Message from the Headmaster

Whilst global economic woes and political turmoil may paint a rather depressing picture, there continues to be much to celebrate in NW7. Whether it be the successes of many of our sports teams, the outstanding cricketing achievements of India Whitty and Sophia Dunkley, or the skill demonstrated by Ben Glassberg and Charlie Worsley in a recent French debating competition, I continue to be impressed by the range of our pupils’ talents and the levels of commitment that they demonstrate. I was also hugely proud of them as they assembled with great dignity to process through the Gate of Honour on Armistice Day, their bearing and demeanour drawing high praise from their teachers and the guests who had joined us for this most important occasion. They were an absolute credit to us all.

Sir Andrew Motion to deliver Sir James Murray Lecture: Thursday 1st December 2011, 6:30pm

On Thursday December 1st we welcome Sir Andrew Motion who will deliver this year's Sir James Murray Lecture. The lecture will introduce Sir Andrew’s latest book of poetry, The Cinder Path, as well as giving us the opportunity to ask questions about his writing and the role of Poet Laureate.

This lecture will take place in The Large and tickets are free of charge. Doors open at 6:00pm for pre-lecture refreshments.

To book tickets online please CLICK HERE

Anti Bullying Week

Across the UK, it is National Anti-Bulling Week and this year the theme is ‘Stop and think, Words can hurt’. As they always do at Mill Hill, the Anti-Bullying and Mentoring Council (ABMC) led the School in making sure that pupils’ awareness was high with regard to bullying issues. A Non-Uniform Day on Friday 18th November with the now traditional blue theme raised significant amounts for anti-bullying charities and blue cakes were on sale in The Refectory that day.

A recent survey of pupil opinions undertaken by the ABMC had generated lots of useful information on pupil perceptions. As a result, the pupils on the ABMC decided to focus on cyber bullying during the week’s Chapel services because it is one of the most common and most hurtful ways of bullying amongst their generation.

CLICK HERE to read the full story

Proposed Netball Squad

Calling all eager mothers and female staff who fancy getting fit and hopefully competing against other local schools!

A current parent would like to set up this new netballing initiative which may even result in a netball tournament at Mill Hill next summer.

With the possibility of using our own non-resident coach who coaches the School A Teams, and maybe even our own A2 PE pupils as part of their coursework, you would clearly be guaranteed a good workout.

Training sessions will likely be one evening mid week at around 5:45pm/6:00pm and some Saturday afternoons between 2:00pm and 3:00pm. All training sessions will be at Mill Hill School.

If anyone is interested in this initiative, please contact Mandy Glassberg at mandy.spiro@btinternet.com

House Drama Competition

The amazing House Drama Festival took place recently, involving 170 pupils in nine plays over three nights. Many of the houses wrote their own scripts, ranging from black comedy to pantomime style to social drama, based on the theme of ‘Revenge or Reconciliation’. Pictured are the winning team, Priestley House, with their director and playwright, Ricki Horwitz-Crook, who created a magnificent Greek Tragedy based on the story of Jason and Medea. Their use of the stage was superb and the intricate storyline held the audience spellbound. Many congratulations to all who took part.

Fourth Form Girls chosen for County Cricket Squad

Fourth Form pupils India Whitty and Sophia Dunkley have recently been selected to take two of the five places available on a Middlesex County Cricket Club ‘Emerging Player Programme’.

Over the coming months, they will be attending cricket sessions alongside the best young boys in the county to develop their batting, bowling and, in India’s case, wicket-keeping skills.

CLICK HERE for the full story

Debating Competition

Benjamin Glassberg and Charlie Worsley put in a sterling performance recently at a French debating competition which is run by Highgate school. In the pools section of the debate, the pair were triumphant over Harrow and Habs Boys which gave them a place in the semi-final. In the semi-final they had a victory against Henrietta Barnet, but were pipped to the post by North London Collegiate in the final. The boys were fantastic in the face of robust competition against some rather challenging motions.

Remembrance Day 2011

This year’s marking of Remembrance Day started on 10th November with the presentation of the 2011 Richard Dimbleby Address by General Sir Mike Jackson. Entitled ‘General Reflections’, Sir Mike’s presentation took a broad look at the British foreign policy since the Cold War and looked forward to the challenges that face the world in the coming decades. Sir Mike ended the evening with a lively question and answer session. Speaking after the event our guest said that some of the audience questions were amongst the most difficult he has ever had to face, a tribute to the stimulating nature of his talk.