Party in the Park

What a fantastic day.  We were so lucky with the weather, after a lovely, warm, sunny day the rain started very close to the end of the performances at which time, singers, musicians and audience crammed into the marquee to listen to the final songs by ex students of Hurst Lodge who are now at various universities and colleges.

The standard of singing was really good from the children of the Junior school through to the sixth form and older.  The musical accompaniment was also very professional and it was hard to believe that they had only a couple of hours in the morning to practice together.

There was food available in the shape of a hog roast and a cake stall although many brought along a picnic and basked in the pleasant sunshine.

There were prizes awarded for the different categories although, in my view, the day was a prime example of "it is not just about winning, it is a home for their passion". The evident confidence of the performers, no matter what age, was incredible and the enjoyment on their face wonderful to see.  There are a few more photographs available on the Hurst Lodge Alumni facebook page.  

Visits and things

Hurst Lodge recently staged a Courtesy week which was a very positive experience and there were lots of doors being held open and 'pleases' and 'thank yous' around the school.   

We will find out at Prize Giving on Wednesday, 6^th July who has won the overall prize and the Courtesy Cup.  'Long live good manners!'

Years 1 & 2 had a great day out on Tuesday to RHS Wisley and back at the school the children have all been working furiously on the polytunnel, setting up the irrigation system, potting and getting all our seeds planted.  There will be photographs available on the website next week.

Year 10 Art students and Sixth formers are visiting the Kluckow Gallery  to see the Dali exhibition of prints and sculptures.  They and the Performing Arts students also have the opportunity to visit the 'Degas and the Ballet' and 'Hungarian Photography' exhibitions at the Royal Academy in London.

Rehearsals for Romeo and Juliet and Aesop’s Fables RETOLD are underway in preparation for the Summer Show.

Future Events

The Years 12 and 13 BTEC performing arts group are treating us to some excerpts from the musical Mamma Mia in the studios this Friday.  It forms a part of their coursework which will count towards their final marks.  The 2 year course is equivalent to 2 “A” levels and is very varied in its content.

There are 2 other productions under construction for this Term.  An abridged version of Romeo and Juliet is currently being rehearsed and is due to be performed between the dates of 29^th June and 2^nd July.  The Juniors are presenting Aesop’s Fables Retold written by Drama teacher Bart Lee with Music by Andrew Holdsworth and directed by Nicky Fereday.  This will take place on the same days as Romeo and Juliet with the interval being the break between the two productions.

Following the success of a previous Party in the Park the PTA are again hosting this event in the school grounds.  Students from the school are invited onto the stage to perform a song of their choice backed by a live band.  Soloists, duets and groups are welcome and, from previous experience, there will be a couple of surprise performances from staff and a visiting group of musicians.

The Great Escape

What's happened this week?  You may have noticed that Sky have been featuring The Great Escape again.  Obviously the pig arc has had a television set installed because one of our pigs is consistently trying to explore territories new.  On the most recent occasion year 8 were quickly called out of their RE lesson to help Miss Smit to return the escapee to its rightful home.  I must say they were quite proficient and he was soon encouraged to go back to his family - until the next time.   

Meysen Academy

We are linking with Meysen Academy in Japan again this year.  Lots of you will know Sendai, where the school is located, was hit badly by the tsunami recently.  Two of the girls will be coming over for a week as exchange students to experience what school life at Hurst Lodge involves through class time and extra activities.  

The student will attend school with the host family’s son/daughter and Meysen staff will travel with the students and stay in contact for the duration of their stay.  There will be a reciprocal opportunity for hosting families. 

The start of the Summer Term

We are back into the routine for the last Term of the current school year.  A short term that always goes very quickly with all of the events which take place.

There were a few exam results came in and we offer our congratulations to Year 10 who between them managed to amass 9 x A*, 2 x A, 6 x B and 12 x C grades in the recent GCSE Science Modules. Particular mention must be made to three girls who scored full marks in their Chemistry module; a fantastic achievement.

As you will be aware we have very strong links with the Eden Project and there has been a visit arranged for people associated with the school next weekend.  Our own sustainability programme is progressing well, the micro pigs produced six micro piglets over the Easter break and the polytunnel is now completed and will soon be producing our own vegetables.

Several students have expressed an interest in forming an after-school Electronics Club which will involve lots and lots of practical tasks, wiring and soldering and creating simple electrical and electronic circuits such as alarms, light flashers and decorations, timers, reaction timers, illuminated badges, games and many others.  The science teacher is promising the students that it is not an extra science lesson in disguise!! 

On Thursday 28th April, Ellie a Year 10 student of Hurst Lodge School, Ascot, and her sister Ruby were lucky enough to be invited by “Dreams Come True” to be guests of honour at the launch of the 2011 Scumrun Charity Rally.  They also had the opportunity to lead the parade of all the participants around the Brands Hatch circuit, complete with sirens

Easter Holidays

Easter is upon us and the students have gone their different ways.  It is always interesting to hear about their adventures on their return.  Meanwhile I attach a clip of a recent performance evening for you to enjoy.