Connect_Issue1_Dec18Web

NEWS FROM OUR SCHOOLS
OperaSquad @MulberryTH
In October, Mulberry School for
Girls was taken over for the day by
a team of singers and musicians
from English National Opera’s
OperaSquad, who performed
operatic extracts in unlikely places
throughout the day, including
corridors, courtyards and the
dining hall. In addition, the ENO
team ran a series of workshops and
assemblies for pupils throughout
the day, introducing them to
the world of opera and getting
everyone singing. Year 10 drama
pupils took part in a special session
on Porgy and Bess, while all of Year
8 explored soundwaves in a special
‘Science and Singing’ lesson.
Some pupils were even given
the opportunity to conduct the
professional singers. This takeover
day signalled the beginning of a
year-long collaboration with the
company, which will include trips,
workshops and projects focusing
on opera for pupils across the Trust.
Over the course of 2018/19,
Mulberry Schools Trust is involved
with OperaSquad, the English
National Opera’s flagship schools
programme.
Obama
Foundation
Scholar
We are extremely proud to
share that alumna Fatima
Zaman is an inaugural Obama
Foundation Scholar, having
successfully secured a place
on a one-of-a-kind programme
that combines a Master of Arts
degree at the University of
Chicago Harris School of Public
Policy with an extraordinary
scholarship that includes access
to exceptional experiences
outside the classroom with the
Obama Foundation.
During a recent Obama
Foundation summit, Fatima
also headlined Barack Obama’s
closing speech. What an
achievement and inspiration for
our girls!
Oxbridge Beckons
for Year 13s
Eighteen Year 13 pupils have
attended a training day at
St Mary’s School Ascot in
preparation for early entry
into Oxford, Cambridge,
Medicine and Dentistry.
Pupils met fellow candidates
who are applying for early entry,
were given feedback about their
UCAS personal statements, as
well as having personal interview
experience and feedback from
senior academics and professors.
In Year 12, pupils have had the
opportunity to attend a number
of performances and experiences
such as a visit to the opera, ‘War
Requiem’ with Ms Smith and Ms
Whale and ‘La Boheme’ with Mr
Maynard as part of the young
critics programme.
Six pupils have been accepted
onto the prestigious Wadham
College Oxford programme. Most
recently, 35 Year 12 pupils were
invited to attend a Gender Equality
conference where they were able
to listen to a talk given by Michelle
Obama.
Outstanding Review Assures Quality
From Monday 26th to Wednesday 28th November,
Mulberry School for Girls had its annual ‘Challenge
Partners’ Quality Assurance Review.
This is where a group of trained
senior leaders from other schools
conduct a review, which includes:
lesson observations, interviews
with pupils and meetings with
senior leaders. We are delighted
that the review team validated
our judgement that the school is
‘outstanding’ in all areas.
The school is awaiting the written
report but here are some of
the pleasing comments during
feedback:
‘Mulberry is an exceptional school’
‘Strong identity with a real warmth
and passion’
‘There is the same level of
academic challenge clear in all
subjects, whether art or Maths’
‘A reflective and thoughtful
organisation’
‘The pastoral support and
knowledge of pupils is exceptional’
‘Pupils spoke incredibly highly of
all the staff at the school’
Cutting Edge Research Leading the Way
On Friday 19th October, Mulberry School for Girls held its annual Teaching
and Learning Conference. All teachers and learning assistants shared
and developed good practice in marking, feedback and assessment. A
new feedback policy, based on cutting edge educational research, has
encouraged innovation across the curriculum. We held a ‘Teach Meet’
where colleagues shared the very best practice with each other. The
conference is part of a carefully tailored programme of professional
development that builds on the expertise of our highly skilled teachers and
support staff to continue to ensure outstanding progress for all pupils.
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