LUCKLEY LIFE
AUTUMN 2020 ISSUE 20
THE NEWSLETTER FOR LUCKLEY HOUSE SCHOOL
A WORD FROM THE HEAD
WHERE THERE IS BELIEF........... We had such fun this term working with professional photographers to produce our new marketing campaign. The result is a set of striking, authentic images that depict the genuine ambitions of some of our students. We are delighted that we were able to show such a diverse range of aspirations, which is reflective of the Luckley student body. We take great pride in giving our students the support they need to work towards achieving their dreams. Where there is belief, there really is possibility!
Areti Bizior, Head This has certainly been an unusual term for us all, but it has not stopped the Luckey House spirit and determination from shining through. Whilst we have needed to manage things differently, we have still enjoyed a vast number of events and celebrations in school this term. I am enormously grateful to all pupils who participated in the ‘Where there is Belief’ campaign. I truly support inspiration and aspiration for our whole community. With motivation to succeed, a determination to aim high, willingness to work hard and self-belief, anything is possible. Most importantly through this campaign, was the opportunity to really understand the aspirations of our pupils. They are right to strive for the best and it was wonderful to see the diverse range of talent and aspirations they hold. Be it the Sixth Form preparing the Remembrance Service, the whole community participating in the charity drive or the aspiring chefs showing off their skills in the Luckley House Bake-Off, talent has shone throughout. The Music and Drama departments have continued to encourage and celebrate the creative arts and we have been very fortunate, not only to enjoy fantastic GCSE and A level work this term, but also the wonderful concerts and Carol Service. Sport has flourished, with many pupils enjoying the kind donation of rowing machines from the Luckley House Friends and the wide array of sport on offer, both during lesson times and as part of the extended-day. There are many exciting developments planned for Luckley and I look forward to sharing some of these with you soon. May I wish you all a wonderful and blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy and safe new year.
See the full set of images on Facebook and Twitter.
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Luckle HOUSE SCHOOL
LEST WE FORGET On 11 November, Sixth Form and members of the CCF gathered in Drake Hall to take part in our Remembrance Service, while the other year groups watched the event streamed live to their class rooms. Emma H began the service with a sobering performance of ‘Pie Jesu’, followed by opening remarks and a prayer from Mrs Bizior. Readings were given by Head Student, Poppy P, her deputy, Jess G and A level Drama students Lauren H, Abi Y and Kayleigh W, as well as a poetry reading by Emma H. The service was interspersed with performances by the Sixth Form Vocal Ensemble accompanied by Mr McKenna, and the Last Post played by Mr Ellwood. Our thanks to Director of Music, Mrs Ellwood for organising the musical performances, Head of CCF, Mr McNaughton and Theatre Manager, Mr Bamber for his assistance in streaming the service to the rest of the school. By Jess G, Deputy Head Student
HEAD STUDENT’S TERMLY REVIEW
Poppy P, Head Student After remote schooling during the summer of 2020, it was great to be back at school. We are so grateful to all the teaching staff, support staff and leadership team that have made it safe and possible for us to be back in school and who have worked so hard to make it such a rewarding term. Thank you. Despite all the bubbles and changes to timetables, the term has been packed. We all enjoyed the lead up to Christmas; the Carol Service was recorded and streamed to the school community and we all thoroughly enjoyed our ‘Christmas Extravaganzas’, Christmas lunches and Christmas Jumper Day! I hope the Year 7s, who have settled in well, enjoyed their first Luckley Christmas even if it was slightly different! On the academic front the Year 11s and 13s have been able to get some good work done as they prepare for their public examinations. Personal Statements have been written, UCAS forms filled in and university offers are just beginning to come through. There was a very good ‘Into the Sixth’ evening promoting what Luckley has to offer at Sixth Form.
CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY On Friday 11 December, the school community took part in a Christmas Jumper Day to raise money for Save the Children and our school charities. Many staff and pupils took part in this event, and the Sixth Form Senior Team hosted a Christmas Jumper Parade, in bubbles, at break time, where we judged the best jumpers. There was a huge amount of competition, and it was very difficult to judge, however we did manage to pick some winners – many congratulations to Jayden B (7H), Rowan A (8H), Tegan H (9S), Shira B (9S), Caleb L (12L) and Miss Vallance and Mr Humphrey. By Isobel B, Sixth Form
On the sports field, although there have not been many fixtures, we have all had the opportunity to try different sports and perhaps try something new, such as using the rowing machines which were recently added to the department, or being selected to be part of the Athlete Development Plan. Drama has also been busy with wonderful performances by the A level and GCSE candidates as they completed their devised pieces earlier this term. In November, we held our poignant Remembrance Service with so many Luckley students contributing to what was a wonderful service. As we break up, may I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all back at Luckley in 2021.
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CHALLENGES FOR YEAR 7 AND 8 By Mrs Esther Brown, Head of Transition and Years 7 & 8 A wonderful way to begin the new term. As daunting as a start in ‘the new normal’ was, it was refreshing to be able to take the whole of the Year 7s out of school as we hired out Oakwood Outdoor Activities Centre and were able to enjoy some team building activities outside. The weather was kind and the sun came out as they participated in a range of activities from archery, to the high and low ropes, the leap of faith and mountain boarding. It was amazing to visibly see every one forming new friendships and being so supportive of one another. The care and kindness in this year group has certainly been visible all term and I am very proud of all they have achieved to date.
Year 8 pupils were very keen to embark on a school activity after missing events scheduled for the summer of 2020, so they relished the opportunity to don a wet suit and get on the lake. The first activities were the dragon boat racing, paddleboarding and kayaking, in beautiful sunshine. It was so lovely to see everyone enjoying being back with their friends and having a fantastic time. This year group were so good at supporting one another and they were genuinely happy to be partaking in the activities. Then the weather changed and, in an instant, we were in the midst of a full-scale hail storm – it was most certainly freak weather. Luckily this arrived over lunchtime and by the afternoon, the rain dried up and they were all able to do the raft building task. This was so good to watch as due attention was given to the careful tying of ropes around large barrels to ensure their raft floated. Not all rafts made it around the course. I am left with a residing memory of Alex H-L sat on top of a barrel, completely dry, whilst the rest of the raft collapsed around him! A great day was had by pupils and staff alike and some wonderful memories were made.
A VIRTUAL TASTE OF LUCKLEY! In these very different times we were tasked with creating a ‘Luckley experience’ for Year 6 pupils who are considering the School for 2021 entry. So, on Saturday 14 November, 60 children joined us for an ‘interactive virtual taster day’. Each child received a goodie bag of materials for the session so that they could join in from home. The event began with a welcome from Head, Mrs Bizior and Head of Transition, Mrs Brown, followed by fun ice breaker games. Some of our Year 7 pupils then held a Q&A session, giving an account of different aspects of life as a Luckley pupil. The pupils took part in five interactive lessons led by our amazing teaching staff: Mrs Gibson demonstrated how to create fun animal cupcakes (some fabulous creations are shown opposite); Mr Vallance wowed with his Mathemagical skills; Mr Battrick led an art session producing some stunning 3D effect artwork; Mr Beasley guided the pupils through some intriguing cypher decoding and finally, Mr Humphrey had the group doing star jumps and planks, amongst other energetic exercises, in his PE sesssion. The feedback from the event was extremely positive and we look forward to welcoming many of the pupils to Luckley as Year 7 pupils next year, or Year 9 in 2023.
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MUSICAL INTERLUDE By Director of Music, Mrs Janice Ellwood Despite the current restrictions, Music at Luckley has been busier than ever, with live and virtual performances taking place showcasing the talents of our young musicians.
GCSE and A Level Showcase Event As part of the students’ course work they performed to each other in our annual showcase event. This was a fabulous evening of live outstanding performances in The Whitty Theatre and was recorded and shared with parents.
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The Christmas Cheer Concert This year was slightly different as the concert was virtual! Performers were filmed in the theatre, with the event streamed and enjoyed by many in the comfort of their own homes! The concert was full of a great variety of performances including Christmas favourites,Beethoven piano sonatas, heavy rock and the Beatles. It was a wonderful display of the rich and diverse musical talent we have here at Luckley. A massive well done to all involved.
Virtual Carol Service This Year Luckley filmed the Carol Service at All Saints Church. This brought new challenges, but with lots of rehearsals and imagination the service was just as special as previous years; full of beautiful choir performances, readings and poems all in atmospheric candlelight. It really did give a very festive end to the term.
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THEATRE NEWS By Director of Drama, Mrs Esther Brown
GCSE and A Level Devised Pieces The current Year 11 and Year 13 cohort were originally due to record their pieces during the summer of 2020, but this was not to be with the arrival of the pandemic. Not to be swayed, the students returned to school in September, eager to finish their hard work. Working to a very tight time schedule, due to the amount of time lost, the two GCSE groups and the A level group produced some breathtaking work. We were sad not to welcome their families into The Whitty Theatre to watch these performances, but we have uploaded the performances onto the relevant student ‘Team’ on Microsoft so that these can be viewed by immediate family members over the festive period. I would like to extend my huge congratulations and thanks to all students involved in these pieces, it was wonderful to see some live theatre again. My thanks also go to Mr Bamber for his technical expertise in bringing the students’ ideas to life.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION By Outdoor Education Coordinator, Mr Scot McNaughton
The Duke of Edinburgh Award Sheme Despite the difficulties encountered this year we have had a really healthy cohort of participants in Year 9 taking part in their Bronze Award. The pupils have found inventive ways to engage in their various sections; particularly volunteering, which is proving more difficult to access. Many are helping out local charities from home by doing cake sales and awareness campaigns or helping younger siblings with school subjects or reading. Whilst last year’s Bronze groups have not had a chance to do their expedition this season, we are confident that we will get them out soon so they can fully immerse themselves in the complete expedition experience! Many pupils have signed up for the Silver Award this year, which is really encouraging and they have the added bonus of using their Silver practice expedition to count towards the completion of their Bronze award! Even with some of these challenging adversities, the DofE Award continues to demonstrate that our young people can overcome obstacles and still achieve their goals. Well done everyone!
Combined Cadet Force The CCF has also encountered some difficult obstacles, not least the inability to visit Pangbourne College for our usual training sessions. However, once again it is all credit to our resilient pupils that not only have we got a really nice group of super keen Year 9s but we also have our current Year 10s who joined last year continuing to attend training at school and itching to get back to their unit at Pangbourne as soon as we are able. Whilst we are somewhat limited to certain resources, the CCF groups are still enjoying various aspects of military which will include outdoor cooking and rations, drill training, night manoeuvres, camouflage techniques and various other skills and confidence / team building exercises.
LIBRARY UPDATE We have been busy adapting the Library service to ensure all pupils have access to books while remaining safely in their bubbles. We’ve launched our Click & Deliver service, encouraging pupils to request books online and then delivering them to their tutor rooms. The House Reading Challenge is also online this year and book reviews have come flooding in via Microsoft Teams, with Mrs Bizior awarding her ‘review of the week’ in assembly each Monday. We celebrated NonFiction November in library lessons and pupils have been dipping into information books and sharing interesting facts.
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LUCKLEY HOUSE FRIENDS “Parents working together for our children” The dedicated team of the Luckley House Friends are pleased to report our most productive term ever. Despite “you know what” we have never invested more in the School and the long-term future of the pupils. We held our first meeting with Mrs Bizior and discussed key themes and her vision for the School and look forward to supporting many exciting future projects. We also launched, what we hope will become a new Luckley House tradition, The Chocolate Coin Dash. After all who says chocolate treats should only be at Easter time?!
Mrs Ellwood is also delighted with the new instruments ordered for the Music Department, which we were delighted to see during the Christmas Cheer concert. The Sixth Form is very pleased with the further renovation of their study area which has also been funded by the LHF. ‘The Tudor Room’ will be formally opened in the new year when red ribbon and scissor restrictions are lifted.
The Secondhand Uniform shop is now open again for business and donations. For new requests, please send an email to the Luckley House Friends email address luckleyhousefriends@ luckleyhouseschool.org with details of the uniform items you require. Like a special virtual Father Christmas, we have been delivering presents and good cheer to all parts of the school; Mr Beasley with the support of HP and parent, Helen Wells, has been testing the very latest in virtual reality (VR) and we are purchasing some state-of-the-art kit which can be used in many different subjects and projects. Mr Humphrey is working pupils in all year groups through their paces with the new rowing machines; thanks to Gill Shaw for helping with some free coaching and sourcing the machines.
Luckley House Friends supports and funds non-academic events and projects at Luckley. The Committee, a group of parents and Luckley staff, are always keen to hear from other parents, so if you would like to find out more or get involved please contact us via Parent’s Hub www. luckleyhouseschool.org/about-us/luckley-house-friends/ If you know anyone who is willing or able to help please email us at Luckleyhousefriends@luckleyhouseschool.org.
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Finally, once restrictions are lifted, we will hold a welcome event for new parents and also host the Quiz Night that was so successful in 2019. We are already planning for Firework Night 2021. Have a great Christmas break. By Tim Foster, on behalf of Luckley House Friends
HOUSE BAKE-OFF Over two lunchtimes, pupils from Years 7 and 8 baked and decorated cupcakes with a ‘Christmas’ theme. The judges (Mrs Bizior, Mrs Crombie and our own Prue Leith, Mrs Williams) marked each team on baking skills, organisation and tidiness, cake texture, taste, presentation and originality. All four teams worked extremely well and produced some beautifully decorated cakes with reindeer, snowmen, Christmas trees and even brussel sprouts! The results were very close but Amelie S and Imogen H were announced as overall winners for Cornish House. Well done everyone. 0118 978 4175
SPORTS BOARD
BOARDING NEWS By Joint Head of Boarding, Mrs Kim Elwood What an exciting and fun term we have had! With the new ‘normal’, boarding has focused on ensuring the students come back to a safe, relaxing and enjoyable environment. This year we have moved into the new boarding house and welcomed four new boarders who we have all enjoyed getting to know.
Poppy and Joe Sports Captains
We had a great time on our welcome weekend when we went paddle-boarding and kayaking. Both activities also provided a great chance for students to push the staff into the water and it was lovely to see everyone coming out of their shells and seeing new relationships formed.
Although COVID-19 has limited the number of fixtures that could occur this term, sport has still been very busy. There have been several keenly fought inter-house senior and junior football competitions as well as inter-house netball competitions for the girls. Next term sees an inaugural inter-house indoor rowing competition, so keep an eye out and give your support. This term has seen some amazing performances, special mentions to Sam W who has been selected for Middlesex CCC Academy again and Lucy B’s selection for U17 Surrey Storm Netball Team. The Sports Department has also worked hard to roll out the Athlete Development Plan, which aims to encourage keen and talented individuals to improve in their chosen sports by working on strength and conditioning and making programmes specific to the individual. A huge thank you to Mr Standing for all his efforts in organising this. Alongside this, 148 different individuals from years 7-11 have attended sports extended-day clubs. In addition to the current clubs available this term, we hope that there will be a return of hockey at Cantley Park next term. We have recently had some new equipment in the gym, the new rowing machines have been a great addition and are regularly used. This term’s All-Stars have been selected for their commitment, achievement and progress in sport. Below are the nominated students. A huge congratulations to them all: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
Shira B – Year 9 Alex H-L – Year 8 Lucas H – Year 9 Rory A – Year 7 Flo M – Year 7 Bea M – Year 7 Erin H – Year 8 Toby K – Year 11 Jake F – Year 10 Daniel K – Year 7 Maisie-Jane C – Year 11
There have been many memorable moments; pizza making, movie night, games, and quizzes, an amazing Thanks Giving meal, birthday celebrations and our sparklers and fire pit night, to name just a few! During evening activities, students have enjoyed taking advantage of the new communal area, preparing snacks or socialising with each other. Sunday evenings are always great fun, playing on the Wii, competing on Mario Kart and ‘Just Dance’ with the boarders showing off their moves! Within the first week of December, Year 7 and 8 pupils had the opportunity to experience life in boarding as their extended day activity. It was great to see the boarding house so full and everyone enjoying themselves with numerous different activities going on, such as table tennis, Wii and even a boarding word search! We love to see that so many students are choosing to flexi-board after their experience and that they can see the fantastic benefit of boarding life! Our boarders have had personal successes this term; some have learnt to drive, some appointed school prefects, while others continue to make great strides in their academic progress! We are very proud of each and every one of their achievements, no matter how big or small they are. Wishing all students and parents and guardians a very Happy Christmas and we look forward to welcoming you back in the new year!
We are very grateful to the sports staff who have worked so hard and been so flexible as rule changes and guidelines were released, to ensure that sport can carry on. And thank you to you all for your enthusiasm to want to take part. We look forward to getting back some fixtures again in 2021.
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LEARNING IN COVID TMES MENTORING SCHEME On joining Luckley Sixth Form, all students are given the opportunity to be linked with a past pupil who is either studying at university, or in the early stages of their career, in a subject they may be considering. The aim of the programme is to give the students somebody to gain first hand knowledge and advice from and to hopefully develop a friendship to support them throughout Sixth Form. Following a one-to-one meeting with our Alumni Coordinator, Mrs Hawkins to talk about their future plans, students choose two or three alumni they think could be a good match to offer some advice. The alumni are always keen to give something back to the current students, and this year has been especially successful. Year 12 students are now in email contact with people from a wide range of subjects including Veterinary, Medicine, Economics, Marketing, Psychology and the Police Force to name a few. Maddie W said: “Mentoring has been really helpful. It has given me an insight into Veterinary Medicine, which I would not have been able get with just research online. I have learnt so much in just a couple of email exchanges.”
CHARITY UPDATE ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive ’ The values our School are based upon teaching our pupils the gift of generosity and love. It is with great pride that we can celebrate acts of kindness that have been shown to the local community this term. The year started with a tasty MacMillan coffee morning arranged by our boarding students and staff. With online donations and cake sales the grand total of £436.97 was raised. Shortly after, our Charity Prefects were appointed and they arranged the first Mufti day of the year, in aid of Group Strep B - a cause that is close to many of our hearts. Thank you to everyone that participated, raising a fantastic £403.55. This year, more than ever, we have wanted to give a little back to our local community and to support those less fortunate. Our Luckley students, staff and families have come together to help the Wokingham Food Bank Christmas appeal and together we have donated 123.35 kg of Christmas treats and food. It has been so heart-warming to see the donation boxes fill up with food each day.
By Lauren H, Year 13
I think we can all agree that this year has been a challenging one for everyone, particularly for those in the education system. Both teachers and students across the country have been battling to get work and content completed. Thankfully, due to the excellent teaching staff and the resilient students here at Luckley, the school is back on track. The effort from staff and students has meant that across the school predicted grades have been met and exceeded, despite the challenges we have faced. Although academics and grades are important, there are many other skills that are of equal importance. Students at Luckley have taken the opportunity to learn new skills and develop their personalities in an extremely positive way. Increased motivation and resilience have been evident in students’ work, as well as in the house competitions. For example, the house football and netball competitions showed many were still keen to try their hardest and keep going. Furthermore, the ‘Christmas Bake off’ proved some students had taken lockdown as an opportunity to learn to bake and decorate cakes. According to the judges of this competition the cakes were ‘extremely tasty’ and ‘wonderful to look at’. As a student myself and Head of House at Luckley, I have seen first-hand how much more dedicated the students have become. It’s clear that students have taken this unfortunate situation and used it as an opportunity to learn and develop. As a result, the school is functioning near normal and the happiness and joy that once filled Luckley has now returned after a long period away. I would like to end by giving thanks to everyone that has made this term successful. From the teachers to the students and everyone else who have been working behind the scenes, thank you. Covid has taken a lot from us this year but it hasn’t taken away the excellent learning and the passionate people that are here at Luckley. I’m sure next year, learning at Luckley will be just as successful and hopefully more normality will be returned to schools. Until then I wish everybody here at Luckley a merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Merry Christmas to the Luckley House Community
Our donations to Wokingham Food Bank WWW.LUCKLEYHOUSESCHOOL.ORG
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