E-weekly Issue 297 - 27 March 2025

Welcome

We’ve ended the term on a real high this week with our first-ever Spirit Week and MUD25 (Muck Up Day 2025)—culminating in a fantastic live dance performance on the Astroturf for pupils and staff alike! A huge thank you to our Prefect team, whose dedication and enthusiasm have been instrumental in making these events such a success. Our Year 13 girls have truly shone, demonstrating creativity, teamwork, leadership, and impeccable organisation—all with a wonderful sense of joy and camaraderie.

This week also marked the exciting transition of leadership, as our Year 13s passed the baton to our newly appointed Year 12 Prefect Team. With over 40 leadership roles available to Year 12 —ranging from Charities Prefect and Sports Captain to Heads of Houses and Subject Ambassadors—there are so many opportunities for our students to volunteer, take initiative, and develop invaluable leadership skills. The calibre of applicants has been truly outstanding, and I am so looking forward to seeing them grow into their new roles.

Wishing everyone a restful and joyful Easter break.

Warm regards,

Deborah Bligh, Headmistress

In the News This Week...

Inter-House Drama

Today we rounded off the term with the annual Inter House Drama competition. The girls were set the challenging task of creating a 10–15-minute performance retelling Carol Ann Duffy's adaptations of The Grimm Tales (Hansel & Gretel, Ashputtel, Iron Hans, The Magic Table, the Gold Donkey and the Cudgel in the Sack). We were treated to four highly engaging and creative performances which were judged by visiting performer and OC, India Erlam. Prizes were awarded in the following categories:

• Best overall drama production - Avila

• Best overall performer - Ella (Year 7) Stein

• Best costume - Avila
• Best Lighting & Sound - Bakhita
• Best programme - Assisi

Well done to all the cast and crew from all Houses who really showed the wealth of talent from directing, performing, crewing, designing lighting and sound, that we have at Mayfield!

Victoria Nash, Director of Drama and Media

BAFTA worthy Scholars' Dinner

Our Year 13 scholars led the whole scholars’ cohort in a joyful celebration of their achievements this year on Monday. We were joined by Hannah Richards, BAFTA winning screenwriter and producer, who not only delivered the keynote speech but also brought her trophy along. Hannah’s talk was extremely inspiring and focused on storytelling, significantly for the scholars, how the stories we tell ourselves impact our achievements and sense of possibility. The scholars strongly engaged with the message and are keen to invite Hannah back to speak or perhaps do a future screenwriting workshop. Tabatha in Y13 and Cordie in Y11 treated us to amazing vocal and drama performances, from ‘Waitress’ and ‘The Hours’, while Katie in Y13 gave a presentation on her EPQ question of how Marxist Literary Theory can help us understand the character of Tom Ripley in Patricia Highsmith's Talented Mr. Ripley series. Together we looked back on the huge range of discussion sessions that scholars have led over the year at Scholars’ Society and all the workshops delivered at the Mayfield Festival of Ideas, as well as all the highlights in specific scholarship areas: Sport, Drama, Music, Art, Riding, Jubilee and Academic. The Year 13 Leavers also had some important advice to impart to the younger scholars as they passed on the baton, and I would like to express my deep gratitude to them for being exceptional leaders and role models this year. They have set a high bar for next year as we strive to do even more and even better, year on year. 

"Though some scholar activities may feel like a burden in the moment, you’ll soon realize that being educated to love learning beyond the curriculum is one of the greatest gifts for your future."- Angela

"Don't waste time worrying about the outcome, take every opportunity outside of the curriculum and broaden your interests, you will never take for granted the skills you learn from this" - Francesca

"The scholar's programme has given me so many opportunities throughout my time at Mayfield, but the best one has been the reminder that there's still so much to learn outside of the classroom." – Breanna

“We leave not as who we were, but as who we have become- bold, curious and ready thanks to the opportunities the Scholars’ Programme gave us.”- Charlotte

DofE Awards

Bronze DofE Awards - Erin, Lettie and Sophie R (Year 10) and Cordelia (Year 11).

Silver DofE Awards - Francesca (Year 13), Skye and Dominique (Year 12), Ava, Sofia, Lola, Elaine and Flora (Year 11).

Gold DofE Awards – Charlotte, Katie and Ellie (Year 13).

Our three new Gold DofE Award Holders will also be attending a Gold DofE Ceremony at Buckingham Palace in May.

Throughout their DofE Award, all the above DofE Award Holders have developed and demonstrated many soft skills including leadership, teamwork, communication and commitment in each of the four sections (five sections for Gold) and they should be proud of all they have achieved.

Mayfield MUNers hit Haileybury

Last week we helped Haileybury School celebrate its 30th MUN by attending as delegates for Barbados and Lebanon. Committees debated issues including cyberterrorism, geoengineering, job security in an increasingly automated world, organ trafficking, forced marriage, freedom of speech, water security, the ethics and consequences of political assassinations, data security and the ethics of AI in healthcare to name just a few. There were an incredible 920 students participating in the Conference, enabling HMUN to accommodate all 193 Member States of the UN along with a few additional optional Observer States and Non-member states. Around 600 resolutions were submitted over the course of the weekend reflecting the level of engagement. On the final day, the General Assembly fittingly finished with the question of reform of the UN and thoughts about the future management of global politics. All the girls represented their countries and Mayfield admirably, with Annette in Year 10 being Highly Commended as delegate for Lebanon on the Middle East and North Africa Committee.

The debates I had in the newly established Middle East and North Africa committee (MENA) were intriguing and allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone as I broadened my understanding of the issues facing the MENA region including water security, refugees, and state proxies while also writing and submitting a resolution on the topic of the refugee crisis making multiple speeches for and against other delegates resolutions and amendments. This conference has successfully allowed me to feel more confident debating and making speeches in front of some very experienced delegates. Thank you so much to Mrs Kilvington and Mrs Motoc for taking us on this fascinating trip. 
Annette, Y10

 I thoroughly enjoyed Haileybury, particularly the engaging debates about a range of topics in my committee of over 100 people. We passed resolutions on equal economic opportunities for women, over reliance on fossil fuels and other extremely relevant topics. Overall it was a great opportunity to learn lots and make lots of new friends!  
Skye, Y12

I had an amazing time in Haileybury this weekend. Although this was my first conference, I really enjoyed it. From the controversial perspectives to the heated debates, this is an experience I will never forget. 
Nicole, Y9

University Search Fair

Yesterday, as part of the Careers provision at Mayfield, 56 Year 12s attended the University Search Fair at the Amex Stadium in Brighton. As well as having the chance to engage with many universities, apprenticeship providers and employers, the girls were also able to attend seminars on topics such as student finance, UCAS Personal Statements and university life, all of which will help them as they start to make informed decisions about post-18 education and career choices.

The Year 12 girls came away inspired and motivated as well as very pleased with the freebie tote bags and hats that they received!

Mrs Mary Saunders, Head of Careers

Drama Huddle

In our half termly Drama Huddle this week, drama scholars were treated to a workshop led by Y12 scholars Grace and Tamsin. The workshop introduced the key methodologies of the renowned theatre company Frantic Assembly who blend ground-breaking physically dynamic performance with textual elements to convey their storytelling. Well done to Breanna, Alice, Anna, Katherine, Issy, Flo, Sofia and Meryl for their creative exploration and to Grace and Tamsin for showing leadership and offering inspiration.

Adult Ceramics Classes

We've an 8 week course, offering an introduction to the different methods of hand building with clay, starting on 30th April. Find out more on the link below:

Information about adult ceramics classes

Oak Knoll Exchange Visit

This week, we said goodbye to  Mrs Durant, Ava, Hannah and Juliette who have been visiting Mayfield as part of our Sixth Form US Exchange programme. 

They are visiting from Oak Knoll school in Summit, New Jersey. Oak Knoll is one of the Holy Child Schools and this exchange follows our five year 12 students who visited the US last October. 

The teacher and students spent their time in lessons, learning about our school and getting to know Sixth form life. They enjoyed visiting the local village, Bodium Castle, the sites of London and a wander round the Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells. 

'I really liked the school in general and being able to go to the lessons that are different to ours. I really liked going into the village and spending time in England'. Hannah 

'I enjoyed staying with my host family, they were so nice!' Ava 

This is the second year of this exchange and will be open to our current year 11 students to apply for 2025/2026. 

Mrs Georgina Fletcher, Director of Partnerships and Outreach

Swimming Update 

An update from Lauren, our swimming captain:
Although our last gala on Monday at Beneden unfortunately got cancelled, the swim team still managed to make the most of the situation by hosting a fun internal gala including woggle races, dive and glides and more ! 

On another note, I want to say a huge thank you to all swimmers who swam in any event this season, the participation has been great. 

I must also give a special mention to Mrs Whitby who has been the best swim coach Mayfield has ever had, always showing so much passion for the sport and providing endless support to every swimmer, thank you for everything ! 

Go-Karting Fun!

The Year 11s were excited to hit the race track for some Go-Karting last weekend as a celebration before they start their revision in earnest for their GCSEs next term. There were some speedy laps and although everyone was keen to beat Mr Walser, he did yet again mange to record the fastest lap. Cheryl, Freya and Kendra kept the girls in the running though with the fastest lap times of the Micks girls. We headed off afterwards for a delicious meal at Thai Orchid and despite a bit of a wait for some of our food the restaurant was lovely and the girls had a fabulous time. It was a very fitting way to end the term. 

I hope the girls manage to spend some time resting and enjoying themselves in between their revision over the Easter break before their return for the summer term. 

Mrs Whitby, St Michael's Housemistress

Short Story Competition Winners

This year's short story competition was on the Cornelian Principle of Courage. The subject was avidly embraced by the years 7 - 9 who had to produce a 500 word story somehow related to the subject. We had stories from multiple perspectives illustrating a wide range of ideas on topics and Judge Breanna said that she was 'blown away' by the quality and interest of the stories. One in particular 'Morality is a curse' made her laugh out loud at its outrageous take on a villain.

The year 10s had a flash fiction session where they had to plan and write a story of no more than 350 words on 'Courage with a twist' in one lesson. The entire group gathered in the library and the room positively expanded with all the crazy creative ideas.

More excerpts from our deserving winners and runners up, Katherine and Romilly (Year 7), Hei Bo and Alice (Yr 8), Hazel and Millie (Year 9) and Eliza, Eva and Bea (Year 10), next term!

Mrs Lucinda Misiewicz, Teacher of English

Chaplaincy News

Rather appropriately, this Sunday in the church is called ‘Laetare Sunday’. The word ‘laetare’ simply means ‘rejoice’ in Latin. Hmm, I wonder what we could possibly have to rejoice about this weekend…

The name comes from the first word of the opening antiphon of the Mass on Sunday:  “Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exalt and be satisfied at her consoling breast.”

The day is marked by the wearing of pink (or rose) vestments, and is the only day during the forty days of Lent when flowers are allowed on the sanctuary. It’s a day to remember, in the midst of the gloom and austerity of Lent, the joy that we can look forward to on Easter Sunday- the joy of Salvation, of Resurrection, the joy of Life.

So there you have it- one more reason, as if one were needed, to celebrate and rejoice this weekend! Laetare, everybody!

(And if you want to join us Laetare-ing at Sunday Mass, you are invited to join us at 11:30am in the school chapel as usual, where Mass will continue throughout the break. Times and dates for Holy Week and the Easter Triduum are as follows:

Maundy Thursday - Wadhurst @ 7:30pm

Good Friday - Mayfield School @ 3pm

Easter Vigil - Mayfield School @ 8:30pm

Easter Sunday - Wadhurst 9:30am Mayfield School 11:30am

All are welcome.

And for all those who are travelling this Easter holiday, here’s a quick prayer for safe travels (also known as Psalm 121):

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil;

he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and for evermore.

And finally, whatever you do, and wherever you find yourself this holiday, I wish you a happy, holy and restful Easter break. God bless.

Easter Cakes

Year 12 Culinary Skills girls have been impressing with their Easter cake making skills this week. Star Baker of the week goes to Mabel - fabulous result, well done! 

Photo of the Week

With thanks to Ariel and Maia in Year 11 for this week's photos of the sun setting over Mayfield.

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

School Shop

Year 11 & 13 - Second Hand

Once you are on study leave and have a reduced need for certain parts of your uniform, if you wish to send this back to the school shop for second hand, please do the following:

1. Please make sure you have uniform for prize giving / sports day which is on Saturday 21st June – including your house polo.
2. Make sure all the items are washed and ironed. If we must launder them, we will consider the item a donation as we will need to cover the cost of laundering them- this includes ironing them.
3. Please make sure they are the current uniform. We do not take back obsolete uniform (i.e. Kukri sports kit or items with the old logo – no cross in the centre, old house polo’s or wrap round and zip kilts etc.).
4. We do not take back things like white shirts, swim caps, hockey socks etc, but you can send them in and they will be responsibly recycled.
5. All items must be in good condition, have no holes, rips, broken zips, or stains and not be faded.
6. You may leave the names on them; we can remove these for you.
7. If you are in doubt, send it all in and what we cannot take for second hand we will recycle for you.
8. Items taken in (and not sent for recycling) will be credited to your school shop account straight away. Therefore please make sure all items you wish to sell are with us by the last day of term. After July 4^th, any items received IF YOU ARE LEAVING, will be considered a donation as your account will be shut. For those in Year 11 going into Year 12, if we receive items after term has ended , we will credit you on the next available bill run.
9. We respectfully ask to remind you that there is no official agreement to take back second hand and the credit we give you is final and non-negotiable. If we deem an item too old or in too poor condition to sell, we will just dispose of it responsibly. Likewise, if we have too many of a specific item, we will not be able to credit.
10. For Year 11 - please remember to keep your sport bag and any sport kit you know you will need for next year. If you are unsure of your sport choice yet, please keep all your sport kit and then bring items you will not need to me in the Autumn term once you have chosen your sport.

Name Tapes

If you are leaving us, and you had the naming service please come to the school shop and collect any surplus name tapes towards the end of term.

Wishing you all a Happy Easter and a restful break.

Mrs Susan Bowles, School Shop Manager

Curry & Quiz Night - Friday 9^th May

Book your places here