Last week was ‘Challenge Week’ for the girls in Senior school. For the whole week, our girls were encouraged in lessons and at break times, to try something new, perhaps take a risk and engage in something a little different. We know that whilst there are always a fabulous array of activities for girls to choose from at school; it can sometimes be easy to carry on in a groove of attitude and behaviour without questioning it or trying something new. Challenge week has allowed girls to try new clubs, engage in physical, intellectual, analytical and creative challenges as diverse as the British Army PT session, a budget cookery challenge for Year 10 and the £5 entrepreneurial challenge for Sixth Form. I hope the girls have been talking to you about what they have tried; it has been lovely to see absolutely everyone, teachers included, challenging themselves to try something different.
 
The girls have been in good spirits, particularly those who were lucky enough to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions or the wonderful Venice music and drama tour. Amazing weather and superb organisation by the teachers made for some unforgettable experiences for the girls. I have also been really pleased to see the development of some new partnerships within the community. Year 10 and 11 girls have just started a regular programme of visits to the Sanctuary Care homes, as part of the ‘Dementia Friends’ programme (which you can read about in this issue). It is a hugely valuable opportunity for the girls and we look forward to hearing more in school about this important scheme.
 
Last week saw the Year 11 girls start their first GCSE examination and the start of the public examination season for years 11, 12 and 13. They have been working extremely hard and with great focus and support for each other. We wish them all the best of luck with revision and a successful examination period.
 
At Juniors, we enjoyed a wonderful teatime concert from Year 3 last week; it was great to see such confident performances and support for each other. Year 6 and 7 joined together for a sunny and enjoyable inter-house Hockey tournament; lovely to see parent supporters in abundance despite the cold snap! The mini-marathon on the Heath was also a real highlight and a great community event, ably organised by Miss Newton. Our inaugural BHSA Comedy Night was also a treat. My thanks, as ever, to our BHSA volunteers for bringing us all together for fun and fundraising, we are very grateful.

Mrs Chandler-Thompson
Head