On Tuesday 28th January, the Year 10 Graphics Design and Technology groups visited the Design Museum in London. The students visited the Beazley Design of the Year exhibition, now in its newer home on Holland Park, and the architecture of the inside.

The Beazley Design of the Year exhibition was fantastic, where the girls explored an array of different designs that had been nominated for the competition. Some of the ideas were very thought provoking, however many of the girls mentioned that the designs, though simple, would change people’s lives. For example, a virtual postcode for homeless people so that they can apply for things such as jobs, passports, bank cards etc., and upcycled fashion to bring different cultures to the forefront of design. The ‘Designer, User, Maker’ exhibition was also something the girls really enjoyed. For example, the computers and mobile phones through the ages is always a talking point for them, and the huge 3D printer!

After lunch, the girls had a treasure hunt to do around the museum where they had to look for specific items. 14 students in total got all of the questions correct, and were rewarded with chocolate, which went down well!

It was a fantastic day, and one which we hope will widen the students’ thought process about design and their questioning skills about material choices and ethics from a designer point of view, ready for their NEA coursework which will begin in June 2020.

‘The architecture videos were great, showing the environment of each of the structures.’ Jessica & Isobel

‘The AI face design, which is a website called www.thispersondoesnotexist.com was really interesting, but quite scary to think these people do not actually exist-very clever! Rebecca

‘I really liked the puppet fashion pieces and the other outfits and costumes.’ Elizabeth

‘The pregnancy chairs and the blue mood lighting to encourage home births was fascinating and caused a big discussion amongst us.’ Izzy, Ria, Kirstin

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.”

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