Inside Heathfield issue 99

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Issue Number 99 4 October 2019

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As winter now draws in, I am so pleased the rain held off and the sun shone as Heathfield welcomed over 50 prep school children to our first Prep Netball Workshop on Wednesday. As usual, the term has been packed with activities and trips; Form III out on their poignant trip to Ypres and Form I continued to bond on their trip to the New Forest.

Our Sixth Form Open Evening was a success as we opened our doors not only to Form V but external parents and girls who came to see what Heathfield has to offer in Sixth Form; talking to teaching staff and current girls about the many subjects we have at the school as well as the careers guidance and support that we offer. Some of you may have already attended our Sixth Form Centre suppers and heard our future vision for Heathfield; please do take the time to book in so that you too can hear our dreams for your daughters.

Please do make sure that you read the Weekly Bulletin together with the attachments that are circulated so that you can take advantage of the many parental PSHE talks we are holding this term as well as the Elevate sessions that we are putting on for our parents and guardians. We know at Heathfield that we are co-parenting so understanding the approaches that we take at school towards your daughter’s academic achievement and pastoral wellbeing is important.

I meet with the Heathfield Parents’ Association as well just before this exeat; if there are any new parents in Form I who would like to represent the year group please contact me at headmistresspa@heathfieldschool.net I wish you all a wonderful exeat weekend and hope the rain holds off!

Best wishes, Mrs Gardiner Legge, Headmistress

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Sixth Form Open Evening An informative, friendly and relaxed evening was enjoyed by Vth Form girls, their parents and prospective girls and parents who had the opportunity to discuss A level subjects with Heathfield's academic staff over supper and a glass of wine.

Upper Sixth girls were on-hand to relate their experience of Sixth Form life and the pressures of A levels and to give advice on coping with GCSE examinations. The benefits of Heathfield’s Sixth Form and its preparation for university and the world of work were also presented and the girls left with lots of questions answered and some exciting decisions to make.

Mr Jeremy Hart, Director of Sixth Form

Guest Speaker – Forensic Scientist Jac Reed On Wednesday 18 September, Heathfield School welcomed ex CSI and forensic scientist, Jac Reed who was a CSI for the West Midlands Police for over ten years and now works as a forensic technician at the ICJS (Institute of Criminal Justice Studies). /

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Past Issues Jac began the talk by telling us about the significance of Forensics and that forensics isTranslate the

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application of science to legal issues, and a comprehensive understanding of the world and its scientific makeup. She highlighted that every contact leaves a trace (Edmund Locard) and that this fact serves as a starting point for many cases.

Additionally, Jac informed us of the key points in how to find and prosecute the suspect; linking a suspect to the scene, and then the scene to the crime. Furthermore, we heard about the various ways in which evidence can be collected from a crime scene, some of which include: Entomology, and its link to identifying the victim's time of death and fibres that have been left behind, and their links to the suspect, such as DNA. Wildlife crime was the final section of the talk In which Jac told us about her passion and commitment to the prevention of wildlife crime and the smuggling of illegal products such as medicines made from animal features and ivory. This touched many of us and inspired us to think and understand the severity of wildlife crime that is taking place around the world.

The talk ended with the importance of safety and the risks that come along with being a forensic scientist. Overall, we all learned an incredible amount from Jac, and she was truly inspiring to us all.

Allegra C, Form II

Form III Trip to Ypres The Form III trip to Ypres in Belgium set off at 6.30am on 27 September bound for the battlefields of World War One. The emphasis of this tour was not merely the division between the two sides and the destruction wrought in the trenches. There was, of course, a focus on remembrance when we laid a wreath before the Menin Gate in Ypres and when we visited the largest commonwealth war cemetery in the world at Tyne Cot. Such sites in honouring the sacrifices had thought it fit to introduce a measure of equality in

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their design. Yet it was clear that what draws people back to these sites is not a sense of

Past Issues equality or anonymity, an ever-present danger when commemorating the dead, butTranslate the

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stories of human individuals that cling to these sites.

At the Essex Farm dressing station in 1915, it was the news of his best friend's death that led John McCrae to compose a poem that has now become integral to Remembrance Day. At Langemark we heard the tale of a private who won the VC: one who had been accounted of little worth by those around him, a person of slow wits and few achievements, who won a medal through storming a concrete pill-box and saving not only his comrades but the lives of the Germans by giving them the chance to surrender. At Tyne Cot: soldiers who had come from Ascot and the roads in which they had lived, and which are there to this day.

When we finally returned to school, we had been given a lot to think about which will colour our study of WWI this term.

Dr Christopher Bradshaw, Subject Leader History & Politics

Berkshire Schools’ Lacrosse Tournament The annual Berkshire Schools’ Lacrosse Tournament took place at Downe House School on Wednesday 25 September. This was the first real test of the season to see how the 1st team faired against our neighbouring teams. As always Downe House and Queen Anne’s were strong, and the team lost 0-6 and 1-7 respectively despite having scoring opportunities the team just couldn't take advantage of their possession against a tough defence.

Against St. Bartholomew and St. George's, the team was given more time and space to pass the ball round to create space and scored some excellent goals, beating St. Barthomolew 4-3 and St. George’s 5-2.

Sophia (UVI) played extremely well in goal and was awarded MVP for her efforts. Other highlights were performances from Captains Aisha and Floria (UVI) and Cesca (Form V).

The season looks bright and our next test comes on Saturday 5 October as the team plays in the SW Schools' tournament.

Miss Wendy Reynolds, Director of Co-Curricular Activities & Operations, Senior Lacrosse Coach

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Form I Geography Field Trip Form I’s trip to the New Forest was a chance to introduce the girls to the delights viewing the world through the eyes of a geographer and to give them a chance to work together.

This started the minute we left school observing the route and the landscapes around them.

Relying upon breaks in the thunder and showers that were forecast, we managed to draw a field sketch of part of the Beaulieu River which has been dammed to create Mill Pond – not quite so picturesque as last year as the tide was out. From there we conducted traffic surveys of the surrounding roads, taking care to consider the risks first, and then we analysed and mapped the High Street to consider (later in the classroom) who the main target market is for the shops. All of these activities were watched closely by the local ponies and donkeys which roam wild in the area.

With still no sign of the showers, our second stop was a picnic lunch at Beaulieu Road in the forest, the site of a railway station and the Sales yard where the commoners can sell the ponies. In the afternoon we visited Lyndhurst Museum where the girls were able to visit the ancient Verderers' Court and listen to a talk about the ownership of the land its wildlife and its history as one the oldest areas of natural woodland in the country and one of the newest National Parks. This was followed by a short visit to the museum and the shop before the journey home.

Despite the weather forecast, we did not experience a drop of rain and Form I showed great promise as curious geographers, asking questions and recording data accurately.

Mrs Lesley Worrall, Subject Leader of Geography

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Shakespeare Schools Festival Workshop The cast of Much Ado About Nothing enthusiastically took to the stage of the Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park for a workshop with directors from the Shakespeare Schools Festival.

With their performance only a couple of weeks away, this was a great chance for the cast, which includes girls from Form I to IV, to try out their skills and scenes in their performance space. They had a hugely rewarding morning of rehearsal, including discovering which animals their characters might be, and they displayed real confidence and commitment.

The two directors from the SSF thoroughly enjoyed working with them, as did our own Assistant Director, Thea (Form IV), who magnificently held her own amidst the professionals. Roll on 17th October!

Mrs Miranda Powell, Teacher of English and Drama

Debating Society On Thursday 3 October members of the Debating society argued the motion This House believes Feminism has gone too far. Helena, Upper Sixth, and Dr Bradshaw proposed the motion and Louise (Form V) and Mrs Gardiner-Legge opposed.

The vote at the beginning proved the topic to be divided, however after some very strong /

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and passionate points from both sides and to the relief of Mrs Gardiner-Legge the final vote

Past Issues concluded the opposition as victorious.

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The high turnout of pupils in all year groups and their questions was very positive for the society. The passion from both sides was visible with sighs and frustrations more from the staff than pupils, who remained somewhat calmer. The event chaired seamlessly by Alia, Lower Sixth, was incredibly insightful and congratulations to those who participated and thank you to the wonderful audience.

Emma and Lottie, Upper Sixth

Taster Day Twenty Year 6 girls joined us for a Taster Day on Thursday 26 September ahead of our November Assessment for 2020 entry. The girls sampled a variety of fun lessons including Art, French, RS, and Music.

Our Form I girls joined them for lunch where Spaghetti Bolognaise and Chocolate Pudding were the most popular items on the menu. There was time for Form I to give them a personal tour of the school before the girls enjoyed a busy afternoon programme including Dance and Lacrosse.

A happy group of girls were reunited with their parents to enjoy Afternoon Tea and the opportunity to try some of our special Heathfield biscuits. We look forward to seeing the girls again in November.

Mrs Isabel Hutchings, Registrar

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Prep Schools Netball Workshop We welcomed Years 4 and 5 from Eton End, Godstowe and Highfield prep schools to a fun Netball Workshop. The event began with a loud and fun Heathfield warm-up to pop music which the girls loved. The girls were placed in smaller groups over three netball courts to work on passing skills, shooting and teamwork with tuition from the Heathfield Sports department.

After a competitive mini-tournament, the girls enjoyed Afternoon Tea in the Assembly Hall.

Everyone left smiling with their Heathfield hats and jellybeans.

Miss C Willimott, Head of Sport

SPORTS REPORT Lacrosse On Saturday 28 September our Lacrosse teams played against Dunottar and St Bart’s.

The U12s played well in both their games, even though they didn't come away with a win, they are developing their skills and coming together as a team. Congratulations to Tamara and Ines for receiving players of the match. It is good to see most of the year group on the lacrosse pitch, well-done girls! /

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The U13s played very well in both matches, and some of them played the third game

Past Issues alongside Form IV. They had a tough fight against Dunottar, losing by just three goalsTranslate and

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then a well-fought contest against St Bartholomew’s, unfortunately, losing by one goal.

Sasha received Player of the Match in both games, an outstanding achievement. Well done girls for an outstanding effort, grit, and determination.

The U15s won their first game against Dunottar U14, 7-6. Well done to Marley-Rose who played two-year groups above in goal and did a fantastic job! Players of the match were Ella and Romilly. In their second game against St Bartholomew’s, the girls did well to continue to play hard, despite being tired from the previous game. Congratulations to Carina who received Player of the Match.

The Form V lacrosse team beat Dunottar’s U15 team 11-7, a special mention to Marley-Rose who played amazingly in goal against girls who were two years above her.

The senior lacrosse teams lost to St. Bart’s; the 1sts lost 10-15 and the 2nds lost 3-6.

Congratulations to Cesca and Scarlett – who were Players of the Match.

Swimming

On Monday 30 September, U12 and U13 Swim teams competed against Bishopsgate. The U13s gave Bishopsgate boys fierce competition, as did the U12s against the girls.

The U13s were on fire breaking multiple school records. Congratulations to Allegra (Back & Breast), Birdie (IM), Johanna (IM), Olivia (Freestyle), Allegra, Birdie, Laura and Olivia (Free Relay) – all records being held since 2003!

Several girls also swam PBs, congratulations to Aamira, Izzy (x3), and Tamara (x2) from Form I and Johanna, Julia and Laura in Form II. There must have been something in the water!

Huge congratulations to Johanna (Form II) who has achieved a County Qualifying time in 200m Breaststroke with Windsor Swimming Club.

Good luck to the U13 team who are off to compete in the Wycombe Abbey Invitational Swim league later on this month!

Netball

On Tuesday 1 October, U14A netball team played in the South East Berkshire Tournament.

Due to a few girls being unwell, we were a player down. Although at a disadvantage from the start, it did not stop the girls from putting in a great amount of effort and showing fantastic commitment and determination. Well done girls! /

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Miss C Willimott, Head of Sport

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Weekend 28 – 29 September The weekend started on Friday at 6am for the Form IIIs heading off on their History trip to Ypres. Then on Saturday Form I enjoyed some craft with Louise, Designer in Residence and Yoga with Miss Willimott, Head of Sport, to wind down after a busy morning of Lacrosse (some of the girls had played three games!). Form II headed into the Lexicon shopping centre in Bracknell and enjoyed spending their pocket money!

Saturday evening saw Form I and II decide between a movie or learning how to make the infamous Joe’s Brownies. /

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On Sunday the whole school enjoyed the lasting tradition of White Chapel and then had a

Past busy Issues afternoon on a dance and spinning rotation.

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Heathfield raised funds for the OSCAR Charity last year and this year a team of boys from Mumbai is going on a tour of UK schools. On Sunday a group of students from Heathfield, led by OSCAR ambassadors Kiki and Minty from Lower Sixth, met them on arrival at Heathrow. Kiki has supported this charity for three years and it was her initiative to greet the boys.

Later on Sunday, Forms IV and V popped out to Windsor and Ascot to get any last-minute supplies after such a busy weekend!

Miss Philippa Sutton, Teaching Housemistress BrontĂŤ, Deputy DSL

12 October

Open Morning

19 October 29 October

HALF-TERM 20.00 Half Term Ends Form I to III Return 21.00 Form IV, V & Sixth Form Return

03 November 23 November 03 December

19.00 - 20.30 Bonfire Night* (Booking via Eventbrite) 10.45 - 13.30 St Nicholas' Stalls* Fellowship Carol Service*

09 December 13 December

Christmas Drinks* 10.45 Carol Service* 12.00 END OF TERM

* Parents are welcome to attend these events.

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