The Parliament
Ipswich High School for Girls’ Newsletter
Issue 2~Spring Term 2009
Dramatic Triumph Confidence In Numbers Competitive Edge
Oliver Twist Maths Focus Junior Sport
Welcome
Thank you for all the positive feedback we have
received on the inaugural issue of our school
newsletter. We are delighted that The Parliament
has reached such a broad audience, and that our
readership, from Woolverstone to the far flung
corners of the Globe, can experience the energy
of our school through its pages.
Although the shortest term of the school calendar, the late
winter and early spring months have provided the editorial
team with a vast array of activities and stories for this spring
issue. From Music to Maths, Drama to Duke of Edinburgh,
ski slopes to swimming wins, and Oliver Twist to OGs, this
second edition of The Parliament is filled with originality and
character - a true expression of our unique school.
I hope you will enjoy reading about the diverse achievements and experiences of our pupils and staff
during the past term and, as always, please do get in touch at theparliament@ihs.gdst.net if you would
like to request articles or offer feedback.
I look forward to welcoming you to the forthcoming events planned for the summer.
Enjoy!
Elaine Purves
Head
Gold Award
IHS is pleased to announce that pupils are volunteering and expeditions,
culminating in a residential project.
now able to work towards the prestigious
To encourage progression there are
Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. shorter time limits for those pupils
Already proud of the well-established provision of the who have already completed a
Bronze Award for our pupils in Year 10, we are delighted to previous award. This is a truly
build on the efforts and aspirations of our students by exciting development for our school,
offering the eighteen month programme. Beginning in Year and will offer our pupils a valuable
11 and completing the course in the Sixth form, pupils will opportunity to attain one of the nation’s best recognised
incorporate physical training and skill development, with and highly respected achievement awards.
1
New Friends &
Great Memories
Wildschönau, Austria - February 2009
This February half term, a in fresh powder.
We built
group of forty pupils from
each others
Year 8 - Year 11 travelled to confidence
the Tyrolean mountains for on the
a week of skiing, sun and slopes, laughed a lot
and tested our stamina. Our ski
surprising revelations!
teachers were young and excellent instructors,
The Parliament spoke to so our ski levels have improved a lot.”
Year 11s - Isobel Cooper,
Ranging from beginner to advanced skier, the girls were split
Jessica Dann, and Deniz into four ski groups at the start of the week. Receiving 5 hours
Senzer - to get the low down on the of professional ski instruction throughout each day in a happy
Ipswich High ski trip. mix of Austrian, German and English, the groups developed
their skiing skills in ideal conditions, only suffering one day of
Travelling by coach for 24 hours might seem like a daunting white out where the hardy school spirit meant the girls stayed
and fairly unpleasant prospect, but thanks to a birthday en on the mountains! “All the pupils met up for fun snow sessions,
route and a feast of cakes, the celebration broke any ice including taking part in ski races and watching tricks and
between the year groups and set the tone for the coming week. jumps by our instructors,” said Deniz. “The IHS staff were
Described as a ‘bonding moment’ on the holiday, the journey always on hand throughout the week, taking time to check on
was reportedly great fun. our progress. It was really interesting to get to know the
teachers on a more personable level; it was a good combination
Arriving at Hotel Steinerhof, the girls felt they were in the lap of respect and friendliness”. “As the most senior pupils on the
of luxury - as the only school group in the residence, they trip, we were given honorary prefect status for the holiday by
enjoyed comfortable surroundings, “excellent” food and quick Mr Hasler, and all the years looked up to us. We hope we
access to the slopes in the morning and the local town for the engendered a family atmosphere amongst the girls,” said
evening. In groups of between 2 and 5 pupils, the pupils shared Jessica. “We had the freedom to socialise, but felt a collective
rooms in a relaxed inter-form fashion. “I’m quite shy, and so to responsibility for the younger girls as well. Each night, we
have a chance to mix and integrate with the younger years was enjoyed an activity: swimming, a quiz night, a torch lit walk
great for me,” enthused Jessica. “The friendships that were and typical Tyrolean entertainment at the Hotel.”
established during the week have continued at school, and
there is a different atmosphere between the years now. Until
{ }
you go on a trip like this, you might not realise how much fun
it can be to integrate with the other years” “We had such a great time.
“We all met during our dry ski slope sessions, so we started It was so much more than just
making connections well before going on the trip”, said Isobel. a ski holiday. We’d recommend
“But the nature of a ski holiday, where you are with different
age groups in lessons and après ski activities, means that you it to everyone!”
have time to cement friendships. We’ve shared a fantastic
experience - the snow was amazing, sometimes up to our knees
2
Dramatic Arts
The spring term heralded two firsts for School Drama:
the introduction of the Bronze Arts Award, currently
being undertaken by 22 pupils, and our inaugural
production on the national stage.
‘Success’ … by name and nature!
The school production of Nick Drake’s ‘Success’ was a The Quality and originality of the Drama productions
dramatic triumph, with over fifty of our senior school continues to astound - here The Parliament offers an
pupils performing to a packed theatre on two overview of the two plays chosen for this term’s
consecutive nights. A2 and AS examined pieces.
The play will now transfer to ‘What the Butler Saw’ by Joe Horton, 1965
the Norwich Playhouse to A2 Examined Piece
take part in the New
The play, scripted from the world class piece of literature,
Connections East of
incorporates a combination of British dry humour and comedy.
England festival on
Tuesday 28th April. As In particular, the play studies social attitudes and is arguably a
reported in the Autumn story about the way men and women feel and communicate,
edition of The Parliament, and their desire for power.
a director from The National
‘Fen’ by Caryl Churchill, 1983
visited the school during the final production, met
AS Examined Piece
with the cast and wrote a report on the play. The Director will
now meet with the ‘Discover’ team, who will feed back on all Set in the Fenlands of East Anglia, ‘Fen’ is a dark play about an
the plays they have seen, assessing the productions’ isolated community in transition. Throughout the play,
inventiveness, passion for creating exciting theatre and Churchill shatters our romantic ideals of human love and
realising the writer’s original intentions. The team’s decision connection; between husband and wife, mother and child,
will result in the final twelve productions which will go on to woman and lover, community and individual and between
perform at The National Theatre in July. town and nation.
3
Middle School Drama Competition
women, but it also deals with the issues of men and war. The
content includes strong themes such as class, women’s rights,
violence in the family and conscientious objection. With such
a varied and rich content to the plays
{ }
“pupils can explore diverse issues
relating to politics, philosophy, human
nature and emotions in a medium
The Parliament catches up with Tim Hasler, that allows them freedom to
Head of English. express themselves.”
The competition is the initiative of the English Department. The pupils are able to affect minimal adaptations to the plays,
Every member of Years 9 and 10 is involved in some way, and including adding songs and dances. This allows the pupils to
it requires a good deal of commitment on the part of the pit their stage management and dramatic skills against each
pupils throughout the entire Spring Term. English teacher, other. The aim of the exercise is also to develop team-building
Pippa Barley and I choose two plays, following the basic skills, especially in Year 9, where the forms have been
criteria that each play must be of three parts, and have a re-organised. The process helps build confidence and learn
number of different characters involved. Each form is given about decision-making. The pupils take the competition very
one part of the play, chosen at random, and the forms then seriously and the standard seems to rise year on year. Groups
elect their own producers before the start. This year, Year 9 usually rehearse in the theatre or Junior Hall, assisted in
performed ‘A Proper Little Nooryeff’; a play about a boy who lesson time by the English teachers. They do a lot of
has to choose between playing cricket and taking part in a rehearsals during lunchtimes, and have a whole day of dress
ballet show. It deals with teenage pressures, relationships and rehearsals on the eve of their performances, where they are
stereotypes of male and female activities. The play offers a critically appraised and make final amendments in preparation
great deal of opportunity to explore comedy and dance. Year for the actual performances. This year, we called upon the
10 performed ‘No Man’s Land’; a play set in the North of expertise of Stuart Race, Head of Drama at Kesgrave High
England, before WW1. The focus is on the lives and roles of School, to adjudicate, and 10S and 9B won the coveted cups.
Please Sir, can we
have some more…
The reputation of past Year 3 & 4 productions
meant that ticket requests for this year’s
performances of ‘Oliver Twist’ necessitated
putting on an additional show.
Parents and visitors were united
in their praise for the
‘tremendous’ cast and crew. It
was a brilliant, unpretentious and
natural display of dramatic
talent, which involved every
pupil from Years 3 & 4. Injected
with humour, originality, and
individual interpretation, the
show was a delight to watch, and
the combined acting and vocal
ability of all the cast was staggeringly good. A production
full of highlights, the encore must surely have touched a
cord with every parent - where the pride and joy of taking
part was seen on every girl’s face on stage - without doubt a
triumph for the pupils and a treat for the audience.
Thank you to Mrs Bergman, Mrs Tindall, Miss Williams,
Mr Dix and all the Junior staff for the outstanding
performances. 4
{ “Without doubt, an all girls’
environment is ideally suited to
the teaching of Mathematics” }
The Parliament interviews
Jane Beales, Head of Mathematics
Tell me about your department Engineering, Natural Sciences at Cambridge, and Physics.
We are made up of 3 full time and 2 part time teachers. However, having the ability to think mathematically is the
Three of us are able to teach Further Maths, which is highly key to solving problems which occur in all sections of life
unusual to find in a school - and our two part time staff are and in all careers. Mathematics is still a very cerebral
a tremendous asset to our team. We all teach from Year 7 subject - I believe it is the only GCSE and A level which is
upwards. Mathematics is a compulsory subject through to entirely based on exam performance. It also equips students
GCSE, and options are plentiful for continuing to study the with a life skill and is a very well respected subject. We do
subject into the Sixth Form. We offer AS Maths, A level encourage girls to consider maths as an AS or A level
Maths, AS Further Maths and full Further Maths. choice because it gives such a positive message to future
employers.
Mathematics is a favoured A level subject at Ipswich High
School - one of the most popular. Why do you feel this is? Your exam results have been consistently good. What do
you think is your recipe for success?
A significant proportion of girls go on to study maths at A
level - usually about half of them. The girls have confidence We are a very strong team, engendering confidence in our
in the teachers and our ability to deliver excellent results. pupils, and a belief that they can do well. Once they feel
They enjoy our teaching style and embrace the subject in a comfortable with the subject, the pupils do better and
positive way. Without doubt, an all girls’ environment is better. There are no cracks in the Mathematics department
ideally suited to the teaching of Mathematics. I have held and the girls realise that strength. Over the last few years
two jobs teaching in mixed schools and there is no doubt our GCSE grades have improved consistently and our A
that girls and boys benefit from being taught maths in a level results are always excellent.
different way. I’m certain that this is one of the reasons why
so many of our girls succeed in the subject here. What exciting developments can we look forward to in
Mathematics over the next few years?
Do pupils have to follow a prescriptive Mathematics and In 2010 there will be a complete review of the Mathematics
Science A level path? A level, but in the same year, I am particularly excited
Not at all! We provide as much opportunity and flexibility about the introduction of a new Maths qualification:
within our time table to offer pupils the chance to choose Functional Mathematics - this will be an additional subject
their ideal A level subjects. Obviously Physics and on top of the compulsory standard Maths GCSE. The new
Chemistry are good subjects to take with Maths as they qualification will be taken in Year 10 or 11, and is reputed
both demand a very good knowledge of Mathematics. to ‘test children’s ability to function mathematically as
However, any combination is possible and we offer a citizens of the 21st Century’. I think it’s a brilliant concept -
programme of AS and A levels to suit an individual’s ability. to test pupil’s ability to apply mathematical knowledge to
Many pupils choose to take Mathematics as an A level even everyday life: this will include things such as train
though they will not pursue the subject further. timetables, package holiday deals, tax, interest on bank
accounts, buying on credit and understanding and
What value does studying Mathematics hold for future interpreting statistical information such as appears on TV
career choices? and in the Press. I think this new qualification will bring
Further Mathematics is an ideal preparation for anyone Maths ‘alive’ again for many of our girls. Hopefully it will
wanting to apply the subject at the top universities or for transform some girls’ opinion of the subject from
future career choice - for instance, a Maths degree, abstract to relevant!
5
Number Column In Brief…
London Lectures By Katharine Feltwell Cross Country Win
What is the formula of a Marvellous Congratulations to Nicole Browes Y5 who
Mathematical Extravaganza? Well, the Y10s came 1st in the SSSAA Cross Country
and Y11s can say that if you add aerobics to competition, hosted by The Royal Hospital
arithmetic, multiply it by mysterious murders School on 26th March. Nicole was amongst
110 runners from 11 local schools who
and cosine your cauliflowers you will end up
fiercely contested the 2200m (1.25 mile)
with possibly the most entertaining maths
race. Closely following in fourth place was
lesson ever to exist.
Flora McWhirter, with three further IHS
On Tuesday 10th March 2009, 25 eager mathematical team mates attaining top 20 positions.
wizards embarked on their voyage of discovery from Overall the Ipswich High School team
Ipswich Station to Imperial College London. The day came 2nd in the large schools league.
consisted of four fantastic talks designed to motivate,
stimulate and challenge GCSE students from all over the
country by outstanding presenters, comprising of Kjartan
Charity Update
Poskett the author of Murderous Maths, Ben Cloves the self Junior and Senior School pupils and staff
professed Maths Evangelist, Dr Hugh Hunt from Cambridge raised over £720 for Comic Relief’s Red Nose
University and Dr Emma King the popular science author. Day. Well done for all your efforts, and for
The interactive demonstrations included mathematical raising several smiles throughout the day!
tricks, games and challenges on gyroscopes, pi and many
other logical brain teasers.
In the Swing
It was a day enjoyed by all, especially as we managed to
After the Easter Holidays, 24 girls from Year 7 upwards will
find the time to have a browse around the shops in Covent
Garden in the search of a few bargains, and have a be taking part in an 8 week Golf course. Coached by 2 golf
delicious dinner in one of the many restaurants. After all, pros, the lessons will be held on the school grounds,
it really is miraculous how Maths can hunger the mind! culminating in a session at Bramford Golf Club.
Junior Maths Congratulations
The basis on which Maths is taught has changed to our Year 4 pupils
considerably over recent years. Understanding Imogen Ross-Smith,
Maths in the early years underpins the learning Alexandra Stanford and
and application of Maths throughout a child’s Olivia Bulsing for their
education, so it is critical that the foundations winning illustrations
of the subject are secure. on the cover of
The Monster
As part of the cohesive approach to Maths throughout the
Junior and Senior school, we are therefore hosting an in the Moat.
evening with Primary Maths Consultant, Shelley Duffy,
to offer Junior School parents advice and strategies to
support their daughter’s learning of modern mathematic
techniques. The evening will take place on Wednesday 6th
May at 7.30pm. If you would like to know more about the
event, please do contact The Parliament on
theparliament@ihs.gdst.net. Pupils Saddle Up
During the Spring Term, a
group of 7 pupils have
Quick Sums been taking part in weekly
CONGRATULATIONS…To Year 8 and 9 pupils riding sessions at Hill
Jasmine Girdlestone, Hemani Patel, Eleanor Tindall and Farm Equestrian Centre
Lucy Wilkes who represented the school at the Regional in Chelmondiston.
Maths Team Final at Framlingham College. Facing a Continuing into the
series of mathematics problems as a team and in pairs, Summer term, the girls
the girls fought a close competition to finish a creditable will hone their riding skills, learn
6th out of 24. about stable management and enjoy hacks in the
CONGRATULATIONS…To Joanne Rose (Y8) Peninsula countryside. HFEC hopes to offer further
who has been awarded a Silver Medal as the 4th best opportunities to pupils over the coming year.
competitor in the UK during World Maths Day.
6
Visits & Voyagess
In Out
Ethical Careers Panel speaking on ‘The Application of Law, Dr Pietro Circuta Physics Lecture,
Languages and Medicine in Developments & Sustainability Cambridge Physics Centre
Oversea’s - Dr Banatvala, Alex Brans, Joel Busher &
Annette Thorpe Y8 & Y9 UK Maths Challenge,
Framlingham College
Christina Tinker, Pianist. Showcasing the school’s
Steinway piano Y9 RE students visit to the Christian Centre of
Pilgrimage, Little Walsingham
Institute of Physics - Schools Lectures
Y10 & Y12 visit to Jesus College &
Dr Malcolm Chandler: Success for GCSEs Lincoln College, Oxford University
Dr Howard - Griffin: Lecture on Diabetes Y10 Taster Day at Newnham College,
Cambridge
Kate Charlton Jones: Lecturer in English Literature,
talks on Richard Yates, author of ‘Revolutionary Road’ Y11 GCSE English visit to The New
Wolsey Theatre - ‘Lord of the Flies’
Science Week guests to the Junior School:
‘Sir Isaac Newton’, Professor ‘Antonia Atom’, Claire Bacon, Y6 annual residential trip to
EDF Energy and Quantum Theatre production: Aylmerton, Norfolk
‘A Starry Messenger’
L6 Lectures and Tour of The Law
Bishop Nigel Stock, Bishop of Faculty, Oxford
St Edmundsbury and Ipswich
Sixth Form CCS trip to The
Chris Gates, Runner Up, Masterchef 2009 National Gallery, Tate Modern
& Sir John Soane Museum
Colin Tucker, Sizewell Power Station: Current affairs
discussion on ‘The Need for Nuclear Power’ Maths Lecture series,
Imperial College London
Paula Metcalf, author and illustrator of
‘Mabels Magic Garden’ and ‘Norma Snows’ L6 Biologists visit to
Colchester Zoo
Bishop Andrew Proud, Bishop of Ethiopia
and the Horn of Africa French lectures in London
Chemistry in Action Lecture Series
BBC Newsreader Charms Audience
In February, pupils, staff and parents were pleased to welcome local residents and
friends of the school to hear internationally respected journalist, George Alagiah to
speak on the subject of multiculturalism.
Before his talk, Mr Alagiah Mr Alagiah went on to engage and inspire the sell out audience
was delighted to conduct an with his personal account of his childhood, giving insight into his
interview with a group of views on multiculturalism in Britain and speaking of his
Year 9 pupils, during which transition to BBC foreign correspondent. Peppered with amusing
time he exchanged questions anecdotes, Mr Alagiah spoke with honesty and integrity, deftly
and opinions on his career in responding to a wide range of questions, varying between
Journalism. The interview is carefully chosen political comment and light-hearted reflections
set to be broadcast in Spring, on his daily routine at the BBC.
as part of a new BBC radio Head Girl, Emma Kong, accompanied Mr Alagiah during his
initiative. “Mr Alagiah was time at the School. “He was surprisingly relaxed, and very
really kind and friendly” said engaging. He instantly connected with both pupils and guests.
pupil Freya Judd. “He made His perspectives on multiculturalism were thought provoking
us laugh and put us all at and original and as a person of dual heritage myself, I particularly
ease. Even though he is a really well known person, we felt enjoyed his refreshing and balanced views on both race relations
comfortable interviewing him. It was a great experience.” and cultural empathy. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening.”
7
{ }
“I’ve always
thought of it as
a special school
where I was
so happy.”
Interview with Joan Kersey, IHS Old Girl
by Sixth Formers, Imogen Blake and Elizabeth Pennocks
At 94, Joan Kersey is one of our most senior Old Girls of Ipswich High School. During an
interview with Joan and her friend Joanna Watson, previous Head Girl of IHS, we were
rewarded with fascinating insights into her school life and the benefits it provided her with.
When did you first join IHS? Do you think IHS prepared you for this?
September 1919. It was Kindergarten, and I was not quite 5. I was very upset when I had to leave school because I loved my
Miss Friar was our mistress, the daughter of a GP in Ipswich. school days. Although life got harder, I feel school prepared
I remember being a bit frightened of her! me quite well.
How were the age groups divided? What do you think of the Woolverstone premises?
The Main School was in Westerfield Road and the They’re wonderful! I would have loved them. I did like
neighbouring house, Woodview housed the kindergarten and Westerfield Road. Until I was 7 we lived in Willoughby road. I
upper kindergarten. Transition ages were from preparatory was taken to school in a horse and cab with Madame Zelde the
stage, into first form and then onto the main school. French teacher, who spent the journey teaching us words. We
took taxis as well and when I was older, I used to go on the old
Did you have a favourite teacher and subject? trolley buses. If I played hockey after school I would walk.
My Maths teacher, Miss Tucker was my favourite all the way
through. We kept in touch until she died. I was keen on How did you think education has changed since you
arithmetic and maths. I remember getting 100 out of 100 in my were at school?
arithmetic exam. I never forgot that, it was in the Upper Form! I suppose it has improved in many ways because things have
advanced so much. But do young people use their brains as
What did you go on to do after IHS? much as children today? You’re living in the age of the
Things were so different; we didn’t have Gap years or go to computer. I still add up columns of figures in my head; we
universities. After 6th form I was lucky enough to go to didn’t have calculators. We had a mistress for each individual
London for a year to secretarial college. My father had a big lesson. In the morning we had hymns, readings and prayers,
optical company so I did all the secretarial work. It was with the headmistress up on the platform. We had to stand up
different back then; once people got a job, you stayed there. for the Head teacher in assembly and lessons.
Some friends went into banking. I suppose we had more of a
simple life really. Possibly not as eventful and exciting as now, What is your favourite memory of IHS?
but peaceful; a happy life. I travelled all over the world; it was a JW: The last day of term: we would sing Waltzing Matilda
joy of mine. I suppose I started right at the end of the 2nd around the piano and shake hands with every teacher.
World War, travelling with various friends. To Thailand, Hong JK: I always enjoyed the Prizegivings. They were held in a
Kong, India, New Zealand, Australia, America, Denmark, public hall in Ipswich which has since burnt down. It was
Corsica, Sardinia. I made scrap books and have masses of opposite where Marks and Spencers is now. We wore white
photos of my travels. I’ve been fortunate really. frocks and red sashes with a big bow tied on the side. They
played War March of the Priests as we marched in.
8
Quicksticks and Hi 5
A new breed of sport for our 3 - 11 year olds
Tara Corbett, Acting Head of Junior PE, writes for The Parliament
{}
“It is a really
exciting time
for the Junior
School sport,
and the girls are
thriving in the
atmosphere”
Sport is integral to our Junior School. court. It introduces hockey rules but with a light hearted
approach. We initially introduced the game to Years 3 & 4,
From the very youngest in Nursery to our but it soon became apparent that the Year 4 pupils were very
county players in Y6, our pupils confident in the knowledge of the 7-a-side game, so we have
experience and enjoy sport at individual, developed their skills so that they are able to play at
tournament level.
team and competitive level.
High 5 Netball provides the link between First Step Netball
We offer excellent facilities on site, and encourage the girls to and the full 7-a-side rules. The rules have been modified to
play in all weathers and to embrace the opportunities offered to allow players greater freedom on the court, which in turn
them; swimming, gymnastics, fencing, movement, dance, cross- allows the girls to discover which position they have an
country, athletics (both indoor and outdoor), netball, hockey, aptitude for playing. Every child will play all of the positions in
rounders and football. a match. Suffolk County Council has just invited IHS to join
It is important for children to start playing hockey and netball their under 11 league and we are hoping that next year we will
competitively from an early age so that they are able to be able to join the under 9 league. All schools in England will
understand team play and also come to terms with both be playing Hi 5 netball by 2012, so we are ahead of the game!
winning and losing. The children also need to have an In Hockey last term every single girl in Year 6 played at least
attainment at the end of their practice. It is critical for the one game. We are lucky to be able to select from 52 girls, and
children to apply their skills to a game and understand how the where most schools need to play their Years 5 + 6 together, we
whole scenario comes together. Also, playing other schools can offer our pupils the chance to compete in both years. I am
gives the children a sense of achievement and of their standard particularly pleased that this term, our Year 6s had more
of the game play. hockey matches than we have ever had in the history of the
By Year 3, most children have good hand-eye co-ordination so school, with a match played every single week by anywhere
being introduced to hockey strengthens this. They may not be between two and four teams. The U10s put forward four teams
as adept at catching balls at this stage but they are able to for each of their three matches.
throw a ball and run after it. Playing as a team makes them The inaugural U9 hockey matches at the beginning of this term
understand the importance of working together, rather than were tremendous. The girls also took part in inter-school
thinking about the individual. tournaments, which offer the pupils an excellent opportunity to
Quicksticks Hockey is a brand new game for 7-11 year-olds. improve their social skills and their self confidence out of their
It has been designed to introduce the sport to teachers and school environment. It is a really exciting time for Junior
children who have little or no prior knowledge of hockey. School sport at IHS, and the girls are thriving in the
The game can be played on astro, grass or even on a netball atmosphere.
9
Championship Wins and
Record Breaking Swims
During three weekends in March, the Suffolk breaststroke - winning the stroke award for the highest
County Swimming Championships took place cumulative swim points for her discipline.
at Crown Pools in Ipswich and IHS Elite Another notable performance came from Y10 Elite
Sportswomen and Team Ipswich swimmers, Sportswoman Athina Morey, of Deben Swimming Club.
Despite missing several individual swim competitions to
Alice Tennant (Y11) and Amy Swallow (U6)
represent the East of England in the National Air Cadets
put in outstanding performances. Netball Championships, Athina swam to a creditable 5th with
Alice thrashed four County swimming records and in doing so her team mates in the 13-14 age group Medley and Freestyle
has taken County Championship titles in no less than five Relays. Congratulations to all our pupils who triumphed in
events in the County Age Group and County Junior 100m, the Suffolk County Swimming Championships: Cara
200m and 400m freestyle, 200m backstroke and the 200 Hetherington, Y5; Chloe Calver, Y6; Ellisse Morey, Y6;
individual medley. Amy achieved three first place positions in Sophie Conway, Y6; Laetitia Corbett, Y7; Becky Dormer,
the Open Age Group for 17yrs + in the 50m, 100m and 200m Y8; Bethany Swallow, Y8.
Peninsula Netball Focus
Inter-School Gala After seventy netball fixtures this term,
Girls from our Junior School joined pupils Ipswich High is shooting to the top of the
from four Peninsula Primary Schools earlier Suffolk Netball Leagues, with the U13
this month in an upbeat and good humoured and U16 teams coming first in their district
swimming gala, which took place in the tournaments, which sees our U16 team
Ganzoni Swimming Pool. heading for the Nationals.
Swim teams from Holbrook, Shotley, Chelmondiston and The U12 and U15 squads came third in their
Stutton Primaries gave strong performances against
division, with final positions for the remainder
selected members from our Junior School swim squad.
of the teams announced later in the spring.
The IHS team came first out of the all girl races, and
Chelmondiston Primary came first overall amongst the
These excellent results are testament to the
co-ed schools, beating Holbrook by the narrowest of PE department’s dedication to the sport,
margins, 83-82. Head of Chelmondiston Primary, Christine including club provision for all pupils, and
Hayward said “We were delighted to be involved in the additional specialist coaching and skill
Peninsula Schools gala, and especially that our pupils did development from qualified coach and umpire,
so well. We look forward to many more opportunities in Mrs Bugg. Many of our girls are also on the
the future, and to our continued relationship with Ipswich Netball Talent Development Pathway which is
High School - our pupils enjoy using the pool and it is a a sports governing body, and play for local Clubs.
wonderful opportunity for them to be able to compete with
the community schools in this way.” Congratulations!
10
The array of activities for Science Week
was so vast that they spilled into a fortnight
of fun and inventiveness for Junior and
Senior pupils. Below is the list of the
weird and wonderful activities on offer.
Science Week 2009
Volcano explosions Chemistry Inspirational Demos
‘Understanding Science’ with visits from Institute Of Physics Schools’ Lecture:
Professor Antonia Atom and Sir Isacc Newton ‘How to Explore the Universe; A Tale of Telescopes,
Quantum Theatre ‘Starry Messenger’ Time Travel and Extra-Terrestrials
Serious bubble blowing ‘Isambard Kingdom Brunel’ informs and entertains
EDF Energy workshops Build and test activity for pupils and families:
make and race an elastic-band powered buggy
Investigating forces - catapulting Cheerios
London Chemistry Lectures
Static Paper Fun
CSI Woolverstone - a forensic case to solve
High Speed Straws - equal and opposite reactions
Big Bugs - a fantastic variety of fascinating creatures
Science assemblies in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology ‘performing live’
Banded snail hunt
Bio video-making: ‘Wizard of Osmosis’
Bio challenge (Institute of Biology)
Chemistry colours and slime
CONGRATULATIONS…To Lucy Poulton, U6,
who has been awarded Silver in the 2009 Biology
Olympiad and to Kate Thompson, U6 who achieved
a Bronze II award in the British Physics Olympiad…
Early Years’ Curriculum
Pat March, Head of Key Stage One, speaks to The Parliament
about the benefits of a cohesive approach.
The Early Years phase integrates As the girls take an increasingly independent role in their
Nursery and the first year of own learning they perceive themselves as authors, inventors,
school into one approach mathematicians, athletes, artists and scientists and develop
specifically designed to build the social skills to work in teams, pairs or individually.
independent and confident The teacher and pupil roles continue to complement one
young learners. The curriculum another, as they ask questions of one another, listening and
is informed by both responding with increasing skill. The girls’ ability to think
Scandinavian and European critically, to solve problems and meet new challenges
education philosophies which enhances self confidence enabling them to tackle the
foster the visual, expressive unfamiliar.
and aesthetic education The benefit of this cohesive approach is fully realised at the
of young children. end of Foundation 2 (Reception), as the girls are prepared
In the first year of the foundation curriculum, girls are for the pace and challenge as they move up through the
engaged in the learning of language; mathematics; social and Junior School. Secure and happy in their own abilities, able
emotional development; creativity and physical exercise. to embrace problems and create solutions - they have
The transition to Reception is seamless, as our team has mastered their foundation skills and are enthusiastic,
insight and expert knowledge on each individual’s progress. inventive and motivated learners.
11
Wings of Hope Achievement Award
The Parliament is pleased to report that a registered to take part in the Award last September, and our
pupils were delighted to have been selected amongst such a
team of fundraisers from Ipswich High
strong field. “We took part because we wanted to help
School were selected as Semi Finalists for people change their lives by gaining access to a good
the 2008/09 Wings of Hope Achievement education”, said Sophie. “We have learnt valuable team
Award, which took place in March. working and organisational skills as well as how to handle
stressful situations, the importance of deadlines and how to
The group of Lower Sixthformers, Emma Bourne, Hettie adapt to the task at hand.”
Milsom, Lizzie Field, Sarah Foley and Sophie Perry, were Sir David said ‘This year’s teams have excelled themselves
invited to the Principal State Room of the House of Lords, and have all done a terrific job’. Adrian Chiles, of BBC’s
where they were given the opportunity to give a short The One Show agreed “I’m very impressed with the
presentation to the judging panel, chaired by distinguished standard of the students’ presentations. It is great to see
actor, David Jason. The event was hosted by Lords Speaker young people getting out there and doing such amazing
Baroness Hayman, and featured a number of well respected things for charity and for students in other countries less
and distinguished individuals including BBC News fortunate than themselves.
Presenter Adrian Chiles, Lord McNally, Michael Rebelo,
Managing Director of Saatchi and Saatchi, and Stephen The winning teams will be announced at the Wings of
Hope Annual Award Ceremony taking place later this year.
Howard, CEO of Business in the Community.
They will then be rewarded with work experience
The Wings of Hope is an organisation that provides free placements with some of the top names in UK employment,
education to poor and orphaned children in developing including PricewaterhouseCoopers, Saatchi and Saatchi
countries, and currently funds and supports several and Edelman. The Best Overall team will win an all
educational projects across the developing world and in the expenses paid trip to India to visit the charity projects that
UK. Over 1000 students from 50 schools nationwide their fundraising will go to support.
International Bank Chooses
IHS Head Girl for Internship
In March Head Girl, Emma Kong, was chosen as one of
only six candidates nationally to secure a place on the
prestigious HSBC Internship Programme.
School Scholar Emma, who is in the Upper Sixth studying Mathematics,
Economics and Spanish A levels, is aspiring to a career in Economics. She
applied for the GDST Internship to gain an insight into the banking world
during her GAP year. Emma has earned a two month remunerated
placement in Canary Wharf before spending a month in a UK branch of
HSBC. The Internship also provides job experience during the university
holidays and the opportunity to join the full time Graduate Programme
after university.
“I am thrilled to be given this opportunity”, said Emma. “After the autumn
placement at HSBC, I am hoping to travel to South America, so the
future after IHS is looking very exciting for me!”
12
Music in a Wider
Educational Context
An interview with Maria Dobbie
All girls from Reception to Year 9 have Tuition is offered for voice, piano, violin, viola, cello,
double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet,
class music lessons, with continued drums and guitar; and in any term approximately forty
opportunity to study at GCSE and A level. pupils will take examinations with the Associated Board
of the Royal College of Music. A high proportion
In addition, we have sixteen visiting achieves very good results.
instrumental teachers who currently teach
Although we delight in the positive achievements of our
over two hundred and twenty girls - in gifted pupils, we aim to give all girls the opportunity to
total over a third of all pupils. enhance their potential, enjoy themselves, and to
experience as many and as varied instruments as
possible. Since January 2008, girls in Year 2 have been
given the opportunity to learn to play a violin or cello
via a taster programme of ten lessons. We inspire young
girls to take lessons in the Junior School as it offers a
chance to explore musical talent from an early age.
{ }
“Music infuses the corridors
of our school, and it creates
an uplifting environment for
staff and pupils.”
As well as the sheer pleasure that music brings to the
pupils, there is also significant evidence linking
children’s learning of music with improved ability in
other subjects. Music is a learning accelerator, builds
team work, develops coordination and increases self
discipline. It helps promote sensitivity, imagination and
critical thinking. Creating and performing music with
others is also a social and rewarding activity; it requires
children to collaborate, to communicate and to develop
a sense of responsibility and mutual respect. At any age,
appraising world music - its artists and genres -
contributes to a girl’s wider cultural understanding
and enrichment.
There is also evidence that learning music is closely
aligned to the improvement in a child’s reading ability,
speech fluency, memory, time management and
presentation skills; and for younger students, performing
songs accelerates speech and confidence - the list of
positive effects is endless! And of course, when we sit
and hear the beautiful performances at this year’s spring
concert - from our Junior and Senior Choirs, our
Chamber Orchestra and Strings, the Junior Sinfonia
and Wind Ensembles - Music can simply be joyous.
13
Scholar in the Spotlight
At the beginning of the Spring term, the votes were cast for the winning entries for
the Christmas Carol competition. We congratulate Georgina Suttie, Y11 and
Joanne Rose, Y8 for their winning compositions. The Parliament caught up with one
of the successful entrants, our Gainsborough Music Scholar, Joanne.
How did you create the final composition?
I wrote ‘Advent’ on Sibelius, which is music writing
software. It allows you to input the tunes for all the
instruments using your favoured medium - for me it was
piano - you can then simulate a choir to accompany the
music. You can’t input the words themselves, but it does
give a really good impression of how the music will sound
when accompanied by voices. Sibelius has great editing
scope; you can add or take away instruments or sections
of the music at any time, and you can overlay the
instruments one at a time so that you hear how the
composition is improving. The school also has Sibelius,
which means I can sync with the school system and work
on my composition at home or school.
What was your inspiration for the piece?
I read the lyrics to ‘Advent’ many times, and I used the
rhythm of the words to create the tempo - it’s like a
poem which suits a certain beat. The melody was
inspired by personal experiences, which I translated into
music. I drew upon memories of a photograph when I
was much younger playing in the snow, wearing a pair of
sunglasses. It was in Dunwich and is a really strong and
Joanne, tell me about your winning composition
emotive image for me. The lyrics are a reflection on a
I chose the Mary Hodgson words for ‘Advent’. childhood, the sweetness and poignancy of being a child.
Depending on how creative I was feeling, I spent These were all my inspirations for ‘Advent’.
anywhere between 2 and 6 hours per day, over a period
{ }
of two weeks finalising my composition. It is similar in
mood to ‘In The Bleak Midwinter’, and is sung
“Advent is my first ever
‘cantabile’ - a sweet singing style. It has two verses and composition and I’m really proud
two choruses and although I feel it is ideally suited to a of it. I loved the whole process.”
solo, it would be beautiful to hear all the school singing
it. ‘Advent’ is my first ever composition and I’m really
proud of it. I loved the whole process. What do you enjoy doing outside of school?
I am in the South Suffolk Youth Orchestra and I really
Which instruments did you choose for the composition?
enjoy listening to instruments I don’t play – especially
The piece features my three chosen instruments - Violin, the wind parts. I am in the school orchestra as well, so I
Flute and Piano. It is fresh in its simplicity with these am driven by music. I enjoy tap and modern ballet, and
three instruments and there are pretty harmonies with also doing maths competitions. I like challenges, so I
the violin and flute. Piano is my major, and I’m currently would definitely like to write another composition soon.
studying for my Grade 7; I am working towards Grade 6
in Violin, and Grade 4 in Flute, so it was a great chance
to combine all my instruments.
14
Forthcoming Open Events
Wednesday 27th & Monday 6th July, 7.00pm
Thursday 28th May Year 5 & 6 Drama Production
Ipswich High School will be at the of Romeo & Juliet
Suffolk Show on stand 640 with
‘The Independent Schools in Suffolk’ Tuesday 7th July, 7.00pm
Year 5 & 6 Drama Production
Friday 19th June, 2.00pm of Romeo & Juliet
Junior School Open Afternoon
Thursday 23rd April, 7.30pm Friday 26th June
GCSE Music Concert Junior Sports Day
Saturday 25th April, 12.00pm Friday 26th June, 7.00pm
OGA Spring Lunch Examined Art & DT Exhibition
Thursday 7th May, 10.30am Tuesday 30th June
Whole School Open Day IHSA Second Hand
Uniform Sale
Saturday 16th May, 7.30pm
IHSA ‘Strictly Not Dancing’ Wednesday 1st July, 7.30pm
Summer Music Concert
Thursday 21st May, 7.30pm
An Evening with celebrated poet, Saturday 4th July
Wendy Cope IHSA Summer Fete
Friday 22nd May, 1.40pm Monday 6th July, 1.00pm
Lunchtime Music Concert Senior School Sports Day
Wendy Cope: “Two Cures for Love” Art in the Park
Further to the success of Celebrated local artist and sculptor,
‘Home from Home’ with George Ky Rice, is running an Art Summer
Alagiah, IHS is delighted to host School from 3rd - 7th August in the
‘An Evening with Wendy Cope’ grounds of Woolverstone Hall.
on Thursday 21st May.
It promises to be a stimulating and
Wendy is the UK’s most popular, witty expressive week with creative activities
and highest selling female poet. Radio 4 ranging from printing and painting
listeners recently voted her the number to sculpture. For more details contact
one choice for Poet Laureate, and her artschool@ihs.gdst.net
three volumes of poetry have sold over a third of a million copies.
Her collection “Two Cures for Love” will provide a fresh and
entertaining poetry evening from the quiet phenomenon who has
proved quality can be popular. Wendy will read a hilariously wry,
ironic set either side of an interval, with a frank question and
answer session to round off, before book signing.
Tickets will be available to buy from boxoffice@ihs.gdst.net at
a price of £12.50 for adults and £7.50 for students.
Ipswich High School for Girls aged 3 - 18
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