This year’s focus of the annual IVth Form Art and Photography trip to the Tate Modern in London was the John Baldessari ‘Pure Beauty’ Exhibition. It was an ideal exhibition for both sets of students as it crosses back and forth between art and photography making interesting links between the two types of media. Students were inspired, captivated and at times even puzzled by this dynamic, imaginative and often surreal exhibition that questions what art can be and broadly spans this conceptual artist’s work from the late 1960’s to present.

Glamour was bottom of the agenda when the IV Year biologists enjoyed three days of glorious spring sunshine on their field course based at Juniper Hall in Dorking.

“Getting muddy and really experiencing ecology has been great fun," said one.

Another commented on “So many new experiences with just a river and friends”, and “Finding leeches was one of my favourite bits”

“Counting grass was never this fun” “I wish we could stay longer” are just a few more of the positive evaluations we received.

Alton organ society sponsored an organ workshop/demonstration by the international concert organist David Briggs on Tuesday 10 March. This event was attended by 8 girls in the Fourth Form doing GCSE music at St Lawrence’s church in Alton. The girls found the session very informative and keyboard players in the group had the opportunity to ‘have a go’ on this magnificent instrument.

Casino Royale was the theme for the spring ball that was held on Saturday 14th March for years 10 to 13. Though 007 was unable to be there in person his presence was noticeable due to the larger than life cutouts that framed the entrance to the Welsford Hall and the large banner hanging from the Marian Hall ceiling.

A Bucks fizz reception was held in the Marian Hall whilst guests were arriving and having their photographs taken. They then walked through a "tunnel of fairy lights" to reach the Welsford Hall where dinner was to be served by the teachers. Tables had been named after each Bond film and were decorated with Monopoly money,chocolate casino chips and confetti comprising hearts, diamonds, spades and clubs complete with red and black balloons.

We arrived at school early on a crisp Sunday morning towing behind us our supposedly ‘small holdalls’. We had high expectations for this trip. Teachers and older years had set our hopes high and as we waved goodbye we wondered if the trip could live up to the stories.

After two and a half hours on the coach we finally arrived at Bath. We walked through the town, taking in the beautiful buildings around us. Our first destination was of course the Roman Baths. We met a Roman priest, looked at the sculptures and tried the water. Our next stop was the Fashion Museum where we couldn’t resist trying on the corsets and skirts. When we arrived at the youth hostel, (having just climbed up a hill), we were exhausted. After dinner Mrs Hoyes arranged games for us to play, including pass the parcel. With Mr Hoyes providing the music, ‘Our Lady of Providence’, we had a very fun evening!

Congratulations to Jessica , in Year 10, who has been selected for the National Youth Music Theatre’s annual production in August 2009. Every year, auditions are held nationwide for talented young people who have a keen interest in musical theatre. From these auditions, a final cast of 50 members is selected.

This year the NYMT will explore a new musical theatre production, working with a world-famous writer and composer to create a new musical. This production in London will be rehearsed residentially and showcased in August.

Year 10 GCSE students had an inspiring visit to London at the end of January, with Photography students visiting the ‘Annie Leibovitz’ and ‘Photographic Portrait Prize’ exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery and Art students visiting the Tate Modern with entry to the Rothko Exhibition. All girls enjoyed the day and were able to make great use of the research, sketching and photographic opportunities

The U13 & U15 cross-country teams travelled to Sherfield School on Friday 13th February 2009 and performed with great energy and enthusiasm on what was a very muddy course. The teams consisted of six pupils and the first three runners positions went forward to be counted as the overall team placings. In the U13 team Amy came 8th, Beth came 9th and Rebecca came 10th. Overall our team came second, and were awarded silver medals. Also by finishing in the top ten all three girls have qualified for the ISA National Cross-country Finals taking place in Warwickshire on Friday 27th February 2009.

U15 - Both teams started really strongly with good shooting and game play from both sides. Perins just managed to get one goal up and alton could not get it back. A final result of an unluky loss 9 - 11. Player of the match - Amy
 
U16 - This team had been hit hard with injuries and illnesses which meant they had to get 3 year 9 girls to play for them. This did not stop them though and once they had got used to playing with each other they stormed away to win 14 - 9. Anya must be congratulated on her captaincy throughout the game as this certainly helped guide them to victory.

Year 10 went on an enjoyable excursion to The Clothes Show Live in Birmingham at the end of term. On arrival at the NEC the girls had the opportunity to look at hundreds of stalls with goods ranging from shoes, cosmetics, clothing and accessories to hair extensions!

Hilary Alexander, the Daily Telegraph's fashion editor, compèred a fabulous catwalk show, highlighting work from current top designers, including John Galliano.

The main event was the show-casing of designs in the Fashion Theatre introduced by Clothes Show veteran presenter Caryn Franklin. At the start of the show the audience was treated to a performance by current chart topping group "The Saturdays". The girls were then wowed by the lighting, graphics, music and performance of the dancers and models as each section of the show was set against and linked by the magical background theme of "Cinderella". This will, no doubt, provide excellent inspiration for the Art Department's own annual catwalk show with a chance to link music, photography, dance and design. All in all this was an event to remember.