Summer Term 2009
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London Music Trip 6th/ 7th July 2009
42 girls spent two days in London attending a performance of the hit musical, 'Wicked' at the Apollo theatre, Victoria and an interactive exhibition chronicling the development of British pop music at the O2 Arena. The girls, from Years I-III, also enjoyed a meal at the Hard Rock Cafe and of course no visit to London would have been complete without some sight-seeing and a spot of shopping!
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OMA & PFA Celebrate with Dr & Mrs Chapman
More than 600 people gathered at QM on Sunday 5th July to mark Dr & Mrs Chapman's retirement. The Chaplain led a special service of celebration which was followed by presentations and speeches from the Old Margaretian Association and the Parents' and Friends' Association, a theatrical review and a Hog Roast.
Entertainment was provided by sixties tribute band, "Eight Miles High" who introduced current pupils to the music most enjoyed by their Headmaster. The PFA presented Dr Chapman with a telescope to enable him to achieve his long-held ambition of taking up astronomy in his retirement. Mr & Mrs Chapman also received a commemorative silver salver engraved with the school crest and a substantial cheque.
In his speech, Nick Brown, Chairman of the PFA, commented on the tremendous advances in academic achievement and the amazing developments to the school's facilities during the last sixteen years. He said that "having arrived at a good school, Dr Chapman was leaving behind a great school, thanks to his inspirational leadership."
The Old Margaretian Association was equally appreciative of the support and commitment of both Dr and Mrs Chapman over the last 16 years. The OMA presented them with a specially commissioned china coffee-set which is a copy of some early china belonging to the school which Mrs Chapman has long admired. Adrienne Owen, Chairman of the OMA, thanked the Chapmans on behalf of the Association for looking after "their" school and "ensuring that it remained the happy, welcoming place it has always been." Dr Chapman was made a Vice President of the Association and Mrs Chapman an honorary Old Girl.
Dr & Mrs Chapman are pictured below with Nick Brown and Adrienne Owen.
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Year I entertain
Torrential rain and the need to move from the Red House Lawn into the sitting room, did nothing to dampen the enthusiastic hospitality of Year I who welcomed staff and other guests to afternoon tea on Friday 3rd July. As well as a tempting array of sandwiches and cakes, the girls also provided their visitors with musical entertainment. This was a very enjoyable occasion for all concerned.
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Music for a Summer's Evening - Sunday 28th June
The Junior and Middle School choir, orchestra and soloists provided a wonderful evening of varied musical entertainment in the Chapel which included an animated performance on tambourine and wood blocks by Dr and Mrs Chapman to the energetic music 'Tequila'. Other highlights included Millie Baxter's accomplished violin playing and, despite having brown eyes, Celia Legard gave a winning rendition of the song 'Orrible Little Blue Eyes'. An enjoyable evening was had by all and many thanks go to all the girls who took part.
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Junior Schools Science Challenge 2009
On Wednesday 24th June, we were delighted to welcome pupils from Riccall, Naburn and Cawood Primary Schools, Brackenfield School, St Olave's School and All Saints Primary School, Harrogate for a day of challenging science activities all with a "Harry Potter" theme. Teams competed against each other in a variety of activities which tested their ability to work together to solve problems. Each team also gave a presentation on an area of science they had studied in their own school, with impressive results. Staff and senior girls from QM were on hand to assist and Dr Chapman presented prizes at the end of the day.
The results were as follows:
1st Prize: Naburn Primary (team "Dr Flu")
2nd Prize: Cawood Primary (team "Newton's Neurons")
3rd Prize: Brackenfield (team "Brainiacs")
Best Presentation Prize: Brackenfield (team "Mad Microbes")
Congratulations to all who took part!
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A Lunch to Remember
The last leave-out weekend of this school year began with a very special lunch which gave staff from every area of the school the opportunity to get together to mark the retirement of Dr & Mrs Chapman. The Chapel was transformed with bunting and balloons to create a traditional street party atmosphere. The "How well do you know the Chapmans?" quiz, compiled with assistance from both colleagues and family members, kept everyone amused between courses. Speeches from Miss Millhouse on behalf of the staff, Dr Chapman himself and a toast from Mrs King rounded off a splendid occasion.
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Junior Masterchef
Congratulations to Sienna Elles and Sophie Kettlewell of Garry House who were the winners of this year's Junior Masterchef competition.
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Year IV Entertain...
Half term came to a close with superb performances by the Year IV Drama students. Pupils from Escrick Primary School thoroughly enjoyed watching the lively productions of Pinocchio (left) and Babe (right).
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The Big Question
On Sunday 22nd February, QM was pleased to host the live broadcast of the BBC's The Big Question presented by Nicky Campbell. The Sports Hall was converted into a TV studio overnight and both the TV crew and the invited audience were impressed by the school's grounds and facilities.
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Science News
Lower sixth scientists recently took part in a science cafe (below left), an informal opportunity to discuss current scientific ideas, led by a guest speaker. The girls had a wide-ranging discussion on the topic 'Reproduction Revolution', covering IVF, pre-implantation genetic screening and more controversial issues such as 'designer babies' and egg freezing. They discussed the science and the ethics of the current context as well as developments which may occur over the next ten years. Meanwhile Dr Setareh Chong from York University's Biology Department gave an interesting talk to the Science Society on Diabetes mellitus. She explained the disease, its causes and the development of insulin as a treatment. This was a well-attended talk which interested both scientists and non-scientists alike. Earlier in the week, five members of the Lower VI had taken part in the first round of the Royal Society of Chemistry's Chemistry Olympiad (below right).
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Drama in the Snow
The Drama Department took advantage of this week's wintry weather to create a new backdrop for their work. Mugs of chocolate were supplied for the much-needed interval refreshments
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School Challenge: Regional Winners
On Wednesday 4th February, QM's quiz team beat a strong team from Hymer's College, Hull, to become Regional Champions in the annual "Schools Challenge" competition. The team, consisting of Jenny Hobbiss (captain), Emily Phillips, Serena Gosling and Grace Whitcombe, showed themselves knowledgeable on subjects from chemistry to history, taking in Plato's Republic and Disney's seawitch on the way, and won handsomely by 460 points to Hymer's' 280. They will now go on to play another Regional winner for a place in the National finals next term.
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The winning team and their supporters
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Steps to success
Congratulations to Olivia Brown and Georgie Miller who heard this week that they had achieved the highest possible grades in advanced examinations of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. Both girls took their exams during the Christmas holidays. Olivia achieved As in Intermediate Tap and Advanced 1 Modern and Georgie was awarded an A for Intermediate Modern. The girls are working at a level normally achieved only at specialist dance schools.
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Cambridge Offers
We are pleased to report that three QM pupils have received offers from the University of Cambridge for 2009. From the current UVI, Honor Fell has been offered a place to read Geography at Newnham College and Harriet McBain to read Archaeology and Anthropology at Girton College. Ming Luo, who left QM last summer has a confirmed place at Lucy Cavendish College where she will read Mathematics. Congratulations to all three!
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Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Pupils from Bootham Junior, Escrick Primary and North Duffield Primary Schools came to Queen Margaret's on Tuesday 27th January for an action-packed performing arts workshop. The girls worked hard developing their dance, drama and music skills and prepared a performance of two scenes from Mary Poppins. All thoroughly enjoyed the day and the chance to perform on the QM Stage.
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Success on the slopes
Congratulations to the Queen Margaret's Team who competed at the British Schoolgirls' Races in Flaine, France on 26th and 27th January 2009, organised by The Ladies' Ski Club. The school team came 2nd overall in the Giant Slalom and 3rd overall in the Slalom. They were then placed 2nd overall in the whole competition based on a combination of the Giant Slalom and Slalom results.
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Cordon Bleu Cuisine
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The Middle School Masterchef competition was held on Sunday 25th January and judged by Mr & Mrs Waugh. There were some delicious and imaginative menus - and a definite chocolate theme in the desserts. Congratulations to Pitlochry House who were over all winners. |
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Mrs Sandra Bullock
We are deeply saddened to announce that Mrs Sandra Bullock, Head of Biology at QM, passed away recently after illness. Her funeral took place on Wednesday 21st January at Selby Abbey, and the sympathies of the entire QM community are with her family at this time.
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Training at Belhaven Hill
On Friday 16th January, the first and second hockey and lacrosse teams ran coaching sessions for pupils at Belhaven Hill School in Scotland. Former Belhaven pupils Louisa Willoughby and Octavia Cobb described their afternoon teaching the younger pupils the basics of lacrosse,
"Stick work followed a general warm up and we were all amazed at how quickly they adopted the skills of lacrosse. Faces were soon war-striped with mud, jumpers were off and competition was getting fierce. The whole of Scotland must have heard t their team Hakkas and chants and the apprehensive Mr Osborne, Belhaven's headmaster, was relieved to discover minimal injuries on the lacrosse pitch. They were unbelievably enthusiastic and we were sure that they would have kept playing through the night given half a chance!"
Charlotte Swearman, 1st XI hockey captain continues,
"The under 10 and under 11 hockey players were no less enthusiastic! Our 1st XI Hockey team were met by 24 very excitable Belhaven pupils, armed with hockey sticks and shin guards. After a quick introduction and a very professional warm up-which included distinguished games of "Stuck in the mud" and "Simon Says" we were ready for action! 2-3 QM players were allocated to a group of 6 Belhaven girls. Shuttle runs and other skill based practices followed with a match at the end of the afternoon. We all greatly enjoyed our stint at coaching at Belhaven and it was a pleasure to spend the afternoon in the company of a group of such talented, chatty and friendly pupils."
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Autumn Term 2008
Anything Goes
The school, and particularly all those involved withAnything Goes, would like to thank the sponsors for their kind and generous support.
Ingleby's Luxury Coaches
Consultant Caterers Ltd
Ben Johnson, Stationery Supplier
School Blazer, Uniform Supplier
Fulprint Publishers
Beautique of Escrick.
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Director of Music Appointed
| We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Jeremy Bowyer as Director of Music. Mr Bowyer, who joined Queen Margaret's in 2007, has been Acting Director of Music since January. Before joining QM he was based in London working as a freelance opera singer and music teacher and had previously been Assistant Director of Music and Organist of Clifton College, Bristol. He studied Music at Manchester University and the Royal Northern College of Music. |
Quiz Round Winners
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| QM's winning team from one of the two regional heats of the Schools' Challenge quiz competition. In its win over Ampleforth College by 480 points to 180, the team of Jenny Hobbis, Emily Philips, Serena Gosling and Grace Whitcombe showed impressive knowledge on topics ranging from the Bronze Age to black holes. |
Masterchefs
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The Garry House team, winners of this year's Senior Masterchef competition
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Funny Stuff, Water!
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| ''Water, water everywhere… but what funny stuff it is'' was the title of a talk given to the school's Science Society by Prof. Jim Matthews and Dr Matt Probert from York University's dept. of Physics. The talk, with its supporting experiments, illustrated some of the unusual properties of water and how life depends on them. |
Northern Schools Champions
| QM's Senior Lacrosse team made a clean sweep last Wednesday 12 Nov, winning all nine of its matches and conceding just thee goals to win the Northern Schools' Lacrosse Tournament held at Escrick. QM's U15 team were also winners in the 2nd teams section where the team won four, drew one and lost one game to take the shield. |
Yr II Meet Sandi Toksvi
| On 5 Nov, girls in Yr II heard Sandi Toksvig talk about her two booksHitler's Canary, set in Denmark during WW II, and her new title Girls are Best. A much enjoyed event when an excellent speaker engaged her audience. |
Carol Service - Wednesday 10th December 2008
There has been a huge demand for tickets to our end of term Carol Service on Wednesday 10th December. Please note that the Service is now full and no more tickets are available. Any requests for tickets received after today (Friday 7th November) will be placed on a waiting list and, should returned tickets become available, they will be distributed. Ticket-holders are asked to please be in their seats by 10.50am on the day - after that time, any remaining seats will be filled.
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Appointment of new Headmaster
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The Chairman and Board of Governors are pleased to announce that Dr Paul Silverwood has been appointed as Headmaster of Queen Margaret's School to begin in September 2009. He will succeed Dr Geoffrey Chapman who retires at the end of this academic year after 16½ years of distinguished service.
Dr Silverwood joins QM from Benenden School in Kent where he is currently Assistant Head and Director of Studies. He was born in 1971 and attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield. He read Natural Sciences at Cambridge before going on to do a PhD in Nuclear Chemistry at Manchester University. Thereafter he taught Science at North London Collegiate School before becoming Head of Chemistry at St Edwards School, Oxford. He is married to Rebecca and they have two daughters, aged 5 years and 3 months.
The Chairman and Board of Governors believe that Dr Silverwood's appointment will put QM in the strongest possible position to consolidate, strengthen and expand the school's position as one of the very few all-girls schools which offers all-round excellence in a boarding environment.
New head believes in appliance of science
(Extract from article in Yorkshire Post - Thu 09/10/08)
A teacher who switched from the nuclear industry to the classroom is hoping to inspire a new generation of women scientists when he takes the helm of a Yorkshire independent school.
Dr Paul Silverwood has accepted the post of headteacher at Queen Margaret's School at Escrick, south of York, and will begin his new role in September next year.
Before taking up his teaching career, Dr Silverwood studied at Manchester University for a PhD on nuclear reprocessing techniques. During his time in Manchester, he helped develop environmentally-efficient ways of reprocessing waste from the production of nuclear energy.
Barnsley-born Dr Silverwood then worked as a research chemist at the Brunner Mond Group in Cheshire for two years, and is now hoping to use his science experience to inspire pupils at the girls' independent boarding school.
He stressed that the importance of science is as vital as ever amid issues such as climate change, the crisis in world food provision and the battle to find new energy sources and sustainability.
Dr Silverwood added: "We need motivated science teachers and inspiring lessons in all schools - and thankfully this is already a key feature of science teaching at Queen Margaret's. In all areas of science, we will encourage students to ask questions and investigate for themselves, to debate and search for knowledge. We will always challenge the girls to stretch themselves and achieve more than they thought they were capable of." |
Learning about Law
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| 'Becoming a Lawyer….routes into Law was the title of QM's first Careers Supper on 30th October, the latest development in the school's Careers and Higher Education programme. Fifty Yr V and Sixth Form girls listened to a presentation given by Mr Chris Wilkinson, Careers Consultant - University of York Law Department followed by presentations from Mrs C Johnson, Senior Partner and Ms K Groves, Partner, at Gosschalks, a commercial law firm. After the presentations the girls had the opportunity to talk to their guests during a buffet supper. '' A good insight into law'', ''really interesting'' and ''it will help me in my choice of career'' were among subsequent feed back from the girls. |
A Highland Dancer
| Congratulations to Megan McMillan who, on 11 October, won the U13 Highland Dance Competition at the pre-championship level. |
Great North Runners
This year 24 girls and 4 members of staff will take part in the Great North Run on Sunday 5th October, our largest team yet.
Team QM is aiming to beat the £3000 raised for charity last year with this year's proceeds going to Children with Leukaemia, Great Ormond St Hospital for Children and The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, charities chosen by the girls.
Anyone wishing to be a sponsor should contact the school by phone on 01904 728261 or
e-mail enquiries@queenmargaretsschool.co.uk |
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Team QM Limbers Up
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ChemNet Visit
On 24th September the Chemistry department welcomed Dr Paul Nilsson, the ChemNet ambassador for the Royal Society of Chemistry.
He spoke to sixth form girls about the variety of careers available to them as a result of studying chemistry and the support that the RSC offers throughout their A Level course. |
Queens of Drama
Olivia Brown, Alicia Theaker, Alexandra Townsend-Rose and Lucy Trower, have just learned from the examiners that they were all among the top ten highest scoring candidates in this years GCSE Drama examination.
Commenting on their achievement Dr Chapman said ''individual girls have received similar recognition in Modern Languages and English but never has the school achieved four top ten places nationwide in one subject - these are probably the best results in the country''. |
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Olivia Brown, Alicia Theaker, Alexandra Townsend-Rose and Lucy Trower with QM's Director of Drama Mrs Deborah Whitcombe
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Science Non-fiction
| On Friday 16 September girls in the school's Scientific Society heard Mr Simon Hadlington give interesting and frequently amusing account of his work as a freelance scientific journalist. His audience learned how stories are researched and how they are made accessible to both general readers and the readers of scientific journals. |
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Mr Hadlington with Miss McDermott who teaches Chemistry
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2008 Exams Success
QM's Public Examination results this year were again very satisfactory. At A2, the 77 percent of passes at A or B grade compared well with our 5-year average and was as predicted. Most girls secured places at their first choice universities.
At AS-level, QM candidates achieved 71 percent of As and Bs, a great improvement on last year and at GCSE, the girls gained a 63 percent pass rate at A* or A grade. |
Fourteen in County Lacrosse Squads
Congratulations to the QM senior lacrosse players who won places in the Yorkshire squads at the trials held at Harrogate Ladies' College on Saturday 13 September.
Selected for the 'A' Squad were - Alex Bell, Olivia Brown, Jenny Hobbiss, Katie Lambert, Harriet Noble, Poppy Ropner, Sophie Samuelson and Anna Wilson.
Selected for the 'B' Squad were Alice Bowring, Hannah Emerson, Lotty Forbes Adam, Phoebe Robinson, Alex Townsend-Rose and Lucy Trower |
QM Wins at Hickstead
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| The QM Team of Sophie Beaty, Rosanna Lambert, Daisy Miller and Violet Miller (reserve) who won this year's National Schools and Pony Club Jumping Championships at Hickstead during the Summer holiday. To add to the thrill of winning in the Hickstead Main Arena, their prizes included a gold cup which remains at Hickstead, a second cup to keep for the year, rosettes, medals, sashes and rugs. |