Mayfield Cornelian 2020/21

0D\ÀHOG &RUQHOLDQ 2020/21

School News

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Curriculum

24

Co-curricular Activities

61

Boarding Life at Mayfield

73

Chaplaincy

80

Sport

85

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elcome to the latest edition of the Mayfield Cornelian Magazine in which you will find a plethora of news and stories about what the girls have been doing over the last academic year. While the year has been challenging in many ways, once again the girls have embodied the Mayfield spirit of determination and resilience in facing those challenges, and have achieved a great deal – while having a lot of fun along the way!

Looking back over the last academic year, particular highlights include Foundation Day on 15th October 2020 (formerly Cornelia Connelly Day), during which we celebrated with a host of exciting activities and performances including Inter-House General Knowledge Quizzes, Inter-House Music, Inter-House Hockey, and our first sociallydistanced play, 'Scenes from Alice in Wonderland', featuring an inspiring cast of girls performing in various locations around the School grounds.

In true Cornelian spirit, we celebrated Mayfield Day in June despite the restrictions which meant we were unable to welcome families to the School. We decorated the Concert Hall so that Year 13 could watch the speeches and prize giving in person, and the rest of the girls watched the ceremony via a live link.

We were delighted to welcome OC Lauren Radford (Class of 2005) as our Mayfield Day guest speaker. Lauren, who is Vice President of Business Development at MJ Hudson Group

,Q WUXH &RUQHOLDQ VSLULW ZH FHOHEUDWHG 0D\ÀHOG 'D\ LQ -XQH GHVSLWH WKH UHVWULFWLRQV PLC, gave an inspiring lecture on some of the things she learnt at Mayfield, and how she has successfully applied them to both her career and her personal life. She also discussed the importance

of gratitude and how being grateful for three things each day can help you to be happy; as well as how to make the most of your networks – particularly the Old Cornelians!

Finally, on the last day of the School year, all of the girls took part in a Whole School Sponsored Walk to raise money for the Anthony Nolan Trust. The weather was beautiful and the girls completed the 5km circular walk through the stunning High Weald countryside, raising £1730 for this vital charity.

I hope you all very much enjoy finding out more about how the girls have been spending their time in these pages.

With my prayers and best wishes, Niamh Green, Acting Head

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n 15th October, Mayfield celebrated Foundation Day (formerly Cornelia Connelly Day), with a host of fun activities and performances including Inter-House General Knowledge Quizzes, Inter-House Music, Inter-House Hockey, and our first sociallydistanced play, 'Scenes from Alice in Wonderland', featuring an inspiring cast of girls performing in various locations around the School grounds.

6FHQHV IURP ¶$OLFH LQ :RQGHUODQG· 37 pupils were involved in Mayfield's first socially-distanced play, a promenade performance of scenes from 'Alice in Wonderland' by students from Years 7 to 11. The lucky Year 8 audience had a fabulous and magical time being escorted around the Chapel and School grounds by the White Rabbit, following Alice on her adventures.

In the evening, the cast performed their scenes again for the camera as Miss Clark filmed the production for parents.

The girls had a great time playing the exag ex agge gge g ra rate ted te d ch cha arac ar acte ters rs and nd exp xplo lori lo rin ng ng th he d diiffe iff ffere re ent n mediums mss of th heatr ea atr t e an and d fil fi m. m. m.

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,QWHU +RXVH 0XVLF Inter-House Music was a little different this year, with only the ol competitors sitting in the Concert Hall, and the rest of the Schoo watching via video link. There was no Ensemble category because of restrictions on mixing bubbles, so instead we had three tiers of vocal and instrumental soloists from Lower and Middle Schoo ol, and the Sixth Form. The competitors performed a wide variety of music and the whole event, especially the quality of the playing g, was a testament to the importance that music plays in all our lives, and to the girls’ hard work, even during the months without lesssonss during lockdown. The winning house was Bronte, but everyone e who o participated showed the power of music to raise spirits and kee ep uss going in challenging times.

INDIVIDUAL SECTION WINNERS Junior Vocal:

Year 8 Jessica (Bronte) Y

Junior Instrumental:

Year 7 Teresa (Curie) Y

Middle Vocal:

Year 10 Natalie (Glennie) Y

Middle Instrumental:

Year 11 Christina (Bronte) Y

Senior Vocal:

Year 13 Olivia (Bronte) Y

Senior Instrumental:

Year 13 Helena and Year 12 Helena Z (Cu Y urie))

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nternational Women’s Day (IWD) has been held each year on 8th March since 1911 to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, as well as calling for gender parity. This year's theme was ‘Choose to Challenge’ and we were privileged to have a special IWD Assembly. This was presented by two amazing women, OC Giovanna Forte and Martha Silcott, who shared their stories about overcoming obstacles to bring new products to market.

Passion, tenacity, and the support of good friends, helped former pupil Giovanna Forte of Forte Medical, and Martha Silcott of FabLittleBag, launch their products. Giovanna has developed a unique urine collection system, Peezy Midstream, that is being used by healthcare professionals

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worldwide to collect reliable samples for early diagnosis of infections. Martha's product is an eco-friendly solution to sanitary product disposal.

This was a refreshing presentation discussing taboos surrounding feminine healthcare delivered by two inspirational women.

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0D\ÀHOG &HQVXV The Mathematics Department carried out a number of activities centred around the National Census. The girls were given an introduction to the National Census by their tutors, and then took part in a Kahoot quiz to test their knowledge.

In Maths lessons, they were introduced to the fictitious island of Statistopia, about which they completed some mini challenges.

Each challenge presented Statistopia census information that the girls analysed to make decisions about how many new schools were needed on the island, and whether the island should expand the regional metro train or the rural bus services. This gave the girls an opportunity to reflect on the importance of data in real-world decision-making.

Using this year’s National Census, the girls looked at different types of question and what makes a good question. They then devised their own questions to be included in our own Mayfield Census 2021. The girls were very imaginative and thoughtful, and created some excellent questions: “What is your favourite place at School?”, “Which environmental issues are you most concerned about?”, “If you could meet any person in time, who would it be?” All staff and students were given the opportunity to take part in the Mayfield Census 2021. The results were revealed after the Easter holidays and included those listed below.

What is your favourite breaktime snack?

Which is your dominant hand?

Which of the listed environmental issues are you most concerned about?

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On Monday 26th April, the girls celebrated Green Day by bringing in £1 to wear something green and support the WWF, the upkeep of the Mayfield bee colony, and other environmental improvements around the School site.

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Students enjoyed an interesting Assembly by MESSy which covered a broad range of fascinating topics including sustainable farming, fast fashion, genetic banks and seed banks, the importance of bees, and recovered species. The Assembly concluded with special messages from the Co-Chairs of MESSy from last year who are now studying at University.

We also held ‘Mayfield Earth Hour’ from 14:30 to 15:30 during which we turned off as many electrical devices as possible with the aim of using zero energy across the School site during this time.

,QWHUQDWLRQDO )DLU In April, the International English Department held its annual International Fair, with girls engaging in a range of different activities celebrating the cultural diversity of the School and its pupils. The Leeds House girls made Chinese shadow puppets and Chinese lanterns to celebrate the Year of the Ox. Some of them also had a go at writing Chinese characters with help from Year 7s Ariel and Teresa.

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Half of the girls from Gabs watched a Senegalese film called ‘Atlantics’, a Grand Prix winner at Cannes in 2020. The film focusses on the plight of migrants and the refugee crisis, as well as themes of love and loss. The other half of Gabs made delicious Spanish Tapas in celebration of the Feria de Sevilla and ate them while playing board games in Spanish. They produced tortillas, croquetas, gazpacho and churros con chocolate, all of which was confirmed to taste authentic by Year 12 Lucia.

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0XFN 8S 'D\ On 14th May, the Year 13s celebrated their last day in School before going on study leave with the traditional Mayfield Muck Up Day! During Tutor time the whole School enjoyed their fabulous Muck Up Day video and there were also some enthusiastic water pistol fights in the School grounds. Muck Up Day concluded with a brunch in the Sixth Form Dining Room.

/RZHU 6FKRRO (DVWHU (JJ +XQW Lower School enjoyed a visit from the Easter Bunny, who set out clues around the School for the girls to follow. Our Sixth Form Prefects, Ibee and Georgia, did a marvellous job in organising the Bunny on his Easter Mayfield Mission.

Everyone got involved, including girls overseas and working remotely, who were able to join the hunt via Microsoft Teams.

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n true Cornelian spirit, we celebrated Mayfield Day in style in June despite the restrictions which meant we were unable to welcome our families to the School. We decorated the Concert Hall so that Year 13 could watch the speeches and Prize Giving in person, and the rest of the girls watched the ceremony via a live link.

We were delighted to welcome OC Lauren Radford (Class of 2005) as our guest speaker. Lauren is Vice President of Business Development at MJ Hudson Group PLC, co-founder of a Women in VC network, a member of the EISA female leaders working group and on the advisory board for Impulse4women, where she uses her position to promote, support and encourage women in the field. She has a BA in Economics from Durham m Univer Un ersi er sity si ty,, an ty an LLB and LPC (distinct ctio ct io on)) f om BPP fr P Law Sch choo o l.

Lau en spo Laur poke ke to th the e gi g rlss ab bou ut so some me of the things sh he ha ad le lear arnt at

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Mayfield, and how she has applied them to both her career and her personal life. She discussed the importance of gratitude and how being grateful for three things each day can help you to be happy; as well as making the most of your networks.

Once the speeches were over and the prizes presented, everyone enjoyed a deliciiou ouss BBQ lu unc nch. Sportt’s D y had Da d to be po post stpo one n d du due to o the e inccl in clemen clem emen em entt we w athe atthe her bu but the Year 13s 3s 3s h d a grrea ha eatt se send nd d off in the eve v ning with the heir ir fina n lM Ma asss, Prriz ize Givvi ving g an nd nd a Leaver ers' s Din nn ne err..

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:KROH 6FKRRO 6SRQVRUHG :DON On the last day of the Summer term, the girls in Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 completed a 5k sponsored walk to raise money for The Anthony Nolan Trust. The route was a circular walk around Mayfield across the beautiful High Weald countryside. The weather was great and the girls and staff enjoyed the outing, raising £1730 for this worthwhile cause.

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&RUQHOLDQ $QQLYHUVDU\ &RPSHWLWLRQ "Stunning, exciting, captivating, striking, fascinating, compelling, thrilling, delightful, inventive, inspired, amazing, impressive, and breath-taking" – these were just some of the adjectives used by the Cornelian Association Awards judges to describe entries to last year's Anniversary Competition for Years 7, 8 and 9.

The competition theme was 'adventure', to be interpreted in a creative and imaginative way, and the girls certainly did not disappoint. Entries included Alexa’s illustrated account of making an earthenware pot using clay dug from her garden, which she fired overnight in a sunken bonfire; Tabitha's nature video of Pennybridge Woods; Rebecca's book reviews from every continent; Elizabeth's lockdown diary; Phoebe’s board game linking trivial pursuit with the current academic syllabus; and Katie’s artwork of Alex Hannold, which showed a "remarkable talent for portraiture" and which won her the prize for best artwork.

As with so many things, lockdown meant this year’s competition took place online, and, while we missed seeing the entries in person and meeting the girls and their families at the prize-giving drinks reception, we thoroughly enjoyed seeing so much talent, imagination and ambition. We are, once again, incredibly grateful to OC Sue Gaisford (née Speak) for her expertise in judging the final entries.

Since its launch in 2013 as part of the 150th Anniversary celebrations, we have seen many exceptional submissions and we would like to extend our thanks to all the girls who have entered the Cornelian Association Awards over the years. On previous occasions, the girls’ entries have been displayed for the wider community to enjoy, and we hope that this will continue so that everyone can share in their achievements.

The Cornelian Association

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,QWURGXFLQJ 6W &HFLOLD·V We are delighted to announce that the newly-refurbished Music Block – renamed St Cecilia’s in honour of the patron saint of music – opened in time for the new academic year. The building will be a huge asset to both the Music and Drama Departments, and incorporates six sound-proofed and climate-controlled music practice rooms, break-out rooms, a music classroom including an IT suite, a dedicated music library, instrument storage facilities, and areas for individual quiet study.

The ground floor of the new building comprises a large second drama studio for teaching, rehearsing and performances. The studio is equipped with stage lighting and has been designed to be a versatile space.

9LUWXDO 0LFKDHOPDV )DLU The Friends of Mayfield organised a wonderful Virtual Christmas Michaelmas Fair between 23rd November and 18th December, as we were unable to host the event at School due to Covid-19 restrictions.

With a host of exciting online stalls to choose from including clothing, jewellery, food and drink, and photobooks, the Michaelmas Fair garnered great support from the Mayfield community, who enjoyed

doing their Christmas shopping from the comfort of their own homes while raising funds for the School.

Many thanks to The Friends for all their hard work and support.

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n what was a challenging year for everyone, Mayfield girls once again rose to the challenge and maintained the School’s high academic standards.

Mayfield’s Upper Sixth girls secured places at leading universities to study a wide range of academic disciplines including Engineering, Modern Languages, Law, Chemistry, Physics, History of Art and Veterinary Medicine.

The most popular university choices were Durham, Bristol, Exeter, Imperial and UCL with places also being secured at other prestigious universities including Cambridge, The Courtauld Institute and the University of Groningen.

Christie, a local day girl who came to Mayfield from Sir Henry Fermor C of E Primary School in Crowborough, achieved three A*s in Maths, Biology and Geography, and is going to study Earth and Planetary Science at Imperial.

She said: "I am overjoyed with my results and am extremely grateful for the teachers at Mayfield, who have helped me so much over my seven years at the School. I can now begin to focus and look forward to university after what has been a unique Sixth Form experience, with lockdown and the pandemic. I have loved my time at Mayfield and will miss it very much."

Mary, from Tunbridge Wells, the eldest of three sisters at Mayfield, is going on to study Chinese at Durham having achieved a HSK level 4 in Mandarin, alongside two A*s and an A in Ceramics, Geography and Economics. She said: “I’m so glad Mayfield has given me the opportunity to pursue my passion for Chinese - I can’t wait to start my course.”

Olivia, who joined Mayfield in the Sixth Form, emerging as a dynamic member of the debating team and a social justice campaigner, achieved three A*s in Geography, History and Politics and is going to Bristol to study Politics and International Relations. She said: “Coming to Mayfield really helped me to grow in confidence. I have made lifelong friendships as well as achieving excellent exam results, which I can take forward into the future with me.”

Monami, a boarder since Year 10, is delighted to be going to study

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Engineering at Pembroke College, Cambridge having achieved four A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Art. An outstanding artist, Monami also had a successful equestrian career representing the School at the highest level and was a member of the School Orchestra. She said: “Mayfield has given me many opportunities and experiences and I am extremely grateful. I would also like to thank all the teachers who have been working so hard for us. Thanks to the support I’ve had from the School, I am now looking forward to the future with confidence and excitement.”

Christie

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Olivia, a local day student and another keen rider, achieved a starred Distinction in the new BTec in Equine Management, alongside an A in PE and B in Psychology, and is going to study Business Management at Oxford Brookes. She said: “I loved my time at Mayfield, with sport and riding being a huge highlight for me. I will be forever grateful for all the friends and memories I’ve made and the help and support I’ve had since I joined in Year 7.”

Fran, a stalwart of Mayfield’s Equestrian team, achieved three A*s in Psychology, History and Biology and is going to study Psychology at Bath. She said: “When I arrived at Mayfield in Year 9, I would not have expected these results.

The skill and warmth of the teachers at Mayfield, together with the opportunity to pursue my passion in riding has allowed me to achieve my full potential.

I am so grateful to all my teachers, instructors and the boarding house staff for all the care, help and advice they have given me over the years.”

Monami

Fran

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Bath

Psychology

Bristol

Anthropology, Economics and Finance, Politics and International Relations

Cambridge

Engineering

Cardiff

Ancient History

Cardiff Metropolitan

Ceramics

Courtauld Institute

History of Art

Durham

Edinburgh

Biological Sciences, Chinese Studies, Geography, Modern Languages and Cultures, Psychology Economics with Finance, Veterinary Medicine

Essex

Acting and Contemporary Theatre

Exeter

Archaeology and Anthropology, Business and Management, Geography, Sociology and Criminology

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Leeds

Environment and Business, International History and Politics, Law

Loughborough

Criminology, Fine Art

Manchester

Criminology, Social Anthropology and Sociology, Sociology

Newcastle

Geography

Nottingham

Criminology, Electronic and Computer Engineering

Oxford Brookes

Business and Management (x2), Biological Sciences

Oxford School of Drama

Acting

Queen Mary

Computer Science; Design, Innovation and Creative Engineering; Economics, Finance and Management; Law

Reading

Biomedical Sciences, Psychology

Royal Agricultural University

Rural Land Management

Glasgow

Psychology

Southampton

Environmental Science

Groningen

Physics

Sussex

Psychology

Imperial

Chemistry, Earth and Planetary Science, Mathematics

UCL

Economics and Geography, Information Management for Business

York

Biology, Music, Psychology

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espite a year of great uncertainty, Mayfield girls once again excelled both inside and outside the classroom, achieving GCSE grades that reflect their ability and how hard they have worked throughout their time in the Middle School.

Sissy, from Tunbridge Wells, is a talented singer/ songwriter and achieved Grades 7-9 in all ten of her GCSEs. She said: “When I joined in Year 7, I never dreamed I’d receive results like I have today and be choosing Biology, Chemistry and History A Levels. Every single teacher has given me the confidence to pursue subjects that might not be a natural choice for someone with dyslexia.”

Isabel

Isabel, from Uckfield, competes for Mayfield and Sussex in Athletics and Cross-country, as well as nationally in Triathlon.

She was awarded Grades 7-9 in all of her nine GCSEs. She said: “I am really proud of my results. Mayfield has supported me to achieve a balance in both competitive sport and academic excellence, allowing me to be the best I can be.”

Elizabeth

Elizabeth, a boarder at Mayfield and Catholic Young Writer Award winner in 2020, achieved ten Grade 9s and one Grade 8. She said: “I’m delighted with my results and I am extremely grateful to all the staff and girls at Mayfield who were able to quickly adapt to the disruption of the last two years and support us through our GCSEs. I am very much looking forward to entering the Sixth Form and continuing to make the most of all the opportunities that Mayfield has to offer.”

Sissy

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Yueshi, a boarder from China, received the highest grade (9) in all 11 subjects. She said: “I am delighted with my straight 9s and I want to thank all the teachers and friends at Mayfield for my achievement as it would not have been possible without them! I am very excited to study History, French, English and History of Art in the Sixth Form. I am hoping to study a History degree at Oxford University and I believe the Oxbridge Programme at Mayfield will fully support and benefit me to achieve my full potential!”

Mia

Mia, from Crowborough, achieved ten Grade 9s and one Grade 8. Mia plays the clarinet and piano, and during lockdown raised £170 by donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust. She said: “Given that this has been a difficult academic year, I am overjoyed with my results and extremely grateful for all of the support my teachers have provided me with. All of the extra-curricular opportunities Mayfield has given me really helped me to balance my studies.”

Sophie

Sophie, from Groombridge, balanced her studies with intensive training over lockdown, and received four Grade 9s, two Grade 8s and three Grade 7s. She said: "I am really proud of my results. They were only possible because of the support Mayfield and the GB World Class Start rowing team have given me over my GCSE years. I'm looking forward to continuing my studies at Mayfield and furthering my rowing career."

Yueshi

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0V (PPD %HOO Emma is our new Teacher of English.

She has a degree in English Literature from Southampton University. Emma has spent most of her career working in Buckinghamshire in the grammar and independent sector as an English teacher, pastoral leader and Head of School. Her ideal day involves walking, finding a bargain in a charity shop, and an ice-cream before a dip in the ocean.

0LVV ,VDEHO (ZLQJ Isabel is Mayfield’s new Teacher of History - covering Mrs Lawson’s maternity leave - and a floating resident tutor. She has a degree in History from St Aidan’s College, Durham and a PGCE from University College, Oxford.

For the last couple of years she has been teaching in London schools, most recently at Forest School. At the weekends you’ll find her jogging or otherwise being active, cooking, and going to exhibitions and shows in London when she has the time.

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0UV -HPPD 'D\ Jemma is joining Mayfield as a Teacher of Art. She is a professional artist specialising in abstract oil painting, and has a BA Hons in Fine Art: Painting from the University of Brighton. Jemma was previously Head of Photography at King's College Taunton and Brighton Girls, and is looking forward to working in a forward thinking school where the pupils get to experience a wide range of the creative curriculum.

0V (YD *DUFLD &ODUDPRQWH Eva is Mayfield’s new Teacher of Biology and Year 10 Tutor, and has the advantage of having taught at Mayfield before!

She has a joint honours in Biology and Chemistry from St Mary’s College, University of Surrey. Eva joins us from St Gregory’s Catholic School in Tunbridge Wells. Eva enjoys watching and taking part in team sports and likes to travel.

0U 0DUFLR 'RZJDQ Marcio is joining as Teacher of Music.

He was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he trained in classical guitar and achieved a degree in composing and conducting. When he’s not working, Marcio loves to swim and often finds his way to the closest beach. Not surprisingly, travelling is also on the top of the list of his favourite things to do.

0UV 1LNL /DQFDVWHU Niki is our new Learning Support Teacher. She comes to us from a similar role at Ardingly College where she worked for 12 years. Nicola grew up in Canada where she became an elite swimmer, training seven hours a day whilst at University. She continues to swim to this day with the Mid Sussex Marlins Masters Team.

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0UV *DsOOH 0F*RYHUQ Gaëlle is Mayfield’s new Head of Religious Studies and has a degree in Theology from Oriel College, Oxford, and a Masters in Religious Studies from the University of Lancaster. She has previously taught at St Bede’s College, St Mary’s School, and most recently, Ampleforth College.

0U 'DYLG 7XUQHU David joins Mayfield as a Teacher of Chemistry from Lewes Old Grammar School where he taught Chemistry and Spanish. He holds a MChem degree and PhD in Chemistry from the University of Sheffield. In his spare time, David enjoys being active outdoors and he cycles, walks, paddle boards and camps as often as he can.

0U 6WHSKHQ 2OLYHU Stephen is our new teacher of Classics and Religious Studies. He joins us from Our Lady’s Abingdon where he was Principal. He has a BA in Classics from Birmingham University. He then went on to achieve a PGCE in Classics and Religious Studies at Queen’s College, Cambridge, and a MLitt in Ancient History in which he specialised in ancient Greek religion. Stephen enjoys cricket, jazz and writing.

0UV 6XH 6PHDWRQ Sue is Mayfield’s new Head of Food and Nutrition and has been teaching food related courses for 30 years. She studied Home Economics (BSc Hons) at the University of Bath and has worked at schools in London, Tunbridge Wells and East Grinstead. Sue is passionate about encouraging young people to cook for pleasure, to learn new skills, and to understand the fundamentals of nutrition so they can make healthy lifestyle choices.

0U 0DJQXV :KLWWOH Magnus joins Mayfield as a Teacher of Mathematics from St Philip’s Prep School in Kensington. He studied at both Imperial College and Durham University, where he obtained a BSc in Mathematics, specialising in probability and game theory. In his free time he enjoys field sports, rowing and rugby.

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We said goodbye to a number of staff who retired or moved on to pastures new. We wish them all the very best for the next stages of their lives and thank them for all they have given to the School.

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Elaine was a crucial member of the Science Department as our Biology Technician. We were very lucky to have a great biologist who prepared samples and equipment for practicals to help bring the subject to life for the girls. She was a pleasure to work with and her calm demeanour and willingness to go the extra mile made sure things ran smoothly in the School laboratories.

In addition to this, she worked in boarding as a non-resident tutor for many years. During that time, she was extremely professional and supportive. She was always interested in the girls’ progress and wellbeing. She was also willing to help when trips were organised, and she loved to come with us when we visited the residents of Canterbury Court at Christmas. She was a great carol singer! She was also a willing helper when cooking the girls weekend breakfast. She was a loyal team member and a massive support to everyone she worked with. A gentle, kind, and thoughtful staff member.

Claire Davies

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David is a great outdoor adventurer and would go away to some faraway place on hiking and climbing expeditions every holiday. When he returned, he would always regale his colleagues with stories about his adventures, which he managed to make sound hilarious, partly due to his very dry sense of humour and partly because of the unusual situations he would find himself in!

He was very popular indeed with the girls, not only because they valued his excellent teaching, but they too found his sense of humour, rather unique and amusing. He would always talk about himself in the third person, saying things to the girls such as “Sir is going to be very upset indeed if he doesn’t get all of the homework”. However, he was always extremely modest and downplayed his talents as a fantastic teacher and supportive colleague, and he will be missed by teachers and pupils alike.

Rachel Testa

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In the early days of Jane’s employment here at Mayfield, members of staff who were here on the campus after sunrise would see her arrive at work on her motorbike, then later as a minibus driver. Despite this adventurous arrival in all weathers, we would always be impressed by her impeccable appearance – her hair was always beautifully styled, her outfits coordinated with flare and always including high-heeled shoes.

She is, however, both style and substance. All the staff in the Science Department experienced her skills as a Chemistry Technician. We always had complete confidence that our experiments were meticulously prepared and organised by Jane. She has excellent knowledge of chemicals, reactions

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and techniques, not just for examination classes but for fun club activities like making soap and bath bombs. She even prepared the Forensic Laboratory to find out which of the suspects kidnapped Pudsey Bear!

She stayed abreast of the developing IT we had to use in our updated laboratories, and she was my right-hand in explaining, accessing, and using IT during lessons. She was always willing to come and sort out a technical problem, and in the early days there were many!

Jane is a skilled skier and developed a love of the mountains while doing voluntary work in the Himalayas. She often supported school ski trips and outings.

She was always kind and patient. May she always be surrounded by kindness as she rides into the sunset.

Teresa Rakowska

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Jocelyn certainly made her mark at Mayfield as Head of Biology and Science. One of her key strengths is organisation. They say that if you want something done, you should ask a busy person, and Jocelyn was incredible in how effortlessly she organised schemes of work, examination papers, careers events, as well as managing a diverse team. This is in addition to juggling home life with three teenagers and keeping up her passion for keeping fit, running, cycling and swimming.

The girls certainly enjoyed her Dissection Club!

We would like to wish her well as she embarks on her new career at Beacon Academy as Head of Key Stage 4.

Rachel Davies

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Convivial, ebullient, fun loving, entertaining, a very generous and exceptionally dedicated Housemistress, and Teacher of French and RE, Charmaine quickly made her mark in St Dunstan’s House. She always had the interests of the girls at heart, and one of her first concerns was to make the House more of a home with new kitchen equipment and dishwasher, some new curtains in the girls’ rooms, and a smart wine red carpet along the winding top corridor.

Cooking became more popular than ever, and with little encouragement, the girls would organise sushi or pancake nights, or simply make homemade cakes and scones. Another interest that some girls expressed was for running before School. Charmaine agreed to three mornings a week, and however short her night, she would summon the energy to appear on the astroturf at 6.45am, sometimes remarking that she seemed the most assiduous at turning up; and one could add, the most impervious to the weather.

However, the real measure of Charmaine emerged on those occasions where there was something difficult to deal with.

One day, she called a new Sixth Former to her study. She wanted to find out if the girl had been smoking but she had no proof, only her suspicions. How did she extract a confession?

First, she explained that the offence of smoking

was considered more serious if a student is found climbing out of her bedroom window onto the roof. Then she asked directly, “So where did you smoke?” Instantly, the girl replied, “indoors”, and Charmaine had learned all she wanted to know.

On several other occasions, Charmaine’s swift action saved the day. When a boarder reported that her friend had gone suddenly floppy, Charmaine bolted up the stairs and seeing that the girl was having a serious anaphylactic reaction, calmly administered an epipen injection while simultaneously getting a boarder to call for an ambulance. On another evening, Charmaine was up late – 1am to be precise, desperately attempting to beat the 9am deadline for her House Reports. However, I had heard a strange noise downstairs and felt I had to alert her. Immediately, she recognised it as a pre-alarm warning. A room in Top Dunstan’s was overheating. She flew along the corridor, opening doors and windows as she went, until she found a room like a sauna.

She immediately turned off the culprit, a radiator left on at full heat, and with the cold night air pouring in through the window, the House was spared a fire alarm.

Charmaine always displayed a deep sense of responsibility and care for both the girls and her colleagues in the House.

She had a habit when off-duty of ringing the House Office to ask if all was well or to give a reminder about something, but she also had a great sense of fun and “joie de vivre”; a remarkable combination of gifts, which we will never forget “a one-off” Housemistress.

Margaret Bushell

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Elaine worked in the Religious Studies Department at Mayfield School for 13 years and contributed greatly to its success, and the examination success of the many girls who took GCSE and A Level Religious Studies. She approached every task with enthusiasm and energy. She also held the position of Assistant Head of Sixth Form and supported some of the girls through rough patches, many of whom are still in contact with her today.

Elaine was not only an examiner in Religious Studies but recently became involved in the development of the RE Curriculum Directory and is currently training to be a Diocesan Inspector, whilst also serving as a Governor at a local all-through school.

We will miss her and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

Karen Sunderland

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67(0 7ZLQV ZLQ SUHVWLJLRXV $UNZULJKW 6FKRODUVKLSV In December, we celebrated the achievements of Valeria and Victoria B who have each been awarded an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship. They are awarded to inspire potential future leaders in engineering and the girls had to go through a rigorous selection process involving submitting a detailed proposal for their project, aimed at detecting the presence of ionising particles. As part of the scholarship the girls are being sponsored by Rolls Royce and the ERA Foundation, and this involves gaining valuable hands-on work experience as well as a personal mentor who can help them with their studies and career planning.

The girls’ interest in applying for a scholarship was sparked by attending Dr Corvan’s STEM Club, where all members are actively encouraged to explore the dynamic field of electronics and coding. The girls get the opportunity to use Raspberry Pi microcomputers and Arduino microcontrollers to develop their projects - practical applications of this technology range from mounting sensors onto a radio-controlled car to designing baby clothes that can monitor the health of the infant that wears them.

Here they are receiving their award.

Congrats!

,QQRYDWH $VVLVWLYH 'HVLJQ 3URMHFW As part of their Innovate lessons, girls in Year 9 learnt how to use 3D computer aided design (CAD) software to create a prototype device that could assist someone with a physical disability or mental health condition to deal with the small challenges they may experience in their everyday routine.

The Innovate team (Dr Corvan, Mrs Bartlett and Mr Warren) were impressed with the imagination and creativity shown by the girls, particularly those who focused their project on the difficulties faced by a friend or relative.

Some of the innovative ideas that the girls came up with included braille jam jar lid labels and toothbrush holders, make-up holders, and spoons for those with joint problems in their hands, fidget spinners or objects to help manage anxiety, and even a snowball maker/ thrower for Raynaud’s sufferers!

eyes on the 3D printer and were able to evaluate their prototypes and consider ways they could be improved.

As well as improving their technical engage skills, engagement and awareness of nology, Innovate aims aim to develop technology, reliance and resilience among the self-reliance s, who are encouraged to problemgirls, lve and overcome challenges solve dependently or as part of a team. independently

The girls were delighted to see their designs brought to life before their

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0DWKHPDWLFDO 2O\PSLDG IRU *LUOV In October, Year 13s Natalie and Monami did extremely well in the Mathematical Olympiad for Girls. The Olympiad encourages girls to tackle advanced mathematical problems.

It is a two-hour challenge consisting of five thought-provoking questions, and the answers have to be submitted with full written solutions.

Our Year 12 Biologists took part in the Intermediate Biology Olympiad in June. The competition consisted of a one-hour paper with questions on topics the girls had covered at GCSE and in their first year of A Level. It also tested their problem-solving skills and understanding of core principals.

We are very pleased to report that Victoria and Jemima won Gold Awards (only 5% of entrants achieve this level of award); Ewa achieved a Silver Award, and Lucia won a Bronze Award. The Gold Award winners were invited to take part in a special day run by the Field Studies Council in October. Congratulations to everyone who took part.

3K\VLFV 2O\PSLDG Many congratulations to Year 13 Helena, and Year 11s Avery, Christina and Mia (who worked together), who received Bronze Awards from the British Physics Olympiad Experimental project which they entered in January.

The girls had to gather data using household items to investigate the relationship between water depth and time period of the waves.

Year 13 Helena said: “The experimental project forced me to re-think the experimental techniques we use in lessons and how they can be used to make the project as detailed as possible. I also had to be creative, and to find solutions to problems that occurred during the experiment. This required finding research papers that have been published about the topic to validate or contradict my results.

In summary, it was a great learning opportunity, and a good use of the free time during the Christmas break.”

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&KHPLVWU\ 2O\PSLDG Well done to Year 13 Chemists Shari, Jasmine and Natalie, who participated remotely in the first round of the Chemistry Olympiad in January.

This international competition, organised by the Roya al Society of Chemistry, enabled Year 13 students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of Chemistry, by solving complex problems, often set in topical contexts, reaching above the demands of the A Level specification. This year was no exception, witth questions relating to the ‘social distancing’ of molecule es es and Donald Trump’s ‘strategies’ for treating coronaviruss.

-XQLRU 0DWKHPDWLFDO &KDOOHQJH Before Easter, all Year 7 and 8 girls took part in the Junior Mathematical Challenge.

This is a 60-minute, multiple-choice competition aimed at students across the UK, to encourage mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems.

The problems in the Junior Mathematical Challenge are designed to make students think. Most are accessible, yet still challenge those with more experience.

Here are some questions from this year’s Challenge:

The Mathematics Department is pleased to report that the girls achieved two gold, three silver and 10 bronze certificates. Ivana and Charmaine also qualified for the 'Junior Kangaroo'.

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,QWHUPHGLDWH 0DWKHPDWLFDO &KDOOHQJH In February, students from Years 9, 10 and 11 took part in the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge. This is a 60-minute, multiple-choice competition that encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems.

The problems in the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge are designed to make students think. Most are accessible, yet still challenge those with more experience.

The Mathematics Department was pleased to report that this year’s entrants received 25 bronze, 12 silver and 5 gold certificates. Chloe, Sissi and Elizabeth all qualified for the ‘Pink Kangaroo’ follow-on round, and Samantha, Ellie and Katrina qualified for the ‘Grey Kangaroo’.

6HQLRU 0DWKHPDWLFDO &KDOOHQJH During October Half Term, some of our Year 12 and Year 13 mathematicians took part in the UKMT Senior Mathematical Challenge - a 90-minute paper of challenging Maths questions. The Mathematics Department is pleased to report the following results: gold certificates were awarded to Natalie, Valeria and Victoria D; silver certificates were awarded to Jemima, Angelina, Eunice and Victoria B; and bronze certificates went to Dora, Tatum, Ewa and Helena.

Natalie qualified for the British Mathematical Olympiad, and Valeria and Victoria D also qualified for the 'Senior Kangaroo'. Well done girls!

3K\VLFV &OLQLFV Year 12 students Victoria, Valeria and Victoria ran Physics Clinics for girls who joined us in Year 10, to help them catch up with Year 9 work. The girls were great ambassadors for Physics with their obvious passion for their subject, and they were excellent teachers, pitching the sessions well with the girls and going through exam questions.

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<HDU ¶%UHDWKLQJ 'UXJV DQG 'LJHVWLRQ· The topic for Year 8 Biology in the Autumn term was ‘Breathing, Drugs and Digestion’. This included learning about the mechanism for breathing, the effects of smoking, alcohol, and drugs on the body, the importance of a balanced diet, and the process of digestion. The photos below show the girls investigating the energy levels in different foods.

<HDU 9LUWXDO %LRORJ\ LQ $FWLRQ This year, the annual Year 12 Biology trip to ‘Biology in Action’ in London took on a different form, and was delivered virtually from Mayfield.

We heard lectures from a range of eminent doctors and professors from a wide range of fields, which extended the A Level curriculum and enabled students to put some of the subject matter into context.

First was Dr Rohin Francis from University College London, who had come straight from a night shift at the hospital to speak about the development and design of the heart, heart disease, and medical advances in the treatment of heart disease. One of our favourite lectures was by Professor Nessa Carey who leads her field in

epigenetics. She discussed how our environment can influence gene expression. Our final speaker was Professor Tim Spector who has investigated the human gut biome and its influence on everything from our weight to mental health.

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<HDU DQG ¶3HRSOH /LNH 0H· In May, Year 7 and 8 pupils enjoyed a STEM careers event called ‘People like Me’.

‘Peo ople lilike Me’ is run by WISE, the campaign for gende er bala ance in n Science, Technology and Engineering, in collab aboratio on with the GSA (Girls' School Association) n). The eventt aims to al a low girls to recognise that careers re elating to Scie ence are e not necessarily the traditional roles th they might imag gin ine, such as a scientist, but encompass a huge ran a ge of caree eers, such as managing a science business, desig igni n ng scientifific pr p oducts ts, and influencing government policyy, as well as role es which h us use e th he logical skills that are le lear arnt nt from m studying Sci cience. Th he event encourag ges girls to keep an open mind when conssidering their choices at A Level and beyond, as a career in Science may be fo forr ‘People like e the h m’.

The girls had prev eviously com ompl p eted a quest stionnaire lissting the adjectives which ch best describe them e . From this, the hey were able to identify th the e type of person on th hey are from om a list of 12, and rank them m in order. The op o tions ranged ed from an explorer (inquisitive and d practical), to a manage er (highlyy organised and a good mot o ivator).

Four Old Cornelianss from six ix of the ca categories came ame to spe pea ak to small groups of girls. We were also o privileged to hearr our own Director of Developm ment, Cora Saint, speak aboutt her e carree e r journey. Cora’s niece,, who is an environmentall hea alth ltth and safe ety mana ma nage g r for Lidl dl, also kindly spoke to the girls. Sp Spe eakers came e from a range of industries incclu ludi din ng engineering g, ac a count mana ma nage geme ment nt,, sc s ience wr writitin ing g an nd ph p armacyy, an nd each girrl wa as able to visit theirr top th three choices.

The afternoon was a really positive experience for the girlss, who recognised d how w Science is important in a wide range of careers that they may not have thought requirred scientifific skills. It was also o inspiring and motivating for pup pils in Lowe er School to see ho how w successful girls who have atte ended Mayfield in n the he past arre. e.

0DWKV LQ $FWLRQ <HDU 9LFWRULD UHSRUWV In November, Year 12 and 13 Mathematicians attended a series of ‘Maths in Action’ lectures, during which we had the opportunity to listen to an interesting team of mathematicians, engineers and statisticians. These included Beth Romano from the University of Oxford, BBC TV presenter Bobby Seagull, Rob Bennett from Bloodhound Education, and Ed Southall, author and academic.

The speakers explained how Maths can be applied to make advances in different fields such as Physics, Economics and

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Microbiology, and we had the opportunity to ask questions via an online platform. We also heard from Primrose Kitten, who makes videos that help students studying Maths and Science, and they gave us some useful and unusual exam tips.

It was incredibly interesting to hear about the impact of mathematical modelling on our daily life. The talks provided great insight on both analytical and creative thinking. We were encouraged to recognise mathematical patterns not only in the classroom, but in everything we experience!

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0D\ÀHOG 0DWKV :HHN )XQ IRU ORFDO 6FKRROV As part of National Maths Week, the Mathematics Department invited local primary and prep schools to participate in a round of fun challenges and activities, designed to encourage the young mathematicians of the future.

Activities included Yohaku puzzles, financial literacy puzzles and ‘Where is the Maths in this?’ which aimed to initiate discussions about Maths in everyday life. There was also a closely contested competition between Year 5 and 6 mathematicians from five local schools – Sacred Heart, St. Philip’s, The Mead School, Hilden Oaks and St. Augustine’s. We were delighted to see such enthusiasm and engagement for Mathematics!

<HDU 6WDWLVWLFV :RUNVKRS In December, 15 Year 13 A Level Mathematicians turned up bright and early to participate in a Statistics Workshop organised by Mrs Howie. The morning started with a fun, competitive Kahoot Quiz to identify gaps in knowledge. The Workshop was then split into three sessions: Interpreting Data, The Large Data Set, and Sampling Methods, with a particular focus on applying these skills to exam questions. A re-run of the Quiz at the end of the workshop indicated an improvement in knowledge from everyone.

Delicious tiffin made by Mrs Howie and chocolates provided

by Miss Demetriou kept everyone focused and cheerful!

Comments from students after the session included: “Enjoyed the Kahoot and it was a very useful session!”

“It was good and I liked the tiffin!”

“The most useful thing about the workshop was building the basic knowledge of the large data set.”

/RZHU 6FKRRO &OLPDWH &KDQJH &RPSHWLWLRQ In December, Lower School pupils took part in a competition to design three slides for the Science Department screens on the subject of climate change.

Year 8 Heidi was the overall winner and she depicted the effect that using disposable face masks is having on sea life, as well as a creating a clear list of some of the causes of climate change. The runners up were Eleanor, Mia, and Alice – who each received a chocolate prize.

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7H[WLOHV 5R\DO 2SHUD +RXVH 'HVLJQ &KDOOHQJH &DUPHQ The Royal Opera House Design Challenge is a prestigious annual competition for the next generation of aspiring set designers, costume designers and makers. The programme provides students with practical insight into what happens on the Royal Opera House’s world-class stage and the creative processes that go into producing an amazing theatrical experience.

Taking part in the Design Challenge helps to develop our students’ skillset by extending their learning from an

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educational setting to a professional context, encouraging them to open their eyes to the skills required to embark on a career in backstage theatre crafts.

This year’s Challenge focussed on Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ and ten of our girls took part with wonderful results!

We began by learning about ‘Carmen’ and discovered the music, c, interpreted the story, explored the world, orld, and played g to select and with ideas, before starting refine our thoughts and designs.

In November, the girls began to construct and sew their half-scale costumes. Sadly, due to lockdown, they did not have the time they needed in School to complete their costumes on time and we had to cancel our entry to the Challenge. However, they have continued with the project for their own enjoyment and a panel will judge the completed costumes and mood boards in the Summer Term 2022.

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3RWWHUV· 'D\ In December, the Ceramics Department ran its first-ever Virtual Potters’ Day. We were treated to a fantastic lecture by Master Potter and Artist, Chris Taylor RCA, from his studio in Dumfries. In addition to describing his own artistic journey and experiences, he demonstrated a number of new print and decal techniques that we intend to adopt in the Ceramics Department. We are also going to expand our range of equipment.

Chris’ ideas and skills were hugely beneficial to the girls, and Mr ReesMoorlah was, as always, impressed by our students’ maturity and the many intelligent questions that they asked. At the end of the talk, Mr Taylor commented: “What a delightful bunch!”

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The Music Department was delighted to be able to resume face to face individual music lessons in September. Our fantastic team of Visiting Music Tutors worked hard with Miss Ainsworth to ensure that lessons were safe and secure, as well as continuing to be enjoyable and fruitful for the girls. Singing lessons took place in the largest spaces in the School – the Concert Hall, Gresham and the Chapel – as did lessons on wind and brass instruments. Lessons in these spaces rather than small practice rooms had the unexpected consequence of introducing the girls to performing in more generous acoustics, allowing them to experience the thrill of big reverb and better prepare for concerts.

It has been wonderful to hear the School resounding to the girls’ music-making again, and it is testimony to how important music is to so many that the number of girls taking lessons increased during Covid.

Ensembles It was a joy to start rehearsing ensembles again in the Autumn term. Things had to operate a little differently, with the Orchestra split into Wind Band and String Orchestra, a smaller, socially-distanced Schola Cantorum, and Lower School Choir operating on a rotational basis. However, the pleasure of making music together remained the same, and these and other smaller ensembles worked hard on a range of different music.

In the Classroom Practical music-making was limited in the classroom as there was no singing or group performances, however with a new sequencing software (Soundtrap), the Year 8s enjoyed creating songs based on pop chord sequences. The Year 9 students composed a new picture to join Mussorgsky’s masterpiece ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’, and the Year 7s learnt about the elements of music through Saint-Saens’ ‘Carnival of the Animals’ (which may have involved some can-can dancing!)

)HOL] 1DYLGDG In the run up to Christmas the girls in Year 7 had a wonderful time creating a lovely recording of ‘Feliz Navidad’ – they sounded positively angelic!

6FKROD UHFRUGV ¶$YH 0DULD· Schola Cantorum produced a recording of Saint-Saëns’ ‘Ave Maria’ during the second lockdown. Over two weeks, the girls learnt their parts independently and then sent recordings to Dr Ward who edited and mixed them together with his piano accompaniment.

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In February, music scholars, and gifted and talented musicians attended a series of remote talks given by inspiring young women making their way in the music world.

Sophie Horrocks spoke about her developing career as an opera singer and her current doctoral research on 19th century French operatic troupes; she also answered questions about how to choose a musical career and her love for Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Joy Lisney talked about her life as a professional cellist, conductor and composer. She also told the girls about participating in protests over the crisis in the music industry during the coronavirus pandemic, and responded to questions about the challenges of being a woman in the musical world.

In the final talk, mezzo-soprano Helen Charleston discussed her ‘Isolation Songbook’ project.

/DXQFK RI 0D\ÀHOG 5DGLR Mrs Le Riche launched a fantastic new extra-curricular activity this year - Mayfield’s first-ever radio station!

The girls planned and prepared interviews on topics ranging from mindfulness to hero animals, editing their voiceovers and mixing the show together. They also created a jingle and held a competition to design the Mayfield Radio logo. You can find all the episodes on the ‘Latest News’ section of the School website.

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Ye ear 7 Historiian a s ha ad a great time undertaking resear arcch for the h ir ‘Liife in Tudor Engl glan gl and’ an d’ pro roje o ect cts with Mrrs La awson. As parrt of this, they fo found Tudo do or re r ci cipe pess an nd brrough ghtt in hom ome-made Tudor spi piced cake ca a es, s, ginger gi er bre ead d bis iscu cu uits itts an and d pe peas asants’’ bread rollls for as a Tu Tudo do or Feas Feastt du Fe durrin ring ng their lesson. Cla lass s fee edb d ack on n the Tud udor or re ecip ec ipes was mixed, with Heb ebe e de deci c di ci d ng they th ey wer ere e de deliliici cious, and Allegra deciding g that tim i e travvel to o th he Tudor period would be aw wfu fu ful!

:RUOG :DU 2QH $UWHIDFW +DQGOLQJ In the Autumn term, Year 9 Historians learnt about the First World War, including the causes of the conflict, the conditions in the trenches, and the nature of warfare. The girls researched and presented their findings on the different weapons used during the war, and had the opportunity to handle some genuine First World War artefacts, including a bayonet, spent artillery shell, bullets and a German helmet. The girls found this experience particularly interesting and moving as it brought home the sad realities of war.

6SDQLVK 1DWLRQDO 3RHWU\ 'D\ On National Poetry Day, Year 8 Spanish students delighted Mrs Fernández by beautifully reciting the poems of Gloria Fuertes, a well-known Spanish children’s author. Not only did the girls learn the poems by heart, they were very brave and performed them in front of the class.

Congratulations to Leona and Onnae for a very convincing performance of ‘Mi Cara’, and to Heidi and Siena for their rendition of ‘Doña Pitu Piturra’.

/HDUQ ZLWK WKH /RUGV 2QOLQH In February, Year 12 and 13 Politics students took part in a live video session with Lord Triesman. The session was part of the ‘Learn with the Lords Online’ programme, arranged by the Parliament Education and Engagement team.

The girls asked questions on topics including constitutional reform, the role of the House of Lords, anti-Semitism in the Labour Party, and the performance of Keir Starmer as Labour leader. As well as answering their questions, Lord Triesman shared entertaining anecdotes about his time working for Tony Blair and as Chairman of the Football Association.

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+LVWRU\ RI $UW SUHVHQWDWLRQV RQ $UWHPLVLD *HQWLOHVFKL In December, Year 12 and 13 History of Art students gave a presentation in Assembly on the Baroque artist, Artemisia Gentileschi, the subject of a major exhibition at the National Gallery at the time. The students discussed several paintings, including her ‘Self-Portrait as St Catherine of Alexandria’ (1615), recently acquired by the Gallery.

At Mayfield, we have our own St Catherine in a panel of the late 15th century Paduan School polyptych, kindly donated by Lady Russell of Killowen in 1950.

7ULS WR WKH 7RZQHU *DOOHU\ We visited the Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne to view the John Nash exhibition. I really enjoyed this exhibition and was particularly inspired by John Nash’s use of a wide range of mediums, showing his skill and versatility as an artist. The artist used oil paint, watercolour, pencil, and lithography.

I particularly liked his lithographs where we can see an immense amount of technical skill and detail, with my favourite being the illustrations for ‘Men and the Fields’, 1939. John Nash’s great technical skill can be seen throughout the exhibition, and also through his use of different subject matters which included his most prominent theme of war, as well as landscapes and flowers.

Year 12 Alice, History of Art Ambassador

<HDU 6SDQLVK &RPSHWLWLRQ February was competition time for Mrs Fernández’s Year 8 Spanish students! They were given an assignment called ‘¿Qué puedo ver desde mi ventana?’ (‘What can I see from my window?’) in which they had to research a Spanish landmark and reproduce it in an artistic way.

Mrs Fernández had a tremendous amount of joy looking at the projects and reading the descriptions in Spanish. The entries were fantastic and the overall winner was Mabel for her dreamy presentation of La Sagrada Familia.

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'DYLG DQG *ROLDWK 3RHPV In November, Mrs Kimber’s Year 7 RS pupils learnt about the story of ‘David and Goliath’.

They each created a poem to demonstrate their knowledge of the story, and the importance of having a strong faith during difficult times, two of which can be read below.

By Cordelia:

By Allegra:

There once was a farmer named David,

David was a young man,

He had two brothers and never was appreciated,

Who looked after the little lambs,

But this never made him frustrated.

He went to bring cheese to his armed brothers,

Until one day a war broke out, And God gave him a shout.

He went to take his brother’s food,

But they accused him of trying to watch to get tougher,

And what he saw was very rude,

However, David was more focused on another.

A man was mocking all the soldiers,

There was Goliath as big a giant,

He was the size of ten big boulders.

The brothers saw him stare but stayed quiet.

Then Goliath said in great booming voice “I want to fight one of your men, one of the highest.”

So David said to his father that he wanted to fight,

Jesus was much like David, They both defeated something related.

There was no one to go and fight, So David had to put things right.

He picked out five good stones,

He was unsure yet agreed despite,

In the fight they could be thrown.

But David refused to wear the armour, he didn’t want to look like a knight.

The soldiers parted,

He grabbed three stones and one more thing,

Little David walked through, thr

His last item was a sling,

Goliath said “I’ll make a mockery m of you”.

He put his faith in the Lord and waited for what he would bring.

David put a stone one in his sling shot,

Goliath was laughing and underestimated God,

Rightt between b the eyes it went,

David said nothing but only nod.

David took one shot and hit him out,

The battle started,

And it did d hit h in the perfect spot, Leaving quite a large dent.

Goliath lay there out cold, David was very bold,

He took Goliath’s sword and took off his head and shout.

He decided to grab his sword,

Now Christians believe that God was with him even though the odds were not,

His swing I think deserved an award,

But God is always there even when it’s a long ng shot.

And so the Philistines began to run, r

David had won!

David’s faith in God was so s strong, It was in fact fac life long.

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0HGLWDWLRQ For our Religious Studies project, we made an informative PowerPoint Presentation about meditation in Buddhism. We researched why meditation is a vital aspect of a Buddhist’s life and why it is relevant in today’s society. To engage the audience, we completed a five minute guided meditation tutorial and we brought in Ondeh Ondeh, a traditional sweet Indonesian snack that Mabel made at home and everyone enjoyed.

(FRQRPLFV LQ $FWLRQ In December our Year 13 Economists enjoyed an ‘Economics in Action’ lecture day by The Training Partnership. Speakers included Tim Harford OBE talking about the use of statistics, and Stephen King, Senior Economic Advisor at HSBC, discussing what happens when the money runs out!

<HDU +LQGX 6KULQHV In March, Miss Kimber’s Year 8 RE students had lots of fun creating their own shrines, inspired by those in Hindu homes. The shrines included objects and pictures that are special to the girls, and they each gave a short presentation explaining why their chosen items are important to them.

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We also made an interactive booklet to involve our classmates and add a fun aspect to our presentation. Overall, it was a success and we really enjoyed making and presenting the PowerPoint to the class!!

Year 8s Mille, Mabel and Cara

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$UFWLF 7XQGUD 3URMHFWV In February, Year 8 Geographers learnt about the Arctic Tundra and were tasked with completing a summary of their work. As you will see, the results were impressive, especially given that they were completed in the girls’ own time.

They learnt about the climate, vegetation and Arctic animals but, most importantly (because geographers love the links between the natural and human world), how people interact with them to survive in such harsh conditions. They also discussed the threats facing the natural and human elements of the Arctic, and what solutions there are to these problems.

<HDU *HRJUDSK\ )LHOGWULS WR 1HZKDYHQ In September, Year 12 Geographers went on a trip to Newhaven and other local beaches, to research changes in sediment and beach profiles. It was lovely to spend time outside in the sunshine with friends and the setting could not have been better. One of my highlights of the trip was seeing a seal which came in very close to the shore - we spent a little too much time trying to get it to come closer to us!

5HVHDUFKLQJ WKH :DWHU &\FOH In October, Year 13 Geographers investigated different aspects of the Water Cycle on varying surfaces in the Buxted Park area. The data collected was analysed to test a number of different hypotheses that relate to the A Level Specification.

Year 12 Eloise

+DVWLQJV %HDFK &OHDQ XS 14 Leeds House Boarders undertook a clean-up of Hastings Beach on a wild and windy day in October. They managed to collect three bags of plastic and metal waste, working eastwards from the pier. Fortunately, the wind began to drop and the sun came out, and so they enjoyed a picnic lunch on the prom before going on a short shopping trip and returning to School.

Before leaving Mayfield, they had watched part of the documentary ‘A Plastic Ocean’ which chronicled the serious damage caused by large and small pieces of plastic to the marine ecosystem.

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<HDU 7ULS WR WKH 6XVVH[ &RDVW In May, despite bitterly cold gale force wessterly winds tearing across the English Channel, our Year 7 Geographers had an interesting and d wo ortthw hwhi hile le day on th the e Su Suss ssex e coa oast st col olle leccti cting data for a number of hypothesis tests relatting n to marine processes of erosion, transport and deposition.

At the end of the day when the hard work had ad been done, the café fé att Holyw l ellll di did d a briisk k trade in ice creams (really!) – the teachers settling for a cup of hot tea.

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/HDUQLQJ 'DWD &ROOHFWLRQ 7HFKQLTXHV RQ $VKGRZQ )RUHVW Year 8 Geographers enjoyed a blustery day out on Ashdown Forest in May, learning a wide range of new primary data collection techniques.

It was great to be outside again doing fieldwork and putting the theory they had learnt in lessons into practice.

The girls undertook footpath trampling and species biodiversity surveys, and listened to a talk from a forest ranger about how wildfire affects the forest.

<HDU *HRJUDSKHUV H[SORUH 5LYHU 8FN A glorious English June day enabled Year 10 Geographers to enjoy collecting fieldwork data on the River Uck at Hadlow Down. The data was then used to test hypotheses relating to how river characteristics change from source to confluence. Fieldwork data collection and analysis is a demanding but rewarding part of the GCSE Specification.

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(QJOLVK DQG 'UDPD :RUOG %RRN 'D\ This year we had a very different celebration for Word Book Day, but despite the remote nature of our celeb brations, the girls in Lower School created some great costum mes, and some fantastic Teams backgrounds!

The day started with a book quiz lead by Ms Doy and we later enjoyed a virtual parade judged by Miss Beary and Miss Staunton.

THE RESULTS WERE AS FOLLOWS: Winner for the best overall tutor group participation: 8LAL (Mrs Lawson) 1st place for Year 7:

Ashley as Daisy from ‘The Great Gatsby’

Runner up for Year 7:

Maggie as Robin Hood from ‘Robin Hood’

1st place for Year 8:

Jess as The Wall from ‘Harry Potter’

Runner up for Year 8:

Ilaria as Ariana Dumbledore from ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Fantastic Beasts’

Highly Commended:

Anna, Alexa and Ioanna

6KRUW 6WRU\ &RPSHWLWLRQ T English Department held its annual short story competition in which Year 7 The and 8 pupils submitted 500-word stories, and those in Years 9 and 10 submitted a 750-word stories. There was no set theme this year to allow for maximum creativity.

7 T English Department greatly enjoyed reading all the stories. The imaginative The rrange of topics and styles used varied from comic space exploration, to gritty rrealism and everything in between!

The winners were as follows: T Y YEAR 7 1 1st Elsie for ‘The End of the Day’ 2 2nd Louise for ‘The Erebus’ 3 3rd Selina for ‘The Angel of the House’ YEAR 8 Y 11st Onnae for ‘The Brown Apple’ 2 2nd Daisy for ‘Toast’ T 3 3rd Jessica for ‘The Ocean Beckons’

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YEAR 9 1st Olivia N-B for ‘The Women Left Unheard’ 2nd Breanna for ‘‘Jazz in the Limelight’ 3rd Eva for ‘‘A Lost Painting’ YEAR 10 1st Rachel for ‘Le Manoir de Lierre’ 2nd Cosima for ‘The Elusive Magic of Fairytales’ 3rd Sahana for ‘Rats’ and Erica for ‘The Time Eric Became an Alien’

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by Year 9 Olivia N-B 2nd September 1824 “Father, I have told you time and time again that I don’t want to be married.

What benefits does marriage have for a woman? If I were unhappy, the only thing I could do to get rid of him would be to kill him, and I am not sure if that’s realistic.

I would be tied to one man for the rest of my life who will inevitably treat me like an inanimate object. Men see women as something that cooks the meals and cleans the dishes. I shall be self-sufficient by writing my own books.”

“Darling, what shall society think of you? Forget that writing dream of yours, Rose. You will be the homemaker. You don’t want to end up like your aunt, acquiring more and more strange animals as the years go by now do you?

Maybe you could write as a pastime while your husband is at work.”

I shot my father a thunderous look so that he knew just how enraged I was.

How could I be related to such a pompous cumberground? I immediately stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind me, blind with fury. I couldn’t quite believe what he had just said. Was I wrong to think that he was different from the rest of these patronising men who talked down to me still at 22 years of age, just because he was my father? I did not want to accept the patriarchal society that we lived in and decided very early on that I wasn’t going to succumb to giving up a life that I wanted just because a man told me that it was not dignified.

I climbed into my oasis that faintly resembled a bedroom, but now looked more like the inside of a struggling writer’s brain. Book drafts choked the wooden floorboards and fireworks of ink were splattered all over the walls. I was so worked-up that I decided to write my first book. The book that would create a name for me and launch my career as a writer. It was to be a thriller; that was all I knew. But, I had an inkling that it was going to be something of a literary success.

Three months later, the novel was finished, and I’d arranged a meeting with the publishers in London. My parents were under the impression that I had gone to a matinée performance of Les Sylphydes indicating that I was not expected home until the next morning.

As I walked through the dingy corridors, I felt the colour draining from my face. I turned the stiff handle of the door to be greeted by a short man with a chalky moustache spread across his top lip. He told me to sit down and hand him the novel. After skimming through with a furrowed brow for a few minutes, he looked up at and handed me the draft back.

“This book is a thriller, yes?” he said sounding puzzled.

I nodded.

“Look, I understand that you’re young, naïve and probably don’t have a particularly tight grasp of reality yet. However, I am sorry but that is an extremely “unladylike” topic to be writing about. It’s one thing for a man to do it, but a woman? How do you think our readers will feel when they see that a woman has been writing about these graphic scenes, it’s utterly ridiculous”, he chuckled.

“There is absolutely no way that anyone will publish your work if you keep this up. Try writing a tragic romance and then come back to me. But, until then, don’t bring anything else up here because it is a waste of my time.”

As soon as I got home, I ran straight into my room and started crying bitter tears. Then it struck me that if no-one knew I was a woman, then the scenes wouldn’t be seen as “unladylike”. I could publish the book as a man, and it would be perfectly respectable. I started writing a letter to London Publishing & Co. I explained the book and attached the manuscript to the letter. I titled the book ‘The Lady’s Companion’ and signed it R. Taylor.

Three weeks later, I had a very short letter that said: “The Lady’s Companion - APPROVED FOR PUBLISHING - cheque enclosed”. This moment was a bittersweet turning point in my life. Though, I knew this was my chance to give a voice to the women who had been left unheard.

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/H 0DQRLU GH /LHUUH

by Year 10 Rachel Dark, damp and dusty. The lone candle in the middle of the room was the only light source; it did nothing to illuminate the corners of the room which were still enclosed in darkness. Above, the crystal chandelier creaked with each swing, as if it may crash down at any second. The grand piano was coated in an elegant layer of dust, along with the silver clock on the wall which had stopped dead on midnight. The wind rushed through broken glass windows, teasing the flame.

Yet, the worn-out candle kept burning. Blake Griffin, the most wanted female in Europe, grabbed the candle on the chamber stick, silently smirking to herself. She knew exactly how to lure Agent Carson to this remote house in south Provence, France. Just as she expected, she heard the front door being kicked open and someone noisily entering the house. She placed the candle down and resumed her place behind the dark mahogany table in the dining room, waiting as a devilish smirk crept up her face. She had one job, and so did he.

“3…2…1…” she thought as the agent in an all black uniform came into the room, holding a pistol up in defence. “Bonsoir” she said, grinning like the Cheshire cat. “Cut the act. Why are you here?” he asked, not lowering the gun. “To look around my new dream home” she said sarcastically.

“Want a tour?” Agent Carson said nothing. Griffin stalked forward, still smiling like the maniac she was. She wondered if now the time was right to whip out the dagger she was hiding and finish her mission quickly and without fuss. But the agent stepped back, almost knowing what she had planned. She pouted slightly but regained herself immediately. With a smug look, she slid out of the door she was now next to. Carson soon followed, pointing the pistol in all directions. He pulled a torch out his pocket to help him see through the heavy fog of darkness. As he clicked it on, the light shone straight where Griffin stood, on the stair banister. Startled, Carson jumped back, causing the female to widen her smile. She slunk up the stairs, looking back as if inviting him to join her. The agent narrowed his eyes in slight confusion, but none the less, started to march up the staircase. Losing her yet again, he flicked the torch on, expecting to see her appear where the light shone. Yet, when the light shone through the gloom, Griffin was nowhere to be seen.

“Derrière toi” she whispered into his ear. Frightened, he spun around so quick he stumbled over and fell onto his hands. Griffin laughed, stepping towards him and offering her hand to him. Hesitantly, he accepted the hand and was pulled up. He brushed himself off and looked on the ground for his gun, realising he had dropped it during the fall. Since he could not find it, he glanced up to where Griffin stood, leaning on the banister. She twirled the gun around on her finger. She cocked her head to one side as she caught his gaze, still smiling like a lunatic. Carson held out his hand for her to place the gun in. Griffin clucked her tongue as she dropped the gun to the floor and swaggered off back down the staircase. Agent Carson followed suit, not wanting to lose sight of his mission.

“Look. I don’t know what you’re planning or doing here. But whatever it is, it won’t work. The EUISC is on their way, along with Scotland Yard and MI6” - she chuckled at this, remembering the last incident - “so you have nowhere to go.” By now they were back in the dining room, where they had first greeted each other that night. She pouted. “Aww. Well, at least you were fun to toy with” she said as she chucked her dagger which she was hiding up her sleeve onto the table between them. “Au revoir, mon amie” she whispered as the wind howled once again. Before he could react, she yanked a gun from under the table and pulled the trigger, shooting him in the chest. He looked at her, with complete shock in his bloodshot eyes, before he took his last breath and collapsed onto the floor.

Outside, the sirens were getting closer, signalling that it was time for the Great Blake Griffin to make her exit. Without a sound, she slipped out the back door, and disappeared into the night.

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On the last day of the Easter Term, the annual Inter-House Drama took place. The challenge this year was to write and record a short radio play based on ‘Mayfield Life.’ During lockdown, the students spent time collaborating and putting the project together on a shared platform.

This year our judge was Ms Julie Upton, a former Head of Drama at Mayfield, with many years of experience teaching, directing and examining within the Performing Arts sector.

She was delighted to be asked back to Mayfield and said: “Radio is an exciting but difficult medium as there are no visual images, so audience engagement is totally dependent on the story and the actor’s ability to tell it. When done well, the listener is engaged and uses their imagination to be transported to a different time and place.”

The plays were broadcast to the whole School and all were wellstructured with a strong beginning that immediately engaged the listener. Each House made good use of sound effects and there was strong use of pertinent vocabulary. They all provided a clear connection with the title, and it was refreshing to see that every House had taken a different approach.

The acting overall was good with all actors being mindful of voice modulation to engage the audience. However, there can only be one winner and this year Glennie took home the trophy for the best radio play ‘A Mayfield Murder!’ with Astor coming second, Bronte third and Curie fourth. Ms Upton singled out Year 9s Breanna (Astor) and Tabatha (Glennie) for their outstanding performances, and Year 12 Evie designed the winning programme for Glennie.

2[EULGJH 5HDGLQJ Group On an evening in late September, members of the Oxbridge Reading Group assembled, finding enjoyment and challenge in an excellent online seminar on ghosts and spirits in Shakespeare’s plays. The lecture dealt with supernatural visitations in curriculum favourites ‘Macbeth’ and ‘Hamlet’, as well as numerous other plays. Year 11 Gabriella reflected that the speaker assumed students had a comprehensive knowledge of Shakespeare and of classical literature; this was a good insight into the nature of university study, and the group left with several ideas for future reading.

1DWLRQDO 3RHWU\ 'D\ On 1st October, Mayfield celebrated National Poetry Day with a special ‘Pop-up Poetry’ event. Student and staff poetry enthusiasts read aloud a favourite poem and listened to those of others. We all enjoyed some classics including ‘Jabberwocky’ (chosen by Year 9 Rebecca), Shakespeare’s ‘Sonnet 116’ (Mrs Parrett), and discovered some fun new ones including ‘Paper People’ by slam poet Harry Baker (read by Year 9 Breanna). We even listened to a pre-recorded poem from Dr Ward via a Bluetooth speaker!

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<HDU 3RHWU\ THE SNEEZE

WOMEN

It was a cold, grey day of twenty-nineteen,

Margaret Brent wanted us to vote.

and the girls in school were working as a team.

Tracy Edwards said she could sail a boat.

The teacher was trying sensibility

Junko Tabei said she could climb a mountain.

Yet the girls in class caused too much calamity.

Mary Smith said she could be an accountant.

Then from the back came the mightiest ‘achhoooo’

Jennifer Figge said she could swim to Spain.

The girls in unison replied, “God Bless you”?

Amelia Earhart said she could do it in a plane.

The girls continued to giggle and to laugh,

Kathrine Switzer wanted to run the marathon.

While there was a frantic sigh from all the staff.

Lise Meitner discovered a type of atom.

Diane Crump wanted to ride nationally.

It was a cold, grey day of twenty-twenty,

Margery Kempe wanted to write passionately.

And the girl’s fun in the classroom was plenty,

Frances Wright wanted to speak at social events.

The teacher was trying sensibility,

Victoria Woodhull said she would run for president.

Yet the girls in class caused too much calamity

Marie Curie won the Nobel prize.

Then from the room came the tiniest ‘achoo’

Virginia Goillot worked with spies.

And terrified voices answered “God bless you’.

But then the girls continued to laugh and play,

You might write us out of history

As this is the traditional Mayfield way.

And to women, that’s a mystery, Because we remember the names

By Rosie

Of women who through time Reached their ambitions and their aims.

Even when subjected To misery and oppression, These women kept on fighting So women would be in the books in writing.

By Eloise

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$Q 2UGHUO\ ([LW In the Autumn term, Year 13 Drama A Level students performed to a small, socially-distanced audience, their much anticipated production ‘An Orderly Exit.’ This was a piece of verbatim theatre based on public opinion surrounding Brexit.

The project was started before the pandemic took effect, when the news was dominated by Britain leaving the European Union. With this topic in mind, the students took to the streets and interviewed a cross-section of people, asking them the same set of questions, and trying their hardest not to influence the answers. The interviews were recorded (with permission) and the students then set about using the dialogue to pull out a piece of drama that reflects the views of the British public. The dialogue was strictly from the interviewees, and the students represented each ‘character’ with accuracy. It was a thoroughly interesting project, performed to a high standard, showing discipline and creative skill.

3RHWU\ )HVWLYDO In January we were delighted to hold our annual Poetry Festival, albeit virtually, and to welcome our wonderful poet, Nina Mingya Powles. Nina ran two sessions for our Years 10 and 11, in which she talked about herself and her work, as well as involving pupils in short tasks to engage them wholly in the art of poetry. She also read some of her beautiful poems which were so well received by her audience.

In addition, Nina judged the Eisteddfod for Years 7, 8, and ESOL pupils. We all watched a video of the finalists performing their poems and then Nina chose the winners. She said how much she enjoyed all the finalists’ performances, particularly the energy they gave to their poems.

The Year 7 winner was Alice for ‘The Watchers’ by Joseph Coelho.

Nina commented on Alice’s dramatic and powerful delivery, and the way she captured the atmosphere through gesture and voice.

The Year 8 winner was Onnae for ‘Mirror’ by Sylvia Plath.

Nina was impressed with how Onnae caught the essence of the poem and was able to express the precise images in a difficult poem.

The ESOL winners were Ines and Charmeine for 'Bluebottle' by Judith Nicholls. Nina said that their timing was impressive and the girls captured the rhymes really well.

The overall winner was Alexa for ‘The Moment’ by Margaret Atwood.

As well as producing a clever video, Alexa had great pace and energy, as well as an obvious understanding of the poem.

We’re all hoping that, next year, everyone will be able to enjoy the Festival live and in person!

)UDQWLF $VVHPEO\ :RUNVKRS In November, Year 10 Drama GCSE pupils enjoyed a two hour live-streamed workshop led by the world-renowned theatre company, 'Frantic Assembly.'

The company is famous for producing physically demanding productions including ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’. While the practitioner led from his home, the pupils were in the Drama Studio following along with the exploration of socially-distanced physical theatre. Although they were exhausted at the end of two hours, the girls had an enjoyable and informative session with this new way of learning.

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$Q ,QVSHFWRU &DOOV Years 10 and 11 had a change from the usual Monday morning routine in January and watched an online performance and discussion by Box Clever Theatre of J.B. Priestley’s play ‘An Inspector Calls’. Actors presented key scenes from the play and discussed them ‘in character’ in a very encouraging and engaging way.

The girls contributed to the debate about who was most to blame for the death of ‘Eva Smith’, and what the big ideas of the play were, sharing thoughtful points about the play’s exploration of fairness and responsibility for others – all agreed that these themes seem particularly important in these challenging times.

Year 10 Erica said: “The ‘An Inspector Calls’ workshop was a really great experience. It was very informative and reflective of the characters in the play and had a great structure. The discussions were interesting.”

Year 10 Rachael said: “I liked how they interacted with us which made it more engaging.”

Year 10 Megan said: “It was engaging and informative, a very good introduction to a play that I hadn't read or studied before.”

7KH &DJHELUGV In June, Mayfield Theatre Company Seniors performed extracts from David Campton's 'The Cagebirds' to a socially-distanced audience of Gifted and Talented Drama students. This absurdist play explores the themes of oppression and human behaviour, and represented an interesting challenge for the actors. They performed with confidence and no small measure of talent, beguiling their audience despite having had only six weeks in which to rehearse!

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$ /HYHO 'UDPD 6WXGHQWV 3HUIRUP &KHNKRY In May, Year 13 Drama A Level students performed a variation of monologues by Anton Chekhov for part of their assessment. Each of them portrayed complex characters, conveying meaningful performances that displayed how far they have progressed over the course. Despite the restrictions and the interruption of lockdown, the students approached the task with maturity, courage and resilience.

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7KH :LWFKHV We very much enjoyed Lower School’s wonderful performances of Roald Dahl’s ‘The Witches’ in June.

The girls performed beautifully and while we were unable to invite parents to join us, the cast thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the Drama Department is very proud of them all!

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&XUULFXOXP

/RZHU 6FKRRO 6KDNHVSHDUH 'D\ “This green plot shall be our stage…”

We were thrilled to welcome 2 Metre Theatre to School in July for Lower School’s Shakespeare Day. First we were superbly entertained by the Shakespeare Offbyheart Year 7 and 8 Final. There were many excellent performances.

Eleanor won Year 7 Best Individual for a moving Caliban, and Allegra and Annalise Year 7 Best Group as comic and competitive Puck and Fairy. In Year 8 Anna played two roles and won Best Individual as Malvolio and then a witch, with Year 8 Best Group going to an excellent quartet of Claudia, Ilaria, Skye and Julie as the fighting lovers from

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Leo, Director of 2 Metre Theatre and our judge, said how touching and clever these performances were.

There followed an energising workshop and a challenging Shakespeare Quiz, won by the ‘Greasy Citizens’ team of Willow, Tamsin and Millie.

Finally, all were transported by the performance of ‘Bottom’s Dream’ by 2 Metre Theatre, amidst the birdsong and greenery, on Chapel Lawn. The girls enjoyed the comic and beautiful play, and were impressed by the quick costume changes.

6KDNHVSHDUH 2IIE\KHDUW Despite various last minute challenges, all of Year 10 gathered to watch the final four groups perform in the Concert Hall at the end of June.

Four scenes from Macbeth were delivered brilliantly by Cosima, Erica, Evelyn and Annabel (Annabel stood in at the last minute!); Tilly and Cecily; Matilda and Sophie; Lizzie and Yaa. Mrs Junemann was our judge and she was impressed by the high standard of all the performances, giving lots of very positive feedback to all the groups.

However, the top prize was given to Lizzie and Yaa for their superb portrayals of Lord and Lady Macbeth.

They held the audience captive and created such an air of tension, using the space cleverly, and delivering their lines with force and conviction.

Many congratulations to Lizzie and Yaa.

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6SRWOLJKW RQ WKH &DUHHUV 'HSDUWPHQW Amanda Glubb joined Mayfield in 2017 as Director of Co-Curricular Activities. With a degree in English Language and Literature from Manchester University, and a background in business and marketing, Amanda re-trained and became a teacher in 2007.

Working initially with adults and children with specific learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, she then set up and ran the Sixth Form at an East Sussex special school. It was at this time that she realised the importance of a proper careers education for all young people and undertook qualifications in careers leadership, and careers information and advice. Over the past four years, she has put in place a careers education programme that prepares students at Mayfield for the next step in their lives, and enables and empowers them to make choices that are right for them as individuals.

'HYHORSLQJ WUDQVIHUDEOH VNLOOV LV NH\ WR XQORFNLQJ WKH ZRUOG RI ZRUN In years to come it will be interesting to see how the last eighteen months are presented. Despite being a period without precedent, many positives have materialised: the speed at which people of all generations upskilled their use of technology to maintain communication; team working and academic excellence creating vaccines in record time; and the care and support people have shown for each other, whether through small local acts of kindness, or national campaigns to ensure children do not go hungry during school holidays. People have demonstrated creative responses to problem-solving, the flexibility to adapt, and resilience in the face of ongoing adversity. It is not surprising perhaps that not only are these the skills we need to survive and thrive as humans, but they are also the transferable skills employers look for in their workforce.

When you consider that, fundamentally, the role of schools is to educate and prepare children for the transition into the adult world - which for most is the world of work - it seems strange that some schools have not always given careers education the focus

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it deserves. Now more than ever, all young people need to be able to make informed choices about their future.

Now more than ever, educators have a duty to ensure their students leave their establishments not only with good qualifications, but career-ready as well.

Careers education plays an important role at Mayfield as it complements the School’s aim to develop independent, outward-looking and compassionate young women who are well equipped to, in the words of the School’s founder, ‘meet the needs of the age’. Pupils are encouraged to be aspirational, to challenge stereotypes, to build on their strengths and to use their skills in the service of others, on both a local and global stage. The soft or transferable skills they acquire and develop through co-curricular activities are as important as hard knowledge. Involvement in sport clubs, drama productions, art shows, musical concerts, Model United Nations conferences, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Scheme, or Mayfield’s own ‘Actions not Words’ programme, all help young people to learn about themselves and develop valuable transferable skills.

At Mayfield, careers knowledge and understanding is built and developed from Years 7 to 13 and beyond, using a collaboration of teachers, parents, alumnae, employers, representatives from business, UK and overseas universities, and careers professionals.

Whether the platform is talks from external speakers, interview preparation with parents, mentoring by past pupils, professional careers guidance meetings, or online careers platforms, the thinking behind the approach is three pronged: to engender self-awareness, opportunity awareness and an agile mind-set.

Coined by businesses to encapsulate what they need in their workforce, employees with an agile mind-set are those who are open-minded, learning oriented, willing to reflect on strengths and weaknesses, and have a positive attitude towards change and development. These attributes are useful for budding entrepreneurs as well as employees, of course.

Academic or vocational attainment is, as ever, the knock on the employment door; but an agile mind-set and strong transferable skills will get you through it and into the role you want.

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7ULSV <HDU WULS WR %RZOHV Year 12 enjoyed a great afternoon at Bowles Outdoor Centre at the beginning of the academic year, trying their hands at archery, rock climbing and problem solving. It was great to see the whole year group back together, and to have an opportunity to welcome new members of the School to the Mayfield Community.

<HDU 7HDP %XLOGLQJ DW $UHQD 3XUVXLWV Year 9 had a fantastic team building afternoon at Arena Pursuits in September. They undertook an assault course and built rafts, with only a couple of them getting a good drenching! The instructors complimented the girls, saying: "We have never had such a lovely group where absolutely everyone took part and supported each other”.

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<HDU 7HDP %XLOGLQJ 7ULS WR %RZOHV 2XWGRRU &HQWUH Year 7 spent a September afternoon together enjoying the beautiful weather at Bowles Outdoor Centre. They took part in team building activities in the woods, which really brought them together as a year group. They worked well together as a team, and listened to each other in order to solve the many puzzles and challenges they were presented with.

Isabel said: "I liked it when we created the bridge and the activity where we had to move the bomb."

Holly added: "I really enjoyed the team building because, even though we didn't win, we all had really good fun!"

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&RUQHOLDQ /HFWXUH 6HULHV 0DORQH 0XNZHQGH In October, we were very pleased to present our first Cornelian Lecture of the year, with Malone Mukwende speaking about his pioneering work regarding the diagnosis of skin conditions for patients with darker skin tones.

Malone, a 20-year-old medical student from St George’s, University of London, was surprised by the lack of education provided to help diagnose skin conditions for patients with darker skin tones. He believed that “something needed to be done to address the situation”, and began to work with the Senior Lecturer in Diversity and Medical Education, Margot Turner, and the Head of Clinical Skills, Dr Peter Tamony.

‘Mind the Gap’ has been featured widely in the media ranging from the ‘British Medical Journal’ to the ‘Washington Post’. Celebrities such as John Boyega, Priyanka Chopra and Lupita Nyong’o have recognised Malone’s ground-breaking work.

With the help of his lecturers, Malone wrote a book called ‘Mind the Gap: A Handbook of Clinical Signs in Black and Brown Skin’. The name was inspired by the London underground warning signs. In this case, ‘Mind the Gap’ indicates that if people with darker skin tones are misdiagnosed, there can be fatal consequences. The book contains images of common clinical signs and descriptions on how to adapt care for patients who have deeper skin tones.

We all found the Lecture both educational and fascinating.

Thank you to our Head Girl, Natasha, who organised the lecture in conjunction with Mayfield's MedSoc, and Justice and Peace Group.

Year 12 Valeria said: "The talk provided great insight into both pursuing a medical career, and the injustice that still exists, often unnoticed, within this sector. It was really interesting to hear about Malone's personal experiences and invaluable life tips, encouraging us to keep at heart our integral beliefs and what we stand for."

-DQH *UHHQ In October, Mayfield hosted the second Cornelian Lecture of the academic year and was delighted to welcome Jane Green, who is currently resident astronomer for BBC Surrey and Sussex Radio, and Uckfield 105FM. Jane spoke to the Sixth Form and Year 11 boarders on the topic of 'Look up. Live it.

Love it', which they greatly enjoyed.

Jane has been a guest on BBC Two's 'Stargazing Live', BBC Radio Four's 'Midweek', and ITV's 'This Morning' show. She also regularly appears on BBC national and regional radio. Most recently, she successfully presented for Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic Team in the Peter Harrison Planetarium at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich and has co-presented the pioneering theatre show ‘Tour of the Universe’ - a UK national tour.

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Year 12 Victoria said: "It was inspiring to hear how Malone Mukwende is working towards fixing the skin bias in dermatology. Lack of skin diversity in medical textbooks leads to misdiagnosis, which puts many lives at risk every day. Malone explained his motivation in becoming a medical practitioner and encouraged us to speak up for reducing inequalities in healthcare."

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(PPD 5RVHQ Students, parents, and staff enjoyed a career’s talk with a difference in November, when OC Emma Rosen kindly treated us to a Cornelian Lecture on ‘How to find your passion and make it your job’ about her quest to try 25 different careers by the time she was 25.

Emma inspired us all with tales of her work experience, which ranged from archaeology in Transylvania, tour guiding in Venezuela, and investigative journalism with The Telegraph, to playing an extra in a major movie,

alpaca farming in Cornwall, and assisting the British Council's crisis team during the terror attack in Westminster.

Emma is an experienced TED speaker who launched her project three years ago, and who aims to encourage young people to get more work experience, to learn by doing, and to be more proactive about their career education.

The girls thoroughly enjoyed the lecture and asked lots of questions, commenting on how interesting Emma’s experiences are.

*HRUJLQD (OOLVRQ +XJKHV We were delighted to welcome Professor Georgina Ellison-Hughes to speak in our Cornelian Lecture programme in February. Her illuminating talk was live-streamed to the girls and gave them valuable insights into her ground-breaking research on the role of adult-derived stem cells in the regeneration of

muscle tissue, including possible therapies for the treatment of Covid-19.

Georgina is a Professor of Regenerative Muscle Physiology and Marie Curie Fellow in the Centre of Human & Applied Physiological Sciences, King’s College London.

0RGHO 8QLWHG 1DWLRQV In March, eight girls from Years 9 to 12 attended a virtual Model United Nations (MUN) Conference hosted by Magdalen College School, Oxford, along with students from 24 other schools. Our girls represented the Indonesian delegation, and debated issues ranging from child warfare and neo-slavery, to the global pandemic response and the economic impact of coronavirus.

Union Commission, the Commonwealth Secretariat, and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

MUN first-timer, Year 9 Katie, was thrilled to have her resolution selected for debate on the Environment and Health Committee; Year 12 Jemima was commended for her contribution to the Politics Committee; and Year 10

Erica for her contribution to the Human Rights Committee. Well done all!

Erica said: “Thank you very much for giving us the opportunity to take part in this conference, I had loads of fun!”

This was seconded by Year 10 Lizzie who added: “MUN was really amazing, with very interesting debates - I learned a lot.”

The girls were also given an enlightening insight into international law during the opening ceremony speech by Professor Dapo Akande from the Blavatnik School of Government and Co-Director of the Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict. He has acted as an adviser on international law issues to United Nations bodies, the African

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,QWHU 6FKRRO 'HEDWLQJ In May, Year 9 and 10 girls from our Gifted & Talented programme participated in the inaugural interschool debate between Mayfield School and Maria Fidelis Catholic School in Camden.

The topic in Round 1 was whether Covid vaccines should be made compulsory: Maria Fidelis was for and Mayfield against. Although Maria Fidelis delivered confident and well-researched opening statements, the Mayfield girls responded excellently to the judges' questions and finished strongly, utilising powerful persuasive devices in their closing statements that swayed the debate result in their favour.

In Round 2, the girls debated whether the actions of Extinction Rebellion were justified: Mayfield was for and Maria Fidelis against. Both teams delivered accomplished opening statements, which were supremely well-researched and, at times, emotive. However, the Mayfield girls responded excellently to judges' questions and were more assured when delivering their closing remarks. They clinched the victory, setting up an allMayfield final.

The motion in the final of the inaugural debating series between Mayfield School and Maria Fidelis Catholic School was: This House believes that the use of social media by teenagers does more harm than good. Erica and Sahana (both

in Year 10) were arguing for the motion; Breanna (Year 9) and Cosima (Year 10) were arguing against. Some excellent arguments were put forward by both teams in a tightly contested debate but, in the end, the blend of Erica's passion and Sahana's cool facts-based style won them the final.

Despite not having qualified for the final, the Maria Fidelis students grilled the competitors with some very challenging questions. This was a wonderful opportunity to continue our strong link with the Camden-based school and we look forward to welcoming them into our boarding community next year (Covid permitting!), as we have done many times in the past.

/RZHU 6FKRRO ,QWHU +RXVH 'HEDWLQJ The final of the Lower School Inter-House Debating competition saw Bronte go head-to-head with Curie over the Motion ‘This House believes that Covid vaccinations should be compulsory’. Claudia and Eliza did an excellent job in setting out the arguments in favour of the motion on behalf of Curie. Leona and Onnae gave similarly strong performances arguing against the motion on behalf of Bronte.

Both sides fielded tough questions from the judges - Miss Beary, Ms Doy and Mr Smith - as well as from the audience of Lower School students. The judges found it extremely difficult to come to a decision but, in the end, the debate was won by Leona and Onnae for Bronte. Congratulations to all the participants for excellent debating.

<RXQJ (QWHUSULVH <HDU 7HQQHU &KDOOHQJH A group of enterprising Year 8s took part in the Tenner Challenge in May. This is a free nationwide Young Enterprise challenge for people aged 11 to 19, in which the budding entrepreneurs are given £10 to get their business idea off the ground and make as much impact as possible.

Mayfield’s Year 8s undertook a range of activities including holding a sweet sale, a dog and cat treat sale (with half the proceeds being donated to Raystede Animal Sanctuary), and a jewellery sale.

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<HDU (QULFKPHQW )DUP DQG /DQG 0DQDJHPHQW DW )URJKROH )DUP As part of their Year 12 Enrichment Programme, the girls have the opportunity to visit Froghole Farm to learn about all aspects of running a farm. In our first visit this year, farmer Guy Brickell gave us a tour of the farm and explained its history. We met boar ‘Derrick’ and many of his offspring, and learnt that the hardy breeds of Tamworth and Saddleback are best suited as outdoor-reared pigs.

The girls also learnt about different breeds of cows. Guy has diversified over the years and has moved away from the larger milk breeds to Jersey crosses which produce creamier milk.

He supplies this to a local dairy to make cheese. The whey by-product is then returned to him to feed the pigs. He also explained that whilst we all enjoyed a glorious few months of sunshine in early summer, it has been very difficult

for farmers to grow crops to feed their livestock because of the dry weather.

This will have an impact on food prices due to the availability of grain.

/LIHVNLOOV 3URJUDPPH <HDU &DUGERDUG &KDLU &KDOOHQJH During Lifeskills, the Year 9s were given the challenge of making a chair using only cardboard - without the use of tape or glue - and developing a marketing strategy for their chair which they had to present in front of their year group.

The aim of this activity was to develop teambuilding and problem solving skills by applying STEM principles.

• Best overall design with their Jigsaw design: Katrina, Emma, Lydia and Molly.

• Best Teamwork with their Fold Away Chair: Greta, Amelié and Hilda.

• Best presentation of the Couch Potato Chair: Iulia, Olivia and Nicole.

The girls showed amazing creativity, perseverance, competitiveness and resilience. We certainly have many engineers in the making! The following prizes were awarded:

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'XNH RI (GLQEXUJK·V $ZDUG 6FKHPH %URQ]H 7UDLQLQJ DQG 3UDFWLFH ([SHGLWLRQ The Bronze Practice is in many ways the hardest DofE expedition and has a very steep learning curve for its participants. Not only is there no point of reference, for the girls, discussions about whether to have smores or just marshmallows for dinner can often seem more relevant and important than navigation tips, kit lists, or fitting and packing rucksacks. That said, because of this, it is also an expedition where the girls learn a great deal about themselves and get an insight into what they are capable of.

Based at Mayfield and walking in the beautiful High Weald countryside, 40 Year 9 girls and 19 Year 10 girls took part in the event in May, which saw them learning navigation, first

aid and campcraft skills including cooking for themselves (and washing up afterwards). This was in addition to walking 12 kilometres each day, in quite horrendous conditions at times, looking after their own welfare, and that of their team members.

It did seem a little unfair that, after the relative drought conditions of April and a wait of almost 12 months for the Year 10 Bronze Award girls, the training and practice expedition coincided with deluges of rain and hail of almost Biblical standards. The fact that the girls completed their expedition, got soaking wet, and were still able to laugh and smile was impressive indeed, and showed great fortitude and resilience.

%URQ]H $VVHVVHG ([SHGLWLRQ In June, 57 Year 9 and 10 girls undertook their qualifying Bronze expedition. With two days’ walking and one night camping in Ashdown Forest, the weather could not have been more different from their experience on the Training and Practice Expedition. Under blue skies and in glorious sunshine, temperatures were around the mid-20s, making the daily 13km routes with full rucksacks quite challenging. They all dealt with the high temperatures in a very sensible and mature way, opting to start their second day’s walking at 07:00 rather than 08:30 in order to avoid as much of the heat of the day as possible. Plenty of sun cream, hats, breaks in the shade, and regular top-ups of water bottles at checkpoints meant the worst anyone experienced was blisters.

The girls set their own routes and agenda - enthusing about being able to choose what and when to cook and eat their meals - and created their own entertainment on the campsite in the evening including an impromptu high jump tournament!

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6LOYHU 7UDLQLQJ DQG 3UDFWLFH ([SHGLWLRQ In June, 30 Year 10 and Year 11 girls undertook their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Training & Practice Expedition. The Expedition was a Practice Silver Expedition for the Year 11s, and a Bronze Assessed Expedition for the Year 10s as everything was cancelled last Summer.

for visual clues to confirm their location. ation.

The Year 11s brushed up on rusty skills kills last used in Year 9, and remembered ed the old adage of “more haste, less speed” often applies on DofE!

After Camp Craft and First Aid training sessions on Friday evening, the girls had a 12 km navigation refresher on Saturday, and a final independent trek on Sunday.

Overall, navigation went well, with the Year 10s learning to use their maps and the surrounding countryside to check

6LOYHU $VVHVVHG ([SHGLWLRQ Two nights, three days, 45 kilometres, 54 aching feet.

Starting at Eridge Station, the groups of Year 10 and 11 girls covered large sections of Ashdown Forest during their expedition, overnighting first north of Hartfield and then in Broadstone Warren, before finishing in the village of Fairwarp. They had plotted their routes along quiet leafy lanes, fields, tracks, woodland and open heathland – and a very large golf course, which turned out to be a nemesis to challenge the skills of even the best navigators.

However, there was no heatwave to contend with this time and the girls discovered two things: waterproofs seldom live up to their name, and singing is a good way to make hills

seem shorter and keep spirits up, particularly in the rain. The hills really were alive with the sound of music as the groups sang their way through an eclectic repertoire of Abba’s Greatest Hits and Mayfield Greatest Hits, ‘Be Thou My Vision’ being a particular DofE favourite!

Having dodged the thunder and lightning on Day 1, Day 2 saw five hours of relentless heavy rain, all afternoon and into the evening, and the girls arrived in camp completely soaked.

They then had to pitch their tents and cook their evening meal before making final preparations for their expedition presentations later that night. However, with true Mayfield resilience, a bowl of pasta (or two) and a cup of hot

chocolate later, the girls bounced back and each group gave the DofE staff very lively presentations ranging from the flora and fauna of Ashdown Forest, to the physical and emotional challenges of the expedition.

Day 3: the home stretch. Although there were blisters and aching limbs, and rucksacks made heavy by sodden tents and wet clothing, the end was in sight. Team Grapes were up and out of camp before 08:30 and powered along, just as they had the previous two days. Pink Ladies were in no mood to hang around either, while Dolphins and Doritos decided to enjoy the last day with a more leisurely approach.

All the groups did fantastically well to complete this challenging expedition.

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&OXEV DQG 6RFLHWLHV &KLOO 2XW &OXE This year saw the launch of a new activity - Chill Out Club - which Mrs Maimi has been running for Years 7 and 8.

The Club has proven to be very popular as some of the girls are keen to find time during the day to relax.

They undertake a range of activities including nature walks, mindful colouring, crafting, and meditation. The girls began the term by watching a clip from ‘Kung Fu Panda’ where Master Oogway says “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift, that's why they call it the present”, before trying their hands at making origami cranes.

MESSy Mayfield Environmental and Sustainability Society, MESSy, has had a productive year encouraging green initiatives around the School.

These included selling honey from Mayfield’s very own bee hive to fund their upkeep, planting wildflowers to encourage more bees to the School site, providing battery recycling points around the School, and boxes for the girls to take home and fill.

<HDU DQG +LVWRU\ &OXE Mrs Lawson’s History Club members have had loads of fun bringing history to life this year. They particularly enjoyed learning about Jack the Ripper and playing ‘detective’ by using evidence provided about the murders to create profiles of Jack the Ripper. The girls decided, based on the evidence, that he was male, probably wealthy and upper class, with a moustache, and that it was likely he had anatomical knowledge, such

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as that learnt by doctors, surgeons or butchers. This was after numerous ‘fake leads’, including the girls believing there were multiple Rippers, and even a female Ripper!

They then went on to look at ‘Ripper Letters’ sent to the Police during 1888, and used their source analysis skills and knowledge of the murders to decide whether the letters were really sent by the Ripper or not.

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0DWKV (QULFKPHQW &OXE Maths Enrichment Club was a new activity for Years 7 and 8 this year, and is focused on encouraging the girls to develop their problem-solving skills, explore patterns and, at times, be amazed by the beauty of Maths!

The girls have covered all sorts of interesting topics including examining patterns in the 11 times table - can you work out 11x63 or 11x234 in your head? They arranged 25 coloured tiles in a 5x5 square so that none of the columns, rows or diagonals had the same colour in them. They then moved onto using multi-link cubes

to create a 3D version following the same principles. They have learnt how to solve the classic frog problem (where the frogs have to swap places in the minimum number of moves),

studied geometry and patterns with Curves of Pursuit, and looked at Binary to understand how you can count if you only have 1 and 0.

to study Medicine, gave a virtual talk on life as a first year student. We are planning to reach out to more old girls and others who have a connection with Mayfield this year and hopefully will be able to welcome outside speakers.

on preparing for the UCAT and BMAT tests. This involved looking at past papers and in particular at section three of BMAT, where candidates have to write an essay. The titles we considered included, ‘A little learning is a dangerous thing’ and ‘Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.’ In addition, we had several sessions focusing on the four pillars of medical ethics, with the girls looking at specific case studies, which led to some lively debate.

0HG6RF MedSoc is targeted at girls interested in Medicine and health-related careers.

The aim is to support those who wish to pursue university applications in Medicine and related degrees, as well as welcoming those who want to find out more about health and the working of the body. This year, Year 12 Grace has taken a leadership role and helped with tasks such as organising outside speakers. Last year, due to Covid restrictions, we were unable to bring in old girls to speak in person. However, Amelia Hardy who left in August 2021

In our meetings over the year we discussed topical issues relating to Medicine, and the girls took it in turns to research and then give a presentation to the group on a topic of their choice. Towards the end of the last academic year we focused

%ULWLVK 6LJQ /DQJXDJH &OXE Mr Lavery and Dr Reijers launched Mayfield’s first-ever British Sign Language Club for students in January, a joint initiative between the Chaplaincy’s Actions not Words programme and the Learning Support Department. The girls are taught by Marcel from Weald BSL, who is himself deaf, and the course aims to open up a world of opportunities to communicate with members of the deaf community.

The girls have had a great time learning how to understand basic information using British Sign Language, and to follow and take part in simple conversations. Many of us are not aware of the communication difficulties faced by those who are deaf or hard of hearing, and this is a great way to learn a skill for life.

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&RRNHU\ &OXE The girls in Lower School Cookery Club have tantalised the taste buds of their friends and family this year cooking up a plethora of delicious meals and treats. They made Christmas chocolate truffles, scrumptious Easter cakes and hot cross buns, and American pancakes to name but a few.

3KLORVRSK\ 6DORQ Based upon the concept of the ‘Parisian Salon’ where women played a significant role and implemented the values of the Enlightenment, this Mayfield group of Year 11 girls value intellectual presentation and conversation. Discussions cover areas of philosophical enquiry and enable members to exchange and explore ideas whilst enjoying a traditional sweet course (courtesy of our very skilled in-house Mayfield pastry chef!)

Salonnieres take it in turn to present an area of interest to the rest of the group and host the session (often wearing an academic gown to show who is leading the discussion). This is then followed by an informal discussion and allows other members to offer ideas, poetry, philosophy and thoughts.

We were delighted to hear from Elizabeth on the topic ‘The Nature and Purpose of Education’. She researched

and covered a wide range of ideas, from a brief history of education through time and its implication on the education (or lack of) for women, to cultural and religious differences, and expectations in society. A thoughtprovoking discussion followed whilst the girls enjoyed a delightful strawberry dessert and hot chocolate!

/RZHU 6FKRRO 6FLHQFH &OXE The girls in Lower School Science Club have had a lot of fun investigating various aspects of science in the world around them.

They have made their own indicators from red cabbage, and investigated the properties of a non-Newtonian

-DSDQHVH &OXE In the final Japanese Club session, students tried on the yukata, an item of clothing still very popular with girls in Japan. You will often see girls wearing the yukata at summer festivals, so it seemed only right to learn how to wear one, and how to tie the obi. By the end of the session, girls were able to tie the obi in only a minute, while simultaneously eating Japanese snacks!

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fluid with Oobleck that changed colour depending on its pH. They have also ventured into the world of cosmetics by making their own lip balm and body lotion, as well as exploring engineering concepts by competing to build the tallest tower out of marshmallows and spaghetti!

%RDUGLQJ /LIH DW 0D\ÀHOG

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/HHGV +RXVH $FUH :RRG One sunny Sunday in April, Leeds House boarders piled into the minibus for a trip to Ashdown Forest, immortalised as ‘Hundred Acre Wood’ in A.A. Milne's ‘Winnie the Pooh’ stories.

They walked deep into the forest to find the bridge where ‘Pooh Sticks’ was invented, before climbing to the summit for a fantastic view of the surrounding countryside and an ice cream.

/RFNGRZQ %LUWKGD\V The Leeds Lockdown boarders had a lovely weekend celebrating Sahana's birthday: they went on a long country walk, enjoyed a candle-lit liturgy, and sampled fruity mocktails and a melange of international cuisine. Delicious!

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/HHGV +RXVH *LUOV 7DFNOH WKH +LJK 5RSHV In May, Miss Starr and Miss Nixon took the e girrls in Leeds House to Bowles Outdoor Centre, where th they hey completed the High Ropes courses. The girlss al alll ha had da great time swinging across bridges and jumpi ping ng gap a s.

They managed to figure out the pulley sysstem m fr from om the ground to help their friends navigate some e of th the e more mo ore e challenging obstacles.

&KLQHVH 1HZ <HDU &HOHEUDWLRQV The Leeds Lockdown boarders had a wonderful time celebrating Chinese New Year and the Year of the Ox in February with a feast of food, music recitals, fun and games.

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6W *DEULHO·V +RXVH *DEV JLUOV JHW JOLWWHU\ In December the boarders spent a very enjoyable day decorating the House with trails of tinsel, an adorable carol-singing penguin and, of course, this stunning Christmas tree. Festive music filled the Common Room in readiness for the exciting few weeks before the end of term!

:HGQHVGD\ 1LJKW &UDIWLQJ Each week, Year 9 and 10 Gabs boarders enjoy a mindful evening of crafting with Mrs Jones. In June, they had a lovely time making and decorating soaps.

0D\ÀHOG 6FDYHQJHU +XQW In March the boarderrs in Yea earrs 9 and ea d 10 enjoyed hunting arround the the Sc Scho ho oo oll grounds in a challeng ging ‘M Mayfi y eld eld el Scavenger Hunt’. The e girls wor ork ked in ke n small teamss to find ite ems and d pla l ces ces that Dr Reijers had ph hotogrraph phed ed, ed and then ph hotograph he the hed em e mse selv lvves to prove they had ma anage g d to fin nd d everything on the listt. Fo or ev eve ery pllace ce they discovvered, theyy rece eivved a House Poin nt, and the e win i niing g tea ea eam am achieved a fantastic 20 Ho ousse Poin ints in tss. ts.

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)XQ IRU %RDUGHUV DW %RZOHV In October, the PE Department took 52 boarders to Bo Bowl wles wl es Out utdo door do orr Cen entr tre tr e to tak ake e part in a variety of fun activities. It was a great oppo orttun unit ityy fo it forr al alll bo boar a de ar ders rs in Ye Year ars 7 ar to 10 to challenge themselves at something new.

The girls in Leeds House spent the afternoon rock-ccl clim clim imbi bing and bi n tri ried ed d thr hree ee diff iffer errent climbs, growing in skill and confidence as they wentt al alon ong. on g. Eve en wh when en the h y we ere ren’ nt climbing, they were responsible for the ropes of the otherr gir irls lss in th thei eir te eir ei team am m, a an nd th t ey learnt all about the safety procedures and equipmen nt used. nt The Year 9 girls from St Gabriel’s House had the cho oic i e of Arc rch hery he r and Poo ool Kaya y ki ya k ng ng,, or Bushcraft and the Leap of Faith. The Year 10s werre in n two w gro roup ups an up ups nd e eiith her participated in teamwork activities followed by abseilililin in ng g,, or cl c im i be b d ‘Jacob’ss Lad adde der’ de r’ and then tried their hands at Archery.

:HHNHQG 3LFQLFV DW %H[KLOO %HDFK Th T he giirl rls in in Gab abs bs en e jo joye yed d th he brig ight igh ht sun u ny wea ath ther er at Be Bexh Bexh xhil hili l in n Apri Ap ril,l, hav ri avin in ng a wand wa and nder er aro roun und un d th the e sh shop opss be beffo fore a pic fore icni nic on the nic he bea be accch h.. The h hey br hey brav aved d the he chi hililllly lly su sun fo for as lon for on ng g as pos ossi ssi sible sib ble an bl and d th hen e cha hase se ed th the e ssu unset nset wit ns ith h nu nume nume mero rous ro us pho oto toss on on the way ay hom ome e.

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6W 0LFKDHO·V +RXVH 6DWXUGD\ 1LJKW .DUDRNH Micks’ girls enjoyed karaoke, dancing and Domino’s on a brilliant September Saturday night in!

0XUGHU 0\VWHU\ 0D\KHP Much Halloween fun was had playing a reallife version of the popular murder-mystery video game ‘Among us’. The girls dressed up as characters from the game and then held a costume competition, with prizes for best single and group costumes. There were so many good costumes that the staff had a really hard time choosing the winners!

&OD\ 3LJHRQ 6KRRWLQJ On a chilly December day, Micks’ boarders enjoyed laser clay pigeon shooting at School. After practising with the rifles - which shoot infrared beams rather than pellets - each girl shot three rounds of 10 clays.

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)HVWLYH )XQ DQG )HDVWLQJ Year 11 boarders enjoyed a delicious festive feast with the House staff and Mrs Stone following their mocks. The girls chose their supper of mozzarella sticks and pigs in blankets, followed by steak, mash and green beans, topped off with brownies and ice cream for dessert.

Much merriment followed supper with the girls performing Christmas songs on the piano, and dancing.

6XPPHU &HOHEUDWLRQV DW 7KRUSH 3DUN In June, the girls in Micks' celebrated the approaching end of term with their last House activity of the year – an adrenaline filled day out at Thorpe Park – where they had a fantastic time. This was followed on Saturday by a movie night and sleepover in Gresham.

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/D]\ 6XQGD\ DIWHUQRRQ LQ 'XQRUODQ 3DUN Year 12 boarders ventured to a historic Tunbridge Wells park in June where they enjoyed the glorious weather, and learnt about the history of the park courtesy of Mrs Bushell.

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<HDU 'D\ RI 5HFROOHFWLRQ In September, the Year 7s had their Day of Recollection at Mayfield. They began the day with prayers in Chapel, before moving to Gresham for a full day of activities. Many of the games and activities, like ‘The Trust Walk’, reminded them that God walks alongside us, asking us to use our gifts and talents in the service of others. (Other games, admittedly, were just for fun!)

They learnt from Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr, Blessed Cornelia Connelly, and Malala Yousafzai how, when we listen to the whisper of God, we can achieve great things and change the world.

<HDU 'D\ RI 5HFROOHFWLRQ In May, Year 8 had their Day of Recollection. The theme of the day was the Cornelian Principle of ‘Compassion’, and we discussed how to treat others in order to make them and ourselves feel happy and cared for. The girls took part in an activity involving cards with numbers on, and treated each other according to their number with interesting results.

They also played ‘the bucket game’ where they were split into Houses and competed in getting the most tennis balls into a bucket. This was good fun and they competed with compassion!

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<HDU 'D\ RI 5HFROOHFWLRQ DW 7LFNHUDJH 9LQH\DUG In June, the Year 13s marked their final Day of Recollection with a reflective liturgy, thinking about how they have planted their roots at Mayfield, and grown and flourished during their time here. The liturgy was based round the scripture reading from John 15: "I am the vine and you are the branches". To mark the event, the girls planted a vine in a sunny spot in the Sixth Form garden.

The theme continued as the girls enjoyed a picnic and walk at Tickerage Vineyard, and a tour of the winery (belonging to the parents of OC Kizzy Budd), followed by tasting the delicious Tickerage English wine.

&KLOGUHQ ,Q 1HHG Thank you very much to everyone who came to School in home clothes, baked and ate cakes, and who bought raffle tickets and donated prizes to raise money for Children In Need. We raised a whopping £1447.25 including funds raised from the Lower School sponsored walk – our highest total to date!

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&RQÀUPDWLRQ 0DVV In October, 17 young people received the Sacrament of Confirmation here in Mayfield Chapel. 14 Mayfield girls and three members of the extended Mayfield family were Confirmed by Bishop Richard Moth, with one girl receiving her First Holy Communion as well.

Our cantor, Dr Ward, filled the Chapel with ancient chants, and the simplicity of the liturgy made for a very special celebration of the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Bishop Richard was warm and welcoming, and made our young people feel right at home.

Thankfully, the weather co-operated with our socially-distanced reception and allowed us to share canapés, and get a picture of the Confirmands with the Bishop. It was a wonderful, joyful day, and one which the young people had

worked so hard and so long to prepare for, that it was quite emotional to watch them finally receive their Confirmation.

If, as the saying goes, “Young people are the future of the Church” then the Church is in good hands!

9LUWXDO /LYH &ULE While we were sadly unable to invite parents and OCs to join us for Live Crib 2020, we were delighted to be able to send a recording of the magical and festive socially-distanced performance for everyone to enjoy at the end of the Christmas Term.

Many thanks to all of you who contributed to the Live Crib Just Giving page which raised £220 for the Cardinal Hume Centre and Crisis.

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6L[WK )RUP &KDULW\ 'D\ As part of the Sixth Form charity day in October, which also involved a cake sale, wearing home clothes, rainbow eye make-up, and ‘Guess the number of balloons in the car’, the Year 13s organised a debate between Dr Corvan and Mr Pierce. The motion was ‘This house believes in free will’, whereby Mr Pierce argued for the motion, and Dr Corvan against.

It was particularly interesting to hear an argument based on observation, and on choice. Mr Pierce involved the audience by asking people to raise their hands, and used this to support the argument that everyone has free will to choose to conform to that instruction; it cannot simply be pre-determined that people will or will not raise their

hands, nor can it be pre-determined that this action will be influenced by others. Dr Corvan took a more scientific perspective with the example of the formation of the planet 4.65 billion years ago, and that it was pre-determined

that the collision of rock masses would eventually form a planet; Earth.

The debate was entertaining, witty, and even - with the floor voting around 50/50 in favour of each motion.

3LQN 'D\ We are delighted to announce that Mayfield raised a recordbreaking £929.08 for Breast Cancer Now on Pink Day!

Yueshi, on the panel, and the debate was chaired by Year 11 student, Catherine.

A huge 'well done' to Year 11 for organising such creative socially-distanced activities including the Percy Pig Coin Challenge, guess the number of pink sweets in a jar, and a debate with guest speakers Mr Doy and Mr Pierce.

Mr Doy and Mr Pierce put forward strong arguments both for and against the motion. The judges (particularly Yueshi) subjected them to some intense questioning, followed by some interesting questions from the floor. The entire proceedings were carefully monitored by the talented Chair, Catherine. The final vote returned Mr Doy as the winner by a slight margin. It was a very enjoyable event with delicious cakes provided by the girls.

11KMS organised the debate with the motion ‘This house believes beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ with Mr Doy arguing for the motion and Mr Pierce arguing against. Judges Mr Gibson Gib Gi bson on a nd d Mrs Mrs Davies Daviies were were joined joined i d by

by Year Year 11 sstudent, tud tu dent,t Mrs and

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85

6SRWOLJKW RQ WKH &ULFNHW 'HSDUWPHQW 0HHW RXU +HDG RI &ULFNHW Former England international cricketer, Emily Starr, is our Head of Cricket and Deputy Director of Sport.

singing the National Anthem ahead of the game. It was quite an adventure for one so young!

It was my grandparents who first inspired and supported my passion for sport, encouraging me and watching my matches whenever they could. My grandfather played football in his youth with the late David Frost, journalist and media host, so our entire family is football-mad, and by the time I was a toddler, I was enthusiastically kicking a ball around the garden with my dad.

After I left school, I went on to study Sports Science and Business Studies at Loughborough, where I had an amazing time playing for the MCCU Academy. This Loughborough University team included nine members of the England Women’s Cricket Squad and so another door opened for me when I was selected to play outdoor cricket with them for the England Regional Development Squad. My ultimate dream had always been to play outdoor cricket for England and it was everything that I had hoped it would be.

My love of football has continued throughout my life and unlike many girls, I was lucky enough to be able to play competitively at school. When I was nine years old, I began playing for Leicester City Football Club Juniors and there I forged great friendships with girls who were also playing county cricket.

Short of a player one weekend, they asked me to join them for a match. I played cricket for Leicestershire Girls until I started studying for my GCSEs when the travelling became too much on top of a heavy academic workload, so I began playing for Northants instead, which was much closer to my hometown of Kettering. There I was given the opportunity to try out for the England Indoor Cricket Squad and play international cricket.

I was over the moon to be selected and I played my first international match at the Indoor World Cup in Bristol. This was a truly wonderful experience, but the highlight of my cricketing career came when I was invited to play at the Indoor Cricket World Cup in Brisbane in 2009.

I will never forget the wonderful team camaraderie, fantastic beaches and weather, the outstanding cricket, and

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An unfortunate stress fracture in my spine led me to re-assess my path and, following university, I made the decision not to go into professional cricket but to look into coaching opportunities instead. A few stints of work experience confirmed that I absolutely loved teaching and I returned to my former school, Bishop Stopford, to coach sport and to train ‘on the job’ for my QTS. Two years later, I packed my bags and headed south to begin teaching sport at Mayfield, where I launched straight into setting up a cricketing programme for the girls, most of whom had not played cricket before, and the rest, as they say, is history!

Sport

0D\ÀHOG Y 0&& In June, we were delighted to welcome a team from the MCC for two T20 matches against our top cricketers from throughout the School.

Having won the toss for the first match, the MCC elected to bat, putting a respectable 109 runs on the board. Year 10 Alice bowled exceptionally well, and with great pace and accuracy. Finishing with 4 overs, 0 maidens, 0 wickets, and conceding only 15 runs. Mayfield started the chase well with Year 12 Dii Dii scoring 25 runs before retiring with an injury. Year 10 Lizzie then came to the crease scoring an impressive 35 not out but that still left Mayfield short by 23 runs.

Following tea, the MCC won the toss and chose to bat first again. This time they pushed the run rate and ended on 135. Lizzie opened the bowling and took an early wicket with Year 10 Tilly making an outstanding reaction catch to her right hand side. Year 8 Jess bowled with great poise and finished with figures of 4 overs, 0 maidens, 0 wickets for 16 runs. With a higher score to chase than the first game, the girls batted fiercely, running more aggressively throughout.

Lizzie top scored with 42 runs.

A special mention must go to Year 10 Rachel who kept fantastically across both games, allowing very few byes, and excellent fielding was demonstrated by all who played.

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&ULFNHW $ZDUG We were delighted that The Cricketer magazine named Mayfield as one of the top 20 all-girls schools for Cricket in the UK in November. This was no mean feat for a school with a relatively short cricketing history!

1HZV IURP WKH &UHDVH The Mayfield Cricket Squad had a great 2020-21 season in spite of Covid restrictions and was delighted to be able to resume playing fixtures in the Summer Term.

Highlights of the season include the U13 and U12 teams both playing Brighton College in April for our first post-lockdown matches. This was also the first time the majority of our Lower School cohort had played competitive Cricket. All four Mayfield teams were victorious and the bowling in particular was great to watch.

The U13A and B Cricket teams took on Bede’s during a fantastic May afternoon in which the girls showcased their fielding, batting and bowling skills. Both Mayfield teams won their matches with stand-out performances from Year 7 Hebe and lovely on-field encouragement from Year 8 Tamsin.

The U14A and B Cricket Teams also played Burgess Hill in May and came away victorious. Year 9 Annie played well all round, Year 9 Ollie demonstrated good leadership skills, organising the

field, and Year 9 Eva batted with great technique and patience.

In June, the U15A Team took a win with some fantastic batting that took the Burgess Hill team by surprise. Our girls were unpredictable in their ball placement by playing shots both on the off side and leg side, with fantastic power hitting from Bella and Liv. The girls also produced a tidy bowling display and gave away very few extra runs. The whole team fielded with tenacity and did not allow Burgess Hill to accumulate many runs.

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The U15B Team had a great fielding day against Burgess Hill with notable performances from Bella who demonstrated quick reactions, and Scarlett who bowled really well for two overs and did not concede any extras (no balls or wides). “Well done” to Yaa, Echo, Scarlett, Maddie and Maria who all hit fours, but the partnership of the game went to Ava and Yaa for scoring 15 off the bat. Unfortunately, they did not get the win this time but it was a close match nonetheless with a final score of 251 – 262.

We were delighted to have a number of Mayfield girls selected to represent Sussex County in their various age groups for Cricket. This was a tremendous achievement following rigorous trials, and the girls should be very proud of themselves. Those selected were Jessica (Year 8), Zara, Hannah and Annie (Year 9), and Lizzie, Alice and Emma (Year 10).

Sport

+RFNH\ ,QWHU +RXVH +RFNH\ On Foundation Day, Years 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 took part in Inter-House Hockey. It had been a long time since many of the girls had taken part in competitive sport, and it was clear to see that they were keen to get going! Every year group played well-fought matches and the results were extremely tight. However the final scoreboard was as follows: 1st: Glennie / 2nd: Bronte / 3rd: Curie / 4th: Astor

&KULVWPDV +RFNH\ There is an annual Mayfield tradi diti tion on n whe here reby re b the by e girrls l dress ress re ss up to play a Christmas Hockey match ch or mi mini n -ttou ni ourn nam amen entt in th en he eirr las a t lesson of term. Music is played an and d th the e gi g rl rlss ha ave e a gre reat a tim at me on this festive, but highly compet etit itiv ive e oc occa casi ca sion si on n.

The Year 13 girls had particularly imp mpre ress re sssiv ive e ou outfi tfifitss and d tha hank nkss nk must go to Senior Hockey Capta ain Ind dia for sha hari rriing her ext xten ensi en sive si ve fancy dress collection with the te eam am..

A team of Year 9 elves also took k part in a clo lose sely lyy fou ough ghtt Ch gh Chri r sttma ri mass Hockey match against a team of Chr hris istm tm mass dec eco orations nss, en endi d ng di n in a 5-4 win for the decorations!

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6XPPHU +RFNH\ In May, the 1XI were delighted to have the opportunity to catch up on some of the fixtures they had missed during lockdown and play Lingfield in their last opportunity to compete for the School.

After going 2-0 down early on, the team rallied around its senior players and fought back to win 3-2. Year 13 India captained the team well, leading through example, guiding her team-mates and holding fort at the back.

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Sport

1HWEDOO While Covid restrictions meant that the girls were unable to take part in any Netball fixtures, the PE Department organised a number of internal matches and workshops to ensure the girls continued to build their skills and the competition in Inter-House Netball was fierce!

7HQQLV 0D\ÀHOG $XWXPQ 'RXEOHV 7RXUQDPHQW With 24 players overall, eight pairs took part in the annual Mayfield Doubles Tennis Tournament in September. The standard was high but in the end Year 9s Zoe and Edith won the U14 matches, and Year 11s Freya and Amelia topped the U16 leaderboard. It was also lovely to see two sibling pairs claiming the runnerup spots with Year 10 Tilly and Year 11 Olivia coming second in the U16s, and Year 9 twins Mathilda and Helena coming second in the U14s.

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$WKOHWLFV In pre repa para pa rati ra tion ti on for the he res esum umpttio on of Ath thle eti tics cs matc ma tcche es, s, the girrlss enj njoy oyed oy ed a var ari rie ied tr ied trai trai ainiing n p og pr grra amm mme in mme incl clu cl clud ud din din ing g a sp spec pec ecia iall wo work ork rksh ksh shop op in May. y. Fol o lo l wi win ng a car ng arou ouse sell of act ctiv ivit itie ies, s the h work wo rksh kssh hop op foccus usse sed d on track k eve ent nts, s, whe here it wass gr wa grea ea at to o see so ma many ny new Yea earr 7 an and d8 athl at hlet etes es in th he m ma aki king ng. Lat ater er in th the e mo morn rnin ing, g, Year Ye ar 9 and 10 stu sttuden dents ts joi oine ned d us for fiel eld d even ev entt tr trai aini ning ng,, ru runn nnin ing g an and d re rela layy te tech chni niqu que. e.

'LDPRQG /HDJXH $WKOHWLFV 7RXUQDPHQW Mayfield’s Athletes were back in action at their first meet of the season for the Diamond League Athletics Tournament at K2 in Crawley in May. We took a squad of Year 9, 10 and 12 girls with us and they made a big effort in their first competition for two years.

There were notable performances from Year 10s Liv and Iona in the Javelin, Year 10 Rachel in the shot put and discus, Year 9 Lydia in 300m, Year 9 Fran in 1500m, and Year 9 Mathilda in High Jump.

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Despite the wind and rain, the final meet of the Diamond League went ahead with athletes making significant improvements on their previous performances. Rachel almost took first place in the Inter girls 300m race; Mathilda had a clear win in her 100m heat, and Year 10 Rachel won the shot put for the second week in a row. Valeria won the senior 400m event, improving on the previous week’s third place, and her two strong performances saw her awarded an overall silver medal.

Sport

(QJOLVK 6FKRROV· $WKOHWLFV What a day the Mayfield Athletics Squad had at the English Schools’ Athletics in June! Both the Juniors and Inters came an impressive second place overall, being narrowly pipped to the post by a strong Burgess Hill team.

It was the Year 7 and 8 pupils’ first time competing, and it is safe to say they took it in their stride! Our event winners were Year 8 Siena in the 300m, Year 9 Francesca in the 1500m, and Year 10 Rachel in the shot put. Well done to Fran and Rachel for getting their PBs. Other notable performances included Year 9 Mathilda running the 800m in 2.37 minutes; Year 10 Olivia throwing the Javelin 29.98m; the Inter relay team running a very quick relay, coming a close second; and Years 10 Annabel and Olivia, and Year 7 Fleur for running middle distance races in order to help their team gain the most possible points.

,QWHU +RXVH $WKOHWLFV The girls enjoyed some closely fought field events during Inter-House Athletics in May, with many of the girls winning on their last throws and jumps. There were also some nail-biting performances on the track, and it was great to see so many girls step out of their comfort zone and take part in the slightly more ‘unpopular’ races in order to secure points for their houses.

Many congratulation to Glennie, who won both Inters and Juniors.

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0D\ÀHOG 3DUN 5XQ October saw the start of the official Mayfield Park Run whereby the girls could choose to run 1km, 2.5km, 3.5km or 5km on marked courses within the School grounds. A big ‘well done’ to Year 7 students, Ava and Maggie, who each ran the 5km course.

0LFKHOOH *ULIÀWK 5RELQVRQ 2/< +,,7 :RUNRXW In February, Michelle Griffith-Robinson OLY joined Remote PE to talk to the girls about her career as a triple jumper, which culminated in her representing Team GB at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

Michelle delivered an inspirational message based around the seven Olympic values of Friendship, Excellence, Respect, Determination, Inspiration, Courage and Equality. She talked about following ng your dreams and the importance of staying active, before e leading the girls in a high energy workout! irls with a quote: “The Dream is nothing if it She left the girls is left on the pillow.” e said: "Michelle’s talk was amazing. It really Year 9 Maddie o think big, and made me want to do sport even inspired me to n as if I am at School. I love how passionate she more and train e me want to be like her. I can relate to some of is and it made the things thatt she talked about and she has inspired me to d know that nothing is impossible as long as dream big and I try my best."

Huge thanks to OC Lindsay Garka for introducing us to Michelle and helping to set up the sessions.

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Sport

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(YHQWHUV &KDOOHQJH &KDPSLRQVKLSV DW +LFNVWHDG Mayfield sent a large squad to Hickstead for the Eventers Challenge Championships 2021 and the Jumping with Style Championships (postponed from 2020), over May half term.

The best riders, who qualified for these two championships from all over the country, competed for National Champion titles.

Year 11 Evie won the Intermediate 90cm Jumping with Style Individual Championships on her young horse Azurite. The mare took exception to the flags at the arena on the previous day, but the extra experience in the arena gave her the confidence to trust Evie, who rode particularly well in the Intermediate class.

The hallowed turf at Hickstead is the home of top-level British Show Jumping and has recently expanded its facility to provide new large all-weather arenas that are ideal for Cross Country riding.

For many of the Mayfield horse and rider combinations, it was the first time competing at this prestigious venue, and we were delighted that Mayfield won two National Championships titles.

Year 12 Eloise won the Advanced 1.10m Jumping with Style Individual Championships on her horse ‘Blizzard’.

Eloise completed a polished round over the technical track for the win.

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0D\ÀHOG ZLQV QDWLRQDO 6KRZ -XPSLQJ DQG 'UHVVDJH WLWOHV Mayfield School’s Equestrian Team put in a strong performance at the NSEA (National Schools Equestrian Association) Show Jumping and Dressage Championships at Hickstead in August.

There was double success in dressage, with wins in both the National Team Dressage Championship and the Inter-County Dressage Team Championship, repeating their achievement of 2019. The team comprised Year 13s Eloise, Alice and Tatum alongside Year 10s Isabella and Flo. There was also a win for the team in the National Show Jumping Championships (1m) with further success for Eloise alongside Evie, Daisy and Ella.

Jill Barker, Mayfield’s Director of Riding, commented: “I’m really proud of the girls’ performances today. This is the culmination of three year’s hard work for the riders - and coach Emily Baldwin - in developing their technique to get them to perform at Championship level. The icing on the cake is when they all perform well at the same tim ime e, whi hich ch has ena nabl bled ed us to win thr hree e Champ pio ionshiip te team am titles.”

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Sport

)HVWLYH IXQ DW WKH \DUG Mayfield riders had a wonderfully festive time getting into the mood with Christmas games at the yard. They even had a Christmas tree in the stables!

2& (PLO\ (UGH 9HWHULQDU\ 6FLHQFH /HFWXUH We were delighted to welcome OC and Equine Vet, Emily Erde, ed into School in December to talk to Sixth Form students interested in Veterinary Sciences and Physiotherapy about scanning lk!! techniques. The girls found it to be both a fun and interesting talk!

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Mayfield School, The Old Palace, Mayfield, East Sussex, TN20 6PH mayfieldgirls.org