Luckley Life - Summer Term 2023

LUCKLEY LIFE

THE NEWSLETTER FOR LUCKLEY HOUSE SCHOOL

SUPPORT FOR NAIROBI

In July Kat Intxaurbe, Teacher of Spanish will be volunteering at the Tamariki Educational Centre in Kenya. This not-for-profit primary school, located in a Nairobi slum, provides quality education to underprivileged children aged three 3 to 14. Despite official recognition, Tamariki relies on sponsorships and donations with no government funding.

In 2018, with support from the Luckley community, Kat raised funds through a half-marathon and Tamariki was able to create a new classroom for 26 pupils. Now Kat is thrilled to be returning to Africa and is very grateful for the help of her tutor group, 10H, who organised a successful bake sale and collected lots of school supplies.

Additionally, online donations took the total raised to an astonishing £1,030! Together we are making a meaningful impact on these deserving children’s lives.

TAKE YOUR CHILD TO WORK DAY

Pupils who took the opportunity to attend work with their parents reported having a great time and learned lots about the world of work. The feedback from the organisations that provided these placements was very complimentary about their appearance, communication abilities and their ‘have a go’, professional attitudes.

Samuel (pictured) learned how to disassemble a laptop and the parts of a motherboard. He also patched network parts and tested sound and video connectivity in meeting rooms.

FAREWELL TO IAN VALLANCE

Staff, parents, pupils, friends and alumni gathered together to say farewell to Deputy Head (Academic), Mr Vallance on his retirement. We celebrated Mr Vallance’s eight years of wonderful service to the School with drinks on the south lawn and music from our lovely pupils.

Thank you Mr Vallance for all that you have done for the pupils in your care, not only at Luckley but throughout your career.

Kat Intxaurbe

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

AN INSPECTOR CALLS

On 23 April 90 Year 10 and 11 pupils went to Richmond to watch the National Theatre, Stephen Daldry production of ‘An Inspector Calls’. Since 1992 the show has won a total of 19 major awards, including four Tony Awards and three Olivier Awards, and has played to more than four million theater goers worldwide. It is the most internationally-lauded production in the National Theatre’s history. This was a great opportunity to see their examination text live on stage at a lovely venue, due to its smaller size and seating views. The pupils were surprised by the interesting staging and set, which is a specific feature of the Daldry production. It brought the play to life for our pupils and many said it really jogged their memory about the key quotes they had been learning for the exam. However, not everyone was keen on the portrayal of Sheila or Mr Birling, and it was great to hear the pupils debating the director’s interpretation of the production on the coach trip home.

Mrs Angela Chick, Teacher of English

SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THEATRE

On 15 May the English Department took Year 7 pupils to visit Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Travelling by coach, we arrived at the iconic venue and were treated to an enlightening tour, immersing ourselves in the history and significance of this theatre. The pupils had the opportunity to ask questions of our tour guide and were fascinated by the idea that the theatre, which now holds about 1000 audience members at a time, used to have audiences of around 3000. We also learnt about the symbolism of the stage and how the trap doors would have been used. The pupils then took part in a drama workshop using Shakespeare's ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ as a text. They experimented with different ways to convey the relationship of Beatrice and Benedict on the stage and had fun chasing each other around while reciting their lines. The day was enjoyable and incredibly useful as a starting point for our ‘Introduction to Shakespeare’ unit.

Mrs Holly Duxbury, Teacher of English

MFL DEPARTMENT NEWS

GALERIE HINZ

Year 7 pupils have worked very hard on a set of artwork based on work from all over the German speaking world. By studying Paul Klee, Gustav Klimt and Gerhard Richter, to name but a few, the pupils were able to create, at the same time as developing their German knowledge. In addition to writing a letter to a real penfriend in southern Germany, the pupils really have found Deutsch to be inspirierend!

To take a look at the art exhibition in its full force, please use a Surface/PC: artsteps | Year 7 Deutsch mit Frau Hinz

Use your arrow keys to navigate and open the doors by clicking on them. Every piece of artwork is interactive. Well done, Year 7! Ich bin sehr stolz auf euch!

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

Year 7 pupils enjoyed a fantastic trip to Hampton Court Palace following a tough week of exams. They discovered how fashion and interiors changed due to global cultural influences at Hampton Court Palace, and how trade with different countries and continents changed the attitudes and tastes of England. The pupils also explored and learnt about the importance of exploring the outdoors and physical exercise in mental well-being. and how everyday herbs were used; for example, how lavender was used for laundry. Alongside the learning, pupils were given the opportunity to explore the palace’s grounds, eat artisan food, and attempt to complete the world-famous maze.

JETSETTERS CLUB

Pupils celebrated ‘Europe Day’ in Jetsetters Club this term. They ably named the flags, organisng them into EU and non-EU countries. We followed up this learning with historical European geography via a fun German boardgame called "Zug um Zug" or in English, "Ticket to Ride." This has now become a regular favourite and the pupils are entering into a positive competitive spirit!

CREATIVE TRIP TO KEW GARDENS

On 5 June Year 9 pupils started the new half term on a high, with a trip to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew. It was a lovely day with all groups taking part in an educational session, as well as seeing many of the fascinating sights around the gardens. The Art students practised their sketching skills, the Food & Nutrition students experimented with analysing plant DNA, and the Photography, DT and Textiles students developed their knowledge of how to compose a successful photograph.

The Jetsetters also celebrated the national day of Paraguay by using ceramic markers to decorate tiles in the style of ñanduti lace. Some were brave enough to try mate tea from a gourd with a traditional straw called a bombilla.

Frau Hinz, Acting Head of MFL

ECO-SCHOOLS UPDATE

The Eco-Schools Team has had a very busy summer term, getting ready for our Green Flag application. Luckley Earth Day on 28 April started with Form 7H hearing about Mr Bouwer’s bees and even tasting some honey! Mrs Gibson ran a special lesson in Food & Nutrition, creating a rainbow salad, whilst Year 8 pupils worked in the English department for most of the day on the cross-curricular Sky Digital project, researching, recording and editing their own 90 second news report on an aspect of climate change. Lunchtime provided opportunities for the rest of the school to buy secondhand books, take part in an ‘Energy’ woodland fact hunt and to plant sunflower seeds as part of ‘Wokingham in Bloom’. £84.25 was raised for the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust.

Outside of Earth Day, the Eco-Schools Team surveyed a range of new wildflowers in the wildlife garden area, took soil readings for ‘The British Trust for Ornithology’s’ ‘What’s under your feet?’ invertebrate study and mapped our stag beetle woodpile onto the ‘People’s Trust for Endangered Species’ website. Maya from ‘Maya’s Refillables’ in Wokingham talked to us about how saving turtles in Greece inspired her to open her shop.

To top off a fantastic term, Evelyn B (Year 7) and Elliot V (Year 8) gave an impressive presentation to Mrs Bizior and the leadership team, summing up our achievements over the year and revealing our new Eco-Code.

The Luckley Eco-School’s application for the Green Flag award is now in and we eagerly wait to find out the results.

Mr s Katie Clutterbuck, Mr James Samson & the Eco-Schools Team

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT NEWS

At the beginning of June our Year 12 Chemists took part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge (a.k.a C3L6).

C3L6 is a test paper that is released annually, created by the Chemistry Department at Cambridge University. It is filled with chemistry that links to current affairs, historical applications and just some really interesting uses of chemistry in the real world! This year there were questions surrounding the fascinating properties of Bismuth and mastering the art of curly arrows (to show reallocation of electrons). The ‘challenge’ in the title is visible throughout the paper – pushing students to apply the chemistry they have learnt across Year 12 in interesting and unique ways. As a result, the threshold to achieve rewards is appropriate for the level of challenge presented. For example, to gain a Copper Award (the awards go Copper, Silver, Gold, Roentgenium) in 2022, students had to achieve a mark of 17 out of 75.

Well done to Morgan, Varun, Emilia, Tara-Sofia, Bec, Ethan, Freja and Matthew in Year 12 for taking part.

I have now marked the papers and submitted the scores to Cambridge for review. Once the grade boundaries have been released, certificates will be produced by Cambridge for anyone who has passed each threshold.

Mr James Boyce, Head of Chemistry

SPEECH & DRAMA SHOWCASE

The threatened thunderstorms held off for this year's promenade Speech and Drama showcase! Pupils and staff were thrilled that we were able to take our pieces outside once again for this much enjoyed performance. The pupils shared their exam pieces that they have been working on throughout the year, as a celebration of their fantastic results.

We also said goodbye to the much-loved Mrs Harris, and a big welcome to Mrs Lucazeau who will join Luckley as the Speech and Drama coordinator and teacher in September.

Mrs Rachel Kempton, Trinity Coordinator

PGL TRIP

Suffice to say that this was an amazing trip all round. What a fantastic year group to take away. We all made so many wonderful memories to treasure forever. The weather was simply perfect and the highlight of the trip had to be our evening visit to the beach to watch the sun set! It was so lovely to watch the pupils relax, unwind and reconnect as they disconnected from their phones and simply lived in the moment.

Look out for next year’s residential, where we will be taking the whole of Year 7 & 8 away just before the summer half term.

Mrs Esther Brown, Head of Transition

LUCKLEY LIBRARY LOVES

Ms Charlotte Mesley, Librarian

DARK BLUE RISING BY TERI TERRY

I love outdoor swimming and am intrigued by books with characters who are drawn to water. In Dark Blue Rising, the first novel in The Circle Trilogy, Tabby is strangely lured to the sea. The story begins at the beach, where a dramatic accident changes everything. Discovering that her itinerant life with Cate has all been a lie, Tabby must begin a new life with her real parents. To help her heal, Tabby enrols in a summer swimming school. But there are more secrets to discover about Tabby's past, involving a mysterious symbol of interlocking circles that begin to appear everywhere.

Dark Blue Rising is a gripping speculative thriller and is available in the Junior section of the library.

JUNIOR DRAMA CLUB PRESENTS ‘ANNIE’

What a fabulous production by the Junior Drama Club. We certainly don’t have any shortage of talented actors, singers and dancers here at Luckley. It was fabulous to see all their amazing work highlighted at our Open Evening too. Particular thanks go to the drama team for all their efforts to ensure this was a success. More photos are available on the Luckley House Flickr

Mrs Esther Brown, Director of Drama

DANCE SHOWCASE

This term the GCSE Dance students, Senior Dance Club and Junior Dance Club took to the stage to share the various pieces they have been working on throughout the year. It was a fantastic opportunity to perform the entries for the ISA Dance Competition and the GCSE Choreography pieces, and showcase some soloists and duets from across the year group. Each dancer performed with enthusiasm and passion and the evening was a great success. We look forward to next year's showcase, which will be even bigger!

Mrs Rachel Kempton, Teacher of Dance

A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES AND MUSICALS

On Tuesday 27 June The Whitty Theatre came alive with music from the movies and musicals with our Summer Concert. The concert showcased the outstanding musical talents of our young musicians from across the whole school. With singing and instrumental solos, duets, choirs, orchestra, swing band and our very own rock bands, the packed audience was treated to an eclectic mix and was wowed by the standard of each and every performance! More photos are available on Luckley House Flickr.

Mrs Janice Ellwood, Director of Music

FAREWELL YEAR 13

It is always sad when we have to say goodbye to our Year 13 students and this year was certainly no exception. On Thursday 4 May we gave them an excellent send-off to say thank you for all their hard work with a superb James Bond themed Leavers’ Dinner prepared by our wonderful catering team.

Friday included an emotional Leavers’ Service followed by the traditional staff v students rounders match.

We now wait with baited breath for their results in August and in the meantime we wish them a fabulous summer break and a well-deserved rest.

LUCKLEY HOUSE FRIENDS

“Parents working together for our children”

The Luckley lawns were rocking on the evening of Friday 23 June as Luckley House Friends held the first Midsummer Festival. The event was a great success with superb live music from our very own Rock School and Swing Band, a DJ set, giant inflatable games, delicious food stalls and of course The Luckley Arms bar.

Funds raised at LHF events go towards projects to further enrich life for pupils and staff at the school. Luckley House Friends have recently purchased VR headsets, exercise bikes for the gym, a pizza oven and supported the refurbishment of the Sixth Form Centre.

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!

Next LHF committee meeting:

Monday 11 September 19:00 in the Houghton Room

Sarah Walker Luckley House Friends Committee

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME

We have enjoyed a very successful DofE season at Luckley with Silver, Gold and Bronze expeditions completed.

All pupils have performed incredibly well, with three days of walking for the Silver group in the New Forest and a weekend on Dartmoor for the Gold group. For the first year, we took the Bronze group to a new location in the Chilterns in some lovely (but quite hilly!) countryside, which the pupils (and staff) enjoyed.

All groups experienced quite difficult conditions with high heat and humidity but maintained good spirits all round!

We are currently recruiting for next year’s intake (Year 8 going into 9) with places filling up fast, so please remember to hand your forms and letters in by the end of term.

Congratulations to Mrs Simmonds who will be taking over the running of the DofE next year, with no doubt increasing success and growing numbers!

Mr Scot McNaughton, Outdoor Education Coordinator

COMBINED CADET FORCE

It has been a fantastic first year for our Combined Cadet Force with our cadets having lots of opportunities to develop their skills and try new things. Highlights have been the cadets all passing their Skill At Arms training, getting involved in their first and second overnight exercises, live fire ranges weekends, and of course, a week’s adventurous training in Snowdonia where they canoed, gorge walked, and scaled Snowdon.

The summer term has been a busy one with all continuing to work towards the first stage of the Army Proficiency Certificate, and three Luckley cadets being promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. All of our cadets have achieved a huge amount this year, but I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the achievements of the following cadets:

Shooting

Thomas D (Pass)

Dan K (Pass)

Illaria R (Pass)

Marcus C (1st Class)

Tristan P (1st Class)

Rory A (1st Class)

Marcus B (Marksman)

Adventurous Training

Anna K

Csilla K

Promotions

Rory A (Lance Corporal)

Csilla K (Lance Corporal)

Tristan P (Lance Corporal)

We have the CCF Summer Camp taking place at the end of term, to which I am taking ten of our 15 cadets, and I look forward to next year as we have 19 new pupils joining us.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge well done and thank you to all the cadets, and a massive thank you to their parents for all their support.

Mr Adam Hartley (2Lt CCF Rifles)

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY THEATRE TRIP

It was an extraordinarily hot day for this trip. but I was excited to take the whole of Year 7and 8 to the theatre to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The pupils were all impeccably behaved despite the very hot conditions and a technical fault with the show, which caused a slight delay to the interval. A great lesson in theatre etiquette all round. The ice creams at half time were definitely appreciated!

Mrs Esther Brown, Head of Section (Lower School)

Find out more about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Sceme on the website at https://www.luckleyhouseschool.org/duke-ofedinburgh-award-scheme/

Gold Group

Bronze Group

BOARDING NEWS

As the summer term draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the wonderful experiences and cherished memories we have shared in boarding. It has been an eventful term filled with exciting trips, diverse friendships, and personal growth.

Our boarding house has embarked on many adventures, exploring the regal beauty of Windsor Castle, immersing ourselves in the vibrant energy of London, and engaging in thrilling paintball battles that tested our teamwork and resilience. These experiences have not only broadened our horizons but also fostered a sense of camaraderie amongst the boarders.

The greatest treasures of our boarding house are the pupils who have enriched our community with their diverse cultures, perspectives, and talents. They have formed lifelong friendships, gained a deeper appreciation for different traditions, and learned valuable lessons in global citizenship.

We are grateful for the transformative journey that Luckley provides us, and we eagerly anticipate the adventures that await each and every one of us next term.

Miss Lyons and I depart for pastures new at the end of the school year, but have no doubt that through the continued dedication of Mr Hartley, Miss Mebus, Mr Lynch and the new Head of Boarding (Mr Rose) and new resident tutor (Miss Hancock), the house will continue to grow and develop.

Mr Chris Hill, Head of Boarding

YEAR 11 PROM

Thursday 29 June was an evening of glamour and glitz as Year 11 pupils gathered to celebrate their School Prom. See all the photos on the Luckley Flickr

ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Miss Sarah Francis, Development Manager

It is always a pleasure to welcome Luckley’s alumni back and so fascinating to hear about their individual journeys through life; so many with diverse interests and occupations. This term, I enjoyed a good number of visits, positive news from Luckley’s old girls and planned events that brought Luckley girls together again, and from a range of decades.

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, not least because she was registered as a lost alumnus. 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.

TALKING PRE-UNIVERSITY

Emma J King, class of 1996 and Lauren Healey, class of 2021 both joined us for Pre-University Day in June.

Emma, the owner of an outdoor leisure and event venue in the picturesque Staffordshire moorlands, was shortlisted for the role of ‘astronaut’ and has a PhD in Cosmology. Emma came to speak from experience about international volunteering opportunities that positively impact people and planet. She has used her scientific knowledge and practical skills to help conservation efforts in places like Costa Rica, Thailand and South Africa.

Lauren, a recent Luckley graduate, spoke on the topic of degree apprenticeships; having joined Mace Group’s apprenticeship scheme as a Project Manager. For Lauren, a degree apprenticeship was the right choice and she tells of the exciting building projects that Mace are responsible for; Big Ben renovations, The Shard, and places like EDGE London Bridge, the city’s most sustainable offices.

Lauren loves the fact that she can complete her degree while gaining valuable experience and skills while earning a good starting salary too. As a relatively new concept, it was a valuable talk for many of Luckley’s Sixth Formers.

Bronze Group

ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Miss Sarah Francis, Development Manager

REUNION LUNCH, CLASS OF 1969 (and prior)

It was a lovely afternoon in May with 11 of Luckley’s girls from the 60s and one from the late 40s and 50s returning for a spot of lunch, a short musical performance and a brief tour of their old school. Their enthusiasm to visit and keep in touch with Luckley as well as with one another is wonderful. The girls came from as far afield as Skipton, North Yorkshire and as near as Wokingham. Here is to Luckley’s ladies who bring with them stories, wit and humour.

A VISIT FROM ACROSS THE POND

Ann Jeater, former Head of Science (1971 – 1992) and her daughter, Sally Calcott (née Jeater), former pupil from the class of 1982, popped in to visit their old school towards the end of June. Sally was over from Western Canada visiting family back in Berkshire and the two thought a visit down memory lane would be nice.

While Ann is long retired, at 92 years of age, she still enjoys keeping active by walking and seeing friends and family, including travelling out to see Sally in Canada each year (and sometimes in the midst of the harsh Canadian winter). Both independent and ambitious, Ann still drives a car and in her Luckley days was responsible for researching and writing Pot-Pourri, a historical account of Luckley's history from inception. She also took the girls horse-riding; taking her back to her farming roots.

Daughter Sally works in banking as an auditor, while owning and managing a 1500-acre farm on the Canadian planes. She has only recently achieved certification as a financial services auditor as her early career was as a solicitor in the UK, working on cases of child protection and adult vulnerability.

We shared a lovely morning together and both were impressed to see their old school in such good shape.

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.

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.

sarah.francis@luckleyhouseschool.org

Gold Group

Former Head of Science, Ann Jeater with new Head of Science, James Boyce

If you are a parent that attended Luckley we would love to hear from you. Likewise, if you have family members who were educated at Luckley, we want to know. Help us grow and strengthen our community and keep our alumni actively involved. Get in touch by emailing:

SPORTS UPDATE

Mr Matt Humphrey, Director of Sport

SENIOR SPORTS AWARDS

We were joined by British T46/47 Sprinter James Arnott for this year’s Senior Sports Awards. James gave an inspiring talk about how his family shaped him and the important role his brothers played in helping him to achieve his best. We were spoilt, as always, by our catering team with a fantastic two-course meal and were able to reflect on a successful year. The nominees and winners (in green) were:

Year 10

Sportsman of the Year

Ben R

Barney D

Keogh S

Jacob M

Rowan A

Year 11

Sportsman of the Year

Lucas C

Connor R Robert S

Special Awards

Year 10 Sportswoman of the Year

JUNIOR SPORTS AWARDS

Invited Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils joined us for a wonderful evening in recognition of their dedication and effort to Luckley sport. Each year the requirements get tougher and it was a privilege to share an evening with pupils who have given so much. We were also joined by Victoria Ohuruogu, a world champion bronze medallist in the 400m and favourite to represent GB in the Paris Olympics 2024. The nominees and winners (in green) were:

Year 11 Sportswoman of the Year

Amelie B

Maddy V

Erin H

Caitlin H

Olivia W

Millie D

Shira B

Georgie P

Mya D S

Year 7

Sportsman of the Year

Year 8

Sportsman of the Year

Evan B

Shaan G Wil C

Leandro R

Noah B

Elijah K

Toby S

Brayden S

Year 9

Sportsman of the Year

Commitment to Luckley Sport Awards - Rowan A, Grace E, Connor P-C

Sports Personality of the Year - Jacob M & Johnny R

One to Watch - Amelie B

Outstanding Achievement - Lucy B

Warren Award - Monty N

Team of the Year - U18 Boys Football Team

Special Awards

Year 7

Sportswoman of the Year

Year 8

Sportswoman of the Year

MALAGA SPORTS TOUR

After three years in the planning, we eventually landed in Malaga for our Netball and Football tour, and it did not disappoint! We took two football and four netball teams who trained all week in the lead up to the festivals on the final day. The girls loved their day on Gibraltar on the Dolphin Safari, as the boys played some local opposition in a very tough test. Some of the other highlights were pizza night where we were treated to some local dancing… as well as our beach evening watching the sun set! Keep an eye out for our new five-year tour programme launching in September 2023.

Sam G

Harrison E

Marcus C

Daniel K

Year 9

Sportswoman of the Year

Commitment to Luckley Sport Awards

Carys M

Ava S

Amy G

Claudia T

Ana O Savannah R

Aria H

Isla B

Ellia W

Trinity M

Evie R

Milly B Lillian H

Beatrice M

Year 7 – Leandro R, Jasper D, Anya A, Eleanor W, Evan B, Claudia T

Year 8 – Elliott W, Ana O, Kamran G, Aria H, Ellia W, Claire R

Year 9 – Beatrice M, Theo A, Libby L, Florence M, Thomas S

Sports Personality of the Year - Carys M & Jasper D

One to Watch - Oliver P

Outstanding Achievement - Jasper L

Warren Award - Junior – Isla B Intermediate – Lillian H

Team of the Year - U13 ISA Girls Netball Team

Gold Group

Bronze Group

James Arnott

SPORTS DAY

Well done to the whole school for another fantastic Sports Day, held at Bracknell Athletics Stadium on Friday 30 June. Congratulations to Galloway House for winning the event. See all the photos on the Luckley Flickr.