WOLDINGHAM News and reviews from Woldingham School and Alumnae . November 2023
CONTENTS 2
HEAD’S WELCOME
28 CHAPLAINCY
49 LEGACIES
4
NEW SIXTH FORM CENTRE AND LIBRARY
30 STEM
50 WOLDINGHAM COMMUNITY
6
CARVING HER NAME INTO HISTORY
32 ART
51
8
AMASC REPORT & SACRED HEART NEWS
34 TRIPS 52 180 EVENTS
STUDENT SUCCESS
10 MEET THE RIBBONS
36 HIDDEN HEROES OF THE VALLEY
54 WSHA CHAIR’S WELCOME
12
38 MARKETING AWARD
55 OLD GIRLS’ DAY
40 RESULTS AND DESTINATIONS
56 WSHA LEAVERS’ SCHOLARSHIPS
42 STAFF NEWS
58 MEMORIES OF THE VALLEY
WELLBEING
14 TALKS PROGRAMME 16 WOLDINGHAM’S 180TH YEAR 18 SPORT 20 HIDDEN TREASURES 22 MUSIC
43 MARDEN VENUE HIRE 44 SUPPORTING OUR NEW SIXTH FORM CENTRE AND LIBRARY 46 BURSARIES
24 PHENOMENAL PRODUCTIONS
47 VINEYARD AND SUSTAINABILITY
26 CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
48 LEITHS COOKERY SCHOOL AND KITCHEN GARDEN
59 ALUMNAE STORIES 62 ANNOUNCEMENTS 64 IN MEMORIAM
2 Head’s welcome
HEAD’S WELCOME Welcome to this year’s Woldingham Magazine, which combines the school’s news from the past year with updates from our alumnae community. I may only have been at Woldingham for a few months, but I already feel at home in the Valley and have quickly come to realise what a very special place it is. I hope you enjoy reading the wonderful stories from across the school in this issue of the magazine as much as I have. I am so proud of the achievements of our students as we help them to #WriteYourOwnStory. They’ve succeeded on stage, in exams and in their chosen sports. They’ve been creative, raised money for charity and given back, as well as celebrated and reflected in our 180th year. Most importantly, there’s been lots of joy and laughter. It’s not easy being a teenager today. As well as helping girls flourish academically, we ask them to play hard, form firm friendships, try new activities and be brave. That’s how they develop the confidence, courage and compassion to guide them in their lives ahead. Woldingham never stands still. Visiting alumnae always comment on this. We are delighted to have started work on the school’s new Sixth Form Centre and Library this summer, which will provide fantastic new facilities when it opens in 2024. You can read more about this in this issue of the magazine. You can also read about the new vineyard planted on Woldingham land, funded by external investment, which in the years ahead aims to provide a revenue stream for our bursary programme, enabling more hard-working and talented girls to study at Woldingham. Thank you to our students, staff, governors, alumnae, parents and wider Woldingham community for your contribution and support to Woldingham. We look forward to the adventures of our next 180 years. Mrs Julia Harrington, Interim Head
Head’s welcome
3
NEW SIXTH FORM CENTRE AND LIBRARY DUE TO OPEN IN 2024 A momentous occasion took place in summer 2023 when construction of Woldingham’s new Sixth Form Centre and Library started. This fantastic new building will provide a purpose-built space for both our Lower and Upper Sixth students, enabling learning, creativity and excellence to flourish. The wonderful new library will have space for thousands more books and resources as well as study areas. Set right in the heart of the school, the new Sixth Form Centre and Library is being built on a former car park opposite Marden, close to both Shanley and Berwick. The architecture has been carefully designed to fit within Woldingham’s wonderful landscape and in sympathy with the rest of the school, while making the most of the light and views with large windows. The interiors have been designed by a specialist interior design company with input from students. Inside, Woldingham’s new library will be a spacious light-filled area on the first floor with more seating and quiet areas for study and research than we currently have. The rest of the building will be a Sixth Form-only space with large, dedicated areas for silent study and a collaborative workspace for group work and projects, which is increasingly important as students prepare for university and careers after school. The Sixth Form-only café promises to be a popular spot for socialising and informal gatherings. There are three additional flexible spaces, which can be used for small lectures, roundtable discussions and workshops, ideal for Woldingham’s bespoke Sophia Programme on topics ranging from anthropology to society, via critical thinking, culture and ecology. The new building will also be home to the higher education and careers centre. And, of course, the latest technology will be installed throughout. When the new centre opens in autumn 2024, it will provide a wonderful addition to Woldingham’s excellent facilities as we help students to #WriteYourOwnStory, leaving as confident, compassionate and courageous young women. For more information and images of the new Sixth Form Centre and Library, as well as opportunities for support, turn to page 44.
4 New Sixth Form Centre and Library
Simulation showing new Sixth Form Centre and Library environment
New Sixth Form Centre and Library
5
CARVING HER NAME INTO HISTORY Sister Margaret’s health was never strong and in 1969 she had a breakdown due to overwork. She was also confined to a wheelchair after a failed hip replacement and wore a surgical collar to support her neck because of osteoporosis. However, she did not lapse into a quiet retirement. The end of her teaching career was instead the prelude to a late artistic flowering.
Mr Roy Peachey, teacher of English, co-ordinator of Woldingham’s Sophia programme and author, shares the fascinating story of Sacred Heart sister and Woldingham teacher, Sister Margaret Tournour.
Sister Margaret Tournour and the art of wood engraving While doing some work on the great Orcadian novelist and poet, George Mackay Brown, I stumbled across his letters to a wonderful wood engraver called Margaret Tournour, who also just happened to be a Sacred Heart sister. Intrigued by their correspondence, I went ferreting and eventually ended up in the archives of the Sacred Heart at Roehampton, where a treasure trove of prints, wood blocks, and original pictures awaited me. Margaret Ada Tournour was born in Sutton in 1921 and educated at the Old Palace School, Croydon, St Anne’s School, Sanderstead, and Croydon School of Arts and Crafts, though her education was cut short by tuberculosis. Nothing daunted, she started doing freelance book illustration for Oxford University Press during the Second World War before converting to Catholicism and then becoming a novice at Woldingham on her 30th birthday. During her years in the convent, she created stage scenery, costumes, and murals, while also teaching art and nature studies, among many other subjects. She had a great love of the natural world. She loved, and collected, silkworms, spiders, moths, woodlice, and, at one point, a hedgehog, so it was perhaps no surprise that one of her duties at Beechwood School, Tunbridge Wells (where she was transferred after teaching at Woldingham) was looking after the children’s pets.
6 Carving her name into history
Sister Margaret, like Leonardo da Vinci, was ambidextrous. She engraved with her right hand and wrote with her left! And in her retirement it was to wood engraving above all that she dedicated her energy, creating about 500 blocks in her last 25 years, illustrating a range of books, and writing some of her own. Her particular forte was the natural world, which she carved with great skill and precision, though she also turned her hand to religious images, water colours and even the occasional caricature of her fellow Sacred Heart sisters! When she died in Duchesne House, Roehampton in March 2003, she was still relatively unknown, as she would have wanted, though her work now appears in museums and collections across the UK. The time has surely arrived for a reappraisal of her wonderful work and the place to start is right here! I hope you enjoy her work as much as I do.
Prints and original pictures of Margaret Tournour’s work from Sacred Heart archives in Roehampton
Carving her name into history
7
STUDENTS SET THEIR MINDS TO
SUCCESS
Kornelia, Woldingham student and British Brain Bee Champion 2023
8 Student success
Ever ready to challenge themselves – and others – Woldingham students successfully applied their minds, skills and talents in national and international competitions last year. Indeed, the mind – or more specifically the brain – was the subject in which Sixth Form student Kornelia excelled to be crowned champion at the National British Brain Bee, a neuroscience competition for senior school students, held at London Metropolitan University in February 2023. For this impressive achievement, Kornelia, along with the 31 students who also secured their place through an online round, took a written exam with 45 minutes to answer 55 neuroscience questions; a neuroanatomy and histology exam; and an exam where she had to diagnose 12 patients from their symptoms and history in just 20 minutes. The top 10 students took part in a live question-andanswer round, following which the three prominent neuroscientist judges chose Kornelia as the competition winner. In August, Kornelia, representing Britain, took to the international stage. Alongside 32 other national champions, Kornelia competed in the prestigious International Brain Bee, where she finished in a fantastic sixth place. It’s little surprise that Kornelia plans to study medicine and become a psychiatrist. The scientific study of the human mind and its functions was also an area of interest to Sixth Formers Pollyanna and Victory, who won plaudits in the 2022 John Locke Essay Competition, judged by senior academics from the University of Oxford. Both students entered the psychology category, addressing the question: Are men and women psychologically different and does it matter? Pollyanna’s essay was highly commended and Victory’s commended – a fantastic achievement by both students given the highly competitive nature of this internationally renowned competition, which receives thousands of entries from all over the world. Essay writing prowess also saw two Woldingham students win competitions run by the University of Exeter. Sixth Former Sophie was the Key Stage 5 winner in the business category for her essay on What are the benefits and drawbacks of introducing a four-day working week? while Waishe, then in Year 10, took top spot in the politics category for Key Stage 4 students, tackling the question Should the UK government introduce more referendums to make our political system more democratic? These achievements and accolades will impress on university applications and CVs, but the preparation, research and sheer hard work Kornelia, Pollyanna, Victory, Sophie and Waishe invested in their success will undoubtedly reap further rewards in the exciting futures that lie ahead of them.
Student success
9
MEET THE
RIBBONS TEAM 2023-2024
Woldingham Ribbons team led by Head Girl Alison (front row, second from left)
10 Meet the Ribbons
RIBBONS CHAMPION INCLUSIVITY IN THEIR YEAR OF LEADERSHIP This year’s Ribbons team, led by Head Girl Alison, has exciting plans for its year of student leadership. With the support of Deputy Head Girls, Immy, Georgie and Lara, as well as the wider Ribbons team, the team has a range of exciting new initiatives to extend the excellent work of previous Head Girl Teams. New projects this year include a diversity and inclusion committee with representatives from every year group to ensure the Woldingham community is welcoming and understanding of students from all backgrounds. Celebrating Woldingham’s strength as a centre for performing arts, there’s a new House Dance competition (which complements Woldingham’s new GCSE Dance programme) and Wold’s Got Talent, where students choose the winner. No doubt students’ enthusiasm will shine through in both events.
The Ribbons team is also relaunching the Big Sister scheme with an emphasis on pairing enthusiastic Sixth Form students with new students according to personal hobbies and interests, as well as continuing with the very successful academic buddy programme, launched last year, where Sixth Formers support GCSE students to help them achieve their best grades. Two other popular events the Ribbons team is championing this year are the International Evening, which is a wonderful event to welcome our new overseas students, and a Christmas Bake Off competition.
We are really keen to ensure Woldingham is a truly inclusive community where we are all celebrated for what we bring to school. Everything we do will be in support of this year’s Sacred Heart goal of Personal Growth and Woldingham’s ambition for students to become confident, courageous and compassionate. Alison N, Head Girl
Meet the Ribbons
11
A welcome focus on wellbeing continues at Woldingham as we help students navigate the challenges of teenage years, enabling them to flourish at school and afterwards. Making the most of Woldingham’s outside space and a new Head of Wellbeing are key parts of the school’s approach ahead.
POSITIVE IMPACT OF OUR NATURAL WORLD The school’s fantastic 700-acre site, with its extensive gardens, parkland, thousands of trees and fresh air, enables both students and staff to connect with nature every day. A 2021 report from the well-regarded Mental Health Foundation found: ‘Nature is an important need for many and vital in keeping us emotionally, psychologically and physically healthy.’ Adding that ‘people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile.’ Richard Brinkmann, who runs Woldingham’s Outdoor Education and Adventure Centre, understands more than most about the positive impact that being connected to the natural world can have and this is central to programmes he is creating at Woldingham using the new centre as well as the wider school grounds.
‘Over the last year I’ve run orienteering courses, an Explorers Club, team building sessions, and started work on an environmental studies station with the students. Not only are students learning, we’re helping their wellbeing in the widest sense. Spending time outdoors, in my opinion, is an ideal way to promote good mental health,’ said Richard. ‘I know our students, and the wider Woldingham community, are increasingly aware of the positive impact of our unique and wonderful location on our wellbeing, and in turn what we can achieve in life.’ As well as being used by students at school, the Outdoor Education and Adventure Centre can be booked for parties and team building, with discounts for Woldingham families and alumnae. Go to woldinghamadventure.co.uk for more information.
Richard Brinkmann, Outdoor Education Manager, on the high ropes course
12 Wellbeing
REFRESHED VISION FOR STUDENT WELLBEING Miss Davina Stansfield is Woldingham’s first Head of Wellbeing. Here, Davina shares her vision of wellbeing at Woldingham. ‘Our aim for wellbeing is for Woldingham students to develop skills and strategies to become empowered, resilient and confident, enabling them to manage challenges life can present – now and in the future. Wellbeing is not just about taking a yoga class or engaging in meditation; it is about students finding joy in their subjects, activities, extracurricular clubs, travel, learning something new outside the curriculum, challenging themselves and making new connections. It is about finding the positives and approaching life with a growth mindset. My aim is for each student to form her own unique wellbeing tool kit to use long after she leaves Woldingham to manage life transitions and cope with the changes and challenges that will inevitably come her way.
In wellbeing sessions at school, we cover a wide range of topics such as personal safety, online safety, managing exam pressure and anxiety, financial education, healthy lifestyles, detoxing from technology and relationship education, at age-appropriate levels for each year group. We’ve also set ourselves a goal to have all our students first aid trained by June 2024, a vital life-saving skill. Like Richard Brinkmann, our Outdoor Education Manager, I am also keen to make the most of our beautiful grounds. We have already practised some grounding exercises on Pergola Lawn, meditated next to the fountain and found the trickling water very relaxing. We’ve enjoyed a stroll in the grounds to practise breathing exercises and enjoyed the peace and calm of the valley as a backdrop to mindfulness exercises.’
Wellbeing
13
TALKS THAT
INSPIRED AND EDUCATED
The future loomed large in Woldingham’s series of inspirational lectures to mark the school’s 180-year history. Sophie Harker, Assistant Chief Engineer of Electric Products at BAE Systems, talked to students about her work on a hypersonic space jet that probably won’t take off (quite literally) for 20 to 30 years. When it does, unlike a rocket, it will come back fully intact, ready to take off again 24 hours later, and, hydrogen fuelled, the only thing it will leave behind is water vapour. Sophie also talked about her ‘wild dream’ of becoming an astronaut, which drives her in her career and the pursuit of which has led to many wonderful new experiences.
A sustainable future was also the focus for Carlos Monreal, whose company Plastic Energy uses new technology to convert hard-to-recycle waste plastic into new plastic suitable for food use. Accepting that plastic usually has ‘a bad reputation’, Carlos shared his view that it is a great material without which we couldn’t do many of the things we do today. The problem is poor management of plastic waste, but Plastic Energy’s technology can be part of the solution to this growing problem. Technology featured in other 180th anniversary lectures, as mathematician Zoe Griffiths explained just how much maths is at work as we scan barcodes in shops, send messages on our phones or take a digital photograph, while Damian Hinds MP explored technology’s impact on politics. Other speakers who helped celebrate Woldingham’s anniversary milestone were Caroline Nokes MP, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, and Dr Gregory Lim, chief editor of Nature Reviews, Cardiology.
14 Talks programme
Throughout the year, Sixth Formers impressed and inspired fellow students with their knowledge of and enthusiasm for specialist topics on which they gave lunchtime Thinking Big talks. The fascinating range of personal passions encompassed the past, present and future and included The prejudice against Elizabethan women, Victorian photography, Equine doping in horse racing, The danger of romanticising literature, The James Webb telescope - an introduction, The evolution of your brain, and What even is robotic surgery?
Dr Suzie Imber at Speech Day
The Woldingham community was fortunate to hear from two aspiring astronauts last year. The second, planetary scientist, sportswoman, mountaineer and explorer Dr Suzie Imber, shared many anecdotes about her fascinating life and career in her Speech Day address. Part of a team that built an instrument which will tell us for the first time what Mercury is made of – once it has completed its seven-year journey there in 2025 – Suzie has an eye on the future, but reminded students that the present is a wonderful place to be. She urged them to think about “taking opportunities when they come your way and being bold enough to try things.”
Talks programme
15
LOOKING BACK - AND FORWARD IN WOLDINGHAM’S 180TH YEAR Students, staff and alumnae around the world celebrated Woldingham’s 180th anniversary with a wonderful range of events and activities in the run up to Foundation Day in December 2022. As one of the oldest schools for girls in the UK, we took the opportunity to celebrate the huge changes to the lives of girls and women since 1842, the achievements of alumnae and staff over the years, and the school’s long history. Foundation Day began with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass of Thanksgiving with Principal Celebrant Rt Rev Richard Moth, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, followed
16 Woldingham’s 180th year
by a fantastic range of 180-themed events as part of our 180 Giving Day, which raised more than £65,000 for Woldingham’s bursary programme, enabling more girls to benefit from a Woldingham education. A new display highlighting key elements of the school’s history from its foundation in Roehampton provides a permanent reminder of the school’s wonderful impact and legacy. Never a place to stand still, the school has exciting plans for Woldingham’s next 180 years.
On our 180 Giving Day students: Swam 180 lengths Did 18.0 science experiments Shot 180 hockey goals Baked 180 cup cakes Planted 180 tulips And parents completed 180 zips on our new zip wire Turn to page 28 to read more from Woldingham’s Chaplain, Fr Gerry Devlin, about Woldingham’s founding sisters and their lasting legacy around the world.
Rt Rev Richard Moth, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton
Woldingham’s 180th year
17
PASSION, EARLY STARTS AND HARD WORK LEAD TO SKI SUCCESS FOR OKSANA In preparation, I spent two summers skiing on the glacier in Saas Fee - for me, even summer snow remains irresistible. Training meant waking at 5:00am to hit the slopes at 6:00am. Although we finished skiing at noon, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm we had fitness sessions. I remember when the teacher announced we had to run up the mountain and the opposite of smiles appeared on everyone’s faces. This soon changed when we conquered the challenge.
Woldingham Sportswoman of the Year 2023, Oksana, is an outstanding ski racer, competing brilliantly in January’s British Schoolgirls’ Races (BSR) in Flaine, coming first in both the U16 slalom and combined races, as well as second in the giant slalom. Oksana describes how she fell in love with skiing and how she plans to combine the love of her sport with academics now she’s in the Lower Sixth. The mountains have always been a refuge, especially during the winter months. Seeing fresh snow on the ground and the trees covered is a winter wonderland highlight having been born in Switzerland, where my love of skiing started. After taking ski lessons at a very young age, I moved on to racing. The thrill of ski racing speeds and perseverance to become better at each race made me realise ski racing is my sport. In Year 8, I went to my first BSR and was one of the youngest there. Everything was so exciting. On my way home to London, I made it my mission to win next time.
After two years of COVID, in January 2023 BSR finally returned. I was thrilled to race again against other skiers from British schools. We had such an amazing team, bubbling with excitement. With the help of our fantastic coach we brought back to school two cups and medals, securing our position as the third best A team and unforgettable memories. I achieved 1st in the U16 slalom, 2nd in the U16 giant slalom and 1st overall in the U16 category. This truly was a dream come true. It made my love for the sport grow as I saw what I, and the team, had accomplished. Everything had been worth it and made me so happy. Skiing has always been my passion, not just because of the competition but also because of the way it started out bringing all my family and friends together. I can’t wait to see where ski racing takes me next as I continue to balance my academic studies and my love for skiing. Oksana racing in the British Schoolgirls’ Races in Flaine
Skiing has been my passion since the age of two - a passion shared with my family spending weekends in the mountains doing a sport I loved and excelled in.
18 Sport
100% EFFORT EVERY TIME IN EVERY SPORT No sports team wins every match, but every member of Team Woldingham in 2022-23 gave 100% effort, whether representing her House in a swimming gala or playing for the 1st XI hockey team in the Independent Schools Cup competition.
Cricket continues to grow with the introduction of our indoor nets and some exceptional performances in the Surrey Schools Starburst competitions. In athletics, we had two students represent the district at the Surrey Championships.
Team highlights of the year included the 1st XI reaching the 5th round of English Hockey Tier 3 Championships, the U15A VII reaching the County Netball Finals, a number of District netball league and cup wins, as well as an unbeaten Year 7 Swim Squad in all district galas.
Last year was also a first for badminton, as we had our first competitive matches after forming a new badminton team.
Students across the year performed fantastically well in the pool, led by last year’s Sport Ribbon Maddie, who is an excellent butterfly specialist. Lara, now in Year 10, and Zoe, now in Year 8, achieved a number of personal bests over the year, with Lara getting picked for the Irish swim squad. In cross country, our younger students did very well in the district with Daisy going on to represent the county at the finals as well as finishing 10th in this year’s London Mini Marathon.
We were also really proud of the many students across all the year groups who represented their county in sports including hockey, netball and rugby outside of school. Sports Day, always a highlight in our annual sporting calendar, was once again a fantastic event with the Victrix Ludorum, the prize for the highest scoring athlete, won by Anastasia (Sixth Form) and Stuart winning the House Athletics Cup. Olivia R, Sport Ribbon 2023-2024
Year 7 cross country team
Indoor cricket nets
Sports Day 2023
Swim squad
Sport
19
HISTORIC TREASURES
UNCOVERED ON WOLDINGHAM LAND Woldingham groundsman Michael Woods discovered a treasure trove of unexpected items when pasture land was ploughed for the first time in many years in readiness for planting the new vineyard (see page 47). The land around Woldingham has been farmed and inhabited for many centuries, reflecting Michael’s fascinating finds.
With his metal detector, back in May between the ground being ploughed and the vines being planted, Michael discovered a buckle for either a shoe or knee dated 1600-1720, a musket ball (date unknown) as well as three coins: a George I half penny (1717), a halfpenny from George V (1927) and a George VI wren farthing (1937). Looking ahead, the school aims to find a good way to display some of the treasures and stories beneath our feet to spark the historian in all of us.
Coins, buckle and musketball found by Michael
Woldingham groundsman Michael Woods
20 Hidden treasures
Pyramidal orchid
Wasp orchid
RARE ORCHIDS SPOTTED AT SCHOOL When he’s not driving one of Woldingham’s minibuses, Paul Jarrett is a keen photographer of the natural world. This year he’s taken some wonderful pictures of rare wild orchids in school grounds, parts of which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). He’s careful not to share the orchids’ locations so they are not disturbed. Orchids photographed by Paul this year include a bee orchid, a pyramidal orchid and wasp orchid.
‘This summer was a great year for wild orchids. I estimate there were triple the number of bee orchids, which is very positive. I particularly enjoy photographing orchids, but it’s always a treat when I catch some deer on the way to and from work and I do enjoy photographing Woldingham under a blanket of frost or snow,’ said Paul.
Hidden treasures
21
STRINGS PROJECT
ENABLE STUDENTS TO STRETCH
In a new initiative from the Music Department under the guidance of Ms Rachel Ives, our current Interim Director of Music, all Year 7 students had introductory violin, viola, cello and double bass taster lessons last year.
Ms Ives, who studied violin at the Royal College of Music, is passionate about passing on her love of stringed instruments to the next generation.
Strings are such wonderful instruments and this plan allows girls who haven’t had the opportunity to have a go. We have some fantastic string players already at Woldingham, who perform regularly in assemblies and concerts, and I hope by allowing more of our younger students to try the stringed instruments they will see what versatile and enjoyable instruments they are and what fantastic opportunities could open up for them. They are fabulous orchestral and solo instruments. Ms Rachel Ives
22 Music
Music scholars Fiona, Isabel and Lilico selected for Saturday study at world-famous Conservatoires We are extremely proud of music scholars Fiona R, Isabel L and Lilico U, who gained places to study on Saturdays at the Junior Departments of the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music. Lilico, then in Year 10, so impressed the panel at the Royal College of Music with her inherent musicality at her violin audition, she was instantly offered a place at the Saturday conservatoire from September. Isabel, then in Lower Sixth, and Fiona, then in Year 10, won places to study at the Royal Academy of Music. Bassoonist Fiona started attending the prestigious Saturday conservatoire in January, just one week after her audition, while Isabel, Fiona R
who is our Music Ribbon this year, started in September. Well known at Woldingham for her virtuosity on violin and piano, Isabel’s instrument at the Royal Academy of Music is the organ. In September 2023, Isabel was offered a prestigious Organ Scholarship and place to study music at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge after an extensive audition programme and series of academic interviews. Being only a short train journey from Woldingham means students can attend these world-famous conservatoires in London on Saturdays. We are delighted at our students’ fantastic achievements and look forward to watching them flourish musically. Isabel L
Lilico U
Music
23
PHENOMENAL
PRODUCTIONS
Sister Act The Musical
A TRIUMPH OF TALENT, TEAMWORK AND TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE Two musicals and a comedy were the highlights of a wonderful year of drama at Woldingham. Sister Act The Musical and High School Musical, both of which premiered in 2006, may appear to have a little in common with Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, written more than 400 years earlier, but at Woldingham all three were brought to the stage with great acting, clever direction, technical excellence, wonderful teamwork and boundless enthusiasm. The Sixth Form production of Sister Act The Musical lit up two dark January evenings as our senior students, very much at home on the auditorium stage, raised the roof and everyone’s spirits with superb singing, accompanied by a wonderful live band.
24 Phenomenal productions
At an earlier stage in their ‘dramatic’ Woldingham journey, Year 9 students were magnificent in the lead roles in the fabulously feel-good production of High School Musical, ably supported by a very talented ensemble of Year 7s and Year 8s. The year’s theatrical curtain closer – A Midsummer Night’s Dream - was a fabulous feast of fun and fairies from Year 10 and Lower Sixth students. The production was designed to be performed outside in Woldingham’s lovely grounds but the British weather had other ideas. However, cast and crew rose to the challenge of re-staging it in the auditorium at short notice, with the result an utter delight. The show always goes on at Woldingham.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
High School Musical
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Sister Act The Musical
Three scholars join prestigious National Youth Music Theatre Woldingham is delighted that three drama and performing arts scholars – Maya-Rose T and Sophia T then in Year 7 and Alexandra A-S then in Year 10 - were invited to join the National Youth Music Theatre earlier this year, following several rounds of auditions.
Phenomenal productions
25
CLUBS MAKE
BEST USE OF OUR FANTASTIC 700 ACRES
Ornithological Society After hatching in 2023, Woldingham’s Ornithological Society has already taken flight. The society started with founding members Anisia, Audrey N, and Audrey Y, growing with the arrival of new enthusiasts Zana and Faith. To date, we have traversed three routes on and around Woldingham’s 700 acres, spotting 16 different bird species in total. Our data has shown us that the best area to see a variety of birds is around the orchard, meaning we cannot wait for autumn, when we will be able to see all the birds feeding on the apples. Pigeons and crows were the birds we saw most often on all three routes. Even though parakeets are an invasive species, we were excited to see them due to their vibrant colours. The society hopes to raise awareness that pigeons, crows, and parakeets are not the only birds in our area. As our birdwatching skills improve, we will be able to spot a wider variety of species and appreciate even more the biodiversity of the valley.
Birds identified by members of the society on just one of the three routes monitored.
Miss Chloe Chapman
Members of the society came up with a poem to sum up their wonderful experience:
An ode to Ornithological Society Birdwatching, oh birdwatching, we adore watching birds Whenever, wherever, we jump out to see They are all there to welcome us, ‘Chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff’ they sing They are the pied piper of the woods, drawing us out of our cosy rooms And into the biodiverse valley
Red kite over the valley
26 Clubs and societies
Cross country running, another extra-curricular club making good use of Woldingham’s stunning outdoor space
Woldingham’s extra-curricular programme is always excellent with more than 80 clubs and societies run by staff from across the school. Many of the clubs are bespoke to Woldingham, taking full advantage of our wonderful 700 acres of space. The Ornithological Society led by Miss Chloe Chapman proved very popular this year, along with Explorers Club with Mr Richard Brinkmann, our Outdoor Education Manager, and Eco Club with Head of German Mr Vaclav Ceska.
Next year we are looking forward to the launch of our first Beekeeping Club with Dr Markus Klinge of the English Department and Haiku and Hornbeams Club with Mr Roy Peachey, also of the English Department, where students will ‘discover, write, draw and map the ecology of Woldingham.’
Mr Ceska and members of the Eco Club with some of the vegetables grown by the club this year
Clubs and societies
27
Fr Gerry Devlin, Woldingham Chaplain
CHAPLAINCY Sacred Heart mission in England and Wales embraces change, as it has since 1842 On 8 December 2022 the whole school community gathered together in the auditorium to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving led by Bishop Richard Moth. It was a day of rejoicing and happiness as we celebrated our 180th anniversary, which makes us very proudly one of the oldest girls’ schools in UK. It was 180 years to the day since six religious Sisters of the Sacred Heart and two students crossed from France and established themselves at Berrymead Priory in what is today Acton, West London, then described as a village six or seven miles outside London. St Madeleine Sophie Barat, who founded the Society of the Sacred Heart in France in 1800, was thought to be contemplating a foundation in England as early as 1802. Adele Cahier who was historian for the order declared that “more than once her interest turned towards England… these people are made for greater things.” Sophie was a pragmatic woman and she knew that as the Society grew beyond the borders of France, she would need English speaking vocations to resource the burgeoning number of foundations in the English speaking world. A lasting foundation did not happen until 1842 for many reasons. Reading Madeleine Sophie’s letters, the delay was often attributed to a lack of money, people or suitable properties.
28 Chaplaincy
Sophie saw England as missionary country and in 1839 she said that “she hoped the Sisters would go to England and sow the grain of a mustard seed”. Before the small group of pioneers left Paris, Madeleine Sophie made clear to them their objectives were to bring God’s love to those they would meet by loving and serving with an open and generous heart. By the end of the 19th century, Sophie Barat’s mustard seed had begun to flourish. The Society of the Sacred Heart had established a foothold in the education of children and young women. In the early years of the 20th century, teacher training colleges were founded in Wandsworth, now Digby College, Roehampton, Fenham in Newcastle and Craiglockhart in Edinburgh, establishing the Sisters’ fine reputation for the training and formation of teachers. From the earliest days until now, the Society has tried to share from Sophie Barat’s abundance and riches. The Sisters have served in education for a long time in our country and have always been women of faith who have, from generation to generation, committed their whole lives and given their all to the service of the mandate given by Sophie Barat, “to discover and make known the love of the Heart of Christ.”
For the sake of one child I would have founded the Society St Madeleine Sophie Barat
Through the years, the Sisters have done so much by sharing their gifts and talents freely and creatively as educators, teachers, poets, scholars, academics, artists, writers, thinkers, scientists and change makers - all of them women of prayer, who have tried to welcome others with a loving heart and befriend the vulnerable and those on the margins of our society today. For many years, the Sisters have stepped back from running the schools and teacher training as they are involved in different areas of ministry and service within the Church. The Society throughout the world has been engaged in a restructuring process for the sake of the future life and mission within the order. The Sisters who belonged to the England and Wales province, which will now grow into a new province with the Sisters in Ireland, Scotland, Malta, Hungary, Germany and Austria, are once more being called to set out in faith towards a new and
unknown future, in much the same way as that little group of RSCJ Sisters who left Paris for the shores of England in December 1842. It was St Madeleine Sophie who remarked that “for the sake of one child I would have founded the Society”. I am sure that she would be very proud of the 141 Sacred Heart schools spread throughout the world in 41 different countries. As we celebrated our 180th anniversary, we took time to recall with gratitude the wonderful work of the RSCJ Sisters for their vision, stewardship and careful nurturing of Woldingham that has enabled us to become the school community we are today, The Sisters will always remain an integral part of our school community as together we give thanks for all that has been and look forward to the future with renewed gratitude and confidence. Fr Gerry Devlin
Woldingham School chapel
Chaplaincy
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30 STEM
CREATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF
SCIENTISTS
Engaging young people in all things STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) is a passion for Woldingham’s Science Department. Two new initiatives proved successful in ensuring new generations get bitten by the STEM bug at an early age.
Junior STEM Club Capitalising on the enthusiasm generated by Woldingham’s STEM Society for senior students, last year the school launched Junior STEM Club for Years 7 to 10, and it’s been a big hit with our younger students. Paul Rickard, Head of Science said. ‘Meeting weekly, Junior STEM Club is not just about learning; it’s about experiencing the magic of STEM. Students are exposed to exciting activities - from engineering hoop gliders and partaking in the mesmerising art of fire writing, to concocting glue from milk, and the fascinating creation of lava lamps. The objective is straightforward: make STEM an engaging, invigorating, and tangible adventure for our younger students so they can dive deeper into topics they want to find out more about through exploring, hypothesising, testing and drawing conclusions.’
STEM for Schools A second new science initiative last academic year was a bespoke STEM for Schools programme for pupils from local primary schools, led by staff and our Sixth Form STEM Society members. This immersive experience, making the most of our state-of-the-art science labs, offered younger pupils a taste of advanced scientific education and hands-on learning, bridging the gap between primary and secondary schooling, showcasing experiments, and igniting the curiosity of these young minds. ‘It was heart-warming to see how engaged our 9 and 10-year old visitors were with the activities we planned. Our Sixth Form leaders ran the sessions and were wonderful role models, highlighting that STEM is exciting for young people as well as older people. I think it made the pupils feel that STEM was fun and relevant. It was particularly good to be able to share our excellent purpose-built science labs with primary school pupils as they don’t have science facilities like these. The marvel on the faces of these primary pupils, especially when they entered our labs, reaffirmed our belief in the potential of this initiative,’ said Paul Rickard.
Inaugural STEM for Schools event enjoyed by pupils from Four Elms Primary School, Kent
STEM
31
CREATIVITY AND AMBITION ON DISPLAY IN ART EXHIBITION
The school’s annual art exhibition was a fantastic showcase of the art and textiles produced by Year 11 and Sixth Form students. The exhibition was hugely impressive, displaying a range of work covering artistic disciplines including fashion, film, painting, sculpture, and installation.
32 Art
Upper Sixth artists from 2023 secured places at a range of renowned institutions including Parsons School of Design, New York for fashion, Glasgow School of Art and Nottingham Trent University.
Art from Woldingham’s 2023 Art Exhibition and Showcase
Art
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Aachen
Seville
Bormio
34 Trips
Nice
Sixth Form Othello trip
Seville
Kritikos trip to London
TRIPS EXPAND
STUDENTS’ HORIZONS
Students across the school enjoyed a bumper crop of trips last year, ranging from a classics visit to London to a trip to Kenya strengthening our Sacred Heart ties (see page 51). Skiing was particularly popular this year, as the school’s first full post-covid ski season. After highly successful ski racing in Flaine (see page 18), students in Years 8 to Lower Sixth enjoyed a week of skiing in Bormio, Italy during the Easter holidays, with plenty of fun on and off the slopes. Eliska, who was in Year 9 when she went on the trip, said: ‘As well as skiing, we had a lot of fun during the evening activities, which included ice skating, a pizza night, and a quiz night. I think everyone would agree, the most memorable was karaoke night, especially when all our teachers joined in and sang a group song.’ Among the many other overseas trips last year were a visit to the Christmas market in Aachen, a French trip to Nice and a Spanish tour to Seville.
Closer to home, there were a myriad of subject-enriching trips taking advantage of Woldingham’s proximity to London. A Level English students saw Othello at the National Theatre, psychology students visited Wimbledon Theatre for a talk on The Psychology of Serial Killers and those studying music travelled up to the Royal Festival Hall to see Berlioz’s vibrant Symphonie Fantastique, one of the A Level set works. A Royal Academy visit provided stimulus and inspiration for Sixth Form artists and Year 11 visited London’s Jewish Museum. Academic scholars in Years 7-11 in our Kritikos programme took the train from Woldingham to a ‘mind expanding’ Thriving Minds conference in London. The final session of the day was a lecture on Rock in 11 Dimensions by Dr Mark Lewney, an expert in explaining physics through music. ‘I was surprised how much fun physics can be (no offence to physics),’ one of our Kritikos students revealed.
Trips
35
Some of Woldingham’s ‘hidden heroes’. L-R: Chris, Richard, Anne, Sally, Ricci and Steve
36 Hidden heroes of the Valley
HIDDEN HEROES OF THE VALLEY: WOLDINGHAM MINIBUS DRIVERS
In her final year at school, Sixth Form student Cara W reflects on the important role of our minibus drivers who bring students, parents and visitors to school. Every morning without fail, as Woldingham girls prepare for another day of learning, a dedicated group of individuals step into the driver’s seat, ready to embark on a journey that is crucial to the functioning of Woldingham: our minibus drivers. These unsung heroes play an important role in ensuring the safety, punctuality and wellbeing of students getting the train from London to get from the station to school, and also the local girls who use the minibus service. For local girls, like me, having a friendly-faced bus driver every single morning is a great start to the day. All our drivers provide an excellent service for those who live locally but cannot access the train easily - with routes spanning across Surrey and Kent. For those who take the train, our drivers ensure girls are safely transported between Woldingham station and school at the start and finish of the day: they patiently supervise, making sure girls get on the buses as safely and as quickly as possible, preventing any accidents. Their service provides not only a convenience for students to get to school on time but also extra support for new girls or those who might not always feel up to school as an extra-friendly face to all.
Our minibus drivers also form strong bonds with the wider Woldingham community: they become familiar faces to parents when they are picked up and dropped off at the station for school events, and teachers who regularly travel by train. These interactions help build a sense of unity and support within the school by ensuring that parents know their daughter is in safe hands on her way to and from school. Parents can be confident in relying on Woldingham’s drivers to provide a sense of consistency and reliability in our routines: the impact of this cannot be overstated, as it means we are all able to go about our day with ease. As a Woldingham girl, this service may sometimes be overshadowed by the busyness of the Valley - but this does not mean we do not appreciate the long hours these heroes put in for us and for others. In addition to this, our drivers have featured in many other parts of the school. Their chocolate treats on a Friday are loved by many as a great way to end the week, on top of their many appearances in the well-loved Lower Sixth variety show! Our school drivers are the often-overlooked heroes of the education system, and their contributions are immeasurable. They ensure students’ safety, punctuality and wellbeing, while offering support and reliability to all of us at Woldingham. The impact of school drivers extends beyond transportation; they are an integral part of our community. Their dedication and service deserve recognition and appreciation by us all.
Our bus drivers also form strong bonds with the wider Woldingham community: they become familiar faces...
Hidden heroes of the Valley
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WOLDINGHAM WINS
NATIONAL SCHOOLS AWARD
This award recognises Woldingham’s compelling focus on the student experience. Dr Helen Wright, chair of the judging panel Woldingham won a prestigious award last autumn at an event in London - the Independent Schools of the Year 2022 Marketing Award for Effective Brand Communication.
‘The award was wonderful recognition of the impact of our effective communication and marketing, working alongside a fantastic admissions team,’ said Jenny Rawlinson, Director of Communication.
At the ceremony in London on Tuesday 11 October, Dr Helen Wright, chair of the judging panel, said the award was for Woldingham’s ‘compelling focus on the student experience’.
‘Thank you to my colleagues and, of course, our students. There are so many wonderful stories to share at Woldingham, it makes our job so much more interesting and fulfilling.’
The award recognised Woldingham’s innovative work around our ongoing #WriteYourOwnStory messaging, rebranding and compelling storytelling across all communication and marketing strands.
The school was also shortlisted for two AMCIS (Admissions, Marketing & Communications In Independent Schools) last year for its work celebrating Woldingham’s 180th anniversary in 2022 and for a joint admissions and performing arts scholarship project.
38 Marketing award
Marketing award
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OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS 1
DESTINATIONS OF LEAVERS 2021-2023
1
1 1 1
1 7
5
1
1
1
4 1
1
11
1 2 1
2
2
3 2 1
2
5 1
1
2 2
4
1
2
4
7
5
5
1
9
1 2
3
1
1
2 2
3 11 5
5 1
9 2
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
London campus
3
1
1
1
3
5
5
1
3
1
3
1
40 Results and destinations
Upper Sixth students celebrate on A Level results day
RESULTS
AND DESTINATIONS
A Level and GSCE grades achieved by Woldingham students in summer 2023 were, once again, good, with some exceptional results achieved by individual students. Overall, A Level and GCSE results at Woldingham in 2023 returned to the level of the last pre-pandemic year of 2019 and are reflective of the change of grade boundaries by exam boards in England. At GCSE, seven students achieved at least nine grade 9s at GCSE, with one fifth of the year group achieving nine or more grades 8 or 9. More than 66% of GCSE grades were 9-7. There were particularly strong results in English language, humanities and science subjects.
At A Level, 73% of grades were at A* to B with 16 students achieving at least three A Levels at grade A or A*. These results enabled Upper Sixth leavers to take up places at leading universities in the UK and overseas. Popular universities for Woldingham students this year include St Andrews, Oxford, Birmingham, Durham, SOAS and Bristol. Overseas students have chosen universities in the USA and The Netherlands. The diverse range of courses chosen, from modern languages to medicine and architecture to global liberal arts, illustrate how Woldingham enables each student find what is important to her as we help her to #WriteYourOwnStory.
Results and destinations
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GOODBYE, WELL DONE AND GOOD LUCK British Empire Medal recognises Jane’s services to nursing Members of the Woldingham community around the world were delighted to learn that nursing sister in charge Jane de Groot was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in June’s King’s Birthday Honours List for services to nursing. Jane retired from Woldingham in 2021 after 28 years, having started in 1993. Over the years she cared for thousands of Woldingham students and staff. Woldingham Chaplain Fr Gerry Devlin said: “I was delighted to provide a written statement of the work she undertook during her 28 years of service here at Woldingham. Jane worked tirelessly at Woldingham, and she was very well liked by all staff and students.”
Catharine Berwick becomes first alumna Chair of Governors Catharine Berwick, Woldingham’s new Chair of Governors, is the school’s first alumna to hold the post of Chair. Catharine and her two sisters were all students at Woldingham, with Catharine leaving Woldingham in 1990. Catharine joined the Board of Governors in 2019, having maintained a close link to the school over many years. On taking up her post Catharine said: ‘I am delighted to be the first alumna to become Chair of Governors. I loved my time as a student at Woldingham, and I am committed to ensuring Woldingham has a bright future. Woldingham is a wonderful school. I know from my own experience the impact of a Woldingham education, where girls become successful young women ready to make a positive difference to their, and our, world.
Jane de Groot
42 Staff news
Catharine Berwick
Catharine took over from Robert Parkinson who was Chair of Woldingham for five years. Thanks go to Robert and to other long-standing governors who stood down in the last year.
Danny Baker retires after 22 years Danny Baker, one of Woldingham’s much loved English teachers, retired from Woldingham after 22 years in August 2023. Head of English, Brianna MacLean, paid a heart-warming tribute to him at his leaving event in July, in which she celebrated his superb subject knowledge, his devotion to his students, and his wealth of pedagogical approaches. Although Danny threw himself into everything from cartoon club to Head of Duchesne House to Principal Examiner at Edexcel over the years, arguably his greatest contribution was the joy that he brought to his students and colleagues alike. Danny was particularly adept at inspiring a love of English in his students, and he left an indelible impression on everyone who had the pleasure of working with him. We will miss both his thoughtful approach and his keen wit, and we wish him all the very best in his retirement.
John Hargreaves Long standing Director of Music, John Hargreaves, left Woldingham in summer 2023 after 12 years at Woldingham. The range and quality of the music produced under John’s leadership was always excellent, inspiring many students to study music at university and pursue careers in the music industry. Thank you to both Danny Baker and to John Hargreaves for their service over many years to the Woldingham community.
John Hargreaves
MARDEN PARK MANSION EXCLUSIVELY YOURS FOR THE DAY
In the holidays, Main House becomes Marden Park Mansion, which, with its elegant function rooms, is available for weddings, christenings, parties and other formal functions. Catholic ceremonies can take place in the Chapel and civil ceremonies in the function rooms. Marden Park Mansion provides the perfect Surrey wedding venue with exclusive use of your own country mansion for the day, including professional in-house catering.
Alumnae are eligible for a 25% discount on venue hire. For availability phone 01883 654185 or email venuehire@woldinghamschool.co.uk facebook.com/mardenparkmansion instagram.com/mardenparkmansion
Marden Venue Hire
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STIMULATING SPACES IN WOLDINGHAM’S
SIXTH FORM CENTRE AND LIBRARY
Vision
#WriteYourOwnStory
Our new Sixth Form Centre and Library will be a dynamic, new educational space creating an ideal environment for our excellent teaching and learning enabling every student to thrive and achieve her full potential.
As we support each student to become the author of her own life story, our goal is to empower her journey of intellectual discovery and personal growth. This is why in the Sixth Form we say to our students that Woldingham ‘puts your future in your own hands’. This ethos sets Woldingham apart by focusing on what is unique and special about each individual student, resulting in success at school and in life afterwards. Through academic opportunity and excellence and positive personal development, students develop the confidence, compassion and courage to make a positive difference to their, and our, world.
Research has shown that an engaging learning environment increases students’ attention and focus, promotes meaningful learning experiences, encourages higher levels of student performance, and motivates students to practise higher-level critical thinking skills.
Woldingham is about community, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Bringing the Sixth Form together under one roof with one suppportive and inspiring culture is hugely exciting for current and future Woldingham students. This modern, dynamic and aspirational building is designed to enable students to connect, collide and create, inspiring them to achieve their full potential, not just in public examinations, but in their personal and professional lives. Mr Phil Abbott, Head of Sixth Form
44 Supporting our new Sixth Form Centre and Library
Design
Lecture Theatre
Designed around the natural elements, the spaces of the Sixth Form Centre include: Collaborative workspace - Earth The incubator of innovation and creativity, this Sixth Form space has a flow of differently designed seating areas and state of the art technology, fostering team work, partnership and high attainment. Plans include cosy booths, bench tables with tech sharing screens, soft seating areas, interactive writable furniture and walls and more... all sourced from sustainable or recyclable materials. Silent Study zone - Air This serene space, dedicated to individual private study, will be flooded with natural light, soft tones and planted areas to maximise concentration and contemplation. Café & Social Hub - Fire The dedicated Sixth Form Café will be the social hub of the Centre. With access to an outdoor terrace on warm days, it will be the catalyst for Woldingham community-led ideas. Library - Water With more than 180m of shelves housing around 11,000 books (fiction and non-fiction), silent study pods, quiet areas and access to digital learning resource tools, the new library will be the school’s hub for study and research for staff and students across all year groups and disciplines.
With plans for tiered seating and state of the art presentation technology, this space will encourage excellence in delivery and execution of presentations, lectures and talks.
Boardroom-style classroom This new dynamic educational environment for Sixth Form subjects will facilitate discussion-led Harkness teaching and learning techniques, nurturing confidence and inclusivity.
Art Installation We envisage a large art installation in the foyer of the Centre that reflects our beautiful setting, is visible from inside and out, and inspires and delights our students and staff. This could be a single piece donated by an individual or company, or a collaboration that members of the wider Woldingham community contribute towards.
How you can support The Sixth Form Centre will be a dynamic, transitional educational space enabling students to reach their full potential. With the support of visionary individuals, we will realise our plans for this exciting new facility. We have identified elements that we hope are of interest to those passionate about nurturing female talent and creating an environment where students will thrive, build resilience and go on to make a difference in the world. There are a number of sponsorship and naming opportunities for the Sixth Form Centre. To discuss how to offer your support, please contact Mrs Camilla Mair at development@ woldinghamschool.co.uk.
Supporting our new Sixth Form Centre and Library
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CHANGING LIVES
TOGETHER My time at Woldingham has shaped who I am today… I left Woldingham with 4 A*s in my A Levels and an A in A-S Level music. This allowed me to study at Oxford where I received a First in experimental psychology. I was very fortunate that the school decided to offer me a bursary and so my dream was fulfilled. Hannah, bursary recipient
‘With your continued support, we will fundraise 30 transformational bursaries by 2030. Each year, thanks to your generosity, we are able to offer the Jayne Triffitt Bursary Award to a talented student entering Year 7. This 100% bursary supports her throughout her time at Woldingham until she leaves after her A Levels. In addition, we are delighted to have been able to support four Ukrainian refugee students this year with a fifth student joining us in September. Thank you to the whole Woldingham community for helping make this possible. Woldingham is proud to be a partner school of the Royal Springboard Foundation, offering fully funded places to talented girls from vulnerable backgrounds, allowing them to thrive in our community. We are pleased to have been able to support two students through this partnership this year. We have been supporting the UK Independent Schools Polish Scholarship Scheme over the last couple of years, with four students benefitting from a supported Woldingham education. We are delighted that our two Polish student leavers, Natalia and Dominika, have secured places at Imperial College, London and the University of Groningen respectively. Many congratulations to them both.’ Mrs Camilla Mair, Foundation Director
If you are thinking of donating, don’t underestimate the impact of a bursary because it really is life-changing. Parent of Ciara, a bursary recipient
46 Bursaries
Woldingham can only continue to offer these opportunities to talented students with your financial support. Please consider making a donation to the Bursary Fund. However small, your contribution will change lives. You can donate via this link woldinghamcommunity.co.uk/pages/ bursary-fund or scan the QR code. If you would like to discuss structuring your support, please get in touch with us at development@woldinghamschool.co.uk
VINES MAKE ROOTS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE After two years of planning, the vineyard at Woldingham has now been planted and is thriving. The project is funded exclusively by external investors, with proceeds from fruit and wines sales to be shared between Woldingham School, for the sole purpose of funding bursaries, and our investors.
40%
It also supports the school’s sustainability plan and provides a fantastic platform for our vision for a truly holistic education. If you are interested in finding out about this investment opportunity please email vineyard@woldinghamschool.co.uk Some interesting facts…
TERROIR
PINOT NOIR
• Our south-facing vineyard benefits from maximum sunshine, helping vines to grow and grapes to ripen. • Slopes ensure cool air flows down the vineyard, allowing grapes to ripen slowly in warmer months and preventing frost pockets in colder months. • The North Downs sit in the same geological chalk seam as the Champagne region in France. Chalky limestone soil provides excellent drainage whilst being porous, allowing the vine roots to reach water.
A black skinned grape variety originating in Burgundy. It produces dry red wine as well as being the most planted varietal used in producing champagne and sparkling white wines. The name derives from the French words pine and black due to its tightly clustered bunches of grapes, which resemble pine cones.
20%
PINOT MEUNIER A black skinned grape variety originating in France. It produces dry red wine but is mostly associated with producing champagne and sparkling white wines. The name derives from the French words miller and black due to its dusty white leaves, which look as if they have been dusted with flour.
40%
CHARDONNAY A green skinned grape variety originating in Burgundy. It produces dry wine from neutral grapes, which are influenced by terroir and vinification techniques. It is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world due to its adaptability and ease of cultivation.
VITIS VINIFERA The vineyard has three noble grape varieties – 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Meunier.
MARCH-APRIL DECEMBER-MARCH As the weather becomes colder, leaves fall and the vine’s roots store reserves of carbohydrates. This is known as winter dormancy.
As the weather becomes warmer, buds swell and grow into new shoots, known as budburst. This is the start of the growing season.
APRIL-MAY Leaves and shoots grow using carbohydrate reserves in the vine and photosynthesis from the leaves, until the vine flowers.
VINEYARD CALENDAR In May 2023, 2.2 hectares of vines were planted. Once established, they will produce an estimated 10 tonnes of fruit per annum by 2026.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
MAY-JUNE
The grapes are harvested, known as vendage. Ideally this should take place in dry weather to reduce the risk of rot.
The vine produces flowers, which self-pollinate. Flowers then develop into grapes known as fruit set. Any unpollinated flowers drop off.
JULY-SEPTEMBER After fruit set the grapes grow. Both black and white grapes begin green. Their skins change colour as they ripen, known as véraison. As they ripen, grapes swell with water, sugar levels increase, and acid levels decrease.
The grapes will be harvested and made into sparkling white wine using traditional wine-making methods and bottle fermentation, similar to those used in the Champagne region. With three years ageing on the lees, sparkling wine will be produced from 2029, which will reflect the influences of our beautiful terroir.
Vineyard and sustainability
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LEITHS
COOKERY SCHOOL PROVES POPULAR
Sixth Formers completing their Leiths Certificate
Space for herbs in kitchen garden Now in their second year, the Leiths cookery courses at Woldingham are going from strength to strength. Thirty students took the 12-week Leiths Academy Kitchen Course, with 10 Sixth Formers completing the four-term Leiths Certificate: Introduction to Confident Cookery, with full accreditation from the Leiths Academy. A further 40 students will study these courses this academic year. We will continue to work with Leiths to expand our cookery, nutrition and food preparation curriculum as we plan our purpose-built cookery school in the walled kitchen garden at Woldingham. As part of our sustainability strategy and to enhance students’ experience of outdoor learning at Woldingham, we plan to reinstate much of the original kitchen garden.
48 Leiths Cookery School and kitchen garden
This year the Eco Club has re-established the herb garden as a start to this exciting move forwards to a more sustainable future. We are also planning a beekeeping club with hives on site. Woldingham honey, like the wine produced from our vineyard, will be available to purchase from the school (when it’s ready) with proceeds going to the bursary fund.
For more information about the Leiths cookery courses and our sustainability strategy, or to offer your support for the cookery school build and the re-establishment of the walled kitchen garden, please contact the Development Team at development@woldinghamschool.co.uk
LEGACIES
SUPPORT FUTURE GENERATIONS One way to offer your support is by leaving a gift in your will. Many alumnae have already made this pledge, receiving a warm welcome as members of Woldingham’s 1842 Society. We are extremely grateful for their vital support. The society marks Woldingham’s foundation year and celebrates the school’s history, while looking ahead to the future. Legators enjoy the many benefits of society membership, including invitations to exclusive events, as well as receiving regular communications and updates.
Last year Woldingham celebrated the momentous milestone of the school’s 180th anniversary. St Madeleine Sophie Barat’s vision and the Sacred Heart goals continue to underpin a Woldingham education and are as relevant today as they were when the school was founded in 1842. As one of the oldest girls’ schools in the UK, Woldingham educates young women who flourish and go on to make a difference in the world. Your support will ensure the school continues to provide the very best education for future generations of Woldingham girls, whatever their background. We have a thriving bursary programme and aim to increase the number of fully fundraised bursary places offered to 30 by 2030, while making further use of our beautiful 700-acre setting with the addition of exciting new facilities.
As an all-girls school, legacies play a significant role in Woldingham’s development. Seventy percent of all legacies left to schools are made by women and represent around 20% of the total philanthropic income in girls’ schools. They are an effective way to leave a gift free of tax if you are a UK taxpayer, potentially reducing inheritance tax, while leaving a lasting legacy that is meaningful to you. We hope you will consider joining fellow alumnae in becoming a member of the 1842 Society through pledging a gift, of any size, to the Woldingham School Foundation in your will. Your support will cost you nothing today but will have an enduring impact, ensuring the school continues to thrive and transform future generations of Woldingham students. We hope you will become part of this wonderful tradition.
For more information, please contact Clare Brazier, Development Manager, at development@woldinghamschool.co.uk
I have always cherished my time at Woldingham. It gave me the education of a lifetime and I look back with the fondest of memories. I pledged a gift to Woldingham in my will because I will take any opportunity to give back to the school that gave me so much. I hold my time at Woldingham very close to my heart. Imogen McNamara, class of 2018 Legacies
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WOLDINGHAM
COMMUNITY
Online hub offers worldwide connections, special interest clubs and much more Launched in 2021, Woldingham Community is the online hub for Woldingham’s global community. It offers alumnae, parents and staff opportunities to network and socialise, and to benefit from personal and professional advice and support. Worldwide members can engage directly with each other using the messaging facility or socialise through our Regional Clubs in Europe, Asia, USA, Australia and New Zealand, extending our sense of community to those living outside the UK.
Wellbeing Resources offers members support through physical and mental health services, including for those suffering with cancer. Supported by parents and alumnae from our caring community, it’s a welcome addition to the facilities available to members. University Clubs enables Sixth Form students to ask alumnae at specific universities, or studying particular subjects, for practical advice, and can ensure there’s a friendly face on arrival in an unfamiliar new academic institution. Woldingham Talks on the Careers page is a great resource for students, alumnae and parents to learn more about specific industries and gain invaluable advice. Online careers events are
50 Woldingham Community
free to join via Woldingham Community and offer inspiration to those looking for further information about working in a particular field or role, whilst our In Conversation With interviews with undergraduate alumnae offer students further insights on a chosen subject or specific university. With 10,000 members, Woldingham Community is also a great portal to network and promote your business or profession, receive industryspecific advice or offer guidance and share your experiences. Members can chat with others in their field through our Professional Networks, whilst our Business Directory is the perfect place to list your business or browse offers exclusive to the community. Members can also meet, socialise and learn new skills via our special interest clubs, which run fun and informative events throughout the year. These include Wine, Gardening & Floristry, Food & Cookery and Bridge. You can keep up to date on all the latest development news and how to support the Woldingham Foundation, as well as shop for Woldingham branded gifts on our Merchandise page. Simply search woldinghamcommunity.co.uk, click to join and become part of our fantastic online community.
AMASC REPORT
& SACRED HEART NEWS AMASC The General Assembly of AMASC took place in Naples last October, where a new president, Roselie Bellanca Posselius, and vice president, Maria Asteinza, were unanimously elected. Both are members of the American Association of the Sacred Heart. The AMASC presidency is a four-year cycle, so Roselie will be president until 2026. A new board was also elected, made up of predominantly American and younger members. AMASC was keen to endorse a younger dynamic taking over the helm to steer the association forward.
The new president has chosen as the theme for her term of office the very motto that Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat used to exhort her sisters to persevere in times that were quite comparable to our own troubled times: Courage and confidence. Our small England branch continues to meet informally at intervals during the year and always welcomes new members.
Kenya trip strengthens Sacred Heart ties In July, a group of Woldingham students from Years 10 to Lower Sixth, Fr Gerry, Mr Ross and Miss May visited the Laini Saba School in Kenya, the Sacred Heart-supported school for which the Woldingham community has fundraised over the past five years. Students enjoyed helping out in the classroom, taking part in PE sessions, and answering pupils’
questions about their school experiences at Woldingham. On the last day, Laini Saba pupils and Woldingham students took to the stage to share music and dance performances with each other. One Woldingham student described the trip as ‘an enriching experience, where we all learnt a lot about ourselves’.
AMASC report & Sacred Heart news
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Christmas market
180th anniversary ball
FUN AND FUNDRAISING AT CELEBRATORY COMMUNITY EVENTS Woldingham’s Development Team was delighted by the support offered by the wider school community at range of social events that marked the school’s 180th anniversary year. A couple of weeks before our Foundation Day celebrations on 8 December 2022, which raised more than £65,000 for Woldingham’s bursary programme and a climbing tower for the Outdoor Education and Adventure Centre
180th anniversary ball
52 180 events
(read more on page 16), the Quad transformed into a Christmas market, complete with traditional striped stalls and festoon lights. Parents, students, staff, alumnae and local residents browsed and bought a range of luxury goods, and artisan food and drink, while students sang carols and relished the rodeo reindeer ride, the giant snow globe and crepes. Proceeds were shared between our emergency Ukrainian fund and the bursary programme.
Christmas market
Staff vs parents cricket match
The January blues were well and truly beaten by a double celebration of Burns Night, with students learning to ‘Strip the Willow’ at a very merry ceilidh on Wednesday 25 January, with a second one for parents, alumnae and staff two days later, complete with traditional Scottish supper, whisky tasting challenge, rousing Gaelic songs, and bagpipes played by the Pipe Sergeant of the City of London Pipe Band. May’s Gala Ball was a wonderful way to celebrate Woldingham’s 180th anniversary and support the school’s bursary programme. The Palm Court at the Hurlingham Club in London provided a stunning backdrop for the event, where 280 parents, staff, governors, and alumnae enjoyed a delicious meal and live music from band The Deps. Guests bid on silent and live auctions, with lots ranging from holidays to signed music memorabilia, all generously donated by the Woldingham community.
Floral workshop
Other 180th anniversary events saw parents triumph over staff at the WPSA Quiz Night in February and again at a cricket match held after Speech Day in May. Community club events included a tutored champagne tasting organised by our Wine Club, Christmas wreath and floral workshops run by the Gardening & Floristry Club, a golf day run by the Golf Club, a Christmas canapés bake along by the Food & Cookery Club and a bridge course arranged by the Bridge Club. It’s fair to say that Woldingham well and truly celebrated the school’s special anniversary. Some events will make a welcome return this academic year, including our Christmas market, which we hope to see you at on Friday 24 November.
Christmas market
180 events
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WSHA CHAIR’S
WELCOME I am delighted to present you with an update on the ongoing initiatives undertaken by WSHA (Woldingham Sacred Heart Association) as we actively work towards supporting our Woldingham community.
Throughout the year, we organised a series of Women and the Workplace networking events and career panel conversations. These provided opportunities for Old Girls to meet with current students, fostering meaningful connections and mentorship across different generations. Our reunion events, welcoming back alumnae from various classes, offered a chance to reminisce, reconnect, and strengthen the ties that were forged during their time at Woldingham. These moments serve as a powerful reminder of the shared experiences that unite us. As alumnae, we are part of a global network that spans generations and transcends borders.
Stay tuned for email updates and visit the Woldingham Community website at woldinghamcommunity.co.uk for further details, to join Woldingham’s Wine Club or become an investor in the Woldingham Vines commercial project, an endeavour showcasing 2.2 hectares of vines planted in collaboration with Squerryes Winery, producing English sparkling wine. To further engage and involve younger alumnae, we warmly invite new members to join our committee and welcome ideas on innovative ways to connect through events that align with their diverse interests and aspirations. We encourage you to reach out to us at community@woldinghamschool.co.uk with your suggestions and contributions. We look forward to welcoming you back to Woldingham soon. Joanna Murray (née Jurenko), class of 1997 WSHA Chair
Looking ahead, we have an exciting lineup of upcoming events, including:
Christmas Market Friday 24 November 2023, 3.15-7.00pm, The Quad, Woldingham School
Carol Service Monday 4 December 2023, 2.00pm, Westminster Cathedral (live streamed)
Giving Week Monday 4 - Friday 8 December 2023
Foundation Day Mass Friday 8 December, 2023, 11.00am, Woldingham School (live streamed)
Women and the Workplace (Alumnae speakers sought) Tuesday 12 March 2024, Woldingham School
Old Girls’ Day 2024 Sunday 12 May 2024, 10.30am, Woldingham School
54 WSHA Chair’s welcome
OLD GIRLS’ DAY Friendship and a wonderful community spirit were very much at the heart of Old Girls’ Day on Sunday 14 May, where many familiar faces from our alumnae community enjoyed reconnecting on a gloriously sunny day in the valley. Among those we welcomed back to Woldingham were large reunion groups from the classes of 2013 and 2018. After Mass, which was live streamed for alumnae who could not attend in person, everyone enjoyed lunch in Marden dining room, where we were delighted to be joined by former Woldingham librarian, Pamela Bull.
Thank you to the six fantastic Ribbons who took our guests on guided tours of the school grounds before everyone finished off the day with a delicious afternoon tea. The day really brought it home how Woldingham’s Sacred Heart values stay with our alumnae throughout their lives, creating a powerful sense of community and stability through shared history. It was a joy to see much friendship and community spirit in action. To see more photos from the day, please visit: woldinghamcommunity.co.uk
Many alumnae brought friends and families along. Both children and adults spent a fun afternoon on the adventure centre course, or on Pergola Lawn playing garden games and having faces painted.
Old Girls’ Day
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WSHA LEAVERS’
SCHOLARSHIPS
Every year, WSHA provides scholarships to Upper Sixth students as they leave Woldingham to support gap year activities, charitable trips or materials required for university. Sophie, Theodora, Oriana and Agnes, who left in 2022, share how they invested their WSHA scholarship. Sophie Denny I have really enjoyed my first year studying English at Cambridge, and my experience has been greatly enriched by the WSHA scholarship. It has not only helped me to buy the many books I have needed, but it has also enabled me to continue to pursue other interests. I had always dreamt of studying English; however, I fell in love with languages at Woldingham, taking French and Spanish at A Level, which created a dilemma about whether I wanted to study languages instead. Fortunately, Cambridge offers many language courses, so I used part of my WSHA scholarship to sign up for its post-A Level Spanish course. The course was really enjoyable; each week I watched a film or read a book, which we then discussed in the class, writing two essays overall and giving
Theodora Li As an international student, cultural differences in daily and professional practices often create challenges. However, widened exposure to local communities encourages us to embrace and share our diverse experiences. It was my honour to receive the WSHA Leavers’ Scholarship Award in 2022, which has motivated me to enrich my academic and career development. In September 2022, I began studying applied and contemporary theatre at Guildford School of Acting, University of Surrey. With the support of the scholarship, I participated in external dance classes and stage combat training. I joined a choreography competition to further apply these skills, and performed original works at internal showcases.
56 WSHA leavers’ scholarships
a final presentation in Spanish on a book or film of our choice. I loved being able to take my Spanish further and the classes also offered a welcome break from writing my weekly supervision essays. I am looking forward to taking part in the French course next year, and these courses will also help in my third year when we choose our papers; hopefully I will be able to study comparative literature, incorporating my love of languages with my passion for English. I am extremely grateful to the WSHA scholarship for enabling me to continue learning languages, equipping me with useful skills for the future.
When conversing with industry professionals, I formed a clearer picture of the opportunities and difficulties for young artists. I became more aware of the value of cultural diversity, which has urged me to incorporate personal experiences into my creative practice. Apart from developing my performance skills, I gained workplace experience in entrepreneurship and facilitation. I have completed internships at two start-up companies to assist in their first projects, one in employee training and one in musical production. Hearing from the founders about their experiences and visions has been eye-opening. Although they are from the UK and Hong Kong respectively, they share the same passion to contribute to the community through their enterprise. Interactions with these young entrepreneurs have been inspiring and prompted me to explore new career options. I am very grateful to be recognised with the scholarship award. I aspire to use theatre to positively influence young people’s personal and professional development, as well as give back to society.
Oriana Wermig I have just completed my first year of studying music at the University of Birmingham. I have found the award money incredibly beneficial in fully immersing myself in the music scene in Birmingham and supporting me and my degree.
I have used some of the money to pay for my tickets to these concerts, which I find immerse me in music I otherwise would not have thought to go and see, including cultural ensembles and other unusual fusions.
I used some of the money to pay for my annual music membership, which means I am part of the general Music Society. Within this, I have been able to join further societies and ensembles, including the university’s Symphony Orchestra, Summer Festival Orchestra, Wind Band, and Flute Choir. I have also been able to do special woodwind workshops that I would not have been able to access without the membership.
Part of playing an instrument is the upkeep and maintenance of it. I have needed to get my flute serviced and my bass flute repaired during the past year. I used some of my award money to contribute to this, which has been really helpful.
Every Friday, there are concerts in the music department, and I have attended as many as possible.
Integral to my music degree is performance. I chose modules that require me to perform in small recitals. To do this I need the proper sheet music, which can be expensive. Thanks to the award money, I have been able to buy this, as well as sheet music for future recitals, personal practise and repertoire building. This past year, I have been incredibly grateful for the WSHA scholarship money. It has taken away some financial stress and allowed me to fully immerse myself in my degree and university life, which I have been loving!
Agnes Yau Over the past year, the WSHA scholarship has played an important role in helping me start my academic journey at the University of Toronto. It gave me the opportunity to enrol in a wide range of courses such as linguistics, psychology, and computer science. It was during these explorations that I discovered a profound interest in linguistics. The course has not only ignited a deep curiosity within me but also highlighted the potential of computational linguistics in shaping the future of language processing and understanding. This newfound passion influenced my decision to pursue a major in computer science with a focus in computational linguistics and natural language processing, complemented by a minor in statistics. I am looking forward to learning more about the subject and delving deeper into different NLP applications such as machine translation, intelligent spell checking and human-computer communication.
On top of this, I secured an internship over the summer and spent three months working with the Global Technology Solutions project team at PwC. This hands-on experience was fun and rewarding, as it further solidified my passion and prepared me for my future career. With the scholarship, I was able to tick off another thing from my bucket list – getting an open-water diver licence. It was incredible to explore the underwater world and discover the breathtaking beauty of marine life. I am sincerely grateful to WSHA for granting me this scholarship, and I am excited to continue writing my own story.
WSHA leavers’ scholarships
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MEMORIES OF
THE VALLEY
Caroline Carlisle, class of 1966 Woldingham was a hugely important time of my life. I was blessed with being a pupil at Woldingham from 1964 to 1966. These were, perhaps, the hardest years of my life and yet the most unique, which, under the ever present care and intelligence of Mother Shanley, really prepared me for the challenges to come. She was a very wonderful, approachable person who could always see the good and gift in everyone, whilst being strict, clear and firm.
58 Memories of the Valley
Another treasure I discovered at that time, which has stayed with me ever since, was Faith. The only place where I really felt at home was the Chapel. Woldingham kept our spiritual growth forefront in all activities and celebrations and firmly enmeshed in active social service. A blessing! From my companions I learnt so many things about what it meant to be a true friend, but above all a trustworthy one. My very best friends were Tessa Fitzallan Howard, Alexi Czernin, Claire Kerr and so many others. This nostalgia could go on for ages but now is the time for me to say ‘thank you, Woldingham’.
ALUMNAE STORIES It’s always been known that Woldingham friendships are forged for life but for some they also create businesses together, including The Farm at Avebury and F&P Travel. F&P Travel
The Farm at Avebury Twenty years ago, while chatting in the library with Mrs Bagley about university and career choices, I don’t think I could have imagined working so closely with an old school friend. From Gold DofE at Woldingham to a London flat share and great world travels, the latest adventure for Katrina and I is totally different! During lockdown my husband, Rob, and I started to convert a stable block into The Farm at Avebury; holiday lets and event space. With such a longstanding friendship, there was no better person to help the process than Trine. With an eye for detail from her days as Head Girl, then experience in events and wedding planning and the ability to juggle a million tasks as a PA, she helped grow the business from the very start. In a world with more and more distance from work colleagues, I am very grateful to have a school friend, old friend and work friend on the team. As school friends, we remain a great gaggle from our days in the valley, supporting each other in all our different paths. Rob often laughs at ‘yet another woldy reunion!’ but it’s something more than that now. If you have any weekends away planned with friends or family, we’d love to welcome Woldingham alumnae to The Farm at Avebury with a 15% discount on stays booked in the next 12 months, using code WS15. thefarmatavebury.co.uk Contact telephone: +44 (0)7790026363
After a wonderful start at Woldingham in the 1990s, university in Edinburgh and a lot of travelling, in 2006, Old Girl, Philippa Hartley (née Eyles, class of 1999) set up F&P Travel (formerly Fish & Pips) with her oldest friend Holly Chandler. The business started as a ski expert in the French Alps (where it still operates catered chalets), and went from strength to strength. As it expanded from ski to Europe, the team was growing, and had an application from a name that felt familiar. In walked Gemma Goodfellow (née Windibank), a great friend of Philippa’s from Woldingham. Neither Philippa nor Gemma put two and two together before meeting, but when they did, they didn’t draw breath! Gemma joined the Fish & Pips team in 2018 and has been fundamental to the huge growth the business has seen since then. F&P Travel now sells trips worldwide with a team of brilliant experts, who are all very well-travelled, and who are so mothers. Philippa explains: ‘We really understand a family’s needs as it changes and grows – from baby-friendly hotels with amazing childcare, to the best places for ‘tweens’; from sailing holidays where your teens want to engage with you rather than be on their screens; to trips of a lifetime to Africa to create memories to last a lifetime. Gemma and I have taken some amazing trips together and love nothing more than sitting with a cup of coffee and the latest travel mags, discussing where we can go next!’ fandptravel.com
Alice Hues (née Glover), class of 2001
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TIWALOLA OGUNLESI (2011) SHARES HER FORMULA FOR BEING ‘CONFIDENT AND KILLING IT’ What came next? My first job was working in an engineering company in their marketing department, which woke me up to the importance of doing work that you care about. This pushed me to volunteer as a youth leader and got me thinking about working with young people, which I felt was more purpose driven. My next job was for Girl Effect, an organisation that uses media and technology to empower teenage girls living in developing countries. After almost three years there, I left to run Confident and Killing It full time. One of the excellent Woldingham alumnae speakers at our annual Women and the Workplace event for Lower Sixth students in March 2023 was Tiwalola Ogunlesi, class of 2011. A life coach specialising in positive psychology, Tiwalola is also the founder of Confident and Killing It, an organisation and community that aims to ‘build a world where women are awake to their worth and live life on their own terms’. Tiwalola’s book of the same name was published by HarperCollins in 2022. Alumnae Officer Alison Alder took the opportunity of Tiwalola’s return to Woldingham to find out more about her organisation, her book, and how her time here helped her write her own story. What was life like for you at Woldingham? I had opportunities at Woldingham to trial and experiment different versions of myself, so I would say being at school was good training for the world outside. A lot of the skills I learnt have been fundamental in my career journey so far. I’ve always tried to make sure I have fun but also have a focus to get things done. I also love the time I got to be carefree and just bond with ‘my girls’, who are now lifelong friends. What did you study? I took Spanish, economics and history at A Level, going on to study Spanish and business management at UCL.
60 Alumnae stories
What led you to found Confident and Killing It? As a teenager I was insecure on the inside but confident on the outside. My mind would sabotage me constantly. I call that voice the ‘mean girl’ in my mind. Despite this, I was a Ribbon, I did speech and drama, led the dance club and got good grades. Fast forward a few years, I discovered the world of personal growth and started investing in myself and learning how my mind works, programming my mind to be more positive. I began to realise I didn’t have to settle with a negative mind. I had the power to stop the selfsabotage. My confidence started to grow, the voice of the mean girl got quieter and the voice of self-love got louder. It really changed my life. I became a lot more positive and joyful. Whilst volunteering as a youth leader, I noticed a lot of the girls also had confidence issues. So I started making videos on Instagram, sharing practical tips to build confidence - and Confident and Killing It was born! Since then, I’ve launched a podcast, online coaching academy, a book, and I travel around the world speaking at top organisations. What does Confident and Killing It stand for? It’s a purpose-driven media organisation on a mission to wake women and girls up to their worth so they can be confident, unstoppable and really dare to live life as they truly desire.
Someone who is ‘confident and killing it’ is unapologetic about embracing their true authentic self. They don’t let fear and insecurity get in the way of their goals and dreams. They feel the fear but, instead of holding back, they go ahead anyway. They also define success on their own terms. ‘Killing it’ doesn’t have to be about being at the top of the corporate ladder or the most popular person in the room. It can look like different things to different people. For me, success is about being content with who you are as a person and believing in what you’re doing. What can we expect from the book? Confident and Killing It is a practical guide to overcoming fear and unlocking your most empowered self. It’s a 10-step game plan to build confidence, backed by the science of positive psychology. It’s fun, uplifting and takes a proactive approach towards your personal development. What would you say is the secret to confidence? My magic formula is strengths + passion + values = confidence. What advice would you give to our young entrepreneurs at Woldingham today? I always say, the first thing you need to know to become an entrepreneur is yourself. If you
aren’t fully aware of who you are, how your mind works, and what your skills are, you’ll be building your business on shaky ground. Confidence in yourself is essential to entrepreneurship. Create a vision and channel your energy in that direction. Lastly, success is really about consistency. Is there anything you would do differently? No! At Woldingham I made sure I was an active member of the school community. I was engaged and trying my best to build up my skills for the future so that when I left Woldingham [I wasn’t] starting from scratch. I had already been in positions of leadership. I had already [worked] on my public speaking. In a world that’s super competitive, do what you can with the resources you have and set yourself up for success. What is next for you? Right now, I am enjoying the success of my new book. It’s something I am very proud of. There will be a second book coming out, so watch this space!
Women and the Workplace panellists March 2023 L-R: Annabel Lovegrove (2013), Sarah Crothers (2010), Lauren Morton (2010) and Tiwalola Ogunlesi (2011)
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ANNOUNCEMENTS Births Kyle and Charlotte Johnston (née Baer), class of 2007, welcomed their son, Basil Edward, on 24 July 2023.
Isabel Stewart and Ross Gray
Alexander and Serena Irvine-Fortescue (née Baer), class of 2010, welcomed their son, Archer Patrick, on 27 July 2023.
Henrietta Joy and Theodora
Henrietta Joy, to David and Faye Birrell (née Bowden) arrived on 6 September 2022, making Theodora a big sister.
Issie Cobb and Marco Basile
Engagements Isabel Stewart, class of 2012, got engaged on 12 July 2022 at Lucknam Park to Ross Gray, with the wedding on 16 September 2023. Ezra Hilsden and Josiah
Aurelia Hilsden (née Bromilow) and Jonathan Hilsden announced the birth of Ezra Peter Hilsden, born on 14 June 2023 weighing 7Ib 14oz, a brother for Josiah.
62 Announcements
On 23 September 2023, Issie Cobb, class of 2010, married Marco Basile at Bembridge Sailing Club, Isle of Wight. Issie and Marco met while working in Jordan for humanitarian organisations. They share a love for mountains, the sea, travel and adventure. They are now both living and working in Palestine.
Maddy Jobber and Tobias Crane
K J Noades
K J Noades, class of 1997, was awarded the Top Thermomix Advisor/Team Leader in the whole of the UK & Ireland - out of around 3000 people – in January. Maddy Jobber, class of 2015, got engaged in July 2022 to Tobias Crane, after almost 10 years together. The wedding in September 2023 was in Sevenoaks and the reception in East Malling. Two of Maddy’s bridesmaids were Woldingham alumnae, Anna Massey and Chloe Clacy.
Jennie Sandford
Frances Russell, class of 2017, got engaged to Murphy Harman. They are due to marry next year.
Anniversaries Virginia (Widge) Constable-Maxwell, class of 1964, celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary in October 2022. Katharine McCallum
Jennie Sandford (née Spriggs), class of 1980, will travel to the Gold Coast in Australia to compete in the Bowls World Championships 2023.
Claire Camille Pascual
Jennie has been selected to play in the Para Women’s Pairs of the Team England Squad which will make history by competing in the first Combined World Bowls Championships of able-bodied and para bowlers. We wish Jennie and the team the best of luck.
Achievements Claire Camille Pascual received an MBE for services to international trade and investment in HM The Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2022. She attended an investiture in Windsor Castle in May this year. Katharine McCallum, class of 2014, has been named one of Broadcast Magazine’s ‘2023 hotshot’.
Announcements
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IN MEMORIAM Janine Parker-Rees (née Brooks), class of 1975, died peacefully on 16 March 2023, five months after being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Those of us lucky enough to be counted among Janine’s friends at Woldingham will remember the outsize impact she had on our lives. Her infectious laugh, her positive attitude, her slightly wicked sense of fun and adventure, which took us all over the Woldingham grounds from mud sliding on trays down the hill in the woods to midnight raids on the kitchens. Sometimes this enthusiasm worked against her, as in her vigorous attacking in hockey, which led to a temporary ban from the sport. I spent the first three years at Woldingham terrified of her, but through the lucky assignment of rooms next to each other in our last year, a lifelong friendship was born. It turned out Janine was not so scary after all, just immense fun. She made friends everywhere she went, and she kept those friends through her whole life. Janine loved to travel, beginning in the Greek islands with me in the summers after we left Woldingham and culminating with her spending much of the 1980s in Australia. On her return to England, she settled on the South East coast to be near her family, where she worked, sailed, played tennis and socialised with her many devoted friends and family. Her sharp mind and excellent organisational skills meant she always had interesting work in all sorts of businesses, from organising Goodwood events to helping grow a successful Sussex farming business. In 1990 she married and continued to travel the world, but the marriage did not last. It was not until 2016 that Janine truly found the love of her life with her husband John. This love seemed to be destined. It began in 1971 at age 14, when Janine was still at Woldingham, a summer of puppy love with John that took almost five decades to lead to their marriage in 2018. Inseparable for seven years, to say they were blissfully happy together would be a massive understatement. In the last months of her life, Janine’s friends gathered around her, causing her to say that she ‘never realised how many people loved me’.
64 In memoriam
A beautiful spirit, a ball of fun and energy, she was one of a kind and has left a space in our lives which we can only partially fill with our happy memories of a true friend. Written by Vivien MacDonald (née Hickman), class of 1975. Clarissa Roe (née Kershaw), class of 1962, died on 21 July 2023. Clarissa had been in a care home for about six months with Alzheimer’s. She sadly passed away due to pneumonia. Saskia Leuchars was a vibrant and much admired member of our year group and the wider Woldingham community. She followed in the footsteps of her mother, and fellow old girl, Cathy, when she joined Woldingham in 2005. Ferocious on the playing fields and formidable in the common room, nothing frightened her. To our knowledge, she was the only girl expressly banned from singing in Mass. Her tones were less than dulcet, but what she lacked in musicality she more than made up for in spirit. It was Charterhouse’s enormous gain when Saskia joined to whip the boys into shape at Sixth Form. Wise beyond her years, she has left an indelible mark on us all. Eschewing university, she forged her own path, with an indomitable work ethic. It was no surprise to any of us to watch her found her own PR firm, Capture Communications, a start up which has soared while being helmed by our brilliant friend. A fervent defender of her friends, a sensational party thrower and scintillating if ardently opinionated conversationalist, she leaves this world considerably dimmer without her shining light. The gentle thrum of the Rolling Stones could always be heard emanating from any dormitory Saskia found herself in. To quote her all time favourites, ‘Goodbye Ruby Tuesday. Who could hang a name on you? When you change with every new day, still, I’m gonna miss you.’ Written by Claudia Blunt, class of 2010.
This magazine is a carbon balanced publication, where the carbon impact of the production and materials has been balanced by the World Land Trust. It has been printed using vegan inks, biodegradable laminate, recyclable foil and packaged in a compostable potato starch wrapper.
Woldingham School, Marden Park, Woldingham, Surrey, CR3 7YA (for satellite navigation please use postcode CR3 7LR)
01883 349431 info@woldinghamschool.co.uk
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