Season’s Greetings

How many people in this whole world can claim they’ve had a private conversation with Britain’s Head of State, the world’s richest woman, the Queen?  No, not a tribute band, not Helen Mirren in her latest film, but Her Majesty the Queen.  Well, seven students in Year Nine were invited to Buckingham Palace to do just that.

Ashleigh Browne-Obeya, Becky Day, Charlie Hicks, Gemma Hopkins, Jack McGinley, Ruth Osarfo-Mensah and Taiwo Osuntuyi walked confidently through the golden gates of the palace and through the front door, where they were ushered to the ballroom to contribute to a poetry writing session led by professional poet Philip Wells.  Next, sitting on the red velvet and gold-leaf chairs, they listened to the work of three other poets, including Andrew Motion who, as the Queen’s personal poet, is commissioned to write poems commemorating events of national importance.

Afterwards, they moved to the Long Gallery, which is filled with priceless works of art, to enjoy drinks and canapés, served on silver salvers by liveried servants.  During the reception they chatted to poets and members of the royal household.  The Duke of Gloucester, the Queen’s cousin, thought the green blazers were very smart!

Finally, they were introduced to the Queen, who was wearing a pink Chanel style suit decorated with a huge diamond brooch.  They chatted to Her Majesty about their poems and the paintings which had inspired them.  Charlie nearly missed the chance of a lifetime by visiting the lavatory just before the group met the Queen!

October 16th was a day to remember!

Miss DeGray

By Royal

Appointment

In January, Year 11 students will begin the process of selecting courses for September 2008. A series of Recruitment Fairs will take place across The Southern Consortium (see dates on page 4). The16+ eProspectus and application form are available on-line.

www.southernconsortium.org.uk

Closing date for applications is the 15th February 2008.

Year 11 Applications

for Sixth Form

As 2007 draws to close it gives us the opportunity to reflect.

This year has given us our best ever examination results both at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. Our results have improved year on year and our five A*-C GCSEs have broken the 65% barrier. 

Our challenge for 2008 is not going to be easy. We are working to ensure that our current Year 11 out perform their predecessors!

2007 has indeed been a good year for The Sydney Russell School. Our students have benefited from the many trips, conferences and learning activities organised for them.

We  would like to wish everyone associated with the school a Merry Christmas and a happy, productive and healthy new year.