Issue 17 // 2015
In this issue:
Careers Fair
Memories of Boarding
Building update
See page 5
See page 8
See page 14
In this issue: Welcome to Cornerstones
A message from the Headmistress
A word from the Head Girl
News from Cornerstones
Welcome to Cornerpost 2 3 3 4
Former students share experiences Focus on careers It is a small world
Announcements
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Marriages In Memoriam Leavers 2015 destinations Staff leaving 2014/15 New appointments Where are they now?
Memories of Boarding
News from Pipers
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Commemorating World War One Founder’s Day Parents’ Day
Building update
Exam Results 2015
14 14
Welcome to the 17th edition of Cornerpost. This magazine evolves every year and it is with thanks to the many members of Cornerstones and the girls at Pipers Corner that we continue to fill it with exciting news. This year we have seen a greater involvement of former pupils becoming involved within the everyday life of current girls at Pipers. From alumnae returning to speak to the Sixth Form to the widely visited Careers Fair in May where a great number of girls came back to share their experiences of the working world with the Senior School girls and their parents. Pipers has also seen changes and will continue to do so. This summer what was Junior Boarding has been renovated to create new offices and new classrooms. The top of the Cottesloe building has been transformed into a bright modern space for our Sixth Form and what was the Sixth Form Annexe is now a Dance Studio. Building has also
There will be lots of news and photos on the website as well as ways to get in touch with old friends and Pipers Corner. If there is anything else you would like to see on the site, please send your suggestions to cornerstones@piperscorner.co.uk. Please keep sending through your news, photographs and reunion details so we can keep the website up-to-date and fill this magazine with interesting content for you to read. Don’t forget you can follow all the news from Pipers Corner on Facebook (www.facebook.com/PipersCornerSchool) and on Twitter (@PipersCornerSch).
Aquila – the School Magazine For a number of years the school has produced an annual school magazine which traditionally acted as a review of the many activities that take place at Pipers during the course of the academic year.
We would very much like to share the magazine with the wider Pipers community so if you would be interested to receive cornerpost 2015
The Pipers Corner Alumnae Association website, “Cornerstones Online” has been well received and manages to attract new visitors every week. Thanks go to all that have registered, updated their details and informed us of any news. Please visit www.cornerstonesonline.co.uk to register if you have not already done so.
We are sending this issue of Cornerpost by post to all Cornerstones whose addresses we have except those who have specifically requested to receive copies of publications electronically. If you would like to receive future issues electronically, then please visit the “Your Details” page on the Cornerstones Online website. Alternatively, telephone Rebecca Conroy, Senior Marketing Executive, on 01494 719850. This magazine and Pipers Post (the Pipers Corner termly newsletter) can be read on the Publications section on the website.
The theme of this year’s Aquila was “What if”, and the magazine is made up of opinion based articles covering a wide range of topics, from the question of “What if we had not preserved Aushwitz?” to “What if there was no culture” written in Spanish. The variety of the content reflects the breadth of interests the girls at Pipers have and provides an intriguing insight into the thoughts of our girls as they mature into confident, opinion formers of the future.
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commenced on the new Pipers Arts Centre, which is due for completion in September 2016.
a copy please email Rebecca Conroy at cornerstones@piperscorner.co.uk.
A message from the Headmistress Anticipating the needs of a modern educational establishment is never easy one minute we all need rooms and rooms full of computers, then the next moment it’s all about BYOD - bring your own device. Muddy fields have to give way to floodlit AstroTurf, a small library in a quiet part of the school needs to blossom into a massive new Learning Resource Centre at the heart of the school and a limited school hall stage becomes redundant in the face of the sort of talent we have at Pipers which requires a modern theatre with a stage area of 200 square metres with wings, and orchestra pit. You can read more about all these things on page 14. However we are all well aware that without a doubt the foundations of a Pipers education were created many years ago - a belief in the capacity for every girl to grow intellectually and emotionally, the importance of relationships in our community and the desire for excellence. We are grateful to all our Governors, past and present for being the custodians of this wonderful school and allowing us to progress and develop. I’m certain that they would all be able to tell you just how firm those foundations have needed to be to withstand the winds of time, government and economics. And I like to think that the foundations which have
recently been laid for our Preforming Arts Centre will also prove to be just as strong in inspiring success and innovation in the Arts for the next 85 years. We bid a fond farewell to our final boarders in July. The closure of our boarding provision has indeed inspired a mixture of emotions – sadness at losing that part of our community, but positivity about the opportunities now open to us. Responding to the ever-increasing demand for day places is just one of the ways in which we are shaping the school for the future. Reading the memories of boarding on pages 8 and 10 was an absolute pleasure. I know that many of you will have fond memories of your time at Pipers and we would love to hear from you if you would like to share anything in the next edition of Cornerpost. We are also extremely grateful to all former Pipers students who have felt able to “give back” this year. Many of you returned to take part in our inaugural Careers Fair (see page 5), and we also welcomed several old girls back to give lectures to Sixth Form girls about their experiences since leaving Pipers (see page 4). Your knowledge and reflections are invaluable and we are very pleased that you wish to continue your links with the school – we hope to continue our relationship with you for many years to come.
Mrs Helen Ness-Gifford Headmistress P.S Included with your edition of Cornerpost is a leaflet about our “Helping Hand” fundraising project. This is not a plea for money we just wanted to share with you about the developments currently taking place in school. However, if you do feel able to help we would greatly value any contribution – we have been asked by members of alumnae if there are opportunities to name seats in the theatre and as you will see this is an option, along with adding your “hand” to our Helping Hands wall.
A word from the Head Girl September 2008 was the year when the current Upper Sixth girls joined the Senior School at Pipers Corner. For some of us this was the first time we became Pipers girls, for others it was a new and exciting chapter in their time at Pipers Corner. When I look at the Year 7 girls it honestly does not seem two minutes since we too were in that year and yet so many things have changed during that time both in and out of school. We have seen two General Elections, a Royal Wedding, the 2012 Olympics, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the 2014 Winter Olympics, Commonwealth Games and the centenary celebrations of the First World War. At Pipers just walking around the school I can see so many changes including more pupils, new buildings housing excellent new facilities, the wonderful school café and real live chickens arrived at Pipers! Being made Head Girl last July was truly a wonderful surprise and the proudest moment of my life. It has been an honour to represent
Pipers Corner School, a place which has given me such help and encouragement whilst creating lifelong memories and friends along the way. Upper Sixth year, like every year at Pipers, has been extremely busy and we have all shared the exciting moments as we got offers and places for our next destinations after we leave school. Despite being a time for hard work for final exams, we also all had a lot of fun throughout the year, practising for the Hampden Talent Show certainly gave us a few laughs, not to mention the Sixth Form team coming last in the Mandeville Quiz Night! Pipers Corner has many traditions which shape the school year; Founder’s Day, Bonfire Night, Carol Service, Debating, Christmas Fair, all the House events, Sports Day and Parents’ Day. I have many happy memories of these occasions during my years at school. One of my first jobs as Head Girl was to cut the cake on Founder’s Day surrounded by everyone in their sixties style outfits, though I have to say I am glad I don’t have to wear
white plastic go-go boots to school every day! One of my lasting memories of this school year will be the sight of the WW1 trench in the Landau Hall, a remarkable and fitting way to mark the centenary of the start of the war. At Pipers we are constantly encouraged to step out of our comfort zone, to challenge our thinking, to improve that grade or to try a new sport or activity, never feeling we might fail but instead believing we can all achieve at our own level. Such opportunities and attitudes allow us to develop as individuals and in turn help to widen our horizons. One of the most important things we learn at Pipers is that everyone has something to give, something to say and the right to be heard. Harriet Dunn (July 2015)
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News
Former students share experiences This year saw the return of three former Pipers girls, Catherine Bryan (2009), Charlotte Franek (2008) and Joanna Hart (2011). They came to speak to the Sixth Form girls and parents about their careers to date, how they got there and their aspirations for the future. Catherine Bryan left Pipers in 2009 and has since been developing her career within mental health. After a year spent travelling, Catherine went to Plymouth University to study Psychology with Criminology. Whilst studying for her undergraduate degree she gained work experience in some very challenging environments including two mental health centres and a youth offender’s prison. Through this experience she knew she wanted a career within psychology, specialising in mental health. She is now studying for an MSc in Clinical Forensic Psychology at Kings College London’s Institute of Psychiatry. During her talk she shared her experiences of university and how she managed high pressure situations when dealing with mentally ill inmates in prison. Even after sometimes traumatic experiences Catherine showed enthusiasm for her field and her strong desire to help others really struck a chord with the girls. Charlotte Franek left Pipers in 2008 and went on to the University of Exeter where she graduated with a degree in Business and Management. She spoke to the girls about her career and the steps she is taking to achieve her dream of working in marketing for a cosmetics and beauty company. Charlotte said that along with her studies
Charlotte Franek (2008) 4
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she gained a lot of valuable work experience and networked with professionals in the field she wanted to work in and this helped her to secure a job after university. Joanna Hart left Pipers in 2011 and is currently working as a Product Designer for a Design Consultancy. When she left Pipers Jo studied Product Design as the University of Central Lancashire, where she graduated in the summer of 2014 and started working as a designer four months later. Jo talked to the girls about her university life and how getting involved was important. She held the post of Captain of the University’s Netball team and also co-founded the Lacrosse club. She also explained that by participating in many different areas and projects she found herself being chosen to go to China to work on an “upcycling” project run by the British and Chinese Embassies. Along with other fellow designers Jo also worked on several projects for a number of small businesses and her work has been exhibited in London and China. With the opportunities she had at university she was able to secure a job in the industry she is most passionate about.
Catherine Bryan (2009)
It was a real benefit for our current Sixth Formers to listen to our former students and gain a real understanding of what it takes to forge a successful career. If you would like to speak to our Sixth Form about your career to date please email cornerstones@piperscorner.co.uk, we would love to hear from you.
Joanna Hart (2011)
It is a small world
Focus on careers On Wednesday 29 April, Pipers Corner held their very first Careers Fair, an event which allowed girls in Year 9 to Upper Sixth find out more about the career options available to them when they leave education. Exhibitors ranged from law firms to educational institutions, media companies to nursing and healthcare. A vast amount of the exhibitors were also former pupils of Pipers Corner providing valuable advice to girls about what happens after they leave school. During the evening girls also had the opportunity to hear from some of the exhibitors in a series of spot talks. First to speak was Victoria Williams-Grey, who left Pipers in 2010 and now works as a Client Relationship Manager in the finance industry. She talked about going to university to study a subject you are passionate about and the importance of work experience in securing a job. She went onto talk about what her job entails and how there are lots of different
career paths out there for anyone, all you need is a passion to succeed. Next up was Sophie Smith, who left Pipers in 2007 and now works as a corporate lawyer for a New York based law firm. She explained that she was always interested in doing something quite technical and thought Law would be an interesting degree to take. She went on to explain that it is difficult to get into this sector but if you follow your passion you can achieve anything. Sarah McKelvey (2008) was next, speaking about her role as Business Executive for ITV. She studied PR at university and always found the advertising world interesting. Once again she mentioned the importance of work experience and having a drive to do something you love. The theme for the evening was, find an area you are passionate about and work hard to reach your goals.
How can you help? Many members of Cornerstones have expressed a desire to help girls in the school and those in higher education by giving careers advice, offering work experience and speaking at careers events. We would like to encourage any former pupil who would like to speak to current girls to get in touch. If you feel you can offer support and guidance to current girls of Pipers Corner and to other alumnae members please contact Rebecca Conroy by emailing cornerstones@ piperscorner.co.uk or alternatively log on to www.cornerstonesonline.co.uk and fill in the “Your Details” section in the member’s area.
In 1987, Sandra Bowen-Jones and I held a class reunion at Pipers that included the class before mine (5A in 1958 and 1959). The reunion was a great success and an American tradition that I started at Pipers. During the reunion, several people wondered what had happened to Ruth Hailu who had been a boarder at Pipers from Ethiopia in the class ahead of mine. The reason for our concern was the 1987 takeover by the communists. Since we knew she had returned to Ethiopia and her family had been the rulers before Haile Selassie, as members of the nobility, they would be a target of the new communist regime. No one had any news about Ruth. A couple of years later, I was in San Francisco at Macy’s buying nylon stockings and had a very helpful saleswoman wait on me. I asked for her name so I could order more from her by phone after returning to Virginia. She gave me her name and I asked if she was Ethiopian. She said “yes, how did you know?” I replied that I knew a girl at school called Ruth Hailu who was Ethiopian and she said “she is a relative of mine!” I explained that classmates had been trying to find out what had happened to her and she said “she is living in Virginia” and gave me a way to contact her! When I returned to Virginia, Bim (Susan Davidson née Thomas) and I contacted Ruth and we all met for lunch. She had been an interpreter at the Vietnam Peace Talks and had married a prominent jurist in Ethiopia. Although he had been a strong critic of the communist government, he and his family were spared imprisonment because Hailu was a national hero - Ruth’s father had led the resistance to the Italian invasion during WWII and was beheaded in public, a photograph she shared with us at lunch! The government forced her husband into a diplomatic position and while he and his family were on a trip to Paris, they sought and were granted asylum in the USA. She, her husband, and their three children came to America with nothing. Her husband, who was seriously ill, continued to campaign against the communist government in Ethiopia until his death a few years after their arrival in Virginia. Northern Virginia has one of the largest populations of Ethiopians in America and his funeral had an amazing attendance proving what an important figure he had been to his fellow countrymen. Jacqui Bravo (1959)
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Announcements In Memoriam
A message from Mr Maas
Since the last issue of Cornerpost we have been informed of the deaths of the following members of Cornerstones and former staff. It is with great sadness that we offer our deepest sympathies to their families.
It is thirty years since I retired. My wife and I then went to live in Wales and are still there, in deep country between Oswestry and Welshpool.
Helen Horn née Lautenschlager (1960) It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Helen Mary Lautenschlager on Friday 12 December 2014 in her beloved adopted hometown of Sonoma, California. Upon completing her education, Helen spent time in France before returning to work in London. She went to California in 1965, working as an au pair. In the mid-70s she returned to the business world where she worked in the high-tech industry in both England and the Silicon Valley until she retired in 2009. Helen’s lifelong love for travel was fulfilled at work by meeting with clients throughout the world as well as personally by exploring exotic locations. In 2009 Helen relocated to Sonoma to be closer to her family in Napa. Angela Allsey née Warden Passed away on Saturday 14 February 2015.
Marriages Charlotte Wood née Jeffery (2009) married Harvey Wood in a beautiful ceremony at Holy Trinity Church in Hazlemere on Saturday 4 April.
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Susi (my wife) and I are both well and busy. Susi plays cello in a number of chamber ensembles. Our daughter Gabrielle, born while we were at Pipers, completed her PhD last year and is now based in Glasgow, combining academic translation and editing with music (violin and viola). After retiring, I returned to an old interest in publishing work. I still proof-read and copy-edit, and have written a couple of small books, with a third due out soon.
I’d be most interested to hear from girls and staff who were at Pipers in our time (1973--85). They were happy years for us, and I hope for everyone. If anyone would like to get in touch please email henrymaas29@gmail.com or send a letter to Pipers Corner School. Finally, I am delighted at the great success Pipers is enjoying, and I offer warmest congratulations to everyone who has had a part in making it such a wonderful school. Henry Maas (Headmaster 1974–1985)
Upper Sixth Leavers Destinations Amreen Bains | University of Exeter (Drama and Theatre Arts) Elizabeth Bramall | University of Nottingham (Law) Rosie Bridges | Anglia Ruskin University (Drama and English Literature) Sarah Bradshaw | University of Southampton (Psychology) Eve Cox | University of Brighton (Sport and Exercise Science) Elizabetta Cavallo | Durham University (Modern Languages & Cultures) Melody Choi | The University for Creative Ideas, Hong Kong (SCAD) (Art) Scarlett Cherriman | University of Bath (Maths and Economics) Diva Drissell | University of Exeter (English and Russian) Francesca Deslandes | University of Portsmouth (International Business) Harriet Dunn | University of Winchester (Primary Education) Tabitha Fosker | University of Sheffield (Sociology and Politics) Sophie Geddes | Canterbury Christ Church University Sophie Geen | Bucks New University (Art Foundation) Alejandra Herrera | Arts University Bournemouth (Foundation Diploma in Art and Design) Megan House | University of Birmingham (Modern Languages) Anya Jessop | University of Winchester (Digital Media Design) Rebecca James | Newcastle University (English Literature) Catherine Kemp | Oxford Brookes University (Physiotherapy) Salyia Khaliq | Anglia Ruskin University (Education and Childhood Studies) Hayley Lauder-Ross | University of Kent (Criminology) Georgia Moir | University of Nottingham (Maths and Economics) Caitlin Neale | Oxford Brookes University (Motorsports Engineering) Grace Robin | Oxford Brookes University (Art Foundation) Rosie-Anne Shelley | Loughborough University (Information Management and Business) Amelia Thompson-Seabrook | Leeds Beckett University (Economics and Finance) Georgia Taylor | University of Loughborough (Economics and Finance) Hannah Wilson | University of Loughborough (Art and Design Foundation Diploma) Lucy Willis | University of Loughborough (Textiles: Innovation and Design) Zarina Yu | Ravensbourne University of Art (Fashion Promotion)
Staff Leaving Pipers in 2014/2015 Denise Walmsley Deputy Head
Denise joined the school in September 2008 initially as its first ever Director of Studies which, as a result of the impact she was having on the school, soon became Academic Deputy Head. To her various and many responsibilities Denise brought her sharp intelligence and incredible determination. In all my years of teaching I do not think I have ever met a member of staff who worked so hard - often right into the unseen hours late at night and often on projects which occasionally remained equally unseen in the wider school community, yet always to the considerable benefit of all. Nothing deterred her - new IT networks, impossible timetables, changing curriculums, better ways of assessing progress, ISI and Ofsted Inspections, staff performance systems - all were tackled by Denise and soon became part of our accepted practice at Pipers. Her ambitions and aspirations for the school marked her out early on as someone who would get things done - Denise does not just dream, she makes things happen.
Where are they now?
Alex Stewart-Long (2011) ted at De When I left Pipers in 2011 I star itecture, Arch ying Montfort University stud and met time zing ama t mos where I had the in a pack to d age man also I ds. lifelong frien nd arou ing lot of travelling including inter-rail a with d uate grad Europe. In June 2014 I working high 2:1 and have now started r where este Leic in rm fi ture itec for an arch have just team excitingly myself and a small of a tion peti com l won our first internationa aria! Bulg in ect proj plan ter £200 million mas firm to the ing leav be will I as stm Next Chri world for six go off on my travels around the university to back months before heading ters in mas my e plet com for two years to y since bus t kep n bee I’ve So . ture Architec thank lly ona Pipers and would like to pers ing me help and ving Mrs Derbyshire for belie . now am get to where I
Denise also made it her business to understand every aspect of the school - from staffing to reporting, from room allocation to policies, as well as the girls themselves - and her knowledge was so detailed that when she suggested changes and improvements they were built upon such innate understanding of how the school functioned that they could only succeed. Managing change is not always easy, but Denise never gave up on any area of the school where improvement could and should be made - and in doing so she has earned the considerable respect of her colleagues. Her legacy is a school which is less afraid to challenge processes when these need to be changed, a school which is far more up to date, a school which aspires to be the best in every area and which will not settle for anything less. This legacy reflects Denise’s character exactly. “Retirement” is never a word one could use about Denise - she is already busy working for examination boards and Ofqual no doubt shaping the future of assessment in the same way that she has shaped Pipers - though we hope that finally stepping back from a school role will allow her more time with her family and with her horse. The School will miss her - we shall all miss her - her work ethic, her sense of humour and her constant belief that true excellence lies within our reach. Helen Ness-Gifford, Headmistress
Alexandra Gray (1993) ary school After graduation I became a prim rs, ghte teacher until I had our two dau now are who Anna (14) and Katie (12) nding following in my footsteps by atte es. selv them Pipers 6) Lou Romans née Schutte (198 secondary of year nal fi my ing After complet ed my plet com I Park ham Ditc at n educatio ool Sch mar Sixth Form at Midhurst Gram iles text and art ne fi before completing a University design degree with the Leeds ng a teacher. omi bec to view a with with QTS 3 and 199 I took my first teaching job in ness ctive effe ol scho completed an MA in s later. year ral seve t men rove and school imp ge villa ll I am now a head teacher at a sma have I re whe primary school in Hampshire, s. been in post for almost five year
Niki Gledhill Head of Religious Studies
Niki joined the school as Head of RS in September 2006 and very quickly it was clear that she had brought with her a wealth of experience, not just in the classroom but also in her wider contributions to school life, including the Chapel, confirmation classes and various whole school services, as well as preparing students for Oxbridge interviews. She has also been a caring and effective Form Tutor to many girls over the years smoothing out the trials and tribulations of teenage life. Niki has worked tirelessly within the RS Department, building its success year by year. Option numbers have grown under her leadership, with the girls really enjoying her calm, nurturing approach to what is often quite tricky and challenging material. Niki has developed the Philosophy and Ethics area of the course and a significant number of girls have since gone on to degree level in this discipline. Niki’s methodical approach has been appreciated by girls and staff alike and she has been an inspirational teacher and a much valued colleague to all staff, but particularly those within the Humanities faculty. Emma Cresswell, Assistant Head
New appointments Mrs Sarah Spencer Director of Drama
Mr Neil McKain
Head of Religious Studies
Miss Angela Randles Acting Director of Music
If you have anything you would like to announce, a story, an adventure, a success, a marriage, an engagement, a birth or a reunion you would like to share with fellow Cornerstones, please contact Rebecca Conroy by emailing cornerstones@piperscorner.co.uk or fill in the online form in the member’s area on the website – www.cornerstonesonline.co.uk. If you have photos please do send them.
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Memories of Boarding This summer has seen the end of an era with the closure of Boarding at Pipers Corner. Over the past year we have been asking you to share your memories of boarding and are pleased to share them with you here. Margaret Norris née Carr (1953) I was a boarder at Pipers from 1947 to 1953, and I loved every minute of it. There are so many memories, starting with a couple of negative ones! • V ery cold in the dormitories in winter. My toothbrush would freeze over night; going to bed wearing P.Js, a cardigan, socks and a dressing gown! • Endless changing of shoes. We had to change buildings between the dormitories, the Science lab, the main building etc and had to change into and out of shoes/ wellies every time. But of course there were so many enjoyable memories... • V ery close friendships created by living together. I’m still in touch with Jennie Shaw née Lane, Ruth Scott née Rushton, Susan Hinde née Bradshaw and Susan Boileau née Terry. • W onderful summer weekends when we were allowed to go for walks in small groups. Up Strawberry Hill and all the beautiful countryside around. • Evenings and weekends when we had English Country dancing with Miss Olsson and Scottish dancing with Miss Forrest.
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• P iano and other recitals by visiting soloists such as Kendall Taylor (whose daughter was a pupil at Pipers). • S unday evenings when a teacher on duty would read aloud to us for an hour while we sat quietly sewing, knitting etc. An opportunity to hear classic writings we perhaps would not try on our own! I could go on and on, but must stop! I always thought that the day girls missed so much. Alison Rae née Pratt (1960) There were only four of us in the Upper Sixth that year, and we were allocated the two study bedrooms on either side of the corridor in the brand new “New Building”. There were also two dormitories on either side at the end of the building, a communal bathroom with two baths, toilets and maybe four washbasins for all of us, and on the right side a bedroom for Miss McDonald (“Flora”) who was the House manager at the time. To reach the “New Building” from the main landing one first had to pass through Kidney dormitory which was a public highway for the three poor occupants, then through the Playroom and up a couple of steps in through the double doors. In that era we were granted such novel privileges as being allowed to go on sorties from the school on Saturday afternoons, all on our own! We often went out and about on our bicycles (with one of us riding Miss Cross’s sit-up-and-beg bike) and on one memorable occasion the four of us cycled to Marlow and back to ogle at the boys rowing in Marlow Regatta.
We were invited to dinner in Miss Cross’s study once a week, to teach us good table manners, and were also allowed/expected to watch intellectual programmes such as “Monitor” and “Face to Face” on her black and white television. Brenda Harling née Morrison (1951) I noticed a familiar sight on your latest Cornerstone bulletin....my first dormitory at Pipers. I also have to mention that I remember the names of some of those girls...Shirley Chisholm, Susan Hartley and I think I see the Beckett sisters to name a few. I was slightly older than those girls and I hope my memory is not at fault, for after all I am 80 years of age! Life at the end of WW2 was pretty austere but very happy. I have an old diary which I kept daily during 1949 and in it I recorded “sweets off rationing - am off to the village (Great Kingshill) to buy some”. In the last several years, I have been e-mailing quite frequently with Angela Allsey née Warden but I am sorry to advise that she died Passed away on Saturday 14 February 2015. She had a wonderful memory of life at Pipers and we would fall apart laughing as we recalled how we endured cold bedrooms, awful food sometimes, etc. I am so sorry that boarding is closing.....I loved it and it made me into a much more self-reliant person which was handy since I emigrated to South Africa in 1968 and then moved to Canada with my husband in 1976. I send my very best wishes for the continued success of Pipers Corner and to any of my school pals reading this.
Memories of Boarding Jill Stockton née Adams (1950) My mother, my elder sister and I came to in Richmond in 1939. My father was in the Army and later captured in Singapore and survived the Death Railway. My earliest memory of the Old Vicarage School is sitting on Miss Cross’s lap reading to her. When the V2s started to fly over London my mother sent me first to Prestwood Lodge and then to Pipers Corner School. At Prestwood we had to run round the house three times every morning, checked off by the prefects. War jobs were endlessly sawing a huge tree trunk and cleaning out the chicken coop. Miss Bennett taught Eurythmics, and had us stepping out crochets and quavers, but also dancing to Chopin. Music was important at Pipers too. We were privileged to have living there Hetty Bolton, a professional pianist whom we went to hear play at the Wigmore Hall. Anne Hirsch and Jodie Whitehead came from musical families and set a high standard of playing. T.B. Lawrence, the conductor of the Fleet Street Choir, came to hear our small ensembles, and Eve Maxwell Lyte entertained us with songs from around the world. Being in the choir led to a lifelong interest in choral music. I also was introduced to Gilbert & Sullivan with “Three Little Maids” as part of the Hampden House Music Competition, ably accompanied by Jean Brown, who also performed Satie’s “Gymnopedies”, still a favourite. Mademoiselle Sabine Letellier directed some of us in French in “Les Voyages de M. Perichon”, performed on the Terrace. An earlier production was of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” of which I only remember the baby rabbits, owned by some of the girls, hopping around Titania’s bower. Experiences that were uniquely boarding were: living in small dormitories like Kidney; the shoe cupboard and the chore of cleaning piles of muddy black and brown Sunday
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shoes; sharing baths with a 6” line painted on the inside “just like the King’s”; writing weekly letters home, often illustrated, and vying with each other to write the longest; Miss Cross’s birthday treats - trips to Whipsnade Zoo or the local swimming pool; Sunday evening radio serials which we could listen to in our dressing gowns; getting chilblains in the freezing “New Building”; learning to dance Sir Roger de Coverly and the Eightsome Reel: Matron Eastwood training us to get our Junior Red Cross certificates in First Aid and Home Nursing. Food was important and we enjoyed the fruit and vegetables from the walled garden. I have never seen a white currant since. Sarah, the cook, always put on a scrumptious tea for Parents’ Day. Turvy was an unpopular pudding served at the Old Vicarage School, tapioca with blackcurrants, but fortunately it did not appear at Pipers. We walked to Great Kingshill to buy our sweet ration which we then handed over to the prefects who doled out four pieces each day. Later, as a prefect myself, we used to have indulgent teas in the Library with cakes sent from home divided up carefully into the number of girls. Physical activity was encouraged. My first memory is of the beauty of the beech woods where we could walk and climb, enjoying the bluebells in spring and the colours in autumn. There was a severe winter in 1947, but for us playing in the snow was magical. Swimming in the tiny pool was popular, also tennis on the lawn and rounders in the lower field. More structured were the netball and lacrosse teams that travelled to other schools, Hampden House invariably trouncing us. Memories of favourite teachers would be the same for day girls too, but boarders probably got to know them also outside the classroom: Miss Olsen, not only for Shakespeare and Keats, but for trips to see
Waller’s Oak, battling with those who could not remember their left from their right in country dancing, throwing a fast rounder’s ball, being one of the few who could play “Jerusalem”, one of our favourite hymns; Mademoiselle, not only for Moliere and Baudelaire, but for showing us her reverse paintings on glass and telling us about her home in Mauritius; Miss Christian, working on a puppet production of “Choo Chin Chow”, but also introducing us to Jamaica; Mrs Neale for teaching us history and how to draw the costumes for each period, but also taking us home to meet her husband, the distinguished Tudor scholar, Dr (later Sir John) Neale. Of course, our most important influence was the Headmistress, Miss Jessie Cross. We admired her devout Christianity, energy, hard work and spirit of adventure in driving a caravan to Europe every summer. She coached us in Maths and Latin for Matriculation. She brought distinguished visitors to Pipers, her friends, Miss Strudwick, High Mistress of St. Paul’s Girls’ School and Dom Gregory Dix of Nashdom Abbey. She told us Bible stories and read to us “The House of Prayer”, about a little boy called Timothy and his guardian angel. She emphasised regular worship as part of the life at Pipers Corner, daily morning and evening prayers and Sunday Mattins at Hughenden Church, even though we hoped for rain so that we would not have to walk up the hill on the way back. After Confirmation she would drive us to Prestwood Church for the Early Service. We might have made fun of Father’s biretta, but we were exposed to high church worship and the range of liturgy in the Church of England. Her favourite prayer was the Prayer of Humble Access, “We do not presume to come to Thy table…” It is still part of the Rite I service in the Episcopal Church and I remember Miss Cross every time I say it in our church in Florida.
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News
from Pipers
It has be en anot year at P her fantastic ipers. Her e is a selection of news fr om the 2014/2015 academic year.
Sir Anthony Seldon dedicates school trench to those who died in World War One. The staff and students of Pipers Corner School were delighted to welcome Sir Anthony Seldon, an authority on contemporary British history and headmaster of Wellington College, to school in November. The purpose of Sir Seldon’s visit was to officially dedicate the school’s Trench installation to those who died in conflict. To commemorate the centenary of the start of First World War Pipers Corner embarked on an ambitious project to bring life in the trenches to Great Kingshill. A section of trench was constructed in the School Hall to provide a taste of what life would have been like for the soldiers who fought 100 years ago. In front of the trench the girls created their very own field of remembrance with each member of the school community making and “planting” their own poppy in the field. The poppies each represent either a family member from the War or a member of the community where a girl lives.
The finished trench is the culmination of many weeks of work which included a cross-curricular day when the whole school set aside their lessons to focus on the First World War. Activities included: • The opportunity for girls in Years 7 and 8 to take part in a living history workshop about why and how the war started and the process of trench warfare.
disease, whilst girls in Year 9 made their own periscopes. • Individual girls carried out research into their own family histories learning about relatives who fought or lost their lives in the war.
• Girls in Year 9 completed historical research and looked at letters from the trenches with the English Department staff.
• In the Prep Department, as part of their topic curriculum girls spent time learning about the causes of war, rationing, propaganda and Zeppelin air raids. For the trench the girls made medals, tin hats and postcards and telegrams from home.
• In Science girls in Years 10 and 11 learnt about chemical weapons and trench
• Numerous art activities from girls in all year groups.
Sir Seldon gave a short speech to acknowledge the huge effort that the girls and staff have put into bringing the project to life. He was very impressed with the both the trench itself and accompanying exhibition, particularly the accuracy of the build, saying “The trench is amazing! All the staff and girls should be proud of themselves. The detail in the design is incredible and it is one of the best projects I have seen out of all the schools in the country.”
The creation of the War One Trench has been a huge undertaking for everyone involved, but thoroughly worthwhile. Having the opportunity to inspire and educate our girls by bringing history to life in such a special way has been hugely beneficial and all the staff have welcomed the making the most of this impressive resource for teaching and learning over the last few weeks. Mrs Helen Ness-Gifford, Headmistress 12
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Founder’s Day Once again the whole school came together to celebrate Founder’s Day on Friday 19 September. The purpose of the annual event is to celebrate the life and work of the school’s founder, Miss Jessie Cross. Each year a different decade is chosen for the celebrations and this year marked the 1960s. From Pre-Prep to Upper Sixth, girls and staff came to school in the fashion of the 60s and were given the opportunity to experience what lessons were like, as well as learning about the history of Pipers Corner and what Jessie Cross set out to do for the school. The day began with a Founder’s Day Service where the hymns and readings reflected the period. The service culminated with the cutting of the cake by the Head Girl, Harriet D, eldest member of the school Elisabetta C (Upper Sixth) and the youngest member Natalia Z (Reception). During the day the teachers brought the 60s theme into their lessons to give the girls a
flavour of what it would have been like to have been at school in the period, including: • Pop Art and Psychedelia in Art. • 6 0s protests, political correctness and music in History. •T ree hugging and environmental issues in Geography. To add to the celebrations, a charity “Twist” took place at lunchtime in the Landau Hall to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. Assistant Head, Mrs Cresswell, said “This year Founder’s Day was another huge success. It was incredible to see all the girls and staff take part in dressing in 60s fashion and participating in the “Twist” for the British Heart Foundation. The day provided everyone with a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the school’s heritage and also have some fun!”
Parents’ Day 2015 On a gloriously sunny day in July the whole school at Pipers Corner came together for a very enjoyable “Parents’ Day”. Along with the girls’ families and a number of special guests, it was a wonderful celebration of the girls’ many academic, creative and sporting successes from the past year. The Headmistress, Mrs Ness-Gifford, started proceedings with her report of the amazing year that Pipers has had. She reflected on the achievements of the girls in addition to their academic accomplishments, including the success of this year’s Young Enterprise Company, the fantastic fundraising from the Prep Department, the Equestrian Team becoming National Champions, and the fantastic whole school participation in the Trench Project for the WW1 commemorations. She also looked towards the future and how the landscape of the school will change with the addition of the new Sixth Form centre, Dance Studios and games areas this September, along with the Arts Centre due to be completed in September 2016. She told the girls that even if they haven’t won a prize today, they should never give up, but keep persevering as their time will come. Head Girl, Harriet D, also gave an inspiring speech about “change” and how there is no
need to fear it. She talked about how being a student at Pipers had given her access to opportunities and experiences that have enriched her life. From small things like winning the holiday journal competition in Year 7 to being Head Girl in Upper Sixth, she spoke of how fortunate she felt to have been involved in school life. She told the audience that Pipers had given her the self-belief to fulfil her potential and that she would take this into her university life and beyond
Year 6 performed a medley from their recent production of “Annie”, the Middle School sang a song from their production of “When I grow up” and finally the three principal characters from “Thoroughly Modern Millie” performed a series of songs. All in all it was a lovely celebration of the Pipers community and a very fitting way to end the academic year.
This year’s guest of honour, The Countess of Buckinghamshire, once the school’s Chair of Governors’, gave her address after the prizegiving. She talked to the girls about her pride in helping to create a school which enables everyone to achieve their very best. She went on to give the girls sage advice about how they can stand out in the world of work and use the experiences available to them now to their advantage. She reminded the girls that they should always believe in themselves saying “women can achieve anything, yes you can do it!” During the prize-giving the audience were treated to a range of musical and dramatic performances representing every part of the school. Year 1 informed the audience about the reasons for healthy teeth with their performance of “Four Happy Toothbrushes”,
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Building Update Over the summer break Pipers has undergone extensive building works, enhancing the learning environment and landscape of the school and providing girls with state-of-the-art facilities in a vibrant and inspiring study space. As you know Pipers has started to build a new Arts Centre, incorporating a 280 seat theatre and a café which will be completed for September 2016. Also planned is a new Learning Resource Centre which will be housed on the first floor of the Cottesloe Centre with the old Senior Library becoming a small recital hall. Information and time lapse video can be viewed on the Pipers website – http://www.piperscorner.co.uk/media/news
A Level Results 2015
Exam Results 2015 A Level and Two thirds of all results at A Level were at grades A*- B grade A or A* top a d achieve 63% of the girls in Upper Sixth in at least one of their A Level subjects. Pipers’ girls have successfully gained places at some of the country’s top universities including the University of Exeter, University of Sheffield, University of Birmingham, Newcastle University, University of Bath and Loughborough g Law, University to study a diverse range of subjects includin ology, Crimin ics, Econom ges, Mathematics, Modern Langua . Motorsport Engineering, Theatre Studies, Art and Textiles GCSE all 96% of results at grades A*-C. An impressive 45% of from results the on e increas an A*/A, grades results were at B. A*grades at results all of rs quarte three over with 2014, at in grades A and A fifth of students in Year 11 achieved A* least 8 subjects A special mention also has to go to twins, Olivia and Emily Walker. Both girls have been at Pipers an Corner since Year 7 and between them have amassed impressive haul of 19 A*/A grades.
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GCSE Results 2015
Additional developments, which opened this September include: • A brand new area for our Upper and Lower Sixth girls to provide them with both leisure facilities and a dedicated study area on the top floor of the Cottesloe Centre. • A new Dance Studio adjacent to the new all-weather courts. • A new floodlit triple court with an all-weather surface, to replace the existing double netball court currently on the site of the Arts Centre.
• A new playground for Pre-Prep complete with artificial grassy areas. • Brand new classrooms to provide new areas for Business Studies, Individual Learning and PHSE in the section of the school that previously housed our Junior Boarding facilities. This will be followed by a new IT suite in 2016.
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• Cornerstones Reunion Sunday 20 September 1400 – 1700 hours • Open Morning for Prospective Parents Saturday 3 October 1000 – 1300 hours
Pipers Corner School, Great Kingshill, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP15 6LP telephone +44 (0) 1494 718 255 | email theschool@piperscorner.co.uk | visit www.piperscorner.co.uk/cornerstones @PipersCornerSch www.facebook.com/PipersCornerSchool
Melody Choi | Lower Sixth AS level artwork
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