NewsletterSummer 2020

Esher Sports Review of the Year

Earlier this year our Netball teams were treated to a special visit from England Netball legend, Sasha Corbin.

Captain of the Saracens Mavericks, Sasha ran a two-hour session, encompassing ball skills, drills and agility, before putting students through their paces in a game.

Lianne Purvis, PE teacher at Esher, said, “In football terms, it would be like having David Beckham hold a training session at the College. It was a real privilege to meet Sasha. The girls loved it and learned so much. Sasha delivered an engaging and creative session that focused on ball handling and centre- court formations. It was great to see the girls push themselves and get out of their comfort zones when taking on new drills and ideas!

The visit finished with a Q&A session where students found out how, despite suffering from an injury and juggling a Sports Performance degree at Bath University,

she was able to return to the game achieving 72 caps for England. Her sister Kadeen was in the 2018 team that won England’s first ever Commonwealth Games Gold medal.

At Esher Sixth Form College, there are numerous opportunities for students to get involved in a competitive manner through sports teams such as netball, football, rugby, hockey and basketball teams. See how they got on in our Sports Review on Pages 8 - 9.

& much more!

Learning in Lockdown 2 - 3

History Round-up 4

Music - Resonance Roadshow 5

Parent Trustee Vacancy 5

Volunteering Abroad 6

Meet the Teacher 7

Sports Review 8 - 9

Green Week 10

A Blast from the Past 11

MPs Visit 12

Young Enterprise 13

Biology Round-up 14

Community Volunteers 15

LRC Book Reviews 16

Dates for your Diary 16

Discover what our teams have been up to, including a masterclass from a Netball superstar.

I hope this summer edition of our newsletter finds you and your families well. Throughout the pandemic and the announcement that A Levels would be cancelled, our teaching and support staff have made it a priority to help our students complete course specifications for both A Level and BTEC.

As a College, we felt it was important that our students continued learning and thanks to our IT team we have been able to offer remote learning from Day One using Microsoft Teams. It’s been an incredible challenge, but we are very proud of all our students and their attitude to learning. Progress Review Reports, UCAS Grades, Progression Pathway choices, Student Union Elections, a virtual Introduction Day to welcome Year 11s on Friday 26 June, and a remote After Esher Day on Thursday 2 July for current students, are all continuing this term.

In the meantime, please take a moment to enjoy a round-up of some of the things we’ve been getting up to in Lockdown.

Dan Dean Principal

Learning in Lockdown

Therapeutic Arts Mira and Jude from Learning Support continue to run their popular therapeutic arts group on Microsoft Teams every Wednesday lunchtime. “There was a really positive vibe,” says Jude. “All the students said they wanted to continue every week, so we are!”

Meet the Scientist: Disease Detectives

Thirty 6.2 Biology students, who are engaging with the subject through online lessons and directed research, took part in a ‘Meet the Scientists’ online event. This is a student-led science engagement where school and college students connect with working scientists.

Students have taken part in similar events before, but from the classroom rather than their own homes. Our students ‘met’ a team of scientists involved in disease-related research at prestigious institutions around the UK and asked numerous questions about their research and career pathways.

The students, including Simas Marciukonis pictured here, were congratulated on the quality of questions they asked and the enthusiasm and interest they showed. Research has shown that this programme improves communication skills and the understanding of the principles of public engagement. It makes science more personally relevant to our students and helps them to appreciate that scientists are ‘normal people’.

Many of our participating students are planning to take up biology-related degrees, such as medicine, dentistry, chiropractics, sports science, neuroscience, zoology and broader-based biology degrees. They agreed that this event helped nurture their science aspirations. It was great to have this opportunity as in ‘normal’ times our students frequently visit the world class universities we are lucky enough to have on our doorstep and we don’t want our students to miss out on anything because of the current circumstances.

Hilary Thomson, Teacher of Biology

Goggles DonationAt the beginning of the Coronavirius, the College was delighted to be able to donate 2,500 disposable gloves and 110 safety goggles to the NHS to help combat the fight against the pandemic.

Biology students have enjoyed virtual tours of the Natural History Museum and British Museum while also attending a wide range of scientific talks and events on everything from the scent of disease, to pathology and the operating table.

The department has encouraged students to attend as many enrichment activities as possible and to share them on their university, apprenticeship and job applications. Some of the talks attended include:

• “The Scent of Disease” seminar at the Royal College of Physicians• “Love, Smell and Memory” lecture at the Royal Society• “Exploring the brain circuits between learned and innate

behaviour”

• “Pathology event” and “Under the Skin” exhibition at the Royal College of Physicians

• “Picturing Life and Death on the Operating Table” - The Old Operating Theatre Museum

During lockdown, students also reported back on some of their favourite scientific podcasts such as “The Infinite Monkey Cage” and “Inside Science Podcast” from the BBC, biology-related online courses at futurelearn.com and scientific talks at ibiology.org and TED.com.

Ed Jones, Teacher of Biology

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Biology Enrichment

The show must go onDrama A Level students have risen to the challenge of studying from home and have been self-recording their performances.

Performance monologues were recorded and uploaded to the College’s video portal, texts studied and pieces devised. Mary Cassidy, Acting Head of Drama says, “As you can imagine, this was very challenging and daunting for the students, but they have really risen to the challenge, including performing extracts of their work for one another via Microsoft Teams. Some students composed original music, or

created soundscapes inspired by their stimulus, others made puppets or wrote poems.”

In addition, some second year students have continued their drama studies by making the most of the exclusive Esher Sixth Form College code to access our Drama online catalogue which includes digital copies of many RSC and National Theatre shows. Staff and students meet every week to discuss a show they have seen.

Sigmund Freud Webinar Psychology students had the opportunity to attend a free webinar held by the Freud Museum with renowned psychoanalyst Haya Oakley.

Haya has been practicing psychoanalysis in London since 1968, working for many years with antipsychiatry legend R. D. Laing to train psychotherapists and run therapeutic communities.

Sigmund Freud didn’t think it was possible, but many psychoanalysts today work with psychotic patients. The webinar provided viewers with a rare insight into the psychoanalytic approach to schizophrenia, where Haya reflected on her practice and explored the ways in which therapy can help those suffering from the condition. She also discussed some of the signs of paranoia, as well as explaining how psychoanalysts make sense of the frightening experiences that characterise schizophrenia. Towards the end of the webinar there was the opportunity for students to quiz Haya about her work, where she spoke candidly about her interpretations of some of the behaviours displayed and things said by her clients in past sessions, which provided further interesting insights.

Overall, a fascinating webinar, which encouraged students to think about the psychoanalytic approach from a different perspective.

Summer School beckonsCongratulations to Moremi Loye, who beat strong competition to get a place on King’s College Summer School. Moremi, who came to Esher from Cobham Free School, is studying Chemistry, Biology and Spanish. Although King’s labs are closed, they will be sending Moremi her equipment so she can carry out the experiments from home.

Study Guides for Y11 ApplicantsIn May, the College was able to launch its Study Guides to support our Year 11 applicants’ transition to Esher Sixth Form College. Your Start At Esher study guides are available through students’ online application account and provide a range of different resources to help them prepare for study at the next level and to ensure they can hit the ground running, when they join us in the autumn term.

In partnership with award-winning apprenticeship provider, WhiteHat, our Progression Guidance team welcomed more than 200 parents/carers and students to our first Virtual Apprenticeship Information Evening. Held through Microsoft Teams and after the obligatory ‘virtual admin’ of muting microphones, Nicola Wilberforce, Head of Progression Guidance, and Akeem Wangeh from WhiteHat gave introductory talks to bust the myths about apprenticeships and highlight the many career paths that are possible.

We then heard from two apprentices, Tatiana who is on a digital marketing apprenticeship at SKY and Tina, also on a marketing apprenticeship with Google.

Virtual Apprenticeship Information Evening

The Rise and Fall of Cardinal Wolsey

A trip to Hampton Court Palace for History: Power and Belief students reveals Henry’s fountain of wine and his lovers’ knot

“Our enthusiastic tour guide gave us an engaging and interactive experience about the rise and fall of Cardinal Wolsey. We had an introduction to the Palace before diving into Wolsey’s significance and the roles he played. The moments of audience interaction and involvement were particularly memorable as we were given the opportunity to become King Henry VIII, Cardinal Wolsey as well as various dukes and duchesses.

We had a guided tour around the Palace courtyards where we found a beautiful fountain. The fountain is actually a copy of a wine fountain, rather than a water fountain, used to celebrate Henry’s Field of Cloth of Gold summit with Francis II of France. There were also actors dressed in traditional Tudor dress walking around and interacting with guests, thus adding to the experience. As we walked through Anne Boleyn’s Gatehouse, there was an intricate design on the ceiling of the archway, with the initials ‘HA’, which we learnt refers to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. The letters are linked by a lover’s knot. We were told that Henry and Anne would wave to each other across the Gatehouse, much to the dismay of the women below, as Anne Boleyn’s chambers were placed opposite King Henry’s.

The final stop was the Great Hall. Despite the amazing tapestries and stained-glass windows, we found out that the Great Hall was where the lesser ranks ate and the painted carved faces on the ceiling, served as a constant reminder not to gossip as there’s always someone watching and listening.”

Hannah Palmer, 6.1 Student

Tales of the American Dream History: Oppression & Equality students delve deeper into 20th Century America.

“As the World readies itself for what promises to be one of the most pivotal elections in America, History students attended a fascinating American Dream conference, held at the London Irish Centre in Camden.

All manner of topics were covered from immigration, to civil rights, to the changing nature of the Presidency and finally Ronald Reagan. With the talks presented by Cambridge and UCL professors, despite being naturally content-heavy, they remained thoroughly engaging throughout. Interesting questions were raised over why Martin Luther King is viewed as somehow “more American” than more “extreme” civil rights activists such as Malcolm X? And whether Reagan was merely an opportunist in gaining the presidency? It was a new layer of depth to what we learn on the syllabus.

All in all, it was an incredibly useful trip, made even better by relentless sunshine throughout. The new perspectives we gained will prove invaluable, not only when writing in history lessons, but when considering the way we perceive America and the way America perceives itself.” Harry Crawshaw, 6.1 Student

Chairman Mao History Conference History: Dictators and Imperialists students get new insight into Women in China.

“The Mao History Conference took place in February in Bloomsbury and was a great way to revise the Mao’s China course, while also taking on and expanding new ideas. There were four topics lined up: the role of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the Economic Policies of the Communists, Women Under Mao and the Students’ Role in the Cultural Revolution.

For all of these themes, what I found really interesting was the extra context about the Sino-Japanese war (1937-1945), which the speaker used as an example to help us understand the success of Mao and the PLA. The speech I found the most fascinating, however, was Yangwen Zheng’s talk on Women in China. A Professor of Chinese History at the University of Manchester, Yangwen challenged our knowledge of the course, but also challenged modern scholarship’s view of women in history on the whole, questioning the framework in which we view women’s liberation.“

Nonny Jones, 6.2 Student

Students welcome Aaron Columbus from the Centre for Hearth Tax Research at Roehampton University

“Aaron Columbus from the University of Roehampton, Surrey, presented two seminars on the Hearth Tax and how to analyse historical documents at a higher level. Following the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Parliament calculated that the Royal Household needed an annual income of £1.2m (worth much more than today). The Hearth Tax was a supplemental property tax to make up the shortfall. It was considered easier to establish the number of hearths than the number of heads, especially after the rise of the Plague, and this allows us to see what life was like in London prior to, and following, the Great Fire of London in 1666.

We were surprised at how much detail could be learned from documents of this era, through personal analysis and interpretation. If the Tax could not be paid, tax collectors would use their own notes and perception to decide if any items were worth taking or not. We collectively found working with the sources very enjoyable and learned much about London in the 17th Century. The talk gave me a very insightful and more personal view of peoples’ reactions towards tax collection than today’s more efficient practices. It showed the socio-economic stance of given areas and showed more human details of how people lived.”

Will Bateson, 6.1 Student

Taxing History of 17th Century London

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Resonance Roadshow rocks Esher

Music students were treated to a series of workshops and performances by music professionals from a new state-of-the-arts music institute, Resonance. The five visiting session musicians – who have worked with acts including Steve Winwood, Robert Plant and Beverley Knight – spent the day with students highlighting music techniques, instrument demos and sparking some lively debates about their experiences in the industry.

“The talk from Resonance was a really interesting insight into the music industry, and a great opportunity for all Music and Music Technology students to learn more about one of the subjects we are most passionate about.

“The performers were not only very talented, but amazing speakers and were able to hold our attention for the hours we were with them. Seeing such talented musicians perform was very inspiring for me, as it was like looking through a window into what my future could be. It gave me the opportunity to think about what I could do to achieve it.

A lot of us came away from the talk thinking about the different paths we could take. Undoubtedly a large proportion of us are thinking seriously about higher education or going into the music industry, so any opportunity to learn about it was worthwhile.

A particularly interesting portion of the talk was the insight into each of the performers’ backgrounds, and what brought them into working in the world of music. The talks felt very personal, and not necessarily like they were just trying to give us the hard sell. They seemed like they were genuinely interested in us as people and getting more people into the music industry - not just into their university. This made the whole experience feel more genuine.

Overall, the visit gave us a good insight into the world of music, higher education, and what our lives could be like should we go down the route of music for our futures. It was a lot of fun too. I’d love to see them back here again.”

Nikolas Agourakis, 6.1 Student

Parent Trustee Vacancy From November 2020, there will be a vacancy for a parent representative on the College Board of Trustees. Any parent of a current 6.1 student, or prospective student for September 2020, may offer themselves for election. Parents serve for a term of two years, irrespective of how long their daughter or son remains at the College. We would encourage you to take this opportunity to become closely involved in the organisation of the College and, if you would like to informally discuss the duties and commitments of a Trustee, please contact Sharon Kelly (skelly@esher.ac.uk), the Deputy Clerk to the Board of Trustees, at the College. If required, Sharon can send you a nomination form or put you in contact with an existing Trustee, so that you are able to gain an accurate picture of the commitment involved. We will require completed nomination forms to be returned to the College by Monday 14th September 2020.

What is Resonance? Resonance is a brand-new, multi-million-pound, state-of-the-art music institute coming to the West Midlands in 2020. Applicants will need between 96 and 112 UCAS points before being invited to audition for their place. Undergraduate degrees on offer (to start in September 2020):- • BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance, • BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance & Production, • BA (Hons) Popular Music Production, • BA (Hons) Digital Music, • BA (Hons) Music Business Resonance will be offering a suite of courses under a franchise arrangement from Solent University in Southampton.

Adam Wolters, Teacher of Music at Esher said, “The Resonance Roadshow was an amazing opportunity to have such eminent music professionals perform here and talk to our students about the direction of the music industry. The workshops and lively discussions have been incredibly insightful and have given students much food for thought about their next steps. While there are contemporary music colleges in the country, Resonance’s industry-focused approach to teaching is unique and we are thrilled they could bring their roadshow to Esher.”

Voices from Nepal

During our Volunteering Abroad meeting we were lucky enough to meet two Ghurkas. They gave us an insight into life, culture and religion in Nepal. We were also able to hear a personal story from the earthquake that took place in 2015. I think this experience is something all of us will be able to hold on too despite not being able to go on the trip anymore.

Ollie Cullen, 6.1 Student

Fine Art Display Just before lockdown, the College reception corridors were treated to some new displays of mixed media artwork by our 6.1 Fine Art students. The project was based on the senses, feeling objects in a bag and creating descriptive words, then textures and patterns to combine their work with extraordinary objects seen at the British Museum and ordinary objects at home. Well done to students Matilda Clark, Heidi Seer, Ann Dinh, Rachel Gunner, Nana Montgomery and Nina Jokovic.

Running for Young Minds Congratulations to Esher student Will Chetwynd-Stapylton, who with two friends, came up with their 5K Feb event to raise £570 for YoungMinds.

Will, with Oliver Case and Amelia Field, decided to run, cycle or walk 5km every day in February clocking more than 100km.

William said, “The idea behind 5K Feb was that there have been multiple studies to show that being active can help massively with your mental health. It certainly did with me.

“When I went through a rough patch in my life, I found the one thing that truly got me out of that dark hole was running. Whatever sport you have an interest in, do it. It will help you feel happier. Even if it’s just a small amount, anything can help.”

YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health. To donate, check out William’s 5K Feb Just Giving Page or follow them on Instagram @justkeeprunn1ng

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Name: Andrew Marsh Position: Teacher of Classical Civilisation From: September 2008

What inspired you to go into teaching?

I love the subject. My father bought ‘The Golden Treasury of Myths and Legends’ for me when I was a small child, and I never really recovered. The fact that it’s possible to make a living rummaging around in the ancient Greek and Roman world seemed (still seems, if I’m honest) slightly too good to be true.

Why have you chosen to work in a Sixth Form College?

I had a fantastic experience as a college student, academically and socially. I went to St Vincent College in Gosport. This experience has made me such a zealot about the role of sixth forms that I couldn’t really imagine teaching at any other level. Plus, I’m quite a scruffy man, and fear that the ground would open up and swallow me if I had to tell students to straighten their ties or tuck in their shirts on a daily basis.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Homer, Plato, Virgil, Seneca, students (in no particular order).

What achievement are you most proud of?

It’s really more a matter of ‘most frequently proud of.’ I went to Greece for the first time in 1994, on a college trip. We visited ancient Olympia, where our teacher urged us to recreate the sprint event on (roughly) the same dusty track that the ancient Greeks started to use for competitive athletics in 776 BC. I won. According to the ancient Greek way of looking at things, this victory, way back in the mid-nineties, has given my name a celestial glow that can never truly die. I look back on this most years when I take Classics students to ancient Olympia and watch from the side-lines as they take their turn to recreate the sprint.

When you were younger, what teacher inspired you the most?

I was a thoroughly uninspired (and uninspiring) student all through my school years but was lucky enough to have three exceptional teachers at sixth form. If I’m only allowed to pick one, it’d have to be Glenda Dean, my Classics teacher, whose love of Greece and Rome knows no bounds (not even Hippodamian Town Planning).

What book or film has inspired you the most?

Homer’s Iliad, hands down – it’s literally the gift that keeps giving.

What words of wisdom would you pass on to your 16-year-old self?

This will sound like propaganda, but it would have to be ‘‘listen to your tutor.’’ I failed GCSE maths at school and was quietly confident that this didn’t mean much more than that I could forget about algebra for the rest of my life. On the first day of sixth form my tutor gently encouraged me to think about adding a Maths retake to my timetable, as most careers would require it. I stubbornly refused to consider. Ten years later, having decided to become a teacher, it was pointed out to me (again) that GCSE Maths was a prerequisite to enrolling on any PGCE course. I ended up completing a year-long GCSE Maths course at night school. The classes ran on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7-9:30pm, so I had to traipse across London after a day’s work to attend: usually, with my tutor’s decade-old advice ringing in my ears.

Meet the Teacher

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Studying Classical Civilisation A Level at EsherThinking about studying Classical Civilisation at A Level? Did you know J.K. Rowling and Boris Johnson were Classics graduates? Studying Classics will teach you how to think critically about a range of issues from love and relationships to gender roles and heroism and help you analyse and construct arguments. If you enjoy reading and writing, as well as en-joying sharing your opinion in class – we can guarantee to get you thinking about things in an entirely new way.

You will study The World of the Hero, examining the great works of epic poetry Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid, Culture and The Arts, looking at Greek art, and Beliefs and Ideas, unpacking the ancient views on love and relationships from Plato to Seneca.

Steve Murphy, Head of Philosophy and Classics, says, “Classical Civilisation equips individuals to think about society and politics in a deeply informed and subtle way and to persuade other people ver-bally, visually and in writing. You’ll refine crucial skills like source criticism and analysing different cultural perspectives. It’s a perfect A Level to do with any other subject because the Greeks invented all academic disciplines including Medicine and Material Science.”

End of Year Sports Review

Mixed Hockey

When at full strength the Esher Sixth Form College team has proved to be formidable this season, despite fielding a team with only a single 6.2 student. Though we lacked the experience of our opposition we were able to record several victories across the season, including an impressive display against Reigate College. The team put on a series of strong performances, even in situations when we were outnumbered by our opposition. With a strong core of 6.1 students we are set up for an excellent campaign next season!

Player of the Season: Maddie Blinkhorn-JonesMost Improved: Nick Moxon

Bob Woollins, Teacher of Maths and Hockey Coach

Womens’ Football Team

The Womens’ football team had a very successful season with many outstanding individual achievements. The team finished 3rd in a league cut short by the coronavirus pandemic but were challenging for the title with two games still to play. Unfortunately, the early curtailment of the league meant the team were not able to complete their final two games, which would have produced a nail-biting finish and potentially seen the team crowned as champions. Despite this, there were many highlights during the course of the season. In all competitions, the team won 11 games, drew two and lost three, scoring 72 goals and only conceding 26.

Some notable results during the season include nail-biting 2-1 victories vs Reigate and Worthing and some double figure victories against both Godalming and New City. As well as a successful league campaign, the team also reached the last 16 of the National Cup before succumbing to the Reading FC Academy.Several players had extremely good individual seasons. The new

first year players made a significant contribution and we look forward to building a team around them next season. Defensively, Holly Turner, Alice Frise and Emily Meares ensured a solid base while in midfield Jasmine King controlled the tempo of the performances. In attack, the majority of goals were scored by the excellent Phoebe Head (13) and Evie Blackledge (15), while most improved player, Sophie Wakeford, made a brilliant contribution to the group.

Multiple 2nd years will be leaving the team to explore new pastures and we thank them for their excellent contribution for two seasons. In particular, our captain and player of the year, Megan McGarvey, was a dominant force in all games. Other major contributions to the group came from Megan Saunders, Hannah Cheeseman, Holly Drage, Darcey Coombs, Sophie Hudson, Emily Pinkess, Jess Little and Georgia Evans-Snares.

Top Scorer: Evie BlackledgePlayer of the Year: Megan McGarveyMost improved: Sophie Wakeford Alan Reed, Head of PE and Sports and Womens’ football coach

Mens’ Football

A mixed season for the three football teams. The 1st and 2nd teams only drew one league game between them all season, winning close to half of their league fixtures.

Most notable results for the 1st team include a 9-0 thrashing of Woking College in the Surrey Sixth Form League (SSFL) and a 4-2 win against Glenthorne in the English Schools FA Super League. The 2nd teams best SSFL result was a 4-1 win away to Pulse Tomlinscote Academy. The 2nd’s also enjoyed a 6-5 win away to Strodes in the SSFL Cup to progress through to the next round where they were drawn against our own Esher 3rd team. The game was played in good spirits and the Esher 3rd team found themselves 2-0 up at the break. The 2nds team dominated the second half but only managed to score once with the game finishing 2-1 to the 3rd team. With the 3rd team through to the semifinal, they unfortunately then lost to Reigate College’s 3rd Team.

Esher’s 2nd team have had success in the AOC National Cup beating West Thames College 2-1 in Round 2, followed by 2-1 win against Berkshire CofA in Round 3. They also beat City & Islington

Although the year ended sooner than we’d hoped, our sports teams have enjoyed a series of strong performances with much to build on for next year.

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College 3-1 in Round 4, before unfortunately losing to a strong Strodes College 1st team in Round 5.

Esher’s 3rd Team recognises Barney Rickard, who has played consistently all season. He has been excellent at right back, becoming the lynchpin of our defence. Every single match and without fail, Barney would give it his all and that is all a coach could ask of their players. Also of mention is Will Bateson, who at the end of the season is a different player to what Will was at the start of the season. Impressed by his willingness to learn, his commitment to matches and the team - it is no exaggeration that Will gives it his all. In return for his commitment to training and games, Will has come on leaps and bounds in both his physical and technical development. Well done to both Barney and Will in Esher 3rds.

James McGrath and Adam Latrache, Teachers of PE and Sport Esher 1st Team Player of the Year: Jude Shury Most Improved: Tom Roadnight Esher 2nd TeamPlayer of the Year: Elliott Damen Most Improved: Luca Gibson Esher 3rd TeamPlayer of the Year: Barney Rickard Most Improved: Will Bateson

Netball

Overall it has been a successful season for the womens’ netball teams. We have seen some fantastic match play on court from both the 1st and 2nd team, along with a steady trajectory of personal development. Most notable was the 2nd team’s 26-25 win against Coyllers College and the 1st team’s 43-28 win against Reigate College.

Recognition must go to Ruby Kinchin, who has proven to be a core player with the Esher 1st team. Her incredible athletic ability can be seen through her impressive shooting statistics as a goal attack. Alongside her natural flair, she has shown great commitment to training and reliability for matches. During tense and pressured moments she keeps a level head and positive attitude. I have no doubt that Ruby’s humble attitude, love for the sport and impressive talent will take her a long way in the future!

We will also be sorry to say goodbye to Hannah Mace, who has been on quite a journey with us at Esher. In her first year, she was selected for the 2nd team where she demonstrated great commitment and determination. These qualities didn’t go unnoticed and she was given the opportunity to play in the 1st team during her second year. Hannah quickly found her feet (quite literally). As a centre court player, her decision making when feeding into the shooting circle improved dramatically. Her ability on and off the ball also improved as she was able to display great control and finesse when driving into space and working around defenders.

In addition, Hannah’s bubbly and smiley personality was always uplifting for the girls, even when outside on those rainy afternoons! She was always open to feedback and eager to listen to advise from her coaches. Overall, an absolute pleasure to coach!

Lianne Purvis, Teacher of PE and Sport

Player of the Year: Ruby KinchinMost Improved: Hannah Mace

Rugby

As disappointing as it was to not get to finish the season this year, Esher Rugby has lots to look forward to next year. Some really strong performances and a solid build throughout the season has shown the depth we have as a squad and the potential we show for next season. Coaches from local Cobham RFC offered some sessions to push players skills and decision making to help their thinking under pressure as well as offering more time spent together to grow as a team. Congratulations to Antione Blanc who always had one of the highest tackle counts in a game and Jack Bennett who was supportive to other players and was keen to develop his skills.

Dani Knight, Teacher of PE and Sport

6.1 Player of the Year: Antione Blanc 6.2 Player of the Year: Jack Bennett

Mens’ Basketball

It’s been a delight getting to know all of the players and staff at Esher. In the short time we’ve spent together, the team has really started to come together with every game we’ve played. The boys have an amazing attitude towards the game and are incredibly keen to grow as players. I look forward to coaching them next year to continue the momentum.

Mario Trela, Basketball Coach

Most Improved: Joe Crabtree Player of the Year: Jaime Munby

Alex is No.1 for Badminton Congratulations to Esher student Alex Green, who won the RSL Iceland International Badminton Tournament in January.

Alex and partner Annie Lado claimed the mixed doubles title, which is Alex’s first adult international tournament win. He also made it to the men’s doubles quarter-finals with Nathan Moore. Alex, who was previously at St George’s in Weybridge, has been playing badminton from the age of six, and is now ranked No.1 in England U19 and No.26 in the World U19.

He trains daily at Wimbledon Racquets Club and The National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes in addition to gym work.

Olympic Bronze for Olivia

Winning an Olympic medal is a dream come true for Esher student Olivia Weedon.

Olivia won Bronze with her Team GB teammates in the Mixed Team, short track speed skating relay event, at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics in Lausanne in January.

Formerly from St Catherine’s, Twickenham, Olivia is studying PE, Biology and Psychology at Esher Sixth Form College, as well as playing in our Netball team. She trains in Guildford with the Aldwych Speed Club.

Olivia’s grandmother Susan Willliams, who watched her at the event, told the Comet newspaper, “It’s like a dream come true for her.”

Green Week ChallengeMarch saw another successful Green Week with all the College getting involved with five days of challenges.

On Monday, our café kick-started the week with #MeatfreeMonday offering Mexican Bean Rolls, BBQ Jackfruit, Keralan Spiced Cauliflower pasty and a popular Vegan Biscuit & Cake bar.

Day 2 encouraged students and staff to cycle or car-pool to College and on Wednesday our café led the way in avoiding single use plastic. College caterers Caterlink are continuing their fight to reduced plastic usage by offering new green alternatives, including bamboo cutlery and compostable plant-based hot trays.

Thursday we challenged students to Reduce: Reuse: Recycle and our fashion students went to town with a Recycled Fashion display in reception. Finally on Friday we were excited to welcome Ed Fuller from Greenpeace UK to talk to students at lunchtime about building a green and peaceful world, while the Music department held a live Unplugged Open-Mic event in the café area.

Well done to everyone who got involved.

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A Blast From the Past : Meet Alexandra McKenzieAlexandra McKenzie says her passion for history, languages and philosophy was nurtured at Esher Sixth Form College and set the foundations for an extraordinary career in the Foreign Office. Working in Berlin, Paris and Beijing, she is now the UK’s Deputy High Commissioner to Singapore. Alexandra is also part of our amazing Esher Alumni. While in Berlin, she hosted our A Level Politics students at the Embassy, who were visiting the city as part of Wider Skills Week. Now, whenever she’s back in town, she returns to Esher to share her experiences with students. Here she reveals how studying Philosophy, in particular, put her in good stead for the future…

What did you study at Esher: Philosophy, History, German and Psychology (AS)

Secondary School: Teddington School

Year you left College? 1996

What are you doing now? I’m the UK’s Deputy High Commissioner to Singapore, and from August I’ll be the Deputy Ambassador to Thailand.

What were your course highlights at Esher? I really loved all my courses. Philosophy was my favourite; I enjoyed learning about the Greek philosophers and the intense debates we would have in class, particularly around ethics. Every now and then, the Classics teacher (Baz) would pop in and give us some illuminating context (I vividly recall him explaining what a catamite was).

How did your teachers inspire you? So much of what I learnt at Esher had an impact on my later studies, interests and eventually my career – though I wouldn’t say I had it all planned out at the time!

One of my History teachers, Mr. Doig, was really old-school and a fantastic storyteller. I loved his classes on dictatorships in the 20th century. It gave me a fascination with World War Two that I nurtured with my own reading. It meant I was reasonably well-informed about the defining moments in modern history for when I was posted to Beijing, Paris and Berlin.

Keith Maslin was my Philosophy teacher; he inspired a love of philosophy that meant I went on to study it at university. His passion for his subject was really infectious. He’d bring the debates to life by getting us to argue everything in class, and had a real

respect for and delight in our discussions, despite the fact he’d heard generations of students debate the same two-thousand year-old arguments. He made it always seem fresh.

What did you do after Esher? I went to the University of Bristol to study Philosophy and German. I just wanted to keep learning about the two things I was most interested in and the course at Bristol enabled both those things. I got to spend a year in Germany, and I still loved philosophy and debating. It’s only in hindsight I can see that those are now the two things that define my career – going abroad and arguing!

What made you want to apply for the civil service? I wanted to do something I thought was meaningful. I had no interest in making money for someone else, which is how I thought of working in the private sector. I understand now that it’s a lot more nuanced, but at the time, a career in business just seemed like pie charts and profiteering. I wanted to work in an international environment; I liked learning languages and I wanted to make a positive difference. A Foreign Office career seemed to offer an irresistible combination of allowing you to feel equally virtuous and glamorous.

What advice would you give someone thinking about a career in the civil service? It’s still a job I absolutely love, despite ups and downs. The downs are generally to do with pay and conditions, it’s not a job I’d recommend to anyone who wants to make a shedload of money. But I know a lot of people who are dissatisfied with their careers; who go to the office miserable, who hate their bosses and / or colleagues, who dislike the drudgery or the hours, or who feel like their work has no meaning. I don’t feel any of those things. Every day, I love what I do. There is variety, there is challenge; you meet interesting people (pictured left with MP Dominic Raab and below with MP Penny Mordaunt) and learn a huge amount about all sorts of disparate things. What you do is clearly relevant and can make a positive impact. I feel lucky that I still feel that way after almost 20 years in the Foreign Office.

What have been your career highlights so far? Although it’s hard to describe them as highlights, working on crises in the Foreign Office gives you a real sense of achievement and camaraderie, knowing that you’ve helped people during a really difficult time. I’ve led crisis response to a typhoon in the Philippines, a coup in Thailand, aviation disasters and pandemics. There’s also a bit of celebrity hob-knobbing; I was totally star-struck at meeting David Attenborough.

What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? I definitely spent too much time worried about not fitting in, and coming at things the wrong way round. I had so many nights out that I hated and dropped good friendships for more superficial ones. I’d advise myself to start from what I actually was interested in, and invest time with good friends, and let everything flow more naturally from that, without getting hung up on how things looked or whether the “right” people were doing that too.

Making it a family affairEsher Sixth Form College has been quite the family affair for Alexandra McKenzie because all her family have been here (and some still are)!

Mum, Viv Louizos, is one of our two trained student counsellors, providing support onsite for work-related or personal concerns that students may have. Since then, Alexandra’s sister Zoe has also passed through Esher as a student, before doing an Art foundation at Wimbledon and a History degree at Nottingham University. She is now an exhibitions manager at the V&A where she has spoken to Esher Fashion students on trips there. And last, but no means least; dad, Van, who teaches our Spanish adult education lessons in the evenings.

MPs under the spotlight: Politics students give their views on two recent MP visitsA not so different type of Tory: Kwasi KwartengIn February, Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, Kwasi Kwarteng came to visit Esher Sixth Form College to ‘educate’ students on right wing Conservative politics.

The MP for Spelthorne had some quite controversial opinions, which he confidently articulated to the large audience of Politics and other students. Some students didn’t warm to Kwasi Kwarteng, as he sounded rather inconsistent, and many viewed his thoughts on “gay marriage” as homophobic. He stated that he now supports gay marriage after initially voting against it in the House of Commons.

Kwarteng is repeatedly said to be a very contrasting type of Tory, though this is almost entirely due to his Ghanaian parentage. When in actual fact, his background is as typical as it gets, his path from Eton College and onto Cambridge University resembles the histories of the imperial administrators whom he blueprints in his new book, Ghosts of Empire.

Emily Stout and Julia Trigg 6.1 Politics Students

I was invited to chair a discussion with the influential Labour backbencher, Peter Kyle, MP for Hove and Portslade. To me this was an exciting and interesting prospect and I came prepared; having produced a detailed and conclusive summary of Kyle’s background over the weekend. By Monday morning, I felt confident to share the stage with this highly charismatic public figure (even preparing some back-up questions if the conversation dried up).

I arrived at the College Theatre to hear the buzz of anticipation from the crowd inside. I put my bag and coat to the side & approached Kyle, introducing myself with a firm handshake. We then set out how the event would proceed; a brief introduction from himself and then opening up to questions from the audience.

We moved to the table, set out before the event with two chairs. Kyle ignored the table, deciding to instead opt for standing further in front to deliver a more captivating speech, and I followed suit. I read out his past achievements, as you would read a shopping list; ‘Cabinet Office, SpAd for Social Exclusion policy, a Charity worker in the Balkans…’.

He stepped further forward and began to recall his life story to the audience. This is clearly, in hindsight, where I should’ve departed from the stage to sit down with the audience. But at the time, unaware his story would near 30mins long, I continued to stand, after all, we had agreed only a brief introduction. Kyle talked about his unorthodox political background: initially unsuccessful at school, due to his severe dyslexia, he persisted and returned at 25 to retake his GCSEs and went on to university to achieve a PhD.

Every minute I waited standing up, my chance of leaving the stage slowly disappeared. But when we reached the end of his story, an opportunity arose: questions from the audience.

After dominating the conversation from the early stages, Peter Kyle reengaged with me - asking the brief question, “Should we do questions now?” I answered back briefly, seeing my chance of chairing the talk return. However, before I knew it Kyle had started asking the audience for questions without my participation! From here on, I stood awkwardly waiting for the event to end, as it was

too late to leave the stage without causing a scene. Fiery debates between Kyle, who is a committed member of the centre-right of the party and a consistent critic of the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, and a member of the audience, who was very much a Corbyn supporter, erupted.

Perhaps I am being too sceptical of my limited participation in the event, naturally, his talk was engaging and interesting. I indeed learnt a huge amount from the event, principally that politicians often enjoy listening to themselves talk.

Moreover, Kyle’s talk was particularly topical because he spoke to us during the leadership elections and said how he had chosen to support the eventual victor, Keir Starmer, after his first choice Jess Philips withdrew. He seemed genuinely excited to see what Labour would look like after Corbyn’s premiership.

It can be argued that Keir Starmer’s election as leader will bring a substantial shift in the direction of the party, away from the radical socialist policies of Corbyn and towards the centre-ground, to appeal to many of the voters lost in the 2019 General Election.

Joe Crabtree, 6.1 Politics Student

Lessons from a Chair: Tips for handling overtalkative MPs

You’re Hired – Young Enterprise team learn business TACTICS

18 students get to grips with setting up and running their own company as part of their complementary study option

This year, our young entrepreneurs quickly found themselves in the hotseat as they navigated themselves through the process of setting up their own business.

During the initial weeks we ran team-building exercises and discussed high profile brands/businesses. The students applied for positions on the board of directors; where there was strong competition for some roles – the candidates were interviewed. Through experience, many realised that the coveted role of MD was tougher than they had imagined! Andrea Jovovic was selected and showed true leadership and resilience during her tenure. Each YE team is supported by a business advisor. For the past two years Julia Jones, ex-teacher turned local business owner of “Iceland Traveller”, has provided valuable hands-on business experience and mentored the Finance Directors Nicole and Louis.

Over the course of the two terms, several ideas where explored, researched, and developed. Some weeks they failed to move forward, there were frustrations and disagreements, but ultimately a consensus was achieved to sell silver chains with charms. This idea was “on trend” and had the potential to yield a healthy profit.

The company name of TACTICS was agreed. TACTICS Ltd was incorporated, a logo was designed, strategy and business values debated; bank accounts were opened, shares sold, and money raised to finance stock purchases. Decisions had to be made about what to invest in - sourcing the product, marketing materials, on-line presence, packaging, the sales display and so on.

In February TACTICS Ltd rented a stall at a YE event in Kingston to sell alongside other schools and colleges. Despite the artic conditions, the event exceeded expectations. The team worked hard, enjoyed talking to customers and the judges about their journey and the product. On reflection, whilst their display ticked the box for sustainability, they wished they had invested more in this, to make it look “more professional”.

The majority agreed that setting up a business was more challenging than they had imagined. They learnt that it is a complex process that requires attention to detail and learning from mistakes. For Eva, the Sales and Marketing Director, Young Enterprise gave her insight into what it would be like to set up/or work in a business. There were frustrations with team members who did not take responsibility for their tasks, but also the realisation that greater satisfaction is derived by fully participating.

One of the most important lessons was the power of a well-functioning team – how they could quickly generate, evaluate, and refine ideas. Matt, Digital Marketing Director summaries what he gained from YE, “leadership, sales/persuasion, organisation, marketing, accounting, and presentation. There’s a lot more skills I’ve learnt that I can’t list off the top off my head”.

Having worked in advertising for major brands, I am very aware of the resources and time it takes for successful ideas to be generated, agreed and executed – in one hour a week, for a couple of terms, I think the team’s achievements are impressive.

Going forward the company must be dissolved, the bank account closed, remaining stock sold, accounts submitted, and a decision will be made by shareholders about the distribution of the profits. As with everything, in the current climate, this is being done from the kitchen table.

Cheryl Coker, Centre Lead for Young Enterprise

What is Young Enterprise? Young Enterprise is one of 40 complementary study options at Esher that students can take in their first year. It provides a challenging but highly rewarding opportunity to work with people outside the College in a mentoring role as well as a chance to engage with the local community.

In an increasingly competitive and shifting job market - young people must demonstrate skills beyond traditional academic learning. They need to be self-reliant, have creative problem-solving abilities and be financially savvy.

Young Enterprise provides a valuable framework to gain these skills and more. Launched in the UK in 1963, it is an international charitable organisation designed to teach young people, through experience, entrepreneurial and financial skills.

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A* for PerseveranceIn March, the English department welcomed poet Raymond Antrobus to the College for a thought-provoking performance from his award-winning debut collection, The Perseverance. A winner of the Ted Hughes Poetry Prize and the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year award, Raymond’s poems are a meditation on language, loss and the deaf experience.

Adult Education 2020/21

Biology SuccessIn February, eight students were successful in completing the British Biology Olympiad - a big congratulations to them! The Olympiad is a national competition which challenges and stimulates students with an interest in biology to expand and extend their talents.

Biology trip to London Zoo

A Level Biology Students enjoyed a trip to ZSL London Zoo where they attended a seminar on the roles that zoos play in conservation projects including captive breeding and reintroduction programmes. The trip provided students with an excellent insight for a biology research project they were undertaking as part of their A-level Biology course. Students also had time to explore the zoo after the lecture - amongst the animals spotted were a Komodo Dragon, Galapagos tortoises and some sleepy lionesses.

Ed Jones, Teacher of Biology

Junior Doctor in the HouseEarlier this year students got a taste of life as a medical student when we were joined by former Esher student, Sophie Marriott.Sophie, left us in 2013, to go to Southampton University and came back to share her experiences of working on the front line while she completes her Foundation Year as a Junior Doctor at University Hospital Southampton.

Did you know Esher Sixth Form College has excellent facilities and offers a diverse range of courses to the wider community? With 28 different subjects to study, from Tai Chi to Life Drawing, Counselling and IT skills, check out our new 2020/21 prospectus at esher.ac.uk/adult-education

Our tutors are very experienced professionals, who pride themselves on developing high quality programmes of activity relevant to individual circumstances.

Michael hits Chemistry GoldWe’re super proud of second year student Michael Cottrill who achieved gold in Round One at the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Olympiad. The UK Chemistry Olympiad is open to all secondary schools and colleges and is a great opportunity for students to develop their thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as testing their existing knowledge of chemistry in real-world situations. Bring on Round 2.

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Community Volunteers - making a difference at Thamesmead School First year student, Evie Harper opted for Community Volunteers as her complementary study option. Interested in teaching, she returned to her former school, Thamesmead School, to volunteer with key stage 3 students to help in a variety of subjects including drama, maths and science. Required to volunteer for at least one hour per week for 20 weeks, here’s what Evie got up to …

What have you enjoyed most about volunteering?Working with the students and watching them grow both academically and in their own personal confidence. It was also lovely to have students personally thank me for their help and even nicer to see that they felt established enough to work independently.

What did you find most challenging? Initially, I felt that I wouldn’t be qualified enough to give the students the academic support that some of them required. However I found that giving them my personal experience of college and exams, was often more valuable. I knew that, what they were struggling with was also what I had struggled with; so for them to know that they can achieve the task after they have failed and be in a position like me, was highly reassuring for them.

What new skills have you developed as a result of your volunteering?The ability to adapt! Every child was different and I learnt how to work with their unique needs. This is one of the most valuable skills I could ever have, especially when helping children and being in education. I learnt many skills and techniques, to aid children’s understanding and clearly explain complex topic aspects.

What is your proudest moment as a volunteer?I have two main moments that I will always remember and cherish. The first was when I finally figured out how to help a boy, who had severe education needs. He was highly independent but slipping in his grades and would turn away and not talk or look at anyone. After many attempts, I found that talking to his partner and giving them tips that would also aid him, allowed him to take my suggestions but remain independent. He could take them as his own and secure his grades without needing to interact with me.

I’m also very proud of the progress I made with one particular student. His teacher said he had never worked that much in the whole two years they had taught him. By the end, he was secure enough to work with the class, staying on task and completing work successfully. Plus he was always polite and thanked me after each lesson.

What advice would you give to students signing up for Community Volunteers next year?Try to establish as much self-belief as you can, because then you can jump straight into your volunteering and you’ll enjoy it sooner. Don’t worry if you’re still a bit uneasy when you start, because as soon as you enter the classroom and start to help the students, you will learn so much and feel very accomplished by seeing them succeed.

How do you think the volunteering experience will benefit you in future?It has helped me be a better person because I have given back to the community. This has empowered me to apply all of my new knowledge to each aspect of my life and it will benefit me for university, as well as in my aspiration to teach. Community Volunteering gave me new experiences in the education system and helped improve my knowledge on how to communicate and adapt; as well as seeing how education works best.

Life Experience is the new Work ExperienceMeet our new Work Experience and Alumni Coordinator, Cat Elmes.

At Esher Sixth Form College we are committed to finding the best opportunities and work experience placements for as many of our students as possible. Cat’s background in advertising and marketing with agencies including M&C Saatchi and Billington Cartmel, means she has the knowhow to help students sell themselves in an ever-increasing digital world.

Cat says, “Students need to nurture their skills and experiences and present them in such a way that catches the eye of the next employer or makes them stand out from the crowd – effectively ‘sell’ themselves to employers. Finding each student’s unique skill set & characteristic and knowing how to sell it, is my passion.” Cat will be offering students CV and Personal Statement Writing Workshops to help them navigate their online presence on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. She says, “Students need to be proactive and show willing to secure that placement or opportunity by themselves or through me. I am here to support and work with them to ensure they have the best possible opportunities going forward.

Cat is also launching our Esher Alumni Programme, which aims to build long lasting relationships with former students, who in turn can create more work experience opportunities for the College. To find out more, please email alumni@esher.ac.uk.

CAN YOU HELP? Parents, Carers and Guardians can also be our greatest asset when it comes to finding work experience and work placements. If you have any opportunities in your organisation or recommendations of a business that might be interested in facilitating a work placement, please email workexperience@esher.ac.uk”.

For students interested in work experience placements, you can find Cat in the Progression Guidance Department on the first floor of the Red zone (access via the maths corridor).

Dates for your DiarySocial MediaFor more information on what’s happening at Esher Sixth Form College, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Recommended Reads from the LRCThe Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

I would consider this book a must read for anyone trying to figure out what they want to do in life. It’s a symbolic tale of self-discovery and pursuing your dreams. A simple, easy to interpret, but ultimately inspiring fable of a young shepherd in his search for greatness and the lessons he learns along the way. It is a book that will motivate and hopefully inspire you in all the right ways.

Carl Dixon, LRC Assistant

This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor by Adam Kay

In diary form, this book describes the life of a NHS junior doctor and provides a humorous insight into how difficult this job really is. This is a totally topical read and will add even more to your respect for the NHS.

Fay Whittam, Assistant Manager Library

Don’t miss: The Almanac – A Seasonal Guide to 2020 by Lia Leendertz. It is beautifully illustrated by our own Julia McKenzie, Teacher of Fine Art.

COVID 19: due to current circumstances, please be aware dates published here may have to change so do keep checking our website for updates.

Summer Term 2020Thursday 2 July Virtual After Esher Day

Friday 3 July End of Term

Dates for Prospective Y11 Students and Parents (September 2020 admissions)Friday 26 June Virtual Introduction Day (students)

Thursday 20 August GCSE Results Day

Monday 24 to Wednesday 26 August Enrolment for new students

Start of Year 2020/21

Tuesday 1 September Start of 6.2 Day

Monday 19 October to Friday 30 October Half Term

Friday 18 December End of Term

Dates for Prospective Y10 Students and Parents (September 2021 admissions)Date tba, please check website Open Evening

Thursday 2 July Online applications for 2021 Open

Monday 28 September 2020 Online applications for 2021 Close at 5pm

BTEC Sport students lead the way Our BTEC Sports students demonstrated fantastic leadership skills at our Sports Leaders event with Weston Green Primary School.

Held in the College sports hall, the first year students welcomed more than 40+ youngsters and were great role models as they guided the pupils through a variety of sporting activities and games.