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Vicky Tuck – Telegraph Articles

Monday, January 05, 2009

Please see the links below for the latest Telegraph articles written by Vicky Tuck.
26 June 2009,
01 June 2009,
15 May 2009,
24 April 2009,
27 March 2009,
12 March 2009,
20 February 2009,
09 February 2009,
16 January 2009,
31 December 2008,
19 December 2008,
12 December 2008,
05 December 2008,
28 November 2008,

The Cheltenham Science Festival

The Cheltenham Science Festival

Thursday, June 11, 2009

On Saturday 6th of June, a class of eager LC1 girls arrived at College. After the usual Saturday morning activities the excitement mounted as we headed up to the houses for lunch. Four of us had been given tickets to attend the Experitent Workshop ‘Investigate!’ at the Cheltenham Science Festival before joining our friends in the Discover Zone in the in the Town Hall.

Inside the Experitent there were four tables set out. Darcy Berry and I went together on one table and Olivia Hill-Mathieson and Lottie Till went on another. Our fellow attendees arrived and we were soon all chatting. Neil, from Explore at Bristol came in and introduced himself. We were told that today would be all about graphs.

Our first activity of the day was to describe graphs. First of all each table was given a graph and we had to describe it to the rest of the group. Luckily, everyone guessed ours! After this we were told that there were four graphs, each in a corner of the room. Our task was to memorise the graph and tell the scribe what our particular graph looked like. We then had to describe our graph again to the rest of the group.

Keen to move on we started our next activity – bubble blowing! Each table had a different width of straw and we had to blow washing-up liquid for one minute and then measure the height. Our table had thin straws. The idea was to figure out the relationship between the width of the straw and the height of the bubbles. All the children (including us!) were really excited about this activity and couldn’t wait to get started. Of course, safety comes first and we were reminded not to suck the washing-up liquid and to put on our safety goggles. After a lot of overflows and sticky hands we eventually got all our results recorded. We then had to work out the average (this is where the maths comes in) of some rather difficult numbers (our team liked to be very exact); we had a mean of roughly 26. Although our team was the lowest, it didn’t mean we didn’t have loads of fun! The medium straw got the highest result, of around 28 and the large straw got 27. These results may seem quite weird as they rise and fall again, but we drew graphs all the same. Before we drew our own graphs we made human graphs.

After the workshop ended we were collected by Mrs Kaye and after a couple of minutes of goodie buying and being on TV we headed over to the Town Hall, where the Discover Zone was set up. Although when we arrived we only had 10 minutes to go around, we found out some very interesting facts. We were able to do hands on stuff as well and one of those was washing your hands normally and seeing how much bacteria was still left on your hands – scary! We were then called over to the entrance, and left for Mrs Kaye’s house for afternoon tea.

This was a very stimulating and interesting experience, not to mention fun and we would like to thank Mrs Kaye, Dr Evans and Mrs Lawford for organising the trip.


Francesca Speke, LC1

National Girls’ Schools’ Polo Tournament

National Girls’ Schools’ Polo Tournament

Monday, June 08, 2009

The National Girls’ Schools’ Polo Tournament was played at Millfield School on Sunday 7th June in slightly changeable weather conditions. Despite very heavy overnight rain, the ground played well and the 1st team got off to a great start with a 1-0 victory over Rugby School. With their close marking, Rugby proved very difficult opponents and the chukka was a very competitive affair with both teams having chances. A great solo run from Anna Rowlinson set the ball up in front of goal for an easy tap over by Annie Styler.

In the second chukka, we came up against Marlborough, last year’s champions, who beat us very convincingly in a practice match on Tuesday. Today, however, we were much tighter in defence and put them under a good deal of pressure – the superior speed of one of the opposition’s ponies proved the telling factor and we eventually went down 2 - 0.

The 3rd/4th play-off saw us drawn against local rivals, Cheltenham College, and we were determined to make amends for a number of recent defeats. Despite one scare early on, we had the best of the game and kept them under pressure throughout. With time almost running out, a break away from Anna Rowlinson and Caroline St Quinton finally saw the ball into the goal and we came away deserved 1- 0 victors.

The 2nd team played their first match against Luckley Oakfield. We started confidently until Amabel Clark took a heavy fall which reduced the game to 3 a-side. Despite some stalwart defence, we went down 1- 0 which put us in to the lower half of the draw. With Lulu Burton stepping in from the 1st team, the seconds rallied in the next chukka and played superbly to record a very comfortable 3- 0 win over Dean Close. The subsidiary final also saw us playing Cheltenham College but experience was on their side and slightly loose defending saw us lose 0-2.

Overall though the day saw excellent performances from both teams and we look forward to the SUPA Intermediate Tournament on Sunday 21st June and the National Schools’ Tournament on Sunday 28th June, both to be played at Longdole.

Miss C Ralph

Photo: Anna Rowlinson, Annie Styler, Caroline St Quinton and Lulu Burton

South Yorkshire Chess Competition

South Yorkshire Chess Competition

Saturday, May 30, 2009

South Yorkshire Chess Competition

I attended the South Yorkshire Chess Competition in Sheffield at the end of May 2009. It was a beautiful weekend all round, with the sunshine proving to be the icing on the cake as I qualified for the third round of the competition with four points out of six. The third round is usually held at the end of the summer term with successful players moving on to the final tournament where the champions are crowned.

The Chess Club is fantastic to be part of, with friendly, sociable girls and just enough emphasis on honing one’s talents. Even experienced players are granted the opportunity to remain sharp through vibrant and often varied games, as every player brings something special to the club. In the autumn term, the emphasis is on friendly matches and coaching. The less experienced girls are introduced to particular ways of opening the game. It is necessary to familiarise them with different endgame situations, so they have the ability to finish what they start. This not only gives the girls skills but confidence. With plenty of prizes and chocolate for all involved, there is certainly an incentive to win games.

Sacha-Torregrosa-Jones, SFC1

British Junior Championships

British Junior Championships

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Evie Paterson, in the Sixth Form at College, clinched fourth place on Direct Opposition at the British Junior Championships at Houghton Hall in Norfolk between 21st and 24th May. Over 90 riders competed and incorporated juniors and seniors including the likes of William Fox Pitt. Riding Direct Opposition (Chips), Evie came 9th overall and 35th on her second horse, Direct Supreme (Beau) who went clear in the cross country. Evie has been told that she is once again on the long list on both horses to gain a place on the British team.
Evie earned a score of 50 in the dressage and then jumped a double clear on Direct Opposition. She said “Chips jumped brilliantly, finding it very easy because the course was quite small and his cross country and show jumping are very good now. My dressage mark was slightly disappointing as I felt that our test was better than anything last year and we were only 18th after this phase. Overall I was thrilled as he has been so consistent all year. I thought the event, which was in a lovely venue with lots of atmosphere, was great and really well organised. The course could have been a little more challenging but then I was sitting on two very good cross country horses!”

In the next few months Evie will be competing with two younger horses and will also participate at some intermediate events on Chips and Beau. The junior final trial will take place at the beginning of August.

Cheltenham and District Schools Swimming Gala

Cheltenham and District Schools Swimming Gala

Saturday, May 16, 2009

On Wednesday 5th May a group of girls took part in the Cheltenham and District Gala, hosted by College at the CLC Sports Centre. There was a total of 260 swimmers between the ages of 11 and 18 from 10 local schools, participating in the 70 individual and relay races for both boys and girls. All were intent on doing well. The gala yielded some excellent individual results from members of the College squad with particular mention to Chloe Yu, Georgie Jones, Justina Lee, Imo Simmonds and Lizzie Riach. The relay teams also triumphed with the Year 8s taking second place on both their medley and free races and the year 7 free team coming in third.

Overall we had some excellent times, including two 1st places, six 2nd places and seven 3rd places. Well done to all the girls who took part and thank you to all the staff especially Miss Nimmo for organising the event.

Georgie Jones, LC2

Trumpeters’ Master Class at the Cheltenham Town Hall

Trumpeters’ Master Class at the Cheltenham Town Hall

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Five CLC girls attended a Trumpeters’ Master Class at the Town Hall on Monday 4th May. Tom Arthurs, a young jazz trumpeter, flügelhornist, composer and currently the second ever jazz BBC New Generation Artist, gave the master class.

Arthurs’ confidence with new ideas has inspired us to experiment with our own ideas more and we went away with ideas not just to help our improvisation but also to help the way in which we play our pieces. He showed us that jazz can be interesting, not only when you constantly play elaborate pieces but also when you give the audience time and space to reflect on what you have just played.

Hannie Debono, UC4

‘Support Our Soldiers’ project - SFC girls send care parcels overseas

‘Support Our Soldiers’ project - SFC girls send care parcels overseas

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Being away from home on an adventure can be exciting but inevitably there will be times which are challenging, as with any journey worth making. Our girls fully understand this and I believe that is why they were so enthusiastic in supporting ‘Support Our Soldiers’ (SOS). This charity collects care packages for men and women serving the country overseas, miles from home and often under difficult conditions. Although their circumstances are very difficult, the girls understand how important regular contact is with home and how just a few encouraging words can make a day much better.

Mr Sutton (who served as a Captain in Afghanistan with the Royal Artillery) came to speak to our volunteers about his experiences in Afghanistan and showed us a ration pack. Although there was plenty to eat in it, it lacked the luxuries that many of us take for granted and we all agreed we would be very bored if we had to eat it again and again. Whether the girls supported our involvement in conflicts overseas or not, we all agreed we would not like to experience the conditions many servicemen and women have to endure.

The girls and staff collected items to send out in care packages to cheer up service men and women in difficult locations and also sent messages of support. It made the girls appreciate how lucky they are to live in a safe environment and it made us realise how many every day items we take for granted. The girls collected the items in teams, so it also helped them develop organisation, co-operation and team work skills. The IB girls could also count the project towards their Creativity, Action and Service hours going towards their diploma.

The SOS team came to collect the parcel in early May and I was proud to send off the 27 parcels collected by staff and girls. I would like to say thank you to all who contributed and I hope to run the project again in the future.

Sarah Matthews, Geography Teacher

LC1 Trip to the Mosque

LC1 Trip to the Mosque

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

On Saturday 25th April, LC1 went to a Gloucester Mosque. After twenty minutes journey by bus, we were rewarded with our first sight of the beautiful green and gold dome of the mosque, glittering in the sunlight. We were met by a patron of the Mosque, Mr Limalia, who kindly took us around. Out of respect, everyone removed their shoes. We were shown the washing room, where Muslims perform Wudu, a special cleansing ceremony, before they pray. Silence was to be kept at all times. Upstairs in the prayer room, we questioned Mr Limalia on how life as a Muslim differs from that of a Christian, and how the Mosque was set up. Qur’ans were kept in cupboards either side of the Mihrab, so anyone could come and read whenever they wanted. Islam is an amazing faith, with beautiful places to worship, and I loved visiting the Gloucester Mosque.

Megan Thresh, LC1W

Chamber Music Day

Chamber Music Day

Monday, May 11, 2009

After morning prayers on Thursday 23rd April, my friends and I ran to the Sanders Room, filled with excitement and looking forward to a whole day of Chamber music.
The day was led by a group of professional musicians, English Mozart Ensemble (EME for short).

Throughout the morning session, we were divided into two groups for master classes and each of them took place in the Sanders Room and the Council Room at College. All the chamber groups at College had an opportunity to perform in front of the members of the EME and other music award holders and were given brilliant and insightful comments.

I must confess it was not the easiest moment to perform in front of the professionals and the other girls. However, the professionals we worked with turned out to be extremely friendly and knowledgeable and the three hours I spent with them flew by. The tips during the master class we received were fresh and interesting, whilst some were rather challenging.

After the master classes, the equally engaging talk was given by Mr Timothy Jones, the Vice Principal of the Royal Academy of Music, about carrying on music as a future career.

During the afternoon, we had a fascinating opportunity to stay and watch the rehearsal of the EME. Despite it only being a rehearsal, to my ears the sound they were making was unbelievably amazing and it was easy to get absorbed into their passion and love of music.

At 7pm there was a concert given by the EME with three of the chamber groups from College. The programme varied from Haydn, Weber, Dvorak and Sarasate. We were also very lucky to have a brilliant violinist, Karin Leishman, who was playing on an Antonio Stradivarius violin of 1727.

Philippa Song, UC4

News

Vicky Tuck – Telegraph Articles

Vicky Tuck – Telegraph Articles

Please see the links below for the latest Telegraph articles written by Vicky Tuck. 26 June 2009, 01 June 2009, 15 May 2009, 24 April 2009, 27 March ...

Read More

The Cheltenham Science Festival

The Cheltenham Science Festival

On Saturday 6th of June, a class of eager LC1 girls arrived at College. After the usual Saturday morning activities the excitement mounted as we head...

Read More

National Girls’ Schools’ Polo Tournament

National Girls’ Schools’ Polo Tournament

The National Girls’ Schools’ Polo Tournament was played at Millfield School on Sunday 7th June in slightly changeable weather conditions. Despite ver...

Read More

South Yorkshire Chess Competition

South Yorkshire Chess Competition

South Yorkshire Chess Competition I attended the South Yorkshire Chess Competition in Sheffield at the end of May 2009. It was a beautiful weekend...

Read More