E-weekly Issue 303 - 6 June 2025

Welcome

In the News This Week...

Mayfield Welcomes Two New Arrivals

There has been a real buzz throughout the school with the arrival of the Sixth Form guinea pigs! They have settled in well and enjoyed seeing lots of visitors.

Following the naming competition, they are now known as Connie and Nelly!

Mrs Rachel Davies, Deputy Head of Sixth Form

Gold DofE Practice - Trekking Through the Peak District

Ten Year 12 students braved the wild weather of the Dark Peak last weekend as they completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition. Over the course of three days, the girls tackled challenging routes through the beautiful (and blustery) landscapes of the Peak District, including Derwent Moor by Ladybower Reservoir, a windswept ascent of Win Hill, the stunning Edale Valley and the rugged terrain of Offerton Moor by Robin Hood’s Cross.

Despite a wet and windy forecast – and some very determined gusts at the top of Win Hill – the girls showed real grit and perseverance. Walking around 15km each day with heavy packs, they honed their map reading and navigation skills, kept morale high, and even managed to cook up some decent expedition meals (though no one’s winning MasterChef just yet!). There were the usual blisters and sore feet, but also plenty of laughter and some impressive teamwork along the way.

A huge thank you to Dr and Mrs Taylor and Mr Glazebrook for giving up four days of their half-term to support the expedition – and for staying cheerful in the wind and rain! The group now looks ahead to their qualifying expedition in October, when they’ll return to the Peak District to take on taller peaks, longer days, and even more breath-taking views.

Mr Stevie Partington, Interim Duke of Edinburgh Leader & Director of IT

Cornelian Lecture - Tuesday 10^th June

I am pleased to announce the next speaker in our Cornelian Lecture Programme for this year and hope you can join us for what we hope will be a fascinating talk from Hugh McCleod who will speak to our community on Tuesday, 10^th June from 19:00-20:00 in the Sixth Form Lecture Room.

In 2002 Hugh McLeod established his own company providing forward-looking country risk analysis and business intelligence to large companies and governments, focusing on the Islamic world, and then expanding to cover other high-risk areas including Russia.  It had won 33 corporate and government clients by the time that it re-launched in 2008. He became a consultant in 2014.

Hugh left the Diplomatic Service in 2000, having served 18 years, with postings to Islamabad, Accra, Nicosia - where he served as Political Counsellor - and Kosovo. He worked on the FSU, counterterrorism and the politics and security of the Muslim world. Before this he had served as an infantry officer for fourteen years which included four tours in Northern Ireland.  His final appointment, from 1979 to 1981, was as a Liaison Officer in the Military Mission to the Soviet Forces in East Germany (awarded MBE). He read Slavonic Studies at Nottingham University and then qualified as an Army interpreter in Russian.

Hugh is married, with two adult children, and recently left the London Symphony Chorus after ten years.

Please click on the link below and register if you would like to attend this talk by no later than Monday 9^th June 2025.

Please click here to register for this talk.    

I look forward to welcoming you to what I am sure will be a fascinating lecture. As ever, if you have any ideas for talks or indeed feel that you might like to offer to undertake a Cornelian Lecture for the Mayfield Community, please get in touch with me at jdoy@mayfieldgirls.org

Mr John Doy, Deputy Head Academic

Sports News

As we headed into the final half term of the academic year, the girls were straight back into cricket fixtures. Full reports can be found on SOCS.

Tuesday 3^rd June - U14A Mayfield vs Roedean
The U14s had a tough outing on Tuesday, largely down to the weather, but also as they came up against a good Roedean team.

It was a game that taught the girls how to play in typical 'English summer' conditions, and how to adapt their bowling, fielding, and batting to suit the climate. They also came up against a very strong Roedean team

Batter of the game: Flo Y        Bowler of the game: Gigi 

A defeat by 66 runs.

Wednesday 4^th June - U13A Mayfield vs Sevenoaks
It was a tough outing for our U13A team on Wednesday as we were comfortably beaten by a very strong Sevenoaks team. Sevenoaks batted first and Mayfield started really well with the ball, kept it tight in the field and built pressure by bowling good lines and lengths. This pressure paid off when Christina H was able to dismiss the top three of Sevenoaks in quick succession. Sally then took a wicket and two bits of brilliant fielding, one from Sally and one from Katya assisted Isobel in two run outs. This meant that Sevenoaks finished their innings on 158/6 from their 20 overs.

That, however, was where the strong performances ended, as the Mayfield girls struggled with the bat against a clinical Sevenoaks bowling attack. Alice top-scored with four, Isla added three, and Trini chipped in with one. Despite their best efforts, the rest of the team couldn’t get off the mark. The girls found it challenging to step towards the ball and play their usual confident shots seen in previous weeks, and were bowled out for 31 inside 10 overs

Plenty to learn for this team who have made so much progress with their bowling and fielding this term.

Batter of the game: Isla         Bowler of the game: Christina 

A defeat by 127 runs.

U13B Mayfield vs Sevenoaks
After winning the toss. Mayfield put Sevenoaks into bat. With an early wicket from Nancy, and two further wickets from Willow, as well as Clara taking a catch, as wicket keeper, off Georgia, we kept Sevenoaks to 260. After a strong first over, a fortunate run-out by Sevenoaks helped settle their nerves. Some sharp fielding followed, including a direct hit and another run-out, which made things difficult for our girls. However, a final flourish saw us edge closer to the target. Although we fell just short, it was a really good game with plenty of lessons learned.

On a damp and dreary afternoon in June the C team travelled to play a very well organised Sevenoaks team. With Sevenoaks having more players than Mayfield we decided to lengthen the game to 12 overs per team. For some of Mayfield's C team it was only their first or second match so they should be really proud of how much they progressed in the game.

Winning the toss, captain Aurelie chose to put Sevenoaks in to bat. They took advantage of the short boundary and set an impressive total of 123 runs. With all of the Mayfield team taking a turn at bowling — some for the very first time — we claimed three impressive wickets and, towards the latter stages of the innings, managed to slow the home side’s run rate.

Mayfield made some pleasing progress with the bat, but unfortunately, regular wickets cost us momentum, and we finished on 59, falling short by 64 runs. Notable mentions go to Pia, who was voted Batter of the Day after scoring 15 runs in a single over, and Iona, who earned Bowler of the Day for hitting the stumps.

Batter of the game:  Nancy        Bowler of the game: Amaya 

Defeat by 19 runs.

U13D Mayfield vs Sevenoaks
The U13D team took to the field with great spirit in their friendly fixture against Sevenoaks. Despite a loss on the scoreboard, it was a hugely positive afternoon packed with learning, development, and individual highlights.

Sevenoaks set a strong total of 153/1, but Mayfield’s bowlers showed clear progression throughout the innings. The team’s accuracy improved as the overs passed, and it was fantastic to see confidence growing across the field. A special mention goes to Annabella, who made her cricket debut and claimed Mayfield’s only wicket with an absolute zinger—an unforgettable moment! While the fielding effort was mostly sharp, there were moments of lost focus which allowed a few too many boundaries through. That said, the team’s energy and teamwork were evident throughout.

In reply, Mayfield started promisingly. Ina-Mae and Annabella formed a strong opening partnership, picking up valuable runs early on. Unfortunately, some tight and disciplined bowling from Sevenoaks saw wickets fall and 10 runs deducted, taking the total to 25 after six overs. Ella and Leonie injected fresh momentum into the innings with excellent running between the wickets, cleverly capitalising on Sevenoaks’ misfields to push the total to 49. Their partnership was a standout example of alert and aggressive batting. Kristy and Janie continued in a similar vein, finding quick singles and keeping the scoreboard ticking. However, Sevenoaks struck again, reducing Mayfield’s total.

Closing out the innings were Meryl and Mary, who batted positively, with Mary’s efforts earning her Opposition’s Batter of the Game—a fantastic accolade for her contribution. Despite the loss, the fixture was a really positive step forward for the team. Progress was clear, individual skills are developing fast, and the team spirit remains strong. Well done to all involved—a brilliant afternoon of cricket with lots to be proud of and areas to build on.

Result: Mayfield 62/5 lost to Sevenoaks 153/1

Tomorrow, Saturday 7^th June, we are looking forward to hosting the Annual MCC match, again hoping that the Met Office will change the forecast! Good luck to everyone taking part.

Teatime Concert - Thursday 12^th June

You are warmly invited to our final Teatime Concert of the year; there will be vocal performances as well as performances on clarinet, cello and violin.

Date: Thursday 12^th June
Location: The Concert Hall
Time: 16:45 - 17:45

Tea/coffee and biscuits will be available from 16.30

Please click here to complete and submit the RSVP form for this event

International English Students Tackle English Exams

Exam season is well and truly upon us and the International English department has been busy. This week our International English girls are sitting their Cambridge exams, the culmination of a year's hard work. These Cambridge exams are internationally recognised and the qualifications are accepted by over 25,000 organisations worldwide. So they really do provide the English language skills to communicate and succeed in the real world.

On Wednesday 4^th June, 5 year 12 students ventured to the prestigious English Language Centre in Brighton, accompanied by their English teacher Mrs Maimi, to sit their Cambridge Advanced Examination. The CAE is a C1 (proficient) level and internationally recognised English qualification, which is valid for life. The girls have enjoyed learning a range of advanced language to prepare for this exam throughout the year. It was an exhausting day comprising four exams: Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking. It was a nerve-wracking experience for them to travel out of their Mayfield 'comfort zone' to a different examination centre and meet other young people and adults who were taking the exam. However, our young ladies took it all in their stride and came away buzzing from the experience.

This Saturday, the remaining International English girls in Lower School will be taking their Preliminary English Test (PET) which is at the intermediate B1 level, and the girls in Middle School their First Certificate of English (FCE) at the B2 intermediate level. They will take four papers similar to the Year 12s and external Cambridge examiners will be coming to Mayfield to help run the exams.

We wish them luck and look forward to receiving their results in the summer!

Mrs Caroline Turner, International English Teacher

'Age is Revolting' Mayfield Drama Production

Mayfield School invites you to our Year 7-10 Drama Production of 'Age is Revolting'.

Date: Monday 23^rd & Tuesday 24^th June
Time: 19:00
Location: The Concert Hall

Drinks and nibbles will be available from 18:30.

'Age is Revolting', a new play by British-Armenian playwright Abi Zakarian, sees a class of rebellious teens who have no desire to respect their elders, respect their classmates or respect their choir class gain some important perspective as they suddenly find themselves 80 years old and living in a care home. Through their experience they learn more about the stories their grandparents have to tell and the importance of listening to them, as well as a lot about the value in having fun.

With ideas about living forever and never appreciating the real lives of their grandparents, the play toys with ideas about feeling like the same person whatever age you are but also explains the physical toll on the body as the 14-year-olds discover achy backs, dodgy knees and a love of bingo in their 80s. There is a lot to keep track of with escape plots, discarded toys coming to life and a merging of worlds when Nina, Arpi, Barney and Mo relive scenes they have played from a younger perspective.

Seats are limited and will be on a first come first served basis, so please book early to avoid disappointment!

Click here to book your seats

Onnae Attends Workshop with Westminster Youth Council

This week I took part in a Community Trauma Workshop through my role on the Westminster Youth Council. It was one of the most powerful experiences I have had in this position. We spoke openly about youth violence, the trauma it causes, and the way systems can often fail the very people they are meant to protect.

Listening to stories from survivors, youth workers, and local leaders made it painfully clear how many young people are pulled into cycles of harm without ever being given a real chance. One of the biggest takeaways for me was the lack of information many parents have about what their children face, especially online. Young people often do not share what they are going through until it is too late, and by then, the damage is already done.

I also learned how trust breaks down after a violence related crisis and how rebuilding it takes real partnership between schools, families, communities, and young people.

I shared my thoughts during the workshop and left with a deep sense of responsibility. I will be bringing these conversations back to the Youth Council so we can begin working with local schools to offer support and create spaces where young people feel seen, safe, and heard.

More than anything, the day reminded me that change does not come from silence. It comes from listening, sharing, acting together.

Onnae, Year 12

Culinary Skills Girls' Favourite Dishes - 'Savoury' Week

As the Year 12 Culinary skills course nears the finishing line the girls have an opportunity to choose, plan, prepare and plate their favourite dishes. This week was "Savoury" week!

There was a wide range of different dishes prepared including ramen, duck spring rolls, curries, focaccia art, pizza, katsu curry, pizza, burgers, ricotta and spinach ravioli, salmon tart and mango salsa. It was a great opportunity for them to demonstrate the skills they have developed over the year and to work independently to consider the final presentation of their dishes.

Fabulous results girls (and the kitchen smelt divine!)  - well done! 

I'm looking forward to "Desserts" next week! 

Mrs Sue Smeaton, Head of Food & Nutrition

Chaplaincy News

This Sunday, we celebrate the feast of Pentecost, the 50^th, and last, day of the Easter season.

Pentecost marks the moment when the apostles, Mary the mother of Jesus, and some other followers were gathered in an upper room. They were hiding, fearful, and lost. They had been praying continuously for nine days. Suddenly, according to Acts 2, a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house. Then, what seemed to be tongues of fire came and rested on each of them, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages. 

No longer afraid, they went out of the house, and began to praise God in the streets, to the amazement of all who heard their own languages being spoken. Peter, the first pope, spoke with such conviction that 3,000 people asked to be baptised that day, and the Church was born. 

Pentecost reminds us that the Church is not a building (though our chapel is particularly beautiful!). The Church is people. The Church is your - and my - call to ‘go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News’. The Church is love, compassion, forgiveness. The Church is humility, serving others and building community. The Church offers us (through the gifts of the Holy Spirit - take note, Confirmands!) the strength, the courage, to be the salt of the earth, and the light of the world. The Church accepts and welcomes and loves us all. The Church celebrates the divinity and humanity, worth and sanctity of every single one of us. 

On Pentecost Sunday, we pray for Pope Leo, and for anybody (which should be all of us!) involved in spreading the Gospel. We pray in a very special way for the girls preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next Sunday here in the school chapel. They are the next generation of Evangelists!

Have a lovely weekend. 

Holy half hour is on Tuesday at 6pm. Next weekend, there will be a 5pm vigil Mass on Saturday evening, to facilitate the 11am Confirmation Mass on Sunday. While you are very welcome to attend the Confirmation Mass, to support our Confirmands, be warned it will be long, and packed. Be prepared to sit in the narthex!

Next Week's Daily Prayers

Daily Prayers 9-13 June
Mr Ronan Lavery, Chaplain

Library News

Thursday 12^th June is Empathy Day and the charity EmpathyLab are promoting this with a festival of ideas, resources, and webinars with well known poets and authors across the Key Stages.

Empathy Day and Empathy Festival – EmpathyLabUK

Please do pop in to either library to discover stories and characters that may reflect your own experiences or lead you to understand another point of view.

We have had some new books arrive for Lower School, which we will be taking a closer look at during our library lessons.

Photo of the Week

Photo of the week today features a historical twist, courtesy of Dr Weddell:

Over the half term break I visited the Vyne in Hampshire, only to see the coat of arms of Archbishop William Warham carved into the linenfold panelling in the Oak Gallery (1521-26), just as we have in the stone spandrel over the door in Gresham (1504-1532)!

They both show a goat’s head and three scallop shells with the Archbishop's staff and pallium. At the Vyne, the initials 'WS' are for the builder of the Oak Gallery, William Sandys, Lord Chamberlain to King Henry VIII.

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