Recently, 11 debaters from Years 7 to 10 took part in the regional round of The International Competition for Young Debaters (ICYD) in the prestigious Cambridge Union. It was a privilege for them to debate in the same debating chamber as the likes of

The latest talk in our speaker series, The Robert Winston Lectures, was particularly special as we welcomed quadruple amputee, Alex Lewis, for his talk, ‘A Minor Setback’. Alex discussed his journey from contracting an apparent common cold, to battling Strep A, Toxic Shock Syndrome, Septicaemia and Necrotising Fasciitis.

Through his humour and positive attitude, Alex taught us that anything is possible. The audience listened intently as he talked us through his life as a pub landlord and father, to adventures such as kayaking through Greenland, skydiving and battling rapids in Africa.

Alex’s story first came to the public eye back in 2016, thanks to a Channel 4 documentary, 'The Extraordinary Case of Alex Lewis'. Since then, he has made it his mission to live life to its fullest and be the best father he can be, whilst raising awareness of the daily battles that amputees face.

We also heard about his next mission, tackling Ethiopia’s highest peak on a specially made hand-cycle for the Wild Wheelchairs Project. His aim is to bring awareness to Ethiopia’s amputee population, who are often shunned by society. He will be raising money to turn a wheelchair workshop into a full factory and hoping to influence some positive change in the country.

If you would like to donate to this wonderful course, you can do so here: https://goo.gl/kcDyr8

Alex was kind enough to answer questions after his talk and he even had pupils queuing up to speak with him after the event.

Event organiser, Miss Chappell, said afterwards, “It was such a privilege to welcome Alex; he has really highlighted to us how important it is to persevere and never give up, no matter what obstacles we face. This is a great message for our pupils and a reminder to us all that life is for living. He has been a true inspiration and we are very grateful to him for speaking to us.”

For those who could not make the lecture, the highlights are available on our YouTube channel.

We now look forward to our final lecture of the year on Tuesday 7 May, Dr Olly Ayers. Olly will be talking to us about Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement, an important topic for everyone studying History.

It was an historic occasion at this year’s House Music competition as New House came away victors in their inaugural year!

The event, led entirely by our student body, was a huge success and highlighted just how supportive and enthusiastic our pupils are. Year 5’s Alexis Armstrong opened the afternoon with a beautiful song in memory of her uncle. This was followed by some incredible solo and group performances from our singers and musicians across Junior and Senior school, and it was wonderful to see the collaboration between the year groups. We were even treated to some original material by our talented Year 11 pupils. Oliver Barker wowed the audience with his piece, “Dance with Me, Baby”, while Joe Warren performed his brilliant song, “Love Ain’t” on the guitar.

As always, the afternoon was brought to a close by the house performances. This year, the theme was the 00s, and the pupils, who had spent weeks rehearsing and perfecting their songs, really gave it their all.

First up were Field House who celebrated all things red, white and blue for their mash up of “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas, and “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus. Master House showed off their dance moves for Cee Lo Green’s “Forget You”. New House rocked out to “Year 3000” by Busted and School House closed the show, demonstrating their Taekwondo skills for “Kung Fu Fighting”.  

Judging the competition was pianist Annabelle Lawson. Returning for her second year, Annabelle is one of the most dynamic and enterprising musicians of her generation. She has performed extensively and internationally, teaches at the Royal Academy of Music in London, as well as examining for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

With the points very close between all fours houses, New House were delighted to come away as the winners. Mr Barnett, New Housemaster, said, “I am over the moon that we won in our first ever House Music competition. It is testament to the hard work that the pupils and form tutors have put in over the last couple of months and I could not be more proud of them.”

Well done to all of the performers. Be sure to visit our YouTube channel watch the individual and group performances.

 

Friday 1 March 2019 - 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Come and see the school in action, including the opportunity to see our outstanding provision for Music, Drama and Sport. From Nursery through to Sixth Form, the open doors afternoon offers prospective families the chance to tour the school during regular lesson time, meet our pupils and teachers and view our wonderful facilities

Pre-register using the button below or pop along on the day. 

There are fewer festive traditions that bring families together in quite the same way as the good old British pantomime. This Christmastime, the Hill House family was brought together by the inaugural Staff Panto, Cinderella. With Mr Laszkowicz starring as the lovestruck Buttons, and Miss Smith, of the English and Drama departments, as the overworked, overlooked Cinderella, the school was treated to a story of friendship that blossoms into true love. However, ‘the course of true love never did run smooth’ and when Prince Charming’s (Mr Lawrie) parents, Mrs Havard and Mr Fox, decided he needed a wife, an invitation was issued to all eligible ladies in the room; scuppering any chance of Buttons and Cinderella being together.

Of course, Mr Marsh’s Baroness Hardup had plans of her own and made sure her daughters (Mr Anderson and Mr Barnett) also had the opportunity of vying for the hand of the ‘handsome’ prince.

What, however, would a pantomime be without the fairy godmother to grant the wishes and desires of the heroes and heroines in a bid to usurp the villains? Enter Mr Keyworth. Equipped with tutu, wings and trusty golf club wand, the god-mother of fairy god-mothers bestowed Christmas wishes on us all and even gave some timely words of wisdom to a Buttons, who had lost his shine, and a Cinderella who had, until now, no chance of going to meet her ‘handsome’ prince. 

Back at the palace, ball guests Mrs Troupes and Mrs Thomas, and palace steward, Mr Cattell, all attempted to win the prince’s affections before the Hardups finally seized their moment, after a sterling vocal cameo of It’s Raining Men, from Mr Hopkinson. The attentions of the prince, however, were firmly fixed on the now begowned Cinderella. Sadly, all that glistens is not gold and Prince Charming lacked much promise. Fleeing the scene, assisted by the cousin of Buttons (Mrs Smith), Cinderella returned home, alone.

A rogue glove, left behind at the ball, gave Prince Charming and his family hope that his perfect partner might be traced, only to discover that it was, in fact, the glove of the Baroness.

And so it was that the Mr Lawrie and Mr Marsh embraced; Mr Anderson and Mr Barnett wept; Mr Laszkowicz and Miss Smith were united and the rest of the cast and crew gathered under the ribbon-clad baton of Mr Keyworth’s golf club to lead the school in a hearty rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

Many thanks to Mrs Lee, Mrs Holland, Mrs Atack, Dr Boynton, Upper Sixth’s Katie Smith and Head of Drama, Mr Ross, for their help and support in directing, providing costumes, props and make-up and in writing the script. An annual tradition is born and one that has already received rave reviews from pupils, students and colleagues alike. As one GCSE pupil said, "There are certain things I will remember from being here, and this is one of them. It was really brilliant!"

Merry Christmas to you all.