Visiting Parliament and the Supreme Court gave me a powerful insight into how the political system functions. We Initially visited the Supreme Court where we were able to witness two cases being heard by the justices. The courts provided a calm, structured and focused atmosphere whereby the KCs and judges gave detailed legal reasonings towards the cases provided. This enhanced my understanding on how carefully the law is interpreted at the highest level. The two cases, one involving taxation and the other criminal, were very engaging especially as we witnessed divisive debates in action between the members of the court. After we left the Supreme Court we began our journey to Parliament where we were disrupted by a farmers union protest, reminding me how public voices can influence political debate and draw focus. It was also very exciting to see the tractors and even a cow cross the streets of Westminster and the attention it drew towards members of the public, carrying on the idea that everywhere and everything is political. Once we arrived at Parliament we were greeted by tour guides who informed and helped us navigate around Parliament. We visited the House of Commons which felt very surreal as I was standing in a room that I have only ever admired on TV. From gallery, we were able witness the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Yvette Cooper, answer urgent questions on decisions made by the UN Security Council the night before. This was very exciting and I enjoyed being able to observe first handedly discussions over national decisions. This made the whole experience incredibly mesmerizing as we were stepping into a place you normally only observe from the outside. We also had a Q&A session with the school’s MP, Josh Dean. We were able to ask him questions not only to help further our understanding of what we have been studying in A-Level Politics, but also question him on what he has been doing since taking office to make life in our constituency better for us. The Highlight of my day was casually passing David Cameron on our journey up to the House of Commons which expressed how close the public can come to major political figures within this environment. Overall, this day was a lot of fun and helpful for widening my understanding of politics and experiencing all the different aspects of democracy in one day. It helped me to further develop my understanding on the interconnectedness of legal decisions, political leadership as well as public opinion.
Athena Chrysostomou
On Saturday 6th December, a group of Year 12 students went to the University of Hertfordshire to take part in the annual Bar Mock Trial Competition. The competition is designed to replicate what a real court case might look like and to give students not only to develop their oracy skills but also their critical thinking skills and their understanding of the legal system. The process began in October when we audition for the roles of barrister, witness, court clerk and usher. Once successful, defence and prosecution teams were formed and criminal cases were assigned. We then spent weeks preparing speeches, statements, questions and getting to know our roles. When the day of the competition arrived, we were ready to face other schools in the court room over three trials, with some students even having the opportunity to act as jury members for other teams. Once all the teams had finished competing, we had the opportunity to listen to the judges share their personal career journeys and experiences within the legal profession. This showed us that not everyone’s career path is the same; in fact, many of them began in completely different fields. My personal experience of Bar Mock Trial as a defence barrister was extremely enlightening, as it taught me the challenging yet rewarding skills required to pursue a career as a barrister. I had to write and present an opening speech to a real-life judge and other members of the court, before questioning two witnesses. This competition helped me to develop many valuable skills, including communication, confidence and time management. All of the students who participated performed incredibly well, with one student being singled out by a judge for being the best performing barrister he had seen that day. The teachers who organised and supported us throughout the process were brilliant. Ms Durant organised the competition and set up weekly after-school meetings to support us in every way she could. We were also supported by Mr Spurgeon, a retired Presdales Politics and History teacher, who came in to help us due to his many years of experience running the competition. Overall, I would highly recommend Bar Mock Trial to any student who is interested in taking part in the future. It provided a genuine insight into what a career in law could look like, and even for those who are not considering law, it helps to develop many essential skills for the future.
Autumn Smart
U15s
Our U15s faced a near four hours round trip in the minibus as we travelled to Twickenham to face Orleans Park in the 4th round of the National Cup.
The girls started slowly going a goal down within five minutes and struggled to get on the ball. Some brilliant goalkeeping from Ruby U kept the score at 0-1 until the girls found their stride. A purple patch in the final 15 minutes of the first half saw Presdales scoring four times without reply to lead 4-1 at half time.
The second half started much the same with Orleans Park in the ascendency. Ruby again proved how valuable she is to the team with several good saves and racing from the line to stop a certain goal. Presdales scored again to make the game safe despite being far from their best. The match ended 5-2 to Presdales.
Coaches PotM goes to Ruby U. Special mention to Karina P and Savannah DB who are playing up a year. The girls were involved in all five goals, scoring two goals each plus a fantastic assist from Karina for our 5th goal. Well done to all the girls!
Needless to say, we are hoping for a Home draw in the next round!
U12s
Our U12s football team showed fantastic commitment against Goffs Academy ‘A’ team in the District League.
The girls gave everything and showed incredible determination throughout. The match ended in a 0-4 loss but the girls couldn’t have given more and fought for every ball from the first minute to the last.
Coaches PotM is the whole team! Well done girls!
U13s
The U13s faced a tough test against Goffs Churchgate ‘A’ team in the District League. The girls were against a strong wind in the first half and struggled to get out of their own half. Unrelenting pressure from Goffs eventually resulted in them taking a 2-0 lead into half time.
With the wind behind in the second half, Presdales carried much more threat and the game was quite even. The girls were unlucky not to score but then conceded two more goals with Goffs winning the match 4-0.
Incredible effort from all the girls. Coaches PotM is Ani L.
Well done to all of our amazing swimmers who took part in the District Swimming Gala last week! Lots of dominant performances across all age groups, well done girls!!
Please see more student achievements in non-school sporting activities on our PE Facebook page. We have recently had student successes in cheerleading and netball!
Last week, Year 10 GCSE Food students channelled their creativity to produce a gingerbread masterpiece. They combined their kneading, rolling, cutting and baking skills in order to create this edible wonderland. The students had fun decorating their gingerbread creations with a variety of sweets and chocolates; a deliciously creative way to end the year!
At the start of November, a group of Sixth Form Senior Students launched their community project to support the Welwyn and Hatfield Women’s Refuge. The project involved asking the Presdales community to donate items that would benefit those who were linked to the refuge. Items such as toiletries, non-perishable foods and games were donated.
On Wednesday 9th December, two people from the refuge came to collect the items and they have invited Presdales to visit the refuge to see how the donations will benefit women and children.
If you would like more information, please do click on the link: https://whwr.org.uk/. A big thank you and special mention to Maeve, Abbie, Nefeli, Lizzie and Clara in Year 13 for organising the collection and for liaising with the refuge.
On Tuesday 16th December, Mrs Schillaci-Rowland and 10 Year 12 students volunteered to support our local community and visited the Riverside Care Home in Ware. The students entertained the residents by hosting games of Bingo which brought much excitement.
The students took it in turns to call out the numbers, help fill in bingo cards and to ensure that everyone was enjoying themselves. Chocolate treats were given to those who were the first to get a line, and then a full house.
At the end of the session, the residents asked the students to come back as they really enjoyed the afternoon. One of the ladies who works in the Care Home’s Activities Team went to Presdales as a student, and said it was a pleasure to have a strong link with the school, which has been going now for the last two years. We are planning another visit in the Spring Term to play some more games and entertain the residents.
On Wednesday, Presdales Chamber Choir spent the day at Cambridge University singing in two different college chapels and performing an evening concert. We rehearsed our Christmas repertoire in Gonville and Caius Chapel with a masterclass style approach to the session with Felicity Hamilton, a conductor with National Youth Choir and singing teacher to choristers in two Oxford University colleges. Following lunch with views of Parkers Piece, we visited Pembroke College chapel. The Director of Music Luke Fitzgerald, worked with our singers and got them sightreading a piece of music that was composed for Pembroke’s girls’ choristers. Led ably by our A level singers, the choir did a fantastic job of learning a choral piece from scratch. A tour of the organ loft proved a highlight for many with several of the girls taking turns to play some of their piano pieces on this magnificent instrument. Finally, we supported the newly formed St Andrew’s Music School in Cherry Hinton, a collaboration between their church and the local primary school. Our girls performed eight pieces of music at an incredibly high level and it was wonderful to have the support of many Presdales families at this event.
Latest News
Coming Up
Thursday 5th
Year 12 Parents Consultation Meetings
Friday 6th
Oracy Day
Wednesday 11th March
Year 12 Printmaking Workshop
Year 8 Parents Consultation Meetings
Thursday 12th and Friday 13th
Bronze DofE Practice Expedition
Thursday 12th
Post-18 Options Evening, 6pm
Friday 13th
Year 10 Big Interview Day
Contact Us
Presdales School
Hoe Lane
Ware
Hertfordshire
SG12 9NX
Tel: 01920 462210
admin@presdales.herts.sch.uk
Headteacher:
Mr Warren
