Woldingham School | News Feed

Mufti Madness

2012-05-15T00:00:00

Our Mufti-day on 9 May was in aid of Bowel Cancer and raised well over £500 for the charity. Year 11 students went the extra mile, on the start of their study leave, dressing up in extremely imaginative and colourful character costumes, ranging from Smurfs and Tiggers to Daleks and Teletubbies.

A big ‘thank you’ to all the pupils and staff who donated to the Mufti cause and best of luck to all our GCSE, AS and A2 students during their exams.

Shooting with World Champion

2012-05-11T00:00:00

Year 11 student, Phoebe Givron-Taylor says she owes her invitation to shoot for the Sussex Team in last weekend’s Inter Counties match, to the tuition at the Saturday Active shooting club at Woldingham.

The event was huge, over three days, with several hundred entries including several World, European and National Champions competing. Phoebe’s Team captain was George Digweed MBE, who has won 19 world titles and is the most successful Clay shooter the world has ever seen. None of this seemed to faze her and despite mistakenly picking up her father’s bigger, longer and heavier left-handed gun instead of her own, she did manage to beat several members of her own Team, who were all significantly older and more experienced.

The final Team results will be published soon, meanwhile Phoebe, who has already won the 'COLT' of the year award, gave a good account of herself and has been invited to join the squad on a regular basis. Her coach was impressed, reporting that she shot brilliantly over a very tough course of fire in less than perfect conditions. The fact that she equalled her previous score, but in a major championship and with an unfamiliar gun speaks volumes and she should be very proud of her achievement. Her mental strength and composure after one or two difficult stands, was exemplary.

Ye Olde Medieval Day

2012-05-04T00:00:00

Despite dreadful weather the Woldingham Medieval Day was a huge success. Main House, with its atmospheric, dark oak panelling and beautiful rooms, came to life with the sounds of medieval music, sword-fighting and of course the wonderful words of Chaucer, spoken by girls from Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. Medieval stalls run by the catering staff in full costume and the Parent and Staff Association (WPSA) sold roast suckling pig rolls and real ale, while jolly jesters and fair maidens sold their wares, to the delight of the crowds of people who thronged the medieval village.

After enthusiastic support of the Canterbury Tales the Pilgrims led the masses down through the School to the Auditorium. After a quick hymn practice with the audience the Director of Music conducted a stunning performance of Britten’s Noyes Fludde.

The performers and audience sang their praises to God for saving them from the floods - a most fitting end to a very wet but inspiring afternoon. Woldingham’s Director of Music, Mr Hargreaves, added ‘ it was a wonderful experience for all involved: working with the professional musicians in the orchestra, and especially for the singers to be directed by and sing with Barbara O Neill, and to perform with Ian Belsey (professional opera singer and actor). A fabulous day all round, with a lot of effort to pull the whole thing together by Mrs Rowe.’

Sophie wins Gold!

2012-05-01T00:00:00

Sophie Foreman (second from right in picture), now representing England, took part in the Schools Home Countries International Cross Country event, held at Strathallan School in Perth on 31 March.

There were teams of eight from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Sophie ran extremely well, finishing 5th overall, and helping the England team to win the Gold Medal, which is a terrific result. She thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and her family reported how lovely it was to see Woldingham School in the programme!

Flat Stanley arrives at Woldingham

2012-03-23T00:00:00

In the Christmas holidays a bulky package arrived at Woldingham School, postmarked from San Francisco, California. Inside was a little figure of Flat Stanley, a character from the book created by Jeff Brown, about a boy who had been flattened by a board and was now only three inches tall. The parcel had been sent by pupils at the Sacred Heart Stuart Hall School for Boys, San Francisco, 5,368 miles away. Woldingham pupils were requested to host and take pictures of Flat Stanley at school and on trips, to help the boys learn more about England and also about other Sacred Heart Schools around the world.

With the help of Florence Taee (Y7), Frances Russell, Ella Ewen, Georgia and India Gilbey in Y8, we achieved just that. Flat Stanley was taken to London by Florence and was photographed in front of London’s famous landmarks such as Big Ben, London Eye, Buckingham Palace and Downing Street, while also been invited to Mrs Taee’s birthday lunch. The girls have all kindly written about their experiences and sent letters off to San Francisco to tell Stuart Hall School all about the adventures Flat Stanley had whilst here at Woldingham. We are also eagerly awaiting correspondence and pictures from America.

The Flat Stanley Project has not only been a really fun educational venture, by helping pupils learn about different countries , but is also a great way to connect with the world wide Sacred Heart family of schools.

Woldingham School achieves ‘excellent’ across the board in its ISI inspection!

2012-03-07T00:00:00

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) has placed Woldingham School in its top band ‘excellent’, which is equivalent to Ofsted’s ‘outstanding’, in all inspected areas of activity: pupils’ achievements and learning, curricular and extra-curricular provision, spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the pupils, pastoral care, boarding, governance, and leadership and management.

Louise Robinson, President of the Girls’ Schools Association is delighted with this result, “It’s never surprising when a girls’ school proves to be outstanding when it comes to inspection time. They create environments which enable girls to engage wholeheartedly with learning, free from distraction and stereotypical expectation.”

The report continues, “The quality of the pupils’ achievements and learning is excellent. The school fully meets its aims for pupils to meet challenges and achieve excellence in whatever they choose to do, according to their ability. Throughout the school, the pupils achieve outstanding success in their learning. “

The ISI report affirms, “The quality of teaching is excellent and the school benefits from excellent governance, leadership and management and from the total commitment of staff, both teaching and non-teaching, who give unstintingly of time, energy and expertise, to the happiness and success of the pupils.”

This follows a very successful set of examination results in 2011, 83% of all grades at A level were A*, A and B with 57% at A* and A. Twenty girls achieved three A grades or more. At GCSE, 70% of all grades achieved were A* and A.

A full copy of the ISI Report is available on the School’s website: www.woldinghamschool.co.uk.

CLARE SHANLEY ("SHAN") RIP

2012-03-05T00:00:00

In the early hours of Sunday 4th March, aged 107, Shan peacefully entered the fullness of life.

Born in Athlone, Ireland, in 1904, Shan spent some time at Mount Anville school in Dublin before coming to the Sacred Heart Convent in Roehampton. She first thought of religious life whilst in her early teens, but did not pursue this; instead, she herself was pursued by God for many years until she finally entered in 1938, aged 34. She made her first vows in 1941 and was professed in 1946.

Shan is best known by many for the twenty years she spent as Mistress General of Woldingham School. Since retiring she kept in touch with many former pupils: appropriately, two of them were her last visitors, having arrived unexpectedly at Duchesne House on Friday.

Until last summer Shan was still able to take part in community life and activities, and used to attend a weekly Tai chi class. She celebrated her 70th anniversary of vows and 107th birthday last August. Since then her 107 years started catching up with her as she became increasingly frail.

Shan would often tell her carers to "always look up, not down", but is best remembered for graciously greeting everyone - whether she recognised them or not - with the words "your presence is your gift". We are sure that Shan will have heard these words this morning, this time said to her as God welcomed her into the fullness of His loving presence.

Funeral and memorial arrangements to be announced later.

Mardi Gras Fun

2012-02-21T00:00:00

The annual Pancake Race took on a different vista this year, being held at Marden, rather than the Quad location where many years have seen the traditional Shrove Tuesday event. Stuart House were triumphant, wresting the title from Barat who came in second, having won it for the last two years. Digby were third and Duchesne hot on Digby’s heels. Well done everybody!

House Music Festival

2012-02-15T00:00:00

Our best musicians went head to head in an effort to win the House Music Trophy on 3 February. With heats for each grade level, ensembles and best instrument categories, it was run like a mini music festival. Barat pipped the other Houses to the post and the most outstanding musician was Stephanie Lai. Congratulations to all the winners and runners-up.

Chester Hockey Tour

2012-02-09T00:00:00

On 27 January the Year 8 hockey squad set off for a tour in Chester. Despite a long coach journey their first match against Upton-by-Chester was a winner, scoring 5-1. The girls were up the following morning to play against Queen’s Chester, which proved a challenging match and drew 1-1. Chester Zoo provided a well-earned afternoon rest, followed with a meal and a trip to the bowling alley.

The last day of the tour provided a great experience for the squad. They unfortunately lost the match against Chester Hockey Club, but by combining Woldingham teams with Chester’s were able to learn much and came away from the tour feeling their technique had considerably improved.

Community Spirit

2012-02-06T00:00:00

Our community has started off the new year with great enthusiasm for helping others. Buoyed by a delightful letter from the Cardinal Hume Centre, thanking us for the donation of £1805.04 from the retiring collection at our Carol Service in December, the girls have embarked on various new projects.

Our 2012 team of eight Enterprise Challenge entrepreneurs have launched their campaign to raise funds for St Catherine’s Hospice. With a target of £1000 to raise in just a few weeks, they have already held cookie, phone accessories and international sales, with further events planned through to March. Another international sale raised £170.90 for the Pedro Poveda Mission, the Chaplaincy Education Fund for Scholars in the Philippines.

Face the Music

2012-01-25T00:00:00

The School and parents were treated to a glittering evening of song and dance on 20 January, when students and staff presented ‘Face the Music’ in the School's Dineen Auditorium.

A sparkling night sky provided a fitting backdrop for the impressive Company which performed songs and excerpts from Broadway and West End shows. From ‘Annie’ and ‘The Sound of Music’ to ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘Cabaret’, the variety and talent among the girls was stunning. A fabulous band line-up comprising staff, visiting musicians and students, ably directed from the drums by John Hargreaves (Director of Music), seamlessly provided accompaniment to the performers.

It would be hard to single out any performers or acts, but special mention should go to Maisie Breen, Florence Budge, the ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ song, and Emma Corrin’s and Katie Maule’s moving rendition of ‘God on High’ which received a standing ovation. Kirsty Downing gave a very polished performance of ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man’ and the Drama Department’s very own Lyn Mann, Phil Young and Lucy Tullett provided a suitably humorous interpretation of ‘Easy Street’.

Girls' Fencing Success

2012-01-24T00:00:00

The fencing Surrey Youth Championships took place on 22 January at Epsom College. In the U16 Girls Epee, Susannah Peppiatt came in 3rd place and Nicole Boyd in 6th, whilst Natalie Chan achieved 2nd place in the U18 Girls Épée.

Lacrosse Triumph

2012-01-23T00:00:00

We are extremely proud of our Year 8 lacrosse team, which won 4-3 when it met with Dulwich Prep on 13 February. It was an amazing game and a great win against a lacrosse-playing school. Holly Castle was the player of the match, though all the girls really pulled out all the stops and performed brilliantly.

Danger! Civil Servant at Work

2012-01-20T00:00:00

The Greenwell Society’s lecture on 18 January challenged women to consider seemingly daunting work opportunities, when Catriona Laing a senior civil servant, was invited to talk about her career in the civil service. Her talk was entitled ‘My Leadership Journey Through Countries of Conflict’, where she explored working in countries such as Somalia, Sudan and discussed the role she will take on as she heads to Afghanistan in March.

She also elaborated on key projects she has undertaken whilst working in the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit and the Ministry of Justice, both in London. The key messages taken away from the talk are to jump at any work opportunities however challenging they may seem and she emphasized that women can take on these roles just as well as men! The audience seemed to really enjoy the talk, not only because it provided an insight into some hostile environments but also because it showcased an interesting career that many can now aspire to.

Songwriter Housemistress

2012-01-12T00:00:00

Year 9 Housemistress, Christine Halpin, recently entered the Oldie Composers song writing competition, and was delighted to be placed in the final 50. The nationwide competition was set up to raise funds for the children’s charity Barnardo’s and Christine’s song, ‘Just a Little Bit More’ reached the final 21 this week in the public vote. These 21 songs are now to be judged by a panel of celebrity judges - among them, Sir Terry Wogan, Ken Bruce and Johnnie Walker - who will choose four to be recorded by professional musicians. These will then be available to vote for through public downloads, with any proceeds going to Barnardo's. We wish Mrs Halpin luck in the final leg of the contest.

Carols from Westminster

2011-12-12T00:00:00

For the first time and with meticulous planning, Woldingham de-camped this year for its Christmas Carol Service, to Westminster Cathedral.

Parents, families and Woldingham’s alumnae (WSHA) practically filled the cathedral and the resulting joint service was tremendous. The atmosphere was very special in this magnificent setting, with the congregation joining in their favourite traditional carols. The Junior and Senior Amaris sang Bob Chilcott’s The Lily and the Rose and Ronald Corp’s beautiful arrangement of Away in a Manger, from the choir stalls behind the altar – the sound was angelic. The Chairs of WSHA and Governors, the Headmistress and a member of Marden, Main House and Sixth Form each did a reading.

Rounders Trials

2011-12-08T00:00:00

On the 16 October Tilly Swan and Catherine O’Connor travelled to Northamptonshire to take part in the U16 England Rounders Trials. With over 140 girls vying for one of the 30 squad places, they were tested in drills and game situations. Our girls excelled themselves and can proudly announce they have been selected to represent their country!

Budding Actress

2011-12-05T00:00:00

Our Performing Arts facility is one of Woldingham’s greatest assets with every girl having opportunities to explore and excel. Abby McGovern, in particular, is a most hardworking and talented Drama Scholar in Year 8 and is involved in an exhausting roster of thespian activities - both in and out of school - having trodden the boards and danced from a young age. A very supportive student, Abby had the lead role in Honk! this year, in which she gave a most enchanting performance as the Ugly Duckling and was one of the highlights of the Drama Showcase on Prize Day when she, with six other members of the cast performed one of the scenes from the show to rapturous applause. She is an accomplished dancer and now a mid-associate at the Royal Ballet School. Abbey most recently had a part in the final Harry Potter film and described her experience as ‘magical and captivating’.

She can boast having been in 162 West End performances, including parts in Oliver alongside Rowan Atkinson, Cinderella at the Royal Opera House and most recently, Billy Elliot which she recounted as ‘phenomenal’, despite the nerve-racking experience of running off and on stage for the 30-second change from pink to white tutus.

Top of the Bench

2011-11-29T00:00:00

On a dark November evening our Chemistry team made their way to Whitgift School to take part in the Top of the Bench Chemistry competition. The team comprised Liesje Wilkinson, Josie Gilbert, Shana Pamparathi and Nicole Boyd, who were split up from each other on arrival, dressed up in lab coat and goggles and asked to follow instructions to carry out a 40-minute practical. Battling against the distraction of flashing cameras while they worked, they then joined with their competitors to tackle the multiple choice section of the quiz.

Once they had accomplished that, they were able to relax and sit back to watch a ‘mad’ scientist complete a range of unusual and exciting experiments, which included recreating a miniature big bang involving a hydrogen balloon, making jelly babies scream, and an experiment called ‘The Bad Hair Day’. Our team and supporters were delighted that Woldingham came fifth out of 12 schools, with a mere 10 points difference between them and the winners.

Cardinal Hume Centre for the Homeless

2011-11-28T00:00:00

This year the School has adopted as one of its charities The Cardinal Hume Centre for the Homeless, which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. There has already been a great deal of effort and activity this term, starting with The Big Cheese - a charity cheese and wine evening held in October. Staff, parents and sixth formers were able to sample wine and cheese from around the world, take part in The Big Cheese Quiz, buy homemade pickles and chutneys, as well as tickets for a raffle.

Our Harvest Festival involved the whole school community where everyone including teaching, support staff and students donated items suitable for 'Starter Packs'. Tutor groups were then asked to make up their bags - which contained essential toiletry items – and present them at our Harvest Assembly. Some of the bags have already been delivered straight to the Centre and the remaining bags will be delivered in time for Christmas when we attend our Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Cathedral on 9 December. Miss Sebastian personally presented a cheque for £890 to the Centre in November, raised both from The Big Cheese and from our Mufti Day.

96% of all the grades at A*, A, B and C - we have a lot to celebrate!

2011-11-08T00:00:00

In line with Woldingham’s pledge to leverage its pupil’s strengths and allow girls to take a wide variety of academic subjects, the School has once again achieved its 100% pass rate target at A level, with 96% A*, A, B and C grades.

Woldingham’s headmistress, Jayne Triffitt affirmed ‘I am absolutely delighted with the excellent A level results this year. They are a measure of the hard work and commitment of the girls, as well as the inspiration and commitment of our teaching staff. Woldingham is motivated by the bigger picture at all times – seeking to ensure that each girl fulfils her potential in every aspect of their busy school lives. I am really proud of the fantastic achievements of our girls.’

12 girls achieved 2 or more A* grades with 20 girls achieving 3 A grades or better.

Woldingham girls Alexandra Abeyratne, Olivia Man and Chris Li achieved 3 A* grades each and are delighted to be taking up places at the University of Bath, Imperial College London and the London School of Economics and Political Science to study for degrees in Politics with International Relations, Mathematics Optimisation with Statistics, and Accounting and Finance. This is a fitting tribute to the School’s teaching staff who work closely with each girl to ensure she has the support and guidance required to fulfil her potential.

Woldingham’s talented young women have proven their aptitude for quantitative disciplines, with an outstanding 10 A* grades and 7 grade As in Maths, complemented by 100% A*, A and Bs in subjects as technically different as Art, Geography, and Theatre Studies.

Woldingham School presents itself as an educational environment that values diversity, not only at a cultural level but also intellectually. To illustrate the Woldingham approach: Emily Oliver just discovered she’s achieved 2 A*s and 1 A, in Economics, Geography and Music! Emily is thrilled to add these to her incredible success as a Woldingham music scholar, having become, aged 17, an Associate of Trinity College of Music (ATCL), equivalent to the performance component of the first year in a full-time undergraduate course at a conservatoire or other higher education establishment. As she heads off to the University of Exeter to read Geography, you could say she’s excelled on all fronts!

Rotary Club of Caterham - 2011 Sporting Excellence Award

2011-11-04T00:00:00

Woldingham's Rosie Cardoe makes a splash

at the 2011 Rotary Club of Caterham's Awards for Sporting Excellence

The Rotary Club of Caterham shortlisted three candidates for the award, and after careful deliberation, presented Woldingham School's Rosie Cardoe with the Rotary Club of Caterham 2011 Sporting Excellence Award.

Rosie received a cheque for £250 at a Rotary Club Lunch held 3 November 2011.

Rosie is currently studying for her GCSEs at Woldingham School and combines her academic career with that of a very successful diver. Aged 14, Rosie has been diving for three years and competes on 1 metre, 3 metre and high board platform, training at Crystal Palace National Sports Stadium.

Recently, Rosie came 2nd in the London Youth Games, diving for Wandsworth. In the ASA National finals held in Sheffield in July, she came 1st in the platform competition at 5m and 7.5m winning a gold medal and being declared national champion. Not content with that, she also took a silver medal in the synchronised diving and a bronze in the 3m event.

Rosie has impressed all of us with her commitment and focus. She is a very level-headed girl and manages to fit it all in! Even her prize money has gone towards her diving, 'The prize money has been useful, I have bought some wrist guards so that I can now go off the taller boards more often. It also paid for a ‘harness camp’ in Leeds which was extremely helpful. It meant that I was able to practice dives that I had not yet learnt in the pool.'

Rosie was also quick to thank Mrs Tower (Head of P.E. at Woldingham) and her team for all their support and encouragement.

Mrs Tower was present at the Awards Ceremony and presented the Club with her own words of gratitude, 'Whilst at Woldingham School we try to celebrate success at EVERY level, The Caterham Rotary Club has provided us with an opportunity to recognise one of our elite athletes.

The Woldingham Physical Education Department is hugely proud of Rosie Cardoe’s success in the annual ‘Caterham Rotary Club Sporting Excellence Award’. Last academic year Rosie submitted an application and went to interview where she spoke confidently about her progress and achievement in the sport of Diving. She currently trains and competes for Crystal Palace Diving Club.

This is very much about Rosie’s achievements and her commitment. She gives an incredible amount of time to her Diving and works this seamlessly into a demanding school day. She is passionate and driven and a worthy recipient of the award.'

Frances Russell - an inspiration to us all

2011-11-03T00:00:00

Youngest in the country to organise a right, Royal wedding!

We are very proud of Frances Russell who, when faced with a challenge, rose to it! No one wanted to organise a street party for the Royal Wedding, this summer. Frances immediately put herself forward and started organising a party. She was possibly the youngest girl in the country to apply for a street licence.

The party was such a success it made the local newspapers, and Frances managed to get all her neighbours involved too.

She took advantage of the occasion to raise funds for the South East Cancer Help Centre (SECHC) in Purley. SECHC aims to give any person affected by cancer, their family and friends an opportunity to explore ways which may help them to cope with their situation.

Frances raised £337 which was a super amount of money for the Cancer Centre to receive.

On Wednesday 12 October the SECHC held a Supporters Soiree to thank those who had raised money for them in the past year and Frances and her mother were invited. The event was attended by their President, the much-loved actress June Whitfield.

We are immensely proud of our young achiever. Well done Frances!

Rosie Cardoe

2011-09-28T00:00:00

A Woldingham sports star!

Just before the summer holidays, Rosie Cardoe won the Caterham Rotary Sporting Excellence Award.

This talented young diver also came 2nd in The London Youth Games (for Wandsworth) and at the National Age Group Championships achieved the following placing:

Synchro (with partner Holly) - 2nd
3m board - 3rd
Highboard platform - 1st

Her team Crystal Palace Diving Club won the Dawson Shield for the whole event!

Finally, and to top it all, she participated in the 17e Trofeu Internacional Ciutat (Barcelona), where she came 10th in the Highboard category.

Sadly she had an incident on the 3m board and broke her toe leaving her unable to compete in the rest of the event! What a wonderful experience though, to dive outside in her first international event against European and elite divers.

Congratulations Rosie, we are very proud!

Sophie Foreman

2011-09-28T00:00:00

And they just keep coming!

Sophie Foreman made us all proud as she achieved Bronze at the South Of England Road Relay Championships, at Rushmoor Arena, Aldershot.

The Tonbridge AC team finished in 3rd place overall, and Sophie was one of only 11 runners achieving a time under 11 minutes for the 3K course.

Tonbridge AC were the leading Kent club across the age groups in the South of England Road Relay Championships.

She will now go to the National Road Relay Championships in Birmingham on the 16th October, 2011.

Well done Sophie!

Continuing Education is back, and even better!

2011-09-27T00:00:00

Do the costs of EU membership outweigh the benefits?

Could invisibility become a reality?

Can you improve your flexibility?

Fancy learning to meditate?

Off to Rome and want to know more than just how to say 'cappuccino'?

This Autumn we are offering a wide range of lunchtime lectures, weekend courses, one-off and multiple sessions in Italian, meditation, ballroom dancing and singing, to name but a few!

At very competitive prices, with qualified tutors from across the country, why not get some friends together and make it a date!

For more information, email: CED@woldinghamschool.co.uk or click here

Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Medals

2011-09-19T00:00:00

Woldingham Girls - Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Medal Awards

A group of our girls were recently awarded their bronze medals at a dedicated awards ceremony held at Tatsfield. The DoE is an important part of our extra-curricular programme and we are delighted with the girls' performance.

Left to right, the group includes: Katie Maule, Helena Rodgers, Lucy Tyler, Chantal Yu, Jessica Siddell, Charlotte Jones, and Jennie Matthews.

Girls can do their Bronze DofE programme once they turn 14. A Bronze DofE programme has 4 sections, Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition. Girls must do a minimum of 3 months activity for each of the Volunteering, Physical and Skills sections, and plan, train for and do a 2 day (1 night) Expedition.

Girls also have to spend an extra three months on one of the Volunteering, Physical or Skills sections. It will usually take at least 6 months to complete the Bronze programme.

We are very impressed with the girls and their dedication. We look forward to seeing the Silvers and Golds soon!

ANNUAL UNDER 10 NETBALL TOURNAMENT

2011-09-09T00:00:00

Please click here for the "Order of Play" for the up-coming Under 10 Netball Tournament.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

Woldingham School goes from great to even better!

2011-08-25T00:00:00

Woldingham School goes from great to even better, with 36% A* at GCSE

We followed on from our A level results success last week, with yet another 100% pass rate at GCSE, and a tremendous 70% of A* or A grades.

30% of our girls opened an envelope containing straight A*s and A grades, much to the delight of Headmistress, Jayne Triffitt and Director of Studies, Julian Murphy, who celebrated the girls’ results together with his birthday!

Pupils Katherine Grady and Victoria McGowan achieved a stunning 23 A* grades between them.

We’re left with no doubt about the strength of sciences at our school: with 88% of all grades in Biology at A* and A, 92% of all grades in Physics at A* and A, and with Chemistry achieving a stunning 20 A* out of 24 grades.

Junior Polo team win the trophy

2011-08-17T00:00:00

Katy Bernard’s recent success in being selected for the SUPA (Schools and University Polo Association) team has already borne fruit. In August she was given the opportunity to compete as a member of the British Junior team in Hungary. Katy says ‘When they first called me I could not believe that I had been chosen and that it was not a hoax!’

After a day’s sightseeing and some practice in 36 degrees of heat they played two chukkas each, against the Polish team winning 5-0, then the Hungarian team, which drew 2-2. The team’s second match the following day was an even better triumph, scoring 5-0 to the Polish and 4-1 to the Hungarians, which particularly pleased the SUPA team, who were the youngest.Their final on Sunday drew a big crowd of spectators. Katy waited nervously in the VIP marquee while the Polish and Hungarian teams played their matches and then it was the British team’s turn. Katy reported ‘The play was fast and fierce, the Polish Team fought hard and scored a goal. However we fought even harder and the final score was 11-1 to us. Our final game was against the Hungarian Team. We really wanted to win the competition, but the Hungarians were good players. The score was 4-3, we were only 1 goal ahead. Somehow we managed to score and then we pulled ahead and finished the game on 7-3. We had won!! The crowd cheered us and I felt very proud as our photos were taken and we were handed the trophy.’

A First at Cambridge

2011-08-05T00:00:00

Victoria Hall (2007) has achieved a First in her examinations at Newnham College Cambridge, having completed Part II of the Land economy Tripos. Victoria was also awarded an Anne Jemima Clough Prize in recognition of a First Class result. Congratulations Victoria and we wish you every success following your graduation.

Young Diver Wins Top Award

2011-07-06T00:00:00

Year 9 student, Rosie Cardoe has been declared the winner of the Rotary Club of Caterham Sporting Excellence Award for 2011. The Rotary Club were impressed by Rosie’s achievements in her diving career, her aspirations for the future and her dedication and commitment to the sport. She will be presented with her award during an official Rotary Club lunch at the start of the Autumn term. Rosie competes at national level and in May competed in platform events off 5 metres and 7 metres. She came second in the South East Region event and first in the London Region event. We congratulate Rosie on her tremendous success and wish her all the best in her future competitions.

Parent and Daughter Tennis Tournament

2011-07-01T00:00:00

Woldingham’s annual Daughter and Parent tennis tournament at the end of June produced a fantastic turnout of nearly 40 pairs - a record number of entrants and making full use of the 16 outdoor courts. There were many exciting initial "round-robin" stage matches in both the Marden and Senior House tournaments, and the finals in both events produced some great match play.

Congratulations to the Winners and runners-up: Marden Winners: Katie and Chris Hyde (Yr 8) Marden Runners-up: Ciara and Nicky Payne (Yr 7) Marden Semi-finalists: Izzy and Marek Bilinski (Yr 8); Lucia and Julie Mercieca (Yr 8) Senior Winners: Tilly and Mary Swan (Yr 9) Senior Runners-up: Nadia and Alexander Alting Von Geusau (Yr 9).

Sports Day

2011-06-27T00:00:00

A day of energy, laughter and sunshine!

The day started with some light showers, but they soon cleared up, making way for a glorious procession of all four houses, with their striking red, yellow, green and blue colours. The girls got into the spirit of things by painting their faces and adorning wigs, sunglasses and ribbons to acentuate their house colours.

There was a cupcake tent, a Pimms corner, bouncy castle, laser games, icecream van and music animated the crowds throughout the afternoon. The parents brought their own picnics and gazeebos and families were sprawled along the length of the track.

There was a genuine happy feel to what was a very enjoyable afternoon of events. The girls performed brilliantly, and their Heads of House supported them, even running alongside the pitch on occassions.

The full list of results will be released shortly. But, suffice to say, Stuart were announced overall winners!

Borneo Promise Auction

2011-06-22T00:00:00

This summer, Acting Head of Sixth Form, Nikki Shepherd will be accompanying our senior girls to Borneo as part of their 'Camps International' trip. In preparation for their trip the girls have been raising the necessary funds with a variety of fun ventures, culminating in a Promise Auction.

The girls will spend their time trekking through some of the world’s oldest jungle environments, exploring both primary and secondary jungle, learning how to set up jungle camps as well as receiving some interesting lessons in jungle survival from their guides.

In the 'Project Phase' the girls will participate in community or conservation work. Previous teams have worked at local children’s homes, helped out at special needs schools, participated in tree planting schemes and even volunteered at sanctuaries running turtle conservation schemes.

Honk!

2011-06-22T00:00:00

Yesterday four local schools were invited to see our dress rehearsal for 'Honk!' - The Musical.

We were delighted to receive children and staff from Woodlea School, St Francis School, Warlingham Park School, Caterham School and Hurlingham School. Our guests were very enthusiastic and we were thrilled so many of our local friends could come along to support our Year 7 girls.

We are very much looking forward to seeing their productions!

Old Girls' Day

2011-06-22T00:00:00

OLD GIRLS DAY, date for diary: Sunday, 20 May 2012. Old girls and families, friends of the School - everyone is welcome. Keep the date free!

Polo Success for Woldingham Player

2011-06-22T00:00:00

The SUPA (Schools and Universities Polo Association) Trials Day was held in June at Ranelagh Farm Polo Club at which Katy Bernard (Year 10) represented Woldingham School with 19 other representatives from schools around the country.

In the morning candidates had to demonstrate their skill at all forms of polo shots in a timed trial. A team-building exercise followed and after lunch, fast paced chukkas. Katy was complimented on her polo on the day and has just heard that she has been selected to play for the National Schools Women's Team on 9 July.

SUPA was established to promote and develop polo across Schools and Universities around the UK. Woldingham hopes to enter at least one team for the Inter-Schools Tournament in the Autumn term.

Photos supplied by Christopher G Photography

Team-building at Ardingly

2011-06-22T00:00:00

We were blessed with fabulous weather and great activities as the Year 8 embarked on their Water sport challenges. The aim of the day is to build team work and leadership skills within the year group as well as facing difficult challenges. The girls responded with enthusiasm and really worked hard to complete all the activities.

Here are a few comments from the girl’s evaluation forms: “Our raft building was quite good because we all listened to each other. We worked well together - even when our boat fell apart we still had an exellent time"

“The activity I found the most challenging was raft building because we had to get the correct knot in the right place and secure the barrel in position!”

“I enjoyed the raft building the most because it was something I had never done before and it was nice to do it with girls who you don’t normally hang out with. You had to work as a team.”

Spanish Exchange

2011-06-10T00:00:00

The Year 9s Spanish exchange started today. Our fantastic Spanish Department have created a blog so parents can track what their daughters are up to: www.zaragozalive11.blogspot.com.

We wish them all - ¡buena suerte!

Paul Fox Visits Woldingham

2011-06-03T00:00:00

In May the Greenwell Society hosted a talk by the Head of the Afghanistan Department in the Foreign Office, Paul Fox. He spoke on the topic of ‘Afghanistan: past, present and future’ giving a summary insight into the context of the Afghan war. He discussed the communist take-over and failing, to the religious leaders and the Taliban taking advantage of this unstable country. He claimed that despite 364 UK deaths and a cost of $10 billion, the war has helped to save many more lives by protecting national security.

Opening the floor to questions, one student asked if Mr Fox thought it a realistic plan to withdraw troops in 2015. He answered that progress has been made with some powers already handed over to Afghanistan authorities. Asked by another student whether he believed Al Qaeda will now fall following Osama Bin Laden’s death, he responded by comparing the group to a franchise, saying that just because the head falls it does not mean the end of the franchise, and therefore does not end the threat. The girls found the evening a great success and extremely informative.

Woldingham School on Twitter

2011-05-24T00:00:00

Woldingham School now has its own Twitter feed. To receive updated news, get a feel for the life of the School, and be kept updated please "follow us" on Twitter.com if you have an account, or via your smartphone applications search for Twitter account - WoldinghamSch

Fun on Old Girls' Day

2011-05-20T00:00:00

Leavers from 1991 and 2001 were celebrating their respective 20 year and 10 year reunions at Old Girls’ Day this year, along with alumnae from many other years, starting with coffee and pastries in the Millennium Centre. The Old Girls then joined the current boarders for a Mass, celebrated by Dom Stephen Ortiger OSB, who is the Abbot Emeritus at Worth, himself a former governor of Woldingham School.

With a sumptuous buffet lunch offered in Main House, attendees settled in the Wilson room, with the 1991 and 2001 leavers and their families seated in the Goddard Room, where they could catch up on years of news. Entertainment for all the family was plentiful, with a singer crooning mellow tunes from the ‘rat pack’ era and face-painters working beautiful designs on the children , while outside one could try balloon modelling, circus tricks and blow giant bubbles.

At the far end of the Pergola lawn on the driveway, two little ponies gave rides to the over-threes, while the younger tots were able to stroke Eeyore the donkey. The AGM was held during the afternoon and the day was rounded off with tea, cakes and gingerbread men.

Fun in Vermont

2011-05-12T00:00:00

Killington was the destination for this year’s ski trip and true to tradition was packed full of excitement and fun. The girls’ skills ranged from complete beginner to the more experienced.

While some reported getting the hang of their parallel turns and improving their technique, others fell over more times than they could count and crashed into trees or got ‘wiped out’ and one even fell off a chair lift. One slid downhill with her face in the snow and another exclaimed ‘Serena wrapped herself around me and, holding on, forced me to ski down a black run… BACKWARDS!’ But the unanimous message that rang out was ‘I have never laughed so much!’ and ‘this trip was Epic!’

Woldingham's Royal Wedding Street Party

2011-05-03T00:00:00

Woldingham held its own Royal Wedding Street Party on 29 April. Boarders and residential staff had decorated the Upper Sixth’s common room in Shanley House with bunting and balloons and watched the exciting event on a big screen, following with a feast of home-made pizza, cakes and sandwiches served on suitably royal (paper) crockery.

Year 7 student Frances Russell went one step further. Having discovered that residents in her street had not planned a party for the occasion, she decided to plan her own full day of street party fun in Caterham.

St Catherine's Hospice Enterprise Challenge

2011-04-18T00:00:00

The Young Enterprise Challenge group from Woldingham School, Alex, Christy, Millie, Sabine, Veronica and Vicky, described their recent experience of competing to raise money for the St Catherine’s Hospice, as a roller coaster ride. They have been soaked, frozen, humiliated and run to the ground, yet have enjoyed every single second. The Challenge was a competition between local schools to raise a minimum of £1000 for the Hospice and was taken up by our Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh students.

They implemented five out of 11 ideas starting with their International Sale, having first conducted a questionnaire to find out what customers would like to buy. This was one of their biggest successes and in fact it raised the most money from a sale that girls at Woldingham have ever achieved. They sold 68 packs of Chinese noodles in half an hour and 80 beer lollies in 20 minutes, earning £400! On the back of their success they decided to do a second International Sale, this time with sushi! Drawing on lessons learned from their previous sale they decided to purchase in bulk, making £150 mark-up on the noodles alone and giving due consideration to the Health and Safety obstacle they had identified. Their total profit for both sales was £800.

Their next project was to fill a huge jar with sweets, requesting 20p per guess at how many the jar contained. For a second 20p, they would reveal how close their punter was to the true value. The big car wash was their longest and most arduous task, and in comparison with the effort and freezing temperatures, was one of the smaller earners, gaining about £110. Purchasing Miss Sebastian’s beer lollies at a low price and making a tidy profit they advertised their wares for the Valentine’s Day sale in advance with posters and assembly announcements, travelling around the campus from dormitory to dormitory to clear all their stock. Prizes for their raffle were kindly donated from several sources, and made irresistible prizes, with tickets sold at £1 for five. Donning blazers and St Catherine’s sashes they collected £460 following the performance of the School production of Calamity Jane, and a further £350 from teachers’ donations throughout the competition period.

At the St Catherine’s Hospice presentation to the winning team, the girls thanked their mentors, Royal Bank of Scotland and St Catherine’s Hospice for the opportunity to take part and to excel in business and marketing.

U10 & U11 Woldingham Invitational Rounders

2011-04-11T00:00:00

Woldingham School is delighted to announce the results of our draw for the Invitational Rounders Tournament.

The event will be on our top pitches.

For a map of the location, please click here.

Latest Photos - Geography Trip to Swanage, 2011

2011-04-10T00:00:00

Over a sunny March weekend, a group of L6 Geographers set off for a field trip to Hampshire and Dorset. Their first encounter with this fascinating coastline was at Barton-on-Sea, where they considered the various erosional and depositional processes taking place as well as management strategies.

Scroll down to view photos taken during our outing...

U14 Netball Team - UNDEFEATED

2011-04-04T00:00:00

Woldingham School's U14 Netball Team - Undefeated

We are very proud of our U14 Netball Team who worked hard all season and remain undefeated. They concluded the season with an emphatic win over Caterham School 11-1.

The girls have been a superb team, working together on set moves and the quality of their play. They have beaten strong teams such as L.N.D and R.G.S with dominant score lines.

The girls, led by their captain Izzy McParland and Vice Captain Grace O’Connor, have motivated each other on and off the court and pushed each other to continually develop their game play with reliable shooting from Amelia Schmidt, Emily Moon and Emily Blackburn and solid defence from Izzy, Catherine O’Connor and Laura Pepera.

Well done to all the girls on this great success!

Richmond Performing Arts Festival Double Winner

2011-04-01T00:00:00

Stephanie Lai, a Year 10 student who plays the saxophone, won two classes at the Richmond upon Thames Performing Arts Festival in March. She took part in the Intermediate Recital class, playing the second and third movements of Scaramouche by Darius Milhaud, and the U15 Wind/Brass Own Choice class in which she played Aria by Eugene Bozza. The achievement is all the more creditable given the extremely high standard of all the entrants at the Festival, so Stephanie was up against some very stiff competition. As a result of entering these two classes she was eligible for one of the Grand Prizes, coming second for the Young Instrumentalist of the Year, winning a monetary prize and cup. She has been invited to return to perform in the Festival Showcase on 6 May.

Field Trip to Swanage

2011-03-31T00:00:00

Travelling west, they took the chain-ferry from Sandbanks to Studland Bay where they were able to observe a world-class dune ecosystem, about which they had to research and answer questions. They also took readings and data at the source of the River Wey, Church Lane and Watery Lane, all of which will complete their field work going towards their AS skills paper. Their final visit was to Lulworth Cove on the Jurassic coast, where they were able to spot a range of geographical features from the cliff top, not to mention the spectacular views. Such trips are invaluable in helping to bring the girls’ class work to life.

2011 PUBLIC SCHOOLS FENCING CHAMPIONSHIPS

2011-03-28T00:00:00

Woldingham School took part in the 2011 Public Schools Fencing Championships, held at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, London between 22 and 24 March, 2011.

The Public Schools' Fencing Championships are by far one of the largest fencing competitions in the country, and probably the largest youth fencing event in the whole of Europe, dating back to 1890.

Woldingham School presented a team of six fencers: Susie Triffitt, Susannah Peppiatt, Nicole Boyd, Anna Stevenson, Sasha Brown, and Lioba Wendling. They competed in the Public Schools Girls Mount-Haes Epée. Each age group included up to 60 fencers from schools all over England.

Lioba took part in the Public Schools Girls U15 Epée, where she was placed a well-deserved 36th out of 60, from across the country, facing some of Britain’s top national fencers. The remaining five fencers made it through to the second poule. Susie and Susannah did terrifically well, winning all their matches.

By the third round both Susannah and Susie were placed within the top five. Three fencers, Nicole, Susannah and Susie, made it through to the final sixteen and after a moment of intense pressure both Susie and Susannah made it through to the final eight.

Susannah and Susie both faced difficult opponents, Susannah missed out, only just, against a would-be finalist, and Susie successfully fenced her way into the semi-finals. Woldingham was down to one fencer, and the scores were close, everyone watching Susie with apprehension.

The final scores finished with Susie in joint 3rd, Susannah 5th, Nicole 12th, Anna 28th, Sasha 34th and Lioba 38th in her section.

Sophie Foreman - Cross Country Championships

2011-03-24T00:00:00

Woldingham School is very proud to announce that Sophie Foreman and the Surrey Team won the intermediate race at the Aviva ESAA English Schools' National Cross Country Championship held at Wollaton Park, Nottingham on Saturday 19 March 2011.

Sophie finished individually in 74th position (out of 440 competitors) in her first year in the age group and was one of the team scorers. We are delighted with this triumphant performance and look forward to celebrating Sophie's next sporting achievement!

WOLDINGHAM MUSIC SCHOLARS

2011-02-22T00:00:00

WOLDINGHAM MUSICAL SCHOLARS

Two Woldingham School pupils, Emily Oliver and Katie Wong have recently been awarded accolades that exceed expectations for their age and experience.

Emily Oliver, aged 17, has become an Associate of Trinity College of Music (ATCL). Whilst, Katie Wong, aged 16, received the Diploma of the Royal Schools of Music (Dip.ABRSM).

Emily's achievement is a diploma where the standard of performance is equivalent to the performance component of the first year in a full-time undergraduate course at a conservatoire or other higher education establishment.

ABRSM diplomas provide an authoritative assessment framework for a wide range of musicians beyond Grade 8. These highly respected and letter-bearing qualifications provide valuable opportunities for professional musicians (and those aspiring to be so) to gain recognition for their abilities and achievements.

The level of commitment and discipline required by both girls to practise is immense, particularly when added to their other school commitments, academic and extra-curricular.

This is an enormous reward to a flourishing music department within a school that does not solely focus on music. The diplomas are also on two different instruments requiring excellent teaching from more than one member of the music staff.

Woldingham School’s music department is comprised of John Hargreaves, Director of Music, Margaret Andrews, Chris Donnelly, Howard Dyer, and Helen Rowe.

Calamity Jane! Wild Wild West

2011-02-14T00:00:00

The Wild, Wild West Comes to Woldingham!

Our senior production of “Calamity Jane” took place on Thursday and Friday last week, 10-11 February, 2011.

Please visit our Photo Gallery on the website to see all the photographs.

Calamity Jane is a "Wild West"-themed film musical released in 1953. It is loosely based on the life of Wild West heroine Calamity Jane and explores an alleged romance between Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok in the American Old West. The film starred Doris Day as the title character and Howard Keel as Hickok. It was devised by Warner Brothers in response to the success of Annie Get Your Gun. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song ("Secret Love").

Under the expert guidance of Director Phil Young, Musical Director John Hargreaves, and Technical Director Roy Brown, students, parents and friends enjoyed an evening of Wild West entertainment, complete with gun shots and can-can dancers!

Scarlett Smith performed stupendously well as Calamity Jane. Her vocal talents and enthusiasm for the role were tangible. Cast alongside her, India Castle-Gibb, played a convincing delicate, gentile Katie Brown wooing the audience with her singing. Jamie Lee Pepera, as Susan, fell for and married Francis Fryer (Fernando Gordon) who entertained the audience in a rather garish dress!

The cast was boosted by the participation of young men from all over Surrey, and five members of staff dressed as cowboys and US cavalry, to the delight of the audience.

The complete cast was as follows:

Calamity Jane: Scarlett Smith

Wild Bill Hickok: Jamal Chong

Lieut. Danny Gilmartin: Tyrone Williams

Katie Brown: India Castle-Gibb

Henry Miller: Richie Gibbons

Susan: Jamie Lee Pepera

Francis Fryer: Fernando Gordon

Adelaide Adams: Tiffany Bell

“Doc “ Pierce: Gabriella Labi

Jo: Maisie Breen

Rattlesnake: Greg Lines

Charlie the Prospector: Callum Chaundy

Cowboy solo tenor: Jessica Correia -Vasey

Hank: Sophie Pond

Pete: Kate Mant

Local Cowboys: Fleur Claoue De Gohr,Jessica Correia-Vasey, Alex Millard

Native American: Busola Caxton-Martins

Flo: Natasha Neilson

Friends of Flo: Cloe Arnoux, Katherine Redferne

Deadwood Townswomen: Isadora Viegelmann, Francesca Maule, Claudia Brewster

Stage Door Johnnies: Fleur Claoue De Gohr, Jessica Correia –Vasey, Vivienne Tong, Amy Tyler

Can – Can Dancers: Claudia Brewster, Busola Caxton-Martins, Jessica Corria-Vasey, Fleur Claoue De Gohr, Francesca Maule, Natasha Neilson, Vivienne Tong, Amy Tyler, Isadora Viegelmann

US Cavalry & Cowboys: Danny Baker, Marcus Massey, Richard Maclean, Alex McGreevy, Roy Peachey

Director: Phil Young

Musical Director: John Hargreaves

Musicians

Reed 1: Lizzy Brown

Reed 2: Chris Donnelly

Flute: Katie Heywood

Saxophone: Stephanie Lai

Trumpets: Mike Hornett, Heather Pearse

Trombone: Tim Brown

Violins: Sue Kitchen, John Triffitt

Cello: Ivan Andrews

Piano: Howard Dyer

Bass: Margaret Andrews

Percussion: Ben Essenhigh

Technical Director: Roy Brown

Choreography: Emily Ayers & Ensemble

Technical Associates: Matt Stephens, Judith Brown, Katie Wong

Properties: Louise Cliff, Abi Kennedy

Wardrobe Supervisor: Kaitlin Farnfield

Wardrobe Assistants: Philippa Downs, Abi Kennedy, Ella Gardner

Stage Manager: Lyn Mann Backstage

Crew: Hattie Leegood, Lily Lee, Ella Gardner, Lucy Tullett, Richard Maclean, Victoria McGowan, Olivia Stockdale

Box Office: Abi Hoyle, Nikki Shepherd, Lucy Tullett

Special thanks to: The Catering Department, Scene Projects, Peggy and all at the The Miller Centre, One with Grace, Security and Caretaking Staff, Maintenance Staff, the Gardeners, Administration Staff and School Office and the The Gappies for their help backstage – especially with makeup.

BRITISH SCHOOLGIRLS' SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS

2011-02-08T00:00:00

The ski team returned from Flaine on Wednesday, tired but exhilarated by their ski racing!

The new ski suits, graciously provided by our corporate partner Martek looked tremendous and even the event organiser complimented us on the suits.

The colours stood out so well against the snow so you could very easily see a Woldingham skier on the course!

Competition was fierce as there were many competitors who regularly race train and are members of racing clubs, both in the UK and abroad. But the Woldingham team worked hard in their race training sessions before the races, and gained so much confidence and competence through competing.

All the team want to compete in the Championships next year!

There were 3 slalom competitions over the two days: Giant Slalom, Parallel Slalom and Slalom.

Giant Slalom

“A” team finished in 27th place out of 54 teams – our best result yet over the past 7 years.

Parallel Slalom

This was a head to head knockout competition over a short slalom course. Our "A" team narrowly missed a win.

Our top skier Holly Lavelle won an award from the DHO (Down Hill Only Club) as the best placed racer in her age group in the Giant Slalom for a competitor who is not a registered racer or member of a racing club – she will attend a week’s race training with the DHO in October half term in Austria!

The 6 team members are: Katie Hyde, Holly Lavelle, Ana Allende Esteve, Fleur Claoue de Gohr, Isabel Cowan, Madeleine Alting von Geusau.

We would like to congratulate you all on a terrific performance and a great result! Our thanks also go out to Alison May from the PE Department, who has put so much time and energy into organising this trip, and all those who made it possible.

Limited Edition Watercolour Print

2011-01-06T00:00:00

Woldingham School has commissioned a school portrait by Brenda Barrat which is now available as individually signed and numbered Limited Edition prints. Each will presented within a deep bevel-grooved mount and an optional wood and gilt frame is available. These make ideal mementos for current and past students.

Collectors from around the world have bought Brenda's fine architectural watercolours of colleges, schools and dwellings.The prints can be viewed and ordered online at http://www.brendabarratt.com

Continuing Education Spring 2011

2010-12-07T00:00:00

Bookings are now being taken for Woldingham School's Continuing Education Initiative, Spring 2011.

With a variety of short courses ranging from Ballroom Dancing to Clay Pigeon Shooting, there's something for everyone.

To consult the full programme, please visit our dedicated Continuing Education page, or email: CED@woldingham.surrey.sch.uk

Daisy Pulls It Off

2010-11-24T00:00:00

In a break from tradition, Mrs Brown decided to produce a more ambitious Drama ‘workshop’ performance for Year 9. ‘Daisy Pulls It Off’ is a play within a play – a parody of life in a girls’ boarding school. Taking advantage of the magnificent features of Main House to stage the play as a promenade performance, she used Year 9’s own accommodation as the setting for the various locations. With simple use of furniture, the bench seats in the Goddard room became the ‘railway carriage’, then the beds of the ‘dorms’. The Wilson room became the location for the classroom scenes, hockey match, sanatorium and a specially built gallery provided the backdrop for the ‘assembly’ scenes. The Mater Hall staircase became a cliff scene. The Year 9 cast showed skill, confidence and maturity in performance beyond their years, coping admirably with their promenade audience, who themselves were challenged to move quickly between the locations to follow the action. It added an immediacy and intimacy between performers and audience not experienced before at Woldingham. We all had such fun in rehearsal and huge congratulations are extended to the Year 9 cast and crew for such an enjoyable and memorable evening.

And then there was light!

2010-11-09T00:00:00

No more dull winter evenings for the Hockey Department! The School is now proud owners of fixed floodlights. This is a welcome addition to our excellent facilities and means that our Hockey squads spend less time travelling to off-site Astros in the winter. Thank you so much to the Governors and the School Bursar for their tireless efforts to achieve a successful planning application. Thanks also go to Mr McParland for his valued input into the process.

Ski Team Trials for British Schoolgirls' Championships

2010-10-25T00:00:00

At Milton Keynes’ Snozone on 10 October, 17 girls were to be timed over several descents down a short slalom course, in the hope they would be fast enough to be selected as part of the Woldingham Ski Team heading to Flaine in January for the Championships. A helpful training session with two instructors who showed them the best way to go about the small slalom race, going down the run slowly, stopping at points and analysing the turns. Congratulations to Holly Lavelle and Katie Hyde (Y8) and Issie Cowan (Y9), who made the A team, and to Madeleine Alting von Geusau (Y11), Ana Allende (Y9) and Fleur Claoue de Gohr (L6), who make up the B team. We wish them all the best in Flaine.

Inter-house Cross Country

2010-10-15T00:00:00

The annual inter-house cross country event took place a week later than originally set due to a tremendous amount of rainfall the previous week and this provided the girls with the natural settings of a true cross-country course. The atmosphere was electric with everyone lined up, ready and waiting to start. It was fantastic to see the number of girls participating in this house event - a big congratulations to all who took part. Well done to Duchesne, who were the overall winners.

Rudi Oppenheimer Visits Woldingham

2010-10-11T00:00:00

Rudi Oppenheimer’s visit on 7 October was part of the preparation for the Year 10-11 History expedition to Krakow, Auschwitz and Berlin next February. How he survived the months of starvation and neglect, while both of his parents died of disease, was a story of unimaginable brutality met by profound human spirit. And also a bit of luck. A tiny, gracious man, now well into his seventies, his voice still strongly accented from a successful career in the Netherlands after the war, Rudi captivated a Goddard Room packed with years 10-U6 and with many teachers and parents. He appealed to each of us to engage, to make a difference, to use the democracy we are privileged to have and to fight the prejudice – even the holocausts - that still scar our societies.

Will and the People Concert Success

2010-10-08T00:00:00

On 8 October a charity concert was held starring Will and the People, put together by Upper Sixth Formers Rhianna Brown and Natasha Rutherford. Over 180 students, dancing and singing, watched the headliners, as well as Tom Bradley and his band. The concert was organised to raise funds for the New Life Mexico project, following a visit from the charity’s head who gave a very moving and hard-hitting talk at Woldingham last year about how street children are treated and the conditions they endure. £2000 was raised and every penny raised will help the children directly.

U18 Hockey District Champions

2010-10-08T00:00:00

Our 1st XI hockey team became the District champions on 7th October after a hard fought tournament at RGS Hartswood. The victory hinged on a match against Oxted School which was won 3-0. Captain Rhianna Brown, who scored two of the goals with powerful shots from the edge of the area, felt her team had worked hard and was "proud" of their display. The stunning third goal, scored by Katie Heywood into the roof of the net, left the goalkeeper with no chance of a save and rounded off a terrific display.

Woldingham iPhone Prospectus App - Available for Download

2010-09-29T00:00:00

Woldingham School is the first Independent School in UK to publish the prospectus as an iPhone App.

The iPhone Prospectus App showcases Woldingham School in the 21st Century, and includes the following amazing interactive features:

Detailed Prospectus information
Photo Gallery slideshows that you can play along to - using your own music on your iphone
Videos on all the key areas of the school
Key Information about Admissions
Latest News - streamed directly from the school website
Quick Registration Form for immediate place reservation
Contact Form and Google Maps integration for directions

Now available for FREE to Download from the Apple iTunes Apps Store.

Woldingham launches series of lectures and activities

2010-09-21T00:00:00

Do something different on Saturday, expand your mind and learn something new. Our exciting new series of lectures and activities for adults will allow you to do just that in the beautiful surroundings of Woldingham Schools 700 acre site. These courses are open to everyone.

Please click here here to download a brochure with booking form. From the 1st September you will also be able to book on-line please click here to link to the Continuing Education website

Dineen Chimteka Trust Charity Golf Day

2010-09-20T00:00:00

The Dineen Chimteka Trust Charity Golf and Rock n Roll Dinner Dance Friday, 1st October 2010

with The Rocksters LIVE!! at Westerham Golf Club, Lunch then 4 ball team 18 hole competition: 75 pounds per player includes dinner and dance 25 pounds per person dinner and dance only Prizes for best dressed Mod, Rocker or Hippie Everyone Welcome Please enter a team and invite friends and family to what promises to be a fun packed evening

To book (tables of 8 or 10) please call or email Nick Gras 01903-873988 nick.gras@owlbarn.plus.com, or john@salako.me.uk

iPhone News App launched

2010-09-14T00:00:00

Launched in the Summer on iTunes - Woldingham School is the first UK school to have an iPhone App linked to the website news.

Keep-up-to-date with the latest news from Woldingham School. Perfect for parents on the go to keep up with events (such as snow days!) without needing to log into the website.

Now available for FREE to Download from the Apple iTunes Apps Store.

Live Broadcast of The Big Assembly: Friday 17 September

2010-09-13T00:00:00

As part of the celebrations of the Pope’s visit to Britain next week, we have decided to participate in Friday’s nationwide Big Assembly.This means that we will have a special extended whole School assembly from 10.15 – 11.15 on Friday morning.

It will be a unique opportunity for Catholic schools to join together for what will be a historic address from the Holy Father to them.

For up to date information on the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Great Britain, please visit the official website: www.thepapalvisit.org.uk. For all of the latest education updates relating to the Papal Visit, please visit the official education blog: www.linkinachain.wordpress.com

GCSE Celebrations

2010-08-24T00:00:00

Students and staff at Woldingham School are delighted with this year’s GCSE results, with 70% of all grades achieved being A*/A, representing a 2% improvement on last year’s results. 91% of all grades were A*/A or B, with 98.2% achieving A*/C. Some of the more traditionally difficult subjects producing A*/A grades, were Physics , Chemistry and Biology proving Woldingham’s continued dedication in these areas. Art, Design & Technology, English, ICT, PE and Spanish also produced well over 80% at A*/A grades.
More and more girls are achieving a stunning array of A* and A grades. We congratulate Catherine Leatherbarrow, Lesley Mok, Juliette Parkinson and Hannah Stevens who achieved an exceptional total of nine A* grades. In total, sixteen students achieved six A* grades or better. Headmistress Jayne Triffitt commented: We are delighted with the GCSE results at Woldingham School again this year. These exceptional results are a reflection of the tremendous hard work and dedication of the teaching staff at Woldingham. We are proud of the girls’ commitment and their positive attitude to their studies. Their academic work is combined with a very full extra-curricular programme with over sixty activities on offer during the week.

A Level Success

2010-08-19T00:00:00

Woldingham once again is celebrating a 100% pass rate across all subjects at A level, with 21.5% having achieved the new A* grade and 60% A*-A grades. The School’s excellent record is maintained with A-C grades being awarded to 95% of its students. We are pleased that 100% of the grades were Grade A* to E. Particular highlights include an impressive 19 girls out of 21 achieving an A* or A in Mathematics and a 100% A/B pass rate in Politics, Art History, Spanish and Physics. Woldingham’s excellent reputation in the creative arts is upheld with four girls celebrating an A* in Art and Art Textiles, and Music and Theatre Studies yielding 100% at A*-B grades. We are thrilled that Anni Gilbert achieved four A* grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. Rachel Siddell, Beatrice Downing, Joanie Lam and Grace Chan also achieved three A*grades. In addition, seven students achieved four or more straight A* and A grades with 27 students achieving at least three A*and A grades. Headmistress Jayne Triffitt said: “I am delighted with these fantastic results. The grades achieved reflect the hard work and dedication of both the students and their teachers. The support given to the girls during their A level years by their teachers and the boarding staff at Woldingham is second to none.”

Sports Day - 26 June 2010

2010-06-22T00:00:00

Please read on to find bulletins for this Saturday's Sports Day.
Dominic Murtagh

22 June - Please be aware that the back barrier will be closed on Sports Day from 11.30 am to 5.00 pm

Raising Funds For Haiti

2010-02-08T00:00:00

Our girls have been busy organising some fund-raising and awareness for the plight of the Haiti earthquake victims. Their target is £1000 and they have already raised over £800 from two home-baked cakes sales, a cupcakes and lollies sale, pizza evening and collection points inside their tuck shop. One boarder, who had brought in her tuck after Christmas, sold it to her friends to raise more money. Further plans include another pizza sale, a jewellery sale of the girls' home-made bracelets, a Rwandan craft sale and a raffle ticket sale for a foot spa prize. Some of the funds raised will also go to the Rwandan Genocide victims.

Special mention must go to the Year 11 girls who inititiated the fund raising as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award - Maisie Breen, Charlotte Pearce and Abbi Murphy. Also Year 9 girls, Marta Cavestany, Ana Paula Larrea-Mijares and Andrea Velazquez and Year 10s Adunni Adeleke, Rose Hung, Valerie Man and Orode Moju, who have all pitched in with ideas and self-sacrifice.

A gentleman from the Bourne Society, Mr Ken Harman, was visiting the School and kindly donated £20 towards the cause, for which we thank him.

Highest Marks in Country for Rosanna Stoker

2009-11-27T00:00:00

Highest Marks in Country for Rosanna Stoker

Rosanna Stoker, a pupil at Woldingham School has not only secured tremendous results in her A Levels, with three A grades, in Maths, Chemistry and Biology, but has been awarded an Exhibition from Trinity College, London for achieving the highest marks for Grade 8 Solo Acting across the whole country last year.

This is a fantastic achievement, well deserving of our congratulations.

A Level Pupil Wins Scholarship at Jesus College

2009-11-27T00:00:00

Philippa Winstanley from Oxted was understandably delighted with her A Level Results, achieving 4 A grades in Economics, ICT, Music Technology and Music.

These impressive results guarantee her place to study Music at Jesus College Oxford, where she has been awarded the Organ scholarship. Congratulations Philippa!

Senior Amaris Italian Success

2009-11-05T00:00:00

On Saturday 10 October our Senior Amaris choir took part in the International Choral Competition in Rimini, Italy.

The numerous rehearsals in the first weeks of term paid off, when they came fifth in the Equal Voices Class, only 13 points behind the winners. The achievement is even more impressive considering that they were the only school choir taking part, being up against more experienced adult choirs. Congratulations on this tremendous result!