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Luckley LifeTHE NEWSLETTER FOR LUCKLEY HOUSE SCHOOL SPRING 2018 ISSUE 14

WORLD BOOK DAY SILVER!

International School AwardWe are proud to have been awarded intermediate level of the British Council’s prestigious International School Award, in recognition of our work to bring the world into the classroom.

This has been achieved through a culmination of hard work by the MFL Department to present a portfolio of the work we do in school to ensure that our pupils gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life work in today’s world.We are now working towards achieving full accreditation. Well done to the MFL team!

Prestigious Art ExhibitionWe were honoured to be invited to join a group exhibition at the Livery Guildhall Gallery in London. The exhibition was organised by the Society of Heads, and showcased some of the best Art and Design and Photography work produced by students at independent schools from across London and the surrounding area. Our Year 12 and 13 students exhibited examples of their own work and also attended the private view. This was an amazing opportunity to not only see their work exhibited at a top London gallery, but also to interact with the audience and gain valuable advice and feedback from the organisers and the numerous Art teachers that were in attendance. Congratulations to all students involved.

Richard Battrick, Head of Art

We are delighted to have won a silver award in the National World Book Day competition! We will receive £1000 to spend on books from a local bookshop, and we have chosen The Bell Bookshop in Henley.The theme for this year was ‘Flight’ and we decided to use that as the basis for reinvigorating the library. We managed to involve every member of the school community in this challenge, and we’re really grateful for the time that so many people took in order to help us promote reading across the school.Each member of the school community (including parents) recommended books which they felt another group would enjoy. These recommendations were written onto flying objects and were used to decorate the school library. We completely transformed the room, including painting the mezzanine level blue so that the ‘flying book recommendations’ would have a sky in which they could float.The Textiles department made a giant rocket for students to read under, and chairs were replaced by giant, comfortable floor cushions in fire colours, to represent the flames of the rocket. The Maintenance team turned one of the book cases into a rocket, which was painted by some of the pupils. We also covered the back wall of the library in starry black sky to represent space; and created a range of moveable, book-themed characters and objects which can be stuck onto that wall by students if they want to change the display.We’d like to thank everybody who helped us, and we’re really looking forward to spending our prize money!Clare Rees, Head of English

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Imogen, Head Student

At the start of term, Year 11 and 13 students went quickly into their mock examinations. This was a hard few weeks for all of us and we were glad once it was finally over. The rest of the term will now be busy as we prepare for our final exams in the summer. There are always lots of House competitions throughout the spring term at Luckley. We have enjoyed many sporting events, which you can read about later on in the issue. The House Musicians’ competition was lots of fun - congratulations to Blake House for winning and well done to everyone who took part, you were all amazing. At the time of writing my report, we still have more to come this term, such as the whole-school Cross Country and the Inter-House Music competition, which is always very entertaining. Year 10 pupils had an afternoon of ‘Following a Sixth Former.’ They were able to talk to the Year 12s, look around the Sixth Form Centre and eat lots of tasty food. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and it gave them an insight into Sixth Form life.This is my last termly review and I would like to say it has been an honour and a privilege to be Head Student. Thank you to the senior team for being helpful and enthusiastic over the last year. The time has gone so quickly and I can’t believe it’s nearly time to say goodbye to Luckley. I wish the next senior team the best of luck in their new positions of responsibility. I hope everyone has an excellent Easter Holiday!

HEAD STUDENT’S TERMLY REVIEW

Jane Tudor, Head

The most significant aspect of life at our school is that there are always so many different activities and pieces of news that I feel genuine pride in. And, in amongst the sorts of items we would expect to see in a school newsletter, there will be an element of surprise. In other words, school life is always fascinating and never dull.

This term has seen a drive to collect items for our team of volunteers to take to Ethiopia. On Thursday 22 March, a team of Year 10 pupils and staff will head to Bekoji, the home of the Ethiopian long distance runners, to work with a school and orphanage within a poor community. We have asked for help from the whole school community to gather items we take for granted, but are prized in poorer communities. To that end we will take off with hundreds of pairs of pants, amongst other things. Pupils have also been raising money for this cause, with the target of each form raising £120 to fund a bed. Activities have included car washing, a sponsored fun run, cake sales, a mufti day, a Zumba session, a tuck sale, Year 10 Café and a sponsored silence. Well done to everybody for your fantastic fundraising efforts!No doubt we will all be very keen to share our experiences on our return.I hope you enjoy reading of the very many achievements of a very short term.

A WORD FROM THE HEAD

Follow our social media platforms to keep up to date with news and photos from school.

www.facebook.com/luckleyhouseschool www.twitter.com/luckleyhouse

www.youtube.com (search for Luckley)Year 8 Fun Run

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A Murder at Luckley!Year 7 pupils were joined by 14 pupils from local prep schools for a fun enrichment day, centred around a murder mystery theme. The pupils worked in groups to study the evidence and solve clues in English and maths lessons, before carrying out forensic testing in the science labs on soil and materials ‘found at the scene’. In a music lesson, the pupils used a variety of instruments to create ‘suspense music’ and then enjoyed an art lesson, during which they created identikits of the main suspects in the murder case.The day ended with a drama lesson, where the pupils acted out various scenarios of what could have happened, before the real identity of the murderer and the actual version of events was revealed.

What really happened.....

Science Week FunBritish Science Week took place from 9 to 18 March. To celebrate, the Science Department held a number of exciting demonstrations and workshops at lunchtimes throughout the week.

Monday: ‘Exploring Taste’ - experiments to fool the taste buds and build up a genetic picture of pupils and staff.Tuesday: ‘Rat Dissection’- including a pregnant female!Wednesday: ‘A Circus of Physics Activities’.Thursday: ‘Magnification’ - examining specimens at 400x magnification under the microscope.Friday: ‘Exploring Sight’- experiments which fool the senses with optical illusions.A big thank you to the Science Department for a fabulous week of Science fun.

BBC School Report BBC News School Report gives 11-16 year-old students around the UK the chance to make their own news reports for a real audience. Using lesson plans and materials from the BBC Academy website, our English teachers helped Year 7 pupils to develop their journalistic skills to become School Reporters for the day. Topics ranged from Luckley stories, such as the centenary celebrations, the zipwire, boys’ sports development and the Ethiopia trip, to current affairs, such as the death of Professor Stephen Hawking.

The videos are available to watch on our website at: www.luckleyhouseschool.org/news-and-events/bbc-news-school-report/

Photographic Society VisitIt was an absolute pleasure to host a visit by Mr Roger Holdsworth, Chairman of the Wokingham Photographic Society and Camera Club. Roger met with some of our dedicated photography students from across all years, who were excited and enthused to have the opportunity to show off their work to a photography expert. The students showed their work and gained lots of valuable advice that will stand them in good stead as they go forward with their own ideas. Roger was able to impart some great advice regarding the students’ artist research and camera techniques.

Ellis & Alec, Yr9 Photographers

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A Muddy Geography Field trip!

MUSICAL INTERLUDE.........The Woodley FestivalThis term, both the Junior and Senior Choirs prepared for the Woodley Music Festival. The students all gave up many of their lunchtimes to rehearse and they were all set for a fabulous performance, until it snowed! Sadly the festival had to be cancelled, but fortunately all the work was not in vein as the choirs performed in the Easter Concert.

The Pangbourne Piano FestivalOn Sunday 11 March, Tamar S (Yr11) and Nisavino T (Yr12) represented Luckley in the Pangbourne Piano Festival. They performed in the advanced soloist class for grade 7-8 students. The standard was incredibly high and both girls gave excellent performances and had the opportunity to receive feedback in the style of a masterclass with the adjudicator.

GCSE Science LiveYear 10 pupils travelled to Oxford in January to experience GCSE Science Live. This was a chance to hear from some of Britain's top scientists about their life and work, and proved fascinating for many students. Professor Dave Cliff started the talks with a look at the future of computers, followed by Professor Robert Winston. His talk on human fertility involved interesting visuals, such as the inside of an oviduct. Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock’s talk on astronomy included details of her dyslexia and how she has been able to succeed from an inauspicious start at school. Professor Alice Roberts looked at evolution, and Professor Andrea Sella carried out chemistry experiments live on stage. The chance to listen to experts from such a variety of different scientific fields was an excellent opportunity to promote the excitement and wonder of the world around us.

Mrs Helen Buck, Head of Science

The Rotary Musician of the YearPaige N-E (Yr12) represented Luckley in the district round of the Rotary Musician of the Year Competition. Paige performed a range of songs from opera to musicals with great expression and poise, and gave a very moving and polished performance.

House Musician CompetitionIn February, 21 Year 11 pupils braved the cold to complete their geography fieldwork, staying at Juniper Hall in Dorking. They worked hard during the planning and preparation stage and were soon ready to get their wellies muddy at the River Tillingbourne. Layered up from head to toe, the girls bundled out of the mini bus to our first study site at Crossways Farm. Snowflakes were falling, but that did not deter our robust pupils from getting in to the river, working hard and collecting their data in an efficient and professional manner. We then returned to the centre for some tea and cake before embarking on the data analysis and evaluation phase of the fieldwork. The following day pupils were up early for a hearty cooked breakfast before heading off into Leatherhead for an urban study day. They worked equally hard and gained a large range of data which will support them well during their examinations. Now it’s time for the revision - keep going girls! Mrs Kimberley Knight, Head of Geography

This term saw our second House Musician Competition. The event was packed with so much talent! There were junior and senior sections for piano, instrumental and voice. The winners of the junior sections were: Michael F (Yr9) Gracie H (Yr9) and Chloe G (Yr9) and the seniors: Paige N-E (Yr12), Emma H (Yr10) and Emily A (Yr11). Overall the winning House was Blake.

Mrs Janice Ellwood, Director of Music

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STAGE WHISPERfrom The Whitty Theatre

Find out What’s On at The Whitty Theatre at luckleyhouseschool.org/the-whitty-theatre/

whats-on/

Follow us on Twitter @WhittyTheatre and ‘like’ our Facebook page /thewhittytheatre

By Oliver Bamber, Theatre Manager

It has been another terrifically eventful term at the Theatre, packed full of quality entertainment. One of the highlights must surely be the two visiting professional touring companies, Blackeyed Theatre and Splendid Productions (both very highly regarded on the educational touring theatre circuit), who visited us with John Godber’s Teechers (pictured), and Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis. Teechers was fantastically well received and it was fabulous to see so many Luckley House students at this event, along with members of the general public. This revived production of the highly acclaimed comedy about life at a struggling academy for Mr Nixon, an unsuspecting new drama teacher, had the audience in hysterics throughout. Our drama students also had the benefit of having a workshop with the cast before the performance, where they explored the playing of stereotypical characters, learnt to shape physicality and voice, and explored the techniques used to shift from one character to another whilst maintaining rhythm and energy. This experience has been brilliant for students, as they approach the written examination in the summer term.

The Metamorphosis cast also ran an energetic physical theatre workshop with students already studying GCSE and A level Drama, along with all those students in Year 9 who have opted to do GCSE Drama. The Drama Department looks forward to welcoming future touring productions, in particular The Paper Birds with their performance of ‘Thirsty’ in November.

The Whitty Theatre continues to be in very high demand by the local community:

• Wokingham U3A performed a nostalgic revue looking back at the ‘Sensational Sixties’.• The delightful Reading A440 Choir performed a selection of beautiful choral music against a backdrop of stunning photography.• The Rotary Club organised a talent show providing an opportunity for young people in the area to showcase their musical aptitudes.• Musical icons Beverley Craven and Judie Tzuke graced us with two exquisite acoustic performances to capacity audiences.• Local dance company Spotlights Dance Centre showcased their term’s work.

Beverley Craven performing her 1991 top-5 hit ‘Promise Me’ live at The Whitty TheatreAnd in amongst all this, the new Senior Drama Club performed their inaugural production ‘The Granny Project’ and GCSE & A level Drama students performed their exam pieces to the board moderators.

GCSE Drama exam piece

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Jasmine (centre)

Jasmine (centre)

House Competition UpdateAs we race towards the end of term, the House competition is also coming to an end for this year. House points are very close with everything hinging on the final event on the last day of term, the House Musical. Each House will perform an Abba song which will hopefully have everyone dancing in the aisles!

Gymnastics & Dance CompetitionWe were treated to an afternoon of gym and dance, with Year 7 and 8 pupils demonstrating their gymastics skills, both individually and in groups, and Year 9 perfoming some beautiful dance routines. Adding all the scores together, Cornish was announced winners of the gymnastics competition and Randle the dance winners.

House Bake-OffThe Junior Bake-Off again produced some delicious and beautifully decorated cupcakes. The judges thoroughly enjoyed sampling them and hearing about the skills used for the decorations and, after much deliberation, announced Ottie P and Georgia CB (Yr7) the winners, for Blake House.

Cross CountryThe whole school took part in the annual cross country run, including a number of staff. With vital House points at stake it was important for everyone to do their best and finish within the allocated time, which saw some great sprints for the finish line! Well done to Caleb L (Yr9) and Hannah R (Yr10) who were individual winners, and Blake House the overall winning House.

It is now time for the House Captains to hand over to the new Senior Team. Thanks to Celine, Becca, Sally-Ann and Alex for all their hard work, encouragement and support to their Houses in all the events.

Reading ChallengeSince launching the House Reading Challenge in September, pupils across all year groups have submitted over 200 book reviews to gain points for their House. We’ve had the obvious participation from our self-confessed book worms, but also those pupils who have struggled with reading are embracing the competition and submitting reviews. It has created an atmosphere of friendly rivalry in the library with the scoreboard being consulted on a regular basis. Randle House were overall winners.

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SPORTS BOARD

Pierre, Sports Captain

BOARDING NEWS

This has been another extremely successful sporting term at Luckley House. Year 11 students have been working hard towards their GCSE PE moderation and we wish them all the best of luck.

HockeyThe U14/15/16 hockey team beat Maiden Erlegh 3-0. Special mentions to Lauren M who won ‘Player of the Match’ and Carine S who scored a hat-trick. The U13s have also been performing well this term, including a 17-6 win against Holme Grange and a 9-7 win against Leighton Park. There was some incredible shooting from Lola M and Camilla M. The U12s have also been playing very well, with some great wins, including a 33-7 win against St. Crispin’s and an 8-3 win against Piggott. Special mentions to Maddie S, Freja S and Csenge K who have been brilliant in defence, with Lucy C, Octavia P and Lexi C playing well in the shooting circle. The boys have also had some good success at the hockey and demonstrated some excellent progress in recent weeks, especially the Yr 7s in their recent fixture vs. Shiplake College, winning 5-0, with goals from Isaac L, Ricardo T and a hat trick from standout performer Max B!

Gym and DanceWell done to everyone that participated in the Inter-House Gym and Dance competitions. Congratulations to all the individual and group winners.

BasketballIn lessons, Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils have enjoyed learning new basketball skills. Iskandar S and Alec H have used their skills to help lead the lessons.

FootballThis year both the U12/13s and U14s have competed in the local East Berks Schools football league, where they have improved game on game and are unrecognisable from the team that started together in September! Special performances have been from Isaac L, Lucas S, James B, Michael F and James H. Highlight of the season for the U14s was the 2-2 draw away at Holyport College, where the boys demonstrated excellent resilience and attitude.

We all returned after our Christmas holidays refreshed and ready for the new term ahead. For Year 11 and 13 boarders, that meant mock exams! I am pleased by how hard they have worked in preparation for the exams.

Mr Meredith, who specialises in PE and games, has returned to boarding this term. The boarding community has been fascinated by the tales of his travels in the Far East!

We have visited the cinema several times and the boarders were particularly enthused by seeing "The Black Panther". We also visited the Swindon Designer Outlet to make the most of the January sales.

We attended another rugby match and this time the local team won. The rugby matches are proving so popular that I suspect that this will become a regular trip for our boarders.

We had fun running a ‘Masterchef’ competition, with Mr Meredith and Mr Price as the judges. All the competitors worked really hard and the overall winner was Alex (pictured below) with her stunning pavlova.

The highlight of the term was the snow in March. The boarders had great fun building snowmen and snowball fighting, as well as taking a huge quantity of photos. There was an epic snowball battle between the boarders and Mr Meredith, Mr Porter, Miss Cumming and Miss Drury, not to mention a stunning igloo built with help from Mr Meredith!

A big shout out to all our visiting flexi boarders this term - we have loved having you stay and look forward to your return visits.

Mrs Lara Price, Head of Boarding

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OUTDOOR EDUCATION

16 March 2018 is a date the Silver D of E groups will never forget! 14 girls set out from Bradfield Southend on their practice expedition and walked without any navigational errors to Pangbourne College. Every check point was on time and the groups were smiling all the way. After a cold first night, conditions deteriorated and they were walking in snow for a good part of the day. The wind was whistling and the mud was deep. A hot chocolate stop raised their spirits but conditions were far from ideal. After negotiations with Rushall Farm, accommodation was found in a stable block for the students and when we awoke to four inches of snow, we were very glad that we had made the decision to sleep inside. The girls completed their practice expedition in style and we are hoping our trip to the New Forest next term for the assessed expedition will see us in slightly better weather! Good luck girls.

This term, the cadets travelled to Pangbourne College for a Field Day, which was run by ‘Footsteps of Discovery’, a company of survival experts. There were five stands for the groups to work around throughout the day. These were: ‘Fire by Friction’; ‘Knife Skills and Safe Cutting’; Basic Fire’; ‘Signal Location’ and ‘Stretcher Building; Escaping from Restraints. The day ended with the traditional and hotly contested rope tying competition.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Combined Cadets Force Field Day

The Granny Project, By Harvey Brown, Yr9I have really enjoyed being in the senior drama club this year. We have looked at different plays and explored the issues around the generation gap. We wrote down our favourite things about our grand-parents and put these into some improvisations. We then explored ‘The Granny Project’ by Anne Fine. This play revolves around the life of the Harris family and how they cope with looking after someone of a much older generation. We were all cast as members of the family by Mrs Brown. As the children, we tried to prevent our parents from putting Granny into a home, but our plans did not quite turn out as we expected. As the rehearsals went on, we looked closely at how we all take for granted the loved ones around us. We tried to involve the whole school by asking them to share their photos and memories of their own grand-parents with us and we used these photos to create our backdrop for the play. It was great to have the lighting designed by Mr Bamber especially for the fireplace scenes. This has been a really fun project and we look forward to what we might put on next year.

During the last week of term, pupils and staff had the opportunity to take some time out with PAUSE, Soulscape’s interactive prayer space. Carving out space during the busy school day for personal reflection and prayer, PAUSE invites people of all faiths and none to think about what and who is important in their lives. There were opportunities to remember people loved and lost, explore hopes and dreams and to recognise and let go of regrets.

PAUSE for personal reflection