Issue 7 December 2015

South Wilts Grammar School for Girls

These cards were designed by students last year when they entered a Christmas card competition.

2

Contents

Page 3 ……………… Obituary Page 4 ……………… Farewell to Staff Page 8 ……………… Speech Day / Friends of SWGS Page 9 ……………… Life After SWGS - Mandy Baggot Page 10 ……………… Life After SWGS - Lucy Ryan Page 12 ……………… Life After SWGS - Isobel Mackay Page 14 ……………… School News Page 16 ……………… Forthcoming Music Events Page 17 ……………… Alumnae Information

Alumnae

3

Alumnae

OBITUARY

Iris Mansell (née Cooper) In September 1934, a shy little girl made her own way to school on the bus from Amesbury. She had been awarded a scholarship to attend South Wilts Secondary School for Girls, and her parents, Herbert and Dorothy Cooper, a local couple who had set up a coal merchant business, were obviously very proud of her achievement. Fast forward 80 years, and it was in June 2015 that family and friends said their final farewell to Iris. Sadly, although she was physically fairly fit for her age, dementia had robbed her mind of mid and short-term memories; like the flower attributed to her name we were only able to watch her wilt and fade with the autumn of life. However, her Christian faith and the belief that she was sure to be reunited in death with her husband Bob, allows us to look back with happy memories at a life well lived. Those of you who have dealt with Alzheimers will recognise the need for reassurance and repetition as the books on the shelves of memory come crashing down, first just a few at a time, and finally a jumbled gathering of nothingness. In her lucid moments Iris talked fondly of life at SWGS. She could recite the class list in register order and as she sat in her armchair and worried about the inclement weather arriving from the west she would quote the words of her geography teacher, saying, "The climate of the British Isles is invigorating to your health!" Iris remembered the time when, at the start of the war, girls were evacuated from Portsmouth and sent to South Wilts. Iris had a best friend called Joan Yates; she called her by a pet name, 'Crusty'. Even in her later years, when trying to piece the puzzle of her life together, recalling this fact would still make her chuckle. As war took hold, Iris left school aged sixteen to work in the War Office in Stratford Road. The complexity of the war years also brought happier times and Iris met and married Robert (Bob), a dashing young RAF Engineer. They went on to have two sons, Christopher and Richard. Iris travelled the world with Bob who flew with BOAC and later, British Airways. During her life she was generous in her voluntary work at the hospital and assisting with Meals on Wheels. Having the opportunity of an education at South Wilts meant a lot to Iris. Sorting through her things recently we found an old geography workbook, her school hymn book and her reports. To any teachers reading this, you may wish to take a look. A grade against a subject heading was all that was needed, with a reprimand if you achieved lower than 'C' as a pupil would need to "regain her former position and not yield to complacency." Coupled with this, Iris received a postcard (1D stamp) from Miss Moore the Headmistress, wishing her "hearty congratulations on your exam result." It appears that away from complicated computer systems and mountains of policies and paperwork, that being happy, and where the little things mattered, a life can be fulfilled. May she rest in peace.

(Written by Iris Mansell’s son and daughter-in-law, Mr and Mrs R Mansell)

Iris and Bob Mansell

4

Liz Wrighton - Reflections on 21 years at SWGS In July I retired after teaching Chemistry in four different schools, one in Oxford and three in Wiltshire, for most of the last 38 years; the last 21 years at SWGS. Assuming that I taught some students for more than one year, I think I have probably taught about 6000 students over this time – so my apologies if I see you in Salisbury but don’t remember your name! I moved to Wiltshire in 1981 when I got married as my husband was already working at Boscombe Down. My first teaching post in Wiltshire was in Warminster and then I taught at Durrington School (now Avon Valley College) until my children were born.

During 1994 I decided that it was time to return to teaching as my daughters where now starting school and nursery and I needed to prevent my brain from atrophying any further. I looked for some part-time work and was appointed to teach Biology up to GCSE from September 1994. Over the next six years the amount of work increased and the subject changed to Chemistry, including A-Level, until 2000 when I was, again, working full-time. Over the years the science curriculum changed so many times that we all got used to re-writing our schemes of work and re-planning our lessons. The number of changes over the last few years seems to have been accelerating until we had three different versions of the GCSE running concurrently in different year groups. Of course, the A-level specification (no longer ‘syllabus’) changed as well. Then there were Ofsted Inspections, changing expectations (of students, their parents and senior staff), improving technology which changed the workload, new initiatives which were not always successful etc, etc. This all led to a very busy, sometimes stressful, working environment.

The physical surroundings altered considerably as well. Who can forget the swimming pool? It was just about warm enough by the middle of the summer holidays for staff and their families to enjoy! What about the old Chemistry lab (now the main Music classroom) with its ‘open’ drains? I don’t believe there were rats in the drains despite what students said they had seen. Surely rats couldn’t have survived the ‘cocktail’ of chemicals poured down them? It was, however, a good way of disrupting a boring chemistry lesson on electrolysis! The science labs were refurbished – one of them twice – over the years providing light, bright and modern facilities which helped lead to a great deal of success for students. The removal of all the 1960’s ‘temporary’ classrooms after 40 years was a momentous occasion and the development of the site with a new Maths block, Sixth Form Centre and Learning Resources Centre was appreciated by staff and students alike. I certainly didn’t miss the bowed floors and leaking roofs which led to puddles in the corners of the rooms (cured, I believe, by drilling a hole in the corner of the floor to let the water out!) There have, of course, been many other changes and I know that my elder daughter will always be grateful for the employment she was offered during her summer holidays to help move departments around as facilities changed and improved.

Cont.

FAREWELL TO STAFF

Alumnae

5

Over the years there were many opportunities to be involved with out of school activities and trips. I always enjoyed the opportunity to travel with students. Amongst the memorable ones are Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions to some of the most beautiful areas of Britain, a field trip to Iceland and two trips to visit the Lawrence Homan Public School near Lucknow in India. How can I forget the practice Gold Expedition to Dartmoor when it rained solidly for three days? Each student was allowed to give me one garment and a pair of socks and I spent the afternoon in the launderette in Tavistock feeding 20p pieces into the driers. At least they were able to sleep in dry clothes for one night! I was able to go to Iceland with the first group of A-level Geography students to go on a field trip to this amazing island. The northern lights were spectacular and when are we going to get a Blue Lagoon geothermal pool in Salisbury?

The highlight of trips that I have been fortunate to go on have to be the two trips I made to LHPS in India. In February 2011 Steve Jones and I went to do some teaching and teacher training and to make plans for a student visit and exchange the following year. With a grant from the British Council, in February 2012, I was able to lead a party of four Sixth Form students and a colleague to the School. We were treated as honoured guests throughout our visit and had the opportunity to present prizes at the Festival Day. This is a whole day devoted to celebrating the achievements of students and includes many plays and dancing. The English visitors presented a short scene from Lady Windermere’s Fan.

Since my visits to India I have been able to host staff and students when they have been visiting SWGS and we have enjoyed ‘proper’ Indian food that has been cooked for us. I remember on my first visit to the ‘White House’ (as the Principle’s house is called) the look of incredulity on the faces of four 14 year old Indian girls that a woman of my age (50+) did not know how to make chapattis!

There have been many changes over the last twenty-one years but throughout this time I have been extremely lucky to work with so many dedicated, hardworking colleagues, both in the Science Department and the whole school. It has been a privilege to teach such well-motivated and (generally) hardworking students and see them become mature young women who have the world at their fingertips.

(Liz Wrighton)

DofE Gold Expedition, Lake District, July 2006

Presenting prizes at LHPS Festival Day,

February 2012

Learning to cook ‘proper’ Indian food in my

kitchen, June 2011

Alumnae

6

Claire Herbert

In no particular order: Biology/students/colleagues – that’s why I saw no reason to leave SWGS for twenty-one years. I got to share the study of Biology every day of my working life with eager, enthusiastic students and talented colleagues – what more did I need? I had no aspiration to join the Senior Management team and was very happy to work with a succession of professional, caring, skilled Heads of Department. However, in a rash moment with Mrs Freeman, I offered to start a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award group at SWGS. To take a quote from a retiring Head Girl speech ‘DoE included my best and worst experiences at SWGS,,,,,,,,,,,,’ – unforgettable. I imagined about a dozen Year 10 students joining. My first expedition numbered seventy. At the peak, there were 100+ Year 10’s on Bronze expeditions with dozens of Gold participants volunteering to help. As you can imagine, the worst moments included swollen rivers with unpassable stepping stones, midges, relentless rain resulting in fifty sodden hoodies – all in Dartmoor, overnight snowfall, groups arriving at campsites after dark, the arrival of mobile phones and resulting calls home. My mountain leader training was good fun, the assessment was another story. It included a three day and night expedition with an assessor checking our every move (the other candidates were all male and at least ten years younger) – one bonus - I lost half a stone. The best moments far outweighed the worst. Firstly, I passed my Mountain Leader assessment and mobile phones did often save a lot of anguish at dark campsites. Evenings at the leaders’ camp, knowing all groups have safely checked into their campsites, spent sharing a meal and the days’ experiences with volunteers who have become lifelong friends. Watching students glow with pride at the end of particularly challenging expeditions – looking so fit and healthy without a spot of make-up – some groups have since sent me postcards of subsequent expeditions they have organised. Not forgetting the amazing activities participants completed for the other sections of the DoE Award. One reason I chose DoE over HoD was that I hoped my family would join in. I wasn’t disappointed, my husband and three boys (and two ‘wives to be’) all became invaluable on the expeditions. We now all still share a love for the mountains and have gained the skills to appreciate them to the full. Thank you to SWGS for being a huge and positive part of my teaching career. I suspect it may still play a small part in my retirement – I have just helped train a Bronze DoE group on a day walk and am looking forward to the carol service.

(Claire Herbert)

FAREWELL TO STAFF

Alumnae

7

Liz Phelps

I never imagined nineteen years ago when I took up a post in the English department that I would stay at the school until I retired, but South Wilts seems to be one of those schools teachers are reluctant to leave. Certainly I count myself very fortunate to have spent nearly two decades teaching such lively, engaging students and working alongside colleagues I like and respect so much. After a couple of years I joined the Sixth Form team and later took over from Carol Vaughan as Head of Sixth Form. It was in many ways my idea of the perfect job - even if sometimes there seemed to be an impossible amount to be done. Seeing students through that crucial phase into adulthood and trying to support those who encountered difficulties on the way was an enormous privilege. I shall always remember the comforting smell of popcorn and toast wafting its way from the Common Room into my office next door. Teaching part-time for the last three years enabled me to train as a Humanist (non-religious) celebrant and it felt a delightful continuity this summer when I took the wedding for a SWGS/BWS couple who had first set eyes on each other in the Sixth Form Common Room. I miss the comradeship of colleagues and the energy of a good lesson but there are many consolations in retirement, not least being able to read at length and at leisure – something I never had time for as an English teacher!

(Liz Phelps)

Susie Smith

After a long career in teaching, I spent my last eight very happy years in the Food Technology classroom at South Wilts. I taught in a number of schools as I had moved around a lot because my husband was in the Army. So it was a delight to teach such bright and engaging pupils who were eager to learn, had enquiring minds and never failed to surprise me in what they intended to prepare and cook in a double lesson. The Year 8 Bake Off was one of my highlights of the year as the competitiveness and will to win equalled anything that has been shown over several series on the BBC. I am left with very many happy memories of excellent examination results, ambitious culinary creations, and smiling and expectant faces at the start of every class. In addition to school work, I have fond memories of days out with the school Equestrian Team, a dedicated band of ponies, riders and parents who travelled miles to take part in events all over the South of England. I am very proud to have been associated with South Wilts Grammar School, to have been a teacher, and proud of my colleagues with whom I have shared my journey and the pupils who all worked so hard. I am also fortunate to know that the life skills learned during my lessons will stay with my pupils and be used by them every day for the rest of their lives.

(Susie Smith)

FAREWELL TO STAFF

Alumnae

8

Kate Jowett

I was really very lucky to land my first teaching job at SWGS – and I almost didn’t apply as Salisbury was outside of my original ‘geographical consideration’! However, I thought the results, the curriculum and the overall opportunity was just too good to pass up on. It turned out to be a fantastic move, and I was always so well supported by the Geography department, the other new teachers, and Dr Amanda Smith, our NQT mentor. It really was with a heavy heart that I decided to leave after one short year – teaching is a fantastic profession, but I found I was really missing the support of my partner, family and friends who were three hours away. In some ways the move has paid off, and I am now engaged to be married – soon to be Mrs Sewell rather than Miss Jowett! There is a lot I do miss about the school, and perhaps took for granted when I was there. The girls are so hardworking, helpful, enthusiastic and passionate about learning, and the standard of work produced across the years is really phenomenal. Some of the Year 8 Geography projects on tourist attractions were so good, I think they should be made into real theme parks! I went to an all girls’ school myself, and lots of things reminded me of my own schooling experiences, although I think the SWGS girls are much more dedicated than we ever were … in everything they do! One of my favourite days was Sports Day, and seeing the effort the girls put into their banners, to running in the hot July sun and supporting each other towards the finishing line, is one of my fondest memories of my time at SWGS. Although I only spent a year at the school, I was made to feel so welcome by the wonderful staff and students, and my last day was really very emotional – and I’m still working through all the chocolate Year 7 gave me! I am now working at a school nearer to ‘home’ for me, in Birmingham. The green uniform is nice and familiar – but some of the boys are a new challenge!

(Kate Jowett)

Sponsor a Prize for Speech Day

Would you like to sponsor a GCSE or A Level Prize for the SWGS Speech Day?

We are asking for £15 per prize.

If you feel you may be able to help, please contact Grace Collins at events@swgs.wilts.sch.uk

FAREWELL TO STAFF

Alumnae

Friends of SWGS

The Friends of SWGS are a committee of parents, who meet regularly, with the aim of raising funds to enhance the school lives of the students of South Wilts, in the areas that the main school budget cannot stretch to. They support the school, and the girls, by providing man-power for such activities as making cups of tea at parents evening and organising the wonderful end of school party that they call the Leavers’ Ball. If you would like to help with fund raising, you could join the 1000 club or even through your online shopping, please visit the Friends of SWGS section on the school website for further details.

9

Mandy Baggot From all girls to hot heroes…

I was a chubby eleven year old from Boscombe Down when I joined South Wilts. The only girl to pass the 11+ at my junior school (Avondale in Bulford) but out of catchment area, my single parent father had to write a letter to the powers that be telling them why a grammar school education was for me. Luckily he must have found the right words and I was in! I remember being pleased to be given the opportunity and excited to be starting my secondary education.

I was in form 1A (now Year 7) and my classroom was N8. Then it was New Building and Old Building. It’s funny the things you remember - the outdoor swimming pool that was never warm … ever!; the gorgeous flapjacks in the canteen; trying and failing to keep quiet in assembly; Mr Spencer’s music lessons and never-tamed hair and Kris Akabusi opening the running track.

I took part in many activities at South Wilts. I was a member of the Chamber Choir and I played Clarinet (pretty poorly) in wind band. I also represented the school at lacrosse and hockey. But, without a doubt, my favourites were the skiing trips. Organised by Home Economics teacher, Debra Littleton, I was lucky enough to go to Switzerland, Austria and France for a week each time. One time we went on my birthday and I had a chocolate cake on the ferry! Learning to ski was good, but the experience of being away from home and bonding with my peers and teachers was the best bit. I have some unforgettable memories of these adventures!

My best subject was always English and I left Sixth Form at SWGS with an A-level in this, putting it to use straight away. I embarked upon a secretarial career, moving quickly from front desk to Personal Assistant to the Directors of an accountancy firm and then to Wilsons Solicitors in Salisbury. Here, as well as secretarial work, I learnt the ropes in the Wills and Probate department. I completed an Institute of Legal Executives diploma, passing with distinction and enjoyed many years working here. But I always had a dream and my passion for writing never left me. I’m still extremely proud my description of a Mars bar was read out to the class by Mr Merwood back in the day. Anyone who remembers Mr Merwood (particularly his extremely authentic portrayal of Richard III is fortunate indeed!)

By the time I left Wilsons in 2010 I had a husband and two daughters and I started my new career as a writer of romantic fiction. It wasn’t easy to get noticed by a publishing house but, having self-published four novels, I sold my fifth and sixth to an American house, Sapphire Star and my seventh and eighth to Harper Collins. I’m now an award-winning, Amazon Top 30 best-selling romantic novelist of eleven books and I’m doing the job I always dreamed of. I’m the first to admit that I was never the most academically gifted student and I’m not sure my exam results got me where I am today, but what I do know is, South Wilts, without doubt helped shape me as a person. The support and encouragement I had and the network of friends I made there made a real difference to how I turned out and I’ll always cherish my time there. And now, as I fill my twelfth book with pages and paragraphs, I realise some of the words I’m most proud of are my father’s words on that letter he wrote to the school. Forever Onwards!

(Mandy Baggot)

Alumnae

LIFE AFTER SWGS

10

Lucy Ryan

I was born with leaky tricuspid and bicuspid heart valves after suffering a suspected heart attack during birth. So on the day I was born I was flown from the hospital I was born in in Norwich Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) in London. The Doctors there were fantastic and with medication managed to get me to the age of two years-old before I needed any surgery. In October 1992 I had my first surgery where both valves were repaired, however, one broke, so in January 1993 I needed more major open heart surgery to replace it. But it wasn’t long before the other repair broke and the Doctors told my parents my heart couldn’t withstand anymore major surgery. The only option was a heart transplant. At this time (1993) children’s heart transplants were very new, the first one in Europe had only been performed five years earlier, consequently all the Doctors could inform my parents was that if I was lucky enough to receive one it may give me another five years (as they still had child from the first year of transplantation doing well).

I was extremely fortunate and hardly had to wait at all for a transplant before I received one. We think my heart came from a five year-old boy, whose parents in their unimaginable time of grief were somehow able to think of others, and donate their son’s organs. Thankfully for me they did, because if they hadn’t I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be here today writing this. I have been extremely lucky so far that twenty-two years on my heart is still very healthy, especially because when I had the transplant Doctors weren’t certain that the transplanted organ would grow with the body and therefore, whether child transplantees would survive to adulthood – we’re the guinea pig generation. Due to immunosuppressant medication I have to take daily, the body is duped into thinking the transplanted heart is its own, to prevent my body rejecting it, as still after two decades it can still recognise my heart as a foreign body and attack it like it would any other foreign body such as a virus! Having a transplant has not held me back from doing the same things anyone else my age has done. I started school at four years-old, and went on to start South Wilts Grammar School aged eleven years-old. I managed to keep up with work, even when every four months I would miss some school for routine heart check-ups some a few days long. Also, I was always able to fit in extracurricular activities such as attending Basketball & Choir at lunchtimes and Christian Union, in addition to attending acting groups and being part of the local church choir outside school. I went on to even study my A-levels at South Wilts Sixth Form. I was therefore honoured to be invited back to my former secondary school South Wilts to speak to Year 11 (whose shoes I remember all too well) along with Catherine Howell (Chief Nurse of Patient Services NHS Blood & Transplant) about organ & tissue donation on 20 November. The whole experience was a delight, from listening to Catherine who even educated me on the process of tissue and blood donation, to the active interaction of the Year 11 girls who asked a vast array of insightful, intelligent and fascinating questions about transplantation, not being put off by the fact this issue has the potential to be quite a morbid topic of conversation.

Alumnae

Year 11 students with Catherine Howell and myself following our Organ & Tissue

Donation Talk

LIFE AFTER SWGS

11

I now currently juggle multiple part time jobs the majority of which are quite manual such as being a healthcare support worker, where I often am required to be on my feet over twelve hours a day, and hoping to go to university next year. In addition I’ve been studying alongside my healthcare work, and participate in plays with the local Studio Theatre, campaigning and training for the Transplant Games. The British Transplant Games are similar to the Commonwealth Games, except as you might have guessed, need to have received an organ transplant such as a kidney or heart transplant to enter. I have been participating for years on and off, attending my first games a year post-transplant in 1994 and then again this summer in Newcastle after five years away. This was only my third games competing as an adult and I competed in a variety of events

including: javelin, ball throw, 100m sprint and the 3km walking race. I managed to bag a gold in the 3km walking race and bronze in the 100m sprint. The Games are always such a pleasure to attend as everyone there is so friendly and welcoming, and genuinely happy to be there, because even if they aren’t in full health they’ve known it a lot worse, and like myself are appreciative for everything they have, and are eternally grateful for the gift of life they have received. This is partly why I am currently campaigning to reform the current UK Organ & Tissue donation system. Because over the past few years have become increasingly frustrated despite the phenomenal work charities and organisations do to raise awareness about transplantation that the percentage of the UK population signed up to the current system has only gone up from 29%-33% over the last seven years, when 96% of the population would receive an organ transplant if they needed one. As you may already be aware, the “Opt-in” system is where to be an organ donor you need to take the time to sign. I am proposing we change to the “Soft Opt-out” system that has just been introduced in Wales from 1 December this year, where everyone automatically makes an organ donor when they turn eighteen years of age unless they make the effort to “Opt-out”. I passionately believe people are more likely to find the time to opt-out if they disagree than opt-in if they agree to the current system, as despite it being so quick and easy to sign up to our current “Opt-in” system by either: spending two minutes on the internet, one simple phone call, or even when applying for your driving licence we are still not signing-up. This is due to a variety of reasons, a main one being that we simply don’t get round to it, it might be on our “To-Do List” but never quite reaches the top, or it can be something you’ve never really thought about, because why would you if you haven’t known anyone affected by transplantation, especially if you’re young, fit and healthy – as surely like writing a will you don’t need to bother for years right?! And hopefully it is something that will not apply to us until we’re much, much older, but the sad reality that a lot of my transplant friends who received their transplants as teenagers is due to the fact someone of a similar age donated their organs when they died. Transplantation can occur between donors and recipients of any age.

Relatives are always asked prior to transplantation if their relative ever expressed a wish to “Opt-out” but didn’t get round to it. By introducing this system it would be a huge national change in legislation and receive a lot of news coverage so hopefully everyone would know when they turn eighteen years of age it is something they need to consider and mean they have the most current transplantation facts at their fingertips to allow them to make an informed decision. The aim

Cont.

2015 British Transplant

Showing-off my medals

from receiving Bronze in

the 100m sprint

2015 Newcastle BTG

12

being to close the gap between the number of people on the Active Transplant Waiting List and those that actually receive transplants. Today there are currently on the list, and transplants have been carried out since 1 April this year, so assuming the number of people on the list remained constant at 6642 (which is virtually impossible as people are added to the list and some heartbreakingly die waiting or are told they’re too ill to survive transplantation) then by 31 March 2016 3,273 transplants would be carried out, but that still leaves 3,368 people – so over half the current list waiting. This is why I believe we need this radical change even if donation rates only increase slightly, that is another say 100 people a year potentially given their lives back through transplantation, and who aren’t waiting for months even years to live, as the nature of being listed for transplantation is because your health is very poor, and what you maybe able to do very limited. If you have five minutes to spare please feel free to read my petition and sign if you agree, then share – because even if this doesn’t lead to more signatures, it raises awareness of organ & tissue donation. You can either type in the address below (although it is very long) or search for “Soft Opt-out” on www.change.org to find my petition: https://www.change.org/p/rt-hon-jeremy-hunt-secretary-of-state-for-health-rt-hon-david-cameron-mp-the-house-of-commons-to-introduce-the-soft-opt-out-system-of-organ-and-tissue-donation-in-the-uk All that is left for me to say is whatever you decide, it is essential your family are aware of your wishes because currently 40% of families say no to organ donation because they never had that discussion with their relatives and don’t know what they would’ve wanted. I know it isn’t exactly the favourite dinner table conversation topic, but if we all did it – it would normalise it. Last but not least a huge thank you to Mrs Lane for organising the talk, and I hope everyone left feeling a bit more clued up on the issue.

(Lucy Ryan)

LIFE AFTER SWGS

Isobel Mackay It has been four years since I left South Wilts. All the way through school I had a passion for science and maths and was keen to pursue this in some way further on in academia. Initially I thought the obvious choice was Engineering, having wanted to stay away from a pure science, until I took Geology as my fourth AS level. I discovered that applying Science to the Earth was something I was really passionate about, but that Geology itself wasn’t maths-y enough for me. This is where I discovered Geophysics – specifically applying physics to further our understanding of the dynamic processes on this planet, and even further into space. When choosing my universities I wanted to leave Salisbury and move to a bigger, livelier city, whilst still being close enough to come home occasionally for some much loved creature comforts, family and dog walks. This is how I ended up planning on spending the following four years of my life in South Kensington studying Geophysics at Imperial College London. Being a part of self catered hall meant that I got stuck into independence straight away and thoroughly enjoyed my time at university.

Cont.

13

Alumnae

Whilst studying I managed to find time for lots of the extracurricular activities that I so enjoyed doing during my time at SWGS, in particular being an active part of the choir and volunteering as a scout leader. Being a part of choir greatly shaped my experience at university and now since I have graduated by being on the committee. I have also spent a lot of my time working at outreach events and on summer schools, as well as being able to be a teaching assistant in undergraduate lecture courses, where I continued in my passion of science communication and getting students of all interested in pursuing science further.

I had plenty of opportunities to travel whilst doing my degree. At the start of my second year I was awarded a scholarship from a mining company which enabled me to undertake a research internship in Australia the following summer. This was a three month long research project with two other people and taught me a lot about labwork and the life of a researcher, as well as the trials of spending almost 24/7 with the same two people. This made me realise that I really liked doing research, particularly within an industrial setting and with a focus on the mining industry. Whilst we did spend long days working in the lab we managed to fit in a lot of touristy trips.

The following summer I was given the opportunity to do another research project, this time at MIT in Boston. Initially I struggled with the research as I felt very left alone, but once I got into the swing of things and learnt a lot more about myself and how to manage my time I started enjoying it again. Again I managed to fit in a lot of touristy travel. These two research projects have given me fantastic opportunities and really confounded my love of travel. After spending three years saying that I didn’t want to stay in academia and do a PhD, but that I wanted to go

into industry and get a ‘real’ job, my summer’s experiencing research, combined with actually looking further into what PhD’s were available and what the mining industry wanted, I decided that I would like to continue studying. There were several factors I considered when choosing my PhD, firstly I wanted a project that had an industrial focus to solve a real world problem, and secondly to have a good supervisor who I knew would help me through. I also quite wanted to stay in London as this is such a large part of my life. I ended up taking a PhD position at Imperial within a minerals processing group, which fulfilled all my requirements and I am thoroughly enjoying it! I have had a wonderful time since I left SWGS, but feel like my life has only just started and that I have only just officially moved out of Salisbury, and London is where I live, although home will still always be with my family. I am still very uncertain about where my future will take me, whether I go and do research, but work within a company not an academic institution, whether I continue to develop my passion for outreach or decide to do something entirely different. But for now I have three more years before I make that decision and I am just focusing on enjoying what I am doing now.

(Isobel Mackay)

14

Citizenship Conference

On 21 October, Year 12 students all took part in the annual Citizenship Conference held at both South Wilts and Bishop Wordsworth’s. To begin the day we enjoyed an insightful speech from MEP, Claire Moody. She spoke on a range of political issues including; voting at sixteen, Grammar Schools, and Trade Unions - some of which were rather controversial. The following students assisted the opening session; Jamie Ellis warmly welcomed Claire; Kathy

d’Apice chaired the debate; Yvan Chambers and Alice Cunningham spoke about the ways in which we define citizens; and finally Deepak Singh wrapped up the session. Students then moved on to workshops hosted by various organisations and political parties in Salisbury and the surrounding area. These sessions offered a unique opportunity to explore the role of their organisation within the community and to us as citizens. Organisations among others included: Amnesty International, UKIP and Salisbury Cathedral, who ran a unique session to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta. We would like to thank all organisations and students who participated, as well as particular thanks to the SWGS/BWS committee team for making the day run so smoothly.

(Alice Cunningham and Kathy d’Apice Year 12)

Alumnae

SCHOOL NEWS

SWGS Awarded E-Safety Mark We are very pleased to announce that South Wilts has been awarded the E-Safety Mark. This is in recognition of the work that the school does to ensure that our students stay safe while online. In order to achieve this level of accreditation, a school has to have policies in place, clear lines of responsibility, robust levels of filtering and security, as well as a curriculum that informs

students of the opportunities, but also the dangers of the internet. Our pastoral support for students was noted as a particular strength. In conversations with students, the assessor was impressed with the range of help and support available for students. We will of course, continue to offer help and advice to students and parents via the school website, pastoral support evenings and at parents’ briefings. We were also asked to consider the levels of filtering for students of different ages at the school. We will be working with parents and students to ensure that websites are available to students as part of their study, but that filtering still prohibits inappropriate material.

(Mr S Jones - Senior Assistant Head)

15

CHARITIES Trussell Trust Harvest and Christmas boxes - thank you to all students who brought in food for the harvest collection. We have received a letter of thanks for collecting 135.4 kg of food in total. It was lovely to see the Christmas boxes being brought in and added to the growing collection on the stage in the main hall. Last year’s total was exceeded comfortably this year with an amazing 82 boxes! Well done to all students who brought one in.

Breast Cancer Care ‘Pink Day’ raised a fantastic £748 and as you can see, the girls certainly kept to the pink theme for the day! Tutor group events are getting under way now which gives all students the opportunity to organise an event, themed or otherwise, to raise money for the school charities. There is a prize for the tutor group that raises the most during the year and recognition to those who come up with original ideas. Tutor group 11W have started the ball rolling with an impressive £209.98 with their Halloween fair and 9E raised an amazing £218 with their American Thanksgiving theme. Tutor group 9B held a Winter Wonderland event and made £99.93 and tutor group 13D held a cake sale raising £93.06.

Two individuals have being doing their bit to raise some money with Emma Vaughan doing a skydive for her 18th birthday and Simi Gabri doing henna designs during the Year 7 and 8 disco.

(Mrs J Hole)

Alumnae

SCHOOL GAMES Congratulations to all the students who took part in the school games during 2014/2015 academic year. Overall the U15 won the Netball finals, U13 came second, U12 second in athletics finals, U13 won the tennis finals and the U16 Rounder’s won their final. Overall we were crowned Champions of the School Games in Salisbury and Swindon. Over 4000 state and private secondary schools competed and we came 1st. Well done to all the girls who took part.

Katy Cutler pictured receiving the

award on behalf of the students

16

Forthcoming Music Events for 2015-16

A Cappella Concert - Sat 23 Jan – 7.30pm – St. Martin’s Church. The concert

will include items from the Chamber Orchestra as well as performances of Haydn’s

beautiful Nelson Mass and Rutter’s joyful Gloria! by A Cappella, Kensington Brass

and an invited orchestra. Tickets are £12, or £8 for students, and are available from

the South Wilts Learning Resource Centre.

School Concert – Tues 15 March – 7.00pm – School Hall. Tickets available

from the South Wilts Learning Resource Centre.

A Cappella sings Evensong – Thurs 14 April – 5.30pm - Salisbury Cathedral

Joint Choral Concert for SWGS Senior Choir and BWS Choir – Sat 23 April –

7.30pm – Salisbury Cathedral

A Cappella sings Eucharist – Tues 18 Oct 2016 – 5.30pm – Salisbury Cathedral

Alumnae

17

Future Alumnae Newsletters

The next Alumnae newsletter is due to be published in the Spring of 2016. If you have any news you would like to have published for this edition, please contact head@swgs.wilts.sch.uk There is also an Alumnae page on the school website. This includes the opportunity to join South Wilts Alumnae. Please could you spare some time to add your details to ensure we have the most up-to-date information on our database. Similarly, if you know of other ex-students or colleagues that could become members, please do alert them to the Alumnae page on the school website. The Alumnae page can be accessed by going to www.swgs.wilts.sch.uk. Select the ‘Main’ heading and you will find the link to the Alumnae page.

Alumnae

18

South Wilts Alumnae

South Wilts Alumnae is a vital link between your past and present in the form of our Alumnae

organisation. Losing touch with school friends is so easy in our busy lives and we hope that

our Alumnae newsletter and social events can help you to re-connect with valued friends from

the past.

We hope to publish an Alumnae newsletter three times a year and are looking for willing ex-

students and ex-colleagues who might want to help through collecting and writing articles,

keeping us updated of news, gatherings and reunions. If you think this is something you would

like to help with please complete the tear off slip below or email head@swgs.wilts.sch.uk

Likewise, we would love to develop our Alumnae by holding more formal dinner and social

evenings in Salisbury. If you would be interested in helping to run Alumnae social event then

please let us know below.

We call regularly on friends of the school and the local community to help with student events

and if you think you might be able to help (or know someone that could) then please indicate

below. This might be:

Conducting mock interviews with Year 11 and 13 students (please indicate profession or

particular skills so we can match students to you)

Industry Days – local businesses are invited to pose a problem to Year 9 students

(running for 18 years – do you remember it?)

Speech Day – do you know an ex-student who may like to speak at our annual Speech

Day? Or would you like to sponsor a Speech Day prize? We give a £15 voucher for

achievement in a particular subject at GCSE and A Level and have some un-allocated

prizes. This would include an invitation to our annual Speech Day and candle lit Carol

Service.

If you have any other ideas for developing the Alumnae or would like to contribute to the school

in any other ways then please indicate below and I will be in touch.

Amy McGuinness

Assistant Headteacher

Name …………………………………………………………...

Email contact ………………………………………………..................

Telephone number ……………………………………………………………

I would like to help with:

Alumnae newsletter

Alumnae social events

Conducting mock interviews

Industry Days

Speech Day speaker

Speech Day prize giver

Alumnae