E-weekly Issue 289 - 24 January 2025

Welcome

This week has been all about preparing for university, and it’s been wonderful to see so many of our pupils and parents engaging with this exciting stage of their journey. On Tuesday, we hosted the latest of our teatime talks for Years 11 and 12, where we were joined by Dr Alison Macdonald, Associate Professor of Anthropology at UCL. Next week, we’re thrilled to welcome back one of our OCs, Pia Larsson (Class of 2020), who studied Music at Bristol University and will be sharing her experiences with us.

On Thursday evening, it was a pleasure to see Year 12 parents and pupils in school for a presentation on the university application process. While I couldn’t be there myself, I had the privilege of attending a panel discussion at Cumnor House Prep School alongside fellow Heads from Tonbridge School, Brighton College, and Worth. It was a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation, covering everything from the future of A levels to supporting young people’s mental and emotional wellbeing. It was also a fantastic chance to share the unique perspective of an all-girls school and to hear insights from other leading schools in the South East.

Wishing you all a relaxing and enjoyable weekend,

Deborah Bligh, Headmistress

In the News This Week...

A Busy Week for Mayfield Scholars!

It's been a very busy week for the Scholars this week with Scholars' Society, a Scholar's Tea and a Mini-Medics taster session run by Medicine Mavericks. Frances, Emma, Olivia and Nana in Year 10 led a very thought-provoking discussion about whether AI reflects humanity and the extent to which AI might replace human government in the future. This took us in quite profound directions down the following path of questions: If God created us, we are a reflection of him since we are made 'Imago Dei'.​ Would AI be a reflection of us because we are the creator, the ‘God’ of it?​ However, since we are not God, we are not perfect.​ Does this mean AI also has the ability to reflect our flaws as humans?​ We had great fun trying to decide whether a range of news headlines were 'true' or AI generated, and listening to AI podcast presenters experiencing an on air existential crisis. At the Tea over cookies and hot chocolate, Breanna led a More Able focused Teaching and Learning pupil forum, focusing on pupil teacher interactions, which will help to inform School strategy and best practice. Finally, the Academic Scholars received their scholars' badges, which are being awarded to all scholars by their scholarship mentors. 

Mrs Kasia Kilvington, Director of Scholars

Year 7 Enjoy 'Cookie Project' Cross-Curricular Day

On Monday Year 7 participated in their first cross-curricular day, The Cookie Project. Girls were divided into four teams and were tasked with designing, marketing and producing a cookie. To get them focused on the task ahead, the first activity was a cookie tasting session. Teams had to consider the appearance, taste, texture and market appeal of six different cookies. This was followed by a planning session where roles were decided, cookie ingredients agreed and the logo  designed. The groups then divided between the bakers, who were tasked with producing the best possible cookie, the designers, who were responsible for the packaging and a promotional photograph, and the marketers, who were in charge of writing a script for the advert and preparing the final presentation. Communication between different parts of the teams was essential and in true Apprentice style this didn’t always go to plan!

In the afternoon, the teams came back together to film their advert and practise for the final presentation. Then it was time to present their product to the judges. Mr Smith, Mrs Kilvington and Lily (Year 12) made up the judging panel and were very impressed with the quality of the girls' work and how much they had achieved in a short space of time.  The girls were judged on their presentation, cookie, advert, promotional photograph, packaging and team cohesiveness.

Winning Team: Bakhita Bakers

Comments from Year 7:

What did you enjoy most about the day?

• I most enjoyed filming the advert. We all had fun and worked together.
• Designing the logo, decorating the boxes, filming the advert and working as a team.
• I enjoyed eating the cookies the most.
• Being together at the start and discussing our ideas.
• The teamwork.

What did you learn from the day?

• I learned how to work together with a team.
• I learnt how to solve when something went wrong.
• That things may not go your way so you just have to go with it.
• To work as a team, you have to listen to each other's ideas and not try to take control and think that you're always right.
• Collaboration skills, that sometimes if you have a plan it will go wrong and that you will have to rethink.

Sports News

A Saturday of Netball
On Saturday, Mayfield were involved in 10 Netball fixtures against Eastbourne College, ranging from U18-U14. The U18s and U15s hosted, with the U14s travelling away to Eastbourne. For some of the girls, it was their first return to Netball matches since last year and there were some real positives on show. With a busy few weeks coming up for Netball fixtures, it was great to see the girls back in matches and gaining more experience to take forward.

Final Results:
U18A: 20-17 Win
U18B: 12-30 Loss
U15A: 23-17 Win
U15B: 26-11 Win
U15C: 14-21 Loss
U15D: 7-10 Loss
U14A: 28-6 Loss
U14B: 7-10 Win
U14C: 9-2 Loss
U14D: 13-4 Loss

Netball in the Week
On Monday, the senior squad hosted three fixtures against Burgess Hill Girls. All three games were extremely tightly contested, with some excellent Netball on display at times. The U18As were narrowly defeated but showed great discipline and improvement on spacing and timing of drives down the court. The U18Bs were able to overcome a strong Burgess Hill side to gain a well-deserved victory and the U18Cs were involved in a very competitive 10-10 draw.

Final Results:
U18A: 14-18 Loss
U18B: 10-9 Win
U18C: 10-10 Draw

The U14As and U14Bs hosted Bede’s School on Tuesday, with two competitive matches being played. Despite defeat, the U14As made significant improvements in their spacing and movement on court and increased their scoring from their Saturday match. For the U14Bs, the game started tight, with the first quarter very competitive. The game became more open later in the match and Bede’s took control. There were some good improvements despite this, with the girls focusing on their use of the centre of the court and driving into space.

Final Results:
U14A: 10-26 Loss
U14B: 13-22 Loss

On Thursday, the U15Bs also faced Bede’s School away. Bede’s started strong, with Mayfield 7-3 down in the first quarter. Mayfield showed real improvement in the second quarter and sped up their passing, playing the game at their own pace. They took real control of the game and were too much for Bede’s in the end.

Final score: 21-22 Win

You can find full match reports for these games on SOCS.

Cricket
The U15s had their annual Lady Taverners indoor Cricket tournament on Wednesday and were involved in a couple of tight games; the U13s were playing today.

For the full report on both tournaments, please head to SOCS.

Fencing Fun!
We are delighted that our Fencing sessions started this week, with Paul from Tunbridge Wells Fencing Club. With a variety of experience, some of the girls are getting to grips with a new activity and fencing with an Epee, whilst others with more experience are hoping to build on their skills. We are also hopeful with a successful start that, in due course, more will join in, and we may eventually be in a position where we can compete. If pupils would like to give it a try, please contact Miss Petty at cpetty@mayfieldgirls.org

Upcoming Fixtures
Tuesday 28^th January
Netball
U14B – Home vs Burgess Hill

Wednesday 29^th January
Netball
U13A & U13B – Away vs TWGGS

Thursday 30^th January
Football
U15A – Away vs Riddlesdown Collegiate

Cornelian Lecture - Tuesday 28^th January

A reminder that our next Cornelian Lecture will be on Tuesday 28^th January 2025, delivered by Mr Henry Virgin on Zaha Hadid Architects - a British architecture and design firm founded by Zaha Hadid (1950–2016), with its main office situated in London.  The lecture will take place in the Sixth Form Lecture Room at 16:45. If you would like to attend, please click on the link below to RSVP. 

Please click here to RSVP

Boarders Show Off their Flair for Fashion

Year 9 and 10 boarders had a fun afternoon creating amazing ensembles from plastic bags, bubble wrap, foil and newspapers. Working in teams they drew inspiration from different cultures and eras to produce beautiful one-of-a-kind dresses. These were shown off by the models using an improvised catwalk in their common room. What a talented group of girls!

Mrs Motoc and Mrs Davies

Medical Mavericks Wow Students

On Thursday, over 150 girls took part in Medical Maverick Workshops delivered by Tom and Dr Jon throughout the day. They enjoyed hands-on interactive sessions as well as learning about careers in the healthcare sector and the qualifications and grades required.

The girls also learned that the NHS is the largest employer in the UK and the fifth largest employer in the world, offering 350 different careers. 

The girls had great fun trying a range of medical equipment such as trying on different types of pathology goggles and glasses to simulate the effect of different eyes diseases such as cataracts or macular degeneration on vision, scanning their retina with an ophthalmoscope attached to an iPhone, testing their reflexes, recording and printing an ECG from their heart and trying their hands at keyhole surgery. They also experienced using an ultrasound machine to see inside their bodies, particularly their growth plates because, of course, they are all keen to know that they are still growing in height! They also learnt how to take basic medical observations of each other including blood pressure, temperature and oxygen levels. The favourite activity of the day was using a real needle to take fake blood from a dummy arm! 

The two afternoon sessions (Mini Medic Workshops) were geared up for our older students as Dr Jon gave a more in-depth explanation of the medical equipment, with several of the Year 12 and 13 students having a longer conversation with him about their chosen career path.

Careers education is all about engagement and raising awareness of the range of jobs and career opportunities available and through the Medical Maverick workshops, this was certainly achieved.

Below is some feedback from some of the girls:

"I found Medical Mavericks great fun as we got to try out different equipment that people may use in the hospital. My favourite machine was the pulse one as we could hear our pulse." - Sookie, Year 7

"I really liked using the equipment. My favourite activity was taking blood out of a fake arm! I am definitely inspired to become a doctor when I am older." - Elsie, Year 8

"It was my first time using some of the medical equipment such as using the ultrasound on myself to look at my own artery and vein. It was quite fascinating." - Aina, Year 13

"The Medical Maverick workshop was an amazing experience and where I learned about many different areas in the health career sector. The speakers were very friendly and taught us about different equipment which I found very interesting. The fun activities made the learning experience even more engaging." - Nana, Year 10

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to take part in the Medical Maverick workshop. It was an absolutely incredible experience! Getting to use real medical equipment and learn about different careers in healthcare has truly inspired me and reinforced my passion for pursuing a future in this field. It was unforgettable!" - Leona, Year 12

Mrs Mary Saunders, Head of Careers

Only Two Weeks Until 'The Sound of Music'!

We are ever closer to our fantastic production of The Sound of Music: School Edition on 6^th - 8^th February, and tickets are selling fast - book yours now if you wish to come along and support the girls in their performance! 

Book your seats

An Evening to Remember: The Mayfield Dinner Party

The Mayfield Dinner Party was an extraordinary culinary experience that brought together exquisite food, impeccable service, and a heartwarming purpose. Held as part of the school’s ongoing fundraising efforts for the Antonia Beary Fund, the evening showcased the school community's dedication, talent, and generosity.

The exclusive dinner was a prize won by the highest bidder during the silent auction held on Mayfield Day. The winning bidder, the Gain family, had the unique privilege of curating their own three-course menu for this special evening, ensuring the dinner was a truly bespoke affair. The evening’s gastronomic delights were crafted by Mayfield School’s head chef, whose culinary skills turned the host family's chosen menu into an unforgettable dining experience. Adding to the evening’s charm were Mr Doy and Mr Walser, who took on the roles of waitstaff for the event. Their attentive service and personable approach ensured that the host family and their guests were not only well-fed but also well-cared-for throughout the evening. Their dedication added a personal and welcoming touch that made the event even more special. For the Gain family and their guests, the Mayfield Dinner Party was undoubtedly a night to remember. From the custom-designed menu to the seamless service, every detail was carefully considered, making the evening as enjoyable as it was meaningful.

"Thank you so much, for what can only be described as a resounding success of a dinner party! Our family and friends had the most wonderful time as we were treated to Jenny's outstanding cooking, and to both Mr Walser and Mr Doy's superb waiting skills! The food was exceptional, exquisitely prepared and delicious. We felt most privileged to have such an evening but also it gave us pleasure, knowing that we have helped support Mayfield too." - Mrs Gain

Mrs Georgina Fletcher, Director of Partnerships and Outreach

Going 'Retro' in Cooking Club

This week in Cooking Club the girls made fabulous pineapple upside down cakes!

Welcoming Twins Maria & Sofia

Spanish twins Maria and Sofia have just joined Mayfield in Year 8, and I asked their International English classmates to ask them some questions to find out how they are getting on after their first few weeks here.

1. Where do you come from?

We come from Madrid in Spain.

2. What was the name of your last school, did you enjoy it?

The name of our last school is Montalto that is in the north of Madrid and yes, I love it. It’s only girls like Mayfield.

3. What was your first thought when you met the IE girls?

I was very nervous as it was the first time meeting other girls not at my school or friends of my parents. And of course, also they don’t speak my language so it’s not easy for me!

4. What is the difference between you in looks?

In my opinion I think we look very different, I’m taller than Maria but people think we look the same!

5. What's your favourite lesson in Mayfield?

Mayfield has very different lessons, in my old school we don’t have Textiles, Ceramics, Food and Nutrition and International English and Life skills. But the one I most enjoy is International English.

6. What's different about Mayfield from your Spanish school?

Everything, in Spain the girls have their own class and the teachers move. We have more interesting activities here in Mayfield and we have only 2 breaks in Spain. If we want to do any activities we have to do it outside of school. The times are also different as we eat at 2, the school finishes at 5 and starts at 9.30, which I think is much better.

7. What is your favourite food that you've eaten in Mayfield?

The food is much better here, and we don’t have to eat all of it, I like it all I don’t have favourite.

8. What have you found most enjoyable in your first two weeks?

The snow, we liked when it snowed as it doesn’t snow in Spain so much and in Madrid nothing. We played with 6 girls in the snow, and it was great fun!

It has been lovely welcoming the girls into the Mayfield community, and they seem to have settled in really well and enjoying everything that Mayfield has to offer.

Mrs Turner, International English Teacher

Chaplaincy News

A (Positive!) Change to How Mass Will Be Celebrated in Mayfield
On Monday evening, Bishop Richard Moth hosted a meeting in the school chapel for parishioners of Mayfield and Wadhurst parishes. Now that Fr Patrick has moved on to the next stage of his priestly career, there had been a sense of uncertainty around the future of both parishes. Bishop Richard, on Monday evening, cleared that up for us all. In a very well attended meeting, and following a prayer for our communities, Bishop Richard outlined the following:

• The parishes of St Thomas Mayfield and Sacred Heart Wadhurst will receive a new priest- sooner rather than later, although he couldn't give us an exact date.

• This priest will serve both communities.

• In the interregnum ('between reigns'- the period of discontinuity between priests in the parish), our communities will be served by the Augustinian Friars in Crawley- Fr Raymond and Fr Nelson. Both priests are very familiar with our school community, having been incredibly generous to us for a number of years now.

• Each Sunday, one of the Friars will come to say two Masses- the first in Sacred Heart at 9:30am, the second in Mayfield School Chapel at 11:30am.

• The school chapel Mass will be for the boarding community and the parish community together.

• This arrangement will begin on Sunday 2^nd February, in order to give the school time to complete risk assessments and safeguarding paperwork.

• Ministry within the Mass- singing, reading and distribution of Holy Communion- will be shared equally between school and parish.

While there are some logistical concerns that we need to address, overall I feel that the next few months will offer our boarding students (and all students who attend Sunday Mass in school) a new experience of Eucharist, and of community. In a boarding school, it can sometimes be easy to forget that we belong to a global Church, worshipping alongside young and old, traditional and modern. Praying with St Thomas parish will remind us that we in the Mayfield community are "cosmopolitan, the whole world is our country; and heaven is our home" -CC

Of course, parents and families are still very welcome to join us for Sunday Mass, and our Tuesday evening Holy half hour, at 6pm!

Year 13 Day of Recollection
On Monday our Year 13s had their final Day of Recollection at Ashburnham. Here's what some of them had to say about the day:

"Year 13 Day of Recollection was an opportunity for everyone to connect for one of the last times before we leave Mayfield. The day was filled with exciting and interactional activities including board games in the morning, the avocado game being my group's favourite. Followed by apple strudel making, which did not go well for every group, but nonetheless was very enjoyable. We were able to plan our upcoming Muck Up Day where we all collaborated, sharing our ideas for what we wanted the video and day to entail. We finished the day by making objects out of clay which represented concepts that were important to each individual. 

An aspect of the day which I will take away is when we reflected on the idea of the choice to take part. We have a choice to whether sit at the table and take part, the moments we are experiencing when we take part in activities are what we will remember when we look back at our school life. We won't look back and remember sitting in lessons, we will reflect on the times that we connected with each other and made memories of our time at Mayfield." - Georgie

"I personally enjoyed making apple strudel. While it was stressful at times, I found it interesting to learn about the traditions and Austrian techniques to make it right. I also enjoyed playing mafia at the beginning of the day with my friends and making a clay cactus towards the end to represent the joy of being in nature." - Valentina

Next Week's Daily Prayers

Daily Prayers 27-31 Jan

Mr Ronan Lavery, Chaplain

Photo of the Week

Many thanks to Mrs Bowles, for capturing the mood of the month so far with her frosty spiderweb photo!

We would love to receive submissions for future 'photo of the week' stories. Please send your chosen photos to jtompsett@mayfieldgirls.org.

Library News

The Book of the Week in lower school has been chosen by Helena. 'Dandelion Clocks' by Rebecca Westcott is a touching story of siblings, school life and a family dealing with the impending loss of a parent. Find out more about the book below, including a short video of the author herself.

Dandelion Clocks | BookTrust 

The Book of the Week in main school is 'Sister, Missing' by Sophie McKenzie, chosen by Hazel. This book is part of a trilogy that follows a family and the dramatic events that occur, their impact and secrets that are uncovered.

Ms Jan Blagden, Librarian

From the School Shop

New In - Equestrian Hats
We are now carrying Mayfield Equestrian winter hats. They are £12 each and have the Mayfield Equestrian logo embroidered on the front. 

Lost Property
Below are pictures of lost property outside the school shop – all these items are un-named and most have been there since the start of term. On Monday 27^th January we will dispose of any items not claimed. Pictures have previously been sent to all students.

Mrs Susan Bowles, School Shop Manager

The Wellbeing Hub - What's On This Week