Luckley Life - Autumn Term 2023

LUCKLEY LIFE

AUTUMN 2023

THE NEWSLETTER FOR LUCKLEY HOUSE SCHOOL

NATIONAL LITERACY FUNDRAISER

STAY DRY, LUCKLEY STYLE

On Monday 13 November we held a Literary Trust Fundraiser event, organised by Head of English, Miss Darshan Bahbra.

Don’t let a sudden downpour ruin your day! Stay prepared with a stylish Luckley golf umbrella; the perfect accessory to keep you dry and looking fabulous. We have a limited number available at only £15 each. So don’t delay; order today via marketing@luckleyhouseschool.org. The cost will be added to your end of term bill.

The event, which included a “Read it, Swap it” stall, a cake sale and a craft stall, was a huge success, raising an amazing £974.40.

A big thank you to Miss Bahbra and her department, plus all the volunteers that helped on the day, as well as the staff, parents and pupils who donated items for the event.

KING CHARLES III - THE LEADERSHIP AND VISION OF A MODERN MONACH Luckley House School is proud to be an editorial partner of ‘King Charles III - The Leadership and Vision of a Modern Monarch’, by royal author Robert Jobson and featuring the work of royal photographer, Arthur Edwards.

LUCKLEY LECTURES MYTHS OF THE SLAVE TRADE The legacy of the transatlantic slave trade reverberates to this day, just as modern-day enslavement is growing.

Luckley's Head of History, Mr Sebastian Phillips delivered a thought-provoking lecture that challenged the comforting myths we have been led to believe ended the transatlantic slave trade.

Mr Phillips took us through to the modern day, leaving us with much to contemplate.

Watch this engaging Luckley lecture at https://lnkd.in/eR5N84re.

Publisher, St James’s House announced the launch of the new book at Claridge’s in central London on His Majesty’s 75th birthday; 14 November 2023.

Produced in the year of His Majesty’s coronation, this beautifully presented, fully illustrated hardback book has been written by The New York Times bestselling author, Robert Jobson. Charting Charles’ life from his celebrated birth and early years, through his role and responsibilities as the Prince of Wales, to his accession and coronation as King, the book reflects on the ideas and issues that he has championed along the way. It also considers how the King intends to shape a relevant and future-facing monarchy for the world of today and tomorrow.

Kat Intxaurbe

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SPRING 2023

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT NEWS

By Miss Darshan Bahbra, Head of English

ENGLISH LITERATURE CULTURAL WEEKEND In October, Year 12 and 13 English Literature students were treated to a weekend filled with cultural delights. The adventure commenced with a spine-chilling experience on Friday the 13th, as they attended a gripping production of “The Haunting” at South Hill Park Arts Centre. Drawing inspiration from the literary works of Charles Dickens, the play unfolded a captivating tale of betrayal and deception, holding the entire audience in suspense from start to finish.

YOUTH SPEAKS We hosted the Rotary Youthspeaks competition this term. Both our intermediate (Brayden, Betsie and Akshaj) and senior teams (Tara, Dylan and Ella) spoke brilliantly, with the Luckley senior team winning against Wellington College and now going on to compete in the regionals. Thank you to English Teacher, Mrs Angie Chick for supporting our teams – it was a fabulous evening.

The cultural journey continued the next day with a visit to the Jane Austen House Museum, nestled in the quaint village of Alton. Here students immersed themselves in the picturesque surroundings of the home where Jane Austen spent many joyful years. The visit offered a fascinating glimpse into Austen’s life, family, and literary contributions. Students were delighted to engage in the era’s fashion, dressing up in beautiful clothing reminiscent of the time, before perusing a treasure trove of books in the museum’s gift shop. The weekend proved to be a perfect blend of theatrical thrills and literary exploration, leaving our literature enthusiasts enriched and inspired.

LUCKLEY LIBRARY LOVES Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah Review by Samuel N, Year 9

Alem is in an unsafe situation. His father is Ethiopian and his mother is of Eritrean descent, and with the two countries at war, he isn’t safe in either country. With tensions rising, Alem’s father takes his son to Britain, and does the unthinkable, leaving Alem alone in Britain as a refugee.

This novel ultimately shows the many difficulties that refugees face, from applying for political asylum to thinking of the conflicts back home. Alem is a brave and courageous boy who keeps a level head despite a rollercoaster of events that happen throughout the novel.

This book was a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a powerful, moving book.

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MFL DEPARTMENT NEWS

By Mrs Holly Hinz, Acting Head of MFL We had an exciting and enriching week during our ‘Language Week’ celebrations this term. Our pupils showcased their linguistic talents and embraced the cultural diversity that languages bring to our lives. Here is a recap of the highlights: Our week began with a captivating performance by Kiana (Year 10) and Sarah-Jane (Year 11), who sang in Māori and French respectively. Their melodious voices set the tone for a week filled with cultural exploration.

Throughout the week, our language teachers showcased their multilingual talents, offering Italian, Mandarin, and multilingual rock painting sessions. The rock painting was a particular success with a guest visitor: Lisa Liang, our Chinese tutor, showed us how to create Chinese characters in calligraphy format using an ink formula that has been used for over 300 years! Pupils and staff were encouraged to join, ensuring a fun and educational experience for all.

Our staff and pupils collaborated to create an entertaining video assembly on the origins of the English language. It was an informative and humorous look at our linguistic history and it had everyone in stitches with the acting skills of over 100 members of our Luckley community!

Pupils had a blast during form time, participating in a quiz. The winning form groups from each year won culinary rewards in the form of German Haribo; pupils had to brush up on their geography and world language knowledge and the form tutors were seriously impressed at their knowledge of the world around them.

In our Jetsetters enrichment club Year 7 and 8 pupils enjoyed a delicious challenge of making "multi-kulti" pancakes! From German-themed Black Forest gateau pancakes to Crêpe Suzette, they had a culinary adventure, all the while creating their own flavour combinations. The winner was Bade (Year 8) with her orange scented stack of scotch pancakes with salted caramel and dulce de leche sauce.

One day during the week our wonderful catering team served meals influenced by various cultures offering a culinary journey for our pupils including coq au vin, croquetas, risotto, minestrone and Black Forest gateau.

Our budding artists and photographers in Years 7, 8, and 9 had the chance to submit their work, symbolising the word “DIVERSITY.” Key Stage 4 and 5 students took on the theme of “COMMUNICATION.” Year 7 pupils rounded the week off with a judged competition in which they won prizes for the most decorative and ingenious monument replicas; French students had a go at creating Le Louvre, while Spanish and German students chose Gaudi’s cathedral in Barcelona and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin respectively – these were created from spaghetti, icing, cake decorations and marshmallows.

Year 8 pupils enjoyed a codecracking session, winning treats for their linguistic ingenuity, while Year 9 pupils created beautiful artwork to be displayed in Woodlands. Having watched Onatti films during the week with Year 10 and Year 11 pupils, we look forward to the remaining German Onatti play coming to visit us in February, following the excellent viewing of the French and Spanish plays in November.

Please enjoy the blessing that was played at the beginning of our assembly to mark Languages Week: The WORLD BLESSING 2023

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Evelyn, Year 7 Soloist

LEST WE FORGET The Luckley community gathered for our annual Remembrance Service on 19 November, led by Revd Rob Wynford-Harris, the Senior Prefect Team, Mr Adam Hartley, Mr Ian Cross and the CCF cadets. The service was interspersed with fitting musical performances by our talented students and the Last Post played

by Mr Ellwood.

CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY On Friday 1 December, we celebrated Christmas Jumper Day, where pupils showcased a festive array of jumpers in a lively parade during the morning break. The winners were announced during the end-of-term assembly, with Year 7 pupil, Marilia winning the ‘Best Jumper’ title.

YEAR 8 UNDER THE STARS Year 8 pupils embarked on a delightful overnight 'Glamping and Outdoor Cinema Experience.' Pupils adorned their tents with creative bunting and battery-powered fairy lights, vying for the coveted prizes awarded to the most captivating setups.

For supper, the pupils indulged in freshly made pizza, expertly cooked in the wood-fired pizza oven which was bought for the School by Luckley House Friends. The evening unfolded as pupils cozied up to watch a film under the stars, culminating in a sweet finale of toasted marshmallows. Notably, the event embraced a phone-free atmosphere, fostering a social ambiance that allowed the year group to connect and engage fully in the shared experience.

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OAKWOOD CHALLENGE Year 7 pupils enjoyed the traditional start of their life at Luckley with a day out at the Oakwood Outdoor Activities Centre to enjoy team building activities. In groups, the pupils took part in a range of activities from archery, to the high and low ropes, the leap of faith and mountain boarding.

Head of Section (Lower School), Mrs Esther Brown commented on how pleasing it was to see the pupils forming new friendships and being so supportive of one another.

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CELEBRATING OUR ARTISTIC CREATIVITY

By Ms Lucy Harris, Head of Art and Photography

SCHOLARS’ ART EXHIBITION The Art Department showcased a selection of inspirational art and photography at this year's Scholars' Dinners, in the Whitty Foyer. Art Scholars were also invited to submit work under the theme of 'Reflection', which saw outstanding entries from all years.

Reflections in eyes, mirrors, water, and pattern were just some of the interesting approaches pupils took to the theme.

LUCKLEY CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION This year’s Christmas card competition was very popular, with entries from pupils across Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. Pupils entered creative submissions in a host of different media including photography, collage and paint. The brief was simple; to depict the traditional Christmas story, but pupils rose above and beyond the challenge entering some wonderful and unique ideas, resulting in a tough decision for Mrs Bizior. This year’s winner was Bade from Year 8 with her colour composition of three baubles in the foreground, with the nativity scene in the distance.

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CELEBRATING OUR ARTISTIC CREATIVITY

By Ms Lucy Harris, Head of Art and Photography

GCSE & A LEVEL VISIT TO THE TATE MODERN Art, Photography and Graphics students in Years 10,11,12 and 13 visited the Tate Modern Art Gallery this term to enhance and inspire their coursework portfolios. Students saw the work of some of the world’s leading and most famous artists before venturing up to the 10th floor to take photos of London’s iconic skyline. A Level students also had the opportunity to attend the sell out exhibition ‘Capturing the Moment’, where they saw an eclectic mix of photography and art, an exhibition which explored the relationship between the two disciplines.

ISA ART COMPETITION 2023 We submitted two entries into the prestigious Independent Schools Association Art Competition this term. Hannah L-S and Emmy W both produced outstanding work; Emmy with her incredibly detailed drawings of two of the 'Big Five' and Hannah with her captivatingly colourful portrait entitled 'A Stream of Consciousness'. After a long day and all the pieces being scrutinised by the judges and other schools alike, it was announced that Hannah had been placed 2nd. Well done to both girls, you did brilliantly and we are very proud of you.

By Emmy W ‘LUCKLEY CREATES’ This term saw the introduction of the ‘Luckley Creates’ enrichment club. Pupils were given the opportunity to choose and work with lots of different media, including clay, watercolour paint, pencil and pen. Botanical watercolour painting, graffiti lettering, clay pinch pots and drawing the human anatomy were just some of the areas pupils explored this term. Next term they can look forward to more clay work, an introduction to painting with acrylic, decoupage and origami.

By Hannah L-S

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HOUSE DANCE COMPETITION This term the House Dance Competition took place in The Whitty Theatre. The choreographers from the four Houses were challenged with creating a routine using props to tell a story. The four soloists - Ellia, Ottie, Aria and Millie all performed brilliantly and were inspiring. The competition was judged by Melanie Woodward, the Principal of Berkshire and Henley School of Dance, who gave some very helpful feedback to the dancers. The overall winning House was Randle.

Mrs Rachel Kempton, Teacher of Dance

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MUSICAL INTERLUDE Mrs Janice Ellwood, Director of Music

GCSE AND A LEVEL MUSIC STUDENTS’ CONCERT We hosted our annual concert for our Music Scholars, providing a platform for them to showcase their performance coursework.

The evening was brimming with talent, ranging from the new Year 10 GCSE students, some making their debut solo performances at Luckley, to the seasoned Sixth Form musicians performing at diploma level. The repertoire covered a wide spectrum, from Mozart to Guns and Roses! Each performance was exceptional, and the students should take immense pride in their accomplishments.

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MUSICAL INTERLUDE Mrs Janice Ellwood, Director of Music

CHRISTMAS CONCERT The Christmas Cheer Concert in The Whitty Theatre kicked off our festive season. It was a delightful event that provided the audience with the chance to enjoy the exceptional musical talent present at Luckley, performed not only by our pupils, but also by the staff. A special thanks to Mrs Janice Ellwood and her team, as well as everyone who participated and contributed to the organisation of this memorable event.

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MUSICAL INTERLUDE

CHAMBER CHOIR TOUR TO DORSET

Mrs Janice Ellwood, Director of Music

The Chamber Choir and Wind Quartet visited Devon and performed, by invitation, at St. Andrew’s Church in Charmouth.

CAROL SERVICE On Thursday 7 December we held the annual Luckley Carol Service at All Saints Church in Wokingham. It was the perfect way to end the term and get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

The Senior, Chamber and Junior Choirs led the singing, along with traditional Bible readings and a variety of charming Christmas poems read by pupils from across the school. A thoughtprovoking address was given by David Horrocks.

We stayed in Beer and visited the very picturesque Lyme Regis.

The concert was a great success, well supported by locals and we ended with a standing ovation!

Congratulations to all our young performers who really did Luckley proud and thank you to Ms Cheng and Mr Lynch for their support.

ROTARY CONCERT Our students took to the stage to deliver the captivating first half of an extraordinary concert; a unique collaboration between Luckley, The Rotary, and Macmillian Cancer Support, Camberley.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Graham Smith, who graced us with eight remarkable pieces during the second half of the evening.

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CELEBRATING OUR SCHOLARS

MY AFRICAN JOURNEY

We held two Enrolment of Scholars’ Dinners for our incoming Year 7, 9, and 12 scholars and parents.

By Kat Intxaurbe, Teacher of Spanish

Both evenings kicked off in The Whitty Theatre Foyer with welcome drinks followed by a delicious dinner in Drake Hall.

At the Year 7 and 9 evening, our special guest was Chad Miller, a Team GB Sprinter, who shared his inspiring journey to success, emphasising the significance of hard work, dedication, and the willingness to make sacrifices to achieve one’s aspirations.

The Year 12 scholars enjoyed an equally inspiring talk from GB sprint coach, Aiden Syers.

Both talks resonated deeply with our scholars, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with vigor.

During my African journey this summer, a standout was my time at Tamariki School. Witnessing the school's establishment on its native soil was remarkable. I relished every moment, particularly preparing lentils over an open flame and teaching Maths to primary students. Engaging in the unique experience of planting our own trees left a lasting impression, and I eagerly anticipate enjoying papayas from my tree in the future. The pupils were endearing, providing me with unforgettable moments.

I am thankful for the chance to volunteer in this enchanting school and for the invaluable time spent with the exceptional staff. Their gratitude for the generous donations from Luckley, ensuring a positive impact, further deepens my appreciation.

To commemorate this significant occasion, each scholar was presented with a book, certificate, and badge, symbolising their induction into our academic community.

Special gratitude is extended to Archie and Ellie for their captivating musical and theatrical performances, adding a touch of artistic flair to the Year 7 and 9 event, and to Aurelia, Imogen and James, who treated the Year 12 audience to musical and theatrical performances, and Anya, who shared her EPQ presentation Additionally, our heartfelt appreciation goes to the Catering Team for orchestrating a delightful meal, and to the Sixth Form students whose valuable assistance contributed to the overall success of the evenings.

EDUCATING ABOUT TESTICULAR CANCER It was wonderful to host the OddBalls charity for a presentation to our boys in Year 9 and above about testicular cancer. They shared valuable insights into their remarkable initiatives, and we learned about various ways to contribute to their cause. The session was highly informative, and our pupils gained valuable knowledge from it.

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SPANISH SPLENDOURS IN BARCELONA

JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY & CULTURE

Over the half-term break, a group of Luckley staff and pupils embarked on a journey to Barcelona, immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of Spanish architecture, culture, art, food, and breathtaking landscapes. Their itinerary included a visit to the iconic Parc Güell, leisurely strolls through the enchanting streets of Barcelona, and the awe-inspiring architecture of Sagrada Familia.

A group of Sixth Form Classics students, accompanied by Mr and Mrs Bouwer, embarked on a five-day journey to Athens at half term. Immersed in the city’s rich history, they explored a variety of ancient sites, guided by knowledgeable experts who provided intricate details about the historical significance and lasting legacy of each location.

The exploration extended to Montjuïc mountain, where the group marvelled at panoramic views stretching across the entirety of Barcelona and the coastline. They experienced the electric atmosphere of “El Clásico,” hearing the resounding cheers as Barcelona scored the first goal against Real Madrid in the Olympic stadium.

A city tour took them to architectural wonders such as Casa Milá and Casa Batllo, masterpieces designed by Gaudí. Roaming through the Gothic district, they beheld the historic charm of old buildings, the Holy Cross cathedral, and the Santa Maria del Mar church.

The students embraced the local culture, savouring the unique experience of dining in authentic Greek restaurants and indulging in the flavours of Greek cuisine. As the trip reached its culmination, the group had a memorable final evening in the historic Plaka district, where they enjoyed a delightful dinner and were treated to an enchanting display of Greek dancing.

Spontaneously, they joined in the rhythmic celebration, creating lasting memories of their immersive and culturally rich experience in Athens.

The adventure continued to Montserrat Abbey, where they ascended the ‘Funicular de Sant Joan’ to the mountain’s summit, exploring the Interpretation Centre of the Geopark and Natural Park. Visiting the Montserrat Museum, they encountered works by renowned Spanish artists like Picasso and Dali.

On their final day, they soaked in the vibrant ambiance of Placa de Catalunya, a lively square teeming with pigeons in the heart of Barcelona. The journey concluded with a leisurely walk down La Rambla, Barcelona’s most famous street, and a visit to La Boqueria Market, a sprawling haven of fresh produce and culinary delights; a perfect finale to an enriching expedition.

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FESTIVE MARKET TREAT FOR YEAR 7

WINDSOR ON ICE SKATING TRIP

The Year 7 excursion to the Birmingham Weihnachtsmarkt proved immensely successful.

The day was filled with delights such as chocolate-covered fruit, crêpes, churros, half-meter Bratwurst, and many more festive treats. Some Year 7 parents are sure to be delighted when they unwrap the gifts on Christmas Day!

Year 7 and 8 pupils enjoyed a fun visit to Windsor On Ice for ice skating.

Danke schön, Year 7! Es war schön, mit euch zu sein!

A big thank you to Jess BF, Caitlin B, Stefano R, Bertie D, Ava L, and Connie LJ for your photography skills; you did an excellent job capturing the joy and laughter of the afternoon.

Frau Hinz, Teacher of German

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Anna J captivated everyone with her impressive ice skating skills, showcasing brilliant spins and jumps.

Following their time on the ice, the pupils warmed up with mugs of hot chocolate.

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LUCKLEY HOUSE FRIENDS “Parents working together for our children” Another battle of titans was fought out at the ‘world famous’ Luckley House Friends (LHF) Quiz. Congratulations to the triumphant “B Team” who not only took home the highly coveted trophy but also managed to be the first ever teacherled team to win. Many thanks to all the parents and staff who attended and hopefully had a fun evening. It is a great way to socialise with other parents. Special thanks to the Luckley House Friends team who put in lots of time to set the event up, and Emily and the catering crew for providing the delicious food.

The other event this term was the Year 7 and 8 Disco.

The feedback was great, with over 80 students enjoying the evening. This has now become a regular and eagerly anticipated event in the calendar. Well done to the LHF for this event.

The funds we raise continue to be reinvested into exciting projects that will benefit all of the pupils. We have funded a new BBQ ready for when the sun returns, and next term we will be ready to announce our largest funded project ever.

All parents are very welcome to join our committee meetings and help as little or as much as they are able. It’s a great way to meet other parents and contribute to the school.

LHF also co-ordinate parent WhatsApp groups in all year groups.

Please drop a note onto the group or speak to a committee member if you would like to offer your help. We look forward to meeting you!

The next LHF committee meeting is on 8 January 2024.

Tim Foster Luckley House Friends Chair

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SIXTH FORM BLACK TIE DINNER

OUTDOOR EDUCATION COMBINED CADET FORCE As part of their curriculum, our new cadets in Year 9 went to meet the in-pensioners of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and to see the exhibits at the National Army Museum. Their pensioner guides gave them a history of the Royal Hospital and then a tour of the buildings and grounds. They had the opportunity to speak to the pensioners about their lives of service within the armed forces and now as residents of the Royal Hospital.

We then visited the National Army Museum, where cadets had the opportunity to learn about the history of the British Army, and specifically learn more about the regimental history of the Rifles. They were also tasked with finding out what a BV is (one of the most important pieces of kit), finding Rifleman Plunket on the model of the Battle of Waterloo and identifying the cap badge of the newest regiment.

On the evening of Friday 10 November, our Sixth Form students dazzled in their finest attire at the Black Tie Dinner.

The evening unfolded with a sumptuous Chinese feast, with canapes and a flowing chocolate fountain, all meticulously prepared and served by the Luckley House catering team.

The atmosphere was alive with entertainment as the students enjoyed a variety of Karaoke performances. Varun stole the spotlight with his rendition of Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way,’ captivating the audience. The entire Sixth Form enthusiastically gathered on stage and the dance floor, wholeheartedly supporting each and every act.

This Black Tie Dinner stood out as the most memorable I have attended, and I am confident that the Year 12 students felt a true sense of belonging. The camaraderie and talent displayed by this remarkable group made me immensely proud of each and every one of them.

Mrs Julie Rumble, Head of Sixth Form

Mr Adam Hartley (2Lt CCF Rifles)

Gold Group

WHEN THE GRINCH STOLE OUR SANTAS! On the last day of term, a lively broadcast was made to the pupils, during which Fairy Godmother Bizior and Elf GB made a startling announcement: The Grinch, played by Senior Student, Ethan had mischievously absconded with the Senior Santa Team, concealing them throughout the school premises! At morning break, the pupils embarked on a quest to locate the hidden Santas, earning tokens that translated into valuable points for their respective Houses, along with chocolate treats. The challenge was to outsmart the Grinch, who sought to confiscate any tokens collected—a source of great amusement for the pupils and a playful conclusion to the term!

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Bronze Group

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BOARDING NEWS

SLOPES AND SMILES: SKI TRIP TO ITALY

By Mr David Rose, Head of Boarding

A group of pupils and staff are enjoying a pre-Christmas treat on the slopes of Passo Tonale in Italy.

This term the boarding houses at Luckley have been a hive of energy and activities. We have welcomed many new pupils trying the flexiboarding for the first time and have enjoyed seeing so many of them asking to board again, and more regularly.

The weekday activities continue to ensure that the regular boarders are having fun in the evening after prep, and our weekend activities have seen the pupils enjoy lots of trips, including to the London Eye, LegoLand, a Reading Football match, Marwell Zoo and go karting, to name just a few. We also enjoyed a brilliant course in sushi making!

We will have lots more exciting trips in the spring term, which will be published soon.

The term was finished off with a Boarders’ Christmas party which was enjoyed by over 50 members of the boarding community. The catering team treated us to a fantastic menu that was chosen by the boarders and included sushi, chinese dumplings, beef sliders and a chocolate fountain! The boarders were entertained, whilst they ate, by a fantastic magician. The evening ended with Mr Lynch’s Big Fat Quiz of the Year.

We hope that 2024 will be even more exciting for all of our boarders.

Gold Group

Bronze Group

Watch our new video, with Senior Boarding Prefect, Archie giving a virtual tour of the School CLICK HERE

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ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT NEWS Miss Sarah Francis, Development Manager You may be interested to hear just how many within the Luckley community return to visit. Over the past term we have had alumni fly in from Japan and France and travel to Luckley from Wales and North Yorkshire. Each has their unique story to tell and we are only too eager to hear their news. This term, Luckley’s alumni returned to reminisce, volunteer, as well as be entertained.

LOSRF LUNCH With thanks to Luckley’s former Head of Chemistry (1980 – 2007), Luckley was able to host a lovely lunch for members of the Luckley-Oakfield School Retirement Fellowship (LOSRF) back in September. It was a trip down memory lane for former teachers and support staff who united for an afternoon of conversation, a spot of music and lunch. Archie and Ricardo did a fantastic job of entertaining our guests, receiving a great deal of praise for their musical performances. A school tour rounded off the afternoon nicely and we were lucky to have a perfect autumn's day to walk the grounds. Many former teachers were eager to get off to their former departments and talk to current pupils on their travels; they were impressed with the school we keep today. A social post revealed a following of past pupils, excited to express their gratitude to their Luckley teachers, whom many said had changed their lives.

SOPHIE MARSDEN STRIKES A POSE Alumna, Sophie Marsden (class of 2012), actor, writer and producer, provided a real treat for Luckley's Year 12, students with an immersive workshop to help build their acting confidence and experience of devising and creating their very own production. Covering aspects of the curriculum, Sophie provided a new perspective from her own experiences. She generously gave up her afternoon to provide a valuable free workshop that challenged students with a 'clowning' exercise, which was particularly effective (and amusing!). The professional workshop concluded with students devising their own theatre piece to brilliant effect. Sophie will be touring Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland from January 2024 with 'The Good Women', which she has directed. We hope to see Sophie on the stage again soon.

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THE BRIGHT AND THE BOLD ANNA LAWLER Former Head Girl, Anna Lawler (class of 2002), came to lunch to revisit her past and see how her old school was getting on. It had been 21 years since she has walked Luckley’s corridors. The theatre was a space she would have liked to have had, yet that did not stop Anna from thriving.

Anna remains inquisitive, thoughtful and hardworking; some of the reasons why she has risen to the position of Vice President of Global Partner Marketing for software company, VMware – a business of 38,000 employees and global revenue of US$13.4 billion. Meeting Bronze Anna forGroup lunch, she remembered the opportunities she was given to express herself through public speaking as well as sport, theatre and art. Today she delivers presentations at global events to an audience of more than 2000 attendees. Read Anna’s alumni interview on Luckley’s LinkedIn.

RETURN OF LOOGA MAGAZINES Karen Higgins, class of 1984 popped in for tea and biscuits with her mother, as she was in the area visiting relations. Karen resides in the North of England and has dedicated over 20 years of her life to the NHS as a nurse. She brought with her a number of old LOOGA magazines, with many old girls contributing to the news.

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ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT NEWS Miss Sarah Francis, Development Manager

YUKI SUMI-BARNETT VISITS FROM JAPAN We were lucky to have a knock on the door from alumna, Yukiko Sumi-Barnett, accompanied by seven of her pupils and fellow teacher from Suomi ES & Yamanakako JH, a primary and junior school in Japan. As part of a week-long UK and French tour, her pupils spent the day in lessons, followed by a boarding experience. For Yuki, it was a chance to revisit the school she left in 1999, and speak to teachers and pupils. She was amazed to see how vibrant the school is today, with happy children, even at the end of term. Her pupils were sad to go but we expect we have not seen the last of them yet. Our visitors all felt that Luckley felt like a home away from home.

FROM ELIZABETHAN BARNS TO LUCKLEY’S MANOR HOUSE Rachel Burroughs, class of 1985 paid us an impromptu visit, as her daughter was sitting her exams here at Luckley. I was delighted to meet Rachel. Formerly trained in graphic design, Rachel now manages the acclaimed Antiques Warehouse in Farnham, which has been televised several times as part of the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip. The Antiques Warehouse sells fine antiques housed within two Elizabethan tithe barns, brimming with treasures.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT Lauren Lee (née Bateman), class of 2002 came in to discuss ways in which she could support Luckley. With a new position in community management, Lauren expects there will be opportunities for Luckley pupils to volunteer in the community; helping the elderly as well as those with disabilities in the Wokingham and Bracknell area.

Interestingly, Lauren’s parents donated the Bateman Cup, still awarded today for outstanding school citizenship.

Gold Group

DONATE THE BALANCE OF YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL DEPOSIT

Yuki pictured right, together with fellow Head of PE

Christmas is the season of giving; typically, the time of year to give thanks and support where needed. We are grateful to have a strong, charitable community of volunteers and benefactors whose kindness and generosity help us continue to serve our pupils with an increasingly, outstanding educational experience.

However small the financial gift, it all goes towards the School’s mission to enhance the quality and extent of a Luckley education. By donating the balance of your child’s school deposit when they leave Luckley, you will be helping to maintain a thriving school setting for Luckley pupils.

Bronze Group If you are a UK taxpayer, completing the Gift Aid Declaration allows your gift to go further without any additional cost to you. For every £1 you donate, Luckley will collect £1.25.

Donating the balance of your child’s deposit only takes a minute. To donate or find out more, visit the website.

One of the visiting pupils from Japan pictured centre

If you are a parent and attended Luckley I would love to hear from you. Likewise, should you have family members who were educated at Luckley, I want to know. Help us grow and strengthen our community and keep our alumni actively involved. Get in touch by emailing sarah.francis@ luckleyhouseschool.org.

WWW.LUCKLEYHOUSESCHOOL.ORG

0118 978 4175

SPORTS UPDATE Mr Matt Humphrey, Director of Sport HOCKEY TEAMS SHINE IN LEE VALLEY TOURNAMENT Our U13 and U15 Hockey teams had a wonderful opportunity to experience playing competitive hockey on the Olympic grounds at Lee Valley in London.

The U15 team embarked on an exhilarating tournament captained by the tenacious Bea M. The team showcased their skills and unwavering determination amidst a field of formidable opponents from various schools.

The pool stage presented the girls with a series of challenging encounters against Cundall Manor School, Ipswich High School, Radnor House, and Quinton House School. In a display of resilience and tactical prowess, Luckley emerged victorious against Quinton House, securing a decisive 1-0 victory that propelled them into the trophy playoffs.

The playoffs brought Luckley face-to-face with Reddam in a gruelling match that tested the limits of their endurance. Despite their valiant efforts, Luckley succumbed to a 0-2 defeat. However, the team displayed remarkable resilience, bouncing back with a commanding 1-0 victory against Thorpe Hall, securing a commendable third-place finish in the trophy category.

Throughout the tournament, Eleanor A and Isla B emerged as standout performers, contributing crucial goals that fuelled Luckley’s success. Goalkeeper Lillian H stood as an impenetrable fortress between the posts, making a series of awe-inspiring saves that proved pivotal in the team’s overall performance.

The U13 team also played exceptionally well in all their games, showcasing the skills and hard work they have been practising in team training. Particularly outstanding was Ava S who played as goalie. She was amazing, saving some brilliant goals, including one from a one-on-one situation.

Gold Group

Also deserving of a mention are Clara G, who scored a fabulous goal with the help of her teammates, and Carys M who stepped up as captain, taking the lead to coach her team both on and off the pitch, passing on her knowledge and excellent advice when it was needed. She also provided great motivation when needed to pick her teammates up.

ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AT MOVE HQ Mr Standing, our Athletic Performance Lead Coach, accompanied pupils from the Athlete Development Programme (ADP) to Move HQ during one Games afternoon. Move HQ, an elite Strength and Conditioning gym in Winnersh, is actively supporting the ADP through various performance tests.

The pupils engaged in a series of assessments, including: • 20m Sprint • 5-10-5 Agility • Vertical Jumps (Counter Movement and Squat Jumps) • Mid-Thigh Pull • Anthropometric data – Height, Seated Height, Body Mass • Maturation – Derived from anthropometric data It was an enjoyable afternoon, and it seemed that the mid-thigh pull was a particular favourite among the pupils! You can see from some of the photos the expressions of intense concentration captured during the session.

WWW.LUCKLEYHOUSESCHOOL.ORG

0118 978 4175