E-weekly Issue 304 - 13 June 2025

Welcome

In the News This Week...

Year 7 Geography Field Trip to Eastbourne

The Year 7s spent last Friday on the beach and seafront in Eastbourne, somehow dodging all the heavy showers that Mayfield got that day. They were studying longshore drift along the beach and peoples' viewpoints about what Eastbourne is like, before an opportunity to get an ice cream on the pier (and some failed attempts to dodge the rather confident seagulls!).

Mr Christopher Adams, Head of Geography

Year 12 Devised Performance 'Face of a Stranger'

This week Grace, Tamsin and Yasmina performed a piece of work that they had created from a stimulus script, based on a story about adolescent children that are abandoned by their mother as part of their A Level Drama assessment. The performance was poignant and intense and gave each student the opportunity to portray their character's story arc by using a wide range of physical and vocal skills. The girls should be commended for their excellent collaboration to create such a thought-provoking piece. Thank you to Steve Savage for his technical design which heightened the mood throughout.

Ms Victoria Nash, Director of Drama & Media

Bronze DofE Assessed Expedition

Congratulations to our 25 Year 9 students who successfully completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh assessed expedition in the beautiful Ashdown Forest. Over two days with one overnight camp, the girls navigated confidently through their routes, demonstrating strong teamwork, independence and problem-solving. Despite a couple of unexpected incidents en route, they responded with maturity and resilience, showing how far they’ve come since their training began.

This achievement marks the completion of the expedition section of their Bronze Award. Combined with their volunteering, physical and skills sections, the Bronze award represents a significant achievement that reflects the girls’ commitment and perseverance in gaining new skills and going outside of their comfort zone. A huge thank you to Mr Glazebrook and Mr Warren for assessing the expedition, and to Mr Marshall, Mrs Maimi and Mrs Turner for their support throughout the weekend. We hope to see many of these students taking on the challenge of Silver next year!

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

Year 10 Enjoy Ecology Morning

On Thursday 12^th June we held an Ecology morning for Year 10. The girls carried out one of the required practical tasks that is covered as part of their GCSE Biology and Trilogy Biology courses. They considered risk assessments and method planning to start the day. They then spent time out in our lovely fields collecting data on numbers and types of plant species using random and systematic sampling techniques.  The second part of the morning was spent analysing their data, drawing graphs and writing up conclusions and evaluations. These are all essential skills required for the B7 Ecology module. 

We added an extra dynamic by grouping the girls into their school houses. Their teachers awarded points throughout the morning for teamwork, following instructions, data presentation, analytical skills and bonus points for asking interesting questions and making extra effort. All of these were added together and we are delighted to announce the inaugural Inter-House Biology Competition winners as....

...Assisi! 

Congratulations and well done to everyone for working so hard and making it a great morning. 

Mrs Laura Lewis, Head of Science & Biology

Sports News

MCC Cricket - Saturday 7^th June
We were delighted to host the extremely prestigious MCC Cricket fixture last Saturday, back on site after a two-year absence.

We played two games, and 23 girls were able to participate, showcasing the skills and progress they’ve made this season. They learned about the spirit of cricket in a game setting and, most importantly, had the opportunity to have fun playing against a great group of women cricketers, who guided the girls and provided valuable feedback at the end of each game, giving special mentions to those they felt had performed particularly well.

Despite losing both fixtures, the MCC women were incredibly complimentary of our girls—their approach to the game, how they played, and their enthusiasm. The MCC players truly enjoyed the opportunity to teach and share their love of cricket.

A massive thank you must go to Mr Walser, the PE team and our amazing Catering Department who, as always, put on an incredible spread for our buffet lunch and hosted an amazing BBQ at the end of the day. Finally, thank you to the parents who came to support too.

After a successful weekend of Cricket playing the MCC, there were more exciting matches this week. Full reports will be available on SOCS.

Wednesday 11^th June
U13 A vs Brighton College
Mayfield came up against a very well drilled Brighton College side, who amassed 143 for 3, but with some quick, accurate bowling, we got 56 for 9.
Result: Loss by  87 runs

U13B vs Brighton College
Brighton College provided a lovely venue for an afternoon of Cricket. Brighton won the toss and chose to bat first and whilst they set a competitive total, Romily got two wickets in two balls but narrowly missed out on a hat trick. When Mayfield went into bat, Brighton's bowling was fast and accurate making it difficult for some of the girls to play any real shots, but there is lots to be happy about and progress is being made.
Result: Loss by 40 runs

Thursday 12^th June
U15A vs Roedean
In a really, really good game on Thursday afternoon, the U15As beat Roedean by 41 runs. With some terrific batting and bowling performances, the U15s should be immensely proud of themselves and they are doing incredibly well in the Cricket League.
Result: Win by 41 runs

This weekend, we are also looking forward to the U13 and U15 Mayfield Tennis Tournaments on Saturday 14^th June, as well as weekend Football Tournaments for U13 and U15 at Steyning Football Club.

The PE Department is also very grateful to the Friends of the School who have funded our new High Jump mat, which arrived on Thursday, and will be on show on Mayfield Day.

Reminder: The Staff vs Parents Cricket has been rearranged for Friday 27^th June after the poor weather forecast last week.

Success in the Junior Mathematical Challenge

Before half term, twenty of our Year 7 and 8 mathematicians took part in the Junior Mathematical Challenge. The Junior Mathematical Challenge is a 60-minute, multiple-choice competition aimed at students across the UK. It encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems. The problems on the Junior 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 Mathematics Department are pleased to report that this year we achieved three gold, five silver and three bronze certificates! Serena and Janie also qualified for the Junior Kangaroo which takes place next week.

Well done to all the Year 7 and Year 8 girls who participated in the Junior Mathematical Challenge.

The solutions to the above questions can be found at the end of this e-weekly edition.

Mrs Sally Howie, Deputy Head of Mathematics

Year 12 Chemists Triumph in Chemistry Olympiad

Congratulations are in order for Nicole, Anna, Charmeine, Iris and Trinity who have received certificates demonstrating their prowess in the Chemistry Olympiad. This is an incredibly challenging national competition that involves multi-disciplinary problem solving and requires considerable lateral thinking. Impressively, all of my students took part a year early (in Year 12 rather than Year 13), and Iris achieved a Gold award — a distinction earned by only the top 8% of candidates across the country. They were also awarded three silvers and a bronze, well above the national average. An impressive achievement all around.

Dr David Turner, Teacher of Chemistry

Justice and Peace Group's 'Minute of Hope'

The Justice and Peace group have made a video to celebrate the jubilee year, listing examples of what brings them hope. It celebrates all that they have done together as a group in the last two years of Justice and Peace.

It will be uploaded to the 'Minutes of Hope' website for the jubilee year.

Minutes of Hope
What brings you hope? Please do have a go at creating your own 'Minute of Hope' video if you want to explore this further!

Mrs Gaelle McGovern, Head of Religious Studies

Discovering Future Surgeons in Dissection Club!

During their Dissection Enrichment, Year 12 students have had an opportunity to try out their suturing skills. Mayfield could be producing some budding surgeons!

Mrs Rachel Davies, Teacher of Biology

Primary Schools Shine at Annual Kwik Cricket Tournament

Last Friday, we were delighted to welcome six local primary schools to our annual Kwik Cricket tournament. As part of our school partnership programme, we proudly provided transport and coaching opportunities to support the development of cricket provision in our local community.

Despite a wet and challenging start to the day, including some unexpected flooding, spirits remained high. After a well-timed lunch break, the sun made a welcome appearance, allowing play to resume in perfect conditions. The afternoon was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and fantastic cricketing moments.

Congratulations to Wadhurst for taking home the winner’s trophy, and well done to Weald Primary School, our worthy runners-up. It was a fantastic day of sport, learning, and community spirit—highlighting our ongoing commitment to supporting local sporting opportunities.

A huge 'thank you!' must go to Mr Walser and the sports department for their organisation, time and efforts for making this happen.

Mrs Georgina Fletcher, Director of Partnerships and Outreach

'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

Psychology Club Presents...

Culinary Skills Girls' Favourite Dishes - 'Sweet' Week

For the final Culinary Skills lesson of the year the girls planned, created and plated their chosen dessert or sweet treat. This included sticky toffee pudding, tiramisu, chocolate fondants (spiced cherry compote), brownies, decorated cupcakes and creme brulee. 

It's been a fun and busy year with this group!

Well done Alisa, Dora, Anna, Mabel, Rachel, Faith, Siena, Iris, Lily, Nina, Sofia and Flo.

Mrs Sue Smeaton, Head of Food and Nutrition

Save the Date - Careers Fair

Chaplaincy News

Please keep the following young women in your prayers this Sunday, as they courageously take the next step on their faith journeys - Confirmation:

Sofia
Hope
Haniel                          
Dilys                  
Rose                
Amelia            
Carmen
Alice  
Emma
Betsy
Tabatha

Alongside her Confirmation, we celebrate in a very special way with Hope, who is being received into the Catholic Church, and will also make her First Holy Communion on Sunday - as will Haniel!

Please keep in your prayers Lucia and Claudia, who will be receiving all of the Sacraments of Initiation on Sunday - Baptism, Communion and Confirmation. Hallelujah!

Sunday marks the end of a 10-month journey of preparation for these young women; more importantly though, it marks the beginning of their lives as adults in the faith. And I genuinely mean this: I could not be any more proud of these young women. They are a credit to themselves, to their parents, and to the Catholic Church. I hope you will join me in praying for them this weekend, and into the future.

The Confirmation Mass is on Sunday at 11am. If you don't mind being squeezed into the narthex, you're welcome to join us. Mass for the Mayfield School and Parish communities will be at 5pm on Saturday evening.

Photo of the Week

Photo of the week comes from Martyna on another legendary Welly Walk, with a photo of Mrs Bligh's dog Pippin enjoying munching on a stick.

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

Maths Challenge Solutions