The Summer Term was brought to a spectacular close with fiercely fought House Competitions in the swimming pool, on the athletics field, rounders pitches and tennis courts. The year ends with Knole gaining the most House Points for the year, closely followed by Penshurst in 2nd place and Quebec in 3rd with Chartwell, Down and Montreal following in 4th, 5th and 6th places. Many congratulations to Melanie Wheeler of Knole who not only earnt the most individual house points this term, but who also wins Best In School for the whole year. Full Summer Term House Report
Lower School Receive their Prizes
It was the turn of Lower School pupils (in Years 7 - 9) to collect their prizes at Lower School Prize-Giving on the 6th July. Parents, staff and fellow pupils applauded as 84 prizes for achievement in all areas over the past academic year were presented by Mr John Coakley, Principal of The Schools at Somerhill in Tonbridge.
Upper Fifth host Peckham Party
Residents of the Peckham Settlement in London were entertained circus style by the Upper Fifth (Year 11) on 6th July. In classrooms decorated as circus tents the residents were treated to music, dance and drama performances, as well as to lots of tea and cake, all delivered by circus clowns, acrobats and even furry lions.
A Very Stylish Prize-Giving
Walthamstow Hall’s annual Prize-Giving on Saturday 26th June was a very stylish affair with awards being presented by Paul Smith designer and Walthamstow Hall Old Girl Sarah Ho.
After presenting the awards Sarah told current pupils, parents, staff and governors stories of her happy Wally Hall days, including how Head of Art, Mrs Holland, first taught her how to use a sewing machine, a skill that has since become invaluable to her. Since leaving Walthamstow Hall in 2002 Sarah has pursued her career in fashion studying at Central St Martins and working for John Galliano in Paris and then the late Alexander McQueen. Sarah is now a Womenswear designer at Paul Smith's central office in London.
Current pupils were enthralled by Sarah’s speech and there was a collective intake of breath when she revealed that one of her dress designs had been worn by ‘Carrie Bradshaw’ in the first ‘Sex in the City’ movie. Afterwards, Deputy Head Girl Lorna Campbell thanked Sarah for her inspiring words and for having fantastic taste in shoes!
Sarah’s speech brought to a close an uplifting ceremony which opened with music from UVI clarinet soloist Hanna Bates-Martens and featured a moving speech from Head Girl Mary Curr as well, of course, as the presentation of many well deserved prizes for achievement and service to Senior School girls.
Walthamstow Hall athletes performed exceptionally well at the IAPS Athletics Championships on 18th June with several girls reaching the finals of their events, winning medals, breaking school records and qualifying for the National Championships in Birmingham. News on our medal winners
Georgina wins at Inter Counties Athletics
Following on from her success at the District Athletics Championships earlier this month Georgina Middleton has won the 100 metres at the Inter Counties Championships held on 19th June. She also took silver in the 200 metres and was in the winning relay team, competing against competitors in the year above. Well done Georgina.
Calculators and trainers were vital accessories in the Main School Hall on 22nd June as teams from local junior schools battled to win Walthamstow Hall's Great Maths Race. Teams of Year 4 and 5 students ran laps of the hall to have the answer to different mathematical questions checked. Thank you to the many Lower Sixth and Senior School students who helped the Mathematics Department organise an exciting afternoon. News of the Great Maths Race Winners
Walthamstow Hall Drama Teacher Lonnie Christophers, Harry Christophers and a group of singers from The Sixteen (who performed at last year's Ship Festival) are undertaking a 110 mile pilgrimage walk from Guildford to Canterbury Cathedral in July. The walkers are hoping to raise £50,000 to be divided between the Save Canterbury Cathedral Appeal and World Vision charity.
The team will set out from Guildford Cathedral on Sunday 25 July and will then spend the next nine days walking through the Surrey and Kent countryside arriving at Canterbury Cathedral on Monday 2 August.
If you would like to sponsor Mrs Christophers please go to:
Senior and Junior School musicians joined forces on 16th June to give a concert at nearby St Lukes Church in Sevenoaks. The programme demonstrated the great range and high quality of musical performance at Walthamstow Hall. Many thanks to all girls and teachers who took part.
There is still time to book your tickets for The Friends and Parents of Walthamstow Hall Crystal Ball. This year's event takes place on Saturday 3rd July 2010 from 7 pm – 1 am in a marquee at
Walthamstow Hall Senior School. Friends and Parents are invited to join us for cocktails on the lawn, a three course dinner, disco and cocktail bar. Dress Code: Black Tie/Tiara. To reserve your tickets simply click on the link below, complete the order form and hand it in at either the Senior or Junior School office.
Space is limited and tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. Crystal Ball Ticket Order Form
Walthamstow Hall Wins Award for Best Performing School at Chemistry Festival
Many congratulations to Lower Fourths Morgan Weiland, Jessamy Dawson, Alice Hugill and Charlotte Fry who picked up three prizes, including the honour of 'Best Performing School' at the recent Salters' Festival of Chemistry held at University College London. A total of 29 schools, including, Newstead Woods, Skinners, Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' and the Coloma Convent Girls' School, participated in the chemistry challenges and demonstrations at the Salters' Institute and Royal Society of Chemistry event.
Lower Fourths Race for Life
Well done to Lower Fourths Amy Burnett, Becca Watts, Celia Dodds, Jessamy Dawson, Niamh Fenton, Louisa Partridge, Sophia Woodruff and Amanda May who, alongside their Mums and sisters, successfully completed the Tunbridge Wells 5km Race for Life on 23rd May and raised over £900 for cancer research. There is still time to make a donation in recognition of their efforts, simply go online to the Race for Life Fundraising page for W Hall Runners.
Many congratulations to our new House Captains, who have been appointed after an election by students and staff. After their House Leadership Training, at the end of June, the 12 new Captains will be set to work organizing their teams for the summer's House Competitions; House Tennis and Rounders on 1st July, House Swimming on 2nd July and House Athletics of 5th July. Here's to another exciting year of House Competitions with our new fantastic new Captains at the helm. List of the new House Captains
First Rounders and Tennis Wins of the Season
Congratulations to the U13 and U12 Rounders Teams who, on 13th May, won their matches against Mascalls and Cobham Hall respectively. These wins follow the successes of U14 tennis players Nicole Sharp and Katie Alcock who won 5 of their 8 matches to finish in bronze position at the St Leonard's Tennis Tournament on 8th May and of Sophie Puttock and Sophie Dix-Perkin who won 8 of their 6 matches in the U12 tournament and also finished in third place overall.
On Friday 7th May the school’s musicians excelled themselves in the annual Summer Concert. “It is a slice of musical life at the school” said Director of Music,
Mr Tim Daniell, when welcoming the audience and introducing the evening. The many highlights included; Rossini's overture William Tell, Debussy, Beethoven's Fifth and the theme tune from Dr Who (specially conducted with a sonic screwdriver!) more...
Home Clothes Day Friday 14th March
All Senior School pupils are invited to wear home clothes on Friday, there will be a £2 charge and all funds raised will go to local charities. We remind girls to dress appropriately, especially if the sun comes out, i.e. no beachwear, shorts or strappy tops!
Summer Drama Productions in Full Swing
The stage of the Ship Theatre is never empty for long. It was only weeks ago that we were applauding a series of incredible spring productions and now the stage is alive again with performances of Shelagh Stephenson's 'The Memory of Water', performed by A level students. On Monday 24th May our Guildhall Drama students take over, performing an eclectic selection of duologues including; 'Henry V' (all in French), 'Beauty Queen of Leenane', 'The Bad Seed' and 'Pygmalian'. Two students will also do an on-the-spot improvisation for the first time. The very best of luck to everyone performing and working behind the scenes.
Duke of Edinburgh Explorers Return
A very warm welcome back to the 29 girls who put their orienteering and camping skills to the test this weekend as they successfully completed their Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.
India wins School Planner Competition
Many congratulations to Third Former India Prescott who has won the competition to design the cover of next year's Walthamstow Hall School Planner which will be reproduced ready for the start of the Autumn Term in September.
New Head Girl and Prefects Announced
Many congratulations to our new Head Girl, Deputy Head Girls and Prefect team who have been announced after an election by pupils and staff. From September Sarah Ruxton becomes Head Girl with Rebecca Dunn and Rachel Jackson as Deputy Head Girls. Florence Barker, Amy Borrowman, Charlotte Cansdale-Rose, Catherine Chisholm, Gabriella Glennon, Charlotte Grant, Jennifer Ledsham, Amybel Taylor and Stefanie Vansteenskiste will all become prefects.
Ellie to attend Master Class
Walthamstow Hall clarinettist Ellie Eden has been invited to attend a Master Class with Michael Collins, the winner of the first ever BBC Young Musician of the Year contest and now Principal Conductor with the London Sinfonia.
India and Ellie selected for County Netball
Well done to India Crawley and Ellie Thomas who have both been selected for the County Netball Development squads at the U14 and U17 levels.
Open Morning
We were delighted to welcome so many prospective parents to our Open Morning yesterday, 6th May. If you were unable to make it do call our Registar, who will arrange a personal visit at a time that suits you.
Third Formers Turn Medieval
The Third Form (Year 7) travelled back in time on April 30th to Medieval days, with a day of workshops that included trying on chain mail for size and curing the plague!
Dry Ice in the Chemistry Labs
Science Clubbers had fun with experiments involving Dry Ice during lunch time this week, using it to suspend soap bubbles and create mystical fogs in the chemistry labs.
Election Debate at The Ship
Walthamstow Hall's Ship Theatre was the venue for an enlightening election debate organized by The Sevenoaks Chronicle on 26th April. All of the candidates standing for election in the town answered questions from the audience which, along with local residents, included a large number of Wally Hall Sixth Formers about to vote for the first time.
The Science Block had eruptions of its own to contend with just before the Easter break when it was taken over by earthquakes, volcanoes, gemstones and exploding toothpaste for a special Science Week dedicated to understanding our planet. Walthamstow Hall Senior and Junior School pupils and special guest visitors from St Johns and Seal Primary schools made fossils, identified precious stones with the ‘Rock Doctor’ and undertook earth shattering experiments involving lots of blu tack, drinking straws, bicarbonate of soda and jelly! More Science Week photos
Many congratulations to Walthamstow Hall's Curling Team who took silver in a field of 24 teams at The English Schools' Curling Championship held in the Easter holidays. more...
Wally Pulls It Off!
Walthamstow Hall Lower School (Years 7,8 and 9) gave three outstanding performances of 'Daisy Pulls It Off' over the weekend. Grangewood School and its pupils were comically brought to life with tremendous warmth and energy. The play was a fantastic showcase for the wonderful acting talent in Lower School. Many congratulations to the amazing cast and crew for what was another real treat in the Ship Theatre.
As the Senior Lacrosse Squad head off for their spring tour of the USA, players further down the school are celebrating a great set of results from their Kent end of season tournaments. Well done to all of our teams who have consistently demonstrated a high standard of lacrosse this season. results in detail
Fencers Retain National Title
Many congratulations to our fencing team who retained their National Schools title at the weekend after beating St Ronan's in a very close final.
The performances of The House of Bernarda Alba and Wait Until Dark at the Ship Theatre this week have been an incredible success . The plays were skillfully brought to life with maturity and verve and the sense of tension created had the Ship's audience on the edge of their seats. more photographs
Spring Strings Evening
The annual String Concert last week involved both Junior and Senior girls, along with the String Training Orchestra, Junior School quartet, Ensemble, duets and solos. The final item was for all the school’s ‘cellists!
In thanking those who took part, Tim Daniell, Director of Music, praised the organisers of the evening- Mrs Amanda Rupp, Mr Michael Posner and Mrs Juliet Dammers.
The sun came out for the annual House Netball and Lacrosse Tournament yesterday (1st March). In a thrilling afternoon of knock out matches, across six different competitions, there were wins for nearly all Houses. Well done to all House players and supporters for a brilliant sporting afternoon.Results & Photos
Niamh selected for National Fencing Championships
Many congratulations to Lower Fourth Niamh Fenton who, having finished 5th in the Under 14 Girls' Fencing Competition at the weekend (February 27), has been selected to represent the South East region at the British Youth Championships in May. We all wish you the very best of luck Niamh.
Many congratulations to our U15A Lacrosse squad who became County U15 Indoor Lacrosse Champions after winning the Kent Indoor Tournament at Benenden last night (Thursday 25th February). The team beat Kings and Benenden and drew with Cranbrook to secure the championship for the second year running. They are now both indoor and outdoor county champions. U15 and U14 reports in detail
Walthamstow Hall's Head of Department for Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Independent Research Report will be travelling to New York State this March to show American Headteachers how the GPR is taught at Walthamstow Hall. more...
Many congratulations to LV students, Laura Da Silva, Liana Persico and Emma Pearce who have all been selected to attend the Salters' Chemistry Camps at top Universities this summer. more...
Our next Senior School Open Morning is on Saturday 25th September, 10.00am - 12.30pm. If you would like to visit Walthamstow Hall before this date please call our Registrar to arrange a suitable date.
Entry application deadlines and entry and scholarship examination dates at 11+, 13+ and 16+. Senior School Scholarships & Bursaries are available at each of these stages of entry. more...
We currently have spaces on three of our school buses covering the Kings Hill, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells areas. The Kings Hill route is the latest to be introduced and ... more...