Queenswoodian Magazine 2023

QUEENSWOODIAN

Welcome to another jam-packed edition of The Queenswoodian. This year has seen the joyful return of school trips, with pupils travelling far and wide to enhance their learning. Geographers have investigated the topography of Iceland, Tennis players have honed their skills in Morocco, skiers have risen to the challenge of Les Deux Alpes, computer scientists and business students have attended conferences in Disneyland Paris, classicists have explored Rome, Hockey players have trained with international professionals in Barcelona, and Year 8 have spent four enriching days in northern Spain. Here in the UK, biologists have conducted field studies in Surrey, Drama and Media students have soaked up the atmosphere of the Edinburgh Festival, and artists of all ages have toured the streets and galleries of London.

Closer to home, there have been remarkable sporting triumphs, enthralling stage productions and captivating concerts. Pupils have excelled in academic competitions, designed and constructed beautiful works of art and craft, and produced superbly thought-provoking writing.

Thank you as always to everyone who has contributed the words, images and ideas that make it possible to put this magazine together. We hope you enjoy this review of an outstanding year for creativity and achievement at Queenswood.

Nick Kelley and Vanessa Leigh, Editors

Art and Design

Classics Trip to Rome

Creative Writing

Sports News

Field Trips

Modern Languages

Design and Technology

Computing and Maths News

Drama and Dance

Hockey Tour to Barcelona

Chapel News

Skiing in Les Deux Alpes

Music News

Tennis Tour to Morocco

Public Speaking

Geography Trip to Iceland

Queenswood School

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CLAS S OF 2022 CLASS OF 2022

EXAMINATION RESULTS RESULTS

DEDICATION AND HARD WORK PAY OFF FOR QUEENSWOOD’S CLASS OF 2022

Afterseveral years of disruption and uncertainty, our Year 13 students were deservedly rewarded for their dedication and hard work last summer. A third of students achieved at least three A*-A grades, and 70% of grades awarded were A*-B across all 25 A-Level subjects. There were particularly strong results in the humanities and performing arts, with 100% A*-B grades in English Literature, History, French, Spanish, Drama, Dance, Art, Latin, Design and Technology, Computer Science and Physics. These impressive results paved the way for our leavers to embark on the next exciting chapter in their lives at some of the UK’s leading institutions. University courses included Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford; Classics at St Andrews; Biomedical Science at St George’s, University of London; Law with International Study at Manchester; Music at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire; Psychology at Warwick; Education at Leeds; and English Literature at Bristol. (See page 88 for a full list of leavers’ destinations.)

Sienna Wadhwani, who achieved A*A*A and went on to study PPE at Pembroke College, Oxford said: ‘I’m really happy to be going to my firm choice – the best outcome possible. It was tough to know what to expect as these were my year’s first set of formal exams, but I’m really happy with my results and excited for the future.’

Hailing the results, Principal Jo Cameron remarked: ‘I am thrilled for our students and for the staff who helped them achieve such excellent grades. These results are the first since 2019

to be based purely on external examinations. This cohort missed out on the experience of sitting their GCSEs during lockdown, and had to adapt to new remote and ‘blended’ learning styles over the last two years, which makes their achievements even more remarkable. It’s a testament to the commitment and resilience of Queenswood’s pupils and staff, and I wish the class of 2022 all the best for the next stage of their academic careers.’ Pupils in Year 11 also celebrated a strong set of examination results. Across the year group, 81% of GCSE grades were 9-6, and 63% were 7 or above, in the 28 subjects offered. There were some tremendous individual success stories, with over a third of pupils receiving at least eight grade 7s or higher, and several achieving eight or more grade 9s – an outstanding accomplishment. Over half of the year group scored an average of 7 or above across their subjects. You can find more information about our results and leavers’ destinations by scanning the QR code.

Mrs Cameron paid tribute to the courage and determination of students and staff. ‘It has been such an uncertain time for our young people, and I am incredibly proud of the resilience and commitment they have shown, and of the dedication and hard work of their teachers. These pupils will now be able to embark confidently on their A-Level courses.’

It has been an exciting year in the Art Department...

Year 7 students have been learning about and analysing the work of Yayoi Kusama, exploring the formal elements and ideas embedded within her work. From delicate butterfly wings to pebbles, pumpkins and even the galaxy, students have explored the visual elements in an array of media. In the summer term their Art trip took them to the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford to explore all manner of exciting and unusual objects from around the world, experimenting with drawing techniques.

Year 8 students investigated the themes and techniques of artist David Hockney, exploring the natural world, the landscape and especially trees, which have been their focus, creating texture, tone and 3D space simultaneously in media such as pencil, pen and charcoal. They also enjoyed visiting the Hockney Immersive experience in London in February, bringing the project to a close whilst kick-starting their architecture and landmarks project inspired by Stephen Wiltshire’s intricate drawings of urban architecture.

Year 9 have been exploring ‘Food, Food, Glorious Food’ in a range of media, from fruit and veg, to condiments, chocolates and cupcakes. They created a series of observational drawings, in pencil, charcoal, biro and coloured pencils in order to explore the formal elements, as they develop their drawing skills. They explored Urban Architecture in their workshop with visiting artist Jeannete Barnes, experimenting with charcoal techniques, soft

and heavy mark-making, and using light and dark tones to create atmosphere and light.

Year 10 completed an Identity project, exploring a range of media and artists including Richard Hamilton’s ‘Just what is it…’ – a collaged room that they responded to in Photoshop. They also enjoyed a ‘walking, drawing and photography’ trip to London in February, visiting the Cézanne exhibition at the Tate Modern, as well as seeing other fabulous artwork.

Year 11, 12 and 13 Fine Art, Textiles, 3D and Photography students focused on their examination preparation in the Spring Term. They selected a number of artists to inspire their creative journey, experimenting with ideas, techniques and media – all very exciting.

Art Scholars have had two commissions this year. The first was for a design for a freestanding art installation for Queenswood and the other was for new House logos, which you can see on page 40 of this magazine. In the Summer Term they began their designs for prints for the practice rooms in Music.

Art clubs have been very popular this year. With two lunchtime clubs and three after school, these open house Art clubs and the Digital Photography Club have been well attended. I am grateful for all the hard work of our students and the staff in the Art Department this year. Thank you.

Helen Platt-Hawkins, Head of Art, DT and Food Faculty

YEAR 7 ART

YEAR 8 ART

YEAR 9 ART

YEAR 9 SKETCHING WORKSHOP

CREATIVEWRITING CREATIVEWRITING CREATIVEWRITING WRITING

Stop littering

I’m sure deep down that you care

Animals are being murdered

Face reality

Wake up and see The world can be changed Starting with you and me.

Nayia Di Candia, Year 7

From her lips comes the pure guttural sound

Cheesy! Stupid! Overdone!

That’s the advice I generally see. The clock is ticking, the pressure immense.

In vain, I wade through treacherous swamps

But procrastination comes at a price. Exhausted, stuck and in dismay, I sigh and put my phone away.

A ballad is too long, a haiku too short.

And could hardly write a sonnet well.

As they point something wild As they laugh They say she’s odd

The hubbub loudens

And now her voice sounds like pleading The act is over He’s here

Anticipatory silence.

Ela Behr, Year 12

Frustrated and bored, desperate I wail:

I start to panic, no idea what to do, One more day ’til the assignment is due. Needless to say, with the ticking clock,

Rachel

Abratt,

Year 12

Nayia and Ela, along with Issy Naylor (Year 9), had their poetry published in the latest Young Writers anthology, titled ‘The Power of Poetry: Electrifying Verse’. They attend weekly creative writing sessions with Miss Culora (English Department) and submitted their poetry in the recent national Young Writers competition. There were thousands of entrants, and Nayia, Issy and Ela have all done extremely well to have their work chosen for publication.

Year 7 girls have been inspired by the Girls Schools

Association poetry competition to ‘shine a light on their friendships. From BFFs to childhood alliances their work will showcase the social and emotional lives of many girls today, and pay tribute to the transformative power of their friendships.’

There have been a range of beautiful poems entered this year and we are excited to see if any of our entries will be successful.

Here are some examples of the fantastic work that has been produced by our very talented Year 7 poets.

lways be honest

e there when they need you heer them on

E very chance you get, call! orgive them

I nclude them

J ust listen now their dreams ove them unconditionally

M raise them honestly

Q uietly disagree

R ay you’re sorry

T

U se good judgment

V

W ish them good luck

X our words count

Z ip your mouth when necessary

Now I know my f-r-i-e-n-d-s will stick by me until the end!

Sophia Egerton, Year 7

She is one in a million, Or even a trillion.

To guide me alone at night.

Because I know you will always talk true. In troubled times, You ease my mind, And everything you do is kind.

She is the one that keeps me strong.

Alexandra Hughes, Year 7

CREATIVEWRITING CREATIVEWRITING CREATIVEWRITING WRITING

Betsy was bored. Kicking the same rock around the same pavement in the same place. That was until the rock stopped against something. Something that gleamed

a mesmerising necklace, a dainty gold chain with an whispered breathlessly, only it wasn’t her voice. Her voice was deeper, richer, clearer to hear, and she looked down to see she was at least two inches taller than long, silky black hair, and green eyes that could puncture

She strode into the shop, head raised high and a smile

a Birkin bag!’ For a moment, she thought her idea hadn’t

She was about to turn around when the worker replied shoved it into Betsy’s outstretched hands, then bolted away, down an alleyway.

the window. jewellery. From pearly necklaces to opal rings to emerald necklace. But not like any ordinary necklace. It was a locket counter. I unclasped it and placed it around my neck. As

a generational passdown; an old lady clutching on tight to

I clung onto this locket desperate to make sure no one else could get their hands on it. Just beside where the locket once lay was a pearly ring. There was one big pearl one would tell. Unlike the locket this ring told a dark tale. All I could red balloon. And on the hand that held that red balloon was the pearly ring, covered in blood…

Caitlin Obeng-Fosu, Year 9

to a man, then a girl, and soon she had all the jewellery she could ever want. That was when she was tapped on the shoulder, the woman she had ever seen, wearing a necklace with a pink gem in the middle.

Gabby Read, Year 9

Stories inspired by Louisa Adjoa Parker’s poem ‘The Jewellery Maker’

beloved Yiayia’s necklace. Throughout my childhood

pushed it into the dimple between her collarbone every time I had the chance.

indentations on the gold chain as my hand travelled down to the single, very prominent diamond. I stared at it in awe as I would every time I saw it, the glamorous, priceless necklace shining into my eyes. I stood in my room, smiling down at the gorgeous the chain and recognised the pattern, holding the diamond in my palm.

looked at him with only love, as I’d always done. He looked back with malice in his eyes. I was so naïve. Blinded by love. one another.

jewellery in my hands, mesmerised by it.

necklace around my neck, smiling as I did.

nodded at me, kissing my cheek in a loving manner. Around my neck lay the luxurious, stunning necklace that belonged to my late Yiayia. I held it

million pieces at any given moment.

as I thought back to all the special moments this simple

Mia Trayler, Year 9

I had been in my glass compartment since I could key so people could admire me closely. But all I want is heads and they gasp in excitement and my mesmerising presence catches everyone’s eye. However, I am still circus animal, the praises and murmurs saying how to hours and it just repeats. Even though my alluring and place me around their neck.

my ring every once in a while, begging it to bless me with a was. was happening all along. The gold twists and turns on the ring slowly started getting tighter, imprisoning me in

caught me, putting me in a cage I could never escape. I

spinning endlessly around a shiny gold ring, spinning so getting tighter and tighter every moment until I couldn’t bear to wear it anymore, and it made me wonder, was it this

Calypso Malialis, Year 9

Until I hear a voice getting closer and closer to me. At the beginning all I can hear are mumbles but then I

toe and long silky chestnut hair. Her eyes were like sapphires. She was the one.

As usual I can hear the key unlocking me and this neck. My sharp cold touch makes her heart jump a little but she keeps on smiling.

Alice Carter, Year 9

VISIT TO NOAH ,S ARK

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice in Barnet is one of the UK’s leading children’s hospices, providing care for over 350 children and their families every year. The hospice’s dedicated staff help babies, children and young people with life-threatening or lifelimiting conditions, and their families, make the most of every day. And they support those who die at a young age, to do so in as much comfort as possible, surrounded by family.

The Queenswood community has been steadfastly supporting Noah’s Ark for a number of years now, with our fundraising efforts including bake sales, House supper raffles, marathon running and even beard shaving! Since forging our very special relationship with the hospice, we have raised thousands of pounds for them – funds which are vital to the charity’s crucial work.

On Friday 10 March, Charity Prefect Ella Thrussell, Sixth Former Grace Pavett, Reverend Vindra and Miss Bassett, Head of Year 8, visited Noah’s Ark and were given a tour by Laura

Grundy, the hospice’s Community Engagement Officer.

Seeing the hospice’s specialist facilities including the sensory room, creative room and hydrotherapy pool area, the group were astonished by the incredible services available to families and also the calm atmosphere they experienced as they walked around. There was also an oppotunity on the tour for everyone to visit the sensory garden, where they explored the Queenswood Whispering Wood – a beautiful part of the sensory trail made possible by the School’s fundraising last year.

Rounding off a wonderful visit, the group passed on a cheque to Ms Grundy for £689, funds raised at the Prep Schools Tennis Festival. This was in addition to the money raised by Miss Bassett and OQ Bex Hurley, when they competed in the Paris Half Marathon in March (see page 67).

We look forward to continuing our support for this fantastic charity over the coming years and strengthening our very special relationship with them even further.

SIXTH FORM POLITICS TRIP TO THE US EMBASSY

In November the Upper Sixth visited the new US Embassy in Nine Elms, London, as part of a programme aimed at preparing students for A-Level. As well as a series of lectures from University Professors on the theory of the workings of Congress, there were two former Members of Congress who had flown in to make themselves available. Elizabeth Etsy, former Representative for Connecticut and Robert Woodall, a former Republican Member of the House for Georgia, took all questions from students and offered their experiences of how the reality of US politics worked in relation to the intention of the framework designed by the Founding Fathers.

Arriving to a spread of Coca-Cola and coffee, the students got to step inside the new embassy and spend the day there. The Conference took place the day before the US Mid-Term elections, which proved to be a hot topic and they proved to be in agreement on much more than they differed. To the accompaniment of pastrami or southern fried chicken sandwiches, both expressed hope for the future working of Congress and wider society in political terms but only if people respected the right of others to disagree and only if people got involved in politics in an active and constructive way and the two guests embodied these desires in their discussion and disagreement all day.

In all it was a highly instructive day examining the workings of Congress, the Supreme Court and their interrelations.

Stephen Daughton

Assistant Head: Data, Teaching and Learning

PROFESSOR JOHN MULLAN

What happens in Pride and Prejudice?

On Wednesday 1 March Queenswood’s GCSE and A-Level English Literature students were privileged to attend an enthralling talk on Pride and Prejudice by one of the world’s leading Jane Austen scholars, Professor John Mullan of University College London.

Professor Mullan examined the way in which Austen conveys character through dialogue, focusing on the unmistakable speech mannerisms of Elizabeth Bennet, Mr Darcy, Caroline Bingley, Mr Collins and more. He also offered

fascinating insights into the customs of the time, such as the highly formalised etiquette of the dance card, or the fact that all card games in Austen would have been played for money.

After the talk, the Academic Scholars enjoyed a literary lunch in the Terrace Room, where they had the chance to discuss several of the Professor’s other areas of expertise, including Sherlock Holmes and the novels of Dickens.

We are extremely grateful to Professor Mullan for giving up his valuable time.

YEAR 10 ART WORK IN PROGRESS

In October, biologists in the Upper Sixth enjoyed getting back to nature at Juniper Hall, a field centre on the Box Hill Estate in Surrey. We made detailed observations of the flora and fauna of the area, including salad burnets, snails and woodlice.

We had two jam-packed days filled with blue, blue skies and green, green grass, accompanied by Dr Vincini, Mrs Scott and Lauren, our tutor from Juniper Hall.

As biologists, this was an incredible opportunity. We had an amazing experience and learned lots of valuable and lifelong skills to apply to future scientific experiments.

Carmel Sabapathy, Year 13

YEAR 13 BIOLOGISTS VISIT JUNIPER HALL

YEAR 11 TRIP TO STRATFORD, EAST LONDON

On Friday 3 March, Year 11 Geographers visited the Carpenters Estate and East Village in Stratford to compare the environmental quality, building quality and services available pre and post regeneration.

The aim of this was to allow them to see a place we had used as a case study as well as to carry out various fieldwork surveys so that they can use these to answer questions in their exams.

They developed their skills of observation as well as using their other senses to develop a sense of each place. We were very pleased with how considerately they carried out their fieldwork.

As it was chilly, the students worked efficiently so earned themselves a lunch break in Westfield – perhaps the highlight of the trip for some!

Mrs Victoria Looker, Head of Geography

YEAR 11 AND 13 GEOGRAPHERS VISIT THE DORSET COAST

Geographers from Years 11 and 13 spent three busy days in and around Studland Bay on the Dorset coast in December. They enjoyed – and endured – the full range of British weather as they investigated vegetation growth, sand dunes, coastal erosion and more!

Year 8 have been making dragonflies, moths and butterflies out of recycled materials based on the work of textile artist Mister Finch. Throughout the process we have been sending him details of our work and he has commented on how fantastic our project is at teaching our girls new processes and ways of working to repurpose materials. In May, Mrs Deamer was able to attend one of Mister Finch’s workshops, and took along some of the pupils’ work to show him. He was really impressed and keen to have his photograph taken with their work to show the students.

PRODUCT DESIGN YEAR 10

Year 10 were given a box of old furniture spindles and asked to repurpose them – here are their amazing results. The spindles came from a hardware shop in Stoke Newington and have been given a new lease of life, teaching students about recycling, reuse and lifecycle analysis.

It was a whirlwind end to the Autumn Term in the Drama and Dance Department, with three sold-out, rapturously received performances of Made in Dagenham 140 performers, along with a crew of technical and backstage assistants, staged the true story of the 1960s Ford sewing machinists whose industrial action paved the way for the Equal Pay Act.

Featuring what is probably the largest cast ever assembled on the Queenswood stage, a superbly detailed composite set, a lighting design to rival a swinging sixties edition of Top of the Pops, colourful costumes ranging from Biba to boiler-suits, and a live four-piece band, this was a true theatrical extravaganza.

‘Loved the topic and thought the whole event was so well produced.’

‘Fantastic show and the music was hypnotic! Wonderful performances all round. Never seen a school play like it. Congrats to one and all!’

‘What an amazing show!!! I had such a lovely evening...It was slick, polished and professional from start to finish. So many outstanding performances!...’

‘I was blown away by the talent and fabulous production. You should all be incredibly proud.’

‘You’ve put together an outstanding production which entertained and asked questions of the audience in equal measure.’

‘Huge congrats on your amazing show; the West End comes to Q!’

‘Loved every minute! What a cast – what a crew – what an achievement! Congratulations EVERYONE! Very proud.’

‘The show was totally fabulous, a superb script, outstanding performance quality and many very gifted girls at Q.’

Year 13 Drama students staged an innovative and moving production of Amanda Whittington’s Be My Baby on Monday 6 February.

Set in 1964, the play sheds light on the plight of young unmarried pregnant girls confined to ‘mother and baby homes’. Mary Adams has been brought to St Saviour’s by her distressed mother. Along with the tough-talking Queenie, naive Dolores, and heavily pregnant Norma, the girls work in the laundry and keep each other going. Thanks to Mary’s record player, they bond over a love of 1960 girl groups, which entertain, console and inspire the girls as they come to terms with their advancing pregnancies.

The production was inspired by the work of director Katie Mitchell, and made extensive use of on-stage camera work and Foley sound effects to create a form of extreme naturalism. Mitchell uses this technique, which she terms ‘live cinema’, to focus in on tiny details, to give significance to elements in the production design that we might otherwise overlook and to help audiences focus on ‘female interiority’.

GCSE Drama students staged a highly inventive and thoroughly heartwarming adaptation of the classic French movie Amélie on Monday 27 February.

Four groups of multi-rôleing performers took it in turns to tell the whimsical story of the young Parisienne dreamer who resolves to commit random and anonymous acts of kindness after discovering a child’s box of treasures in the floor of her apartment.

They were supported by a team of design students offering the full range of disciplines – lighting, set design, sound, costume and puppetry – who made full and innovative use of the Clarissa Farr Theatre’s superb facilities. Formidable!

A MONSTER CALLS

Drama Scholars and Principal’s Award Holders from Year 7 to Year 13 came together to present a tremendously poignant production of Patrick Ness’s A Monster Calls on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 May.

e play tells the story of Conor, a 13-year-old boy who has the same dream every night, ever since his mother rst fell ill, ever since she started the treatments that don’t quite seem to be working. One night when he wakes, there is a visitor at his window – an ancient, elemental monster, a force of nature...

e production made great use of complex physical theatre sequences, a minimalist set of steps, ropes and sticks, dazzling lighting, projection and the music of Radiohead to convey the emotional turmoil.

QREVUE REVUE

‘Congratulations on an amazing show last night!’

Q Revue, Queenswood’s spectacular annual extravaganza of choreography, was staged over three nights in the Clarissa Farr Theatre in March.

A record number of pupils – more than 120 – were involved on stage, in the wings and behind the control desk, showcasing the amazing talent and creativity of Queenswood’s dance troupes. Each sequence was inspired by a movie or TV show – from La La Land to The Traitors – and there was an impressive range of styles and genres on display.

‘I went to the show last night and was completely blown away! It was absolutely fantastic.’

‘Cracking night. Slick, inventive, stylish and uplifting.’

‘Thank you for another super slick fabulous entertaining joy of a show tonight.’

‘Thank you very much for all your hard work in preparing the girls for last night’s wonderful show. It really was exceptional.’

‘So much energy and passion goes into every show, and it really shows.’

HOUSE PERFORMING ARTS COMPETITION

On Wednesday 2 November the whole school gathered to watch performances from the House Performing Arts Competition 2022. This event marked the culmination of weeks of casting, choreography, costume-making, rehearsal and design work and filming, all overseen by students themselves.

The performances included staged extracts from Annie, Matilda, The Crucible, Alice in Wonderland, Les Miserables, Pitch Perfect, Hamilton and Heathers, as well as dance tributes to Michael Jackson, Katy Perry and many more.

Our guest judge was Melissa Rose, currently appearing in Back to the Future: The Musical at the Adelphi Theatre. Melissa sent a superbly thorough and considered adjudication video, with plenty of individual awards as well as overall prizes for the Houses.

HOUSE AWARDS

Best Dance: Clapham South

Best Drama: Clapham North

Best Music: Hartley

Overall Winner: Clapham North

HARTLEY

Rising Star: Melania de Maria (Year 9)

Dance: Kate De La Mare (Year 10) and Siena Field (Year 9)

Choreography and rapping: Scarlett Easey (Year 12) and Sienna Mahoney (Year 12)

CLAPHAM SOUTH

Supporting Actress: Kumsal Unuvar (Year 8)

Triple Threat: Evie Kilbride-Xinari (Year 8)

Bravery: Amy Heath (Year 10)

Leadership: Jodi Hunt (Year 12)

Participation: Tana Shackerley-Bennett (Year 8) and Annabelle Ryder (Year 8)

CLAPHAM NORTH

Outstanding Performance: Freia Trinder (Year 12)

Accent and Costume: Lily Fiber (Year 10)

Clear Delivery: Grace Brabin (Year 9)

Best Choreography: Elizabeth Peach (Year 11)

Character Award: Juniper Walker (Year 11)

Dancing: Alexa Davies (Year 9)

WALLER

Music: Isabella Perrozzi-Vural (Year 12)

Singing: Elly Kwok (Year 10)

Singing/Acting: Megan Scott (Year 10)

Best Newcomer: Isabel Simpson (Year 12)

Performance and Direction: Zara Madueke (Year 12)

MOON OVER SOHO

Year 12 Drama students staged their own highly inventive adaptation of The Threepenny Opera story in the Clarissa Farr Theatre on Monday 22 May.

Inspired by the muscular physicality of Steven Berkoff, and the dark, unsettling music of the Tiger Lillies, this concise, intricately detailed production evoked the sleaze and violence of London’s East End in the 19th century.

It told the tale of Macheath (Mack the Knife), a debonair crime lord on the verge of turning his illegal empire into a legitimate business. When Macheath marries young Polly Peachum, her father is enraged. Jonathan Peachum controls the beggars of London, and he strives to get Macheath hanged. Unfortunately for him, the chief of police is an old friend of Macheath’s...

The whole school gathered in the Chapel on the morning of Friday 9 September to mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Reverend Vindra reflected on her long and inspirational life of selfless service, and the importance of her Christian faith. There were prayers and readings from the scriptures, including extracts from Psalm 23 read by Mrs Cameron.

The Chapel remained available to pupils and staff for moments of quiet contemplation throughout the period of mourning, and the School opened a book of condolence for all members of the Queenswood community to sign.

Our contemplations continued in Chapel on Monday 12 September, when Mr Sheldon, Senior Deputy Head, offered a very moving and personal reflection on the passing of Her Majesty.

Recounting how over 90 per cent of the world’s population had been born during her reign, he expressed how she was a constant in all of our lives, whilst the world changed ever more rapidly. When she ascended the throne, Mount Everest had not been climbed, we had not ventured into space, we had not joined the EEC and left the EU, there was no social media, of course, and no concept of climate change. The second Elizabethan age spanned all of this, and much, much more.

Mr Sheldon described the worldwide response to The Queen’s passing and how it demonstrated profoundly the love and respect felt for her across the globe.

Concluding his address, Mr Sheldon told the students that at Queenswood, where teaching staff strive to equip students with the skills required to take on leadership roles in whatever form their own world takes, The Queen provided them with the ultimate role-model. He encouraged everyone present to study her form of servant leadership and to honour her memory by copying it. He ended with Paddington’s most poignant words, spoken at The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, ‘Thank you, Ma’am, for everything.’

Christmas Hampers

In December, our Christmas ‘Sparkle Team’, led by Revd Vindra and Miss Ya e, created over 60 beautiful hamper baskets from the gifts most generously donated by the Queenswood community. e hampers were delivered to Young Carers in Herts, who provide critical support for young people caring for someone who is ill, disabled, elderly, or who misuses drugs or alcohol.

Service of Remembrance

Governors, parents, pupils and sta came together for a deeply moving Service of Remembrance in the Chapel on Sunday 13 November

e Lower School Chamber Choir performed a haunting vocal arrangement of the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’, which was also recited by Deputy Head Girl Olivia eodorou. So a Martin (Head Girl) and Moni Olubajo (Deputy Head Girl) read passages from the Old and New Testaments, and Senior Chapel Steward Sienna Mahoney led the congregation in prayer.

Christmas in Chapel

Our rst in-person Christmas Carol Service for three years took place on Tuesday 13 December. After the previous day’s heavy snowfall, we combined our Lower and Upper School services into one. e service was led by Reverend Vindra, Queenswood’s Chaplain, with musical interludes performed by the Chamber Choir and the Queenswood Singers. eodora Cornell sang an exquisite solo of Once in Royal David’s City and the Senior Prefects read from the scriptures.

The Gold Singing Award

An exquisite evening of song

The Gold Singing Award is one of the most prestigious events in the Queenswood musical calendar, and several past winners have gone on to enjoy successful careers in the music and performance industries.

This year, twelve singers from Years 10–13 participated, each delivering a heartfelt rendition of a number from the musical theatre canon. Our guest adjudicator was Deryn Edwards, star of the West End hit Sunny Afternoon

Acting Director of Music Christos Kokkinos was extremely impressed by the performances. ‘It was a wonderful evening – an emotional roller-coaster, with each performer telling a story with their chosen song and taking us on a real journey. The overall standard of the singing was exceptional this year.

‘I would like to take my hat off to Ms Pilgrim and Ms Rees for their wonderful teaching and coaching. Mr Newport also did a great job of accompanying our pupils – we are so lucky to have him at Queenswood. And Deryn Edwards, our adjudicator for the evening, was a true legend. With her wealth of experience in all styles of singing and stagecraft at the highest level, we could not have had a better person judging this event.’

• Winner: Isabella Perrozzi-Vural (Year 12)

• Highly Commended: Konyinsola Salako (Year 13)

• Commended: Bethany Norton (Year 11)

In Conversation: David Land

In February we enjoyed an instalment of Queenswood’s ‘In Conversation’ interviews, with Dave Land taking to the stage for a discussion about excelling in the music industry.

Land (above, left) has played trumpet for the likes of Amy Winehouse, Katrina and the Waves and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, after starting his career with the Band of Her Majesty’s Coldstream Guards. Following this, he spent almost two decades playing in the band for the sensational Starlight Express, and has appeared on the credits of over 170 different recordings across music, film, TV and radio.

He touched on many fond memories and highlights throughout the course of the conversation with Mr Treadgold, such as the camaraderie he saw whilst playing alongside Elvis Presley’s musicians.

He shared some top tips towards the end of the evening for those who are aspiring to pursue music, and what was striking was the refreshing nature of Land’s message; instead of sounding like a broken record telling students to practise, practise, practise, Land’s sentiment focused on listening, enjoyment and quiet confidence to make the most of a musical future.

Sophia Choudhury, Hockey Performance Coach in Residence

Spring Term Concert

A night to remember

A full house in the Ernest Read Hall was treated to a truly memorable, eclectic and joyful concert on the evening of Thursday 9 March.

Mr Kokkinos (Acting Director of Music) began the evening with a demonstration of the Year 7 string tuition programme, before the orchestra launched into a rousing rendition of Charpentier’s Te Deum (well known to millions as the Eurovision theme).

There were so many varied performances, with many new ensembles giving their debuts – including Miss Gathercole’s Community Choir, the Trio Sonoro and Mr Newport’s Year 7 Music Theatre Club – alongside well-established groups such as Ms Spotswood’s Wind Collective and the Queenswood Singers, conducted by Miss Phillips.

One of the undoubted highlights of the evening was a collaboration between the String Orchestra and some of our DJing students, coached by Mr Norton.

Many congratulations to everyone involved in this very special event, and huge thanks to all the staff who helped to make it possible.

Musician of the Year

We enjoyed a fantastic night of music-making in the Ernest Read Hall on Thursday 16 March as over 20 finalists competed for the title of Queenswood Musician of the Year 2023. This year, the competition was split into two categories, with prizes for singers and instrumentalists. More than 70 pupils had entered the preliminary rounds – a Queenswood record – and 21 were selected to perform in the Finalists Concert. Our adjudicator was Nicholas Chalmers, Artistic Director and Founder of Nevill Holt Opera and Senior Associate Artist

of the Royal Opera House. He gave insightful, encouraging feedback on each performance, and praised the musicians’ ability to convey story and emotion on stage.

There were winners in each category for both the Lower School (Years 7 – 9) and Upper School (Years 10 – 13), along with overall winners, runners-up and third place awards for Singing and Instrumental.

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR: SINGING

Overall and Upper School Winner Konyinsola Salako (Year 13)

Overall Runner-up and Lower School Winner Melania de Maria (Year 9)

Third PlaceSilvana Alvarez Albores (Year 13)

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR: INSTRUMENTAL Overall WinnerNana Wong (Year 10)

Overall Runner-up and Lower School Winner Kalli Ziegler (Year 9)

Upper School WinnerSylvia Li (Year 12)

Third PlaceAmelia Evans (Year 12)

We would like to congratulate everyone who took part in the Finals, and especially our prize winners. Thank you to Mr Newport for his supremely versatile and sensitive piano accompaniment, and to Mr Chalmers for his thoughtful adjudication.

Christmas in the City

Queenswood Singers perform at a very special City of London Carol Service

The Queenswood Singers took part in a unique Christmas carol service at St James Garlickhythe on Friday 9 December, at the invitation of the Chair of Governors, Mr James de Sausmarez, who was appointed Master of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, a City Livery Company, for 2022-23.

‘The Queenswood Singers sang beautifully and all the members of the Livery Company were very impressed,’ remarked Mr de Sausmarez. ‘After the service they joined the Company at dinner as my personal guests and Miss Phillips led an after dinner sing-song of carols, including a very raucous “Twelve Days of Christmas!”’

Lower School Singing Competition

21 pupils from Years 7 to 9 took part in the final of this year’s Lower School Singing Competition, held in the Ernest Read Hall on Thursday 25 May.

The finalists performed in a diverse range of styles and genres, from musical theatre classics to French pop, and from indie ballads to Russian operetta.

Our adjudicator, West End star Kim Leeson Davis, was extremely impressed by the standard of singing, and had the difficult task of awarding prizes, as follows:

CommendedIssy Naylor (Year 9)

CommendedAdrienne Storey (Year 9)

Highly CommendedRachel Fain (Year 7)

Highly CommendedMeredith Ryder (Year 9)

WinnerCalypso Malialis (Year 9)

As Kim remarked, everyone who performed on stage was a winner in their own right – congratulations to all who took part.

Concert Highlights

We’ve gathered together highlights videos from the many concerts and recitals that have taken place at Queenswood over the last academic year. You can enjoy them by scanning the QR code, or searching for ‘Queenswood Music’ on YouTube.

Hertfordshire Festival of Music

Emma Johnson’s Captivating Masterclass

For the third year running, Queenswood was honoured to host the Principal Artist of the prestigious Hertfordshire Festival of Music.

On Thursday 15 June, world-renowned clarinettist Emma Johnson (centre) gave an enthralling masterclass for four supremely talented young musicians.

The masterclass was held in the Chapel, and each of the performers benefited from 30 minutes of Emma’s undivided attention, as she explored techniques and approaches that would take their playing to the next level.

We heard music from the clarinet repertoire by composers such as Bernstein, Weber, Schumann, and Finzi, all exquisitely performed by the young virtuosi and sensitively accompanied by pianist Daniel Swain. Most thrillingly, we also had the opportunity to hear Emma demonstrate her interpretations of these pieces, and to learn some of the secrets of this most expressive and versatile of instruments.

We are extremely proud of our association with the Hertfordshire Festival. Over the last three years we have been delighted to welcome such luminaries as violinists Tasmin Little and Chloe Hanslip, French horn player Ben Goldscheider, and Judith Weir (Master of the King’s Music) and distinguished composer James Francis Brown (co-founder of the Festival).

Summer Concert 2022

Read Court reverberated with the glorious sounds of joyful music-making on Tuesday 28 June 2022, as Rebetiko Carnival brought their inimitable blend of Greek and Middle-Eastern folk songs to Queenswood.

They joined Q musicians of all ages and levels – from beginner string players to competition-winning virtuosi – for a wonderful al fresco concert.

Mr Kokkinos had the crowd up on their feet for the traditional Greek dances, while Izzy Theodorou and Rosie Ryder performed rousing DJ sets and Olivia Lava and Konyinsola Salako treated us to some superbly sophisticated jazz numbers. The night was rounded off with a delicious Greek meze feast in the Essame Studios.

Clapham South had great fun on Thursday 10 November, as they celebrated their House’s achievements and camaraderie at a slumber partythemed House Supper.

The pupils really enjoyed playing a ‘guess the character’ game, competing in a movie quiz and singing along to their favourite karaoke hits.

Waller House filled the Dining Hall with sunshine, laughter and colour for their annual House Supper on Thursday 24 November.

This year the theme was Hawaii, and as you can see from the photographs taken by Theodora Cornell (Year 13), there were some spectacularly vibrant outfits on display!

House shield designs by Art Scholar Sophie Clements (Year 10)

Clapham North held their House Supper on Thursday 2 February with students and staff coming dressed up as popular musical artists. There were some amazing costumes including Florence Welch, the Spice Girls and Mrs Moore-Bridger as Dolly Parton! North enjoyed great food, a music trivia quiz and a charity raffle for Noah’s Ark.

On Thursday 2 March, Hartley’s dancing queens enjoyed a fabulous Mamma Mia! themed House Supper. Our Super Troupers from Years 7 to 13 came dressed in a variety of stunning outfits and enjoyed a delicious Greek dinner in the Dining Room. This was followed by a raffle and fun quiz, which raised £260 for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.

ART SCHOLARS AND SENIOR ARTISTS’

LIFE

DRAWING WORKSHOP

Art Trips and Workshops

Year 11

The Art Department ran an inspiring trip to the National Gallery for Year 11 on Tuesday 11 October.

Pupils enjoyed attending two special exhibitions: ‘Winslow Homer: Forces of Nature’ and ‘Lucian Freud: New Perspectives’. They observed impressive painting styles, layering and sensitivity of colour, which captured emotion and evoked a personal narrative.

They left feeling enlightened, and eager to get out the paints!

Visit from OQ Diane Maclean

Art Scholars were visited by OQ and internationally renowned sculptor and environmental artist Diane Maclean on Thursday 29 September.

Diane gave a talk about her work and career, and offered some invaluable insights to the students into how to get their own installation art ideas started.

Sixth Form

The Year 12 and 13 A-Level Art students visited the Henry Moore Studios and Gardens in Perry Green in September. The visit provided an opportunity for the students to research the work of Henry Moore and to complete drawings of the sculptures, grounds and workshops. It’s a beautiful setting with inspiring views of his sculpture and studios that show his creative process.

THE JOHN FRY PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION 2023

The entire school came together, in the Clarissa Farr Theatre and via a live stream to classrooms, for the final of the John Fry Public Speaking Competition on Friday 3 March.

Now in its 15th year, the contest brings together Queenswood’s finest orators and debaters to speak on a given topic and to answer questions from the floor. It is a test of courage, conviction and clear thinking, and this year our five finalists acquitted themselves superbly.

They were each assigned a well-known quotation to discuss, and were free to take their argument in any direction.

Our guest judge was Bim Afolami, MP for Hitchin and Harpenden. He found the task of selecting a winner especially difficult. Joking that he had ‘sat through a lot of this sort of thing’ since his schooldays, Bim remarked that the competition was ‘very high quality’. He praised the contestants’ clear, confident delivery and ability to command the audience’s attention.

Ultimately the John Fry Public Speaking trophy was awarded to Emily Hunt (Year 11). We also heard from the four winners of the Junior John Fry Competition: Aanya Sangha (Year 7), Valentina Tinnirello (Year 8), Constantina Mouyia-Kadji (Year 8) and Talya Robinson (Year 9), who gave very impassioned and articulate speeches during the adjudication.

‘Life is never fair, and perhaps it is a good thing for most of us that it is not.’ – Oscar

‘...The truth is, we change our view of fairness depending on the circumstances, the people we are with, and our understanding of the particular issue. A good example is this: is it fair that during my exams I am allowed additional time? This doesn’t sound right, does it? But when I explain that I am dyslexic and struggle with some tasks that others don’t, perhaps it seems fairer now. I believe all of us would agree that we should be treated fairly, but would it be better to consider that we should all have equity?

Equity means recognising that we do not all start from the same place, and we should make adjustments to correct these imbalances. The extra time I am entitled to simply makes me equal to others. It does not give me a head start, it gives me an equal start...’

Emily Hunt, Year 11 WINNER

Wilde

Elizabeth Jarrold, Year 12

‘In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.’ – Edward Stieglitz

‘...You do not need to live a large life to have a good one. Nor do you have to live entirely selflessly to impact the world positively. You should do things, experience things – and do the right thing when you can. Cultivate a multitude of hobbies – none of which you have to be any good at; read philosophical books, even though they’re not related to one of your subjects; try to be there to support your friends when they need you. Try photography, or boxing, or building things, or baking – or anything else that is accessible. Do what you like doing, and a little to help those around you. Because noone can tell you what to do in order to make your life fulfilling – fulfilment is different to everyone...’

Sophia Mikou, Year 13

‘In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.’ – Martin Luther King, Jr

‘...As societal values change, so does what is considered morally right. For instance, in the 1950s police imprisoned anyone who was believed to be in a same-sex relationship, because there were laws against this. It was not until 1954 that they even considered that homosexuality wasn’t a disease. But at the time, who was considered the enemy? Was it the members of the LGBT+ community that broke these laws – or the people that enforced the laws in the first place? As times have changed, we are now increasingly more accepting of sexuality and gender identity, but back then who was to say who was correct? The enemy in one story could be the hero in another...’

Kat Kenny, Year 11

Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.’ – John F Kennedy

‘...What can you do for your country? Being a patriotic and responsible citizen is important, as in recent years this country has faced some major challenges. Having a job and contributing to the economy is a key way to assist your country. As well as helping yourself and your family, which protects them from being a burden on the state, you are also helping those who are less fortunate by paying your taxes to the Treasury…I think it is clear that not everyone in society will always play their part. There are people who do not give, or do anything for the country, and they are net receivers….In this society it is important to look out for others. It is important to be a good citizen and abide by the laws, so that your country can give back to you...’

Isabel Simpson, Year 12

‘Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.’ – Margaret Mead

‘...No two of us are the same, from our fingerprints, to our DNA, to the way we think and act…Like works of art, I may be a Monet, you a Picasso – but we are all masterpieces, refined through life’s journey. As humans, we are wired to find similarities with others. It helps us to form communities, and is essential to our survival. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, this sense of belonging is one of the most crucial needs that humans have. This instinct brings us together with like-minded individuals we can lean on for understanding and support. However, this doesn’t mean that we are all the same. We are not just lemmings who blindly follow the crowd. Our survival is dependent on our individuality...’

artist OF THE MONTH

October 2022

Bryony Simpson (Year 7)

September 2022

Chloë Dean (Year 13)

December 2022

Charlotte Phelan (Year 11)

November 2022

Eliza Mayberry (Year 10)

Every month, Mrs Platt-Hawkins (Head of Art, DT and Food Faculty) selects a piece of fine art to be displayed in Mrs Cameron’s study. The title of Queenswood Artist of the Month is highly coveted, and we’re pleased to present a selection of this year’s winning artworks.

January 2023

Greisi Bekteshi (Year 8)

February 2023

Angelina O’Neill (Year 10)

March 2023

Jemima Tilbury (Year 9)

April 2023

Paula Alvarez Arias (Year 9)

May 2023

Saskia Gamble (Year 7)

June 2023

Greisi Bekteshi (Year 8)

CO-CURRICULAR Club Wine Tasting GARDENINGLEITHS

Gardening Club was a great success this year with students from all year groups are volunteering their time at Queenswood’s allotment.

Many students are using their Gardening Club membership to contribute towards the volunteering requirement of their DofE Award. Other students, have joined the club to have the opportunity to step back from their screens and immerse themselves in a thriving habitat. The Gardening Club have even provided apples for our Catering team to make scrumptious apple crumbles with!

Miss Yaffe, Head of Hartley House

Queenswood’s Leiths students enjoyed a fascinating interactive lecture on Wednesday 30 November, courtesy of International Wine Judge and Educator Vivienne Franks.

Vivienne joined the students via Google Meet. Under her watchful eye, our budding oenophiles had the opportunity to taste a range of excellent vintages from around the world, and learned about the art and science of pairing wine with food. The ability to appreciate the qualities of fine wines is an integral component of the Leiths Introductory Certificate in Food and Wine, which is taught as a co-curricular option in the Sixth Form.

LGBTQ+ Society

PRISM KRAV MAGA

PRISM is the LGBTQ+ club which runs every Monday lunch time. It’s a student run club which I have had the honour of running for over a year, allowing students to talk openly about issues concerning sexuality and gender identity.

Throughout this year we have discussed homophobic microaggressions, the struggles of being misgendered, how to deal with bullying as well as discussing more positive subjects such as queer icons we aspire to and ways that we can raise awareness for the community at Q!

It’s so lovely to see budding friendships between year groups through PRISM. I think students really appreciate having a safe, non-judgmental space for them to share experiences, ask questions and be themselves.

Through running the club, I have learned so much from other students – who I proudly call ‘my children’ in our PRISM family. I think that PRISM is vital to students’ well-being and hope that it flourishes and grows in numbers for many years to come.

I am so thankful to everyone who comes each week and to Miss Hill and Miss Yaffe for guiding me in situations beyond my knowledge.

To all the students who come: I am proud of each and every one of you and all you have overcome; you have all taught me so much, which I will never forget.

I hope you continue to inspire people with your bravery and kindness, like you have inspired me and that you pass on the PRISM way throughout your journey at Q.

Georgie Ibison, Year 13

Self-defence

Self-defence is an important skill that everyone should know, and the Krav Maga Club is the perfect opportunity to learn and practise techniques that can help keep you safe in any situation. We have had a great start to the club, with a strong turnout of students eager to learn. Our first sessions focused on basic techniques such as strikes, blocks, and escapes, and we also covered more advanced techniques such as defending from chokes and holds.

In addition to learning valuable self-defence skills, the club also provides a fun and supportive environment for students to build confidence and camaraderie.

We encourage all students to attend the club, so that they may learn a valuable skill that can help keep them safe in any situation.

Mrs Iqra Khan, Teacher of Mathematics

ROME WASN’T TOURED IN A DAY

Students of Latin and Classical Civilisation from Years 10 to 13 enjoyed four days of sightseeing and exploration in Rome during the February half-term.

The first day involved an extensive and fascinating evening walking tour of the city. They watched the sun set behind St Peter’s Basilica, and marvelled at the spectacular Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona lit up.

On day two they visited the Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace) and had great fun trying to recreate the frieze!

After lunch at the Spanish Steps, they explored the Vatican. They spent time in the Grottos and climbed the Dome of the Basilica (a gruelling 551 steps), before a whistle stop tour of the Vatican Museum that included many of the sculptures and pots that feature on the GCSE and A-Level Classical Civilisation courses. In the evening they enjoyed sampling over 20 different flavours of ice cream at one of Rome’s irresistible gelaterias.

Day three began with an early trip to the Colosseum, followed by a visit to the Roman Forum – highlights included the Senate House, the Temple and House of the Vestal Virgins, and the Arch of Titus. Then they walked up to the House of Augustus on the Palatine Hill and enjoyed breathtaking views over the ancient forum. There was, inevitably, more delicious ice cream in the evening.

On the final day of the trip, the group travelled out to Ostia, a fantastically well preserved Roman sea port, and had the opportunity to see ancient blocks of flats, temples, schools, restaurants and houses much as they would have appeared over two thousand years ago. They flew home exhausted but thoroughly inspired.

Laura Warren, Teacher of Classical Civilisation and Latin

QUEENSWOOD GOES PINK FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

The entire school showed their determination to #EmbraceEquality on Wednesday 8 March, as students and staff dressed in pink to mark International Women’s Day.

Mrs Stokes began the day with an inspiring talk in Chapel about Shine Theory – the concept that women achieve more when they collaborate rather than compete with each other.

At break and lunch, there were stalls in the Terrace Room selling cakes and other sweet treats and raising hundreds of pounds in aid of Womankind Worldwide. Academic departments created displays celebrating the achievements of women in many spheres, and pupils had the opportunity to write their own pledges of support.

Throughout the day, there were many themed lessons. In English, pupils studied aspects of Tracy Chevalier’s novel Remarkable Creatures, about the life of Mary Anning. In Maths, pupils joined a live-streamed event hosted by the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme, examining gender diversity in STEM courses and careers and hearing from inspirational women who use maths in their jobs. In Drama, Year 10 were putting the finishing touches to their devised biographies of twentieth and twenty-first century female icons, including Rosa Parks, Queen Elizabeth II and Oprah Winfrey.

Finally, at lunch, the Catering Department honoured a number of prominent female cooks, with recipes from Madhur Jaffrey, Mary Berry, Nigella Lawson and many more.

Thank you to Moni Olubajo and Olivia Theodora (Deputy Head Girls) for their superb efforts in co-ordinating the day.

Anna Sutton, Teacher of Spanish, writes:

In Spanish, Year 10 students have been studying role models and, to celebrate el Día Internacional de la Mujer, they each researched and wrote about an inspirational Hispanic woman. Pupils were inspired and motivated to learn about so many women who were not only feminists, but environmentalists, indigenous campaigners, artists, scientists and politicians –including Eva Perón, Celia Cruz, Berta Cáceres and Shakira.

YEAR 7 BONDING AT GRITTLETON HOUSE

SPORTS AWARDS DINNER 2023

Queenswood’s sports stars gathered with staff and families for a truly memorable Sports Awards Dinner on Friday 21 April, celebrating another outstanding year of participation and achievement.

Our guest of honour was Olympic triathlete Michelle Dillon. Michelle is a truly inspirational athlete and coach. She began her Olympic career as a 10,000m runner before switching to triathlon, in which she excelled – winning countless medals including a Gold at the European Championships. She has held both the British and World Champion titles, and is now an Olympic Coach who works with all levels of athletes from beginners to high profile elite sportspeople.

Jo Wakeley, Director of Sport, remarked: ‘The night was not just a celebration of individual and team incredible achievements but also of the many benefits of taking part. Our awards reflect commitment, teamwork, hard work, improvement and, above all, fun.’

Many congratulations to all the prize winners, and thank you to everyone – over 240 pupils, parents and staff — who attended this wonderful occasion.

311 PUPILS HAVE PLAYED FOR A TEAM 210 PUPILS HAVE TRAVELLED ON SPORTS TOURS

222 CLUBS AND TRAINING SESSIONS

220 pupils represented Q in Hockey

Team of the Year: U12 Netball – National Shield Champions

Sports Personality of the Year: Sofia Martin (Year 13) – Hockey

GB EDP Squad

Club of the Year: Football Club

Most Improved Team: U14A Netball

Team Spirit: Fencing Squad

Team Player of the Year: Martha Hockley (Year 8),

Gigi Raubitschek-Smith (Year 8)

Volunteer of the Year: Liza Tsepovatenko (Year 12) – Netball

Junior Pupil of the Year: Willow Dench (Year 9)

Senior Pupil of the Year: Sophie Alden (Year 12)

The Seven Olympic Values:

Friendship: Chloë Dean (Year 13)

Courage: Lola Stubbs (Year 13)

Determination: Moni Olubajo (Year 13)

Inspiration: Sofia Martin (Year 13)

Respect: Izzie Engestrom (Year 13)

Excellence: Grace Pavett (Year 13)

Equality: Farida Mohammed-Koko (Year 13)

Upper Sixth Contribution to School Sport: Christina Chan, Chloë Dean, Izzie Engestrom, Maeve Goldman, Sofia Martin, Jessica Matthews, Farida Mohammed-Koko, Elizabeth Nefedov, Moni Olubajo, Grace Pavett, Konyinsola Salako, Lola Stubbs, Chloe Tsang

706 FIXTURES PLAYED IN 15 SPORTS

298 pupils represented Q in NETBALL

131 SPORTS TEAMS AT QUEENSWOOD 200 TEAM TEAS EATEN THANK

SPORTS AWARDS DINNER 2023

sENIOR PUPIL OF THE YEAR: SOPHIE ALDEN

MOST IMPROVED TEAM: U14A NETBALL

TEAM PLAYER : MARTHA HOCKLEY AND GIGI RAUBITSCHEK-SMITH

TEAM SPIRIT: FENCING SQUAD

JUNIOR PUPIL OF THE YEAR: WILLOW DENCH

OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC VALUES

YEAR 13 CONTRIBUTION TO SCHOOL SPORT SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: SOFIA MARTIN

TEAM OF THE YEAR: U12 NETBALL GUEST OF HONOUR: MICHELLE DILLON

IN

SPORT THE YEAR

What a year it’s been for Queenswood’s sports stars! We’ve seen individuals and teams breaking records and scooping up trophies and medals – including several National titles – in an impressive range of sports. Here are some of the highlights from the QueenswoodSport Instagram feed.

What a performance from the U12A Netballers in the 1st round of the Sisters n Sport Netball Shield!

U13s are County Champions in the EHB National Cup and will go on to represent Herts at the East of England Championships

Hertfordshire U14 Hockey Tier 2 County Champions! Unbeaten in today’s tournament and off to Regional Finals

1st XI back in action on pre-season tour in Leeds. Great first game v Leeds Beckett University

A huge well done to our U13 Netballers who competed in the first round of the National Cup

Bethany finished her season in style to be crowned the Junior Ladies Olympic Skeet British Champion!

1st XI continue their great start to the season with a 6-0 win in the Independent Schools National Cup

Well done U13 Hockey teams in the matches against Bishop’s Stortford –especially the B team’s 4-3 victory!

Great to see students playing in a Senior Football fixture – a great battling performance

U13A Hockey have made it through to the next round of the Independent Schools National Cup

Amazing effort from all of the Queenswood Cross Country runners at the District Finals

A huge congratulations to the girls who competed in the Mid-Herts District Cross Country. Team results: Year 7 – 1st, Year 8 – 2nd, Year 9 – 1st, Seniors – 2nd

A huge well done to our Year 7s who took on the challenge of the Mini Marathon this morning: 2.6 miles of cross country running

Huge congratulations to Gigi, Emmy, Liberty and Valentina who beat the Junior Freestyle school record

the U18 BE 100 at Little Downham

Junior Hockey Tour to Barcelona

County Champions! Huge congratulations to the U12 Hockey team at the EHB National Championships

U15B District Netball Champions 2022: 6 wins from 6 with tough competition Hannah (r), who won the singles title at ITF J4

Tennis Scholar Hana reached the International, and won the doubles title

Well done to our Senior Gymnastics team who took part in the National 2 Piece competition

A good win in the County Cup for the U15A Netballers

A smashing day of County Badminton! U13s: Bru – runner-up; Caitlin and

Well done U13 Hockey team at the East of England Hockey Championships – only losing football and representing the school

Huge congratulations to our swim squad who took part in

Queenswood Fencing Winter Championships 2022 – great to see the whole squad of fencers in action

1st VII squad beat Dame Alice Owens of the County Plate

Great to see the riding team back in action. Congratulations to all riders and thank you to all parents who helped with logistics and supported on the day

History makers – Double National Tennis Champions! U13 & U15 teams both triumph in Bolton National Final of the English Schools’ Cross Country Cup

3rd place for 1st XI representing Herts in the East of England Hockey Championships

Winners

Amazing performance from Amy representing Q in the National Schools Equestrian Tamsin play for Hertfordshire U17s in the East Region Tournament

Congratulations to our U13A Hockey team on winning conceded! And an unbeated record for the B team

Riding Captain Izzie competed in the holidays to win the 100 class

Congratulations to Florence who represented Q at an NSEA show

U13 and 14 Footballers competing in the District Tournament; loads of great goals, play and progress

are grinners...well done U12 Footballers saw Q run out 2-0 winners

Finishing the half-term on a high, with half of our Year 7 pupils out representing the school in Netball

U14 Netballers reach the Sisters n Sport National Shield

U13 and U15 Tennis teams nominated for a Welwyn

U13 and U18 Fencing teams both pick up Fencing Championships

Senior Gymnasts perform National Championships

Championships; 9.40m places her inside the UK top 20 in the UK for her age

U13 Cricketers placed 2nd at the indoor display and lots of promise for the future

Tennis Tour to Morocco

1st VII Netballers retain the Senior County Plate

winning their County League Finals

Special mention to the U18 team who won the league runners-up medals

Congratulations to all participants in our annual Inter-House Cross Country Hurley Cup Run – amazing costumes too!

Gigi wins in the 50m Regional Finals

Congratulations to our U13 Footballers who progressed in the Schools Football plate competition! A great result

U12 Sisters n Sport National Shield CHAMPIONS 2023!

– we are so proud of your hard work this season

MAY

Well done to Waller – Inter-House Swimming Champions 2023

Getting ready to celebrate at Queenswood’s Sports Awards 2023

Cricketer and Sports Scholar Lottie in action for Go Q!

Huge congratulations to Bella who captained her team to win the HGFPL U13s Junior Cup

A great effort from the U13 Footballers at the ISA Football

thank you to our Year 11 and L6 leaders and coaches

weekend, with 10 players selected to represent Hertfordshire in the East of England Championships

Strong performances from U14 and U15 tight match for U15s – lots of matches played and debut Q appearances for some of the Year 7 team!

Girls Doubles title, and to Scarlett-May and Fern for the U16 Plate

JUNE

Dahlia crowned Herts U17 High Jump Champion and

the whole school together raising money for charity

Miss Bassett, Mr Ward, Mr Murray and former Q PE teacher Miss Rogers take on the 100-mile Ride London challenge

Maya came 2nd in the Hertfordshire Schools Championships 200m both of them qualifying for Nationals

Great work from the U13 QBallers in their penultimate game of the season – winning in a penalty shoot-out!

Double gold for Keira at the Herts County Athletics Champs: U15 shot and hammer

Amazing results from Hickstead last week – congratulations to Amy, Amelie, Elina and Willow

demonstrated fantastic teamwork and dedication this season with ALL wins so far!

Inter-House Cricket saw plenty of wickets and runs, with Clapham North taking home the win!

Junior and Senior Inter-House Football played in great spirits – well done to

Well done to all the players at House Tennis tonight! Congrats to Hartley who were crowned champions and Clapham South as runners-up!

FEMLEAD OQ Jodie Williams’ Ugandan Charity Work

Femlead was founded by my aunt, a feminist and artist who explores gender and race politics and Esther, a Ugandan human rights activist and the Managing Director at Femlead. It was formed in response to a startling number of girls dropping out of school around the age they started their period.

It was wonderful to hear from Olympian and Old Queenswoodian Jodie Williams this year and to find out about her charitable work with Femlead – an inspirational organisation supporting young women and girls in Uganda.

Among its many initiatives, the charity raises funds for machinery to produce sanitary pads out of the stems of locally grown banana palms. The initiative, called the Fluff Project, was inspired by a report from the Ministry of Education and Sports on menstrual health management in Uganda that showed 23% of Ugandan girls in the age group of 12-18 drop out of school when they begin menstruation.

By producing a locally manufactured sanitary product, using both local materials and local female labour, Femlead is striving to empower young women to escape period-poverty and reach their full potential.

As a woman in sport, I have always been an advocate for girls and women’s rights but had never properly educated myself in this area. So I took an online class on International Women’s Health and Human Rights.

After taking this course, I began to really understand the barriers and structures that were stopping many girls from receiving a full education and deepened my understanding of period poverty. I realised how incredibly privileged I was to be learning about these things rather than being forced to experience them. I knew I had to take further steps, so I spoke with my aunt and offered my services in any way that would be helpful. Fast forward two years, I now handle grant writing and communications! It’s been very much a ‘learn on the job’ experience but the girls and women in the organisation have continuously inspired and motivated me. They’ve taught me to raise my voice in the face of injustice, no matter how uncomfortable, and to keep pushing until things change.

Jodie Williams OQ

‘Empowering young women to reach their full potential’

THE HURLEY CUP

The annual Hurley Cup for Cross Country took place on the afternoon of Thursday 20 April. Once again pupils, staff – and a number of our four-legged friends – donned House colours and fancy dress to complete the 1500m course.

For some of our elite runners, this was an opportunity to challenge the school record – still held by Bex Hurley OQ, whose father was a tremendous supporter of sport at Queenswood and is commemorated in the name of the competition. Bex is still an extremely successful runner – see opposite!

For others, it was definitely the taking part and dressing up that counted, and we were delighted to spot sharks, crocodiles, minions and even a pantomime horse completing the course!

The overall winning House was Clapham North. Thank you to Mrs Colette Hurley and Bex for officiating at the prize-giving, to Steve White for preparing the course, to the PE Department for organising the event, and to Theodora Cornell (Year 13) for photography.

Miss Bassett in Paris

On Sunday 5 March, Miss Bassett, Head of Year 8, along with Old Queenswoodian Bex Hurley successfully completed the Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris – the Paris Half Marathon, finishing the 21.1km race in a stunning time of just 1 hour 42 minutes!

Miss Bassett and Bex ran the race in support of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, and their most admirable efforts have raised in excess of £1,100. Noah’s Ark strive to make every precious moment count and these vital funds will help the hospice to support seriously unwell children and their families to make the most of the special time they have together.

Miss Bassett and Bex are incredible role models for our students and we send them toutes nos félicitations!

EUROPE AN DAY OF L ANGUAGES EUROPEAN DAY LANGUAGES

The MFL Department celebrated European Day of Languages on Tuesday 27 September with a range of fun activities for pupils and staff.

Tutor groups competed to identify as many world languages as they could from a montage of clips created by teachers. 10H were the winners. Why not have a go yourself? Scan the QR code and see how many you recognise (and if you can translate any of the sentences, award yourselves bonus points!).

At lunchtime, the Catering Department treated us to a feast inspired by the cuisines of the three nations whose languages are studied at Queenswood, including French coq au vin, Spanish patatas bravas and Japanese miso mackerel fillets.

There was also a photo-booth set up in the Terrace Room – thanks to Theodora Cornell (Year 13) for taking these fantastic photographs.

A-LEVEL SPANISH STUDENTS AT THE BFI

We were lucky enough to attend the BFI film festival in November, exploring themes in the film Volver, which we study as part of our A-Level course.

As part of an interactive seminar given in Spanish, held by Dr Miguel Garcia from the University of Bristol and Sarah Wright from the University of London, it was great practice for our listening and speaking skills as we discussed our opinions as a group.

It was fantastic to hear about subtle intertextual links between the film and other Spanish literature, including Don Quixote. This gave us a deeper understanding about the wider context of the film. We also looked at the personal life of the director, Pedro Almodóvar, and how it is reflected in the lives of his characters.

Silvana Alvarez Arbores, Anya Mehta and Sarah Pinzon Martinez, Year 13

At the start of 2023, the Japanese Department launched a cultural competition to celebrate the New Year.

New Year is the most important holiday in the Japanese calendar and celebrations are very different to those in the UK. As part of a cultural extension activity, Year 7 pupils were introduced to the New Year celebrations and the seasonal foods, decorations, customs and associated vocabulary in Japanese, then invited to create their own New Year’s Card, or ‘Nengajo’.

A New Year’s card in Japan normally contains a New Year message, a family photo and a picture of the Chinese zodiac animal that will represent the year to come. 2023 marks the Year of the Rabbit.

A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY RACHEL REACHES FINAL OF PRESTIGIOUS ESSAY COMPETITION

Many congratulations to Rachel Abratt (Year 12), who reached the final of the Northeastern University London Psychology Essay Competition.

The question she answered was ‘How could psychology explain atrocious acts towards humans, such as during war times?’ Miss Gilbert, Head of Psychology, described her essay, which you can read by scanning the QR code, as ‘phenomenal...very interesting to read’.

Northeastern University London, formerly the New College of the Humanities, was founded in 2011 by the philosopher A C Grayling. It is a highly academic institution, offering Oxbridge-style seminar tuition, and its essay prize competitions are among the most prestigious in the UK.

Emily Moore, Teacher of Japanese

Clockwise from bottom right: Layla Segal, Maryam Moghal, Isla McEvoy, Niyah Naciri-Nikolova, Alexandra Hughes, Ava-Rose Moy

Bebras Computing Challenge

In November, Queenswood Computer Science students entered the prestigious Bebras Computing Challenge, which involved tackling a set of in-class computing tasks involving computational and logical thinking.

The tasks were a mixture of conceptual puzzles and real-world problem-solving, such as controlling air traffic or tracking a blind pedestrian’s journey.

Bebras is a well-established competition that is carried out in over fifty countries and is sponsored by Oxford University and the Raspberry Pi Foundation. Top performing winners across the country were invited to attend a further challenge day at Oxford.

Several Q students received a gold certificate, signifying a result in the top 10% of participants nationwide.

Alex Laming, Head of Computer Science

PUZZLESFORPIDAY

Top: Year 9

Christabella Jones, Adelaide Willott, Sophie Ferris, Izzy Naylor, Sydney O’Brien

Below left: Year 10 Charlotte Auslebrook, Megan Scott, Maha Kularamanan

Below right: Year 11 Bethany Norton, Charlotte Phelan, Lisa Okrah, Sandra Essel

Gold Awards:

Year 7: Isobel Page, Lucy Harrison, Caitlin Flannery, Olivia Cox

Year 8: Alice Berry, Emily Sharp

Year 9: Mimi Haining, Sophie Ferris

Year 10: Charlotte Aulsebrook

For mathematicians across the world, 14 March – or, as it’s written in the US dating system, 3.14 – is Pi Day, and pupils and teachers marked the occasion this year with all manner of number-based activities.

Every Maths class at Q was given a range of challenges and teachers were really impressed with the determination and teamwork that they observed throughout the day.

In addition, a new weekly Maths competition was launched for pupils in Years 7 to 9 called ‘Puzzle of the Week’. At the start of each week, a challenging puzzle is given to the students to solve and there are prizes to be won, as well as a half-termly prize draw. See if you can solve the inaugurual puzzle (left).

Georgina Brown and Amy Chapman, Maths Department

There really is a pattern in the way you can complete this grid! Keep looking and find the missing numbers.

COMPUTINGANDBUSINESSLIVE! DISNEYLANDPARISFEBRUARY2023

In February some of the Year 10, 11, 12 and 13 Computer Science and Business Studies students attended the Computing and Business Live! conferences in Disneyland Paris. We had one and a half days to spend in the parks. The Computer Science students had the morning to enjoy going on the rides while the Business conference was going on, before we went to the Computer Science conference.

We had three very interesting speakers talk to us about their work relating to Computer Science: Rik Ferguson, Suzie Imber and Lady Marieme Jamme. Rick Ferguson talked about his work as a Cyber Security expert and he explained the types of cyber attacks that currently take place as well as the kinds of cyber attacks that might happen in the future due to developing technology, which was very interesting. I found the work that Suzie Imber has done, using Machine Learning algorithms to help the conservation of Earth, particularly interesting as well. Our final speaker was Lady Mariéme Jamme who won the Innovation Award for supporting young women through technology. Lady Mariéme set up the Iamthecode website to train people to code and improve technological skills in young women.

The Business conference included Tessa Clarke from a company called OLIO which aims to prevent food waste by using an app to share food in local neighbourhoods. We also had an interesting talk from Louis Barnett who explained how to grow business fast and how to use the ‘chocolate box’ methodology to create long term business sustainability. The final speaker was Nzinga Orgill who spoke to us about her work as a globally recognised business leader and how to tackle issues of race and gender in business.

Once the conference was over, we could go back to the parks, to explore the Avengers Campus and the Disney castle and go on more rides! The best rides were Hyperspace Mountain, Crush’s Coaster, Avengers Flight Force and Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure, although the wait times in the queue could be very long.

While completing our worksheets we thought about the different mechanics of the rides, the wi-fi access around the parks and about websites.

On Monday evening, we stayed to watch the light display and the fireworks at the castle. Unfortunately there were no drones because of the weather but it was an amazing display regardless with fantastic lights and music! It was a great way to end the trip.

Amelia Evans, Year 12

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY ?

‘Beep Beep Beep. Please mind the gap.’ That’s how we start our week in Hong Kong. My face is nearly squashed against the window glass of the train as more people leap into the cart at the last second before the doors close. Then, it’s a hurried march towards the escalators and a sweaty, Olympian run to school. Whew. I made it. I rush through sweaty, anxious crowds all wearing suits, tight skirts and high heels on their way to work. We all look the same: scrabbling to do our best at work, at school, making this society we inhabit one of the most efficient systems in the world. As the city lights sweep rapidly through all of us, it’s easy to forget ourselves – there’s simply no time. We are the 75th happiest place on earth, compared to the UK which ranks 19th.

In the modern world, we are constantly made to feel our insignificance amidst raving social media where influencers and distant friends seem to live more successful, easier, happier lives than the rest of us. A survey conducted by The Times asked teenagers what they hope to be when they grow up. While 23% answered that they want to be famous, 52% answered that they want to be wealthy. It would seem that this is how we define happiness: wealth and attention from the world. The survey continues to ask these teenagers if they will achieve these goals. 86% of them said it’s unlikely. We struggle to grapple with vague

victories that we know are temporary. Fame comes with gossip and criticism, wealth comes from endless toil and declining health. These things can’t make me happy forever.

So, to quote the latest Carlsberg commercial, perhaps I should ‘try the Danish way’. The Danes have been the happiest country for four years running. The secret to their success is this: hygge. Some say that it is a word to describe the cosy feeling of being wrapped up in knitted jumpers, in front of the fireplace and surrounded by friends. Only 5% of Danes need to work overtime and schools never have terminal exams, so it makes sense that they have time to enjoy these things. But really, hygge is the quiet peacefulness you get when you spend time looking at those who surround you or the little comforts in life and feel content for everything you have. It is sitting with a group of friends and feeling proud to have met them and know that they feel the same. This is true happiness, and it lasts forever.

Whenever I feel lost, I tend to stare out of the window at nothing in particular. Then, I’m immediately ambushed by my friends, violently pouncing on me to suffocate me under a pile of arms. My scream of shock always turns into a burst of laughter. Maybe I don’t need luxury goods or approval from strangers to make me happy, I just want a quiet moment with my friends.

Gladys Lam (Year 11) was asked to write an article for a magazine putting forward her point of view

YEAR 12

FINE ART

Isabelle Iskandar

Janice Lui

Ava Penny

YEAR 12

TEXTILES AND PRODUCT DESIGN

Scarlett Easey

Morife Olubajo

Isabelle Iskandar

Aleyna Ayyildiz

Ava Penny

Abby Yang

valete: class of 23

Silvana Alvarez Albores

Clapham South, 2021

Time at Q: Nice, friendly and fun

Me in 10 years: Working in the music industry

‘If you get tired, learn to rest, not quit’ –Banksy

Adeitura Andu

Clapham North, 2016

Deputy Head of House

Time at Q: Just good vibes

Me in 10 years: Hopefully in my dream job

‘Oooh, that’s a juicy one’ – Mr Newby to every maths question in existence

Bella Avanzato

Hartley, 2016

Academic, Dance and Drama Scholarship & House Performing Arts Captain

Time at Q: I’m not Lilly

Me in 10 years: Politician by day, DJ by night

‘Miss, Abby said we’re going to blow the competition away. I really hope she doesn’t mean literally‚ cause we could get Dance Moms

Ela Caglayan

Waller, 2021

Time at Q: It’s one ‘L’

Me in 10 years: Working in neuroscience research

‘The inner machinations of my mind are an enigma’ – Patrick Star

Christina Chan

Hartley, 2018

Senior prefect, Badminton captain

Time at Q: What’s for lunch?

Me in 10 years: I have bad eyesight. Can’t see that far.

world with sunshine’ – Snow White

Kylie Chen

Hartley, 2018

Senior Prefect/Music Scholar/Art Scholar

Time at Q: Fun/chill/thrill

Me in 10 years: Studying Economics, learning about Philosophy

‘Don’t say you can’t until you prove you can’t’ – Les Paul

Isabelle Cheung

Clapham North, 2018

Senior prefect, Dance Scholar, Head of House

Time at Q: I’m too busy ...

Me in 10 years: Picking up coffee on my way to an executive meeting.

‘I don’t have trust issues, I just know better.’ – Fallon Carrington

Theodora Cornell

Waller, 2016

Chloë Dean

Clapham North, 2021

Playing Rita in Made in Dagenham, and Chicken Number 1 in Jane Eyre

Time at Q: Procrastinate, it works

Me in 10 years: Retaking Psychology

Paper 3 for the 10th time

‘Get to PE you slackers!’ – Mrs Kelley

Tetyana Demchak

Clapham North, 2016

Drama Scholar, Clapham North House

Performing Arts Captain, Gold Singing

Time at Q: ‘Sorry I’m late’

Me in 10 years: Google me and see ‘I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious’ – Albert Einstein

Izzie Engestrom

Clapham South, 2021

Senior Prefect, Academic Scholar

Alicia-Rose Gallo

Clapham South, 2016

Deputy Head of South, House Leadership Team, Q Diploma (higher)

Time at Q: Shine, Jesus, shine

Me in 10 years: Trying to recover from A-level Maths

‘The only worthwhile thing I’ve done today was take a Buzzfeed quiz about what kind of onion I am’ – Jake Paralta, Brooklyn

Nine-Nine

Lilly Gilani

Waller, 2016

Head of Waller, Deputy Head of Trew, Mr Jordan’s protégé

Time at Q: I’m not Bella

Me in 10 years: Back at Queenswood, cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony of a History classroom named after me.

‘If you’re going to cheat, do it well’ – Myself

Maeve Goldman

Clapham South, 2018

Amelia Gruselle

Waller, 2016

Dance Scholar and Head of Waller HPA

Time at Q: In Drama Department

Me in 10 years: A rich aunt living in a hot country

‘Can we go to the café?’ – Me

Chenaya Hewapathirana

Clapham South, 2016

Senior Prefect, Deputy Head of South, Academic Scholar

Time at Q: Where’s my airpods?

Me in 10 years: Still convincing myself

Arsenal can win the league

‘Fine, but in protest, I’m walking over there extremely slowly’ – Jake Peralta, Brooklyn

Nine-Nine

Georgie Ibison

Hartley, 2016

Head of Hartley, John Fry Public Speaking Competition, Drama Scholar, Clarissa Farr Cup for Most Promising Actress

Time at Q: ‘SUPPORT not REPORT’

Me in 10 years: Eating disorder therapist in CAMHS

“For the Wellbeing Prefect, you’re not being very well’ – Lilly and Sam

Georgina Knight

Clapham South, 2017

Annie Liu

Hartley, 2018

DT(Textiles) Scholar, Art Scholar, Academic Scholar

Time at Q: ‘Wait for it’

Me in 10 years: An art residency in Lucerne ‘Creativity is a harmony of opposite tensions, as encapsulated in the idea of lila, or divine play’ – Stephen Nachmanovitch

Sofia Martin

Hartley, 2016

Head Girl, Captain of 1st XI Hockey, Hockey and Academic Scholar

Time at Q: Challenging, life-changing, visionary

Me in 10 years: Hopefully with an Olympic gold medal around my neck.

‘Only those who can see the invisible can do the impossible’ – Jeffrey Fry

Jessica Matthews

Hartley, 2016

Tennis Captain, House Sports Captain

Time at Q: Live in sports kit

Me in 10 years: Wimbledon podium

‘And Bob’s your uncle!’ – Mr Newby

valete

valete: class of 23

Anya Mehta Hartley, 2016

Samantha Meyer

Clapham North, 2016

‘Statue of Oliver Cromwell’ in Made in Dagenham

Time at Q: ‘Distraction to others’

Me in 10 years: Living off my Love Island fame

‘Samantha, you can’t ride your scooter in the Dining Room’ – Mr Fox

Sophia Mikou

Hartley, 2017

School Council Prefect, Hartley Co-Head of Academics

Time at Q: Barbie Movie Marathon

Me in 10 years: Coding with my cat

‘Nobody panic...I’m the only one panicking’ – Mr Laming

Farida Mohammed-Koko

Clapham North, 2016

Football Captain, Deputy Head of House, Senior Mentor

Time at Q: Weird, eventful, extravagant

Me in 10 years: In jail. Don’t worry – I want to be a lawyer...

‘The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary’ – Harvey Spector

Elizabeth Nefedov

Waller, 2021

Tennis scholar

Time at Q: Lots of memories

Me in 10 years: On holiday somewhere tropical

‘My mama always said that life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get’ – Forrest Gump

Moni Olubajo

Clapham South, 2016

Deputy Head Girl, Head of Clapham South, Senior Netball Captain

Time at Q: Survived at 5ft 1

keycard

‘I prefer not to speak. If I speak, I am in big trouble’ - José Mourinho

Grace Pavett

Waller, 2018

Sport Scholar, Art Scholar, Sports ViceChairman

Time at Q: Sport is life

Me in 10 years: Hopefully an interior architect travelling the world

‘I do remember, but sometimes when I try to remember, I forget’ – Winnie the Pooh

Sarah Pinzon Martinez

Clapham South, 2019

Time at Q: Handing work late

Me in 10 years: Reading in my private library

Que será, será’ – Jeremy Usbourne Abi Rush

Hartley, 2016

Deputy Head of House, Trampolining Captain

Time at Q: There was homework?

Me in 10 years: Busy CEO-ing

‘Very much in the mood to sue’ – Lilly Gilani

Carmel Sabapathy

Clapham North, 2021

HUB

Time at Q: A story worth telling

Me in 10 years: Sipping rosé at my chateau

‘Even miracles take a little time’ –Cinderella

Konyinsola Salako

Hartley, 2016

Gold Singing Award, Queenswood Musician of the Year(s), Clarissa Farr Cup for Most Promising Actress

Time at Q: Like a whirlwind

Me in 10 years: Turn on the TV and see

be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive’ – Audre Lorde

Abby Stevenson

Waller, 2016

Senior Prefect, Academic Scholar

Time at Q: Funny, eventful, unforgettable

Me in 10 years: Still crying over my code but in 10 years I’ll be getting paid for it

‘If you don’t know where you want to go, then it doesn’t matter which path you take’ – The Cheshire Cat

Lola Stubbs

Clapham North, 2016

Sports Captain, Vice-Captain of 1st XI

Time at Q:

and F2 years as a doctor

‘I knew I shouldn’t have gotten out of bed today’ – Squidward

Stephanie Sun

Clapham North, 2018

Time at Q: I’m gonna sleep

Me in 10 years: In my room playing the newest Legend of Zelda release

Carpe vinum

Kelly Sun

Clapham South, 2017

Time at Q: Is it PSHCEE?

observing the world...

Olivia Theodorou

Waller, 2016

Deputy Head Girl, Deputy Head of Waller, Music, Drama and Academic Scholar

Time at Q: Safeguarding’s everyone’s responsibility

Me in 10 years: 28, I guess???

‘Just put it on the bill’ – Q Pupils

Ella Thrussell

Hartley, 2016

Deputy Head of Hartley, House Events and Charities Prefect

Time at Q: At the café

Me in 10 years: British Elle Woods

‘Well it can’t be that hard’ – Myself

Chloe Tsang

Clapham North, 2018

DT Scholar, House Charity Captain

Time at Q: That went quick

Me in 10 years: Business manager at Zara

The only thing predictable about life is its unpredictability’ – Ratatouille

Anne-Marie Ujeyah

Clapham South, 2016

Senior House prefect, Distinction for Speech and Drama silver medal, Artist of the month

Time at Q: Friendship is magic

Me in 10 years: 28 years old at Disneyland

Paris

‘The baguette is a way of life’ – Mr Camara

Eloise van der Walt

Waller, 2016

Academic Scholar, Media Prize

Time at Q: Creative, supportive, opportunities

‘You have one life, so live it with love’ –JRWI

Lily Wang

Clapham North, 2016

Shelly Yang

Clapham South, 2019

valete

IMOGEN’S INGENIOUS

POCKET CUBE ALGORITHM

For her A-Level Computer Science non-exam assessment, Imogen Fox (OQ 2022) pursued her passion for the Rubik’s Cube by developing a programmed intelligent algorithm to solve a smaller version known as the pocket cube. In order to achieve this Imogen had to liaise with an end user group to develop requirements and analyse the needs of the system. Imogen produced a full design specification and then wrote the solution using the Python programming language.

The brief was to develop a system where the starting positions of a cube could be entered by a user and would then be solvable by a pre-written algorithm which would then show the steps of the solution. To make the program intelligent the cube was to store each solved cube in a file and then compare with these solutions before running the main algorithms to see if the cube had been solved from its starting point already. This was a form of machine learning.

In order to program the cube solver Imogen had to use some highly complex programming theory. Imogen developed a fully object-oriented programming solution in Python which connected with several pre-written library modules such as ‘tkinter’ for the interface development and ‘random’ for the use of random number generation. Imogen also had to develop several data structures to store the positions of the cubes and the moves programmatically and then she deployed a technique called tree traversal to search the possible moves so as to establish the steps to be taken.

The project took Imogen a whole year and involved many technical hurdles to overcome and lots of testing using virtual box software before she got the solution working to perfection. The finished system can solve any cube arrangement entered (which is a huge number of permutations) and prevents illegal entries such as those with uneven numbers of coloured squares (there must be four of each). The finished system went through rigorous testing using a black-box test plan and end user feedback.

Alex Laming, Head of Computer Science

We would like to congratulate Olivia Theodorou, Anya Mehta, Ella Thrussell, Georgie Ibison and Abi Rush (Year 13, left to right) who recently completed the Leiths Certificate in Food and Wine. Anya received a Merit, while Olivia achieved a Distinction – a rare accolade which is only awarded to around 3% of Academy students.

Jayne Lee, Teacher of Practical Cookery

EDINBURGH FRINGE 2022

Sixth Form Drama and Media students spent four exhilarating days at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August – the world’s largest celebration of the performing arts.

They experienced a fantastic range of theatrical and musical experiences, and in total attended over 20 shows. Highlights included improvised comedies (Showstopper! and Austentatious, in which a hilarious Jane Austen pastiche is created from scratch), profound dramatic performances (A Sudden Violent Burst of Rain and Good Grief), and musical extravaganzas such as Out of the Blue (the legendary Oxford-based a capella group) and the intriguingly titled Drag Queens vs Zombies

They returned from Edinburgh full of inspiration for the devised practical work in Year 13, and with a passion for this beautiful city and its unique festival.

PICK OF THE FRINGE

ALISON KELLEY, DIRECTOR OF DRAMA

I loved Receptionists. Two actors from Finland, cleverly named ‘From Start to Finnish’ Theatre Collective, performed a mostly mimed/physical theatre piece exploring hotel receptionists’ duties and the hospitality industry. Contemporary clowning, nonsensical languages and complex physical sequences depicted the competitive

A masterclass in rubbery facial expression and precision movement. Captivating and hilarious!

PICK OF THE FRINGE

ELOISE VAN DER WALT, YEAR 13

The Choir of Man is an exceptional show

they play instruments reminiscent of a typical pub atmosphere, as well as choosing appropriate songs and even inviting audience members on stage. As well as the incredible talent of the singers and players, there is an emotional storyline throughout the performance. Overall it was really cool to see and probably my favourite of all the amazing performances we were blessed with at the Fringe Festival.

HOCKEY BARCELONA TOUR 2022

SATURDAY 15 OCTOBER

FRIDAY 14 OCTOBER

Bright and early on Friday morning, the girls and staff on the Queenswood Barcelona Hockey Tour arrived at Luton airport, raring to go. After saying goodbye to parents, and with luggage checked in, we headed to the gate, and soon all that was left to do was sit back and relax on the flight. There was plenty of excited chatter amongst pupils and staff alike as we touched down in Barcelona and headed off to find former Dutch International Sander van der Weide, our tour organiser for the week. He greeted us in the airport before leading us out to the bus, where we soon realised that not all the luggage would fit. Regardless the girls piled on the bus, with the rest of the suitcases coming with some of the staff in the bus when it came back to do a second journey. On arrival at Hotel El Castell, which we would call home for the week, the girls were told who their roommates were and quickly dispersed to explore the hotel and unpack before dinner. The excitement did not fade throughout the course of the day, despite the early start and travelling, so the dining room during dinner was a hub of noise and laughter as we tucked in for our first meal at the hotel. With full stomachs, we split into a couple of groups for meetings to explain some house rules, with the Seniors’ meeting finishing with the arrival of Natalya’s birthday cake to celebrate her 16th birthday in style. Finally, it was time to head to bed, in preparation ahead of the first full day on tour!

Saturday morning was spent on the sand down at Castelldefels Beach, with the first activity being the beach fitness led by Mr Hawkes. The six teams were organised across the year groups, creating the perfect opportunity to start to get to know everyone on tour. Mr Hawkes had thought up a wide variety of races to challenge the girls, such as a hopping three-legged race, a wheelbarrow race and leapfrog, which definitely got the blood pumping. Needless to say there was plenty of competitive spirit amongst the groups, which was carried forward into the sand sculpture competition. The girls got to work creating their sculptures, and despite originality being one of the prerequisites for success, there were multiple groups who fashioned hockeyplaying mermaids out of the sand! Everyone had a great time and definitely enjoyed washing the sand off with a swim in the sea. Having worked up quite an appetite, everyone was given some free time to go and find some lunch and explore the nearby area before we jumped on the coach back to the hotel.

On our return, the girls had the opportunity to swim in the pool at the hotel, head down to the supermarket or relax in their rooms, ahead of training in the evening at Real Club de Polo de Barcelona. We had the pleasure of being joined by Sander and Alberto Ruiz Castillo, goalkeeper coach for the Spanish Women’s National side, for the session. Some of the Queenswood staff worked with Sander on shooting drills, while others led small possession games and dribbling drills. During this time, Alberto worked closely with the goalkeepers on movement, balance, reaction speed and directed kicking. The girls did a fantastic job adapting to the heat, and engaged well in every station of the carousel, with the time flying by. Before we knew it, we were back on the bus and heading back to El Castell for dinner.

SUNDAY

16

Our first fixtures came on Sunday morning against Club Egara, who play in a wonderful blue and white striped kit, with buttons running the length of their shirts. The U13 teams were up first, followed by the other squads. Although the score lines didn’t always end up in our favour, everyone from Queenswood got stuck in, played well, and learnt a lot about the aggression and pace of Spanish hockey. This was put on show when we had the pleasure of watching the RC Polo Women’s 1st XI take on Egara’s 1st XI. The match was the ideal opportunity for the girls to see hockey played at an exceptional level, especially as there were some international players gracing the pitch. What stood out for the girls was the pace with which the players moved the ball, the sheer number of aerials that were thrown, and the intensity of every play in the game. With so many spectators on the sideline, the atmosphere was electric right until the final whistle, particularly as RC Polo was awarded a short corner as the final seconds came to a close. The girls were understandably shattered after a long day of hockey in the heat and enjoyed the free time they had to play cards, swim in the pool, and restock at the shop before dinner and bedtime.

MONDAY 17 OCTOBER

We returned to RC Polo on Monday morning for a coach clinic with the likes of Eugenia Fuertes Tarantino, Vicente Orero, Fabrizio Demarchi and Daniel ‘Daní’ Garcia. The Seniors worked on some passing technique progressing towards taking a shot on goal with Fabrizio; meanwhile, on the neighbouring pitch, the Juniors worked with Eugenia on leading to receive the ball, whilst Daní took the girls through some elimination skills. The girls enjoyed having the chance to learn from new coaches, especially the versatility and new perspectives they could offer, given their understanding of Spanish, Argentinian and Dutch hockey, and the fact that they are all at the top of their field.

83 QUEENSWOODIAN 2023

We grabbed our belongings and got changed into some fresh clothes before going to experience the grandeur of the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, where the 1992 Games opening and closing ceremonies, and athletics events were held. Walking into the stadium, it was initially hard to take in its sheer size, but soon enough, we had found our bearings, the best spots for photos and the gift shop! With postcards and souvenirs stashed away in our bags, it was time to head down towards Barceloneta again, but this time to the beachfront. The girls enjoyed exploring the shops and restaurants while the staff tucked into lunch in one of the chiringuitos, before everyone was reunited again for the U13s and Seniors to set off for their games at Iluro. Having played Iluro the day before, the U14s stayed on the beach, jumping over the crashing waves and enjoying the chance to sunbathe on the beach. Before we knew it, time was up and back to the hotel we went for dinner. Given the finish times of some of the matches at Iluro, it was a late night for some, but everyone was still brighteyed and bushy-tailed in the morning.

WEDNESDAY 19 OCTOBER

Wednesday was our final day of hockey before our return to the UK, and as per tradition, it was time for the inter-tour tournament. Teams were made up of players from across the year groups, with Sander and staff captains also making an appearance! It was fantastic to see how much everyone had progressed throughout the week, and how everyone from Year 8 through to Upper Sixth rose to the challenge of mixed ability teams. As a result, the final ranking of the tournament was a close call, with multiple positions being decided by goal difference. In the end, Mr Hawkes’ Hawkenators came away with the coveted first prize place, followed by Team Tremendous Treadgold in second, Miss Bassett’s Ballers in third, Mr Ward’s Wonders in fourth, with Miss Choudhury’s Champs and Miss EcuyerDale’s Dazzlers picking up fifth and sixth place, respectively. After the announcement of the results, Mrs Wakeley expressed Queenswood’s thanks to Sander for everything he had done to make the week such a resounding success. This was followed up with the opportunity to get some autographs and photos with Sander and his Olympic medals, before we waved goodbye to RC Polo, loaded up the bus and set off for the Sagrada Família. As we approached the Basilica, one of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks, Mr Treadgold explained its significance, Gaudi’s role in its design and how its construction is still an ongoing process. Then, from the bus drop-off location, we headed towards the Sagrada Família’s towering spires and melting appearance, before the girls were free to discover the area and the Basilica as they desired, so long as they could still see the towers. After filling up on traditional tapas for some, and the lesstraditional Five Guys for others, we split into groups for our final matches of the tour. The U14 teams went directly from Sagrada Família to face RC Polo in two games for both sides, one using indoor rules and the other using outdoor rules. The U13s also set off straight to their fixtures to play Club Junior. As the Seniors had later push-back times, they returned to the hotel for their Presentation Dinner, ahead of returning to Pau Negre to battle it out against FC Barcelona. It was a pleasure to see the progression made by all the players in these final matches, not only in terms of techniques and tactics, but also to see all the leaps and bounds in their mentality and confidence, which will all go forward to elevate their playing on our return and in the future.

THURSDAY 20 OCTOBER

The final day arrived faster than we could ever have imagined, but as the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun! There were some final prizes awarded at breakfast in the morning, including the beach fitness and sandcastle competition, which was scooped up by Mr Menear’s team, and of course, for the Hawkenators from Wednesday’s tournament. The girls had also thoughtfully arranged thank you gifts for each member of staff, and Mrs Wakeley mentioned how grateful she was for the girls’ enthusiasm and company, alongside all the help and guidance from the staff as well. The final breakfast was certainly the calm before the storm, as next on the itinerary was the room clean and checkingout process, but thankfully we stuck to schedule and soon enough we were packed up and heading towards PortAventura.

PortAventura is one of Spain’s most famous theme parks, with forty rides to choose from, and the experience was intensified even further, as the park had its ‘Horror Staff’ roaming around as part of its Halloween spectacle. It was hard to tell if there were more screams coming from the rollercoasters, or as a result of the Horror Staff, but it was nonetheless a fantastic day.

HOCKEY BARCELONA TOUR 2022

Some of the popular rides amongst Queenswood were Hurakan Condor, Shambhala, Dragon Khan and the Grand Canyon Rapids, so it’s clear we had some thrill-seekers amongst the ranks! After six jam-packed days of hockey, exploring and fun, it was time to head back to Barcelona Airport for our grand return to the UK. Check-in was pretty much as streamlined as we could have hoped, with the flight then becoming slightly more eventful. However, we arrived safe and sound in London, and had a last sing-along to ‘Sweet Caroline’ on the transfer from the runway to the terminal building. The home straight came as we picked up all of our luggage and walked out into the Arrivals Hall to meet parents waiting eagerly to greet their daughters and to hear all about our trip.

This trip would not have been such a success without the efforts made by Mrs Wakeley and Mrs Murphy regarding the trip organisation, Sander and the Hockey Department for their involvement in making everything happen, and of course, the girls, who were all a pleasure to take on the trip. Their hard work, enthusiasm and determination did not go unnoticed, and we are proud of the way everyone embodied the Queenswood Qualities whilst away in Spain.

Miss Sophia Choudhury, Sports Graduate

Year 7 and 8 Author Talk

Miriam Halahmy

We were thrilled to welcome acclaimed author Miriam Halahmy to Queenswood in March, to speak to our Year 7 and 8 students about her new book Always Here for You.

Miriam was a special needs educator for twenty-five years and now writes novels, short stories and poetry for children, teens and adults. Her captivating works include Hidden, Saving Hanno and The Emergency Zoo.

Always Here for You tells the story of 14-year-old Holly who finds herself lonely and unhappy after her best friend moves away and her parents are preoccupied caring for her grandmother. At home alone, Holly starts chatting to ‘perfect’ Jay online. Holly knows to be careful about meeting strangers in the virtual world, but talking to Jay is soon the only thing that makes her happy.

The students were enthralled to hear Miriam speak about her book and to discuss with her their thoughts about the internet and online safety.

After the talk, there was an opportuntity for the students to meet Miriam individually and to buy a copy of the novel. Organised by Mrs Truran and Ms Gaffney, Queenswood’s Librarians, the event was not only enjoyable and thoughtprovoking, but it was also a valuable reminder for the students to remain vigilant and protect themselves when they meet new people online.

Two teams of Year 7 and 8 students competed in the North London heat of the Reading Champions Quiz in March. Organised by the National Literacy Trust, the quiz is aimed at keen readers aged 10-14 and the questions are linked to fiction titles from an array of genres including comedy, horror, graphic, LGBTQ+, historical, classic, BAME and sport.

During the exciting and tense competition, Mrs Truran and Ms Gaffney, Queenswood’s Librarians, spurred on our team of most enthusiastic readers Izzy Page, Meg Court, Sophia Solomou, Rachel Fain, Beatrix Dagnall, Sahi Kularamanan, Tana Shackerley-Bennett and Annabella Curtis. The pupils competed admirably, displaying not only their broad knowledge of children’s and young adult fiction, but also their huge passion for reading.

The seventy-five questions were tough this year - even for Mrs Truran and Ms Gaffney, who are among Queenswood’s most prolific readers, but the students still came a very respectable 11th and 20th out of twenty-four teams. The quiz was great fun and a fantastic opportunity for the girls to compete with their peers, against other schools in our region.

Here are some sample quiz questions from the National Literacy Trust for you to have a go at. You will find the answers below.

1. Name the final book in the series by Anthony McGowan which follows Nicky and Kenny’s story and won the 2020 Carnegie Medal.

2. What is the name of the android purchased to be Sarah’s robot companion in TrooFriend by Kirsty Applebaum?

3. What is the favourite food of Tom Gates?

Reading Champions Quiz

Answers 1. Lark 2. Ivy 3. Caramel wafers

SILVER Stories

A group of eager readers from Years 7 and 8 have been putting their love of literature to good use this year.

Under the direction of Miss Tyler, Teaching Assistant in the Personalised Learning Centre, they are taking part in the Silver Stories scheme, in which they read aloud to senior citizens over the phone.

Each ‘Silver Reader’ is matched with a ‘Silver Listener’, and every week they hold a conversation during which they read a short story or poem. The benefits for everyone involved are tremendous – pupils improve their literacy and public-speaking skills, while the older listeners make invaluable cross-generational connections.

Miss Tyler’s involvement in the charity began when she was working at St Joseph’s in the Park in Hertingfordbury. Two of her pupils, Alexandra Hughes and Ruby Berry, travelled to Cornwall to meet their listeners face-to-face, and even had a surprise opportunity to meet Queen Camilla (then HRH the Duchess of Cornwall). A BBC camera crew captured the special event on film. Alexandra and Ruby have carried on with the scheme now they are in Year 7 at Queenswood, and have been joined by Meg Court (Year 7) and Emmy Court, Gabriella Antoniou, Maddie Bladon and Arabella MacSweeney (all Year 8).

LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS 2022

Ayowande AdeotiSociology and CriminologyUniversity of Warwick

Momo Ajose-AdeogunCriminology with Criminal Law (Including Placement Year)University of Essex

Peace AkinyemiEconomicsUniversity of Leicester

Yizzy AsioduMarketingUniversity of Leicester

Maddy BakerClassicsUniversity of St Andrews

Lucinda BeanlandsBiomedical SciencesNottingham Trent University

Grace BestSport and Exercise ScienceLeeds Beckett University

Mia BrownSports and Exercise ScienceUniversity of Nottingham

Zara Bukhari-HamdaniPsychology with Foundation Year (Integrated Degree)Goldsmiths, University of London

Emily ChenMathematicsUniversity of Leicester

Efa DaviesGap Year

Tehya DawsonMusicThe Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Maddy DeanEducationUniversity of Leeds

Holly DenchGap Year

Onome EjobeComparative LiteratureUniversity College London

Saleha FarhatPolitics, Sociology and East European Studies with a Year AbroadUniversity College London

Imogen FoxElectronic and Electrical EngineeringUniversity of Bath

Becca GraysonBusiness ManagementUniversity of Winchester

Jasmine HartEconomics and ManagementUniversity of Bristol

Ella HiggensPolitics and International RelationsUniversity of Exeter

Nicole HuangAccounting and FinanceUniversity of Leeds

Zoe IoannouHistoryUniversity of Birmingham

Diamanti IoannouPolitics and SociologyUniversity of Birmingham

Melissa LancasterVillanova University, USA

Olaolu Lanre-LadeneganLiberal ArtsKing’s College, University of London

Olivia LavaJazz with Music ProductionLeeds Conservatoire

Annabelle LawsonEconomicsUniversity of Nottingham

Chloe LevyMedicineUniversity of Buckingham

Yilin LiMathematics with StatisticsKCL

Kirsten LittlefordSport RehabilitationUniversity of Hull

Jasmine Liu Gap Year

Erina MannanEnglishUniversity of Bristol

Isabella MarcusCriminologyUniversity of Nottingham

Ellen McGuiganCriminologyUniversity of Southampton

Clara MeeGap Year

Emily MooreBusiness Management and GeographyOxford Brookes University

Andie OurrisEnglish LiteratureUniversity of Warwick

Amelia PerryPsychologyUniversity of Warwick

Alex RamalhoModern Languages with BusinessUniversity of Nottingham

Gaby Rose Boston University, USA

Issy SamuelPolitics and International RelationsUniversity of Nottingham

Ella SibleyPoliticsNottingham Trent University

Sacha SoobdhanBusiness Management and Accounting & FinanceNottingham Trent University

Elim TangBusiness and ManagementUniversity of Exeter

Hannah Van GeesbergenExercise and Sports SciencesRedlands, USA

Sienna WadhwaniPhilosophy, Politics and EconomicsUniversity of Oxford

Anni WilliamsBiomedical Engineering with a Science Foundation YearUniversity of Lincoln

Meyiwa WoodLaw with International StudyUniversity of Manchester

DOUBLE TRIUMPH

Queenswood’s tennis aces achieved an unprecedented double victory at the National Team Tennis Championships in Bolton on the weekend of Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December. It was the first time in the school’s history that teams had taken the national title in two age groups simultaneously.

The competition started back in April 2022 with 2,500 schools across the country entering. Queenswood’s U13 and U15 teams battled through the County round, Regional knock-out and Regional finals to reach the Nationals, where they faced the Regional winners from the South East, South West, North and Midlands.

The U13s did not drop a single match in their Saturday fixtures against Midlands winners Trent College and Northern champions Wilmslow High. On the Sunday, they defeated an impressive team from Talbot Heath, representing the South West, 8–4. Alice Haddad (Year 9) gave the outstanding performance of the weekend, dropping just one game in all her matches.

The U15 team faced Manor Church of England Academy (Northern champions) and Prior Park (South East) on the Saturday, setting up a gripping final against Midlands winners, Repton College. The match of the weekend was definitely Queenswood v Prior Park, in which Emily Noce (Year 10) saved two match points and fought back from 5–2 down to claim the victory.

Director of Tennis, Miss Catherine Sluter, was elated by the double victory. ‘After Covid denied the U13 team the

Game, set and match for U13 and U15 tennis stars

opportunity to take their place at last year’s National Finals, the players were especially motivated to perform well this year. With the U15s also qualifying, there was fantastic team atmosphere and the girls represented Queenswood with exceptional grace and passion. I am incredibly proud of all of the team and the coaches. This is one very special group of players who have made Queenswood history. They now have their eyes on making the triple this year at Aberdare Cup in July. Watch this space!...’

NETBALL CHAMPIONS

U12 team scoops first National title for Queenswood

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that the U12A Netball team are Sisters n Sport National Shield Champions 2023. They beat a very strong team from Scarisbrick Hall School 22–11 in the final, held at Malvern College on Thursday 23 March. This was Queenswood’s first ever national Netball trophy – but with such a talented squad of young players, it may well not be the last!

A Golden Year for OQ Rowan McKellar

Congratulations to OQ Rowan McKellar on her amazing career in rowing. After moving into the women’s four in 2021, Rowan won bronze at the European Rowing Championships before finishing an excruciatingly close fourth at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Still in the four for 2022, she has had a terrific season, taking gold in the fours at the 2022 European Rowing Championships, as well as the 2022 World Rowing Championships I and III regattas and also silver in the eights in the Europeans.

LES DEUX ALPES SKIING TRIP 2023

The first week of the Easter holidays saw Queenswood’s return to the French ski resort of Les Deux Alpes, and despite the early start at Luton on Saturday morning, everyone was excited to be on our way. We certainly looked the part in our trip hoodies and Moon Boots, with helmets also clipped onto the sides of some bags. On our arrival into Grenoble, we grabbed our bags and headed to our coaches up to the resort and Hôtel La Brunerie, where we would meet Megan, our rep from SkiBound, who accompanied us for the duration of the trip. After enjoying the opportunity to explore and find a bite to eat, it was time for our ski fitting session. Given there were 91 people, it was hardly surprising that this took a little while! After some dinner and a little bit more time to unpack and get settled, we all dived into bed early to make sure we had plenty of energy for the following days’ adventures.

The previous skiing experience of the 80 students and 11 staff varied considerably, and so when we arrived at the ESF Meeting Point on our first morning, we organised ourselves into our ski groups based on our ability. These groups provided a fantastic opportunity for all the year groups to mix up, and for all the participants to get to know some new faces. The ESF instructors found their groups and soon enough we were on our way up to the slopes for our first runs of the trip.

Even though we had to battle with some difficult weather conditions, we were all off to a flying start during our first morning, guided by the expertise of our instructors. Returning to the hotel for lunch was a welcomed opportunity to relieve our feet of our ski boots, especially as the trip progressed, and the Hotel was great at keeping us fuelled with plenty of pasta and salads. Before we knew it, it was time to get back out onto the pistes for our afternoon of lessons and learning. As our first day of skiing came to a close with the sun shining, lots of groups jumped on the cable car back to the resort, but Group E decided to rise to the challenge of skiing all the way down. After dinner it was time for our first night of après ski activities, with the Seniors heading off through the resort to play Laser Tag, and the Juniors getting all cosy in the hotel with plenty of snacks for a movie night of Cool Runnings.

Monday morning’s skiing for most groups involved some of the same runs as the day before. With plenty of snowfall overnight, the cars parked around the town were piled high with snow, which also meant that the snow on the slopes was going to be perfect. Throughout the day, many of the groups could be found getting to grips with parallel turns and building some more speed in the Secteur Crêtes, while Group E made their way up to the dizzying heights of the Glacier, that lies at an altitude of 3400m. It was a shame that the weather did not allow for outstanding views towards Mont Blanc; however, with one of the longest ski runs in Europe running from the top of the Glacier all the way down into Mont de Lans, there was still more than enough to be enjoyed. Many of the groups had managed to improve their technique and confidence enough by the afternoon to move on to some more difficult pistes, with some of the groups even venturing out onto some red runs by the end of the day.

Waking up in the mountains is always an amazing feeling, especially when you pull open your curtains to perfect blue skies. We were lucky enough to have a beautiful bluebird day on Tuesday, which was also the first day that the staff had the chance to ski together! The teachers headed up to the Glacier, after hearing how wonderful it had been from the girls the day before, and waved some of the groups goodbye at the top of Jandri Express II. Having never been skiing before, Mr Ward and Miss Sneddon certainly managed to impress their colleagues with their confidence and ability, whilst Miss Taylor and Miss Fox provided some very helpful guidance to all. Tuesday evening was the Seniors’ chance to relax in front of Cool Runnings, as the Juniors headed off to Laser Quest, with some closely fought matches and also some impressive displays on the Bucking Bronco!

Wednesday was our penultimate day of skiing, and despite some aching legs, the groups made their way up to the slopes with plenty of smiling faces. As the staff came down towards the Crêtes chairlift, they witnessed the fantastic progress Group A had achieved over the week, and in the afternoon, it was also great to see Group B making quick work of Jandri 5. Having said this, towards the end of the day, there was definitely some less conventional skiing to be seen by some of the Queenswood groups, with Group C trying their hand at the ‘Penguin’… All safe and sound back at the hotel, it was time to release the lists Miss Taylor had crafted for the Scavenger Hunt, with the students given 30 minutes to find various items dotted around town. It was all still to play for in the Talent Show that evening. Judged by the Year 12s, we were treated to some singing, dancing and stand-up comedy from almost every year group, with Miss Curtin even making a notable appearance for the teachers… maybe she should be in the next show of Riverdance!

Despite being a little bit cloudy, Thursday morning still offered great skiing. As it was the end of our time in Les Deux Alpes, it was time to really push ourselves, perfecting parallel turns, whilst some reached some very impressive speeds and enjoyed getting some air time in the Snowpark. At the end of the afternoon, each participant was awarded their ESF Étoiles that reflected their accomplishments over the week, and we thanked our ski instructors who had been encouraging, insightful and entertaining throughout. The trip would not have been possible without their help and so we are immensely grateful for all their efforts and support. It was a pleasure for both the staff and the students to ski together throughout the trip, and the progress made by all is certainly something to be proud of.

We would like to express our gratitude to Megan and SkiBound for their help in organising our trip, Mrs Bullock and the staff for taking the time to accompany the participants on such a jam-packed week, and last but not least, all the students for making the trip so much fun!

Miss Sophia Choudhury, Sports Graduate

QUEENSWOOD TENNIS FESTIVAL 2023

We rounded off the first half of the Summer Term with a fabulous Tennis Festival at the Pavilion on Friday 26 May. Tutor groups set up charity stalls selling refreshments, games, water balloons – and the opportunity to splat teachers with custard pies (which, as ever, proved remarkably popular!).

The afternoon culminated in the final of the Nicola Mabbitt Tournament, and the awarding of many prizes for the various singles and doubles contests that have taken place in recent weeks. Congratulations to all the staff and students who won medals and trophies.

RESULTS

U12 Singles

Winner: Maryam Moghal

Runner-up: Caitlin Flannery

U12 Doubles

Winners: Chloe Bullock and partner

Runners-up: Maryam Moghal and Alexis-Angel Tim

U13 Singles

Winner: Kaya Ahmed

Runner-up: Annabelle Korth

U13 Doubles

Winners: Izzy Domingo and Kaya Ahmed

Runners-up: Bella Worth and Martha Hockley

U14 Singles

Winner: Lottie Ross

Runner-up: Sophia Soong

U14 Doubles

Winners: Alexa Davies and Lara Asante

Runners-up: Anya Marples and Keira Lake-Bryan

U15 Singles

Winner: Emily Harrison

Runner-up: Jess Chalkley

Senior Students Singles

Winner: Sophie Alden

Runner-up: Aleyna Ayyildiz

Senior Students Doubles

Winners: Emily Noce and Chloe Breuer

Runners-up: Scarlett-May Matthews and Cornelia Van Huyssteen

Tie Break Tens

Winners: Sophia Soong and Miss Sneddon

Runners-up: Sophie Alden and Mr Ward

Staff Doubles

Winners: Mr Laming and Mrs Looker

Runners-up: Mr Kokkinos and Miss Bassett

Play Your Way to Wimbledon

Winner: Gabby Read

Runner-up: Izzy Domingo

Nicola Mabbitt Trophy

Winner: Hannah Read

Runner-up: Tia Jakupovic

Nicola Mabbitt Plate

Winner: Scarlett-May Matthews

Runner-up: Fern Merrick

MORCCO TENNIS TOUR

Tennis enthusiasts of all ages enjoyed a very special visit to Morocco at the end of the Spring Term. As well as honing their skills in the searing heat, they had the chance to explore the culture of Marrakesh and to take part in a wide range of fun bonding activities, including yoga, swimming and a hotly contested Tennis Olympics.

It was a superb ‘comeback tour’ after the cancellations of the Covid years, with fantastic progress on court for players of all ages and abilities, and some lifelong memories made. Thank you to Ace Tennis Camps for their organisation and support – roll on Tennis Tour ’24!

We’ve brought together some of the highlights of the trip, as featured on the QueenswoodSport Instagram account.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD

The Duke of Edinburgh Award has continued to grow at Queenswood, and we are pleased to announce that Bronze, Silver and Gold expeditions took place this year, as well as Gold residentials.

In June, 44 Year 9 students headed to the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), for their Bronze Award Qualifier and walked to the Ivinghoe Beacon and along the Ridgeway. During the two day expedition, the students carried their own equipment, cooked for themselves and camped with their friends.

Also in June, 18 students from Year 10 travelled to the Forest of Dean, situated on the border of England and Wales, for their Silver Qualifying Expedition. The students began at St. Briavels Castle in Lyndley, Gloucestershire, before hiking along the spectacular River Wye and finishing at Goodrich Castle, near Ross-on-Wye. Our students stayed overnight at St. Briavels Castle, then camped for two nights next to the river, as well as carrying all their equipment, food and water.

Six students in Sixth Form completed their Practice Expeditions this year, canoeing on the River Cam at Easter and in the summer will undertake their exciting Qualifier in the Scottish Highlands. The students will fly to Inverness, from where they will travel onwards to Fort William. To ensure they are fully prepared for their expedition, the Sixth Formers will receive an additional day of training and learn how to capsize a boat safely in Loch Eil. The next day, their four-day canoeing expedition to Inverness will begin. The Gold students will canoe through the Highlands on the Caledonian Canal and explore Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness!

Miss Rachel Yaffe, DofE Co-Ordinator

My D of E Lola Smith, Year 9 Bronze

I started working towards my Bronze Award this year and completed a practice weekend and a qualifier expedition. The practice taught me lots of skills that I used during the qualifier expedition to the Chiltern Hills including how to put up a tent, cook on a gas stove and how to read a map. The walks on the expedition seemed really long but my group were very encouraging and we kept each other going. We were so tired that we all slept from 10pm to 6am! DofE has been a great experience and I’m so glad I can say I did it!

My D of E Lucie Bennett, Year 11 Silver

The first week of August was the start of a memorable challenge as I undertook my Silver Duke of Edinburgh Open Expedition on horseback in the Brecon Beacons. Meeting the five other riders for the first time was exciting but a little nerve-wracking as we had never met before, only via Zoom.

We spent the next four days on our practice expedition camping in the Brecons and learning how to navigate the Welsh countryside, manage our horses to ensure that they were safe and well cared for, and avoid errors such as pitching our tents on a hillside or forgetting to close the tent flaps so that the sheep didn’t take advantage of some cover. We had a few near misses!

Our tents, equipment and food were carried by our horses in tightly packed saddlebags, which had to be of equal weight to help the horses stay balanced on the mountain sides, some of which were extremely steep. We zig-zagged across the Brecons, crossed rivers and negotiated woodland and country lanes; the scenery was spectacular.

Three weeks later we all met up again for our qualifying expedition. This time we were better prepared for the challenges of the terrain, as well as how to pack our food and equipment, and faster at catching our horses at 6am from the large overgrown fields. They definitely had other plans and didn’t always make it easy for us!

I have made new friends, had many laughs (as well as tears), improved my horse-riding skills and certainly been challenged. I am now looking forward to completing my Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition on horseback with some of the same riders next year.

My D of E Maeve Goldman, Year 13 Gold

I was so excited to find a brilliant and unusual residential course for my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. I took part in the Rona Sailing Project, living on a boat with other teenagers, learning how to sail large yachts as a team. The course ran for five days. We were required to take turns steering the boat and looking for any obstacles in the water which might affect our sail. Most days we sailed overnight, using just the stars to guide our way, drinking hot chocolate and singing folk songs, trying our hardest to not get seasick.

It really was a great experience. I made so many new friends and have been invited back to sail on other projects with Rona and even take part in some racing. This project is fantastic for anyone, whether they have sailing experience or not. They go back to basics and by the end, everyone taking part felt confident steering the boat in strong conditions. I’d definitely recommend this course as a really good option for anyone thinking of doing a residential DofE course.

A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY FIELD TRIP TO YORKSHIRE

end of April, learning the skills needed to

ey also explored Scarborough’s place characteristics using the Great Places Wheel, street art and restaurant diversity, comparing the operation of the water and carbon cycles in two contrasting locations. they were able to have ice

impressive work ethics and enthusiasm for the practical side of Geography and were a Victoria Looker, Head of Geography

Culture Week

During the last week of April, we celebrated the many national cultures of Queenswood’s students and staff through a series of themed lunches and starter activities in lessons.

Each day the celebrations focused on a different continent. On Monday we honoured North and South America, with Peruvian chicken and Haitian dire ak pwa (a dish of beans and rice). On Tuesday our focus shifted to Africa, with delicious garba tuna from Côte d’Ivoire. Wednesday was Europe and Oceania day, with Huesenziwwi beef from Luxembourg, and on Thursday we celebrated Asia, with a beef kofta curry from

Pakistan. Each day the servery was decorated with flags and indigenous music played in the dining hall.

On Friday, pupils were encouraged to wear national dress or the colours of their national flags, and at lunchtime there was a sale of food from around the world.

Culture Week is the brainchild of the student-led Culture Society, established this academic year by Bella Avanzato, Tanya Demchak, Sophia Mikou and Konyinsola Salako (Year 13) to promote understanding of the diverse national identities that make up the Queenswood community.

Feria de Abril

To coincide with Culture Week, the Spanish Department organised Q’s very own Feria de Abril for Years 7 and 8 on Wednesday 26 April.

La Feria de Abril is a weeklong fair that takes place in Seville every spring. It is one of the most important events in the calendar and celebrates many Andalusian traditions.

Equipped with their flores de flamenca (flamenco flowers), pupils learnt about the history of the fair, danced sevillanas and enjoyed some traditional Spanish food. Two of our international pupils from Spain (Paula Alvarez Arias and Mònica Lagares Profitós) came to help and led the girls in a traditional Spanish toast.

Anna Sutton, Teacher of Spanish

GCSE AND A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY TRIP TO

Geographers from Years 10–13 enjoyed four unforgettable days in Iceland at the start of the Easter holidays, exploring the unique topography and immersing themselves in the culture.

SATURDAY 25 MARCH

Great first evening in Iceland, stopping off at the Bridge between

Such a fun glacier walk. Lots to learn about ice and the impacts of Climate Change on the glacier and lagoon.

The Lava Centre and Skogafoss.

Continents.

Lovely walk along the Black Beach looking at the basalt columns.

MONDAY 27 MARCH

A very snowy walk to see the magnificent two stage waterfall at Gulfoss.

Geysir!

Walking along the Mid Atlantic Ridge where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates pull apart.

This is also the site where Iceland’s parliament was established in 930AD.

Meeting some Icelandic horses.

Early morning visit to the most voluminous waterfall in Iceland.The Lava Show experience. Learning lots about what real lava does.

Walking tour of Reykjavik.

Year 10 smashed the Escape Rooms!Our last morning hike before some chill time at The Blue Lagoon.

TUESDAY 28 MARCH

THE OPENING OF THE

BELLMAN SIXTH FORM CENTRE

The stunningly renovated Bellman Sixth Form Centre was officially opened by the Chair of Governors, Mr James de Sausmarez, and the Principal, Mrs Jo Cameron, on Monday 12 September.

Pupils from Years 12 and 13 were joined by benefactors, governors, parents and members of staff to mark the occasion. Mr de Sausmarez paid tribute to the vision and generosity of those who facilitated this project – most notably the students themselves, who were involved at every stage of the design process.

The Bellman Sixth Form Centre has been open since April 2022, and students have really benefited from the sophisticated, versatile and purposeful working environment over the last year. The bleacher seating and self-contained work stations are in constant use, as are the conference tables and study booths on the mezzanine level. The break-out office rooms have proved extremely popular for group discussions and collaborations. Meanwhile, the coffee shop is open for business every weekday, with an extensive range of snacks, treats, hot and cold drinks on offer.

In addition to the renovated Sixth Form Centre, this year we launched our unique self-contained, self-catered student flat on campus. Each week a group of Sixth Form students spends four nights in the flat, learning to cater, clean and budget for themselves – the ideal preparation for life at university and beyond.

The flat experience was really enjoyable. We got an experience of what it would be like living on our own, as we would at university – cooking, coming home, using our own time in the evening, trying to prioritise socialising and working!

Sofia Martin, Year 13

L to R: Mr Ian Williams (Bursar), Mr Tim Garnham (Chair of Facilities Committee), Mr James de Sausmarez (Chair of Governors), Mrs Jo Cameron (Principal)

Sixth Form Lectures Peter Tatchell, Human Rights Activist

On Friday 25 November, Sixth Form students attended a very timely lecture from human rights activist Peter Tatchell.

He spoke about the importance of ‘active citizenship’, and gave a brief outline of his 55-year career of campaigning on a range of issues. He also offered an in-depth account of his recent activity in Qatar.

After the lecture, he took questions from the floor about current affairs, including the One Love armband controversy at the football World Cup.

Our students were extremely grateful to Peter for giving up his valuable time to visit Queenswood and for delivering such a thought-provoking lecture.

Inchara Athreya, Undergraduate University of Warwick

The Medical Society meets weekly in the Science Department, and is open to all Sixth Form students interested in pursuing a career in Medicine or Veterinary Science. As part of the Society’s programme for the academic year, they were delighted to receive a talk from Ms Inchara Athreya, arranged by Liza Tsepovatenko, Year 12.

We had a very informative online meeting on Monday 20 March with Inchara Athreya, an undergraduate student at the University of Warwick, who studies psychology and linguistics.

It was the first time this year that we had welcomed a guest speaker. She shared her experience of admission, transition from school to university, life on campus, some interesting projects she has worked on and her career plans.

She also gave the students some pieces of advice on university applications and we had a Q&A session.

Liza Tsepovatenko, Year 12

New Joiners 2022

We were thrilled to welcome 110 new joiners, spanning six year groups, to Queenswood in the 2022/2023 academic year. To celebrate their successful admissions journey, we were delighted to present them all with a purple joiners’ hoody.

Before the term started in September, our youngest cohort, Year 7, enjoyed an induction morning of Drama, Music and Art activities followed by a delicious lunch in the Dining Room with their families.

It was wonderful to see the students embarking upon their Queenswood careers and we have enjoyed watching them flourish throughout the year.

In Memoriam

Lord Stamp 1935 – 2022

We were saddened to learn of the passing of former School Governor Trevor Charles Bosworth Stamp, the 4th Baron Stamp, in October.

Lord Stamp served on the governing board for many years. He was a devoted and conscientious member of the Queenswood community, officiating at numerous school events – including, notably, the opening of the refurbished Stamp House in 2011 (pictured below). Beyond Queenswood, Lord Stamp enjoyed a long and highly distinguished career in medicine.

He was consultant physician and director of the Department of Bone and Mineral Metabolism, Institute of Orthopaedics, at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.

The Stamp family connection to Queenswood dates back to 1924, when Trevor’s grandfather, the celebrated economist Sir Josiah Stamp, joined the board of governors. He became Chairman in 1928, and was created the 1st Baron Stamp of Shortlands in 1938.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Lord Stamp’s family.

OQs In Memoriam 100

Years and Beyond

–

Elizabeth Hulbert (nee Brockman) passed away peacefully in November aged 102. Having attended Q from 1933–1938 she excelled at swimming, however, her school report also offered that ‘her conduct was not exemplary and if there was mischief in the air, she was invaribly involved!’ Her two daughters Anne and Jane also attended Q and her son attended Kingswood School in Bath. (Elizabeth is third in from the left on the front row.)

Elspeth Donaldson (nee Fairley) passed away peacefully in March at her care home in Edinburgh aged 101. Queenswood was the highlight of her life; she spoke very fondly of her time at Q right up until the end, and was most disappointed that she was not the oldest OQ!

Lord Stamp with former Principal Pauline Edgar; September 2011

Inter-House Debating

There were many powerful points made on both sides of the House, and a lively discussion followed the main speeches. The proposition argued that such a policy would raise educational standards and bring the teaching profession in line with many other sectors, while the opposition warned of the disadvantages to vulnerable or less able students whose teachers might be disincentivised, and examined the merits of education beyond examination results.

The standard of debate was very high, and all participants should be extremely proud of their performances. Congratulations to the overall winners, Hartley.

The finalists (left to right in the above picture) were:

The school assembled in the Chapel on Friday 19 May for a closely contested Inter-House Debating Competition.

Two speakers from each of the four competitive houses were tasked with setting out arguments for or against the motion, ‘This House believes that teachers should be paid according to their students’ results’.

Waller: Sofia Horne (Year 12), Saskia Gamble (Year 7)

Hartley: Rachel Fain (Year 7), Willow Hayes (Year 12)

Clapham North: Rachel Abratt (Year 12), Grace Brabin (Year 9)

Clapham South: Constantina Mouyia-Kadji (Year 8);

Sophia Solomou (Year 7)

Inter-House Spelling

Queenswood’s keenest wordsmiths battled it out in the Clarissa Farr Theatre on Wednesday 24 May as the four houses competed for the title of Inter-House Spelling Bee Champions 2023. Pupils faced a series of Boggle and anagram challenges, along with classic spelling bee word lists featuring terminology from English, Maths and Science. There were also a number of specialist rounds, such as Japanese loan words and vocabulary related to the King’s coronation.

The Senior competition, featuring pupils from Year 9 to 12, was won convincingly by Clapham South, who dominated the individual spelling rounds.

The Junior competition was extraordinarily close. After four games of Boggle and several spelling bee rounds, Clapham North and Clapham South were tied. In the end the competition came down to a speed anagram-solving question to decide the winner. Clapham South were victorious by a single point!

Mrs Truran (Head Librarian) and Mrs Folan (Teacher of English) were our hosts in dictionary corner and carried the final decision on any ties.

Wordsmith of the House awards were given to those students, as nominated by their peers, who performed the best in the two halves of the competition. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Staff News

CHLOE BASSETT

Mhairi Bullock, Head of PE CINDY CHO

Coral Smith, Head of Science

JONATHAN DOBSON

Nick Kelley, Head of Publicity

BRENDA GILLON

Ian Sheldon, Senior Deputy Head

RACHEL HUNTER

Charley Phillips, Centre Housemistress

JULIE KEMP

Violaine Ludwick, Assistant Head Boarding

LUCIA LAW

Mamadou Camara, Teacher of French REVEREND VINDRA MARAJ-OGDEN

Jo Cameron, Principal

EMILY MOORE

Ian Sheldon, Senior Deputy Head FLEUR MOORE-BRIDGER

Laura Warren, Teacher of Classical Civilisation, Latin and Ancient Greek ANDREW NEWBY

Stephen Paine, Head of Mathematics

ALICE RIHOVA

LESLEY TILLOTSON

LIEZL SCOTT

Ian Sheldon, Senior Deputy Head

JAYNE TRURAN

Ian Sheldon, Senior Deputy Head

SUSAN SCRIVEN

Coral Smith, Head of Science

JANE

Stephen Daughton, Assistant Head: Data, Teaching and Learning

KITTY TAYLOR

Donna Cresswell, Director of External Relations

AMBER WAIGHT

Violaine Ludwick, Assistant Head Boarding

Nick Kelley, Head of Publicity

VAN DER MAAT

Rose New, Head of English

Queenswood celebrates THE CORONATION

To commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III, we were delighted to unveil a beautiful bench encircling the catalpa tree on Trew Lawn on Friday 5 May. The tree was planted in 1946 by Miss Ethel Trew, former Headmistress at Queenswood (1897–1943) to celebrate the School’s Golden Jubilee.

From the bench, the Queenswood community will enjoy stunning views of Trew House and the surrounding grounds for many years to come. Mrs Cameron and pupils from Year 7 were eager to be the first to try out this new ‘best seat in the house’ and even braved the rain to do so!

A Coronation message from His Majesty The King

As the Coronation weekend draws to a close, my wife and I just wanted to share our most sincere and heartfelt thanks to all those who have helped to make this such a special occasion. We pay particular tribute to the countless people who have given their time and dedication to ensuring that the celebrations in London, Windsor and further afield were as happy, safe and enjoyable as possible.

To those who joined in the celebrations – whether at home, at street parties and lunches, or by volunteering in communities – we thank you, each and every one.

To know that we have your support and encouragement, and to witness your kindness expressed in so many different ways, has been the greatest possible Coronation gift, as we now rededicate our lives to serving the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and Commonwealth.

Charles R

HEAD GIRL’S REFLECTIONS

What a journey!

The idea that seven years of my life have passed in the ‘blink of an eye’ is incomprehensible. To reminisce on how much I have grown and achieved in that so-called ‘blink’ is even more eye opening. To clarify, by growth I of course mean my personality, not my height.

I can remember my thrilling Year 7 experiences like it was yesterday. Scurrying to lunch after art to avoid the stampede of the rest of the school, prancing around the Stamp garden as we began our career to be social media famous and of course my personal favourite – participating in sporting clubs all day, every day. From my first day at school, my aspiration to play for the GB hockey squad in the Olympics was always a goal and never a fantasy and I couldn’t thank this school enough for helping me pursue my dreams.

My most significant takeaway from my Queenswood experience follows my favourite quote, ‘only those who can see the invisible can do the impossible’. Whenever I had considered that I had reached my limit, this school always encouraged me to push myself further and reach my potential. So, I’d like to thank everyone in our Queenswood bubble for making my experience so special and fulfilling.

It has been an honour and privilege to have been your Head Girl this year. The role has provided me with the opportunity to give back to the school and inspire others to achieve their dreams, no matter how ‘impossible’ they sound.

As I approach the end of my Q journey, I am sad to leave something so special, but excited to begin my next chapter. You never know when I might be back to visit Queenswood, I just hope it will be with an Olympic gold medal around my neck!

Sofia Martin, Head Girl 2022-23

A feast FIT FOR A KING

Continuing the Coronation celebrations, the Dining Room was bedecked in glorious red, white and blue, ready for our scrumptious party lunch. Queenswood’s fantastic Catering team served a quintessentially British menu including fish and chips and a garden party cream tea, all of which was eagerly devoured by the pupils!

The festivities continued with a Coronation quiz hosted by Mr Daughton, and staff and pupils enjoyed a singalong to the official Spotify Coronation playlist.

The boarding houses contributed to the School’s celebrations with a display of homemade bunting and a Design Your Own Crown Competition, which was won by Poppy Floyd and Siena Field (Year 9), who created a very fetching ‘Q Queens’ design. The whole Q community extended their grateful thanks to evryone who made this occasion so memorable.