pfeNews Friday 20 May 2011
Dear Parent,
We were delighted to hear yesterday that Prior’s Field has been awarded Green Flag status. As we will now
actually receive a large green flag, we have to decide how and where to display it. Staff and girls, led by Mrs
Treanor, did a superb job and the assessor was impressed with all she saw.
Congratulations also go to our first, second and third year netballers who took part in a PGL tournament last
weekend. Having faced stiff competition against a number of other very good schools, the first and seconds won
in their age group and the thirds reached the semi-finals. Well done girls!
Finally, please can you support us by ensuring that the girls look tidy and are wearing their uniform correctly now
that the warmer weather is here. In particular, please check that your daughter’s shoes fit correctly and do not
slip off her heels as this is both dangerous and bad for her posture. Ballet style pumps without a solid heel are the
main culprits and not suitable for school. Best wishes
Julie Roseblade
pf: english
An English Department Outing: Miss Berry reports:
On Wednesday evening, year 8 made their way to the Yvonne Arnaud theatre in
Guildford to watch the much acclaimed adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s Private
Peaceful.
Private "Tommo" Peaceful, a young Devon lad, inspired by older brother Charlie, joins
the army in France to fight for his country. The action of the play takes place on a
single night in 1916 as eighteen year old Tommo, having disobeyed the command of
his Captain, counts the hours until dawn, when he will face the firing squad and pay
the ultimate price for his "cowardice". Knowing that this night will be his last, Tommo
stays awake, remembering the days of his youth in the fields of Devon, to which he
knows he will not now return.
Award-winning children's author Morpurgo was inspired to write the story when he came across the name
"Private Peaceful" on a grave on the Somme. One of his stated aims in writing it was to highlight the failure of
the British government to grant posthumous pardons to over 300 British soldiers who were shot for cowardice in
World War One, most of whom it is now generally accepted were probably suffering from shell shock and other
severe psychological effects of their experiences on the front line. Both France and New Zealand have pardoned
the soldiers they condemned to death, but the British government has yet to do so.
This one man show had Prior’s Field girls spellbound. For all, it has helped to contextualise the study of a
selection of war poems by Wilfred Owen and Seigfried Sassoon and support their study of the text. A really
valuable and entertaining evening out!
pf: old girls’ day
Old Girls’ Day: Mrs Bushell reports:
Last Saturday on, thankfully, a beautifully sunny day we
welcomed back Old Girls and their families to the annual
reunion. Head Girl Olivia Wilkinson and Deputy Head girls Alicia
Collyear and Lou Callaghan helped me to welcome our visitors
who were served refreshments in the rose garden, which always
evokes so many memories for our alumnae. Many reminded us
that during the war part of the rose garden was given over to
planting vegetables.
We were thrilled to have so many back for the first time
in years with their partners and children. There was great
enthusiasm for exploring the school again, revisiting old
stamping grounds and seeing new additions, including the
Burton-Brown Library and the Sixth Form House.
Most of the Old Girls attended the AGM and one of the key decisions made at the meeting was to allocate
£2,000 of the Old Girls’ budget to ordering and preserving the schools archives, an exciting project for
our 110th year in 2012. The Old Girls also congratulated Mrs Roseblade on the school’s recent excellent
inspection. Quite a hunger had been built up during the morning and everyone then adjourned to the
Assembly Hall where a fantastic lunch was provided by the school’s catering team. Many of the Old Girls
commented, as they do every year, that school food has certainly improved since their day! They also
enjoyed looking at the archive display, including some embarrassing old school photos.
After lunch they were invited to a music recital given by current Prior’s Field girls in the music room. There
was a strong attendance and the Old Girls were astonished by the confidence and talent of the current girls.
Other Old Girls made use of the school’s facilities including the swimming pool. The day officially finished at
3:00pm with coffee in Oak Hall, but many stayed talking late into the afternoon.
Thank you to all current girls and staff who made the day so enjoyable.
pf: sports
PF Sport: Miss Gordon reports:
Last weekend four of the lower school netball teams (U12, U13 A&B and U14) went by minibus to
Liddington near Swindon for a netball tournament run by PGL. All age groups played in separate
competitions which meant the U13 A and B teams would be playing against each other at some point!
We arrived on Friday afternoon and met our groupie, Rachel who showed us to our rooms. Then it
was straight into a tour of the site and all the amazing activities the girls could do including aero-ball
(basketball on trampolines!), giant swing, abseiling and zip wire. We then had dinner and it was straight
out onto the field for some team activities.
The netball tournament started on Saturday. There were 4 teams in the U12 competition, 8 in the U13 and
9 in the U14 competition. The other schools came from all round the country including Birmingham, Kent
and Stoke and many schools brought two or three teams, so it was a great opportunity for the girls to
play against different opposition. During the morning slot the U12 and 13 teams played the first of their
matches while the U14s were able to take part in different activities. The age groups swapped over after
lunch but three of the younger girls played up an age group for the U14s as they were a player short. The
format was the same on Sunday morning with the semi finals and finals played before lunch. The overall
results after the group stages were: U12s – played 6, won 4, drew 1, lost1; U13A – played 7, won 7; U13B
– played 7, won 6, lost 1; U14 –played 5, won 3, drew 1, lost 1. These excellent results meant that all four
teams made the semi finals! In fact the U13 A and B team even had to play each other in the semi finals!
The U14s unfortunately lost their semi by 1 goal which was bitterly disappointing for a team which had
played some exceptional netball. The U12 and U13 semi finals were both played at the same time which
meant that Miss Finch and Miss Gordon were nervous wrecks! In the U13 game we did not know who to
cheer for so opted for “c’mon Prior’s Field!” Both the U12s and U13A won their matches which meant they
were through to their respective finals against schools that they had beaten earlier on in the competition.
Confidence was high as our shooters Sophie Peed, Lara Welton, Beatrice Speelmans and Tess Schofield
were on fine form and, with two great team performances, both PF teams won their finals.
It was an absolutely superb weekend which both the PE staff and girls thoroughly enjoyed. So much so
that we hope to run this trip again in March next academic year for two teams from each of 1st, 2nd,
3rd and 4th Year. The standard of netball played was excellent and this trip has really proved to the
girls that they are very good netball players who just happen to go to school in an area where we play
against some of the strongest opposition in the country. With high standards of commitment, training,
expectations and desire, perhaps next year we will be the school to beat in Surrey. Best start training
now...!
pf: religious studies
RS Trip to Hindu and Buddhist Temples: Mrs Prudence reports:
The first form was taken by the RS department on Tuesday 17th to the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in
Neasden and to the Buddhist Temple in Wimbledon. This was part of their exploration of religious faiths and
traditions.
After dressing ourselves modestly in sarongs to cover any bare flesh, we learnt that The Shri Swaminarayan
Mandir in Neasden holds an entry in the Guinness World Records - for being the largest, traditionally built
Hindu stone Mandir in the Western hemisphere, with limestone from Bulgaria and marble from Italy which
was then all transported to India for hand carving before being shipped to England to be erected on the
chosen site.
The girls were treated to an exhibition of the history of Hinduism, a talk about the the ideas, the gods and
goddesses as well as the rituals and how the temple was constructed. We were most privileged to be asked
to join the Arti ceremony which takes place 5 times a day in the central prayer hall, where we could receive a
blessing and watch the monks prepare the statues and take offerings, whilst listening to the songs of prayer.
The building was stunning architecturally both inside and outside, and we received the warmest welcome
possible,
‘It was a blissful and peaceful’ Phoebe
‘It was breathtaking’ Lara
‘The whole experience was amazing’ Emily
‘The carving and architecture was beautiful, I learn so much and really enjoyed the midday prayer when
everyone was singing and chanting in one of the Indian languages’ Laura
I liked learning about other people’s beliefs’ Charlie
‘I really enjoyed the day. First up was Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, which had intricate designs. When we got
there we had to wear sarongs to cover our legs. This was a bit of a shock, but at the end we were reluctant to
take them off.!’Talia
A quick lunch and we moved off to the Wat Buddhapadipa in Wimbledon. This was the first Thai Buddhist
temple in the United Kingdom. We were told the story of the Buddha, the Four Noble truths and the Eight
Fold Path by a lady called Lynn who had become a Buddhist. She explained the ideas very well and we all
felt very relaxed and calm there, observing the monks gliding about in their saffron robes.
‘The beautiful architecture of the Temple, the gold and red and beauty were
all breathtaking. It looked like it was in Thailand because of all the scenery
and plants. We looked into the pond and six gorgeous little ducklings looked
straight back up at us. It was truly beautiful.’ Millie Oulton
‘The Buddhist temple had amazing art all over the walls. Painted by 15 artists
in 1986, it also had some very particular figures painted in to the stories like
Colonel Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein, George Bush and Superman, all of whom
have come to greater fame since, spooky!’ Mia
‘It was so colourful and smelt wonderful. There was black Buddha which was
700 years old and was given by the King of Thailand’ Isabelle
‘When I close my eyes and remember the remarkable day, I think about the
beautiful temple which is dedicated to the Buddha. I remember the amazing
artwork that stunned me...being told about the Buddha’s story, how he grew
up as a prince and how in his late teens he left everything he had to find
enlightenment’. Katie
‘Overall I really enjoyed the trip and they were beautiful places. Thank you RS
teachers’ Darcey Strafford Taylor
‘Overall I know that the first form had a wonderful time and I thank the
teachers who took us to experience this trip’
Many thanks Mrs Ikuemesi, Miss Bartlett, Mrs Edworthy and Mrs Prudence!
pf: biology
Plants for the Biology Pond: A message from Mrs Allen:
During the next few week we would like to start planting up our new Biology pond.
We would be grateful for the donation of any pond plants, eg. deep water, marginal, floating and
oxygenating plants.
Plants can be passed to either Miss Allen or Mrs Slaytor in the Science Department, so that our Biology
students and Greeen Club girls can then put them in. Thank you in advance for your help.
From this .... to this!
Sixth Form News: Mrs Picken reports:
With the Lower Sixth on study leave we are a slightly quieter
house, though plenty of the girls are still in and using their
study time well.
During freetime the girls have worked off the effects of
some of the infamous ‘chocolate drawer’ by digging in the
allotment. We now have a sunken bath which will be in full
bloom ready for the end of term, along with a new vegetable
bed.
Please can we ask you to collect 2 litre soft drink bottles for our
recycled green house – these are being stored in the allotment
until we have enough to start building! Thank you to everyone
who has contributed so far.
pf: junior boarding
Junior Boarding News: Mrs Roberts-Barter reports:
It was a busy couple of days for the boarders last weekend. On Saturday
morning they proudly showed off their home to PF Old Girls and, no
doubt, gained some boarding hints and tips from these ladies to keep
me on my toes!
Late afternoon, we headed off to Guildford for a quick spot of shopping
followed by a superb dinner at Wagamama. The food was lovely and, for
those of us who had never been, the generous portions were a sight to
behold! On our return to PF, we headed over to the Sixth Form House
for a Eurovision Party. Many thanks to Mrs Picken and the Sixth Form
for welcoming us with snacks, drinks and a draw to pick the winning
country. Mrs Picken was ahead with Sweden for quite some time but,
in the end, it was Belen who won with Azerbaijan (I still think Moldova
should have won, but I may be biased)!
On Sunday we spent the day in the Food Tech room, baking and
preparing for the Pink Tea. Thank you so much to everyone who
donated cakes and tombola prizes and, more importantly, bought them
on the day! We have yet to tally the final total but we have raised in the
region of £150 for Breast Cancer Care. Congratulations to Bella Rusak
who won a giant cupcake, kindly donated by Mrs Wilcock, for guessing
the number of strawberries in a jar of jam.
Reminder: The boarders need to pack up all their belongings to take
home at half-term as there is an external let using the boarding house
during the holiday. If you need a Boarding Parents’ Car Parking Permit,
please come to the Boarding Office and we will be happy to issue you
with one.
pf: maths
Lower School Mathematical Mystery Masterclass: Mrs Troup reports:
The eccentric Millionairess, Ira Oyster, has been robbed of her priceless pearl bracelet that holds the key to
a safe of precious jewels. If you take up the challenge, your job will be to solve the Mathematical Mystery to
discover the whereabouts of The Missing Gems.
Invitations to this exciting event have been given to all girls in the first, second and third forms. Places are
limited and further details will only be revealed to those who attend.
You are invited to solve
The Missing Gems
a Mathematical Mystery
at Prior’s Field School
Thursday 9th June
4:30pm – 6:00pm
RSVP: Ms Troup, Mathematics Office by Friday 27 May
pf: sports
Sporting News: Miss Gordon reports:
Another incredibly busy week in the life of the PE department so thank you to all girls and parents who have
shown great commitment to all of the teams. Next week, during exam week, we only have 2 tennis matches
for the U13s and U15s in a National competition which has deadlines for entry. After half term the fixtures
ramp up again and there will be opportunities for many more girls to take part.
On Monday the U12,13,14,15 Athletics teams took on GHS, CLFS, St Cats, Danes Hill and Claremont at the
Spectrum. Kelly McCall won her shot putt and discus, Rebecca Rayner won her long jump, as did Hannah
Knights. Beatrice Speelmans won her 100m and Sophie Peed came second in shot putt. These are great
achievements against some top local schools!
Farnborough Hill were the opposition for the U13 and 14 A and B rounders teams on Tuesday. The U14 A
were the only team to win, 18-13 ½, with Charlotte Goodfellow the player of the match. The other results
were: U14B 25 ½ - 14; U13A 16 ½ - 11 1 ½, and U13B 17 – 8. Players of the matches were Tabbie Williams,
Matilde Speelmans and Lucy Collecott respectively.
On Wednesday the U12 and U13 Surrey League Tennis teams had a very difficult match against St George’s,
who proved very strong opponents. The U12 Tennis team played GHS on Thursday, Georgie Savage and
Lara Welton won 2 of their 3 doubles matches but the team lost overall. PF also hosted a successful U12
and U13 Athletics meet on Thursday with Tormead and Danes Hill invited. Thank you to the many teaching
staff who came out and assisted us (a great warm up for Sports Day!) Beatrice Speelmans won her 100m
and ‘B’ long jump, Charlotte Harris won her 200m, Issy Jenkins and Felicity Bull won their A & B shot putt,
Matilde Speelmans won her 800m and ‘A’ long jump, Rebecca Rayner won her long jump. More superb
performances! Overall, the PF U12A, B and U13A finished 2nd and the U13B came 1st!
Good luck to all of the girls playing Rounders both home and away against St Mary’s, Ascot on Saturday!
pf looking forward
Monday 23 May
School Exams Week - (No clubs and activities, except for riding)
Fifth form and lower sixth study leave
A2 Photography Exam - Group 2 Photography Room
GCSE and GCE Public Examinations
8.00 - 9.00pm Boarding Parents’ Coffee Morning Boarding House
8.30 - 4.15pm Fourth form Geography CAT Room 45 & 46
1.15 - 2.05pm Heads of House Meeting
1.15 - 1.40pm Second Form Tennis
1.15 - 1.40pm Fourth Form Rounders
4.15 - 6.30pm SLT Meeting Head’s Study
4.30 - 5.30pm Athletics training for all forms
4.30 - 6.30pm Tennis for all forms
Tuesday 24 May
07.20 - 8.00am Early Bird Gymnastics
1.15 - 1.40pm First form Tennis
1.15 - 1.40pm Second form Rounders
3.00 - 5.30pm Lower sixth Young Enterprise exam
4.30 - 5.30pm Athletics training for all forms
Wednesday 25 May
10.45 - 11.10am Staff briefing Staff room
1.15 - 1.40pm Third form Tennis
1.15 - 1.40pm First form Rounders
Thursday 26 May
07.20 - 8.00am Early Bird Fitness
1.15 - 1.40pm Fourth form tennis
1.15 - 1.40pm Third form rounders
1.20 - 2.00pm Peer mentoring Seconds’ Common Room
4.15 - 6.30pm U15 AEGON Tennis v Notre Dame (H)
4.15 - 7.00pm U13 AEGON Tennis, 2 pairs v CLFS (A)
4.30 - 5.30pm Upper sixth leavers’ tea Rose Garden
Friday 27 May 2011
7.20 - 8.00am Early Bird Swimming
1.10pm Upper sixth study leave begins
4.10pm Half term starts
Saturday 28 May 2011
Gold D of E Practice Expedition Lake District
PF RIDING CLUB presents
PRIOR’S FIELD INTER-HOUSE COMPETITION
at
GREENWAYS STABLES
On Friday 24th June 2011
Straight after Sports Day!
If you ride at Greenways Stables on a weekly basis you can enter this exciting
jumping competition and earn points for your house to go towards the annual
House Riding Trophy.
Each girl will be allowed to jump in two separate competitions. One clear round
competition with rosettes being awarded for each clear round. And one jumping
competition with rosettes being awarded for 1st to 6th place. This will be judged
on cleared jumps and style but not against the clock. (Height of jumps will be
according to each girl’s ability as decided by Mark)
There will also be a cupcake stand serving cakes and drinks. So come and join in
on this fun afternoon! (Bring small change.)
Spectators and supporters are welcome!
The cost of the afternoon is £35. Please make cheques payable to “Greenways
Stables” and leave together with the filled out form in the PSA in-tray for the
attention of Therese Pickard Price. Any questions call Therese Pickard Price on
01483 571424.
The closing date to enter is Friday the 10th of June! So don’t delay in entering.
With the help of Phones for Heroes and of course donations from you, we hope to
increase our fundraising for the schools charity
Help for Heroes
The school will, up to the end of term take donations of old unwanted mobile phones.
A collection box will be outside the school Reception for all old mobile phone
donations.
Phones for Heroes is run in support of the charity Help for Heroes. In the UK millions of
unwanted mobile phones lie forgotten and unsused in offices and homes. Phones for
Heroes aim is to turn these into funds for our Heroes.
Funds are generated by collecting donated mobile phones and refurbishing and
reselling them where possible. Help for Heroes receives 60% of the proceeds after
allowing for collection, delivery and ancillary expenses. These funds aid the tremendous
work being done to provide support to our servicemen and women injured in the
service of their country.
By donating your unwanted mobile phones you are not only helping a very worthy
charity but also the environment. Phones for Heroes reuse as many mobile phones
as possible. Any mobile phone which are not reusable are recycled in the most
environmentally way.
So please check those kitchen drawers, the desk at the office and any where else you
put your old mobiles and bring them in to school.
Please note any mobile phone donated must have the Sim card removed and have a
battery.
Many thanks
in anticipation