House Totals for this term …
Isla was lucky enough to go this week to the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, presented by a former Presdales student and mathematician, Dr Hannah Fry. Isla really enjoyed it, learning a lot about maths and how TV programmes are made. She was even chosen to go up to the front and take part in an experiment, so you should be able to spot her on TV when the programme is aired! Isla also managed to grab a quick photo at the end with Hannah who was thrilled to hear that Isla is a Presdales girl too – they had a chat about maths teachers!
After 7 years of training Zoe Van Maanenberg (Year 10) successfully achieved her 1st Dan (Black Belt) Karate yesterday. She has shown amazing resilience to obtain this and achieve it this weekend as the next grading would have clashed with her GCSE’s so she was determined to get it before then! Huge congratulations Zoe, this is amazing!
Congratulations to the following students who are our PE Stars of the Month!
Well done to all the students who took part in the recent House Basketball competition. The results are below:
We gathered to celebrate the many achievements of our students as prizes and GCSE and A Level certificates were awarded at the school’s annual speech day on Monday. Musical performances included the A level students’ choir, the recorder group and a sublime piano solo from Deniz Isingor.
Guest speaker, Rebecca Huntsman, former Head Girl (1991) and disputes lawyer for Hogan Lovells International (2000 – 2019) returned to the school to give an inspirational address. She highlighted the drive and impact of women in the legal profession as we approach the centenary of the landmark Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919. Rebecca shared important lessons from key female lawyers and her own legal career, such as striving even when the task ahead seems impossible, the power of positivity, and the value of working with and learning from others.
Uppermost in hearts and minds was Tierney Kinsella, who is deeply missed by all her friends, family and the school community. She continues to inspire all who witnessed her beauty, strength, determination and ongoing hard work in her studies whilst undergoing treatment for cancer. The prestigious new award in Tierney’s memory, established by the Kinsella family, recognises determination and resilience, and was presented for the first time to Lottie Mills.
Returning Head Girl, Katie Adamson, and Deputy Head Girl, Hannah Davies, gave incredibly thoughtful and moving valedictory speeches. They reflected on the happy memories as well as the sad times they and their peers have been through together. One of their key messages that will stay with all of us was, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Well done to all the students who entered our competition. Our overall winner is Elizabeth Brand in Year 10 in Windsor.
Our 5 runners-up are Wiktoria Luksza, Year 10 Nightingale; Beckie Kennard, Year 11 Parks; Ellie Archer, Year 10 Nightingale; Abbie Cannell, Year 10 Frank; Summer Leighton, Year 10 Frank.
Congratulations to you all. There will be a display of the work near the hall shortly.
This term, the awards go to Jessica Whitby (Year 13) for her portrait entitled ‘Richard’ and Phillippa Gillingham’s (Year 13) cured pencil piece of lizards.
Congratulations to you both.
“Oh my word. We can’t have done it again, surely?” was the thought running through Miss Catterall’s and Mr Spurgeon’s heads as the lady from the Bar Mock Trial competition read out the names of the two schools who had made it through to the final of the Outer London heat.
This was 2pm Saturday 23rd November and we were in the familiar surroundings once again of the Snaresbrook Crown Court.
Tired from an early start, the team kicked into action in the euphoria of the news, rushed to collect bags and belongings from our allotted station and assembled outside Courtroom A. We were to face Heathcote School, Chelmsford in the final.
A coin was tossed. Safia called correctly and “yes, thank you, we would like to be the defence counsel”. In we piled. Safia presented her eloquent opening speech in true barristerial style, Maddie and Meena submitted their evidence to the jury under intense cross-examination and Talitha summed up brilliantly. Mila’s officiating as court usher was at the same excellent standard as the rest of the team, but had we done enough? (The tension was getting too much for some.)
The judge deliberated for what seemed an eternity, complemented all the participants on an excellent contest and finally announced that ………………Presdales had won!! (cheers) ….by one point 74-73 ! (gasps)
Next stop: the National Final on 21st March
Venue: The Old Bailey in London.
A reward well-deserved.
On Friday 29th November, we held the Christmas Fayre, our main fundraising event of the year and what an amazing afternoon!
A great variety of stalls for everyone and mulled wine, Prosecco and mince pies for the adults.
We were so happy that so many of the girls, their families and the teachers attended, maybe thanks to the ‘throw a wet sponge at a teacher’ stall which appeared to be a great attraction.
We couldn’t have run such a successful Fayre without the kind donations of raffle prizes from many local companies and some kind parents:
Standon Calling, Hanbury Manor, Velopark, Fox & Hounds in Hunsdon, Luna Cinema, Johnson Blythe Hairdressers, Simmons Bakery, Yoga with Kirsty, Ware Bouncy Castles, McMullens, Angela Archer and Vicky Yeoman and Domino Pizzas
We would like to thank Keith Ian Estate Agents for sponsoring the Fayre this year and very generously donating £300.
Lastly we would like to thank all of you for buying raffle tickets and attending the Fayre.
We are really excited to say that we raised a massive total of £4,258.10! We will be talking to Mr Warren soon to discuss how we can support Presdales with this money.
Hope you all enjoy a very Happy Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in 2020!!
Presdales PTA
Our Year 13 Art students completed their 15 hour Art Mock Examination today. They produced a variety of eye-catching compositions working in medias such as mono printing, embroidery, low relief 2D, acrylic, to name a few. Here is a sneak peak, but the whole selection of work will be exhibited at in the Summer Show in Presdales Art department in June.
Well done for all of your hard work girls!
Work by Anna Livingstone, Amy Lodge, Pippa Gillingham, Rachel Ward and Jessica Whitby.
Mrs Bird
Year 9 have been working on the theme of ‘outside’ this term. Their experimental work displays an array of skills from inks, pen to collage. After Christmas, we will be observing objects from inside, creating a still-life study. The final outcome, a surreal juxtaposition of both elements of inside and out.
Year 9 created surreal eyes for a class competition. The results were very imaginative and displayed excellent illustrative techniques. Well done 9R.
Mrs Page
Latest News
Coming Up
w/c Monday 28th
HOUSE : Dodgeball
Monday 28th
Year 8 Parents Consultation Meetings
Tuesday 29th to Thursday 1st
A Level Art & Photography Exams
Tuesday 29th
Piano Recital, 5pm
Friday 2nd
Year 10 Drama Mock Exam
Contact Us
Presdales School
Hoe Lane
Ware
Hertfordshire
SG12 9NX
Tel: 01920 462210
admin@presdales.herts.sch.uk
Headteacher:
Mr Warren
