The much anticipated Sixth Form Ball, held jointly between Alton Convent School and Salesian College, took place at Frensham Pond Hotel. Pupils and teachers arrived to a Bucks Fizz reception overlooking Frensham Pond, before enjoying a three course meal and dancing to “Firebird”.

Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to have their photographs taken by Zixi Still a local company owned by Alton Convent School parents. Pupils from both schools have participated in many joint sixth form activities from Leadership courses in Wales to helping handicapped children in Lourdes. The event was a fitting end to all these students’ school careers and all the hard work leading up to their public exams. The schools look forward to welcoming them back mid August for their A-level results.

Waiting for Mrs Seanor to arrive, members of the sixth form past and present were all eager to thank Mrs Seanor for all her hard work and dedication, in matters concerning not only the sixth form but also in all areas of school life. Each of us had agreed that Mrs Seanor’s service to the school should not go unnoticed on her retirement and so a surprise barbeque was arranged. A display of pictures illustrating her time at the school had been set out which helped provoke some wonderful memories for teachers and pupils alike. We greeted Mrs Seanor and were then able to all sit down in the open air, to a barbeque supper, prepared by Mr Maher, Mr Charles and Mr Wallace. The evening ended with speeches from Sophie Dobson, Mrs Kirkham and Mrs Seanor herself. The event was a great success, with everyone having the chance to give their personal thanks to Mrs Seanor and a very enjoyable evening was had by all.

Harriet LVI

Taking our seats in the Headquarters of the UN in New York was surreal. Being surrounded by the sandy brown paneling and microphones that light up when you talk only heightened the experience.

Peter Luff introduced an afternoon filled with speakers to debate the Security Council's use of the veto. Initially, we heard the history and possible future of the UN from the Indian UN representative, giving a necessary background to the veto and its initial purpose was. After this, there was an opportunity to ask questions, many of which broadened the topic discussed and made valid points. Questions of the UN's assistance in Zimbabwe and its stance on the Iraq war were asked.

From the 86th floor of the most famous skyscraper in the world, the Empire State Building, members of the Sixth Form gazed in awe at the sights of New York which stretched before them. A busy few days followed during which they visited many of the sights, attended an impressive conference at the UN and had a sparkling night out on Broadway where they watched "Hairspray". A solemn moment was spent at Ground Zero where the construction of a memorial garden and a new World Trade Centre is underway. Returning with bulging suitcases after seeking out the best bargains in the shops, all the girls agreed it was a brilliant trip and are looking forward to going again next year.

Alton Convent School was again delighted to play host to sixth formers from Salesian College and More House School for this year's Joint Sixth Form Conference. Our theme this year was "News Values or Real Values?", comparing and contrasting the values of the media and public life with those we ourselves hold. A distinguished panel of speakers once again led our discussions.

The day began with a brilliant session on what makes a good story in tabloid and broadsheet journalism. Our speaker, Jim Mansell, started his career in journalism as a trainee on a weekly newspaper in Southport before coming to Fleet Street more than twenty years ago. He has worked on the Daily Mirror, the Mail on Sunday, the Daily Star and is currently with the Daily Mail.

A very powerful production of the Phantom of the Opera delighted members of the Lower Sixth when they joined members of Salesian College Sixth Form for an evening out in London last week. The previous week the Lower Sixth girls had marvelled at the Opera House in Paris where the musical is set, although they did not set foot in the Phantom's box!

The annual Christmas Ball was once again enjoyed by all. It was attended by our own fourth-years, fifth-years and sixth-formers, along with guests from Salesian College and More House. The evening started with a superb meal before the night was danced away with a disco.

A select group of sixth formers and staff travelled up to Covent Garden on Wednesday 21st November to attend the Royal Ballet’s performance of Romeo and Juliet to Kenneth MacMillan’s superlative choreography and Prokofiev’s score. Our seats, high up in the amphitheatre, allowed us to take in not only the grandeur of the setting, but also the wonderful set and costume designs, capturing a real flavour of renaissance Italy.

Almost fifty prospective sixth form students enjoyed an excellent ‘Taster Day’ at Alton Convent School. The idea of the day was to give students a taste of what sixth form life is like at this high achieving sixth form.

Individual timetables were created for each girl enabling her to explore a wide range of subject options, enrichment activities and curriculum extension studies.