E-weekly Issue 292 - 14 February 2025

Welcome

Last week, I had the absolute pleasure of watching The Sound of Music not once, but twice. The performances on Friday and Saturday were a joy to behold, and I couldn’t have been prouder of the girls and staff involved. They poured their hearts and souls into the show, and the Mayfield spirit truly shone through. 

Today is the deadline for our Sixth Form Prefect applications, and I’m delighted by the fantastic response. One of the great strengths of an all-girls school is the wealth of leadership opportunities available, and this is reflected in the many roles on offer. From House Captains to Head Girl, Charities Prefect to Music Prefect, there are almost 20 positions, each offering a chance to make a real impact. 

This week also saw our Year 9 GCSE Options Evening. I hope it helped our girls feel more confident in their choices, and we look forward to seeing their final selections after the break. 

After half-term, our Year 13 students will begin their mock exams, and I want to wish them the very best in their revision. It can be a challenging time, but our girls are resilient, and I have every confidence in their hard work and determination. We are also pleased to announce that we will be running Easter GCSE revision courses aimed at Year 11 students who are taking GCSEs this summer. Five courses are available to book, each covering a different GCSE core subject. 

A special good luck to the staff and girls taking part in the 24-hour Charity Tennis Marathon over the break. You can support them here: 

Bright Ideas for Tennis: 24 Hour Tennis Marathon 2025

There’s so much to look forward to in the second half of term—World Book Day, the much-anticipated Staff vs. Parents Netball and Football matches, and a visit from Oak Knoll students, one of our sister schools in the USA. Then, as we head into the Easter holidays, we have exciting trips planned to Dubai, Vienna, and Italy. 

Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable half-term!

Deborah Bligh, Headmistress

In the News This Week...

Trinity Theatre is Alive with The Sound of Music!

Last week girls from across Years 7-13 delighted audiences with four performances of the whole school musical of The Sound of Music which was performed at Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells. This year we not only had girls performing, but also playing in the orchestra and offering technical expertise with lighting, sound, stage management, hair and make-up. Despite the curse of the cast 'lurgy' which meant that most nights we were missing some of our cast/orchestra members, the girls persevered and were triumphant, culminating in a spectacular, sold-out show on the Saturday night. Thank you to everyone who supported the production - we are so proud of this collaborative creation!

Dr Matthew Ward and Ms Victoria Nash

Bakhita Feast Day

On Tuesday we celebrated Bakhita Feast Day. The day was celebrated in pyjamas to raise money for the school charities. We began the day with a lovely liturgy led by the Bakhita girls, setting an uplifting tone for the rest of the celebrations.

At breaktime, our Cake Sale was a huge success! Students and  teachers enjoyed delicious treats while supporting a great cause. The fun continued in A1, where the Hub was transformed into a vibrant marketplace. Stalls offering everything from tanghulu and dalgona to a thrift shop created a lively atmosphere. And for those in the mood for some pampering - a nail painting station!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this feast day so great!

Miss Annabel Keoghane, Head of Bakhita

Scholars' Society - 'Out of This World'!

Scholars’ Society was led this week by Leonie in Year 7 and Rose in Year 12 on the theme of ‘Out of this World’ in which they explored the possibility of alien life and what that might mean for us, both in terms of there being life out there and of us being totally alone in the universe. This took us into quite philosophical reflections about what ‘life’ actually means, AI and God. The scholars produced some very interesting drawings of how they imagined aliens and enjoyed lots of interesting discussion. Ina-Mae in Year 7 also helped to prepare the session but had to miss the session to perform in the Sound of Music along with many other scholars. It is great to see scholars from all disciplines getting involved in and contributing to all areas of School life.

Mrs Kasia Kilvington, Director of Scholars

Team Maths Challenge is Back!

On Thursday 6^th February, a group of four Year 8 girls represented our school in the Regional Final of The Team Maths Challenge at St Romero Catholic School as a part of their Maths Week. The competition is organised by UKMT and comprises of four rounds: Group Round, Cross-Number, Shuttle and Relay.

Here is what the girls had to say on their experience:

"I really enjoyed the UKMT maths challenge and thought it was a great learning opportunity. My favourite round was the relay because the questions were challenging, the activity was engaging and interactive, and I think we did well." - Hei Bo

"I really enjoyed the UKMT maths challenge. I saw it as a great opportunity to encourage and develop my mathematical skill as well as work together as a team.  My most favourite round was probably the shuttle round as it taught us accuracy and speed. Overall, I think we did well." - Christina

"I really enjoyed the UKMT maths challenge, it was a really good opportunity!" - Fanny

"I enjoyed the UKMT maths challenge a lot, everyone is very competitive. Also it is a very good opportunity to exercise our math skill and stress tolerance." - Serena

Mrs Lavinia Motoc, Teacher of Maths

Sports News

Netball News
Saturday Netball
On Saturday, Mayfield took two senior squads to Bede’s School, in what was a very positive set of fixtures. Within the games, the girls showed real intensity at every centre pass, offering multiple options and rotating around the shooting circle superbly. With the scoreline going in Mayfield’s favour, they were able to use the opportunity to rotate players into various positions and try different combinations to take forward into future fixtures.

Mayfield were victorious in both matches, taking home a 30-11 and 28-9 win. Well done girls!

Senior SISNA
On Thursday 6^th February, our Senior Netball Squad were out in force at the Annual SISNA competition. This year is the first year of the format, and the first ever Squad of Mayfield to be comprised of girls from Year 10 - Year 13. Many of them were making their Senior SISNA debuts and handled the step up to this intense level with ease, beating the likes of schools such as Eastbourne College (16-6), Christ's Hospital (9-7) and Roedean (11-3). Despite losing to Hurst B, Ardingly and Brighton College (who went on to win the competition) the girls scored more goals in their matches against them than any other school, which is no small feat. The girls played some outstanding Netball that got them all the way to the Plate final, narrowly losing to Hurst U18 9-11. To say we are in the top five schools in the county for Senior Netball alongside Hurst, Brighton College, Ardingly and Seaford is something the girls should be, and we are, very proud of. 

To see all the match results please visit U18A SOCS fixture list. 

Lower-School Netball
The U13 Netball teams were combined with the U12s this week, which resulted in a great fixture against Brighton Girls. Mayfield came away with two wins and a draw, and we are very proud of the progression they have all shown on the court. For the full match reports please visit SOCS. 

U13A: 9-3 (win)
U13B: 14-6 (win)
U13C: 6-6 (draw) 

Football vs Lingfield College
The U13s travelled to Lingfield on Monday for their latest football fixture. The game didn't start well, with Lingfield scoring two goals in quick succession as our girls were getting used to the grass pitch. Lingfield went on to score a third goal before our girls started playing some nice football and created a couple of half chances but unfortunately, were unable to take them. Our girls started the second half more confidently - defending brilliantly, not being afraid to tackle and more relaxed when in possession. However, the pitch surface took its toll on our girls and they conceded another couple in quick succession towards the end of the game. A game of learning for the U13s who will become more confident and comfortable playing on grass the more they do it.

Swimming News
On Thursday evening the swim squad went to Rodean school. Despite being low on team members I’m proud of the team for fighting for the points. Well done to everyone who participated!  - Lauren, Swim Captain

24-Hour Charity Tennis Marathon
On Sunday 23^rd February, Mayfield School are taking part in a 24-hour Charity Tennis Marathon for ‘Bright Ideas for Tennis’. The charity is fundraising for their ‘I Play 30’ disability tennis programme, which looks to offer free coaching sessions with children and adults with learning difficulties. The event is being hosted at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, with the girls having the chance to play against some former and current professional tennis players! As part of the fundraising, Mr Blaxall and Miss Petty are taking part in a Charity Skydive on 12^th April, hoping to contribute to the fundraising for the event. If you would like to support the girls at the event and help with our fundraising efforts, please visit our school page below to donate. Any donation is much appreciated and helps to work towards our school goal!

Donate here

PE Kit and Hoodies
In recent weeks, there have been a number of students who have been a bit lax in their approach to wearing the correct PE kit. Please ensure that only regulation Mayfield PE kit is worn for lessons and practices. With this in mind, extra school hoodies and non-regulation hoodies are not considered PE kit (the only caveat is that Senior Squads are allowed to wear their red squad hoodies, or appropriate leggings can be worn in the fitness suite option). After February Half Term, the PE department would appreciate the support of parents in this matter. Thank you!

Local Prep Schools Enjoy Classics Day

On Monday the Classics Department had the pleasure of welcoming almost 40 pupils from Granville, Rose Hill and Skippers Hill Preparatory Schools for a Classics Day. The pupils had the opportunity to experience a day in the life of Ancient Rome by attending a religious sacrifice with Mrs Aherne, getting to grips with Classical Greek with Mrs Fytili and going behind the scenes of the Roman Theatre with both Miss Keoghane and Miss Morgan. The day finished with a very spirited ‘Who Wants to be a Roman Millionaire?’ quiz, with several prizes won.

The pupils from all three schools left with huge smiles on their faces, plenty of sweets and a certificate of participation in what was regarded a very successful day.

Thanks must go to Mrs Fletcher for organising the day and acting as our photographer for the day.

Mrs Georgia Fytili, Head of Classics

International Women and Girls in Science Day

Tuesday was International Women and Girls in Science Day, and our Science department organised some brilliant activities to celebrate.

On Tuesday morning, our Year 12 MedSoc girls hosted activities for Year 7 and 8, including myth-busting and Zones of Regulation Bingo. Later in the week, Head of Biology, Mrs Lewis, hosted a talk on Women in Science throughout history, featuring influential scientists (past and present), stats of women in STEM careers and the various routes into science degrees and careers. 

The girls have also been busy in the labs, as evidenced by the photo of Year 11 students making DNA models out of sweets! 

Life Skills Learning This Term

The Life Skills programme at Mayfield integrates RSE, PSHE, and Careers Guidance to equip students with essential knowledge and practical skills for life beyond the classroom. This term, students participated in a variety of sessions covering careers, citizenship, relationships, and hands-on practical skills.

In the practical skills sessions, they gained valuable experience in everyday tasks such as changing a plug, upcycling clothes, fixing shelves, removing recent and old stains from carpets and clothing, and cooking nutritious meals on a budget. These activities not only enhance their independence but also encourage creativity and resourcefulness.

Through the Life Skills programme, Mayfield continues to prepare students for real-world challenges, empowering them with the confidence and knowledge to navigate their futures successfully.

Dr Angeline Kasina, Life Skills Coordinator

The Intermediate Mathematical Challenge

Last month, students from Years 11, 10 and 9 took part in the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge. The IMC is a 60-minute, multiple-choice competition aimed at students across the UK that encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems.

The problems on the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge are designed to make students think. Most are accessible, yet still challenge those with more experience.

Here are the first five questions from this year’s challenge:

The answers can be found at the bottom of the page.

Well done to the girls who took part. This year 14 bronze, 15 silver and 9 gold certificates were awarded. Four students also qualified for the follow-on round which takes place later this month. Congratulations and good luck to Nicole, Jocelyn, Bella, and Emma.

Mrs Sally Howie, Deputy Head of Maths

Psychology Club Members Turn Criminologists!

In order to identify potential criminals, Psychology Club members have been investigating Lombroso's Atavistic Theory (early 1900s). Apparently, if you have a large jaw, prominent chin, sharp teeth and a large forehead you might be suspected of criminal activity. Other signs of potential offenders are a hairy body!

However, as science progresses this research has been heavily criticised for lacking supporting evidence. Instead, modern Criminologists explore genetic theories and the influence of brain structures on such behaviours - ideas that have been explored by our Year 13 Psychologists which have rather more scientific credibility!

Miss Asghar, Graduate Assistant and Miss Noyes, Head of Psychology

Easter GCSE Revision Courses

We are delighted to announce that Mayfield is running Easter GCSE revision courses aimed at Year 11 students who are taking GCSEs this summer.  Five courses are available to book, offering a different GCSE core subject on each day. Mrs Parrett will be leading the English course, Mr Taylor the Chemistry course, Mrs Lewis the Biology course, Mr Clark the Maths course and Mr Smith the Physics course. (If there is sufficient demand to run a second course each day, Mrs Staunton, Mr Everitt, Mrs Garcia Claramonte, Mrs Motoc and Dr Kasina will also be providing tuition). 

These courses will take place during the second week of the Easter Holidays (7th April - 11^th April) and are open to Mayfield students, as well as those from local schools.   For more information about dates, content, prices and how to book please see the revision booklet below or visit the school website.

Revision Booklet

Mayfield School  - GCSE Revision Courses

Onnae Thrilled by Work Experience at British Airways

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to step out of the classroom and into the world of British Airways, spending four days with their Community Investment team. This experience opened my eyes to the power of work experience—how much you can learn by immersing yourself in a real-world environment, surrounded by professionals who are driving real change. 

I had the chance to listen in on meetings with senior members of BA, where I saw how strategic decisions are made and how businesses balance profit, sustainability, and social impact. One of my biggest takeaways was seeing how partnerships are built—how BA collaborates with charities and organisations to make a meaningful difference. 

A defining moment for me was working on my own fundraising proposal. It was a real challenge—having to balance creativity with feasibility, stay within budget, and align with company policies—but it taught me the importance of practical problem-solving and adaptability. I also took part in a Lunch and Learn session, where I gained insights into finance, strategic planning, and cost management—things that you do not often get to see from the outside. 

What stood out most was the culture at BA—a place where people are not just working, but collaborating, innovating, and constantly looking for ways to create impact. The experience confirmed my passion for engineering and social change, and how I want to use my skills to develop solutions that make a difference. 

This experience would not have been possible without Mrs. Aherne, whose support helped me take this step. It made me realise just how important it is to get out there, take opportunities, and gain experience beyond school. 

If anyone is unsure about work experience, my advice is simple: go for it. The insights, connections, and lessons you gain are invaluable. If you’d like any advice on finding a placement or making the most of an opportunity, feel free to email me —I’d love to help!

Onnae, Year 12

Meryl Designs Artwork for Trinity Theatre

Meryl in Year 12 has superbly designed the artwork advertising Trinity Theatre's Youth production of 'The Little Mermaid'. She is currently part of the tech team at the theatre, working on set design, lighting, artwork and sound, among other things.

Meryl was one of the very talented students who helped make our school production of 'The Sound of Music' such a success last week, and it's great to hear she is continuing to enjoy her work at the theatre. Well done Meryl, and good luck with 'The Little Mermaid'!

Dr Ward Commissioned for New Lectionary Psalms Music

We're thrilled to share that our very own Dr. Matthew Ward, Director of Music, has been commissioned by Catholic Truth Society (CTS) to compose the music for the new Lectionary psalms!

If you're attending Mass and notice a new resonant version of the psalms being played, chances are you're listening to Matthew's inspiring work. Congratulations to Dr. Ward on this incredible honour!

To get your copies, please follow the links below.

For the Organ

For Voice

Micks' Galentine's Day Celebration

Our Year 11 St Michael’s Boarders celebrated Galentine's Day last Sunday evening, a day dedicated to honouring female friendships popularised by a certain US comedy show. They celebrated by making Galentine's cards for each other, decorating a meeting room, picking out a playlist, enjoying chocolate brownies with ice cream and making mocktails for each other.

Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. And may we raise them.

Mrs Helen Lavery, Assistant Housemistress

EPQ Students Visit University of Sussex

We had a very successful and interesting day at University of Sussex on Wednesday, starting with a talk about what to expect from university in general. The presentation included student life, academic opportunities and a discussion of finances. This generated a wide range of questions. It was obvious that Mayfield girls were genuinely interested in the variety of options available to them - and were prepared to ask about things that might be challenges. We learnt the horrifying fact that every lecture missed was £250.00 wasted of your student loan!

We then had a brief tour of the university, looking into the library and the Student Union. After lunch the day finished with a fascinating university style lecture from three professors on AI and ethics, looking at deep fakes, automation bias and GPT's uses. The girls came away with a GPT generated essay and a discussion about its flaws.

Huge thanks go to Sussex for hosting us, and to Mr Doy and Mrs Saunders for driving the minibuses and being great support throughout the day.

Mrs Lucinda Misiewicz, EPQ Coordinator

Oxbridge Discussion Group - 'The Selfie: Constructing Identity'

Organised by Mrs Misiewicz, at Oxbridge Discussion Group this week Dr Weddell led a discussion on 'The Selfie: Constructing Identity' though with an art history twist this focused on the self-portraits of two artists. First we examined two short texts by John Berger and Laura Mulvey that explore gender identity. Then pupils undertook close observation of the two self-portraits and related images to enable a discussion of the artists' construction of identity within a richer context. Dr Weddell was very impressed with their visual analysis: 'It was fascinating to have fresh interpretations from new eyes, for example, the ruined Aztec temple in the Frida Kahlo as a proxy for her womb as she had just miscarried. Pupils independently observed that in the Laura Knight the 'canvas' nude has narrower proportions, possibly reflecting the position of the painter Knight herself compared to the viewer of the model. It was rewarding to see pupils forming critical judgements based on the evidence of the images and justifying their conclusions. This kind of sustained analysis and open questioning is a valuable skill across many academic disciplines, not just art history'. 

Images: 

Frida Kahlo, Self-Portrait on the Border Line Between Mexico and the United States

Dame Laura Knight, Self-Portrait with Model

Next Edition of 'Watery Glass' Out Now!

The first edition of 2025 is now available to read; please click the link below to read online, or paper copies are available from Becket, both libraries and the Sixth Form centre.

Watery Glass - January 2025

Parents Enjoy Exhibition at Royal Academy of Arts

On Friday 7^th February 2025 a group of parents travelled to the Royal Academy, Burlington House, Piccadilly for the exhibition 'Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael: Florence 1504' - three Renaissance titans. After a quick coffee in the RA cafe, we enjoyed a lecture by Senior Curator Dr Hannah Higham on 'Michelangelo's Taddei Tondo', a highlight of the Academy's own sculpture collection. The exhibition itself had many highlights, from Leonardo's 'Burlington House Cartoon', back in the building on loan from London's National Gallery, to the chance to compare Raphael's 'Bridgewater Madonna', on loan from National Galleries Scotland, with the poses he copied from Michelangelo's Tondo. The studies and drawings by these three artists showed how their ideas evolved on the page, particularly in the case of Michelangelo and Leonardo's projected murals for the Palazzo Vecchio. A group of parents moved on to the private room of the Jose Pizzaro restaurant, where we were provided with a splendid Spanish tapas lunch. The day was indeed a feast for body and soul!

Dr Joanna Weddell, Head of History of Art

Curry & Quiz Night

RSVP - Curry & Quiz Night

Chaplaincy News

On Monday this week, Year 10 descended on Ashburnham Place for their annual day of mayhem recollection. I don't recall the last time I heard so much laughter in one place, or witnessed so much joy and companionship. It was a genuinely lovely experience for me as I got to see (and hear!!!) the girls relax and have fun. The theme of the day was Generosity, the year 10 Cornelian principle. And if at first glance the activities Kitty describes below don't seem to tie in with that theme- please ask your daughter about it (while I pray she was listening at the end!):

"On Monday, we went back to Ashburnham Place to celebrate a day of Generosity: the year ten Cornelian principle. The day included being taught how to make - and making -our own focaccia bread which we then enjoyed at lunchtime. Before lunch, though, the year group split in half: half reflecting on how we can be more generous in the world today; and half sowing seeds and learning more about the upkeep of nature that goes on at Ashburnham. Once reconvened to try their freshly baked focaccia, we were led by Tim who showed us four different types of Scottish reeling which even some of the teachers joined in with. Overall, it was a very fun day and we enjoyed it a lot!"

As we finally get to the end of the darkest (weather-wise!) half term of the year, I'm looking at what is coming up during the next few weeks, as we move into spring, Lent, and ultimately the high point of the Church's liturgical calendar - Easter Sunday. As such, I'd like to give you a few dates for your diary:

Third, I tasked the girls this morning in their tutor groups to come up with a definition for 'the common good', and as promised, the best ones are listed below - and will be suitably rewarded in due course...

"The common good is the little actions that support the community in big ways" - 7JSW (thanks to Sofia and Romilly for their beautiful poster!)
"People working together to achieve a shared and positive goal" - 9GXF
"When everyone can help each other to achieve something positive. For example helping at a soup kitchen to help those with little when we have spare or for helping those abroad, such as the WEFA water supply project in  Zimbabwe" - 12CMA

During the half-term break, Mass will continue to be said here at Mayfield Chapel, at 11:30am on Sunday 16^th and 23^rd February. All are welcome. (Measures have been put in place to ensure this doesn't impact on any girls returning from their holidays on the 23^rd.)

For all those travelling this half-term, I offer you the following short prayer, which you might choose to say before beginning your journey:

Lord, be our guide and our protector
on the journey we are about to take.
Watch over us.
Protect us from accidents.
Keep us free from harm to body and soul.
Lord, support us with Your grace when we are tired.
Help us be patient in any trouble which may come our way.
Keep us always mindful of Your presence and love.

Amen

And finally, I wish you a happy, holy and restful half term break. God bless.

Mr Ronan Lavery, Chaplain

Photo of the Week

Ava in Year 9 is the subject of this week's best photo, with her heart-shaped hair for Valentine's Day! Thanks go to Mrs Morson for providing the picture, as well as Ava for sporting such a fabulous up-do.

We would love to receive submissions for future 'photo of the week' stories. Since half term is now upon us, we'd love to receive photos of what you get up to over the break - whether you go away on an exotic holiday, or curl up with your favourite book on the sofa! Please send your chosen photos to jtompsett@mayfieldgirls.org.

Library News

As we near the end of another busy half term here is the latest issue of the Mayfield Quibbler. Please click on the link below, or read it in either of the libraries.

Mayfield Quibbler - Issue 3

Another great publication all down to the hard work and creativity of the Pupil Librarian Team.

A big thank you to the pupil librarians for working on the library's displays. For the romantics, we have a display of love stories across the genres and the Year 10 new selection has been displayed by the front entrance to main school library. 

Coming soon… We have had some more new books that will be available to borrow after half term.

Have a restful half term and don't forget to plan your World Book Day dress up costumes! 

Ms Jan Blagden, Librarian

Intermediate Maths Challenge Answers