VI Form News

Blacklands Farm Induction Day

The Lower VIth students, both new and existing Olavians, travelled to Blacklands Farm in Sussex for a day of team-building exercises to enable them to interact with their new peers. After a lively coach journey, the students were excited and eager to participate in the activities, whilst learning more about each other. The activities included abseiling, high ropes and logic puzzles, with the onus on each student to support the rest of their teammates through the activities and work as a team; all whilst trying to protect an egg from the rigours of the challenges and also from the other groups. The day culminated with the final challenge which saw each group attempt to construct a shelter or parachute for their egg, so that it would remain intact on impact after being launched from the abseiling tower; the dramatic finale was a fitting end to a satisfying and enjoyable event. Throughout the day, it was clear to see that the students put aside their early apprehension and they were fully supportive of each individual within their group; the day helped the Lower VI students to feel more comfortable amongst their peers and forge new friendships.

Study Skills Day

Saturday 16th November was our Year 13 Interview Skills Day, in which any Year 13 student who wanted to prepare for the increasingly prevalent challenge of a university interview had the opportunity to benefit from a presentation on interview skills from David Vaiani of “Aspire” followed by a one-to-one interview from one of our panel of 25 interviewers who generously gave of their time and expertise for the day. One hundred of our students signed up for the day and each met for at least one half hour appointment with our interview team which this year included a wide range of current and former staff, parents of current students and returning Old Olavians. Some students even had the opportunity for two half hour interviews with subject specialists during the day. The School is very grateful to all of its interviewers and would like to encourage even wider participation in next year’s event so that we can offer all of our students two practice interviews each. We trust that the experience will stand our students in good stead as they face the rigours of the increasingly competitive university selection process.

Cabaret

Friday 13th December proved lucky for any and all who were fortunate enough to attend this year’s Cabaret event. A glittering cavalcade of talent was on display from a range of musical and terpsichorean luminaries in the Sixth form. The evening showcased a host of crowdpleasing and polished acts from soloists, ensembles, instrumentalists and vocalists and the atmosphericallydecorated Great Hall looked almost as well-presented as the black-tie audience. A splendid time was guaranteed for all; it promised to be a great evening and delivered on that promise abundantly. Our thanks go to the organising committee of Dominic McDonald (13F), Robert Edghill (13G), Rore Okoh (13I) and Elaine Drayton (13N) and to their Senior Prefect Liaison, Sinéad O’Connor (all of Year 13) for all of their hard work in arranging such a slick, polished and thoroughly enjoyable evening’s celebration of Olavian talent.

Independent Learning Conference

On Friday 4th October the whole of Year 12 benefitted from a workshop on independent learning in which they practised and developed the following skills, vital for successful A-Level study and higher education: speed and skim reading, effective note taking, condensing text, effective learning, time management and creative thinking. The day was designed to support students in their transition from GCSE-Level study to the more independent style of study necessary for success in the Sixth Form and beyond. The event was run by independent practitioners, The Life Skills Company. This was the second year that the School has hosted the Independent Learning Conference and, once again, student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

Cultural Evening

On Saturday the 16th of November, this year’s highly anticipated annual event showcased a variety of talent music and dance. It was well attended and, once again, an amazing experience. The students, led superbly by Srishti Suresh (13H), Fintan Calpin (13F), Grace Anteyi (13H), Louis Cokell (13F) and Rore Okoh (13I), produced a wonderful event with musical presentations from all continents, poems and a wonderful fashion show, again from all over the globe. The compèring by Aiyan Maharasingham (13F) and Max HamiltonJenkins (13G) was fast and original, if somewhat daring here and there, it certainly made us laugh – and a little thoughtful at times!

The food, produced and served by parents and students and presented on beautiful stalls made by DT students, was absolutely exquisite and thoroughly appreciated by all – the quality and variation was 5*.