E-weekly Issue 306 - 27 June 2025

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In the News This Week...

Mayfield Day 2025

Last Saturday, we were delighted to welcome over 1,000 members of the Mayfield community for a joyful and memorable Mayfield Day. The celebrations began with our Prizegiving ceremony, where we honoured the achievements of our students across the year. This was followed by a vibrant festival-style lunch and lively inter-house athletics—both enjoyed in the spirit of fun and friendly competition.

A particularly special moment was the opportunity to celebrate and bid farewell to our exceptional Year 13 leavers, as they prepare to embark on their next adventures.

It was a truly uplifting day, filled with warmth, pride and community spirit.

Inter-House Athletics
After a fabulous prize-giving ceremony came the annual Inter-House Athletics competition that completed Mayfield Day. Despite the predicted 30+ degree heat, a bit of cloud cover and a nice breeze ensured that we could complete the full schedule of events. With some tremendous effort, and a wide range of girls taking part, we saw some wonderful PBs, although the heat did take away some of the opportunities for school records to be broken. Nevertheless, an afternoon of excellent sporting competition saw Assisi crowned as the 2025 Winners.

Thanks also, once again, to the Friends of Mayfield for our High Jump mat which is already making a big difference.

Year 13 Leavers' Celebration

Last Friday was a chance to say goodbye to our Year 13 as a year group with a beautiful and moving leavers' Mass. This was a quiet moment of collective reflection and thanksgiving for everything which has contributed to the whole-person education of our Leavers and a chance to come together one final time as an entire year group before Year 13  embark on their summer plans and exciting futures. Thanks were given by members of the pupil, staff, parent and faith communities of Mayfield.

"When we meet we will tell again those stories of those years in the classroom and all the experiences we had in school. Remember us: we will remember you."

After the Mass we moved out into glorious evening sunshine for celebratory drinks, photographs and a wonderful alfresco hog roast. A new tradition was established in a speech from the mother of the Head Girl, Mrs Bola Adepoju, who gave our students the benefit of her wonderful advice for the next stage of their academic journey and the road ahead. We were then able to enjoy the preview of the Creative Arts Show and celebrate the talent of all the students exhibiting there. It was a pleasure to spend such a final beautiful evening with this fantastic year group.

Mrs Elizabeth Aherne, Head of Sixth Form

Year 7 History Trip to Battle Abbey

On Tuesday 25^th June the Year 7 students visited Battle Abbey to take part in a workshop on the Battle of Hastings. The girls were shown some of the weapons used by the Norman and Anglo-Saxon soldiers and recreated some of the key moments during the battle. On arrival the girls undertook a walking tour of the battlefield and abbey ruins where they were able to handle some historical artefacts linked to life in the abbey. After a quick lunch we travelled to Pevensey Castle, the site of a Norman Castle and where William the Conqueror landed his ships before the Battle of Hastings. The girls were able to explore the castle grounds and completed a fact finding mission about the historical development of the site. 

Mr Robert Meek, Teacher of History

Inspire Her: Girls in Maths – A Day of Discovery and Empowerment

On a bright June morning, Mayfield School proudly hosted the Inspire Her: Girls in Maths conference, welcoming Year 10 students from local secondary schools for a day dedicated to exploring the power and potential of mathematics beyond the classroom. 

With girls making up less than 15% of A-Level Maths entrants across the UK, Mayfield is committed to closing this gap. Our strong A-Level Maths and STEM programme is a testament to that commitment, and this event was designed to inspire the next generation of female mathematicians. 

The day began with two exceptional guest speakers who shared their journeys from A-Level Maths to high-powered careers. Louise Fletcher, Vice President at Barclays, and Rebecca Scott, Chief of Staff at UBS Global, captivated the audience with their stories. Both highlighted how studying Maths not only opened doors to their first roles but continues to equip them with critical thinking and analytical skills essential in their daily work. 

Following the keynote talks, our Maths Department led four engaging workshops, each designed to showcase the beauty, creativity, and real-world relevance of mathematics. From problem-solving challenges to mathematical modelling, the 50 attendees were immersed in activities that sparked curiosity and confidence. 

The atmosphere throughout the day was one of excitement, collaboration, and empowerment. Students left with a renewed sense of what’s possible with Maths, and hopefully, many with a new ambition to pursue it at A-Level and beyond. 

At Mayfield, we believe in nurturing talent and breaking barriers. Inspire Her: Girls in Maths was more than just a conference. It was a celebration of potential, and a step toward a more inclusive future in STEM. Thank you to the Maths Department for facilitating such a fantastic day. 

Mrs Georgina Fletcher, Director of Partnerships and Outreach

Students Deliver Bold Performance of 'Age Is Revolting' 

On Monday and Tuesday evening, students from across Years 7-10 performed 'Age Is Revolting' written by Abi Zakarian. This new play, which forms part of the National Theatre Connections anthology, celebrated our talented students and gave them an opportunity to perform 'in-the-round' in our newly renovated concert hall. Many thanks go to Miss Allen, Mrs Santo, Mr Partington, Mr Savage and Mr Smith for their brilliant support. The next production will be the whole school musical - look out for the show announcement in next week's final assembly! 

Ms Victoria Nash, Director of Drama & Media Studies

'Experience Mayfield' Day - Tuesday 24^th June

On Tuesday, we were thrilled to welcome more than 50 enthusiastic Year 5 students to Mayfield for a special taster day. They took part in a variety of engaging activities - from baking cookies and experimenting with robotics to exploring how the brain works. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience the creativity and curiosity that define life at Mayfield - along with a chance to enjoy a taste of our much-loved school food!

Sports News

Schools Sailing Competition
We couldn't be prouder of Katherine and Rose, who independently asked if they could take part in the Schools Sailing Competition at Itchenor Sailing Club. With a relatively tight turn around, we worked together to make it happen, and there was genuine delight from one of the sailing guys at Itechnor to see Mayfield participating; he was convinced that Mayfield had previously taken part around 20 years ago, but was going to try and find out more details. After a 'free sail' on the Sunday, on Monday and Tuesday Katherine and Rose competed amongst about 90 boats, in some pretty strong wind; so with a lot of resilience and a lot of learning, we have already pencilled this in for the same time next year! Well done girls, an awesome achievement. 

U15 Cricket Residential at Ampleforth
We took 12 U15 girls up to Ampleforth from Tuesday-Thursday this week for the inaugural catholic schools' Cricket tournament held by Emeriti. After an early start Tuesday, the girls started brilliantly in their first T25 game and bowled their first opposition (Barnard Castle) out for 144 inside 22 overs. Lucie took 4 wickets, Claudia took 3, Isla 2 and Flo 1. The run chase started well with Flo and Erin putting on 44. Once Erin was out, Flo was the star of the show. She was able to get to her first 50 off the season for school and anchored the innings around a few wickets falling. She finished not out on 58 from 63 and Lucie came in with a good 12 at the end to get us over the line. A 6-wicket victory.

Batter of the game: Flo
Bowler of the game: Lucie

The following day saw the girls play two games. The first of the day was the best performance of the season. After being asked to bat first, Erin and Flo again started well by putting on 35 but when Erin got out, Claudia came in to steady the innings with Flo. A quick flurry of wickets saw Mayfield go from 107-2 to 109-4 but Ana steadied the ship (9) and then Eliza came to the crease for her first ‘proper bat’ of the season and put on a run a ball 15. Claudia played a brilliant knock but despite being dismissed for 46 from 45, Mayfield finished their 25 overs on 190/6, an incredible effort.

With the ball and in the field, the girls put on a show. Whilst they didn’t bowl out Ampleforth, their tactical understanding and application along with some great ground fielding and tight bowling (only giving away 8 wides all game) meant that Ampleforth finished their 25 overs on 152/8. Eliza (3), Lucie (2) and Flo (1) all contributed. Some great fielding from Pippa, Erin and Amelia also resulted in 2 run outs. A 38 run victory.

Batter of the game: Claudia
Bowler of the game: Eliza

The final game of the tour saw a final against a very strong Tormead side. After losing the toss and being put into bat, a lot of the girls made good starts but couldn’t quite go on to convert to a decent score like we had previously. Eliza came in and batted brilliantly for 22 and some stubborn batting and brilliant running at the end of the innings from Ana and Gigi meant that Mayfield got up to 121 from their 23.2 overs before being bowled out.

The girls were never truly in the game due to Tormead’s brilliant start with the bat and knowing they weren’t chasing too much of a big total, they were able to bat carefully but in a classy way. A 98 opening run partnership was ended by Lucie who also picked up another wicket shortly after, but Tormead ended their innings on 122/2 from 17 overs. A defeat by 7 wickets.

Batter of the game: Eliza
Bowler of the game: Lucie

It was a shame to not get over the line but we had a brilliant few days and there was some incredible Cricket played by the girls along with some card games and entertainment in the evenings.

All eyes are now on how we do at Millfield next week!

Sixth Form News

OCs Return to Share University Advice
We were delighted to see three of our 2024 leavers on Monday who came in for a tour of the school and to catch up with staff. They also talked to Year 12s about their relevant courses and universities:
Abigail - Civil Engineering at Kingston
Joyce - Medicine at Bristol
Quinn - Chemistry at Kings

Year 10 Open Afternoon
Yesterday we welcomed all of Year 10 into Sixth Form to give a taste and flavour of A level study and to start the selection process of potential subjects, thinking not just about the A Levels themselves but also the wider context of the continuity of study from GCSEs, through A levels on into university application and placement. Mrs Aherne (Head of Sixth Form) talked about the significant differences when moving into the final phase of the school and how the Sixth Form team, beyond ensuring the best possible combination of subjects for examination success, personal interest and enjoyment, also fully support each student for the next stage of their journey towards university choice and entrance. 

Sixth Form centre was transformed into an A level Careers Fair and Year 10 had the opportunity not only to talk to the Head of Department for all the A level subjects but also to chat to the Year 12 subject ambassadors for an insider's view of what studying each subject is like from a student's perspective. Sixth Form centre was alive with the buzz of discussion and excitement as Year 10 got a first insight into what A level subjects involve and explored all the new subjects on offer. The next phase of this journey will take place with the Year 11 A level Options Evening in September and the Year 11 Sixth Form taster day in early October.

Year 11 Sixth Form Induction Day
Last Friday the Year 11 returned after their GCSEs for the Sixth Form Induction morning. This was a really important opportunity to look ahead to the excitement of beginning new courses and new subjects in the final phase of education. After a talk from Mrs Aherne about the structure of the Sixth Form day,  the options available in the Year 12 Enrichment programme and what it will be like starting Year 12, students were then able to meet with the teachers of their chosen subjects for an insight into the start of their A level courses and to talk about how they can best prepare for starting them in September. It was a really constructive morning and wonderfully exciting to be welcoming such a positive and interesting new cohort of Year 12s next term.

St Michael's Boarders' End of Year Party

Last Thursday our Year 11 boarders in St Michael’s gathered to celebrate our time together as well as the end of their GCSE examinations. I have been with these girls in boarding for the whole two years of their GCSE preparation and some of them since Year 9. I have witnessed all the work they have put into different practicals, rehearsals, trial runs, musical practice and ceramics hours as well as hours of traditional study. I have seen them surprise each other with cakes, rooms filled with balloons, and for some strange reason occasionally a rubber glove filled with water! Water fights, ice bucket challenges, a million tik-toks and catching them up after lights out more times than I can count.

With the final exams out of the way, we got the chance to come together as a boarding house, share our final take-out along with some additional treats and toasted marshmallows around the firepit (yes, in that heat!). There was music playing, card games going and much laughter. I am thankful I got to spend this time with them over the past few years and we wish them all the best with what comes next.

Mrs Helen Lavery, St Michael's Housemistress

Sixth Formers Join Mayfield Village Band

Earlier this year, our future Music Prefects, Trinity and Charmeine embarked on a new adventure. Two already very talented musicians, who play cello and violin, they were given the opportunity by Mayfield Brass Band to learn a new instrument. They have attended weekly lessons, learning the flugel horn and cornet, working hard so that they could also join their junior band. The aim is to give the girls an opportunity to work with the band and possibly get some conducting experience in the future too.

A big thank you to Mr Taylor who has also joined them for lessons in the village on euphonium, joining the brass band and making his orchestra debut in the school's Summer Music Concert. 

I anticipate they will make their debut performance with the band in the winter at the Mayfield Christmas Lights switch on.

If you would be interested in joining the brass band or learning more, please get in touch with Mr Rudge, who we owe thanks to for making this possible for our girls.

Mayfield Band
Mrs Lynette Le Riche, Teacher of Music

Life Skills – Summer Term Highlights

This half term, Life Skills sessions across the school focused on practical preparation for life beyond the classroom. Students explored themes such as financial literacy, personal wellbeing, independence, and responsible decision-making, helping them build confidence and awareness in age-appropriate ways.

A special highlight was Year 8's sessions, which explored self-presentation and confidence through sessions on makeup, haircare, and dressing suitably — all thoughtfully delivered by our Sixth Form prefects. Their maturity, warmth, and leadership sparked meaningful conversations around personal care and identity. A huge thank you to them for their fantastic work.

As always, thank you to all the staff who supported the programme — your input ensures Life Skills continues to be meaningful and relevant for our students.

Dr Angeline Kasina, Life Skills and Personal Development Coordinator

Budding Detectives Crack the Case at Mayfield’s Forensic Science Competition

On a bright and buzzing day at Mayfield, ten enthusiastic teams from primary and prep schools across Sussex and Kent gathered to put their detective skills to the test in our annual Science Competition. 

The day began with a visit to a carefully staged crime scene, where the young investigators examined and identified a variety of clues. From scattered footprints to mysterious fingerprints, the teams worked together to gather as much evidence as possible. 

Following the crime scene investigation, the pupils rotated through three exciting forensic workshops. These hands-on sessions introduced them to the science behind fingerprinting, blood testing, handwriting analysis, and footprint recognition. With lab coats on and magnifying glasses in hand, the students embraced the role of forensic scientists with impressive enthusiasm and curiosity. 

After a well-earned Mayfield lunch, the teams reconvened to piece together their findings. Armed with their evidence and the statements of four suspects, they deliberated carefully before presenting their final conclusions. 

Every team performed brilliantly, showcasing sharp observation skills, logical thinking, and teamwork. Many correctly identified the perpetrator, but special congratulations go to the winning team from Sacred Heart School in Wadhurst, who impressed the judges with their thorough analysis. 

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs L Lewis, Head of Science, for organising such a fantastic day, and to the entire Science Department for their time, energy, and expertise in delivering the sessions. Your efforts made the event both educational and unforgettable. 

It was a fantastic day of science, sleuthing, and fun—well done to all who took part! 

Mrs Georgina Fletcher, Director of Partnerships and Outreach 

Calling All Budding Geographers!

There are a number of Geography competitions currently running which you may be interested in. If you enter, please send Mr Adams a copy of your entry – house points available! 

Geographical Association Geographical Model Making Competition 
Theme: Sustainability action in my local area 
Age: Years 7-9
Closing Date: 31^st July

Geographical Model Making Competition - Geographical Association 

Geographical Association Physical Geography Student Competition 
Theme: Earthshapes 
Age: All year groups
Closing Date: 30^th September

Physical geography student photo competition - Geographical Association 

Royal Geographical Society Young Geographer of the Year 
Theme: Understanding Islands
Age: All year groups
Closing Date: 3^rd October 

Young Geographer of the Year - RGS 

One of our OCs, Annabel Quill (2024) won this competition in 2023!

Royal Geographical Society/Financial Times School Essay Competition 
Question: What are the implications for different countries of international trade policies in the contemporary world? 
Age: Years 12-13 (academic year 25-26)
Closing date: 31^st October

School Essay Competition - RGS 

Good luck to all who enter one or more of the above.

OC Reunion in London

We had the pleasure of reconnecting with some Old Cornelians in London last night. Our mission is to foster ongoing connections among OCs—whether for business opportunities, events, mentoring, insights, country relocations, or simply rekindling old friendships. It always inspiring to see OCs reunite, reflect on their time at Mayfield, and network with fellow alumnae.

Mrs Narelle Morson, OC Liaison

Staff v Parents Golf

Following on from the successful Mayfield Day last Saturday, on the Sunday morning the annual Parents vs Staff golf match was held at Horam Park Golf Club. The event, organised by Mr Walser and Ronan (who sadly at the last minute couldn’t play), attracted two parents, John and Piers, and six current and former members of staff.

After Mr Walser arrived in the nick of time, the teams were decided and the two parents joined up with Mr Walser and Emily. The other team was made up of four minibus drivers, Paul, James, Dave (retired) and Rupert.

The golf over nine holes at Horam was played in a Texas Scramble format and the winners by two shots were the drivers! An enjoyable morning for all. Here’s to next year.

Mr Rupert Harbour, Minibus Driver

Chaplaincy News

On Wednesday a small group of Leeds boarders represented Mayfield at the annual Good Shepherd celebration in Arundel Cathedral. It was a special celebration, as it marked 60 years of A&B Diocese, as well as an opportunity to reflect on the Jubilee Year of Hope.

Philippine reports: "Pia, Clara, Trini, Mercedes, Victoire and I, all students in Year 8, went to Arundel Cathedral this Wednesday accompanied by Ronan. We had a magnificent celebration with Bishop Richard Moth gathering all the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton. This celebration took place in honour of the jubilee year celebrated every 25 years."

Today, 10 Year 12s gave up their morning to assist with the Mayfield Primary School sports day. They measured, they timed, they cheered on and they comforted. They were a credit to their school and their families! (They did let themselves down a little though, by trying to force their chaplain to take part in the dad's race - a guaranteed humiliation!) They cheered the primary pupils on until the very end, when it was announced that Pevensey had won the sports day trophy. They were the epitome of Actions not Words!

Tomorrow morning, Mrs McGovern and I, along with Alice, Cordy, Amelia, Katie, Cece, and Eleanor, will head off for the community of Taize. The monastery, in the countryide near Dijon, becomes home to tens of thousand of young people each summer, from all around the world. For a week our small group will join a much larger community- all of whom come to Taizé to search for a unique experience, to discover themselves, and their God.

Coming to Taizé is all about being part of a community for the week, and getting into the rhythm of community life – gathering with the Brothers of the community at prayer times, joining with people from other countries for meetings, meals, small group discussions and practical tasks – serving meals, washing up etc. Days revolve round the three prayer times- 8:15am, 12:20 and 8:30pm. Silence is an integral part of all services, as is the famous Taize style of praying- which there is plenty of time to learn!

Say a prayer for us as we set off on our travels, and we'll say a prayer for the Mayfield community when we're out there!

Mass on Sunday is at 11am- all are welcome. Holy Half Hour is on Tuesday at 6pm. This will be our last one until we return again in September. 

And to everybody in the community- those I'll see again in September, and those I might not see again for a bit longer, I pray this old Irish blessing:

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Amen

Mr Ronan Lavery, Chaplain

Library News

We have our Summer Issue 5 of the Mayfield Quibbler ready for you to read full of book-ish information! Paper copies are available to read in the libraries and the staff room, or online here:

Mayfield Quibbler Issue 5 - Summer 2025

Looking for something to do over the summer? Try your local library:

What's on in East Sussex libraries | East Sussex County Council

If you prefer the outdoors, then there are a host of activities at Bateman’s, the home of Rudyard Kipling, from calligraphy to crafts and storytelling to poetry reading. Illustrator Emily Gravett is also visiting on several dates throughout the summer.

Bateman's | Sussex | National Trust

Reminder: Return Borrowed Library Books
Please return your library books before you leave for the summer. Any not returned may be marked as lost and charged for especially if they are already overdue and email reminders have been ignored.

If you wish to have a book over the summer please speak to Ms Blagden to have your borrower record adjusted.

Enjoy your summer, wherever you spend it and Keep Reading!

Ms Jan Blagden, Librarian

Photo of the Week

Photo of the week comes from parent Mr Mercer, taken this morning at Court Meadow, showing off the beauty of nature in the countryside that surrounds Mayfield.

Mayfield Village Summer Fair