HAVE MYNDE 2024
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Have Mynde INSIDE Welcome pages 4 5 A welcome from the Headmistresses Celebrating Queen’s page 6 A recap of memorable moments Outdoor Learning page 7 Where learning knows no boundaries Careers page 8 Outstanding support and guidance Sharing the Learning page 9 Collaboration and collective understanding Music and Drama pages 10 13 Queen's shines bright Promoting Leadership page 14 Responsibility and resilience STEM page 15 Empowering girls to excel Art pages 16 23 A gallery of work from our talented artists Trips pages 24 27 Enriching education
Creative Writing
pages 28 33
Impressive words from pupils across the school Global Citizens Inspiring the leaders of tomorrow Giving Back pages 36 37 Supporting charities with Queen's kindness Beyond the Classroom pages 38 39 Opportunities to develop new skills Sport pages 40 43 Celebrating achievements Farewells pages 44 45 A tribute to our colleagues Alumni page 46 Queen's community Staff pages 47 48 Our amazing team at Queen's Results page 49 GCSE & A level results Destinations page 50 Where our leavers are heading pages 34 35
Reflections and Contemplations: A year of old and new WELCOME
It is with immense pleasure and a touch of excitement that I welcome you to this year’s edition of Have Mynde. This introduction holds a special place in my heart as it marks my first since taking up the Headship at The Queen’s School. And reading the contents I can honestly say “What a year it has been!” Every day, I am filled with pride and gratitude to lead such an extraordinary institution, brimming with talented, and spirited, young women.
Reflecting on the past year, I am continually astounded by the remarkable achievements of our girls. They have not only excelled academically but have also shone brightly in sports, arts, and community initiatives. It’s clear to me that the spirit of Queen’s is alive and thriving in every corner of our school. One of the highlights of my year has been witnessing the girls’ dedication and passion across a variety of activities. From the awe inspiring performances in our school productions, where I am convinced we have a few future West End stars in our midst, to the determined and unyielding spirit displayed on the sports field, our students have shown that they are capable of great things. They have embraced challenges with enthusiasm and resilience, qualities that will serve them well in all their future endeavours. These are the moments that build our community and create memories that will last a lifetime. In our classrooms, the pursuit of knowledge and understanding has been nothing short of inspiring. Our students have engaged with complex subjects and have produced work of the highest calibre. Their curiosity and drive to learn remind me daily of the importance of nurturing a supportive and stimulating environment. I must also extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff and supportive parents, whose contributions have been invaluable in making this year so successful. Your unwavering
support ensures that our girls have the best possible environment to flourish and grow.
So, as we turn the pages of this year’s Have Mynde, I hope you share in my pride and admiration for our pupils’ achievements. This publication is a testament to their hard work, creativity, and the vibrant spirit of The Queen’s School. Here’s to another fantastic year of growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Enjoy the read, and let’s look forward to even more success in the year ahead.
Mrs Joanne Keville Headmistress
"These are the moments that build our community and create memories that will last a lifetime."
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Inspiring Queens As Head of Lower School, it gives me great pleasure to reflect on another year of life at Queen’s. WELCOME
Throughout the world, we are in a time of significant change not only politically, geographically and environmentally, but educationally too, and schools everywhere are having to consider the best way to prepare children for an unknown future. The 2023 World Economic Forum has highlighted the following as the five top work skills: cognitive skills, namely analytical and creative thinking, self efficacy in the form of flexibility and agility, motivation and self awareness, and finally curiosity and life long learning. For me, this is reassuring news because, at Queen’s, everything we do focuses on a rich curriculum which prioritises skills, both cognitive and personal. Back in 1897, ‘Have Mynde’ was adopted as the motto for Queen’s, and we continue to encourage our pupils to use their own minds, giving them the habit of reflection, and the power of consideration. A holistic approach remains at the core of our philosophy, and together with a rich tapestry of experiential opportunities, our pupils have exposure to learning within and beyond the classroom, which ultimately nurtures the green shoots of skills for life. Our co curricular provision continues to be first rate and, with day trips, residentials, Beach School, Forest Days and clubs, our children’s education extends so much further than the classroom. This year, we have considered how to travel more sustainably, and day trips to Liverpool have been successfully undertaken by making use of Bache Train Station just down the road. Our youngest charges have loved the adventure of train travel, and this has added to their lifeworld of experience. Added to this, our proximity to the centre of Chester has facilitated visits to the Cathedral, Storyhouse, small independent shops and supermarkets, fostering independence, responsibility and real life experiences for all our pupils. Our connection to the community remains the cornerstone of our life in Chester. This year, we have strengthened our connections with St Thomas of Canterbury Church; the warm intimacy of this space providing a comforting backdrop for our Harvest and Daffodil Services. In addition, our children have visited Upton Dene Nursing Home, and the joy of music has enabled our pupils to form meaningful relationships with the residents, learning the importance of compassion and respect. Music, art, drama and sport provide holistic creative and physical experiences. Our inaugural Summer Serenade provided our instrumentalists, choirs and soloists with a platform to showcase their talents. This year, the children submitted work to the National Gallery ‘Take One Picture’ competition a wonderful piece of felt work based on Henri Rosseau’s ‘Surprise’. Our performances of ‘A King is Born’, ‘Wiz Wham AlaKazam’, and ‘The Wizard of Oz’ provided every child with the opportunity to perform confidently. Finally, back in 1897 Queen’s girls played cricket, and, it therefore, shouldn’t
be surprising that alongside football, netball, hockey, swimming, tennis and athletics our girls will once again enjoy cricket as part of a plethora of sporting opportunities. In today’s world, a quality education extends beyond the classroom walls. At Queen’s, we strive to provide an education enriched by diverse experiences, preparing our pupils for whatever the future may hold.
Miss Iona Carmody Head of Lower School
"We continue to encourage our pupils to use their own minds, giving them the habit of reflection, and the power of consideration."
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CELEBRATING QUEEN’S
Prize Giving The Queen’s Community gathered in unity and celebration for our annual Prize Giving ceremony at the Senior School in September 2023. Alumna Janine Turner ’75 delivered a captivating talk on inspiration, drawing upon her enduring passion for languages that had its roots right here at Queen’s. In the afternoon, a more intimate Prize Giving session was held for our newest alumni, the leavers of 2023, as well as Year 12 students and their parents. It was a moment of shared pride and accomplishment as we acknowledged the achievements and hard work of them all. Infant Harvest Festival In October A recap of memorable moments
Leavers of 2023 at our annual Prize Giving ceremony
Daffodil Service The Lower School returned to St Thomas of Canterbury Church in March 2024, for the annual Daffodil Service in celebration of Easter. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere, the girls delivered beautiful performances, adding a touch of elegance to the conclusion of the spring term. Joined by loved ones, the event provided a
2023, Lower School pupils enjoyed a lovely celebration at their annual Infant Harvest Festival at St Thomas of
Lower School pupils at the annual Daffodil Service
Lower School girls at the Infant Harvest Festival
heartwarming moment for all. Head of Lower School, Miss Carmody , added to the occasion with a touching speech, making the day even more memorable, as the School bid farewell to Headmistress Mrs Wallace Woodroffe . Commemoration In May, pupils, parents, alumni and staff were invited to Chester Cathedral for our annual Commemoration service. Beautiful performances from our Chamber Choir, Queen’s Young Voices and the winner of our Festival of Music, Colette
Canterbury Church. It was a tremendously special occasion, with opportunities for our youngest pupils to showcase their wonderful singing, while families and friends made donations to the food collection. Cathedral Carol Service December saw Chester Cathedral aglow with festive spirit as our annual
Hong , were enjoyed by all, alongside poignant and inspiring speeches.
Christmas Cathedral Service took place. Always
Chamber Choir at the Christmas Cathedral Service
a special event in the calendar, it featured performances by our Chamber Choir , Junior Choir , and Queen’s Young Voices .
Chamber Choir at Commemoration
Sports Awards Dinner Our Sports Awards Dinner , which took place in June 2023, was another huge success this year as pupils, parents and staff enjoyed a fantastic evening celebrating sports at Queen’s. The School welcomed back Big Al , as well as guest speakers Ama Agbeze MBE , Commonwealth Gold Medallist for England Netball, and alumna and previous Head Girl, Ava Dempsey. Our 2024 Sports Awards Dinner, which again took place in
June, rounded off another year of sporting achievements. This year's event saw our pupils take center stage as they hosted the evening. We were also pleased to welcome guest speakers Kate Haywood , former Olympic swimmer and silver medalist, and ex Queen's girl Alex Johnson . 6
1 Year 6 at
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Beach School
2 Reception and Year 1
girls enjoying Forest Day
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exploring the coastline at West Kirby beach
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Where Learning Knows No Boundaries At Queen’s, we believe in the transformative power of outdoor learning. Our approach goes beyond traditional classroom boundaries, offering opportunities for our pupils to engage with the natural world. By immersing our girls in outdoor activities, where they actively participate and take ownership, we cultivate a profound connection to the world around them. OUTDOOR LEARNING
At the Lower School, our Beach School and Forest Days are an extremely popular part of our outdoor learning programme as the dynamic coastal and woodland environments encourage exploration, curiosity, and a deep connection to nature. Through hands on activities like scavenger hunts, tide pooling, and beach clean ups, pupils develop not only academic skills, but also a heightened awareness and responsibility towards our planet, preparing them to become compassionate and environmentally conscious global citizens. These programmes inspire a lifelong love for learning, nature, and the world around us, increasing the girls' knowledge and understanding, whilst importantly having lots of fun. Reception had a wonderful time on their first beach trip this year, as they searched the sand for interesting treasures and were extremely excited to find sea glass, sea pottery, pretty shells, and a mermaid’s purse. They returned to the beach with Year 1 and were tasked with working collaboratively to bring a story to life using resources provided by nature, showcasing their creativity and teamwork. Year 1 also enjoying making use of metal detectors to see if they could find any metals under the sand and using their scientific knowledge to discuss the materials. Year 2 took up the role of palaeontologists, digging for fossils and signs of dinosaur life. They also recreated 1666 London out of sand, using pebbles, shells, and other materials at their disposal. Year 3 imagined being transported back to the Stone Age, searching the beach for resources that might provide them food, water, warmth, or shelter, before creating imaginative cave paintings in the sand. Year 4 applied their new knowledge of river features to identify streams, tributaries, meanders, the main channel, and the mouth of the River Dee on their trip; Year 5 took an alternative approach, as they walked from West Kirby beach to Hilbre Island and took part in a workshop on how to accurately use compasses. Finally, Year 6 enjoyed showing their appreciation for the environment, including all it has taught them throughout their time at Lower School, by
carrying out a thor ough beach clean. They then finished off the day by showing off their understanding of the Ancient Mayans by designing and building cities from natural resources. The end of spring term sees the start of our popular Forest Days. Reception particularly enjoyed making use of the woodland environment in their maths lessons; collecting a variety of resources and sorting them into categories, while keeping count of how many they had. They were joined by Year 1, where they delighted in playing a variety of circle games that fostered teamwork, before venturing into some exploration and free play, learning amidst the natural surroundings that the forest provides. Year 2 utilised their creative skills as they made tree trunk sprites out of clay, using flowers and foliage to bring their sprites to life. Year 3 and 5 enjoyed taking advantage of the woodland environment during their Forest Days, as they worked in teams to build their own free standing shelters, demonstrating some great teamwork and creativity skills throughout. S’mores around the campfire are always a highlight for the girls, fun activities that boost their confidence and self esteem without them even realising.
Year 2 pupils creating images in the sand
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Outstanding Support and Guidance We pride ourselves on having a fully embedded careers programme across all curriculum areas at Queen’s. From university guidance to careers advice, our Academic Lecture Programme and alumni visits, these opportunities offer invaluable lessons and inspiration to pupils planning for their next steps. CAREERS
Queen’s girls start preparing for life after school early on, with programmes on offer to all pupils, from Year 7 to Year 13. As pupils make their steps towards further education, the School provides many opportunities to help them make informed and confident decisions. Year 10 began thinking about their next steps as they attended the UK University & Apprenticeship Fair in Liverpool. There, they spoke one to one with admissions tutors, universities, and employers, as well as attending seminars on topics such as ‘Why take a degree apprenticeship’ and ‘How to choose a course’. This year also saw the return of our annual Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) evening, tailored for aspiring medics, dentists and other healthcare science applicants who can expect to face interviews in their application process. We were fortunate to welcome the help of alumni and parents, whose support was extremely valuable in providing interview tips and advice to the girls. As part of our University and Post 18 Applications Programme , Year 12 attended the UCAS Universities Fair in Manchester, which hosted around 140 universities from across the country, as well as a range of employers offering apprenticeships or opportunities on graduation. This event is a vital opportunity for pupils to speak directly to universities, employers, apprenticeship and gap year providers. It also gave them the chance to attend seminars on Student Finance, Personal Statements, and specific subject talks. Year 12 also benefited from an informative session on Gap Years as part of the School’s QUEST programme. Delving into the benefits and potential pitfalls of taking a year out before university, the girls discovered how such experiences can enrich their CV or Personal Statement, as well as the diverse opportunities it presents, from internships and volunteering, to immersive travel experiences and skill development. Academic Lecture Programme Our Academic Lecture Programme is a key part of our Sixth Form provision, as we invite leading academics to speak to Year 12 pupils, giving them a flavour of university style lectures and broadening their horizons. This year we welcomed academics from a variety of fields, including world famous fertility expert Professor Baron Robert Winston , who spoke about his work on fertility treatments, and leading medical researcher Professor Stephen Hughes , who gave pupils a fascinating insight into the development of treatments for life threatening conditions. We also welcomed expert criminologist Paul French , whose talk covered the purposes of punishment, and Sarah Louisa Phythian Adams , an alumna of Queen’s, who spoke about the economic value of cultural activities such as live music events. This year’s programme concluded with talks from PhD researchers Courteney Fisher , who explained how the computer game Tetris can be used to modify memories, and Francesca Nannetti , who spoke
about using electricity to stimulate and change brain activity. The School also invited Vishal Mistry , a third year undergraduate student, to give an insight into the mental models used to devise solutions to complex problems. Inspiring role models At Queen's, fostering alumni relationships isn't just a tradition, it's a cornerstone of career development. Beyond providing insights into specific industries and professions, alumni serve as living proof of the possibilities awaiting ambitious students. This year, the Careers Department welcomed a variety of alumni to speak to pupils. Alumna Liv Jones ’17 , an award winning journalist at the Telegraph newspaper, connected with aspiring writers in Year 11 and 12, offering valuable insights into her vibrant career and the journey she took to get there.
Alumna Alice Pym with Year 12 students Farrah Smales and Lucy Vaughan
Deanna Coleman speaking to Year 12 students
Deanna Coleman ‘16 , now immersed in the world of Sustainability in New York with a US airline, regaled Year 12 students with tales of her life at St Andrews, including a year studying in Hong Kong, and her Master’s degree at Columbia. Year 12 students Zara Islip and Grace Crook were fortunate to engage in a one to one discussion with alumna Jessica Jones ‘19 , who spoke with them about their aspirations and shed light on the myriad of career paths available to those taking an Arts subject at university. Alice Pym ’15 returned to inspire Year 12 students Lucy Vaughan and Farrah Smales with her thriving career in Physiotherapy. With a particular interest in neuro and stroke rehabilitation, Alice emphasised the importance of work experience for vocational courses. And finally, alumna Elizabeth Wood Bowyer ’15 , a Performance Engineer at Williams Formula, spoke to Year 12 student Kirsten Robertson about how her roots in the School's Combined Cadet Force (CCF) ignited her passion for engineering. Multiple Mini Interviews provide tips and advice to students
Year 12 students at the UCAS Universities Fair
Our Academic Lecture Programme is very popular among pupils
Year 10 at the UK University & Apprenticeship Fair
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A Queen’s community Pupils actively share their learning, ideas and insights with others in the School and the wider community, cultivating a culture of collaboration while at the same time deepening their collective understanding. Throughout the year, A level Business students worked as mentors with Year 9 pupils, helping them as they prepared their pitch presentations for the Tycoon Enterprise Competition . They shared the concepts learnt in Business Studies lessons, as Year 9 were tasked with developing a product idea, which they had to sell to raise revenue and gain first hand experience of managing a business. Year 4 were delighted to also gain insight from older pupils, as they travelled to the Senior School to receive a Geography lesson led by Year 11. Focussing on river features, the girls had fun exploring new vocabulary through an ‘escape room’ style challenge, before then creating their own drainage basins. In May, Year 3 enjoyed an exciting Roman Day that included a trip into Chester, as well as a visit to the Senior School, where they joined Year 10 Classics students to learn about Roman houses and make their own mosaics. Love of languages Pupils at Lower and Senior School have been enjoying sharing their passion for language learning. On multiple occasions throughout the year, A level French students visited the Lower School to teach Year 5 and 6 pupils French. They demonstrated French conversations and ran a carousel of activities, including tongue twisters and quizzes. It was a great opportunity for our A level students to share their love of the language, and for our Lower School girls to ask them about life at Senior School and plans after Sixth Form. A testament to the value of these collaborations is the SHARING THE LEARNING
A level French students teaching Year 5 and 6 pupils
success of Olivia Steele in Year 11, who, after being tutored in Greek by Caroline Johnson in Year 13, became the first student at Queen’s to sit the new Intermediate Certificate of Classical Greek examination, achieving a distinction. In the community As well as developing a collective learning environment
within school, the girls are eager to also share their knowledge and ideas with the wider community. Girls taking part in our Architecture
Architecture & Design Club
& Design Club received a commission from a local business to design a breakout room where clients can relax. They were given a brief that included considerations such as lighting, seating and décor, and were tasked with pitching their design ideas to the client. Year 2, 3 and 4 pupils were also keen to share their learnings with the community when they visited Upton Dene Nursing Home to sing alongside the residents. They enjoyed singing well known tunes such as 'Can't Help Falling in Love' and 'This Little Light of Mine' . Year 10 Religious Studies pupils immersed themselves in a day of ethical debate at Chester Cathedral’s ‘Christian Controversies’ revision conference. The sessions considered a range of issues, from the status of women in religion to the church’s response to sexuality, and gave the girls the opportunity to share their
insights with, and hear from, pupils from other schools.
Year 2 visiting Upton Dene Nursing Home
Year 3 enjoying Roman Day at the Senior School
Year 10 students at the Christian Controversies revision conference
Year 13 student Caroline Johnson tutored Olivia Steele, Year 11, in Greek
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MUSIC & DRAMA
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Taking centre stage Lower School This year has seen another full performance schedule at the Lower School, allowing our talented girls to shine in many ways. As the leaves turned colour and slowly fell to the ground, the Lower School Music Department was in full steam ahead for celebrating autumn. The lovely church of St Thomas’ accommodated us for a special Harvest Festival service for our Infant pupils. Girls shone with their sparkly cut out stars while serenading the congregation with ‘Catch a Falling Star’ . The programme continued with percussion instruments and brightly coloured displays of poems. Next up up was our Infants’ spectacular rendition of ‘A King is Born’ . Dressed in their nativity outfits and singing Christmas songs, the performance created a special festive feel to close the winter term. The Queen’s School Parents’ Association (QSPA) and Mrs O’Hare worked extremely hard on preparing a community event Carols by Candlelight . The event was full of audience participation, and lots of laughter and fun was enjoyed throughout the evening. Everyone loved the mince pies and the girls’ rendition of ‘Rudolph’ ! In March, over 14 pupils took part in an afternoon piano recital. From those just beginning to learn the instrument, to our more accomplished performers, it was a lovely occasion to celebrate our hard working peripatetic teachers and the wonderful, gifted musicians we have in school. As winter turned its corner, we celebrated spring with our annual Daffodil Service . Both choirs – Nightingales and Queen’s Young Voices – performed, with every year group also performing a song that they had been working on. As the girls pinned daffodils to form a cross, a moment of unity and reflection was clear. It was, of course, Mrs Wallace Woodroffe ’s last Daffodil Service, and the girls did Queen’s proud by hosting such a memorable event. Both Nightingales and Queen’s Young Voices joined forces to compete in the Chester Competitive Festival of Performing
Arts , conducted by Queen’s choral leader, Mrs O’Hare. After their rendition of ‘Try Everything’ and ‘Revolting Children’ , the girls were awarded Highly Commended and left with a trophy. Year 2 pupils were fortunate enough to visit Upton Dene Nursing Home when Little Beat , a community based charity, reached out to the School to join their project. The girls joined Amanda Wrigley in singing well known songs with the residents. In May, Making Maestros asked the Nightingale Choir to visit the nursing home again, but this time performing with student nurses who have been working on a singing project led by Mrs O’Hare. In the spring term, Year 3 and 4 performed ‘Whiz Wham Alakazham’ , telling a story of wizards who had to work as a team to save the sun and prevent ice creatures from taking their castle. All pupils did a fantastic job creating their characters, putting together costumes, and even creating their own spells to perform. Our Summer Serenade in June marked a lovely occasion where parents were treated to a musical showcase by pupils who had received peripatetic music lessons. From solos to ensembles and larger groups of the orchestra, string groups, Nightingales and Queen’s Young Voices , it was a truly delightful way to spend a warm, sunny evening.
1 2 Infant Nativity performance
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Pupils at Chester Competitive Festival of Performing Arts
Pupils performing at the Daffodil Service
At the Senior School, parents and friends were submerged into a pirate adventure by our Year 5 and 6 girls. Adventures on Skeleton Island, finding treasure and working together as a team were highlighted throughout this marvellous performance of ‘Forever Treasure Island’ . The girls were thoroughly dedicated to the rehearsals and to delivering a high standard production. We look forward to them joining next year’s production at the
Whiz Wham Alakazham performance
Nightingales performing at Upton Dene Nursing Home
Forever Treasure Island production
Harvest Festival at St Thomas' Church
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Chamber Choir at Carol Service
Queen's School Festival of Music winner Colette Hong (right) and runner up Grace Crook (left)
MUSIC & DRAMA
Senior School Music Our Senior School Music Department have had another successful year, which started with a magical Christmas Carol Service at Chester Cathedral, which included resplendent performances by our Chamber Choir, Junior Choir , and Queen’s Young Voices . A collection of hymns and Christmas carols ended the term beautifully, filling all those in attendance with Christmas spirit. The annual Queen’s School Festival of Music saw a rewarding day for pupils, as instrumentalists and vocalists competed for their category. This year encouraged whole school participation as House Choirs took to the stage to compete for the House trophy. Thompson House was triumphant, winning both the House Choir competition and the overall festival. External adjudicators were extremely impressed with the high standard of performances and awarded the prestigious Amy Underhill Trophy to Year 8 cellist Colette Hong (who also performs with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Academy Orchestra) for her rendition of Notturno by George Goltermann. In March, parents and staff were treated to a full programme of music and drama items at Cabaret . Both nights saw a variety of ensembles, including our newly formed Jazz Band and a particularly special performance from A level musician Zara Islip , who had composed her own piece of music. The musical talents on display were truly astonishing. Many of our girls from both Senior and Lower School sat their ABRSM graded music examinations this year, with phenomenal results. We can’t wait to see where their talent will take them in the future. The Music Department closed another jam packed successful year with a Summer Soirée , featuring solos and ensembles from Years 7 9, as well as performances from our Chamber Choir . The staff in the Music Department are grateful to have such highly skilled and enthusiastic peripatetic teachers who inspire and educate our talented musicians. Senior School Drama In March, our GCSE and A level Drama students completed their practical scripted examinations in front of an examiner. Year 11 pupils chose scripts ranging from ‘A Taste of Honey’, ‘My Mother Said I Never Should’, ‘Be My Baby’ , and ‘Two’. From the naive innocence of the pregnant teenage girls in ‘Be
Queen's School Festival of Music winners
My Baby’ to the dramatic confrontation between the landlord and landlady in ‘Two’ , all our GCSE pupils performed to an excellent standard throughout. A level student Toncsi Young performed a monologue from ‘The Permanent Way’ by David Hare for her practical examination, portraying a bereaved widow who had lost her husband in the Potter’s Bar train crash. Her performance was moving and thought provoking, as Toncsi conveyed the impact of this disaster on her character. In our Cabaret evenings, Key Stage 3 Drama students proved once again what exceptional talent they have. Parents and staff were treated to a Year 9 Drama Queen’s performance of ‘A Charming Affair’ and a Year 7 and 8 Drama Fun performance of extracts from ‘Blood Brothers’ . Not to be outdone, our Year 7 pupils demonstrated their dramatic and comedic talents in a
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selection of pieces from their LAMDA examinations. In April, 55 pupils from Years 7 12 took their LAMDA examinations. Under the expert guidance of Ms Childe, pupils enjoyed weekly lessons exploring different scripted extracts and honing their performance skills. We Will Rock You The phenomenal talent of our pupils was on full display during the three night performance of our outstanding production of ‘We Will Rock You’ . The final night was a sell out event and anyone that went to watch will undoubtedly agree the show and talent was West End worthy! ‘We Will Rock You’ features more than 20 hit Queen songs and follows two rebels as they try and restore rock ‘n’ roll to the ‘iPlanet’ in a post apocalyptic world. The hard work and dedication of everyone involved in bringing the show to stage was incredible. Pupils were involved in every aspect of the production, from the cast, band, stage management, set and props, costumes, lighting, hair and makeup, and even as Assistant Director – there really was something for every pupil to experience. Hats off to our amazing Drama and Music Departments who worked tirelessly with the girls to deliver a memorable production.
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1 4 Fabulous performances at Cabaret 5 9 We Will Rock You
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1 House Captains: Dragons Poppy Binks and Zara Green, Unicorns Amelia Thane and Isabella Banham, Phoenix Charlotte Kermode and Tea Rutili, Griffins Philippa Rajadurai and Maisie Barlow 2 Heads of Houses (left to right): Lili Jones, Rachel Ho, Natalie James, Hollie Tempero, Tilly Jones, Sasha Hughes, Isabella Iles, Scarlett Toovey and Toncsi Young 3 Year 5 leading a Mental Health Day assembly
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Responsibility and resilience PROMOTING LEADERSHIP At Queen’s, we value the cultivation of leadership skills from an early age, recognising the profound impact it has on shaping confident and capable individuals. This ethos resonates throughout our school community, starting from the Lower School and extending seamlessly into Sixth Form. In the Lower School, our girls embrace a myriad of esteemed roles, each carrying its own sense of responsibility and honour. From House Captains to Junior Safety Officers, Student Council members to Eco Committee representatives, our pupils eagerly assume positions where their voices are not only heard, but valued. The process of selecting House Captains exemplifies this commitment to leadership development, as candidates craft and deliver speeches before their peers. As our pupils transition to the
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and forward thinkers of the future. Year 9 made use of this programme through the exploration of online learning and Massive Open Online
Courses (MOOCs), as well as short courses in research and presentation skills, and how to prepare CVs and job
applications. Year 10 expanded their focus towards leadership skills, academic discussion, emotional intelligence, and how to maximise high performance. LEAP also provides Queen’s girls with the opportunity to attend inspirational events and meet industry professionals. Our Year 8 and 9 LEAP pupils celebrated International Women’s Day at Storyhouse’s Women Schools’ Day , which involved talks from a range of female role models. Aligning with National Careers Week , this event allowed the girls to focus on their futures, as they received an introduction from Storyhouse’s CEO, Annabel Turpin, and attended interactive workshops and a Q&A panel discussion. Role models Our Lower and Senior School girls are eager to seize other opportunities that develop
Senior School, the opportunities for leadership continue, encouraging them to lead with vision, integrity, and empathy. Whether it's spearheading a co curricular club, participating in the Student Parliament, or assuming roles within the Head Girl Team, our pupils are empowered to make meaningful contributions to our school community. Natasha Latham and Marni Hugo proudly stepped us
Head Girl Natasha Latham and Deputy Head Girl Marni Hugo
leadership and allow them to be role models to other pupils. At the Lower School, girls have focussed on promoting kindness and positive behaviour, including discussing
as the new Head Girl and Deputy Head Girl after a rigorous selection process involving written applications, formal interviews, and engaging hustings videos. Additionally, our House Leadership Team, this year led by Toncsi Young as Senior Head of Houses, ensures that every pupil has the chance to lead and inspire.
Catalina Solan was awarded 'The Eagle Award'
strategies for avoiding conflict and negativity when online. In celebration of Odd Sock Day, the girls joined together to show that it’s okay to be different and to stand up against bullying. The day consisted of various activities that promoted kindness, including creating ‘kindness flowers’ and ‘caught you being kind’ cards for their friends. In preparation for World Mental Health Day , Year 5 also led an assembly on how to manage difficult emotions, which included useful tips, a short drama sketch, and a quiz for pupils to take part in. At the Senior School, Year 10 students enjoyed a team building day with the Royal Navy, with a range of activities showcasing their personal strengths. The girls enjoyed problem solving challenges and fitness and leadership sessions, and finished by building and launching their own rockets. The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is also an excellent opportunity for pupils to develop important skills and qualities, such as leadership, the ability to work in a team, and the ability to adapt to various situations. Year 11 student Catalina Solan is one of the many role models taking part in CCF and was awarded ‘The Eagle Award’ for demonstrating amazing commitment and progress in the Force.
The School saw a brief change in leadership for a day when Year 11 student Francesca Barnes won the remarkable opportunity to be Headmistress for a day. She
experienced a jam packed itinerary that provided her with an insight into the world of school leadership. It included leading the morning staff briefing, holding a Recognition Assembly, attending an Estates meeting for our new Astroturf project, and enjoying a Hot Choc and Chat session with Year 7 pupils. Our Leadership and Enhanced Academic Programme (LEAP) provides opportunities for Queen’s pupils to enhance their professional skills outside the classroom. This co curricular club helps girls develop key skills that will make them the leaders Francesca Barnes as Headmistress for the Day
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STEM
Empowering Girls to Excel Science
Pupils celebrated Biology Week at the Senior School with a range of activities to champion the value and importance of girls in STEM. The grand finale of the week featured a captivating talk by Rachel Owen , a distinguished figure in the field, serving as a clinical supply manager at Astra Zeneca. The School has welcomed a variety of inspirational women working in STEM to talk to the girls. This includes a visit from author and astronomer Dr Sheila Kanani , who regaled Lower School pupils with fascinating facts about space, her life as an astronomer and author, and the opportunities available for females in the industry. Senior School Psychology Society pupils were visited by Dr Caroline Anderson , who gave an inspiring and very honest account of her experiences leading to her becoming a Clinical Psychologist, as well as the possible career pathways in psychology. Keen physicists in Year 11 took part in the British Physics Olympiad (BPhO) Intermediate Challenge – a competition aimed at stretching students beyond the GCSE curriculum. The standard was extremely high and the girls performed exceptionally well, with Olivia Zazzi Smith , Aster McCann , Daisy Wainwright , Julia Roberts , Melita Peel , Annabelle Latham , Alicia Johnstone and Catrin Fagan receiving Bronze awards, and Ellenore Whitfield , Catalina Solan , Simran Sambhi , Lotus McCarry and Amelie Bett achieving Silver awards. Year 12 Physics students competed in the BPhO Senior Physics Challenge , an online and written competition consisting of hugely challenging problem solving tasks, and achieved outstanding results. Constance Fowles , Alexa Byrne and Kirsten Robertson achieved the Bronze II award, Abigail Jeavons achieved the Bronze I award, and Lucia Dicaprio achieved the Gold award. Jess Dodgson in Year 13 took part in the International Psychology Olympiad 2023 , achieving a Gold award and ranking 17th globally out of 334 entries, as well as being the only UK entrant to achieve the Gold award. Computing Pupils in Years 3 9, plus our GCSE and A level computer scientists, took part in this year’s Bebras computational thinking challenge, with many of our girls achieving strong results. 19 pupils achieved the prestigious Gold award, placing them in the top 10% nationally, and were invited to take part in the Oxford University Computing Competition (OUCC) . Special praise to Robbi Chan in Year 7, who achieved best in school for the junior challenge with a Gold award, Bethany Flynn in Year 9, who was awarded best in school for the intermediate challenge, Annabel Bartlett in Year 10 for the senior challenge, and Cerys Fagan in Year 13 for the elite. Year 10 and 11 computer scientists competed in the Perse Coding Team Challenge in January – a competition which challenges students to complete
A level students performed exceptionally in the UKMT Senior Mathematical Challenge
Dr Sheila Kanani with Lower School pupils
increasingly difficult coding problems in Python 3. Year 8 also demonstrated their enthusiasm for computing as they competed in the NCSC’s Girls CyberFirst Competition. This competition, aimed at inspiring girls to pursue a career in cyber security, had pupils competing in a variety of challenges for ten days. The girls performed extremely well and found it a rewarding opportunity. Maths Lower and Senior School girls took part in a variety of challenges and events that showcased their passion for mathematics. For Number Day, Year 5 challenged their peers with a series of maths challenges that progressively become more difficult as the girls became more ambitious and competitive. A group of avid mathematicians from Years 11 and 12 visited the Storyhouse to experience their Maths Inspiration event which, covered topics including escaping mazes and message encryption. It was an exciting opportunity for students to see the real world applications of maths and be inspired by professionals in the field. A level Maths and Further Maths students demonstrated their knowledge in the subject by competing in the UKMT Senior Mathematical Challenge and performing exceptionally well. Year 13 student Cerys Fagan went on to compete in the Andrew Jobbings Senior Kangeroo and achieved a merit. Year 12 students Lucia Dicaprio , Milly Hay , Alice Wu , Tamsin Watson and Antonia Traista also showcased their passion for maths as they participated in the National Mathematical Olympiad for Girls and received outstanding results, with a particular mention for Lucia Dicaprio , who achieved a distinction and best in school. In February, Neha Sreeram, Cherry Lam, Likitha Pydah and Kera Monaghan in Year 10 participated in the Maths Feast , a regional maths competition run by the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme . They tackled challenging problems and secured a prize for consistently scoring highly in every round. Year 12 student Alice Wu was invited to a prize giving at Bletchley Park after being awarded a Silver medal in the National Cipher Challenge . This is a national competition run by the University of Southampton, sponsored by Trinity College Cambridge and GCHQ. The event included talks, as well as a tour of Bletchley Park with her peers, where she
learnt about the importance of cryptography and its relevance today.
Year 12 success in the National Mathematical Olympiad
Alice Wu at Bletchley Park
Year 11 success in the BPhO Intermediate Challenge
Year 12 success in the BPhO Senior Physics Challenge
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Clara Johnson, Reception
Lower School Art
Emily Lipscombe, Reception
Elodie Greaves, Year 1
Ciaga Dakin, Year 1
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Riva Fox, Year 2
Elena Owen, Year 2
Abigail Ryan, Year 3
Annabel Smith, Year 3
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Ovea Thayaparan, Year 4
Esme Banham, Year 4
Ava Bickerstaff, Year 4
Olivia Newberry, Year 5
Molly Evans, Year 5
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Poppy Binks, Year 6
Freya Mara, Year 6
Cecilia Byrne, Year 6
Charlotte Kermode, Year 6
Zara Green, Year 6
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Catrin Fagan
Lucy Mackay
Anisha Booth
Emma Barlow
GCSE Art
Lotus McCarry
Genevieve Li
Millie Watts
Elizabeth Edwards
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Serena Alford
Esme Graham Palmer
Emma Johnson
Gracie Parkin
Eva Hoarty
Tanya Pulupula
Isla Swift
Felicity Garnett
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A Level Art
Eleanor Tozer
Emma Hopkins
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Belle Moss
Holly Sheldrake
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1 Year 1 girls seeing
Cinderella at the Storyhouse
2 Year 2 at
Chester Fire Station
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LOWER SCHOOL TRIPS
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Enriching Education At Queen’s, educational trips and visits are vital extensions of classroom learning. These experiences offer pupils the chance to explore new cultures, historical sites, and outdoor adventures, fostering independence and valuable life skills. Read on to discover just some of the enriching opportunities our pupils have enjoyed this year.
With the wide variety of amenities on our doorstep, Lower School pupils have enjoyed taking lessons out of the classroom on many day trips. Reception had a lovely visit to Chester Zoo , with the girls able to maximise the time spent seeing as many animals as
make clay pots inspired by the Beaker people. In March, the girls also enjoyed their first residential trip to Tattenhall Conway Centre . From team building to marshmallow toasting, tree climbing to zip lines; it was a delight to see them engage in activities that pushed them out of their comfort zones. During a trip to the World Museum , Year 4 had an interesting time as they explored the Ancient Egyptian gallery, made some sketches of the artefacts, and took part in a mummification workshop. In March, pupils embarked on an unforgettable trip to Kingswood Residential and Outdoor Activity Centre , where they had a wonderful time developing their independence, communication and teamwork skills. From archery to caving, climbing to teambuilding challenges, our girls embraced every opportunity with gusto. To further their research into rainforests, Year 5 also visited Chester Zoo and participated in a workshop on the internal structure common to all rainforests. The girls put their knowledge to the test as they had to complete various tasks and challenges. They also enjoyed a day of culture in Liverpool and visited various museums as part of their work on Ancient Greeks. They explored the World Museum ’s ‘Greek Gods’ expedition, discovering even more about Greek mythology, and found several depictions of Ancient
Reception pupils at Chester Zoo
possible. Their energy and excitement propelled them forward through guided tours of the enclosures, seeing giraffes, penguins, otters, snakes, and so much more. Year 1 had a magical trip to the Storyhouse in December, where they enjoyed the production Cinderella, adding a sparkle to their lead up to Christmas. In the summer term, the girls also enjoyed a day exploring Chirk Castle, where they saw the dungeons and medieval rooms of Adam's Tower. They studied medieval dresses and had lots of fun trying on knights' helmets and shields. A trip to Chester Fire Station gave Year 2 the chance to explore a fire engine and learn about the role of a firefighter, even having a go at trying on some firefighting kit. They also enjoyed a trip to the Liverpool Museum in October, where they had a tour of the ‘Bones and Stones’ exhibition and learnt about smaller creatures during a fascinating ‘Bug’ talk. Taking a step back in time, Year 3 had a fabulous day of Stone age to Bronze age exploration at the Weaver Hall Museum , where they had the chance to see and handle lots of exciting artefacts and
Year 3 at Tattenhall Conway Centre
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Year 4 at Kingswood Residential
Year 3 at the Weaver Hall Museum
Greek gods and goddesses at the Walker Art Gallery . The highlight of their trip calendar was certainly their residential stay at Rhos y Gwaliau , taking part in a range of activities including canoeing, paddleboarding, gorge walking and exploring slate mines. Year 6 pupils became safety experts following a visit to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Safety Central Education Centre . The girls had a fantastic day taking part in multiple workshops focusing on safety and health, including fire prevention, road safety, first aid, water safety, wellbeing, and healthy eating. They also had a look at the very realistic police station and court room, even spending some time in the cells! In June, the girls enjoyed a special trip to France , where they experienced a variety of activities that emersed them in French culture. The girls particularly enjoyed visiting a chocolaterie, crafting clay tiles, baking bread, and even trying escargot! A perfect culmination to their Lower School experience.
Year 5 at Chester Zoo
Year 5 at the World Museum
Year 4 at the World Museum
Year 6 on their trip to France.jpeg
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A level Business, Economics and Psychology students in London
GCSE Geography students on their field trip to the River Clwyd
SENIOR SCHOOL TRIPS
Our trips programme at the Senior School kicks off as soon as we start the academic year with our Year 12 Sixth Form residential trip to Anglesey Conway Centre . Girls moving up from Year 11, together with newcomers to Sixth Form from other schools, enjoyed a range of woodland challenges and problem solving activities aimed at developing new skills and teambuilding. The girls particularly enjoyed the raft building exercise, which was followed by a race between the teams to find out which rafts were most seaworthy. The outdoor activities were supplemented with classroom work, which helped students prepare for the academic challenges they will be facing at A level. In November, Year 7 set off on a thrilling residential at the picturesque High Adventure Outdoor Education Centre in Yorkshire, fostering teamwork and the cultivation of enduring friendships. From indoor climbing and abseiling to low ropes, spider web challenges, orienteering, archery, and navigating a labyrinth, the itinerary was packed with exhilarating experiences. Witnessing the girls conquer personal fears and wholeheartedly embrace novel experiences was rewarding for everyone. Our academic excursions serve as a bridge between theory and practice, solidifying classroom learning by providing hands on
the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio , where they experienced marketing and branding in action. They visited Bethlem Hospital and the Museum of the Mind , before receiving a guided walking tour of the Jack the Ripper Whitechapel area in the evening. The final day gave students the opportunity to sail down the River Thames to see the highlights of the London skyline, including its financial district. Our Sixth Form English and Spanishs tudents have also enjoyed London’s vast theatre options, with A level English Literature students watched The Duchess of Malfi at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse , and Year 13 Spanish students saw The House of Bernarda Alba , a play they had been studying in their A level classes. The girls thoroughly enjoyed seeing such ground breaking productions performed at London’s renowned performing arts venues. In a joint venture between the Classics and Religious Studies departments, staff and students had a splendid four days in Rome during the October half term. Immersing themselves in the city’s cultural, historical and architectural riches, a lot was packed into the trip. The girls explored key
experiences and real world applications. Geography students have benefited from a range of field trips to strengthen their data gathering skills and deepen their understanding. Year 11 explored Betws y Coed , A level geographers spent the day at Llandudno beach and Colwyn Bay , and also enjoyed an urban exploration of Liverpool; Year 7 pupils explored the North Wirral Coastline investigating the hard engineering structures between Leasowe Bay and Leasowe Lighthouse, and GCSE students took a journey along the River Clwyd to develop a deeper understanding of their topic on rivers. Year 12 and 13 Business, Economics and Psychology students travelled to London for an action packed two days, starting at
Senior School pupils enjoying the sights of Rome
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