The AS level Biologists, accompanied by Dr Otter were fortunate to have the opportunity to attend a Revision Day at Surrey University in Guildford. The speakers were all Senior Examiners and so had an excellent understanding of the kinds of things that students find difficult and the ways in which they can improve their grades. All this was illustrated with some fabulous pictures and interesting biological stories so the experience was enjoyable as well as very useful!

The trip that took months to arrive and will take years to fade
The trip that moments made, moments endlessly replayed
Where I was forgotten but where we were found
The trip where our days and actions were framed by a sound

Lourdes alters your thinking and moulds your perception, from your first time in the grotto to strolling the streets. You were constantly surrounded by music, every corner you turned, every group you joined. And regardless of your ability or talent you sang as well. Everyone could join in and it was a unifying force. Everyone's experiences of Lourdes were unique to them but we all sang the same songs.

On Thursday 17th April the lower sixth geographers visited Guildford with Salesian College in order to define the boundary of the Central Business District and to determine whether Guildford fitted the standard model of core and frame areas.

The five girls and the boys from Salesian formed groups of twos and threes and each group took a different route. We investigated building height and age of building as well as the cleanliness and appearance of different sites along our route. We counted the numbers of pedestrians and cars in order to establish whether particular spots were busy or quiet. In addition each group were given particular areas to investigate the land use, some were primarily shops and others offices. It was then up to each individual group to describe where they felt the Central Business District of Guildford ended. At the end of the day, back at Salesian we each presented our findings and discussed what we had all found.

After wrestling with the tube barriers, wheelie bags, metro maps and passport control at Eurostar, the Lower Sixth eventually arrived at their hotel in Paris. All the hustle and bustle was soon forgotten once we took a boat ride along the river Seine. We sailed towards the Latin Quarter, gliding past the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay which stunned us into silence. Despite the rain and losing several personal items including many Metro tickets, Paris introduced us to a whole new world.

Enjoying such sights and witnessing the great art masterpieces from Monet and Picasso, viewing their work first hand allowed many to wonder at the context in which such art could be created. The majesty of the classical architecture experienced by visiting the Sacré Coeur and Notre Dame and its contrast with the futuristic, jigsaw design of the Centre Pompidou was also plain to see. Inevitably a visit to the Champs Elysees with its grand, luxurious gold plated stores was a must and only served to highlight the alternate world of the city’s backstreet emporiums. As a shopping capital it didn’t fail although many would agree perhaps their purses did.

After setting up the Marian Hall with balloons, face paints and many nibbles for the year 4,5,and 6's of the prep school, the fun and games began!. Musical chairs, musical statues, sleeping lions (a break appreciated by all) and a "Best Dancer" competition occupied the lowert sixth and prep school for two hours!

The music was of a disco variety which called for some interesting choreography, although there were some over enthusiastic dance moves by the lower sixth form they were outdone by the prep school who seemed pro's! The favourite game by general consensus was Splat , where the sixth form were asked to demonstrate, and where the only boy, Hugo from Salesian College was champion. The energetic children had their stocks replensished with cakes and juices kindly provided by the school.

Sounds of laughter and enjoyment could be heard from the Marian Hall on Thursday when Alton Convent Sixth Form joined with students from Salesian College to provide an evening of comedy, music and drama. The second of its kind, the aim was to raise funds in order to send handicapped children to Lourdes.
After the chance to socialise over a delicious ploughman's supper, the audience were in for a treat! The first displays of talent came from Katie and Izzi with their portrayal of two politicians- as always making perfect sense!