Omnibuss 2021

2021

OMNIBUSS JUNIOR SCHOOL MAGAZINE

OMNIBUSS 2021

EDITOR’S NOTE

W

elcome to the new edition of Omnibuss 2021. I am honoured and privileged to once again be able to compile this vibrant and fun-filled packed publication of the Junior School. This magazine not only gives you an overview of the academic year, but it is also a celebration of the many successes, achievements and memories that make North London Collegiate School truly exceptional.

What makes this magazine so unique is the fact that the whole school community contributes in some way, shape or form. In this magazine you will read about pupils’ stories, experiences, and personal journeys throughout the Junior School.

As you read through, you will no doubt be reminded of the excellent education your daughter receives at NLCS in terms of her academic, cultural, community service and sporting achievements. We are proud of our long and established history, and we are reminded of this each year in our Founder’s Day address, featured on page 78.

The earth tone colour palette for Omnibuss 2021 was inspired by this year’s Founder’s Day address. Headmistress, Mrs Clark, spoke about environmentalism, and the move to the historic grounds at Canons, discovered by Headmistress Isabella Drummond in 1927. You will notice photos of the beautiful grounds and parts of the Old Mansion House throughout the magazine.

The Omnibuss front cover depicts an old tree that produces coloured leaves. As you can see, each leaf represents a defined section of the magazine. I hope the colour coordinated sections enable you to navigate conveniently.

Design and Print Splash Printing | www.splashprinting.co.uk

The grounds and gardens of Canons

Our Omnibuss ambassadors in Years 5 and 6 have been working exceptionally hard this year ensuring that every activity is represented, and that no stone is left unturned. For many, this was a challenging year dealing with a pandemic, social distancing, bubbles and remote learning. This is evident as you delve further into the magazine and learn how resilient and flexible we are as a school community.

It would be virtually impossible to include everything in this publication. I hope Omnibuss gives you a small insight into the amazing work produced this year. We continue to be a leading eco school, and we continue to use FSC Certified paper. Your Omnibuss magazine is 100 % recyclable, but we hope you will treasure it forever.

Finally, I hope you enjoy reading this publication and I would like to thank all the students and staff who have collaborated in making Omnibuss 2021 truly spectacular.

Terence Chan

CONTENTS

8 11

RECEPTION

4

6

FOREWORD

Creative Writing

AROUND THE SCHOOL A-Z

TRIPS

52

RECEPTION

24

18

ART & DESIGN

Creative Writing

64 SPORT

78

69

73

DRAMA

MUSIC

FOUNDER’S DAY

82 84

LIBRARY & ARCHIVE

CHARITY & COMMUNITY

88 98

YEAR 6 MEMORIES

STAFF NEWS

FOREWORD

Mrs Jo Newman Head of Junior School

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020 to 2021 can definitely be described as a unique school year! We have learned to manage school life in many different and unexpected ways. Words such as bubbles, social distancing, hybrid teaching and TEAMS meetings have become part of our everyday parlance.

As we returned in the Autumn term, we worked in form and year group bubbles which enabled the girls to be kept separate. These bubbles used different entrances to the school building, played in separate parts of the grounds and enjoyed assemblies on TEAMS from their own classrooms. We were, however, all grateful to be back in school and thanks to the ingenuity and flexibility of the staff and girls we made the most of every learning opportunity. We also found new ways to create the fun that is such an integral part of Junior School life. Each event presented a new challenge as we organised remote open days, girls presenting videos of school tours, filmed drama productions, recorded concerts and organised intra-year group sporting events. This taught us all new skills and our filmed events enabled us to reach wider audiences. All these initiatives helped to ensure that the girls didn’t miss out on their usual school experiences. One abiding memory for me is of Mrs Taylor, our amazing librarian, who rolled her mobile library from classroom to classroom fulfilling girls’ book orders and tantalising them with stories that they would enjoy reading for themselves.

During the several lockdowns, the new Learning Hub was completed.

The girls have been able to enjoy its two new IT suites and Mrs Taylor has completed the library set up, which the girls have enjoyed freely since September 2021. It is fitting that the library and IT spaces should be at the heart of the Junior School building as these reflect the importance of reading and the growing role of technology in a broad Junior School education. These wonderful new facilities also comprise the refurbished Science room and new Music room and will greatly enhance the girls’ learning experiences.

Parental support throughout the last 20 months was also much appreciated. Despite not being able to welcome them into the school buildings parents went out of their way to provide every possible help and support. I felt very emotional when on December 2nd the most enormous collection of magnificent boxes arrived in the JS reception thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Parents’ Guild.

We had been puzzling over how to run our usual Christmas Fair and raise money for the Karenni Student Development Programme when the Parents’ Guild came up with the terrific idea of providing a party kit for each class in a box! The form teachers kindly organised games and there were prizes and treats for everyone. The result of all this careful preparation, ingenuity and collaboration was an action-packed afternoon of games, puzzles and activities, a splendid donation for KSDP when they needed it most and much needed festive fun for all. I don’t think Mr Queripel and I realised how many hot chocolates and marshmallows we could serve in an afternoon before we embarked on this venture. A big thank you is also due to our catering team for providing so many goodies.

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NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

FOREWORD Week after week, the staff devised a programme of clubs which were provided to the girls in their classrooms each day.

This meant the girls never quite knew which club was about to arrive and what skills they would be learning next. It turned out to be a great learning opportunity for all and a system that we had to return to when cases of COVID-19 rose again.

The Autumn term also saw our first Black History Month in which the girls learned, researched and made displays about black icons and shared their research across the year group.

A range of initiatives included presentations about Windrush, storytelling sessions by our black parents, a virtual visit from a black author and poet, the music of black composers and lessons about black history all of which were truly inspirational and a great catalyst for our mission to decolonise the curriculum.

By the beginning of the Spring term 2021 we again found ourselves in lockdown with only key workers’ children in school. Stoically, the staff and girls returned to remote teaching in January and February. We were delighted, at least to be able to conduct our 4+ assessments in person a little later than originally planned. With great delight we returned to School in early March just in time for Founder’s Day and to ensure we didn’t miss out again on celebrating this important school occasion, albeit in a new format. With a focus on the environment we organised the first ever daffodil procession through the grounds. The Lower School girls processed down Lime Avenue and the Senior School processed across the terraces to Budge Square. Our traditional thanksgiving ceremony felt especially pertinent as we were all grateful to celebrate it together as a community in such beautiful surroundings.

By the summer it was possible to enjoy outdoor lessons and activities more easily. During a magnificent Sports Focus Week the girls enjoyed a skipping workshop, an inflatable obstacle course, crazy golf and a series of boot camp fitness activities.

Lessons also had a sporty theme ranging from measuring balls and their bounce to producing magnificent art works with them. It was just the tonic we needed as we approached the end of the school year.

Amid a whole series of risk assessments and special measures we managed to resume some physical outings and trips which the girls were thrilled about. Year 5 and 6 enjoyed residential trips to Preston Montford in Shropshire. Year 4 too were delighted to experience an overnight adventure at Bushcraft in the ancient woodlands of the Cornbury estate in Oxfordshire.

Year 6 parents joined in person to celebrate their daughters’ time in the Junior School at a red-carpet screening in the Performing Arts Centre of two short films starring Year 6 entitled ‘Unlocking’ and ‘Secret Stories’. These films were written and directed by Rachel Rushbrook and inspired

by Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel ‘The Secret Garden’.

They were accompanied by the first ever delightful Junior School costume parade on the same theme which clearly demonstrated the girls’ collaboration and creative skills.

Compiling this year’s Omnibuss magazine has been an especially demanding task and I thank Mr Chan and his team of ambassadors for their Herculean efforts. I hope you will enjoy diving into the evidence of everyone’s ingenuity and creativity.

My thanks also go to our parents who this year have had to provide so much support at home to their daughters. I am of course hugely grateful to all the Junior School staff who amaze me with their skills and endless patience. They have shown great fortitude, dedication and empathy which has inspired the girls to produce this lovely work in different environments for us all to enjoy.

Happy reading!

Jo Newman OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

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RECEPTION

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NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

RECEPTION

OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

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CREATIVE Writing RECEPTION The Gruffalo He has sharp claws and munching jaws.

He has pointy toes and a wet nose.

He has spiky hair and a rough lair.

By Ishi RO He has shiny claws and hairy jaws.

He has brown toes and a wet nose.

He has long hair and a cosy lair.

By Ivy RO He has sharp claws and hairy jaws.

He has fat toes and a poisonous nose.

He has long hair and a cold lair.

By Emma RH He has white claws and square jaws.

He has pointy toes and a runny nose.

He has long hair and a rocky lair.

By Areya RH

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Jack Frost

Look at my spiky hair.

Feel my blue eyebrows.

Hear my icy toes.

I can make diamond patterns.

By Mia RO Look at my icy wings.

Feel my frosty fingers.

Hear my shiny wand.

I can creep around the garden.

By Siena RO Look at my spiky chin.

Feel my frosty toes.

Hear my crunchy wings.

I can make the grass icy.

By Greta RH Look at my spiky hair.

Feel my scrunchy fingers.

Hear my crackly footsteps.

I can turn things into ice.

By Daphne RH

Penguin Poems

My beak is yellow and sparkly.

My tummy is white and shimmery.

My feet are wobbly and orange.

I can swim in the deep water.

By Amelie RO

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

My beak is sharp and pointy.

My tummy is feathery and shiny.

My feet are webbed and orange.

I can dive in the blue sea.

By Camie RO My beak is sharp and red.

My tummy is white and fluffy.

My feet are webbed and orange.

I can swim fast.

By Aiyla RH My beak is sharp and pointy.

My tummy is fluffy and soft.

My feet are floppy and curvy.

I can swim fast.

By Ruhi RH

Red Riding Hood

Dear Grandma, I am very sorry that I gobbled you up.

I hope that my big, sharp teeth did not hurt you. I am sorry I made Little Red Riding Hood go into the creepy woods.

I will give you some yummy food because I ate yours.

With love from The Wolf.

By Electra RO

RECEPTION CREATIVE Writing Dear Grandma, I am very sorry that I ruined your flowers. I will buy you some more roses. I am also sorry for wearing your clothes.

With love from The Wolf.

By Lana RO Dear Grandma, I am sorry for putting you in the old cupboard. I am sorry for sneaking on your daughter. I am very sorry for putting on your glasses. I am sorry for putting on your night gown and your hat. I am sorry for shutting the lights off and making the room spooky with spiders and ghosts and skeletons and bones and insects that are small. I will give you some flowers and sweets.

With love from The Wolf

By Hazel RH

Jack and the Beanstalk

Dear Mummy, I love the green grass and shiny sun.

I see a fluffy cloud in the sky. I can see a grumpy giant. A kind wife gives me some food. I took a bag of gold coins.

Love from Jack.

By Nour RO Dear Mummy, I have a lovely view from the top of the tall beanstalk. I can see a grey stoned castle. I met a big hairy giant. I took his shiny gold coins. I can’t wait to come home to show you.

Love Jack

By Kiara RO Dear Mummy, I am very tired. I climbed the biggest beanstalk. At the top I found a castle. In the castle I found a giant. The giant was getting his hen to lay some eggs.

Love Jack xxx

By Anjali RO

Cinderella’s Party Menu

Green, fizzy apple juice.

Crunchy, yellow calamari.

White, crispy cheese sandwich.

Soft and silky fairy tale apple crumble.

By Gia RO

Sparkly lemon juice.

Delicious princess salad with tomatoes.

Sweet chicken with glittery potatoes.

Wobbly jelly and juicy strawberries.

By Serena RO Drink: Royal tea.

Starter: Jewel salad.

Main Course: Sparkly pizza.

Dessert: Sparkly melted chocolate.

By Lyra RH Drink: Magic drink.

Starter: Yummy pizza.

Main Course: Glittery chicken salad.

Dessert: Snow cupcake.

By Saphira RH

Three Wishes

I want a colourful unicorn in my garden.

I want a sparkly garden.

I want a magic rainbow in the sky.

By Talia RO I wish I had a shiny, golden crown.

I wish for a tall, beautiful apple tree.

I wish I had my own scary, black witch hat.

By Lottie RO I wish I had two adorable puppies.

I wish every day was my birthday.

I wish I could go to America.

By Lottie RH

I wish I had new sparkly earrings.

I wish I could have a new dress.

I wish I could have rainbow lollies.

By Kyra RH

Spells

Take a smelly snail.

Add a purple broom.

Stir in a blue witch’s hat.

Sprinkle on beautiful flowers.

Decorate with slippery slugs.

By Sonia RO Take a boiling dragon’s eye.

Add scary fluff.

Stir in hot lava.

Sprinkle on children.

Decorate with sticky leaves.

By Eloise RO Take a smelly cup.

Add a broken dress.

Stir in a horrible picture.

Sprinkle on flower petals.

Decorate with a haunted rotten water bottle.

By Sienna RH Take a smelly bat.

Add a slimy snail.

Stir in a red wizard hat.

Sprinkle on poisonous eyeballs.

Decorate with a rainbow potion.

By Chloé RH

OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

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CREATIVE Writing RECEPTION asked me to come to a tea party. “Yes please.” We went to a pink pond and met a stretchy monster. At the party we drank sparkling juice and we ate tinkling berries. We sat under a spotty mushroom. Next, we went to meet a wobbly monster. Then I went on the butterfly’s back and flew home.

By Aashni RO

Bubbles

I found a pot. I opened the pot. I found bubbles. I blew them. I went in the sea.

I saw green seaweed. I saw sparkly shells. I saw a girl. She was sad. I put the bubbles on the floor for the sad girl to play with.

By Sara RH I was sad first but then I saw some bubbles and then I started to blow them. I had an adventure. It was so much fun. I sat on one bubble. When I sat on it, it moved and I splashed in the sea. It was so exciting. I had a good adventure.

By Riyanshi RH

The Perfect Garden

Pirates!

Take a beautiful fairy garden.

Add lovely cherry blossoms.

Stir in a glistening bird bath.

Sprinkle on red spotted ladybirds.

Decorate with a sparkling waterfall.

By Miraya RO Take a shiny, glittery slide.

Add a beautiful swing.

Stir in lovely, sweet flowers.

Sprinkle on delicate, gentle butterflies.

Decorate with metal chairs and tables and an enormous lake.

By Amara RO Take a beautiful, green rose bush.

Add a fun, rusty swing.

Stir in soft, luscious grass.

Sprinkle on tiny, smooth stones.

Decorate with beautiful fairy lights.

Now enjoy your garden!

By Aisha RH Take a red rose.

Add spiky rose bushes.

Stir in shiny daffodils.

Sprinkle on flower petals.

Decorate with green grass.

Now enjoy your garden!

By Maria RH 10

The Enchanted Forest One sunny day I went for a walk in a deep, dark forest and suddenly I saw a sparkly sunflower. It was a magic sunflower. It could talk to me. It said hello to me. There were some red monsters that had sharp teeth. They were really scary. I thought they were mean, but they said hello. They played a fun game with me. They played hide and seek. I was hiding in some green bushes.

Then I flew home on a unicorn.

By Shreya RO One sunny day I went for a walk in a deep, dark forest and suddenly I saw a shining butterfly flying over a sunflower.

I heard a red monster climbing a curly whirly tree. A glittering fairy

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

My name is Captain Vedika and we are going on a treasure hunt. Today I found the treasure. Everyone cheered for me and everyone was happy and I got a crown and I am the captain. I am special because my crew is the most special thing in the world. I love them so so so much. I will never forget them. So I got my crew and I got to dig the mud. I had the key and I got to open the treasure chest and I got to do a dance.

By Vedika RH The pirates are terrible creatures. They lived on a pirate ship and the captain was Captain Katy and the worker was Worker Sam and the pirates went on an adventure. They sailed to the treasure.

They were happy. They dug a hole in the beach. In the treasure box was gold and gems. The worker shouted to the captain. “What is it?” said Captain. “We found some gold.”w The captain was happy. They took the treasure back to the pirate ship. They were so happy they called a pirate celebration that night. They were happy all night.

By Leah RH

AROUND THE SCHOOL A-Z

A

ll About Me Boxes

Year 3 enjoyed gathering items that were important to them, which they then placed in a decorated “All About Me Box.” It was pleasing to see so many pieces of artwork, poems, stories and photos of their friends and families.

The girls had started presenting their personalised boxes and have spent their English lessons writing acrostic poems about their favourite item.

created their own poems showing their understanding and empathy.

In 4F, Anu gave an excellent and informative presentation about her own history. She shared lots of exciting facts about Nigeria, created a quiz and shared her own afro beat dance routine.

C

hina Projects

B

reakfast Busking

Our favourite breakfast busking was back! Of course, with a twist - virtual performance! From Coco’s violin, Mimi’s drum kit to Michelle’s piano, the girls played brilliantly in front of our virtual audience at the assemblies.

B

lack History Month - Year 4

In Year 4, the girls learnt about the Windrush generation. After watching an informative drama production, they

Year 5 created some amazing projects about China. They made posters, booklets, created pieces of artwork and even turned their hands to some Chinese cookery. We thoroughly enjoyed looking at the wonderful projects in our Mandarin lessons, Geography lessons and Form Time.

All their creative work was displayed around the classroom and cloakroom, for all to enjoy.

C

hinese New Year

新年好 / 新年好 Xïnnián hâo! Wishing everyone ‘New Year Goodness’ from Reception. The girls prepared for a happy and prosperous year by making red lanterns, folded paper fortune tellers and dragon puppets as well as learning to form numerals in calligraphy.

Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is one of the most important celebrations for Chinese people globally and its origins date back thousands of years.

Legend has it that a monster known as Nian would torment Chinese villagers every New Year’s Eve. People would cower in their houses until a brave boy used a loud firecracker to scare Nian away. This is the reason why Chinese New Year is celebrated with the deafening, colourful explosions of fireworks!

D

ickens – Year 5

Year 5 studied the Dickens’ Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol. As an end of term treat, they snuggled up with hot chocolate and a brioche to watch the Muppets Christmas Carol together.

E

uropean Day of Languages

European Day of Languages is a celebration of the variety of wonderous tongues spoken throughout Europe and an opportunity to shine a light on the linguistical similarities and differences between them all. We welcomed students and staff to add to our ‘Padlet’

OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

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AROUND THE SCHOOL A-Z

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reek Day – Year 4

identifying the language and location of their linguistical education/origins.

Year 4 took part in Greek day. The girls came to school in their togas and really embraced the Greek lifestyle using ‘Now, Press, Play’. They listened to a gripping story about a young Greek girl and put themselves in her place by acting it out. Later, they made their own laurel wreath headbands and discussed their preferences on Greek food.

It was wonderful to see several members of our community uploading their stories with photos as well.

During the celebrations, assemblies were run by Mr Wilkes and the Year 6 MFL Ambassadors in both the First and Lower Schools. Students took part in fun and engaging activities in their form times. There was a First School Challenge to undertake at home and a Lower School languages competition.

G

iuseppe Arcimboldo: Expressive Arts in Reception

Cauliflowers fluffy and cabbages green, strawberries sweeter than ever I’ve seen ….........

F

estive Greetings Around the School

H

istory Week – Year 3

Reception was inspired by the sixteenth-century Italian artist, Giuseppe Arcimboldo and created amazing fruit and vegetable faces. Girls used plenty of Clive Curiosity and Izzy Initiative as they sorted a variety of colours, shapes and textures to represent facial features for their fabulous designs. Cucumber, grape and raisin eyes, tomato and carrot noses and kale and banana hairstyles, were just a few of their wonderful ideas. The arrangements were ingenious and at the same time looked delicious!

We also had fun thinking of names for our yummy people and imagining what type of characters they were. It was a perfect start to a week of Harvest fun celebrations!

During History week, the girls learnt about how the Ancient Egyptians recorded and shared their ideas. They went on a hieroglyphic hunt and then used their findings to help decode some Ancient Egyptian jokes. The girls also had a short debate on whether they believe the Rosetta Stone should be kept in The British Museum.

I

ndia Day

Year 5 were treated to a varied day of learning based on their Geography topic. The girls experienced some Bollywood Dancing, jetted off to visit These were all recycled Christmas Trees 12

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

AROUND THE SCHOOL A-Z some of India’s finest landmarks by the power of Virtual Reality, created some intricate artwork of the Taj Mahal and sampled delicious Indian cuisine. In addition to this, Anya’s (5H) mum gave a very informative FMB Talk on India via Microsoft Teams. Some of our students shared items brought in from home that had an Indian connection. We saw family photos, religious texts, sacred idols, instruments and much more.

We thoroughly enjoyed our day and learned a vast amount about such a wonderful country.

J

ewish Festival Hanukkah Sameach!

Reception learnt all about another special festival of light, the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. They created beautiful splatter paint patterns by spinning dreidels dipped in colourful paint whilst dancing along to some very catchy Hanukkah songs! Using their marvellous maths skills the girls created some mixed media images of a Menorah, carefully counting out 8 candles for every night of Hanukkah and adding a special tall candle called the shammash.

K

eyworker Children

Keyworker’s children were taken to the pond by the Bernice McCabe Performing Arts Centre during their breaktimes.

The school pond is home to a variety of colourful Koi and Grass Carp.

K

ente Cloth – Year 3

Year 3 worked hard on some wonderful Kente Cloth designs. Kente Cloth is a Ghanaian textile, originally handwoven and worn by royalty. It is now popular across Western Africa and the world!

Each of the different colours and shapes have their own meanings, from courage to strength to patience and sacrifice.

We thought about what designs we liked, and some of us thought about the qualities we needed in lockdown – courage, strength, knowledge, lots of work and much more! The girls spent two weeks working on these designs.

Firstly, they used a grid to help make the designs and shapes accurate and the following week they painted them.

L

ower School Daily Exercise

Years 3-6 took part in the first whole Lower School Daily exercise session.

Every year group (and teacher!) went out to the hard courts in their bubbles and jogged, ran and skipped in the sunshine.

L

ittle Blue Planet

Year 1 began their Geography topic, Little Blue Planet. The girls looked at photos of the earth from space and used Clara Collaborative cow to make their own globes out of playdough. If you look carefully, you will see all the details they added like hurricanes and mountains.

M

arvellously, Mucky Mud Kitchen

Reception have been having amazing fun making sloppy mud juice for a dinosaur tea party, mixing a delicious leaf and twig stew for the forest animals and brewing cups of autumnal tea and coffee for the teachers! I think we even heard some magic spells being created as bubbling cauldrons fizzed and crackled and special potions were concocted.

There are no limits to the imagination when you have a spoon, a pot, some soil and a lovely group of friends to share your adventure!

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AROUND THE SCHOOL A-Z

M

aths Detectives with Izzy and Clive

Exercise morning slots and for those who weren’t able to, they were given a chance to accrue some distance during 5-minute runs at the start of their PE lessons. The girls’ attitude and determination to do this was fantastic.

130 girls in the Lower School absolutely smashed it with several completing many more miles than the required 2.6 miles. In fact, a few girls enjoyed it so much that they went home and ran it again with family members.

‘N

ow Press Play’ in Year 2

The Reception girls used Izzy and Clive to be Maths detectives!

They had lots of fun counting objects both indoors and outdoors, checking that their friends were accurate and using the correct strategies. They explored writing numerals in many different, exciting ways and showed off their talent for recording their answers independently.

The girls loved becoming the teachers and helping each other. They were quick to praise their mathematical friends.

The year was 1666, a small fire started in a bakery in Pudding Lane. The girls joined in the search for Max, the curious cat who had decided to wander off through the flaming streets of London. Thick smoke billowed, and buildings crumbled as the fire engulfed the city. It was quite an adventure, thank goodness Samuel Pepys was on hand to join in the search. We loved our experience of listening to the exciting story and immersing ourselves in the action-packed adventure.

change and how Maggie Ann-Pocock felt that her diagnosis of Dyslexia helped her to see the world in a different way and think outside the box in her career as a Space Scientist. We looked at The Umbrella Project which celebrates Neurodiversity and created our own mini Umbrella Project at school. The girls were able to share their own experiences of meeting neurodiverse people and how we can all show empathy and kindness to people who may not seem different on the outside but feel different on the inside.

O

h Help! Oh no!

It’s a Gruffalo

Reception took a stroll through the deep dark wood........

Oh help! Oh no! It’s a Gruffalo!

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ondon Mini Marathon Challenge

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eurodiversity Celebration Week

In the last couple of weeks of the half-term, the girls in Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 participated in the national event of the London Mini-Marathon Challenge.

For this challenge, every girl in the Lower School was invited to try to run 2.6 miles. They did this if they were able to attend any of the Daily 14

Year 4 and Year 5 girls celebrated National Neurodiversity Celebration week. The girls were keen to learn about the term Neurodiversity and hear about how some people’s brains work in a different way. We were inspired by Greta Thunberg’s words about how being Autistic has driven her to persevere in her interest in climate

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

Girls showed plenty of focus and persistence as they used their poetic skills to describe the infamous Gruffalo!

As well as writing poems about the terrible creature with the purple prickles and poisonous wart, Reception designed and made their own versions of him using a variety of materials and techniques.

AROUND THE SCHOOL A-Z Scrambled snake!............you won’t believe the amazing and inventive results and what monstrous fun we all had.

P

enda – The Therapy Dog

R

eplicas of Landmarks: London

Sumdog site throughout the week to add to their class total against 5 other local schools. Both 5H and 5CW scooped the daily winner awards once and 5H placed first across the schools winning themselves 5,000 coins each!

1C had some very special visitors when Miss Clark and her labrador Penda came and spent time with the girls in PSHE. Penda is a therapy dog and the girls learnt how pets can be used to comfort us when we are worried. The children loved stroking him and Penda lapped up all of the attention!

Q

uivering in the Snow - Land Art

Inspired by the snow, Year 4 were challenged to create snow sculptures in response to an artist we have been looking at called Andy Goldsworthy. He is a land artist who uses items found in nature to create sculptures and other artworks from.

What’s important is that he doesn’t take from one environment to the other, but instead uses only materials found in that particular space.

For those students who couldn’t get outside, they chose a space indoors, such as a drawer or their desk and used the contents to create artwork.

Year 2 learnt about London in Humanities. The girls created replicas of landmarks from our great city. We are sure you will spot a few buildings that you recognise. We are fascinated by the different architecture; it didn’t take us long to notice that many of the new buildings have a lot of glass. Together with their extraordinary DT skills, the girls had researched a few interesting facts to share with the rest of the class, even the grown-ups had learnt a few new facts too! We are sure you’ll agree, the girls have worked hard, their models look just like the real buildings.

T

he Coming of the Railways Year 5

R

emembrance Day

We thought carefully about those who fought in WW1 and WW2.

We recognised soldiers from around the world who supported Britain during these events. In addition, we looked into the life of Walter Tull and remembered the role black soldiers played in the First World War. The girls focused on showing empathy and flexibility of mind, when considering how different our country would be today without these people.

S

umdog Superstars

Congratulations to Year 5 who took part in the Sumdog Maths competition for Harrow schools. The girls played maths games to earn points on the

Year 5 brought together all their learning from their History topic ‘The Coming of the Railways’. The girls generated their own slogans and chants and went on their very own march after designing signs and posters. The girls had to decide whether they were for or against the introduction and development of railways in their local area.

They thought carefully about the impact the railways would have on the general public, other companies who would profit or suffer, as well as our own personal benefit or suffrage that they would experience.

They had a fabulous time marching for their rights (particularly as the rainy weather made it even more fun!)

OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

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AROUND THE SCHOOL A-Z

Y

U

FO? Aliens Land in Year 4

During their Science lesson, Year 4 became a species of aliens called Squidges and joined a mission to planet Earth.

Their planet had been destroyed and their task was to look for solids, liquids and gases to make a new, stable home.

Unfortunately, their spaceship crash landed onto rocks, but they were able to take a sample of the rock with them – a great solid. The Squidges shrank to become the size of particles and followed a boy and girl to their house. At the house, the Squidges explored different materials such as chocolate, wood and ice lollies using their knowledge of particle theory. The Squidges eventually managed to escape by holding onto a balloon that floated up into the air bringing them back to their spaceship. Their mission had been accomplished.

ear 5 Science

W

oodland Hour

Ciao, Hello, Hola, Bonjour. Year 2 celebrated European Day of Languages!

They scoured the forest floor, looking for interesting natural resources which were used to create letters. The girls worked collaboratively to spell out the words for ‘hello’ in a range of languages.

They were curious like Clive and enjoyed learning lots of new ways to greet our friends.

V

irtual Reality

In Geography, Year 5 used the Virtual Reality goggles to go exploring around Guilin and Shanghai. This supported their learning about rural and urban areas, urbanisation and migration.

V

irtual Opera Workshop

Year 5&6 girls had a musical treat with a Virtual Opera Workshop.

Bradley Tavis (Bass Baritone) and Abigail Kelly (Soprano) from English Touring Company led the sessions.

The girls learnt the background of Opera, watched the singers’ fabulous performance and even sang in Italian - a famous aria V’adoro pupille from the opera Guilio Cesare by Handel.

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As part of our studies about Earth and Space, Year 5 girls learnt about why we have different seasons in the UK and the effect of this on people and the natural world. We went on our own “Autumn-watch” trek through the school grounds to look for and collect evidence of autumn and the approaching winter. Many plants and trees prepare for dormancy by dropping their leaves. This begins with the green pigment, chlorophyll, breaking down as the plant halts photosynthesis and food production. This chemical process allows the other colours that are always present in the leaves - red, yellow and orange - to be revealed and to create a beautiful natural display! Animals such as squirrels, rodents, hedgehogs and badgers take advantage of the plentiful supply of fruit, berries and seeds, such as acorns, to stock up for the lean winter months, particularly if they need to enter hibernation.

Y

oung Shakespeare Workshops

X

pialidocious Frances Mary Poppins

More than 65 ‘cameras’ joined us on zoom for the long-awaited premier of Frances Mary Poppins. Under the expert direction of Mrs Rushbrook and Mrs Burch, Year 2 acted, and all of the First School girls sang beautifully.

We were delighted to welcome the Year 2 parents ‘live’ before they settled down with their popcorn to enjoy this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious performance.

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

Year 4 classes had an amazing morning participating in a virtual Young Shakespeare workshop. They retold the story of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ by stepping into the shoes of the characters and acting out parts of the play. Finally, after an eventful morning, Puck “restored amends” and reminded us all that it was just a dream. The girls were so inspired by the play that afterwards, they designed costumes for some of the characters.

Z

eus - PE Greek Style

The Year 4s were transported to Olympia during their Games afternoon. After arriving at Olympia, the girls took part in a series of adapted events. Zeus opened the ceremony with a ceremonial torch relay.

The girls also discussed the symbolism of fire and sacrifices to the gods at the opening ceremony of the games.

AROUND THE SCHOOL A-Z

Z

entagles – Year 5

Year 5 channelled their inner zen state of mind when working towards creating small pieces of artwork called Zentangles. They enjoyed appreciating their own pieces of structured artwork.

Chariot Races followed the torch relays.

The girls demonstrated their speed, strength and versality and we witnessed dramatic change overs between the horses and athletes. After the drama of the chariot racing came the long jump.

The girls performed, officiated and recorded their jumps collaboratively until they finished their challenge of reaching Zeus’ trident/thunderbolt.

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TRIPS Year 5 Virtual Visit to Parliament Year 5 learnt about democracy and the UK parliamentary system. The girls were fortunate enough to meet the education team virtually from the Houses of Parliament. The team guided the girls through an introduction to how the UK Parliament works and what Members of Parliament do.

They gained lots of new knowledge, including what a constituency is, what the role of the Speaker is and even how news laws are made. They asked some thought-provoking questions and even proposed some new laws of their own.

Year 2 Virtual Visit LondonTransport Museum Year 2 explored London with a virtual tour around The London Transport Museum.

We were searching for modern and historic forms of transport for London. The girls can now impress you with their encyclopaedic factual knowledge. Did you know that the London Underground’s first railway line was the Metropolitan Railway? It was the world’s first and used gas-lit wooden carriages, which were pulled by steam trains!

Year 6 Jewish Museum Zoom

Year 6 The National Holocaust Centre and Museum In March, Year 6 had a Zoom call with The National Holocaust Centre and Museum. We heard about Jewish life in the 1930s, learning about 10-year-old Jewish German boy Leo’s journey and his life in Berlin, and then listening and talking to a Jewish Holocaust survivor.

Knowing what happened and how the laws changed in some countries in the 1930s helps us understand better the importance of WW2. By going through Leo’s journey, we learnt how different school was back then compared to 18

nowadays and how hard it was for Leo to leave his Jewish family back in Berlin. Next, we listened and asked questions to Hedi Argent from Vienna, Austria, who is a Jewish Holocaust survivor. It was amazing to be able to talk to a Holocaust survivor, and Hedi’s story showed what happened to many families. We heard about what happened to her at school and what laws were introduced for Jewish people at that time, but also the happy ending about how she was able to get to England from Austria via the Kindertransport. Overall, we all loved the experience, and it is one we will remember for the rest of our lives.

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

In January Year 6 joined the Jewish Museum via Zoom. In two excellent workshops, the girls learned about the Torah and Shabbat. As always, the workshop leaders from the museum were very informative and they did a fantastic job of adapting the sessions for online learning. The girls showed impressive knowledge and asked good questions. In particular, the girls were curious about the oldest known copies of the Torah and the origins of the Star of David. The girls enjoyed learning about the different sensory aspects of Shabbat, such as the Havdalah spice box, kiddush cup and candle.

We are grateful to the Jewish Museum for once again providing such a valuable experience for Year 6.

TRIPS YEAR 5 and 6 Bentley Priory Year 5 and 6 had a super and educational trip to Bentley Priory. The first trip in a good year! Bentley Priory was the control room for the RAF during WW2.

Information from radar stations were used by women in the filter room to plot the height, quantity and distance of planes coming across the channel every 30 seconds. Planes were identified as hostile or friendly and then information was passed to the operations room. Although the Germans had radar too, they had not realised how to interpret it and this time advantage or knowing planes were coming before they were above English soil was the key to the defence of Britain in the Second World War. Girls took part in a workshop where they took roles in the filter room and responded to information as well as having a tour round the museum finding out about the role of the RAF in WW2. We all had an amazing day and were so lucky to be out and about again.

Reception Camden Cruise What a delightful day spent on Regents Canal! Reception learned that in the past horses dragged the

barges along the tow path and at tunnels, the passengers would ‘leg’ the canal boat through up to three quarters of a mile of tunnel! We were lucky that our barge had an engine!

We saw gorgeous ducklings, grand

houses, magnificent gardens, beautiful houseboats and we even saw a floating puppet theatre. The sun was shining, and the girls ended the day with a relaxing picnic in Primrose Hill Park.

Year 2 Synagogue Outing Year 2 were excited to be going on school trips again. One of the highlights in the Year 2 calendar is always our trip to Stanmore and Canon’s Park Synagogue. This year our visit in the morning felt even more special. We were welcomed by Rabbi Lew, who told us all about his wonderful synagogue.

The girls had the opportunity to see the holy arc and look at the beautiful Torah scrolls inside. The girls were excited to be able to ask questions, making links to their learning from their Religious Studies lessons. A lovely morning out was had by all.

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TRIPS

Year 4 Legoland Year 4 really enjoyed their trip to Legoland. The girls had an exciting and fun time on rides and exploring the attractions. Later the girls wrote recounts of their experience and adventures using iPads to present their final edit in different ways. The girls used PowerPoint, Sway and Word to create their final version which we hope they will keep as a lovely memento.

My Trip to Legoland In June 2021, the whole of Year 4 went on a school trip to Legoland in Windsor. We were all so excited, as I had not been to Legoland in two whole years! My group included me, Anika, Shivani, Anna, Lamide, and Mahi.

First we went to a Lego Ninjago, an exhilarating, heart-stopping ride where we had to fight Lego creatures, such as snakes, skeletons, and spiders, and thanks to the magic of 3D glasses, it seemed like the monsters in the screen seem to come to life.

Next, we went on a ride called the Dragon. The wait for the ride was long but it was worth it. First, there were humans and animals made of Lego, including a cat, a mouse, a snake, a joker, a mad cook, a wizard stirring his concoctions, and a huge, apple red dragon, with smoke coming out of its nose and mouth. Soon after, we saw its tail waving around.

Suddenly, the ride jolted upwards, and bolted back down. I went through a series of exhilarating twists and heart–stopping plunges. I clung onto the bar, squeezed my eyes shut, and clenched my teeth, as the ride turned sideways. I was terrified. It turned out, Anika, who was sitting next to me, 20

was not. At one point, she even lifted her hands off the bar and waved them around in the air!

Soon the ride slowed and came to a stop. We decided to take a break from rides and go to Miniland.

Miniland is the famous landmarks of our earth, all made of Lego. I recognised many landmarks, including The Gherkin, Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, The Taj Mahal, The Eiffel Tower, The Empire State Building, and The Statue of Liberty. One building in Russia took 550 hours to make and five people to make it!

After Miniland, I did a Lego workshop, where we made an animated film out of Lego. Me, Anna, and Lamide made a scary film called Snake–man. It was about a man taking a walk with his dog. He took his dog to the park for a walk, and from behind the bushes, there was a slithering sound. Suddenly, a snake jumped out of the bushes, and bit the man. The dog ran away, startled. Soon, the man turned into a snake, and went to join the other snake in the bushes.

Soon it was time to say goodbye to Legoland. It was an amazing day, full of fantastic rides, Lego, and friends. I can’t wait to go there again.

By Alaya’

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

We went on a extremely fun trip to Legoland. I found it really enjoyable. I loved all the rides. Going with Year 4 was a lovely treat. It was also fun as my mum was lucky enough to come with us.

Our first treat in Legoland was Ningago!

Ningago was a very enjoyable, buzzing ride. The queue was very long and tiring but the wait was definitely worth it. I shared a carriage with Shivani and Mahi. I cautiously and curiously boarded the ride.

When we first got on I was scared!! The music loudly boomed and was playing eerie tunes. I got even more frightened!

As the ride resumed, I began to relax.

Shivani cheered me up and lifted my spirts. We had an epic time and the ride was amazing. The more I relaxed the more I enjoyed it! On the amazing ride we had to flick our fingers to make the ride move faster. It was also to defeat the baddies in the game. It was a lot of fun competing against friends. At one point I was waving my hands around so wildly my 3D glasses fell off.

When the ride was over, we rushed to the next ride that was the extremely scary, huge, packed Jolly Rocker. As the queue was long we decided to eat our yummy snacks. We waited for so long and there was so much commotion getting on. I was extremely scared as we boarded the gargantuan ride. The atmosphere was tense. My heart was in my mouth. I gripped onto the handlebar.

I took a deep breath in and waited for the ride to begin. The Jolly rocker was SO scary. Like the other ride I shut my eyes and screamed. It only lasted for five minutes but it felt like forever. The ride, that was famous for its spookiness, swung us up and down and make our tummies feel like cold jelly. When we left I was so dizzy I could not walk in a straight line!

The last event in Legoland was the ice cream. We all got Ben and Jerry’s famous vanilla ice cream! I love the thick creamy liquid melting onto my tongue. I stood next to Megha and we played some fun clapping games. I never wanted my trip to Legoland to end. We went back to the bus to end our journey. I looked around and saw the statuesque Lego buildings.

I said goodbye to the rides as we left Legoland.

Legoland was a really fun experience.

From eerie music to exhilarating rides.

From yummy ice cream to 3D glasses! I loved Legoland and I will never forget it!

Legoland was unforgettable!

Lamide 4BW

TRIPS

Year 1 London Zoo Year 1 were extremely excited to visit ZSL London Zoo. London Zoo opened in 1878 and is regarded as the oldest scientific zoo in the world. Girls had the opportunity to see the animals, walk around the grounds. It was a great opportunity for girls to learn outside the classroom. It was a fun filled day with exciting exhibits to explore and multiple routes to take.

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TRIPS Year 5 Preston Montford

By Nadia 5SW In June, Year 5 visited Preston Montford in Shropshire. This was super exiting for me as I have never been on a residential trip with my school before! I had to leave the house at 6:45am in the morning and although it was very tiring, I didn’t mind that much. I got to school at 8:15 in the morning and I was waiting in anticipation for the moment to finally arrive. When it did, I was so excited! The coach journey was an experience in itself! We did sing-a-longs, card games and fidget trading.

We stopped at Iron Bridge and we did an activity called re-photography.

This is when you look at photos from the past and try find where it was taken, then recapture the photo. I found this very exiting as I like photography and it was a very cool area to try to recreate. Then we hiked around the village of Ironbridge. Then we got back on the coach and began the Journey to PRESTON MONTFORD!

When we got to Preston Montford, we found out our dorms. I was in an amazing dorm and I got to know my classmates so much better.

On the second day we went to Carding Mill Valley. This was an awesome experience as we got to climb a mountain! We also went pond dipping and found invertebrates in the river. I found this fun as we got to see (and learn) about the River Severn and how waterfalls are formed.

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NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

TRIPS

On the last day we did something called ‘Think like a scientist’. This is where we make rockets and launched them! We did a distance challenge where the further your rocket goes, the better. My team was called the ‘High Flyers’ and was made up of Mehreen, Shriyana, and Isha. Our rocket went the second furthest in the year, first in our bubble. I was so happy!

On the journey back it was bittersweet. On one hand, I was sad to leave Preston Montford as I have so many memories there! On the other hand I was happy to come home and see my family again. As we got on the coach we thought about our favourite memories and mine is definitely the midnight night snacks that we had on the second day. I can’t wait for residential next year in France and I’m very excited for all the challenges to come in the next year.

OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

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CREATIVE Writing YEAR 1

Where the Wild Things Are Once upon a time there was a boy called Max. He was wearing his wolf suit. He was up to mischief. His mother called him Wild Thing. He was sent to bed without any supper. Immediately his room turned into a forest and there was a private boat for Max. He headed to where the wild things are. He was finally there. The monsters roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth. But Max tamed them. The monsters were terrified and made him king of all the wild things. Now the wild rumpus could begin. They howled to the moon and swung on the trees. “Now stop!” said Max and he sent them to bed without any supper. Max was lonely so he gave up being king of all the wild things, so he was off in his boat back home and his dinner was still hot.

By Tara 1SW One night Max wore his wolf suit and caused mischief of one kind and another. His mother called him Wild Thing and he said “I’ll eat you up!” So Max was sent to bed without any supper. That night Max’s bedroom grew into a forest and grew…and grew…and grew… until the walls were the world all around him and the sea had its own special boat. Max stepped two feet on the boat. He headed to where the wild things are. They roared their terrible roars and rolled their terrible eyes and gnashed their scary teeth. Then Max shouted “Stop!” and tamed them with a magic trick of staring without blinking once. They were frightened and called him King of the Wild Things. Max nodded in agreement. Let the wild rumpus begin. So, they swung from trees and howled at the moon and Max had a piggyback ride on one of the wild things. Then Max sent them to bed. Max felt lonely and went home where his supper was waiting for him and it was still hot.

By Amaya 1SW

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NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

The Pond

5 Golden sparkly fish.

4 Green bright lily pads.

3 Speedy black pond skaters.

2 White big bubbles.

1 Huge cloudy water fountain.

By Layla 1SW

The Three Silky Mice

On a hot spring day there lived three mice. One of the mice said the cheese is too soggy. They searched and searched and at last they saw a gigantic piece of cheese. The first mouse went through a tunnel but out popped a cat. “I’m coming to eat you” said the cat. “Oh, please don’t, there’s a much fatter mouse than me,” said the mouse. “Okay” said the cat and off the mouse scurried. Then the second mouse went in the tunnel but out popped the cat. “I’m coming to eat you” said the cat.

“Oh, please don’t eat me, the third mouse is coming,” said the mouse. “Ok” said the cat, so the second mouse scurried off. Then the third mouse came, and out popped the cat.

“I’m coming to eat you”. “Oh no you’re not” and the mouse covered the cat in cheese and the cat was never seen again.

By Liora 1SW Once upon a time there were three cute kittens. The kittens wanted to cross a thin, dark, long tunnel to reach a milk farm, but a big, evil, scary dog lived inside. The first cute kitten went into the tunnel. The dog jumped out and the kitten said, “Please let me pass, my sister is much bigger and fatter than me.” “Ok” said the dog and the kitten went past. The second kitten went into the tunnel and said to the dog “My brother is much bigger and fatter than me” “Ok” said the dog and he let the kitten past. The third kitten came into the tunnel and buried the dog and went past to drink the milk. The dog was stuck in the tunnel and was never seen again. So, the kittens lived on the milk farm very happily and the dog was stuck forever.

By Dora 1SW

YEAR 1 CREATIVE Writing The Day the Crayons Quit

Dear Duncan, I am tired of you drawing with me out of the lines. I need you to be neat with me. Please do this. KEEP IN THE LINES please. But I am pleased that I am your favourite colour and I know this because you’ve been using me for drawing wizard hats, grapes and flowers.

From your very neat friend, Purple Crayon.

By Kaeya 1SW Dear Duncan, I am very sad you never use me. Your sister uses me Why can’t you? I am so bored. You think I am a girl’s colour but you can use me for dragons and monsters. I can be a boy’s favourite colour. My neighbour is a boy and his favourite colour is pink.

Please, please, please can you use me like your sister.

From your friend lonely Pink Crayon.

By Lana 1SW

A Letter from Florence

Dear Father and Mother, When I arrived in the hospital there was a dead horse in the middle of the well. There were rat droppings everywhere.

The toilets were blocked. The injured soldiers had to sleep on the floor. It was very smelly. Some of the soldiers had to sleep on hay.

Don’t worry, I am fine, just a little bit tired. In the night I walk through the hospital rooms and comfort the soldiers.

I unblocked the toilets and cleared out the horse. I told the other nurses to scrub the floors and walls. I changed the soldiers’ bandages.

When I am walking through the hospital the soldiers call me the Lady with the Lamp.

Love From Florence Nightingale.

By Emma 1SW

A Letter from Florence

Dear Mama, I am healthy. How are you?

There were rat droppings, blocked toilets and a dead horse in the hospital. I got rid of everything, I cleaned everything. I got clean beds because the soldiers used to sleep on the floor. I got them healthy food. I swept the floors and got rid of all the animals and the dead animals. It is very tiring and hard work. At night I look after the soldiers. Some couldn’t get out of bed and some didn’t even survive. I cleaned the hospital so the ones that were ill got a clean place to be. It took lots of days. When they were able to get out of bed they got better with my help.

Love from Florence xx

By Bertie 1SW

A Letter from Jack

yourself? I hope you get better soon. Where did you get the hen and the harp? Because after I return yours, I want them too.

Love Jack xxxxxxxxxxxx

By Isabel 1SW

The Three Puppies

Once there were three cute puppies. There was the first cute puppy, the second cute puppy and the third cute puppy. They lived on a cosy grass bank. One day the second cute puppy, saw some lovely puppy food on the other side of the river.

“I’m going to eat some of that lovely puppy food” and off she went, trip trap. Then out came a mean, brown bull.

“What are you doing on my bridge?” yelled the brown bull.

“Please let me cross!”, said the puppy.

“Well yes,” said the brown bull, “You are too small for me to eat”. So off she trotted to the lovely puppy food. The first cute puppy said, “I’m going to eat that lovely puppy food” and off he went.

By Milena 1C The three little sheep lived in a farm and it was sunny. The sheep were white and fluffy and they were beautiful. In the field that the sheep lived, the grass was all gone because the sheep had eaten all of the lush green grass. On the other side was a whole field of grass. To get there they had to pass a cliff. A tree had fallen down and made a bridge. The youngest sheep said, “I will go first.” They didn’t know that there was a wolf. The wolf heard a noise and he jumped up to look and he saw the sheep. The sheep said, “Please don’t eat me, wait for my mum”.

By Sophia 1C Once upon a time lived three ginger cats and they were playing in some very dry, (not green) grass. They went to look for some better green grass. Then they found they perfect green grass, but they had to cross a bridge. The biggest ginger cat went across the bridge to roll and play but he did not know there was a big scary dog that looked like a wolf. So, the biggest cat went across. Then the dog jumped out from underneath the bridge. “It is just me. You cannot chase me,” said the cat.

By Isla 1C

The Four Young Jackelopes

Far away in the Rocky Mountains, there lived four fluffy jackelopes. Their names were Robin, Robert, Rose and Rosier. They ate scrumptious niffel food. One day the niffel food vanished. This made the Jackelopes very downhearted.

But then Robin had an idea. “We shall cross the bridge.” he said. “But Robin, a ferocious werewolf lives there,” said Rosie.

“Then we shall be as quiet as we can.” said Rosier. Then Rosie put her soft paw on the bridge.

By Mei 1C

Dear Giant, I am very sorry for stealing your singing harp and your hens that laid the golden eggs. I am also sorry for cutting down the green beanstalk. I did it because I was poor and didn’t have much money. I will never steal your things again. Did you hurt OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

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CREATIVE Writing YEAR 1 The Wild Things

Koala Poem

The night Max wore his wolf suit, he made mischief one way or another. His mother said, “You wild thing” and sent him to bed with no food. Suddenly a forest grew and grew until his ceiling hung with vines. His bed was a boat and his walls were the world around him. An ocean tumbled by with a bed-boat for Max. He climbed in the bed-boat and sailed away until he came to where the wild things are. They roared their terrible roar.

By Berry 1C

Letter from ‘The Day the Crayons Quit’

Retell of ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ by Maurice Sendak Once there was a boy called Max. He dressed up in a wild wolf suit. He scared the cat. His mum called him a ‘wild thing’. He said, “I will eat you up!”. He went to bed without any supper. In his room a mysterious forest grew until the vines reached the ceiling. Max sailed in his private boat. He saw a wild thing. Then he saw more and more. They said, “You be the king of the ‘Wild Things’. He said, “Let’s get the party started!”

By Ishika 1C

Koala Poem

Sharp claws, that cling on the branches.

Padded soft ears, listening out for wombats.

Squishy nose, furry and cute.

Watery black mouth, crunching yummy leaves.

Wide round eyes, looking for a new tree.

Woolly pouch, that carries her baby.

Pointy fingers, that hold eucalyptus.

Strong four legs, to climb trees.

Thick grey fur, used as a jacket.

By Zeina 1C

Very sharp claws, to dig a new home.

Very big ears, to hear predators coming.

A black shiny nose to smell food.

A small mouth, to eat food.

Small brown eyes, to see food.

Warm and soft pouch, to keep the baby safe.

Long furry fingers, to hug the baby.

Long furry legs, to climb the tree.

Warm and snuggly fur, to keep the baby warm.

By Elyssa 1C

Dear Duncan, I am so stressed! I have only been used by your little sister in her colouring book. Please use me one day. You need to thank your sister for using me. I know why you don’t use me; you think I’m a girl’s colour. Why does red get all the hearts and not me? It’s so unfair!

Your unused friend, Pink Crayon

By Isabelle 1C

Letter to the giant from Jack and the Beanstalk

Dear Giant, I am very sorry for breaking into your grey, brick, huge castle.

It was because I was poor and I thought I could make some money. How about I wash your dishes? Your treasures were so tempting. Many apologies.

Love Jack xxx

By Amber 1C Dear Giant, I am very sorry for stealing your harp and hen, I do apologise.

I am also sorry for breaking into your home. I did it because I am very poor.

Love, Jack

By Gabriella 1C

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NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

YEAR 2 CREATIVE Writing The Riddle Poem

I have violet lavender as small as a grape I have slimy slushy snails that slither on me I have lush green leaves that sway in the breeze.

I have light green freshly cut grass I have thin trees that are taller than your house I have a shimmering pond with green frogs jumping around it.

I have busy bees buzzing around taking pollen and making honey I have butterflies fluttering around and landing on flowers I have a soft cat that is black and white that comes every now and then.

I have bushes that are bold green and pointy I have wild weeds growing everywhere they’re tall and thin I have worms that wriggle in the dark dusty soil.

What am I?

By Alice 2A

In My Summer Garden

The lemon-yellow foxglove was glimmering in the green garden The lime green trees swaying in the wind The red breast robin singing in the trees In my summer garden.

The buzzing bees busy flying in the sun The butterfly gliding in the bright, hot sun The firefly floating as high as the trees In my summer garden.

The uncut grass swaying in the breeze The sweet-smelling lavender standing high as a soldier The wriggling worm slowly moving through the mud In my summer garden.

By Poppy 2A

Castle Descriptions

The mysterious castle was like a silhouette on the horizon.

It was cloaked in mist. Around it was thick, tangled clumps of trees. Ivy covered the walls, and it was dark and shadowy.

The castle was rather gloomy with its enormous walls and immense turrets. Strangely, it looked more like a jail because no light ever reached it, but it felt magical. Inside there were ancient wicker chests and cobwebs everywhere, including some long corridors. The doors were old and creaky and in one, a shattered window was open. When you looked out the view of the enchanted forest was wonderful.

By Laila 2A As I approached the ancient fairy castle, I saw an imposing square building surrounded by a deep, wide moat. Behind it was a mysterious, eerie forest full of tall trees. When I came close, I saw tall ivy-covered turrets with tiny cannon. Inside was a vibrant lavender covered garden with manicured lawns.

The castle had two floors. On the ground floor there were many large rooms. I went inside the colourful living room with exquisite wall hangings. There were warm and cosy sofas

to sit on. To go upstairs there was a grand magical staircase.

Upstairs there was a bedroom with a soft fluffy bed and a rainbow-coloured ceiling. Through the window I could see magical unicorns running around in the garden. There was an enchanted magic room with sparkling wands, flying books and vibrant potions. Wrapped around the first floor was a wide balcony. I felt very excited there and would love to come back here again.

By Raaya 2A

Panda

One cool, summer’s evening Ruby was getting ready for bed.

It was her birthday that day and she felt sad that it was coming to an end. At that very moment a dazzling parcel arrived at the door. ‘What’s this?’ she cried in surprise.

Inside lay a fuzzy, plump toy panda with a face as expressive as a clown. She took hold of the cotton panda and threw it onto her rose-print bed. Just as she was getting onto her cushiony bed, the panda began to grow! Tongue-tied Ruby threw herself onto the bed as the panda grew bit by bit…..

The panda grew as a big as a boulder. In amazement she gasped ‘Who are you?’ I am a panda’ the panda exclaimed with curiosity. The panda suggested with joy. ‘Should we build a pillow fort?’ ‘Of course,’ Ruby replied eagerly. They built and built. It looked radiant but Ruby was starting to feel drowsy so she decided to head off to bed.

Early the next morning she woke up. There she saw her panda, waiting for her just where she had left him, in her pillow fort. Ruby gazed over and smiled at her jolly panda. As she did, she thought that she noticed it wink back at her…..

By Evie 2A

Gorilla

It was Avyana’s birthday, and her favourite present was a toy gorilla. The day had flown by very quickly and she was feeling drowsy, so she went to bed.

When she got into her bed she saw a toy gorilla… Soon she heard a word. BA.. NA… NA! She got up and had a good look around and saw a real-life gorilla! Quickly she hid under the blanket ‘Don’t be afraid Avyana’ said the gorilla softly.

‘Shall we make a pillow fort?’ asked the gorilla. ‘Ok’ answered Avyana. So they built a pillow fort.

Avyana went back to bed with the gorilla by her side. When she woke up gorilla was in the pillow fort with a letter that said, ‘See you tomorrow’.

By Avyana 2A OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

27

CREATIVE Writing YEAR 2 Sheep

Allisiya had always wished for a radiant sheep that she could look after with love, but her mum could never to and ever see them at the zoo. One pitch-black night Allisiya was very drowsy. She had a hit of excitement in her so she asked her mum for a sheep. In the night, she heard a ‘baaaaaaa’.

Allisiya was tongue-tied at what she saw. She saw a cuddly, woolly sheep! Slowly an expressive smile glowed on her face.

‘Hello Allisiya’ the sheep cried with joy. ‘I am pleased to meet you’. Allisiya was still open-mouthed at the dazzling sight of the sheep’s furry wool.

After a while, Allisiya got used to the sheep (whose name was Bobby), so in the end they decided that they would make a toy fort out of cloud-soft pillows. They had a blast coming up with jokes like ‘How do you make an octopus laugh?’ ‘With ten tickles!’ then after a long hour Allisiya started to yawn and Bobby knew their fun had ended.

Although Allisiya was heart-broken when Bobby mumbled ‘I am so sorry Allisiya but it is almost dawn’ Allisiya could see that Bobby was starting to cry but Bobby did say that he would come back soon. Allisiya smiled and softly answered ‘I will miss you’.

By Suri 2A

The Christmas Dragon

Through a glass mammoth door a small tranquil dragon named Zog was practising flying until he saw snow! He bolted outside.

Outside all the Christmas trees were hung but he couldn’t control his fire, so he started to burn it by accident. Suddenly he was so embarrassed that he ran away to his glimmering, big house. In a blink of an eye he felt such sadness. He quickly went back outside and slowly announced a speech that was very short and he said he was very sorry he burnt the Christmas tree and helped to build it again and it looked even better after they had built it.

By Amit 2A

Miraya Duck

At six o’clock in the morning, the water rippled merrily, and the buttercups and daisies were dappled about like confetti.

If you went close enough, you could see a playful little duck.

She was far behind her mother and her name was Miraya.

Miraya was far more interested in climbing bullrushes (or trying to) than listening to her mother ‘COME ALONG’ said Miraya’s mother for what seemed like the 20th time that day.

She didn’t listen and she was now practicing diving but not succeeding. Clicking in annoyance every time she failed and finally turning around, she couldn’t see mum. Squinting around her she felt scared, huddling into the bushes like a little yellow copy of the sun she stayed put and did not climb the bullrushes. ‘Mum’ she whispered but no reassuring, calm voice replied. ‘Ribbit!’ ‘Ahhhh!’ Daisy was petrified then, feeling a little silly, she realised it was a frog. ‘Frog!’ cried Miraya ‘Oh frog, help me!’. The frog took a lot of persuading but eventually agreed. ‘Hey, is that your mum? ‘He suggested.

By Beatrice 2A

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NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

Isabella Duckling

The blazing hot sun shined upon a beautiful see-through river.

Cool refreshing water sprinkling like raindrops everywhere as the fish kicked their fins about as they saw how beautiful it looked. Reeds swayed above the river like dancing ballerinas.

Suddenly there was a bit of shaking in the gorgeous green reeds and when it finally stopped, out of the long swaying reeds came a playful, fluffy, downy duck called Isabella. Behind Isabella’s fluffy banana yellow feathers stepped out another duck, but this one was tall and elegant and had feathers as white as snowflakes.

‘Now darling Isabella stay close to me please’ the white duck cooed. ‘I’ll try’. Isabella squeaked. So, Isabella stayed close to her mum but then she came across butterflies and got carried away by them.

By Eiliya 2A

The Christmas Dragon

Mr Dragon jumped up with glee when he saw that it was snowing. Like icing sugar gracefully coming down from the sky! Mr Dragon came running down the wooden stairs and exclaimed ‘I can’t wait to have some fun!’

So, Mr Dragon flung open the door and went to see the festival. He was so excited that he accidentally made a fire. Mr Dragon felt so sad that he locked himself in his house.

Mr Dragon’s friend Millie came to help the lime-green dragon, but he annoyed her by not letting her in. He had to camp on the cold, damp floor but in the morning, Millie had a great idea. She invited him to make Christmas dinner.

When he finally came out, she decided to invite him to make the yummy Christmas dinner with his burning, crackling fire breath and it ended up great. From that day no one was afraid of him again.

By Sylvie 2A

Owl Metaphor An Owl Is………..

The number 8.

A fluffy white cloud.

A snowflake.

A ghost.

A chocolate blob.

A big stone.

A light bulb.

A happy angel.

A donut.

A lolly pop.

A drifting leaf.

A flying saucer.

A pancake.

A vampire.

A clock.

A juicy apple.

A great thunder cloud!

By Chloe 2M

YEAR 2 CREATIVE Writing Owl Metaphor

An owl is……………….

A big round fluffy cloud A blob of creamy white chocolate A big flat button The letter T A clock A sticky brown toffee A wedding cake A bundle of clothes A triangle Soft toilet rolls A ball of cotton wool A bubble!

By Yurui 2M

Winter Garden Poems

Trees like thin straight people Casting gloomy, dark shadows.

Dry crunching leaves falling rapidly from the ice-covered trees.

Snow, like crackling ice when you walk on its bumpy surface.

Soft fluffy clouds, floating in the grey sky.

Clouds like puffy pink candy floss.

Biting breeze, swaying calmy.

Dark oozing mud.

By Zara 2M

In my winter garden

Ice covered trees tinkle in the bitter breeze Frosty leaves are a blanket on the bare roots of the peaceful.

A shadow of darkness flowed off the swirly fluffy clouds on the cream, white snow.

Gloomy shadows like giants, stamping everywhere.

Amber leaves crunch on the ground, the sound of eating popcorn.

Warm jumpers covered the people that walk by.

Muddy puddles cover the dewy garden.

The sky cast as black as ink and made a black shadow.

By Gopi 2M

Daisy Duck Inspired Stories Donald Duck

Donald Duck liked meandering and he spent too much time staring at dragonflies! Mother duck was watching him. The muddy pond was glistening from the sun, bullrushes like fluffy fabric stood like statues. The lily pads were floating calmly on the clear water. Suddenly, Donald saw a slimy frog. He paddled gently to the green creature. ‘Ribbbitttt’ croaked the frog. Anxiously, Donald looked back, his mother was nowhere to be seen!

By Lucy 2M

Daphne Duckling

Daphne duckling was a bright silvery colour. One sunny morning, she scrambled excitedly out of her nest to catch a cheeky dragonfly. Energetically, she dashed in and out of bullrushes that looked like soft, chocolate marshmallows.

Daphne meandered through sticks, passed otter’s habitats until suddenly, she got stuck! ‘Help me’ she quacked loudly.

Sadly, her mum was nowhere to be seen. Shaking with fear, she was all alone and petrified.

By Lea 2M

The Secret Garden

Delicate petals feel like silky, elegant, ruby red velvet.

Glistening emerald leaves rustle in the trees.

Cheeky birds trill in the rustling leaves.

Overgrown tangled bits of ivy twist around the chocolate brown trees.

Violet lavender smell like sweet grapes.

Gleaming bugs scatter around the lime green grass, looking where to lay their eggs.

Beautiful white geese fly above the cotton candy clouds.

In my secret garden.

By Sasha 2M A shimmering fountain twinkled in the golden sun rays.

Colouring flowers glimmered like gems.

Trees as brown as bears bulging with juicy fruit.

Emerald green grass full of delicate daisies and sunlight yellow buttercups.

Milky brown acorns scattered the floor.

Magnificent birds flew over the treetops singing in harmony.

Lavender as purple as grapes swayed gracefully in the gentle breeze.

By Sophia 2M

Astronaut Applications

I would want to be an astronaut because I would like to find life somewhere. I would like to be an astronaut because I would like to feel what it’s like to walk where there is no gravity. I would like to bounce on the rocky surface.

If I went to space, I would explore. I would bring back a piece of the moon. I would try to see if aliens are real. I think I am the right person for the job because I love Space!

By Keina 2M I want to be an astronaut because I would like to touch the moon, I want to know about the aliens on Mars. I would like to find out if there is life on Mars too.

If I went to Space, I would do jumps and flips, I could touch the moon. I could collect moon rocks and make friends with the aliens!

By Alana 2M

OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

29

CREATIVE Writing YEAR 3 Remote Learning

My classroom is rather different My classroom is not the same My classroom is just one square On my bright iPad screen I can hear Teddy barking He is not used to us being at home I can hear my brother in trouble “You’re going to be late!” roared Mummy I can feel soft carpet underneath my feet I can feel my fluffy cushions moulting on my lap Sometimes I feel angry because of Covid-19 Sometimes I feel lonely because I miss my friends.

By Darcie 3B Home schooling can be tricky Home schooling can be fun But everyone has learnt a lesson from home schooling.

As I sit down on my chair in my room I see the baby blue sky shining up above me I hear the faithful flapping of birds tweeting around in the sky I smell scrumptious food in the oven that was wasted upstairs I feel confused about going back to school I also feel hot on this beautiful morning I can taste the fresh cold water on my tongue Although we’re going back to school Covid-19 is still here.

The internet has been so slow And London Road is so busy I am in a quiet room, and I feel so lonely But home schooling has flown so fast That we’re going back to school in one week.

Forget that let’s have some fun Don’t think about the bad times Start looking to the future Because Covid-19 has affected us all Now, it’s time to slow our might So we shall fight For what has happened in this past year.

By Radhika 3B My classroom is rather different My classroom is not the same My teacher and classmates Are on a big bright screen I can feel my hard desk under my arms It’s different.

I can hear my mum hoovering in the distance It’s not the same.

I can smell lunch being cooked; it smells delicious I love spending time with my family I love my friends, I miss them a lot And now I can see them again.

By Sienna 3B

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NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

Online learning has been rather different, nobody is sitting next to me, but they are on a 12-inch screen Not much noise surrounds me except for neighbours drilling Looking for the meeting. Sometimes I find it.

Imagining my friends around me - even though they’re not there.

Normal school is coming back – I know it is – I can feel it.

Everyday not seeing friends, Left all alone, my parents two floors down.

Extremely exciting seeing Amber for the first time.

Another week goes by, at the speed of light.

Raining outside – can’t meet in the park, I miss my friends so, so much Not surrounded my twenty-five people.

Grateful for the support by teachers through this difficult time.

By Elsie 3B

The Supply Teacher

The day began like a day I would never want to forget. The sun was so hot that I had to take off my jumper. I was so excited that I didn’t know what to do with myself.

I had just rested my bottom into the chair when suddenly I heard a stomping sound. The classroom went silent. I could have heard a pin drop. I felt inquisitive. Who was making that stomping? Miss Bayliss wouldn’t stomp into the classroom like that! Then I realised that Miss Bayliss wasn’t at her desk. Then I saw the woman. She was tall and had steely eyes. She had a pale face and a pointy nose and looked like the type of person you wouldn’t want to argue with.

By Juliette 3B

Report on Plastic

What is plastic?

Plastic is a man-made material. It is used by people all around the world. Plastic was first made in 1907. The material is used every day for bottles, chairs, and lots more. Plastic comes from the Greek word plastikos. There are more than fifty kinds of plastic.

The problem with plastic Although plastic is amazing, it is not good for the environment. When you throw a plastic bottle away it goes into landfill which is a hole in the ground where rubbish goes.

Plastic does not biodegrade. That means it does not disappear in the mud. Sometimes people burn plastic which creates a gas called toxin – a poisonous substance to humans. Sometimes you can get single-use plastic which you can only use once and you have to throw it away. Some people throw plastic in the sea but in the sea there are animals like turtles, dolphins and lots more. They think it is food and they eat it. In the sea there are 8.8 million tonnes of plastic.

Solution We can reduce our plastic footprint by using less plastic. One way is to use cloth bags and another way is to use reusable straws, cups, cutlery and lots more. In Denmark, they have machines that you can insert plastic bottles into and it gives money in return. What a fun way to reduce our plastic footprint.

By Sophia 3B

YEAR 3 CREATIVE Writing

The Supply Teacher

The sum shimmered onto my face. It was the first day back at school after the bank holiday. Me and my friends were overjoyed to be back and to see each other. I was especially happy to see my best friend Anya but even happier when I thought about getting a good report from my teacher at the end of the week.

I was about the open the classroom door when I heard rock music blasting out! I was petrified and edged away but Anya opened the door for me. Instead of the normal, tidy, clean classroom, it looked like we had just entered Madison Square Gardens! We went up to the teacher at the front of the room. He was tall and had make-up under his eyes. The weirdest thing is that he had a guitar on his back and his hair was green and spiky!

By Victoria 3B

Diary

(Based on Someone Swallowed Stanley)

Dear Diary, The strangest thing happened to me today. I was playing on the beach and I saw a blur. I stepped closer. It had an emerald green shell. The thing had wrinkly arms and legs and then I saw it. It was a turtle, and she was choking on a plastic bag. I wondered how that got there.

I went over to her and gave the Heimlich Manoever. The Heimlich Manoever is squeezing someone’s tummy if they are choking. The bag came out as fast as cheetah. What could I

make out of it? I thought I should make a kite. I made the kite out of glue, some glitter, markers and tissue paper and now I have an amazing kite.

What a day! Love Bob the boy

By Anaya 3B

Diary

(Based on Someone Swallowed Stanley)

Dear Diary, This was the best day of the month!

I was skimming stones on the beach when I saw a peach and brown wrinkly thing on the soft sand. Its leafy green shell shone in the sun like emeralds. It was beautiful but I could see something wrong about it. Aha! It was choking. Oh no, poor creature! What was it? Maybe… it was turtle. Yes, that was it.

It was a turtle.

But what was stuck in its throat? It was stripy. I walked closer. It was…. a…. what? It looked plastic. Hmmmm! It had handles……A plastic bag.

I lurched forward and yanked it back. The turtle swam away gratefully. I looked at the plastic bag. What should I do with it? Hmmmm! I had always wanted a pencil case. Or a kite. Or a hat. Or a…. hang on. A kite! Perfect. I grabbed my scissors and got to work cutting and sticking. Finally. It was finished.

I ran along the beach with the string and the kite flying up in the air like a seagull. It was mesmerising. What a day! From Lucas on Seashell Island

By Adelaide 3B OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

31

CREATIVE Writing YEAR 3 Diary

(Based on Someone Swallowed Stanley)

Dear Diary, Today, something terrible happened!

It all started when I was playing with the miraculous sand.

Then an unidentified creature caught my sight. It had a shell.

An emerald one.

“It’s got two legs and arms,” I muttered. I saw it was silently sobbing. The sea animal’s head was as wrinkled as a person who was one hundred and twenty years old. “What could it be?” I wondered.

My heart thumped as fast as a cheetah. I had to save him! I ran to it and then realised it was a turtle. There was no time to waste. He choked it out.

It was a plastic bag! I helped him into the water. I think I will make a kite out of it. From James

By Rebecca 3B Dear Diary, I was so disappointed today!

It all started when I was flying in the bright blue ocean, and I saw a strange, stripy blob. It had peculiar tentacles and red stripes. What was this weird creature? I landed down on the shore to take a few pecks.

When I landed on the sand as sly as a fox, I crept up to it and started pecking it. It tasted disgusting.

I wanted to try one of its stripy tentacles. More seagulls came out of nowhere. They landed right in front of me. I pushed and tugged but by the time I got to the front I realised it wasn’t food after all.

I wondered what that strange creature was.

I learnt a lesson today and that is to never eat something that I have never tasted before.

What a day!

Sally the Seagull

By Hibah 3B

Stone Age Story

As Evie walked into the Stone Age section of the museum, she did not feel amazed at all. What was the point in having a Stone Age section? There was nothing but stones. Somebody pushed her. She fell. Evie reached out her hand to find something to break her fall and touched a tool.

“No, no, no!” Evie muttered to herself. She had done it again. She was in the woods. The shady trees made the forest cool, and animals galloped around it. Squirrels scurried up trees and birds sang and hummed. Five minutes later Evie was out of her daydream. As she peered out of the wood, she saw houses made of stone and saw clothes made of animal skins. She saw animals being killed and spears being made. But then someone saw her. She darted out of the woods. People were coming after her. “They must think I am an animal,” she thought to herself. They were shooting spears at her and she had no option but to climb a tree.

As Evie climbed the tree, she saw one of the men holding the tool that she touched.

By Zoya 3B

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NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

One summer’s day, Class 4 went on a school trip to the British Museum. Islya was extremely excited and even hoped she would find a Stone Age artefact that would take her back to the time of the Stone Age. As they were walking past the Stone Age exhibit, a shining spear caught Islya’s eye. She stared at it, interested. Unsure, Islya reached out her hand.

Suddenly, she felt like icicles were growing on her hand. Then she started floating and fell down with a thump. As she landed on a stony floor, she could see a man wearing bear skin.

Immediately Islya realised where she was. She had travelled 10,000 years back in time to the Stone Age. The man had turned around and had a massive spear in his hand. Islya knew what she had to do.

By Eva 3B I stood there mesmerised by all the Stone Age artefacts. Then out of the corner of my eye a black blade glimmered in the sunlight. I reached out to touch it when…

I felt a woosh in the air around me - it turned from cold to warm. I looked around me and saw huts and weapons but most importantly megaliths. One of the most historic sights was a megalith Stonehenge. I soon realised that I was in the Stone Age. I ran into one of the megaliths and started dancing with glee. I kicked one of the stones making it fall over hitting the other one. It was like dominoes. It had created a bang that could be heard from a mile away. I heard heavy footsteps.

Somebody heard the bang! I ran until I found an empty hut.

I hid in there, but I knew that the man was coming. The footsteps were getting closer. Uh oh! The man entered the hut. I was trapped…

By Anya 3B They both stood around the body for about ten minutes.

Suddenly, there was a quiet rattling sound. At first, no one noticed it but then it grew louder and louder. It sounded like nuggets sizzling in a pan.

“What’s that sound?” asked Mr Johnson, very alarmed.

I don’t know but according to my calculations this wasn’t meant to happen…”

Soon it turned into a low rumbling sound and the skeleton leapt up off the table and started punching his fists together.

He started to grow skin and clothes started falling onto him.

“It’s a caveman!” Mr Johnson cried.

“It’s going to KILL us!” screamed Mr Pendelman…..

They darted out of the door, the caveman behind them.

“Ug, ug, ug, gug, ug!” it shouted.

Let’s hide somewhere outside a-and th-then we c-can lock th-the d-door behind us,“ panted Mr Johnson.

“Good idea!” replied Mr Pendelman As they got to the door, Mr Johnson got out his keys. They dashed through the doors and Mr Johnson locked the door behind them.

“J-just i-in the n-nick o-of t-time,” panted Mr Pendelman.

By Rania 3B

YEAR 3 CREATIVE Writing The Supply Teacher

As we stepped into the classroom, I realised put our teacher wasn’t there. I felt like screaming “NO!” aloud. In her place was an odd lady. She smelt of musty scarves and I heard a faint ‘click clack’ and had fuzzy balls on her head so perhaps she enjoyed knitting?

The first lesson was heaven! We were learning to knit scarves – we could choose any colour, even rainbow. While we were busy knitting Miss Knott put on Odd Squad – my favourite educational TV show. After a sensational snack of biscuits and apple juice, I walked in and stopping dead in my tracks, I tripped over something. It was round and soft and extremely colourful. Hmmmm…. What could it be? Oh, of course! A ball of yarn! Soon, to my horror, I noticed the whole floor was covered in them.

I warned my classmates to go on all fours so the big clean up began! Three hours later we were all gasping for air but the cleaning was finally done. When we finally got up we slowly trudged towards Miss Knott and said, “Here you go!” She replied, “Thank you dearies!”

By Mina 3B

One early morning, I woke up and heard the robins singing in the trees. It was a new start to a term. I was finally going to see all my friends again. When I got on the school bus, my best friends Misty saved a spot for me. We normally sit next to each other every day. We’re the only ones in the class who go on that particular bus. We talked all the way to school. We talked about our birthdays. We have the same birthday – both on the 5th of May, but I am seven seconds older than Misty. We got off the bus and made our way to class. We stopped because our strict Principal, Mrs Shapin, was in the classroom. As Mrs Shapin left the room, she glared at us like she was about to give us a detention but luckily didn’t give us one. Our normal Form Teacher, Miss Bayliss, wasn’t there. Maybe she was in the cloakroom, but she wasn’t there either. As I looked in the classroom again, it was now decorated with balls. It looked like there was every ball. from every sport in the world I looked at the front of the class and saw this wacky looking teacher with wacky clothes on. I asked, “What’s your name?”

“I am Miss Ball. I will be your supply teacher for a few weeks!” she explained.

By Maya 3B

My hand brushed the bushes as I cycled on my way to school. I was overjoyed because it was a Friday, and everyone knows on Friday we have fish and chips. But before I could even notice, I had reached school. I parked my bike next to the school fountain. Luckily, my classroom was the closest one to the door so I didn’t have to walk much. Rays of scorching sunlight beamed in from the window, but my teacher was nowhere to be seen…

Just then, I heard some barking in the reception area. At first, I thought it was Mrs Clark’s dog Penda but it was a higher pitch than hers. I put my P.E. bag in my cubbyhole and my school bag on my peg and ignored the barking but now the barking was coming from my classroom. I opened the door but as soon as I opened the door something pushed me over. Slowly, I opened my eyes, but my face was wet. Yuck! I pushed it off and walked into the classroom cautiously afraid that anymore surprises were waiting for me.

By Vanshika 3B

Mrs Pointer was nothing like in my dreams! The first thing she did was poke the first child she saw with her pointer.

If you wanted me to give you a description of her, she had big bushy eyebrows which were always narrowed and a face that reminded me of an alien. Her hair was half blond half white which went up to her chin, curling all the way down.

She wore a blue coloured shirt and a long magenta skirt, blue high heels and of course, her pointer in hand at all times.

Her favourite thing to do was to torture children but I don’t understand how that is enjoyable.

In fourth period, while we were doing an essay on Greek Gods, Mrs Pointer heard Jessie and Jacinta, the sisters, giggling (who were always), so because they were at the back of the class, she threw her pointer at them and just like a boomerang it came flying back at the board. All of a sudden it came falling down and the ceiling came falling down too.

By Valentina 3B

“Hello class!” said the man in a misty voice. “My name is Professor Lumos Wand and before we do anything, some of you have already noticed the poster on the wall, and read it as well, the talent show is cancelled!”

“No, this can’t be. I’ve practised so much!” I said to myself.

I tried to get out of my seat and lock myself in one of the cubicles in the bathroom. But, Professor Wand waved his old stick and I was glued to my seat. I couldn’t get off. “That’s really strange!” I thought.

I mostly daydreamed about what the talent show would be like and every now and again Professor Wand waved his old stick and things started to happen like the sheets magically handed out. When the loud bell rang, I went out to break with Patty and, as usual, her talking, me listening.

After break, we walked into the classroom and instead of desks in it there was a maze. It was made of dark green bushes and complete with fairy lights on top.

By Alexa 3B

Egyptian Story

Jaws were full of mud, snapping and showing their monstrous fangs. Evil eyes came squelching out of the mud. Feet came stomping out. There was an army of crocs. They surrounded her. She tried to get them to go away but it was no use. Was there a way out?

She looked behind her. A gargantuan croc was blocking her way. It opened its mouth as wide as could be. Other crocs were pushing her to the doom. Was this going to be the end of Pearl? Suddenly, a figure too small to see was swooping like a bird towards her. It landed. It was Tut! Tut got his sword out. He fought all the crocs and in the end they were whimpering like puppies. Tut help out his hand to Pearl.

The sphinx was with him all along. I wonder why he’s not teleporting…. thought Pearl. She touched the sphinx and once again she felt a sizzling pain and she was in the A.H. Museum.

By Vesper 3B

OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

33

CREATIVE Writing YEAR 3 Egyptian Story

Eventually, she became tired, and the searing weather was too much for her. She sat down on the sandy surface and reached in her backpack. Her mask was still there. Suddenly, a pyramid bigger than the other ones she saw, caught her eye. It was leaning over to one side…

Suddenly, Mary noticed a few tiny sediments falling from the sky. “It doesn’t rain sand,” she thought. Then she smelt a funny smell. It smelt of dry sand. She looked up. There were even bigger chucks of sand then. She darted out of the way.

Eventually, she realised what had happened. A pyramid was collapsing! But she wasn’t quick enough. She dashed away but because she was too hungry and tired, she slowed down. But it was too late. A chunk struck her on the head and she gulped in pain. Mary fell to the ground and soon she was covered in larger bits of sand. Her mask fell on her face. When the pyramid had fully collapsed, a man saw her and her mask. The man called to his friends and soon she found herself in a coffin.

She was mistaken for a Mummy. Mary was trapped!

By Reya 3B The cool surface of the mask was breath taking. Just then a fizzing feeling came to her. Suddenly, in a flash, Lyra wasn’t in the museum any longer. She seemed to be on some sort of soft material. Two men were in the room staring at her. One with an Anubis mask, the other with a white cloth hanging from his waist. Then she noticed what she was sitting on. It was a mummy. The first time she’d actually seen the room was at this point. The room was covered in paintings and gold.

There were even some board games, a sweet smell of palm leaves which were crunching in the sun then, the man in the Anubis mask shouted, “Thief! Get her!” It was only then that Lyra realised that she had unravelled the mummy, but one more thing….. Lyra was in Egypt.

Lyra quickly ran from the angry priest and raced out of the room. Outside, she made a wreck of the market: wooden support poles fell down like wooden bridges and bowls of flower petals and dried fruit smashed to the ground. Not only was there an angry priest but twenty merchants.

By Lydia 3B I slowly walked up to her and asked The Supply Teacher what her name was. She said her name was Miss Kart. She was wearing a gold glitter leotard. She told me the first lesson was gymnastics. I was very surprised because we had never done gymnastics before.

In the blink of an eye, she started cartwheeling all over the place. I had no idea what was going on. After about a second, she knocked everything over! Our classroom was chaos! All of a sudden, I heard a knock on the classroom door. Miss Kart stopped cartwheeling and pretended to be teaching us maths.

Just then, the headmaster burst into the room. As soon as he stepped into the room his face turned as red as fire and smoke started coming out of his ears. Suddenly, at the top of his voice he shouted, “Miss Kart! Get out, right now”! Miss Kart slowly walked out of the room with a sad face.

By Leila 3B

34

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

The Unexpected Arrival

(Extract) In Long Break I told Ms Harris and the entire school of the alien army’s intention. We thought of a plan and decided the whole school would chase the army back into the spacecraft.

When the bell rang, we took action. Space dust splattered the ground like paint, and I made sure to take a handful to show Amy when she came back to school. We ran, we fought, we jumped until all the aliens were packed back in the spaceship.

“3, 2, 1…Blast off!” we shouted as the rockets shot back into space like a shooting star.

The next day, Amy was back and there were no aliens in sight. I told her everything, especially the fight but she didn’t believe me. With some persuading from the class, and me showing her the moondust, she finally believed us and said, “Well I sure did miss a lot Charlie!”.

By Isabella 3C

The Good Samaritan

Dear Diary, Yesterday I was walking in the hot desert, and I was carrying my bag, but then from out of some rocks three burglars came and robbed me. They injured me very badly.

Then a priest came and I shouted, “Help me, please,” but he just walked on. Along the road a lawyer came. Again, I shouted “Help me, please,” but he just went along the other path. I felt worried, scared and hurt but then a Samaritan came. He was an enemy of mine. I thought I would die, but he stopped, bandaged my wounds and gave me something to drink. He took me to the closest inn and told them to take care of me. I’ll write again tomorrow.

By Amy 3C

The Swimmer

The swimmer plunges into the water and is transported to a mystical world where sounds and sights from above are drowned out. Her flashy swimming costume splashes through the water as her legs kick relentlessly. She’s like a non-stop machine. Her breath is lost but her confidence will always remain. Her goggles fixed tightly on her head allow her to see and focus in the underwater world. Her legs and arms flap around incessantly. Could she be victorious? Whizzing and gliding, forwards and backwards, forwards, backwards, forwards, backwards. An apprehensive feeling floods her steely body and a steely look is set on her face. Her eyes are bloodshot. She continues splashing and kicking. Her heart skips a beat as she stops abruptly. She looks around and sees people still swimming. She’s won!

By Mariyum 3C

The Gymnast

The gymnast is a peregrine falcon as she back flips across the dance mat. The diamonds on her bright red leotard glitter in the spotlight. She is a dazzling dancer as she moves to the mesmerising music. She balances on one leg like a flawless flamingo. As soon as she strikes that pose, crouched down low, she spins round and round and round like a roundabout.

She leaps like a leopard in an aerial, soaring through the air.

YEAR 3 CREATIVE Writing Suddenly, she springs into the air from the balls of her feet.

The crowd cheers deafeningly as she flies through the air. She lands silently on her tiptoes, the crowd let out a roar. She has done it!

By Sophia 3C

Little Red Riding Hood

(Opening) Unaware of the terrible thing that awaited her, Little Red Riding Hood skipped joyfully along the bumpy stone path. She danced and twirled with a huge smile that reached up to her eyes. Heading further into the deep dark woods, the scenery wasn’t so beautiful anymore. As she approached the deep part of the forest, she stared for a bit at the unusual change of light. There was a grey shadow on one side, and a merry shining light on the other. The birds stopped singing. The branches in the trees looked like long thin arms reaching out to grab her. Little Red’s face went white with fear, and her tummy went tight. Her heart was pounding like a vigorous drum and Little Red’s blood curdled and went cold. The dry brown leaves rattled in the crooked trees that towered above her. Wincing at every step, Little Red pushed the sharp branches and bushes with thorns in them to the side. Every twig and thorn scratched at her feet, leaving bright red painful marks. Foggy mist surrounded her, making her breathing go fast. She gasped and clutched the wicker basket so tightly it was like she was squeezing a teddy bear, but it gave her no comfort…

By Rebecca 3C (Opening) Dancing gleefully, Little Red Riding Hood skipped along the winding path that ended at the forest. As she approached the forest, she saw the white fluffy clouds get darker and darker.

She was about to turn back but as she did, a gust of wind blew her back. Now her heart was racing. As she took her first step into the forest, she stepped on a twig that freaked her out. Her hands turned sweaty as her basket with the scrumptious cookies almost fell, but she held it tight. She pretended everything was alright when she knew everything wasn’t. Just then, the birds stopped tweeting and gargantuan raindrops fell on her scarlet red cloak. Suddenly, she noticed that the branches of the trees looked like a cage. Tears started falling from her terrified eyes, but she kept on walking.

Her eyes darted from side to side.

By Valentina 3C

Letter from Mrs Giant

Dear Mayor Goodway, I am Mrs Giant and I am writing to you because a cruel boy called Jack has killed my husband and stolen my precious hen. One morning, a boy called Jack came to the castle and asked for some food. I gave him some but then George came in and Jack hid before stealing the hen. George chased him when Jack climbed down the beanstalk and when Jack got to the bottom he cut it down, causing George to crash to the ground. I am heartbroken and crushed. How will I pay for the castle and food? My husband has died, and I am lonely and betrayed. I now have many financial difficulties because he stole

my hen.

I think Jack should be punished, but not by killing him. I think he should be sent to jail for a month, and he will have to pay for everything I need. Jack is a naughty boy, and he was only doing what was right for his family. Thank you for your time. I hope you find a solution. Yours sincerely, Mrs Giant.

By Ariyana 3C

The Gymnast

The gymnast is a monkey. She cartwheels across the room with her flexible legs. She heard the music through her ears which sets the rhythm. She rolls like a hedgehog on the bumpy, rough floor. The gargantuan crowd cheers while she does a cartwheel. Her feet leap into the air and she lands and does a cartwheel. She jumps as if there were springs on the bottom of her feet. She is determined to win the gold medal.

Her routine comes to an end. She bows gracefully and walks off the blue stage. Everyone cheers with joy.

By Freya Lacaze 3C

Little Red Riding Hood

(Opening) Creeping into the dark wood, the trees suddenly blocked out the rays of the sun and Little Red’s cape almost blew away.

She tip-toed across the path that had a blanket of crumpled old leaves all over it. The shadow of a gigantic old oak tree almost gave Little Red a heart attack. She had the feeling she wanted to go home, but she wouldn’t give up. She made sure her straw basket didn’t slip through her freezing hands and carried on. A hidden owl hooted in a high pitch, and she assumed that she was being warned there were dangerous animals lurking around. She finally arrived at Granny’s dusty, wooden house but something didn’t seem right…

By Amani 3C

The Unexpected Arrival

(Extract) One day I woke up to hear the sound of crashing waves and realised I was late. As soon as possible, I darted down the stairs and into the kitchen. I slipped into my clothes and plodded into the ruby red car. As soon as I arrived, I dashed into the classroom but realised something was different.

There was a dog there instead of my friend! The dog had mesmerising fur that was as bright as the sun. He had eyes that looked as if he was a lion about to catch his prey. He had a tail which looked as hard as stone and it would wag furiously, knocking people off their chairs. His most distinctive feature was his red as blood nose which would always sparkle with a hint of gold. Just then I realised the dog was strange because his fur was so long that you could not see if he had a collar or not…

By Ilona 3C

OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

35

CREATIVE Writing YEAR 3 The Same

My classroom is rather different, My classroom isn’t the same.

I miss all my friends, I miss all my teachers, I miss my classroom, It just isn’t the same.

Ow! My ears! I turned the volume up too high.

I wish it was different, Why isn’t it all the same?

All I can hear is “Can you unmute?”

“Maybe she can’t hear,” “Is your camera on?”

I hope soon it will all be the same.

But I suppose it’s not all bad, We don’t have homework most of the time.

I take it back.

Maybe I don’t want it ALL to be the same.

By Sofia 3C

First, Jack stole my golden chicken and then he killed my husband!

I feel heartbroken, angry and betrayed. I was super nice to Jack and now I feel lonely.

Let me tell you what happened to me. It all started when I heard a knock on my door. I opened it and a little boy called Jack was in front of me. He said he wanted some breakfast, so I let him in and gave him a big slice of toast with a huge spoonful of jelly on it. Then, my husband came in, so I hid Jack under a teacup. Then, Jack stole my precious golden chicken that lays golden eggs. Jack slid down the beanstalk and Mr Giant went after him, but Jack heartlessly cut down the beanstalk and Mr Giant tragically died.

After that, Jack got everything he needed and now I’ve got nothing! Now I don’t want to kill Jack, but can you put him in jail for a year? Even after all the nice things I did for him, he stole my chicken and killed my husband.

How will I pay for my food and electricity? Thank you for reading my letter. I will look forward to seeing your reply. Yours sincerely, Mrs Gertrude Giant.

By Jiya 3C

Letter from Mrs Giant

Egyptian Time Slip story

(Extract)

The Unexpected Arrival

(Extract)

Dear Mayor Goodway, I am Gertrude Giant and I am writing to you because a young boy has cruelly killed my husband. I let Jack into my house to eat some food and when my husband came, Jack stole the golden chicken and chopped the bean stalk down and killed my husband. This awful tragedy has left me depressed and miserable.

I am facing financial difficulties because the golden chicken lays golden eggs and that was my money. Now Jack lives in a grand, luxurious mansion with a gargantuan swimming pool and he still has not given the chicken back! THIS IS NOT FAIR. Jack has behaved terribly. I have given him food and in return he steals my chicken and kills my husband! I think Jack should go on trial and go to prison or be grounded for a year.

Thank you for reading my letter. I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely, Mrs Gertrude Giant

By Lara 3C

Little Red Riding Hood

(Opening) Skipping gleefully, Little Red hopped along the crooked, winding path that led to her grandmother’s cottage. She stopped every now and again to smell a flower or two. As she approached a stream there was a sudden bang! The birds stopped singing, the sun stopped shining and mist rose up on the path ahead. The branches in the trees bent over to form a canopy above her head. Little Red clutched the wicker basket close and her eyes darted around looking for any sign of movement. There was a rustle in the trees ahead. She stood so still. A shiver ran down her spine and her heavy breathing echoed in the wind. The rain lashed against her face. She stumbled backwards…

By Sophia 3C

Letter from Mrs Giant

Dear Mayor Goodway, I am Mrs Gertrude Giant. I am writing to you because there are some bad things that happened to me.

36

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

As Tina was looking around, she saw some vague dots in the distance. At first, she dismissed them, thinking them to be flies, but after a few seconds she thought that they were flying too straight to be flies. What were they? Wild animals? People? She decided they were people and started towards them, her hopes raised high. Maybe they could help her find her way back to the museum! Tina strode towards them but when she got close, she realised they were soldiers, not ordinary people! The soldiers stared at her, and Tina stared back for a few seconds. After all, they had never seen anybody like Tina and Tina had never seen anybody like them. One soldier whispered something to the other one. They started running towards her. Of course! They must have been looking for intruders. Tina started to run too.

Unfortunately, the soldiers were well trained, and she soon found herself caught and her hands painfully tied behind her back. Tina remembered her father, a circus performer, was able to get out of any knots tied around his hands. He had taught Tina a few tricks too. She knew just what to do…

By Prisha 3C

Lightning thundered. The air grew misty. I raced into the classroom and as I glanced around, I saw that my best friend was not there. I thought, where is he? He is never late for class. A shiver ran down my spine.

There was a strange boy sat in my friend’s seat. He had ice blue eyes and shoes as black as coal. A smirk crept across his face, and it made me want to edge towards the door as I no longer felt safe at school. Just then, our teacher, Mrs Cob came in so I ran to my seat and pushed my chair as far away from the boy as I could.

At breaktime, I saw the strange boy tiptoe to the school basement. I crept behind him, eager to stalk him down. As he went in, he slammed the door behind him but didn’t look back. I leaned against the door, trying to listen in. My blood ran cold at what I heard…

By Urja 3C

YEAR 3 CREATIVE Writing Letter to Boris Johnson

Dear Boris Johnson, I think a monument to Boudicca should be built because she courageously defeated the Romans in three battles which were in Colchester, London, and St Albans. Unfortunately, she lost her last ever battle which was the Battle of Watling Street, even though she had a much bigger army. I think the monument should be in the middle of England where her final battle happened. Her actions are historically significant because she stood up against the Romans and might have been one of the first ever people to do that. She was very brave and wanted to protect her people. She fought against the Romans because she got annoyed with Nero whipping her and her children every day. I look forward to hearing your response. Yours sincerely, Airah

By Airah 3C

Egyptian Time Slip story

(Extract) Rose gazed above and saw a rusty, heavy door. The door was beautifully decorated. Despite the beauty, the enchanted door smelled of what had been around for centuries. She slowly opened the door and it creaked. In the distance, she noticed a very large tomb which belonged to the Queen, but the mysterious Queen was not dead. Hopefully she would find the key. Rose searched left and right several times. Under a flower bed she saw something was glowing. Was it the key?

Rose peered under the soil and discovered it was the key.

How could this have happened?

By Olivia 3C

The Swimmer

The swimmer is cutting down lane five, making huge waves that also cut across the lanes. The cheering crowds cheer her on, urging her to continue. Her legs are aching, willing her to stop, but she will not give up. The water is numbing, urging her to stop. Will she? Certainly not. Here, in the deep end she is exhausted by doing the flawless strokes. Will she drown or carry on? Carry on with more power as she does neat strokes. Her muscles are aching, sending messages to the brain to rest but her brain is telling her to carry on and to keep going as the race is nearly finished. Five metres, four metres, three metres… nearly done and the crowd is going wild! She won the race! She has broken down barriers and won the gold. As she lifts up her head, a wide smile is spreading across her face. She is a winner!

By Hera 3C

The Unexpected Arrival

(Extract) I ran to school, almost certain I was going to be late. It was a sweltering hot day and my arms were aching from holding my colossal bag. I realised I had forgotten my reading book, and this made me feel even more panicked. Finally, I got to school and started to say “Sorry I’m late, I missed…” but then I suddenly stopped in my tracks because I saw my friend wasn’t there. Instead, there was another girl who I didn’t know.

I went to my seat and mumbled “Sorry,” again.

The new girl whispered, “I’m Emily. What’s your name?”

“Carlotta,” I whispered back. Emily looked gleeful to be next to me. One thing I noticed about Emily, that I don’t think the others did, was when her shoe fell off, I saw a furry leg before she hastily put it back on again…

By Hattie 3C

The Supply Teacher

(Extract) I walked inside, glad to get away from the storm. By the door stood my headteacher in deep conversation with a strange man with horns on his head. As the man turned to glare at me, his eyes flashed like the lightning outside. When I walked into the classroom, my blood ran cold. The man with horns was there, but there was only one way to get to the classroom and I hadn’t seen him go past me. How had he got there so quickly? There was something simply petrifying about his striped green and yellow horns and his red eyes were very peculiar. There was an eerie feeling. I didn’t like it. “My name is Mr Massificate,” he said in an unusually high voice. “And I am going to be your teacher today” …

By Molly 3C

Howard Carter’s Discovery

Dear Diary, You won’t believe what happened today. It all started when I was digging, and I discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb! Inside the tomb it was old and very dusty and that made me choke a bit. It was also very smelly because no one had been there for so long. When I was looking around, I saw a flash of gold! I walked closer and closer to it. It looked like a box, then I realised it was Tutankhamun’s sarcophagus. It shimmered and gleamed because it was made of gold.

Love from Howard

By Mia 3C

The Supply Teacher

(Extract) Crash! Boom! It’s time for school. Thunder and lightning whizz down like falling fire. Even though it’s morning, the sky is pitch black. I dread getting out of the cosy car. When I get to school, I run head bent against the howling wind. Huge bangs fill the cold air like fireworks, but there are no pretty shapes or colours. The classroom is full of my friends who are waiting in eerie silence. Our teacher is never late. Five minutes later, another bang but this time from the corridor.

Who is it?

We sit in complete silence not daring to move or speak.

Then enters…. A tree. A simple, tree. A tree with opaque glasses and a long, hooked nose. “SILENCE!” bellows the tree.

She glares at us. She smells like mouldy wood and smoke.

I feel clammy just looking at her. As she sits down, some lightning flashes outside the window and her glasses light up menacingly. She tuts……

By Mariella 3C

OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

37

CREATIVE Writing YEAR 4

Letter to a Child in 2030

Dear Child in 2030, I am writing to you from the Year 2021.

The last year has been the hardest year of my life! Let me tell you why... It all started in January 2020, there was a bad flu passing in China, but it was not the same as the flu, it was much worse. Some people were of course worried, but many people didn’t care. This is just the start of the pandemic. People wanted to study closer into the bad flu and see what it could affect. Soon it was spreading through lots of countries, and it was then announced that a new virus, called Coronavirus existed, this became known as COVID19.

At the time I had no idea what was going on! I thought it was just another variant of the flu not a worldwide pandemic!

When I realised it was a deadly illness, I was devastated, scared, worried and sad. I felt like the world was slowly closing in on me. New rules were being introduced, it was like Covid-19 was a boss controlling everything and everyone in sight! A lockdown was enforced, and it got worse. In this lockdown we had to stay a 2 metre distance apart and had to wear masks. Shops and schools were closed. It all felt so frightening. There wasn’t much you could do, so you had to be very inventive to have some fun! I played with my baby sister, did some drawing, went in my garden, watched TV, played board games, card games and online games and had calls with my friends. It was hard but I could just about bear it.

We made it back to school for a short time, which was amazing, but it didn’t last for long. It felt like seconds later we were flung into another lockdown! This time we knew what to expect but it didn’t make it any easier. We had to do online schooling, online shopping... everything was online or virtual! That didn’t stop me having a call with my friends and family or playing in the garden and going for some walks. I really hope that eventually this virus will disappear or at least that we can control it. We now have vaccinations which are being rolled out through the country. This gives me hope that things can return to normal one day soon. I hope this gave you a taste of the past, from Olivia (2021 citizen).

By Olivia 4F 38

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

Hybrid Animals

Frojaguacobras are amazing, rare creatures made from the body of a reptile, mammal, and amphibian! They come from a mix of classes, otherwise known as Reptamphfelinae.

Frojaguacobras have an unusual appearance. They have the long, scaly black tail of a king cobra, along with the head and body of a jaguar, finishing with the colourful, slimy feet of a poison dart frog. It was only recently discovered that the DNA of the snake seemed to travel upwards into the body and into the mouth, where it turns out that the Frojaguacobra also had the pink fangs of a king cobra. These amazing creatures also are very agile, with hollow bones, a very light skeleton, and a very strong tail.

Living in hot damp rainforests, Frojaguacobras usually make homes in strong trees, but some make a territory in a particular place and will create warning signs to keep out. This includes biting a bit of bark on a tree and injecting it with a strongsmelling venom or scraping and breaking branches with their tails and their backs. They sometimes shelter in caves as well.

Being excellent predators, Frojaguacobras don’t usually run out of prey. They attack capybaras on riverbanks as well as chasing after monkeys in the trees. In addition to this, the ones feeling particularly hungry and daring, go after caimans in the rivers! Frojaguacobras have a unique way of hunting and killing prey. Some hang on branches just by their tail, then release, falling on top of the prey whilst others silently stalk up. Once they have got hold of the animal, they wrap their long cobra tail around the creature to make its breathing harder, then they finally do a big bite, sinking their poisonous fangs into its body.

Frojaguacobras are extremely agile and have many talents.

They can curl their tails round branches and hang down, staying like that for ages. Furthermore, some can even sleep like that! Although not claws, Frojaguacobras are very advanced climbers, scaling the trees high to relax on branches.

By Melissa 4F

YEAR 4 CREATIVE Writing Travel Writing

Nigeria is a vibrant country and becoming an increasingly urbanized nation. Far in the distance of Abiya the capital city of Nigeria, Aso Rock Villa is 400m tall and rises 937m above sea level. It is a large outcrop of granite rock that rises to meet the sapphire sky. Nigeria is full of hidden secrets waiting to be revealed ... It has acres of vivid green trees.

These majestic trees fling their branches up to the sky and frame the deep blue sky. As I walk through the Aso rock the branches of the trees sway to the rhythm of the wind and their leaves flutter like graceful butterflies. As Aso rock is one of the city’s most distinguished features it is the site of the 2003 declaration issued by the head of government of the commonwealth. The Presidential complex, Nigerian National assembly and the Nigerian Supreme court is located around it. The door has ancient symbolic symbols and a huge metal padlock sealing it up. It is like a tunnel opening into a gallery of white crystals. Hanging from the roof of Aso rock are enormous chandeliers which look like stalagmites. It is a relaxing haven furnished with deep leather couches and luxurious silk curtains.

Have you heard of Ikoyi Island? It is enveloped by the sparkling treasures of the summer and the scent of salty sea water flings its wafts into the air. Wispy white clouds fill the sky as the sun’s rays crash down fiercely on the golden sunset, yellow sand. Ikoya island is surrounded by sugar white beaches and a beautiful sea that stretches for miles on end. Ikoya resides the wealthiest communities in Nigeria.

Bar beach in Lagos is like you have arrived in paradise with swaying palm trees, pure white beaches, and brilliant turquoise lagoons. This beach is a long arc of golden sand, sheltered by dunes. It has tropical fish and beautiful birds soaring through the sky. The soothing, rhythmic splash and slosh of waves into the rock pools as the waves creased the surface of the sea.

Finally, 20 miles North of the Benin River lies a colossal city called the “Benin City”. The Benin city has existed since the 1400’s as a very powerful and wealthy kingdom called the Benin Empire. The rulers of Benin Empire were Oba and Olori. Oba’s palace stands tall and proud with artefacts made from pure gold. Benin has a national museum and is known for its bead making, bangles, anklets, and raffia work.

If I were you, I would start packing my bag and travel to Nigeria!

By Anu 4F

Diary Entry

Dearest, dearest diary, Today was the weirdest day yet!

Today was… um…,” “Back to school day” …no, “Day to back school”, for my owner Cecilla. So basically Cecilla, she stuffed me in this sequinned and roomy house which she called a pencil case and there were other pens, pencils and you know…. Stuff!

For some reason all of the pens were labelled Cecilla J, but one of the crayons told me her name is Cat. Liar. The label on her said Cecilla J. I am not sure why they would lie.

Weird, right? Then, she put us in a big pink bag. It was like experiencing an earthquake. She was scootering to school

and then when she arrived to this “Hill Top Primary” … wait sorry…

“Top Primary Hill” School thingy.

She walked through a loooong corridor, unzipped the big pink bag and lifted the sequinned house and plonked it on a wooden thingy. Ouch!!! Hello!!! That hurt!!!

After a while she unzipped the house, no! pencil case and gave me some sunshine. That is good. Did you know, Diary, I can read, well, learning of course. The board said Tuesday 13th September 2020. It also said English on it! Ooh, interesting! Cecilla took me, her best pencil out and began to write! Uh-Oh, well my head feels wobbly! I think it was from the earthquake! She wrote some more and my head broke off! Aaaagh! Thank God Cecilla told the teacher! “Miss Maple, my lead of my pencil broke! Then, well I guess she, “sharpened me?” I call it an operation but anyway, my head is normal again! Phew.

By Erica 4F

New Year Poem

The year ahead, what will it bring?

At least we may be sure of Spring, Blossom, birds, and budding trees, At least we may be sure of these.

The year ahead, what will it show?

2020 has been full of sorrow, This year, I will be very strong, And soon we will prove Covid 19 wrong.

The year ahead, what will it bring?

Even the merry birds cooed to me, It seemed Covid 19 was stuck to 2020 like glue.

The year ahead, what will it bring?

At least we were hoping for Covid to go, This year 2020 has been so different, and I hope 2021 will be magnificent, The year ahead, what will it give?

We all want to have a special wish, Mine is that this year will be fun, No more lazing around in the boiling hot sun.

By Miraya 4F

The Game

Susie went first. She grasped the dice and threw them onto the centre of the newly found mysterious board. An eight!

Just then and at that moment, she moved the counter eight paces. The square she landed on was the bowling alley.

“What did that have to do with the game? Susie thought.

After what seemed a millisecond, an ominous tornado of mist shot out of the board and once it had reached the centre of the room it became …A gargantuan bowling ball. It rolled slowly all over the classroom which was now ruined.

All the tables were crushed, and the rain-streaked windows were smashed. The colossal ball then powered towards Mrs Albright….

By Amya 4F

OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

39

CREATIVE Writing YEAR 4 The White Witch

Ruling every creature in the land the white witch’s look was as penetrating as an icicle hypnotising every child as they pass.

Cold hearted and powerful, she makes cruel rules without anyone arguing furiously. With food scarce in the winter and animals going hungry, she didn’t seem to care. Attracting people, her long hair drooped down like dead flowers.

Menacingly, her soft furry coat whispered wicked sayings, scaring vicious creatures away. Draped over her shoulders her hair was a dead river of gold cascading down to the floor.

By Amaya 4F

New Year Poem

The year ahead, what will it bring?

At least we may be sure of Spring, Blossom, birds, and budding trees, At least we may be sure of these.

Covid-19 Beware, Vaccines are no longer rare, Social distancing broken into smithereens, Boris cannot issue more Tier Threes, Ever so lonely, learning remotely, I am ready for school completely, So, I hope no more virtual schooling, Or else I will start brawling.

Dreams and wishes and warm kisses, End of distresses and many successes, We shall never shed another tear, Happy New Year, my dear.

By Mahika 4F

A Different World

As I opened the huge oak door, I was amazed by what I saw!

Two golden, brass plates that were full to the brim with biscuits and water. It was a catastrophic cat world, with the little furry creatures in every corner of the room. As I stepped in, a feline as vicious as a lion ran up to me and bit my leg!

A colossal but wonky scratch post towered over me and was the Leaning Tower of Pisa! As I looked up, I was shocked to see a cat in a sturdy tree that was standing over everyone!

Just then, I saw something glinting in the corner of my eye and looked to the side to see the sun smiling at me. Then, I heard a scratching sound and saw a cat jumping as high as a bird jumping at a balloon full to the brim with helium! What a different world!

By Amara 4F

New York Travel Writing

New York is a fantastic place to visit for your holiday. It has fabulous food and lots of famous buildings and statues. The Statue of Liberty is one of them. Did you know each of the seven spikes on her crown represent the seven seas and the seven continents of the world. The construction started in September 1875. The statue of Liberty is a gift from France to America. It is thought that she has been struck 600 times by lightning.

40

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

Another very popular place to visit is the Empire State building as it is one of the world’s tallest buildings. It has seventy - three levels and 1860 stairs. It took over a year to complete the building.

Ground Zero is another place that is worth visiting in New York. On the 11thSeptember 2001 there was a terrorist attack on the twin towers which is now replaced by the One World Trade Center Complex in 2014.

By Mehek 4F

New Year Poem

The year ahead, what will it bring?

At least we may be sure of spring, Blossom, birds, and budding trees, At least we may be sure of these.

Maybe I will plant some seeds, I will gently remove all the weeds.

Through the months they will grow and grow, Is it time to harvest? Yes, or no?

Hopefully, things will open, So, I can use my special token.

No more lockdown or learning online.

So, I can go out and feel the sunshine.

I want to get out of this uncertainty.

So, the world can once more live happily, I’d love to give my grandparents a hug and a kiss, Covid is something we will never miss.

By Alayna 4BW

The Year Ahead

The year ahead, what will it bring?

At least we are sure of spring, Blossoms, birds, and budding trees, At least we may be sure of these.

Dandelions nodding their heads, Blooming, colourful flower beds, Nesting birds, and busy bees, Bushes bursting with green leaves.

Frogs jumping to and fro, Little shrubs begin to grow, The world is turning a bright green, The most magnificent thing I have ever seen.

It is the first-time animals open their eyes, To squint at the blinding sunrise, And it is the first time the flowers appear in the heath.

First time the ladybug crawls up the leaf.

Waterfalls of rain pour down.

And soak into the thirsty ground The snow has melted, I see the sun, The new year has finally come!

By Aleya 4BW

YEAR 4 CREATIVE Writing The Best Part of Me The Best part of me, Are my eyes of course, they glint in the sun, And never show remorse, They are unusually distinctive, And as bright as the sky, They shine like diamonds.

But close when I lie.

By Emilia 4BW

The best part of me is my smile, It helped me make friends for a while, My smile is the brightest sunshine you ‘ll ever see, Or the most colossal rainbow there will ever be, My smile has a great memory, From the time I went to the theme park with my family!

By Mia 4BW

The House of Mysteries

It was a windy Autumn Day, where leaves rushed through the thick curtain of mist that hung in the air. The clouds had completely blocked out the sun, so that barely any light shone through. Lucy sat in the back of the carriage and her face pressed against the window. She thought about the journey and how she had been bundled into the carriage with her brother and sister and sent off hastily. It seemed like her parents had only wished to get rid of her. It felt like everything had been taken away from her, her home, her parents, her life. Lucy sighed heavily.

Meanwhile her older siblings, Kate and Will sat with their eyes fixed onto the winding road ahead. Before they knew it the children arrived at the house and Will politely bid farewell to the driver, though he secretly resented the journey. He marched up to the front door of the house and struck the brass wolf-shaped knocker. An old man with a dangling beard and kind eyes welcomed the children and showed them to their room in the attic.

As soon as she set eyes on the house, which was enveloped in vines of ivy, Lucy knew there was something strange about the house. This made Lucy devise a plan to investigate the house. The room Lucy was sleeping in had cobwebs all over it and was very creepy. Lucy ate a small dinner and decided to pretend to fall asleep. As soon as her siblings fell asleep Lucy lit the lantern and crept downstairs and to her regret, she could hear weird noises…

By Anika 4BW

The Diary of An Ice cream

What’s Up Diary, You will never believe what happened to me today. Let us start from the beginning then. I was carried along in a battered, smelly van that stunk. At least, Chocie Chip was there, chatting a lot and muttering about the party ahead.

Finally, after the monotonous hours of voyaging, we arrived at the party. There was loud noisy music, tons of food and children. Oh, I do hate kids, Diary. I got placed on a large,

wooden table and then suddenly, someone scooped me up hurting my creamy head. Owww!! After that he attached me on an ice cream holder, yelling “Ice cream for sale “, “Come and buy ice cream”, he yelled and screamed. He was really desperate and soon a queue of people formed snaking around the emerald-green park.

After I heard clinking of money, I got raised to a mouthwatering heavily. I was ecstatic. I was being enjoyed, HOORAY!!! With a lick of the tongue. I, Icecita fell from the world down to the grubby ground. URGH!!!! I’ll update you on more tomorrow. BTW, I am feeling a little too warm.

By Megha 4BW

The Night-time Discovery

Jack sighed. It had been a long day at the Museum. There had been stuffed animals to groom, the plants to water, the robotic dinosaurs to recharge and the stone gargoyles to polish. Jack often wondered about the gargoyles and asked the All-knowing long-standing worker, Richard if he could shed some light on the gargoyles. Unfortunately, he did not know anything as well. The mystery continues…

As Jack walked past the gargoyle glass cage, he saw a sign that read, BE WARNED OF THE DANGERS OF THESE GARGOYLES EVERY FULL MOON! Jack blinked!!

As it happens it is full moon tonight thought Jack.

It was night-time and Jack watched with bated breath at the ugly stone gargoyles, the grandfather clock chimed, and Jack saw the gargoyles moving their legs slowly. Jack felt as though he was hallucinating but he heard a voice shouting, “hurry up”!! It was the gargoyles chatting and shouting amongst themselves…

Was this a dream in a night stay at the museum or was it real? Was Jack having nightmares?

By Elina 4BW OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

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CREATIVE Writing YEAR 4 The Globe-Trotter

As Gretel strolled into the library, she gazed at the masses of books around her. So familiar she thought. She was back. Her Adventure was over. She was safe. No kangaroos with huge jaws. She heard a low growl. Oh no! the kangaroo was there!

Oh help! As she stumbled her hand contacted the globe. As she started spinning, her only thought was “Oh no, not again!”

The library was old, Musty, Melancholy. I stepped in there with no fear. I wanted to know what magic was going on in there. It was fabled. I was curious. I stepped inside. There was a row of globes. Very strange I thought, I looked at them very carefully, but one stood out immediately. It was dusty, but beautiful, its lettering peeled, but the colour shone like stars plucked from the night sky. I love it!

I reached out to touch it, it was so beautiful. My fingers skimmed the silky surface. But as soon as my hand lay down on the globe my hand started spinning as soon as I touched Australia. Keep calm, I told myself. I was just mesmerised…

I opened one eye, then the other. Is it over yet? I heard myself whispering. Ignoring my body’s silent plea for rest, I hauled myself to see where I was. The ground was cracked and dry but turned a whole shade of neon pink. It was incredulous! The trees were tall, with lanky trunks and swirls of candy floss leaves on top that were bright orange. What is more, there were little green rocky caves dotted all around the place for miles. Dried up blue leaf skeletons littered the ground. A purple creature with huge ears and a pouch in its belly bounded up. I assumed it must be a kangaroo. This place is definitely magical!

By Zehra 4BW

My Greek Myth

A long, long time ago, a young slave girl called Linda stood by the window, jealously watching the children playing by the forum. How she wished she could be with them, free and happy. Linda and her youngest brother had to serve Master Frankerditck as they were poor and scruffy but very good at housework.

One day as she was scrubbing the marbled courtyard by the flower gardens, a sensation that someone was watching her came over Linda. She looked up and saw a faint figure making its way through the gardens. She hurriedly went up to the kitchen where her naughty little brother was gobbling up olives. She slapped her brother as he had chores to finish. As she turned around, she saw a giant snake crawling behind her, and it spoke to her. The snake said,” You are a lucky girl, I can grant you one wish, “What would you like my dear?”

Immediately Linda replied, “please, oh please set me free!!”

The only way in which I can grant your wish is that you will have to eat an olive from the master’s bowl, hissed the snake.

Linda managed to eat an olive from the master’s bowl and found herself free on the street next day. She soon realised that she had no food and no shelter. She sobbed herself to sleep and felt distraught and hungry. As she sobbed, she saw the snake appear again. The snake said, “I hope you have learnt your lesson!”

The slave girl asked the snake to retract her wish and make her a slave girl again, where she enjoyed a comfortable life.

By Melissa 4BW 42

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The Greek Game

The moment the pencils rattled on the table and began to shake and rattle, the windows vibrated, and the Greek temples fell off their shelves. Rapidly the sky turned into a coal black colour, and the clouds closed in. An ominous feeling struck across the class and the children scuffled under the tables. Suddenly there was a bright light and a humungous Hydra appeared. The screens on the iPad shattered when the hydra made a deafening scream. At that moment it sprang into action. The hydra spat venom at the windows and dissolved the maths textbooks, it kicked the children sending them flying around the ruined classroom. The children’s eyes were wide with horror and Freya shouted above the chaos, “Is this a dream?”.

“We need to stop this immediately!”, “Look at Mrs Albright!”, cried Danny.

The hydra was hissing at Mrs Albright and her rancid breath filling the room.

As the hydra was getting closer and closer to Mrs Albright, Danny read the instructions on the box.

To end the game the player needed to get two sixes!

Danny gave the dice to Suzie who managed to roll the dice a few times before managing to get the double six.

Suddenly the hydra and bright light had vanished! Everything was back to normal, and Mrs Albright was sitting at her desk sipping her cup of tea and furiously marking her books.

By Shivani 4BW

YEAR 5 CREATIVE Writing Bob Cratchett Diary Entry

Dear Diary, This dismal morning was as cold as the arctic and I did not feel like going to work today but I knew Scrooge would take money from me if I stayed home. My family are already poor so for my dear family’s sake I stepped out to begin my sober walk to work. I dreaded the idea of asking mean grumpy Scrooge for a day off tomorrow, its Christmas but I knew he would just shout “BAH HUMBUG”. The office was dark and cold like a stony cave and there was only a small oil heater to keep me warm. I knew bitter old man Scrooge would never let me light a match because he hates me being comfortable. I will try to ask him at the end of the day.

By Sophia 5H

My stomach gurgled – pleading, begging me for the sweet taste of food. Hauling myself on the dirt encrusted roof I stared on the void of expression at the black darkness. It was time to go. Wobbling, I darted across the rooftop as nimble as a ballet dancer. My heart thumped in its rib cage, almost wanting to come out as I transfixed my eyes on the dangerous gap between the two buildings. I had to do it. I had to jump. I stared in utter, sheer horror. There was no way I could ever make this. I gathered my fears together, imagining they were going to fall off the rooftop. Not me. I lunged using my last ounce of energy. Finally I felt my hand grip the solid, dirty wall.

I did it. But things were going to get worse. Much worse.

By Shriyana 5H

Jabberwocky Inspired Poem: The Gooeywack

‘Twas midnight when the gooey ball, Did grow and expand in the cave.

All hungry were the animals And the Antac did crave.

“Beware the Gooeywack my girl!

The eyes that stare, the trunk that splats.

Beware the Mooncroown fish and pearl, The deep dark cave and mat.”

She took her goinem spear in hand, Long time the wo-people she fought.

So sat down she by the wo-co leaf, And rested a bit she ought.

And as in millow thought she stood, The Gooeywack with skin of green.

Came trotting through the thick tree hoods, Causing quite a scene.

One two! One two! And through! And through!

The goinem spear went shu-shu-shack.

She left it dead and with its bed, She went monsuming back.

“And has thou slain the Gooeywack?

Come to my arms my loving child!

Oh greatsome day! Callooh! Callay!”

He liggled then he smiled.

‘Twas midnight when the gooey ball, Did shrink and deflate in the cave.

All hungry were the animals, And the Antac did crave.

By Emerson 5H

Roof toppers Climbing

(Extract) Suddenly arrows of lightning tore the inky, black night sky apart, ripping its belly and flooding the land. It was as if the heavens were being torn apart by jagged spears of lightning – the thunder howling in pain. I gripped the crumbling ledge, my fingers clammy with exhaustion and trembling with pain. No. This could not be the end. I had starved myself. Hurt myself.

All for my mother. She had to be alive, I had evidence! I had to live for at least one more day.

Around the World

After all the months of preparation and building excitement, the big day had finally arrived. In unison, the balloons all took off into the air, leaving the cheering crowd far below, gasping at the magnificent spectacle. A difficult journey lay ahead, and surely not all of the balloons would make it, but they had to try- the prize of £1,000,000 for the first crew to make it around the world was great incentive…

The beautiful multicoloured cliffs of Mexico towered around the racing ground for the balloons. All sorts of patterns were delicately printed onto each balloon representing their countries, making a miraculous sight to see. It was only about an hour in when the hot air balloon’s thatched basket seemed to drop abruptly. About 2 meters. The whole crew jumped with fear and all the sleeping bags and pots, and pans jerked to the edge of the basket, like it was a magnet. Then again.

The balloon was dropping, and fast. Panicked, all the crew adjusted the ropes, but all that it did was make it drop faster.

A tempestuous gust of cold air drifted the multicoloured balloon sideways onto a cliff edge. Everyone was panicking.

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CREATIVE Writing YEAR 5 The race had only just started but had gone wrong for their team. Would all of these months of dreaming and working for this one race go to waste in a blink of an eye? I ran my sweaty fingers along the rough basket, made of wood, and ran a plan for a safe landing through my head. I smelt the cold and salty sea and could almost taste the bitterness. I was too scared to cry, the noise of my crew mates panicking some what motivated me to keep them safe as a captain. My hair was spaghetti flying in the air. BANG! The balloon had hit into the cliff edge. The wind howled as it crashed us again and again and again. This was my last chance as a captain to save my crew. I ran to the ropes; adrenaline pumping inside of me and pulled the balloon up and onto a cliff edge.

By Maya 5H

How do Beavers Make Dams?

Beavers play a big part in nature by building dams that trap water and creates a wetland, which attracts frogs, fish, toads and other critters. Beavers are also a bit of a nuisance in a way. Read on to find out more! Beaver dams create cosy homes for beavers and their families. They act as filters that keep toxins and sediment out of the ocean. They have been building dams for over 20 million years!

What can beaver dams do?

Beaver dams can prevent floods as they create wetlands which suck up water, which, in turn, prevent potential floods.

Beaver dams can also block ditches.

Why are beaver dams bad?

Sometimes, when beaver dams are left for a long time, the tree wood which the dam is made out of can rot if it permanently touches water. This means that all the wood that has been collected collapses, which lets all the water flow out, which can cause a flood. This doesn’t happen very often as wood usually takes years, sometimes decades to rot. Beavers can also chew trees that can be really valuable or expensive.

How do beavers make dams?

1. First, they get some sticks and branches and pile them on top of each other. If they need more, they can use their sharp teeth to chew through trees to gather some.

2. Next, they strip the bark from the trees.

3. Next, they get mud from the bottom of the lake and use it to hold the walls together.

4. They then use stones to weigh the base down.

5. Finally, they burrow underground to make an underground entrance.

By Hannah 5H

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Jabberwocky Inspired Poem – The JabberKettle ‘‘Twas midnight and the house slumdeep, Did groal and slumbore in the dark, All unaware were the joy peeps And the twinkles shone and spark,

Beware the Jabbakettle my son!

The steam that flows, the shine that glows Beware Dripdrip drop and shun, The wehot Komodo, He took his empty cup in hand Long time the thirsty fill he sought, So he rested by the Toast Toast tree, And tapped his hands in thought, And as uneasy thought he stood, The Jabbakettle with a click of life, Came bubbling through the magnet wood, And whistled as it came One two one two! And through and through, The empty cup went lick and lack, He left it dead and with his shed he went prolacking back And hast though slain the Jabbakettle with its shed Oh come to my arms my amazing boy!

Oh fandile day. Challoh Callay!

He laughed to him his joy ‘‘Twas midnight and the house slumdeep, Did groal and slumbore in the dark, All unaware were the joy peeps And the twinkles shone and spark,

By Isha 5H

The Lost Thing

Have you ever found a lost thing? I have. I was walking past the lake doing the usual thing, skimming stones. The sun was shining, and the lake was sparkling emerald. I looked down at my feet. The perfect stone! It had smooth round edges, so it really caught my eye. When I threw it, it made the perfect sound. I went further along the bank, hoping to find some more. That is when I saw it. It was an extraordinary sight. It looked peculiar. It had a single eye, with spikes coming out of its only leg. I sat next to it hoping some of the locals would come and claim it. I was there for a few hours playing with the thing. Back to those happy days with someone to play with.I called out to the locals who were walking past. As a little girl walked by I called to her “Is this yours?” She just walked on.

An elderly woman walked by, I asked the same question. She just said, “Horrid girl.” As the daylight was fading and night came, I had no choice but to take it home, no one noticed that I had the thing. I thought that was a bit strange.

At home, I brought the thing upstairs and hid it in my wardrobe. The next night when my mum came to find

YEAR 5 CREATIVE Writing my pyjamas, she found the thing. I held my breath. She just laughed. “Why have you put a ginormous fan in your wardrobe?” She took it out and said she would throw it away.

I had to think quick. I found a riddle one my bed, on the back it said ‘5 Romsey Lane, HA938X’ I sat there thinking about the riddle for a while. I hadn’t thought of much. None of my ideas worked. WEST! I had finally figured it out. Then I remembered that there was an address. I got mum to drop me there. It was a very dull place, you wouldn’t find it unless you were looking for it.

When my mum asked why I needed to come here, I said it was a dump yard and I was getting rid of the fan. Of course, I didn’t have the slightest clue to where we were. I went in.

Each of the four corners in the room had a direction ‘N, E, S, W’. WEST! Cautiously I made my way over to the west sign.

In the darkness I could make out a small latch door. As I approached it, it creaked open. Once inside I pulled a small rubbery handle. The wall creaked upwards making an earpiercing sound. After a few minutes, the door was fully open.

I looked inside and to my greatest surprise it was a beautiful sight. There were many odd but beautiful things. The room was complete with a dim pink glossy light.

By Ruhi 5H

Solitary Existence

Six months earlier, Ben had lived in the city. Life had been busy; a constant buzz of people and traffic. In some ways, living in the city had been comforting, as if he was part of an urban family, a melting pot of people of all ages and all walks of life. However, Ben had tired of that life; it was now time for a change of direction. Standing on his porch, Ben drew breath.

As the clean, cool air filled his lungs, a smile spread across his face.

Ben was used to a life of luxury, but this was enough for him. Shelter and food was all he needed and that is what he had. The roof over his head was a tiny little hut that was stood in the middle of a river, with a porch as big as the inside itself. Beneath the house was a large uneven rock that held the house up. Useful steps were carved into the rock that held the house up. Hours of labour was spent on those steps, and if anything happened to them Ben would be devastated.

Moss-green tiles covered most of the roof, a few missing in some places. The house itself was made of sturdy red bricks and a couple of dirt-ridden windows to let some light into the building, if you could even call it that. Ben had built it himself and was very proud of it. Standing in the golden sunlight, he flicked back his auburn-brown hair and stared out across the river with his grass-green eyes, admiring where he now lived. Rumbling ferociously, Ben’s stomach erupted inside of him, begging to be fed. Ben didn’t feel like going fishing at this time in the morning. Eventually, he gave in to his desperate stomach, and carefully made his way down the wonky grey steps to his tomato-red canoe boat. Grabbing his fishing equipment, Ben clambered into his small boat and set off.

Fishing was something he had known how to do since he was a young boy. He had gone to a Scouts group, where they learned plenty of survival skills and much more. The only thing that it hadn’t taught him was how to swim. Although Ben detested fish, it was the only way to get some food into

him. In the city, takeaways and fast food would always be an option. After a while out on the water with no fish caught, the weather became worryingly and progressively worse. The current produced marvellous waves that slapped the rushing water as they each came down. Gulping, Ben tried to ignore it and focused on his fishing. The river pressured Ben to return to the safety of his home without any food, but Ben persisted and pushed the thought out of his mind.

After about 3 hours later, without any success, he began to give up. ‘Wait’, Ben thought, ‘What was that… a fish!’. As fast as a bullet train, a large, magnificent salmon leaped out of the air and glided gracefully back into the water. Twisting and turning, the fast fish made it clear that it was not as easy to catch as it seemed. With his practice in the city, Ben saw this as merely a little fun. Before he knew it, Ben had snatched it out of the water with his rod, and begun examining it with wide, intrigued eyes…

By Serena 5H

Rooftoppers Climbing Passage

BOOM! A bullet just passed a centimetre away from me. I kept on going. My heart thumped in my chest, my pulse raced, my eyes widened. Trying to grip onto the black, boulders of jagged rock my hands burned red. The mountain was covered in a ghostly blanket of dark, mysterious, which blinded my vision. I could only feel the freezing, slippery surface of the mountain and hear the wailing police sirens approaching me.

My energy died away. I kept on going. My foot slipped. I was dangling across the edge with a 1000m drop. One mistake, then it’s over. My foot swung onto the ledge. I gritted my teeth and got to my feet. Stranded on a miniature ledge, I looked down. “I can’t!”. The officer came climbing closer and closer, his bullets all ready, handcuffs jingled. Was this the end?

CRASH! The lightning struck through the clouds. Rocks rolling down the mountain, making the mountain even more of an obstacle course. Sweat dripped down my face, knees bruised and battered, I kept on going. Every nerve in my body screamed, as the pain tore through my head. My legs were noodles, my hands gripping on for dear life. All this for nothing? My hands slid off the greasy rock. My legs couldn’t save me. My legs buckled under me; the ground came closer.

Only a second to live…

By Grace 5H

The Cupboard

I was sitting in the back of the class listening to Mr Harrison drone on about the angles in a triangle, and while I was trying to understand I didn’t know when I was ever going to need this knowledge. But just as I was starting to listen properly, I heard a muffled scratching sound, like rusty nails being shoved down a blackboard. I pushed the thought to the back of my mind. I must have just needed more sleep.

I turned back to the whiteboard, but two sapphires met my eyes instead of the usual dirty blonde head, Mr Harrison was standing in front of me. “Why are you not doing your work?”, he asked through a forced grin, “stay inside at break and try the cupboard” he walked away muttering something like ‘she OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

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CREATIVE Writing YEAR 5 better not find it’ under his breath. Before I could listen to him the noise came again, this time it was not me but before I had time to dwell on it any longer Mr Harrison told me to go clean up the cupboard. I agreed and grudgingly walked off to the cupboard. But then I noticed something I hadn’t before, a hollow pounding beneath my feet, and among all the clutter a glint of silver grabbed my eye. Removing all the mess, I carefully pulled on the metal latch to reveal a long coiling staircase leading to an old dilapidated and dusty room. I saw a figure creeping towards me and then with the speed of a cheetah it had pinned me to the ground. I remember a sharp pain in the back of my head. The last noise I heard was that of a rusty key being turned in a door. I was locked in…

By Anya 5H

The Cupboard of Doom

“Er… Mrs Rungle?” I said.

“Yes, Ana?” She said sharply.

“Mrs Rungle, there’s a noise coming from the back of the classroom.”

“Now Ana,” she said sternly, “I won’t have any of your tricks today.”

“But-“ “Alright, alright. But if you are lying…” With her magical teacher powers, she managed to get everyone to be quiet.

Then she listened. She must have heard the noises, for she shrieked and shrunk backwards, bumping into me. “An..

Ana..?” She stuttered. “C.. could you go and ch.. check?” I sighed and lingered over to the cupboard. My hand shaking, I opened the cupboard door, and stepped inside. Bang! I jumped and turned around- the cupboard door had shut. By itself. I forced myself to believe that it was nothing but the fact that the door was so old. I wrinkled my nose, suddenly wishing I was in the classroom again. The cupboard smelt like a dead possum who had been buried next to a rotten egg.

As far as I could see, there was nothing there- that is if you didn’t count the four small whiteboard pens which had so much dust on them it looked like fur. I doubled back to get out of the cupboard when something brushed against my back and clattered to the floor. I picked it up. It was a tile from the bottom of the cupboard- a false back…

By Ana 5SW

A Chimpanzee’s Life

It was another stiflingly humid day in the rainforest. The rain was a welcome and refreshing break from it. Dylan could hear a rumble of distant thunder: a sure sign that this was just the beginning of the storm. Holding a large leaf over himself, he sat comfortably on the tree stump. Raindrops drummed on the flat surface of the leaf like impatient fingertips, but Dylan didn’t mind. He stared into the forest, wondering when his companions would return… Timidly he sat on the thin bony branch, he closed his wrinkled eyelids. He didn’t seem that bothered as most days were like this, he was uncared for.

Where could his parents have gone? Dylan bit his cracked lip anxiously, whilst worries swam through his raging mind.

He picked another emerald, green leaf from the dense tree impatiently. The anguished sky screamed viciously while heavy 46

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rain thumped on the pool of thick mud. The trees gathered into a sea green umbrella to create a shelter. As Dylan sat on the slippery chocolate branch he shivered nervously. Where could his parents be? They said they would be back in no time and that was hours ago. Thump. THUMP! Thunder came oozing out of the night sky and Dylan was petrified! His heart was beating as loud as a drum. The fear felt like there was a million daggers stabbing into his body.

By Lily 5SW

The Deep Dark Secret of NLCS: A Gothic Story

As Mrs Scanlon lectured on about wellbeing and Mind Your 5, I watched Mr Wilkes rummage through his chocolate drawer filled with the most glorious tasting chocolate from Switzerland. I took a glance outside at the rather stormy windy weather. A sound drowned out Mrs Scanlon’s chatter.

Was it a scratch? I looked at my friend wondering if she had heard it, but she was too engrossed in the lesson. I carried on glancing at people. Shai was turning her titles into doodles and Ada was rapidly digging through her pencil case and happened to find her long lost pink highlighter. Then there was a clatter.

I desperately nudged Ana to see if she heard but she smiled and returned to her daydreams. I burst out of my seat saying, ‘Can I phone my mum, I’m feeling rather sick?’ Mrs Scanlon gave me a vicious stare and nodded. I ran to the cupboard wondering if the sound came from there. I closed my eyes and thrust open the rusted door which creaked loudly.

By Anushri 5SW

Rooftoppers of Paris

She took a wobbling step onto the desolate building’s roof.

Tiles slipped onto the street below as she cautiously walked across the dangerous roof. Her heart was in her mouth. Even a gentle gust of wind was enough to make Chloe tremble.

She steadied herself. Took a few more steps. The wind was whipping her dirty blonde hair in her face. She cursed those rooftoppers for picking such a windy day for her challenge.

Just as she reached the end of the roof a tile slipped, and she fell screaming. A minute later the screaming subsided... A portly gentleman heard the scream. He looked up and saw a girl clinging onto a windowsill. He shrugged and walked on. This was normal in Paris. The muscles in Chloe’s arms screamed as she heaved herself up onto the roof. Fixing a determined expression on her face, she advanced. But there was a gaping gap between the two roofs... “Find a way across to the next roof and you are in the gang,” resounded a voice startling Chloe, “you have 15 minutes.” She observed her surroundings. Between that roof and the next there was a 50-foot drop. She gulped feeling that familiar feeling of her heart pounding loudly. She looked at a tall oak tree that was around 4 metres away and then at a pipe with a sharp bit of metal jutting out of the side. Hope blossomed in her chest. Chloe desperately wanted to get into the Rooftoppers gang. She would try her hardest. Utmost. Determinedly, she leapt towards the tree. Swinging with one arm, desperately clinging to a branch she pulled her body towards the tree.

YEAR 5 CREATIVE Writing The sun was setting. Darkness engulfed the city. She breathed deeply. Next, she jumped onto the pipe. Crying out as pain seared through her arm, she realised that she had sliced a deep cut. When she made it onto the roof, she saw a gang of rooftoppers. Some looking eager and others nervous. She felt right at home. But most had a welcoming look on their faces.

Jones the leader exclaimed, “You have made it onto the roof.

I feel you are going to be a promising rooftopper.”. “But I cut myself.” Chloe cried, “Rooftoppers aren’t meant to be cut.’

“That jump is impossible to without hurting yourself.”

By Anya 5SW

Night Climber

Freezing Hands, chapped lips, Nothing between me and the darkness. Hands slipping from sweat and legs blood covered! I am a Night Climber, and no one can ever know.

When I get to the top of my roof after wriggling up the drainpipe and cutting my hands on glass, I run across the rooftops leaping like a bird and when the jumps get too big my rope will take care of that! Tie it to a chimney and swing across the sky! This is my favourite place in Paris, and it is all mine, the birds are my only friends, they appreciate who I am! In return for their kindness my rope comes in handy too!

Tightropes are tricky if you don’t know how to find balance, but easy if you do!

I stand on my tightrope and stare out at the glimmering view; I sing a song to summon them, and they reply with coo coo coo! They flutter round me like butterflies circling in the winter breeze. My heart sinks that one of these creatures must be my dinner soon! They take the seeds from my hand gratefully and with ease. They peck at me with grace, I wonder though what would it be like to be a bird free to go free to fly free to be. If anything, just not me!

I would like to be a bird now I ponder this some more, I wonder this while I am staring at the Paris in all its splendid glory! Now for the journey back. I am not as joyful as when I came but it is still a thrill to be on the rooftops just the same.

A warning to other Night Climbers, if you get caught your life will never be the same again.

By Giorgie 5SW

Paris Rooftoppers

As I shimmied round the chimney, I caught my first view of the Parisian skyline. It was dusk, and the last rays of the sun enveloped me in a hazy golden mist. The city laid out before me looked like a toy town, with its miniature cars and people.

A palette of colours had exploded across the sky, and, in the midst of it all, the sinking sun shone like a beacon of fire. In stark contrast to the vibrant sky, the dark, sulking silhouette of the city created the impression that a slightly menacing surprise was lurking round the corner. I didn’t pay any attention to it. A gentle breeze tickled my face like a feather as I stared, eyes shining, at the beautiful view I could see. In the distance, the majestic Eiffel Tower stood tall and proud in the centre of Paris, lit up by the rainbow colours of the sky.

I felt as if I was on top of the world and a glow of happiness spread through me. Sighing, I forced myself to divert my attention from the skyline. I had to keep moving. Or I would

face the unendurable consequences. That was the only thing that could stop my eyes from straying back to the view.

Taking one more glance back at the view, I began to run.

Immediately, I felt happier than I ever had before. Elation fizzed through me as I soared across the rooftops. I felt as though I was a swallow, swooping through the night sky.

Joy swooped around in my stomach, a churning mess of excitement and fear. Excitement had captured me.

In an attempt to cheat and fool… Suddenly, I came to a halt at a massive gap between two rooftops. Every nerve in my body warned me not to go closer, but I had to. Just thinking about the consequences made me shudder and urged me to go on. Taking a deep breath, I jumped. For a second it seemed I would land the jump perfectly, but I had misjudged it, and was plummeting towards the earth. However, in a split second I grabbed hold of the edge of a roof. Fear settled on me like a dark fog, bringing a chill no amount of heat could drive away. My body was tense, hands sweating, jaw clenched.

How long would it be till somebody found me? Would I survive until then?

By Anaya 5SW

Ben’s Adventure

Ben was tall for an 11-year-old with wavy light chocolate coloured hair and warm brown eyes. He was wearing jaggedly cut shorts and a t-shirt that said, ‘I’m a superhero.’ Suddenly he lost his footing slipped and tumbled into the icy lake. It was like being pierced by a thousand daggers. The shock forced away all his breath. It was colder than he had ever imagined. Unfortunately, when he fell, he had hit his head on the rock and started to bleed. He was drifting on the edge of unconsciousness when a blurry shape whipped by. Was he hallucinating or was that real? It came again and again closer and closer. This time there was no mistaking it - there was a shark in his lake. He forced his way upwards and gasped taking a deep breath ignoring the throbbing in his head he dived down again.

By Clara 5SW

A Gothic Tale

It was 10 minutes till break time and Mrs Scanlon was in the middle of teaching us about how to write a good story when I heard a muffled moaning coming from the direction of the cupboard. I wondered if anyone else heard it so I nudged Alice to see if she heard it but she just ignored me. I was about to ask Anushri but then I remembered that she was sick today. I looked around but the only person that was not looking was Ella. I searched my messy desk and found a scrap paper, so I began to write a small message to her. After I wrote the message, I folded it to make a paper aeroplane.

Then I threw it to her. She nodded at me.

We crept in at break time and opened the cupboard.

Everything happened quickly after that. All I remember is lying on the floor Ella staring back at me. I realised that I must have fainted. The floor was damp and muddy. It smelt disgusting.

Then the moaning started again. Small rats were running loose, and it was not a pleasant place to be. “OH NO,” Ella cried “we are trapped.” I looked around and saw only a small OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

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CREATIVE Writing YEAR 5 streak of light coming from what I assumed was the trap door I fell through. Suddenly, I noticed that the door was closing at a fast pace, so I warned Ella. She launched herself at the door and scrambled through. I jumped but it was too late, and I drowned in the darkness. As my eyes adjusted, I noticed something that made me shiver.

It was a human, but not any human, a North Londoner. I had walked for what seemed like an hour and I must have reached the room that was called ‘The Dungeons.’ I crept up to the figure. She turned around and screamed. She must have noticed my school uniform for she calmed down and explained that she was here as a punishment. That explained the moaning. Just then we heard a series of footsteps, and we made a dash for it. I did not know where we were going but I went along with the girl. The footsteps were close behind.

Then we ran into a dead end. The only way was up. We climbed into a passage in the ceiling and shut the door behind us. We could hear the hammering of fists banging at the door.

That was when I noticed my surroundings. I could only see lava and rock. Meanwhile, Ella ran to the teachers and told them everything.

By Shai 5SW

The Shipwreck

All was calm as the ship lay there, as if in a peaceful sleep, gently rocking in the swaying wind in the tranquil bay. The sea barely moved and was covered in a thin layer of feathery mist that sat on top of the water like a comforting bundle, illuminated by the fading sunlight. A bird landed leaning on the mast of an isolated ship, pleased to have found a resting place after a long journey. Everything seemed to have turned bloodred. The sun looked down on the bay from his position in the sky, soon to go to sleep itself, casting a light over the clouds and the milky water in the bay.

By Mia 5SW

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The Lost Thing

Have you ever found a lost thing? Well, I did, and it was only a couple of months ago. The whole thing started when I was walking in the woods, collecting autumn leaves with different sized caterpillar holes. The blazing, yellow sun was setting over the horizon, but out of the corner of my eye, I saw a ray of bright light settle on a huge leaf. I picked it up and collapsed in happiness. I had just found a leaf with a hairy, slug nosed caterpillar hole in it! As I fell, my head hit a hard, rather strange object. I turned my head around and noticed a most peculiar thing. I could see a large washing machine in the middle of an old-fashioned telephone. Its eyes blinked at me, its trunk was waving around frantically, and its legs were kicking through the mud. I looked around, but I saw no-one.

The thing must have been lost. My eyes scanned the area, looking for anyone who could help me. In the distance, I saw a policeman, marching on the spot, watching for danger. I ran up to him, and shouted my dilemma through his thick, blue helmet but he turned around, brushing his navy suit on my arm. He must have been too busy to help. Policemen can be like that to little boys, they can think that children are small and childish, and that they shouldn’t be wasting precious time.

Further on, I spied a litter picker reluctantly shoving empty packets and tissues into his bag. I told him my problem, but he kept trying to give me a bent litter-picking stick and a ripped plastic bag.

After about an hour, I decided to take my lost thing to the local library. The librarian has read so many things, name any book and she will talk for two hours about her favourite character, or the funniest part. I treaded quietly into the library, but my lost thing couldn’t help stamping its enormous elephant-like feet. Quite a few people looked up from their newspaper or comic and scratched their heads as we passed by, even an old man spilt his coffee all over himself! When we finally arrived at the librarian’s desk, I asked her if she knew about my lost thing, but she was too busy drinking her hot, frothy coffee and scanning overdue library books. When she finally looked up at me through her black, circular spectacles, I shouted at her, she whispered, “Shhhh! Go and take a seat!”

In a minute, she came over and studied the lost thing closely.

By Aaradhita 5SW

YEAR 6 CREATIVE Writing The Angel of the Central Line As the train approached me, the rattling came to a sudden stop.

I glanced up at the man, who deferentially offered me a hand when the train doors banged open. Cautiously, I stepped inside the train, my rescuer behind me. But as the train doors shut I felt something was wrong. It was almost as if I was trapped…

I took a seat in the nearest chair and had a chance to observe the train in greater detail. There were posters stuck on the wall but when I tried to read them they seemed to be in a different language and were splattered with dirt and grime. Again, I peered up at my companion, who had so far seemed friendly and willing to help me. He looked down at me with a scornful expression. It was as though his eyes were seeing through me.

By Ankita 6B My companion nudged me forward gently, inviting me to get on this strange train. The doors slid open smoothly. Without hesitation, I stepped on. I would not be late after all! But as I peered around, a problem occurred to me. The train was not normal, not like the ones you would usually board. From the outside, everything had looked completely fine. Graffiti, scratches and peeled off paint. Nothing had seemed out of place. But inside… For a start, it was completely empty.

Usually, the trains would’ve been packed with people going off to work. But no, there was not a single breathing thing there.

By Coco 6B I peered out at the thundering train. Its glowing lights flashing in the darkness reminded me if flashes of lightning. The train screamed as it gradually slowed down like a racehorse coming to a stop. The noble steed pulled up in front of me and a carriage door lined up perfectly with my feet. I gazed at the train walls. Shiny, glittering metallic surfaces stood before me as I looked up at my companion. Slowly rumbling, the carriage door shook like a distressed rocking horse and began to open.

I jumped in shock. The train’s floor was rough and glassy, the passengers all looked familiar.

By Libby 6B The train came to a sudden, very abrupt halt. It looked like a normal train with the same Virgin label patched onto the snow-white body. The door opened, making an agonised wail. I lifted my foot slowly. As I was about to step onto the train, it shuddered rather unwelcomingly. “Don’t worry,” said my companion, “jump on.” I was starting to feel a bit uncomfortable. It felt like the train was warning me when it rumbled, telling me not to board.

By Aashna 6B

Journey Through Time

The machine came to a shaking halt. Out of the window I would see a bush blocking my view. I wondered what world was hiding behind that piece of greenery – I had to see.

My shoulders were rigid, legs wobbly, lips dry, and hair plastered to my forehead. Each step took me closer to the new world, the future, the unknown. Would I do it? Open the door? Or was this all for nothing? “No.” I was going to do this. My hand quivered like a string as it grabbed the handle.

I pushed down and opened the door. The first thing I thought

was “air” – I needed air. My lungs were screaming, and my heart seemed like it was trying to break out of my ribcage. Green mist fogged my vision and it felt like my throat was on fire. I tried to clear my mind and think. What had caused the green fog? How could you make it stop? Was I going to die? But no. Air, only thing I could think of. I wanted air. I needed air.

By Chloe 6B

A Cruel Character

She always had her cane with her. Not for balance – that cane was for hitting the children in her care. Her shrewd face would stare at you as she sat there with her leather covered book. No one ever saw her read it – it just lay in her lap. Her mouth was as sour as a green gooseberry and every word that came out of her mouth was meticulously chosen. Her scrawny, pale fingers would reach out and perch on your shoulder, causing you to shudder. Every time she came to babysit the children would be down on their knees pleading with their parents not to leave. She made the children clean the house and scrub the tiles one-by-one in the kitchen.

By Anaya 6B

Dracula

“Dinner will be ready in a half-hour,” said the Count and he shut the door behind him. I was left alone in the dark, dank room. One lone, barred window dimly lit the space and a dying hearth crackled softly in the corner. The large white bed stood out like a beacon. The atmosphere felt musty and humid, as if no one had been in the room for years. I stood up on my toes and reached for the barred window. Suddenly a strange figure rushed past the opening. I blinked. My eyes must have been deceiving me. Surely no human could fly. I shook my head. It must have been a bird of some sort. Well, a large bird for it to have fitted the description of the thing that I glimpsed. I looked at my watch. I had ten minutes until supper and decided to explore.

By Aanya 6B

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CREATIVE Writing YEAR 6 Dracula

As I wandered through the corridors, trying to find my way to the dining room where I was expected for dinner with the Count, I stumbled upon a great chamber. It was a stately eating hall. Not the dining room I was trying to find, though, for the tables were covered in dust and the tablecloths were stained. Some of the chairs were strangely up turned. Then suddenly I thought I heard the faint rustle of fur. This thought soon passed, however, as I merely assumed that the Count may have a small dog. I rounded the corner of the room and saw nothing, which puzzled me greatly. I looked up. A bat hung from the ornate cornices of the hall.

By Leonora 6B

Calculator

You contain a whole world of knowledge In the space of a chocolate bar.

And your mathematical calculations Will take me very far.

As she watched Maya and Maddie giggle together, a look of pure hatred spread across Sasha’s face. Her hands balled into fists and she moved in determined strides towards them.

Doubt clouded Sasha’s mind so she decided to spy instead. A silver chain appeared, and Maya fastened the necklace around Maddie’s pale throat. An angry tear rolled down Sasha’s face and she flushed red. “I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!” she screamed and ran forwards towards Maddie. Sasha grabbed the necklace and yanked as hard as she could.

“I can’t breathe!” gasped Maddie and Maya tried desperately to restrain Sasha who pushed her away. Directing all her power towards Maddie, Sasha gave one final push and walked away.

By Minnie 6I

Humiliation

You give my stationery company, And solve all of their problems.

You are by far their smartest friend, So, it wasn’t hard to befriend them.

By Maria 6B

Over the black and white chequered board, I could feel the intensity of Christy. Her eyebrows were dug deep into her eyes. It was clear she was about to win. Her hand thrust out forcefully. “Checkmate!” her voice cried out full of cruel happiness. Her eyes were fierce, boring into me. No. It wasn’t just her. There were eighty-eight eyes witnessing the moment when my enemy beat me. My hands squirmed around, feeling hot and sweaty. I tried wiping my hands on my dress which was becoming blurrier and blurrier. I felt like I was drowning in myself. My hands were becoming wetter as could hear the chants and jeers of “Rematch!” and “Loser!” My cheeks were becoming scarlet red like ripe tomatoes.

By Anika 6I

The Computer

Jealousy

When I am stuck in a bottomless pit Your wisdom pulls me out again.

You help me with my multiplication And always give the correct mean.

A stubborn, rebellious adversary Defying your every command With a gleaming armoured lid And a console forever jammed.

Like a ravenous, greedy savage It feeds off your charging cable Not a hint of remorse, nor a sign of relenting It never appears to be grateful.

It refuses to work when you’re most in need And is determined to let you struggle It takes joy in your endless frustration For it loves when it causes trouble.

By Cody 6B

The Ominous Room

A red hue hung over everything in the windowless room. The cracks in the mirror caused the rare visitor’s reflection to become distorted. The mirror had dark stains running across its length. The mantlepiece resembled a stately cathedral, adorned with ornate woodwork. In the centre, a dead ram’s skull stared eerily across the furniture. Dotted along the walls there were multiple paintings of stern, glaring men.

By Emma 6I

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Jealousy

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

Mr Brown glared at Mrs Ivory, who was eating a bar of chocolate. Mrs Ivory took one more piece, putting it carefully in her mouth before smiling sweetly at her colleague. Mr Brown took a threatening step towards her, and she took a step back. He took another step forward and she started to shuffle backwards, muttering algebraic equations as she headed towards the store cupboard. The look on his face was filled with greed and jealousy. “It’s dairy free!” squealed Mrs Ivory before running into the cupboard and locking the door.

Mr Brown sighed and waddled slowly towards Mrs West who was eating a small pack of chocolate digestives. She frowned at him disdainfully as his eyes settled upon the smooth chocolate biscuit. His eyes widened. Growling like a dog, Mr Brown rushed at Mrs West, who quickly ran out of the staff room and climbed a tree, still clutching her crumbling packet of digestives.

By Theresa 6I

YEAR 6 CREATIVE Writing The Angel of the Central Line Light filled the platform with a fiery luminescence that blinded me. When my eyes were used to the sudden light, I saw the whole train on fire. The flames licked at the metal body and a burnt panel read “This train’s destination is Notting Hill station”. The doors creaked open with a deafening cry. Inside, the cloth on the seats went up in a frenzy of flames. Wisps of smoke curled around my feet and up my nose. I backed away, about to run, when my not-so-much saviour grabbed my arm and nudged me forward, nearer to the flame train.

He walked into the train and instantly the fire in that carriage disappeared.

By Divya 6I

A Tree

A wrinkled environment-saver, Her bark is cold and rough.

She grows her body carefully, Spreading her green leafy family.

Her arms hold all the magic, Her fingers dedicated to science.

But her lungs are most important, They’re drinking up the atmosphere.

She has lots of children, Oak, cedar and fir.

But one day the murderers will come, leaving only a stump.

By Hana 6I

A Highlighter

The five-pointed star, Sat upon my desk.

The bright ink stuck still, Though soon or later will impress.

The points firm and sharp, Like menacing mountain peaks.

The fuels stored inside, In precise, coloured streaks.

The lids are the snow caps of the mountains, Take them off to see a wonderful beauty.

The blue one spreads like water from a fountain, And the orange like trail of pale blood.

By Ashni 6I

The Plane Journey

On a warm Tuesday evening, a vast amount of people boarded onto the plane, excited for the beginning of their holiday. The British Airways flight was on its way to Brazil, gliding through the night sky and across the stars which looked like little holes of light through the dark fabric of the sky.

The plane was not luxurious. Especially for the people on the plane that night with Bruce. ‘Bruce darling, do you want me to get anything else for you?’ ‘YES! GET ME MY TABLET AND MY BURGER! On second thoughts, BUY ME A NEW TABLET, AND A CHEESEBURGER!’

‘Oh err… Yes, my beloved sweet brownie fudge cake, of course.’ Bruce was a huge boy with food stains all around his greedy mouth. His belly flapped out of his posh expensive trousers and bounced up and down as he walked. He was at the front of the plane in first class, as his parents were one of those rich folks who could afford it. ‘IS THIS A JOKE?’ he asked ‘ARE YOU TELLING ME THAT I HAVE TO EAT THIS BURGER WITH SESAME SEEDS ON THE BUN?’

By Julia 6I

The Plane Journey

Dr Barbarrington was having an extremely uncomfortable time in economy, and he had the most awful seat – it was grimy and sticky, and the plastic leather was peeling off it. The doctor was pinching his nose tightly as the air was humid and had a dry, revolting stench. He was also blocking his ears, as he could hear the engine’s harsh, rumbling noise.

Meanwhile, Valencia Wilcox was having the most luxurious time of her life. She was relaxing on a seat that seemed perfectly clean. It looked so comfortable, and the room was blocked out so that Valencia could have all the privacy she wanted.

Suddenly, Valencia’s peace was disturbed. An announcement from the air hostess crackled over the intercom. “Ladies and gentlemen, there has been a small issue with two of our staff.

Is there a doctor on board, by any chance?”

Dr Barbarrington saw his opportunity. He jumped to his feet. “Me! I am a doctor! I shall help.” He strode purposefully towards the cockpit. On his way, he passed Fred Smith. Fred looked up curiously at this strange man smelling of plane food.

He took his headphones off. A better form of entertainment seemed to be taking place in the cockpit.

By Siena 6I

The Plane Journey

Babies would cry, businessmen would type, it was going to be just your average Heathrow to Auckland flight…or was it?

You wander through the rows and rows of economy seats, looking for 20 B, before remembering you’re traveling in First Class! You turn around, ready to start the best 24 hours of your life. “Watch where you’re going you moron!” Well, that moment ended fast. You’ve bumped into the most ridiculous looking woman you’ve seen in your life. There are no three things that make her seem as stupid as she does, it’s just the insane amount of space she takes up on the plane! It’s like she’s got a magnetic forcefield around her, blasting anyone who she doesn’t deem as good as her a million miles away!

Slouched behind the tower of lace was a twenty-somethingyear-old man, clad in gold chains, and fake silk he’d probably bought off some kid six months ago and hadn’t realised it wasn’t real yet. Miss ‘I’m more important than everyone else’ began to turn an ugly shade of scarlet when the guy started to speak into his phone, or as you’re sure he’d call it “my new texting gadget yeah?” This is what he said: “Yo mate comma let’s go yeah question mark question mark question mark question mark question mark send bruv. Oh, wait shoot it’s still dictatin’! Bruv stop! Stop! Yo Siri I thought you was my friend, eh? What the ‘ell?”

By Izzy 6I OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

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ART & DESIGN

Reception STEAM Skills

Reception used their STEAM skills to create original, magic lamps for Aladdin’s genie using a myriad of exciting and unusual resources. The girls were lucky enough to be granted 3 wishes, as long as they used exciting vocabulary and descriptive adjectives in the making of them! The girls

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were keen to use their wishes for such things as “seeing my loving family in India”, “sparkly vanilla ice cream”, “for wishes to come true” and a number of wishes for “rainbow, sparkly unicorns” too!

RECEPTION

ART & DESIGN

Aiyla RH and Mia RO

Amara RO

Ruhi RH

Anjali RH

Aashni RO

Amelie RO

Maria RH

Aisha RH OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

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RECEPTION

ART & DESIGN

Hazel RH

Greta RH

Ishiraa RO

Electra RO

Kyra RH

The whole of Reception

ee reat Plum Tr

Under the G

Lana RO 54

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

RECEPTION

ART & DESIGN

Talia RO

Chloe RH and Sonia RO

Sienna R

H

Daphne RH

Lyra RH

Lottie RH

Kiara RO

Shreya RO OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

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YEAR 1

ART & DESIGN

Saffron 1C

Aver y 1C

Alice 1C

Elissa 1C

Emily 1C 56

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

Edie 1C

Lucia 1C

Clemmie 1C

Leyla 1C

YEAR 1

ART & DESIGN

Oliwia 1C

Kate 1C

Rani 1C

Temi 1C Kiana 1C

Irene 1C

Eyrah 1C

Mehr 1C

Kayshimi 1C

Shreya 1C

Esra 1C OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

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YEAR 2

ART & DESIGN

Aala 2M Aanu 2A

Danielle 2A Anya 2M

Maya Jani 2A

Lakshmi 2M

Elina 2M Romy 2A 58

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

YEAR 2

ART & DESIGN

Deedeh 2A

Jade 2M

Grace 2A

Kiki 2M

Thea 2M

Yining 2A

Sophia 2A

Natalie 2A

Ria 2A

Arya 2M

Miraya 2A

Sindhu 2M OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

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YEAR 3

ART & DESIGN

Airah 3C

Freya 3C

Rebecca 3C

Amy 3C

Urja 3C

Zoya 3B

Lydia 3B

Sienna 3B

Rebecca 3B

Valentina 3C

Sophia P 3C

Leila 3B

Alexa 3B Lara 3C

Juliette 3B

Molly 3C Elsie 3B

Hattie 3C

Sofia N 3C Valentina 3

B

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NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

YEAR 4

Alexa 4F

Summer 4F

Sparty 4BW

Shivani 4BW

Arina 4BW.JPG

Sparty 4F

ART & DESIGN

Anika 4BW

Anya 4F

Dahlia 4F

Emilia 4BW

Kyra 4BW

Olivia 4BW

Sparty 4BW

Helen 4F

Maya 4F

Erica 4F

Melissa 4BW

Lily 4F

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YEAR 5

ART & DESIGN

Anya 5SW

Ava 5SW

Ana 5SW

Serena 5H Aaradhita

5SW

Isla 5H

Hannah 5H

Ella 5SW

Mehreen 5H

Jessie 5H

Aarna 5H

Millie 5H

Amaya 5SW 62

Bella 5H

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

Mia 5SW

Emerson 5H

YEAR 6

ART & DESIGN

Arya 6B

6B Aanya, Maria, Anna and Libby

Ishani 6B

Leanne 6I

Aanya 6B

Coco 6B

Tara,Theresa, Nandini and Lara 6I

Cody 6B

Chloe, Natalie, Amelia and Amaya 6I

Chloe 6B

Sola, Anika, Cassia and Minnie 6I

Shreya 6B Anika 6B

Anaiya 6B

Ashni 6I

Eleanor 6B

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SPORT

Mrs K Kiernan Director of Junior Sport

This year has been a challenging year for everyone, but the importance of sport and exercise has never been more important.

This viewpoint has been fully adopted by girls here at NLCS this year. In the winter term, the girls embraced the curriculum change of movement lessons being outside and focused on fitness fun. They got stuck-in for the Virtual Exercise Challenge which saw NLCS take on Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys and Girls, Belmont and Highgate.

NLCS came 3rd (narrowly) in terms of distance covered and narrowly missed out on the top spot of percentage of pupils taking part with 92% of the entire Junior School getting active (Year 6 led the school with 98% taking part).

Special congratulations go to our top five competitors who were Aleya Sarkar, Emma Negoianu, Mahi Shah, Georgie Ungar and our best in school, Alexa Li. This year, we adapted our Colour Team Cross-Country Challenge, so the focus was on team efforts with girls running in colour teams as opposed to in year groups.

So many girls beat their times from the previous year with a whopping 35% of the Year 6 getting faster each year of the Lower School. Girls preferred this version of the cross-country as it took away the emphasis over placement and more on personal progress.

Individual feedback meetings with Mrs Kiernan allowed girls the opportunity to discuss their own race and come up with strategies for future runs.

When we moved to fully virtual learning in the spring term, girls found ways to get active in their own homes. Lessons involved Zumba, fitness games, yoga, dance, circuit training and gymnastic basic movements.

Girls in the Lower School took part in Moore’s Motivational Month where they set themselves targets to try and accomplish. Targets ranged from attempting a certain number of steps per day to trying to improve or learn a new skill.

Everyone who took part found enjoyment from trying, even if they didn’t quite accomplish their target.

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The summer term meant a return to Canons, where the girls enjoyed the summer sports of athletics, tennis, rounders and cricket (which they’ve not been able to do for two years).

SPORT Sporting Memories

The summer term saw the return of the Lower School Swimming Gala, Rainbow Sports Day and the Lower School Sports Day. However, the highlight of the year had to be PE week where sport and activity infiltrated all areas of the girls’ school life.

Colour Events 2020-2021 Colour Cross-Country Challenge Lower School Swimming Gala Year 3&4

Year 5&6

Virtual Distance Challenge

Rainbow Sports Day

Lower School Sports Day

3rd – White 2nd – Green 1st – Orange OVERALL - Navy 3rd - Black 2nd - Orange 1st – Red 3rd - White 2nd - Pink 1st – Navy Joint 2nd – Green & Pink 1st – Light Blue 3rd – Light Blue 2nd - Green 1st - Yellow 3rd - White 2nd - Mauve 1st - Navy

‘My favourite sporting memory is during sports day in year 4, and I remember me finishing a certain race and how everyone in by colour team was cheering for me, and I felt a sense of pride as I crossed the finish line, and only then did I see how sports can bring people together’.

Myra ‘My favourite sporting memory is the competitions against other schools, as it’s really fun to go there as a team and experience new things. We did lots of netball once’s and some cross country’.

Natalie ‘My favourite sporting memory is the Year 2 track relay when my mum held up my teddy bear and I waved to it and then I accidentally ran into someone else’s lane’ Libby ‘My favourite sporting memory is when I managed to catch a ball in lacrosse because I had been trying for ages and had not managed’.

Nessie ‘My favourite sporting memory is when in Year 5, I went to a swimming gala where everyone else was a Year 6, and I was terrified! But then after my race when everyone congratulated me, I felt much better and proud of myself.

I learnt that anything new will always seem worse than it actually is, so you have to believe in yourself’.

Aanya

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SPORT What have I enjoyed in PE during my time in the Junior School?

‘This year I have enjoyed the swimming gala because I get to zoom in the water, which feels amazing’ Olivia B

What is something that I am proud of in PE during my time in the Junior School?

‘I am proud of coming first in my sprint and skipping race in year four and three. I remember that I was very worried about the skipping race in year3 and as it was my first sports day.

I had practiced a lot at home and that paid off’.

Ankita ‘I am proud of when I was part of a Netball game because there weren’t enough people. I was proud of this because I wasn’t very good at Netball, but I was part of a game against another school’.

Nessie M

‘This year I have enjoyed PE this year as last year we weren’t able to fun sporting activities like Sports Day (It had to be virtual)’.

Amara B ‘I have enjoyed capture the flag because of the teamwork and collaboration involved’.

Shreya C ‘This year I have enjoyed all of the activities that the P.E teachers have organized for us because they are always really fun, and it gets my heart pumping really fast’.

Karen G ‘This year I have enjoyed all the active sports we have done especially when we were doing online schooling because It kept me very active in lockdown. We did lots of different movements and dances and warm-ups’.

Maira H

‘I am proud of improving my crosscountry time by 1 and a half minutes between Year 4 and 5 after recovering from a broken foot’.

Amaya N ‘I’m proud of working towards and achieving my Moore’s Motivation Month challenge. They’ve encouraged me to think of more outdoor challenges to achieve to improve and get better. It has encouraged me to keep going even when things get hard. When I complete one challenge, I move on to another.

Everybody has a goal to set and improve’.

Anika N ‘I am proud of improving my swimming as I used to struggle with it. I’m also proud of improving in cross country and generally running’.

Anya P

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‘This year I have enjoyed sports day and the swimming gala, I liked sports day because it was really fun working as a group in our colour teams and cheering our teammates on when it was their race or when they were participating in a sports event, I enjoyed the swimming gala because I like swimming and challenging myself when l am put in my weakness’.

Kyra H ‘This year I have enjoyed all of the fun activities that we did during PE Week my favorite challenge was The Inflatable Obstacle Course as it motivated me to exercise in a exciting way’.

Megha K ‘This year I have enjoyed multiple fun active sports, from swimming in the pool to Rounders in the fields. This year was particularly hard because of lockdown, but we still managed to have exciting lessons whilst dancing along to hip hop music and following the instructions, to stretching in gymnastic style movements! I also liked the meditating at the end of each online PE lesson, it calmed me down after all that exercise and movement. Soon after though, we returned to normal school and even more fun with people next to us in reality’!

Melissa R

SPORT What have I learnt this year?

I learned that it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, as long as you are having fun.

Maria S-C ‘I learned to participate more in PE activities even if it was really hard because they all ended up being really fun. An example was lacrosse because I didn’t know anything about it but it was very new but interesting’.

Coco S ‘I learned that if you really want to get better at something, all you need to do is work hard and practice. I also listened to the advice the teachers give us and practised’.

Natalie B

‘I learned that there is a sport for every soul, be it skiing or gymnastics or tennis.

I also have enjoyed PE week this year and I am proud of my improvement in rounders’.

Leonora MC ‘I learned that there is always something that you are good at. For example, I wasn’t the best at swimming and then when we played the sports you play on land and I was very good at them. Also, exercise isn’t just about getting fit and getting your heart rate up, it is also to learn important skills such as teamwork, sportsmanship and resilience’.

Amaya N

‘I learned that exercise isn’t just about getting your heart rate up, it also gives you a chance to really enjoy yourself and improve your skills’.

Cody P ‘The main thing that I have learnt over the year is that PE is a very fun thing to do, as at the start of the year, I was not quite so confident in sports, other than football, lacrosse and netball’.

Amya P ‘I learned that scoring isn’t everything. To just help someone score a goal is enough’.

Eva S

PE WEEK IN A NUTSHELL (no nuts included)

By Georgie U Year 6

Monday Bright and early, we get started with our P.E week! Our first activity of the day is testing our mental ability and our physical ability. 1-minute challenges, we have push ups, burpees and spotty dogs, testing our mental ability by seeing how many times you can write your name. It might seem easy, but it pushes your brain to the limit!

Then it was time for Boot Camp, it’s energetic and vigorous, physical activities that work your muscles to the brink! It’s strenuous but it fills you with energy.

One of the activities was the cone game where we were partnered up with our friends, we had a cone in the middle of us whilst we were lying in a plank position.

Mrs Guttman called out different positions and we had to get into them quickly before the time ran out.

We had an awesome time hitting putts in this crazy course! 1 to 105 putts to complete this wild extravaganza!

We had the most fantabulous time hitting the balls into the holes, though it might seem easy it is trickier than it looks!

This is only the first day in a very different and active week to come…

Tuesday

First lesson of the day was Sporty Art, swivelling around, taking our lines for a walk.

There was much laughter when we twisted and twirled and made art with our bodies. Lying on the floor making crayon angels with our arms. It was hilarious to see our teachers getting involved too.

Near the end of the lesson, we decided to mix it up a bit, so we got the hugest piece of paper you have ever seen. We had turns being dragged across it by our friends. What an arty sight!

We went on the obstacle course with an important twist, it bounces! The inflatable obstacle course tested our stamina and our teamwork. Our favourite part was the huge mountain at the beginning, it tested our strength, powering up the mountain before gravity pushed us down. There were cries of excitement jumping up and down, trying to get past the towering bouncing obstacles in our way.

We slid down the mountain whizzing at the speed of lightning! Then we had to wriggle through the holes gaining on to the pillars!

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SPORT Wednesday

Another twist on an old favourite, skipping. We learnt some new tricks with the skipping rope and jumped and hopped in ways we had never done before. Left foot, right foot, oh yes, I got it! Lots of satisfaction to be had as we gained control of our ropes. We found it easy at first but as we got deeper in the tricks it got harder and more challenging.

We continued with a very eventful afternoon, with all of our lessons having an unexpected sparkle. In Maths we were racing around the x-trail finding all the clues in maths to escape the woods! DA DA DA! This was a super amazing added bit of fun to our lesson. The fresh air made those numbers crystal clear in our brains.

In religious studies we had to run up and down trying to get the right words in the right religion.

We were asked what our favourite activity was so far, there were so many to choose from but the ‘inflatable obstacle course’ was a sure favourite, super fun and we can’t wait until the next time we get the inflatables out!

This was our last activity before the highlight of the week………Drumroll please, The Swimming Gala! We cannot wait, this is where we can cheer at the top of our voices for our teams.

Thursday The day we have been waiting for is here, the SWIMMING Gala, the heart of the week as the colour teams swim to win!

I am in Navy, and I am crossing my fingers and toes for all my team members.

We were all waiting in anticipation for the scores, but as the teachers say, it is the taking part that counts!

We watched all the races with animation, cheering and rooting for our teams, we had the relay, breaststroke, front crawl and the elegant butterfly stroke.

When the scores were finally announced the whole school gathered in the field holding their breaths waiting, watching, hoping Navy won but we are all colour-blind, so we all support each other.

What great finale to a phenomenal week!

This was a thoroughly different week to the ones we usually have, getting hyped up with energy and feeling the adrenalin. Even those who aren’t the sportiest can agree there was something appealing in there for all of us, we certainly hope that there will be more PE focus weeks in the future!

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Mrs Rushbrook Director of Junior School Drama

DRAMA

We have taken our learning friends the resilient reindeer and flexibility of mind flamingo to heart this year more than ever! Despite the fact we could not invite audiences into school, Drama has flourished at NLCS this year. We have embraced the challenges created by the pandemic and found new ways to be creative and share our performances.

Year 3 Drama Productions Year 3 kicked off the year of pandemic-friendly productions with two films written specially for them

by Mrs Rushbrook. Instead of making sourdough, Mrs Rushbrook decided her new skills should include using a video camera, editing and producing

films. Each Year 3 class spent two days in various locations round the school recording their scenes. Six weeks later, each Junior School classroom was transformed into a cinema as our films went live on the school’s secure YouTube channel. There was a bit of

popcorn and a lot of excitement and a red-carpet photoshoot for Year 3! The two films, ‘Finding Magic’ and ‘Magic Everywhere’ explored the theme of finding beauty, positivity and magic no matter what we are facing.

Finding Magic In ‘Finding Magic’, Holly’s family are having a bad day in lockdown. We open on Holly battling technology as she tries to join a group zoom call, while her older sisters is bicker with her, her dad tries to juggle the cooking, laundry and work emails and they have to keep the noise down because Mum is on an important work call. Holly feels so upset about the things she can’t do, she wants to make a magic potion to turn time forward to when she can enjoy things again. When her mother hears about this, she offers her a magic stone that will help find enjoyment in life no matter what is happening. Through a flashback we see how Holly’s mother got the magic stone and how it changed her life. Back in 2020 Holly experiments with the stone and finds out that some of the ability to find magic might come from inside her.

Magic Everywhere In ‘Magic Everywhere’, friends Lizzie and Susannah try to understand what magic is.

The more they look, it seems to be everywhere: in the talents of their school friends; the way you can get lost in a book; a smoothie with healing ingredients; the way the leaves change colour; the stick Althea finds in the playground and claims is magic and the magic of imagination in Halloween games. We hope that you agree with their conclusion, magic is anything that gives you a sense of awe and excitement and it is all around us. Year 3 dived straight into the project with focus and creativity and performed beautifully. We all thoroughly enjoyed watching them bring a sprinkle of magic to a November afternoon.

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DRAMA First School Play: Frances Mary Poppins At the end of the Autumn Term, the First School Hall was transformed into a glittering wonderland by the detailed decorations and artwork that the girls made for the First School production, ‘Frances Mary Poppins’. Year 2 were filmed as they performed our NLCS spin on P.L. Travers’ classic story to a small audience of staff. Their excellent acting and singing, along with heartwarming pre-recorded songs, poems and dances from Reception and Year 1 were edited together and presented as a film. On the last day of term, we were delighted to welcome the Year two parents ‘live’ to a zoom introduction to the piece before they settled down with their popcorn to enjoy this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious performance.

Founder’s Day Production After spending most of the Spring Term learning online during lockdown, Year 2 and Year 5 managed to perform and record Founder’s Day Productions for the First and Lower School with Mrs Rushbrook in the space of about five hours each.

In typical Founder’s Day fashion, the spirit of our founder, Frances Mary Buss, appeared to current NLCS pupils. In this year’s story she took bewildered pupils from 2021 who were fed up with the pandemic, on a tour through the school’s history. She showed them times when North Londoners have been resilient in the Second World War; when ONL’s made a difference to the world by their respect for the environment and, using the words of ONLs who have daughters in Year 5 and Year 2, why Founder’s Day is a special time to reflect on the school’s history and think about how we, as North London girls, will make a difference to the world in the future.

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DRAMA

Year 4 Production: Another Look The Summer Term started with a buzz of activity in Year 4 as we put on the Year 4 production which had been postponed in January. In the space of a week, girls saw the script for the first time, rehearsed their scenes, songs and dances and made props, costumes, and posters. The piece, which was written for them by Mrs Rushbrook and Mr Brown tells the story of Lyla, who has grown apart from her friend Aurora. When Aurora gives Lyla a book of fairy tales as a present, Lyla is disappointed. She finds fairy tales babyish and thinks that this is proof Aurora doesn’t know her well anymore. In fury, she rips the pages out of the book and as she remorsefully gathers them, the tales come to life, and she looks at them afresh.

After encounters with a range of characters like Cinderella’s sad stepmother who is trying her best to juggle her daughters and her new family, Rapunzel who is not sure how to embrace her new freedom and Goldilocks who is outraged by the service she receives when she goes to the three bears’ cottage for a mini-break, Lyla realises there is another way to look at fairy tales. She also discovers that there is another way to look at her friendship with Aurora. The monologues, duologues and small scenes gave each girl a chance to explore an in-depth emotional journey or to show off her comic timing and bold character choices. Year 4 had their own red-carpet event just before half term and watched the premiere of their films in the hall while their families watched at home.

Year 6 Films We finished the year with a burst of creativity from Year 6. Mrs Rushbrook wrote two short films for them to perform, inspired by themes in Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel ‘The

Secret Garden’. After discussions with the Year 6 girls about the themes that resonated with them, she wrote, filmed and edited ‘Unlocking’ and ‘The Secret Stories’. Each class spent two days in the

sunshine filming on location round the grounds and school with Mrs Rushbrook.

Despite the short time frame, the girls worked with admirable focus and professionalism.

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DRAMA Unlocking In ‘Unlocking’, Layla, who lived for swimming, has been absent from school for several months following a long illness and is no longer able to swim. When she returns to school, her classmates try desperately to help her carve out a new identity for herself and find a new passion, but Layla remains lost and inaccessible. As she works with her classmates on a project connected to ‘The Secret Garden’, she finds a key buried in the school grounds. The girls get carried away with the stories they imagine to explain the appearance of the key. Although they never find out why it was there, running around in the fresh air with her friends, igniting her imagination and playing unlocks something vital in Layla.

Year 6 film premiere and fashion show On July 1st, we were delighted to welcome Year 6 parents to a covid secure live event in the PAC. We started our celebration of Year 6’s creativity with a fashion show of exciting costumes inspired by ‘The Secret Garden’ which the girls made under Miss Holland’s expert guidance in their Art lessons.

The PAC was then transformed from a catwalk to a cinema and the Year 6 girls and parents saw the premiere of their films. The girls gave thoughtful, skilful performances that showcased the progress they have made in the Junior

School and there were a few happy tears!

This was a beautiful and fitting end to the year: a celebration of the fact we have found ways to unlock our creativity, find excitement and happiness, take control and shape parts of our story even when we live in challenging times.

The Secret Stories

In ‘The Secret Stories’, Carey is, like Mary Lennox, considered a ‘most disagreeable child’. She refuses all offers of friendship and thinks that her classmates have easy, happy lives. When six of the class meet coincidentally in a secluded wood, they start to share their own secret stories. They gain a deeper understanding of each other and realise that there will be some parts of your own story you cannot change, some characters or situations you wish could be different, but you do have some control, you can shape the plot of your story.

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MUSIC

Mrs C Cox Director of Junior School Music

The Story of Four Seasons How time has flown by so quickly that I find myself writing this year’s Omnibuss in celebration of our Junior School music making in 2020-2021. How can one sum up this extraordinary and challenging year?

A beautiful melody comes into my mind – Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. From the warm sun to the bitterly cold snow, from allegro to largo, from heavy rain to over the rainbow, from adagio to presto. We have experienced every possible seasonal change, every musical movement and every single melodic note.

Sit back and let’s listen to Vivaldi’s Four Violin Concerti with his accompanying sonnet, but let’s start with an unusual order of Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer.

Autumn After the lockdown and the long summer holiday, we were back to colourful Canons.

We started our first day back at school with Coco’s stunning violin performance at the Breakfast Busking. Of course, with a twist - virtual performance. From violin, drum kit to piano, our buskers played brilliantly in front of our virtual audience at the assemblies. Following the older girl’s footsteps, the First school reintroduced Breakfast Buskers on a Wednesday morning. It gave the girls an opportunity to share music at every level with anyone who was walking through the First School Hall at that time. It was an opportunity to share their music, very often for the first time.

The girls performed a variety of music at all levels, and it was a pleasure to watch.

Throughout the year, we had more than a hundred musicians playing their solo pieces at the Breakfast Busking.

‘The mild pleasant air makes all abandon dance and song; this is the season that invites all to the sweet delights of peaceful sleep’.

Our annual Harvest Festival was slightly challenging as we had to observe social distancing rules. We were advised that no more than fifteen people could gather together in the same place. This made it difficult for us to sing together as a whole school community. To overcome this challenge, we performed outside on the school grounds, we created individual class recordings with the use of a new sound mixer and ensured everyone was safely distanced. The girls embraced this new online performance format and performed their harvest songs with such pride and confidence. It was a real treat and an enjoyable experience.

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MUSIC After the Harvest Festival, we received wonderful news regarding our Canons Choir. Just before the first lockdown, Canons Choir (2019-2020) was privileged to perform at the Barnardo’s National Children Choir Competition at the Royal Festival Hall. After their performance, their two songs, ‘Sing a

Song of Sixpence’, and ‘Uberlebensgross’, were selected for the Music for Youth virtual 50th birthday celebration.

In addition, Canons Choir was invited to participate in a new educational opera project by the English Touring Opera Company. The girls recorded new songs from the opera ‘The Beauty

of Light’, with the amazing professional mezzo soprano Ellie Edmonds and audio engineer Jan Capinski. The recordings were published on the English Touring Opera Company website and shared with a variety of primary schools.

The Autumn term concluded with a golden celebration - the Virtual Winter Concert - Power in Me. It wowed our virtual audience. From Rock and Roll to Classical; from the Romantic Period to 20th Century music, each item was performed to an extremely high standard. The highlight was when all the girls were playing the air guitar in front of the Old House. What a great musical achievement for our Lower School girls.

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MUSIC Winter After a successful Autumn term, we turned into another bitterly cold winter lockdown. Canons went silent once again. Despite the second lockdown, the girls showed resilience and flexibility as they continued their musical creativity remotely. The girls started learning the traditional hymn ‘He who would valiant be’ and one of their old favourite songs ‘FMB’.

Year 4 carried on their online ‘Bach to School’ project. The project was organised by Gabrieli Roar, Music association and Voces 8. The girls learnt the important background of the famous composer Bach and sang a group of Bach’s chorale movements, taken from seven cantatas. There were almost 150 schools participating in this project.

Many schools submitted videos of their performances with the Gabrieli ‘backing group’ which they assembled into a composite video. This was broadcasted as part of our ‘Live from London’ online Christmas Festival performances.

‘Trembling with cold amidst the freezing snow, while a frightful wind harshly blows, running and stamping one’s feet every minute, and feeling one’s teeth chatter from the extreme cold...’.

Following on from the Year 4 project, Year 6 girls took the centre stage. Many talented Year 6 musicians performed at our exciting Year 6 Virtual Soloists’ Concert. The programme ranged from solo singing of, ‘O Cessate Di Piagarmi’, Chopin’s piano Nocturne to Harry Potter’s theme tune on the flute. Each item was performed to an exceptional standard – What a musical treat! Congratulations to all the Year 6 musicians.

Year 5 & 6 girls participated in an interesting and collaborative Virtual Opera Workshop. Bradley Tavis (Bass Baritone) and Abigail Kelly (Soprano) from the English Touring Company led the sessions. The girls learnt the background and history of Opera, watched the singers’ fabulous performances, and even sang in Italian - a famous aria ‘V’adoro pupille’, from the opera ‘Guilio Cesare’, by Handel.

Diversity has been a big part of the music curriculum this academic year.

From black classical musicians to world music. The girls discovered significant musicians – Saint George, Taylor, Price and Walker and their signature compositions. They explored world music from various cultures and used recycling materials. In addition, they made some fantastic world instruments at home.

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MUSIC Spring Winter had eventually come to an end; we could smell the spring in the air.

Canons was full of life again. Founder’s Day celebrations began with a most unusual but rather beautiful daffodil procession along Lime Avenue. There was a real sense of community as everyone walked out dressed smartly and proudly clutching a daffodil. As we watched the service in our classrooms it was lovely to see messages from Old North Londoners and parents who were sharing in the celebrations from their homes. The singing rang through the school corridors and was joyful and exuberant. Much of this was recorded by the girls at home during lockdown.

Who would have thought a year ago that technology would enable us to perform and share our celebrations so widely? I’d like to think Frances Mary Buss would have been very proud.

‘Spring has come and joyfully the birds greet it with happy song, and the brooks, while the streams flow along with gentle murmur as the zephyrs blow’.

To celebrate coming back to school, we started the term with a Virtual Instrument Demo Assembly. Following on from the assembly, Year 2, 4 & 5 had a Live Instrument Demo Week. Our excellent instrumental teachers, Amber our music scholar from Senior School, and our lovely JS musicians Cody and Eliana, played beautiful pieces of music and demonstrated their instruments.

Over twenty different instruments were shown to the girls throughout the week. Many girls attempted to try the instruments and were very inspired.

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MUSIC ‘In the harsh season scorched by the sun, man and flock languish, and the pine is on fire; the cuckoo begins to call and soon after, the turtledove and the goldfinch are heard singing’.

Summer The sun shone through Canons, and the entire Lower School sang together in front of the grand Old Mansion House. This was the first whole school ‘Singing Together’ since the beginning of the pandemic. It was extraordinary to hear all the girls’ beautiful singing and watch them perform as a whole school community.

School life gradually became more normal with many musical events and outings.

Year 3, 4 and 5 and Canons Choir had a wonderful Choral Workshops with Apollo acapella members Greg (Bass) and Emily (Soprano) from VOCES 8 choral foundation; Year 6 had a bang at the percussion workshop run by Mr Seethe and First School ‘Peter and Wolf’ run Chamber Winds.

After all the preparation and hard work, the entire Lower School brought us a marvellous Virtual Summer Concert titled, ‘We are Unstoppable’. From Moana Mashup to Build it High; from the Royal Fireworks to C Jam Blues, each item was performed with such joy. The concert concluded with the phenomenal and warm-hearted whole school song – We are Unstoppable.

Since 2020, the world has changed dramatically. Music education in schools has faced an unprecedented challenge as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, with singing, instrumental lessons, extracurricular activities and end-ofterm concerts all badly hit. However,

NLCS had shown their gratitude to all the changes. From the pandemic, Black Live Matters to Greta’s climate change campaign, the Junior School pupils have become more resilient and learnt how to face and adapt to the new and extreme challenges - We are Unstoppable.

‘Walking on ice, and moving cautiously, with slow steps, for fear of falling, spinning around, slipping, falling down, again walking on ice and running fast until the ice cracks and splits; hearing Sirocco, Boreas, and all the winds at war burst forth from the bolted doors - this is winter, but it also brings joy!’

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FOUNDER’S DAY 2021 On Founder’s Day we celebrate and remember the work of those School leaders, members of staff and students who have come before us. Each year I consider a theme or particular subject and trace its influence on the school through time so that we can see how connected we are to our past and how extraordinary and special North London Collegiate truly is.

Climate change is one of the most important threats facing us all today.

The recent wildfires in Australia and the subsequent flash flooding that country’s east coast has experienced, the rise in temperatures in the Arctic and the Antarctic, the widespread bleaching of coral in our oceans, the increasing intensity and frequency of hurricanes and tropical storms, the increased threats from extreme weather events over the past 100 years all point towards a change in our planet’s

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Mrs Sarah Clark Headmistress, North London Collegiate School

regional and global climate patterns that present us with a level of disruption and challenge that modern humanity has simply not faced before. How we live alongside each other and the billions of species of plant and animal life that surrounds us should concern us all. Recent developments in scientific thinking has pointed to the dangers that we face – recent philosophical, political and social thinking has shown us that thinking about this issue in different scales – the personal, immediate, local, national and global – and also in different ways (waste / energy / recycling) helps us all to determine different ways forward to address the situation.

I want to tell you some stories about how North Londoners have responded to matters relating to their environment.

In our early days, the School addressed concerns about overcrowding in classrooms, worries about the ever

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increasing pollution in the air around Camden and the noise pollution from the traffic, and even about the drains and use of water on the School site… then later in the School’s history, an opportunity presented itself to buy the site here at Canons and move the School north, enabling the girls and staff to escape the busyness and smog of London town for the green fields and healthier environment of the Duke of Chandos estate and the impact that spending their school days here surrounded by the trees, ponds and fields of Canons had on the students of our School. I also want to tell you about students and ONLs who have made an impact in or contribution to the fields of climate-related research and activism, and how the School has begun to consider how it could mitigate its impact in terms of our carbon footprint on the planet.

FOUNDER’S DAY 2021 The Early Days 1850 – 1927 The environment of our school was always a consideration for the Founder. FMB travelled widely and indulged in the Victorian love of the elemental and the gothic tradition that embraced wild places and lands. She reported back to her staff and students about her travels in much the same way as Mrs Newman in our Junior School speaks to her children about what she has done on her holidays!

North London was initially established in the Buss family home – that was a matter of pure expediency of course. Here you can see two pictures of the front and rear of the house – with children playing on the lawn to the rear.

As the School began to grow it rapidly became obvious that the numbers of girls wanting to take advantage of Miss Buss’ education were too great to be accommodated in a semidetached townhouse. Overcrowding had an impact on the quality of practical work that the girls could undertake, for example experiments and artistic endeavours, as well as

In 1879 the School moved again to Sandall Road and Camden School for Girls, the other school established by Miss Buss, moved into the Camden Road site – also filling it to the brim with students. It is clear that the early school buildings were rapidly outgrown by the numbers of students who wished to study there. This necessarily had a huge impact on the environment in which the children and staff were working. In 1904 The Camden

impacting on the amount of space for games and other forms of physical activity (something dear to Miss Buss’ heart, even if it appalled some of her students’ parents at the time).

Arrangements were made to move the school to a larger site in Camden Road – but it was very clear from the start that such a move could only be a temporary stop gap. By

School received a final notice requiring them to completely upgrade their waste and water systems. The notice speaks of “leaking down pipes” inadequate cisterns, the need for the bath apparatus to be repaired – and the headmistress’ lavatory was condemned as being “defective”. Shocking stuff.

In 1906 an Inspection report on the Camden Road site deplored the lack of ventilation in the gymnasium “on the occasion on which I was present,” it records, “I was struck by the excessive closeness of the atmosphere and its effect on the densely crowded children was very noticeable” – the headmistress replied with some asperity (and no

1871 the school was bursting at the seams again already. A proposal for governors and trustees of the School to move to bigger premises was made in which it was stated that “the 254 pupils now in the school entirely fill the utmost available space and without further accommodation further pupils must be refused.”

logic) that the door to the gymnasium was often kept open but that this had not been possible during the Inspector’s visit…!

There was some tension between the schools and the local authorities over such matters. In 1899 the North London Collegiate School was taken to court because Sophie Bryant our second headmistress refused entry to the School to all the local St Pancras Vestry commissioners who wished to inspect the school’s drainage, heating and water systems.

The School argued that the commissioners had exceeded their rights according to the 1891 Sanitary Act and the magistrate ruled in the School’s favour. Of course, it was an important point of principle (the principle of who should have the right to inspect a school) – but I can’t help but also think that Miss Bryant wasn’t very proud of her loos!

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FOUNDER’S DAY 2021 Canons 1927 – 1940 The estate under the Duke of Chandos (pineapples and coffee) – going through many iterations under successive owners until the early 20th century until Arthur Du Cros. When, the legend says that Isabella Drummond found the Canons Estate in 1927 while taking a Sunday stroll in the countryside.

Excited by what she found at the end of Canons Drive, Miss Drummond then spent the next 12 years securing the funds and support of the Governors for the whole School to move out to Edgware.

What attracted Miss Drummond to Canons? Simply, the environment. The House and gardens at Canons provided

enough space for year groups or layers to enjoy Biology, English Physical Education and Art one day per week. Despite the journey the girls were eager to go to the Old House, its gardens and trees, as Margaret Hicks recalled in 1989: “Dismal brick buildings smelling of chalk and dust, crammed to the brim with hordes of ever-rushing, earnest looking girls and Staff were exchanged for the idyllic peace and beauty of Canons at its best”… “The sun shone unremittingly

The School deserves full credit for improving the working environment for its staff and students. Through the vision of its pioneering headmistresses Buss, Bryant and Drummond the girls had been removed from the dangers and risks of poor air, heavy traffic and challenging sanitation. As Mrs Clanchy stated in her Founder’s Day address in 1989, “we give thanks that we have inherited Canons as our work-place, that we still look out on the trees, that the moorhens are still here, that the mallards and geese still come.”

But with our inheritance comes obligations. Thus far in my story today I have shown that the response of our School towards environmental threats was to remove itself from them. But that is not the full story.

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then, and play-time was a constant joy.

We rushed to climb the Cedar tree and swung from dizzy heights; we basked in the reflected heat down in the empty Roman Bath (on the site of the New School building); we played ‘hide and seek’ in the Rose Garden, raced along Lime Avenue and even jumped off the wall around Queen’s Seat, until we were dazed with fatigue and fresh air.”

The archive is again, full of happy reminiscences about the early days at Canons. The girls swam in the Pond, searched for wildlife in its edges and performed A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the grounds and under the Great Cedar.

FOUNDER’S DAY 2021 ONLs Research and Activism While I do not want to argue that Miss Buss was an environmentalist (the term was not understood as we do today in the Victorian period), we can find examples of how she and her successors sought to encourage our students to care about the world around them.

On such example is the establishment of a Kyrle Society at North London Collegiate School. The Kyrle Society was founded by Octavia and Miranda Hill in 1875 in order to lift the spirits and life experience of the poorer classes in industrial towns through the conversion

The students at North London have always had a care for their surroundings and there are examples of early forms of what we might now call environmental activism. Do you remember the hat that Neville Longbottom’s Boggart Snape wore in Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkeban?

Part 4: The Future What of our future in environmental terms? All the hard work of individuals in the past, both students, staff and ONLs is hugely impressive – but despite the enthusiasm of individuals and small groups, it lacked a coherent vision. Informed by the latest scientific research and the desire to create lasting and measurable change in our impact on the planet, as well as to continue to educate, debate and inform our School community.

of derelict open spaces into peaceful and relaxing gardens. Always one to grasp new ideas quickly, Miss Buss agreed to divert a little money from her school’s funds to enable her girls to have their own garden spaces, even indoors!

There was a distinct understanding that the students would benefit from being closer to the natural world – and in typical North London fashion, that was often represented in a very scientific way.

In 1921 and 1922 NLCS students made weather recordings.

This fashion for wearing dead birds on hats was a very real thing in late Victorian England. In 1890 the School magazine printed An Appeal to Ladies Against Wearing Feathers, a leaflet by Professor Tomlinson from the Selborne Society (an early Victorian animal rights organisation). The girls at North London were throwing themselves into the campaign to stop this harmful practice.

“I do not know whether the tyrant Fashion still requires that the beautiful hummingbird shall be slaughtered, but I know that a few years ago the demand was so great that they were brought to this country by hundreds of thousands. How can this cruel slaughter be stopped?” the pamphlet asks, “There is only one way, and that is by refusing to wear feathers in your hats and bonnets.”

More recent campaigners include a

number of students and ONLs who have made their mark in the effort to reform our behaviour and challenge us to lead more sustainable and ecofriendly lives.

The School magazines are a mine of information! Through their pages over time you can see that matters relating to ecological campaigning mattered a great deal to our students in the last fifty years.

1991 Earth Action Society – paper recycling / fuel efficiency day 1994 School magazine – green issue – recycling igloo / car sharing rotas – School won the Greenest School in London prize (sending a representative Laura Yates to New York) 2008 Aimee Nathan coffee mug campaigner 2010 Climate Change Society – focus on recycling 2010 Mobile Phone Recycling Parents Guild / Wildlife Murial 2011 Year 8 environmental action charity fund raising Environmental Investigation Agency supported by the year 8 charity commission – visited by Mary Rice Executive Director of the EIA “Environmental Crime: Our Planet Our Problem” ivory trade to logging and how EIA members discover track and find evidence of such illegal activities often putting themselves in danger for the cause…

2013 Rainforest Club

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LIBRARY & ARCHIVE British Library Miniature Books Exhibition This summer, the British Library asked children across the country to create miniature books in the style of The Infant’s Library created by publisher John Marshall (1756-1824) more than 200 years ago. Several girls in the Junior School took part in the initiative as part of our extra-curricular activities programme during lockdown and sent photos of their creations to the British Library.

The British Library is planning to display the mini books as part of a physical exhibition. You never know, in 200 years’ time, maybe it will be NLCS girl’s mini books that sell on vintage books websites for hundreds of pounds like those of John Marshall do today.

National Archives Talks Year 5 students welcomed Neil and Sarah from the National Archives in their History lessons. They were shown some of the incredible documents and artefacts stored at the National Archives (of which there are over 12 million!). The girls were incredible historians, asking very pertinent questions and making very well-informed and reasoned observations.

Year 4 National Archives Workshop Year 4, participated in a Tudor workshop delivered by the National Archives. The girls looked at a range of documents which have helped historians to piece together information about Tudor life. They were able to analyse, infer and ask questions to further their understanding of the Tudor period.

World Book Day The First School celebrated World Book Day with their customary style and enthusiasm. All the girls joined their Teams dressed up as a character form a favourite book. It was wonderful to see such a colourful array of costumes and to hear which book inspire the girls.

Not to be outdone by their classes, the First School staff rose to the challenge and donned their own costumes to teach.

Some lessons and activities designed to help the girls understand and appreciate that people’s brains work in different ways has helped them to understand more about neurodiversity and develop qualities such as empathy and kindness. I will never forget the 82

impact that books such as ‘Goldfish’

by Lisa Thompson made on me. Mrs Taylor has recommends ‘Can You See Me?’ which is one of her favourite books with a neurodivergent central character based on the experiences of the co-author Libby Scott.

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LIBRARY & ARCHIVE Year 5 School Archives Visit

How time flies

Mrs Bartlett and Mr Chan invited the Year 5 students to explore some extremely interesting archive materials and gave them an introduction to our very own archive. Girls were able to reflect on how our school has changed over its 171 years of existence and thoroughly enjoyed reading exercise books from the 1890s as well as a spectacularly well-made field trip reflection (provoking excitement for our upcoming trip to Preston Montford!).

Girls also had the opportunity to look at both primary and secondary sources relating to the history of the school and the Duke of Chandos.

New Library

At the end of the academic year, girls had the opportunity to use the new Junior School library. Mrs Taylor and her team were busy ordering and moving new books back into place just in time for the start of the new term.

In celebration of the soft opening, girls in Year 3 – 6 created a book collage of their favourite books.

The newly designed library is bright and airy which is the perfect environment for girls to study, relax or read. In addition, there is a computer suite and a separate non-fiction area. The girls have been very excited browsing books and testing out the modern and comfy furniture.

It’s magical to be able to look back on our photos from the archives and see students from the 1950s and 1940s enjoying the school grounds, sketching and pond dipping. Here are some images of Year 2 at the very same spot. Many things have changed since these decades but the excitement and joy of learning outside remains the same. The girls sat in dappled sunshine whilst they created setting descriptions of the pond, which later became the beginnings to duckling stories.

Year 5 St Lawrence’s Trip Year 5 ventured outside of the school grounds for the first time together as a year group. Girls walked through Canons Park to visit the historic and beautiful little church of St Lawrence, which has close ties with Canons for hundreds of years. Year 5 girls built up a bigger picture of who the Duke of Chandos, James Brydges, was and why the church was so important to him and his family. The girls learned about the famous artists and sculptors who contributed to the incredible interior of the church as well as realising that Handel once played on the church’s organ!

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CHARITY & COMMUNITY Canonaid Charity During the year, girls were encouraged to support a range of different charities.

They had the opportunity to participate in a variety of fun and enriching fundraising events which provided an opportunity to raise awareness and develop a deeper understanding of a diverse range of causes. This reinforces the line from the Founder’s Day prayer,

“Thou dost require much from those to whom much is given.”

This understanding became particularly evident during the Spring Term when girls in the Lower School were asked

to tell us what charity meant to them.

During remote learning the girls used a new programme called Flipgrid to record their responses, of which there was a wonderful and varied range showing empathy, kindness, creativity, and generosity.

Canonaid: What does the word Charity mean to you?

During a Canonaid assembly teachers and teaching assistants told us what charity means to them: Mr Queripel is looking forward to his local charity shop opening up again so that he can support it with donating and buying

items; Mrs Weinstein told us about all the cooking she is doing for NHS staff with the “You donate, we cook” initiative; Mrs Shah makes regular donations to a remote village school in India; charity means giving to others who need help and striving to make a difference to Mr Wilkes; when Mrs West does her weekly food shop, she buys a few extra items and delivers them to a food bank and Mrs Newman reminded us of a line in the Founder’s Day prayer, “Thou dost require much from those to whom much is given” and how we have a duty to be kind and generous to people who are less fortunate than ourselves.

We asked Lower School girls what charity means to them and we had a wonderful range of responses showing empathy, kindness and generosity.

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CHARITY & COMMUNITY

The Wave Project Sarah Woods from a children’s mental health charity called The Wave Project joined our Canonaid assembly in the Autumn Term and explained to the girls how surfing had greatly improved the mental health and well-being of the children who had participated in one of the surfing therapies programmes, at one of the twelve centres located in the UK. The charity works with clinical psychologists to evaluate the change in the children’s mental health and well-being and, as a result of the surf therapy, they showed an improvement in self-esteem, confidence, resilience, social trust, positive functioning and friendships.

Sarah showed the girls a couple of inspirational videos and at the end of the presentation, which raised lots of questions in the Q&A session. Fundraising started straight away with the weekly Canonaid collections and continued throughout the term with more events.

Runners Up

Winning Entry A competition was launched and comprised designing a surfboard and writing a short paragraph explaining the reasons for the various design elements of the surfboard. Girls were asked to create a design that reflected the ethos of the charity.

Sarah Woods (Regional Manager) and her team had the exciting yet unenviable task of judging the entries and found it extremely difficult to choose the winning designs:

“We were overwhelmed with the surfboard designs.... they lit up our day. We could see how much research you had all done and how you got the message of what we do and that has been heart-warming.

It’s clear that you put a lot of time and effort into the artwork, and you should all be amazingly proud of what you have done.”

The runner up prizes were awarded to the following girls: Maya and Mariyum in Year 3; Alexa and Mahika in Year 4; Amy and Millie in Year 5; Minnie and Michelle in Year 6. The overall winner was Mahi in Year 5.

Girls also had the opportunity to test their surfing skills on a bouncy castle. There was a lot of laughter as they tried to stay upright and ‘ride the waves’ or bounces.

In total, £1,156.82 was raised for this great cause.

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CHARITY & COMMUNITY Solaraid During the Summer Term, the Junior School supported a charity called SolarAid and Emily Bellis from the charity joined the Canonaid assembly and gave an enlightening presentation on what the charity does and how they help people in sub-Saharan Africa. She explained how the charity works to provide access to clean, safe and affordable solar light to communities in rural Africa that are living without access to electricity. For every £4 donated, SolarAid distribute one more solar light to a family in rural Africa and every week an ‘Impact Calculator’ was used to show the girls how many solar lights they had funded. In total £995.17 was raised as a result of weekly Canonaid collections, a ‘sunshine colours’ Mufti Day, a quiz about climate change.

Harvest Festival Harvest Festival celebrations took place in the First and Lower School in October which included a wonderful assembly full of poems, singing and the ‘beaming’ in on Teams of Father Paul Reece, the vicar from St Lawrence’s Church. It was all hands-on deck, with help from the Year 6 Leaders and Lower School Form Monitors, to organise and bag up the food and toiletries donated by the girls for The Harrow Food Bank and Sufra. We just about had enough bags!

Fahim Dahya, Logisitcs and Facilities Manager of Sufra NW London, passed on a message of thanks.

‘Sufra NW London would like to thank the lovely students of NLCS for their generous donations to the food bank of over 300 kg. We have handed out almost 20,000 food parcels in the last 6 months, and these donations will go a long way towards helping us to continue to support the most vulnerable in our local area from the homeless, refugees and asylum seekers to families and young children. With unemployment at an all-time high and 43% of children in the local area living in poverty, the need for us to all work together to support our local community has never been greater. Thank you to NCLS staff, students, and parents for helping us in this fight against food poverty’.

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YEAR 6 MEMORIES 6I Dhriti 6I My fondest memory was in Y6 when we got a surprise trip to Preston Montford (we were meant to go last year but couldn’t because of COVID). I shared a bunk bed with my best friend, Hana, and was in a dorm with my closest friends. It was so much fun playing UNO, chatting loads, and pranking other dorms!! I really enjoyed the campfire (with marshmallows!) as well, where we sang the song ‘Fred the Moose’ ‘round the fire. The sheep and cows in the countryside were so cute, and me and my friends took so many photos of them!

My greatest achievement was being the only one to qualify in the year to the Junior Maths Olympiad (from the JMC).

I was really happy when I found out as I never thought I would be capable of doing it! I am also proud of getting a silver in the PMC Bonus Round (in Y5) and qualifying to the chess E.P.S.C.A finals in Y4.

A lesson I’ve learnt is not to get too stressed about the little things, and to control my nerves. Shoot for the moon, and even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.

Minnie 6I Throughout the Junior School I’ve had so much fun going on trips and working on projects. If I had to choose one memory it would be coming back to school after lockdown. It was really fun to see everyone again and got me very excited for the rest of the school year.

My greatest achievement was getting a gold in the PMC. I was very surprised because I’m not one of those ‘mathy’ people who can do long multiplication in their heads and knows the answers to all the questions on the board.

A lesson I have learned is embrace the unexpected. Although things may not happen the way you planned them, you can still have a good time.

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Xanthe 6I My favourite memory in Year 6 was when went to Preston Montford and I was in the same dorm as Eliana, Theresa and Leonora. We had a really fun pillow fight and we took turns saying sentences of a story about a monkey, a mink, a rusty spotted cat and a leopard. I also loved playing ding dong ditch with Nandini and Julia. Carding Mill Valley was really fun, and I accidentally sat in the stream while we were doing stream dipping. On the last day, there was a campfire and Eliana and I were singing super loud.

My greatest achievements in the Junior School were when I won debating competitions against other schools, with nearly no preparation. This was in Y5 debating club with Mr Wilkes. We were going to host a competition at NLCS but unfortunately, we had to cancel it due to COVID-19. I was also proud of writing a book, and I got above 50 pages.

I have learned that people will like you for who you are and how kind you are towards them, not for your appearance or how popular you are.

Eliana 6I My fondest memory in the Junior School has to be Preston Montford and Bushcraft. In Bushcraft me, Nandini and Theresa all covered our face with mud and leaves in our hair. It was year 4 and the one night we went away was the first night I had ever spent away from my parents. We had cooked our own meals on our own fires! We also made shelters and all three of us slept there.

The night was really cold and when we started to sleep our shelter fell on us and had to get someone to put it back up. In Preston Montford it was really fun as we went for four days instead of three because we had not gone to France that year due to COVID-19. In our dorm (Theresa, Leonora, Xanthe) we had a pillow fight. Our instructor was John. One time we sung around a

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camp fire and ate toasted marshmallows.

We had a really great time.

My greatest achievement was in the junior school when we did the Y6 play online. We had the greatest time ever and I got the part of an organ from 1870 and got supposedly burned to death.

A lesson I have learnt is make the most of life. Life is short and you need to do everything you want to.

Sola 6I My fondest memory in the Junior school was both the residential tripsBushcraft and Preston Montfort (it would have been France but due to COVID it was cancelled instead we went to Preston Montford for 3 NIGHTS!!!). I loved how we slept in tents in the wilderness in bushcraft, although the instructor was really strict it was really fun to hang out and have a gigantic sleepover with the whole year. I really enjoyed Preston Montford because of the freedom we had. An hour a day to do whatever we wanted if it was go for a walk, hang out with your dorm, climb trees. The best part had to be when I got stuck in a tree and when Mrs Ivory sat in the hallway waiting till we fell asleep (Izzy fell asleep really quickly but Anya, Natalie and I were waiting until she left).

My greatest achievement was when I got a bronze in the JMC, got a very good in maths and when I got into dance squad. I felt like I had achieved so much and was really proud as I had reached all my targets. A lesson I’ve learnt is never to give up on a friend even though you get split up from them, there are always other ways to stay close to them and it is not the end of the world.

Michelle 6I My fondest memory in Year 6 was in our dorms in Preston Montford – we were playing games until midnight and every time Mrs Ivory or

YEAR 6 MEMORIES Mrs Keegan came to check on us, we quickly swept the blankets over us and pretended to be sleeping! And when we were orienteering there, my group kept getting lost and what made it worse was that it was sweltering, we were all tired and there were thousands of stinging nettles all over the place so we couldn’t even take a break and sit down.

My greatest achievement in school was that I achieved a silver in the PMC and the JMC. I also passed my Grade 6 violin exam with a distinction, and I got the 11+ music scholarship for NLCS. And in the Year 6 play, I got one of the main roles.

A lesson I learnt is that you can’t expect things to always go your way because they won’t, and sometimes you just have to accept what happens in life, keep calm and carry on.

Anika 6I My fondest memory in the Junior School is Preston Montford.

I had so much fun with my dorm and me and Minnie stayed up till 2ish in the morning and had a midnight feast!

The sheep were also super cute and we couldn’t get to sleep because they were so loud and funny!

My greatest achievement was getting a gold in the PMC in Y5 and Y6 and a gold in the JMC and going on to the Kangaroo. I am also very proud to be a Junior Leader and to lead out the procession on Founders Day! Also, to win E.P.S.C.A the chess competition in the semis with the A-team.

A lesson I have learned from my time in the Junior School is that friendships have their ups and downs and sometimes you have to move on and make new friends.

of different rollercoasters. On one of the rides, we suddenly dropped down, and we got splashed by so much water as we were on a boat. Also, after a school chess tournament, we all had a huge celebration and party with cakes, and we had a huge feast – it was so yummy! Lastly, Preston Montford was a really fun trip. We went there for 4 days, and we did all sorts of fun things like orienteering, experimenting with creatures in the River Severn, and we had to protect an egg from cracking after dropping it from 3 flights of stairs.

My greatest achievement was being captain of the A team in chess. I was also form monitor of Year 4, and I was one of the Junior Leaders. Overall, all the ensembles I was in from the Junior School were, Orchestra, String Trio, String Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Harp Ensemble and Canons Choir. All of these groups were really fun and at the end of the concert, all the work had paid off! I have learnt to always be persistent and never give up, because if you believe in yourself, you can do everything you want.

Julia 6I My fondest memory is on sports day when we were lining up. I dropped my water bottle on the floor, and it cracked open and water spilled everywhere! My best achievement was being a junior leader in the autumn term. I got to decorate the Christmas tree and arrange the food for the harvest festival. I felt very important and liked being superior to my classmates. A lesson I’ve learned in the junior school is not to take anyone for granted, especially the people closest and most important to you. I realised it one day in the shower.

Siena 6I From all my fondest memories from the Junior School, I would have to say that going to Legoland was super fun!

We went on lots

Mimi 6I Out of all my memories, my fondest one was when we were at Preston Montford, making rockets (on the last day.

In our group, was: Ashni, Nandini, Lara, Cassia and me. We made a rocket named ‘Bob the Great’. When we were making the rocket, Ashni was singing a song about someone else’s butt unintentionally (all about the base)!

She did not realise this and Nandini said ‘You know you’re singing a song about someone else’s butt!’ She still said it anyway which made us all laugh.

My greatest achievement was the 11+ and the JMC. I had to work extremely hard for the 11+. The annoying thing was, that we had to do the 11+ online!

The JMC is a year 8 paper, as I was so excited when I found out that I got a bronze! I was very proud as I did not expect to get that high of a mark.

A lesson I learnt was that if you don’t try you won’t be able to do it, but if you try and never give up you can achieve anything. Some advice is, always be kind, and take risks, you never know where they will take you. Like J.K.Rowling said ‘What is life without a little risk?’

Tara 6I One of my fondest memories was at the end of year 5, when we had been in lockdown for the whole term, and we were allowed to come back for one day. It was so exciting to see everyone in person and we did lots of fun activities. Though we only met half of the class, it felt good to interact with people not through a screen. I also really enjoyed our trip to Preston Montford in year 6. We spent 4 days there and we did lots of fun activities. My favourite parts were staying up late talking in our dorms and trekking up Carding Mill Valley.

One of my greatest achievements is getting bronze in the JMC. In Year 5 I got into dance squad, and we went to a competition where we placed 3rd. My colour team also won in the swimming gala in year 6. A lesson I have learnt is that you should seize every opportunity you get and never let anything stand in your way. If you don’t try you will never know.

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YEAR 6 MEMORIES Meher 6I My fondest memory was my year 3 marble treat. I loved it sooo much probably because it was my first treat. But also, I remember when Miss Long accidentally broke our marble jar and even when we got to 100 marbles we were still waiting for the other class to catch up so we could enjoy it together. We then watched a movie and I remember specially buying a penguin onesie so I could be matching with my friends.

My greatest achievement was in year 6 in a P.E lesson and we were playing rounders. My team was so close to winning but then the other team won by one point. I remember all of my class asking the teacher who she would pick to bat, and I heard my name. I felt really proud of myself. A lesson I have learnt is always try your best even if it isn’t the best in your class, you will leave knowing you gave it your all and there was nothing more you can do.

Cassia 6I My fondest memory in the Junior school was when we were in Preston Montford at Carding Mill valley and we had been walking for ages, we had finally stopped and we were about to begin stream dipping, we were all super excited! We put our wellies on and got into the stream, after a while once we had found six small creatures we started playing in the water and having water fights with the gross stream water! (Some parts of the water had small line insects that everyone thought were leaches) we were splashing each other so much I fell into the pond! (Twice actually) my wellies were filled to the brim of water so I had to walk back in dripping socks!!

My greatest achievement this year was my spring term band report (we haven’t got our end of year ones yet) I got a VG in maths, and I am really happy!! A lesson I have learnt is that if you’re not good at something practice it over and 90

over again and sooner or later you will be AMAZING at it!

Lara 6I My fondest memory was when we were in Preston Montford, we were on a very long walk at Carding Mill Valley. Another school walked past, and as they did Nandini shouted “Ashni! Have you got the ointment for your foot fungus yet?” We all couldn’t stop laughing and everyone stared at us. Mr Brown even found it funny! (By the way, Ashni doesn’t have foot fungus.) We also had a habit of naming all the animals we saw.

The fly in our dorm became Timothy, and we called sheep Dorothea, Barney, Little Tim and Little Tom. One of the great things I have achieved is getting a Silver in the JMC (a maths paper designed for Year 8.) Also, when the White colour team won both Sports Day and the Swimming Gala.

A lesson I have learnt is that you shouldn’t compare yourself to other people, because everyone is unique in their own way, and no one is the same.

Also, don’t swing on your chair because the teachers all have their own story about people who fell off their chair while swinging on it.

Ashni 6I My fondest memory from the Junior school was Preston Montford, it was an incredible opportunity.

Not only I was extremely happy with who I was in a dorm with but we also experienced and did lots of fun things during the night.

These included having a midnight feast and also we did many deep sleep tests to someone who was snoring during the night! Mrs Fox kept knocking on our door to tell us to get to sleep though!!!

I was in a dorm with Cassia, Lara and Meher. Another fantastic memory was getting to make a safe egg protecting competition, so they didn’t crack when

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they fell from high. I was in a group with Lara, Nandini and Cassia. Sadly, everyone’s cracked but it was still fun making it. Everything we encountered on the trip was so enjoyable, like going to Carding Mill Valley and Iron Bridge as well.

My greatest achievement, which was from Year 6, was getting a bronze in the Junior Maths Challenge. I was very happy with my results. In Year 5 I got into Canons Choir which was spectacular to hear. I was very proud of myself and was a very cool experience to be in different competitions during and getting to sing on lots of cool stages. A lesson I’ve learnt is to keep persisting. Giving up for everything won’t get you far and is the worst option to choose. Everyone will have a mistake throughout their lives but that is a thing to learn from.

Emma 6I My fondest memory in the junior school was when we all went to Bushcraft in year four and we were trying CPR on each other.

It ended up as a play fight between me and my friends and we were rolling around in the mud. I also remember when in year 3 Miss Smith wrote her first name at the top of a worksheet to show us where to write our names and we were all so shocked.

My greatest achievement was doing the Junior Maths Challenge Kangaroo.

We had to take our iPads to Preston Montford and do it online. I found it really fun and enjoyed the challenge. A lesson I have learned is to always just go for it and take risks because it really pays off.

Nandini 6I My fondest memories from the junior school were Preston Montford and Bushcraft. In Preston Montford I enjoyed our walk-up carding mill valley where my

YEAR 6 MEMORIES friends and I were pulling practical jokes on each other. When another school was walking by I yelled ‘Ashni did you get the ointment for your foot fungus yet?!’(She doesn’t have foot fungus.) We all couldn’t stop laughing and Mr Brown found it funny. Later Ashni got revenge and got Julia and Lara to yell ‘Nandini, did you get the ointment for your foot fungus yet!?’ (I don’t have foot fungus either!)In Bushcraft Theresa, Eliana and I slept in a shelter that we made.

My proudest moment was when I won a chess trophy in year 2. I was very pleased with myself as It was the first trophy I had ever received and I practiced a lot at home to get it.

Everyone was clapping and cheering. I was a bit disappointed as I would have got a better score if I was there on a day a missed out. Some good advice I received was ‘Crying over burnt cakes isn’t going to fix them.’ This means not to cry about things you can’t control as it’s not going to do anything.

Anaiya 6I My fondest memory was our residential trip to Preston Montford and it was fun when the our people in our dorm kept pranking/ding-dong-ditching us, even when we put a sign! I enjoyed visiting the Iron Bridge and walking up Carding Mill Valley. I liked measuring the width, speed and depth of the stream and when we went stream dipping, we never actually caught anything interesting except Fresh-water shrimp which was kind of annoying, but Preston Montford was one of the best trips of the Junior School.

My greatest achievement was being elected School Council twice, once in Year 3 and in Year 6. In Year 3, I was very nervous and scared since we only just came into the school and I was a very big introvert, we had to make a short speech. I honestly heard everyone else and mine was not very good but surprisingly I was elected. In year 6 I was much more prepared and was a lot more confident.

A lesson I have learnt is to always believe in yourself and your principles,

even if people don’t agree. You must always have self-confidence because there will always be a person who agrees with you. As BTS would say you must ‘Love Yourself’. :)

Divya 6I My fondest memory from the Junior School was the trip to Legoland and my mom came and in my group was Maria, Eliana, Nandini and Eleanor. My favourite ride there was a log boat water ride.

Nandini, Maria and I was in one and Eliana and Eleanor were in another. The best part was going down at the last bit and we got a bit wet, though I had a rain mac. There was also the miniature world made of Lego and there were tiny, cute trains that moved and many countries were there. I also loved a small stream going down a path that was on a hill and at the very start there was a cute tiny fountain.

My greatest achievement was doing the DCBeagle, with Emma, in Year 5, and getting certificates. We got 4 on almost all of the challenges and it was really fun. We had to wait a long time in a hall for everybody else to arrive and then we went to a smaller room with tables, and they put timers and we had to solve puzzles in pairs an after time was up they moved us to different tables to do different problems. Then they told us the answers and got our scores. A lesson I learnt throughout the Junior School is that you should listen to all the learning habits as much as possible.

Eurovision this year I felt so nostalgic remembering that day! I’m so glad we all got to bond together like that before we had to go onto online school. It’s now a little inside joke of fun between everyone who was there!

My greatest achievement was when I got the best 100m sprint score in the class and the best 800m score in the year. I am also very proud of being in gym squad from Y2 to Y5 and Dance squad Y4 and Y6. A lesson I have learnt is to always be in the moment. Don’t dwell on the future or the past, it will just bring you down.

Theresa 6I My fondest memories of the junior school are Bushcraft and Preston Montford.

In Bushcraft, Nandini, Eliana and I smeared mud on our faces and slept in the shelter. Both of them snored very loudly and kept me awake! We were not able to do Preston Montford in Year 5 but we went for four days this year. It was fun to sleep in dorms and make our own beds- and the food was very good!

My greatest achievement was probably coming third in the Harrow schools cross country in Year 5 and earning a bronze medal. Later, we found out that NLCS had come first as a school and Cody, Nessie, Natalie and I all got gold medals. A lesson I’ve learnt is that thinking you’re bad won’t help you improve and get better. I’ve also learnt to try not to look forward to something too much as it could always not happen.

Izzy 6I

Leanne 6I

My fondest memory is in Year 5 when school was about to close due to Covid, and there were only about 9 of us left in 5W. Mr Wilkes showed us the Icelandic entry to the Eurovision! It was really funny and we all danced together, including Mr Wilkes! When I saw the

My fondest year 6 memory was making costumes in art and going to Preston Montford for and extended time. Art is one of my biggest passions since I was young, so being able to design and make costumes as a team was an amazing experience. Our theme was the secret garden, and we had

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YEAR 6 MEMORIES the freedom to create anything which was very exciting. I will also always remember going to Preston Montford because I was able to be in a dorm with my best friends (Anika and Minnie) and because we did several activities that included campfires, orienteering, Carding Mill Valley, shelter making, the egg drop challenge and making rockets.

Our rocket team (Leanne, Divya, Libby and Ankita) were able to get 1st place in the rocket completion and get a Preston Montford record because our rocket flew 16.3m. According to my roommates, I said “Oww” and curled up into a ball whilst I was asleep.

My greatest achievement was dance squad becoming third place in a regional dance competition. Because of coronavirus, we couldn’t go to the national final, so instead a few people were selected to enter as soloists. I was entered and my solo came 25th out of 97 other people. In year 5 to go to a maths competition with a few others to represent NLCS. And in Year 3, I was board 1 in the chess team I was in and we won the plate competition (a side chess competition in wales).

A lesson that I have learnt is that life is something to look forward to and to live it to the fullest even if I feel I am failing.

Hana 6I My fondest memory was having fun with my friends at Preston Montford. I loved pond-dipping, but I got very wet! I was in a dorm of four and shared a bunk with my best friend Dhriti. I loved playing UNO, Dobble and pranking other dorms! It was very fun seeing all the sheep and going into the woods! Unfortunately, we had to split into two bubbles, Bubble I and Bubble B but we still had lots of fun together like roasting marshmallows on the campfire and singing the crazy moose song.

My greatest achievement was earning a silver in the JMC. I got 68/135 which is only 5 points away from the kangaroo!

I never thought I would be able to do that! I also was very proud when I won a couple debating competition against HABS in year 5.

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The lesson that I will take from the junior school is that making a mistake is not the end of the world. You learn from your mistakes, and you should just try again.

6B Myra 6B Well, my favourite memory would probably be the time I got lost. Slightly more specifically, the time where Coco, Michelle and I got hopelessly lost in the middle of a field covered in sheep poop. I feel like I should explain further…so, we were at Preston Montford (the best school trip EVER) and had been assigned an orientation challenge. We went to the vast fields, and after nailing the first few flags, got… well… lost. Soon the sun became intolerable and beated down on our poor, defenceless faces mercilessly.

Which planet we were on… I was not aware. For all I know, we could have discovered another dimension, one covered in sheep poop grass and mutant stinging nettles.

My greatest accomplishment was probably getting through to the Kangaroo level in the JMC. This was quite a proud moment for me as I hadn’t been expecting to score so high.

A lesson I learnt in the Junior School (not to be cheesy or anything) is that there is always someone you can come to for help. Also, another lesson I learnt is not to bring new(ish) trainers to Preston Montford!

Ankita 6B My fondest memory was in Preston Montford.

Even though we couldn’t go to France, it was still really fun! On the third afternoon of Preston Montford, my friend Aanya had to get her ankle checked at the hospital.

We thought she would come back later on but she actually arrived in the middle of the night! When we woke up the next

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day, we were talking and Aanya suddenly said something. I nearly screamed, and everyone out really scared as we didn’t even know she was there!

One of my greatest achievements was in chess when I came first in the Giga finals! After this, I moved on to the Tera finals. Another achievement that I am proud of is when I got into the year 4 cross country tournament. It was really fun as it was my first time there, and after the races, we got cookies and a drink! One of the lessons I have learnt is to never put yourself down or tell yourself that you can’t do anything, because you will always surprise yourself and realise your true potential.

Natalie 6B My fondest memory in the Junior School was Preston Montford. I was in a dorm with Anya, Sola and Izzy. It was always so fun just lying in bed chatting and laughing, trying not to let the teachers hear… In the morning we would wake up and go on a walk in the massive fields to see rabbits and sheep. Another funny moment in Preston Montford was in the morning when we all tried to pull Anya’s duvet off. She kept tugging it until we managed to pull her off her bed! To be fair, she did the same thing to me the night before! During the campfire we were all singing the crazy moose song but me and Sola kept just singing a random theme tune from a this baby programme.

Bushcraft was also very fun, we stayed in these huge tents and ate brownies by the campfire. We also had hot chocolate.

I remember we mixed them both together! the food was so good!!!

My greatest achievement was participating in the cross country with a few other people from Year 6. This was a great experience and helped me improve. Also, when we did our sprint times, I was very proud of myself. During Year 5 and 6 we did lots of netball tournaments and matches as well.

A lesson I have learnt during my time at the Junior School is to always look for the positives in as many situations as you can. This will help you have lots more fun.

YEAR 6 MEMORIES Chloe 6B My fondest memories of the Junior School are definitely the trips to Preston Montford and Bushcraft. In Bushcraft, I loved sleeping in a sleeping bag in the tent. It was the first residential trip I had ever been on. We all put the front of our sleeping bags in the middle so we could talk to each other all night. My favourite part of it was singing the Crazy Moose song around the campfire and eating a brownie. In Preston Montford I was in a large dorm with six people in total, and I love playing UNO and jumping between the beds. It was one of the first times I had slept on the top of a bunk bed! I remember singing Let It Go really loudly, and we had so much fun.

My greatest achievement was probably getting into the bonus round of the Primary Maths Challenge in Y5. I was also proud of performing in a competition with Canons Choir in Southbank last year as well. It was the first time I had performed to an audience that big. Throughout the Junior School, I loved performing in ensembles in the Winter and Summer Concerts with my cello, and I loved the thrill of going through the wings in the PAC and when at the end of the concert, confetti fell from the ceiling.

A lesson I have learnt from the Junior School is to seize every opportunity you get, as you can’t always understand what something is like until you try it.

Shreya 6B My fondest memory in Year 6 was when we went to Preston Montford for 3 nights. We were meant to go in Y5 but couldn’t, due to Corona. We also couldn’t go to France in Y6, so we went to Preston Montford to make up for it. On the first night, Arya (one of my dorm mates) needed the toilet at 4am and the creaky door woke me up and made me very grumpy! It was hilarious to find out Amaya’s secret when playing truth or

dare tag after our delicious dinner.

We also made shelters and sat in them while having water poured on us! I sat in a gap and got drenched! We also did orienteering with compasses and just after we gave up, Mimi fell into a massive nettle bush with her shorts on!

Lucky for her, we smothered her in my sting relief cream!

My greatest achievement in the Junior School is when I had to be a B team netball player for half of a netball match in year 5. We were against Stormont school and for some reason, we were all very intimidated by them and found them quite scary! When I look back at that now, I think it’s sooo funny and silly!

Two lessons I learned from the Junior School are that I should jump at opportunities when they come, and love people for their weaknesses rather than dislike them.

Arya 6B My fondest memory of year 6 is probably Preston Montford.

Even though we were supposed to go in year 5 it was a great to go when we were in year 6. For 3 nights we got to sleep with our dorms and sometimes stay up late chatting!

The campfire on the last night was the best bit because of the marshmallows that were delicious and ‘The Crazy Moose’ song that we got to sing with call and response with the other bubble.

Because of Covid-19 we had to split into two bubbles!!!!!

My greatest achievement in the Junior School was getting into dance squad in year 5 and it was really fun to dance in a group and put in our own moves.

Nearing the end of year 5 sadly Covid came around and dance squad stopped.

But before that in the early Spring term we had a competition that we had been working on all year. We came second but COVID interrupted our life and we couldn’t compete in the next round.

My second greatest achievement was surviving lockdown as it was tough for everybody, but the funny bit was the amount of tech issues we had at school as my parents were key workers.

A lesson that I have learnt in the Junior School it just to keep trying and look ahead for your goal and you will achieve it. Also, to savour your days in the junior school because they go by so, so, so quickly even the bad bits because you will suddenly find out that you only have two weeks left!

Libby 6B My fondest memory from the Junior School would be France, but sadly that was cancelled, so it would instead be when we went to Bushcraft in Year 4. It was my first time doing any sort of bushcraft and I learned so many skills. We learned some first aid, how to start a fire and make lots of different types of traps for animals.

We played games and built shelter in teams. My team’s shelter was really good so we got the option to sleep in the shelters we made. No one chose to sleep in their shelters except me and Ankita and a few other people in another shelter, and it was really scary because we were outside in the woods on our own. Ankita woke me up in the night twice, and I woke her up once because I needed the loo. The person teaching us bushcraft was REALLY STRICT and we crept past him to go to the portaloos. They were really stinky, and I literally held my breath when I peed. Ankita was so scared when she waited outside, and Mrs Cukier said we were really brave.

One lesson I will take with me to the senior school is not to swing on your chair because your teacher will tell you off and you will fall and everyone will most likely laugh at you.

Aashna 6B My fondest memory in Year 6 was when at Preston Montford, on the first night me and my dorm was so loud, Mrs Ivory had to sit there reading her kindle until we fell asleep! Another thing I

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YEAR 6 MEMORIES will always remember was when we had a really loud karaoke with some of the people in my dorm room (Libby, Chloe, Ankita) and the teachers came in telling us that we were very loud and to be quiet, we all burst out laughing so much! We sung ‘Let it Go’, ‘Before you Go’, and Someone you loved at full volume! On the way back, on the coach we waved to trucks and cars ands 21 people waved back at us, it was so fun and I remember the whole back half of the coach counting down as we got to a truck and screaming WAVE, and we would all knock on the windows and wave!

My greatest achievement would be running computing workshops for all the years in the winter term and holding a Kahoot as well with Theresa which had prizes as well. I was so proud as it went so successfully and so many people enjoyed it. I felt really responsible and proud that it had turned out so well. Another proud achievement for me was when I won the Book Knowledge Competition and Technology/Computing Competition in Y4. I was also very proud when I got into Netball Squad in Y4 and played loads of matches for the NLCS U9 and U10’s B Team.

A lesson I will take with me from the Junior School, is that practice doesn’t make you perfect, but it certainly makes you better at doing something, and that you should keep going no matter what and take risks because it will always lead to a great outcome.

Eleanor 6B My fondest memory from the Junior School was our time in Preston Montford. After missing out in Year 5 due to Coronavirus, the school organised for us to go in Year 6 since we couldn’t go to France. The activities we did there were fun but the bits I will remember the most were those in the dorm.

When we arrived at the site, everyone was eager to find out who they were with. After already being split into two bubbles, the options were cut down but that did not diminish the excitement. I 94

found out that I was with Amaya, Cody, Anna and Nessie and we all made a break for our room, only to squeal even more when we realised it was an en suite. The first night consisted of lots of sleep-moving from Amaya. She rolled off her bed and onto the floor and started kicking out and flicking her hair (pretty fashionably, actually).

Then she began to steal Nessie’s duvet and pillow and was soon clinging on to Nessie’s leg extremely tight. She also threw my jumper (which had been thoughtfully placed on the floor) at me really fast and it was inches away from hitting my head. She had great aim for a sleeping person…

Also, the final night, I had lots of fun chatting with Amaya and Cody.

I probably shouldn’t be writing this, but we were up until 2am talking, covering some very serious topics as well as quite a few goofy ones. We had numerous toilet breaks (of which we told the others not to say anything “juicy”) and went with care as to not wake up Nessie.

Finally, the food there was ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS. I was constantly hungry (which I made quite apparent…) and looked forward to dinner every day, often after finishing breakfast. I will always remember the act of charity by Mrs Keegan, when she gave me one of her spare cheese rolls from lunch.

My greatest achievement from the Junior School was getting into School Council in Year 3 and in Year 6. I was thrilled when it happened in my first year at NLCS, because I was generally quite shy and it helped me open up and gave me some confidence. Then, in Year 6, I spent a long time typing up my speech and was elated to find that my hard work pulled off. I was then made Chairperson of School Council and had lots of fun with my fellow Executives (Cody, Anaiya and Minnie).

One lesson I’ll take from my time here is that there are so many opportunities out there and if you put in the effort good things will happen. I also learnt that although hard work is important, it is just as important to let go with your friends and have fun every so often.

Finally, I learnt to never leave loose jumpers in the room when Amaya’s asleep!

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Leonora 6B My fondest memories are the ducklings in year two, Bushcraft in year four and Preston Montford in year five. At Bushcraft I remember making traps, our group made a teacher trap and we trapped Mrs Pearson. At Preston Montford I remember the commotion in the night.

Theresa moved a lot in her sleep and nearly fell out of the top bunk! We had to push in back in and save her life!

One of my greatest achievements is getting into dance squad when it first started. I never thought I’d get in, I was so surprised and happy.

One lesson I have learned is to work hard and pour your heart into what you love. Don’t bother with then things you hate, they will never bring you joy.

Nessie 6B My fondest memory in Year 6 was when we went to Preston Montford. We were doing orienteering and we had to go through a field of sheep. It was quite scary at the time because I was on the side of the fence with the sheep and the rest of my group was on the other side. The sheep then came running towards the feeder which was right beside where we were. We had to shuffle around them without disturbing them in case they started charging at us!!! When I look back on this now it actually sounds really funny!!! :) My greatest achievement was getting a silver in the JMC even though I got a bronze in the PMC. A lesson I have learnt is that if you try your best then it is OK to not succeed

Amaya 6B My fondest memory in the Junior School was definitely Preston Montford

YEAR 6 MEMORIES in Year 6. In Year 5, we were supposed to go but unfortunately it got cancelled because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

I was in a dorm with Eleanor, Cody, Anna and Nessie. On the first night, I was sleep moving with the other people in my dorm staring at me. In Preston Montford we had many orienteering sessions and free time in our dorms.

On the third night, Eleanor, Cody and I stayed up until 2 am just chatting. It was so much fun, and we talked about the most interesting topics which the teachers wouldn’t approve of being in the Omnibuss. After we had been chatting for five hours nonstop, I fell asleep onto Cody’s lap which was surprisingly comfy!

My greatest achievement is improving my cross-country score by one and a half minutes. This was a very great achievement as I had a fractured foot in between Year 5 and Year 6 cross country. Another great achievement is that I was in the A team in netball in Year 3, 4 and 5. I am also very proud of being a Junior Leader in the spring and summer term as we got to help out with Founder’s Day. A lesson I learnt in the Junior School was that you should enjoy every second and have as much fun as possibly you can as time flies when you are at school.

You shouldn’t waste a single moment and you should always remember that your friends are always there when you need them.

Cody 6B My fondest memory in the Junior School was absolutely going to Preston Montford in Year 6 after waiting a year when it was delayed because of Covid. I was in a dorm with Amaya, Nessie, Eleanor and Anna, all of us squealing in hyper excitement when we discovered we had an en suite bathroom! Nessie ended up putting all our duvets in the cases since she was the only one athletic enough to wriggle into the corners! On the first night Amaya began sleep moving! She rolled out of bed with a huge thump and started crawling between the beds.

We all moved into Eleanor’s bed and

just sat there watching Amaya flailing around on the floor! It was hilarious, especially as she had no clue we were even looking. Eventually we had to get Mrs Ivory after Amaya threw a jumper at Eleanor (which apparently was supposed to be on the floor…) and clutched Nessie’s leg without letting go. The second day Eleanor managed to get her jumper snagged on the bunk bed, ending up getting stuck. We were way too busy laughing at her to help, meaning we left her there for five minutes! I got several hilarious pictures of her moaning and trying to get free, many of which we showed Mrs Ivory later. Lastly, on the third night, Amaya, Eleanor and I squished ourselves into one bed and stayed up for five hours straight just talking about a lot of topics the teachers probably don’t want me to mention in the Omnibuss. Amaya eventually fell asleep on my lap. She appears to be writing right now that it was ‘surprisingly comfy…’ We also kept pondering with Mrs Ivory how amazingly similar we were to sheep.

(Which is VERY.) My greatest achievement was in Year 6 when I got into the Junior Kangaroo from the JMC in Year 6. I was very proud as I got a bronze in the PMC the year before. I was also very pleased when I became a School Council Executive at the start of the year and a Junior Leader in the spring and= summer term.

An important lesson I have learnt from being in the Junior School is enjoy every second and have as much fun as possible because the time goes way too quickly. Laugh as much as you can and remember - school isn’t all about learning so keep things in perspective!

Anaya 6B My fondest memory in year 6 was probably when we went to Preston Montford.

I really liked the first day when we did orienteering in the evening as we had to run around the grounds and use a map in small groups and find all the letters. On the way back everyone was waving to lorry drivers and 21 of them waved back.

I will also remember when we were using Microsoft teams to have lessons.

I will always remember this unusual experience and working from home due to COVID. One of my greatest achievements was when I got into dance squad for the third time as it started in year 4. In year 5 we went to a big competition called the Great Big Dance Off and our team got through to the finals even though it was cancelled later due to COVID. I am also proud of myself playing multiple netball matches in the A team even if we didn’t win all of them. I am really proud of myself as in Year 4 we were playing Kerem and it was 0-14, and then I scored the only goal for my team.

A lesson I have learnt from the Junior School is that you have to work really hard and put all your effort into everything you do. I have also learnt that you should go for every opportunity you get.

Ishani 6B It is extremely hard to choose my fondest memory from Year 6 but it has to be going to Preston Montford! It has been favourite school trip and I was in a large dorm of six! I strongly remember playing UNO with Ankita, Aanya, and Chloe in the second morning! On the first night we could not go to sleep and Mrs Ivory had to sit in the doorway of our dorm for AGES, and I could not stop giggling. My dorm had a habit of singing ‘Let it go’ from Frozen all the time!

I think my greatest achievement was getting a Gold in the Junior Maths Challenge and getting through to the Kangaroo level. The Kangaroo Maths Challenge was during Preston Montford so in the morning after breakfast I went to this awesome looking classroom and did the Kangaroo on my iPad! Moreover, also really enjoyed taking part in Dance Squad in Year 5 and 6!

A lesson that I have learned is to keep persisting and never give up. If you keep trying, want to do well and put effort in, then you will always succeed mentally and physically.

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YEAR 6 MEMORIES Naina 6B My fondest memory in Year 6 was in Preston Montford when Anaya and Ishwari scared me in the middle of the night. They told me that someone opened the door and there was a shadow outside the door. I got really scared because earlier Anaya put her head against the light next to her bed and felt air coming out of it. After 5 minutes they told me it was a joke and we all started laughing.

I got really angry we started laughing more. It was also really funny in Preston Montford when loads of people raced Mr Brown across the grass and the front and he won!!

My greatest achievement was when I got into Netball Squad for the last term in Year 5 and we went to a few different schools and played matches against them (we won a most of them).

Some schools came to NLCS to play against us, and I was really proud when I scored 2 goals.

A lesson I learnt was that you should always do your best and even if you don’t get it right, at least you know that you tried.

Anya 6B My fondest memory was in Preston Montford.

In the night, Natalie fell off her bed, Izzy was mumbling/sleep talking, and Sola and Natalie tried to pull of my duvet and apparently I kicked them as they were doing so… Then on the way back from Preston Montford Sola Natalie and I were playing would you rather on the coach and Mr Brown and Mrs Ivory overheard and burst out laughing. Once we realised, they were laughing because of us we started laughing too.

My greatest achievement was being in the cross-country team and going to competitions with different schools.

Also, in Canons choir last year we went to a big competition and I was so proud to perform in front of all the other amazing choirs.

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Something I’ve learned is to never limit what you think your capable of and go into new things feeling happy. Another thing I’ve learned is to always ask questions, even if you’re embarrassed.

My greatest achievement was my year 5 creative writing about a girl called Olga.

She sees a doll that looks just like her in an old abandoned-looking shop and we had to choose what happens next.

Aanya 6B

Amelie 6B

My fondest memory from Year 6 was in Preston Montford when I made new friendships with people that I never thought I would be friends with. I also really enjoyed the dinners and breakfasts – the Shephard’s pie mainly. I had fun trying (and failing) to make my bed and put the duvet in the duvet cover. I also remember that I was in the biggest dorm, and the first night, we all talked for so long that Mrs Ivory had to come and sit in our doorway until everyone fell asleep. But she didn’t realise that I was still awake when she left!

My greatest achievement was when I went to a swimming gala in Year 5 when all the other swimmers were Year 6’s. I felt terrified but when I won my race I felt better and very proud.

A lesson I have learned is that you always will have someone looking out for you, and even if you argue with one of your friends, it doesn’t mean you’ve lost their friendship. I’ve also learned that there’s always a solution to every problem and not to give up because that is even worse than losing.

My fondest memory was when we went to Preston Montford.

We had to go in Y6 instead of Y5 because of coronavirus but we still managed to go which was really exciting. I was in the smallest dorm, so we sometimes hung out in other people’s dorm but it was really cosy. My dorm and I woke up at around 6:15 to 6:30 so we could get ready and go for a walk before breakfast at 7:20am. Wednesday was the best day because we went to Carding Mill Valley and we explored rivers and hills and we went on a long walk around they valley. When we got back, we sat around a campfire and listened to a scary story and sang some songs having fun. Some of the activities we did were building shelters, making a fire, orienteering and trying to make yarn out of wool. For breakfast we got to have an English breakfast or cereal and for dinner we got a pasta bake on Monday, cottage pie on Tuesday and fish and chips on Wednesday. Bedtime was at 9 but lights off were at 9:30pm but my dorm talked until 10:00 every night. We didn’t talk past 10 because some of us wanted to sleep. Overall, it was really fun and everything was exciting.

One of my greatest achievements was when I played in the A team in netball in year 5. I played some in B team and most in A which was quite cool given I wasn’t in netball squad in year 4. We managed to get quite a lot of wins and some losses. Another achievement was getting into gym squad in year 4 and 5. In year 4 I joined in the summer term but in year 5 I joined right at the beginning which was surprising as I couldn’t even do the splits properly!

A piece of advice from me is when you think things can’t get better and you feel down just hope for the best and keep a positive attitude and mindset because eventually everything will turn around and things will get better for you. You should keep trying and ne’er give up.

Maria 6B My fondest memory in Year 6 was on the coach rides on the way back from Preston Montford when someone sent Mr Brown a note saying, ‘are we nearly there yet?’ and Mr Brown said that there were 20 mins left.

Then they sent a note saying ‘thank you’ and he burst out laughing.

A lesson I have learnt is to try anything even if it seems impossible because if you don’t try it you’ll never know if it really is impossible.

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YEAR 6 MEMORIES Coco 6B My fondest memory in Year 6 was at Preston Montford when, after the second night, Cody (who was in the dorm opposite us with Eleanor, Nessie, Anna and Amaya) showed us pictures of Eleanor’s ripped fleece because when she was climbing down the bunk bed ladder, one of the wooden poles ripped right through it.

Eleanor’s face looked really funny and we were laughing when after Cody showed Mrs Ivory the pictures, she said to Cody “You’re such a great friend!” Also, a few hours before we were supposed to go back to school from Preston Montford, we played a Truth or Dare tag, and all the dares we made up involved the teachers.

My personal favourite was when Ankita was forced to sit on the teacher’s bench and say, “Hey guys, how you doing?”, and we were all laughing a lot.

One of my greatest achievements was in the autumn term when Mrs Newman announced my Grade 8 distinction for violin in Celebration Assembly because I had to do it 3 times before I got the distinction, so I was quite proud of myself. Another proud moment was when I got six excellents in my end-ofterm Year 5 report.

A lesson I will take with me from the junior school to always try your hardest, especially if there’s something you’re not that good at because even if you have no talent for it at all, you will always get better if you put more effort into it.

Even if you don’t become the best at it, you will at least be able to keep up with your classmates. Like the famous quote, “Shoot for the moon and you will land among the stars.”

pretended to give CPR to my pillow and Amelie and I couldn’t stop laughing and we were so loud Mrs Ivory came into our dorm and we were trying to fake sleep while muffling our laughter!!

Amelie and me also went for walks every morning and it was so nice because there were wild rabbits and sheep everywhere. We all got obsessed with truth or dare tag and it was so funny when Eleanor asked Mrs Ivory if it was ok to identify as a frog because she really wanted to and Mrs Ivory was laughing for several minutes. Also, there was such a coincidence when John (one of the tutors) told a campfire story about someone called Mr Brown and everyone started laughing. I remember in Year 4 when we were at Bushcraft and Amelie and I were spying from the tents around midnight and our heads were poking out the tent and then one of the tutors woke up and stared at us and got really mad and we were hoping in the morning he wouldn’t remember. My last fondest memory was in Pontins when me and Ishwari were riding in go carts, and we got stuck in a massive puddle of water and we both got SOAKED!! On another day in Pontins, I made Nessie come in the waves with me and we both got so wet and it was hilarious.

My greatest achievement is getting 4 excellents and full marks on the assessments for English and Comprehension in Year 5, along with getting into Netball Squad.

The lesson I have learnt in the Junior School is not to bother about assessment bands because as long as you try your best it doesn’t matter. Also, just have fun and enjoy the time because it goes so quickly you don’t even realise the years passing until you only have a couple of weeks left in the Junior School.

Iona 6B

Ishwari 6B

My fondest memory was Preston Montford, even though we were meant to go in 2020 (Year 5). I was in a dorm with Amelie, Emma and Maria, but when Amelie and I came up to our dorm, Emma and Maria had already taken the top bunks, but I managed to negotiate us an equal share! Then we were whispering after lights out and I

One of my fondest memories in the Legoland when we went on a ride called the Jolly Rocker. At first, I was super nervous because I saw people going so high in the air! After Iona convinced me to go on it and it turned out it was amazing it felt like I was flying! Bushcraft was another of my favourite trips! I especially remembered Amaya coughing non-stop the whole

night and Mrs Pearson came to help her.

We got to learn many survival techniques and how to make a fire with Vaseline.

My greatest achievement was in Y4, I went to a chess tournament in Wales for our school team. After all our games I went round the arcade with Nandini and Eliana, we won so many tickets! After all my chess games we celebrated. Iona and I went go-carting and because it was flooded in some places, we rode the go-carts and splashed through the water!

Another of my achievements was in Y5 when we went to a netball tournament, and I won a bracelet.

A lesson I learnt during my time in the Junior School was to never give up because you will finally get there, and it doesn’t matter if you struggle on the way there.

Anna 6B My fondest memory from the Lower School is going to Preston Montford in Year 6. When I found out we were going I was very excited and grateful because we didn’t get to go in Year 5. My favourite part of PM was finding out our dorms (I was with Cody, Eleanor, Nessie and Amaya), chatting until late at night and watching Amaya sleep-move from the top bunk!

Me, Cody and Eleanor squeezed into Eleanor’s bed and watched Amaya roll around on the floor, take people’s duvets and throw jumpers around the room. Nessie was unlucky as her bed was right next to Amaya’s and she stayed there trying to sleep, but unfortunately her sleep was disturbed by Amaya hanging onto her leg. Nessie couldn’t move so we had to get Mrs Ivory to come into our room and help her! It was so, so funny! I also remember when we were making our beds, Nessie threw the sheets over herself to try to put them over the duvet but ended getting stuck and rolling around in awkward positions!

Everyone was laughing so much, and we forgot about even trying to help Nessie!

My greatest achievement was getting a Silver medal in the PMC and making it through to the Bonus Round. I’m very proud of myself for working hard and reaching my goal. I’m also very happy about achieving a Silver in the JMC.

OMNIBUSS 2021 NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL

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STAFF NEWS Leavers Joe Brown Mr Brown first joined NLCS in September 2014 as a teacher in Year 5.

He soon filled the Junior School with his love of literature, history and current affairs, as well as his love of climbing and politics. His class assembly scripts quickly became legendary, characterised as they were by a dry wit and gentle satire.

Mr Brown also took on the editing of Omnibuss, running Bouldering Club, helping to write the Founder’s Day play and contributing to the staff talent show with his annual ‘walking on his hands’

challenge! After moving from Year 5 to Year 6, Mr Brown left NLCS in July 2018, only to return again in the summer term of 2019 covering Mrs Marks in Year 2.

We were very lucky to hang onto to Mr Brown the next academic year when he covered Miss Andrews’s maternity leave, also in Year 2, where his dedication, passion for pastoral care and good humour helped to carry the girls through the most challenging of years. The following academic year (2020-2021), Mr Brown moved back up to Year 6, where

his gentle and calm manner was much appreciated by the oldest Junior School pupils during yet another disrupted year. We have been privileged beyond measure to have been the beneficiaries of Mr Brown’s immense talents, enthusiasm and humour for the last seven years and will miss him enormously as he moves to run the library and teach English at the Beacon school in Chesham.

Emma Sandzer Mrs Sandzer joined the Junior School in September 2016 when she took on the delights of Year 4 with such enthusiasm and skill. Emma has to be the most efficient and well organised teacher…. Her Christmas decorations will be planned in the Summer Holidays I am told! She makes every girl in her care feel special and well cared for. Thank you also Mrs Sandzer for all the work you have done taking charge of assessment, RS and of course running the school council and our Canonaid. You have given so much to the JS community which we are truly grateful for. We would like to congratulate Emma on the birth of Toby and Jack. We wish you every happiness with your new family and hope you will keep in touch with your many friends at NLCS. Good luck Mrs Sandzer!

Christine Wallace Mrs Wallace joined NLCS as the Junior School Admissions and Accounts Officer in May 2010. Since that time between mastering the intricacies of databases and accounting systems galore she has booked countless trips and managed the numerous stages of Junior School admissions for 4+ and 7+ girls. Or should I say managed the parents of these girls!

We are deeply grateful to Mrs Wallace for the meticulous organisation of the last 12 years of applicants to the Junior School. A quick rough calculation suggests that Christine has managed the admissions process for at least 6000 pupils, and she probably remembers them all and their individual requirements. Our prospective parents regularly express their deep gratitude to Christine for the care and individual attention that she has provided.

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In fact, when a parent arrives at a Junior School assessment or school in action event their first request is to be introduced to Mrs Wallace so they can thank her before they will even consider embarking on a tour of the school or sending their daughter off with a teacher. Mrs Wallace is always practical, endlessly patient, and completely unflappable even when she had to organise the 4+ groups in three different ways for this year’s admissions due to jolly old covid.

Mrs Wallace is not only a wonderful organiser who thinks of everything but also the most fabulous team player.

She turns her hand to anything to help everyone, she is always the first to come up with an idea for a dressing up day and regularly rummages through her cupboards to find costumes for all.

We will all miss her kindness, wonderful sense of humour and good company but we wish her every happiness, lots of time and fun with Alfie and Lily and her gorgeous family and a bit of down time to play tennis, badminton and even enjoy the French countryside when she can.

NORTH LONDON COLLEGIATE SCHOOL OMNIBUSS 2021

Charlotte Bright Mrs Bright joined as to cover maternity leave in January 2020. The number of babies born in the Junior School has meant that we have been lucky enough to hang on to her until now. We are so grateful to her for the wonderful work that she has done particularly in Year 4. She has mastered so much tech which she never believed she would manage and is a truly skilled, kind and probably the most patient teacher you will ever meet. We thank her for everything and hope that she will keep in close touch with us.

Weddings Sarah Taylor

(Formally Mrs Keegan) We give our hearty congratulations to Mrs Taylor - our beloved, talented and, quite frankly, extraordinary librarian - who married her partner, Jon, over the summer holidays and spent a lovely honeymoon in Devon.

Mrs Keegan is now known as Mrs Taylor and is as passionate about reading as ever.

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Founded 1850

Canons, Canons Drive Edgware, Middlesex HA8 7RJ 020 8952 1276 office@nlcs.org.uk Editor: Terence Chan omnibuss@nlcs.org.uk www.nlcs.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1115843