the wellington college year book 2010/2011
The year has been marked by
a sense of warmth, of kindness and of calm,
which has made The Combermere
a home in the truest sense of the word,
for every member of the family
do exceptionally well in Effort Grade league
tables, but that does not do justice to the
intellectual curiosity and sense of fun that the
girls have in tackling their subjects and their
lessons. This year, perhaps more than ever,
we have proved ourselves to be a truly well
rounded House.
The things which have made us distinctive
this year, have been our character, the
leadership style of the prefects and the
atmosphere in the House. One of the main
aims set out, and fulfilled, by the prefect
body, was that there should be positive and
dynamic relationships between the year
groups in the House; that we should be a
family rather than a hierarchical institution.
The manner in which girls from all ages have
socialised, undertaken activities together,
encouraged and supported one another, has
been unique.
The Michaelmas Term was marked by the
arrival of fourteen keen bean Combermere
Cubs in the Third Form who soon
reassured us that the future reputation of
Combermerites as girls who play hard, work
hard and show House spirit in all things?—?was
in good hands. They soared in their Effort
Grades and shone on stage, in the concert
room and on the sports’ field. The common
room candle-lit campfire with toasted
marshmallows and singing to the strumming
of guitars was a night we will all remember,
as will Rosie’s herculean efforts in turning the
House into a stunning gallery for the House
Art Competition. We also saw the creation
of the Combermere-Yangrima International
Link, headed up by Sammy Glover. Nor will we
forget the spirited Christmas Supper in which
parents rose the roof of Old Hall in a singing
competition in which each table was ascribed
a verse from The Twelve Days of Christmas.
All will agree that a golden glow was
cast over the Lent Term by coming second
in the House Singing Competition with our
rendition of Something Inside so Strong. We
have never placed before and to do so well,
and to have so much fun preparing and
rehearsing, put a real spring in our step when
days were long and dark. These positive
spirits were strengthened by the success of
our House Entertainments Evening and the
sale of Valentine’s Roses to all those romantic
souls at Wellington. Amy Bowerin, who
orchestrated this along with just about every
other charitable and baking-related venture
undertaken by the House this year, should
be particularly commended. The House will
have a gaping Amy shaped hole next year?!
The Summer Term saw all year groups
knuckling down to revision. A hush settled
on the House and even the most boisterous
characters could be found with their noses
buried in books. It was lovely to see this
sense of respect for all who were taking
exams, whether they were the Third Form
doing internal exams or the Upper Sixth
preparing to undertake exams, which would
secure their places at university. It was also
a term of further sporting prowess with the
Edwards sisters, Tilly and Sophie, amongst
others, shining on track and field both within
school and at county level.
It would be impossible to mention all the
joys and successes and events shared in by the
Combermere girls and staff this year?—?there
have been so many. Above all, however, the
year has been marked by a sense of warmth,
of kindness and of calm, which has made the
Combermere a home, in the truest sense of
the word, for every member of the family.
Tilly Edwards
and Katie Milliken-Smith
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