Learning about the statistics, the facts and the events of the holocaust, whilst sitting in the warmth of a classroom is never going to provide us with the pure emotion and entire reality of what happened, which is why I’m so grateful that I got to go on the trip to Krakow. The trip not only provided us with strengthened knowledge on how society plays such an influential role in psychology: our beliefs, prejudices and behaviour, but it also gave us the raw, uncensored truth that is needed to ensure that such a tragic history doesn’t continue to repeat itself. Additionally, it was moving to see the city of Krakow so resilient, still lively with culture despite the atrocities that occurred 80 years ago. – Evie
I’m really grateful to have gone on this trip and applied psychology to a very real and very dystopian period of history. The Holocaust is something that is constantly brought to our awareness during education, but having been to Auschwitz in person and listening to people whose jobs centre around this period was so informative; I was able to better comprehend these events and their impact more empathetically and emphatically. I also really appreciated our collective reevaluation of the Jewish identity through time; looking at how Jewish culture has historically integrated with Polish culture so we don’t marginalise our perception of Jews. It was really fascinating to apply our psychological knowledge to explore why and how so many atrocities were committed, to contemplate identity and culture, and to examine our own role in society because we ultimately learn these things to prevent further tragedies. – Saiunnati
Over the past few weeks, Class 7PB have been working hard on a textured animal drawing project, creating beautiful squirrels and fish using a range of tone and mark-making techniques. Students experimented with detailed pinecone and shell designs, cleverly weaving these into their animal forms and combining them with zentangle-inspired patterns. The results have been imaginative, skilful, and full of character.
I am incredibly proud of their creativity and progress.
Well done, 7PB!
Mrs Page Art Teacher
Year 9 have been developing their blending and layering skills using coloured pencils as part of their new project on the theme of Flight. Students are creating a beautiful double-page layout, including detailed studies of ladybirds, bumblebees, and other flying creatures.
Their use of colour and technique has been impressive, and we are excited to see their completed pages soon!
On Friday 7th November, we were fortunate to be visited by an ex-student who wanted to return to Presdales to share her experiences of language learning. Since Katie Curtis left Presdales in 2017, she has completed her undergraduate degree in Italian and Spanish from the University of Manchester and a masters’ degree in Madrid.
Katie talked about her year abroad, which she spent studying in Bergamo, northern Italy, before working as a trading assistant in Madrid. She described the highs and lows of her year, including taking the Prince of Libya’s pet chihuahua for walks and cutting off her finger on a tin of tuna all while navigating the challenge of learning the language.
“I attended Katie’s talk on Friday lunchtime, and I was absolutely inspired by her story. I actually reached out to her afterwards to tell her what an amazing job she did. I want to become a language teacher, and it’s so lovely to see other people who are as passionate as I am- it’s great to know that your dreams are achievable and there is always someone with you at every step of the way. I couldn’t have made a better decision than to continue studying languages, and Katie only confirmed that for me.” Sophie, Year 12
“I really did enjoy Katie’s talk last week because I think those of us who are interested in a similar path and spending time abroad, want to hear about life there disregarding school work and how fun the social side would actually be, as that really would be what would make it such a great experience. It was also interesting to hear about where her degree and fluency in Italian and Spanish have taken her in her career to work at Warner Bros!” Willow, Year 11
“It was very inspiring and I found it very eye opening as to what my future could look like if I continue with languages. The path Katie has taken seems like something I would love to do, especially considering the year abroad in a degree in languages as it’s not just work but social and life skills.” Ronnie, Year 11
U13s
Congratulations to our U13s Football Team who won 8-0 last week in a dominant display against Edwinstree in the County Cup.
This was an impressive all-round performance of skill, speed, power and energy from start to finish. The girls led 4-0 at half time and added a further 4 goals in the second half without reply.
Lots of fantastic performances across the pitch with Amy C voted PoM by Edwinstree. Coaches Player is shared between Lily F and Scarlett F. Well done to all the girls!
U15s
Our U15s prevailed in a tight contest against a strong East Barnet team in the National Cup on Tuesday, winning 3-1.
This was a tough and evenly contested match which brought out the best in our girls who raised their level against quality opposition.
We led 1-0 at half time after a slick move and well taken goal by Karina P. Our lead was preserved with Ruby U making an outstanding save from a free kick just before half time.
East Barnet always carried a threat and equalised within minutes of the second half starting. However, this seemed to galvanize the girls and they enjoyed a good spell creating a number of chances. Keira G intercepted a pass across the area and executed a beautiful finish into the bottom corner to make it 2-1.
The game ebbed and flowed from end to end but then an exquisite pass from Aleks I broke the lines and Flo W remained calm to run through on goal and finish clinically to make it 3-1. This gave us a cushion with less than 5 minutes remaining. The girls managed to see the game out for a deserved win overall.
Aleks I was voted PoM from East Barnet for an outstanding performance. Coaches PotM is difficult with many fantastic performances but Ava M just edges it for a commanding all action midfield performance in both defence and attack. Really proud of all the girls. Well done to all of you!
The girls now face their third consecutive away tie travelling to Richmond in the 4th round. Looking forward to it girls!
U14s
Well done to the U14 netball team who played an incredibly tense county league game against an excellent St Ed’s team on Monday.
The game was tight throughout, goal for goal and despite being down by 2 goals at the end of the third quarter, Presdales dug deep and came back strong to secure the win 27-25.
OPOM was Liv McCarthy and CPOM was Tami Ojo and Amelie Martin.
U15s
Congratulations to some of our fabulous U15 netballers who beat Berkhamsted in a County Cup and League double header this week.
Proud and impressed with the focus, effort, versatility, and determination shown by the whole squad.
A game that could have gone either way, but Presdales held strong to the final whistle 31-29.
OPOM was Lottie and CPOM was Sadie.
Please see more student achievements in non-school sporting activities on our PE Facebook page. We have recently had student successes in swimming and netball!
Latest News
Coming Up
Friday 27th
Year 7 Careers Trip : Aerozone (30 students)
Contact Us
Presdales School
Hoe Lane
Ware
Hertfordshire
SG12 9NX
Tel: 01920 462210
admin@presdales.herts.sch.uk
Headteacher:
Mr Warren
