CHRONICLE - "This is an extraordinary school where ambition is high, where pastoral care is exceptional and where learning is a lot of fun." ...
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CHRONICLE
2019/2020
“This is an extraordinary school where ambition is
high, where pastoral care is exceptional and where
learning is a lot of fun.” – Kathryn Gorman, Head”
Contents
Abbot’s Hill Update
1 Welcome
2 Whole School News and Events
5 Abbot’s Hill Parents Association
6 Charities & Partnerships
7 GCSE Results
8 COVID-19 Lockdown Education
Magazine Team 2019-2020
Senior School
11 News and Events
14 Trips
15 Senior School Office Bearers
16 Prizewinners 2020
18 Performing Arts
22 Sports Reports
24 Creative Writing
26 Art Gallery
Prep School
29 News and Events
Editor: Anna McCarthy
32 Trips
E d i t o r i a l Te a m :
34 Sports Round Up
Amelia Humphrey
36 Creative Writing & Art Gallery
Carmen Jay
38 Prep School Office Bearers
Chloe Matthews
Kaya Patel
Nursery School
Nicole Rodway
40 Nursery News
Rachel Gibney
Rachael Ginn
AHS Updates
Scarlett Clegg
42 Staff News/Grounds Facilities
Sophie Kyriacou
43 Staff Interviews
Sophie Russell-Smith
44 AHOGA
Sophie Thomson
Welcome Dear Abbot’s Hill Community, I am delighted to be sharing a special Chronicle magazine with you, created to mark a year full of challenges and triumphs. Our wonderful school has risen this year to receive an ISI ‘Excellent’ rating in all areas, to deliver a superb remote education programme ‘Abbot’s Hill ConnectED’ and to continue to sustain our community: nothing has been more important in these unprecedented times. From the youngest nursery children to our almost grown young women, each area of the school has stayed connected. Teachers have sustained learning via the G-Suite, SeeSaw and Tapestry. Practical subjects such as Science, Music, Drama, PE and Food and Nutrition continued unabated. Professional development and digital innovation accelerated. Co-curricular activities, assemblies and significant school events have been delivered almost without interruption. We also took advantage of the time gained from the cancellation of external exams to organise a rigorous pre-Sixth Form bridging course for our Year 11 pupils. Devised by our Head of Careers, Liz Cross, the InspirED programme proved to be excellent preparation for the transition to 6th Form and College life. In June when we invited pupils back into classrooms, I was impressed once more by the determination of the staff to create a safe and healthy learning environment for our pupils. As with every other school, the looming threat of a Covid-19 shutdown meant that we had to be ready, poised to pivot and flip the switch on remote learning once more. I think, perhaps, this may have been a highlight of the year for me. The way the school has come together - fired by those core values of integrity, compassion and collaboration. The emotional intelligence of this school is high. Alongside other skills that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront, skills such as active learning, creativity, complex problem-solving and systems analysis, emotional intelligence, kindness and leadership are defined by the World Economic Forum (January 2020) as vital future skills. Abbot’s Hill is leading the way in building a community rich with these characteristics. Our school spirit - the founding values of the Baird sisters of strength and character - which perhaps nowadays we call resilience or maybe tenacity - are alive and well. So, while this has been a year of firsts, it has brought us full circle back to our purpose. Our guiding principle was to ensure that everyone felt a part of the School community during these unprecedented times. As you read the pages of this Chronicle, please think of all the hard work, passion and creativity that continues to go into each day of teaching and learning. We are ever grateful for our staff and eternally proud of our pupils across all year groups. We look forward to the next decade of wonder and excitement. The changes set this year will no doubt affect our lives going forward. As part of our Academic Scholarship process this year, girls were invited to present on the topic ‘What are the greatest challenges facing our generation’. Passionate young people delivered - via Zoom - their treatises for those who will inherit a post-Covid world. Far more globally minded, far more aware of the needs of those less fortunate than themselves, more open-minded, more aware than previous generations of the very real and present dangers facing their planet, these young women are testament to Abbot’s Hill. The future is bright indeed. I look forward to engaging with our alumnae community in 2021. We are keen to build on and expand our network. I have much to learn from you and look forward to making your acquaintance. Kathryn Gorman, Head 1
Whole School News and
Young Artist of the
Year Award 2020
The Artist of the Year awards took place online this year.
The theme was ‘Living Creatures’ and the GCSE girls
also had to combine the theme with their current Project
on ‘Structures’. We had more entries than ever as the
girls got creative at home and the art department was so
impressed with the quality and variety of the work. We
would like to congratulate all the girls who entered and
thank everyone who took the time to vote.
Martha B Year 6
Lottie I Year 3
Gabby C Year 7 Kara K Year 9
2 Abbot’s Hill Update
d Events
WINNERS
Well done to all the girls who took part and
special congratulations to the winning artists!
Prep School
Years 3 & 4
1st Lottie I, Year 3
2nd Mia D, Year 4
3rd Anne Marie I, Year 3
Years 5 & 6
1st Martha B, Year 6
2nd Imogen C, Year 6
3rd Megan C, Year 6
Senior School
Years 7 & 8
1st Gabby C, Year 7
2nd Poppy B, Year 7
3rd Sophie D, Year 7
Years 9 & 10
1st Kara K, Year 9
2nd Mae S, Year 10
3rd Yasmina Z, Year 10
Years 6-9 Solo
Music Recitals
Where would you hear the clarinet, flute, violin, bassoon, trumpet, piano,
cello, voice and trombone played in one night? Only at Abbot’s Hill could
this be possible. At the concert, parents and pupils were delighted by the
excellent and expressive music they heard throughout the night, every
performance was unique. A lot of preparation went into each piece; a
concert like this motivates every pupil (including my peers and I) to work
hard. It also develops life skills such as confidence in every pupil who
performs, based in the informal and intimate setting of St Nicholas’s Hall.
The concert demonstrates great progress during the past year. Mr Harrison
and Mrs Thomas gave warm and insightful speeches about the concert,
such as how much they enjoyed the music performed every year, that there
was more variety than ever before and that standards were
becoming higher. Mrs Thomas was emotional as this was the last Year 6-9
recital she would attend. Many thanks to Mr Harrison and Mrs McAdam for
giving us the opportunity to perform, and to Freya (Y11) for a very nice
introduction. All the girls who played should be delighted with themselves.
By Rachel Gibney
3
Whole School News
and Events
Remembrance Day Carol Service
On November 11 2019, the whole school gathered in the In late December, nearing the end of the school term, the
sports hall to commemorate those who fought for our school embarked on the annual visit to St Albans Abbey
country. We started the service with a prayer from to perform and take part in the Carol Service.
Reverend Caroline Wainman followed by our starting The evening was a great celebration of many pupils’
hymm, ‘Beauty For Brokenness’. We then had a Bible musical talents and also provided an opportunity for
reading from the Head Girl. This was followed by Year 6 everyone to participate in and share in the Christmas
beautifully singing ‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables’. After spirit. We all enjoyed the pieces performed by the
the heartfelt song we all stood for the Act of Remembrance various school choirs, such as St Nick’s Singers,
by Mrs Stephen, the Head of Prep, and Molly Batizovzsky Songbirds, Years 8 & 9 Choir, Years 10 & 11 Choir and
and Avia Akinrinmade, the Prep Head Girls. We then this year’s GSCE Group.
stayed standing for our two minutes of silence that started
with ‘The Last Post’ which was beautifully played by The Carol Service was a much enjoyed event and one of
Hannah Macklin. the highlights of Christmas. We are so grateful for all the
parents and families that came to watch and support us
We sat to say The Lord’s prayer altogether. The throughout the evening. The service would also not have
Headmistress, Mrs Thomas, read ‘Our Pledge’ as it was been possible without our incredible Music Department,
her last Remembrance Service at the school. Year 2 then especially Mrs McAdam and Mr Harrison whose efforts
presented to the rest of the school and the parents, the in perfecting each element made the whole day possible.
beautiful poppies that they made to show respect. There We are also grateful to the Drama Department for
was a beautiful performance of ‘A Gaelic Blessing’ by the organising the readings and working alongside the girls to
Chamber Choir. Reverend Caroline Wainman concluded help them reach their potential. Overall the Abbey was a
the service by reading the’ ‘Final Blessing’. wonderful experience which we thoroughly enjoyed, and
was a lovely way to ‘kick off’ the Christmas season and
By Sophie Kyriacou unite us as a school producing such a beautiful service.
By Carmen Jay and Scarlett Clegg
44 Abbot’s Hill Update
AHSPA
Fireworks Night
The night was a blast. There were colours filling the sky. Red, blue, orange, purple and more. The bangs echoed
throughout the school bringing a thrill to everyone who heard them.
Even though it was cold and raining there was a delicious chilli and sweet hot chocolate to raise the spirits.
Everyone enjoyed the night. On behalf of everyone thank you to the Parents’ Association for a wonderful evening.
This would not be possible without them.
I spoke to Annette Jones, Chairperson for AHSPA and asked her:
How stressful is it organising the night?
It’s getting less stressful every year because we’re getting more and more used to what we’re doing, but it is quite
stressful. At the last minute when we’re looking for volunteers to help it can be really stressful.
How long does it take to organise?
We start organising the next event as soon as the last one is over. We conduct a review on what went well, what didn’t
go so well, etc. and book the fireworks. Then we leave that until September.
What’s your favourite thing about the evening?
The actual fireworks. The really loud bangs and the ones that are really high in the sky. But I also really like the press the
button thing. I really like that as well and the fact that someone gets the chance to start the fireworks and how fun it is.
By Nicole Roday
Cooking for the NHS
Girls and parents from Nursery to Year 11 helped to provide vital
support to our local community during the world wide pandemic in
2020. Special thanks go to the families of Georgie and Bonnie from
Nursery, Devina from Year 2, Maisie from Year 8, Cordelia, Cerys &
Charlotte from Year 9 and Emily from Year 11. Also thanks to the
family of Scarlett in Year 9 who donated 15 bags of food including
12 kg of pasta to use as ingredients and to contribute to feeding the
homeless via New Hope Trust. Every Thursday I drove round
collecting meals and sweet treats from the volunteers. It was lovely to
see their happy smiling faces each week and look at what they had
cooked. We also had donations of clothing for the homeless and for
women’s refuge in Watford. Over the 8 weeks we donated 1035 meals,
cakes and snacks!
Annette Jones
AHSPA Chair
55
Charities & Partnerships
Come and Sing
On Tuesday 15 October, Abbot’s Hill hosted 90 Year 5 and
6 children from two local primary schools.
They came to our ‘Come and Sing’ event and were joined
by our Year 6 girls for the day.
They enjoyed a carousel of activities in Drama, Dance,
Food Technology, Music and Art. Thankfully, the rain held
off so the pupils were able to experience the full range of
activities around our grounds.
They went home with a decorated box of sea shaped
sandwiches and wraps, oil pastel sea shell pictures and
with memories of a good day, as well as a Come and Sing
t-shirt!
Children in Need
On Friday 15 November, the Charity Committee in the
Prep School organised a mufti day for Children in Need.
They invited every pupil to wear bright outfits in a range of
colours and to make a contribution towards the Children in
Need fundraising effort. The Charity Committee set each
class a challenge of producing a symbol of kindness in their
classrooms using their donation coins. Well done to the
Prep pupils for raising £412.00!
In the Senior School, Year 8 held a cake sale which was
supported by the other year groups. There were some
fantastic cakes made by Year 8, including lots of Pudsey
themed treats! A wonderful total of £219.00 was raised by
this for Children in Need.
Plan UK Sponsored Walk
On Friday 20 March, pupils in Stepping Up and the Prep
School took part in a World Wide Walk. It was in aid of Plan
International UK; a children’s charity which aims to promote
equality and rights for girls all over the world. This is mostly
in areas where girls do not necessarily have the right to
education or are forced into bad work environments which
cause poverty.
The ‘World Wide Walk’ provides an opportunity to help
girls living in the world’s poorest communities build a better
future.
Thankfully, the weather was good and we all enjoyed the
exercise and fresh air whilst raising money for an extremely
important cause!
6 Abbot’s Hill Update
GCSE RESULTS
Abbot’s Hill girls achieved:
– A 100% pass rate with 99.7% of grades at 9-4
– 59.6% of all grades at Abbot’s Hill were at the top grades of 9-7
Congratulations to all our Year 11 pupils
Abbot’s Hill Year 11 pupils deserve to be congratulated for an
excellent set of GCSE results this year.
The turmoil and uncertainty caused by the events of 2020 will
live long in the memory of our Year 11 pupils. Despite all the
uncertainty, they leave us with pride – with over 90% of pupils
securing their first choice 6th Form destination. In total 59.6%
of grades were awarded a level 7-9. There are some
outstanding individual success stories and 36% of this
remarkable cohort achieved a level 7 or above in 8 or more
subjects. A fifth of the cohort achieved 7-9s in all their GCSE
subjects while two pupils achieved level 9s in 10 GCSEs. A
remarkable achievement.
How were the results determined?
Much will be written and said about the national GCSE figures
this year. At Abbot’s Hill we are confident that our grading was
fair and honest. The schools’ academic team was meticulous
in preparing CAGs and followed Ofqual’s advice precisely.
We duly submitted our assessment of the pupils earlier this
summer in lieu of the cancelled examinations. Further to the
Ofqual announcement on Monday 17 August, GCSE pupils
have received grades awarded based on this centre assessed
performance (or the adjusted result calculated by the exam
board – whichever is the higher grade).
Kathryn Gorman, Head, said, ‘Throughout lockdown and into their final term, we have been impressed by the hard work and determination of
this year 11 cohort. Their GCSE results are a measure of this determination, not through exams but through the monitoring of their progress
over their senior school career. What we must recognise is that each pupil supported the decision to stay at home and save lives during the
lockdown period. And our school community is grateful for their forbearance.
We are thrilled that so many girls have been rewarded with impressive results that will enable them to progress in their education at a range of
leading Sixth Forms and Colleges which have offered them places. We wish them all the very best for their future studies.
As an academically inclusive school, we are able to watch our pupils grow and develop into high performers, at a pace that is right for them.’
7
COVID 19
Schools reacted in a multitude of ways to the registration, tutors and class teachers provided small
ever-changing demands of the Covid-19 pandemic. At group support each week to ensure that the pupils had
Abbot’s Hill, we reflect on the highly effective way we individual and personalised support along the way. In
became a digital school almost overnight and maintained addition, we also provided tailored learning and emotional
academic and pastoral excellence during lockdown. support for those most affected.
At Abbot’s Hill, we thought our great excitement of the year We re-wrote timetables from scratch and gave families
would be our ‘Excellent’ ISI report, which praised our high something very important – time together that would
standards throughout all areas of school life. However, usually have been spent commuting or dashing to some
like the rest of the country’s schools, only weeks later, we club or activity. We were determined to find the silver
were forced to navigate complete closure. This required linings in The Great Pause. As the term progressed, we
us to create and design a remote learning curriculum and solicited frequent feedback from pupils, staff and parents.
pastoral programme from scratch, train pupils and staff With this feedback we were able to adapt our initial plans.
to master online interaction, and utilise Google Meet and Live lessons remained a priority as did the need to provide
Google Classroom to sustain the day-to-day life of our enriching and challenging extension tasks, clubs and as
community. much ‘normal’ school life as possible. It was important that
we regularly reviewed our programme to keep pupils and
We were fortunate to be able to follow in the footsteps staff motivated and engaged.
of schools overseas who were at the front line of the
response to Covid-19 and we will be forever grateful to We were able to loan out iPads and Chromebooks so that
colleagues at the Kellett School in Hong Kong and Harrow each pupil was able to have their own device at home.
Prep, Bangkok alongside others in Italy and elsewhere Our amazing IT department worked tirelessly supporting
from whom we learnt so much. Nevertheless, nothing everyone with device issues, technical support and also
quite prepares you when faced with those challenges at provided training and guides to ensure that the very best
such short notice! could be delivered to our pupils.
Just before closure we were able to hold training sessions The year has been challenging for all involved on so many
for staff to ensure that the Google suite was fully different levels: emotionally, financially, personally but we
accessible to all Years 3–11 pupils and the superb have been proud of the way we have come together. It
SeeSaw app was understood by our Reception –Year 2 hasn’t been a smooth ride but we have grown as a
pupils and parents. Tapestry continued to work well for community, pulled together and supported each other.
Nursery parents and enabled live story time, arts and The power of positivity and perseverance: that’s how we
crafts and other fun activities to be shared with families. want to remember Lockdown. There are more challenges
Remote learning was going to be tough and we were and changes to come, for that we are sure but we feel
determined to ensure that all pupils were engaged, ready to face them head on.
motivated and challenged and that staff had the resources
to provide stimulating lessons – all of this whilst pupils, We invite your nursery children and daughters to grow,
parents and staff managed their work from home change and flourish with us.
alongside suddenly becoming teachers and navigating the
various other challenges that being in Lockdown brought.
Our plan was to begin every day with live pastoral
sessions from tutor groups to assemblies. In Prep, we also
had live pastoral sessions at the end of the day: a kind of
virtual circle time, if you will. Pupils’ days were therefore
framed with human interaction – something that became
so essential as the term went on. Staff and pupils missed
each other, missed the human contact and the
spontaneity of conversation that had been taken for
granted. In addition to whole class meetings for
8 Abbot’s Hill UpdateLife in Lockdown
Community Spirit at Erin P, Year 7 and her family are with her Grandmother in
a village. The family painted massages and pictures onto
Abbot’s Hill pebbles. When they went for their walks in the village they
left the pebbles. Other people downloaded an app of the
Below is a list of the many acts of kindness shown by staff, village with suggested walks to find the pebbles.
pupils and parents during these unprecedented times:
Parents were involved in local food banks.
Zoë B, Year 9 Bedding donations which are being made
into scrubs bags. Miss Stevens packed food parcels for the Chesham
Community Fridge and supported two people with mental
The NHS sign was painted onto the front lawn by the health issues via phone.
Grounds Team
Many supported family via FaceTime.
Abbot’s Hill’s Parents’ Association prepared and
delivered meals for NHS workers through the ‘You donate… Pupils, staff and their families ‘clapped for carers’ on
we deliver’ scheme. The Catering Department donated Thursdays and painted rainbows to decorate and show
stock from the food cupboards to help with this. support for the NHS.
A delivery of gloves, aprons, sanitising wipes and hand Senior girls created various Community quizzes to help lift
sanitising liquid was taken to Hertfordshire division of the everyone’s spirits.
Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust.
Pira C, Year 11 helped Miss Impett and Miss Earley
Year 4 sent cards to NHS workers. to send out 800 cards and sunflower seeds to the whole
community.
Mrs Rance made masks and sold them and has donated What a fantastic community we have at Abbot’s Hill!
£270 to Dacorum Foodbank.
Mrs Cutler made scrubs for doctors and nurses and also
masks to sell.
Ms Blanton packed food boxes for shielders as part of
‘Operation Shield’ for vunerable families in Herts.
Megan C, Year 6 donated material and buttons to
Cosmos Doggy Daycare who made headbands for NHS
staff. Instead of visiting residents with Cosmo for dog
therapy, Megan and her mum called residents to chat with
them.
Issy T, Year 6 and her family left a box outside their house
for people to donate hand creams. They then used the
hand creams to put in bags along with other items such as
sponges and food and then donated them to NHS workers.
Mairi L and Isabel D, Year 7 and their mums have sewn
small palm sized material hearts. They would sew two
identical ones, if a patient went into hospital one heart was
given to them to hold, and the other identical one is given to
the family.
9SENIOR SCHOOL
“Pupils are responsible, confident and have a
highly developed sense of self...
they display self-confidence without arrogance.”
ISI Report 2020
10News & Events
Commemoration Day The most entertaining element of Commemoration this year
was Miss Cross adopting the character of Mystic Meg with
The Music Department worked very hard as we came to her crystal ball, in order to provide us all with a very
the end of online schooling in the summer term. With an entertaining and witty review of how events had panned out
enormous amount of help from Abbot’s Hill’s fantastic IT in 2020. The teachers had all recorded comments about how
department, a video was put together of the whole Senior lockdown had affected us. We never expected life to turn out
School made into a choir. Both teachers and pupils sent in the way it did but at least we could smile as we celebrated
recordings of themselves singing along to the backing track our Year 11 girls and said goodbye to them, reminding them
of ‘Sing’ by Gary Barlow. This incredible video was shown of how important they were and how much they would be
at the wonderful virtual Commemoration Day. missed.
This year, of course, the Commemoration day event was
virtual. All the presentations were announced in the course
of the pre-recorded film set against the backdrop of the
school. It was sad that we were not able to see the Year
11 girls pass across the stage and become Abbot’s Hill Old
Girls, but we were still able to celebrate their achievements
during their time at the school.
BBC Young Reporter
On Friday 13 March, a group of Year 9 pupils took part in
the annual BBC Young Reporter day. As always, the day
was a great success!
The BBC runs this event annually to encourage more
teenagers to get involved in the news and television
industry. It is a UK-wide scheme aimed at pupils aged
11-18. The reports are accessible to people worldwide.
To take part in BBC Young Reporter, Abbot’s Hill pupils had
to submit a letter of application to Mrs Ahmad, Head of
Media Studies, outlining their preferred role on the team
and explaining why they would be a suitable candidate
for their chosen position. The roles included presenters,
reporters, journalists, camera-women, sub-editors and an
overall editor.
All of the pupils work together to create a series of articles
and news reports throughout the day!
Senior School 11News & Events
Last Night
Supper
On Thursday 12th December Last Night Supper took place.
All of the senior pupils and staff enjoyed a Christmas dinner
followed by entertainment. The theme was ‘A night around
the world’; Year 11 decorated the sports hall and each table
represented a different country. The evening started with
the Year 11s walking through the main house accompanied
by a teacher. Then, everyone headed over to the dining
room and enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner prepared
by the amazing catering team. Once everyone had eaten,
staff and pupils made their way to the theatre while year 9
got ready to perform the Year 9 entertainment. The
entertainment featured singing, dancing and comedy
sketches with the theme of David Attenborough and
Blue Planet.
Thank you to the Year 11s for all their hard work creating
such a wonderful evening, the catering staff for setting
everything up and making wonderful meals and to Year 9
for providing the entertainment.
By Chloe Matthews
Year 7 Recycled
Fashion Show
On Friday 15 November, another successful and enjoyable
fashion show themed on ‘Recycling’ was presented to the
Senior School by the Year 7 girls.
Once again, the girls were incredibly imaginative and creative,
managing to make beautiful designs out of a variety of recycled
materials including chocolate wrappers, newspapers, old
curtains, and a favourite one this year – packets of crisps
(empty of course!)
The girls gave the judges a very difficult task and after some
deliberation, they decided on the following prizes:
3rd place – Annabel and India
2nd place – Mia E, Arooj, Mina and Larissa
1st place – Mia L and Anaïs
12News & Events
Christmas Cake
Competition
On Tuesday 10 December, the annual Senior School
Christmas Cake Competition took place. The Christmas
Cake Club and Year 10 GCSE Food and Nutrition pupils
work extremely hard baking and decorating their cakes.
All of the cakes were unique and each presented
professionally. The cakes were judged by pupils and staff
who voted for their favourite entry.
Year 9 Pupils
Recreate a
Suffragette March
Year 9 pupils learned about the suffragette movement
before World War One. They undertook a project where
they chose from a range of different tasks to build their own
learning. One group came up with a very inspiring task – to
recreate a Suffragette march!
Abbot’s Hill School reverberated with chants of “Votes for
Women” and “Deeds, not words” during the morning break.
Luckily the Civil Disobedience of breaking windows was
only recreated with stones made of paper!
Mr Slater, Head of History, was very impressed with the
pupils’ creativity and enthusiasm.
Senior School 13Trips
Year 7 Bletchley Park
On the very snowy morning of Thursday 27 February, Year 7
went on an interactive trip to Bletchley Park. They got to see
some of the original documents and objects used during WW2 to
crack the German codes.
Pupils learned all about Alan Turing and were able to experience
and understand all the different working areas of the
institute – including the well-known Enigma machines, the trans-
port and even the names of the pigeons used to carry messages!
Our girls felt the pressures of having to crack the codes before
midnight in an immersive workshop, where they had to find
hidden messages using Morse codes, Caesar’s shift, pig pen
and many more.
Not only this, they each used a real working Enigma machine
from 1942!
Fun fact: The Enigma machine had over 17000 combinations
that would take over Sextillion seconds to try – this is longer than
the Earth has existed… and they were expected to crack the
codes before midnight each day!
Years 10 and 11 USA Trip
The Years 10 and 11 History and Drama trip to the USA during Half Term was a
huge success! The girls had an unforgettable experience visting New York and
Washington.
The highlights included meeting a Civil Rights Veteran, taking part in a Broadway
acting workshop, visiting the African American Museum, watching Aladdin, visiting
the Vietnam War Memorial, interviewing a Broadway actor and so much more!
14Trips
Year 11 Geography Trip
On Thursday 5 September, the Year 11 GCSE
Geography pupils embarked on a field trip to
Yorkshire.
Before reaching the Cranedale Centre, we visited
Flamborough Head. We began by sketching the
headland and studying the geographical features.
We then wandered down to the sea where we got the
opportunity to clamber through a mini arch. The
highlight was visiting the famous dinosaur stack!
Upon arriving at Cranedale, we had a tour around the
site before dinner. We were particularly pleased with
the 3 course meal after a long day of travelling! The
food was very tasty and the staff were enthusiastic in
making our stay as pleasant as possible.
On Friday, we visited the upper course of the River
Derwent to answer the enquiry question for our
physical geography fieldwork. We went to three
locations along the river and compared variables such
as width, depth, velocity and bedload. We measured
these by wading in the river and using various pieces
of equipment, some of which we had not used before.
In the evening we analysed our data.
On the third day, we headed to the local town of
Malton to answer our enquiry question for the human
geography fieldwork. We did a pedestrian and traffic
count, environment quality indices and building
surveys along a transect. Overall, we thought Malton
was a quaint town. In the evening session, we
presented our data, learning new techniques of
isolines and stacked bars.
On Sunday, we headed back via Hornsea and Map-
pleton, reviewing the coastal protection. We ended the
trip on a high, buying a delicious ice cream to prepare
ourselves for the long journey home.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Yorkshire. By
visiting the sites, we gained further understanding for
our GCSE and feel more prepared for GCSE papers 1
and 3.
Many thanks to the teachers and staff who made this
trip possible, particularly Miss Stevens.
By Lucy H and Hannah, Year 11
Senior School 152020 Prizewinners Subject Cups, Awards & Certificates Years 7-9 receive Achievements Awards vouchers and Certificates. Years 10 & 11, in addition, receive a Subject Cup or Award. These are awarded to: Art: The Corbett Award Molly G ICT: The Morgan Award Natasha A Dance: The Williams Cup Emily G Mathematics: The Mary Doggett Cup Claudia S Design Prize: Alex W Media Studies Award Amelia W Drama: The Bucknall Cup Lucy H Music: The Lees-Jones Trophy Hannah F English: The Shipley Cup Connie M PE: The Lees-Jones Trophy Amy B French: The Champagne Cup Maddie B Religious Studies: The Hall Cup Eleanor S Geography: The Aarons Award Freya G Science: The Rosalind Franklin Trophy Eloise O History: Living History Book Keerthana J Science: Triple Science Award Hattie L-T Home Economics: The Cliffe Cup Lucy-May B Spanish: The Ross Pheby Cup Meher S Special Cups & Awards The AHOGA Cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emeline B (presented to a girl who consistently upholds and exemplifies the values of Abbot’s Hill; demonstrating compassion, integrity, tolerance and responsibility) Amicula Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fabiola L (awarded to someone who meets the demands of school life with calmness and composure) Coulter Cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anna H (for contribution to the music department) Helen Roberts Instrumental Cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Freya G Irving Cup for Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maddie L (awarded for Drama performance) Kirsten Thorborg Cup for Singing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Louisa K Matthews Musical Theatre Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lily M Nerdrum Cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ellie O (for a special effort made in many areas of school life) Perserverance Cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leah Y Richard Batchelor Cup for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Claudia S Stown Cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amy B (presented to a girl who has made the most of many opportunities available at Abbot’s Hill) Swift Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katie M (for effort and resilience) The Karen Othen Award for Service to the School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elizabeth A (presented to a girl who generously gives her time for the benefit of the school or others) The Stevens Cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Keerthana J (awarded for outstanding academic achievement across the science and arts) Sports Prizes Mrs ‘P’ Trophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isabelle E (awarded to a Year 10 girl who has made the most outstanding ‘all round’ contribution to school sport throughout Years 7-10) The Wynn Trophy (for outstanding sporting achievement) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Madeline W
Senior School Office Bearers
2020-2021
Head Girl Beatrice HH Music Officers
Deputy Head Girls Siyi C Cameron Rachel G, Beth H & Ellie W
Yasmina Z MacDonald Cordelia E & Zoe B
Chair of the School Council Isabelle E Macneil Cerys B, Ethne G & Lauren W
Clan Captains Eco Captain Abigail G
Cameron Charity Captains Charlotte M & Jessica V
Music Freya H & Mae S Art Captain Jiya M
Sport Paige H Cross Country Captain Olivia B
MacDonald Dance Captain Charlotte G
Music Chloё D & Georgia W Dance Vice Captain Ebony W
Sport Olivia B Design Captain Sophie C
Macneil Drama Captain Georgina F
Music Alicja N & Isobel S Drama Vice Captain Karina P & Sofia S
Sport Frankie B Equestrian Captain Isabelle E
Senior School Prefects Beatrice HH Food Captain Teresa G
Georgina F, Hannah M, Isabelle E, Gymnastics Captain Chloё D
Isobel S, Millie H, Olivia M, Siyi C, Lacrosse Captains Isobel S & Yasmina Z
Teresa G & Yasmina Z, Learning Support Captains Amani C & Gracie H
Mentors for Year 7 Alicia H, Charlotte R, Netball Captain Beatrice HH
Jemima H & Izzy T Netball Vice Captain Jiya M
Careers Mentor Olivia M Rugby Captain Charley C
Mentor for New Pupils Issy B & Sophie W Ski Captain Rosie C
Swimming Captain Katie K
Trampolining Captain Chloё D
Duke of Edinburgh Silver certificates
Emily G
Bronze certificates
Frankie B Freya H
Award Scheme Lucy H Rosie C Katie K
Alicia K Sophie C Charlotte M
Fabiola L Isabelle E Alicja N
Lily M Abigail G Karina P
Eleanor O Teresa G
Claudia S Millie H
Year 11 Leavers - July 2020
Elizabeth A Emily G Madeleine L Katia S
Natasha A Georgia H Connie M Eleanor S
Lucy-May B Lucy H Lily M Claudia S
Madeleine B Isobel H Olivia M Meher S
Amy B Isabella H-K Lily M Daisy T
Catherine B Anna H Katie M Ria V
Emeline B Sophie J-H Abi N Charlotte W
Pira C Keerthana J Lara N Millie W
Zoe E Alicia K Eleanor O Alex W
Hannah F Lilah K Eloise O Kiera W
Elva G-G Louisa K Sasha P-B Libby W
Olivia G Fabiola L Amelia P Leona W
Florence G Mia L Mia P Madeline W
Molly G Grace L Harriet R Leah Y
Freya G Harriet L-T Madeleine RPerforming Arts Clan Music returns to the Hill! On the last day of the Autumn half term, Abbot’s Hill was alive as everyone happily anticipated an afternoon at the festival of Clan Music. This year the Ensemble piece was ‘Spring’ from ‘the Seasons’ by Antonio Vivaldi, and MacDonald was dancing to ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ by Whitney Houston, Cameron’s was ‘Shake it Off’ by Taylor Swift and Macneil’s was, ‘9 to 5’ by Dolly Parton. As well as this, two sets of soloists performed for each category in two sections, ‘Instrumental’ and ‘Vocal Solo’. The first round was the Ensembles. In MacDonald there were 34 girls performing on instruments, woodwind, string and percussion. The Year 11s wore fairy wings and tiaras, making the whole performance light hearted and enjoyable. Cameron also had 34 girls and the percussion choreography was very funny, with well organised solos in between. Macneil’s ensemble had 32 girls. Year 11 also brought laughter to it all by wearing hats in Macneil’s colour, green. With well conducted music and much variety of instruments, Macneil won the Ensemble round. The Junior Instrumental solo saw MacDonald’s Aniase of Y7 playing a Grade 6 piece on the Flute. Ellie of Cameron played her clarinet Grade 4 piece. Last but not least was Macneil’s Mina also from Y7 on the cello, playing ‘The Russian Wedding’. MacDonald won that round. The Junior Vocal solos saw Y9 Zoe of MacDonald, Y7 Mia of Cameron and MacNeil’s Lauren from Y9. From the Junior Vocal round, Cameron won. The Senior Instrumentalist saw Freya, Clan Captain of MacDonald, playing a Grade 8 complicated recorder piece where she switched recorders half way through! Katie of Y11, Cameron was on the flute. Vice Clan Captain of Macneil, Hannah, played a piano Grade 8 which was amazing! Of this section Macneil won. The Senior Solo, saw Sophie singing ’Way-Fearing Stranger’ and Clan Captain Anna, from Macneil. MacDonald won the senior solo. And last of all, the moment the whole of the school had been waiting for weeks.. The Clan songs. After all the soloists, ensembles and instruments solos - the section that would earn the clan the most points took place. MacDonald sung ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ by Whitney Houston, Cameron sung, ‘Shake it Off’ by Taylor Swift and Macneil’s ‘9 to 5’ by Dolly Parton. All three had hilarious teacher moments. Once over, the final results were in. MACDONALD WON! 18
Performing Arts
Gym and Dance
Displays
Congratulations to all of the girls who were involved in the
Gym & Dance Displays at Abbot’s Hill from 10-12 March.
The Prep School performed their brilliant pieces on Tuesday
10 and Wednesday 11. The display included all of the girls
from Years 3-6. Although some of the girls were experienced
performers, for many this was their first time performing in
front of an audience and they all did extremely well. The
performances included solo gymnastics routines and group
gymnastics routines.
The Senior School performed on Tuesday 10 and Thursday
12 with their displays including a range of group
performances and solo pieces which all showcased the
brilliantly talented dancers and gymnasts that we have at
Abbot’s Hill!
Well done to all of the girls who worked extremely hard on
their performances.
Prep School
Ensembles Concert
On Thursday 5 March, pupils from Years 4, 5 and 6
performed in an Ensembles Concert in the Theatre. This
year’s theme was Music from America.
The concert consisted of a range of songs and pieces
performed by different vocal and instrumental Prep School
ensembles. The concert was opened by the St Nick’s Band,
alongside performances by the Year 5 and Year 6
Orchestras and Choirs, the A Capella Choir, Reed Group,
Senior Recorder Club, St Nick’s Strings, Flute Choir, Brass
Ensemble and St Nick’s Singers. The Ensembles Choir
rounded off the evening with a fabulous version of ‘Surfin’
USA‘.
Senior School 19Little Shop Of Horrors was 2020’s hit musical performed by Abbot’s Hill School. It took place on 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th February 2020. Little Shop Of Horrors is a horror comedy and is about a man named Seymore Krelborn who buys a plant that ruins everyone’s lives. The key characters of this enthusiastic production are, Seymore, Audrey, Mr Mushnik, Orin and the Plant. It’s a very humorous production and is worth watching. More than 70 girls took part in this musical and it was directed by Mrs Sparrow. We wouldn’t have succeeded without the stage management led by Miss McLoughlin. Thank you to Mr Harrison, Mrs McAdam and Freya G for helping with music and to Mr Dunham, backstage, the Art Department for helping with lighting and creating the set as well as Mrs Sparrow and Miss McLoughlin for creating the whole show and delivering, yet another, incredible Abbot’s Hill production. Mrs Sparrow Joint Head of Drama spoke about her thoughts on the production. Mrs Sparrow thought that the Little Shop Of Horrors Production was very different to all the other performances as it was very curious and amusing at the same time because it was a horror comic. During audi- tions what really stood out for Mrs Sparrow and Miss McLoughlin was the enthusiasm of the girls, the fact that you didn’t have to be the best to get the main roles and wanted to have a fun time. Mrs Sparrow’s favourite thing about the production was the set, costumes and the look of the whole piece (this made it come to life) and the pupils enjoying themselves. If Mrs Sparrow was to play a part in the production she would have auditioned for the plant as it is an opportunity to make it your own and have a bit of fun with the character.
Lucy H who played Orin Scrivello was asked
about her different views on the production.
She said that she “enjoyed getting to know her double”, (Bea H H who
also played Orin) and she liked how “all of the different year groups came
together as a whole team”. Her favourite thing about Orin was that playing
him was very different to other roles she had played before and it was fun to
play such an extreme character. Orin Scrivello is a dentist in Little Shop of
Horrors who abuses his girlfriend, Audrey. He takes joy in bringing extreme
pain to his patients and he is well known for his suave, psychotic character.
When we asked her who she would play if she had to choose any other
character, she chose Audrey. She said “I’d enjoy playing such a big contrast
to Orin” and that “it would be fun to play a more girly character like Audrey
2020
since Orin comes across as very masculine and strong”.Sports Reports
The results were as
follows:
Year 7 Year 10
First place – Isabel D First place – Liv B
Second place – Mia E Second place – Isabelle E
Third place – Amelie Third place – Olivia M
Clan Cross Country Year 8 Year 11
On the afternoon of Thursday 12 March, Years 7-11 took First place – Grace M First place – Freya G
part in a Clan Cross-Country event around the school Second place – Nancie B Second place – Olivia McG
grounds. The races were divided into two groups, ‘Juniors’ Third place – Lila J Third place – Maddy B
for Years 7-9 and ‘Seniors’ for Years 10 and 11.
Year 9 Clan Results
It was a brilliant afternoon and all of the girls tried their First place – Charlotte G First place – Macneil
hardest. Well done to everyone that took part, including Second place – Peta H Second place – MacDonald
some of the staff who ran the course! Third place – Lucy Y Third place – Cameron
Live Elite Athlete’s Q&A
On Wednesday 1st July we enjoyed a virtual Q&A with two great elite athletes; Jodie Gibson (England Netball) and
Laura Stephens (Great Britain Worlds Championships Squad member and England Swimmer). Both athletes provided a
fascinating insight in to their own achievements, their story, the elite sports world and what it takes to get there.
Pupils were given the chance to send in some questions after hearing about the interesting routes both Jodie and Laura
went through. This opportunity provided plenty of insight and inspiration to all pupils throughout the school,
whether they are part of the Elite Athlete Program, represent the school in a sport or just have an interest in maintaining
a healthy lifestyle.
22Sports Reports
AHS - The World Tour U13 Rugby
In lockdown pupils and staff were challenged to virtually travel around the Team play at
world to wave past countries where families of the AHS community live. Travel
restrictions in place at the time meant those with families abroad were unable Fullerians
to visit them as they might have during the holidays. Collaborating together On Wednesday 27 November, the U13
encouraged us to support and inspire each other whilst being remote from Rugby Team travelled to Fullerians
each other. Rugby Club in Watford and played three
games.
The challenge inspired everyone to increase their activity level by walking,
running, cycling or using any other mode of transport that did not include a The girls played tough rugby, tackling
motor. It also allowed those of us who are slightly competitive to push and hard, rucking with passion and moving
challenge our current fitness levels against each other. the ball well but they could not manage
to turn dominant possession into tries
As a school we travelled 2,679.88 miles, with year 3 traveling over 500 miles! which cost them the chance of victory on
the day.
Well done to all of the teams involved.
The Abbot’s Hill team loved their day in
the rain and mud!
Senior School 23Creative
Tick Tock The Ghost who Forgave Me
The twinkling lights shone brightly from outside illuminating
It was Christmas, 24th December. I was sitting in the sitting room covered in
everything inside the house, transforming it into a beautiful sight.
Christmas decorations and the fire was roaring as the family gathered around
Our Christmas tree dazzled in the brightness, showing off its
sitting on chairs and some of us even on the floor. All gathered around the fire
beautiful baubles. I saw the presents wrapped in shining gold
and my parents telling awful jokes and laughing like there was no tomorrow.
paper, reflecting in the light. The old grandfather clock ticked
The entire family was here: my aunt, my uncle, both my parents and my
away. Every time it ticked, I knew I was a bit closer to Christmas,
brothers. Yet someone was still missing and had been for quite some time.
the best time ever. Christmas Eve had finally arrived and now
it was only ten more minutes until Christmas officially started.
“You remember when the girls were young and they used to play outside? We
11.58pm. 11.59pm. As midnight came I noticed the lights outside
could hardly ever get them back inside?” my father stated and started to tell
starting to dim, the baubles hid themselves away in the lush
more stories as the family got more engrossed. I could see it on their faces. I,
green branches of the Christmas tree. The clock chimed. Each
on the other hand, could hardly hear a word. It was muffled. You see it was my
chime, the lights got dimmer and dimmer. By the last stroke, I
sister who was missing, but she wasn’t just my sister, she was my twin. We
was in darkness. I felt my way around grabbing onto the tree. My
shared a special bond, one only we could understand. And so as quietly as I
breathing quickened, making my heart beat faster. What had
could I got up and went upstairs. I could not be around those cheerful voices,
happened? The silence was ripped apart by a loud rasping noise.
I would just dampen the mood with my misery, so I left. And I went into the
My head jerked around and there in front of me was something I
darkness up the stairs and along the corridor running my fingers along the
had never seen before.
dark piece of wood which always stuck out. Apparently it used to belong to a
very old house.
It swirled around me in a cloud of smoke and mist, leaving a trail
of fluffy white snow behind it. What was it? What was it doing
As I went further down the corridor I heard laughter coming from my old room.
here? I panicked as the ghost wrapped its freezing powder close
I had sworn I would never go back into that room but my curiosity got the
around me.
better of me and I took hold of the door knob. The door creaked open and as I
slowly opened it, there she was sitting on the bed, just like all those years ago.
“I am the spirit of Christmas. You are up too late on Christmas
I stared at her skin which was so white. I almost thought I could see through
Eve. I will make you sleep. Sleep.”
her with her hands clasped in her lap and the dress she wore which was as
white as the snow outside.
With that it pressed the threatening furry snow around me and
whispered, “I hope you enjoy your Christmas! And you will never
I wanted so much to go up to her and hug her. “Eliza”, I whispered. This was
stay up again. I will make sure of that”.
an impossible dream. She should be dead.
Before the ghost shut my eyes I saw the rickety grandfather clock
“Hello Nat”, she replied. I quickly turned to the window, the very one she
rewinding to 8.00pm. My bedtime.
had fallen out of all those years ago, the one I pushed her out of. It was an
accident. We were jumping on the bed having a pillow fight and I pushed her
so hard she had fallen. But she was here.
Amelie Carling
“Stop blaming yourself, Nat, it really doesn’t look good on you”, she stated as
(Year 7) if she knew what I had been thinking all these years.
“It wasn’t on purpose, I know that and I forgave you a long time ago. Now you
need to stop blaming yourself”. She got up and walked towards me.
“I still pushed you” I whimpered looking at my shoes as if they were the most
interesting thing in the world.
“You’re too bone-headed for your own good, you know that, right?” I laughed
properly for the first time since the accident.
“I would recommend going downstairs and joining the family. It’s almost
Christmas”, she stated and I turned around. When I Iooked back she was
gone as if she had never been there.
Isabella Parry
(Year 9)
24Writing
The Broken Wall Christmas Ghost Story
I sit in my cozy bed as I wait eagerly for the luminous clock to It was 9.30 on Christmas Eve and I was staying at my great uncle’s
turn midnight 57, 58, 59, 00. I dive out of bed and hurriedly dash house in Cheshire. There were ivy and ferns that grew through
down the stairs clumsily tripping over my brother’s lego. There the crevices of the old winding stone path, leading directly to the
better not be anymore of those horrendous bricks under the tree. colossal mansion. The mansion loomed proudly behind creaky iron
As I stumble over our ‘Santa stop here’ sign, I see it. It’s covered gates, flanked by rows of skeletal trees crowned in crimson, saying
head to toe in silver and blue tinsel, sparkling in the faint moon- gently in the autumn wind. At its threshold stood the delicate marble
light creeping in through the open window. fountain, the splashing of the clear water was melodic as it broke
the surrounding silence. The house was decorated with fairy lights
Suddenly it feels cold and it’s not the gentle breeze from outside. that switched between red and green for Christmas. A small penguin
I hear creaking. I turn around. Whoosh! I turn back the window. stood formally by the side of the double doors, its lights flashing
“Hello?” I hear in a quiet childlike voice. This time I turn around invitingly. I opened the oak doors and walked in, “Is anyone here?
and find something. A little girl. Well not really. She looks very Uncle?” I called.
pale, almost see through. I reach out to grab her hand but I feel
nothing but cold. “Are you? No! Are you really a ghost?” I ask I saw something scuttle in the corner, I turned and looked towards
astonished. the noise. Nothing. A shiver ran down my spine and a plate smashed
on the floor in the kitchen. I darted over to it and the fragments were
She hovers quietly over the sofa. “Yes”, she whispered scarcely scattered across the floor. I shuddered and looked up towards the
audible. “Not to be rude, but I mean how? You can’t be older than large, glass window. It was covered in handprints that were formed
7”. I question her. by heat. Someone had been here; but it soon disappeared and I
turned towards the door. Abruptly it slammed shut and I heard the
“I’m 11 actually”, she laughed. “Death does wonders for your key lock in the door.
skin!” I let out a little chuckle but quickly cover my mouth. “Sorry”.
Beep. The phone was ringing uncontrollably. Strange screams and
“It’s OK. Well I suppose I ought to tell you then, seeing as you’re cackles filled the air and I began to feel nauseous. It was as if I was
my friend.” being put in a trance. My eyes were strained and rolled into the
back of my head, pain paralysing my entire body. Bile raised into
I smile to myself. “Friends”. my mouth. My blurred surroundings swirled in circles, forcing me to
lie in dizziness. I layed flat and stared up at the blank ceiling when
“Yes. It wasn’t really anything exciting. It was a car crash; I got suddenly a bang echoed outside in the hallway. A stench of tobacco
thrown from my seat and through the windscreen. The car hit a floated in the air and the sound of creaking floorboards got me off
house. The worst part is it was…… my feet to the decaying, old wooden door. The heavy footsteps
gradually got closer and a moment later breathing was right outside
…….. Quick someone’s coming!” my door. The footsteps came to a stop and voices in my head urged
me to open the door. Weakly, I clenched my fists as I reached out to
And with that she disappeared. the crooked knob before turning it slightly. The door exploded into
smithereens and wood dispersed thrusting me with it onto the floor.
“What are you doing up? Go back to bed”, my mother asks, Bright light hallucinated me as I squinted to see what was waiting for
making her way downstairs. “What are you looking at? Hello?” me outside the door. A silhouette of a black cloaked figure appeared,
dragging a metal chain with it. Sweat dripped down my forehead and
“Mum, when we moved here, why was the wall broken?” my heart pounded in my chest, the clock ticking round and round in a
never ending pattern.
Poppy Hewitt The sound of a tormenting drill suddenly awoke me, I sat up and la-
boriously panted. I looked around me to see the same hooded figure
(Year 8) with thick iron stake chains. I was too weak to protest and watched
the deadly chains strangle around me like a venomous snake. My
eyes began closing and I sighed for the last time before blackness
overcame me. Silence.
Daisy Ormondroyd
(Year 9)
Senior School 25Art Gall
Year 7 Year 7 Year 8
Year 9
Year 9 Year 9
Year 11 Year 11
Year 11
26lery 2020
Year 8
Year 8
Year 10
Year 10
Year 11
Year 10
Senior School 27PREP SCHOOL
“Pupils who participate in the activities
offered outside the classroom attain very
high standards and for many this results
in a resilient, well-grounded approach in
other areas of their lives.”
ISI Report 2020
28News & Events
Christmas in the
Prep School
Christmas at Abbot’s Hill is a magical time full of traditions and
festivity. The Prep School pupils and staff enjoyed their traditional
Christmas lunch with all the trimmings in the Dining Room on the last
day of term. There was even a special visit from Father Christmas!
The Year 6 pupils delighted audiences in St Nicholas House Hall with
a fantastic Christmas cantata. Each pupil became a character from
the traditional nativity to tell the story of the birth of Jesus. The
performances were filled with beautiful solos, duets and trios and all
of the pupils demonstrated their wonderful singing and acting talents.
On Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 December, the pupils from
Nursery through to Year 2 performed their wonderful Christmas
Nativity ‘Shine!’ in St Nicholas House Hall. Through the girls’ superb
dancing, singing and acting, they retold the traditional Nativity story.
Year 2 did a fantastic job of narrating the production and bringing
the characters in the story to life. Year 1 entertained the audience
as dazzling stars, Reception were a fantastic flock of sheep and the
Nursery children performed wonderfully as little stars.
A wonderful time was had by all!
Mad Hatters Tea Party
On Saturday 7 March, the Prep School hosted a wonderful Mad
Hatter’s Tea Party for children and their families to enjoy.
There were lots of fun activities taking place throughout the
afternoon, including flamingo croquet, pin the grin on the Cheshire
cat and a themed sticker hunt. Everybody enjoyed the
entertainment provided by Magic Dave, including games, dancing
and a magic show!
Thank you to the catering team for a delicious Afternoon Tea and to
the staff who helped to organise such a fun afternoon. A big thank
you to our Year 8 pupils who kindly volunteered to help on the day.
Prep School 29You can also read
