annual review #1...mindfulness sessions led by our counsellor, charlie morse-brown. students in...

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annual_review #1 a visual roundup of the year at d’Overbroeck’s Oxford Follow

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Page 1: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

annual_review #1a visual roundup of the yearat d’Overbroeck’s Oxford

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Page 2: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

Welcome from the Principal

One of the many striking things about d'Overbroeck's is the very positive feel of the

school and the sense that everyone is working together. There is a natural desire to do

well but also to help others. You can see that in the classroom, in the common room

and in the day-to-day life of the school. It is a school where friendliness, tolerance,

empathy and a desire to help those around us is part of the fabric of the place.

Emma-Kate Henry

Page 3: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

Engaging Learning

One of the dominant themes in d'Overbroeck's is to make learning

enjoyable and engaging, as shown by some of the examples below.

A level Business students using Lego to calculate the costs of building a tower.

Paired learning and shared feedback are regular features of lessons.

In our teaching we want to hear what students think and we strongly believe that no question is a bad question.

Year 9 used their French language skills to solve a mystery from clues left around Oxford city centre.

Year 7 students made 3D replicas of specialised cells – in edible form!

Brain Day at the Sixth Form with Neurologist & Lecturer Dr Guy Sutton.

Activities, hands-on learning and enjoyment are important parts of our approach to teaching.

Year 8 students broke a series of complicated ciphers to determine which of this darstardly lot had done away with Snort, the Maths department mascot.

Page 4: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

Learning From Others

At d'Overbroeck's we encourage students and staff to engage with and be curious about the world around them.

Footballer and Paralympian Alastair Patrick Hewlett provided inspiration and training for some of our Year 10s as part of Sky Sports’ Living For Sport workshop.

Psychology and Biology students meet Neurologist & Lecturer Dr Guy Sutton.

Academy Award® winning screenwriter Simon Beaufoy engaged A level Film Studies students with anecdotes and advice in a relaxed Q&A session.

Oxford United Football Club Chairman, Darryl Eales, spoke on his experiences in business from private equity to sport.

Popular children’s novelist MG Leonard launched her follow up to “Beetle Boy” as part of the Bookfeast festival.

Professor AC Grayling gave a talk on "The Value of Higher Education in the 21st Century”.

We organised a business change seminar with speakers from KPMG, Hyperion Insurance and Learnership.

Our Maths students are regularly attending lectures at the University of Oxford. Recently they have heard Stephen Hawkings and Marcus du Sautoy speak. We also invite in prominent speakers such as Professor Minhyong Kim who addressed our students on: “Probability: The Bane of Humanity”.

Page 5: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

Our annual ski trip was this year to Squaw Valley, California. There was plenty of snow and the week was rounded off with a two day visit to San Francisco including a trip to Alcatraz prison.

Out and About

All departments across the school seek to enhance the teaching in the classroom with visits and conferences.

Politics, History and Psychology A level students and staff spent a week in Washington DC over February half term. In a packed week,they visited museums and historical sites, took in the culture and attended a baseball game.

It was down mineshafts, into canal tunnels and corporal punishment in a Victorian School when we visited the Black Country Museum.

A level English Literature students prove that they’re not afraid of Virgina Woolf.

'The Power of The Mind' Psychology conference hosted by Warwick University included interactive talks on how we can use dance to change the way we think and solve problems... listening to our inner voices... and what Forensic Psychologists really do.

A level Sociology students attended a Criminology Conference which included advice on how to get into university to study Criminology.

As is the annual tradition, Years 7 and 8 last spent three action-packed days at the PGL centre in Liddington.

“Building Bridges” was the theme of this year’s Model UN. d’Overbroeck’s sent two teams, representing Denmark and New Zealand.

Across the school students took part in activities and volunteering as they worked towards their Duke of Edinburgh awards.

English and Art classes shared ideas for a visit to the Egyptian Galleries as students sketched objects as part of their study into texts on exploration & discovery.

Page 6: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

Extended Projects

Our Extended Project Programme goes from strength-to-strength thanks in no small part to the leadership of Adam Johnstone, supported by many teachers who act as supervisors to students. Thanks to our students for such impressive work.

Schizophrenia: Nature or Nurture? by Maryam Mammadova

Human Memory and Emotions by Kristina Kleinova

Magic Flute - a screenplay by Martha Ibbotson

Humanitarian Aid in Conflict Zones by Ranulf Lewis Flanagan

Uterine Transplantation by Nnamdi Ukaegbu

European revolutions in 1848 by Jamie Jackson-Jessel

The Ebola Virus by Aisha Belgore

The environmental impact of tourism by Cassie Senn

Tanatcha Yimsinsomboon presenting models from her project “Where is the balance between creativity and efficiency in modern buildings?”.

Alastair Wilson and Nat Barrett whose projects were, respectively, “Elements: A 4-track EDM EP” and “What effect can music have on physical and psychological illness?”.

Marwan Al Meligy presenting a model to accompany his project entitled “A model of ancient Rome and its influence on architectural form and function”.

Page 7: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

Working Together

d'Overbroeck's has a family feel to it. Everyone supports everyone else and celebrates each other's success.

Helping students to cope with the everyday

stresses of today's world is something that is an

important part of the curriculum and includes

Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor,

Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also

took part in research led by the Mindfulness in

Schools Project at Oxford University.

Alex Stephenson & Ryan Seneviratne wrote: “Every

week, we learn about new ways to revise better,

how to feel relaxed, focused or maybe even

learning how to walk like a samurai! Mindfulness

has really helped us concentrate in class, helped

us get through tests and helped us think for

ourselves.”.

MindfulnessUnderstanding the potential dangers of social media is vital these days and two of our Sixth Form students ran a workshop for our younger students. They also presented a very enlightening session for staff at Inset Day which was widely acknowledged as the best workshop of the day.

Our Sixth Formers were delighted to help Year 11s with their subject choices at a Sixth Form Subject Choices event.

Alastair Wilson, one of our Upper Sixth students ran a Music Technology Club for Years 7-11 students.

Maggie, Anastasiia, Tasha and Joel, gave an engaging assembly to our younger students based on their A level Psychology research into the effects of sleep deprivation.

Page 8: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

Being Active

We encourage our students to try new things and aim high in their chosen event, sport or activity.

Once again the sunshine appeared for our annual Years 7-11 Sports Day as we returned to Tilsley Park Athletics Track. School records were broken in several events and Morris House won the overall trophy.

Our Dance Club students continued to entertain and impress with performances at school concerts and arts festivals as well as appearing as part of Oxford Christmas Light Night in central Oxford. Sixth Form student Izzy Williamson says, “We have been developing our improvisation skills and creating our own choreography to share within the class. Dance Club has continued to provide me with stress relief, during the busy exam period - dancing certainly gives a great feel-good factor, especially when working with Katie and Rhiannon!”

We added Polo to the range of Sixth Form activities on offer this year. Some of the students who took this up had never been on a horse before but were playing in a tournament by the summer term. In addition, more experienced players Georgie Peagram and Cassie Senn competed in the School Arena Polo Championships in March.

Helena Pryce and her pony Tigger have been moving up the ranks in local showjumping competitions. Helena also won her first One Day Event which involved competing in dressage and cross country as well as show jumping. Earlier in the year she represented d’Overbroeck’s at the National Schools Equestrian Association Show Jumping competition, winning first place in the 4.80 class, again with Tigger.

Page 9: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

We had two A-league Ice Hockey players amongst our students: Alex Smith in Year 9 who played for Basingstoke Junior Bison and Simon Kunin in the Sixth Form who had previously turned down a professional contract with a Canadian team to focus on his A levels.

Sixth Form student Horatio Hirst signed a professional contract with Sheffield United Football Club just before Christmas. He has combined football training with A level study.

National kayaking champion Sophie McPeak has achieved even greater success during her time in the Sixth Form. Sophie retained her championship title at the GBR Junior Freestyle Kayaking Championships, having previously won a European Silver Medal at the European Freestyle Kayaking Championships.

Dominic Stanley won the marathon kayak race at Basingstoke Canal Canoe Club in May.

Once again, d’Overbroeck’s hosted our annual six–a-side football tournament. Teams from nine schools took part with over 100 students turning up to play some skillful football. Cherwell were victorious with their A and B teams coming first and second. The d’Overbroeck’s team, made up of students from the Sixth Form and International Section, are pictured here.

Three teams from d'Overbroeck's competed in the JCA Netball Competition, captained by Meabh Leaney, Clemmie Gillespie & Helena Pryce.

Both students and staff from our Running Club, made good use of Oxford’s open spaces and turned a few heads in their smart new kit this year.

Miki achieved third place ranking in the Oxfordshire & North Bucks Country Swimming Championships this year, completing the 50m Freestyle in a personal best time of 28.73 seconds. This placed him as the fastest swimmer in Oxford in his age group and 28th nationally.

Ice Skating was a popular activity option for Years 7-11 students this year.

Page 10: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

On Stage

Music & Drama

Music Ambassadors are students who have demonstrated a commitment to music-making above and beyond what we would normally expect of students. Along with the honour of being a Music Ambassador, they will get to perform in their own concert with fellow Ambassadors and Music Scholars at the end of the next academic year. Music Ambassadors for this year are: Laura Cowan, Ollie Brunstrom, Daniel Rose, Bea Arden, Archie Hull, Rose Poyser, Vasco Gong, Ralph Collinson and John Leal.

A level Drama students performed three self-devised pieces: Caberet Monroe, I am not a Racist and The Annie Johnson Story.

Our whole school production this year was “Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street”. Students from across the school performed over three sold-out nights at the Old Fire Station theatre. It was acclaimed as an ambitious, visually stunning and successful production.

Throughout the year our students perform at concerts, recitals and festivals of music and this past year has seen an increased focus on ensemble music, with the Acapella Vocal Group, an auditioned chamber choir, Gaudeamus, a String Group, and a Wind Band all being added to our existing Orchestra and Choir. Our Winter Concert was held at the Jacqueline du Pré music building and the Summer term saw the annual House Music Competition at which singing duo Ksenia and Alex won the Audience Award. Individually, students achieved success in Music grade exams, including eight distinctions.

Once again, our International Section students showed that they could put on a show in their second language with just a few weeks of rehearsal. "The Hood", "The Bad and The Ugly" had them singing, dancing, playing instruments and delighting the audience with their comedy timing.

Year 8 students gave exceptionally mature performances in an abridged version of “Hamlet”, performed during the Shakespeare Schools Festival.

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Page 11: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

Creating

From poetry to photography, our students have produced some remarkable work this year.

He's started thinking about pillars

and the veins of blue in her wrists

that stretch, as pillars do,

towards her hands.

He's been thinking about marble busts

and the polished curve of her cheek

that shines, as marble does,

under the sun.

Now she's started thinking about waves

and the gleaming lines on his back

that ripple, as waves do,

beneath the moon.

She's been thinking about waterfalls

and the blood in his veins

that rushes, as waterfalls do,

to his lips.

They've been thinking about touch

and the ability to leave a mark

on each other, as touches can,

for better or worse.

They've been trying to feel,

to brush palms and

hold on tightly, as feelings do,

but stone on water never clings.

By Ella Dawson-Gorton

Upper Sixth

This Poem was longlisted for the

Tower Poetry Competition

Oh, silver moon so bright and bold

Calm the unrest in my soul

Oh, astute trees with your bountiful leaves

Still the storm raging within me

Pale sand dotted with your intricate shells

Expunge from my body this vengeful hell

Dear iridescent snakes -you know of my pain

Suck the poison from my brain

Generous sun, I crave your golden touch

This vicious tempest has grown too much!

Savage lion, let me wear your prideful crown

For the sun and moon have let me down.

By Maddie Yuval Lower Sixth

He Sits in Museums and Thinks About Her

The Tempest of Mind

Poems

A level Photography by Ellis GriffinA level Photography by Son Nawathamthanon A level Art Jesse Howarth

GCSE Art by Maya Stern

GSCE Art by Alexey AnisimovGCSE Art by Ruyi Tang

GCSE Art by Henry PeaceGCSE Art by Eleanor Cowan

GCSE Art by Sandra Brinster

Page 12: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

It’s funny how long it takes a car to sink.

After a certain point the roof gets trapped with all the air

and it sinks more slowly. Once it gets deep enough and the

pressure builds, the windows crack. You know when this

happens, because air escapes and you can see the bubbles

break on the previously still surface. I wonder how long until

the glass in my car cracks. I imagine it would take a while, as

the windows are bullet proof.

They gave me the car when I got elected. When I had dreams

of changing the world. What I didn’t realise then was that the

world doesn’t want to change. At least, those in the world with

power don’t want it to change. When they gave me the car, the

sleek black Mercedes with its leather seats and champagne

cup holders, I thought it was the height of luxury.

They didn’t want me to know about the microphone hidden in

the steering wheel, the camera, the tracker, the bomb… I was

in hospital for weeks. If the tank had not been empty then my

body would have been shredded by the scraps of torn metal,

the result of such an explosion. As it was, half of my face was

burned and I lost a couple of fingers. Lucky.

They fixed the car, said there was a problem with the ignition;

that the petrol fumes had built up and exploded when the

spark finally came. When they gave it back to me there wasn’t

even a scratch. Everything was as it was before the ‘accident’.

This was why I slipped it into neutral on the hill above the lake

and watched as it rolled down and over the edge. Better to

pre-empt another ‘accident’. They’ll be mad when they find out,

of course, but I’ll be long gone by then. Slipping into a crowd

somewhere sunny, I could be anyone. Anywhere.

There are bubbles on the surface of the water now.

It’s funny how long it takes a car to sink.

By Ioan Oosthuizen

Tony watched his beloved Cadillac sinking slowly into the

choppy Atlantic Ocean.

Broken, empty, defeated, exhausted. Almost at peace. He’d

done it. Ten years in the making, with a million in his back

pocket; it was over.

The sun had yet to pierce the thick grey veil of clouds. His

lips stung with the cruel salty spray. The icy wind caused him

to violently shiver, but there he remained. Several minutes

passed as the distant sun began to ascend. He stood still at

the end of the pier, his eyes fixed on the sea.

This was the quickest and safest way to dispose of the

evidence, and he’d had no choice, but still it bothered him.

He hadn’t enjoyed killing Vinny.

Friends since the beginning, it felt as though he’d murdered

his brother. This had been harder than all the others. Much

harder. Especially as now the Cadillac was gone, too. But still.

It was over, now with another six zeros to his bank account.

He noticed his silk tie had a dark crimson stain on it from what

he presumed to be Vinny’s murky blood. He slowly removed it

before casting it out onto the water. It lay there on the surface,

laughing at him.

“Ok Tony you’ve stayed here long enough,” the officer

said from behind.

“Just a little longer,” he replied.

Tony took a final glance at where his beloved Cadillac had

sunk slowly into the choppy Atlantic Ocean.

By Rory Baker

Start Again Over

Flash Fiction

A level Textiles by Hannah BrownA level Photography by Joshua Shirburne Davies

A level Photography by Cassie Senn A level Photography by Athenais Duriez

A level Art by Marwan Al Meligy A level Art by Palden Ball

A level Art by Federico Chiavegati

A level Art by Marwan Al Melighy

These pieces were created as part of the Circular Story project in the Creative Writing Lunchtime Club.

Page 13: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

Achieving

An important part of our approach is to help students across the age ranges to take part in a range of activities in and out of the classroom and to help them to be successful in their chosen areas. Nothing gives us greater pleasure than to see our students thriving and achieving in so many different areas.

This year’s Young Enterprise group designed, produced and distributed a strategic card game, Yama. Made up of Sixth Form and International Section students, the group reached the regional finals (one day after selling out all of their stock!) and the game was subsequently sold at two retail outlets in central Oxford.

Jonah (Year 8) above left, gained a merit in the Senior Mathematical Olympiad (aimed at Sixth Formers). Jonah was also part of a team with Clara, above centre, Vasco and Joseph which came second in the regional finals of the UKMT Team Maths Challenge – our best result ever! Tom Chantler & Reuben Marland qualified for the national final of the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge at Hartland College. Ten students (Sixth Formers + Jonah!) took the Senior Kangaroo Maths paper in January with merits awarded to Jonah, Nicharee and Jiaying. Max, Bill, Yankang, Katy and Jingyan also entered the British Mathematical Olympiad with Yankang, above right, achieving a Distinction.

In January, we hosted the second round of the English Speaking Union’s debating competition. Last year’s regional finalists, Jamie Jackson-Jessel and Jake Rose represented d’Overbroeck’s again with Lower Sixth students Iona Smith and Tom Stopford putting in a fine performance as the ‘Swing Team’, in readiness for taking the lead next year.

A group of A level Chemistry students took part in ‘Project M’, preparing samples which were sent for analysis at Harwell. These will be used by the scientists at Diamond Light to help understand calcium carbonate.

Sixth Form student Chantal Cardillo worked for the United Nations as assistant to one of the Senior Officials at the UN. This year she is returning to work with the same team, before starting a degree in Management at the University of Manchester.

Our Economics students reached the Regional Finals of the Bank of England's Target 2.0 with their recommendations for economic policy.

Page 14: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

Four Year 8 students made up a team for the Salter's Festival at the University of Oxford. Competing against other local schools in various chemistry experiments, they came away with an admirable second place.

The final day of term saw our traditional End of Year Celebration ceremonies which once again took place at the Sheldonian Theatre. The year was reviewed, both seriously and with humour, awards were made and students and staff congratulated before we all headed out into Oxford to begin a well-earned summer break.

Julia Lourenco has progressed from the International Section to Sixth Form this year on a Music Scholarship. As a very talented violinist, Julia has taken part in music and drama performances throughout the year as well as performing in the Abingdon Music Festival in April.

All Lower Sixth Biology students took the Intermediate Olympiad in June, with more than half the students achieving an award. A special mention goes to Jamie Owen and Chloe Tucker (above, right and left) who were each awarded Gold.

Our Year 10 students’ work experience reports used words and phrases like, ‘fantastic’, ‘enthusiastic’, ‘absolute pleasure’, and ’10 out of 10 for eagerness to learn’. One employer went so far as to say that our student was the best work experience student he had ever had. Well done to all of you!

End of Year Celebrations

Page 15: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

Community and Fundraising

We have raised money for a variety of local and national charities over the past year and it is particularly good to see students personally inspired to select particular charities for their efforts as well as engaging with community events and performances.

As part of Oxfordshire Art Weeks, we hosted an exhibition featuring the work of three local artists. The work was on the theme of refugees and displacement and donations made by visitors went to charity Asylum Welcome who work with young refugees in Oxford.

We have previously raised money for a community in Sierra Leone, funding the building of an orphanage and training for a local nurse as well as donating old school uniforms for children in their school. As thanks, Community Storyteller, Usifu Jalloh, gave a special assembly for us, captivating Years 7-11 students and staff within minutes with his lively and thought-provoking presentation.

Sixth Form student Jack Dunstone ‘Braved the Shave’, raising money for Macmillan by shaving his head, in thanks for the support they gave his grandfather. Jack is seen here 'before' shaving his head.

Our Sixth Form Psychology students designed their own alternative Valentine cards. Money raised from the sale of these went to the local branch of mental health charity MIND.

To mark international Earth Day 2017, our Environmental Scholars, Josh and Euan, devised a social media campaign showing young people oblivious to images of environmental destruction as they go about their daily lives.

Students at Years 7-11 wore football shirts to raise money for Cancer Research and the Bobby Moore Fund.

Page 16: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

d’Overbroeck’s and four other Oxford independent schools collaborated in setting up the Oxford Schools Bus Partnership which started running in September 2017.

Students once again dressed up in their pyjamas and wore red noses for Children in Need and Comic Relief.

Oxford

Bourton-on-the-Water

Stow-on-the-Wold

Chipping Norton

Enstone

Judd’s Garage

Woodstock

Yarnton

Kidlington

A4260 Bunkers Hill

A4260 North Aston Turn

Hopcrofts Holt

Deddington

Adderbury

Aynho Croughton A43/B4031

Brackley

Middleton Cheney

Marsh Gibbon

Bicester

Wendlebury

Weston-on-the-Green

Islip

Beckley

Wheatley Worminghall

Shabbington

Long Crendon

ThameHaddenham

Lewknor

Nettlebed

Bix

Henley

Lower Assendon

Woodley

Earley

Reading

Osney

Cumnor

Wootton

Frilford

KingstonBagpuize

HintonWaldrist

Buckland

Stanford in the Vale

Hinksey Hill

Boars Hill

Abingdon

Drayton

Marcham

Sutton Courtenay

Sandford

Nuneham Courtenay

Berins�eld

Shillingford

Benson

Crowmarsh Gifford

Wallingford

Great Milton

Little Milton

Stadhampton

Chalgrove

Cuxham

Watlington

Oxford Schools Bus Partnership

Cookley Green

Goring

Route 6

Route 7

Route 8

Bus routes, September 2017

Route 9

Route 1

Route 2

Route 3

Route 4

Route 5

Sandhills

5 May 2017Many staff and students held cake sales this year to raise money for charities such as Future Fertility Trust, CLIC Sargent and the World Wildlife Fund.

Page 17: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

Socialising

The environment and culture of a school is formed not just by what happens in the classroom but also how everyone interacts and socialises together. At d’Overbroeck’s everyone is very much an individual but we all value working and socialising together as well as learning from one another.

Sixth Form and International Section students bounced, swang, tumbled and climbed their way around the course at Rush Trampoline Park.

Students from the International Section hosted other students, staff and parents at their annual Arts Festival. Showcasing music and art from many of the countries and cultures represented by our students, the event also included some divine dining from around the World with food prepared by the Cookery Club.

Lower Sixth students embarked on the traditional Induction Week activity of Punting.

Once again, our Sixth Form Ball was an occasion which celebrated friendship, the end of another school year and gave students a great excuse to dress up!

This year we produced our very own Advent Calendar, opening a new 'door' every day on our Instagram feed.

Page 18: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

Preparing for the Future

Higher education and careers guidance at d’Overbroeck’s begins during Years 7-11 and for Sixth Formers new to the school, almost as soon as they start. Each year we have an increasing number of contacts we can call on to give advice to our students. These may be recently graduated students, older alumni, current or former parents or other contacts from business and industry, all of whom give up their time to pass on information and knowledge gained in the wider world.

As their parents voted in the UK General Election, our students held their own vote which was preceded by Hustings. Rose Poyser for the Liberal Democrats was a clear winner, with much credit also going to our candidates who stood for the other main parties.

The top ten university destinations for our students this year were (in order) Leeds University, University College London, University of Sussex, Kings College London, Queen Mary, University of Birmingham, Warwick University, University of Manchester, University of Oxford, University of Exeter.

Past students came back on Alumni Day to help existing students choose their universities and courses.

In June we held our biggest Careers event yet with over 70 speakers (many parents and alumni) sharing their wisdom with our students.

Page 19: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

Alumni News

d'Overbroeck's is very much a family. Not only do we often have several siblings with us at any one time, we also are delighted to have children of past students with us. What's more we keep in contact with our alumni and are delighted to follow their success and welcome them back to come and talk to our existing students when they can.

As part of our university preparation programme past student Chris Angwin, now at the Royal School of Veterinary Studies, came and spoke to our aspiring Medics.

Oli Hare who took his A levels at d’Overbroeck’s in 2017 has just qualified to be a commercial airline pilot. Having completed his flight training in New Zealand, Oli popped in to see us when he returned to the UK for his final ground school training in Southampton.

After leaving d’Overbroeck’s, Tarquin Leadbetter went on to study at Bristol University and then to a job in finance. However, at 23, he decided to leave his job in the City and set up a gin distillery in Cornwall. He’s received plenty of press coverage recently and his business is going from strength-to-strength.

Former d’Overbroeck’s student Durrah Khalil designs and retails her own jewellery line, Durrah Jewellery. After training at Tiffany & Co., Durrah moved to California where she now runs her business. You can view (or buy!) her pieces at www.durrahjewellery.com

Steph Croft-Simon was a student at d’Overbroeck’s and also taught here for a while. She now owns and runs a very successful organic health food business, Nom Foods. Nom’s popcorn and super food bars have been going down a treat at Open Mornings and their gluten free bars are now available in the ‘free from’ aisle at Waitrose.

Page 20: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

Congratulations to former d'Overbroeck's student Annie Noble (above, left) who has recently had one of her fashion images (above, right) featured in Vogue Italia. As well as freelancing, Annie is now working for a couple of fashion brands in London, including Beulah London, who specialise in luxury women’s wear. You can see more of Annie’s work on her website www.annabelnoblephotography.com

Gidon Fineman studied at the Royal College of Music after graduating from d’Overbroeck’s. His musical compositions have been performed at the Guildhall New Music Festival, the Oxford Music Festival, the Chichester Festival and at the Royal Academy of Music. In 2016, Gidon composed "Suite for d’Overbroeck’s" which was performed by our school orchestra at the 2016 End of Year Celebrations. Gidon is now writinga piece to be performed at the opening of d’Overbroeck’s new Sixth Form in September 2017. He also teaches Music to our students!

Wilson’s restaurant is a independent restaurant in Bristol owned and run by former d’Overbroeck’s student Jan Ostle. “We have a small farm that produces food for our own restaurant and a few others", says Jan.

Page 21: annual review #1...Mindfulness sessions led by our Counsellor, Charlie Morse-Brown. Students in Years 7-11 also took part in research led by the Mindfulness in Schools Project at Oxford

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