Pipers Post Spring 2015 by Pipers Corner School

termly news | issue 21 | Spring 2015

Also in this issue... Marvellous music making Page 2

Presentation of a poppy Page 3

Race2Recovery Page 6

Being the Best Page 3

Dynamic Dynamique Page 7

Pipers Corner School, Great Kingshill, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP15 6LP telephone 01494 718 255 | email theschool@piperscorner.co.uk | visit www.piperscorner.co.uk

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Message from the Headmistress Right from the beginning of this academic year, there has been a focus on developing the girls’ resilience and perseverance across all areas of their lives. In today’s society it is imperative that we prepare our girls for what lies ahead and by helping them to develop these skills now we hope to equip them with the determination to succeed in whatever they do, secure in the knowledge that it is ok to make mistakes, and enabling them to develop the skills required to overcome adversity. A number of events, which you will read about in this issue of Pipers Post highlight just how our focus on resilience has manifested itself in all areas of the school. From the experience of our Sixth Form girls being put through their paces by the Army (see page 3), to the inspiring

story of determination witnessed by our Prep girls when they were visited by Invictus Games Athlete, Anthony Harris (see page 5) and the personal stories shared by our alumnae in our lecture series, talking of the paths they have gone down since leaving Pipers (see page 5). Perseverance has also been a feature of many extra-curricular activities this term and we have seen the results of the girls’ endeavours in a number of excellent performances. The range and skill of the many musicians who participated in the Spring concert (see page 2) was a delight to see, as was the talent on display at the annual Hampden Talent Show (see page 4). We have also seen numerous sporting triumphs in a range of areas including equestrian, netball and swimming (see page 7).

The girls should be very proud of the amount of work and dedication they have put into rehearsals and training sessions. All of these experiences have shown the girls what can be achieved through determination and commitment. As we look ahead to the summer term of examinations both for our GCSE and A Level students, as well as for those taking internal school exams, we hope that the girls will reflect on these traits as they each strive to achieve the best possible outcomes. Wishing you a happy and peaceful Easter.

Marvellous music making This term has seen many opportunities for the girls at Pipers Corner to demonstrate their musical talents. From the beginners in the Year 7 string performance in February to the most experienced musicians in the junior and senior informal concerts all the girls have relished the opportunity to share music making.

I am extremely proud of all the ring girls involved in the Sp d rke wo e hav ey Th rt. Conce ke ma to m ter s really hard thi the d an en pp ha t cer con this nderful. evening was truly wo ts ren pa ny ma so With de the joining us it really ma ile. wh rth wo rts effo girls’

With performances by girls from all music enrichment clubs the evening started with a bang with Chorale, Jazz Band and the guitarists singing and playing “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. This really had the audience buzzing right from the start. The musical talent did not stop there as other arrangements included Vocalease singing “Shoop Shoop”, Chamber Orchestra playing “Danse Macabre” and Chorale singing “Shackles (Praise You)” a traditional gospel song and a great way to end the festivities.

Mrs Henshall, Director of Music

Fantasy shoes Girls in Year 7 have been exploring the theme of “personal identity” in their Art lessons this term, particularly looking at how it can translate into pieces of art. At the start of term the girls made observational pencil drawings of their own shoes. These were then developed further into psychedelic patterned pieces, taking inspiration from the 1960s themed Founder’s Day celebrations which took place back in September. From the discussions that followed, along with further research, the girls then created their own fantasy shoe designs, using their own interests and outside of school activities as inspiration. The girls then each made a 3D model of their shoe using a variety of different media

Their hard work and effort all came together towards the end of term when girls in Year 7 to Sixth Form presented a Spring Concert on Thursday 19 March. It was a wonderful evening of music encompassing a variety of genres from jazz to gospel, classical and even a Zulu chant.

in the fantasy ly got involved al re rls gi e th ll A very hard to d have worked art. shoe project an ec eative pi es of beautiful and cr achieve some t teacher Mrs Kearsey, Ar

including wire, modroc, natural and man-made objects, collage and paint. A whole range of interests were used to create their shoes from ballet, sports, literature and music to animals, nature and food. Comments from girls about the project and their shoes include: “The Swan Lake Shoe. I chose to do a swan shoe from “Swan Lake”. I love ballet and I think that swans are really elegant. That’s why I really loved doing this shoe project.” Lily H

“The sea side shoe. I chose this theme because I love going to the beach. I also love to go surfing and that is why there is a person surfing on the top of my shoe.” Hannah W I made an “Art and Craft” shoe to reflect my “ personality and the activities I love to do in my spare time.” Kayleigh L

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Learning about Hinduism In January girls in Year 8 enjoyed an interesting visit to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, popularly known as the “Neasden Temple”. The visit provided the girls with an excellent opportunity to learn about Hinduism and get a first-hand experience of the Hindu faith in practice. A highlight of the visit was observing an arti (sacred fire) worship ceremony.

A sense of direction This term in Mathematics girls in Year 2 have been using a combination of iPADs and Bee-Bot robots to consolidate their learning about position of movement, how to follow directions and spatial awareness. A Bee-Bot is a small robot which follows commands which are set by the user to navigate them round a mat. The girls had great fun programming the Bee-Bots and also using iPAD Minis to move the Bee-Bots around a screen. The activity has greatly increased their IT and problem solving skills as they expand their skill set.

Being the best Lower Sixth girls were put through their paces by the Army in February during a Personal Development Training session. They took part in a range of outdoor activities designed to test their leadership, communication and teamwork skills. The girls had to think on their feet and put their decision-making skills into practice in order to succeed as a team. Despite the cold, they participated all morning with enthusiasm, and at the end of the session many of the group were surprised by just how much they had achieved. The activities used equipment to simulate situations, for example one task involved the girls “being on a raft in the middle of the river”. The girls had to work together to decide how to get from A-B and how get their team to safety

This was a fantastic experience the Lower for Sixth. They all showed g reat team work and leadership s skills thro ughout the mornin g and afte rwards many of th eg their comm irls thought that unication skills and assert iveness in group situations had really improved. It is alway sg they co-op reat to see how era live worksh te and achieve in ops like th is girls never fail to imp and the ress me. Ms Cookso n, Careers Co -ordinator

Surgery in Victorian times In January Year 10 History students visited the Old Operating Theatre in London. Having studied the history of medicine and surgery in their lessons, the visit to the museum helped to bring the medical realities of the Victorian period to life. The girls learnt about the procedure of a Victorian operation, one with no anaesthetics, antiseptics of blood transfusions and where speed was the key to success. The girls then had the opportunity to visit the museum to view the many medical artefacts on show.

Sleeping beauties Girls from Year 1 and 2 visited Waddesdon Manor in January to see the “Sleeping Beauty” paintings by Leon Baskt. When they arrived the girls ascended into one of the turrets of the manor and were taken through the story of “Sleeping Beauty”. The girls had the opportunity to dress up and act the story out as they looked at each painting in the series. To conclude their visit the girls completed an activity bringing together all the pictures they had seen and creating their own “Sleeping Beauty” artwork.

Keeping safe In March girls in Year 3 enjoyed an interactive visit to Hazard Alley as part of their PSHE learning about “keeping safe”. Hazard Alley, otherwise known as the Safety Centre in Milton Keynes is a purpose-built centre where children can experience 12 hazardous scenarios in perfect safety. The scenarios covered a range of topics such as, rail and water safety, safety near a building site and dangers at home. The girls were also introduced to first aid and how to put someone into the recovery position, along with what calling 999 would be like when reporting an emergency.

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from the imaginary sharks. Another activity was the removal of a “land mine” from a circle of cones to a safe location without touching it and only using two long ropes.

Presentation of a poppy In March there was a very special event in Pre-Prep as the Chair of Governors, Lady Gill Alison, was presented with a poppy from the Tower of London by Year 2 pupil Lauren F, whose parents bought the poppy for the school as a tribute to those who have risked their lives in conflict. Lauren was very proud to be able to present the poppy to the Chair of Governors and to the school. She explained to the girls in Pre-Prep and to her teachers about her trip to the Tower of London to see the poppies and why her mother and father had decided to generously donate the poppy for the school.

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 represented either a family member from the War or a member of the community where a girl lives. Involving pupils from Pre-Prep to Upper Sixth this initiative provided the girls with a unique opportunity to learn about the Great War in a really special way.

The poppy will have pride of place in the Pre-Prep Department as a reminder for current girls and generations to come about the First World War. Along with this poppy from Lauren’s parents the school also has a second poppy on display in the main building as a whole school dedication to those who have fought in past wars. These events follow on from last term’s whole school Great War Centenary project to commemorate those fallen in battle and the sacrifice they made. A section of trench was constructed in the School Hall to provide a

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Hampden Talent Show 2015 The Landau Hall at lunchtime on the last day of the half-term was the place to be as girls from all year groups took part in the annual Hampden House Talent Show. An enthusiastic audience gathered there, eagerly waiting to see what talent this year’s show would reveal. Following auditions earlier in the term, five special acts took to the stage to compete for the coveted first place prize. The judging panel faced the tough choice of selecting the best performers and after some difficult deliberations the prizes were announced as follows:

• First prize: Annique B (Year 6) for her graceful ballet performance to Michael W Smith’s “Joyful following Suffering”. • Second prize: Zara M (Year 9) and Sophia M (Year 7) for their beautiful version of “Love” by Lennon and Maisy. • Third prize: Daisy D and Isabelle (Year 4) for a duet of Jessie J’s “Price tag” with a ukulele accompaniment. The girls managed to raise over £245 for St. Mark’s School in Uganda. There was also a special dance performance from the Upper Sixth to end the show.

We once ag ain saw amazing ta lent from g irls in the Prep Depar tment righ t up to Upper Sixth . It was very to choose a difficult winner wit h such wonderful performance s the girls. It was a thoro from ughly enjoyable w ay to end th e first half of term .” Miss Snellg rove, Head of Dan ce

Prep Politics This term girls in Year 5 and 6 have been learning about Parliament, how laws are made and the impact they have on society On Friday 6 February the girls had a special visit from the Rt Hon David Lidington MP for Aylesbury. He talked to the girls about what his typical day and week was like as a Member of Parliament and how he was inspired to enter politics in 1992 to try to change things which he felt were wrong in society. Mr Lidington also went on to answer some very thoughtful and interesting questions from the girls. To further their learning the girls were given the opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament where they were able to go behind the scenes. They had a meeting with Mr Lidington and a tour of the Palace with the Right Honourable, The Lord Stephen. During this tour the girls were able to see democracy in action with the House of Lords and the House of Commons in session. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the visit and witnessing first-hand the running of the country, will be with them forever.

GCSE Dance performance Girls studying GCSE Dance in Year 9, 10 and 11 displayed their artistic skills one evening in March as they performed to parents and friends. The evening was a celebration of all the girls have been learning since the start of the academic year and really allowed their creativity to shine through.

oud of I am very pr ve put ha rls gi e the work th and ap oreogr hy into their ch ght’s ni to r fo n io at their prepar all put ve ha s. They performance ought th amount of they an incredible es nc da e into th l their and feeling al re and I’m su n the have created he w d de ar rew efforts will be their assessments for time comes e. ac pl to take ve, Miss Snellgro ce an Head of D

The dances included solo, duo and group work, much of which had been choreographed by the girls themselves. Inspired by a range of stimuli dances with titles such as “The Attacks that Changed the World”, “Girl in Isolation” and “A Lady finds Love”, demonstrated how it is

possible to project feelings of love, loneliness and responses to world events through movement. A number of girls also performed solo compositions based on three motifs from Matthew Bourne’s “Nutcracker!”. The GCSE course requires girls to develop their chosen motifs into a short solo dance with clear form and structure. Watching how each of the girls had individually responded to this task in their own particular way was a delight to see.

As part of their assessment for GCSE the girls’ performances will be assessed on criteria including technical ability, the way they communicate their choreographic intent to an audience and, in the case of a group or duo dance, the way in which the performers relate to each other. The performance evening provided the girls with a fantastic opportunity to test how their dances came across to an audience – an invaluable opportunity, particularly for our Year 11 girls as they move towards their final assessments.

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Race2Recovery This term girls in the Prep Department have been encouraged to focus on the concept of persistence and what this means in their lives. To learn more about this and to be inspired by another person’s persistence and determination, girls were treated to a special presentation by ex-Army Captain, Anthony Harris. Anthony was seriously injured in May 2009 by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan and due to infection from his injuries he had to have his foot amputated. Through his rehabilitation Anthony, and a group of other amputees, decided to set themselves a major challenge and created a motorsport team called “Race2Recovery”. The team set their sights on completing one of the most challenging and toughest endurance motorsport races in the world, the Dakar Rally. They became the first amputee racing team in the world. Anthony said he was not defined by his physical self and wanted to prove that he and his team members could overcome adversity and compete in such a demanding sport. Anthony went on to explain the six values which he lives by and encourages others to do

H to the g aving Anthon y irls abo ut persis Harris speak giving u te p was hu whatever life nce and never throws ge at you, the Dep ly inspiring an ds art that the ment will nev omething er g of the s irls will take fo forget. I hope ix rward h is idea them in values and str ive to a their ow pply n lives. Mr Leith , Head o f Prep

the same. These were, courage, discipline, respect for others, integrity, loyalty and selfless commitment. With these values he believes that anyone can achieve anything. After the Dakar Rally, Anthony went to compete in the Invictus Games where he won the gold medal in sitting volleyball.

Inspired by Alumnae This term saw the return of two former Pipers girls, Catherine Bryan (2009) and Charlotte Franek (2008). They both came to speak to the Sixth Form and parents about their careers to date, how they got there and what they want to achieve in the future. Catherine left Pipers in 2009 and has since been developing her career within mental health. After a year travelling Catherine went

e rine’s talk, w From Cathe tantly ns co be to u have learnt that yo e your goal and not to ev hi ac to ng tryi which was first hurdle, e th at ent as the give up em encourag of ds or w kind ite a daunting embark on qu Sixth Form time in life! but exciting er Sixth Sarah B, Upp

Charlotte Franek with Sixth Form girls

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 to a career within psychology and 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 in prison when dealing with mentally ill inmates. Even after sometimes traumatic experiences Catherine showed enthusiasm for her field and to help others. Charlotte left Pipers in 2008 and went onto 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 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. 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.

Tudor medicine Girls in Year 8 enjoyed the opportunity to learn about Tudor medicine in January when they took part in a workshop about the life and work of a Tudor Barber Surgeon. In Tudor times Barber Surgeons were medical practitioners who performed surgery, unlike doctors who were mainly theory based professionals and very expensive to hire. The workshop covered the developments in treatment and technology of the early Renaissance period. During the session girls were able to have hands on experience of the medicines and items used for medical treatment, including a snake skin, dentist tools and teeth and surgical tools such as knives and scissors that would have been used to remove lead bullets and arrows from soldiers in battle.

Galleries of London In February Sixth Form Art and Textiles students visited London to spend the day in galleries and museums. They started the day with a guided tour of the Saatchi gallery and a look round the Victoria and Albert Museum. Those studying Art then headed to the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery whilst those studying Textiles went to the Textile Museum. The girls were able to take photographs, sketch and fully immerse themselves in the art world for a day.

Geography in action In March a group of excited Year 7 girls visited the River and Rowing Museum in Henley for a day of geographical experiments and river exploration. The girls participated in three different workshops throughout the day, which tested their knowledge of a range of techniques they have recently learnt in class. First they set up experiments using their geographical skills to find out how rivers erode and then they went on a “river walk” to see the impact of flooding. Year 7 practised their skills by completing field sketches of the area to use back in the classroom when they discuss this topic.

Exploration of faith Year 2 had a fantastic visit to Watford Synagogue in March. On arrival they were greeted by Rabbi Levine and were encouraged to look around and tell him what they could see and what they already knew about Judaism. Rabbi Levine then went on to explain all about the various items around the room including the eight Torah scrolls which were behind a curtain. It was a wonderful way for the girls to learn more about a different faith.

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BalletBoyz In January girls studying GCSE Dance thoroughly enjoyed a visit to the Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London to see “Young Men”, a production from BalletBoyz, winners of the National Dance Awards Best Independent Dance Company in 2013, and their all-male dance company the TALENT. “Young Men” is an inspirational production that presents a powerful portrayal of the young soldiers who fought in the First World War and the bonds developed between them. For the girls, watching this production enabled them to increase their critical appreciation of professional dance shows and enhanced their awareness of choreography, lighting, accompaniment and set design which they will be able use in their Dance work during the GCSE course.

World Book Day It was World Book Day on Thursday 5 March and girls in Pre-Prep and Prep celebrated their love of books by dressing up as their favourite literary character. There were lots of exciting characters to see including Pinocchio, Alice in Wonderland, Captain Hook from “Peter Pan”,Winnie the Pooh and a number of Harry Potters. All the girls did a fantastic job with their costumes and they looked amazing. Mrs Rees, Head of Research-Based Learning, organised the Pipers Big Book Swap in the Library where Senior girls brought in one of

It was delightful to see the varied and wonderf ul costumes the Pre-Pr ep and Prep girls wore for World Book Day, they all looke d fantastic. It is alway s a joy to see the girls interested and excited by reading and events like Wo rld Book Day are a great way to recog nise this. Mrs Ness-Gifford, He admistress

their favourite books, attached a brief review and swapped it for another book. It was a wonderful way for the girls to be introduced to a range of exciting new books and authors. This year the Book Swap was also run in the Prep Department, which meant that our eager younger readers also had the opportunity to exchange one of their own well-read books for another.

Creative castles This Term saw girls in Year 7 research and create a model of a Medieval castle. The girls had to create a castle which was in the style of a motte and bailey castle or a specific Medieval castle in England. The girls have been working hard all term with this project and the castles they created were amazing. It was very clear to see their creativity and imagination with castles made out of cake, cardboard and papier-mache. The whole school was invited to come and view the castles and vote on which one was their favourite. The winners were: First - Sofia M (concentric castle design) Runners up - Charlotte A (White Tower), Amelia H (chocolate cake castle), Leanne H (Beaumaris Castle)

le design ard of cast he stand T g. n zi a m as a this year w h the girls’ it w n impressed and desig I was very h a castle rc a se g re in ability to ng interest asm. replica usi usi a fantastic great enth h it s and w to choose n o si ci technique e d ally tough nt. all excelle It was a re s they were a r a winne , Mrs Tinnelly tory Head of His

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Learning in Textiles It has been very busy in the Textiles Department this term. Year 7 and 8 came to the end of their cushion making project, Year 10 showcased their children’s clothes on the Pre-Prep catwalk and Year 9 finished their “design a skirt” project. The girls in Year 7 began the term with a “getting started” project. Through this they have learnt, how to use equipment safely, hand and machine sewing and how fabrics are made (with particular reference to wool and cotton). They also had the opportunity to create felt from wool/natural fibres and also fabric from Angelina man-made fibres which they then used to make their cushions. The cushions were quilted and the felt used as a centre piece and embellished. The girls also researched a cushion designer or felt designer and have worked through a simple design process to

research, design, plan, make and evaluate. The end results were fantastic. Year 10 girls created fabulous children’s clothes as part of their GCSE Textiles course. The girls headed down to Pre-Prep to source willing models to wear their clothes and showcase them on the Pre-Prep catwalk. The Pre-Prep girls benefitted from having the older girls visit them and take part in Senior School activities and Year 10 were able to use live models to measure, dress and display their creations. The Year 9 girls have been researching fashion through the decades, looking in particular at what goes into the production of a skirt, the different types of fabric and constriction techniques used. They then designed and created their own versions with inspiration taken from the past but to appeal to a teenager in 2015.

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Dynamic Dynamique I am ex tremely Young p They h Enterpri roud of the ave wo s e team th rk their ho ed very is year. m h remark e made bags ard selling ably we and ha ve don ll - they succes e sfu are the most in to th l team the sc hool ha e Young s date. L E et’s hop nterprise Co entered mpetit e the n as fruit ion ex ful for t hem, th t round will b to e just ey dese Mrs Ne rve it. ss Headm -Gifford, istress

The Pipers Young Enterprise team were celebrating in March after amassing a fantastic five prizes at the High Wycombe Area Finals. The team came first in two of the categories - the Business Plan Award and the Marketing Award. They also came second in the Manufacturing Award and the Company Report Award and the team placed 2nd out of the 19 teams taking part meaning that they will now go into the next round and compete against teams from schools from across the county. Judging for the area finals took place in February at a selling event at the Eden Centre in High Wycombe where the Pipers group faced strong competition in the form of teams from other local schools including, Wycombe Abbey School, Wycombe High School and John Hampden Grammar School. The team were also shortlisted for the Environment award and the Rotary Award at the event. The Dynamique team, consisting of Lower Sixth girls, Emila F, Georgina H, Elizabeth P, Gabriella S, Chloe W, Rebecca Weatherhead

and Charlotte W have developed a business making and selling material bags from up-cycled material, which can be used for make-up bags and pencil cases. The girls have been selling their bags at various different craft fairs in the area. This latest success follows on from their performance in December when the team were winners of the local area Business Plan Competition. Being shortlisted for and ultimately winning awards is a great testament to the hard work the girls are doing in this year’s Young Enterprise Award.

Sporting success

Year 8 pupil and county level competitor, Katie T has enjoyed some fantastic sporting success this term. Following a shaky start to the season due to illness. Katie has bounced back with impressive finishes in a number of races and swims, including being the first girl back for Buckinghamshire in the Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships in Birmingham and securing the bronze medal in the 400 Individual Medley in the Bucks County Swimming Championships in Maidenhead. Katie puts her achievement down to determination, perseverance and good preparation.

News from Sport

Rising Stars Equestrian • A superb display at the Inter-Schools Team and Individual County Challenge Show Jumping Qualifiers for Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire in January. In the Class 2 event Louise P finished in first place and the team of Louise P, Gina M and Alicia J came third. This means they will all compete at the Regional Championships later this year. In the 70cm County Challenge qualifier the team of Phoebe H, Olivia S and Jemima C finished in third place becoming Bucks County Champions and will compete in the National County Challenge Championships in April. Finally in the 80cm County Challenge qualifier the team of Phoebe H, Olivia S, Jemima C and Laura D came first and will compete in the National County Challenge Championships in April. Olivia S finished first in the individual event and qualifies for the Nationals as an individual, as well as riding for the team.

Netball • The U15 Netball team gave a very impressive performance in the Netball District Finals in February. The team, consisting of Alexa T (captain), Jade B, Amber C, Ellie G, Olivia W, Elise W, Eleanor M and Emily B, triumphed over stiff competition from Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School, Wycombe High School, St Michael’s School and Wycombe Abbey School to become District Champions. The girls have worked very hard over the four years they have been playing together at Pipers and have made great improvements in their game. In Year 7 they came 5th in the District Tournament and year on year they have moved up the ranks, coming 2nd last year. • Great wins for the U10A team vs. Heatherton House School, U16 and U10 team against Great Marlow School. • Fourth place for the U10 team at the Queen Anne’s Netball Tournament in January.

District Netball Winners

Bucks Schools Swimming Championships Swimming • The Prep Department swimmers did amazingly well against Abbots Hill School with their win of 153 points to 111. • Second place for the girls swimming in the Bucks School Games Championships in January. Cross Country • Fantastic runs from Year 5 – 9 in the Bucks Schools Cross Country Championships in January, with Katie T (Year 8) coming in 7th and securing her place on the county team. She will compete later this year. Judo • Brilliant result in the first entry for the school in the IAPS, HMC, Independent Schools Girls Judo Congress with two bronze medals for Alicia W (Year 8) and Imogen H (Year 9). Lacrosse • Congratulation to Milton House who were the winners of the Inter-House Lacrosse competition this year. • Each round winners were as follows: Prep - Milton Year 7 and 8 - Milton Year 9 and 10 - Penn Year 11 and Sixth Form - Hampden and Milton

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Who’s who at Pipers Corner Name: Lisa Cookson

Position: Psychology Teacher and Careers Co-ordinator

Brief description of your role within Pipers Corner. I have been teaching A Level Psychology since 2007. I am also the Careers Co-ordinator which allows me to engage with all year groups and share relevant careers information.

Cognitive Developmental Psychology in my world. When students write an essay/sit the exams and they understand the concepts, it makes me realise all the hard work has been worthwhile. Being surrounded by young people all day prevents me aging, it’s better than any anti-wrinkle cream.

What did you do before you joined the School? I was the Personal Assistant to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of London/ Director of SOAS. Prior to that I worked as a PA in the City for a large American insurance company. I was a late entry to university aged 29 and I didn’t graduate until I was 34 as a qualified teacher. The coldest job I’ve had was working in a butchers shop when I was 15 years old.

What activities do you enjoy in your spare time? I’m a bit like Forrest Gump, I love running. I have completed two London Marathons and around 30 half marathons. I have also recently taken up yoga which is fantastic for the aging joints.

What excites you about the job that you do? Observing the learning process. It’s called

Who would you say has inspired you most in life? Paula Radcliffe. Her dogged drive and determination to win is infectious. I remember crossing Tower Bridge (13 mile mark) in the London Marathon in April 2003 as she crossed the finish line in the same

Key dates for your diary

PPTA News

Have your say We would love to hear your thoughts on Pipers Post. If you have any comments or suggestions then please contact us. Rebecca Conroy, Senior Marketing Executive Pipers Corner School, Pipers Lane Great Kingshill, High Wycombe, HP15 6LP T: 01494 719850 E: rconroy@piperscorner.co.uk W: piperscorner.co.uk For all the latest news and updates you can follow us on Twitter:@PipersCornerSCH Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PipersCornerSchool

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This term has been very busy term once again for the PPTA. It began with a coffee morning to welcome new and existing parents to the start of the Spring Term. We followed this with the presentation of a cheque for £10,500 to the Teenage Cancer Trust. Thank you again for your support and generosity in helping us raise this amazing amount of money.

race in 2 hours 15 minutes smashing the women’s world record time. She still holds the record today. I couldn’t comprehend how it was possible to run at twice the speed for that distance – amazing! Finally, the best thing about working at Pipers Corner is… The stunning grounds. As I stand on the terrace and look out, the view is simply breath-taking. Having worked in the frenzied and noisy capital of London for many years, I have to pinch myself to check that this stunning location is really where I work every day.

“Being surrounded by young people all day prevents me aging, it’s better than any anti-wrinkle cream!”

Booking has now opened for the PPTA Summer Ball. This year the theme is “A Night on the Red Carpet”. Tickets are £60 each and £35 for Pipers Sixth Form. To book your tickets please go to the PPTA section in the Parent Area on the school website.

The Pipers cordially inv PTA ite you

This term also saw us offering tickets for some more fantastic theatre productions through the Pipers PTA Theatre Club. Details of productions can be found on the PPTA web pages and notice board.

A Night ON THE

Red Carpet

Our final event of the term was the Easter Egg Hunt which as always proved very popular. Activities included biscuit decorating, face painting, crafts and our new cake baking competition, the “Great Pipers Bake Off”. Well done to all our entrants for their beautifully decorated, home baked cakes. Dates for the diary: Saturday 9 May BBQ and Camping Evening Saturday 27 June “A Night on the Red Carpet” Summer Ball Saturday 4 July PPTA Parents’ Day Pimm’s and Champagne Bar

Pipers Corne r School Saturday 27 June 2015 from 1830 hours

Goodbye and good luck!

Hello and welcome!

Mrs Pippa Bell, Director of Drama Mrs Jane Fortuna, School Office Administrator

Mrs Michelle Avory, Science Technician Ms Sarah Arman, School Office Administrator

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