A Masterclass from the Ladies' World Champion

    On the 15th November, twenty-one girls from across all years of the school went to Holyport Real Tennis Club to learn about real tennis. Clare Vigrass (the Ladies' World Champion) told us how the sport started and a bit about how Henry VIII adapted the game which he played at Hampton Court. It is believed that his second wife Anne Boleyn was watching a game of real tennis when she was arrested and that Henry was playing tennis when news was brought to him of her execution.  

The equipment used in real tennis varies from that of normal tennis. 

    After this introduction, it was time for us to have a go ourselves. Clare began by teaching us how to hold the racket and she demonstrated simple forehand and backhand shots. She managed to make it look much easier than it actually was! The racket head was much smaller than that of a normal tennis racket, and the ball was different - it never bounced as high as you were expecting it to. She also taught us how to serve which is very different to the serve we were all expecting. Instead of hitting it across the court into the opposition service box, you had to hit the ball high onto one of the terraces (which looked like a roof), and then it had to land into a yellow box marked on the court. We got to play matches against each other and some prizes were awarded to the winners at the end. We really enjoyed learning about the sport and having a go ourselves, and would happily attempt to play again!

Ladies' World Champion, Clare Vigrass, showing the girls how it's done.

Written by Kate Turnball, Liv Skinner and Greta Spitzer Year 12

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BBC Radio Berkshire Broadcast: Behind the Scenes

    After winning house singing we were all elated until remembering that the prize was to speak on BBC Radio Berkshire the following Saturday morning. Although the promise of such an early start wasn’t as appealing, it was perhaps the thought of saying something ridiculous which was all the more daunting. Unfazed, however, we arrived promptly at BBC Radio Berkshire’s studio, (just outside Reading town centre) at 9.30am where we were ‘prepped’ by Mr. Alford and Mrs. Reed. It was suggested at this point by Mr. Alford that we may be asked to sing, however it seemed obvious to us that this would not be the case, as we believed they had a recording of us and would simply broadcast that - something which we had already come to terms with.

    After an anxious 30 minute wait, we were lead into the recording studio where we met Henry Kelly. It was here that our fears were affirmed as he pointed to the studio, next door, as he commented, ‘and that’s where you will be singing.’ Before we had the chance to run, Flo, Megan and I were all ushered into the first studio to answer some questions about the competition itself. Trying to be as casual as possible whilst knowing you are live and being listened to by a few thousand people was bad enough however it was only made worse by the abrupt calling we received from the studio next door who beckoned us to get ‘miked up’ for our debut. After what seemed like seconds, it was time to sing ‘On Top of the World’. Although it was terrifying we seemed to forget how many were listening and just sang it as if it was to each other and when we finished we got the big thumbs up from Mr. Alford in the studio next door.

    It was such a great feeling to have sung on live radio and it wasn’t until we listened to the recording on BBC iPlayer that it really sunk in! I know I can speak on behalf of Megan, Campion House Singing, when I say how immensely proud of the house we all were. We wouldn’t have had the opportunity without both their hard work and Mr. Alford’s and we are all looking forward to our next public appearance!

Contributed by Olivia Frankel

The Christmas Shopping Begins!

    On Tuesday the 12^th of November the school’s LAMDA teacher Miss Meekison (who is also a former Marist pupil) will be selling her handmade jewellery in the LAMDA room (opposite the downstairs drama room). This event will take place throughout small break and lunchtime with prices ranging from £3- £7. Miss Meekison is kindly going to donate a portion of the profits to the Medaille Trust, the charity that the school will be fundraising in the run up to the Christmas Holidays.

    This charity, chosen by Miss Vaughan-Neil, aims to set up safe houses for victims of human trafficking to help them recover and get back on their feet. A major part of the Trust’s work is to raise awareness of the issue and to campaign on behalf of those who are enslaved and exploited in the trafficking industry.

    Therefore, Miss Meekison's sale is a perfect opportunity to not only begin your Christmas shopping by purchasing some of her affordable and unique jewellery (as worn by Little Mix!) for family and friends, but also a great chance to support a very worthy cause.

Remember to keep thinking about how your form or year group 

can raise money for the Medaille Trust in the run up to Christmas!

Written by Tara Allsopp, Year 9

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Being a Police Cadet

Ellena Savage 11M tells us about her work in the Police Cadets and what she has learnt from it.

    Last month I attended the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner's talk which I found very interesting and informative. It was particularly interesting for me as a Police Cadet to see how members of the community act towards the police and its more political side.  

    I have been part of the Windsor and Maidenhead Thames Valley Volunteer Police Cadets for 18 months now and I really enjoy it. We meet for two hours a week and learn various aspects of basic policing including how to make an arrest, how to take a statement, stop and search, crowd control, arresting for driving under the influence of drink or drugs, theft, aggravated burglary, burglary and robbery. The Police Cadets also learn about the court process and the rank structure of the police. Additionally, we have had visitors from the dogs units, underwater search and rescue, forensics, anti-terrorist departments and firearms. We learn about these key aspects and then put our skills to the test in various scenarios.

    As a Police Cadet, I also do a lot of voluntary work in the community. We have helped in small events such as assisting officers in road shows where we informed the public on how to keep safe, as well as being involved in litter picks and car checks. I have also been given the chance to help marshal the Remembrance Day Armed Forces parade and State Visits, and have recently assisted with the Thames Valley Police Force Open Day. We also do fitness activities and learn drills. We go on fun days out as well which have included go-karting, ice-skating, visiting London, going to the cinema, kayaking, going a trip to see the Police helicopter at RAF Benson, and this summer went on a two day residential trip to RAF Halton.

     I joined cadets because I was interested in a career in the force, and still am, but I have found it has helped me with many other skills in life. Cadets has helped me use common sense and has taught me to think logically. It has also really helped me in public speaking and has really boosted my confidence. I have recently earned a commendation certificate for my work in the Force Open Day. I really enjoy cadets and hope to join the Police Force when I am older. 

Contributed by Ellena Savage 11M

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