E-weekly Issue 144

STEAM Hero for November

Mayfield's STEAM Hero for November is Beatrice Shilling, a pioneering aeronautical engineer and racing driver who is inspiring us this month.

Mrs Rachel Davies, Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Teacher of Biology and STEM Coordinator
 

Careers Information Evening – Save the Date

In place of our usual Mayfield Careers Information Evening for Years 9 upwards, we will be hosting a careers talk with a difference from 19:15-20:00 on Tuesday 17th November which is open to all year groups. As with the Careers Information Evening, we expect that all pupils in Years 9 to 12 will join in.

Our speaker is Emma Rosen, an experienced TED speaker, who, three years ago, launched a project to try 25 different careers in one year through work experience, before her 25th birthday.

Her project aims to inspire young people to undertake more work experience, to learn by ‘doing’, and to be more proactive about their careers education. She uses anecdotes from her many placements as a way to give practical advice on how young people can figure out what they want to do when they have no idea where to start. She also covers topics including how to get work experience placements, the concept of portfolio careers, and the future of work. Her placements ranged from archaeology in Transylvania, tour guiding in Venezuela, and investigative journalism with The Telegraph, to being an extra in a major movie, alpaca farming in Cornwall, and assisting the British Council's crisis team during the terror attack on Parliament. 

She has given a TED talk on ‘How to find your passion and make it your job’, published a book called 'The Radical Sabbatical', and generated coverage on BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 4, The Telegraph, Financial Times, Huffington Post, BBC World Service and Cosmopolitan UK, among others. For more information, please see her website here. 

Day girls will be able to watch the talk from home with their parents via the Teams link, which has been sent to all girls, Emma Rosen Careers Talk: 25Before25 Tuesday 17 November 19:15-20:00, and boarders will be able to watch in their Boarding Houses.

Mrs Amanda Glubb, Head of Careers

Remembrance Day

On Remembrance Day, we took a moment to pray as a School Community for all those who have died as a result of conflict - the innocent victims - and those who gave their lives in the defence of freedom as an act of love for their fellow human beings. We paused to remember those tens of thousands in this country, and the hundreds of thousands worldwide, who have died as a result of Covid-19. We called to mind our loved ones who have died. We remembered them with sorrow and with joy, and with the hope of being reunited again.

In the Catholic Calendar, the month of November is devoted to the memory of our Faithful Departed. Known as the month of the Holy Souls, it is an opportunity to remember with love and gratitude those friends and family members who have gone before us. Our School liturgies this week reflected that memorial. There is an old Irish proverb which says: “Ní imithe uainn atá siad, ach imithe romhainn” which translates as, “They are not gone from us, but gone before us”.

Our Liturgy ended with the following reflection, based on a poem by David Harkin:
You can shed tears that they have gone,
or you can smile because they have lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that they'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all they have left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see them,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember only that they have gone,
or you can cherish their memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what they'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Later on, just before 11:00, quiet fell across the School campus, as we observed two minutes silence in memory of all those who fought and died for freedom. If you would like to add any names to the School’s Remembrance Book, please email them to rlavery@mayfieldgirls.org during the month of November, and they will be included. Mass will also be offered regularly for the repose of their souls.

Mr Ronan Lavery, Lay Chaplain

Year 9 History - World War One Artefact Handling

This term, Year 9 girls have been learning about the First World War, including the causes of the conflict, the conditions in the trenches, and the nature of warfare. The girls researched and presented their findings on the different weapons used during the war, and had the opportunity to handle some genuine First World War artefacts, including a bayonet, spent artillery shell, bullets and a German helmet. The girls found this experience particularly interesting and moving as it brought home the sad realities of war.

Mr David Warren, Head of History

Pink Day Update

We are delighted to announce that Mayfield raised a record-breaking £929.08 for Breast Cancer Now on Pink Day!

A huge 'well done' to Year 11 for organising such creative socially-distanced activities including the Percy Pig Coin Challenge, guess the number of pink sweets in a jar, and a debate with guest speakers Mr Doy and Mr Pierce.

11KMS organised the debate with the motion ‘This house believes beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ with Mr Doy arguing for the motion and Mr Pierce arguing against. Judges Mrs Gibson and Mrs Davies were joined by Year 11 student, Yueshi, on the panel, and the debate was chaired by Year 11 student, Catherine.

Mr Doy and Mr Pierce put forward strong arguments both for and against the motion. The judges (particularly Yueshi) subjected them to some intense questioning, followed by some interesting questions from the floor. The entire proceedings were carefully monitored by the talented Chair, Catherine. The final vote returned Mr Doy as the winner by a slight margin. It was a very enjoyable event with delicious cakes provided by the girls.

Thank you very much to everyone who wore pink to School, to those who bought pink facemasks and Breast Cancer Now wristbands from Reception, and to everyone who took part in the fundraising events.

Mrs Caroline Gibson, Senior Tutor Year 11 and Mrs Karen Sunderland, Head of RS

In School over Half Term

As a result of the quarantine restrictions that many girls faced when returning home during Half Term, the School stayed open for overseas boarders over the holiday. The girls had a wonderful time taking part in a wide range of fun-filled activities. Below is a taster of some of the things they got up to.

‘Portrait through the Lens’
The girls enjoyed a special treat in the form of the Art Department’s fantastic series of photography workshops called 'Portraits through the Lens'. The girls dressed up and did their own make-up before photographing each other with absolutely stunning results.

The boarders had the chance to take part in a mini Mayfield Fashion Show over Half Term. They spent the morning making delicious canapés to eat before the show, and then the afternoon selecting their outfits, and doing their hair and make-up, before strutting down the catwalk to their favourite music. Miss Larsson judged the Show and thought they all looked absolutely fabulous!

The girls also enjoyed a very spooky evening carving pumpkins for Halloween!

Sushi Making
A number of the boarders enjoyed making delicious sushi with Mrs Davies, using fabulous smoked salmon kindly provided by Mr Walker. It was absolutely scrumptious!
 

Trip to Bowles Outdoor Centre
14 boarders had an exciting start to Half Term when they braved the rain to head to Bowles Outdoor Centre to tackle the High and Low Ropes courses. A good time was had by all and the girls are looking forward to returning to try out the dry ski slope soon.

From the English Department

Mrs Misiewicz’s Year 9 English class has been writing some wonderful poems in School this week, including the little gems below:

The Sneeze
It was a cold, grey day of twenty-nineteen,
and the girls in school were working as a team.
The teacher was trying sensibility
Yet the girls in class caused too much calamity.
Then from the back came the mightiest 'achhoooo'
The girls in unison replied, "God Bless you"?
The girls continued to giggle and to laugh,
While there was a frantic sigh from all the staff.  
It was a cold, grey day of twenty-twenty,
And the girl's fun in the classroom was plenty,
The teacher was trying sensibility,
Yet the girls in class caused too much calamity
Then from the room came the tiniest 'achoo'
And terrified voices answered "God bless you'.
But then the girls continued to laugh and play,
As this is the traditional Mayfield way. 

By Rosie

Women 
Margaret Brent wanted us to vote.  
Tracy Edwards said she could sail a boat. 
Junko Tabei said she could climb a mountain. 
Mary Smith said she could be an accountant. 
Jennifer Figge said she could swim to Spain. 
Amelia Earhart said she could do it in a plane. 
Kathrine Switzer wanted to run the marathon. 
Lise Meitner discovered a type of atom. 
Diane Crump wanted to ride nationally. 
Margery Kempe wanted to write passionately. 
Frances Wright wanted to speak at social events. 
Victoria Woodhull said she would run for president. 
Marie Curie won the Nobel prize. 
Virginia Goillot worked with spies.
You might write us out of history 
And to women, that’s a mystery, 
Because we remember the names  
Of women who through time 
Reached their ambitions and their aims. 
Even when subjected  
To misery and oppression, 
These women kept on fighting  
So women would be in the books in writing. 

By Eloise

Mrs Lucinda Misiewicz, Teacher of English 

From the Drama Department

Year 13 Performance
On the last day before Half Term, Year 13 Drama A Level students performed ‘An Orderly Exit' to a small, socially-distanced audience. This greatly-anticipated piece of verbatim theatre was based on public opinion surrounding Brexit.

The project was started before the pandemic took effect, when the news was dominated by Britain leaving the European Union. With this topic in mind, the students took to the streets and interviewed a cross-section of people, asking them the same set of questions, and trying their hardest not to influence the answers. The interviews were recorded (with permission), and the students then set about using the dialogue to create a piece of drama that reflects the views of the British public. The dialogue was strictly from the interviewees, and the students represented each ‘character’ with accuracy. It was a thoroughly interesting project, performed to a high standard, showing discipline and creative skill.

Thank you to all those involved, particularly Miss Clark, and well done to the fabulous cast -Harriet, Samantha, India, Maisie and Olivia. 

Year 10 Workshop
On Tuesday 10th November, Year 10 Drama GCSE pupils enjoyed a two hour live-streamed workshop lead by the world-renowned theatre company, 'Frantic Assembly.' The company is famous for producing physically demanding productions including ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’. While the practitioner led from his home, the pupils were in the Drama Studio following along with the exploration of socially-distanced physical theatre. Although they were exhausted at the end of two hours, the girls had an enjoyable and informative session with this new way of learning.

Mrs Sally Gerstemyer, Head of Drama

Year 8 Biology

The topic for Year 8 Biology this term is ‘Breathing, Drugs and Digestion’. This includes learning about the mechanism for breathing, the effects of smoking, alcohol, and drugs on the body, the importance of a balanced diet, and the process of digestion. The photos below show the girls investigating the energy levels in different foods.

Mrs Rachel Davies, Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Teacher of Biology and STEM Coordinator
 

Sixth Form Enrichment Programme trip to Froghole Farm

On our latest visit to Froghole Farm, the Year 12s learnt about different breeds of beef cattle and different grazing methods. Farmer Brickell explained that clover, which is a nitrogen-fixing plant, is added to the grass to improve the nutritional value of the grass for the cattle. The girls also helped to move some of the cattle and put up an electric fence. 

Mrs Rachel Davies, Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Teacher of Biology and STEM Coordinator
 

Year 9 STEM Cardboard Chair Challenge

During Lifeskills this term, the Year 9s were given the challenge of making a chair using only cardboard, without the use of tape or glue, and to develop a marketing strategy to present in front of their year group. The aim of this activity was to develop teambuilding and problem-solving skills by applying STEM principles to the activity. The girls showed amazing creativity, perseverance, competitiveness and resilience. We certainly have many engineers in the making! 

The following prizes were awarded:

Best overall design with their Jigsaw design: Katrina, Emma, Lydia and Molly

Best presentation of the Couch Potato Chair: Iulia, Olivia and Nicole

Best teamwork with their Fold Away Chair: Greta, Amelié and Hilda

Well done all!

Mrs Rachel Davies, Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Teacher of Biology and STEM Coordinator
 

News from the Chaplaincy

This week’s Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30
Gospel Reflection:

This week’s parable is more than an exhortation to use well our qualities. It is about the Kingdom, which is entrusted to us as the master leaves for a long journey. When he returns, he expects his servants to have put to work the riches he had entrusted to them. The first two risked and doubled what they had been given. They were praised for their commitment to their master, to the Kingdom. The third servant, who was afraid of the master, lost even the one talent he had.

Do I risk the many things and qualities I have been given for the growth of the Kingdom, or am I happy with what I have, making sure I do not lose it? Happy enough with a respectable existence? What will the master tell me when he calls me to account? (Taken from sacredspace.ie)

Mr Ronan Lavery, Lay Chaplain

From the PE Department

We are delighted to have everyone back in School after Half Term! Due to restrictions and the current Covid regulations, there have been some minor adjustments made to our sporting programme here at Mayfield. 

Staying active is still a huge priority for the girls and the majority of what we are offering remains the same as last term. However, we have had to change our swimming programme to ensure that the girls only swim within their year group bubbles, which may impact the number of sessions each girl can attend per week. Mrs Whitby has contacted the girls directly about this. We have also had to cancel personal training and kickboxing for the duration of lockdown. As Tennis is a 1:1 or paired lesson and always takes place outside, coaching will continue as normal.

Everything we are doing is with the safety and well-being of the girls in mind. Therefore, outside activities are our preference and we have limited our indoor programme to activities where there is no shared equipment, and full social-distancing can be adhered to. We have replaced any activities that we cannot currently run with an alternative so that the girls can be as active as before.

On Saturdays, we will be offering a sports programme for boarders remaining in School only for the time being. 

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me directly if you have any questions, thoughts, or concerns. My mail is gfletcher@mayfieldgirls.org

Thank you.

Mrs Georgina Fletcher, Director of Sport

News from the Crease

Huge congratulations to all those who have been selected to represent Sussex County in their various age groups for Cricket. This is a tremendous achievement following rigorous trials, and the girls should be very proud of themselves. Those selected are Jessica (Year 8), Zara, Hannah and Annie (Year 9), and Lizzie, Alice and Emma (Year 10).

I would also like to mention that we are delighted to be listed as one of the top 20 schools for girls’ cricket in the country in the next edition of ‘The Cricketer Magazine’ which is due out at the end of this month. 

Well done all!

Miss Emily Starr, Assistant Director of Sport, Housemistress of Bronte House, and Year 8 Tutor

News from the School Shop

Welcome back to the second half of term and the exciting run-up to Christmas!

Lost Property
Please see below the items of lost property we currently have in the School Shop. If you think any are yours, please come to the School Shop to collect them.
 

Christmas Ted Competition Winner
Many congratulations to Sophie from 7DAS who is our Christmas Ted Competition winner! Her fantastic design of the Mayfield Ted stuck in a pencil case full of presents is now on display in the School Shop. Sophie received £10 and a box of chocolates as her prize.

Face Masks
If you have subscribed to the uniform-naming service and would like to have your washable face masks named, please bring them into the School Shop and we will send them off for you. Please ensure that your masks are clean and have been washed before you bring them in. There will be no charge for this as your parents/guardians have already paid for the uniform naming service.

Christmas Gifts
During Half Term, we set up our annual Christmas Shop where you can purchase small gifts (costing under £5.00) for your friends, family or Secret Santa. We are also offering our usual gift wrapping service which costs 30p per gift, and which includes the wrapping paper, label and tag. All you have to do is leave the present with us and we will wrap it for you. If you have bought a gift from elsewhere (e.g. Amazon), we are more than happy to wrap this for you as well. This year, we are also stocking Christmas decorations for your rooms and have a limited amount of tinsel, Christmas lights and ornaments for sale. Please remember you must have the bill payer’s permission to put these items on your School bill.

Thank you.

Mrs Susan Bowles, School Shop Manager

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