Inside Out - Autumn 2012 - South Hampstead High School

Headmistress
Jenny Stephen
www.shhs.gdst.net
A GDST School
Senior School
3 Maresfield Gardens
London
NW3 5SS
Tel: 020 7435 2899
Fax: 020 7431 8022
Junior School
5 Netherhall Gardens
London
NW3 5RN
Tel: 020 7794 7198
Fax: 020 7431 2750
insideout
Autumn/Winter 2012/2013 • shhs.gdst.net

Pictured on front cover: Emilie (Y8) at rehearsals for the 2012 Autumn Concert
Pictured this page: The SHHS 2012 Olympic Mosaic. Junior School art pupils created the
four-panel mosaic to celebrate women in the Olympics and this is displayed now in the
playground. Congratulations to those involved in the games over the summer, including one
member of staff who danced in the Opening Ceremony and one pupil who was torchbearer.
by Christine Lough,
Head of SHHS
Junior School
Pictured: Clara, Y1
The
Importance
of
Play
On the first morning
of this term, the
excitement was
palpable as I approached the
door where I greet the girls
every morning. For me, as Head
of the Junior School, it was a
great moment to savour the
sight of our girls squealing with
delight about the wonderful
newly created playground behind
no 12. The transformation from
rather dull play area to one
which is colourful, creative and
yet purposeful was completed
and another dimension had been
added to the opportunities this
school already offers our girls.
(continued)
Autumn / Winter 2012 / 2013 | INSIDEOUT 01

The refurbishment of the playground
behind no 12 rounds off the
redevelopment of the Junior School’s
outdoor areas started eight years
ago. Energetic fundraising by parents
led to the installation of imaginative
staging and aesthetically appealing
equipment in the playground of
no 5 just prior to my arrival. More
recently, further funding by the PTA
has meant that a second phase of
more physically focused equipment
has taken place, with sets of monkey
bars, a scramble net, a wobbly bridge
and wall footholds.
Two years ago, the Trust funded
the development of the area
directly leading from Reception
into a delightful outdoor classroom.
This is designed to give the girls
the opportunity to play, explore
and create constructively during
curriculum time. What it offers
is an extra dimension to the
everyday experiences of the girls
and it undoubtedly enhances the
more physical exploration involved
with sand, water and construction.
Reception girls are out of doors
all year round when the weather
permits – they wrap up well in
winter! It may be that they are
constructing something on a big scale
or they are conducting an experiment
on capacity using water. Painting can
be more adventurous outside!
When we realised earlier this year
that our hope of creating an exciting
and attractive playground behind no
12 building was going to become a
reality, we were thrilled. The result is
a compact and well-designed space
which divides into three distinct areas.
There is a new storage facility with
a wonderful living roof and we are
in the process of planting the raised
flower and shrub beds. We
have not lost any potential
space for sports activities,
which take place before
and during the school day,
but have somehow gained
enough space for activity
equipment and staging with
mirrors – something which
is a great favourite in no 5
playground. There is also a
large awning for either rain
shelter or screening for sun
in the summer months.
I am a passionate advocate of
educating the whole child and I
strongly believe that the time the
girls spend in the playground forms
a crucial part of their school day. In
both playgrounds, it is possible to
observe the girls using morning and
lunch breaks for a wide variety of
activities and purposes. Their time
there is largely unstructured and the
playground is where children interact,
learn negotiation skills, build friendships,
become more resilient and
simply get on with playing. We have
also given the girls the chance to play
alongside each other without having
to necessarily be in a formed group.
This time is character building and
it is an incredibly important part of
the daily routine for the school to
get right. A child who loves playtime
is likely to thrive in the classroom. It
goes without saying that a child who
dreads that time will not.
What we have sought to provide in
a limited space is provision for girls to
relax, to be adventurous, to play creative
games and to be able to stretch
themselves physically. We hope that
playtime at the Junior School really
lives up to its name in every way! •
Sascha, Y2
Ro xy, Y2 and friends
Leila and Amber, Y1
Ma ya, Reception
“ A child who loves
playtime is likely
to thrive in the
classroom”
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SHHS South Africa
Sports Tour 2012
By Molly, U16 Hockey & Netball Squad
In July, the SHHS hockey and
netball squads set off for South
Africa on Emirates airlines.
It was a fantastic jam-packed tour
with exciting matches, brilliant team
work and individual play, whilst also
an eye-opening experience into the
South African culture.
On arrival in Cape Town, we kick
started our tour with several training
sessions focussing on team work and
acclimatisation. We visited Rhodes
Memorial, just outside Cape Town,
high in the northern slope of Table
Mountain. Here we tested our fitness
in high altitude with relays and races
up the giant, never ending steps and
finished off with a long run down the
side of Table Mountain. During our
run we were paired with team mates
that we knew the least about, helping
us bond as a team. We then worked
on team building and communication
skills, where we were blind folded
and were forced to do challenges,
communicating to each other without
the use of our eyes.
The next day was the most
memorable experience of the trip.
Together, as a team, in our full tour kit,
we ventured into the streets of Langa
Township in Cape Town. We were
toured through winding alleys, were
shown inside some of the houses and
local businesses, were taught to play
African drumming music, played with
the local children and later tucked
into the typical, traditional food of
that area. We learnt of their rituals,
both religious and general views
and witnessed both shocking
and interesting sights about
the way in which people
lived and worked in Langa.
This experience gave us all a
chance to see the drive and
ambition the community held
for sporting achievement,
their inspiring attitude towards
sport and how it brought the
community together. It was perhaps
the most insightful part of the tour, a
chance to explore a snapshot of the
entirely alien conditions and beliefs
from our own lifestyles in London.
After this extraordinary visit,
we played our series of scheduled
matches against a range of schools
from different backgrounds and
cultures. Though their play was
significantly different to ours in
many respects, the games were fast,
even and progressively aggressive.
After a tight start to our fixtures,
we pulled ahead and most notably,
on one occasion, won by a close
goal difference, at the South African
National Hockey Stadium, which
added to the excitement and
successes of making a clean sweep
victory for SHHS that day. These
fixtures were challenging, competitive
and exciting, noticeably stretching our
play in both sports.
A fond memory of the tour was
our home stay visit with South
African families. We experienced a
typical South African barbeque, a
‘brai’ and were invited to a morning
of classes at their school. The steep
SHHS Hockey and Netball Squad,
South Africa 2012
learning curves we experienced
in South Africa during games and
training, helped us realise that we
need to keep a positive focus and
outlook and be able to adapt our
mind-set when times are challenging.
Overall the tour was brilliant. The
sport was fun and competitive, raising
everyone’s standards and pushing
us both personally and as a group.
The foreign environment and mixed
teams led us to not only gain many
achievements collectively, but we
further learnt a lot in playing to our
best and taking the most out of not
only the sport, but also the fascinating
country and culture.
The experiences and trips were
unforgettable; the jeep safari, with
all 26 excitable girls and teachers,
singing and shrieking, absorbing many
amazing sights and, of course, the Big
Five. Table Mountain and The Cape of
Good Hope, the most south-western
point of the African continent and
Mama Africa, a truly vibrant place
filled with swinging African sounds
and Marimba, to name a few, all
contributed to an unforgettable
experience that will live with my
team forever. •
“ It’s nice being a
team and Clara is
a really good goal
scorer.” - Alice, Year 6
In September, the SHHS Super
Leagues initiative was launched
to raise the opportunities and
standards in Netball and Hockey in
both the Junior School and Senior
School.
Organised and managed by girls
from the Senior School, the Leagues
have proved a fantastic opportunity
for girls’ of all abilities, to work on
the skills learnt in PE lessons and
training sessions and put them into
to practice, in a fun and supportive
environment.
In the Junior School, joint Year 5
and 6 Super Leagues were created
with over 50 girls attending each
session to play in competitive
matches, which all girls, from squad
players to inexperienced players,
benefit. Each team provides
leadership opportunities which
pushes our more advanced players
and develops their leadership skills.
Girls in years 5 and 6 play netball in the playground
The ball gets rolling for SHHS
Super Leagues by Sophie, Year 13
The Super Leagues allow players
who usually play recreationally to
be part of a team and to see their
contribution making a difference.
They are also a chance for the girls
to get more time on the ball, which
has started to visibly improve their
skills and confidence. This has had a
knock on effect on match scores for
the younger years, who recently won
8-0 against Hammersmith Academy,
9-1 against King Alfred, 10-0 against
the American School and 12-1
against Notting Hill and Ealing School,
respectively.
The Super Leagues have sparked
many hockey and netball debuts and
are unveiling plenty of hidden talent.
It seems that the hockey and netball
players have found a way to transfer
that South Hampstead spirit into their
game. In essence, they have found
their magic key and turned it in
the lock. •
2012/13 Sports Captains:
Back: Sophie, Nicole, Alex;
Fron t: Isabella, Na talia; Lilly.
“ We’ve noticed we’ve
got a lot better since we
started. At first we lost,
now we’re winning!”
- Clara, Year 6
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A new for
As the walls of the Victorian
schoolhouse on Maresfield
Gardens come down and
we settle into the Cumberland
Campus, a fresh chapter in the story
of South Hampstead High School
begins.
The demolition at Maresfield is
underway. The concrete sections of
the old building have been crushed
and will be used for the ‘hard core’
of the new building. Many other
parts are being recycled, including the
bricks, slate roof tiles, lead, copper
wire, iron work and beams. Amongst
all of this, the demolition team has
uncovered a bit of local history –
DT Studio, Cumberland Campus
06 INSIDEOUT | Autumn / Winter 2012 / 2013
Chapter Shhs
one in every 1,000 bricks bears
the name ‘S Buston Finchley Road
NW,’ a company that is no longer in
existence.
Life at the Cumberland Campus is
buzzing. Pupils and staff are enjoying
modern classrooms, spacious hallways
and specialist facilities for DT, Art
and Music – and all in the green
surrounds of our 3-acre sports
ground. Many claim they never want
to leave.
So what’s next? In the new year,
construction begins with our new
England-standard sports hall. The
programme is on schedule – roll on
September 2014! •
The Cumberland Campus
Let the battle begin!
By Ms Quigley, History Teacher
In history class, girls in Year 7
rose to the challenge of reenacting
the Battle of Hastings.
Positioned on a small hill at the
Cumberland Campus, the girls
formed the famous Saxon shield wall
and fended off their Norman peers.
The girls could see the strategic
advantage of fighting on higher
ground, and gained an insight into
the noise and excitement of a real
battle. The girls performed William’s
legendary trick of retreat, which
enticed the Saxons down from the
hill. They surrounded their Saxon
peers, which led to a fierce battle
fought with cardboard swords to
avoid any real casualties! Reporting
back to the class, the girls understood
how mistakes could be made with
spirits raised in battle; this helped
them to empathise with the Saxons’
fatal error of leaving the protection of
the shield wall. The girls who led the
Ma resfield Ga rden s, November 2012
armies were sympathetic with Harold
and William, as they had gained
first-hand experience of maintaining
control of troops. •
Year 7 History Class
‘The Mothership’ - created from
disused frames
Memory
Space
By Mr Moss, Head of Art
SHHS art students hold very
fond memories of the old Art
Department at Maresfield with
its idiosyncratic spaces and a patina
of generations of spilt paint and
daily wear. The transition to the new
gleaming building at the Cumberland
Campus was bound to be a shock by
comparison- could their creativity
come alive in such a clean space?
The Lower Sixth Form project
‘Memory Space’ gave us, and them,
an opportunity to reflect of what an
Art Department should be, whilst
considering some of the fundamental
difficulties of communicating ideas in
Art and Design.
Student’s introductory task for
the new project was to consider
methods of recording their old
environment without any access to it.
How can the artist record what is not
there? Collecting old photographs,
drawing from memory and listing
reminiscences were all encouraged,
along with more creative responses.
Postcards from the old art studio
to the new
Pupils were required to reflect upon
what the space meant to them and
to grapple with how they could
communicate these feelings and ideas
in the form of art, predominantly
visually. Pupils were given the very
open brief to send a postcard from
the old department to the new
one that showed evidence of each
individual’s response to the transition
from old to new. Submitted postcards
had to be posted through the Royal
Mail to arrive at the school by the
deadline and final works came in
the form of homages, communiques,
confessions and challenges; each girl
finding their own way to express their
experiences, thoughts and feelings.
The focus of the project was to
encourage pupils to engage with
innovative methods and processes
of making art, to take risks and
express their view. Even as work in
progress, the affection with which
the girls treated of the subject matter
is touching. •
Autumn / Winter 2012 / 2013 | INSIDEOUT 07

Meet the teachers:
Kato Blake and Lucy Szemerenyi
Kato Blake
Assistant Head
and Head of
Geography, SHHS
Senior School
Why did you go
into teaching?
At first, I wanted to
follow my father into television, but
he taught me to doubt the wisdom
of that scheme. When I was sixteen,
I realised that for years I’d been
watching my teachers in lessons,
thinking: ‘If I were in your position,
I would do it like this.’ That was the
epiphany.
Ka to in Iceland
Lucy
Szemerenyi
Deputy Head,
SHHS Junior
School
Why did you
go into teaching?
For a long time I
put off the idea
of teaching! My father was a Head
Master and teaching was a career
that I was clearly drawn towards.
However, in my early twenties I
was keen to try working in the City.
Within a couple of years, I realised
that it wasn’t for me and that I
wanted to do something more
Lucy with Pico Y5
I will remember your name longer than I
remember your grades.
Have you always been a teacher?
If not, what other careers have you
had? While at university I did voiceover
work for radio commercials and
telephone queuing systems. I was
also made a business manager at the
Ministry of Defence recycling plant, a
job I was given because they thought
I was someone else. Consequently, I
know a lot about industrial shredders.
Tell us something that not a lot
of people know about you. I was
form tutor to Florence Welch (of
Florence and the Machine) and I have
recordings of music performances
we did together. I have Reiki and
meaningful and to make a difference
to people’s lives. Teaching provides
variety and excitement that other
jobs do not offer in quite the same
way. I haven’t looked back.
What is your greatest achievement?
I ran the London Marathon this
year, without stopping and raised
over £4,000 for the North London
Hospice.
What’s the best part of your job?
Getting to know the girls in my form
hypnotherapy qualifications that I
never use. I have a fear of wrapping
paper. I have a tenpin bowling average
of 160 with a best game of 250.
What one thing do you want girls
to know when they leave SHHS?
I will remember your name longer
than I remember your grades.
Favourite place in London? All of
London looks lovely on a warm day
with a gentle breeze. But best of all
must be Alleyn Cricket Club, 25˚C,
light, south-westerly wind, left handed
batsman on strike. •
I ran the London Marathon this year, without
stopping and raised over £4,000
and the many others throughout the
school. I really enjoy finding out about
their interests and what is important
to them. It helps me to get a bigger
picture of them as individuals. I also
enjoy watching them broaden their
horizons, whether that be in sport,
drama or music.
Favourite memory? Accompanying
my father to Buckingham Palace to
see him receive his OBE for Services
to Education, in February 2010. •
Autumn Concert 2012
by Daniel Webb, Director of Music
An n ie, Y12 and Ta b b y, Y10 (in background)
St John’s, Smith Square was the
beautiful and prestigious venue
for a celebration of music at
South Hampstead High School, with
more than a quarter of our pupils
taking part in this year’s Autumn
Concert. As ever, variety was the
watchword and the musical offerings
ranged from the choral movement
from Mahler’s 3rd Symphony – in a
sparkling performance from Singers,
abetted by Voices imitating bells with
their “Bimms” and “Bamms” – to
the iconic theme from Hawaii-Five-O
from the Big Band under their
inspirational leader Simon West.
Voices enjoyed their own slot in
the concert, singing movements
from The Sound of Music, and the
Symphonic Band, directed by Ian
Judson, were on magnificent form
in a long and demanding folk-song
suite by Bruce Fraser.
Occasions such as this have
frequently been graced by
memorable solo performances,
and this year Anne (Y12) showed
enormously impressive musicianship
in an elegant, expressive account
of a Vivaldi Concerto with the
Chamber Orchestra, directed with
consummate artistry as ever by
Charlotte Forsey. Alice (Y13) put the
seal on many years of outstanding
contribution as a singer with a
classy, colourful performance of
the Habanera from Carmen. And
Tanya (Y13) took on the enormous
challenge of the first movement of
Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor,
Ta n ya, Y12, performs the first movement of Grieg’s Piano
Concerto in A minor at her final Autumn Concert. Tanya
plans to study medicine.
performing with tremendous flair and
authority. These three were only the
most prominent of several individuals
who distinguished themselves with
stylish, well-projected solo lines during
the course of the concert. I thank
and congratulate them all.
The second half of the concert saw
polished and assured playing from
Sinfonia, our junior training orchestra,
poised performances from Chorale
of Like a mighty stream and Lean on
me, and a vivacious account of Flores’
Obsesión, from Salsera, a group that
had only recently re-commenced
rehearsals with Tom Marsden on
his return from Paternity Leave
having become a father to twin girls
in August. There were also two
world premières of septets newly
commissioned by the school from
Derek Bourgeois and performed by
music scholars in unusual instrumental
combinations; we believe that we
have probably seen the creation
of the first ever chamber work for
piano, string quartet, clarinet and
treble recorder!
It is with enormous pride that I
reflect on another
outstanding
Autumn Concert,
one that spoke
volumes for the
skill, dedication and
enthusiasm of the
young musicians in
this school, and of
their teachers.•
08 INSIDEOUT | Autumn / Winter 2012 / 2013 Autumn / Winter 2012 / 2013 | INSIDEOUT 09

Testing the waters
Over the summer, Sixth Formers embarked on work experience programmes,
internships and programmes of study at universities across the globe.
As one pupil said “sometimes work experience is about finding out what you don’t
want to do” as well as providing specific skills, insight into the workplace, contacts, a
taste of independence and an opportunity to experience activities which are entirely
different from school. Here, a few girls recall the highlights of their summer experiences.
Alexandra A
Company: Maine Teen Camp
Role: Leadership Trainee
How did you spend your day?
As part of a team of 10 teenagers,
I spent an amazing two months
acting as a role model camper to the
younger campers, as well as assisting
in teaching activities from waterskiing
to music classes. In the second month,
we each got to teach our own unique
classes, which we balanced with 60
hours of community service (working
in the camp store, helping out at the
local farm, regenerating one of the
areas at camp), as well as organising
evening activities and taking part in a
one-hour leadership class every day.
What was the most valuable
thing you learned?
I was one of the lucky ones to
be accepted. It was one of the best
experiences I’ve had and I took away
so much from it ranging from learning
new skills to becoming more than
confident to lead a large group of
kids/teenagers.
10 INSIDEOUT | Autumn / Winter 2012 / 2013
Leenoy N
University: Technion
University
Role: One month researching
‘High Altitude Manned Space
Launch’ in the Faculty of
Aerospace Engineering.
What was the goal of your
project?
The goal of my project was to
send a spacecraft to the International
Space Station by developing its
specifications and those of a carrier
aircraft. At the end of the month,
a conclusive paper, a poster and a
presentation were produced, in which
my group achieved first place for the
presentation given.
What was the most valuable
thing you learned?
Studying at the Technion was
an unbelievable and rewarding
experience - to have been given a
taste of what academic life is like at
university level and how research is
conducted is invaluable.
Leenoy, Y13
On a social aspect, the month
spent at Technion, living on campus
like any regular student, provided me
with the opportunity to socialise with
other teens from all over the world,
many of which I am still in contact
with.
Charlotte D
Company: Asset Management
Firm – Monaco Asset
Management
Role: Trainee
How did you spend your day?
I spent time with all staff from
receptionists, to software experts
to the legal department. I spent lots
of time with traders. I was taught
how to use all the software for
doing trades and managing clients’
portfolios.
Most interesting or surprising
aspect?
I made my own portfolio, choosing
all the shares and commodities. I
made 8,000 Euros on the first day
but sadly it was only theoretical
money.
What was the most valuable
thing you learned?
I learnt how portfolios work,
how economics is used and how
economic factors relate to the trading
and what is bought and sold. Monaco
was also a very fun place to be.
Cha rlotte, Y13, at the Yale Graduation Dinner
Charlotte H
University: Yale University
Role: Studies in Grand Strategy – a
prestigious two-week programme
condensing the year-long Grand
Strategy programme at Yale. The
programme was started to encourage
good students from abroad to apply,
as well as promoting the importance
of an international perspective.
Most interesting or surprising
aspect?
We were tasked with presenting
a Marshall brief – the future of the
EU from the perspective of Germany.
We were looking at solutions to the
financial crisis. We worked together
as a group of 5 to produce a 15 page
SHHS GAP students have taken on a variety
of internships this year, including work at Anya
Hindmarch, Universal Music, Condé Nast
publications and HSBC.
policy document and a presentation
to economists.
What was the most valuable
thing you learned?
It was an incredible experience and
completely different from any other
experience so far in my life. We had
amazing professors and lectures. It
was so impressive and it has made
me unafraid of taking on new things
and more accepting of challenges. •
Autumn / Winter 2012 / 2013 | INSIDEOUT 11

Charity Update
What do jeans, knitted hats and hairy men all have in common?
They’ve all raised money for charity at SHHS this term!
Movemember – where the
moustache is king
Rub y, Y7
This November, an SHHS
team of ‘mo bros’
abandoned their razors and
grew moustaches to raise money
and awareness for men’s health
issues.
The Big Knit
SHHS took part in the Big Knit
for a second year, supporting
Age UK by busily knitting
woolly hats for the Innocent
Smoothie campaign.
All in all, the girls knitted over 180
hats. Individual prizes were awarded
to Ella (Y7) for ‘Most Prolific Knitter’
and Sascha (Y7) for ‘Best Hat’.
Boddington topped the chart for
house points, earning 115, followed
by Potter with 70, Walker with 40 and
Benton with 36 points.
Mrs Seoboda - Charity
co-ordinator
SHHS girls showed their support
with a ‘manly’ non-uniform day –
wearing anything from shirt and tie to,
you guessed it, a moustache!
“Discussing women’s health issues
make sense for an all-girl school but
Keep an
eye out for
the behatted
smoothies in
Sainsburys this
season. For each
one sold, 25p is
donated to Age
UK. And you
never know, your
smoothie could
be wearing a
SHHS hat! •
SHHS Hats for Innocent Smoothies
Cameron, Ma rtha, Ca ra, Sa ra, Sadie,
Tallulah, Gaia, - Y8
the students started asking about
brothers, fathers and grandfathers,”
explained Mrs Svoboda, SHHS
Charity Co-ordinator. “By taking part
in Movember we have raised money
for this fantastic cause and awareness
of these cancers amongst the male
members of our school community.
Perhaps more importantly, by actively
discussing men’s health issues our
girls will feel better prepared to help
support the men in their lives both
now and in the future”.
In addition to many fine
moustaches, SHHS raised money
for the charity. •
Jeans for Genes
Jeans for Genes Day brought
an air of excitement to the
Junior School. Throughout
the first week of October all of the
girls had an assembly and lesson
based on the theme of genetic
disorders. The week culminated
in all of the girls and the staff
wearing their denim jeans or
skirts, but ultimately it ended with
the school community knowing
more about the charity and the
worthwhile cause.
The younger pupils enjoyed an
assembly at the start of the week to
highlight the reason for participating
in the fundraising day, raise awareness
and build on their understanding.
This included a question and answer
session covering several points
ranging from what genetic actually
means, who is and how many are
affected by such disorders in the
UK and how SHHS’s participation
in the day could help those children
and support their families. Most girls
In July 2012, over 30 Year 8
and year 9 girls headed to
Romania for a two-week
World Challenge expedition. Two
SHHS teams took part in the
challenge which included a six-day,
10K trek in the Suhard and Borgo
Mountains; hands-on support on a
project within the local community
– one group helped a local school,
the other a hospice; and, some
well-deserved rest and relaxation.
Each girl was responsible for
fundraising £1,400 to finance
the trip. Girls were creative and
enthusiastic – they washed cars,
Christina and Sa rah, Y4
went away that morning knowing
that 1 in 25 children are affected by a
genetic disorder and that over 30,000
children are born with a genetic
disorder every year.
The girls all responded very well
to learning about the reasons behind
Jeans for Genes Day, exhibiting
great interest and curiosity. They
were thoughtful when seeing how
others can be affected, reflective on
how some children’s lives are very
different to theirs and generous with
their charitable donations. They were
delighted to know by lunchtime on
the 5 October that just by wearing
their jeans, the total raised was just
over £500. - Lucy Szemerenyi, JS
Deputy Head. •
World Challenge in Romania
packed bags at the local Sainsbury’s
store, baby sat and sold food. One
group made and sold a range of toy
owls, cushions and bags that were so
successful they considered starting
a business!
All of the hard work was worth
it. Looking back, Izzy and Molly (Y9)
said, “The fundraising was tiring and
stressful, but the trip wouldn’t have
been as enjoyable if we had not paid
for it ourselves.”
The girls fondly remember the
experience – the ants; the heat; the
stunning views and scenery; the trek
(while carrying backpacks, tents,
‘They were born like that and
we bring in money to help them
get well.’ - Freya, Reception
‘People are born with genetic
disorders, which can make it
hard to live, but we are lucky so I
brought £1 and wore my jeans to
help.’ - Millie, Year 1
‘I feel sad because the children
can get bullied and it isn’t a nice
feeling. They are all the same
as us, just a little different.’
- Sarah, Year 4
‘All the money went to help
children with disabilities. I learnt
a lot about genetic disorders and
disabilities, including brittle bone
disease and other types.’
- Christina, Year 4
food and equipment); helping injured
campmates; organising the annual ‘fun
run’ for Hospice Casa Sperantei (in
which our very own Mr Waygood
took part!); white water rafting; and,
learning Hakka.
“We will remember this trip for
our entire lives,” said Izzy and Molly .
“We are so grateful to the school
and World Challenge for making it
happen, especially to our teachers
Mr Waygood, Ms Sweeney
Miss Stockdale and Mr Morley.
Thank you very much!”•
12 INSIDEOUT | Autumn / Winter 2012 / 2013 Autumn / Winter 2012 / 2013 | INSIDEOUT 13

Snapshots of Autumn / Winter 2012
House competitions kick-off with a knockout
Competition for this year’s
coveted House Cup began
in October with an SHHS
version of ‘It’s a Knockout’.
Described by one pupil as “the
best House event ever,” girls worked
in teams to complete a series of
Laura Y10
challenges on an inflatable obstacle
course with the quickest time.
Running commentary was provided
by Mr Blake from the balcony of
the clubhouse, as girls scaled walls,
hurdled barriers and slid down slides.
Walker won the competition with 30
points, followed by Boddington with
20, Potter with 15 and Benton with
10 points. House Cup competitions
continue with the annual series
events, including music, drama, debate,
knitting and a spelling bee.•
World’s largest practical science lesson
Saira, Ka tya, Jessica and Alice Y6
On 13 November, over150
Year 6 and Year 7 pupils
took part in a World
Record attempt for the ‘largest
simultaneous science
lesson in multiple
venues’.
The Sports Hall
was transformed into
a science lab where
our young SHHS
scientists took part in
two experiments to
measure the strength of
the earth’s gravitational
field, simultaneously
with over 2,000 pupils across the
GDST network.
The event, which celebrated
Women in Science as part of the
GDST 140th birthday celebrations,
was organised by Dr Everall, SHHS
Head of Science. Headmistress,
Mrs Stephen thanked Dr Everall,
saying, “The event would never have
happened without him. His previous
experience is such an asset for
our school, both in and out of the
classroom, and for the wider GDST.”
The results have been passed to
the Guinness Book of World Records
for verification and an announcement
is expected in the new year. •
The Big Dig
This term, Year 3 have been
working on their crosscurricular
topic The Big
Dig. Over the course of the term
the girls have enjoyed looking
at and learning about fossils and
dinosaurs, the rock cycle, volcanoes,
earthquakes and extinction, as well
as springs and magnets. The topic
combines a number of subjects
John McCain on American politics
By the Year 12 Politics Group
Politics students at SHHS
were all avidly following the
closely fought American
Presidential election, when an
invitation arrived from the American
School in London to hear John
McCain speak. We accepted the
invitation enthusiastically, hoping
for some interesting political
perspectives from the former
presidential candidate for the
Republican Party.
McCain did not disappoint. He is a
far more engaging speaker in person
than he often appears to be on the
television and he really managed
to capture everyone’s attention,
although we did not all agree with all
Year 3 girls show their projects
including English, Science, Geography
and History and culminates in the
girls writing their own independent
his views. McCain’s speech focused
on foreign policy, and in particular on
how America should be responding
to the uprisings in North Africa and
the Middle East. He argued strongly
project, drawing in the skills and
knowledge they have learnt over
the term. •
for the arming of the rebels in
Syria, and for America to make
a more concerted effort to
help the Israeli and Palestinians
negotiate a permanent peace
settlement.
Our only disappointment was
that none of us was chosen to
ask him a question - we were
keen to enquire what he really
thought of Sarah Palin! Despite
this disappointment, we left in
high spirits feeling that our knowledge
and understanding of American
politics had really been enhanced by
our experience.•
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In and out
A snapshot of visits and visitors from September - December 2012
Sarah Jones, Barrister, Y10
Pinky Lilani, Food Guru – Sixth Form
Speaker Series
Professor John Took, Professor of Dante
Studies, Sixth Form Speaker Series
Modern Languages Week, SS
Parent and daughter tennis tournament,
Cumberland Club, SS
Sep
In Out
Frances Leviston, Poet in Residence, SS
It’s a Knockout Competition, SS
Dr Nick Southgate, Y10
Physiotherapy Talk, Y4
David Baker, Y11
World Record Attempt - ‘Biggest simultaneous
physics experiment in multiple venues’, Y6-Y7
Emma Wilkins, Talk on female
scientist, Margaret Cavendish, SS
Jonathan Charles, Foreign Correspondent,
Sixth Form Speaker Series
Seasonal Celebration Performance, Reception - Y2
Music Scholars Masterclass, Music Scholars
Nurture Week, SS
Pensioners tea party - Henderson, Compton and
Spring Grove Care Homes, Y11
Professor A C Grayling, Sixth Form Speaker Series
String project concert, JS
Oct
Dec
‘Julius Caesar’, Noel Coward Theatre, Y10
Suntrap Centre, Y3
New Forest, Y7
Amersham, Y12 Biology
Kew Bridge Steam Museum, Y6
Peak District, Silver D of E, Y11
Royal Society, Mathematics Lecture, Y12-Y13
Battlefields Expedition, Belgium, Y10
Natural History Museum, Y4
‘Tartuffe’, Highgate Gatehouse, Y11-13
‘Brahms and Szymanowski’, Barbican Hall, Music Scholars
China Expedition, Y12-Y13
Iceland Expedition, Y11
‘Berenice’, Donmar Warehouse, Y11-13
‘Schoenberg, Hartmann and Strauss’,
Barbican Hall, Music Scholars
‘Desire Under the Elms’, Lyric Theatre
(Hammersmith), Y10
Autumn Concert - St Johns Church,
Smith Square, Westminster, SS
Economics visit Regus City Point, Y12-Y13
‘The Changeling’, Young Vic Theatre, Y13
Politics Conference, Westminster, Y12 Politics
British Museum, Y5
Hazard Alley, Y4
Carol service - St Johns Church, SS
RIBA, Portland Place, Y13 Psychology
Dates for your diary 2013
Nov
A few upcoming events in 2013 that you won’t want to miss
14 February SHHS Junior School vs Hall School - Quiz - JS
Spring half-term Italy, Ski Trip - Y8-Y9
8 March CERN, Switzerland - Y12-13 Physicists
20-21 March Gym and Dance Show - Whole School
23 May SS Sports Awards Evening - SS
October half-term was busy with two trips to Iceland and a trip China.
Passports please!
We started our trip in
Shanghai, this amazing
modern side of China
with its stunning new buildings and
busy river front along the Huang Po.
We saw the contrast between the
early twentieth century buildings
put up by the foreign powers which
created Shanghai (thanks to the
opium, silk and tea trade) and the
creation of the Pu Dong district
which has only appeared in the last
ten years. In many ways Shanghai is
a façade, a wealthy, booming city, yet
70% of Chinese still live in poverty
in the countryside.
We flew to Beijing, to a very
wet visit to the Forbidden City, but
after that, the pollution was washed
away and we had two glorious days
climbing the Great Wall and walking
through the remaining Hutongs of
Enriched by Mrs Coates personal understanding and
experience gained from living in Beijing, a six-day excursion to
China provided Sixth Formers with an essential insight into the
study of modern China, as well as Economics and Geography.
Six days in China by Mrs J Coates, History Teacher
Amy, Rebecca R, Rebecca M, Ha yley
and Zoe - Y13
Beijing, soon to
be knocked down
in the name of
development.
Highlights of the
trip also included
visits to two
schools and to
Beijing Normal
University where
we found the
students more
open than two
years ago. Our
SHHS students
were shocked
by the amounts
of homework
given to the
students. An 18
hour day seemed
to be for many of them, but the
competition to get into the top
universities struck a chord with
some of our students too.
China is a strange mixture of
rapid development under a one
party so-called socialist state, yet
the ordinary people still have
to pay for their healthcare and
for their education. We were
amused at the comment by a
Party member, the representative
of the local women’s group who
Great Wall of China
answered our questions very
honestly. When asked what she
thought of us, we expected a
negative answer, but instead she
said she admired our independent
spirit, so much so that she had
sent her own daughter to France
to be educated. This whole trip
represented an unbelievable
contrast to the China I left
in 1992.•
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