As the term rapidly rattles on and we’ve now been in our official positions for well over a term, Hannah, Phoebe and I thought we would take time to reflect on the extremely busy few weeks we have all had.
The term started with a glorious sit-down feast for the entire Sixth Form, lavishly organised by Mrs Thomas and her catering team. This was an opportunity for the new LVI to mix with their own year and UVI, as well as allowing us to discuss our summer travels with friends and teachers, before launching into the A Level syllabuses two days later. After numerous portions of avocado salad, tomato quiche and caramel and chocolate torte, we sat down in the Chapel where Ben Walden from Contender Charlie gave us an inspirational talk on how to approach the challenges that lie ahead of us this academic year. The evening was a marvellous way to kick-start the term, allowing us to settle in before helping the new LIV and UIV the next day.
After sending my university application off yesterday, it really has put into perspective how quickly this term has rushed passed already. Phoebe’s role as ‘Mina’ in the 2017 School Play, Dracula, means that she is busy in the theatre rehearsing almost every evening and weekend. Hannah has also been constantly on the go; playing for the Hockey and Lacrosse 1st teams, as well as preparing for her Oxford application to read PPE! With Company Shout and the Sir David Willcocks’ memorial concert just around the corner, it’s also been a chaotic two weeks music wise for me.
On 8th September, Phoebe and I, accompanied by our Head of Sixth Form, Miss Aherne, attended the launch of Tatler’s Schools Guide 2017 at the Landmark Hotel in London. Although we weren’t actually sure if we would arrive on time as there was extremely bad traffic, we all had a very enjoyable evening. We had the opportunity to mix with Head Girls and Boys from a range of other schools over a glass of champagne and canapés, and there was lots of discussion about how the Head Girl role differs between schools.
On 15th September, all three of us attended the South West Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) cluster meeting for Head Girls chaired by Major Kate Philp. Having been deployed twice to Iraq, Kate was injured whilst serving on operations in Afghanistan in November 2008, when the armoured vehicle she was commanding was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device. As a result of her injuries, Kate had her left leg amputated below the knee, but after 16 months of rehab she was determined to return to work and pursue her professional ambition. Following further surgery, Kate was inspired by Walking With The Wounded to give a new focus to her rehab and take on the challenge of walking to the South Pole, a journey led by Prince Harry. Kate has also been the guest speaker at two of Calne’s Sixth Form lectures. The aim of the day was to again mix with other Head Girls’ Teams and to share the challenges we have faced so far in our positions. Kate is an extremely inspirational character and we would like to thank Bruton School for Girls for hosting the conference, as well as the delicious food they put on for us at lunch!
We’re looking forward to posting regular Head Girl’s Team Blogs, with each member of the team taking it in turns to write their own post. Aside from Hannah, Phoebe and I, there are a further ten members which make up our team: Felicity Challinor (Head of Charities), Kitty Bevan (Head of Alumnae Relations & External Communications), Emily Peel (Head of Communications & Chapel), Iona Westwood (Head of Student Liaisons), Jemima Brown (Head of Sport), Yasmin Watling (Head of Scholars and Poore), Sassie Patel (Head of Moberly), Frankie Swallow (Head of Grosstete), Marina Vestbirk (Head of Osmund) and Beth Spinks (Head of Ed Rich).
It goes without saying that we have been kept extremely busy by all of the events and activities that the start of term has so far offered. Nevertheless, we are all looking forward to being stretched and challenged in our roles even further!
