E-weekly Issue 223 - 3 March 2023

Celebrating World Book Day at Mayfield today

Welcome

Next week we look forward to our visiting Old Cornelian, Katherine Janikoun (Class of 1990), Head of Product Engineering at Legal and General for our annual celebration of International Women's Day.

On Tuesday evening, we will be hosting our Careers Information Evening, giving girls and parents the opportunity to learn more about a wide range of careers.

Finally, good luck to all the parents and staff who will be attending tomorrow's Friends' Quiz & Curry Night. We hope you all have an enjoyable evening!

World Book Day Parade

Today we held our annual World Book Day Parade. There were some fantastic costumes on show:

Award winning author visits Mayfield

Yesterday we kicked off World Book Day celebrations with a visit to the school by Carnegie Award winning author Anthony McGowan.

He talked to Year 9 and 10 about the stories behind his books, often drawing on his personal experiences as a teenager at a difficult school in Leeds during the 1970s. A bit of an eye-opener! The girls were able to ask questions about his life as a writer, his inspirations and methods. Anthony gave them his fullest attention and answered all questions before signing books for the girls.

The Year 7 and 8 girls heard about the range of books he has written, several girls have enjoyed his younger teen stories about two cousins who are undercover animal conservationists. They learned about the research that he does for all his books, including the 2 years it took him to write his latest book 'Dogs of the Deadlands' a tale about the survival of one pet dog abandoned after the Chernobyl disaster. A point that Anthony made during both of his talks was the importance of reading in order to be a writer. After another Q&A session he signed books for the girls, again taking time to chat to each one.

During A1, Anthony spent time with the winners and runners up in our 500 word short story competition. He spoke about the 'four questions' that may help structure a story, as well as how to use the 'hero's journey' and Freytag's Pyramid, telling a story from his teen years that he used for a book. It was very informative, I learned a lot! Some of the girls continued to chat to him after the session.

I would like to thank Anthony McGowan for such a great day, the staff for supporting the events and the girls for being such an attentive audience. 

Ms Jan Blagden, Librarian

Teatime Music Concert

Yesterday the girls gave a wonderful Teatime Concert in Gresham Hall. Seventeen performers from Year 7 to Year 13 offered a hugely varied programme involving everything from singing to harp, with piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone, violin and cello also contributing to a real smorgasbord of musical treats. The teatime concert is always a pleasure, but this week’s was particularly enjoyable, as it showcased the whole range of Mayfield music from those just beginning their musical journey to those bringing it to an end after seven years. Many of the girls involved were using the concert to prepare for upcoming ABRSM exams, and we wish them the very best in preparations for those. It is clear from their performances yesterday that some good marks will be forthcoming!

As always, thanks are due to the music tutors, to Miss Allen, and to the catering department, as well as to Mrs Baranauskiene for accompanying.

Dr Matthew J C Ward, Director of Music

Heroines' Day

Last Friday, Year 8 took part in their latest Cross-curricular Day. The theme was Heroines and the girls chose a range of role models from across history, from Greta Thunberg to Joan of Arc! In teams, the girls first researched ideas before creating concepts for a marketing campaign to showcase their heroine. They then filmed and edited their own adverts, before presenting their work to an audience of teachers and peers. Congratulations to: Team Greta Thunberg, won the prize for ‘best presentation’; Team Tu Youyou, who were awarded the prize for ‘most entertaining presentation’; and Team Joan of Arc, who were voted ‘most persuasive’. The girls really enjoyed the day, as did the staff who helped organise the event – thank you all for your contributions.

Trip to Noughts and Crosses

On Wednesday, we took Years 10 and 11 Drama GCSE pupils to watch a play version of Noughts and Crosses at Brighton Theatre Royal. This was an adaptation of Malorie Blackman's book; loosely based on Romeo and Juliet, the story follows the lives of Sephy and Callum. The pupils practically explore the play within the Drama GCSE course and therefore watching a version was hugely advantageous. Having first studied the play the pupils were able to critically assess the performance from an acting and design point of view. Overall, they enjoyed the production and gained from the experience.

Sally Gerstmeyer, Head of Drama Department
 

Carnegie Book Club Attend the SSBA Presentation Evening

Last Friday, Skye, Ilaria, Eleanor and Sarah, from the Carnegie Book Club travelled to the Southern Schools Book Award (SSBA) presentation evening at Hurstpierpoint College. Having read the five shortlisted titles, and then cast their votes, the girls joined over 30 other schools in eager anticipation of the results. Throughout the evening, author and illustrator Chris Riddell entertained everyone on stage and in the audience with his cartoon drawings of proceedings. Each of the shortlisted authors spoke about their book and inspiration behind the story.

Although Mayfield’s first choice had been 'When Our World’s Collided' by Danielle Jawanda, it was our second choice title, 'All Our Hidden Gifts' by Caroline O’Donaghue that won first prize. The girls were able to claim their voucher for a book by one of the authors and then patiently queued to have them signed. It was a very enjoyable evening. A big thank you to Miss Staunton for giving up her Friday evening to join us, and to Hurst for being such welcoming hosts.

Ms Jan Blagden, Librarian

High 5 Netball Festival

Last Friday, the Sixth Form Sports Leaders organised and ran a High 5 Netball Festival for local Prep and Primary school girls in Years 5 & 6. This is part of our coursework for our Level 3 Sports Leadership award qualification we are completing for Enrichment.

We were delighted that we had over 90 students involved from the 10 schools who attended. During the event they completed a series of drills, covering core elements of the game such as shooting, decision making, and defensive work. After the 45-minute workshop, the participants took part in a tournament, competing against each other, with Vinehall coming in 1st place, and Sacred Heart in 2nd place.

We would like to thank the PE department and members of Sixth form (Maria U, Rachel S, Yaa T, Alex G, Anabelle C, Amelie H, and Sophie P) for taking on the leading roles when organising the event. We are looking forward to helping next term with the annual cricket festival!

Year 12 Sports Leaders (Rachel M, Emma N, Harriet O, and Maddie L)

Sports Update

SISNA
This week concluded the SISNA competitions with Year 7 & 8 competing on Wednesday, following on from the U14, U15, U16 & U18 teams, who played at the beginning of February.

All the competitions were fiercely fought, with many results being decided narrowly and final placings on goal difference. As usual, our Mayifeld girls gave their absolute all and showed determination throughout the day. Every team took away successes! Miss Auer & Miss Jones are very proud of the Netball that has been produced in these tournaments.

Full team reports on SOCS

Kent College Pembury Fixture

U18A
Lost 20-23
Players’ Player Rachel, Coaches’ Player Alex G

U18B
Drew 17-17
Players’ Player Yaa, Coaches Player’ Grace

U16B
Won 12-8
Players’ Player and Coaches’ Player Charlotte H

U15A
Won 22-17
Players’ Player Ines, Coaches’ Player Amelia

Burgess Hill Fixture - Monday 27^th Feb

U16A vs Burgess Hill
Loss
Players’ Player Matilda, Coaches’ Player Cesca W

U16B vs Burgess Hill
Draw
Players’ Player Chloe, Coaches’ Player Francesca F

Upcoming Events

Monday 6th March
Swim Gala vs Burgess Hill, U13, U15, U18

Tuesday 7th March
Football vs Lingfield, U15

Wednesday 8th March
Netball vs Sevenoaks Prep, U12 A & B, U13 A & B

Thursday 9th March
Lady Taverners Indoor Cricket, U13
Netball vs Lingfield, U15A,B & C
Netball vs Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammer, U14A&B

Saturday 11th March
Netball vs Ardingly, U18A, U16A,B&C, U15A,B&C, U14A,B&C

Inter-House Football

Sixth Form completed House Football on Wednesday and yet again the standard was incredibly high. It was great to see so many of Sixth Form watching and cheering on their Houses. Results will follow in due course. 

Drama Workshop

On Tuesday, the Year 10 GCSE Drama pupils took part in a workshop held by actor and practitioner, Cudjoe Asare, from the theatre company Frantic Assembly. During the two hours the pupils learned to work together in the genre of physical theatre, which is the predominant style of the company. The techniques that they practised will now be used within their own work when creating drama. The pupils very much enjoyed the experience and gained a great deal.

Ronan's Reflection

This week's liturgy time saw us introduce a new (for us!) style of prayer to the Mayfield community: Taizé. 

Taizé is a form of prayer which originated in the ecumenical Christian community of Taizé in France. It combines the repetitive singing of simple verses, reading of scripture, and periods of silence. The simplicity of the liturgy disguises its deeply meditative nature, encouraging us to rest in Christ's presence. 

This week we sang in Latin and English, and heard readings in English, Spanish, Chinese and French. During the weeks leading up to the Easter break, we hope to have readings from every language represented in our diverse school community. Next week, we will sing Ubi Caritas, Bless the Lord my Soul, and Jesus remember me. 

Mass on Sunday is at 11:30am, and Tuesday is at 6pm. All members of the Mayfield community are welcome to join us. 

Mr Ronan Lavery, Chaplain

STEM Hero

The Mayfield Review Senior Reading Group

On Wednesday the Mayfield Review senior reading group met for a discussion of Ivan Turgenev’s great novel of ideas ‘Fathers and Sons’. Year 11s Sophie F, Katie JA and Breanna A were struck by the modernity of the ideas in this 19^th century Russian text and we followed our reading with a weighty philosophical debate on materialism and nihilism. Well done to the readers and thinkers, and look out for discussion of this and much more in the Spring edition of ‘Watery Glass’, our termly literary journal.

Miss J. Staunton, Head of English

Leeds' Girls Branch Out

On Sunday Leeds' girls experienced the excitement of a high ropes course and giant swing at Branching Out in Halland. While some girls really enjoyed swinging from ropes several metres above the ground, for others it was an opportunity to overcome their fear of heights - which they all did admirably. I am sure the wildlife of the forest where the centre is located will remember their screams for a long time!

Petra Kotesovka, Leeds House Housemistress

Dance Show 2023 – Save the Date

Music Concerts – Save the Date

• Thursday 23rd March: Schola concert, 19.00 - Chapel
• Tuesday 28th March: Spring Music Concert, 19.00 - Concert Hall, followed by refreshments

Virtual Careers Fair

Next week is National Careers Week 2023 and from Monday the Virtual Careers Fair will be up and running. Please use the link below to watch.

Countdown - NCW 2023 Virtual Careers Fair

The Wellbeing Hub

The School Shop

Mayfield Ted
Mayfield Ted is back in stock. Ted is available in a pink or blue hoodie, a white dressing gown or a navy blue Mayfield jumper.

Lost Property
Please see below pictures of lost property. Please note all items in the first picture are in the school shop, please come and see me to get anything that is yours. All items in the last two pictures are on the bench opposite the school shop as everything is un-named. All items not claimed by the end of term will be disposed of.

Mrs Susan Bowles, School Shop Manager

News from the Friends