Sacred Heart School – Autumn Term 2014

Walsingham has been a place of pilgrimage and worship for hundreds of years, and even though

we go every year there is always one thing that changes. What we pray for. Most people my age

probably pray for luck on their exams this year, and most of the time we don’t notice that our

prayer could be used for something more important. The great thing about having the mile to

walk means that your mind wanders and you start thinking about things that are more important

than grades and yourself. Personally I have been the selfish type and prayed for good things to

happen for me academically, but this year not so much. This year when we were walking the

mile I began to think about life outside the classroom and how I’m not always going to be able

to rely on the simplicity and stability of my world consisting of classes and grades. I realised that

my life begins way out there away from school and my comfort zone. I then began to think about

all the terrible things that are happening in the world, famine, disease, families being torn apart

by everyone else’s greed. When my time comes to brave the world I think that by then the world

will be a more selfless place where people give what they have to the community. Last year in

one of our RE lessons we learnt that the Sikhs have money to keep their family safe and fed but

the rest is passed to the less fortunate in the community and so on. I thought long and hard about

this and realised that by donating my prayer to the less fortunate then the world will become a

better place and will seem less scary when my time comes to enter it. The answer to the

homework is very difficult to explain, but by going to Walsingham I get the opportunity to

reflect on everything that is happening around me all over the globe outside of my personal

bubble and to do my part into making the world a more tranquil place, and without Walsingham

this wouldn’t be possible. It gives you the time to organise your thoughts and to gain sound

peace of mind before embarking on the next year in school. Even though just one extra prayer

from a 14 year old girl isn’t enough to set the world in perfect balance without that prayer the

world would be missing something.

Anna-Marie Bryder. Year 10

The Speech & Drama Examination results were impressive again this

summer. Congratulations to the following pupils who gained LAMDA Passes with Distinction:

Victoria Richardson, Phoebe Cushing,

Madelaine Goldsmith, Verity Yazdian Tehrani (Stage 3), Tehya Evans (Stage 3),

Charlotte Richardson (Stage 3),

Rebecca Whelan) (Stage 3), Harry McKnight (Entry 3), Lucy Brain (Stage 3), Grace Cushing

(Entry 3), Tara Nathan, Olivia Leader and

Thomas McDermott (Grade 4).

Passes with Merit: Isaac Riedlinger (Entry 3),

Eliza McRann, Lucy Brain (Entry 3) Tara Beck,

Leanna Dorling, Samantha Brain, Cayman Evans, Elizabeth Wainer, Alice Strafford (Grade 3),

Madelaine McPartlin (Grade 3), Freya Cushing (Grade 3), Kitty Yazdian Tehrani (Grade 4),

Alice Christian (Grade 4), Constance Wildbur (Grade 4), Anna Bryder (Grade 5) and

Charlotte Reid.

Passes: Jessica Gott, Charlotte Napper (Grade 3),

Elizabeth Napper (Grade 4) and Alex Grapes (Grade 4).

Bronze Medal Awards: Hannah Strafford (Grade 6 Pass with Distinction), Samantha Brain

(Grade 6 Pass with Merit) and Cayman Evans (Grade 6 Pass with Merit).

Silver Medal Award: Sophia Free (Grade 7 Pass)

The waitressing at West Lexham was a brilliant experience. I was the wine

waiter, so my job was making sure everybody’s drinks were topped up regularly. Others were

waiting on table and serving guests the various dishes provided by the excellent chef, ‘the Flying

Kiwi.’ It helped improve my social skills and I’m sure it will serve me well in the future. Aurelia

Eburne Year 9

Congratulations to Elizabeth Napper who has been awarded her

Baden Powell Award. This is the highest award for Guides. In working towards this

award Elizabeth attended residential events, undertook community action projects, completed

interest badges and hosted activities for fellow guides and brownies. The award requires hard

work and dedication and encourages Guides to try new activities and to challenge themselves.

The award was presented at Pax Lodge in London and is a fantastic achievement. Elizabeth is

continuing her guiding adventure by joining the senior section and becoming a young leader at

the Brownie unit she attended. Well done Elizabeth!

Monday morning begins with Y3 – 11and staff making music together. We have moved at a rapid pace from singing with great vigour last week to singing in a 4 part

round with four instrumental groups – guitars and cello, clarinets and flutes, violins, and

recorder groups. Next week we will build on this success. We are most fortunate to have an

energetic Music Teacher, Mrs Pickard, and an accompanist, Mrs Brandwood, as well as very

talented staff to both play and sing. Everyone needs to be in school particularly early on

Mondays as we need to begin this session at 8.35am. If there are musical instruments hidden in

your attic gathering dust, please will you donate them to our new dynamic music making group.

Harvest Festival

The Swaffham

Foodbank was

delighted with all the

tins and packets of

edibles and have

contacted us to thank

you again for the

donations made from

the Harvest Festival.

The overall weight

donated was a

staggering 107.2kg or

236.335lbs or

16.88stones!

As Year 6 have taken on the responsibility of leading the Lower School

we decided to use this PSHE theme for our assembly. In a very short time

they researched great leaders, choosing Ghandi, Churchill and Elizabeth II. They devised

storyboards on the I-pads which were projected onto the screen as they presented their leaders to

the audience.

We finished then showed a short clip and sang a song showing the story of David and Goliath.

Mrs Laban’s hidden talents came to the fore as she accompanied on keyboard. Year 6 finished

by asking the audience ‘What qualities make a great leader?’ Well done Year 6. Miss Gooderson

The PSHEE Extra lessons have started off well this year. Years 3 – 6 have

looked into friendships and working as a team. This week Year 7 had four different team-

building exercises to complete:

Chinese Pictionary – we used skills such as working together, talking, listening and patience

skills.

Jasper Hunt

Sheet Volleyball – This was my favourite game of the day because we had to work as a team and

appreciate one another’s ideas and opinions. Miya Cundy

The Marshmallow Tower – we used communication, teamwork, and treating each other fairly

and giving other people’s ideas a go. Alice Strafford

Minefield – this required clear communication and trust. We had to trust our partners to guide us

well and not trick us. We also had to speak clearly to our partner. Nestor Bausbacher

The Sainsbury Centre and the Diocesan School’s Mass for East Anglia I really enjoyed the Sainsbury centre trip on Friday. When we arrived, we were shown around

the centre by a tour guide. The first thing we saw was a laundry line filled with beautiful

coloured silks by, Pae White that swayed in the breeze. After we had moved on, we came to a

room filled with Andy Warhol ‘pop art.’ There were lots of things with different vibrant colours

that were really eye catching. My favourite part of the ‘pop art’ section was Andy Warhol’s

‘Campbell’s Soup’ drawing. He had modified the original colours from red and white to neon

orange and pink. The next section we saw was African masks hanging on the wall. I found these

really haunting as they all had very scary expressions. We then moved on to see all of Damien

Hirst’s work. He liked to collect Victorian taxidermy and display it in very creative ways. One of

my favourite pieces of his art was the wall of bugs. Displayed in a glass case were lots of

different types of bugs from tarantulas to scarab beetles. I really enjoyed looking at them as I

find bugs fascinating creatures. My other favourite piece of art in the Sainsbury Centre was Peter

Blake’s ‘Raven and Skull.’ Overall, I really enjoyed the trip and found it educational and fun.

Bethany Yousef Year 9

Last weekend a group of Year 10 completed the Bronze Duke of

Edinburgh Expedition. This was a complete turnaround, as last time Joanna, the

Assessor, described us a the worst group she had ever seen and this time we were the best group

she had ever seen as we didn’t get lost, we were very organised with camp craft and map reading

and on time at the check points. Unlike the practice when we had to be picked up by the mini

bus, this time our group was the first to return to base. Thank you to Mrs Laban who gave up her

precious weekend, although she did have time to do her marking in the car.

Charlotte Reid Year 10

Cross Country Well done to all the Lower School for attending

the recent Gresham’s Cross Country. All pupils

competed with great enthusiasm and we

achieved some fantastic results. Miss Wilson

U9 Boys: Nicholas George – 172, Thomas Judges – 178, Harry Spurling – 186,

Kieron Marshall – 201.

U9 Girls: Verity Yazdian Tehrani – 109, Emelia Judges – 141, Jessica Gott – 169,

Tehya Evans – 173.

U11 Boys: Jacob Hitchcock – 88, Harry McKnight – 168, Isaac Riedlinger – 186,

Anton Lucas – 195.

U11 Girls: Maddie McPartlin – 44, Elizabeth Wainer – 97, Elanda Cundy – 103,

Olivia Leader – 112, Charlotte Napper – 127, Tara Nathan – 156, Grace Cushing – 160,

Lucy Brain – 161, Eliza McRann – 162.

U13 Hockey Team are pictured below

On Monday 19th October the

Lower School Council Elections

took place. At lunchtime the children

went to the Polling Station (Activity Room)

to choose 2 members for each class. Votes

were then posted in the Ballot Box

On 21st October we celebrated House Music and National Poetry Day

with the theme of Light being represented in all our poems. The Little Pedlars performed

‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, a great favourite of young and old. Years 1 & 2 chose ‘Upside

Down Light’ which considers the many ways in which light fills our lives. Year 3’s poem was

‘My Glow in the Dark Bedroom’ by Celia Warren which contemplated the presentation of light

at bedtime through the eyes of a child. Years 4 & 5 performed ‘I’m Not Afraid of the Dark’ by

Ken Nesbitt which also describes how darkness can bring fear. Year 6’s poem was ‘Tattoo of

Light’ by Sally Crabtree. This poem explores whether the sun is perhaps a temporary tattoo, and

things considered real in life are in fact illusions. Year 7’s poem was ‘Escape at Bedtime’ by

Robert Louis Stevenson which enters the imagination of a child at bedtime and reveals the awe

and wonder of the universe. Year 8 recited ‘Fishing’ by Rachel Rooney. This poem explores the

way in which light reflects upon both the water and fish and is part of a collection of poetry

called ‘The Language of Cat.’ Year 9 chose ‘The Cat and the Moon’ by W B Yeats. This poem

is centred on the strange but beautiful relationship between the mysterious feline and the moon.

Year 10’s performance of the powerful ‘This Room’ by Imtiaz Dharker personifies ‘the room’

enabling it to break free, so not conforming to expectations. The Year 10 French GCSE group

then recited ‘Clair de Lune’ by Paul Verlaine followed by a performance of a folk song of the

same title by Year 6. Year 11 recited ‘She Walks in Beauty’ by Lord Byron. Byron was

famously called ‘mad, bad and dangerous to know’ and was renowned as enjoying a lavish and

decadent lifestyle. This poem uses contrasting light to describe the beauty of an unnamed

woman. The second poem, ‘Song’ by Christina Rossetti, is a mournful poem that attempts to

allay fears of loss and pain and reflects upon the changing light of life.

The performances were moving and uplifting and Mrs Clark was very proud of everybody who

took part.

The Halloween Disco was a great success with children and parents

attired in the fancy to rather gruesome costumes. It was quite difficult to

recognise some people but it was obvious that everyone was enjoying themselves

The gym was decorated in spooky things like skeletons, goblins, witches, ghosts, pumpkins,

cats, bats and vampires. The funny thing was the fire bell went off because of the smoke

machine so we had to stand outside until it stopped. There were also colourful lights and lots of

dancing. After that we chose who had the best costume for the girls. It was Bethany from Year 9

and Grace from Year 1. There were not many boys but Isaac from Year 5 won for the boys.

There was a raffle with lots of prizes and Isaac bought 27 raffle tickets. There was lots of food

and drink. At the end we did the hokey-cokey and everyone enjoyed it! Tara Nathan Year 4

Years 4 & 5 carried on the theme of ‘words,’ from before half term,

for their Assembly. They considered how words can be used in a good way and how they

can be hurtful. They performed two stories, ‘Watch Your Tongue’ and Aesop’s ‘Food for

Thought.’ Mrs Henden bought in some tongue from the butcher and after some initial

uncertainty about the way it looked, everyone thought that it tasted delicious.

On Friday the 30th October, my sister, Hannah, and I

completed a six hour tennis match in order to raise funds

for the World Youth Day Pilgrimage to Krakow.

Remembrance Service - All Form Captains left crosses at

the War Memorial and the Head Girl laid a wreath from the pupils,

staff and Sisters. Timothy Pennington kindly returned to play ‘The

Last Post’ at the service

ISA Swimming Gala – On the 11th November, some members of the Lower school went

to the ISA Junior Swimming Gala. Well done to everyone who went. They all did so well.

Everyone tried their best and I hope they had lots of fun. Thanks go to Miss Wookey and Miss

Wilson for taking and supporting us. Well done! Maddie McPartlin Year 6

Senior ISA Swimming Gala On the 18th of November ten students from the Senior School went to the Crown Pool in Ipswich

for the ISA Swimming Gala. Everyone swam extremely well and did fantastically in their age

groups. Thank you to Miss Wilson and Miss Wookey for supporting us in all our races. It was a

very enjoyable day for everyone. Samantha Brain

Little Pedlars Assembly – Little Pedlars worked really well as a team to perform their

class assembly. They joined in beautifully, spoke slowly and loudly and acted brilliantly. Well

done Little Pedlars. Mrs Parnham

Little Pedlars are focusing on ‘Light.’

‘We all enjoyed a bonfire in the

woods, we talked about how to

have a safe fire. We toasted

marshmallows!’

Prize Giving on Wednesday 18th November was highly successful. Thank you to our choir who sang, with such enthusiasm ‘Aweyenakile,’ a Ghanaian welcome

song, ‘Donna, Donna,’ a Folk song, and ‘Heaven is a Wonderful Place,’ a Spiritual song.

A really interesting speech was given by Stuart Nicholson of CCSS, Cambridge. Lily Wallis is

attending this year as a Boarder and Niamh is due to go next academic year. It is a golden

opportunity to study in a famous University town with all that will be on offer both

educationally and socially.

Stuart spoke about aspirational learning. He asked all parents to close their eyes and think of

their most vivid memory of school. He then asked where that event took place and, not

surprisingly, most were not in the actual classroom.

Niamh and Aaron, Head girl and boy gave a thought provoking speech which we will print, on

the website, in full as it gives a wonderful picture of life at school. An extract is shown below:

‘Having attended this school since I was three, I have been privileged to see the school evolve

and blossom in a way that not only enables each pupil to develop their strengths but has also

encouraged us to overcome personal challenges, thereby ensuring that each child that walks

through the open and welcoming doors of this school, leaves, feeling confident, accepted and

valued. It is this ethos of our school that each pupil has a talent or quality that makes them

special and unique which will contribute and benefit others, that I am particularly proud to be a

part of. As the Sacred Heart is such a tight –knit community, staff and pupils alike, are able to

acknowledge each pupils’ personal achievements as, put simply, ‘everyone knows everyone,’

hence why so many of our students are here this evening.

Attending an event like this triggers a reflection on my time at school and what I have achieved

here. There have been so many incredible opportunities available to me that would have not

existed elsewhere, such as work experience in Prague, silver service, additional GCSE courses,

ski trips, the list goes on. Other students have also been able to compete at county level in

various sports, complete dance and LAMDA accreditations, again the list goes on. It is these

unparalleled, one-off experiences that facilitates the personal growth of each pupil to become

well-rounded, open-minded and caring people. Qualities which are invaluable in life’.

Senior Prize Giving

Lucy Edwards is pictured below receiving one of

the awards presented on the evening. Lucy gained 9

A* grades and 3 A grades. We were very pleased

that Lucy was able to attend our Prize giving as she

attended another presentation that evening where

she was runner up in the ‘Lynn News Education

Awards for Student of the Year.’ Congratulations

Lucy!

Ignite Team Advent Puppet Theatre The puppet show was about ‘What is Christmas?’

The puppets and the audience said that it was about food and

giving and receiving presents.

Harry McKnight Year 5

They told us that the word Christmas means ‘Christ Mass.’

Elanda Cundy Year 5

There was lots of singing and we all clapped to the beat.

Someone played the piano and there was fake snow and a

bubble machine. Grace Cushing Year 5

Harry McKnight, Isabelle Dorling and Olivia Knitter were

chosen from volunteers to take gold, frankincense and myrrh

from a bag. The puppet show was funny and we sang lots of

Christmas songs. We were reminded that Christmas is not just

about presents but about being grateful for the things we have

and our family and God. Lucy Brain Year 5

The School Christmas Bazaar The amount raised for the Christmas Bazaar was £1955.30 (this figure does not include the

Grand Raffle money) which is a splendid effort and a reflection of the hard work of parents,

pupils and staff alike. Thank you for all the donations to all the stalls and the raffle hamper.

Thanks to all the parents, teachers and friends who manned stalls, the cafe and the BBQ and

sincere thanks to everyone who gave so generously. Thanks also to Barrett & Coe in Norwich

for the donation of two ‘Family Photography Experience’ vouchers, to the outside stall holders

who attended and for their support and contribution to the atmosphere of the Christmas Bazaar

this year. The outside stall holders complemented us on the atmosphere and the excellent

behaviour of our pupils.

Year 9 Science –Gone Potty. Jack Reed had a

surprise birthday

gift – create your

own potted plant. In

their studies of

genetics, students

have been

identifying natural

clones and where

these occur and

took the opportunity

to pot up some

ribbon/spider plants

as prime examples.

Under strict

supervision, no

plants were harmed

in the making of the

gifts. Mrs Laban,

Science Teacher

Year 11 Science – Blood on their hands!

Following a host of protocols and a very thorough briefing, Year 10 and 11 Biology students did

themselves proud in carrying out their first heart dissection. Supplied through the exceptional

efforts of local Impson Butchers, pig’s hearts were carefully cut to exacting standards to reveal

ventricles, valves atria and major blood vessels. Students also examined the blood supply to the

heart muscle itself and discussed the causes of heart attacks.

Special mention should be made of the exemplary behaviour of, at first, apprehensive students.

All were a credit to the school and their parents in the respect shown to the specimens despite

some finding the task confronting. I suppose it is evidence of the sacred heart in us all.

Mrs Laban, Biology Teacher

On Tuesday 1st December Year 8 and 9 went to a museum called the

Bridewell Museum. It was very interesting and we did lots of activities to do with

different industries: Colman’s and a brewery. We went to another room to pair two objects

together, for instance shoe making things. After lunch we were in three groups and we had to

come up with an advertisement as a group to advertise an item. My group were given ‘Colman’s

Washing Blue’ and we turned the name into ‘A Penny Blue’. The groups had to say how their

product worked, who it was aimed at, the price and why the company should be invested in. The

whole class thoroughly enjoyed the trip to Bridewell Museum and to finish the day off we were

taken round part of Norwich to see where the factories had been or still were. Thanks go to Mrs

Wilson, Mrs Kenny and Mrs Adcock for getting us there safely, for getting us home and for

taking us to the very interesting museum. Hannah Turner, Year 8

On Wednesday 2nd December Little Pedlars to Year 3 went to the

Norwich Playhouse to see a performance of ‘What the Ladybird

Heard.’ Afterwards they went to The Plantation Gardens followed by a visit to the cathedral (both are

photographed below).

In 1856 a prosperous upholsterer and

cabinet maker named Henry Trevor spent

considerable sums of money and much

effort transforming a chalk quarry into the

magical Plantation Garden.