Upload
louisa-cox
View
219
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Leweston's twice yearly magazine packed full of all the latest news and events...
Citation preview
Win
ter
2012
Leweston Life15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:42 Page 1
Heads’ Welcome 3
Results 2012 4
Leweston Adds Value 5
Academic Awards and Successes 6
Creative Pursuits 8
Concerts, Choirs and Carols 10
Moroccan Gold: Duke of Edinburgh News 12
Senior Sport 14
Prep News 18
Prep Sport 24
Boarding Bliss 28
Other News from 2012 31
Dates for your Diary 32
Contents
www.leweston.co.ukCover image: members of Leweston’s Schola Cantorum
Page 24
Page 10
Page 8
Page 26
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:42 Page 2
With the end of another year upon us it
seems an appropriate time to reflect on
the accomplishments of 2012.
Academically Leweston has once again
had a record breaking year with more girls
than ever before achieving 9 or more A or
A* grades. In the last few weeks we have
had a record number of girls interviewed
for places at Oxford and Cambridge and
we were delighted to learn from our value
added statistics that we are in the top five
percent of schools nationally (page 5).
We ended this term with two of the
highlights in the Leweston calendar, the
Prep and Senior School Carol Services
which rounded off another busy and
successful term in the music departments
(pages 10 -11). We look forward to the
Choral Society Concert in March which,
this year, is in aid of the 2013 sports and
music tour to South Africa. This is an
incredible opportunity for the 30
musicians and sports women who will get
to perform and play in schools, churches
and charities in and around Cape Town.
We look forward to updating you on the
tour’s progress on our website and in
future editions of Leweston Life.
We were delighted for the four girls who
have passed their Duke of Edinburgh Gold
Award this term following their expedition
in Morocco in the summer. Details of their
adventures can be read about on pages 12
and 13 and we look forward to the new
Duke of Edinburgh season starting in full
in the spring.
It has been a busy term in the sports
department with much success
(pages 14–17 and 24-27). It was with
eager anticipation that we welcomed Mick
Flaherty to Leweston in September and we
look forward to the development of an
‘athlon’ sports programme at Leweston
(page 14).
We were also delighted to welcome
Lorraine Roberts as the new Housemistress
of Junior House at the start of the
academic year. She has had a busy term
and her first impressions and plans for the
future can be read about on page 30. With
a record number of girls boarding at
Leweston we are delighted to be opening
extra accommodation in Middle House,
Leweston’s boarding accommodation for
girls in Year 9-11, in the summer term. This
will allow us to increase our boarding for a
further 8 girls next year to keep up with
the increasing demand for space.
This academic year has already seen so
much to celebrate but as we reflect with
pride on the many achievements we also
look forward with anticipation and
confidence to all that 2013 has in store.
Welcome from the Heads
James Savile
Head of Leweston Prep
Adrian Aylward
Headmaster
3
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:43 Page 3
4
2012 has been yet another record
breaking year at Leweston. The
School is delighted to be
celebrating its third set of record
GCSE results in four years with an
unprecedented 47% of all
candidates achieving 9 or more A
or A* grades. 64% of all entries
were passed at A* or A with 88%
of examinations passed at A*, A or
B. Congratulations to the 13% of
girls who got 9 A* grades or more.
Leweston is also celebrating
another year of excellent results
for its Sixth Form leavers.
Students achieved a 100% pass
rate in both A Level and
Cambridge Pre-U subjects. 71% of
the examinations were passed
at A*, A or B grade or Pre-U
equivalent, with 51% at A* or A or
equivalent - nearly double the
national average. An impressive
30% of students achieved 3 or
more straight A* or A grades
across a range of subjects with
more than 10% of girls achieving
5 or more A* or A grades. Average
UCAS points per candidate were
402, the equivalent of over three
A grades per candidate.
This year has also seen the third
set of strong Cambridge Pre-U
results. 100% of candidates
passed at Distinction or Merit.
These results have enabled
Leweston’s leavers to win places
at their chosen universities or
specialist colleges.
Congratulations to Hebe Stanton
and Isabelle Barber who won
places at Oxford and Cambridge
respectively to read English.
GCSE, A Level and Pre-U Results 2012
IN BRIEF…
• Record breaking GCSE
results: 47% of candidates
achieved 9 or more A or
A* grades
• A Levels: 71% passed
at A*, A or B
• Cambridge Pre-U: 100%
passed at Distinction or
Merit
DID YOU KNOW...
OVER THE LAST FEW
YEARS OVER 95%OF OUR LEAVERS HAVE
WON PLACES AT THEIR
FIRST CHOICE UNIVERSITY
LEWESTON HAS A 90%SUCCESS RATE IN MEDICINE
AND VETERINARY
APPLICATIONS OVER THE
LAST 5 YEARS, FAR ABOVE
THE NATIONAL
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
AVERAGE
“Once again the hard work and commitment of the girls atLeweston has been rewarded with record breaking success.These achievements pay testimony to the support that thestaff have given to the girls and to the effectiveness of singlesex education which underpins the serious work ethic of theschool.”
Headmaster Adrian Aylward
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:43 Page 4
5
Leweston Adds Value...
“We are delighted with this external verification of the outstandingperformance of our pupils which reflects the dedication and hard workthat they have put into their studies. It highlights the exceptional workethic of the school, the benefits of Leweston’s excellent staff to pupilratio and our ability to help every girl fulfil her potential.”
Director of Studies, Geoff Smith
LE
WE
ST
ON
IS
PL
AC
ED
IN
TH
E T
OP
5%
OF
SC
HO
OL
S N
AT
ION
AL
LY F
OR
‘V
ALU
E A
DD
ED
’IN
LA
TE
ST
DU
RH
AM
UN
IVE
RS
ITY
AN
ALY
SIS
Of course, A and A* grades are only
part of the picture. Leweston’s 2012
results put it in the top 5% of schools
for value added…
Perhaps a more telling indicator of
academic success on an individual level
is a school’s ability to add value to each
girl’s progress. Leweston was delighted
to learn that the Yellis feedback
produced by Durham University has
placed us in the top 5% of schools
nationally for value added.
Value added is a measure of the
progress pupils make between different
stages of education; if girls perform
beyond expectations this is reflected in
a high ‘value added’ score.
Leweston achieved an average score of
+0.8 of a grade at GCSE and this high
ranking demonstrates Leweston’s ability
to add value to each girl’s education
and encourage them to perform above
original expectations. The Yellis system
measures performance to GCSE and is
used by almost all independent schools.
This top 5% ranking builds on
Leweston’s performance over the last
few years when it has consistently been
placed in the top 10% of schools
nationally.
At A Level Leweston achieved further
value added with an average of +0.3 of
a grade measured from a pupil’s GCSE
performance using Durham University’s
Alis system.
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:43 Page 5
6
MATHEMATICIAN MONIKA ISPLACED 3RD NATIONALLY!
Academic Awards and Successes
Memories Tested in World Record Attempt40 Leweston biologists joined people
from around the country to help the
Society of Biology set a new record for
the world’s largest memory game as part
of the first ever national Biology Week in
October.
The game involved students memorising
a list of words and the results will be
used as part of a nationwide study to
help improve our understanding of
conditions such as Alzheimer’s. The
game itself was devised by the renowned
experimental psychologist Prof. Bruce
Hood and earned air time on BBC
Breakfast and Radio 1. We look forward
to seeing the event in the Guinness Book
of Records soon!
PROLIFIC POETSCongratulations to the Leweston pupils who
took all three top spots at the 2012 Sherborne
Literary Festival Open Poetry Competition.
Connie De Pelet (Year 9) took first place with
her poem ‘Crinkled Eyes’. Tessa Broadbent
(Year 9) and Emily Brown (Year 8) came
second and third with their entries
‘Cinderella’ and ‘Music is Real’. Well done
also to Beth McMillan (Year 9) who won the
Short Story Competition.
Congratulations to Year 13 pupil Monika Dec who has
been placed 3rd nationally in the 2012 UK Maths
Olympiad for girls, a national competition designed to
enable young women to have an opportunity to
demonstrate excellence in mathematics.
This outstanding achievement is the latest in a string
of mathematical success for Monika. She achieved top
25 places in both BMO2 and BMO1 earlier in this year
winning a silver medal. Monika has already achieved
A* grades in Maths and Further Maths, as well as a
Distinction in AEA Maths. She is studying for A Levels
in Additional Further Maths, Chemistry, Physics,
German and Polish and is applying to study
Mathematics at Cambridge on completing her Year
13 studies.
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:43 Page 6
7
IT HAS BEEN A BUSY TERM FOR
THE SIXTH FORM STUDENTS AT
LEWESTON WHO HAVE HAD
THE CHANCE TO HEAR FROM
SOME OF THE COUNTRY’S
LEADING PROFESSIONALS.
In October Leweston was
delighted to welcome the
Reverend Nicholas Mercer,
human rights lawyer and former
Human Rights Lawyer of the Year,
who gave a cross-curricular talk
to the Sixth Form Global
Perspectives, Philosophy and
Politics students. Rev Mercer
explained the 15 articles that
covered the Human Rights Act
and touched on some of the
high profile cases that have been
in the news recently, such as the
cases of Gary McKinnon, Abu
Hamza and Prince Harry, leaving
the girls with much to reflect on
and consider.
Not to be left out the
Government and Politics
students heard from Dominic
Greave MP, the present Attorney
General when they visited the
Houses of Parliament this term.
Mr Greave explained his role and
answered a variety of questions
on devolution and reform of the
House of Lords as well as his role
in guiding the Government
through the many intricacies of
the development of British
common and statute law from
the Magna Carta and habeas
corpus to the Bill of Rights. He
also answered questions on the
current challenges facing the
European Convention on Human
Rights. The girls found the
experience extremely
informative and exciting. It was
an incredible opportunity to be
able to meet Dominic Greave
and to hear his views.
Meanwhile Leweston’s
Economics and Business
students were visited by local
entrepreneur Andy Fussel of
Fussel Fine Foods. The girls were
delighted to tuck into his
delicious products and with the
audience captured, the group
discussed his new TV advert and
his ideas behind capturing brand
loyalty including the use of
celebrity endorsement.
The Science and History students
also had a chance to hear from
Dr Geoffrey Guy, Executive
Chairman and founder of GW
Pharmaceuticals in November.
Dr Guy talked about the history
of herbal medicine and the
impact of the use of plants on
medical advancement today. It
was an informative and thought
provoking visit.
Leweston works continuously
to give its pupils exposure to
professionals working in the
‘real world’ to help inspire,
broaden horizons and answer
questions. These experiences
offer the girls a chance to
bring to life the theory they
cover in the classroom and are
an invaluable addition to the
curriculum at Leweston.
A Term of Inspiring talks from
Leading Professionals
Reverend Nicholas Mercer
Andy Fussel
Dominic Greave, MP
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:43 Page 7
Dramatic DoubleThe autumn term Senior School production featured an amusing double bill of two short plays by the lesser-
known playwright Arthur Lovegrove – ‘Her Grace Will Be Here’ and ‘Clara’s on the Curtains’. An entirely female
cast of Year 11 and Year 12 girls performed the comical antics of the Wickley Women’s Guild as they tried to
prepare for a VIP visit and their frustrations and interactive dialogue made for some very entertaining
viewing. Some superb characterisations were realised and the audiences were charmed. This was a
wonderfully rendered performance with an excellent set and back stage and production team. The dance
at the finale to the tune of ‘There’s No Business like Showbusiness’ was truly astonishing. Another
theatrical triumph!
Creative Pursuits
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:43 Page 8
LAMDA RESULTS 2012IT HAS BEEN ANOTHER BUMPER YEAR OF LAMDA SPEECH AND DRAMA RESULTS
AT LEWESTON: 25 DISTINCTIONS AND 15 MERITS. WELL DONE GIRLS!
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:44 Page 9
Concerts, Choirs and Carols...Director of Music Claire Hawkes
comments on a busy term’s work
in the Music Department...
As always it has been a busy start
to the academic year for
Leweston’s Music Department, and
one littered with much success.
The year started with an excellent
haul of Associated Board results
including 3 distinctions and 8
merits in a variety of instruments.
Three girls are eagerly waiting to
hear the results of their ATCL
(Associate Trinity College, London)
Performance Diplomas which they
took at the end of November.
This is an advanced exam, and
equivalent to the first year of a
music conservatoire degree
course. An invited audience got to
hear the girls’ examination pieces
at a practice recital earlier in
November and they were not
disappointed… good luck to year
13 pupils Ellie Byfield on the
saxophone, Emily Yang on the
piano and Imogen Massey on
the flute.
In addition to the Junior Choir and
Schola Cantorum, the department
has seen the formation of an
independent Sixth Form Choir.
This new choir has been working
on cappella music, a challenge for
them musically, and performed at
the Christmas Concert held at
Chideock Church in December and
the Carol Service at Sherborne
Abbey. We look forward to their
continued development.
Leweston has also seen the
formation of a new Wind Quintet.
This ensemble is formed of
Leweston’s advanced Sixth Form
musicians and delighted
audiences for the first time
at the Christmas Concert
in December.
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:44 Page 10
11
Choral Society 2013
After a year off, Leweston is
delighted to be working
towards its Choral Society
Concert in March. The
concert will be supporting
Leweston’s music and sports
tour to South Africa planned
for 2013 (see page 31) and
the Society will be
performing ‘Zimbe!’ by
Alexander L’Estrange. The
work is made up of African
folksongs and is scored for
SATB choir, Semi Chorus and
Children’s Choir. This gives
Leweston’s Prep School the
opportunity to be part of this
year’s event. The composer of
the work visited Leweston in
November to take the first
rehearsal which was a
fabulous experience for the
girls involved. The concert
will take place on Sunday,
3rd March at 7.30pm and
will be accompanied by
Leweston’s Jazz Orchestra –
watch this space!
Carol Service in Sherborne Abbey
ATCL Performance Diploma Candidates
Christmas Concert in Chideock Catholic Church
It has also been an exciting term
for Junior Choir who prepared
songs from the ‘Sound of Music’
for their performance at the Joint
Schools’ Concert held at
Sherborne School in November
where Leweston’s Joint Schools
Orchestras also performed music
including ‘Night on a Bare
Mountain’ by Mussorgsky.
Another busy term was
completed in style with the Carol
Service in Sherborne Abbey, a
real highlight in the Leweston
calendar and the perfect way to
finish the year. We look forward
to more musical success in
the spring.
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:44 Page 11
AT THE START OF THE SUMMER BREAK, THE GIRLS PARTICIPATING IN THEIR GOLD DUKE OF
EDINBURGH AWARD GATHERED TO COMMENCE THEIR 12 DAY TRIP TO MOROCCO...
The trip had been planned over a year and a half in advance with the girls completing their training,
both in the Brecons and the Lake District and inventing creative ways of raising the funds to get
themselves there.
We arrived in Marrakesh to a completely different world. The souks were fascinating and the girls
practised their bartering but we were soon on our way to the Atlas Mountains, arriving at a campsite
surrounded by mountains and the green floor of the valley.
Facilities were sparse and we all got to know the meaning of squatting in a tent and sleeping on rough
ground but the experience of working with the local community was outstanding. As part of their
residential section, the girls were split up to join local families, helping with the daily chores and
seeing just how basic their lives were. I have no doubt that the girls came away with a sense of respect
and understanding for a community that has few luxuries yet appears very content.
Moroccan Gold
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:44 Page 12
The expedition in the mountains was arduous in many ways and
the girls did a fantastic job of dealing with their own personal
challenges and I was immensely impressed with every one of them.
The heat and inhospitable environment was a complete change for
each of us and both students and teachers had their moments but
ultimately, we all arrived back safely!
The last year has seen some very memorable experiences and I am
sure that this will continue - congratulations to all those who have
managed to achieve their Awards this year, especially to the 4 girls
who completed their Gold Awards this term, quite an achievement.Keith Whitehead, Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator
Other Duke ofEdinburgh News…
Congratulations to the girls
completing their Silver
Award. Their trip to the New
Forest was very successful
with all girls passing the
expedition. Leweston is
looking forward to its new
Duke of Edinburgh season
commencing in full in the
spring – keep up to speed
with developments at
www.leweston.co.uk
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:44 Page 13
Leweston Welcomes GB Biahtle Coach to the Sports DepartmentIt was with great delight and
much anticipation that we
welcomed Mick Flaherty to
Leweston in September. As well as
running the swimming pool
operation throughout the year
Mick has set up a swimming and
‘ahtlon’ sports programme at
Leweston which covers modern
pentathlon (swimming, running,
fencing, shooting and show
jumping), triathlon and biathlon.
Mick is also organising a number
of swimming and ‘athlon’ camps
at Leweston during holiday
periods – these will be open to
the general public and more
information will be available
at www.leweston.co.uk in
due course.
As well as competing at water
polo, swimming and triathlon at a
national level, Mick has coached
at an international level. He
served as part of the GB triathlon
coach team from 1994-1996 and
has been the Great Britain biathle
coach since 1999. Mick also
works with Pentathlon GB. His
expertise and coaching
experience has opened up a
variety of opportunities for the
pupils at Leweston through
enhanced swimming
programmes, involvement in
aquathlons, biathles, biathlons,
triathlons and, in the future, once
the training programmes are
more established, the modern
pentathlon.
His work has already seen many
tangible results. The new early
morning swim training sessions
have seen record turnouts
(despite the early hour) and
Leweston has enjoyed much
success in its competitive swim
fixtures this term. Leweston also
hosted the staggeringly
successful Dorset Schools’
Biathlon competition in October
with over 320 competitors taking
part (the largest ever entry) and
Mick will be running a
biathle/tetrathlon/triathlon
training camp for athletes from
around the country during the
Easter break. We look forward to
the planned introduction of the
‘athlon’ training programme
which will give the girls the
opportunity to take part in
biathle/biathlon/triathlon/tetrathl
on/Pony Club tetrathlon,
and pentathlon events.
Watch this space!
Senior Sport
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:44 Page 14
World ClassYear 11 pupil and sports scholar Victoria Halford
assured her status as an international athlete when
she came 4th whilst representing Great Britain at the
World Biathle Championships in Dubai in November.
Victoria’s individual performance helped Great Britain
to win the gold medal in the U16 team event and was
especially impressive as she was competing with girls
a year older than herself. Last year Victoria brought
home a gold medal for team GB and this year’s gold
builds on her international success. This was Victoria’s
6th successive year representing Great Britain at these
World Championships where she first competed in the
U10 category.
The event consisted of a 1000m run, 200m swim,
followed by another 1000m run, and the British biathle
team took home a total of 21 individual and 11 team
medals. The Great British medal haul placed the team
first in the medal table, their best ever performance
and an outstanding result.
Earlier in the year Victoria was selected for the
Pentathlon GB England Talent Pool Programme.
This is the first formal stage of the talent
development pathway for athletes in the sport of
modern pentathlon, which has the ultimate aim of
developing athletes to progress through to the world
class pathway.
National Biathle Coach and Biathle Coach at Leweston, Mick Flaherty
“It has been a pleasure to work at Lewestonwith some outstanding athletes such asVictoria who I have been coaching since shewas 10. To be more directly involved with hercoaching programme at school and with otherup and coming athletes who have the talentand opportunity to follow in her footsteps is arewarding experience.”
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:44 Page 15
16
JRPC Hockey success! Congratulations to Siobhan
Stewart (Year 13) and Freya Logan
(Year 10) who have progressed
into the Tier 1 Junior Regional
Performance Centre (JRPC) team.
As part of this team the girls will
receive regular training sessions
and high level coaching on the
core skills of hockey from JRPC
coaches, with additional input
from England Hockey Board’s
Centrally Contracted Coaches
(CCCs). Good luck to both girls.
U15 Footballers Strike Gold! Leweston has enjoyed yet more
success at the 2012 National 7-A-
Side Football Tournament held at
Charterhouse this term. The U15
team finished in 3rd position after
passing through the group stage
unbeaten. They were eventually
knocked out in a closely fought
semi-final losing in a penalty
shootout. A frustrating end to their
exceptional performance but a
fine result for the team!
National Honours for Siobhan There was international
recognition for Sixth Former
Siobhan Stewart when she was
selected to form part of the
England Independent Schools U18
football team over the October
half term. Siobhan is the second
Leweston pupil to be selected for
the squad in the last two years and
we wish her continued success.
Leweston ReignsSupreme at the 2012Interschools’ ShowJumping CompetitionThe sun shone for the sixth
Leweston Inter-Schools Show
Jumping Competition in
September. This ever popular
event saw over 190 riders
represent schools from all over the
South West with hosts Leweston
School doing exceptionally well in
the team results coming third in
Class 1, sixth in Class 2 and first of
16 teams in Class 3. Well done to
all ponies and riders.
Swimming Sensations!Congratulations to the swimming
teams who competed for the first
time in the South West
Championships at Millfield,
competing against some of the
strongest swimmers in the area.
Impressive swims by Leweston’s
Senior Team placed them as the
best team in Dorset with the
Intermediate Team finishing 2nd
and the Juniors 3rd. Those early
morning swim sessions certainly
paid off!
Host Leweston EnjoysMuch Success at the2012 Dorset Schools’BiathlonCongratulations to the Leweston
teams and individuals who put in
exceptional performances at the
Dorset Schools’ Biathlon
Competition held at Leweston in
October. A record 320 athletes
were competing, not only to win
but to secure times to enable them
to qualify for the National Schools’
competition and the World
Schools’ Biathlon later this year.
National Success forLeweston’s Riders Congratulations to Leweston’s
Intermediate riding team who
finished in 5th position at the
National Schools’ Show
Jumping Championships at
Addington Manor this term.
The team of Tillie Newman,
Georgia Buckland (Year 11),
Lydia Hannam (Year 9) and
Lucinda Elwood (Year 10),
jumped strong clear rounds
against 30 other teams making
Leweston the team to beat
after the first round and
winning them a place in the
jump off! Each rider put in a
fantastic performance in the
jump off, securing the team
5th position – a fantastic
result.
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:44 Page 16
17
It was a bumper year for
Leweston with the Year 10/11
team winning their event and the
Year 9 team coming second. Well
done also to the Year 5, Year 7 and
Year 8 teams who came third.
Congratulations to the individual
medallists: Victoria Halford (Year
11) came 1st in her event, Tiffany
Luk (Year 13) came 2nd in her
event and Gabriella Strachwitz-
Hamilton (Year 6) came 3rd in
her event.
All outstanding achievements
against so many talented
competitors.
Record Numbers of Girls Qualify forNational Schools’Biathlon Semi-FinalCongratulations to the 14 girls
who have qualified for the semi-
final of the National Schools’
Biathlon Competition in January.
This is the largest number of
Leweston girls to ever qualify for
this event with pupils from Years
5 to 13 selected to compete. We
look forward to reporting on their
progress next term.
Ashes Retained in Closely Fought Multi-Sport BattleThe enduring rivalry between
England and Australia’s
sportswomen was played out at
Leweston this term when the
school hosted girls and staff from
Firbank Grammar, Melbourne as
part of their UK sports tour.
Leweston (England) competed
against Firbank (Oz) at swimming,
netball and football with the
rumour of international honours
amongst the Australian team only
adding to the tension! England
emerged victorious in the pool
with Australia clinching a close
fought victory on the football
pitch. The teams drew on the
netball court with one win each.
This was a fantastic sporting
experience for both sets of girls
and as the series resulted in a
draw the Ashes are retained by
Leweston – well done all!
IN OTHERSPORTS NEWS…
Podium Finish Well done to Year 10 pupil
Immie Jones who finished
3rd at the National Riding
Club Championships, a
tremendous achievement.
Plain SailingCongratulations to Sixth
Former Ellie Mules who has
now passed her RYA Dinghy
Instructors course. Ellie is
now qualified to deliver RYA
courses in dinghy sailing to
children and adults.
Regional RugbySelectionWell done to Year 11 pupil
Maddie Kirby who has been
selected for the Dorset and
Wiltshire U18 woman’s rugby
team. A phenomenal
achievement after a relatively
short rugby career – no
doubt more success awaits
Maddie on the rugby pitch.
Mendip Cross CountryCongratulations to Year 8
pupil Otterlie Gibbs, who was
the first girl home in the U13
Mendip League Race this
term. In the U14 Race her
younger sister Elsie Gibbs
(Year 7), together with Year 9
pupils Olivia Manson and
Lettie Worrall (pictured),
helped secure silver medals
for the team. Well done all!
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:45 Page 17
PrepLOCAL AUTHOR OPENS NEW PREP LIBRARYLeweston was delighted to welcome local author and artist Paul
Stickland as guest of honour at the opening of the new Prep School
library in October. After the official opening Paul spent the morning
with the pupils explaining his craft and reading some of his most
famous books, such as ‘Dinosaur Roar’. The children also got to enjoy
a pop-up workshop and enjoyed trying their hand at making their
own pop-up literature.
The new library is already proving to be a fantastic resource for the school and of great benefit to the pupils.
Thank you to Paul who has also added to Leweston Prep’s ever expanding shelves, kindly donating several
signed copies of his books.
Autumn Term ConcertCongratulations to all the children
in Years 3 to 6 who put on an
outstanding autumn term concert
for an invited audience. The
school theatre was packed with
family and friends who were
blown away by the plentiful
singing, acting, presenting and
musical talent that was on display.
Well done all!
OUTSTANDING LAMDA RESULTSCONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2012 LAMDA CANDIDATES.
ALL EXAMINATIONS WERE PASSED AT EITHER MERIT OR DISTINCTION!
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:45 Page 18
African Fun at Leweston Prep!Leweston Prep could have been
mistaken for somewhere far more
exotic in October when African
Chief Kofi Leo visited Year 2 pupils
to give them a taste of Masai
culture! The school hall was filled
with the traditional sounds and
songs of the Masai as Chief Kofi Leo
taught pupils the Masi warrior
leaping dance and how to play the
African drums. The pupils even
learned to sing some Masai songs in
Swahili and made their own
traditional costumes. The group
finished the day by performing what
they had learned to an audience of
family and friends. A wonderful
experience for the children and
the audience!
Blessing of the Padua BuildingLeweston’s newly
renamed Padua
Building was blessed
by Fr Peter Clarke in
September. The
building has been
named after St
Antony of Padua,
Leweston’s patron
saint and contains
the Year 5 and Year 6
classrooms, the
school music room and newly refurbished school hall. We look
forward to the many lessons, performances and assemblies that
will take place in the Padua building this year!
19
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:45 Page 19
20
Scientists Explore ‘Flight’ at @BristolChildren in the Prep enjoyed a fascinating trip to
@Bristol, one of the UK’s biggest and most exciting
interactive science centres in November. The
group were able to explore the many scientific
exhibits on offer and had the exciting opportunity
to take part in a ‘flight’ workshop. The children
were given an interactive presentation on the
effects of thrust and air resistance on an aircraft
and then tasked with making their own parachute!
Congratulations to Alexander Dobson, Toby Gosse-
Fordham, Robbie Wingfield-Digby and Jamie Baker
who won with their parachute which floated to the
ground in the slowest time. Some comments from
the participants can be seen below…
The iron filings and magnets were spectacular.
I really loved going to @Bristol. My favourite thingwas making the rockets and parachutes. It was so fun!
I really enjoyed the whole experience of being at@Bristol. I enjoyed the fact that everything wasinteractive and we could have a go at creating ananimation, tracing a cartoon, making rockets andtrying to present the weather.
Grandparents’ Celebration DayOn a sunny Friday back in September grandparents
went back to school for the morning when they joined
their grandchildren in the Prep. The morning saw all
sorts of activities and adventures as well as a service in
the School Chapel which featured special hymns and
prayers selected and created by Leweston Prep pupils.
Tired grandparents enjoyed a revitalising lunch before
heading home. We look forward to seeing you all again
next year!
Children in NeedLeweston Prep was delighted to raise money for Children in Need again this
year. The children in the Prep dressed in their home clothes, some choosing
pyjamas as their attire for the day as pictured. Their efforts resulted in over £50
being raised for this deserving cause.
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:45 Page 20
Pupils, parents, staff and friends of Leweston celebrated Bonfire Night on Monday 5th November with the
traditional bonfire, fireworks and a hog roast. The audience of both Prep and Senior School families enjoyed
the most elaborate and impressive firework display yet and the toffee apples went down a treat!
Fun, Food and Fireworks!
Pupils in Years 4 and 5 travelled
to Poole’s Lighthouse Theatre in
November to watch a touring
production of the highly
acclaimed ‘Horrible Histories’
stage show. This particular
production focused on the Vile
Victorians, a time period that
Year 5 children are studying.
From the outset the show was
very humorous and visually
stunning. The professional
actors highlighted key events
and themes from the
Victorian period.
Famous characters such as
Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and
Florence Nightingale were
examined in closer detail
alongside events such as the
Crimean War and the Charge of
the Light Brigade. Themes
including children’s jobs, schools,
factories and industrialisation
were also given the ‘Horrible
Histories’ treatment with the
outcome being highly
memorable scenes, songs
and jokes.
The children in both Years 4 and
5 laughed out loud and
screamed at the gruesome parts
of the show. They left the
performance at the end with
many saying it was the best
theatre show they had ever seen.
High praise indeed for a history
lesson in disguise!
‘Horrible Histories’
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:45 Page 21
Year 1 and 2 VisitSherborne Fire StationThe children in Years 1 and 2
visited Sherborne Fire Station in
December to help with their
understanding of fire safety. The
group were very well looked
after by the fire fighters who
showed them around the station
explaining what all of the
equipment was used for. The
children even got to enjoy a ride
in a fire engine – what a treat!
An Early Visit From Father Christmas!Christmas came early at
Leweston Prep when Father
Christmas dropped in to visit
the children at the Prep School
at the start of December. The
reason for this early visit was so
that he could collect the
shoeboxes that the children
from the Prep had filled with
goodies for the Samaritans Purse Charity – Operation Christmas Child.
These shoe boxes will go to other less fortunate children across the
world. Thank you to Father Christmas for sparing some time in his busy
schedule. We hope that the children will continue to celebrate the
importance of giving to those who do not have such wonderful
opportunities available to them at Christmas time.
WondrousWillow WeavingPupils in Years 3 - 6
enjoyed the company
and creativity of
Maurice Fawcett, also
known as ‘The Willow
Birdman of Somerset’, in
December. Inspired by
Maurice’s creations the children were extremely keen to have a go at
making their own creations including Christmas wreaths, swords and
angels! Everyone found it a challenge to keep the weaving tight and to
secure the tips of each piece of willow, however all rose to the
challenge and some masterpieces were produced!
Pupils Donate toLord’s Larder
Leweston Prep was
delighted to welcome Matt,
a representative from the
Lord’s Larder at Harvest
time. The Lord’s Larder Food
Bank is a local ‘bank’ of non-
perishable food operated
by volunteers from
churches in and around
Yeovil. Leweston Prep
families have been
collecting food and
money for the charity who
last year delivered over
33,000 items of food to
1200 adults and 737
children.
Leweston Livingand Christmas Fair
Pupils from Leweston Prep
once again enjoyed the
annual Leweston Living and
Christmas Fair in
November. Pupils enjoyed
trawling the 45 stands
looking for Christmas
presents with the sweet
stall remaining the star
attraction! A number of
Prep musicians also
delighted the vast crowds
with their musical talents.
We are delighted that this
year’s fair has raised over
£2000 for Dorset based
charity Weldmar
Hospicecare Trust.
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:45 Page 22
Christmas atLeweston PrepThe children in the Pre-Prep
delighted the audience of
family and friends with their
Nativity play at the end of
term. The performance
featured narration delivered
with confidence and clarity,
stunning musical
performances and some
inspired acting – no doubt
we have plenty of stars in
the making!
The autumn term was brought
to a close with the Prep Carol
Service in the School Chapel.
The school choir sang a
mixture of well-known and
less well known carols and the
service also featured a
beautifully performed solo by
Year 6 pupil Eliza Harwood
(pictured below). A fitting end
to another successful term at
Leweston Prep.
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:46 Page 23
24
IAPS Inland Sailing Regatta 2012An intrepid and enthusiastic team of Leweston Prep
sailors travelled to Farmoor Reservoir in November,
home to Oxford Sailing Club and venue for the first
IAPS Inland Sailing Regatta!
Organised as an additional event to the established
summer IAPS National Sailing Regatta (hosted by
Leweston Prep) this new inland location proved a
tempting challenge for the newly formed Year 6
sailing team. The two Leweston crews comprised of
Year 6 pupils Daisy Pilkington (helm) and Poppy
Bailey (crew) in one boat with Gabriella Strachwitz-
Hamilton (helm) and Scarlett Cole (crew) in another.
The girls’ main objectives were to gain racing
experience and confidence in preparation for the
summer regatta and the day was to prove a great
success for all involved with our two crews
developing their racing skills considerably against a
high standard of opposition from schools across
the UK.
This extra regatta should lift our U11 crews into a
strong position to improve on past results at the
forthcoming summer regatta in Weymouth.
Congratulations to the four girls involved.
Leweston Prep was delighted to
receive a £200 cheque from Peter
Rhodes, Mayor of Sherborne for
their participation in the
Sherborne Mini Olympics held in
the summer. The event raised
over £2000 which has been
shared out between the
participating schools for the
purchasing of sports equipment.
Leweston was delighted to take
part in this Olympic event and
came away with several medals.
Well done to former Year 6 pupils
Ana Downing who took gold in
the 600m, Fleur Crittall who
won silver throwing the vortex
and to Portia Manson who
won bronze in the 200m. The
Leweston Prep 6 x 100m relay
team of Portia, Ana, Elsie Gibbs,
Gabriella Strachwitz-Hamilton,
Fleur and Alice also won gold!
Leweston Prep Receives Mini Olympics Cheque for Sports Equipment
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:46 Page 24
25
It has been a term of firsts at Leweston Prep with pupils competing in the inaugural Leweston aquathlon and
triathlon competitions in October. In the aquathlon pupils in the U9 and U11 categories swam around an
inflatable buoy in the newly enclosed swimming pool before running the 300m running route around the
orchard. Well done to Year 4 pupil Anya Evans who won the U9 event and to Gabriella Strachwitz-Hamilton
who won the U11 event. Twelve competitors took part in the triathlon event the following week completing
a testing 50m swim, 300m run and a 600m cycle. The competition was stiff and the final times only a few
seconds apart. Both events were great preparation for the Dorset Schools’ Biathlon, also held in October,
which saw much success for Leweston. We look forward to many more ‘athlon’ events in the coming terms.
Testing Triathlons and Aquathlon Antics!
Former Olympian Delivers Hockey Clinic for Prep PupilsOver twenty girls from the Prep School
took full advantage of the series of
hockey coaching clinics delivered by
Rob Hill on Saturdays during the
autumn. Rob has 72 caps for England
and Great Britain and played in the
1992 Olympic Games. He was also Head
Coach for the West U21 hockey squad
and is currently Director of Sport at
Lingfield. He taught the girls 3D skills
and wowed them with his lightning
quick reverse stick ability. The girls
worked with great enthusiasm and
will undoubtedly benefit from
his expertise.
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:46 Page 25
Rugby Rules!
I can only describe the first full season of rugby at
Leweston Prep as an outstanding term’s work. The
enthusiasm the pupils had for the sport was
infectious from the beginning and their boundless
energy a pleasure to watch and work with. There is a
willingness to learn and no shortage of innate ability
and with these attributes abundant in the Leweston
Prep squad I had no doubt that the season was
going to be a good one.
The season started with a trip to All Hallows and
Sherborne Prep and although many of the Leweston
team were a year young, the focus was always on the
basic skills of evasive running, passing and catching
and team organisation. With these key elements in
place the results looked after themselves and
although score lines were not often recorded by the
opposition as they were essentially training games,
more tries were scored by Leweston.
PAUL MILES, DIRECTOR OF SPORT AT LEWESTON REFLECTS ON THE SEASON OF
RUGBY AT LEWESTON PREP…
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:47 Page 26
We continued with wins and draws against other
local and regional opposition and it was evident that
the skill level of the Leweston team was so good that
they were beating teams consisting of boys who
were two years older than themselves.
The final game of the season proved tough with one
opposition player scoring 12 tries on his own but in
true Leweston fashion there was no panic, simply a
systematic execution of the skills they had learned
leading to a convincing win of over 7 tries!
In reflecting on the achievements of the team I have
purposefully not mentioned individuals as none of
the above could have been realised without the
players working together. All the players
contributed and all the players should be justifiably
proud of the season they have had. The future is
bright for many of the boys and it will be as much a
pleasure to watch their progress as it has been to
coach them.
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:47 Page 27
Boarding Bliss!
ASPIRING BOARDERS ENJOY A ‘COMMOTION IN THE OCEAN’
After the success of Leweston’s
2011 Junior House boarding
taster weekend, this year’s event
was met with eager anticipation.
The weekend did not disappoint
and record numbers of girls took
part with every bed in Junior
House full! Dorms were
decorated in line with the
nautical theme featuring
mermaids, shoals of fish and even
an octopus or two.
During the first evening the girls
enjoyed art and craft activities
along a fishy theme and a pizza
supper followed by a game of
‘shark attack’ in the school
theatre. The following morning
the girls took part in a session of
creative dance based on ‘The
Pirates of the Caribbean’ before
they set off for their seaside
adventure to Weymouth Sealife
Centre. The girls then headed to
the beach where getting wet
seemed to be the order of the
day. Also popular was the
Crocodile Creek water ride which
made sure that the rest of the
group all got a soaking!
It was soon time for the happy
mariners to be collected – some
wishing that their parents might
just forget them so they would be
able to stay another night ‘testing
the water’ in Junior House!
28
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:47 Page 28
Record BoardingNumbers!
We are delighted that this
term has seen a record
number of girls choosing to
board at Leweston. There
are over 110 pupils full or
weekly boarding at
Leweston with more girls
flexi boarding than ever
before as well.
Boarding Skills
Award Update
Following Leweston’s
selection as of one of only
10 schools in the country to
trial the new BSA Boarding
Skills Award in 2012, we are
extending our provision in
2013 by running two levels
of the qualification. All Year
7 boarders will be
completing the basic level
course, with all Year 9
girls completing the
standard level.
The course is designed to
evidence the soft skills
learned by boarders that
employers can use as
currency for employability
alongside academic results
in an ever more competitive
jobs market. We look
forward to the continued
success of this course at
Leweston and to the
benefits it will bring to
the girls.
29
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:47 Page 29
Lorraine Roberts,
Housemistress of Junior House
at Leweston since September,
reflects on her first few months
in the job…
It occurred to me as I first walked
through the Manor House doors
and up the newly carpeted
stairway to Junior House, that the
feelings I was having of
excitement, trepidation and
anxiety were probably the very
same feelings that the girls would
be having, whether they were
new to boarding at Leweston or
returning after the summer to
meet me, their new
Housemistress, for the first time.
I am happy to say that at the end
of my first term in the Boarding
House, surrounded by tinsel and
fairy lights and listening to
Christmas songs and happy
chatter coming from the common
room, I feel very much part of the
Leweston family. Living and
working here has kept me very
busy; it has been fulfilling,
exciting and enjoyable. The staff,
the girls and their parents have
shown me great kindness and
support and along with Miss
Fielding, Mrs Robson, the fabulous
Gappies, Miss Sozuo and Miss
Bullock and Graduate Assistant
Miss Penn we are quickly
developing as a strong team.
I, like the girls new to boarding at
Leweston, found my first day
nerves quickly alleviated when I
discovered that Junior House is
an incredibly happy, harmonious
and special place. There is a
genuine family feeling and a
positive and relaxed atmosphere
which generates compassion in
all its residents and strong bonds
between the girls and staff. The
youngest boarders benefit from
and enjoy the company of the
older Year 7 and 8 girls who are
good role models and behave
very much like older sisters
(without the sibling rivalry!).
The busyness of the boarding
house has certainly kept me on
my toes, there is not a second to
get bored… the girls (and the
staff ) are kept continually busy
with the vast array of evening and
weekend activities, socials, trips
and sports fixtures on offer.
Occasionally there is time and
opportunity for the girls to relax,
enjoy the beautiful grounds here,
or watch X Factor or Strictly in our
lovely new sitting room, Cedars.
Of course work must also be
completed and the boarders in
Junior House take a mature
attitude towards balancing their
extra-curricular and social
commitments with their
academic lives. I have been
impressed by the way the girls
support each other, working
together to help each other
to succeed.
It has been a busy and fulfilling
term but I am looking forward to
a new challenge in January when
I embark on a two year BSA in
Boarding Practice qualification
with Roehampton University. I am
sure Junior House will be the
guinea pig for some new ideas
and activities but I promise not to
tamper with the truly special
ethos we have here and look
forward to many more happy
terms in Junior House!
Bedding In ...
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:47 Page 30
Culinary ProwessCongratulations to
Hollie Clarkson (Year
9) and Aoife McCarthy
(Year 10) who both
qualified for the South
West Regional Final of
the 2012 Make it with
Mince Young Chef
Competition, where
they cooked the
dishes they had
designed for celebrity
chef James Martin.
Congratulations to
Hollie who achieved
2nd place, coming in the top twelve in the country and
to Aoife who was highly commended. Both girls
received certificates, James Martin cookery books and
chef whites. Very well done to both girls.
James Martin said of Hollie:
“The seasoning and spicing of her samosa dishwas ‘spot on’ and that for someone so youngto have so many elements to prepare - makingher own samosa pastry and making a freshmango chutney - was an achievement initself.”
Sixth Form ‘Games Maker’Receives Thanks from the Prime MinisterYear 12 pupil Issy
McGowan, along
with fellow Sixth
Formers Laura
Bowker and Imi
Massey, enjoyed
volunteering as a
Games Makers at
the 2012 Olympic
Games and/or the
Paralympics at the
sailing venue in
Weymouth over
the summer. Issy
has since received
a letter of thanks
from the Prime
Minister for her
role, along with the 1000s of other volunteers, in
helping make the games such a success. David
Cameron particularly praised the spirit, warmth
and friendliness of the volunteers. Well done all!
The tour, involving 30 girls, will
take place in July and the action
packed itinerary will keep
Leweston’s sports women and
musicians busy for its 12 days
duration. The girls will be visiting
schools in Cape Town and will
play over 15 sports fixtures
against schools and local teams.
The trip will also involve 5 public
performances by Leweston’s
Schola Cantorum, the first at
Goedgedacht Trust, a rural run
development centre which helps
local children and where the
members of Schola will also run
an afternoon workshop. The 4
other performances will be at
host schools, local parish
churches and the V and A
waterfront Amphitheatre in Cape
Town. The trip will also offer
some time for rest and relaxation
with a one night stop over at the
Addo Elephant Parka and Kariega
Game Reserve.
This promises to be a life
changing trip for the girls who
take part and we look forward to
reporting on the tour in future
editions of Leweston Life. We will
also have a blog up and running
on the Leweston website and
Facebook page to keep you up to
date with the tour’s progress as
it happens!
STOP PRESS... Sports and Music Tour to South AfricaLEWESTON IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE ITS EXCITING PLANS FOR A 2013 SCHOLA AND NETBALL
TOUR TO SOUTH AFRICA.
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:47 Page 31
LEWESTON SCHOOL, SHERBORNE, DORSET DT9 6EN01963 211010 [email protected]
WWW.LEWESTON.CO.UK
Monday and Tuesday 28th and 29th January
11/12/13+ Scholarship Days. (Closing date for
applications Monday 21st January.)
Friday and Saturday 1st and 2nd February
Middle House (Year 9) Boarding Taster Weekend
Friday 1st March
Careers Day for Years 11 and 12
Sunday 3rd March 7.30pm
Choral Society Concert ‘Zimbe’
Saturday 4th May
Catholic Confirmations
Saturday 11th May
Gaudy Reunion for various leaver years (please see
www.leweston.co.uk for more information.)
Friday 7th - Thursday 13th June
Summer GCSE and A level Art and Design Exhibition
Saturday 1st June
Reunion dinner for the leaver year of 1993.
Parent and Toddler Music Group
Thursday mornings during term time from 9am to
11am (for newborns to 4 years) – just drop in! Watch
this space for more news about our AquaTots group
due to start in the spring.
For more information about any of these events,
or to register your attendance, please call
01963 210783 or email
Lew
esto
n is
a re
gist
ered
cha
rity
num
ber
2951
75
Dates for your Diary…
Friday 15th MarchNursery and Prep Open Morning
10am – 12noon
Bank Holiday Monday 6th May Joint School Open Day
9.45am – 2pm
Friday 4th October Joint School Open Day
9.45am – 2pm
Sixth Form Information Evening
6.00pm
Thursday 5th DecemberPre-Prep Open Morning
10am – 12 noon
Open Days
15562 text:Layout 1 21/12/12 09:47 Page 32