Croydon High Girls Conquer the Slopes
Winter brings adventure and excitement, best embraced on exhilarating ski trips. Recently, 42 pupils from Year 8 embarked on a memorable 24-hour bus ride to La Molina's Pyrenees slopes.
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Winter brings adventure and excitement, best embraced on exhilarating ski trips. Recently, 42 pupils from Year 8 embarked on a memorable 24-hour bus ride to La Molina's Pyrenees slopes.
Read MoreWinter is a time of adventure and excitement, and what better way to embrace the season’s spirit than hitting the slopes for an exhilarating ski trip? A 24-hour bus ride for an unforgettable journey to the slopes of La Molina, nestled in the Spanish Pyrenees. Although the bus journey was long, we took pictures, watched our movies, changed into our PJs and who could forget Mrs Webb’s lavender-scented bin liners? Our drivers Mr. C and Ash were amazing at getting us there (and home) safely and with perfect timing.
The trip to La Molina provided us with the chance to refine our skiing abilities, bond with classmates, and forge lasting memories. Everyone discovered something on the slopes, with enthusiastic determination marking many of our first experiences skiing. Divided into skill levels our experienced instructors and teachers guided us down the slopes, and we swiftly progressed from tentative beginnings to confidently navigating the slopes. Despite the rather warm weather at the resort during our week there, considerable efforts were there to ensure the pistes were still covered with snow. A highlight of the trip was the sense of achievement we all felt as we tackled new challenges and cheered each other on, whether it was conquering a particularly tricky run or simply enjoying the stunning mountain views together.
Of course, no ski trip would be complete without some downtime to relax and recharge after a day on the slopes. I enjoyed cosy evenings in the hotel sharing stories, playing games, and reflecting on the day’s adventures. I particularly relished the Aprés Ski activities, which included stargazing along with thick, warm hot chocolate and homemade cake, bingo, dining at a pizza restaurant, and participating in a Valentine’s Day special. Valentine’s Day itself was a delight, featuring a themed quiz, and in the evening, we had to create a performance with our roommates. The performances included a poem, singing, and dancing, and I am proud that my group, who performed ‘I Want You Back’ by the Jackson 5, came in 3rd place.
As the trip drew to a close and we bid farewell to the snowy slopes of La Molina, I return home with memories that will last a lifetime. I am particularly grateful to all the teachers that accompanied us and ensured we were safe throughout the trip. My heartfelt thanks extend to our trip leader Mrs Webb, Miss Butler, Miss Dickinson, Miss Fifield, Ms Seal, Ms Vaughan and our tour rep, Beccy.
Freya B
Year 8
From 12-18 February, 19 excited Lower and Upper Sixth pupils headed to bustling Washington and New York to explore the politics of America and learn about its history.
Read MoreOn the first Monday of the half term, we arrived at Heathrow bright and early to catch our 12pm flight to Washington. The in-flight entertainment was excellent, and we were able to watch critically acclaimed recent films such as Priscilla and Barbie! After we’d checked into the hotel, (and adjusted to the time difference – we were five hours behind the UK) we went to a restaurant for some classic American burgers and fries. We all slept well and enjoyed the delicious breakfast bar in the morning, featuring some incredibly thick pancakes.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, we explored multiple areas of Washington with our wonderful and informative tour guide, Christina. Due to the rain and snow on the first day, we had the area around the Capitol building almost to ourselves, and took some great pictures! We also had the privilege of wandering around the beautiful Library of Congress, the Washington Monument, and the many museums the National Mall had to offer. We also had some quite unique experiences; we were taught how to line dance by someone from Washington’s only LGBTQ+ dance organisation! Moreover, we popped into plenty of iconic American stores, like 7-Eleven. We were lucky enough to be in the Supreme Court as they were deciding whether Trump was eligible to run for President in this year’s election or not – truly a landmark decision.
We were travelling on a train to New York for most of Thursday, but we received a great tour of Times Square and the surrounding streets once we arrived, as well as lunch at the brilliant fried chicken store Raising Canes. Then in the evening we headed to Madison Square Garden to watch an ice hockey match. The New York Rangers beat the visiting Montreal Canadians 7:4, and we all screamed so loudly we almost lost our voices. Some of us even ended up on the screen! Then on Friday, we went on a cruise around the Statue of Liberty and did some hardcore shopping in Times Square. Mr Loveday had a huge surprise for us in the evening – we thought we were going to watch a movie, but he had actually booked tickets for us to see Hamilton on Broadway! It was absolutely incredible seeing it live and being in ‘the room where it happened’, so to speak.
Sadly, Saturday was our final day, but we went out on a high. We went on a very informative civil rights tour in the snow around Harlem and then did some more shopping in stores like Sephora, Target and Barnes & Noble. We then headed to Newark Airport for a mildly gruelling overnight flight and arrived back in the UK at 9am. We had an absolutely amazing and informative trip, and I on behalf of everyone who went would like to thank Mr Loveday for organising something unforgettable (and for carrying all our shopping bags when we were late to see Hamilton). I will definitely go back to America again someday!
Nina
Upper Sixth
Year 2 went on a fantastic trip to RHS Wisley, exploring the gardens and taking part in a workshop showing them how to become our gardeners for the future.
Read MoreOn Monday this week, Year 2 took a trip to the gardens at RHS Wisley. We spent the morning exploring the gardens, taking in the World Food Garden (spotting sprouts, leeks, cabbages, herbs and fruit trees) and Wildlife Garden. Then we climbed the lavender mount for a great view over the orchards and made our way down to the glasshouses. Inside, we followed a trail exploring the Plants Before Time exhibition. After lunch we enjoyed a workshop from the RHS staff on becoming a gardener. Every girl planted marigold seeds and took their own cutting from a tradescantia plant of their choice. These have gone home to grow in time for the summer. Working with a partner, the girls then raked over ground in the learning garden and used dibbers to plant peas in the soil which will grow and be harvested by children visiting from another school later this year. Combined with a hunt looking for buds, flowers, fruit and seeds, all this activity proved enjoyable and educational! We hope the girls will continue to put their planting and growing skills to good use.
Mrs Nikki Crossfield
Assistant Head (Pastoral and Outreach) of Junior School
Year 5 have been exploring Space in Science recently. To make this more fun Croydon High invited the Space Dome, an inflatable planetarium to pay a visit.
In this session, we learnt so many interesting facts about space, my favourite being the constellations! We sat inside a massive 3D Dome and there was a projector showing images and videos all around us. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had and I will treasure this memory forever.
We learned some fascinating facts too, like Samantha Cristoforetti was the first woman to make an espresso in space as she was Italian! At the beginning, the instructor demonstrated all the planets using objects such as an umbrella, marbles and fruit. It was a good way for girls to visualise the sheer size of the different planets within our solar system. This was an amazing experience and is definitely worth the visit.
Sanaa B
Year 5
In an exhilarating expedition of creativity, girls from Years 3 and 4 took a magical journey to London’s West End, where they immersed themselves in the awe-inspiring world of The Lion King. The iconic production, currently dazzling audiences at The Lyceum Theatre, served as a rich source of inspiration for their own Lion King production coming later this term.
The girls were captivated by the spectacular performances and breathtaking visuals of the musical. The mesmerising stagecraft, vivid costumes, and powerful storytelling left an indelible impression on them all. The girls are now armed with a wealth of ideas and newfound inspiration as they embark on their own production, promising to bring the spirit of the West End to our stage.
Mr David Johnston
Year 4 teacher and Assistant Head of Junior School (Co-curricular)
15 Finalists performed their chosen poem which they had to learn off by heart to their families and friends.
Read MoreOn 20 February, 15 talented finalists took to the stage in the Junior Holt Hall to perform their chosen poem for an audience of friends and families. This event was the culmination of weeks of learning and rehearsing by all girls in KS1 and KS2, whittled down by staff and peers to a small group of finalists. Each performer presented their poem with confidence and flair, and each brought their own interpretation and style to their presentation, which made for a joyous and entertaining evening.
Special mention must be made to all our finalists: Eva P, Mila S, Riya D, Nourah J (Year 3), Tegan L-B, Janae R, Anika B, Elena A (Year 4), Vahini P, Sara K, Ellie P (Year 5), Sophie L, Isobel T and Amena D (Year 6). Iyla K in 5W was also a finalist but unfortunately was unwell and unable to perform.
There could only be one winner, however, and we were delighted when our head Judge, Mrs Morgan-Collins, Head of Drama at Croydon High Seniors, declared Cherry Kirihettige in 6M the winner of Off By Heart 2024 and proudly presented her with the trophy. Cherry’s performance was polished, mature, thoughtful, humorous and was spoken with clear diction and audibility – a worthy winner indeed. We were honoured to have Mrs Morgan-Collins attend, and the girls were delighted with the individual feedback she kindly gave to each and every one of them. It was a wonderful evening and huge thanks to everyone for supporting the event.
Ms Claire Kirkby
Junior School Drama Teacher
Jas Schembri, the co-founder of the Luna App came into Croydon High to speak to Years 7 and 8 and Lower Sixth.
Read MoreLuna is a health and wellbeing platform specifically for teenagers which provides a safe space to access trustworthy advice and guidance. The concept for Luna began at the University of Oxford’s Business School where Jas Schembri met her business partner Jo Goodallin in 2021. Both former Consultants at Deloitte knew they wanted to move away from the corporate world and focus on founding and growing a business.
Jas initially spoke to Years 7 and 8, giving the pupils a personal insight into how she manages her own wellbeing, discussing her ‘balance triangle’ and talking through how she has successfully used journaling, positive affirmations and goal setting to accomplish her ambitions. The pupils were asked to use an interactive platform to share live feedback on topics such as ‘Tips for improving your own wellbeing’. The pupils gave well-rounded advice from ‘taking an everything shower’, ‘speaking to a trusted adult/friend’, ‘going for a walk outside’ to ‘use Luna’! The last one Jas was particularly fond of! The pupils have been encouraged to take part in the Luna Challenge that has been running for the month of February, it was great to hear so many pupils have been involved and Jas was very appreciative of the questions and feedback she received from the users.
Jas also delivered a 45-minute presentation to our Lower Sixth pupils, talking through her education and career journey. The pupils were very keen to hear how she set up her business and what challenges she faced in raising funds. Jas was very honest about the difficulties she has faced but offered some great advice. Her number one tip was to ‘network’!
We hope to stay in contact with Jas and Jo as they build their company and look forward to hearing how the pupils are successfully using the Luna app.
Ms Nerys James
Head of Psychology & Sociology, Director of Pupil Wellbeing & Deputy Head of Sixth Form
Author Simon James Green shared his top tips for creating hilarious comedy characters with Year Nine in their writing workshops.
Read MoreIt turns out you don’t have to be funny to create award-winning comedy characters, or so Simon reassured us at the beginning of his writing workshops on Tuesday. Although, from the laughs Simon got in the assembly he gave earlier that morning, I can safely say he does not need to worry about not being funny himself!
Whether they considered themselves comedians or not, Year 9 threw themselves into the task of creating their very own comedy characters. Discovering along the way why everyone loves an underdog, how to raise the stakes so high your readers will be on the edge of their seats and why comedy can be a great way to discuss more serious issues. In the process, they learnt a huge amount about the craft of excellent writing. As well as dissolving into plenty of giggles.
In his assembly, Simon touched on more serious issues, giving us insight into LGBTQ history and how the experience of going to school whilst Section 28 was in place has motivated him to write the books he does today. He also spoke about the importance of all children and young people having access to books which not only reflect them but provide windows into lives and experiences that are different from their own.
A belief that we wholeheartedly share here at Croydon High and continually work to ensure our LRC provides.
All in all it was a funny, inspiring and thought-provoking day. Thank you, Simon!
If you would like to buy one of Simon’s books, they will be available to order via ParentPay until midday on Monday 4 March.
Mrs Laura Tapsfield
Learning Resources and Innovation Hub Manager
Croydon High fund raised £1009.86 for the Children's Hospital Pyjamas.
Read MoreThank you for all your amazing donations during February’s school production of Beauty and the Beast, we were able to donate £1009.86 to the Children’s Hospital Pyjamas.
Kenley Holiday Workshop is a local group of 50 or so young people aged 9-18 who spend a fortnight of their summer holiday preparing and presenting a show at the Barn Theatre, Oxted, under the expert guidance of a talented directing team.
Read MoreHas your child always wanted to be on stage?
Would he/she like to join our Workshop and take part in our annual musical?
Kenley Holiday Workshop is a local group of 50 or so young people aged 9-18 who spend a fortnight of their summer holiday preparing and presenting a show at the Barn Theatre, Oxted, under the expert guidance of a talented directing team.
KHW has something really special!
On stage you see a group of youngsters, having a great time presenting a really good show. But it is much more than that. We are a community, a family, with the performers supported by a large unseen team, from the talented Directors to the big group of backstage workers, led by our superb Stage Manager, together with many parents helping in so many ways.
The children gain confidence, learn new skills, make lasting friendships and above all, have fun!
The show for 2024 is the magnificent “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Audition date is: Sunday 14 April
Rehearsal dates are: Saturday 3 to Tuesday 13 August
Performance dates are: Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 August
(Everyone must be available for the whole of the rehearsal period)
Rehearsals will be at St Francis’ Catholic Primary School in Whyteleafe, with the second week based at the Barn Theatre, Oxted.
If you would like some more information, please contact: sallydallosso@googlemail.com
(Bursaries are available for those in financial need)
This week's Alumnae Spotlight focuses on class of 1984 alumna, Professor Amira K. Bennison .
Read MoreProfessor in the History and Culture of the Maghrib at the University of Cambridge
Amira (Kate) Bennison became interested in the Middle East and North Africa while studying for her BA Hons in History and Arabic at Cambridge. After graduating, she lived in Cairo for a year before studying for a Masters at Harvard University and a PhD at the School of Oriental and African Studies University of London. Her PhD, based on a year’s archival research in Morocco, looked at the impact of the French conquest of Algiers in 1830 on notions of political legitimacy in neighbouring Morocco. This involved an exploration of the significance of jihād in political legitimation in the western Maghrib published as ‘Jihād and its Interpretations in Pre-colonial Morocco’ (2002).
After her PhD, Amira went to the University of Manchester as a Leverhulme Research Fellow before moving to the University of Cambridge in 1997. Her work has continued to explore political legitimacy but has expanded to encompass Islamic Spain as well as the Maghrib and to consider urban planning, ceremonial and rhetoric alongside jihād. Amira’s teaching and research interests include urbanism in the medieval Islamic West (Islamic Iberia and Morocco especially), North African modes of legitimation and cultures of power from medieval to early modern times, historical non-western globalisation, and 18th-19th century Muslim religio-political discourse and engagement with modernity.
She is currently working on a book about medieval Islamic rulers and their urban projects, tentatively entitled The Medieval Maghrib: Cities, Patronage and Power. Amira’s interest in medieval urbanism in North Africa and the Islamic world grew from her experience as a cultural tour guide in Morocco, Syria, Egypt and Istanbul in the late 1990s. She said that teaching on-site was immensely rewarding, as was conveying the history of places to members of the general public. She still takes cultural tours to Spain and Morocco on a regular basis.
Amira also participates in TV and radio programming on Islamic history topics to make them better known to the general public. She has appeared in several TV programmes about the history of the Middle East and North Africa, including ‘Europe’s Lost Civilisation’, ‘The Thirties in Colour’, ‘Islamic Science’, and ‘The Ottomans’. She is also a regular contributor to Radio 4’s ‘In Our Time’ with Melvyn Bragg and other radio programmes on Islamic history. Most recently, she participated in two episodes of the BBC podcast series, ‘You’re Dead to Me’.
Amira is also active within the University and has served as Head of Department and Chair of the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. In 2022, Amira became Chair of the Cambridge University Press Academic Publishing Committee and Acting Director of the Centre of Islamic Studies.
Several years ago, Amira visited Croydon High to meet with students. Amira told the girls of the many countries, including Egypt, Morocco, and Spain, that she had visited in pursuit of knowledge. This highlighted the fact that a career in academia is not only possible but that travel could be a major aspect and perk! Amira also underlined the importance of studying her particular area of History with such a small number of professionals in this field.
We caught up with Amira recently for a Q&A session:
I enjoyed learning in general, but I especially liked time in the Art rooms and being allowed to use art to make my personal contribution.
To be honest, I did not give a career much thought at school – I was interested in Art and Architecture and also History, especially the history of the world beyond Europe.
The opportunity provided by a good and varied education has been invaluable alongside the mentorship of teachers. If my teachers had not suggested I apply to Oxford or Cambridge, I would not have done so. Like many girls at the time, I was the first in my family to attend university.
That’s a difficult question! In general, I have been proud to move up the academic ladder and be the first woman to hold some of the positions I have attained.
I think my main hope is to find a good work-life balance, which is important at any age, to write a few more books on the history of North Africa, and to do more TV and radio work.
Do not worry so much or be afraid to voice your opinion. I was pretty shy at 15, and it can be hard to know how or when to express a view, answer a question or make a comment. Eventually we realise that our opinions do count but also that it is fine for others to disagree too.
Croydon High was a bit of a haven for me during my teenage years and it set me on the path to university and a career which I massively enjoy. Thank you, Croydon High!
Mrs Karen Roe
Alumnae Relations Manager
Our School Minibus service offers an efficient and flexible option designed to help families with journeys to and from school. Minibus travel is offered to pupils in Year 3 and up.
The service is managed on our behalf by Vectare, a specialist school transport management company. All bookings for our school bus routes are made via our online booking system, which can be accessed at croydonhigh.vectare.co.uk.
The website allows you to book travel 24/7 from anywhere, meaning that if you need to leave early for work one morning or are running late and you would like one of our students to travel on a school bus as a one off, you can make a booking right up until the route is due to depart. Payment for the school bus service is made at the time of booking, so there is no need for pupils to carry cash.