College Life Lent Term 2024

College Life

Made in Dagenham

We transport you to a time and place where courage, resilience, and the pursuit of justice reigned supreme - read the full report inside...

Charity Week

A look back at our hugely successful annual fundraising Charity Week

Model United Nations

Our pupils attended the 29th Model United Nations Conference representing Egypt and Barbados

Italy Trip

An unforgettable ski trip to Bardoneccia, full of fun-packed activities and authentic Italian food National British Science Week

Headmaster’s Book

Congratulations to all of the pupils listed below who were invited to sign the Headmaster’s Book as recognition for their outstanding work during the past term:

Jordan S (7 Douglass)

Samuel Q (7 Talbot)

Abisah P (12 Talbot)

Jemima U (12 Challoner)

Kamdi A (7 Douglass)

Joseph B (7 Challoner)

Finn Cr (8 Talbot)

Christopher V (10 Challoner)

Cosimo C (10 Pole)

Hemjyot K (8 Douglass)

Dubem A (8 Douglass)

Inès F (12 Douglass)

Zara D (12 Talbot)

Erin M (12 Challoner)

Rosie W (12 Poynter)

Abbie C (11 Douglas)

Kai C (9 Challoner)

Bethany C-C (13 Poynter)

Ellis Ki (13 Challoner)

George K (13 Pole)

Rodrigo P D S (10 Talbot)

Aidan C (11 Challoner)

Patrick M (11 Challoner)

Luke S (9 Talbot)

Francesca S (8 Pole)

Alice P (8 Douglass)

Erin S (8 Poynter)

Jorge C C (8 Talbot)

Harry S (8 Poynter)

Megan S (13 Poynter)

Shinichiro A (11 Talbot)

Jerry J (10 Poynter)

Alex L (12 Challoner)

Koray E (11 Pole)

James B (11 Pole)

Rowan H (11 Pole)

Leah E-A (11 Pole)

Alexander B (11 Pole)

Matthew H (11 Pole)

Zain K (10 Challoner)

William E (7 Pole)

Erin M (9 Douglass)

Ethan B (9 Talbot)

George J (9 Talbot)

Scarlett G (12 Poynter)

James C (10 Pole)

Jerry J (10 Poynter)

Caspar D (9 Poynter)

Rithva R (10 Pole)

Nikol H (12 Poynter)

Karson W (12 Challoner)

Thomas B (12 Talbot)

Eva W (12 Douglass)

Sofia A C (9 Talbot)

Wesley C (7 Talbot)

Amelia H (12 Challoner)

History

History

Black History Month assembly

Black History

Month assembly

History

History

Summer Reading Challenge

Speaking competition

Sound technician for GCSE and AL performances

Summer Reading Challenge

History

History

Drama

Drama

Drama

Drama

Achieving C1 Level in Cambridge English Exam

Geography

Helping with the sleepout

Helping with the sleepout

Helping with the sleepout

The Cambridge B2 examination

French the C1 Cambridge English Exam

Recording work in concerts

Athletics

Netball

Netball

Netball

Squad selection for ISFA Herts & Essex U13

Squad selection for ISFA Herts & Essex U13

Psychology

Achieving C1 Level in Cambridge English Exam

Achieving Grade 1 in the EIKEN Examination

Achieving C2 Level in Cambridge English Exam

Achieving Gold in the Physics Olympiad

Reading at Morning Prayers

Morning Prayers

Morning Prayers

Leading Morning Prayers

Reading at Morning Prayers

Reading at Morning Prayers

Saracens Rugby

Astronomy

English

Making a speech at the Talbot House Dinner

Making a speech at the Talbot House Dinner

English Literature

Shaving his head for Charity Week

Representing SEC at MUN 2024

Representing SEC at MUN 2024

Representing SEC at MUN 2024

Shaving his head for Charity Week

Representing SEC at MUN 2024

English Literature

Representing SEC at MUN 2024

Representing SEC at MUN 2024

Representing SEC at MUN 2024

Making a speech at the Talbot House Dinner

Making a speech at the Talbot House Dinner

English Literature

Hello!!

Hi - my name is Tim Newton, and I am the new Director of External Relations here at St Edmund’s College and Prep.

It’s a real privilege to be asked to work in such a vibrant, exciting and everchanging place, and the first few weeks have certainly involved a lot of listening and learning as I get to grips with what St Edmund’s is about and where it’s heading.

I’ve had a pretty varied career, starting off in Marketing for a University and then spending thirteen years working for a sports governing body before, more recently, running two companies; one that was my own and then setting up another for an American company that was expanding out of the US and into Europe for the first time.

It’s been great getting to know my team – both the Admissions and Marketing Departments – as well as the broader group of staff, pupils and former pupils here who have been so kind and welcoming to me. It's clear to me that it's the people that make St Edmund’s the wonderful place that it is and it’s vital that we always remember that. Now it's up to me to spread the word, and to ensure sure that as many youngsters as possible are attracted to come here to study.

Please do come in and say hello to us if you get the chance – and feel free to contact me at any time on tnewton@stedmundscollege.org.

I look forward to meeting you, to working for you, and to helping ensure that St Edmund’s continues to go from strength to strength.

Tim

Awards nomination

We are pleased to announce that our Admissions and Marketing team has been shortlisted at the 2024 AMCIS (Admissions, Marketing and Communications in Independent Schools) IMPACT Awards for the execution of the school’s taster event for prospective students. The AMCIS IMPACT Awards recognise excellence in admissions, marketing and communications initiatives that make a positive impact on a school and its community.

The magical Harry Potter themed taster day cast a spell over AMCIS judges, earning the team a spot on the shortlist in the ‘Small Budget’ category. Attending students received a stand-out experience at the taster day. From receiving wax-sealed tickets to board the ‘St Edmund’s Express’, to being sorted into houses by the mystical ‘sorting hat’, the day had lots of creative elements that garnered high praise from attendees.

Students were also able to cast ‘spells’ with the college’s Latin teacher, and undertake Harry Potter themed sports lessons with the school’s Sports Director, which included Quidditch. Students also had the chance to star in a West End style Harry Potter production led by a specialist Drama teacher.

Our taster days have previously been unthemed with students participating in normal lessons. Whilst this obviously gives students the chance to get a feel for a ‘typical’ school day, we wanted to create an immersive, exciting experience, which prospective students would remember. We were delighted with the outcome and that our work has been recognised by a national award scheme and look forward to the awards ceremony in May.

Welcome to this edition of College Life.

I am gazing out of the open window of my office on the first day of term enjoying the suddenly very springlike feeling in the air. I love the Trinity Term, and there is so much to look forward to. But this edition of College Life is all about last term – and what an extraordinary catalogue of achievement that turned out to be.

Suddenly, everything was happening at once: Model United Nations, Rosslyn Park Sevens, being crowned Hertfordshire Schools’ Golf Champions, six sell-out, stunning performances of Made in Dagenham and then a Charity Jazz, Pop and Rock Evening to round off the term and add yet more funds to the £13,000 raised so far for this year’s charitable project: Cancer Research. And these were only a handful of the newsworthy achievements of the Edmundian Community last term. Read all about them here. Matthew Mostyn, HEADMASTER

Science week

St Edmund's School celebrated National British Science Week in a variety of different ways. From the excitement of slime-making to the wonders of space exploration, the week was a testament to the school's commitment to fostering curiosity and igniting a passion for science among its students.

Throughout the week, students were treated to a diverse array of activities designed to engage, educate, and inspire. During lunchtimes, the school buzzed with energy as students eagerly participated in hands-on experiments and interactive demonstrations.

One of the standout activities was the slime-making workshop, where students had the opportunity to concoct their own colourful creations. Under the guidance of enthusiastic teachers, students learned about the fascinating chemistry behind slime and experimented with different ingredients to achieve the perfect consistency.

British Show Jumping triumph

A massive well done to Saskia, a promising young rider, in Rudiments (year 8) who triumphed at the British Show Jumping Large Pony Premier event in Cheshire this weekend. In her debut appearance at the prestigious event, Saskia showcased exemplary skill and determination, securing victory in the highly competitive 1m Open class. For a young rider like Saskia, mastering the intricacies of the 1m Open class was a significant milestone, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to excellence and her love for equestrian sports. She did incredibly well considering being one of the youngest and least experienced there. Not only did Saskia clinch victory in the 1m Open class, but she also achieved a commendable 4th place finish out of 65 riders on Saturday, further solidifying her reputation as a rising star in the equestrian community.

Saskia's remarkable success at the British Show Jumping Premier event serves as a testament to her talent, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her craft. As Saskia continues to pursue her passion for show jumping, her future in the sport shines brightly with promise and potential. We are incredibly proud of Saskia's achievements and look forward to cheering her on as she continues to make waves in the equestrian world.

CAREERS FAIR 2024

On Tuesday 12th March, the College hosted its Annual Careers Fair in the Butler Hall. We are extremely grateful to our parents, alumni and employers that gave up their time to support us at this event, some coming a long way to exhibit.

During the afternoon, we hosted a series of talks on a range of careers including how to become a Forensic Scientist, careers within the NHS and different roles and careers within the Financial Services and Wealth Management sectors.

The Rhetoric students signed up to their preferred session and asked some good questions, highlighting their innate inquisitiveness and thirst for finding out more about their possible career next steps.

At the Fair, the exhibitors shared their expert knowledge & advice, and it was great to see so many of our students making the most of this career opportunity. A brochure was also created for the students to assist them around the event; it included a floorplan, possible questions to ask and how to set up a Linkedin Profile.

Exhibitors handed out leaflets and other marketing material which will allow the students a chance to reflect on their conversations at another time. Syntax and Poetry students were also able to attend and we were pleased that so many students made the most of this opportunity.

Throughout the whole afternoon, the exhibitors found the students conducted themselves maturely and confidently and were a pleasure to speak to. A great event all round!

Should you wish to be part of our Careers Database where we will notify you of any future events, please contact Emily Thomas, our Careers Officer on ethomas@stedmundscollege.org

Ski Trip to Italy

During the Easter holidays we went on an unforgettable ski trip, staying in a small town in Italy called Bardonecchia. Unfortunately the plane landed at the wrong airport due to the weather but when we eventually reached our destination, we hopped onto a coach that would drive us to Bardoneccia, the place that we would call home for the next week.

In our hotel, authentic Italian food was served every day for lunch and dinner, and there was always a selection of sides that we could choose from. Needless to say, I always walked out of the cafeteria with a smile on my face and a satisfied stomach.

Our schedules were packed with activities every day, all well-organised by Mr Jones. Mornings started off in a rush, and at 6:30am we would be awoken by the deafening bang on doors from the teachers eager to get us up and going. After breakfast, we would all head straight to the slopes for a full day of skiing. At the top of the mountain, we were greeted with breathtaking landscapes and fluffy snow that blanketed every inch of the surface. I would glide down the mountains with my group of adrenaline-filled classmates eager to also embark on this thrilling activity. The sheer excitement of speeding down the mountains became my escape. The only activity capable of lifting the weight of the world off my shoulders. For a moment, I felt invincible!

Evenings were spent doing a variety of activities, ranging from quiz nights with Mr Cunnah and Mrs Appleford, pizza nights and even a karaoke night which caused the floor to shake with all the singing and dancing. Even the teachers couldn’t resist vibing to the music! We also got the opportunity to venture into the local town where we were allowed to do some shopping.

Not only was I surrounded by a group of friends that always kept me company and made sure that there was never a dull moment, I also got the opportunity to form new friendships that I reckon would never have been possible if it wasn’t for the trip. I wholeheartedly recommend going to anyone considering it, and I promise that you’ll come back filled with cherished memories and stories to tell your grandkids.

By Alla C.

Every day, we pulled on our salopettes, grabbed our gloves and helmets and walked to the ski lift. I was a bit nervous, as I hadn’t been on a ski trip before. The scenery was gorgeous; the snow was fluffy and enticing. I was placed in a skiing group according to my ability and the instructor, Anaiede taught me many skiing skills, which I appreciated a lot. I couldn’t put into words how excited I was! I did a lot of skiing from day two to seven. Throughout the trip, I progressed from the little slopes to some steeper skiing terrain, as I became more confident. For the first few days, I fell on the snow many times. However, I persevered, stood up and continuing skiing. This made me become more resilient.

I had some delicious food and a lot of fun skiing. I also shared experiences with new people so it was a great opportunity to make new friends. I strongly recommend a visit to Bardonecchia. You can both ski and take a visit to the town, which was full of Italian culture and architecture. You could see how they lived and have a look at another aspect of Italy, rather than only the skyscrapers in Milan. If you are a Catholic, you can go to the church nearby. I went to the church on the sixth day and the experience was spectacular.

By Lucas H.

CSI solve the case

This term, the Form 6 students ventured over to the college, exploring a crime scene at the science department.

Marie Towns led the event, guiding the students as they immersed themselves in a mysterious case, going beyond the theoretical realm and actively employing authentic forensic techniques to unravel the intricacies of the clues before them.

The atmosphere buzzed with curiosity – was that liquid just water, or something more alarming? Could the powder on the shoe be poison? Our budding sleuths didn't stop at mere observation. They engaged in hands-on exploration, meticulously examining hearts and lungs to deduce potential causes. This included comparing healthy heart and lung samples to the victims.

The practical experience not only added a layer of realism to their detective work but also provided a valuable opportunity to sharpen their critical thinking skills. Teamwork was key as they pieced together the puzzle to crack the case. Cheers to our new budding detectives who had solved the case with flying colours!

Saracens Mavericks

St Edmunds College turned up the excitement at a recent Saracens Mavericks vs Loughborough Lightning game, showcasing our unwavering support and team spirit! Our college community brought an incredible energy to the event, igniting the atmosphere and cheering on the players with enthusiasm. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience elite-level sports and to connect with the wider sporting community.

CCF Awards

Anthony H has been appointed Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) in the College CCF. This was presented to him by the Headmaster and Contingent Commander and is the highest rank that Anthony could have achieved within the Contingent. It marks the culmination of a hugely successful career in the CCF and something of which he and the College are immensely proud. We wish him huge success in his A levels and future career.

We would also like to congratulate Capt Upton and Flt Lt Duffy, both of whom were recently awarded the Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious Service. This is a hugely prestigious award, given for exceptional service, going over and above the many requirements of their voluntary roles of Officers Commanding their sections within the St Edmund’s College Combined Cadet Force (CCF).

Both attended a presentation ceremony in Hertford, accompanied by their family, friends and our Contingent Commander, Maj Gledhill. Maj Gledhill read citations for both Flt Lt Duffy and Capt Upton, detailing their significant achievements within the College CCF, both whilst holding senior roles in the College, of HR Director and Deputy Head Pastoral. We thank both for all they continue to do to ensure our cadets have the most fantastic opportunities with the RAF and Army sections of our ever-growing CCF.

Talbot House Dinner

Talbot House joined as one to celebrate the 101st year of the house. Over 100 students attended the dinner and prayers after school.

The evening prayers focused on being thankful. Thankful for everything we have at school, our friends and family, but also not forgetting those less fortunate than us. The house then gathered for a three-course meal, followed by house tie presentations. Well done

to all of those that contributed to the house over the past year and received their colours.

The highlight of the night were the speeches from the students. Welsey in year 7, Concettina and Ellena in year 8 and various students in Y9 who stood up to deliver words of wisdom to the house and they really impressed. So much so, the headmaster asked them all to sign the headmaster’s book.

Mental health awareness week

During their lunch times, students in the College wrote down how they express kindness in their daily lives. All of their affirmations of kindness were then displayed throughout the Ambulacrum during AntiBullying Week, serving as reminders of the positive impact of compassion and understanding in creating a harmonious community. The notes varied from checking in on others’ well-being, donating to charity, to standing up for those in need. Well done to all the students who took part!

As the curtains drew to a close on our production of "Made in Dagenham," I found myself reflecting on the incredible journey we've shared together. Another year done and yet again, It has been a privilege to witness the power of storytelling come alive on our very own Douay Theatre Stage.

From the very beginning, our goal was simple: to transport you to a time and place where courage, resilience, and the pursuit of justice reigned supreme. Through the remarkable journey of the women of Dagenham, we have laughed, we have cried, and we have been reminded of the extraordinary strength that resides within each of us.

I am immensely proud of the cast, crew, and creative team who have poured their hearts and souls into bringing this production to life. Their dedication, talent, and unwavering commitment have been nothing short of awe-inspiring, and I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such incredible individuals. This show was made even more special because Nancy (Rita) who will be leaving us at the end of this year is the last of the pupils I started with here at this amazing school. Proud is an understatement.

To our loyal audience members, thank you for your unwavering support and enthusiasm. In particular, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to our esteemed private benefactor, whose generosity enabled us to present our show to you on the comfort of our wonderful, new auditorium seats. All of your presence in the theatre night after night was a source of inspiration and motivation for all of us. Your laughter, your tears, and your applause have fuelled our passion and reminded us of the power of live performance.

As we bid farewell to "Made in Dagenham," I hope that the memories we've created together will linger in your hearts and minds for years to come. May the spirit of solidarity, empowerment, and hope that permeates this story continue to inspire you long after the final curtain falls.

Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable journey. Until we meet again in the magical world of theatre,

Thomas Veasey

Head of Musical Theatre

Made in Dagenham at the London Palladium

What a coincidence that one of our alumni, Marcus Drabwell, was part of the London Palladium 10th-anniversary performance of Made in Dagenham! He told us, “Performing at the London Palladium is a bucket list moment for most performers given it is the world’s most iconic entertainment venue. Being able to walk out centre stage to a sold out audience of 2,286 people is definitely a surreal experience and one that I will never forget. ‘Dagenham’ is such a special show for me for many reasons - one such being that I use one of the songs from the show for most of the auditions

I’m seen for. Working with our incredible all star cast and producers (one of whom was the original ‘Cortina’ man) really was a dream come true”

Annual Sleepout

January also saw the annual sleepout. This year we had 60 students taking part. The students watched clips about different types of homelessness, and they spent time discussing the issues involved.

In groups they created acrostics on homelessness. Just before settling down for the night, we had a candlelit prayer service. At 6am on the Saturday morning Leo woke anybody who was asleep by playing his bugle.

Once the students had packed up, we gathered together to pray and the students wrote prayers and reflections which we then shared.

The Great Silence

On 1 February we held “The Great Silence” which was a sponsored event for Elements to raise money for Cancer Research our chosen charity this year. The students had to be silent from 8:40-12:40 and it was most certainly a challenge.

Romero Award

The Romero Award recognises the application of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) in the college. A couple of years ago we achieved the award at Participator Level, this year we have been awarded “Developer Level”.

In order to achieve the award we had to submit evidence showing how CST informed College polices, the curriculum and also show practical application. After we submitted our application there was a validation visit during which staff and students were interviewed. The assessor was very complimentary and urged us to keep up our hard work. Our certificate is now proudly displayed in the college.

Ash Wednesday

On Ash Wednesday the College gathered together for Mass and the distribution of ashes. During Lent Catholics are called to pray, fast and help those in need. Some students chose to fast from sweets or fizzy drinks others tried to think of a bad habit they could try to stop during Lent.

In the Ambulacrum there was a display with symbols helping us to reflect on Holy Week. In addition, each Friday staff and students gathered together to pray the Stations of the Cross. This is a short service reflecting on Jesus’ final journey and death.

Dear Lord,

Charity week 2024

We pray for those whose lives have been affected by cancer. May they have courage and bravery in the face of obstacles that arise. May all the doctors, caregivers, friends, and families who give their time to provide and care for those living with cancer be blessed for their selflessness and dedication. May they be invigorated by the Holy Spirit and remain positive and optimistic even in times of need. We understand that not everyone is as fortunate as us, so thank you for giving us the gift of life and good health, and may we be enlightened to help others who are suffering in whatever way.

We ask for Your favour as they seek healing and recovery, give them perseverance and guidance in their ongoing challenge.

Comfort them and strengthen their hearts with the hope that they need today and every day coming. Amen

Our annual fundraising Charity week was another huge success, and it was fantastic to see so many students getting involved in so many ways raising money for Cancer Research.

The week was launched with a wonderfully informative assembly from one of our parents, Dr Ben Carpenter providing students with information on Cancer and some of the research and work that is currently being done to support patients.

During the week students ran numerous food stalls, competitions and events with highlights including a student-organised football competition (well done to Megan S & Jessica B), a staff vs 1st XI hockey game, soak the teacher

or prefect which was as popular as ever, and we must give a special mention to Max C, James C and Rhitva R for bravely handing over the clippers in a sponsored haircut.

The week culminated in the annual talent show, with students wowing the audience with their dancing and musical skills. Congratulations to Carson C who the judges voted best act with his performance on the keyboard.

Over the course of the week, we raised a huge £12,762 for Cancer Research. This was boosted further by over £700 in the end of term Charity Jazz, Pop & Rock concert. With a number of other events planned over the rest of the Trinity term,

not least the annual Colour Run, we are making excellent progress to our target of £15,000.

In addition to having a lot of fun, students were encouraged to reflect on Catholic Social Teaching and the Gospel values which underpin our charity work. Through fundraising we recognise the dignity of each person and the need for us to work together for the Common Good. Noah and Amelia (HB/HG) wrote a prayer for charity week which all tutors used.

Many thanks to all those who gave generously and to everyone who contributed to the success of the week and please continue to support our efforts over the rest of the year.

Holocaust Memorial Day

In January we marked Holocaust Memorial Day. Students that had visited Auschwitz gave an assembly to other students. The theme of this year was the fragility of freedom; students were invited to sign their name on a dove to show their commitment.

The FIA students then stuck these onto a larger dove outline. Students were then invited to light a candle and place it before the display as they spent a few moments in prayer.

High Performance Learning...

High Performance Learning is a pedagogical language framework which informs language for learning, feedback and assessment for both pupils and teachers at St Edmund’s College. It ensures that pupils have a clear understanding of the tools they need to achieve more highly in a particular area, and that learning is a journey of improvement over time and not a fixed point of success or failure which remains with them.

Model United Nations

Our pupils attended the 29th Haileybury Model United Nations Conference from 1517th March and were formed into two delegations representing Egypt and Barbados.

They were then assigned to specific MUN committees and performed with distinction in delivering their opening speeches. In addition, they had planned their written resolutions meticulously before the conference, and these were all approved, which was testament to the incredible amount of hard work put in.

During the conference they lobbied other delegations for support of their resolutions and debated these within their committees.

Particularly memorable performances included Zavier S. (Rudiments) debating with Sixth Form pupils in the Disarmament and International Security Committee on the question of nuclear non-proliferation and resolutely holding his ground.

Our other delegates included Nikol H., Eva W., Caspar D. (all representing Egypt) and Karson W., Tom B., Rithva R. and Jerry J. (representing Barbados).

They performed phenomenally well considering this was their first MUN conference and they gained enormously from this event, putting into action the HPL philosophy at the very heart of our learning principles. The MUN Conference is now a must-do event in the College calendar and the Period 7 MUN Society plays a key role in preparing our pupils for this.

Modern Foreign Languages Award

On Tuesday 13th February, 44 students from Elements, Rudiments and Grammar took part in our first MFL Award Internal Competition about France, Germany, Spain, and Ancient Roman Empire. This competition was organised by our Languages Department and High Achievers Co-Ordinator.

Stage 1

Sports Bra

Did you know that research has revealed that as many as 80% of women wear the wrong bras and 44% of women don't wear a sports bra? And in a study with 2,000 girls aged 1117 years, 46% reported that their breasts had some effect on their participation in sports and exercise.

To address these concerns and break the silence surrounding women's health, Catherine Elbourne, a personal trainer and podcast host, visited Grammar and Syntax.

Girls participated in a Sports Bra Workshop, exploring various crucial topics:

•Importance of Sports Bras: Understanding why wearing a sports bra during physical activity is vital for women's health and comfort.

Stage 1 of the competition was an online test including 30 multiple choice questions in English. in preparation for the test, students had been exploring and revising Geography, History and cultural topics related to France, German, Spain, and Ancient Roman Empire.

Many had put a lot of time and effort into preparing for this competition, which is brilliant. To give an example of what they had done to get ready for the competition: some of them created flash cards with the key facts about the countries to revise the information in their free time. This shows how committed and talented our students are!!

The best 25 students (out of 44) moved on to Stage 2 of the competition.

Stage 2

The 2nd stage was more challenging and consisted of 2 parts:

Part 1

A creative task: students were expected to design and create a poster about festivals celebrated in Germany/France/Spain. In case of Ancient Roman Empire – a poster about famous Roman landmarks. Students could choose one or more festivals/landmarks for the poster. The poster had to include the target language.

Part 2

An online (VLE) test: 30 multiple choice questions (15 questions in English, 15 questions in the target language) In case of Latin – there were translation questions from Latin into English.

We are so delighted that over 40 children were involved in this event, in the wider appreciation of learning languages. It really supports St Edmund’s philosophy that being encouraged to 'have a go' builds confidence. This is another example of how we strive to embed our HPL philosophy and approach to teaching and learning at St Edmund’s College.

•Breast Anatomy: Exploring the anatomy of breasts to understand the unique support needs.

•Types of Sports Bras: Learning about different types of sports bras and how to choose the right one for various activities and body types.

•Proper Fitting: Discovering techniques for proper fitting and sizing to ensure maximum support and comfort.

•Shopping Recommendations: Catherine Elbourne provided recommendations on where to purchase quality sports bras.

The Sports Bra Workshop aimed to empower girls with knowledge and confidence regarding their health and well-being. By breaking the taboo and fostering awareness, Grammar and Syntax are taking proactive steps to support the holistic development of their students.

Music St Edmund’s... at Concert at All Saints Church

Music Scholars’ Concert entertains all

The term began with an outstanding Music Scholars' Concert in the Myers Room, which showcased some of the remarkable talent we have at St Ed's. Our Scholars demonstrated confidence and focus throughout some extensive and challenging repertoire; both parents and staff were proud of the hard work they had put into preparing their pieces and in working diligently to continue to refine and develop technique and style. The Scholars remain role models in what it is to fully develop these High Performance Learning skills and attributes. #HPLHardworking #HPLConfident

On March 6th Cantores performed at All Saints, Hertford to a packed church (they even ran out of programmes). The concert featured music from Handel's Messiah (part 2), Rutter's Requiem, as well as works by Fauré, Howells and Burton, as well as a number of vocal and instrumental solos. Particular mention must be made of Thomas H, Harvey T, Ben T and Noah C for their excellent performances as well as to the choir, who were truly outstanding. The feedback from the church was overwhelming. Mr Mostyn also said: Sometimes, when you are having a busy and stressful day, you just cannot beat taking some time out at lunchtime to listen to half an hour of gorgeous music. That is what I did last month when I joined 150 of the great and the good of the area to listen to our chamber choir, Cantores, and several of our instrumentalists performing at All Saints Church, Hertford. What a sound. What an extraordinary standard. From Fauré to Howells, from to Rutter to Handel and much besides, it made my lunchtime.

Introducing our new Director of Music

It is wonderful to sit back and reflect on what has been a very musical term, with so much to celebrate. There is always a wonderful buzz around the department.

I am Andrew O’Brien, the new Director of Music here at St Edmund’s College, and I am thrilled to be part of such a vibrant and talented musical community.

I graduated with a master’s degree from King’s College, London, followed by advanced studies at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Over the years, I have had the privilege of performing across the UK, Europe, and the USA at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, and Lincoln Centre.

I am also an accomplished educator and conductor. Prior to joining St Edmund’s College, I was a Director of Music at Haileybury and Heath Mount School where we won the BBC Junior School Choir of the Year in 2012.

Since joining St Ed’s, I have been inspired by the talent and dedication of our students and staff. The concerts this term have truly been exceptional, highlighting the talent that our students at St Edmund’s College possess. The performances displayed a diverse range of skills and musical styles, captivating our audiences and demonstrating the dedication and passion of our young musicians.

In addition to the concerts, I am thrilled to commend our outstanding school production of "Made in Dagenham," which was nothing short of Broadway-ready. The hard work, commitment, and creativity displayed by our students and production team were truly remarkable, and it was a joy to witness such a fantastic showcase of talent and collaboration.

I am excited about the musical journey ahead of us and the opportunity to collaborate on ambitious works that will display the incredible talent within our school.

Rush Hour Concert

This term also saw the launch of our Rush Hour Concerts. These are concerts in which all pupils are able to sign up and offer a solo or ensemble piece; it is a really positive expression of pupils being encouraged to have a go, demonstrate confidence, and share a genuine enjoyment of music.

Their participation in the Rush Hour Concerts fosters the St Ed’s ethos of contributing to the musical life of St Edmund’s College and the community as a whole. Pupils experience the importance of sharing their talents, hard work and enthusiasm and importantly learn and gain confidence from each other.

Music for a Spring Evening – Jazz and Pop

You would think after Made in Dagenham the pupils had nothing more to give. However, three days after the production, they delivered an uplifting and joyful concert. It featured items from all our instrumental ensembles as well as several solos and duets.

The range of the repertoire, styles was incredible, and it displayed the great offering at St Edmund’s College.

In celebration of World Book Day (7 March), the Prep School lined up a special treat for pupils - bringing pages from the beloved Roald Dahl classic ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ to life. As champions of immersive literacy, teachers and support staff marked the day by transforming the school into scenes from the much-loved story and organised a range of Wonka-inspired educational activities.

After each pupil receiving a golden ticket, they arrived at school for exclusive entry into the magical chocolate factory setting. Classrooms, corridors and even the playground were decorated – taking on the whimsical theme.

Throughout the day, pupils made sweet treats, created working marshmallow pianos, enjoyed a special orienteering hunt to find the golden goose eggs, and attempted to find their way out of a chocolate factory escape room. There was even some Oompa Loompa dancing and an assembly led by Willy Wonka himself. Following the Wonka theme, students across the whole school dressed as characters from the book to celebrate the day.

This year, St Edmund’s kick started its World Book Day celebrations early. On the 28th February students were treated to a special guest visit from awardwinning author, Tamsyn Murray. The visit provided an exciting and engaging opportunity for students to gain insights into the world of literature and reinforced the importance of fostering a lifelong love of reading.

A best-selling British author, Tamsyn Murray has captivated readers of all ages with her enchanting storytelling. She has numerous successful books to her credit, including the popular ‘My So-Called Afterlife’ series and the heartwarming ‘Instructions for a Second-Hand Heart’. During her visit to the

school, Tamsyn met students from all year groups, delivering a series of interactive sessions to each group. She shared her writing journey with students and encouraged them to explore the wonders of different genres in their own work.

Students engaged in creating themed book jars inspired by timeless classics such as Dr. Seuss and "Goodnight Mister Tom." Each jar uniquely captured the essence of a particular story, highlighting the diversity of literature.

Steven Cartwright, said: “World Book Day is a fantastic opportunity to ignite a love of reading and storytelling among pupils of all ages. This year was no exception with the team using ‘pure imagination’ to bring this colourful classic to life through a unique, immersive experience. The day was a delight from start to finish, with pupils and staff embracing the opportunity. This is a World Book Day that we will savour for a long time to come. I’d also like to thank Tamsyn for visiting the school. Her talk inspired pupils and was a great way to kick start our week-long literary celebration.”

A visit to the big apple

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Rhetoric recently had a funfilled trip to the big apple, New York!

They visited as many sights as they could during the week including New York’s most iconic locations.

Some of the many highlights included attending talks and tours at Hershey’s Store, Madison Square Gardens and the United Nations Headquarters which offered a thought-provoking insight into how the organisation works.

It was a memorable trip filled with exciting experiences and new discoveries, including the opportunity to explore the food and culture of this amazing city.

Sports kit donation

Mr Cunnah at St Edmund's coordinates the distribution of kits to South Africa, generously donated by students, colleagues, and parents from our College and Prep community. These kits are sent to Ikasi Soccer School in Cape Town, where they benefit girls living in challenging circumstances within the township.

College Sport Play more, play better

Sport at St Edmund’s continues to go from strength to strength with over two thirds of the students representing the College in one of the many sporting fixtures this term. The Lent term kicked off with a robust Saturday fixture list for both Football and Netball, that was further enhanced by the various midweek matches for both sports as well as Athletics, Basketball, Golf, and Rugby Sevens that enabled our students to broaden their sporting experience and challenge themselves in the intense environments of cup competitions.

Netball

Netball is a subject of real pride for the College as we continue to have fantastic results and experience for our students. This term was no different with over 110 fixtures played through the age groups and an enjoyable day at the Saracen Mavericks match.

Building on the success of last term our U13 netball team were crowned county champions. A complete nail biter against St Alban’s High School for Girls, where the girls showed their resilience and skill to be down by 3 going into the last quarter, to then come back and win by 2! A fantastic achievement by the entire squad and a special mention for Erin Sales who was outstanding in the final. In the County Plate competition, our Senior Girls have also made it through to the final which will be played against Chauncy in April. The team has continued to improve with each match and we wish them every success in the final.

It has been fantastic to see our Elements Girls play this term. We have regularly been able to put out a U12 A, B, and C team which is a testament to all the girls’ commitment to school sport. The U12 A successfully won the Chigwell Tournament and only lost one fixture during the entire term, which bodes well for next season. Our U14s and U15s showed that they are continuing to perfect their netball skills with great movement, where players are utilising space and moving the ball at speed. The girls have improved their defence through better marking of the opponent and anticipating the pass to intercept the ball and create important turnovers. Notable victories against Queenswood and Wisbech were great to see and I look forward to netball continuing to be a source of sporting pride for the College.

Golf

The plaudits of the term should go to our golfers as they achieved unprecedented success.

They have reached three national team finals and there was also great individual success for a number of students. Firstly, the team of Lewis A-K, Ronnie S and Francis D beat Merchant Taylors in the regional final of the ISGA and now qualify for the exclusive National Finals day in April at the Players Club (Bristol). The team including Ava G then went on to win the British Schools and Colleges League against New Hall and Brentwood to qualify for that final at Belton Woods. And if two finals weren’t enough, the team of Ava G, Alfie A and Marcus A-K won the Hertfordshire school competition and will now go on to represent Hertfordshire schools in the National Finals at Woodhall Spa in July.

It is an incredible achievement by all involved and we look forward to them continuing to show their golfing skills on some of the best courses in the country.

Football

The highlight of the term for football was the Grammar Boys successful march to the Hertfordshire School FA Cup final, which will take place at Harpenden Town FC on Friday 19th April at 8pm against Aldenham. Their impressive cup run included wins against Chauncy, Queens, Haberdashers and the Broxbourne school with some fantastic performances from James B, Ruben B, LJ C and Will C. We wish them the best of luck in the final. Rudiments and Elements squads have played some excellent football this term with some great results. A feature of both squads has been the attacking football and desire to press high up the pitch to enable lots of goal scoring opportunities. Our Syntax boys had a positive term with lots of boys getting an opportunity to represent the A Team. The standout match and victory was against Forest School, where we were able to win 2:0. Our 1st Xl had a challenging season, but battled in every match and were reward in their final game with a 4:1 victory against Bishop’s Stortford High School.

Basketball

We have expanded our basketball fixtures this year, which has enabled more students to represent the College in a sport that they are passionate about. Unfortunately, our U14s and U16s, did not secure many victories in the Dynamiks National Basketball competition, but the U18s did finish the year with a strong performance and victory 72:52 over Hockerill Anglo-European College.

Athletics

In preparation for the Trinity terms athletics events, we competed in the Lee Valley Schools Indoor Athletic Championships. There was some incredible performances from our athletes with a number of championship records broken KK O (Minor Girls: 200M); Elijah E-E(Junior Boys: Shot Putt); and Bradley M, Luke S, Ethan B, and Elijah E-E (Junior Boys: 4x200M). In addition, U13 Girls and U15 boys won their team competition. It was a great event, and hopefully gave everyone a little taste of what's to come this summer.

Rugby Sevens

After an action-packed term of Rugby 15s, we moved on to Rugby Sevens where speed and agility is the name of the game.

It's like the sprinter's version of rugby, where every moment counts and every move is packed with excitement. Prior to the Rosslyn Park National sevens tournament (The biggest rugby tournament in the world) our U16s competed in the Hertfordshire Sevens. They won the Plate competition, beating Verulam school in a closely contest final 12:10. Our U16, U14 and U13 all participated in the Rosslyn Park sevens and even though we did not win the competition it was brilliant to expose so many of our boys to the prestigious national competition.

Other achievements

•Finn C won a Gold medal at the Regional Schools Judo Competition

•Saskia I won the NSEA 1.10m Hickstead Elite Qualifier.

•George K finished 21st out of 85 in the Public Schools' Fencing Championships

We thank all our Edmundian athletes and parents for their commitment to school sport, because without it we would not be able to ensure the holistic development and well-being of our students. We look forward to seeing you all playing more this term as we compete in more sports.

Douai trip

Grammar, Syntax and Poetry French students visited our partner school, Insitution St Jean, in Douai for five days at the end of the Michaelmas Term. They were accompanied by Mrs Harvey-Keenan and Mr Webster.

After travelling by Eurostar to Lille, we had a short train journey to Douai, where we were greeted by colleagues at St Jean for a welcome supper. The wonderful hospitality continued throughout our stay and we were very well looked after with meals at the school and at the home of one of our colleagues, who hosted the whole group for a lovely Christmassy evening, complete with homemade tartiflette and the chance to meet and socialise with her four children.

Our students had plenty of opportunities to practise their French at St Jean as they took part in Physics and Biology practical lessons, discussion groups, and extra-curricular activities.

It was a magical time to visit the area. We enjoyed ice-skating at the Christmas market in the beautiful town of Arras and the chance to browse the food stalls and try some specialities of the region.

Lille was equally impressive, with its own Christmas market, plenty of opportunities for Christmas shopping, eating and rides on the Ferris Wheel.

Our hotel was in the centre of Douai, close to the school, station and shops and we were made to feel very welcome by the staff there. Douai is a lovely town to visit: easy to walk everywhere, safe, and very pretty at Christmas. We found some excellent local eateries for evening meals.

We are fortunate to have such good links with our colleagues at Institution St Jean and we look forward to our next visit at the end of the Michaelmas Term 2024. This will be a fantastic opportunity for students in Syntax and Poetry. We would love to see them building friendships with their French counterparts, who we will welcome to St Edmund’s for a return visit in the Trinity Term of 2025.

Details of the next visit to Douai are provided in the Trips Brochure which was sent out before the Easter Holiday. Feedback from our last trip was very positive and there were lots of requests for a return visit.

As part of International Women's Day we spoke to OE Funmi Olutoye (Features Producer at Good Morning Britain) to get her thoughts on working in a notoriously male dominated industry. What challenges have you faced as a woman in your field, and how did you overcome them? Being not just a woman but a woman of colour has never been easy. You often have to be twice as good to prove your worth. But I'd like to think the proof should be in the pudding - if you're excellent in your work, your brilliance will then be undeniable. So I've always told myself if I can be the best that I can be and put one foot in front of the other I can overcome any challenge.

What advice would you give to current female students who aspire to enter your industry? Think digital. The world is getting more digital and more technologically driven by the day. Think about where journalism may be in the next few years. Also, be tenacious.

In what ways do you see gender diversity evolving in your field, and what initiatives have you been a part of to promote inclusivity?

The media industry knows it has work to do and I have seen the active change it has made to be more inclusive. I think people like myself who are 14 years deep in the industry should be keen to pull people up the ladder. I have a number of female mentees that I speak to on regular basis. What message would you like to share about the importance of women's achievements and empowerment in the workplace?

Never forget the women who fought for the civil liberties we enjoy today - the right to vote, to work, own property, to speak and dress as we see fit and more. We should never take these things for granted even though we don't know a world where these things never existed. This means you in turn should strive to be the best you can be so you also can create a world that is easier and more pleasant for the women who are yet to come.

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