Issue 2 September 2012 1

Issue 2 September 2012

HEADITORIAL Dear Parents and Students, I was delighted on Monday to present, on behalf of the school, a cheque for £1500 to Chestnut Tree House which is the only children's hospice in Sussex and which provides specialist palliative care to children and young adults. I was also very pleased to come to our Harvest assembly this morning to see the wonderful array of donations that the girls had brought in ranging from the up-market (Crabtree and Evelyn shortbread!) to the more utilitarian , but equally welcome, range of tinned foods and toiletries which will all be delivered to the Brighton and Hove City Mission which provides food parcels and other support to many needy people across the City. Father Ritchie made the point that we take so much for granted with our food consumption, and encouraged the girls to think about the environmental costs of importing ingredients from thousands of miles away as well as the plight of those who do not have enough to eat. I am very proud of all the work our girls do to raise money for those who are in need and for the enthusiasm and commitment they give to

THANK YOU! “A massive thank you to all the pupils, staff and parents who raised such an amazing amount for Chestnut Tree House – we really appreciate all your wonderful support in raising vital funds and helping us increase our awareness. To date you have raised a staggering £2694 for Chestnut Tree House – thank you so much. You have made a huge difference to all the children and families that use our wonderful house and all our services”. Juliette MacPherson

This week in the Paper Helen Fraser, chief executive of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), says science subjects are the focus for the Trust’s 24 schools and two academies, and believes the single-sex approach provides a better basis on which to do this. “In an all-girls school there is no such thing as a boys’ subject or a hard subject and a soft subject,” she says. “The girls choose according to their interests and ability, and 40 per cent of girls in GDST schools do at least one science subject at A-level.”

the Telegraph

DUKE OF EDINBURGH Fifty girls in Year 11 are busy completing their Duke of Edinburgh expeditions this month and next. This has included a full day’s training on skills such as navigation, first aid, pitching tents and menu planning. The girls have also spent a very hot day at Devil’s Dyke proving that they could navigate using compass and Ordnance Survey map. Last weekend the first 4 groups went out on their practice expedition, walking a total of 25 kilometres over two days and camping overnight at Plumpton Racecourse. Thanks go to all staff who volunteered to help but especially to Mrs Thomas for being brave enough to camp overnight with the girls. All girls reached their destination, some taking a more direct route than others! The next four groups are doing their practice expedition this weekend. Girls will be planning their own routes for the assessed expeditions which take place at the end of September and in mid-October. Mr Condon

HPV Injections Reminder that the first HPV immunisation session for Year 8 pupils takes place on Wednesday 3rd October. Please return forms even if you do not want your daughter to have the vaccination. The local health teams keep a record of numbers that decline the vaccination.

INDIVIDUAL SUCCESS Holly Frost in 10H competed in the Future Cheer, Cheer and Dance Nationals in Bournemouth on the 30th June & 1st July 2012. It is the biggest event in Europe. The Southcoast Zodiacs are a cheerleading (sports acrobatics) team who compete all over the UK. Within the team there are 8 squads all competing at different levels according to age and ability. Over the weekend the Southcoast Zodiacs competed in all 8 categories. The results for the 3 squads in which Holly competed are: * Senior co-ed - 5th place * Senior all girl - 3rd place * Junior - 1st place The other teams scored 4th place, 2 x 2nd place, and 2 x 1st places. All in all it was a very exciting and successful weekend!

Above, Jennifer Smith & Juliette MacPherson, East Sussex Community

Issue 2 September 2012 2

Guild activities. Many congratulations and good luck to all the new Guild reps who were presented with their badges this morning: Josie Grumitt, Lucy Haggis, Ella McEwen Smith, Isabella Nelson, Maddie Pavitt, Lauren Gibson, Gemma Bovill, Katja Ward, Petra Soldar, Isabelle Morris, Ellen Adamson, Marianne Scotland, Mille Fraser, Alice Warner, Cecily Winter, Bethany Fieldhouse, Megan Marston, Ella Knott, Tabby Titcombe, Harriet Busby, Mia Battle-Welch, Isabel Smith, Poppy Binns and Eliette Harris. Have a good weekend.

Jen Smith

BHHS Make Over Various areas around the school have seen a great deal of work this summer including refurbishment and redecoration of the English, Languages and History rooms. The reception area has had quite a make-over! These areas will be available for you to explore during Open Morning on 6th October. We look forward to showing you around.

CULTURE VULTURES On Tuesday afternoon students who took part in the first Culture Vultures meeting of term were treated to a fascinating tour of the Brunswick area of Hove. Our engaging and well-informed tour guide Glenda Clarke, told us stories of the great and the good who lived in the area and spiced things up with tales of the ghosts of smugglers who roam this beautiful area of our city. A wonderful start to the Culture Vultures Season!

EMAIL SHAKESPEARE Yes, for half a term only the Bard is available to answer your every question. This is part of our Book Week madness – of course! His address is Shakespeare@bhhs.gdst.net

B-RIGHT-ON We are delighted that so many of your daughters took up the challenge of the weekly brain ticker even over the summer holidays! Now a new school year is upon us, the brain ticklers are back and the first of our fortnightly challenges went ‘live’ on Friday 14 September and the final part of our Sherlock challenge is on the portal for Friday 21 September. Do encourage your daughter to test her imagination, creativity and problem-solving skills in the various challenges the wonderful B-RIGHT-ON page provides. House points are available!

Mrs Ashdown & Mr Sherwood

BOOK WEEK

We are very much looking forward to a fantastic week! We have some amazing opportunities lined up for your daughters – please encourage them to get involved as much as possible. All our fundraising goes to support the marvellous work of Afghan Connection. We are extremely proud of our involvement with our twinned school for girls, supporting girls’ education in Afghanistan. www.afghanconnection.org/ Our events include: Monday 1st October: Louise Rennison, author of the phenomenally popular ‘Confessions of Georgia Nicolson’ series and BHHS favourite, will be in school talking to years 7, 8 and 9. City Books will be in school running a book stall should your daughter wish to buy (and have signed!) a Louise Rennison book. Tuesday 2nd October: Inter-House Book Quiz – won last year by Lyttelton. Wednesday 3rd October: writing workshop with Rachel Cusk, year 11 and sixth form. 4-5.30pm in the library. Please note change from published date. Wednesday 3rd October: Book Auction – raising funds for Afghan Connection. Thursday 4th October: National Poetry Day - Year 9 poetry workshops, lessons 1-3; A Level English Literature students lunch with our poets. This year we are delighted that our workshops will be run by Sasha Dugdale, Catherine Smith and Mark Peterson. Friday 5th October: dress up as your favourite character from a book - £1. Each year group in KS3 will have their own special Book Week Competition to enter run by the English Department. Competitions for everyone …. parents included! Full details on the portal. A letter went home earlier in the week by school comms should you need any more details.

Mrs Ashdown, Head of English

PE NEWS On Wednesday the Y7 A team lost 16 /13 and the

Y7 B team drew 7/7

The Under 15 Netball match scheduled for next Monday

as been postponed to Wednesday 17th October.

Good luck to the Under 12 and Under 13 Netball teams

who play against The Towers next week at home

4.30pm start.

Ski Trip 2013 2 places left

This February, our 2013 ski trip will journey to St Michael, Austria during the half term. The tour is for year 9-13 pupils and suitable for beginners through to experienced skiers. The Trip includes return travel by air, Full board accommodation, Ski Tuition for 5 hours per day from qualified instructors, Lift pass for 6 days, Hire of skis, boots, helmets and poles and an après ski programme. There are just three places available so ask at reception for letters or speak to Mrs. Mostran for further details.

Y7 A Netball Team

Y7 B Netball Team

Issue 2 September 2012 2

JUNIOR EDITORIAL Dear Parents, As you can see, the trip to Marchant’s Hill was a great success and we were so pleased with the girls positive attitude to the challenges. Next week, Year 4 will be at Blacklands Farm for 2 days and I am sure they will equally enjoy the opportunities that these trips bring. Clubs are now in full swing and I am pleased so many girls are enjoying them. We are grateful to the outside peripatetic staff, parents and our own staff to offer such a wide range but logistically it is very complicated so sometimes changes do have to be made. On the whole, I think there has been minimal disruption and I would like to thank you all again for your support. Best Wishes

Sian Cattaneo

Junior School week at a

glance Tues 25th: Harvest Festival, School Hall, 8.45 am. Wed 26th : Year 6,1 Parent Lunch, 12.00 noon PA Coffee Morning, 8.30, Dining Hall Maths Challenge Yr 6, Windlesham House School 1.00 p.m. U11 A, B, C, v Brighton College Home 2.15 p.m. Thurs 27th: Yr 4 Residential Trip leaves for Blacklands Farm Fri 28th: Return from Blacklands Farm

NURSERY NEWS We have been having great fun in the Nursery and making the most of this glorious September sun. As well as playing in our own garden, we have had lots of trips to the large playground with bikes, scooters and anything else with wheels! Hoops and balls have also added to the excitement. And we would like to give a huge welcome to all our new girls – Sienna- Mae, Charlotte, Arabella, Loveday, Farrah, Jessica, Edie, Elsie-Lara, Elsa and Kate. We have really enjoyed getting to know you all and amazed at how quickly you have all settled. With a bit of luck we may continue enjoying playing in the sunshine until the half term or is that now tempting fate!

LOST UNIFORM Sadly, so early into the term a number of uniform items, especially jumpers, appear to have been lost. We understand they are clearly named and it would be really helpful if this weekend parents could check that their daughters have the correct uniform.

EARRINGS May we remind parents that for PE, girls should remove their earrings but if this is not possible, please could you provide Micropore tape to cover the earrings for the duration of the lesson. Micropore tape (or similar) can be purchased at any chemist and this should be kept in your daughter’s PE bag.

SCHOOL LETTERBOX Parents delivering letters to school are welcome to make use of the black letter box located outside the main entrance, to the right of the entry buzzer. The box is emptied in the morning and late afternoon.

SCHOOL UNIFORM FOR UGANDA Hopefully you have received Mrs Smith’s letter regarding our ‘old school uniform’ collection next week for Uganda - may we also mention that black sturdy school shoes will be most gratefully received.

OPEN AFTERNOON

Saturday 6th October

1 – 3pm

JUNIOR SCHOOL

NETBALL MATCH RESULT

Well done to the Year 6’B’ team who beat a mixed A&B

team from The Towers on

Wednesday, 10-2.

Years 5 had an action packed few days at Marchants Hill and within an hour of arrival, we were already wet and muddy on the challenge course! For many this really broke the ice and from then on they threw themselves (sometimes literally!) into all the activities. One girl said “it was the best school trip ever” and many were proud of their achievements of conquering a fear of heights, and even the challenge of being away from home for the first time. We were really proud of the way the girls approached activities such as climbing, abseiling, raft building and particularly the ‘Power Fan’ which involved climbing a 20ft pole and then jumping off the top! The girls displayed good teamwork and I am sure the trip will be a positive lasting memory in the future.

AMAZING ALUMNAE

DR NATALIE VANDERPANT

She was at BHHS the whole way through; starting in 1992 age 4 “the youngest in the whole school so I’ve been told!” and leaving in 2006 age 18! When she started, the Vicarage was the main junior school building she said and then in her last couple of years she was back there again when it was converted into the sixth form centre!

Q: What are your most significant memories of your time here? A: There are so many memories, where do I start? Our trips to the Boughrood Field Centre in the Brecon Beacons were absolutely fantastic and for many of us our first real trip away from home. I also have great memories of the school house events- in particular the birthday sports celebrations and house plays. Singing in the cantabile choir and our trips abroad were wonderful. I particularly enjoyed my GCSE years; I had a great year group and fantastic teachers who made each day exciting and interesting. A level results day was a really special day: the sun was shining and it was also my 18th birthday!

Q: What did you study at University? A: I studied medicine at Queens’ College Cambridge, and had three fantastic years there. It was hard work but also a vibrant and exciting place to study. For my final three years of my 6 year degree I was lucky enough to transfer down to University College London for my clinical studies. I have been lucky to experience both Cambridge and London as a student!

HER TIP

“Doing work experience is really useful. It allows you to get a feel for a profession and see whether you feel as though you could fit in with everyone else.”

Boughrood – Field Trip

Q: What is your career now? How did you branch into this field of medicine? A: Recently finished my final exams and have now qualified as doctor! I start my first job this August in West London. I now have 2 years as a junior doctor ahead of me, rotating between specialities every 4 months. Following that I will have to decide which area of medicine to pursue. My main area of interest is currently Obstetrics and Gynaecology. A very busy specialty but also very rewarding!

“My teachers at BHHS always encouraged me and believed in me.”

Q: What are the most rewarding aspects of this job for you? What are the most challenging aspects for your job? A: Medicine is an extremely rewarding profession. I feel privileged that I can work to treat and support patients from all walks of life. Another great aspect is that I know will continue to learn every day for the rest of my professional career. My working hours over the next couple of years will definitely be challenging and maintaining a good work-life balance will be very important.

Q: How do you feel your education prepared you for this role? A: My teachers at BHHS always encouraged me and believed in me. That is something I have taken with me since finishing school. Our small classes for A level were also excellent as we received a lot of support.

Brighton & Hove High School Old Vicarage

We would love to hear from you!

If you would like to give us your memories of Brighton & Hove High School

If you have some pictures

If you are an Alumnae of BHHS or a current student who has achieved an individual success and would like to share with us, please contact us:

Brighton & Hove High School Montpelier Road BN13AT 01273 280 280 a.cronier@bhhs.gdst.net www.bhhs.gdst.net