30 April 2021 Newsletter 124
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Dear Parents and Guardians
Heathfield has returned to life! It is wonderful to see the enjoyment of school life, from lessons and co-curricular activities, to weekends and evenings, and simply having the time to enjoy our beautiful surroundings together in the sunshine.
We have reflected this week on being known. Being understood, being true to ourselves during good times and challenges, and being valued both as an individual, and as part of our community. We benefit from having the gift of time at Heathfield. Seeing everyone enjoying their activities last weekend and Form III overcoming their challenges with their friends with huge smiles (most of the time!) demonstrated the bonds they are building. It is these shared experiences that will see their friendships cemented for years to come.
Form V and UVI are working with determination and focus during this period of assessments and I have been so impressed with their attitude. As young people mature, they need different types of support and opportunity, and you will have received an update from Tom Cross Brown this week regarding progress on our new industry-leading Sixth Form Centre. I would like to add my grateful thanks to all who have been involved thus far; we are reaching an exciting stage in the development, with plans for the evolution of the Sixth Form Programme progressing alongside the physical building. Please do read our Transformation of Heathfield's Sixth Form booklet for more information and contact Mrs Emma Boryer or myself if you would like to speak further. We cannot wait to share more details and images with you over the coming weeks and months, with many opportunities for the pupils to get involved with decision making to influence their future Sixth Form experience.
The pupils and staff continue to be an absolute joy, throwing themselves into school life. Opportunities to meet you all as parents and guardians are also restarting, allowing us to get to know each other more fully. It’s because of each individual, yourselves included, that we are such a strong family community. We belong. And that is something to be very grateful for indeed.
Best wishes
Sarah Wilson
Form III Activity Day
Mud, mud glorious mud.... nothing quite like taking the girls off site for the first time this year! On Saturday, Form III travelled to Henfold Lakes in Dorking to take on the Camelot assault course. The pupils warmed up with some team games and then braved the mud, water, heights, tunnels, and cargo nets.
Determination and perseverance were tested at every corner and girls showed courage and lots of support for each other. Massive amounts of cheering pushed each other along and it was amazing to see. Pupils really did demonstrate what can be achieved by giving something a go and how valuable it is to have support there to catch you and pull you through. We very much hope the pupils will transfer this experience to their school life.
Mrs Rachel
Whitton,
Deputy Head Pastoral, Boarding and Wellbeing, DSL
Guest Speaker - Zehra Zaidi
On Wednesday, the Careers and Outreach department was privileged to hear an inspiring and fascinating talk from Zehra Zaidi, a high-profile lawyer who has worked with organisations such as the UN, British Council and UNICEF, in areas as diverse as access to justice, governance, gender, humanitarian work, HIV and AIDS and health.
Lower Sixth students in the theatre, and attendees over Zoom, heard how Zehra’s experiences during Sixth Form, her knowledge of languages and her background in international law all led her to be a part of a recent campaign called We Too Built Britain. This culminated in the new Diversity Built Britain Coin produced in record time and unveiled at the end of last year.
Questions from the audience brought about a lively discussion about the different methods of campaigning, as well as top tips for university applications for courses relating to international work.
Mr Nathan Lobo, Librarian and Careers Administrator
Photography and Geography Competition
This year the Photography and Geography competition produced an array of wonderful photographs which have documented the extraordinary year we have had. The theme of Home 2020 was an obvious one as when the competition was launched last summer, we were all at home.
Images of shuttered shops, rich landscapes, flourishing wildlife, colourful buildings, deserted playgrounds, abandoned masks, coastal scenes and numerous pets represented the
pupils varied interpretations of Home. Congratulations to all the winners and to Seacole House for gaining the most house points.
Mrs Lesley Worrall, Subject Leader of Geography and Head of Austen and Miss Karen White, Subject Leader of Photography and Head of Seacole
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
Despite lockdown, Heathfield’s Bronze and Gold participants have still been able to continue with their Physical, Skills and Volunteering sections of the award including Zoom calling the elderly on a weekly basis as well as learning new skills such as how to cook a meal for four, attending first aid courses and training for half marathons.
Now we are back in School we shall be having weekly sessions concentrating on the skills required for completing the expedition; map reading, basic first aid, how erect a tent and pack a rucksack. We are planning for the Bronze participants to carry out their practice expedition here, camping on the School grounds whilst venturing out each day for their hike.
The assessed expedition will take place next term and further information will follow for both the Bronze and Gold Awards. It was wonderful to have Ms Wilson hand out sectional certificates to pupils who have completed their Physical, Skills or Volunteering sections; congratulations to Allegra O and Birdie who have completed all three and only have the expedition left to conclude.
Miss Wendy Reynolds, Assistant Head (Co-Curricular & Operations)
Transforming the Sixth Form – the Programme
Heathfield’s new Sixth Form Centre was designed around the introduction of the new inspirational Sixth Form Programme. Alongside the academic curriculum offer of A Levels, students will have the opportunity to further enrich academic curiosity and take additional qualifications such as EPQ and IELTs.
The Sixth Form Programme includes a focus on the student’s wellbeing and Heathfield’s existing life skills programme. Leadership development will enable students to gain the skills and confidence to lead themselves and others.
Throughout the Sixth Form there will be an additional focus on Outreach as well as a new Futures initiative. Students will also receive additional support through our Mentoring programme. Further details on the programme and the Sixth Form Centre will follow in future newsletters.
For further information on the building please contact Mrs Emma Boryer development@heathfieldschool.net
Mr Jeremy Hart, Assistant Head (Sixth Form)
Co-Curricular Clubs & Activities
It has been wonderful to have all pupils back in school and to be able to offer a full programme of clubs and activities; alongside the usual sport, music and equestrian
clubs; this term has seen the introduction of three new clubs, two of which are run by pupils.
Stage makeup has proved a hit with girls from a variety of age groups taking part and learning the art of stage make-up with Miss Bonthrone and Mrs Halcrow.
Tamara and Louise (LVI), with the help of Ms Oster have introduced a Philosophy, Politics and Economics Club (PPE) where pupils from Forms I-IV are given the opportunity to explore subjects available to them higher up in the School whilst learning about the world around them. The aim is to question ‘why things are the way they are’ and to discuss key concepts and terminologies that shape our society.
Francesca (Form I) will have her first Eco Club Meeting this Friday and along with other members of the club will be looking at ways the School can become more ‘eco-friendly’ Miss Wendy Reynolds, Assistant Head (Co-Curricular & Operations)
Sport
This week the sun has been shining and our House Rounders and House Tennis competitions have been underway. It has been great to see so many students out in the sunshine enjoying summer sport. The House competitions will continue throughout the term on Saturdays, including Tennis, Rounders, Cricket, Touch Rugby and more.
This term we are offering Tennis, Rounders, Cricket, Athletics and Functional Fitness within PE lessons to ensure students regain their fitness after lockdown and to learn the skills and rules of summer sports. We are also excited to be hosting our first ever Heathfield School Colour Run on Sunday 27 June, and of course our annual Sports Day is coming up on Saturday 19 June. There is Athletics practice on Tuesdays from 16:15 – 18:00 every week for all students to practice their events.
This week we have also launched two exciting opportunities for the next academic year. The first is a Netball Tour in September to Condover Hall for current Form I and II students,
hosted by the Girls’ Schools Association and including a Netball tournament and training sessions from England Netball. Secondly, we have proposed a Netball and Lacrosse Sports Tour for Easter 2022 for students currently in Form III and above, a fantastic opportunity for students to discover diverse cultures, sporting flair, develop their skills and have the ultimate team experience!
Miss Carys Willimott, Director of Sport & Deputy Head Austen House
Captain Tom 100 Challenge
We would like all girls to take on a challenge around the number 100 over Captain Tom’s birthday weekend from Friday 30 April to Monday 3 May. You could walk 100 meters, bake 100 cakes or write 100 letters! Fundraise or donate to The Captain Tom Foundation or to a charity of your choice.
To register for your free tickets, please visit: https://schoolsshow.co.uk/school-tickets and use the code 'heathfield100'.
Weekend 24 –25 April
During our first weekend in School this term everyone enjoyed an exciting selection of activities in glorious sunshine.
On Saturday, all our girls had the opportunity to meet the wonderful creatures from Berkshire Reptiles. Almost all the girls handled the reptiles, from a very tired tortoise to an excessively big yellow snake called Custard; although, to be honest, some were slightly nervous!
Brontë House – Forms I and II
Girls in Brontë House spent Friday evening singing and dancing to Mamma Mia and Form II were allowed free time which they spent either in the boarding area or enjoying the lovely evening outdoors.
On Saturday, there were reptiles and a cake decorating competition and the day ended with a movie night and evening games outside. On Sunday Chapel Service and lunch was followed by making and playing Nerf Gun ‘Capture the flag’ in the School grounds.
Wantage - Forms III, IV and V
On Saturday Form III spent the day offsite team building at Henfold Lakes. Trampolining was on offer to Form IV under the guidance of our regular coach, Andy. After an extended period of confinement to School premises, pupils in Form IV and Form V were able to resume their customary visits to Ascot this weekend, albeit in a slightly reduced, COVID safe format; this taste of normality was especially welcome. Girls also joined in Nerf Gun ‘Capture the flag’ in the afternoon.
On Sunday Form V luxuriated in pamper sessions which ranged from eyebrow waxing through to hand and foot treatments and therapeutic head, neck and shoulder massages; ideal relaxation at a time of exacting academic assessments.
Sixth Form
Sixth Form had a weekend that balanced work they needed to complete and time to enjoy the activities at School. Many spent time with the reptiles and soon overcame their fear of snakes.
A full day of beauty sessions were available on Sunday, and it was such a success that we will look to provide this on a regular basis. Girls were also able to spend some time in Ascot and Bracknell. Although they were limited in what they could do, this was appreciated by all.
Mrs Pauline Kerley, Deputy Housemistress Sixth Form
