Just as most girls were starting to really enjoy the Summer Holidays, 13 girls from year 11 embarked on their Silver expedition. The weather promised to be 'improving' over the weekend and the severity of the showers did decrease. The girls navigation and camp skills were found to be excellent, the only criticism was their late start on day two. True to Convent form the girls rose to this challenge and day three started early - one left camp at 8am and the other by 8.30. It should be noted that it takes at least 2 hours for girls to from being in a sleeping bag in a warm tent to being ready all packed (after cooked breakfast) to leave camp. The expedition completed with a brisk walk down Butser Hill to Queen Elizabeth Country Park and the very welcome sight of the their parents cars. Of course they did have to climb the hill prior to the dissent. Congratulation to all girls and thanks goes to Brockland Farm and Stock Farm for allowing us to camp and to Sister Helen and Helen Wallace for volunteering their time to assess the expedition and to Jill Kerr.

On the 7th of July 2008 the IV year Law group were taken to the Winchester Crown Court to witness some court cases. The four girls, Harriet, Caitlin, Alice and I, Jessica, were accompanied by Mr. Carpenter and Mrs. Charles. We left Alton Convent school promptly at 9 'o'clock and after stopping for a quick drink and a briefing about the background of the cases, we hurried into the public viewing area and took our seats. Not long after sitting down, we had to rise again for the judge who now entered the court.

Athletics

An excellent summer term once again for our athletes. Undefeated in all their athletics fixtures and also some excellent individual success. Amy won the Shot in the regional ISA competition and Francesca the 800m. Fru went on to the national competition where she also finished in 2nd place despite being the youngest competitor there. In the Aldershot and district competition Fru again came first in the 800m and this achievement took her through to theCounty Championships.

Thirty-eight girls from Form II went to Calshot residential centre for five days on 30th June. The week, blessed with lovely weather, was full of fun and adventure. Everyone was encouraged to try something new and had a great time challenging themselves. The accommodation was very comfortable and the staff fantastic. Some of the activities included sailing, windsurfing, orienteering, skiing, rock climbing and even cycling in the velodrome. I enjoyed sailing and skiing, although there were many falls. I especially enjoyed the high ropes because we made Mrs Brooks run along the cat walk (pole suspended in the air) which was very funny to watch. Although very tiring, it was immensely satisfying and a great time was had by all.

A beautiful day and lots of babies (monkeys, giraffes and a leopard) made this annual trip with the First Years particularly relaxing and memorable! Marwell Zoo is committed to conservation and has an extensive breeding program, so this gave us an opportunity to think about the role of zoos as well as looking at adaptations to particular habitats. The hot, steamy conditions of ‘Tropical World’ house the menacing leaf cutter ants as well as the popular and deadly jewel coloured poison arrow frogs. Outside, many of the animals were sunbathing and highly visible which made a change from previous years! We also spent some time looking at the Madagascan lemurs and the extraordinary Fossa who preys on them.

On Thursday 19th June the First Form went on the annual day trip to Calais in France. We were all very excited as we got off the coach and onto the ferry. When we arrived in Calais we split up into our groups and enjoyed a walk around town learning about its history and culture. We had a relaxing lunch in the park, then went to the lace museum and admired all the exhibits. Our final task was to buy our tea in groups at the hypermarket to eat on the ferry. Our challenge was to buy the healthiest food possible and ask for things in French.

Pupils from Forms I-III once again enthralled parents and friends with their contributions to the annual tea-time concert. The appreciative audience was impressed with the great variety of styles and instruments represented from classical to folk ballads and contemporary pop.

Two third form girls, Jessica and Sarah, performed their own compositions. Particularly pleasing was the number of trumpet items and very promising young vocalists. It takes tremendous courage to stand up and perform in front of an audience. Well done girls!

The Bronze expedition season was completed successfully. The 2007/8 Bronze D of E year ended on a note of success, when six IV Form girls completed their final navigation assessment. This has been a very busy time for these girls as they fitted in expeditions around their examinations. Well done!
Thanks also goes to Upper Lanham and Chase Farms for their continued support and generosity.