miss Murata went on – in the words of Mr Mercer - the ‘scariest ride of their life’. While we had an incredible time exploring, we of course cannot forget the singing. We all enjoyed singing lots of great music, including “Fly” by Suzzie Vango, which was the most popular song on the tour, followed by magnificent solos and duets by Years 7 and 8. We also had a fabulous time shopping and visiting different monuments and museums. This trip meant a lot to the Year 8s as it was their last Lower School Choir trip. Thank you so much to all the teachers who came on the trip. We appreciate everything you have done for us.” Vittoria Di Amato, Year 7

Year 7 Latin Trip to

BATH Year 7 enjoyed a trip to Bath to visit Aquae Sulis, the Roman baths.

I can’t wait for another Latin or History trip— they are always filled with excitement and wonder! Sibella Greenwold Year 7

On arrival, we were split into two groups. The first group explored the baths themselves, while the second group learned about the various artefacts discovered in the baths. I was part of the first group, and it was fascinating to experience the warmth of the baths, with visible steam rising from them. We even learned that eggs could be cooked in the hypocaust, and we saw a complete skeleton of a man discovered at Aquae Sulis! After lunch (and a mandatory visit to the gift shop), we switched groups, and I had the opportunity to learn about the artefacts and the functioning of the hot springs.

Year 8 Latin Trip to the Museum of

LONDON In November, Year 8 journeyed to the Museum of London to delve into the history of London’s development before and after the arrival of the Romans. At the museum, students had the opportunity to observe the lifestyles, religious practices, and leisure activities of ancient Britons. They were particularly excited to see an authentic section of the Roman wall standing outside the museum and to explore a replica of the interior of a Roman home, complete with a decorated triclinium. Everyone had a great time. Next year’s 100

Year 8 students can rest assured that we will take them to the British Museum while the Museum of London undergoes refurbishment. Sam Hayes Head of Classics

JUNIOR SCHOOL

Junior School Head’s

WELCOME Welcome to the joyful Junior School section of the FHS Magazine. This summary of some of the activities that our community enjoyed this year reminds me again how lucky we are. I know that luck can be made to some extent, through preparation and opportunity, but having opportunities to take advantage of it is such a privilege. Many of these articles describe trips to some great London venues and beyond. I love to hear messages back from these establishments or members of the public, of how much they have enjoyed our visit because the girls have shown courtesy and good manners. They show their gratitude and appreciation by being attentive, getting thoroughly involved and making the most of these opportunities. There are also articles about the girls’ amazing endeavours – in drama, ballet, sewing, gym, music, sport, and so much more - which they enthusiastically practise hard, building skills and discovering new talents. The girls love preparing for these shows, concerts and competitions, often pushing past any nerves to be their very best, individually and collaboratively. These girls put the same determination into their lessons, so whilst their successes are certainly of their own making, they remain grateful for the privilege of opportunity. A Francis Holland girl is one who looks you in the eye with confident attentiveness and interest, but never arrogance. I am sure 102

you will enjoy how the girls’ generous, vibrant spirit emanates through each article. This spirit has been perfectly encapsulated by our outgoing Year 6 class who worked hard in their enrichment classes with our Artist in Residence, Jodie Glen-Martin, to create a quilt. Stitch by careful stitch, these girls put their hearts into a creation that displays a little bit of each and every one of them. Not only have these individual expressions come together to create one warm and comforting quilt, but they have done it for the wellbeing of others. They have made a beautiful artwork to be used in the ContemPlace counselling centre so that any girl who needs reassurance in times of worry can feel loved and cared for. Not only does this show how these FHS girls wanted to leave some of their legacy of kindness, but also how together they could create

a masterpiece. A masterpiece of artistry, skill and workmanship that creatively brought together each girl’s own ideas and identity. Quilts have been sewn through the ages. They represent strength, resilience and the creative spirit. Quilts are traditionally used to help women overcome hardships and represent the strong bonds of love and family that females traditionally create. Quilts also tell stories that depict times and places and the lives of the people who make them, capturing slices of life. Just like the Year 6 quilt, this Junior section of the FHS magazine captures our story: one year of the Junior School’s tale of care and kindness, love and joy, diligence and resilience through work and play together. Suzy Dixon Head of Junior School

Junior

BALLET Chelsea Ballet Schools have been so proud of the enthusiasm and progress of all the Francis Holland Junior School children dancing with us. Well done to those girls from Year 1 to Year 6 who entered for their respective Royal Academy of Dance examinations, achieving excellent results across the board. It was fantastic to watch so many talented dancers perform in the Gym and Dance Display from both curriculum ballet and the Musical Theatre Club. A particular highlight was the opportunity for many to perform in the Nutcracker Christmas Gala, onstage at the London Coliseum with the English National Ballet company and their philharmonic orchestra. This was a unique and memorable experience for all, with all the girls discovering how professional ballerinas must feel. It has been a fantastic year and we are already looking forward to the next! Melissa Moor Teacher of Ballet

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Junior Gym and Dance

DISPLAY Our end of curriculum Gym and Dance Display in the Spring Term gives our girls a chance to showcase their themed skills built from Reception - Year 6. The girls perform in character and to music. Each class has a specific curriculum learning theme including basic shapes, introducing rotation, vaulting and group acro balances. Our theme this year was “Born to be Wild - A Day at the Zoo”. We saw Rockin’ Robins, Chihuahuas, animals from the African Savannah and tropical Tiki Tiki birds. We were treated to the addition of Musical Theatre and Ballet pieces choreographed by our

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specialists from Chelsea Ballet School. From Penguin Partner work in Year 1, to brilliantly colourful butterflies in Year 2 and a story-based immersive afternoon at the zoo with Reception, the ballet girls demonstrated musicality and poise to their chosen music. In the Musical Theatre section, the Year 3 and 4 group plunged us straight into the bayou pond with a fantastically jazzy piece from The Princess and the Frog, and Year 5 and 6

stomped their way around the mats as Prince Ali’s elephants. We ended this spectacular celebration with a super sparkly Strictly Come Dancing themed Jungle Book remix including all of the girls in our Gymnastics Programme from Years 3-6. What a joyful exhibition of so many skills! Annaleece Feeney Head of Junior PE and Games

Junior

SPORTS DAY

The annual Junior School Sports Day is always a highly anticipated event for all our budding athletes and cheerleaders. It truly is a celebration of all the events the girls have worked so hard on over the term. Kicking off with the Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 events, Ashcroft emerged victorious after an exciting morning of running, jumping and throwing.

A personal highlight for the PE Department was cheering on the teams in their House relays, where the girls demonstrated true determination and team spirit. As Key Stage 2 arrived to join the event, we saw speed and strength on the track in races ranging from just 50 metres to a whole mile! After a joyous family picnic, the afternoon field event rotation began. It was a whirlwind of activity, and included the long jump, javelin, shot and everyone’s favourite the Sports Day classics!

teachers and parents. Mrs Elphinstone’s wise words of “finish well” saw our competitors fighting it out until the final seconds. Fonteyn were ultimately crowned this year’s champions - there were team cheers all round! Annaleece Feeney Head of Junior PE and Games

Each year, our egg and spoon races bring such delight and nostalgia to the

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Junior

OPEN SWIMS Open Swim events are held at the end of each year group’s intensive swimming blocks. These are a wonderful way for parents to be part of, and celebrate, the progress each of their daughters have made.

The Open Swims display a variety of relevant aquatic drills, including buoyancy, orientation and balance, aquatic breathing, and personal survival and water safety. After the drills, the event progresses into races for each stroke and then on to our famous team noodle races - a firm favourite for the girls and the crowd! In the Summer Term, we welcome back our elite swimmers from Years 3 to 5 to join our Year 6 Open Swim session. The

Junior Christmas Wreath

MAKING Christmas is a firm favourite in the Junior School and this year saw another festive event added to the calendar... The event was most popular with mothers and daughters wishing to spend time together creating a masterpiece to adorn their front doors! The lights twinkled, Christmas music played, mince pies were nibbled and mulled wine was drunk (parents only!) as the duos listened to instructions and followed the step-by-step process to create their masterpieces. It is certainly an event that will become a firm fixture in the School diary from now on! Caroline Smith, Deputy Head of Junior School

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girls compete in their Houses, relying on teamwork and encouragement from others. The races include the four strokes, a House freestyle, and medleys. We finish on multi-year group squadron races to decide the ultimate House champion! Annaleece Feeney Head of Junior PE and Games

A Thriving International

COMMUNITY It is such a privilege to be part of the thriving International Community of the Junior School. A community that is often so ready, and so proud, to share its cultural differences and similarities with others within it.

Flags flew high and many girls and parents dressed in their country’s traditional outfits. Together we feasted on different delicacies, from Asian dumplings to Italian pizza, Greek dolmades to Tunisian couscous – there was something for everyone! What a joyful celebration for all! Caroline Smith Deputy Head of Junior School

Although celebrations are enjoyed throughout the year, as parents often come in to share news of their special festivals or travels, the real star of the show is International Evening, held in the playground. This year, over twenty countries were represented!

FHJS for

PARENTS! The Junior School offers a wide variety of events for parents to get involved in. There are opportunities to volunteer in workshops and on school trips, contribute at events such as International Evening and the Summer Fete, and even just relax and socialise over a glass of wine at the annual Quiz Night.

and their seemingly never dwindling ‘joie de vivre’! The photos are a true representation of the joy and spirit of the community. Caroline Smith Deputy Head of Junior School

With such a richly diverse and inclusive community, it is often we open our doors to embrace families, their cultures 107

Junior

CHARITY One of the most important values in the Junior School is that of service. We wholeheartedly believe that we need to teach the girls to be thankful for what they have whilst giving back to others who are less fortunate. It is for this reason that each year we carefully choose the international charity we support. For 2022-23, we chose Ripple Africa, a charity that inspires communities to achieve a more sustainable future. This year, through numerous fundraising events and incredibly generous donations, we impressively surpassed our target of £8,000. During the summer holidays, Miss Jackson and Miss Bartlett will pack their bags to head to Malawi to see the

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positive impact that our fundraising has had at the Matete 1 pre-school. This is a proud moment for us as it is the first time that we have gone out to visit one of our international charities and we are very excited to have such an incredible opportunity! In the Junior School, we also believe in

the need to help the local community, and so we continue to support our two long-standing charity partners: Katherine Low Settlement (KLS) and In-Deep. One of our favourite charitable occasions of the year is the day that we gather together at KLS for their annual garden makeover. Armed with trowels and Mrs

Dixon’s car boot full of flowers, we got to work sweeping, planting, feeding, pruning, watering, and tidying up the garden, ready for it to be used by the community all summer. As always, this year has been full of many fantastic fundraising events, and we have raised a staggering £9,889.49. We have

certainly been busy selling cupcakes, making Christmas cards, eating pancakes at our Parent Breakfasts, and working together in teams to sell eco-friendly products at our hugely successful Charity and Enterprise Fair. We topped it all off with the return of our dazzling Charity Dog Show where we welcomed some of

Chelsea’s best-behaved pooches to the ring! Thank you to everyone in our community for supporting all our charity work so wholeheartedly. Elizabeth Bartlett, Year 2 Class Teacher and Junior School Charity & Community Coordinator

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Charity

DOG SHOW The Charity Dog Show is quickly becoming one of our favourite events of the year at Francis Holland Junior School, and it is easy to see why! On a sunny summer afternoon, we put up our bunting and marked off an arena in the playground so that we could open our doors to the most prestigious pooches in Chelsea. Whilst the spectators gathered in anticipation, Miss Jackson and Miss Bartlett started the show with the Obedience Round, which required the dogs to follow a set of commands. In the end it was Sintra and her very professional dog handler, Manon, who impressed us the most with their incredible performance that even included hurdles! Next came the most controversial round: which

dog looked most like their owner? After much deliberation, first place was awarded to D’Artagnan and his doppelganger, Sofia, who both showcased swords and rather dazzling jackets. Finally, it was time for our most popular round: ‘Best Dressed’. Competition was intense, but it was Lyra’s dog, Boots, who stole the show and won first place in his Alice in Wonderland inspired costume. Whilst the rounds were taking place, the Charity Prefects were working hard to sell their homemade dog treats to fundraise for Ripple Africa. We were thrilled to raise a staggering total of £692.00! Elizabeth Bartlett Year 2 Class Teacher and Junior School Charity & Community Coordinator

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Junior

SUMMER FÊTE The Francis Holland Junior School Summer Fête holds a place in the calendar like no other event. It is the moment when we truly celebrate all that is our Junior School – the community, the joyful atmosphere and the pleasure of sharing and learning together while also celebrating the start of summer. This is a party held in honour of this unique, vibrant Junior School and we all love it!

This year’s theme of musicals sang out the delight of the glorious day. Entering the School through a backstage entrance of dark curtaining, musical posters and dressing room style lighting brought us out onto the dazzlingly bright ‘stage set’ of our very own theatre – the magnificently transformed playground. Guests were greeted with stunningly colourful tables and resplendent flower centrepieces, a sparkling bar of polished glasses serving every drink you could wish for, and the outdoor kitchen, with delectable aromas promising another delicious feast of mixed cultural flavours produced by our talented catering team. There was splendid entertainment for all ages: the exuberant bouncy castle, blow up slide and hungry hippo; the frantically busy Singing in the Rain Blackout Club, Mamma Mia’s Super Trooper Cake Walk and the Magic Show; and brilliant face

painting, manicures, candy floss and sweet stalls. There was an impressive Cats performance from Sophia, with a dance co-ordinated by Vivi leading a Year 3 girls’ inspirational dance troupe. Miss Daisy Houlder, and her jazz band of other staff, gave us a sophisticated musical accompaniment to the entire afternoon. This day was a powerful reminder of the hard-working parents who not only provide the Junior School with our brilliant children, but also become a creative collective to bring about such a marvellous, rousing occasion. It was a very special day, which also raised funds for school extras and for charity. Thank you to absolutely everyone involved – we never underestimate the work involved, even when the efficiency makes it look so simple! It was a sensational day. Suzy Dixon Head of Junior School

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Creativity in the

CO-CURRICULAR The Junior School is proud to run an extensive cocurricular programme, with over 60 clubs and activities operating during and after school. It is our firm belief that the ability to ‘try something new’, without pressure, encourages girls to seek out new experiences.

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There is an emphasis on activities that provide creative, exploratory and social opportunities, so that the girls can extend themselves in areas that are less formal than the classroom setting. Clubs on offer include Embroidery, Cross Stitch, Card-Making Club, Makaton, Stay and Play, and Meccano! The aim is simple: to have fun and find joy in something new! Caroline Smith Deputy Head of Junior School

Shakespeare’s Globe Workshops in

ACTING Shakespeare is on the curriculum across the world, but how many children get to study his works at the very theatre he founded? Years 5 and 6 spent the Spring Term immersed in Shakespeare, analysing Julius Caesar in their English lessons, and then bringing the play to life through acting workshops at the Globe Theatre. To be able to learn about Shakespeare in performance from some of the best actors and directors in the world resulted in an astounding production of Julius Caesar that will be remembered for years to come! Lucy Ivison, Librarian and Writer in Residence

FHJS Certainly Has Got

TALENT! This year’s Talent Show was spectacular. There were gymnasts, contortionists, musicians, dancers and comedians. They were encouraged to work in a group or go solo, and both types of performances were incredible. On audition day, the girls performed in front of a panel of judges consisting of Year 6 girls and Junior School teachers. There were acts to please all, including sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic performances!

The judges chose two to three finalists per year group to perform and compete in the show… and perform they did! In the morning, bright and early, the girls walked in with a determination to do their best, much to the joy of the audience of girls and teachers. Everyone performed with bravery, skill, and talent, but the judges had to choose the winners. First place went to a group of Year 6 girls – Alice, Lita, Rose, Leah, Evelyn, Elena and Isabella – whose performance included singing and some truly astounding dancing and gymnastics to the song “Girl on Fire”. Second place was awarded to Lynn in Reception, who was dancing and singing the song “Promenons-nous Dans Les Bois”, a new skill in the room, and what a joy she was! Rounding out the winners with third place were The Cooks (Manon, Sophia R,

Beatrice and Ella), a group of Year 5 girls making ‘Music with Kitchen Utensils’, and baking along to “Hey, Soul Sister”! Charlotte Castel Year 5

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Junior World

BOOK WEEK World Book Week 2023 was an extravaganza, even by FHJS standards! The girls delighted in all the activities, from author talks by Sue Hendra and Katie and Kevin Tsang to secret readers and parties galore! Mr and Mrs Wobble led us in the costume parade, but everyone from Matilda to Lady Macbeth followed. Book Week is always the highlight of the year, and it did not disappoint. Lucy Ivison Librarian and Writer in Residence

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Junior

ARTS WEEK The first ever Junior School Arts Week was made possible by the FHJS Enrichment Foundation Fund. Buzzing with excitement and curiosity, the School was transformed into a hub of creativity and collaboration. It was bursting with children eager to learn new skills in a variety of art practices and media. During the week, four magnificent and accomplished artists delivered a range of engaging and diverse workshops including willow sculpture, felt-making, 3D flower-construction, cyanotype and block printing. The children also enjoyed trips out to the ‘Beyond the Streets’ exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery, workshops hosted and delivered by the Putney School of Art, engaging interactive History of Art sessions with Magic

Lantern, and embroidery and painting workshops run by Ms van Kamp and Miss Smith - all of which were ably and willingly assisted by teachers and parent volunteers. Alongside this, the girls compiled artist fact files, composed their own songs, explored symbolism in religious paintings, engaged in creative writing stimulated by art-inspired texts and explored symmetry and sacred geometry in maths.

The week culminated in a stunning exhibition held at the Garrison Chapel that perfectly showcased the children’s glorious artworks alongside works created by other artists for King Charles’ Highgrove Estate. Insects exploding with colour, beautiful felt collages of flowers and minibeasts, and watercolours and embroideries of daffodils really brought the space to life. What a magnificent afternoon and week it was! Ninette van Kamp Head of Junior School Art

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Year 5 Architecture in

SCHOOLS Year 5 had the exciting opportunity to take part in Architecture in Schools for the second year running! Pupils were invited to put on their thinking caps and tap into their imaginations to redesign the Earl’s Court Development site - formerly known as Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre. This is an historic site that has drawn visitors since the Victorian times with attractions such as the Great Wheel and more recently concerts, art and design exhibitions, and Crufts! It has long been a place where people come together. In this spirit, Year 5 were tasked with creating a multi-layered space that included four elements: an underground

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world, a park, a performance/ cultural space, and housing. Working in partnership with the architectural practice, Haworth Tompkins, the programme was delivered over the Summer Term in three sessions through a variety of trips. These encouraged the girls to explore and observe architectural details and understand the importance of architecture in shaping how the wider public use and enjoy spaces. They also undertook drawing and concept development workshops. The project culminated in an exhilarating half-day building workshop, where the girls worked from their drawings and plans using a variety of materials and 3D skills. They solved problems and creatively constructed a range of structures and landscapes. Ninette van Kamp Head of Junior School Art

Junior Coronation

CELEBRATIONS The Coronation of King Charles III was a momentous event in British history and an occasion that FHJS celebrated with pride. All girls from Reception to Year 6 spent the morning learning about the future King and making crowns to wear at the whole school picnic in the playground. Delicious cupcakes and strawberries were served, and a jolly time was had by all in the sunshine. Later in the day, the Junior School joined with the Senior School to sing the national anthem with gusto - I wouldn’t be surprised if King Charles himself could hear us at Buckingham Palace! Hilary Dixon Year 3 Class Teacher

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Outdoor Education and Forest

EXPLORATION At Francis Holland Junior School, we believe that outdoor education and learning through experience are vital to children’s development. By taking the classroom outside, experiences are made more memorable for the girls and learning is thereby solidified.

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The Junior School girls are naturally inquisitive about the great outdoors. We know that outdoor learning boosts confidence, team-building and social skills, self-esteem, cooperative learning, resilience, creativity, problem-solving and mental health. This year was an annus mirabilis for the Francis Holland Foresters. We not only installed a brand-new curriculum, comprised of bushcraft and outdoor learning skills, but also christened our brand-new site, Norbury Park, in Surrey. The trips gave the girls many opportunities to develop and explore. The Year 1 girls used their bushcraft

rope skills to make and fly their own Flat Stanley kites, made from natural and recycled materials. They discussed the adventures that Flat Stanley could get up to as a kite and used this to write their own stories back in the classroom. Year 2 got stuck into their history topic on ‘Famous Explorers’, by building their own shelters, and making tools for spear fishing, in order to survive on a desert island. Year 3 spent time making natural artwork, taking inspiration from Van Gogh, who they had been studying in class. They used natural objects to create 3D artwork in Van Gogh’s style. In the Summer Term, they used knowledge from their work on Ancient Greece to

host a mini-Olympics, complete with flower crowns and home-made javelins that they whittled themselves. Years 4, 5 and 6 embarked on nature identification, rope-work, shelterbuilding and woodcraft, often basking in the Surrey sunshine. Activities included creating intricate spiders’ webs using different types of knots, rope and string. After making their designs, the girls were challenged to climb through the webs without touching the ‘poisonous’ sides. The groups used collaboration, team bonding, leadership skills and problem solving to complete their tricky challenge. There were some interesting tactics, including smaller girls being

carried and passed through the webs by taller members of the team! Once the key objectives had been met, the foresters were treated to hot chocolates and toasted marshmallows by the campfire.

The Francis Holland Foresters are already excited about their next adventures into the forest! Will Russell and Helen Pople Year 6 and Year 1 Class Teachers Forest School Leaders

Following an exciting year of Francis Holland Foresters, we were ‘Highly Commended’ in the Best Experiential Learning category of the Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards 2023. It is wonderful that Francis Holland Junior School is being recognised for its hard work and dedication to outdoor learning.

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Junior

MUSIC & DRAMA The Junior School Winter Concert was a spectacular display of musical talents. With a programme full of musical delights, from orchestra’s “Toccata Rocks” to the massed choir performance of “Eye of the Tiger”, this concert was truly unforgettable. Each year group presented an ensemble instrumental performance, including performances on steel pans and xylophones. As well as impressive performances from both of our choirs, all ninety-five pupils came together to perform three showstopping pieces. The girls performed with confidence, flair, and pure enthusiasm, resulting in a heart-warming and smile-inducing performance for those who came to

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watch. It was a night to remember and a reminder of the fantastic musical development happening at FHJS. In the approach to Christmas, our choirs were showcased in the Junior School Christingle Service at St Mary’s Church and Knightsbridge Carol Service. The familiar Advent lessons combined with the beautiful and technically accomplished singing, resulting in a moving and memorable occasion. We dusted off our glittery tutus, star hats, donkey costumes and shepherds’ crooks for our annual performance of the Infant Nativity, this year presenting the show ‘It’s a Party’. Year 2 blew us away with their expressive and characterful acting, while Year 1 and Reception wowed us with their angelic singing and skilful dance moves. Our youngest performed a beautiful star ballet routine that touched the hearts of the audience members. In the Spring Term, it was time for the Fanny Davies Music Competition

to commence. In one music packed day, there were over 108 entries into the competition. One performer per year was awarded the winner of their class, showing admirable preparation, professional presentation, and excellent progress. This year the Junior Musician of the Year Prize was award to the outstanding Remi in Year 5. In the Summer Term, we were treated to a phenomenal Reception and Key Stage 1 Concert. It was fantastic to see the girls perform with such joy and enthusiasm. Each year group presented an instrumental piece as well as a song. Reception showed off their drum skills and performed “The Teddy Bear Rock ‘n’ Roll” with rockstar attitude; Year 1 a percussive take on the “Can Can”, some impressively skilful recorder playing, and “The Beanstalk Grew” song; and Year 2 a moving rendition of “Lean on Me” alongside the fantastic String Project. All of the girls came together to perform a number of songs, including the crowd favourite “Happy” to finish off this

wonderful concert. Our youngest girls really showed us what they are capable of and we are so excited to see what they continue to produce. The year was rounded off with the performance of the Junior School Musical, Seussical, a music-filled, colourful, and inspirational production that was full of joyful and moving performances. The standard of the performance was astounding from all of the students in Years 3-6 who took part. This celebration of music, drama, and dance was an incredible way to end the year. The girls worked so hard, alongside committed and inspirational teachers, to produce this unbelievable production. All girls and parents should be so proud of what they have achieved. We are thoroughly looking forward to another year of amazing musical development and showstopping performances. Daisy Houlder Head of Junior Music

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Junior Classics

FESTIVAL The annual Junior School Classics Festival is always a hit in the Junior School. It allows Years 5 and 6 to show off the learning they have completed in the Autumn and Spring Terms in order to enthuse Year 4 about the work that they will undertake in the Summer Term. Year 5 learned about the story of Achilles and the Trojan War, while Year 6 worked on the story of Virgil’s Aeneid. There were some particularly fine robotic Trojan Horses on display, made by Arianna and Ilia in Year 5. The afternoon was split into three main activities, which each year group

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enjoyed: Greek alphabet badge making with Ms Bhatti; Greek vase making with Mr Hayward; and ancient myth freeze frames with Dr Hayes. At the end of the day, we elected our annual Classics Champions, with prizes for each year group awarded to Darya in Year 4, Millie in Year 5 and Anastasiya in Year 6.

The overall Junior School Classics Champion of 2023 was Constancia in Year 5, who produced some excellent work on the Trojan Horse in her Classics lessons and was very creative in the afternoon of activities at the festival. Sam Hayes Head of Classics

Junior Sustainability and Eco

CHAMPIONS This year, the Junior School Eco-Committee has worked tirelessly to continue their passionate work on sustainability and the environment. In collaboration with the Tree Council and other local schools, one of the first initiatives of the year was the planting of a new mini-orchard and fruiting hedge in Belgrave Square that will benefit the community and wildlife for years to come. The girls also decided to significantly reduce waste during the annual Christmas craft afternoon, and the school community came together to give new life and purpose to usual household waste to create crackers, pinecone owls and origami stars! During a current affairs assembly, another lesson was also learnt about the devastating impacts of fast fashion. The girls attended a talk by our school uniform supplier, Schoolblazer, to learn more about their sustainability agenda. In celebration of Earth Day, all Junior School girls attended virtual reality

workshops, where they travelled around the world to explore the causes of climate change and the devastating impacts, and learn about the power of collaborative action. In addition, the Eco-Committee have also made homemade fat balls to hang in the roof garden, alongside two new bird boxes. They have written personal letters to all staff about the importance of reducing laminating and collected, sorted and donated hundreds of pens to the Terracycle scheme. Lottie Adams Year 4 Class Teacher

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Junior Science and

STEAM We began the academic year by looking to the future, as Year 6 visited the New Scientist Live Show at ExCeL London. This trip provided a fantastic opportunity for the girls to discover more about coding, robotics and the potential uses of virtual reality. As well as the fun and games, visiting the exhibition encouraged us to reflect on how we can use science and technology to develop a more sustainable future and create a fairer world for all. In the Spring Term, we celebrated British Science Week. The girls enjoyed exploring the theme ‘Connections’ in imaginative ways, going back to basics with string telephone calls, making musical instruments and experimenting with the seemingly magical effects of magnetism. Many put their engineering skills to the test to design and construct the strongest straw bridge whilst others turned their kitchens into science labs to complete a variety of home time challenges. Dr Pippa Gibson taught us all the importance of ‘tasting the rainbow’, connecting what we eat with how our bodies are working, and Year 5 and 6

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were left in awe and wonder after being treated to Ms Mclaren’s spectacular, explosive chemistry demonstrations - a particular highlight! The Summer Term saw the growth of new plant and animal life in the Junior School as classes took a handson approach to the exploration of different life cycles. Runner bean plants sprouted up as the girls explored the conditions plants need to thrive, whilst Year 2 and Year 5 got green fingered, propagating their own basil plants and cultivating herb gardens. Witnessing the metamorphosis of butterflies and the hatching of tiny chicks provided more magical moments for all to enjoy. Ever the innovators, through their

projects in STEAM, the girls have applied their knowledge of electronics to create their own ‘Operation’-inspired board games and unique torches. They have grown beautiful crystals and created erupting volcanoes which decimated model villages. This year, the curriculum has been enhanced with the introduction of a Lego Education Learning System. Building working models and putting them to the test has encouraged girls to develop a playful approach to problem-solving and teamwork as they have learnt more about mechanics, forces and motion and the meaning of the phrase, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again’. Helen Anstee Head of Junior School Science

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Junior

TIPS WEEK TIPS returned to the Junior School in the Summer Term. During the three afternoon sessions, the School was a hive of activity with the girls taking part in a range of workshops. They worked in mixed class groups to ponder perplexing puzzles, complete creative challenges, respond to ridiculous riddles and inject imagination into ideas! Below is a snapshot of just some of the amazing workshops that the girls took part in.

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Dragons’ Den: Lyra, Year 6 In Dragons’ Den, we learnt the importance of teamwork while we designed and created eco-friendly products. My group made a prototype for rebuildable toys called ‘Perplexing Poppets’. When we first designed it, all we had in our mind was the impact on the environment and usefulness of the product. We wanted to make something that would give everlasting fun, while also helping to protect our planet. Desert Island Escape: Constancia, Year 5 When we arrived at our TIPS workshop, we were split into teams with a variety of girls from different year groups. When we sat down, we saw a blow-up pool filled with water surrounded by some cacti. We were to imagine that the pool was the vast ocean. Then we were

given our first set of clues – it was a riddle. Our task was to solve the riddles to find the shapes of three keys and the mystery word. Once we completed that, we could collect resources to build a new boat that had to survive two environmental challenges: 1) Floating in the ocean (paddling pool) 2) Surviving the ‘storm’ (using a hairdryer to represent the wind) At the end, we tested our boats in the water and the ‘storm’. We all had so much fun and enjoyed the challenge, using creativity and wit! Outfoxed: Alice, Year 6 Our workshop was called Outfoxed. In this workshop, we worked in two groups to build a model chicken coop for the chicks that have recently hatched in

Reception. The coop had to be foxproof and also had to be liveable for baby chicks. Some of the required characteristics for our coops were: they needed to be raised off the ground, they needed to be entertaining and they needed to have all the essentials. Our group made a raised chicken coop with individual sleeping spaces, a tunnel for the entrants, two floors, a dining area, a very shallow pool, a tree, an outdoor playing area, toys; and it was 99% foxproof!

The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch: Mrs Greig, Reception Class Teacher In The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch workshop, we followed a set of instructions to create Mr Grinling’s perfect sandwich. We went on a mission to the top floor to find Francis Holland’s very own lighthouse where we put our sandwiches in a bucket and

had a go at hauling them up on a rope with a pulley attached. The girls learnt that they needed to pull down for the bucket to go up. Finally, the girls enjoyed their delicious sandwiches back in the classroom; much deserved after all their hard work. Jennie Amin Assistant Head of Junior School

For building our coops, we had a wide range of materials including sticks, pom-poms, beads, string, chicken wire, cardboard boxes, felt, model chicks and much more. In the end, we showed the other group our hard work and they showed us theirs. Overall, I think it was a wonderful workshop and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

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Reception Adventures in Belgrave

SQUARE This year, Reception have been venturing to Belgrave Square each week to take part in outdoor learning sessions. The weekly visits have provided a wealth of educational experiences for the girls, allowing them to connect

their classroom learning with the wonders of nature. From creating enchanting floral collages to honing their subtraction skills using natural resources, the girls have engaged in a range of activities linked with the curriculum. This immersive approach to learning has sparked their curiosity and fostered a deep appreciation for the world around them. Flora Jackson Reception Class Teacher

Year 1 Trip to

KEW GARDENS Year 1 went on a sunny trip to Kew Gardens to learn about the seasons and weather. They took part in a scavenger hunt for different natural materials and found a variety of textures, shapes and colours.

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They discussed what happens to plants in each season and learnt about deciduous and evergreen trees. In the afternoon, Year 1 learnt about standard and non-standard methods of measuring the weather and used a variety of techniques, including a windsock and anemometer, to measure

wind speed, as well as the Okta scale to measure cloud cover. Following a wonderful day of learning, they were able to spend time letting off steam in the outdoor play area. A wonderful time was had by all and we certainly have some budding meteorologists in the class! Helen Pople and Davina Greig Year 1 Class Teachers

Year 2 Trip to the Ragged School

MUSEUM At the Ragged School Museum, Year 2 were transported back to 1893 to experience what life would have been like for a Victorian child attending school.

impressive building. Although it was a lot of fun, they all breathed a sigh of relief when they returned to their own classroom, very thankful that Miss Bartlett and Miss Parker did not have a cane lurking in the cupboard! Elizabeth Bartlett Year 2 Class Teacher

They were told to sit up straight and not speak unless they were spoken to. The instructions were short and somewhat stricter than the girls are used to! They impressed their Victorian teacher with their handwriting and enjoyed practising the three R’s: reading, writing and arithmetic. After the lesson, they were given the chance to explore and learn more about the history of the

Year 3 Trip to Warner Brothers

STUDIOS Year 3 are huge Harry Potter fans and fascinated by the wizarding world; therefore a trip to Warner Brothers Studios was in order!

Forbidden Forest, board the Hogwarts Express, see inside a Gringotts vault, dig mandrakes in the Herbology greenhouse, ride a broomstick and so much more. This was an inspiring experience and we all came away wishing that we could be part of this magical world! Hilary Dixon Year 3 Class Teacher

The girls took part in an art and design workshop where they learned about the meaning of costume distressing and how it is used in films to create a believable story. They were shown real costumes from the Harry Potter films and even got to distress their own fabric. Next up was a tour of the incredible studios. The girls had the opportunity to explore Diagon Alley, creep through the 129

Year 4 Trip to the Natural History

MUSEUM Year 4 swapped their classroom for an adventure at the Natural History Museum which started with the “Emergency! Earthquakes and Volcanoes Show” where they investigated

the geological forces deep within the Earth and participated in a mission to save a town from an imminent volcanic eruption. The girls went on to explore the Volcanoes and Earthquakes Gallery,

learning about the powers that shape our world from within with great enthusiasm by carefully examining all exhibits, dramatic video footage and interactive games. The highlight of the day was the earthquake simulator that demonstrated the real earthquake that took place in Kobe, Japan in 1995. Lottie Adams Year 4 Class Teacher

Sky Studios: Lights, Camera,

ACTION! In November, our class went to Sky Studios. It was so much fun! After a viewing of Shrek and a tour of the Studios and building, it was time to work on our Sky TV news story. In four groups of six, we were given a set timeframe to create a news report about a proposal from the government to build a new wind farm. Each group had a different purpose: the first had to introduce the story; the second shared facts about wind turbines on location in Scotland; the third featured two 130

eyewitnesses who had differing opinions in Texas; and the fourth gave interviews with experts to conclude the report. After everyone had finished their reports, we went to see where the real news was filmed. We had to be really quiet because

there was actual filming going on! Meanwhile, the Sky helpers put together our final report. After we had watched it, we all laughed and complimented each other for doing such a great job. Ruby, Eva, Olivia and Sofia, Year 5

Year 6

LEAVERS’ QUILT As part of their Enrichment Programme, Year 6 created a beautiful quilt with our very own artist in residence, Jodie Glen-Martin, at the Fashion School over a period of six weeks.

The girls learnt a variety of skills including hand and machine sewing, appliqué, sewing buttons and zips, patchwork and embroidery. The quilt encapsulates the girls’ memories and experiences of their time at Francis Holland and passes on positive messages of hope and love. Year 6 have lovingly stitched and embroidered this special quilt for their ‘younger sisters’, to provide comfort and support when they go to visit ContemPlace.

A huge thank you to Jodie Glen-Martin! Ninette van Kamp Head of Junior School Art

Year 6 Trip to Hampton Court

PALACE In the Summer Term, Year 6 ventured to Hampton Court Palace for a day of historical exploration linked to their topic of the Tudors. Led by a costumed presenter who posed as a laundress for Henry VIII, the day encouraged the girls to use the palace as a source to find answers for their historical questions. They explored notions of hierarchy and status within the Tudor court and how these were reflected in the buildings of the palace. The girls were also challenged with analysing the rank and status of those who would have used and occupied the

lower and upper parts of the palace. Everyone was amazed to learn how Henry VIII used the palace to demonstrate magnificence and power in every possible way. They were impressed with the lavish banquets, extravagant court life and fabulously expensive art! Highlights included William III’s apartments, the Great Hall, Henry’s kitchens, the Privy Garden and the Haunted Gallery. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day out. Will Russell Year 6 Class Teacher

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Year 6 Residential Trip to

SOMERSET This year, Somerset sun set the scene for a week of action-packed adventure at Mill on the Brue. The outdoor activity centre served as the perfect platform for team-building, resilience and communication amongst the Year 6 girls. The residential is seen as a great final highlight, celebrating the girls’ journey through the Junior School. It provides countless memories which they take away with them as they cement friendships which have been shaped and sculpted over a period of seven years. The itinerary consisted of petrifying tower jumps, canoeing trips down the murky River Brue, zip lining through a forest of trees, scaling over the tops of high ropes and enduring countless arduous assault courses. The girls faced their fears and worked as a team to conquer daily tricky tasks. Dormitories crammed with creaky bunkbeds meant there was minimal sleep to be had; however, everyone rose each morning, at the crack of dawn, for a hearty breakfast before tackling the day’s activities. Spirits were high! In the evenings, stories and hot chocolates around the campfire solidified the fun-filled week enjoyed by all. Being surrounded by nature and away from the four walls of the Francis Holland classroom allowed the girls to run wild and use the great outdoors to inspire their imaginations. Sadly at the end of the week, we had to say goodbye to this wonderful site - a truly unique place. A fantastic week was had by all! Will Russell Year 6 Class Teacher

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ALUMNI

Lucy Elphinstone and Julia Banks’ Alumni

LEAVING PARTY Former and current staff joined former pupils in the Old School House to celebrate the impressive tenure of outgoing Headmistress, Lucy Elphinstone, and outgoing Joint Head of Sixth Form, Julia Banks. On a warm summer’s evening, our Alumni Association held a very special leaving party for Lucy Elphinstone and Julia Banks, who both left Francis Holland at the end of August after an incredible 11 and 21 years respectively. The event packed the Old School House Common Room with an outstanding guestlist of over 90 former pupils and former staff – as well as current staff - including former Headmistress, Stephanie Pattenden; alumna and Governor, Julia WoodhamSmith; former Governor and Chair of the Alumni Association, Susannah Graham-Campbell; and very many recent leavers, keen to offer their thanks and good wishes. Guests, led by our team of Sixth Form Ambassadors, were keen to

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look around our stunning Sixth Form Centre, the Old School House, many of whom had not previously seen the sensational building since it was opened by the Duke of Westminster in 2021. Alumni Association Co-Chairs, Audrey Mitchell and Anne Cyron, spoke of Mrs Elphinstone’s dramatic impact on FHS during her Headship, noting the School’s incredible progress and transformation under her leadership and the remarkable legacy she will leave for her successors. Mrs Elphinstone herself spoke of her enthusiasm at becoming an Honorary Member of the Old Girls’ Committee

and looked ahead to her new position as an alumna of Francis Holland School, Sloane Square. After a moving introduction from Joint Head of Sixth Form, Caroline Wilkes, Julia Banks spoke with warmth and visible emotion of her time at Francis Holland. As an English teacher and Head of Sixth, she has made a phenomenal mark on so many girls’ lives. We welcome Mrs Banks to the alumni community and Mrs Elphinstone as an Honorary Member of the Old Girls’ Society now that they are officially Francis Holland alumnae! Claire Brazer Alumni Relations Officer

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Old Girls’ 142nd School

BIRTHDAY LUNCH On Saturday 4th March, our inspirational alumni community returned to FHS once again to celebrate the School’s 142nd birthday with a convivial drinks reception and lunch. The event began as always with the AGM, followed swiftly by an atmospheric drinks reception. Next, our guests made their way to the Senior Hall for a fabulous performance of “Marry the Man Today” from Guys and Dolls by Sixth Form pupils, Tess Vogels and Palmer Newson, our accomplished lead roles in the School’s 2023 production of the musical at Riverside Studios, Hammersmith (see pages 20/21). An impressive two-course lunch followed, with many former pupils commenting on the much-improved quality of school lunches since their time at FHS! From alumni who left as recently as 2018, to our ‘Old Girls’ who departed FHS in the 1960s, all were united in welcoming familiar faces. Many enjoyed looking through the archive materials on display, as well as embarking on a guided tour of the School’s impressive Sixth Form Centre, the Old School

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House. We were also delighted to welcome back many former staff members, who were keen to reconnect with the alumnae they taught. Alumni Association Co-Chairwoman, Anne Cyron, and Headmistress, Lucy Elphinstone, thanked guests, with Lucy commenting upon the wonderful family atmosphere the School still enjoys, a key factor in its popularity. Alumna Sarah Maxwell commented, “What a lot of thought and effort went into giving us such a wonderful visit to celebrate the School Birthday! We were entertained so well, not only with tempting canapés and a delicious lunch,

but also with the performance from Guys and Dolls, and the tour around the Old School House. The PowerPoint photos and the items on display from the archive were fascinating and I think you must have chosen them specially for the era of the guests - the file of ‘Autobiographies’ was particularly appreciated.” A huge thank you to our alumni community who returned to FHS Sloane Square for this wonderful occasion. Claire Brazer Alumni Relations Officer

Alumni Association Business Enterprise

AWARD WINNERS In 2021, under the directive of CoChairwomen Audrey Mitchell and Anne Cyron, the Alumni Association established the Business Enterprise Award, offering up to £10,000 to support fellow Old Girls in a variety of business and entrepreneurship initiatives. In January 2023, the Alumni Association launched the second Business Enterprise Award and, as ever, the quality of applications was outstanding. Five alumnae were invited to the second round of the application process, before proceeding onto an interview with Alumni Association Committee members. The judges meticulously assessed each business proposition on several factors, including sustainability and social responsibility, before deciding on this year’s three winners: Lily Carr-Gomm (Class of 2017) Lily, awarded £4,000, is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of music and culture magazine, Last Bus. Lily said, “I set up my own music and culture magazine (almost

four years ago now!) and it is my pride and joy. We have just started to expand from uploading interviews and reviews and organising photoshoots, to hosting live gig nights and curating festival line-ups, and soon hopefully much more. I heard about the enterprise initiative from our ‘Class of 2017’ group chat we all still very much use, so I am very grateful for my FHS girls!” Sasha Almonte (née Courtenay-Stamp, Class of 2013) Sasha opened cocktail bar, members’ recording studios and music production house, The Thin White Duke, in 2022. “It’s been an absolute honour to receive the £3,000 award,” she said. “It’s set us off on our journey of bringing our new brand to market, allowing us to begin developing our product and start market testing. It’s a truly persuasive endorsement as we go out to present our project to potential investors in a very competitive arena. The process also afforded me the invaluable opportunity to hone my pitch and talk through the numbers with an expert panel. I look back with so much gratitude on my time at Francis Holland - the teachers and their encouragement really granted me the confidence to branch out and establish my own business at the age of 26 in a male-dominated industry.” Emiko Ishii (Class of 2004) Bollywood fusion dance company, Epika Dance, established in 2012, received a £3,000 award. Founder and Artistic

Director, Emiko Ishii, said, “Winning the FHS Business Award gives me the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for Bollywood dance globally. My online training course and mentorship programme, ‘Bolly-On’, will allow aspiring dancers and teachers to take their dance career to the next level from the comfort of their own home. This grant will allow me to create the initial content and marketing strategy that will help to launch the course this year!” Claire Brazer Alumni Relations Officer

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Cézanne: Private Lecture and Exhibition at

TATE MODERN An exclusive and private lecture at Tate Modern, organised by FHS Sloane Square’s Alumni Association for alumni, parents, and History of Art students, explored the life and works of Cézanne In November 2022, guests arrived at Tate Modern’s Starr Cinema for a private lecture about Cézanne’s diverse and expansive works, and his extraordinary legacy. The lecture traced the artist’s career as a young painter in the South of France, through to his struggles in gaining the recognition and fame he sought in the country’s capital. Moving on to the exhibition itself, guests were quickly absorbed by Cézanne’s most celebrated works, together with many paintings shown for the first time in the UK. Many spoke of their enjoyment of the lecture and their appreciation of seeing the works of Cézanne in context. A special thank you to our alumni community, parents, pupils and staff for their support. Claire Brazer Alumni Relations Officer

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Alumni

REUNIONS Junior School Class of 2016 Reunion

Class of 1986 Reunion at FHS

The Class of 2016 Year 6 leavers from the Junior School were reunited for the first time in seven years!

When alumna Stephanie Longworth reached out to help arrange a reunion for her peers from the Class of 1986 (and thereabouts), we were delighted to oblige!

The Junior Hall was filled with laughter and chatter as we caught up on the last seven years. It was especially interesting to hear everyone’s plans for next year as we approach university and beyond! We were delighted to hear from Mrs Elphinstone and Miss Smith, and it was wonderful to have all the mothers (and one dad!) come along. We were able to tour the Junior School and reminisce on all the happy memories we had from our time there, as well as making new ones in the newly developed basement. It was a very special evening, and we were all so grateful to be able to return after all this time! Eloise Burkey, Sixth Form Ambassador

Class of 1992 30 Year Reunion Members of the Class of 1992 gathered to celebrate 30 years since leaving FHS. Hosted by the Co-Chairwomen of the Alumni Association, Audrey Mitchell (née Wiggin) and Anne Cyron, 12 alumnae got together at Pimlico’s Number 11 Ebury Street in September for a lively evening of drinks and reminiscing of times past, from school birthdays to Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and other school trips, and beyond. As a result of the evening, almost 35 Class of 1992 alumnae have been traced and are now in contact!

Stephanie, alongside her fellow classmate Anjali Ranchandani, flew in from the US for a short visit with the idea of bringing together as many former classmates as possible (especially those who had exclusively attended the Junior School, many of whom had not seen one another since they left FHS at the age of 11!) As a result, 10 alumnae returned to FHS to meet Mrs Elphinstone and tour both the Senior and Junior School, including the Old School House, before heading out for dinner locally. The group were impressed at the phenomenal amount of change the School has undergone since their time here as pupils. Thanks go to the following Old Girls who came to visit: Stephanie Longworth, Susannah Grant, Kate Ewart-Biggs, Emily Turner (née Scott), Anjali Melwani (née Ranchandani), Clare Evans, Caroline Villamizar Duque (née Gorman), Guitty Kooros, Venetia Powell-Brett and Candia Marsland (née Carr). Claire Brazer, Alumni Relations Officer

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Old Girls’

LECTURES Charlotte Cotton - Chasing a Dream

Sarah Esdaile - Theatre and Film Directing

Alumni and parents were delighted to welcome alumna and athlete, Charlotte Cotton, at November’s online lecture. Currently residing in Madrid, Charlotte was especially delighted to see Former Headmistresses, Stephanie Pattenden and Jennifer Anderson, among the audience.

Alumna, Theatre and Television Director, Sarah Esdaile addressed her audience with warmth and humour, describing how FHS encouraged tenacity, risk-taking and resilience, qualities which equipped her with the grit and determination required to forge a career in the competitive theatre and television industries.

Charlotte spoke of her career as a World-Champion mountain runner, a sport she didn’t take up until just over three years ago at the age of 38. Impressively, Charlotte gained the title of World Champion after just six months’ training. By 2020 she was also double European Champion. Charlotte’s passion for mountain running developed during her summers in the French Alps with her grandmother, running at altitude in a group led by the Paris marathon winner, Sylvain Cacciatore. However, aspirations of taking running to an elite level originated on the Francis Holland school bus, travelling to hockey practice as a teenager. Said Charlotte: “Francis Holland was and is a school which encourages pupils to find and develop their talents. Mrs Anderson and Miss Pattenden, our Headmistresses, and their excellent teams of staff, all with their different interests and gifts, from bell ringing to horse-riding and line dancing, gave us many inspirational assemblies. “I hope that as I talked to you about chasing my dreams, I might have encouraged you to take some time out of your busy life to nurture and cultivate your own passions.”

Moreover, it was during Sarah’s years at FHS that she first fell in love with the idea of ‘telling stories for a living’. Two occasions had a profound effect on her: the school play competition, affording Sarah her first real attempt at directing, and a school trip to see a production of Romeo and Juliet at the Young Vic. “The seeds of my passion were sown in this very building”, enthused Sarah. “I am grateful for the privilege of working out, by the time I was 18, what I wanted to do with my life.” Sarah spoke candidly about her career, eruditely discussing how being pushed out of her comfort zone to make bold and courageous decisions had gifted her the most rewarding life experiences: “I think – without question – being in an all-girls environment engendered a ‘can do/can achieve anything’ attitude”, she explained. Sarah generated laughter from her audience by telling stories from her days as director on the set of EastEnders, and spoke of her prescient decision to move from directing theatre to television, just before the emergence of Covid. Our heartfelt thanks go to Sarah for engaging our alumni, parent, and pupil communities with such an inspirational talk. Claire Brazer Alumni Relations Officer

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STAFF NEWS

Staff Leavers and

JOINERS Staff Joiners Jessica Ballie-Whyte Matt Britland Julen Cilveti-Perez Claudine Clarke Nicola Danese Emma Davies Guler Dunne Shenel Dunne Theresa Faircliff Lucy Finnigan Millie Gardner Lucinda van der Hart Emma Knight

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Staff Leavers Eliza Krupa Polly Martin Jamie McCredie Maddy McKinley Justin Morris Daniela de Montby Joanna Sholem Csaba Simon Maxim Skupsch Chris Smyth Isla Verney Sarah Wheeler Kelly Wilson

Julia Banks Rosie Battle Alex Bishop Archie Croft Hannah Davidson Lucy Elphinstone Adrian Fernandes Tor Findlay Maartje Guessens Sibylle Hyde Neska Kauders Natalie Li Fook John Omole

Eva Pelnena Will Poles Stephanie Ross Suzanne Street Sophie Thurtell Anastasia Volkova

Staff

LEAVERS Lucy Elphinstone Lucy Elphinstone stepped down this year after a remarkable 11-year tenure as Headmistress. It is impossible for most of us to recall those early days when she arrived as a first-time Head from Downe House, but my very wise predecessors must have seen in Lucy the vision and courage which they felt was needed in the next stage of Francis Holland, Sloane Square’s development. How right they were! Lucy relished the task of stamping her own imprint on the School from the outset. She introduced a brand-new uniform with a bespoke Sloane Square tartan and immediately focused on initiatives designed to grow the resilience of the students and prepare them for 21st century life. During her tenure, the size of the Senior School doubled from 289 pupils in 2012 to 576 pupils in 2023 and this was achieved through an emphasis on grit and resilience and wide participation in a comprehensive co-curricular programme embracing sport, music, art, and drama in particular. In addition, she trailblazed a unique programme of Creative Enterprise, introduced Thinking Innovatively and Problem-Solving (‘TIPS’) Week and instigated the practice of taking drama productions to the West End. Along the way, she significantly increased Sixth Form retention by the introduction of the EPQ, as well as several enrichment programmes, and by steering the completion of the wonderful Old School House which was officially opened by the Duke of Westminster in September 2021. But, of course, an outstanding Head has other responsibilities, and it is a mark of Lucy’s ability and commitment that she has, alongside all of this, spearheaded two major fundraising campaigns: the Building for the Future Campaign in 2019 and the Promise Campaign in 2022, the latter for bursary fundraising. In all this, Lucy has been 100% committed and

her passion and self-confidence have been a singular factor in the success of everything she has turned her mind to. Take for example her personal commitment to bursary fundraising which saw her hike the Annapurna trail and continually urge people to support her vision of establishing a bursary in her name as a legacy of her tenure, reflecting her Christian belief that we should relish helping those less fortunate than ourselves. When Lucy looks back at her eleven years here, she should rightly feel very proud of the hugely successful school she leaves behind her, in the success of which she has been so instrumental. She can look back too with pride on the generation of girls who have benefited from her vision, compassion, and leadership. It is entirely fitting that she should have been acknowledged by Tatler magazine as Best Head of Public School in 2021

and then to have that capped this year by Francis Holland School, Sloane Square being named The Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year 2023. And along the way there has been a host of other recognitions! Many successful people talk about wanting to go out at the top; few manage to do so but Lucy has certainly succeeded. She leaves Sloane Square with the School’s reputation at the greatest it has ever been, and this is in no small measure the result of her own remarkable contribution. The whole School community is deeply indebted to her. The Governing Body joins the staff, parents, and girls, both past and present, in wishing Lucy every possible happiness and success in the next phase of her life. Patrick Sherrington, Chair Francis Holland Schools Trust

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Staff

LEAVERS Julia Banks Julia started working at Francis Holland in September 2002, shortly after the birth of her second child - who has now graduated! As well as being an extraordinary English teacher, she was the first teacher in the School to hold the position of Director of Partnerships, through which she forged links with local state schools and introduced the exchange programme with Hewitt School in New York. With Rachel Sawyer and then with me, she successfully managed a job share as Head of Sixth Form. One of Julia’s greatest strengths is her innate ability to communicate, which seems to be in her DNA. She is a born teacher, and exceptionally good at it, converting many initially reluctant English students to poetry, and creating Shakespeare enthusiasts and experts.

Adrian Fernandes In a digital age, it’s a marvel that FHS girls have such a love of literature: a love that fires the creative imagination needed for every enterprise and innovation; a love that fosters extended concentration in a culture that privileges image over word; a love that enables time travel and the ability to enter different worlds. The English Department, under Adrian Fernandes’ leadership, has achieved all of this and so much more. And all in the context of the department’s superb examination results – some of the strongest in the school. AF (for that is his preferred sign-off) has assembled a department full of first-class scholars and popular authors to ensure that every girl is inspired with passion for English. His lightness of touch and collaborative approach have given others the space to thrive and innovate, with visits from authors 144

Julia is also a valued friend and colleague to many teachers. She has shared wisdom, kindness and compassion with many of her colleagues, regardless of their academic discipline, and is a loved and respected member of the Staff Room. Patient and generous, she has been much loved by students who still come back to visit years after leaving. We strongly suspect that she won’t be able to stop herself from teaching in one form or another in future.

either a ‘Mrs Banks’ person or a ‘Mrs Wilkes’ person, which we have found very entertaining as we have shared everything in our job. Julia will be much missed by students, teachers, and especially by me. Caroline Wilkes Joint Head of Sixth Form

A keen sense of humour is required in a successful job share. The benefits of being able to see the funny side are untold, whether it’s a staff meeting or a meeting with parents, having a partner with whom you can conduct a post-meeting post-mortem has been invaluable to me. Julia’s sense of humour has kept me going, but her values are also admirable – honesty, openness, fairness and service are all important. Sixth Form girls say that they are

(most recently Dame Rose Tremain) a regular feature. AF leads by example and on the occasions when I’ve been privileged to visit his lessons I haven’t wanted to leave at the end, with the wonderful creative blend of literary analysis, historical context, philosophical reflection, and art-history connection. It’s no wonder, with teaching like this, that girls are so keen to express their ideas, which they do with such enthusiasm and adeptness. The spoken word has thrived as much as the written, and there’s no doubt about AF’s contribution to the incredible journey that girls take as they develop into confident communicators. Nor is it a surprise that they so frequently take undergraduate courses in literature. Finally, the allure of Oxford’s dreaming spires and the award of a full doctoral fellowship has proved irresistible. This itself is an incredible achievement for a teacher and head of department who

is both a scholar and a gentleman. He will be missed enormously; or, framed differently, become another FHS literary connection, destined one day to enter our contemporary canon. Rob Cawley Deputy Head Academic

Staff

LEAVERS Sibylle Hyde Given her precision and enjoyment of numbers, it is fitting that Sibylle should be retiring from FHS after a round 10 years of service. She has been an excellent Head of Economics, absolutely unstinting in the time and patience she has extended to all her students but particularly to those who found the intricacies of her subject perplexing: she would give up as many lunchtimes and free periods as it took to get the point across. This same generosity was evident in her willingness to join expeditions, support colleagues on trips, and generally help out, whether it was behind the scenes of a school production or on some of the heartier and rainier outward bound missions. Her practical skills are legendary: she has built a boat, is a qualified upholsterer and is rumoured to be on the brink of single-handedly renovating her daughter’s new home. All this and more are invariably undertaken with wonderful enthusiasm, humour and good cheer.

Maartje Guessens Maartje is a truly gifted teacher of English. Her lessons are exemplary, and I have often urged new teachers to go and sit in her classrooms, to feel the crackle of energy as she navigates the class through a challenging text. Her time as second in department was transformative, and she brought much meaningful change to the English Department. Maartje has always offered advice to every staff member, and her caring approach is a real hallmark. She has been incredibly busy during her time at FHS. She has done everything from helping those performing at the top end of the ability range to encouraging creativity in The Makery. Along with Mr Galloway and Ms Rinck, she instituted TIPS at FHS, which has become central

Both colleagues and students have benefited from Sibylle’s sage financial advice and her near-encyclopaedic knowledge of investments. She was passionate about supporting enterprise and ensuring that the Sixth Form embarked on life beyond FHS with a sound financial awareness. She also delivered memorable Life Skills sessions on financial inequalities and opened the eyes of some of the more sheltered Sixth Form girls with details of average incomes and the national minimum wage. Economics has become increasingly popular in recent years, with two large A Level sets per cohort, testament to the success of Sibylle’s commitment and leadership. However, she will be most fondly remembered for her warmth, supportiveness, good humour and directness. We wish her very well with what – no doubt – will be a very busy retirement. Julia Banks Joint Head of Sixth Form

to our school. Staff have been treated to her highly refined views on pedagogical texts too. We have become better teachers through working with her. Maartje has always been committed to the Extended Project Qualification (‘EPQ’), and she has helped each of our Sixth Formers to excel whilst exploring their interests in great depth. She has been a dedicated Form Tutor, and her students always come to her for advice on everything that might be affecting them. Maartje will flourish in whatever she turns her hand to. She will be muchmissed by all at FHS. We have been incredibly lucky to have her here. She is an exceptional teacher. Adrian Fernandes Head of English

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Staff

LEAVERS Suzanne Street Suzanne has been a stellar teacher of English. Every one of her colleagues would count her in a list of those to whom one would turn for advice on absolutely everything. When I once inherited a Year 11 GCSE class from her a couple of years ago, I got the full view into the rigorous and entertaining teaching that she tirelessly delivers to each of her students. Her academic heft is combined with an immensely impressive pedagogical expertise. She can help anyone to understand a complex text, and that is a wonderful skill to possess.

‘good practice corner’, and she was always keen to raise our standards, so that we could better serve our students. Every single year group that she taught was treated to lessons that were intricately planned, and each English teacher could always tell when a student had been taught by Suzanne the previous year. Suzanne will always be welcomed back to FHS. She is already getting on with exciting creative things, and we wish her the best of luck in all her future endeavours. Adrian Fernandes Head of English

She changed the English Department for the better, thanks to her many innovations. She instituted our weekly

Hannah Davidson Hannah’s approximately 7.4 year career at Francis Holland has been a tale of two departments. She began in the Music Department. Helen Vickery writes: “Despite her maths teaching prowess, Miss Davidson began her teaching career at FHS (straight from university!) as a music teacher with a speciality for singing and choral training. She quickly made herself indispensable and, under her expert tutelage, the Lower Choir and Lower Chamber Choirs improved in leaps and bounds, becoming expert singers and musicians. They developed, in particular, a beautiful sound. Over her years in the Music Department, Miss Davidson brought many creative ideas to the proceedings - including body percussion performances and even chair drumming. She also did a fabulous job conducting the school musical, and her beautiful voice enhanced the Staff Choir (even when she moved over to the Maths Department). She is sorely missed.” Midway through Hannah’s time here, 146

I began to poach her from the Music Department. She was so immediately successful at teaching mathematics that the proportion of her time devoted to teaching maths increased monotonically, culminating in a full conversion and promotion to the Mathematics Department. The link between maths and music is undisputed - Miss Vickery is a fine mathematician, for example. Hannah was no exception to this trait and brought her extroverted teaching style to maths to form the most exuberantly effective mathematics teaching style I have ever seen. Her lessons were characteristically fast-paced, upbeat, and rigorous – and quickly became highly valued by the girls. Hannah’s exemplary attitude, desire to learn, and unquestionable teaching skill saw her become the most successful maths teacher convert I have seen in my career. Hannah became an integral part of the Mathematics Department at Francis Holland and we were saddened when her long journey in to SW1 became too much. We wish her well in her new role as teacher of mathematics at Guildford

High School; I am sure the girls there are enjoying their new always-singing, and perhaps occasionally dancing, maths teacher. Saul Taylor Head of Mathematics

Awards and

PRIZES

The Dame Rose Tremain Short

STORY PRIZE In the Autumn Term, after her Year 10 set had studied an extract from The Road Home in a GCSE English lesson, Ms Shevah had an idea. She emailed Dame Rose Tremain’s agent asking if Rose, an FHS alumna, would be interested in sponsoring a writing prize at FHS. The next day, Rose herself replied to say she would be delighted to and would offer a generous £500 prize. The Dame

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Rose Tremain Short Story Competition was born. The competition launched in November with a February deadline and drew entries from across the Senior School. These were shortlisted, and the winner and runner up chosen by Rose, who in an interview at FHS in April said her top tip for short story writing is ‘knowing where it’s going to land’. Huge congratulations to Olivia in Year 7 for winning the inaugural prize with her story, Mari and the Box of Monsters, and to runner-up, Maya in Year 11. Rose presented the prizes at Prize-Giving in July. Excerpts of the stories are below, and you can read the winners’ stories, as well as extracts from the other shortlisted entrants, on the English

Department page of the FHS website (www.fhs-sw1.org.uk/senior-school/ departments/english/). Entries will open in the Autumn Term for next year’s prize. As well as a lunchtime short story club, Ms Shevah hopes to set up an online hub or website next year dedicated to the Dame Rose Tremain Short Story Prize, with writing tips, tasks, short story samples and links, and the winning entries from previous years. We are incredibly honoured and grateful to Rose for establishing this wonderful prize and look forward to reading next year’s entries. Emma Shevah Head of Literacy and Communication, Teacher of English and Writer in Residence

Extract from our overall winner, Olivia in Year 7’s story, Mari and the Box of Monsters Mari and Takoda ran to the boat of heaven. They leapt in and they started to row away from the palace towards Silkbay. Well, I say they rowed, but Mari was a goddess, so she just sat at the back of the boat and let her fingers dangle in the water, while Takoda did all the hard work with the oars. Before they were even half-way home, Zaire woke up. He rubbed his eyes; he shook his head; and he looked around his hall. He saw the empty boxes. Zaire yelled at Isimud, “Where is my wisdom? Where is everything? All the crafts and knowledge and ideas?” “You gave everything away, my lord. To your niece, Mari.”

Extract from our runner-up, Maya in Year 11 (story unnamed) Tara was my other friend, the first friend I had in secondary school. She was the one who introduced me to Nia. My first impression of her was that she must have commuted to school because she couldn’t have lived in the same town as me. She was too interesting. Her life was animated and vibrant, and honestly made everyone else’s lives look kind of boring in comparison. There was never a dull moment with Tara. I remember on our first day at school we couldn’t find what classroom we were supposed to be in, and even though the school was small and we were only five minutes late, those five minutes roaming the halls seemed so high-stakes that when we finally arrived at the class, breathless and laughing, everyone turned to look at us. I had no doubt that she’d be interested in seeing the castle, because the one thing Tara never turned down was a new experience.

“I gave it all away. Go and get it back!” So Isimud leapt into the sea god’s fastest boat, and he chased after the boat of heaven.

“Where do you want to go?” Nia asked.

When he caught up, he bowed to Mari and said politely, “This is a little awkward, my lady, but my lord would like his gifts back. He didn’t really mean to give them to you. So please return them.”

“The one that’s falling apart? I think I’ve passed it a few times. Why?”

Mari smiled. “The god of wisdom wants his gifts back. Because he didn’t mean to give them to me? That must mean the god of wisdom made a mistake. Not very wise, is he? Perhaps these crafts, ideas and knowledge are safer with me. So no, he can’t have them back.”

“Do you know that castle off the motorway?”

I explained how I had gone with Scarlett the day before, and the blackened stone, and the view from the balcony. “Okay,” she said. “We’ll go.” And then class began.

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Awards, Awards,

AWARDS! 2022-23 has truly been a bumper academic year of Awards for FHS. We were absolutely delighted to find out in December that we had been named The Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year 2023. Sian Griffiths, Education Editor of The Sunday Times, commented: “Flying the flag for girls’ academic success is Francis Holland School, Sloane Square, up from 91st in 2019 to 13th in 2022 and named Parent Power Independent School of the Year.” It is true that our incredible public exam results have been on a dramatic upward trajectory over the last decade, but what really sets FHS apart is our outstanding pastoral care where each pupil is valued for their individuality rather than achievements, and our strong sense of community (as you will have seen in every section of this magazine!), both of which allow girls to achieve their full potential. Mrs Elphinstone described how encouraging our pupils not to subscribe to the cult of “Little Miss Perfect”, to “do it scared” and to take on challenges even if they feel unprepared, has taught them not to fear failure and enabled them to grow hugely in confidence, which in turn has resulted in our meteoric rise in exam results. She said: “I am delighted with this award but more than anything it shows

that developing creativity and curiosity whilst building resilience and courage is the path to a successful and happy school. This is a tribute to the fabulous community of staff, pupils and parents who make FHS the most wonderful place to learn.” Receiving this accolade inspired us to apply for another of the top awards in British Independent Education, the Times Educational Supplement Independent Senior School of the Year 2023. We were delighted to find out in June that, out of hundreds of entries, we had reached the final eight shortlisted schools, alongside much larger schools including Alleyn’s, Lady Eleanor Holles and Caterham. We were also thrilled to discover in May that our wonderful Junior School had been Highly Commended in the Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards 2023 in the “Best Experiential Learning” category, for our bespoke outdoor learning programme, Francis Holland Foresters, which takes girls in all Junior year groups on adventures to Wimbledon Common, Norbury Park and beyond. We were also Highly Commended in the “Most Dynamic STEM programme” category for our fantastic STEAM programme which has this year has seen us launch a high-altitude helium balloon into the stratosphere, create our own large-scale model of an African Savannah biome, grow our own soil-free salad for lunch using aeroponics, and much more. Last, but certainly not least, we were named in the final five finalists in the Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards

“Special Sixth Form” category, alongside our sister school, FHS Regent’s Park, and out of over 400 applicants overall. We were so excited to learn in June that we had been declared the overall winner! It is great to be recognised for the distinctive and innovative learning experience our dynamic staff provide for our most senior students, for the pastoral care provided by their tutors and for the inspiring leadership of our Heads of Sixth Form. Wow! What a year. Once again, FHS is punching far above its weight, and we can’t wait to see what the next academic year has in store. This is all thanks to our incredible FHS community, comprised of our amazing staff, governors, parents, alumni and, of course, every single one of our Fearless Girls.

HIGHLY COMMENDED BEST EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

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PRIZES 2022-23 Year 7

Theology and Philosophy - Isabella Browder Progress - Ayla Mazur English - Juliet Bonte-Friedheim Progress - Vira Paseniuk Mathematics - Cyra Merchant Progress - Isabella Gironi Latin - Capucine Bruneau Progress - Leyla Guliyeva Physics - Alina Sui Progress - Nikita Prince Chemistry - Isabel Atherton Hernandez Progress - Anoushka Bathia Biology - Marianna Dragoumis Progress - Camilia Heitmeyer French - Anoushka Bathia Progress - Juliet Bonte-Friedheim History - Amaya Habsburg-Lothringen Progress - Julia Mayer Geography - Stephanie Tranfield Progress - Ellie Laslop Fanny Davies Junior Music Prize - Helena Glover Music - Helena Glover Progress - Sibella Greenwold PE - Nell Dreadon & Ellie Laslop Progress - Karishva Ghai Art - Eve Gernath Progress - Camilla Job Drama - Georgia Lannoy Progress - Olivia Fellowes Computing - Vira Paseniuk Progress - Sophie Edwards Rose Tremain Short Story Prize - Olivia Fellowes

Year 8

Theology and Philosophy - Lara Patel Progress - Bianca Zuolo English - Iman El-Saie Progress - Heidi Hunter Mathematics - Amaliya Abdulkerimova Progress - Eva Karppi & Afsana Paymon Latin - Candice Nasser Progress - Loreen Jouhra Physics - Leila McGarry Progress - Ava Farrokhzadeh Chemistry - Amaliya Abdulkerimova Progress - Anastasia de Suarez d’Aulan & Elodie Moncayo-Cavaliere Biology - Eden Alberti Progress - Deya Bektemissova French - Iman El-Saie Progress - Lavinia Razmilovic German - Nerine Bentinck Progress - Anaïs Donin de Rosière Spanish - Gabriella Colombo Progress - Martha Payne

History - Kayla Kahwa Progress - Ava Farrokhzadeh

Computing - Helena Whitehead Progress - Aalia Choudhry

Geography - Sacha Zelouf Progress - Mia Efthimiou

Sheelagh Majury Mathematics Prize Achievement in Years 7-9 - Sophia Lenhard

Music - Evie Elwes Progress - Amelia Aitken & Sabrina Fleury

Caroline Lamb Science Prize Progress and Promise in Year 9 - Maia Redbourn

PE - Hissah Al Faisal & Maya Al Faisal Progress - Alice Foldes Art - Eliza Pearce Progress - Louisa Garner Drama - Talitha Kay-Shuttleworth Progress - Kayla Kahwa Computing - Atalanta Goulandris Progress - Layla Salamony Ballet - Heidi Hunter Geoffrey Allen Cup for Excellence Most Promising Young Scientist in Years 7-8 Chloe Vlahcevic Lower School Debate Cup Debating Skills in the Lower School - Serene Karoni & Lara Patel Longworth Progress Prize Progress in Years 7-8 - Sonia Kazakova

Year 9

Theology and Philosophy - Aalia Choudhry Progress - Lavinia Baldelli English - Avaline Greenhalgh Progress - Amara Macphail Mathematics - Amaya Cotterill Progress - Aurora Paice Latin - Eve Virketyte Progress - Mia Brenan Physics - Violeta Monascal Uribe Progress - Ophelia Kitching Chemistry - Louisa Regulla-Wilkens Progress - Emily Walsh Biology - Annabelle Frowein Progress - Tally Nester-Smith French - Ginevra De Carolis Progress - Aalia Choudhry German - Saskia Ribbons Progress - Annabel Finn Spanish - Lavinia de Lacey Progress - Araminta Ranger Pepper History Prize - Violeta Monascal Uribe Progress - Theadora McCourt Geography - Cosima Razmilovic Progress - Allegra Clement-Davies Music - Giuditta De Simone Niquesa Progress - Amelia Waring

Ferriman Geography Prize Achievement in Years 7-9 - Louisa Regulla-Wilkens

Year 10

Theology and Philosophy - Regina Tassi Progress - Margarita Grigoryants English - Dulcie Astor Progress - Skye Lemaire Mathematics - Tarini Malhotra Progress - Daria Savchuk Further Mathematics - Amelia Sinden Progress - Isabella White Classical Civilisation - Poppy Das Progress - Lucinda DeLucy McKeeve Latin - Amelia Sinden Progress - Maya-Suri Gandhi Greek - Phoebe Smith Progress - Iona Hamlyn Physics - Cordelia Jones Progress - Eleonora Antonaci Chemistry - Cordelia Jones Progress - Ella Treuer Biology - Catherine Garrood Progress - Regina Tassi French - Phoebe Smith Progress - Daria Savchuk German - Julia Buccellati Progress - Claudia Elliot Spanish - Alexa Bernfreed Miller Progress - Clara Linton History - Chloe Elwes Progress - Emma Jackson Geography - Catherine Garrood Progress - Tara Cameron Music - Iona Hamlyn Progress - Freya Murray PE - Ruby Baird Progress - Amaya Edwards-Hussein Art - Alisa Ermak Progress - Skyla Spiro Drama - Poppy Das Progress - Antonia Dantas Tenorio

PE - Grace Keane Progress - Beatrice Morrissey

Computing - Kaya Dick Progress - Emma Jackson

Art - Nina Isenschmid De Montby Progress - Clara Gutierrez-Laperche

Kunzelmann Prize Overall Progress in Year 10 Amaya Edwards-Hussein

Drama - Elizabeth Paget Progress - Nola Meyohas

Stephanie Pattenden Academic Prize Achievement in Year 10 - Catherine Garrood

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PRIZES 2022-23 Year 11

Theology and Philosophy - Nina Garner Progress - Micayla Jackson English - Maria Reznikovich Progress - Charlotte Bennett Mathematics - Deniz Kilic Progress - Georgia Moore Further Mathematics - Kate Zhao Progress - Summer Goldberg Highett Classics Prize - Eva Fleury Progress - Inga de Vegvar Latin - Chiara Nonnis Salazar Progress - Maria Gabriella da Silveira Pinheiro Greek - Maya Smith Progress - Chiara Nonnis Salazar & Eva Fleury Physics - Anetta Aspandiiarov Progress - Yseult Start Chemistry - Deniz Kilic Progress - Layla Hashemi Biology - Linnea Foelster Progress - Holly Hunter Helen Brooke History Prize - Ismay Bunce Progress - Ginevra Nanni Geography - Ophelia Stride Progress - Allegra Berni French - Marianna-Bay Faccini Progress - Anna Serebryakova German - Nikki Maxwell Progress - Eleanor Kogan Pardal Spanish Prize - Sophia Stephanakis Progress - Ines Baud Music - Ava Foy Progress - Joanna Rahardjo PE - Carolina Rassmuson Progress - Isabelle Arculus Pringle Art Prize - Dariah Solente Progress - Isabelle Arculus Drama - Nikki Maxwell Progress - Anya Sultan Computing - Ania McNamara Progress - Mia Funnell Outstanding Science Prize Achievement in Year 11 Sophia Stephanakis Sheelagh Majury Mathematics Prize Achievement in Years 10-11 Linnea Foelster Upper School Debate Cup Debating Skills in Upper School - Alexia Abecassis Elizabeth Louis Debate Cup Excellence in the Art of Debating - Inaaya Laskar Rose Tremain Short Story Prize Runner Up Maya Smith

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Year 12

Theology and Philosophy - Honor Jones Progress - Sofia Gironi English - Mary MacGreevy Progress - Skye Owen Laurence Mathematics Prize - Philippa Anglin Progress - Christina Brask-Tyrrell Further Mathematics - Andrea Johnson Progress - Clara Hall Physics - Saskia Zainchkovskaya Progress - Sophie Chevretton Chemistry - Matilde Leandro Progress - Sophia ElBishlawi Biology - Beatrice Baldelli Progress - Mlak Sheikh Claudine Pous French Prize - Sophia Cerchione Progress - Phoebe Overton German - Kyla Farha Progress - Katarina Ghanem Spanish - Pauline Guillon Progress - Allegra Hamilton Classical Civilisation - Helena Titherington-Celanzi Progress - Rose Patterson Latin - Angelina Poggio-Magnus Progress - Beth West History - Violet Russell-Smith Progress - Sparkle Seifert Politics - Christina Brask-Tyrrell Progress - Arizona Gunn Kent Geography Prize - Francesca Glanville Progress - Keziah Atherton History of Art - Paloma Fleury Progress - Gaia Stiglich Madden Gorman Art Prize - Pia Von Sanden Progress - Verity Harrison Economics - Alice Wiwen-Nilsson Progress - Sophia Barboni Psychology - Betsy Leighton Progress - Martha Fox Music - Angelina Poggio-Magnus Progress - Victoria Hamlyn & Sofia Gironi Drama - Anna Campbell Progress - Millicent Hildreth Computing - Andrea Johnson Progress - Ruby Da Cruz Heale Merewether Prize All-round Proficiency in PE Claudia Capuano Stephanie Pattenden Academic Prize Achievement in the Lower Sixth Helena Titherington-Celanzi

Year 13

Father Kenny Prize for Excellence in Theology and Philosophy - Tess Vogels Progress - Lila Tahbaz

Kunzl-Tacchi English Cup - Mairi Stewart Progress - Anya Valimahomed Mathematics - Haya Kattan Progress - Raphaelle Lassalle Further Mathematics - Sophia Efthimiou Progress - Alice Dempsey Physics - Michelle Modiano Progress - Jasmine Amin Chemistry - Lucy Morrison Progress - Deborah Odushola Biology - Haya Kattan Progress - Nousha Motamedi French - Teresa De Oliveira Munoz De La Espada Progress - Cecilie Maurin Kazan Spanish Prize - Catarina Leandro Progress - Mia Wilson Nadia Zilkha History Prize - Eloise Burkey Progress - Pippa Lewin Politics - Lottie Lane Progress - Jacqueline Haas Carr Gomm History of Art Prize - Clara Flatau Progress - Faye Henderson Classical Civilisation - Tess Vogels Progress - Cecilie Maurin Geography - Lina Abrahams Progress - Julia Kozieja Art - Liberty Samuel & Raphaella Hawkins Progress - Beatrice Campbell Economics - Lina Abrahams Progress - Ariana Barinstein Psychology - Caley Collins Progress - Mischa Adel-Yearsley Music - Teresa De Oliveira Munoz De La Espada Fanny Davies Music Prize - Teresa De Oliveira Munoz De La Espada Drama - Isabella O’Neill & Tess Vogels Progress - Victoria Jansen PE - Sabrina Bet-Mansour Jane Wilson Science Prize - Anna Acerbi Extended Project Qualification Prize Best Project - Pippa Lewin Julia Banks Prize Unsung Sixth Form Heroes Tess Mayes & Annabelle DeLucy McKeeve

Special Prizes

Vivian-Neal Prize Grit and Determination Julia Kozieja Longworth Leadership Prize Outstanding Leadership - Carolina Julius & Isabella O’Neill Headmistress’ Prize Character and Community - Eloise Burkey & Bianca Schapira Lucy Elphinstone Fearless Girl Prize Sabrina Bet-Mansour

Junior School

PRIZES 2022-23 Boyd Cup for English:

Katia Krylova (Year 3), Maya Kurtoglu (Year 4), Constancia Coen (Year 5), Catherine Maddocks (Year 6)

Junior Maths Cup:

Amal Wahid (Year 3), Hepzibah Simpson (Year 4), Sofia Lewis-Williams (Year 5), Anastasiya Makarova (Year 6)

Junior Science Award:

Yasmine Malek (Year 3), Cecily Row (Year 4), Manon Champalimaud (Year 5), Isabella Hieber (Year 6)

Katrine Collins Globe for Young Geographer and Environmentalist:

Vera Gurianova

Lily Goekjian History Prize:

Evelyn Row

Molly Brown Award for Kindness, Courtesy and Good Manners:

Elena Samonigg Von Staszewski

Tamlyn Cup for Improvement and Hard Work:

Leah Davis

Stead Cup for the girl who applied herself to school life with the most enthusiasm:

Minty Hildreth

Collett-White Award for Kindness and Curiosity:

Helena Howard

Pattenden Cup for Progress in Year 5:

Margarita Nakhmanovich

Stella Roberts Cup for Creative Thinking:

Liberty Freund

Sarah Styles Cup for Tenacity and Determination:

Ilia Simmons

Marina Gallagher Cup for Mathematical Reasoning:

Lita Tuli

Eileen Gallagher Cup for ‘Junior Scientist’:

Anastasiya Makarova

Jennifer and Lauren Spottz Music Award:

Alice Valeriano

Phrosso Pfister Ballet Cup:

Emi Cadwallader

Daisy Hayes Ballet Cup:

Remi Bianchi

Prizes for Effort, Determination, Dedication and Improvement in Ballet:

Ahana Agarwal (Reception), Alana Spencer-Higgins (Year 1), Hazel Moore & Matilda Jarrett (Year 2), Eleonora Di Flumeri (Year 3), Sara Mughal (Year 4), Soraya Westmacott (Year 5), Leah Davis & Cecilia Ladanyi (Year 6)

Darcy Bussell Ballet Shoes Class Award:

Year 3

Sir Peter Wright CBE Ballet Award for love of dance, dedication and high achievement:

Ella Bayat

India Dowley Sports Cup for Excellence:

Isabella Lewis-Williams

Junior Swimming Improvement Cup:

Elizabeth Bodrova

Junior Swimming Championship Cup:

Evelyn Row

Mr Spencer’s Cup for Young Philanthropist:

Hazel Moore

Ms Schott’s Cup for Perseverance in Reception:

Lyra Burwell

Creative Arts Cup:

Vivienne Morgan

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39 Graham Terrace London SW1W 8JF tel: 020 7730 2971 office@fhs-sw1.org.uk www.fhs-sw1.org.uk