This magazine takes a look back on the Summer term here at Waldegrave, covering all aspects of Waldegrave life from around the school to trips and visits and our community events.
Waldegrave School SUMMER 2024 Magazine First Edition
CONTENTS
WELCOME A message from our headteacher. 03
25 26 17 12 04 08 28
SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS A showcase of some of our most exceptional moments.
PERFORMING ARTS Take a look at our Performing Arts departments recent events. AROUND SCHOOL Outside of lessons students have loved getting involved in lectures and challenges. STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Spotlighting our students’ accomplishments beyond the classroom. WALDEGRAVE COMMUNITY Explore our new topics from interviewing an alumni student to delving into our staff spotlight. SPORTS Hear all about our sports teams and their recent matches and tournaments. TRIPS & VISITS Students have enjoyed participating in a number of local area visits and overseas trips.
I am delighted to introduce the first edition for the Summer term of Waldegrave’s magazine! As you read through this edition, there was a clear sense of the transition of the season. This magazine covers activities from the end of the Easter term, so we begin with the wonderful Easter Bonnet Parade, a much loved Waldegrave tradition and the Ski Trip to Austria before covering events that take us to our celebration of our wonderful Year 11 students who are now in the midst of their GCSE exams. In their final assembly we were joined by Amelia Radford,
a previous Waldegrave Headgirl, who delivered a truly inspirational speech. She spoke of being an incredibly shy student in Year 7 who was empowered by Waldegrave to find her voice and given the confidence to pursue her dream career in the film industry. Throughout the magazine you will find many examples of the opportunities we have offered our students to help them grow in confidence and pursue their passions. It is lovely to be able to shine a light on some of their fantastic achievements, both as individuals and teams. In addition to sporting success you will read about students who have excelled in culinary competitions, creative writing and entrepreneurial challenges. New to this edition we have included two new features. Firstly, we have introduced an alumni piece. In this edition you can read about Emma who was one of the students in the very first year of Waldegrave in 1980. If you yourself are a Waldegrave alumna please get in touch so you can feature in future editions. It is wonderful to be able to share the history of our school. Secondly, we have a staff spotlight. I hope you enjoy reading this magazine as much as I have. There is even an opportunity for Spanish speakers to brush up on their Spanish, with Luke’s beautiful short story about a parallel universe set in Madrid.
~ Ms Tongue
A true Waldegrave tradition, the last day of term started with a favourite annual event: the Easter Bonnet Parade. This
EASTER BONNET PARADE much-loved part of Waldegrave never fails to amaze us, with students showcasing their creativity in bonnet design and their enthusiasm in their spirited rendition of Irving Berlin’s ‘Easter Parade,’ which echoed throughout the school. We were delighted to see so many entries from our Year 7 and Year 8 students. The decision-making process was tough, as everyone who entered created spectacular bonnets! In Year 7, Isobel F in 7FFR emerged as the individual winner with her beautifully crafted bonnet. A special mention goes to Bea C in 7STR for her exceptional creativity. The group winners were Mathilda G and Emilia G in 7EDA, who impressed everyone with their teamwork and design. Special mentions in the group category go to Mabel J, Eva C, Mara H, Florence B, and Lily S in 7EST; Constance F, Theophilia H, Quince C, and Man Kiu N in 7EST; Hayley T, Shaymaa M, Charmaine T in 7FLE; and Eliza P, Amber H, Belle D, Tilda T, Ruby S in 7STR; Caitlin R and Grace F in 7STR.
Year 8 also saw some fantastic entries. Izzy L-W in 8FAD won the individual category with her stunning bonnet. The group winners were Iris K and Melody M in 8PWA, who created an impressive bonnet together. A special mention goes to Eirynn S and Hannah K in 8POR for their outstanding efforts.
The Year 10 ski trip to Austria was a fantastic experience for the 40 students and 5 teachers who travelled to the beautiful Salzburger Sportwelt resort. They departed from school on Good Friday, arriving at their hotel in St Martin am Tennengebirge on Saturday afternoon. After settling in and fitting their gear, they enjoyed a delicious three-course Austrian meal. On Sunday, they hit the slopes with their skis, poles, and lift passes. Students were grouped by experience: experienced, intermediate, dry slope veterans, and complete beginners. Everyone had a brilliant time, enjoying après-ski activities and home-cooked Austrian food. Experienced skiers explored the resort, intermediates honed their skills, and beginners progressed confidently from nursery slopes to blue runs.
Students shared their excitement: “I loved it, it was great,” and “Skiing is like soaring and flying!” One student enjoyed “learning to ski for the first time,” and another loved “going bowling and all the activities after skiing.” The cultural aspect was also a highlight, with a student saying, “The Salzburg trip was very fun and the city was nice to explore.”
Y11 LEAVERS Year 11 students capped off a memorable year with the school’s standout annual tradition, ‘Dress Up Day,’ before they knuckled down to their GCSEs. Each year, Year 11 students set the bar high with innovative outfits, many of which are hand constructed and decorated. This year, the school’s corridors were crowded with the cast of The Inbetweeners, the Toy Story gang, fairies, Minions, Disney princesses, and villains and much more. The staff also joined in, dress- ing in ‘Waldegrave School uniform’ to enter into the spirit of the day!
The celebrations for the day culminated with an entertaining game of benchball against their teachers, with the teachers winning 2-1, much to the dismay of the students, before finishing in style with a costume parade. The students were all competing for the coveted title of either individual or group winner for the ‘Best Dressed’ as judged by some of the senior leadership team and the winners from the previous year. It was a closely fought contest, but Cat Woman, played by Nyasha S, won the individual category, with Shrek, portrayed by Eliza T, as the runner-up. In the group category, the competition was fierce with ‘Grand Prix’ as the runners-up, featuring Mia B D, Aleena C, Amy H-J, Madiha M, Lucy R, Masooma K, and Tilly L. The winners in this category were ‘Ant & Seb’ from The X Factor fame, performed by Isabel J and Islay D. Headteacher Ms. Tongue remarked, “It was wonderful to be able to celebrate our Year 11s this week. As they start their exams, it is so important that our students know that everyone at home and school is working together to support them.”
Y11 LEAVERS Waldegrave School’s Year 11 Celebratory Assembly was a heartfelt farewell to a remarkable cohort of students, attended by their families and friends. Former Head Girl, Amelia Radford, who served in 2015, delivered an inspiring address, sharing her journey from a quiet, shy student to a confident leader. Reflecting on her time at Waldegrave, Amelia stated, “To be seen and heard in this world is a privilege, a privilege so many are not
afforded…I didn’t want to be a blur in the crowd, I wanted to be carved into the walls, I wanted to feel like I left a shadow, a mark or an imprint at the school.” Her words deeply resonated with the students, encouraging them to embrace their own voices and make their mark. Amelia also spoke about her post-Waldegrave journey, which led her to a successful career in the film industry after graduating with honours from
Amelia Radford, Former Head Girl
Central Saint Martins College of Art. She attributed much of her success to the education and support she received at Waldegrave, noting, “Waldegrave taught me so much, an abundance of knowledge, to take pride in intelligence and to never give up.” Her message of perseverance and dreaming big was a fitting culmination to the event, leaving a lasting impression on the Year 11 students as they prepare for their future endeavours. Ms. Tongue, the Headteacher, concluded with a heartfelt address, praising the students for their achievements and resilience, especially during the pandemic. She reinforced the school’s commitment to supporting them through their exams and beyond, expressing confidence in their ability to succeed and make a positive impact.
CHARITY EVENT UNICEF Y8 FUNDRAISER The students of 8EFR brought the whimsical world of The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party to life this term, opening the event to Year 7s in a delightful and meaningful celebration. Originally envisioned in Year 7, it took a month of dedicated planning and hard work for the event to become a reality. The entire form came together, contributing in various ways to ensure the event’s success. Many students baked treats for the bake sale, while others, like Ella from 8SGZ, provided additional donations. The creativity didn’t stop there; students also contributed accessories for the lively photo booth, adding an extra layer of fun and engagement. The event was a vibrant mix of activities and offerings. There was a bustling bake sale, a whimsical photo booth, and a refreshing drinks stand. Games and music, specially chosen by the Year 7 students, created an energetic atmosphere. Additionally, they held a Krispy Kreme doughnut sale which was a huge hit.
Together, their efforts raised an impressive total of just over £270 for Cancer Research. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the collective effort of everyone involved. Special thanks go to Miss French for her invaluable support and guidance. A big shout out to Annabel and Catriona for their initiative in starting this project back in Year 7. “We are incredibly proud of our form’s teamwork and dedication,” said Olivia and Jemima from 8EFR, who penned this report. “Thank you to everyone who helped out and made this possible. We couldn’t have done it without you!”
DRAMA PRIMARY OUT- REACH “Over the past couple of months, we have been creating a play called Storybook Wolves, based on a children’s book. It was really fun as we all contributed ideas and created a workshop for some Year 1 students. We performed it to them on two days, visiting four different schools. I really enjoyed this experience; the performance was exciting, and the kids loved interacting with the characters from the book. After the show, we ran a workshop where we split into small groups and did various drama activities to help the kids understand the play and engage with them. One of my favourite tasks was doing soundscapes because the Year 1 students got to express themselves and share what they liked about the play. They turned into wolves, frogs, and other characters, which they found funny. I also enjoyed the freeze frames since the kids came up with lots of creative ideas. We incorporated books they liked into the still images. Overall, I found the experience very fun, and I hope the children also enjoyed it and found it entertaining,” said Emma W, one of the Year 9 performers. Our Year 9 cast has been rehearsing Beware of the Storybook Wolves for the past few months, which they recently took to local primary schools. The Year 1 children were delighted with the show and the workshop that followed. The Year 9s completed a Theatre in Education unit in the Spring term, leading to auditions for the cast that would perform a short adaptation of Lauren Child’s book Beware the Storybook Wolves. They visited four primary schools in the Twickenham area, where the Year 1 children loved the play and the subsequent drama activities. The workshops included creating freeze frames of their favourite books and soundscapes inspired by the performance. It was a joy to see our students interacting with and leading the younger ones. The impact on the Year 1 students was profound. One little boy said, “I think that might be the best day ever,” as he left the room. The Year 1 staff were amazed by the professionalism, competence, and maturity of our students and were impressed by the engagement they generated in otherwise disaffected students.
Our Year 9 students were absolutely amazing and a genuine credit to the school, demonstrating not only their acting skills but also their ability to inspire and connect with younger students through drama and creativity.
When were you a student at Waldegrave? I was part of the first cohort of students who came to Waldegrave when it was formed from the merger of Twickenham Girls’ and Kneller Girls. That was in 1980. I remember we were a large cohort, with 8 form groups. I was in 1T and my form tutor was Miss Allsop and we sat in alphabetical order, I sat next to Rebecca Shaw and our form room was a languages classroom. What were your first memories of Waldegrave? It was big! And I was a bit frightened if I am honest. I was relatively shy at primary school and so coming to a larger school was quite daunting.
What are your fondest memories of Waldegrave school when you were here? The music department was my haven. I played the violin and recorder at that time and so it was a great place to be. Our Music teachers were Miss Sylvia Junge and Miss Joan Hale. Between them they were quite a team, Miss Hale being quite formidable! I think my fondest memories are linked to music but also to specific teachers – I had a wonderful English teacher in 3 rd Year (Mr Brown) and the best History teacher who was also Deputy Head (Mrs Callaway). Another memory I have is of the first Waldegrave Young Musician of the Year. I played the flute as well and competed on that instrument. I didn’t win but felt an immense sense of achievement at having participated and the judge told me ‘You have a very big sound!’
What did you decide to do after you left Waldegrave school? I went to RUTC in Twickenham to do A Levels, I didn’t enjoy it much and didn’t do so well. I retook my A levels at West London Institute and ended up at Aberystwyth University, initially reading Classics and Music but finally doing Drama. How did your career progress? I finished my degree and stayed to do Teacher Training, though I have never actually taught in a school. I decided to go back to college to train as a Stage Manager and worked in Theatre for 10 years before meeting my now husband and having 2 wonderful children. I now teach Sing and Sign to parents and carers and babies and I work at the school where we live, where my husband is Head of History. My daughter is at the school and my son also went through it to 5th Form (Year 11). What were the things that you took from Waldegrave into your adult life? The influence of Music and Miss Hale have been immense – I played in Richmond Youth Orchestra for many years and have always loved live music. This is something that I was encouraged in through school. I was a little different at school – I liked music, did Latin and wore NHS specs. Other students were sometimes unkind, but I feel that has made me a kinder, more compassionate person. I also think I learnt to follow my dreams and not worry about what others thought of me.
If there was one piece of advice you would give any of our students at Waldegrave what would it be? That is hard as there is so much advice to be given to students but I think it would have to be: Be kind and compassionate to all, it is a skill often missing in the world, will stand you in good stead and will always come back to you in heaps in the moments you least expect it.
What is your role at Waldegrave school? Lead Key Stage Hub Officer - KS4 (It’s a mouthful)!
How long have you worked at Waldegrave school? 2 ½ Years
What made you decide to start your own business? Family and friends were encouraging me to go into business after years of cooking and baking for family events.
How long have you been running your business for? Since 2013.
Have you always been interested in baking? No, Cooking was my first love. I slowly became interested in baking in my 30’s and it grew from there. A close friend started a baking business and encouraged me to do the same.
What is the most interesting brief you have been given and what did the cake look like? Actually it was for a competition. Cake International which is held here in the UK but has entrants from all over the world. The category I chose was ‘ Wedding cakes of 3 tiers or more’. Although there are some rules you must stick to, the design could literally be anything, and they have been! The cake was 6 tiers, in white / gold and navy blue. Each tier was completely different and the top tier was a ball shape which had over 400 hundred blossoms hand dipped in edible gold paint and attached to it. It took approximately 150 hours. I won Silver for my first ever entry.
What has been your favourite cake to make? My kids’ birthday cakes....They love to challenge me! Any tips for any baking enthusiasts?
Practise, practise, practise!. Find what you’re good at, and that doesn’t have to be everything. I love making sugar flowers but am rubbish at models (I find them stressful). So instead I make pretty cakes with lots of sugar & wafer paper flowers. There’s always a new one to learn! What advice would you give to anyone starting their own business? Research your demographic and practise. It shouldn’t just look beautiful but taste amazing. The most important thing is to know your worth!
Waldegrave School celebrates Connie S’s exceptional performance at the Regional final of the Rotary Young Chef Competition. Connie’s culinary prowess shone as she crafted a delightful two-course meal within strict time and budget constraints. Despite facing tough competition from students sponsored by Rotary clubs across the region, Connie’s hand-made tagliatelle with crab and her delectable chocolate fondant impressed the judges with both their presentation and taste. Although Connie didn’t clinch the top spot, she demonstrated her excellent culinary skills. We extend our congratulations to Connie for her remarkable achievement and thank South Downs College, the Rotary Club of Havant, and all organisers for providing this enriching opportunity. The competition not only fosters culinary skills but also instils valuable lessons in teamwork and perseverance. We are incredibly proud that Connie representated the school in the competition.
Well done to Andrienna in 7PIR, Savannah in 9FBH, Tia in 10PCL and Cosmo in 10FJA who all attended the Twickenham Youth Theatre Spring Festival. Twickenham Youth Theatre are a collaboration of Performers, Writers, Directors and Choreographers with over 30 years experience in the Arts. Their passion lies in helping young people to find their voice through the use of drama games, devising and improvisation. We were delighted to hear that they delivered exceptionally strong performances and were very supportive of each other.
Over the holidays Kierpa in 10SDR
Congratulations to Lydia in 7EST who has been announced as the winner of the Complicite Radio Play National Competition which she along with many others of our KS3 students entered in December!
Congratulations to Lia H in 11PGC for her participation and top fundraiser achievement
represented team UK in Malta for the Karate World Championships. Kierpa managed to win one Gold and two bronze medals, well done!
in a recent Charity Swimathon raising money for Cancer Research!
We are thrilled to announce that one of our outstanding students, Luke R, has achieved remarkable success in the A-Level Spanish & Portuguese Writing Competition 2023, organised by the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at King's College London. This prestigious competition is open to Year 12 and Year 13 students across the UK and encourages young writers to explore their creativity and linguistic prowess. The theme for this year’s competition was "Parallel Universes," challenging participants to craft an original piece of writing in Spanish or Portuguese. The story had to unfold in an alternate city located in Portugal, Spain, or any Latin American country. Entries were evaluated based on both the richness of their content and the sophistication of their language. Luke's winning submission stood out for its imaginative take on the concept of parallel universes. His story, written in Spanish, delves into a vividly constructed alternate world, capturing the judges' attention with its originality and linguistic excellence. Luke's success is a testament to his dedication to mastering the Spanish language and his talent for storytelling. As the author of the winning entry, Luke has been awarded a book token and the honour of having his story published in Sobremesa, the Spanish, Portuguese, and Catalan language magazine produced by students at King's College London. Sobremesa enjoys a wide readership among university students and language enthusiasts throughout the UK, making this an incredible achievement for Luke and a proud moment for our school. We encourage everyone to read Luke’s captivating story Neustro Cielo (Our Sky) and delve into the parallel universe he has vividly brought to life. You can view both the original Spanish version and the translated English version below.
More good news for Luke R in 12AMZ who entered the 24th Christopher Tower Poetry Competition run by Christ Church College, University of Oxford. Luke was one of 13 students selected from over 1,700 applicants to attend the award ceremony and his poem on the theme ‘Mirror’ received a highly commended prize. Well done Luke for getting involved in so many supra-curricular activities!
We are delighted to announce that, after weeks of shortlisting and hours of debate from the judges, we have been informed of the winning reviewers for Richmond Borough’s Cover Story competition. They had hundreds of entries from children across the borough and the standard this year was incredibly high.
We’re thrilled to let you know that they have chosen the following reviews from Waldegrave:
Winning Reviews Liv H: Scarlett & Ivy by Sophie Cleverly Eleanor P: The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby Charlotte W: Girl (In Real Life) by Tamsin Winter
Highly Commended Reviews Sofia C: Boy Everywhere by A. M. Dassu
Mariam C: The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell Makayla D: The Donut Diaries by Anthony Horowitz Amelie M: The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart Suzanna W: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness These students were invited to attend a prize-giving event where they had the privilege of meeting with the Mayor of Richmond as she handed out their awards. They also were lucky enough to meet author Nathanael Lessore who delivered a lively talk about his latest books, Steady for This and King of Nothing, as well as hosting a Q&A and book signing session! Eleanor’s winning review: “I think that this book is worth a try because it really portrays the worries of an 11 year old girl Lottie Brooks starting secondary school. I found it really relatable as well as it being a great read. It’s hysterical and at some points genuinely made me laugh out loud. One thing that especially makes me laugh is the connection between Lottie and her brother Toby, which is hilarious. The thing that sticks out to me the most is that yes Lottie does go into her new school knowing nobody and being friendless and yes she does have friendship troubles but she always gets over them in the end. To me this shows a great sense of hope and reassurance that whatever you go through it’ll always be fine in the end.”
EPQ PRESENTATIONS MBA Marketplace Our Year 12 Waldegrave MBA students have been busy participating in the Peter Jones Tycoon Competition over the last four months, marking the final part of their qualification. This nationwide competition required students to set up and run their own businesses. Recently, they hosted a marketplace event to sell their remaining stock to fellow students and teachers. A variety of fantastic products were on offer, including homemade
brownies and handmade jewellery. Business was booming, and all participants made a healthy profit, showcasing their entrepreneurial skills. EPQ Presentations At the end of last term, some of our Sixth Form EPQ students delivered their final presentations, impressing staff with their deep understanding of their chosen topics and confident delivery. The EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) is an optional enrichment in the sixth form that allows students to explore areas of personal
MBA MARKET- PLACE academic interest. The presentations were the result of months of dedicated research. This year’s project themes included Donut Economics, The Impact of Mental Health on the Economy, and The Impact of the Media on the Judicial System. “Undertaking an EPQ has been a remarkable experience, providing me with the opportunity to explore a new area that interests me personally. This process has presented me with skills in creative thinking, independent work and time management, which will benefit me in the future. From conducting comprehensive research to presenting
my ideas, the EPQ has enhanced my capabilities and confidence, making it a challenging yet thoroughly rewarding process.” - Kiera “I really enjoyed having the independence to learn about a topic I was passionate about outside of the school curriculum. I have learnt some transferable skills such as referencing which will be helpful at University and found the project interesting and worthwhile.” - Marta
Year 12 Art and Design students were lucky to attend an oil painting workshop with artist Susie Nathanson. She began with a talk including information about her educational journey, painting mediums and studio setup. She also covered the business side of the artworld including informing students how to use various platforms for selling work, being represented by galleries and taking part in markets and
Are old bones all that archaeology is about? No, it's much more.
trade-fairs. This led onto a practical portrait painting session where students used their knowledge of colour theory to create a range of amazing portraits.
Andrew Earnshaw, host of the Old Bones podcast, shared his passion for archaeology with our
students. He showed our students how archaeology connects geography, science, culture, and human history.
“In the beginning of the workshop I had no experience in oil painting but by the end I felt I had gained an amazing understanding thanks to the artist Susie. I loved gaining insight into the everyday life of an artist!” - Claudia
The students explored the mysterious caves of Lascaux, using this to inspire their art, and discovered the wonders of archaeology. Andrew's enthusiasm was contagious, and we're all grateful for his inspiring talk.
“The talk was interesting as it put history in a different perspective as to what it is taught to be in the curriculum and allowed me to develop ideas of how societies are formed and how we view our own history as humans.” - Sorrel, Year 12 student
Politics Talk with Professor Jon Davis
Professor Jon Davis of the Strand Group at King’s College London gave a fascinating talk to a large audience of students and staff. Professor Davis has worked on major projects with 10 Downing Street and HM Treasury as well as being a lecturer on undergraduate and MA courses where his specialist subject is “The Blair Government”. He gave his thoughts on the forthcoming election here in the UK which is due to take place sometime in the next few months including the likely outcome and policies which might be implemented by a new government. The talk was extremely well received and students asked some very insightful questions at the end of it.
“I really enjoyed learning and widening my prior knowledge on politics. It was very interesting to hear about the voting from past years and some hopes for the coming year with the elections. One fact that really stuck with me was the letter kept on the 4 submarines should the Prime Minister die.” - Hannah W
Psychology Talk with Dr Olga Luzon
Dr Olga Luzon, a Professor from Royal Holloway University came to talk to our sixth form students. Her talk was about her research, her career path as a Clinical Psychologist, as well as the career paths students with a Psychology degree could go into. It was an extremely interesting talk and the attending students got a lot out of it. “The talk was truly eye-opening for us. Learning about the diverse paths into clinical psychology and the myriad career opportunities a psychology degree offers left us feeling inspired and excited. Moreover, exploring the impactful research on topics like domestic abuse and psychosis highlighted the profound potential of psychology to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals.”
“An engaging and inspirational insight into the ‘day in a life’ of a clinical psychologist. We learnt about her specialist research into psychosis, OCD and especially domestic abuse following the 2020 global pandemic. A key message that we took from the talk was the importance of looking at ‘what makes happiness?’ and ‘why we should strive for more’.” - Anna C
Economics Talk with Stuart Hume
We were delighted to welcome Stuart Hume from the International Finance Corporation. Stuart provided insight into the IFC and educated Waldegrave students on how the organisation combines expertise with leveraging the private sector to transform investment across the world, aiming to create a more sustainable and inclusive environment. With a strong passion among the Waldegrave community for effecting positive change, Stuart not only inspired but also helped students understand how they can turn their ambitions into reality. “Stuart’s presentation was incredibly enlightening, shedding light on the crucial role of the International Finance Corporation in shaping global investment.”
“Stuart showed us how our aspirations for positive change can translate into real-world action. Thank you, Stuart, for broadening our horizons!”
How to build a CV with Sarah Mason Huge thanks to Sarah Mason from SThree for taking the time to speak to our Year 12 students about the importance of crafting an impressive CV. As a school, we know that a strong CV is the foundation of any successful career, and Sarah’s insights were invaluable in helping our students understand not only why this is so important, but also how they can showcase their skills and achievements in the best possible way. “Sarah’s talk was incredibly insightful and left us feeling empowered about our future career prospects. Learning how to craft a compelling CV was eye-opening, and her practical tips will undoubtedly help us stand out in the competitive job market.”
“Sarah’s presentation was incredibly beneficial, offering us a clear understanding of what employers are looking for in a CV. It was reassuring to learn how to effectively highlight our skills and experiences. We feel much more confident about our future job applications.”
After two intense weeks of mocks Year 12 turned their attention to life after A Levels. The Sixth Form team delivered a series of talks and workshops designed to get them thinking about what they want to do when they leave school and what path that might take - whether that is a University route or the increasingly popular apprenticeship schemes. The week kicked off with a workshop on personal statements, getting students to think about what they do that makes them stand out. This is good practice to gain confidence in selling themselves. Representatives from industries and businesses including National Physical Laboratories, IBM, Savills and Goldman Sachs spoke to students about their apprenticeship schemes. They heard first hand advice from professionals and those currently on the apprenticeship programme about the various opportunities available to them. “The apprenticeship focus sessions were very insightful and informative. My favourite was the Goldman Sachs apprenticeship focus as it laid key info into the different routes and requirements, engaging my interests further in that field of work.” - Arjun P “The apprenticeship event was a really valuable learning experience and opened my eyes to all the opportunities available to me after my A Level studies. The experience allowed me to hear about all the different industries I could go into and I have come away with a broader understanding of the potential jobs available to me. In particular the Denton’s Law talk was really good as the representative tailored the experience to our age group in an effective way.” - Molly B
Students interested in studying medicine, veterinary or dentistry met professionals at a speed networking event giving them an invaluable opportunity to explore a variety of healthcare professions. Professions included a GPs, Occupational Therapist, Podiatrist, Ophthalmologist, Pharmacologist and physiotherapist. “It was great to get insider knowledge about being a vet and also how the application process works. I got some very useful tips!” - Charlotte E “I learnt about many medical professions I had never considered which has helped me narrow down what I might like to study. Hearing about their different routes and experiences was very interesting.” - Sofia D The whole of Year 12 went to St. Mary’s University to find out more about life as a student. Students attended a lecture in a subject they are interested in, found out about student finance and toured the campus. For some students this was their first experience of a university, kick-starting the process of working out if and which type of university is right for them and what to look out for when they attend open days in the next few months. “It was really interesting to see a campus university as I hadn’t before now.” - Rosie Paynter “It was great to see the sports facilities and experience student life” - Aroon W The trip to Thorpe Park was a well earned reward after the very busy and intense week. The torrential rain did not dampen the Year 12s’ spirit who made the most of the rollercoasters and spending time with their friends. “A great bonding experience!” - Sofia L
TEEN TECH
Our Year 8 students recently participated in the TeenTech Festival at Roehampton University, showcasing their innovative “buildings of tomorrow” models. The journey began with an initial ‘Make Day’ at school, where students worked together to create their models using recycled materials. This hands-on experience was both educational and enjoyable, fostering teamwork and creativity. At the festival, two teams of students presented their models to a panel of judges and received valuable feedback from peers from other schools. The day was filled with engaging challenges and inspiring sessions. Students participated in workshops conducted by the university’s science and E-Sports departments, the BBC, Amazon Web Services, and ARUP. They also took part in a software challenge and listened to an inspirational talk by Alex Lewis, a quadruple amputee, who shared how he leverages technology and equipment in his daily life. One of the participating students, Melissa in 8FCO, shared her experience: “When we arrived, we displayed our models alongside others and then dived into the activities. Making slime was one of my favourites, though it got quite messy. We played games like Mario Kart and Beat Saber on VR, which was amazing. We also measured the power in our legs with a laser setup and experimented with sound using a human-shaped microphone. After lunch, we did a coding and Morse code activity with micro, which was really interesting. The highlight of the day was listening to a talk by Alex Lewis. His video showed his incredible achievements despite his disability, like climbing a mountain, swimming, and biking. It was a really fun day, and I would love to experience it again.”
LIVE LOUNGE The Music Department was so proud of the performances shared in the Live Lounge to parents at the end of April. Every year group was represented from Year 7 all the way to our excellent accompanist in Year 13, Emily M, who we bid a fond farewell to this year. We also said goodbye to our Year 11 musicians by listening to examples of compositions and hearing appropriate renditions of ‘Almost There’, and ‘Nobody Does it Better’. A memorable evening rounded off with a knockout performance by our Year 12 band accompanying Ishka P in Year 9 singing ‘Valerie’. “I really enjoyed the live lounge. It was so fun performing and it was such a nice environment. My parents enjoyed it a lot too they always get blown away whenever they come!” - Ishka P
ITALY MUSIC TRIP Our recent music trip to Lodi, Italy, was a fantastic experience for our students. They joined peers from across Europe in the European Youth Orchestra event, showcasing their musical talents and building international connections. “The first trip where I’ve felt truly immersed in the culture of the town, honestly one of the best trips of my life. I met so many lovely people and really enjoyed the rehearsals and the concert!” - Yasmin Year 12 “I loved being able to meet so many other young musicians. I also enjoyed the scavenger hunt that Ms Lewis organised. Overall I loved the whole trip, it was so much fun and I would love to do it again.” - Emily Year 10 “It was an amazing opportunity to meet so many young
musicians, and not only make music with them but experience the uniquely European phenomenon of doing a mass Macarena together. Top three sights: the beautiful churches (which we had to find some ‘creative’ means to get into), Verdi’s piano and a river surrounded by.. Tree fluff?” - Coro Year 12 “It has been so lovely meeting young musicians just like us from across Europe. Even if we didn’t speak each other’s languages, we all shared a love of music, which is inspiring!” - Lindsey Year 13
KS3 SPORTS Our teams have been busy with numerous sports fixtures across various disciplines, showcasing their skills and sportsmanship. Rounders:
The combined Year 7 and 8 Rounders team demonstrated their prowess with a significant win against Richmond Upon Thames School, securing a 12.5-6.5 victory. Immy R-T was awarded player of the match. They continued their winning streak against Hampton High, triumphing 6.5-2, with Eve B named player of the match for her excellent play.
Cricket:
The Year 7 team played valiantly against Twickenham School but lost 71-41. Erin was recognised as the player of the match for her efforts. The Under 15 Cricket team emerged victorious in their tournament, demonstrating remarkable skill and teamwork. Aditi S was named player of the tournament for her outstanding contributions.
Mini Marathon:
Well done to Jasmine G in 9PFO who represented Richmond Borough in the TCS Mini Marathon. She ran in the Under 15 girls category and placed 22nd. Well done to Daisy G from 7EDA who participated in the London Mini Marathon championships having been selected for the Richmond borough team. She competed in the Under 13 girls category.
Rowing:
Well done to Jodie in 10SDR who was selected to represent Twickenham Juniors at the Junior Scullers Head before the Easter break. We are pleased to hear that her crew did really well, finishing faster than more than half the other entrants in their category.
Netball:
The Year 7 Netball team faced Richmond Park Academy and, despite a strong effort, lost 13-5. Lucy was named player of the match for her excellent performance. In a thrilling follow-up match against Twickenham, the Year 7 team celebrated their first win of the season with an impressive 14-1 victory. This final game of the season saw Alexa DS earn the player of the match for her outstanding contributions. The Year 8 Netball team had a close and competitive game against Richmond Park Academy but ultimately lost 7-5. However, they displayed great skill and determination in their netball tournament, finishing 3rd in their pool. Mia C and Immy R-T were both awarded players of the tournament for their exceptional performances. The Sixth Form Netball team had a challenging match against Christs and lost 24-18.
Football:
The combined Year 9 and 10 Football team celebrated a 2-0 victory against Turing House, showcasing strong teamwork and skill on the pitch.
Basketball:
The Sixth Form Basketball team also faced a tough game against St Richard Reynolds, losing 26-13. Alex was nominated player of the match for his excellent performance and sportsmanship.
Swimming:
Our swimmers excelled at the London Youth Games Swimming Gala, earning silver medals in both relay events. Lacey also secured a silver medal in the freestyle event, highlighting her exceptional swimming prowess.
HISTORY OLD OPERATING THEATRE BUDDHIST TEMPLE “I felt a sense of calm, presence and confidence in myself that I never knew was achievable after we took part in the meditation.” Flo V 8FCO. “It was very peaceful there, the monk taught me to find trust in myself and I felt a new sense of calmness wash over me. I also enjoyed learning about the Buddha’s life in greater detail, accompanied by wonderful murals on the walls depicting these scenes. “ - Anna D 8FCO “I really enjoyed the talk that we had with the monk because I got to learn all about what it was like living as a monk and their day routine. I really enjoyed learning about the histories of Buddhism as it was very interesting. I also really enjoyed looking at the garden as it was really picturesque.” - Saira S 8PWA
“I found it interesting that it was the oldest theatre in all of Europe and that it was one of the few female-only theatres. I also enjoyed seeing all the different herbs used in medicine, ones which were used then and now.” - Adi S “Seeing the medical equipment they used for surgery was interesting because it showed how much things have developed since the 19th Century.” - Erin P “I found the trip informative and it helped me imagine what medicine was like hundreds of years ago.” - Isla P “I found seeing all of the replicas really fascinating - it almost felt like I was back in time.” - Cosmo D
Year 10 French students were delighted with their trip to Paris just before half term. It was an action packed few days which gave them a huge variety of cultural experiences. On arrival, we were dropped right in the centre of Paris, near the unusual Pompidou Centre, and the Beaubourg district. Students had time to explore the area and soak in the atmosphere before immersing themselves in french cuisine with crêpes. On Saturday, we walked the length and breadth of Paris. We started at the Louvre, with the iconic Pyramid. Walking over the River Seine, we made our way to the Musée d’Orsay where students marvelled at the beautiful art and sculpture. After having lunch in the Jardin des Tuileries, we walked up to the Place de la Concorde, where preparations are underway for the Olympics this summer. A highlight of the day was strolling up the Champs Elysée with its impressive architecture and range of shopping opportunities. The day was not over, as we then headed to the Sacré Coeur church to the north of Paris, followed by browsing time in the bohemian quarter of Montmartre. The students loved buying little souvenirs and t-shirts in the small, eccentric, cobbled streets. It was exciting to have dinner in a restaurant right in the heart of the main square.
On Sunday, we started at the Eiffel Tower, with its wide-reaching views and dizzy heights. In the afternoon, we walked to the Left Bank, where we took a river cruise along the Seine, pointing out lots of famous historical monuments and buildings, such as the Notre Dame cathedral, Grand Palais, the Louvre, views of the Eiffel Tower, and the numerous bridges built across the centuries. A short drive away, we were able to have panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero, another location in preparation for the Olympics. The last activity of the day was to go to the famous Galeries Lafayettes on Boulevard Haussmann, which houses the celebrated dome adorned in gold and stained glass. “This trip really immersed us in French culture and put all we’ve learnt into action. It was really fun and educational, an overall great experience!” - Hasna 10FJA “Such an exciting and interesting trip exploring many areas of Paris, giving us the chance to learn and explore French culture.” - Annabelle 10EHA
ENJOY, ACHIEVE, EMPOWER.
Waldegrave School, Fifth Cross Road, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW2 5LS
020 8894 3244
www.waldegrave.richmond.sch.uk
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