Queen’sTodayLentandSummerTerms2022
Festival on Space Meet the Front Office Staff Joiners and Leavers
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1 Contents ForewordAcademic
ur theme for this issue of Queen’s Today is ‘Queen’s Welcomes the World’. It seems particularly apt as this academic year has seen us finally able to open up the College and the Prep school once again to welcome parents and members of our wider community back inside for a myriad of wonderful concerts, exhibitions, plays and other events. A big thank you to the unsung heroes in our front office (pages 13 and 14 ) who greet all our visitors, solve hundreds of problems and answer countless questions every day – all with welcoming smiles on their faces! It was also brilliant to host proper Sports Days for the College and the Prep this summer after two disrupted years, as we were able to welcome parents from all year groups and celebrate together as a whole community once again (pages 3, 4 and 6). We’ve also been able to open Queen’s up to the wider world again in terms of our Bursary Appeal. Thanks to the generosity of parents and alumnae who donated to our various fundraising challenges (the Tough Mudder, the Abseil, the Wing Walk..!) we were thrilled to be able to welcome two Ukrainian refugees on full bursaries this term – one to C1 in the College and the other to Form VI at QCPS. You can read more about one of these pupils on page 19 and it was also fascinating to learn from our Mr Richard Tillett, Principal, Queen’s College, London Mrs Laura Hall, Headmistress of Queen’s College Preparatory School archive about the history of Queen’s welcoming Ukrainian refugees over a hundred years ago (see page 21).
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To those of you whose time at Queen’s is sadly now coming to an end, we wish you all the very best for the future. We look forward to hearing more about your successes in the wider world over the next few years. Don’t forget to keep in touch via our bespoke platform for Old Queens www.oqconnect and you’re always welcome to pop back for a visit or a reunion!
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Focus on the Prep School: Academic A Story from the Archive / Prize Crossword GCSE and A-level Art Shows Welcoming Ukrainian Refugees to Queen’s
FRONT COVER PHOTO CREDIT: © Liz Isles (also Sports Day photographs on pages 3 and 4); photographs on page 7 © Rob Pinney; photographs of Josie Baker and Rebecca Blacknell on page 14 by Abdurrahman Pérez-McMillan, Queen’s Head of Geography. Please send stories for Queen’s Today to development@qcl.org.uk Queen’s College, London is a registered charity No.312726
Sports Day, 2022 Focus on the Prep School: Extra-curricular Susannah Wise and Aggie Bingham, OQ Leavers’ Dinner and Annual Gathering
Richard Tillett and Laura Hall Celebrations of Success
Design by Morango Creative LTD, ananda@morangocreative.co.uk
Foreword
WRITTEN
T his year’s Academic Festival’s theme was Space! The main corridor turned into a galactic spaceship and the Art Room held a huge planetarium. The whole College was taken off timetable for the day and every department prepared fascinating workshops to enrich pupils’ understanding and appreciation of space and astronomy. We warmly welcomed external speakers from BBC News, the National Physical Laboratory, Explorer Dome, the UCL Virtual Reality department and had a truly inspiring live Q and A session with four NASA women scientists straight from Houston, Texas. Pupils attended the day in a creative array of Space inspired fancy dress costumes, ranging from astronauts, human-sized rockets, the Moon and even some familiar characters from Star Wars! BY NITHYA MURUGAN Festival on
2Queen’s Today | Academic
Space
“Today has been incredible! I loved learning about so many Space themed topics I never knew existed. I am so grateful for all the activities, as they were so creative and well thought out. We were given the opportunity to travel into Space using VR headsets, learn about the history of maps as well as the many types of endurance tests astronauts must go through to cope with microgravity in Space. I also loved the talks by the astrophysicist, Dr Rachel Livermore, and the four women from NASA. I wish the Academic Festival was every day! And I can’t wait to see what’s organised for next year.” Class 1 pupil
Sports Day, 2022 A
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Particular congratulations are due to Parks, which was the winning House, and to those pupils who set new records. In Class 3, Talia C broke the records for both the 100m and the Long Jump; in Class 1, Poppy B did the same for the Discus; and in the Seniors, Arabella G set a new record in the Shot Putt and the Vortex Throw (giving her a clean sweep across all the year groups for this event), Kelechi O broke the 100m record and Fabienne W set the new record for the Discus.
fter the disruption of the pandemic, it was wonderful to be able to welcome our entire community – including parents from all year groups once again – to our College Sports Day in June 2022. Pupils ran, jumped and threw with great enthusiasm, records were broken and a great deal of fun was had by all!
A huge thank you to Mrs Emma Croker, our Director of Sport, and the whole PE team for their meticulous organisation of this wonderful day. Thank you also to Gemma Knight and the QCPA for providing the delicious refreshments, including very popular ice-creams!
4Queen’s Today |
5
Form VI Residential – Normandy, France
“We were so lucky to have had the opportunity to perform in the RADA TheatreStudiothis year”
It’s so hard to believe that the production of ‘The Little Mermaid’ (performed by Form VI, with the support of Form V) has come and gone. We were so lucky to have had the opportunity to perform in the RADA Studio Theatre this year, and learned so much about the many aspects that go into putting together a show in a professional theatre, such as lighting, audio and stage design.We spent a lot of time learning and rehearsing our lines and choreography, creating props and working on costumes, but it was all worth it in the end, because we had a lot of fun performing in front of a live audience. It was such an amazing way to end the school year – one that we will always remember and cherish! Matilda (Form VI English Prefect) and Eliana (Form VI Drama Prefect)
Queen’s College Preparatory
Form VI enjoyed a week in the small village of Les Chambres in leafy Normandy, surrounded by cows, rabbits and chickens. They took part in linguistic, cultural, artistic and physical activities, often bathed in glorious sunshine. They sketched and painted Le Mont-St-Michel before visiting it, went to the local market, learnt how to make bread and took part in a mud trail in the scenic park of their residence. The highlight of the week was the visit from pupils at the French school the girls had been exchanging letters with throughout the year. They met their pen friends and spent the whole morning with them, discovering France though an authentic lens. This was a unique and memorable experience for all.
Extra-curricular
Madame Campbell Form VI Production
Philip Avierinos leaves us after almost ten years as our much-loved Head of Music. Philip moves on to a new career in music therapy, where his experiences of ‘gong bathing’ will benefit the wellbeing needs of our staff and girls when he returns for special workshops at QCPS. Philip’s impact on the lives of many pupils and colleagues is summarised beautifully by his friend and fellow QCPS teacher, May de Guise:
“My fondest memory of Philip was also a formative experience. It was my first Harvest Celebration at QCPS, having recently joined the school. I heard the girls sing together for the first time and it was a revelation. As a class teacher, you experience just one part of the picture -- your own class’s contribution. Then Harvest time arrived, the whole school gathered, and I heard all the girls singing together, in harmony. It was a magical introduction to how school music can be. Seven years later, I still don’t know how Philip does it. He never fails to bring out the best in the girls, leaving the listeners transfixed while fighting back the tears. That performance in 2015 brought home to me how proud I was, and am still, to be part of QCPS.”
6Queen’s Today |
Miss Such Farewell to Mr Avierinos
Miss Taylor
Sports Day Sports Day 2022 was another huge success. All girls worked incredibly hard in a variety of different events to earn points for their Houses. It was wonderful to have the whole school together again to celebrate the girls’ sporting successes and to share a whole school picnic. We are particularly proud of the teamwork the girls demonstrated when cheering each other on. The resilience and support that was demonstrated on the day was phenomenal and demonstrates the family we are at QCPS.
We have had a very successful year in swimming at QCPS! Not only did we win the Westminster School Games Swimming Gala, but also achieved amazing times in the IAPS National Swimming Qualifiers. We have been able to continue our popular early morning swimming squad and, due to so much interest, we have introduced extra sessions for girls in Forms III and IV. We are looking forward to a new annual House Swimming Gala next year, where we will be able to welcome parents, staff and pupils to see the girls’ achievements in this sport.
Sports Update
Preparatory School:
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Queen’s College Preparatory Academic Philosophy
Philosophy for children is about developing the capacity to listen, think and share ideas by questioning and providing reasons to justify their views. Each session is based on a stimulus such as a picture book, picture, or object where children give their first thoughts and formulate philosophical questions to share with the whole class as a community of enquiry. Children are encouraged to be creative, caring, critical and collaborative in sharing their ideas about concepts such as fairness, honesty, friendship, and identity. Philosophy enables them to explore these issues deeply and share their thinking confidently. We hope that Philosophy for children at QCPS will open communication at home about things that really matter where the children may challenge parents with their Remember,questions. there are no right or wrong answers: it’s the reasoning behind answers that is important. Moreover, the children will learn to talk to each other on equal terms, become good listeners and creative and critical thinkers. The teacher is there as a facilitator encouraging and supporting interaction but allowing the children to think for themselves. Miss Kukulak
Jack joined QCPS in April this year as our new Deputy Head (Pastoral). Jack has over ten years’ experience as a Deputy Head in a variety of London schools, where he has worked with children with a range of academic, social and emotional needs while studying for an MA and SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) award. Having previously worked as a research methods lecturer at the Institute of Education, Jack is excited to help launch our action research projects with UCL in September. Already firmly established within the school community thanks to his warmth, wisdom and wit, Jack’s experience and vision for the pastoral direction of QCPS ensures it will remain a happy and safe place for our girls.
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Finally, on the Friday we hosted a Cultural Day that involved each form class visiting other classes and sharing their learning about various countries. Travelling with a ‘passport’ from country to country, we all enjoyed the different activities each ‘host country’ had prepared for us. Overall, Diversity Week was an excellent opportunity for us all to be reminded, that no matter what, we are all unique and different, which makes our world a better place. Ms Bozzi
On the Monday, the girls participated in various sensory tasks that allowed them to learn about and have a greater awareness of what Neurodiversity is. They left the workshop with a level of understanding that we all learn and think differently – Minds.
Diversity Week
Throughout the week parents were invited into classes, to share their own diversity through their own cultural identity, stories and experiences – Cultures.
Embracing the theme of this year: Minds, Cultures and Hearts, a wide range of events were planned for everyone to participate in.
Last term, as a school, we celebrated Diversity Week.
Mr Jack Sims, Deputy Head, QCPS
Preparatory School:
Also, during the week each member of our community was invited to sign our 2022 wall that asked them to take a pledge to participate openly and celebrate all events of this important week – Hearts.
Leavers’ Dinner: Class of 2022 I t was wonderful to welcome our II Seniors and their parents for a proper celebration of their time at Queen’s! As well as so many current teachers, it was also lovely to catch up with several recently retired members of staff who returned for the evening to wish their former students well. After a lively drinks reception with parents in the Lower Common Room, the pupils and many members of staff moved upstairs to the Hall – which had been transformed with a light canopy and beautiful decorations – for a delicious dinner. The photobooth proved very popular with our leaving pupils, as well as the ‘Most likely to be…’ board! Maya, our departing Senior Student, made a powerful and moving speech about this cohort’s time at Queen’s and what the community meant to them. We know this year group have faced particular challenges because of the pandemic, and all the uncertainty around public examinations that came with that, but we are enormously proud of their resilience and maturity. We expect great things in the future from the Queen’s Class of 2022!
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Both the Principal, Mr Tillett, and Professor Alison While, Chair of the Council, expressed their profound thanks for the exceptional work of the teaching body over the last year who ‘always go above and beyond as a matter of routine’ and for the essential support provided by our dedicated non-teaching staff. They wished leaving teachers all the very best for their new adventures and hoped that they, along with those pupils for whom it was their final day at Queen’s, would keep in touch with the College in the years to come. Mr Tillett also looked forward the next phase of life at Queen’s, with the introduction of the Model United Nations from next year, an added emphasis on academic bravery and the importance of all students learning to argue, debate and disagree without rancour. The event was also enriched by some memorable music from our pupils including solos from Maria-Stephanie and Marina, as well as fantastic performances by our orchestra, brass ensemble and massed choir.
A t the end of the Summer Term, we were able to hold our first ‘proper’ Annual Gathering since 2019, which took place at St Marylebone Parish Church. We were honoured to have as our special guest, representing the Bishop of London, the Venerable Dr Sheila Watson. Dr Watson is the Preacher at Lincoln’s Inn and she spoke about how our Founder, F. D. Maurice, was one of her ‘scarier’ predecessors in the post – mainly for the breadth and speed with which he accomplished such significant societal changes including, of course, his pioneering legacy in education for women, embodied by Queen’s. Dr Watson spoke of her own experience, as the first female Archdeacon of Canterbury (more than a thousand years since the first – as she said “the Church of England can’t be accused of moving too quickly!”) and as the first female Preacher at Lincoln’s Inn, 170 years after Maurice was appointed to the same post. She advised Queen’s students to harness the pioneering spirit of Maurice and our early alumnae and to ignore other people’s expectations and, instead, be true to yourself. She finished with some inspirational advice from St Francis de Sales (1567–1622): “Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that Forperfectly.”thefirst time, our outgoing II Senior Prefects gave their own reports about progress in important aspects of College life over the past year including: Academics, the Performing Arts, Sport, Clubs, Charitable Activities and Pastoral Care. Thank you to our leaving Prefect team of Maya, Sonia, Olivia, Zana, Sunshine and Esme for speaking so eloquently and with such affection for the College.
10Queen’s Today |
Queen’s GatheringAnnual2022
SW: The main one is dialogue. I love writing it and I think that’s because of my background in acting. I learned to listen to rhythms and the way people use speech. EW: I see your new novel has references to Queen’s and Katherine Mansfield. How did your time at Queen’s influence this?
11 OQ 1984-1991
On the day of our first performance, the main actress broke her leg. Then I had to play the main part! I had a place at UCL to do Philosophy but, while on my gap year, I auditioned for Drama School and I got into LAMDA instead. After I graduated, I started working professionally in theatre, TV and radio.
“I remember Queen’s really fondly. There was a sense of the world opening and seeing endless possibilities.”
AK: Are there any transferable skills from acting for writing?
SW: My favourite is comedy, I love making people laugh, going back to the talent shows I did at Queen’s. I get recognised for Peep Show, even now. The most challenging is Chekhov, as you have to make your (translated) lines sound embodied and real.
Interview with Susannah Wise
AK: What led you to pursue a career in acting?
WRITTEN BY EMILIE SITLANI
Did you take part in any productions at Queens?
SW: Queen’s influenced the novel in every way. I remember Queen’s really fondly. There was a sense of the world opening and seeing endless possibilities. I made a wonderful group of friends here. The teachers inspired us to feel really empowered, become independent thinkers and to feel very optimistic about the future. The book was inspired by hearing about someone seeing a therapist who was losing his memory. So every time she goes to see him, she’s unsure if he can remember what she said last time. However, the book itself is dedicated to some friends of mine who are no longer with us. So it’s partly about things gone and lost, but also people who are gone and lost. Read a longer version of this interview on OQ Connect here: bookcompetitionSeries-Susannah-Wiseoqconnect.com/news/alumnae/32/32-Old-Queens-https://www.andenterourPrizeCrosswordonpage22towinacopyofSusannah’sinspiredbyQueen’s!
Susannah Wise’s varied career includes acting on TV (including in Eastenders and Peep Show) and on stage. She’s published two novels: her latest, ‘Okay Then That’s Great’ is inspired by her time at Queen’s. Susannah discusses her career so far with current I Senior, Alena K, and Emma Wyles (OQ 2021).
EW: Do you have a favourite genre? And which is the most challenging?
SW: Both my parents were in the film industry. They told me it’s horrible and I would be poor and miserable. Of course, I completely ignored them. However, once I got into Drama School, they were very Atsupportive.Queen’s, I particularly liked playing Caliban in The Tempest. Later, my friend and I directed a play called Funeral Games by Joe Orton.
What do you think about your school experience now? School seems very long ago but I feel like it changed me as a person. I grew up a lot and I felt I was gradually becoming an adult in sixth form and knew what to expect at university. Queen is a close knit school so if you had issues there was lots of help. I’m still in touch with people from Queen’s.
In the first year you’re assigned modules and you have to stick with them, but after that you can make the course
Aggie was one of the first students I met when I arrived at Queen’s to teach Economics in 2017. I was thrilled to hear in June 2022 that she had received first class honours for her Economics degree. What was your initial experience of university like? Was it affected much by Covid?
how you want. I’m better at the mathematical side of Economics, so I chose econometrics courses. I also did a ‘synoptic’ course in my final year on whether the technological sector will continue to boom. I was able to take modules in marketing and entrepreneurship as well.
What advice would you give current students about university?
WRITTEN BY JOSIE BAKER
Queen’s students attend a wide range of universities: 77% Russell Group (of which, 8% Oxbridge), 13% other UK universities, 5% American universities, 5% The Arts. with Agatha Bingham
Follow your heart, as cheesy as that sounds! Explore the course and make sure it’s suitable for your needs. When you get to university, they want you to do well, so speak to them if you’re struggling. I’ve had friends who’ve needed that help and they got it. They look out for you at Oxford Brookes. What do you think you’ll do next?
I’m going travelling in Asia; I’ve already explored Europe. Then I’ll apply for jobs. There’s a few things on my radar job wise, such as the civil and corporate investigation sector. I’m seeing where my future takes me at this moment.
12Queen’s Today | OQ 2011 - 2018
“School seems very long ago but I feel like it changed me as a person”
Interview
I arrived at Oxford Brookes a year and a half before Covid. It was interesting living away from home but intimidating to begin with. I didn’t get Halls so I had to rent a house, which was a learning curve. I can cook now. It’s taken four years! Once Covid arrived, I had to study from home. My third year was a ‘sandwich year in industry’. My job was pharmaceutical analysis, which involved inputting future revenue figures for big pharma companies. My boss assigned me a budget and I got to choose three stocks to buy or sell, and he gave us our profit at the end. We had to write daily updates of clinical trials and write quarterly advice for clients worldwide on whether they should buy, sell, or retain stocks. What was the course like and how did it compare to A-level?
13 Meet the Front Office: Lianne Stileman, Office Manager and Nikki Kaur, Receptionist & Administrative Assistant WRITTEN BY JOSIE BAKER; INTERVIEW BY LUCY MACPHEE Lianne and Nikki manage the College’s Front Office between them and probably have some of the most packed workdays of anyone in the school. Queen’s Today caught up with them in between phone calls, deliveries and student visits…
Nikki: We once had a big portion of steak delivered that a colleague had won in an auction. We put it in the fridge. [while Nikki is telling me this, a courier tries to deliver a microscope, saying it’s for our ‘theatres’. After some patient questioning on her part, it turns out that he should have been at one of the many clinics that are nearby the school…] Nikki: This happens sometimes. Quite often people buzz the front door and they are looking for their ear appointment or their dentist. Which are not here! And sometimes I recognise them from the TV. Have you buzzed in any celebrity visitors?
What are your jobs like and what do you enjoy about them?
Nikki: Everyone comes here if they’ve got a question. We can answer most of them!
Lianne: It’s always really busy in the office. Every day is different, but the busiest times are break and lunchtime and straight after school. Nikki: I’m busiest after morning and afternoon registration, running around to see if everyone’s where they should be, and making sure all the registers are correct. I also do the administration for the music department, such as entering the students for all their Associated Board exams. I like interacting with staff and pupils and being part of a community. It’s like a family here.
Lianne: As Nikki said, you’d need to be excellent at multi-tasking. You have to like children and like people. You need a good memory and to be a problem solver. I’ve learnt I can’t solve all problems. I once superglued some glasses back together. Don’t do that! They could stick to the person. Fortunately we didn’t get to that stage…
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Lianne: I enjoy seeing individual pupils growing up. I’ve been here about eight years, so some of the students I first met in Class 3 (year 7), I’ve known all the way through school. Christmas is our favourite time of year. It’s fun when the Parents’ Association come in and raffle prizes are delivered. Open evenings are really hectic, with all the pupils queuing up in the back office waiting to be tour guides. Nikki: The prep school come over a lot for science workshops. And they come to do their nativity play. Lianne and I get on really well. It’s a very sociable job. The pupils pop in for a chat. Especially the Class 3s, who sometimes try to give me sweets. I worked in Catering as an administrator for Chartwells for a year and a half, and then I moved into administration for Queen’s about three years ago now. What are the challenges of your job?
Nikki: We do a lot of multi-tasking. When the phone rings and you’re doing lots of things at the same time, that’s always when pupils come in with questions.
Nikki: We handle so many deliveries. For instance, we receive all the exam papers. A really important job. Lianne: We do get a lot of deliveries and one of the most surprising ones was an axolotl. He was delivered in the post, in a box that said This Way Up. But the courier had turned the box over. It was a surprise to lift it up and find a living creature inside. He was fine, fortunately. He was named Sebastian and now lives in the Biology department. Apparently he floats if he is stressed…
Lianne: We can’t tell you! What do you do when term time finishes?
Lianne: It’s so quiet in the school holidays. It’s quite nice. There are no pupils and we catch up with things we can’t do in term time. But by September we’re ready for the buzz again.
Lianne: The biggest challenge is to keep a cool head. We are the first point of contact for all visitors, staff and students. This can be quite chaotic at times! We are so glad to have got rid of the face masks. Wearing a face mask all day was hard. The amount of boxes of face masks we went through was incredible. We were using 500 a week.
Lianne and Nikki look forward to seeing you in September. Sebastian, the Queen’s College axolotl, is flourishing.
Staff Joiners and Leavers:
Ms Tressan Anastasiou, Teacher of Mathematics
Miss Shauna Feeney, Lead Teacher of Economics
Mrs Jennifer Grant, Lead Teacher of Politics
I’ll be joining Queen’s as the Lead Teacher of Politics, with some History teaching too. I’ll also be the Model United Nations Coordinator, so I’m looking forward to taking teams of students to MUN competitions. I’m working on a PhD focused on the Polish Armed Forces in wartime Britain.
Miss Amelia Hodgetts, Teacher of Physical Education
I’ve worked at South Hampstead High School, Brampton College and Channing School, teaching Mathematics & Further Mathematics. I love the outdoors and keeping active. I am excited to join Queen’s, though I fear I may be permanently lost in the building!
I graduated with a degree in Sport and Social Science (BSc) at the University of Bath two years ago, and completed my PGCE in Secondary Physical Education at the University of Exeter. I’m thrilled to be starting at Queen’s and am looking forward to the beginning of netball season.
some
Ms Dina Baldassa, Teacher of Biology
After university I taught English in Ecuador, then returned to Ireland to obtain my teaching qualification. I then taught in the UAE before returning to London. I am delighted to be coming to Queen’s to lead Economics, a subject that is challenging and ever changing.
I’m very excited to be teaching English at Queen’s College from September 2022. I’m originally from Cardiff and currently teaching in Oxford. There is such a warm and welcoming atmosphere at Queen’s, and so many fantastic opportunities for students!
I am from a seaside town in Ireland but have been working and living in London for five years. I studied a BA in Fine Art Printmaking and then an MA in Art Education. I am looking forward to a very exciting year getting to know you all. Mrs Natasha Fenwick, Director of Enterprise & Partnerships; Teacher of PTE I will be joining Queen’s as Director of Enterprise and Partnerships. I will also be teaching some of the IGCSE and A-level Religious Studies courses. I’m looking forward to becoming part of the QCL community and thank you for making me feel so welcome, already.
Hello to: QCL joiners of the teaching staff arriving and departing from our two busy schools this year
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Miss Isobel Ford, Teacher of English Miss Rebecca McDermott, Teacher of Art and Design
I graduated from London with an Honours Degree, followed by a Master of Sciences and teaching qualification. I enjoy ballet, tennis, running and stand-up boarding. I particularly love gardening and work hard at it in my very small farm in Italy.
I’ve really enjoyed teaching at Queen’s for the last five years. Despite the challenges of breaking my leg in my first term, and Covid, I’ve found Queen’s a warm and supportive community. I have learnt so much from the students and have loved our brilliant classroom discussions.
Miss Suzanne Ipe, Teacher of Mathematics Hello! I’m joining the Maths department this September. In a previous life, I was a Managing Consultant specialising in data science. When I’m not in school, you can find me cycling around London, trying new restaurants and enjoying theatre.
16Queen’s Today |
Mrs Johanna Mayerhofer, French Assistant After six years in London and three wonderful years at QCL, my family and I are moving to Lisbon. Thank you to all for having made my time at QCL so special and do look me up if you come to Lisbon!
I’ve had a brilliant time at Queen’s and I leave after three years to take on the role of Housemistress at a school in Salisbury. There is a lot I will miss, but a special shoutout has to go to all my wonderful IIJ and the kind, funny, and incredibly able Modern Languages department.
Ms Émilie Jacob, French Language Assistant Bonjour! I am Émilie, the French language assistant. I was born in Brittany, and after studying English for five years, I decided to move here to London and train to be a French teacher.
There’s been lots to enjoy at Queen’s –having my own office and filling it to the ceiling with boxes and paper. There were times when I couldn’t find the door, (so that I could lock it from the inside!) I’m looking forward to being able to take a foreign holiday during term time.
Mr James (Jim) Lyne, Examinations Officer
Miss Emily Halstead, Teacher of Philosophy, Theology and Ethics
QCL leavers
Miss Zoe Kantifoudi, Higher Level Teaching Assistant Zoe (Zografia) Kantifoudi joined us in April. With MAs in Classics and History of Art respectively, a BA in History and Archaeology, with Education, and an upcoming Research MA in Linguistics, Zoe will support our oldest girls in their learning, as well as teaching Philosophy, Latin and History of Art. Miss Anna Cannavacciuolo, Teaching Assistant, takes up a post at Notting Hill and Ealing GDST. Miss Maria Chatzidima leaves us after two years’ of service as a Teaching Assistant and Form V Teacher. Ms Celena Bridge, singing teacher, is leaving after 13 years to move to Devon; Mr Matt Roberts, trumpet and piano teacher, takes on more responsibility at Trinity College; and Mr Luke Tucker, woodwind teacher, has been appointed Principal Bassoonist at the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and Birmingham Royal Ballet.
Mrs Josie Baker, Teacher in charge of Economics and Editor of Queen’s Today I am moving to a school closer to home after five stimulating years at Queen’s. I couldn’t possibly have worked with better colleagues and I feel privileged to have encountered so many interesting people and corners of history while editing this magazine.
Miss Rebecca Blacknell, Teacher of Modern Languages
Miss Jennifer Moore, Teacher of Physical Education
QCPS leaversQCPS joiners
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Queen’s. The pupils and staff have always made my day a little brighter, and I am so thankful to have made some lovely memories. I have decided to move to a school a little closer to home, so I can enjoy more of the great outdoors.
17 Subject Prizes Art Elita R Modern Languages Angelina E and Anna N Philosophy, Theology and Ethics Iris H and Aleksa S Tyrell Award for Geography Kelechi O History Stella F and Iris H Lambert Award for Biology Annabel D Chemistry Brooke C Physics Arabella G and Kelechi O Maths Rasheeda A (Maths) and Arabella G (Further Maths) English Helen T Music Nina R History of Art Ariella E and Saskia M Psychology Iris H and Anouska S Economics Arabella G and Evelyn J Politics Mia O Drama Alena K and Helen T Contribution to Sport Fabienne W I Seniors Prizes awarded for the academic year 2021/22 Many congratulations to the following pupils who were awarded prizes at the end of the academic year. Progress Awards Florence F Alena K Stella RasheedaF A Thrive Awards Kat ShogufaLucyAD G Keemiya M Lio CaitlinR R The Lady Goodhart Cup Aryana A Senior prize winner with Mr Tillett Associateships Anna AngelinaB E – also awarded an Academic IrisArabellaScholarshipGH–alsoawarded an Academic Scholarship Aleksa S
18Queen’s Today | I SubjectJuniorsPrizesArt Isla M French Etta O The Zoe Jacobs Prize for Italian Beatrice T Spanish Megan C Mandarin Sophia Z Philosophy, Theology and Ethics Etta O Geography Etta O History Amelie S and Rosa W Science Clarissa I, Etta O and Amelie S Dance Megan C and Lennox P Maths Ella K English Chloé-Grace E Computer Science Misaki S Drama Chloé-Grace E The Handford Award for Classics Orianne B Music Fauve W Contribution to Sport Isla M Overall Attainment Awards Ella K B Etta O RosaAmelieJSW Progress Awards Reem ChirineA AngelinaP W Xifei Z Thrive Awards Noor IsabellaA FauveLoisJannikaLily-MaeAHJMW The Lady Goodhart Cup Eliza B Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Overall Attainment Awards Patricia E Kristina H Mia P Sienna G Katia P Ellie P Charlie B Kitty CharlotteK P Progress Awards Viktoria F Neha IsobelKQ Rosa G Kitty CameronH J Isabella L Zara MarianneA E Emily O Thrive Awards Imogen B Lara SabrinaD MielDannikaGNS Charlotte C Esha HonorDG Clara BronwenS S Sunday W Grace B M Davina D Lily J Ella IsabelR S Soleil S The Lady Goodhart Cup Ellen Nuttney Claire P Lettice M A Ava M Class 2 prize winners
Welcoming Ukrainian Refugees to Queen’s
astiia is a refugee from Ukraine, who joined Form VI at QCPS during the Summer term 2022 on a full bursary. Her mother, Yuliia, kindly agreed to tell us more about their situation and how Nastiia is settling in at Queen’s.
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“Thanks to the kindness and support of all the teachers at QCPS it didn’t take much time for her to settle andHowadapt.”isNastiia settling down at QCPS?
How did the outbreak of the war affect Nastiia and the rest of your family?
How did you hear about Queen’s?
The girls greeted her with presents and, together with the teachers, welcomed her in the most heart-warming way. When I collected her after that first day, I finally saw some happiness in my daughter’s eyes for the first time in a long time.
What has Nastiia found most different/ surprising about the school experience in London, compared to her old school?
What are your hopes for the future?
If you would like to contribute to the 175th Anniversary Appeal to support our full bursary students, including those we have welcomed from Ukraine this year, please contact Alex Horner on development@qcl.org.uk
We were lucky that my niece, who lives in London, kindly offered to sponsor me and my daughter so we could find safety from the war. She went to great lengths to provide us with everything we needed, which we are extremely grateful for. It was a difficult decision to leave our country – and of course my husband is still there fighting for the Army – so I was hesitant at first to leave. My husband, however, wanted us to go as he could see how Nastiia’s health was suffering and how we were living in fear. Did you apply to the local authority for a state school place? Yes, we applied through Westminster Council. As it was the middle of the year we were told that all the state schools we applied for were full. My daughter was still having remote classes from her school in Ukraine, but her classes were constantly interrupted due to the sirens going for hours throughout the day.
My niece introduced us to Mrs Rolls, a former teacher at QCPS, who kindly reached out to Mr Tillett to see if he might be able to offer Nastiia a place. We feel very honoured to be offered a bursary place and will forever be grateful to Mrs Hall and everyone in the Queen’s community for welcoming us to QCPS.
We heard about Russia’s invasion from the news and we couldn’t believe it! All school pupils were immediately moved to distance learning, just as happened during the Covid-19 pandemic. I worked as a teacher in Ukraine, so I was conducting classes through Zoom when it was possible. The worst thing for us was that, amidst all the horror that was happening in Ukraine, Nastiia’s father was conscripted to fight for the Ukrainian Army. This was the greatest sorrow for my daughter and me. We had to spend much of our time hiding in our (very cold) cellar at home, so frightened during every air alert. My daughter’s heart condition got significantly worse. Why did you decide to move to London?
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Thanks to the kindness and support of all the teachers at QCPS it didn’t take much time for her to settle and adapt. The girls from Form VI welcomed her with open arms! Nastiia started school on her actual birthday, which already felt like a big gift to us both, since she struggled not having that normality in the last couple of months.
20Queen’s Today |
We are from a small village in the Cherkassy region.
Where in Ukraine are you and Nastiia from?
We hope to see the end of this cruel and inhumane war in Ukraine soon and to be able to reunite our family.
Studying in a London school is extremely different from her previous experience – everything from the school commute to the various subjects taught are all so different. Nastiia was surprised how warm and thoughtful everyone was towards us. Despite the language barrier, she feels very welcome and is enjoying being part of QCPS.
QCPS pupil learns of her Ukrainian refugee heritage
Nora Slavouski, a pupil at Queen’s in the 1930s Saffron Gore, Nora’s great-great-niece, in her QCPS uniform in 2022
“To escape the threat of pogroms against the Jews, they left Ukraine. Marie had to disguise herself as a boy.”
21 S affron Gore, who has just completed Reception at Queen’s College Preparatory School, was fascinated to learn that her great-grandmother and two great-greataunts — whose parents were refugees from Ukraine — all studied at Queen’s College (or ‘Big Queens’ as our Prep pupils call the College) in the 1920s and 1930s. Saffron’s great-great-grandparents, Volodya and Marie Slavouski, were married in Kyiv in 1907 and lived in the city of Yekatarinoslav, now called Dnipro. In order to escape the threat of pogroms against the Jews, they managed to leave Ukraine shortly afterwards. Not much is known about their journey except that, for safety, Marie had to disguise herself as a boy. They headed first for Berlin, then to Paris and finally moved to London around the time of the start of the First World War in 1914. They had three daughters: Saffron’s great-grandmother, Victoria Slavouski (born in 1912) and her two sisters: Jacqueline Annette Slavouski (born in 1910, and known as Lucie) and Nora Beatrice Slavouski (born 1918). The Census of 1921 lists the family and gives Volodya’s occupation as ‘furrier’. Believers in the importance of girls receiving a proper education, Volodya and Marie sent all three of their daughters to study at Queen’s College, London on Harley Street. We’ve had a look in our College archives and have found references to the Slavouski sisters. Saffron’s greatgrandmother, Victoria, appears in our College Magazine in 1925 when her classmates express their sadness that she’d left Queen’s at the end of II Juniors. We also discovered several references to Saffron’s great-greataunt, Nora Slavouski. Nora is mentioned in the College magazine in 1931 as the pianist in the orchestra and was also listed on the netball team in July 1935. (Interestingly,
jar
27 Greek
Summer prize crossword 1ACROSS One
bird
12 Defeat completely
10 Extinct
15 Outfit
28 Acorn-bearing
Many thanks (again) to Robert Maclean, grandfather of Edie in II Seniors, for this splendid crossword. If you have been reading the magazine carefully, you may be able to find clues to a few of the answers. The first correct entry emailed to the Development Office by 9th September on development@qcl.org.uk, will receive a copy of Susannah Wise’s new novel inspired by Queen’s (see page 11), while the two runners-up will receive their choice of a QCL teddy bear, or a tote bag printed with the William Morris design of our entry hall wallpaper. whose dozen is (5) e.g. moonshot (9) similar to potato (3) NZ (3) (7) (4) (10) (3-2) visitor (9) of study of e.g. Keynes (9) period 1485 – 1603 (5) of (3,7) (4) or Roman (7) tree (3) person (3) (4,5) (5) (5) Asian citrus (7) Tiber (4) (7) Luton or Charles de Gaulle, perhaps (7) (10) clothing (7) officer (9) Screamingly funny (10) World’s largest island (9) Multi-limbed marine creature (7) Exacerbate (7) on journey (4,3) Completely expressionless (7) Two under par at Muirfield (5) 26 Short satirical sketch (4) her netball teammates included the future aviator Diana Barnato, and Stephanie Tyacke, later Stephanie Fierz, Principal of Queen’s from 1964-83). We love the comment about Nora’s netball prowess: “a useful member of the team who marks well and makes full use of her spring, but who needs more staying power.”
fruit
5
22
25
4 Protective clothing for
22Queen’s Today |
8 Financial
1DOWNPurchaser
29 Greedy
14
20 Starts
17 Field
6 Stretchiness
Saffron isn’t the Slavouski sisters’ only descendant to have followed in their footsteps by studying at Queen’s.
18
13 Shares out
2 Small
21 Historical
4 Sharp surgical instrument
24 Price of journey
30 Protection for furniture during decoration
23 Gains after deduction
9 Tropical vegetable,
3 City on River
19
16 Unpunctual
31 1000 kg
11 Convert into cash by selling
15
13
expenses
7 Military
Jacqueline Slavouski’s daughter, Diana Steen, was also a pupil at the College, and more recently Diana’s great-niece Jemima Steen attended Queen’s, leaving in the Class of 2020 (she’s now a student at Edinburgh University). Many thanks to Saffron and her father, Daniel, for sharing this remarkable story with us. Extracts from Queen’s College Magazine of 1935
A-level and GCSE Art Exhibitions, 2022 “I think the work this year is of the highest quality I have seen at this level during my five years of headship, with some extraordinarily moving and powerful pieces on display.” Richard Tillett, Principal of Queen’s College, London
