Maida Vale School Newsletter December 2021

Autumn Term Issue | December 2021
MVS NEWS
The newsletter of Maida Vale School
Activities
Week…04
Springboard
Future Chef…08
An Autumn
full of Art…10
Sport
Highlights…11
Winter Production - Great Expectations
This year’s Winter Production brought our whole School community together with outstanding
acting from the Drama department. A creative and atmospheric set, made by the Art and DT
departments, was accompanied by beautiful musical interludes arranged by the Music department.
Maida Vale School is part of the
Pupils from Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 performed an adaptation of Dickens’ Great Expectations which follows the childhood and young
adult years of Pip, a blacksmith’s apprentice, played by Ellie C. Pip suddenly comes into a large fortune (his great expectations)
from a mysterious benefactor and moves to London where he enters high society. He thinks he knows where the money has
come from but he turns out to be sadly mistaken. The story also follows Pip’s dealings with Estella, a young woman he adores
but who cannot return his love.

DECEMBER 2021
WELCOME
TO OUR
NEWSLETTER
After 18 months of upheaval caused by the
global pandemic, normality has become
something we have begun to cherish. It is
wonderful to be able to celebrate the great
things that have happened and the range
of Pupil achievement here at Maida Vale
School this term. It represents in many
ways, a return to normal, although as a new
School, we have so many opportunities
to challenge the status quo so that our
‘normal’ becomes the exceptional. I am
sure you will agree that this newsletter
highlights what a great term we have had.
Mr Steven Winter
Headmaster, Maida Vale School

Great Expectations continued...
Reflections of the show
“One of the many reasons I enjoyed being in
Great Expectations was having the opportunity
to perform in a play with props, lights and
sound, something I’ve only done once or twice
before. I love acting, and to be able to perform
at a school I’ve only just joined was a fantastic
experience for me. I’m sure I want to audition in
the summer production.”
Tobias, Year 7 (Orlick)
“I enjoyed working on the lighting, making
it seem as realistic as possible. I’ve also loved
the sense of community, and the support that
everyone gave each other.”
Isaac, Year 10 (Lighting Designer)
‘I loved working with actors from different
year groups and wearing my costume which
was handmade by my mum’
Peggy, Year 8 (Estella)
“I enjoyed being a Stage Manager as I got to
work behind the scenes and be a part of the
production without having to act - I know I’ll be
able to use these skills in the future”
Zebedee, Year 8 (Stage Manager)
“I liked being in Great Expectations because
I got to escape to another world which gives
a magical feel. It took me out of my comfort
zone as I usually won’t act the same in real life
as when I act in plays. I also liked that I became
friends with people in different year groups that
I usually wouldn’t spend time with.”
Lyndon, Year 9 (Joe)
News from the Music Department
Words by Mr Monk, Lead Teacher of Music
Year 7 and 8 began their study of the Kodaly approach to music, which works to embed
a culture of singing in the curriculum and use movable solfa (do re mi – think the song
from The Sound of Music) in order to train a child’s musical ear. GCSE Pupils have been
composing themes for a TV crime series and have moved on to transferring those
skills to a ‘free composition’, thinking about how to develop melodies as well as create
harmonic interest using varying chord sequences.
Outside of the curriculum, the MVS Choir performed
brilliantly at our act of Remembrance; scan the QR
code to the right to watch. Pupils also showcased
their hard work during our performance of Great
Expectations with cello, piano and vocal solos and
the MVS Choir continue to grow in confidence by
leading our School carol service. This year it took
place at All Saints Church, Notting Hill, giving the
service that special feeling and adding to the sense
of occasion.
3

ACTIVITIES WEEK -
Monday - After a long journey, we hiked straight up onto Dartmoor where Pupils saw beautiful
panoramic views of Devon and played some team building games with the staff at Moorland
Hall. Pupils were then treated to a delicious home cooked meal and camp games before bed.
Tuesday - Pupils (and Ms Proctor!) got to face their fear of heights in the ‘leap of faith’. What
looked like about 10/15m high felt about 30. Many demonstrated confidence and resilience
when they made the huge leap through the air to hit the target with their hand. They also had
their team skills challenged in the crate building, gradually getting higher and higher with only
milk crates to keep them up. Well done to Alice and Eadie who achieved the Maida Vale record
for the day. They also practised their archery and experienced kayaking and canoeing on a
beautiful lake.
4
Year 7 to Moorland Hall
Words by Mr Fisher, Deputy Head
Wednesday - Beach day! Pupils took a coach to the Cornish coast
where they started the day catching some waves whilst body
boarding. Pupils then went on a coastal hike and finished the day
making rock sculptures and a BBQ dinner while the sun set.
Thursday - In the morning we walked up to Dewerstone Rock,
learning about the flora and fauna found on the moors. The
afternoon had us abseiling down a very large rockface. All Pupils
took part in the climbing with a fearless group taking every
advantage of the different climbing routes and abseiling. Will and
Isla really stood out, going from cautious climbers to trying every
climbing route available with real confidence and determination.
All Pupils demonstrated their support for their peers, encouraging
them to face their fears and push themselves to their limits.
Year 8 to PGL Caythorpe Court, Lincolnshire
Words by Mr Marriot, Director of Sport and Enrichment
Day 1- After a tour of the campus, Pupils started their activities.
Marvin impressed in the archery, his skilful accuracy winning him the
competition. Pupils then split into teams to tackle “Jacob’s Ladder”;
a huge ladder which required strategy and teamwork to climb. Ellie
and Peggy conquered their fear of heights and managed to ascend
to the very top.
Day 2 - Pupils started the day with the Giant Swing. Their teamwork
and problem solving abilities were put to the test. Eabha particularly
impressed with her leadership and communication when leading the team in the giant seesaw challenge.
Alix and Misha also shone, demonstrating great leadership when guiding their group through the
challenges. Later, Pupils designed and built rafts to paddle around the lake on. Needing the structure to
be sound, this was a notably challenging activity. Well done to Group 2 who designed an impressive raft
and successfully managed to paddle around the lake before deciding to go for a swim.
Day 3 - Pupils began with the sensory trail where they lead each other blindfolded around the woods whilst negotiating obstacles.
Kenechi and Arthur showed excellent communication when leading their groups through the maze of obstacles. After lunch, Pupils
completed climbing orienteering. Devan showed great resolve in mastering the climb despite not liking heights, and his peers showed
notable encouragement and support.
Day 4 - Pupils made their way to the woods to develop their survival skills; building shelters, crafting wood and fire lighting. Hetty, Lulu
and Kiki impressed with their knife work, making a spectacular tent peg. Eabha, Etta, Mimi, Hetty, Lulu and Kiki’s team also won the
shelter competition with a shelter that had a living room and garden path! After this, Pupils were back in the treetops for the all-aboard
challenge where they completed tasks on a small platform on the top of a 10m pole. The day finished with smores and songs around
the campfire - what a lovely week.

SEPTEMBER 2021
Years 9 + 10 Duke of Edinburgh
Words by Ms Ridley, Assistant Head
Day 1 - Our GCSE Pupils made a successful start to their first day
of Activities Week by rising to the various challenges set up by
representatives from the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) programme.
The day comprised the Lava Walk, Rope Task, Tennis ball in a Gutter
challenge, and Circus skills. Lucia and Ella showed determination
and leadership in supporting their team through the Lava Walk,
whilst Eliana organised her team to move a tennis ball on pieces
of guttering around the MUGA. One Pupil commented, “I learned
new skills like doing a headstand” whilst another described the
day as “challenging, interesting and fun.”
Day 2 - On Day 2 Pupils continued to prepare for their threeday
camp. They learnt how to use traditional meth Trangia
stoves and, based on the small amount of food left over, cooking
with Trangia stoves proved to be a great success! Pupils were
then divided into their expedition groups and taught how to
successfully pack rucksacks, how to save weight in their daypack
and how to waterproof their kit. Pupils were also introduced to
First Aid.
Days 3-5 - Pupils were blessed with sunshine for their DofE
Introductory Activity Week. Monday and Tuesday involved them
getting friendly with their new teammates and developing an
understanding of what the DofE Award is all about, especially the
Expedition Section. Wednesday to Friday saw them camping in
Buckinghamshire; navigating their way around Burnham Beeches,
and cooking suppers on Trangia stoves while their downtime
consisted of chatting around a bonfire; reading; sketching; chatting
outside their tents; playing football and softball.
At MVS
Words by Dr Grant-Stevenson, Head of SFL and SENCO
For Pupils who remained on site during Activities Week, a packed programme was
designed to help them to build and consolidate the same skills as those who were away.
Pupils learned about the history of wool production, trying knitting and braiding to make
poppies. They explored Ancient Greek Myths, linking them to many parts of modern
culture. They visited the zoo as well as the Design Museum where they attended the
Sneakers Unboxed exhibition which looked at the history of trainers and the influence
of sub-cultures on design. Pupils combined these visits to design their own ‘upcycled’
trainers back at School.
Pupils consolidated their Computer Science knowledge through an e-safety workshop
and honed their Physics and Engineering skills by designing and presenting a new
bridge to go over the River Thames. They researched some of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales
(focusing on the PG rated ones!) and then wrote a script, created stick puppets out of
card, later performing their shows to the rest of the group. All week the Pupils participated
enthusiastically, demonstrating their creativity and resilience with some challenging
material. Well done to all.
5

Design and Technology
Words by Ms Banks, Head of DT
The Autumn Term is always a busy one in the DT Department, there is just so much
to do!
Year 7 Pupils worked collaboratively to build lolly-stick cranes for testing to
destruction. There were many excellent outcomes, but ultimately the crane
designed and built by Willow and Dylan B beat all the competition, supporting
an impressive 4kg. Charlie produced an exquisite working model of the Rolling
Bridge made by Thomas Heatherwick Studio. After this was showcased on the
School Twitter account (follow @MaidaValeDT), the Studio got in touch and invited
Charlie for a studio tour and lunch. On the day, Charlie got to meet Thomas
Heatherwick himself and returned home with some incredible memories, plus a
beautiful, signed design book.
8M created excellent electronic fans, engaging with a range of workshop equipment including the vacuum former, soldering
irons and the electric strip heater. Hetty also made a brilliant entry to the Design Ventura competition run by the Design
Museum. Results will be announced after the Christmas holidays.
Year 9 developed their workshop skills using hardwood to construct the framework for an adjustable, electronic mood lamp.
Pupils used traditional workshop tools as well as modern manufacturing processes. The class showed creativity and engaged
well with the challenge; I look forward to sharing the final results.
Year 10 have been kept busy working on a mock non-examined assessment with impressive folders produced by Ari and
Gabriel. Pupils have also enjoyed developing their graphic and workshop skills by making festive copper candle holders and
a vacuum formed chocolate mould.
In Tech Cadets (Enrichment), a happy crew of Year 7 Pupils developed a number of key practical skills and produced some
impressive electronics outcomes. Ellie used the laser cutter to create a mini light-up house decoration and Alix, Alfie and
Marvin focused on building sturdy wooden storage and display units. The Department was also pleased to be involved in
producing stage flats for the Winter Production.
English Trip to the Barbican Theatre
Words by Ms Ridley, Assistant Head
Pupils loved watching the highly acclaimed film Rocks in The Pit Theatre at The Barbican. The screening was followed by a
poetry reading from five distinguished, London-based poets. Pupils laughed, cried, and gasped at both the film and poems,
as the themes of love, belonging, isolation and diversity were portrayed.
6

Computer Science
Words by Mrs Mahdi, Lead Teacher of Computer Science
On the week of the 22nd of November, the whole School entered
the UK Bebras international challenge, a computational thinking
challenge. It went well, and Pupils worked hard to answer most of
the challenges correctly. Hopefully, some of our Pupils will go into
the second round in February 2022; we will find out in January!
Year 7 learned about cyberbullying, what to do if they ever get
cyber-bullied and how to prevent it. They created and presented
amazing PowerPoint presentations in groups, demonstrating
resilience, teamwork and presentations skills. They are currently
learning how computers work and what their components are.
Year 8 have been learning about computer hardware, what the main
components of a computer are and creating sway presentations and mind
maps on these topics. They have been making a webpage in HTML about
themselves, their hobbies, the sports they are passionate about and their
favourite food, books and films.
GCSE Pupils have learned about the functions of the CPU and its
characteristics. They are developing a website in HTML about climate
change, the top 10 most polluting industries and the most endangered
species. They also worked in groups and presented PowerPoint
presentations about Storage and Memory.
Year 9 Classics Trip to Nero Exhibition at The British Museum
Words by Mrs Christou, Teacher of Latin
On 18th October, Year 9 Latinists visited The British Museum
to see the Nero: The Man Behind the Myth exhibition. Pupils
were able to see impressive and newly discovered artefacts
up close, expertly presented to re-tell the controversial life
of Emperor Nero.
“My favourite artefacts were the Roman coins on display
and I found it interesting that Nero changed the weight of
coins to be less than they were actually worth in monetary
terms. Overall, after visiting the exhibition, I think that
Nero was a good emperor because even though he was
quite an attention-seeking person, he still cared for the
city and during the Great Fire of Rome, he gave shelter to
commoners in his private gardens.” Filippo, 9M
“I learned that the Romans carved over previous
sculptures of emperors if they lost favour after their
death, such as Nero. My favourite artefact was the
collection of prison chains because I find it both
interesting and sad that prisoners would be punished
by wearing very heavy chains to weigh them down
collectively. Overall, I think that Nero was a good
emperor because he cared about entertaining the
public. Though I find it very rude and arrogant that
there are sources who say that a lady had to give
birth in the theatre whilst Nero was performing as the
audience weren’t allowed to leave.” Lucia, 9M
“I thought that the Nero exhibition was excellent and
insightful. Many of the artefacts were so detailed
and intricate, not to mention almost 2000 years old. I
learned that Nero was actually not the awful emperor
that he is perceived to be by many and I also learned
a lot about History as well as Latin. The little bronze
man artefact was something to marvel at due to its
detail, so I am choosing that one as my favourite.”
Ella, 9M
7

Springboard Future Chef Competition
Words by Ms Jordan, Head of Food Preparation and Nutrition
This term, Pupils in Year 9 and 10 competed in the Springboard
Future Chef Competition. We held school heats before half term with
our 8 competitors challenged to cook a main course of their choice
in an hour. Their dishes were then judged by special guests, Jackson
Boxer, Executive Chef from Orasay, Notting Hill and Mark Askew,
Executive Chef from The Ivy. Both judges were hugely impressed by
the quality of the food being preparared, the level of enagagement,
and the skill of our young chefs. A huge congratulations to all of
our competing Pupils with a special mention to Finn and Libby who
travelled to West London College for the London Local Finals this week.
In Class
It has been a busy term in Food Preparation and Nutrition. In Year 10, Pupils produced their own ricotta cheese. They also
produced their own butter as a class. Year 9 have been busy learning about fruit and vegetables. Finally, KS3 have been
learning about Food Choice and Food Provenance. Follow @MaidaValeFood to see more of our Pupils’ culinary creations.
8

Antarctica Day
Words by Mr Finnerty, Teacher of Geography
Year 8 Pupils took part in an exciting project
that involved celebrating the anniversary
of the Antarctic Treaty. Pupils were asked
to produce several eye-catching flags that
symbolise what the continent means to
them, as well as raising awareness of the
importance of Antarctica. There were a
huge number of creative flags and out of all
the fantastic entries, Hetty W’s, was chosen
as the overall winner. Her flag proudly
represented Maida Vale School and a photo
of her flag with a researcher (see above)
was taken near Rothera Research Station, in
Antarctica, to celebrate Antarctica Day.
Remembrance Day 2021
Words by Ms Begum, Head of Humanities
Peggy and Kenechi showed good leadership skills by presenting a
segment of an assembly which I delivered about why we commemorate
WWI and other conflicts on Remembrance Day. In the same week, the
Pupils and colleagues showed a genuine community spirit by working
together during PT time to support the creation of a display in the
library about Remembrance Day. A special thank you to Dylan N,
Joseph C, Ella R and Mrs Jiminez for their kind support.
On Remembrance Day itself, Mr Winter lead a moving service with
poems read by Dylan N (Year 7) and Devan (Year 8). Eliana (Year 10)
led the exhortation and the two minutes silence with great poise. The
choir performed and Ella (Year 9) led a reflection on the importance of
remembrance.
Languages Week
Words by Ms Trafford, Head of Modern Languages
This year’s Languages Week saw the School raise
awareness for diversity, languages and culture whilst
raising a whopping £1500 for the charity Sparkle
Malawi. The week kicked off with an assembly by Ms
Trafford and Mrs Christou, followed by a week of PT
games and finally a languages funfair event in the
theatre. The funfair event was a great success with
Pupils having to ask in a different language if they
could play one of the games. Pupils played inflatable
football, giant Jenga, human snakes and ladders
and had a dress-up photo booth. Pupils also cooked
an array of international foods which was extremely
popular! A real success to celebrate and speak
different languages and culture.
9

Lucy, Year 10 Gabriel, Year 9 Coco, Year 7 Olive, Year 7
An Autumn Full of Art
Words by Mrs Jimenez, Head of Art
Year 7 have studied the Basic Elements of art (line, shape, colour, value, form, texture
and space). Pupils have made pencil drawings; photomontages inspired by Romare
Bearden and Deborah Roberts for Black History Month; charcoal figure drawings
showing movement; colour-mixing; oil pastel drawings; through to medieval
gargoyles and grotesques for their Modroc masks.
Year 9 Art Pupils have started their GCSE Art, Craft and Design course. Year 9 is all
about in-depth understanding of the key skills and techniques of drawing, painting,
printmaking, textiles, ceramics, and photography. Ibrahim El-Salahi’s work was the
inspiration for Black History Month. The Pupils made observational drawings of the
human skeleton using pen and coffee to create the aged look of Leonardo da Vinci’s
sketches. Pupils made large impasto acrylic paintings on A2 wooden boards of their
pets or views from holidays, using a palette knife.
Tessa, Year 9
Year 10 Art Pupils have drawn their own image by using a grid and scaling up the
image from a photograph, as part of their ‘Portraits and Self-Identity’ project. The
Pupils have used various media such as watercolour techniques, felt pens, oil pastel,
collage and acrylic. The Pupils looked at the portraits by Jordan Casteel and Gerald
Williams for Black History Month. Pupils are working towards a final canvas outcome
that combines their likeness and their identity.
Trip to the Tate Britain
On Friday 15th October, Pupils visited
the Tate Britain. Heather Phillipson’s
installation entitled; Rupture No.1:
Blowtorching the Bitten Peach made
Pupil’s question ‘what constitutes Art?’
They then made sketches and annotations
on work in the Paula Rego exhibition.
Some members of the public commented
how impressed they were with the quality
of the drawings.
Lilla, Year 10
Enrichment
The KS3 Printmaking Enrichment club
attendees have made mono-prints,
polyprints and a 4-colour lino print
this term. The Props and Set Painting
Enrichment club made a tomb stone,
Miss Havisham’s cake and turned cat
toys into scary rats. The set depicted
the graveyard, bogland and the gates
of Miss Havisham’s house for this year’s
Winter Production, Great Expectations.
10

Sports Highlights
Words by Ms Yeomans and Mr Marriott, Assistant Director of Sport and Director of Sport and Enrichment
Netball
Pupils approached their first term of Netball fixtures with enthusiasm
and showed great teamwork, supporting and inspiring others. Many of
the players have demonstrated notable commitment levels to Netball
Enrichment, with some attending twice a week!
Both the U15 and U13 squads played Portland Place, Knightsbridge
School and our sister school, Kew House. The U13 squad, made up
of Year 7 and 8 Pupils (pictured right), played in a tournament run by
Francis Holland School. For many it was their first tournament. The team
improved with every game and came away in 5th position.
A big well done to all the teams, but in particular the U13B team who,
this term, have the best win statistics, winning 75% of their games.
Football
The football season kicked off with the U13 A, B and C teams taking on
our sister school, Kew House. We started well with the A team winning
8-2 and the B and C team losing. The highlight for the U13 season was
their match against Portland Place. They found themselves 3-0 down
within the first 10 minutes of the match but battled back with 3 quick
goals before half time, making it 3-3. Daniel scored the winning goal in
the second half. The team showed great character, persisting throughout
the match, and coming out with a win.
It has been an up and down season for the U15s, winning 25% of their
matches. The best performance came against Kensington Park School,
with goals from Isaac, Marcus and Francesco resulting in a 4-1 win.
GCSE PE
This term Year 9 Pupils have learnt about
Health and Fitness and the importance
of being physically active. They enjoyed
training the different components of fitness
and completing a variety of fitness tests to
compare themselves to the national averages.
The Year 10 Pupils have started the Psychology
aspect of the course and thoroughly enjoyed
the ‘Nature vs Nurture’ debate giving
insightful comments on which they thought
was more important in making successful
athletes.
House Sports
On Friday 3rd December, we had our first House Sport afternoon. Pupils
were split into four teams (A-D) which they will compete in for the rest of the
academic year.
Netball - The U15 squads played Fast Five netball, quickly getting to grips
with the changes to the game. The older Pupils were excellent role models,
helping the younger Pupils throughout the afternoon and cheering from the
sidelines. All the players stepped up their game and, even though the houses
have only just been established, there was a real sense of house pride within
the teams.
There were lots of closely fought matches, but Team D were victorious in
both the U13 and U15 competitions scoring a whopping 50 goals between
them in six matches.
Football - It was a fantastic afternoon played in a competitive but respectful
manner. The Year 9 and 10 Pupils were particularly impressive with how they
supported the younger members of their house. The U15 competition was
a hard-fought affair with Team C and Team D finishing joint top with one
draw and two wins. A flurry of goals and a hattrick from Marcus in their last
match meant that Team C pipped it on goal difference to win the overall
competition.
Team A were impressive in the U13 competition winning all four of their
matches and finishing 1st. Dan and Franklin were particularly impressive for
Team A scoring goals for their team throughout the tournament.
11

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