WOLDINGHAM ACHIEVES EXCELLENT RESULTS IN GCSEs

Woldingham School is continuing with its excellent academic track record and is delighted with this year’s GCSE results, scoring 98.2% at grades A*-C in all subjects taken. 

Students and staff at Woldingham School are celebrating another year’s superb crop of A level results, with a 100% pass rate across all subjects. These latest impressive figures continue the school’s excellent record and reveal that more than 84% of students achieved passes at A/B grades; 43% of candidates achieved three or more A grades, with 12 candidates achieving four or more A grades.

Dr Dineen

It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing, in Ireland, of Dr Philomena Dineen, former Headmistress at Woldingham School (1985 – 1997). She had been suffering from cancer for some time and had recently moved to a hospice. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband, Peter and all her friends, at this sad time. Her funeral was held on Thursday 12 June in Ireland.
A memorial service will be held at Woldingham on 19 October.  Further details will be published as soon as they become available.

Caroline Wyatt with Headmistress Jayne Triffitt and Chairman of Governors Richard Stone

The final event of our school year, Prize Day, was held on Saturday 28 June. Woldingham 'Old Girl' and the BBC defence correspondent Caroline Wyatt presented the prizes to the girls and provided the audience with an interesting insight to the way life was at Woldingham or 'Wolditz' as she affectionately referred to the school. She also inspired the girls to follow their hearts and find something they love doing.  Please download the transcript of Jayne Triffitt's speech.

32 intrepid students accompanied by seven equally intrepid members of staff headed off to Namibia on the 29th of June.  Sand dunes, desert, and the safari animals were just some of the sights they experienced on their African adventure.  Photos will be posted on the site shortly.

Our Year 7 found a fun way to study Maths, climate change and varying ecosystems when they visited Kew Gardens recently.

Caroline Wyatt returns to Woldingham for Prize Day. Photo courtesy of the BBC

We are delighted to welcome as the guest speaker on Prize Day Woldingham ‘Old Girl’ Caroline Wyatt. Caroline is well known to BBC viewers as the defence correspondent embedded with our troops reporting from the war torn regions of Afghanistan and Iraq. She was educated at Woldingham from September 1977 to July 1984. Caroline has held a variety of roles with the BBC ranging from assistant producer to radio presenter. We were therefore thrilled when she agreed to exchange the mountains of Afghanistan for the peaceful valley of Woldingham to present our current students with their awards on this very special date in the school calendar. She will surely have a few interesting stories to tell! Prize Day is on Saturday 28 June.

Brooke Gutteridge and Mr Soames, just before they ‘Debated’ the merits of Loughborough University!

Tuesday the 24th of June 2008 will go down in Woldingham history! The Greenwell Society held its first ever summer lecture. We were extremely lucky to have ‘The Right Honourable’ Nicholas Soames MP agree to speak to the sixth form on the current state of world politics. Nicholas was born in 1948 and was educated at St. Aubyns, Sussex and Eton College.  He is the son of The Late Lord Soames and grandson of Sir Winston Churchill. He is married with two sons and a daughter and lives in Sussex.

The teams enjoy their success with Olympic Gold Medallist Stephen Parry

On Tuesday 13 May Year 9 and 10 athletic teams competed in the annual District championships in Crawley. It proved to be a very successful day for our athletes! Out of the 13 schools competing the Year 10 team finished in 2nd place AND the Year 9 team were 1st.

Mrs Triffitt awards the trophy to Amy Plender

Every year Woldingham School enters two debating teams into the United Association Debating Competition. Our league area covers Surrey and the Croydon area of South London. This year one of our teams, Sophie Mullen and Katharine Thomas, reached the final following an unbroken run of impressive victories. After a hard fought debate they eventually became runners up across and were awarded the UNA Fowler Trophy for 2008. Congratulations to Sophie Mullen, Katharine Thomas and thanks and congratulations to Amy Plender who stood in for Katherine at the last moment in the final.

Mrs Triffitt presents the cup to Stuart House

Our long anticipated Sports Day almost did not happen because of inclement weather on Saturday 21st June. However just at the right moment the sun shone and the girls took to the sports field with great enthusiasm to uphold their house honours. For the third year in succession Stuart House were triumphant. To view photographs of the event please read more

On Friday the 13th of June the Geography Department organised a sustainability day for Year 8. Sustainability is a highly topical and relevant subject and there has been much discussion during this school year about how we can be more sustainable. The main impetus behind the day was the opportunity to be awarded with a Schools Bronze Eco-award.  This is a recognised award that is supported by the Government, which wants all schools to be sustainable by 2020.

 

Year 8 girls teamed up with new, incoming girls to Year 9, for a day looking at the historic site of Woldingham, with particular reference to the Canadians stationed at the mansion around 1940.  14 groups took part in a ‘treasure hunt’ using a map of the site with six locations, at which they collected a specific part of a balsa wood glider plane. 

 

Year 9 history students - moving visit to the war cemeteries at Ypres. Please read more to view additional photos and full report

Woldingham High Flyers

This year we decided to run the day as a House event with the girls split into groups according to their House tutor group.  We ended up with eight groups, two for each tutor group.  Fortunately I managed to persuade House staff to accompany the girls on this trip.  I don’t think some of them really knew what they where letting themselves in for! To view a photographic record of the day please click here

Woldingham School Sunday, 15th June at 7.30pm Dineen Auditorium. We are absolutely thrilled that Catriona is to come and give a recital at Woldingham. She left here after completing her ‘A’-levels in July 2007. In her seven years as a student at the school she gave many memorable performances, including singing the role of Amahl’s mother in the one-act Christmas opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors” by Menotti. Her final performance at Woldingham was on the occasion of the farewell concert given in honour of Miss Diana Vernon (previous headmistress) when Catriona absolutely brought the house down with her singing of ‘Mein Herr Marquis’ from Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss.

The sixth form of 2008 enjoyed an Arabian Night-themed ball at the Copthorne Hotel in Effingham on Saturday 3 May.  We are grateful to Helen Tinner Photography for supplying a selection of photographs. To view photographs of the evening, please click read more.  More photographs will be added soon.

Woldingham School held a 'Mufti Day' to support the Diamond Riding Centre for the Disabled on Friday 2nd May. Volunteers from the centre, including past member of staff, Pam Bull, came to the school on the day with Blossom, one of the ponies, to talk to the girls about the work carried out at the centre. Update on the amount raised for the charity to follow.

In the recently published ISI report, Woldingham School received praise for the wide range of educational and extra-curricular opportunities it offers students. Academically the school continues to provide a first-rate education for its girls, both in terms of examination results and all-round intellectual curiosity. Inspectors found that the girls were expected to work hard and that they have a positive attitude to study, which allows them to make the most of their opportunities.

Sunday 19th April saw the final of three competitions that have been held at Woldingham, St Bedes and Whitgift this year. Three girls from Woldingham participated in this final at Under 16 level. Placings were as follows:
• Catherine Leatherbarrow - 5th
• Francesca Maule 6th
• Isabel Walsh - 8th
The girls all won fencing equipment – well done.

The 2008 ceremony took place at Notre Dame School, Lingfield and 40 girls from year 11 attended to receive their Bronze award from the Sheriff of Surrey. There was an excellent performance of a song from Phantom of the Opera by Isabel Stoker and unfortunately the Hoedown from Isabel Cobb had to be withdrawn due to a string breaking as she took to the stage to perform.  The girls were a credit to the school, very smartly turned out and well behaved, as always. We are hoping that many of them will be inspired by the talks given by girls who had achieved their Gold Award to progress to this level next year.

Due to the closed weekend for the Oliver production only 4 girls were able to attend the inspection but their smart turn out and professionalism in their tasks was obvious for all to see.

If you are interested in a Sixth Form place for entry 2009 or beyond we warmly invite you to our Sixth Form Open Evening on 11 June 2008. Presentations will start at 4.00pm in the Auditorium. 

Woldingham girls had the chance to show off their football prowess when John Salako - the former Crystal Palace and England football player held football coaching clinics on 21 & 28 April at the school. To view some of the photos from the clinic please read more

During the Easter Break intrepid cadets from year 9 took part in the annual self-reliance test. This involves a 7 mile walk navigating by map across the Ashdown Forest, surviving on an army ration pack and then setting up camp using only a poncho (no tent!).

Pistols at dawn

In a dawn shoot-out our Head Mistress Jayne Triffit took on Assistant Head Dominic Murtagh in a Clay Pigeon shoot. Who won the contest? 

A group of Woldingham Ski enthusiasts led by Mr Murtagh took to the slopes of Tignes during the Easter break. To view a photographic record of the trip please click here.

During the Easter break Woldingham played host to a series of netball coaching camps for junior players, our own girls were joined by players from a variety of local schools. The camp, run by the specialist organisation, Net it was a huge success and great fun was had by all. Coaches included England Captain Amanda Newton and other members of the England squad.  On the final day a tournament is held where participants can put into practice their new skills in a friendly, lively competition.

The Lower 6 Geographers along with Miss Hoyle, Miss Stokes and Miss Tomlinson headed off on an eventful geography field trip to Swanage one Friday afternoon in March. To view a photographic record of the trip please click here

The Woldingham dressage team took part in the inter-school dressage competition at Bedgebury in March. Although we did not win rosettes this time the girls and the ponies enjoyed the competition - watch this space as the girls will be taking part in more competitions in the future. Well done team Woldingham!

The Rotary Club of Caterham held a charity Music festival on 29th February in Woldingham School's auditorium, with six local Schools taking part.  These were Warlingham, Clifton Hill Special Needs, Woodlea, de Stafford, Woldingham and the Orpheus Centre.  The evening was compered by local entertainment personality Richard Stilgoe, very ably assisted by former Orpheus apprentice Chris Hogg and produced by well-known West End theatrical producer Dougie Squires.

One delightful appearance was that of international singing star Patti Boulaye.  She had been invited to come along by Mr Squires and had just flown back from the USA.  She gave a short and eloquent talk about her work in Africa with her Aids charity and described the clinics and hostels that have been set up there.

Our Silver Medal Winning Team

At the British School Fencing Championships on 1 March Woldingham entered an U15 team.   The team consisted of Catherine Leatherbarrow (captain), Francesca Maule and Isabel Walsh. Our girls put on a tremendous performance gaining the sliver medal position, losing out for the gold medal by just 1 point. Well done girls on such a wonderful effort, gold next time!

The trip had previously been described as someone’s “best holiday ever” and it certainly lived up to its expectations. To our great delight our hotel was situated directly in the centre of Florence over looking the Piazza Della Repubblica. The Square not only had several cafes but also had its very own carousel which of course proved to be a very exciting prospect to a group of seventeen year old girls. Shortly after our arrival we went on a late night stroll to absorb our surroundings and get a feel of Florence before we began our first ‘full’ day of work. Then it was off to bed in preparation for the ‘big’ day ahead of us. When we say ‘full’ and ‘big’ we mean it!

Woldingham School and Dance 49 held the annual Dance Display on Friday 14th March.  The girls were inspired to create a show which gave them the opportunity to experience many different styles of dance. The audience were transported through the different dance eras. A wonderful evening was enjoyed by all. 

We are delighted to introduce our Ribbons for 2008/9

Our biennial Careers Convention held on Wednesday 20 February in the Millennium Centre was a runaway success, despite finishing slightly earlier than originally scheduled, due to a false fire alarm.   We had a wide range of exciting careers represented, as well as several Gap year organisations present. 

We are delighted to announce the recipients  of our 2008 scholarship awards. Congratulations to the girls, their parents and their respective Prep Schools.

11+ Scholarship Awards 2008

Academic
Lucia Keijer – Laverock
Susannah Peppiatt - Ursuline Convent
Lucy Anstice – Hazelwood

Art
Savanna Metcalfe - Laverock

Drama
Celia Clark  - Arundale School

Music
Lucy Hurman – Laverock

Sport
Isabel McParland- The Study

13+ Scholarship Awards 2008

Academic
Lucy Manning - Hilden Grange 

Drama
Kirsty Downing- Lodge Schools

In Flaine, France, during the last week of January, Alice Keyte, Lauren Morton and Lucinda Lintott represented Woldingham at the British School girl Ski Races.

They successfully completed all slalom races with very respectable times and their official ranking is now 34 out of 49 schools. All girls were placed in the top 100 racers. To view the photographs from the event please click here

To read a report on the trip by Alice Keyte please click the read more button.

Young Enterprise Santa’s Show and Tell competition was held on Thursday 6 December at Caterham School. 

This year, nine girls from year 9 have travelled to Caterham school on a Wednesday evening in order to become cadets in the Caterham School CCF- one in the army section and eight in the RAF. During their recruit training they have learnt about patrolling, camouflage, weapon handling, drill and navigation. Natalie Light attended the weekend recruits camp and seemed to thoroughly enjoy herself despite the very early morning PT sessions during which she had to wish a "good morning" to various buildings around the camp in between performing  physical exercises.

Academic achievement is a priority at Woldingham, but, as any of the girls can confirm, there is a lot more than only their studies to keep them busy and engaged. 

We believe the wide range of extra-curricular activities available at Woldingham enhances their studies and produces well-rounded individuals. 

The girls are always ready for a challenge and we believe the gallery showcases their many talents and provides you with a glimpse of the exciting things the girls get up to outside the classroom.

Please click here to view the Saturday Active Gallery 1

Please click here to view the Saturday Active Gallery 2

Please click here to view the Saturday Active Gallery 3

Please click here to view the World Challenge Africa 2007

Please click here to view the Geography Trip to Dorset 2007

Please click here to view A Level Results Day 2007

Please click here to view the Trip to Spain 2007  

Please click here to view the Inter-House Cross Country

Please click here to view the Hockey Trip to Blackpool 2007 

Please click here to view Art at Woldingham  Gallery 1

Please click here to view Art at Woldingham Gallery 2

Please click here to view the Alice in Wonderland

Please click here to view the Year 9 Activity Day

Please click here to view the Sixth Form Ball 2007

Please click here to view the Dance Display

Please click here to view the Air Cadets

Please click here to view the Russia Trip

Please click here to view World Challenge Preparation

Please click here to view the Fundraising Fashion Show

Please click here to view some Sporting achievements at Woldingham

Please click here to view the Joint London Mozart Players Concert

Please click here to view the Icelandic Expedition

Well done Stuart House

Stuart House Charity events over the last year raised a massive £1656 pounds. They were delighted to handover the giant cheque to the representative of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust for the South East. Well done to everyone who took part in raising money for this very worthy cause.

Twenty two enthusiastic Art Historians attended a conference at the Tate Britain on Friday 2nd November jointly organised by the Association of Art Historians and the Tate Gallery

On 14th September 2007, the Year 11 artists made the annual journey down to St Ives, accompanied by the 6th formers who persuaded Mrs. Benton to take them again. Read the acount of their Cornish adventure

 

Remember 5-A-Day!

Click here to read about the Nutrition talk given to the Year 7's on Tuesday 6th November and see some photos from the day.

Woldingham is delighted to welcome the acclaimed travel writer Will Randall who will talk to our Sixth Form on Wednesday 28 November 2007 6.45pm the Auditorium.

Woldingham show Team Spirit

On Sunday 9^th September, two teams of Woldingham staff competed in the London Duathlon in Richmond Park (A duathlon is like a triathlon but instead of the swimming leg there is another run.) This is the third year we have entered, and have improved our times each year.

Year 8 display their design talents