Issue 238

Saturday 6 July 2013 IS S U E 23 8

What’s New? Weekly Newsletter from New Hall Senior School

In this issue, Leavers’ Dinner P.2 Activities Week P.3—P.5 National Championships P.6

Forthcoming

Events MON 8—THU 11 JUL Tennis Camp WED 10—FRI 12 JUL Triathlon Camp WED 10—FRI 12 JUL Golf Camp SAT 27 JUL—FRI 19 AUG Years 12—13 Biology Trip to Madagascar

Prize Giving Today we celebrated prize giving and the last day of term for Years 10-13. It has been another incredible year for the students, and whilst the end of the academic year is always a moving occasion for those students moving on, it is also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements and experiences enjoyed at New Hall.

TENNIS CHAMPIONS This week, New Hall played at the Independent Schools National Tennis Championships at Eton College, which attracts some of the biggest independent schools from around the country.

Congratulations to Connie Day (Year 8) and Charisma Nuqui (Year 7) who won the U13 Girls Independent Schools National Championships, beating Queenswood in the semi final and Godolphin and Latymer in the final.

This follows the success of the U13 and U15 boys teams, who both won the AEGON County Tennis Championships and will take part in the regional stages in September.

On Thursday 4 July, Years 7—9 attended their prize giving ceremony.

Congratulations to the individuals who received prizes and to all the students for their hard work throughout this academic year.

TUE 27—WED 28 AUG Hockey Camp TUE 27—WED 28 AUG Rugby Camp TUE 27—THU 29 AUG Dance & Theatre Summer School TUE 3 SEP Boarders Return WED 4 SEP Michaelmas Term Begins

Further good news for New Hall tennis is that Tom Styles (Year 13) has been selected to play for the Independent Schools Representative Team, later in July, against the All England Club, who in previous years have fielded the likes of Tim Henman in their team. Tom is one of only six boys nationally to be selected, so this an outstanding achievement for both Tom and the school.

On Friday, the whole school came together for the End of Year Mass. We were very pleased to welcome Father Alban McCoy OFM Conv, Catholic Chaplain to the University of Cambridge to celebrate mass with the school and our many guests and parents. Many members of the Religious Community were also present, together with Governors, and others who give so much of their time to support our school.

1

NEWS FROM THE ARCHIVES We are very pleased that Mrs Stella Beer, former History Teacher at New Hall School, is working on the school archives. Please see below details of an article that hopefully will appear in the magazine ‘History Today’.

LEAVERS’ DINNER On Saturday 30 June, we wished a fond farewell to our Year 13 students at the Leavers’ Dinner. Students joined with family, friends and staff to celebrate their time at New Hall. It was a wonderful evening and we were privileged to welcome Mary Curnock Cook OBE, Chief Executive of UCAS, as the guest speaker. We look forward to hearing of the many future successes of all students who are leaving New Hall. We hope you will keep in touch for many years to come.

The picture editor of the magazine History Today had a puzzle to solve. She was preparing an article about Margaret Douglas, niece of Henry VIII, and needed an illustration that would link her with New Hall. Margaret’s godfather Cardinal Wolsey died in 1530 and she was invited to join the household at the royal Palace of Beaulieu with Princess Mary, later to be queen. The girls were first cousins and here at New Hall their lifelong friendship began. Whether the illustration we found will be one of those chosen to go to print we don’t know but there will be an article about Margaret Douglas in the August issue of History Today. It should give an interesting glimpse into someone who, like us, knew this historical site well.

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS Congratulations to the following students on their recent Associated Board music examinations: William Keeler Jonjo McMahon Anya Cook William Keeler Rebecca Kimberlin Luke Chester Ella Lambert Thomas Bellis Daniel Skells Nina Merrigan Hei Yu Tsoi Yongxuan Tan Sophie Bolwell-Davies Henrietta Dymott Caitlin Murray Elizabeth Read Francesca Bumpstead Hollie Edmeades Jonjo Mcmahon Michael Hollette Michael Hollette Jack Richardson Charlize Spriggs Abbey Robinson Alice Baxter Constance Day Kit Fung Sun Fay Archer Eloise Boyd Mayank Bhargava Lauren Jenkins Gabriel Marsden Elizabeth Skells Antonia Dajak

Grade 3 Grade 1 Grade 7 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 5 Grade 4 Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 1 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 4 Grade 3 Grade 1 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 1 Prep Test Grade 3 Grade 1 Grade 1 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 1 Grade 3 Grade 3 Grade 5 Grade 8

Violin Piano Violin Piano Piano Violin Singing Singing Singing Flute Piano Piano Singing Singing Singing Singing Singing Singing Oboe Bassoon Percussion Clarinet Clarinet Piano Piano Piano Piano Piano Piano Piano Singing Trumpet Cello Cello

Distinction Pass Merit Distinction Distinction Pass Merit Merit Pass Merit Merit Pass Merit Merit Distinction Distinction Pass Pass Merit Merit Merit Pass Distinction Distinction Distinction Merit Pass Pass Pass Pass Merit Pass Pass

Congratulations also to Matthew Sexton (Year 7) who has been awarded a Merit in his Grade 6 viola examination.

2

VERULAMIUM TRIP

By Madame Marshall

SIXTH FORM INTERNATIONAL QUIZ

By Mrs Hamilton

Year 7 turned conquerors on Thursday 27 June when they ‘attacked’ Verulamium, the Roman town of St Albans. The visit to the museum brought to life what students will learn throughout next year in Book II of their Cambridge Latin Course and they enjoyed looking at the artefacts left behind when the Romans went back to Rome. The girls were enthusiastic about the jewellery and the boys avidly studied the weapons. We all enjoyed the lecture given by Dr Burbidge about Roman theatre as we looked down wistfully at the ruins and tried to picture the excitement of the population watching the actors entertaining them. The weather was on our side and we were able to enjoy our lunch outside in the park. Students visited the Welwyn Roman Bath House in the afternoon and were very impressed with the hypocaust system and the layout of these private baths. They remembered their lesson on this topic in Stage 9 and suddenly it all made more sense! Next year the Romans are coming to New Hall, so watch out, students, for new battles ahead!

On Thursday 27 June, Sixth Form international boarders were eager to meet again for their last challenge of the year. The theme of the evening was Italian. First the competitors enjoyed an Italian supper, then the students were then ready to compete in earnest and show off their knowledge in Italian history, mythology, language and architecture. After an interval of Italian music and further games, the Sixth Form students resumed the competition which was fiercely fought and won by Matea Fadiga (Year 12), Lucia Pirozekova (Year 12), Dominika Soltysik (Year 12), Wojciech Zych (Year 12), Olivia Leeding (Year 12), Sasha Nenasheva (Year 12) and Kaosidi Nwankwo (Year 12). Our international competitors should enjoy a welldeserved summer break and return ready to take on the challenge of a fourth year of international quizzes next year.

ACTIVITIES WEEK It has been a very busy week at New Hall, with students taking part in ‘Activities Week’ - a week full of trips, workshops and fun activities. It would be impossible to mention every activity, so here are some of the highlights.

SCIENCE MUSEUM TRIP

By Mrs Jones

FRENCH THEATRE TRIP

By Mrs Hamilton On Wednesday 26 June a keen group of Year 12 linguists went to see the comedy ‘Le Malade Imaginaire’ by Molière, a famous comedy. Seventeenth century French might have been challenging at times but the excellent production and the vivid portrayal of the characters made the play accessible to the students. After searching questions about the interpretation of the play, the Year 12 students have proved they are ready to embark on their French A2 literature course. Vive le théâtre français!

On Thursday 27 June, Year 8 visited the Science Museum.

The day started with an amazing IMAX 3D film about the Hubble Space Telescope, showing the images received from Hubble and covering a mission to repair it. The images were incredible and the 3D effects were far beyond those of the normal 3D films. Next, the students spent time in ‘Launchpad’ where they could try their hands at experiments on topics including heat, waves and magnetism. At the end of the day, the students watched a show which looked at how rockets were launched—with lots of bangs and explosions and the unforgettable sight of Mr Melloy, Daisy Adams and Owen Taylor being rockets!

3

and coloured inks. Dressed as monks, working in the medieval scriptorium, the children explored the development of beautiful styles of writing and decoration over the centuries and produced their own illuminated letter. Everyone took part in role play, either as humble monks or pilgrims at the end of a long journey, and using costume and objects the students listened to different stories about St Albans Cathedral. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day in a magnificent setting.

MATHEMATICS PUZZLE DAY

On Friday 28 June, Year 8 students took part in a highly interactive Puzzle Challenge Day with the Mathematics Department. The students had to use their problem solving, team work and mathematics skills to solve a series of challenges in a fun day of learning.

YEAR 9 INTER HOUSE COMPETITIONS GEOGRAPHY TRIP TO WALTON-ON-THE-NAZE

By Mr Crosby On Monday 1 July, Year 8 students ventured to the Essex coast, visiting Walton-on-the-Naze. Fortunately, waterproofs remained in backpacks all day as the sun shone down upon us. Students spent a busy day collecting data on cliff angles, sketching sea defences, counting pedestrians, hunting for sharks teeth and even writing some poetry! The opportunity to spend the lunch break eating ice cream and flying kites was the highlight of the day for some of the more intrepid of our party.

This week, Year 9 students took part in a series of interhouse activities including rugby and netball tournaments, cookery competitions and activities in the Design & Technology Department. Congratulations to Southwell House who were the winners. In second place was Fisher House, in third place was Owen House and in fourth place was Pole House.

TOWER OF LONDON TRIP

By Miss Garside

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM TRIP

By Miss Lucey On Friday 28 June, Year 7 students went on a trip to the Natural History Museum. Students were able to explore a variety of essential geographical topics whilst at the museum. In the ‘Blue Zone’ they discovered the range of mammal diversity, from the magnificent polar bear to the tiny pygmy shrew, and explore the path of mammal evolution, with fossils and skeletons of extinct animals such as Smilodon, a sabre-toothed cat. In the ‘Green Zone’ students were able to explore the connections between all living things and their environments and find out how we can live more responsibly on the planet. Overall the trip was good fun and informative for everyone involved, and a brilliant example of learning outside the classroom.

On Tuesday 2 July, Year 8 students visited the Tower of London to explore the 1000 year old historical site and find out more about the Tudor period, which they have studied in their History lessons this year. Students were taken on imaginative tours by medieval and Tudor characters, and learned about topics including imprisonment and execution, siege warfare and Tudor religion. Students were also able to see the world famous Crown Jewels, William the Conqueror’s imposing White Tower which houses Henry VIII’s weapons, the prison of Sir Walter Raleigh and the supposedly haunted execution sites of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. Students were also impressed by the Tower’s current inhabitants, including the many ravens and the Beefeaters.

HISTORY TRIP TO ST ALBANS

By Dr Shaw On Monday 1 July, Year 7 students travelled to St Albans Cathedral. The students took part in a variety of workshops; after looking at brasses in the cathedral and how to use them as historical sources, they then made their own brass rubbings from replica brasses. Others discovered how the medieval monks made paper, pens

4

Italy. The day started off with a banner making competition, with all of the entries being very creative and patriotic. The winning entry, as judged by Mrs Sidwell, was designed by Antonia Kitchiner (Year 9), Chloe Peffer (Year 8) and Amelia White (Year 8). Once at the venue, staff and students spent the day watching four international matches (Argentina v South Africa, Australia v USA, Spain v China and England v Italy). They also spent time playing in the fun zone, entering various competitions and meeting players. During half time in the third game, Mrs Sidwell and Tara Durkan (Year 8) took on Miss Woodgate and Antonia Kitchiner in a head to head tri sport competition to keep the crowd entertained. The winning team was Mrs Sidwell and Tara who won a hockey stick and a hamper! The climax of the day’s action was the England v Italy game, and the crowds and students did not let the constant rain dampen their spirits.

After lots of cheering and some nail biting moments the England team secured their place in the semi finals with a 3-2 victory.

WIMBLEDON TRIP

On Wednesday 3 July, New Hall tennis players travelled to Wimbledon where they watched matches on Court 1. The students were delighted to be able to watch the world No 1 Novak Djokovic beat Tomas Berdych in the quarter finals.

TATE MODERN TRIP

By Mrs Minnis

YEAR 9 STUBBERS ADVENTURE CENTRE TRIP

By Mr Goodall

On Wednesday 3 July, Year 8 visited the Tate Modern and the Courtauld Gallery. Students had a wonderful day exploring the Tate's comprehensive collection of modern and contemporary art. To complement their recent studies into 'Art and Music,' students were able to view first-hand works from the Pop Art movement by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichenstein, alongside works by Picasso, Salvador Dalí and Mark Rothko. At the Courtauld Gallery, we enjoyed an Art History tour of the Impressionist and PostImpressionist works on display. This was followed by a workshop where students were introduced to a variety of drawing and mark making techniques to investigate different ways of recording, questioning and responding to the works on display. A huge thank you to all staff who supported the Art Department on this trip.

This week, there was a trip for both Year 9 boys and girls to Stubbers Adventure Centre near Upminster. This involved an action-packed day with two activity sessions in the morning and a further two in the afternoon. One of the sessions was a team challenge, consisting of various tasks to test their mental and physical ability to work as a team. They had to climb a wall, cross a chasm with planks as well as escape through a spider’s web and move a weight with a hook onto a pole with a multiple ropes. The students also had a chance to take part in adventure activities on the water in open canoes. Most groups managed to grasp the basics of controlling the canoe and played games involving chasing a ball and each other around the lake. Others became quite adept at tipping the other canoes, spilling the occupants out of their craft. The climbing wall produced some budding climbers, also giving them the opportunity to belay their fellow students instilling trust in their climbing partners. On the lake, the groups were faced with some poles, barrels and a bucket of rope and given the task of building a raft. With varying degrees of success they raced each other or rescued a castaway from an island.

HOCKEY TRIP

By Miss Woodgate On Thursday 27 June a group of 30 girls from Years 8 and 9 set out for a day at the Investec Hockey to see the England ladies team play their quarter final match against

5

Sport

HISTORY TRIP TO YPRES

By Anthony Kiely, Year 9

For full sport results, match reports and team lists, go to newhallschool.co.uk/teamlists.

ATHLETICS NATIONAL SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS

My fellow students and I found the early morning start to be well worth it as we travelled through Belgium, seeing where our ancestors fought and gave their lives for their country. The trip to Ypres was very enjoyable, giving us the opportunity to experience first-hand things that we had learned about in our History lessons. We squeezed into a German trench and were shocked by the difficult, cramped conditions that soldiers spent their time in. I also had the opportunity to dress as a soldier and I was surprised by the weight of the equipment that a private had to carry. The trips to Langemark and Tyne Cot cemeteries were particularly moving and gave us a real insight into the scale of the sacrifice that was made almost a hundred years ago.

Congratulations to Jessica Whiley (Year 7) who was awarded a silver medal in the 800m run at the famous Alexander stadium, Birmingham last week. This is an outstanding achievement for Jessica who was placed second at the Eastern Region Prep Schools Championships to represent New Hall at the Nationals.

GOLF NATIONAL PLATE FINALS

NOTICES UNIFORM SHOP SUMMER HOLIDAY APPOINTMENTS To reduce the possibility of queuing, an appointment system is in place at the Uniform Shop during the summer holidays. The service operates as a priority over drop-in customers and can be used for either full or part uniform requirements.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY—NHPA CHRISTMAS BALL The date for this year's New Hall Parents' Association Christmas Ball will take place on Saturday 7 December at Stock Brook Manor Country Club. Tickets will be £80 per person and tables will be for 10 people. If you would like to reserve a table, please email Annette Cotton (annette@suncoapartments.com).

Captain Freddie Benson (Year 13), Max Barker (Year 11) and Louis Brown (Year 11) competed in the national plate finals at the Shire Golf Club in London this week, after winning the regionals. This was Freddie Benson's last appearance for New Hall before he leaves and Mr Searle and Mr Shah would like to say a big thank you to Freddie for all he has achieved while playing for the school and wish him all the success in his golfing future.

NHVS CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY A big thank you for all your generous donations, we are looking forward to the children arriving and praying for good weather!

6

7

PICTURE OF THE WEEK This week’s picture is a sketch by Harvey Murray (Year 8) from the Art Department’s trip to the Tate Modern.

COMING SOON… ‘The Avenue’ New Hall School’s first annual school magazine.

Highlights include: Student-written editorial on events and topics including politics, Sports Day and Year 7 first-impressions.

BRAIN CHALLENGE

An introduction to new staff for 2013-14.

The solution to last week’s challenge was: Made in China

Trips to India, New York and Iceland.

There will be a new challenge after the holidays.

Chaplaincy and NHVS news.

Thank you to Mr Shah for providing the brain challenges every week for both the Senior and Preparatory School newsletters. Mr Shah sadly leaves us this term to start a new life in California.

Westminster Cathedral Mass.

Leavers’ Dinner and Leavers’ Destinations.

Out in September.

What’s New? is issued every Friday during the school term. If you have any news which you would like to be published in an edition of What’s New?, please email marketing@newhallschool.co.uk before 4.00pm on Wednesdays.

8