GEOGRAPHY TRIP TO ICELAND

Over the October Half Term Amelia Riis, Anna Rimpf and Emily Baker went on the Geography Trip to Iceland! As Amelia reported:-

We enjoyed five extremely busy days which included visiting the famous Geysers, double waterfalls, a glacier, a beach of black sand, the cliff where Take That filmed a video, some awkward trips to the swimming pool and drinking slushies in the Blue Lagoon. Overall, everyone agreed it was a truly amazing trip and as Emily said about some of the glacial features “they are no longer pencil drawings in my mind”!

During the trip there was a photographic competition – “Your Favourite Photograph of Iceland”  I am delighted to say that Amelia won with the photo  below and was awarded a coffee table photographic book of Iceland - congratulations!!

HOUSE MUSIC COMPETITION

Although we were not placed in the inter-house music competition, I was very proud of the performances produced by the girls. Amelia Riis, Clara Higham-Stoinaova and Karrie Hung performed wonderful solos before Clara joined Emilie Wade to reminisce and revamp a duet they first performed in the Prep School - Ain't No Mountain High Enough.

However the high light of the evening involved the whole house singing "All You Need Is Love" and the adjudicator commented that it - "grabbed his attention with it's imaginative start, was well choreographed and he felt transported onto the set of Love Actually" A great achievement for the House to produce this polished piece in so short a time - well done them!!

ACES OF CAKES

 Great hilarity and much dancing to German music (along with some culinary skills!) saw the creation of some wonderful cup cakes by Maggie, Caro and Moritz. The smell of baking wafted through from the forum making the mouths of all start to salivate - but no tasting was allowed until they had been decorated by Maggie, Odile and Ollie! (Rachel and Himmy managed to lick the bowl out however while Zoe, Karrie and Tiffany look on longingly!)
Once the icing had set they walked through the corridors acting like the Pied Piper bringing students from all corners of the building to sample their delights.

A BUSY WEEK

This week has been a busy one for all. Many helped out with the VIth Form Assessment day proving to be great amabassadors for the College, while others helped the Vth form to decide on their options for the Sixth Form.

The IB girls as they have worked hard to meet their deadlines for ToK essays, World Lit essays and Maths coursework, and we have all spent some time preparing for the Inter-House Music Competition next week.

Nevertheless Rachel Howard among others, took some time out to go to the Schumann Letters Concert held in the Chapel on Thursday evening. She wrote after the event :-  

The Shuumann Letters is the most unique evening of musical entertainment that I think Ardingly Music has offered yet. The unique blend of culture, history and music made it a entirely new and exciting experience. The accomplished performers were flawless in every respect, which was proved by the lasting applause at the end of the evening. I would definitely recommend all future Ardingly Music events to anyone after attending this one myself. I can honestly say that although I myself am not musically talented I enjoyed every moment of the evening.

11/11/11

On Friday we joined the rest of the College community who met on South Quad for a two minute silence to remember all those who have fallen in conflicts around the world since the First World War. It was a poignant moment in the week as the mist surrounded us and the Last Post was played from the Chapel Tower. It is important that we stop sometimes in our busy lives and take time to think and reflect.

FUND RAISER KATE

The charitable spirit of the House did not stop with the steepo.

Kate Burgess, moved by her experiences in Kenya last summer took it upon herself to do something to help the school and children she met while on the annual expedition. So far she has raised over £200 which is a fantastic initiative and achievement!
Gesa Paulfeierborn  Assistant HoMM and leader of  trip states that

Kate Burgess who was part of the Kenya 2011 team has continued to fundraise for Ndogo Primary School since her return from Kenya. During the first half of the term she has already raised an amazing £135 by becoming vegetarian for 2 weeks. Being a real meat lover this was a difficult task for her. Kate really loved the whole Kenya experience and would go back in a flash and I believe she and a few others who went out this summer are already hatching a plan to do so!

 

Kate Burgess and Jennie Sloane at the Woodard Langalanga Secondary School site

SOCIAL EVENTS

As the saying goes “all work and no play makes Jack (or your daughter!) a dull boy/girl!”. In addition to the regular Friday Night bar, we have organised several “social events” to help balance the pupils lives – some impromptu and some more official!

The Categories and Pizza Night was  big success with the teams endeavouring to get the question wrong rather than right! Sounds confusing, but the pupils thoroughly enjoyed the evening!

Our own budding Delia smith – Caro Klima won the hearts of the house by cooking pancakes for everyone ……….

WOODARD MUSIC NIGHT

The Woodard Music Night held within the first few weeks of term was a huge success. The Forum was crowded with pupils, parents and members of staff, who were serenaded with an eclectic mix of music. Clara Higham-Stoinaova who was instrumental in the organisation of the event, as well as performing comments that

It was a fantastic evening - we not only had fun at but it showcased the amazing talent in Woodard Boys and Girls.  What stood out in all of the acts was the flair and love of performing. Teachers and parents alike were impressed by the evening, by the bravery of students and by the skill of performers." 

I echo these sentiments completely!

HOUSE STEEPO

The house sporting highlight of the first half of term was of course the inter-house steepo. – The girls were brilliant in their attitude, effort and determination do do the best they possibly could..

Jennie Sloane is to congratulated on winning the Senior Girls’ Race in a new record time!!

Jennie sprinting into the finish line - she was closely followed by

Amy Haines

Sadly we were beaten to the trophy by Toynbee, but due to the generosity of so many, we managed to raise £1000 for Breast Cancer Awareness – an awesome result. The pictures below give you a flavour of the preparations, team spirit and effort they put into the race.

House photo!